Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Jonesboro fraternity members gathered Saturday to celebrate more than a century of brotherhood and empowerment while focusing on the future.
Nu Tau Sigma, the Jonesboro chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, commemorated the fraternity’s 112th Founders’ Day with a celebratory event held at the Arkansas State University Carl R. Reng Student Union on Jan. 10.
According to a news release, Phi Beta Sigma was founded on Jan. 9, 1914, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., with a mission centered on brotherhood, scholarship, and service.
“For more than a century, the organization has remained committed to uplifting communities, promoting academic excellence, and developing leaders dedicated to service,” the release stated.
The event brought together fraternity members, community supporters, and guests to honor the legacy of the organization’s founders while reflecting on Phi Beta Sigma’s impact. L.C. Kennedy, fundraising committee chair for Nu Tau Sigma, said everything went well, with the event starting with an opening prayer, and members talked about the history of the fraternity and the Jonesboro chapter. Refreshments were also provided.
Allen Pennington, a member of Mu Beta Sigma, the Little Rock chapter of the fraternity, was the guest speaker. Kennedy said Pennington spoke about growth rooted in building a legacy of service, strengthening the bonds among brothers.
“That was the main theme of this year’s celebration. How do we move forward while celebrating the past and moving forward and continuing the legacies of our founders,” Kennedy said.
The release said members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma’s sister organization, also attended the event to show their continued support and strengthen the bond between the two organizations.
The event also marked a leadership transition for Nu Tau Sigma, with newly elected officers officially assuming their roles. Franklin Teague, assistant principal of Douglas MacArthur Junior High School, was installed as president, and Al Moore as vice president. Moore had been the second vice president and scholarship chair for the chapter.
Kennedy said the duo will be picking up where the chapter left off in 2025, with the main initiative being to continue service throughout the Jonesboro community and partner with other organizations and businesses to help them serve the community in any capacity.
When asked about what is in store for 2026, Kennedy said that they will continue to build off what they accomplished the previous year, with him describing the mood within the chapter as “empowering.”
“We expect some growth within the chapter, more visibility throughout the community, and eventually getting national recognition for the work that we’ve done locally,” Kennedy said. “I think we’re empowered to continue it and to see the legacy of our fraternity another year to serve our community in the best way we can.”