A house RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC., ON THE OCCASION OF ITS SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF SERVICE AND TO WELCOME TO SOUTH CAROLINA THE MEMBERS OF THE CONFERENCE AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR PLATINUM JUBILEE FROM MARCH 22 TO MARCH 24, 2024, IN COLUMBIA.

Whereas, founded at Howard University on January 9, 1914, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., took as its motto "Culture for Service and Service for Humanity." On December 11, 1923, more than one hundred years ago, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., became the first of the "Divine Nine" Greek-letter organizations to charter officially in South Carolina. The Omicron Chapter at Claflin University in Orangeburg began a movement that has greatly benefited the citizens of the Palmetto State, for members of Phi Beta Sigma have endeavored to serve humanity in many capacities. Some have served this State well as members of the South Carolina General Assembly. Phi Beta Sigma's work and commitment to education, social action, and economic development are noteworthy and enhance our total society; and

Whereas, further, during the Southeastern Regional Conference's seventy-year history, it has had three long-term college presidents who have helped to shape educational policy in this State: Dr. B.J. Glover at Allen University, Dr. Alonzo Swinton at Benedict College, and Dr. H.V. Manning at Claflin University; and

Whereas, in addition, it was brothers from this great State, Richard L. Boone and Dr. Kevin R. Blake, who led the expansion of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in London, England, within the United Kingdom. The Southeastern Region has expanded the arms of service across the Atlantic into the monarchy to provide a place of belonging, assistance, and support to the downtrodden and those in need within British communities; and

Whereas, during the Southeastern Region's seventy years of service, it has been led by several South Carolinians, such as the present regional director, Richard L. Boone of Sumter, whose leadership, foresight, and continued service to communities of South Carolina is worthy of praise. Also deserving of commendation are former regional directors Larry D. McCutcheon of Orangeburg; Larry Blanding of Sumter; Harrison D. Ervin of Florence; Lawrence Rouse, formerly of Sumter; and the late James T. Floyd of Greenville, who owns the distinction of being the first and only individual from South Carolina to date who has served as international president of the fraternity; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House values the long and productive service of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and extends best wishes to the members of the fraternity's Southeastern Regional Conference as they celebrate the conference's seventieth anniversary. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Southeastern Regional Conference of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., on the occasion of its seventieth anniversary of service and welcome to South Carolina the members of the conference as they celebrate their platinum jubilee from March 22 to March 24, 2024, in Columbia.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Southeastern Regional Conference of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

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