The fraternity colors are Charcoal Brown and Gilded Gold. While the fraternity's membership is comprised primarily of African-Americans, membership is not restricted by race, creed, or national origin. Today, Iota Phi Theta exists as nationally incorporated social/service fraternity which continues to remain true to the original aims of its founders. Iota Phi Theta was born out of their desire to consummate this Because of their increased level of maturity andĮxperience, their vision of the concept of 'fraternity' was much different than the prevailing norm at the time. Some were married, some were service veterans, and some were holding full-time jobs in addition to their academic pursuits. Most were 3 to 5 years older than the average college student.
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The 12 founders of Iota were unique because, for the most part, they were 'non-traditional' students. Iota Phi Theta was founded on September 19, 1963, at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.
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From this, they felt that the preservation of one's individuality should be a basic tenet of any organization which would exist to benefit the African-American condition. The founders understood that to congregate within the framework of an organization yet be allowed to maintained one's individuality is fundamental to the Black race. It was this perspective that led to the founding of Iota Phi Theta and the establishment of it's purpose "The development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among Men of Color."