2022 in Review
Here’s a photo dump of some of the events we either hosted or attended and social media posts in 2022.
Founders Day Cookowt in Raleigh, NC
Dozens of Iota men, Iota Sweethearts, members of other Divine Nine organizations, and guests gathered at Biltmore Hills Park in Raleigh, N.C. to celebrate Iota Phi Theta’s Founders Day.
The event, hosted by the Triangle Iotas, was a success due to the large turnout, including dozens of Iota Men.
The Triangle Iotas are greatly appreciative of everyone who attended.
Community Service: First Day of School in Durham County
The Triangle Iotas welcomed students at Oak Grove Elementary in Durham, N.C. to the first day of school on Tuesday.
Bros. Keith Johnson & K.G. Mudiwa, along with Polaris Stan Chambers Jr., greeted students and parents as they entered the school. Being at Oak Grove was extra special for the brothers, for Bro. Darryl Bradshaw is serving as an administrative intern at the school.
Welcoming students to the first day of school has become a tradition for the Triangle Iotas. Brothers welcomed students at Burton Elementary in 2019.
Polaris Chambers Sworn Onto Fraternity Board of Directors
Triangle Iotas Polaris Stan Chambers Jr. was sworn in as the Eastern Region Representative to Iota Phi Theta’s Board of Directors during the fraternity’s virtual Conclave on July 30.
Chambers, who was elected during the Eastern Region’s virtual conference in April, will also serve as board secretary.
Even with this large responsibility, Chambers will continue serving as Polaris of the Triangle Iotas and advisor to the Epsilon Pi Chapter (East Carolina University).
Congratulations Polaris Chambers and we look forward to your continued leadership in moving our organization forward!
Community Service: Raleigh Mobile Market
The Triangle Iotas prepared and gave away food to families in need in Raleigh, N.C. on Saturday during a Mobile Market sponsored by the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and Abundant Life Cathedral.
The event, which happens every fourth Saturday, coincided with Iota Phi Theta’s National Day of Service, where brothers across the country performed community service throughout the day.
Chapter Polaris Stan Chambers Jr., along with chapter Vice-Polaris Jermaine Goods, chapter Treasurer Anthony Soriano, and brothers Richard Gamble, Jean Sandaire, and Gerald Denis participated in Saturday’s event, which benefited over 100 families and gave away over 1,000 food items.
A Clarion Call for Transparency and Community Building
Photo Credit: ABC11
A Clarion Call for Transparency and Community Building
Triangle Iotas call for justice, accountability, and bridge building following killing of Andrew Brown Jr.
CONTACT
Stan Chambers Jr.
Polaris
Alpha Epsilon Omega Alumni Chapter
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
aeo.iotaphitheta@gmail.com
(919) 641-0469
DURHAM, N.C. (May 10, 2021) - The Alpha Epsilon Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., is calling for justice and accountability. We are distressed at yet another incident highlighting the ongoing disconnect between law enforcement and people of color, particularly in the African-American community, as well as all marginalized and disenfranchised groups.
We call for an immediate end to the “us-versus-them” mentality. The change we want to see starts with conversations, actions, and repercussions that lead to better enforced policy and procedures, not more lives lost. This basic, yet vital necessity to hold law enforcement accountable when they commit unlawful acts against the citizens they are sworn to protect, now becomes even more evident in our current state of civil unrest.
We demand ongoing, meaningful conversations that enhance the lives of our fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, and neighbors. We demand great integrity when a law enforcement officer’s accountability is questioned within moral conscience. These calls to action must be answered to help build trust between those who protect and those being protected accordingly.
A clarion call for doing what is right isn’t always easy, nor does it come lightly. Our beloved fraternity, an international organization of mainly African-American men, has many members who are active police officers and sheriff’s deputies. We realize the dangers they face daily. We thank them for risking their lives to protect our communities. But as a historically Black fraternity, we cannot ignore the dangers that are prevalent for Black men, especially when encountering law enforcement - just because of the color of their skin.
Whether its Ferguson, Louisville, Minneapolis, Elizabeth City, or many other places across our country, we are constantly reminded that no community is too big or small from the challenges that stem from decades of societal and institutional racism.
Our organization is also no stranger to the societal unrest we face today.
Iota Phi Theta was founded in 1963 during a time of great social injustice and civil unrest. As such, our fraternity strives to enhance the communities we serve by, in part, advancing the equal treatment of all people. Achieving this, in part, requires accountability not only on our part, but from those who serve our communities.
We understand that body camera footage is considered evidence, but in times of great accountability, it is when our public institutions should be the most accountable to themselves and their communities. It shouldn’t take a court order to do what’s right. It shouldn’t take clashes between police and residents to do what’s right.
We ask Sheriff Tommy Wooten II and the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office to release all body cam footage related to the killing of Andrew Brown Jr. Is such not, in the words of the department’s mission statement, “committing ourselves to the people, traditions, and diversity of our county”?
We also ask the sheriff’s office, the Elizabeth City Police Department, and all other law enforcement agencies in Pasquotank County and throughout Northeastern North Carolina to engage in regular and purposeful community building. It shouldn’t take a shooting to open lines of communication between a community and those who protect it.
Lastly, we ask our brothers and sisters of the National Pan-Hellenic Council who live, learn, and work in Elizabeth City to be active members of any coalition working to build understanding and trust between residents and government entities. In turn, we are more than willing to assist our Pasquotank County brothers at Elizabeth City State University and throughout the community with similar efforts.
Our condolences run deep for the family of Andrew Brown Jr. Simultaneously, our desire runs deep for the type of coalition building that limits these type of fatal misunderstandings.
From our ongoing Law Enforcement Series to our overall award-winning Time To Build Initiative, the men of Alpha Epsilon Omega will continue our work in ensuring this happens.
About the Triangle Iotas
The Alpha Epsilon Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., has empowered change in the Triangle region of North Carolina for nearly 30 years through service, leadership, collaboration, and action. This focus has resulted in multiple state and regional awards, including the fraternity’s 2020 N.C. Alumni Chapter of the Year and the 2021 Eastern Region Social Action & Impact Award. Visit triangleiotas.org to learn more about our efforts.
Justice Served, But The Work Continues
Triangle Iotas react following conviction in George Floyd’s murder
DURHAM, N.C. (April 20, 2021) - The Triangle Iotas are relieved justice has been served in Derek Chauvin’ conviction on murder and manslaughter charges following George Floyd’s killing, but one conviction does not exonerate history or lessen the work that lies ahead, chapter Polaris Stan Chambers Jr. said.
“Vice-President Harris said it simply, and said it best: 'A measure of justice isn’t the same as equal justice,’” Chambers said. “We must continue educating and enhancing our black communities and continue building bridges between our black communities and law enforcement. A conviction of this magnitude is still in vain if it doesn’t foster long-term substantial change.”
Today’s verdict is substantial for the Triangle Iotas, which launched its Time to Build Initiative following Floyd’s killing. From the Voter Education Series to the ongoing Law Enforcement Series, the initiative has involved multiple community partners with the goal of helping others become more informed. The effort was honored on Saturday with the Social Action & Impact Award from the Eastern Region of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
“George Floyd may have received justice, but there are so many others who haven’t, nor will they ever,” Chambers said. “As such, we must continue any work that ensures everyone wins. One victory does not conclude an ongoing battle for equal and sustained justice.”
About the Triangle Iotas
The Alpha Epsilon Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., has empowered change in the Triangle region of North Carolina for nearly 30 years through service, leadership, collaboration, and action. This focus has resulted in multiple state and regional awards, including the fraternity’s 2020 N.C. Alumni Chapter of the Year. Visit triangleiotas.org to learn more about our efforts.
Triangle Iotas bring greetings to Eastern Region of Zeta Phi Beta
Triangle Iotas Polaris Stan Chambers Jr. brought special greetings to the women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., as they gathered virtually for their 76th Eastern Regional Leadership Conference.
Chambers not only brought greetings, but also shouted out area sorority members who are influential in their respective communities.
We hope the women of the Eastern Region of Zeta Phi Beta have a successful virtual meeting.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Free Grocery Giveaway in Raleigh
Bro. Gerald Denis spent Saturday morning giving back to the community by passing out free groceries to residents outside Abundant Life Cathedral COGIC in Raleigh, N.C.
