Type Social Colors Black
White | Emphasis Service | |
Founded October 12, 1962; 54 years ago (1962-10-12)
Morgan State University Scope International
United States
Ghana Motto Through loyalty and integrity, we shall achieve greatness. | ||
Groove Phi Groove (GΦG) is a social fellowship founded at Morgan State College (now known as Morgan State University) as an alternative to mainstream Black fraternities. It has one sister organization, Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Incorporated.
Contents
History
Groove Phi Groove was founded on October 12, 1962 by a group of young black men who wanted an alternative to what could be described as the traditionalism of subjectively ascribed pseudo-fraternal organizations. Groove Phi Groove is a non-Greek organization whose purpose includes promoting academic awareness, an alternative to Greek and Grecian based fraternalism as well as traditions incorporating an Afro-Centric perspective. Further, working towards assisting in alleviating both social and economic problems in disadvantaged communities.
Groove Phi Groove members hold individuality, self-expression, and creativity in its members to be paramount, as well as a focus on issues related to the empowerment of African American communities. Its members work in a wide variety of career areas, including accounting, education, engineering, human resource services, local and state government, medicine, law, protective services, information technology, religion, real estate, food service, skilled crafts, music, professional sports, the armed services, and business.
Founders
These founders of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship are referred to as the "14 Pearls". These are:
Groove
During the 1960s, the word “groove” was popular among young blacks. Webster's Dictionary defines the verb “groove” as “to perform deftly or smoothly.” As a noun, “groove” is defined as a “fixed routine in the affairs of life.” Hence, to go against the “groove” means to work against the current establishment, and “grooving” is associated with “socializing or fellowshipping.” These combined definitions form the definition of Groove Phi Groove.
Phi
The "Phi" in Groove Phi Groove holds an alternative meaning from the Greek word "Phi." In “Secrets of the Great Pyramids” by Pete Thompkins, the Khemit people of ancient Egypt created “phi” as a symbol of the creative function of the male reproductive system and, more loosely, as “reproduction in endless series,” which is a symbolic representation of “the fire of life.” The Fellowship has incorporated this symbol of fertility into its name to stand for continual growth and development. The “phi” symbol should not be confused with the Greek numeral representing 500 or the ancient Greek representation of [pʰ].
Governing structure
As a body, the governing structure of the Fellowship consists of:
National headquarters
The National Headquarters Office of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. is located at 2453 Maryland Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland. The building was purchased December 26, 2012 and dedicated July 1st, 2013.
National presidents
Since Lenwood Harris became the First National President in 1970, 9 men have served as the National President of Groove Phi Groove, including one man serving for a record three terms. They have served tenures as short as 12 months and as long as 12 years.
Actors
Public service
Athletics
Authors
National programs
The men of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. actively support and participate in various programs and projects which aim to serve the communities in which they live. Some of these programs and projects focus on black Americans; however, the Fellowship does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, national origin, or physical impairment. Nor do they provide a financial benefit to individual members of the Fellowship, as Groove Phi Groove is a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit entity, and the Groove Fund is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable entity. The Fellowship's National Programs & Projects Manual includes information about the following: