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Black businessmen. The forums were so successful that the fraternity voted to include them in the National Public Program.

Phi Beta Sigma's contribution to the education of Black youth, takes the form of sponsorship of scholarships, tutoring services and educational and cultural programs such as recitals, lectures, forums, and contests. These educational programs are supported in some part by teh "Fasting For Freedom" program.

Among the more outstanding of the Social Action programs sponsored by the Sigmas is Project SAD (Sigmas Attack Drugs and Defects). This program, co-sponsored by the National Foundation of the March of Dimes, is aimed at ridding communities of some of the causes and conditions known to damage new life — drugs, malnutrition, VD, and Sickle Cell Anemia among them. Project SAD, a national program, focuses on the father and the potential father.

Among the special programs presented annually by the Sigmas are Carver Day, in honor of distinguished Sigma Dr. George Washington Carver; Founders Day; and the Orchid Ball.

The Distinguished Service Key Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma was first projected at the 10th Anniversary Conclave held in New York City in December, 1920. The idea and the plan of the organization was introduced by I. L. Scruggs of the Theta Sigma Chapter in Buffalo, New York. Jesse W. Lewis, Past National President, was the first man to receive this honor. The Key Chapter is the means by which the National Fraternity honors those members  who have made an outstanding contribution to the Fraternity or the community.

Phi Beta Sigma takes particular pride in the role the fraternity has played in the success of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The Council is composed of all the major Black Greek-letter organizations in the country. Phi Beta Sigma initiated its establishment in 1921, and has watched it grow into its present-day function of clearinghouse for inter-fraternal problems which arise in the carrying out of the programs of the member organizations.

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