Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., on January 9, 1914, by three young men who wanted a Greek-letter fraternity that would truly exemplify the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.

The Founders deliberately conceived the Fraternity as "a part of" the general community rather than apart from it. They believed each member should be judged by his own merits — without regard to background, affluence, nationality, or appearance — and they devoted themselves to the "inclusive we" rather than the "exclusive we."

That conviction is carried in the Fraternity's motto, "Culture For Service and Service For Humanity." A proud member of the Divine Nine, Phi Beta Sigma is constitutionally bound to its sister organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., founded in 1920.