Thank you Bro. Denis for giving your energy to others, especially during a time of great need.
In Memory: Most Honorable Founder Frank B. Coakley
The Triangle Iotas are deeply saddened by the passing of Most Honorable Founder Frank B. Coakley, who transitioned into Alpha Iota Omega last night.
“Your body may have transitioned but your sprit will forever rest within us, and the movement you helped start will grow stronger in your memory,” the Triangle Iotas said on its Instagram and Facebook pages. “Thank you for helping to inspire thousands upon thousands of men to build traditions and not rest upon them.”
A number of Triangle Iotas brothers have fond memories of Founder Coakley:
“I first met the Honorable Frank Coakley, at the Frat Picnic in Rock Creek Park Washington DC 1976,” said Bro. Tommy Graves, a charter member of the Triangle Iotas. “I had just crossed, and he took the time to talk to me, and give me some good advice. One of the things he told me, was that I would be a greater benefit to the Fraternity, if I got my degree. Thanks for the great advice. RIP Brother Coakley”
The Triangle Iotas are deeply appreciative of the condolences they’ve received, including a letter from the Theta Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., located in Cary, NC.
“May it console you to know that he will forever be remembered by a family of sisters, who will cherish his memory and legacy of service to your brotherhood,” the chapter wrote. “May God bless you with the strength and courage to bear the sorrow that now fills your heart knowing that others care and are thinking of you in prayer. And when the weight seems too much to shoulder, trust that the God of love and peace is with you.”
VIDEO: Ask a Cop
The Triangle Iotas hosted the second session in its Law Enforcement Series on Thursday, taking a wide variety of questions from the public.
The three officers, two of which are members of the Triangle Iotas, answered questions that range from community policing to how the coronavirus has impacted their jobs.
EVENT: What do you want to ask a cop?
Do you have questions you’ve always wanted to ask a law enforcement officer?
The Triangle Iotas are hosting a forum on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. where law enforcement officers will answer questions from community members.
Selected questions will be answered live on the Triangle Iotas’ Facebook page.
Submit your questions here.
EVENT: Clinton D9 Town Hall Forum
Polaris Stan Chambers Jr. participated in a panel discussion Friday evening sponsored by the Clinton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The discussion hit on a variety of issues, including COVID-19, systemic racism, voter engagement, and the Biden/Harris agenda.
Polaris Chambers highlighted the Triangle Iotas’ ongoing community engagement, from its Voter Education Series to its ongoing Law Enforcement Series.
“Discussions like these are pivotal in helping the community understand the impact of the Divine 9, as well as hear firsthand how our respective organizations are working to enhance the areas we serve,” Chambers said. “I appreciate the Clinton Alumnae Chapter for brining us together, and I hope we’re able to work more closely on the issues impacting our communities."
VIDEO: Know Your Rights When Stopped By The Police
Knowing what you can and can’t do when interacting with law enforcement can make the difference between life and death.
Two members of the Triangle Iotas, who are also police officers, led a discussion where they explained what citizens should and shouldn’t do in various encounters with law enforcement and answered questions from participants.
The event was part of the Triangle Iotas’ Law Enforcement Series, which is under the chapter’s Time to Build Initiative.
EVENT: Know Your Rights When Stopped by the Police
Join us for this important conversation
Knowing your rights could make the difference between life and death.
Learn from current police officers about what you can and can't do when you're stopped by the police.
We will stream this conversation live on our Facebook page this Thursday at 7 p.m.
We look forward to seeing and hearing from you.
Honoring our veterans on Veterans Day
Sacrifice. Service. Duty.
These are attributes every person who has served in the armed forces knows.
For the Triangle Iotas, we have a number of brothers who have served our country, and on this Veterans Day, we want to thank each of them and honor them for their service.
It's Election Day - SO. GO. VOTE!
The Triangle Iotas created a quick video urging those who haven’t already voted to do so on Election Day.
And if you haven’t voted yet, then GO VOTE!
Triangle Iotas host virtual voting rights discussion
What Are Your Voting Rights?
Triangle organizations host vital virtual discussion
as millions of NC residents prepare to vote
DURHAM, N.C. (Oct. 26, 2020) - What rights do voters have? What problems could they face at the polls? And what can they do about them?
Courtney Patterson, chairman of the Lenoir County Board of Elections, and Landon White, a civil rights attorney who has helped groups identify voter suppression tactics, will walk voters through the answers during a virtual conversation on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m.
“Many have already voted through absentee ballots and early voting, but millions across our state will vote right before and on Election Day,” said Stan Chambers Jr., Polaris (president) of the Triangle Iotas. “We want to ensure voters, especially black and brown voters, fully understand what should and shouldn’t happen when casting their votes in person.”
The free Zoom discussion - which the public can register at triangleiotas.org/time-to-build - is the final workshop in the Voter Education Series hosted by the Triangle Iotas, also known as the Alpha Epsilon Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Along with the North Carolina Black Alliance, and the Beta Pi Sigma (Durham) and Theta Lambda Sigma (Cary) alumnae chapters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the five-part series aimed to increase voter literacy among underrepresented communities ahead of the November election. Previous sessions can be viewed at triangleiotas.org/voter-education-series.
Through the monthly series, which began in July, hundreds participated in expert-led discussions ranging from gerrymandering to the Electoral College and ways to make your vote count. The series is part of the Time to Build Initiative, a broader community effort by the Triangle Iotas launched following the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. This effort is also part of #MuchMoreThanAHashtag, a joint national initiative between Iota Phi Theta and Sigma Gamma Rho to increase local community engagement.
“From the coronavirus to demands for police reform, one of the common themes highlighted this year is the continued inequities black and brown communities face,” Chambers said. “Through our Voter Education Series, and our broader Time to Build Initiative, we hope to enhance these communities one effort at a time alongside our community partners.”
For reporters interested in covering the session, please reach out to Stan Chambers Jr. at aeo.iotaphitheta@gmail.com. You can also register for the session at triangleiotas.org/time-to-build.
CONTACT
Stan Chambers Jr.
Polaris (President)
Triangle Iotas
aeo.iotaphitheta@gmail.com
(919) 641-0469
###
About the Triangle Iotas
The Alpha Epsilon Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., has empowered change in the Triangle for nearly 30 years through service, leadership, collaboration, and action. This focus has resulted in multiple state and regional awards, including the Triangle Iotas being honored as the fraternity’s 2020 N.C. Alumni Chapter of the Year. Visit triangleiotas.org to learn more about the chapter.
About the North Carolina Black Alliance
The Alliance is an intergovernmental network of African American legislators, county commissioners, school board members, and municipal elected officials centered by a commitment to ambitiously address broad issues of inequality and fairness. The Alliance collaborates with strategic partners to advance the work of those organizations and to enhance intentional collaboration with black constituencies. For more information, visit ncblackalliance.org.
About the Beta Pi Sigma Chapter
The Beta Pi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., was chartered on April 13, 1951 in Durham, N.C., and currently serves Durham and Orange counties. Our goal is to serve and advocate for the greater good nationally, regionally, and locally. We are a chapter of love, understanding, encouragement and solidarity. For more information about the chapter, visit bps1922.com.
About the Theta Lambda Sigma Chapter
The Theta Lambda Sigma chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (also referred to as the Cary Alumnae Chapter) was chartered in 1997 with a goal of bringing community service and positive representation to southern and western Wake County. In line with the sorority's motto, "Greater Service, Greater Progress", the "Blue House | Gold Market" chapter continually endeavors to provide quality service and programs to the community. The chapter's current initiatives center on community involvement, mental and physical health initiatives, and programs aimed at educating and empowering youth.
#thetamanthursday: Paying tribute to brothers who vote
The Triangle Iotas are on the forefront of promoting the importance of voting and access to voting, from our Voter Education Series to our listing of North Carolina voting FAQs to participating in early voting events such as the Power to the Polls march.
For #ThetaManThursday, we want to thank our chapter members who have already voted.
Thank you for doing your part, and we look forward to many others following suit.
