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National Bar Association, 1225 11th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

July 19, 2008

A New Leader For The Nation's Oldest Greek Letter Organization Of Primarily African American Men

Atlanta, GA -- At its biennial convention in Denver, Colorado, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, commonly known as the Boulé, installed Robert L. Harris of Oakland, California as its 44th Grand Sire Archon (National President).

Harris is no stranger to leadership. This retired Vice President of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company in San Francisco has led a number of America's most important African American organizations including being President of the National Bar Association and Grand Polemarch (National President) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Harris views his election as a mandate for action. He said, "the 21st Century' with its numerous challenges and opportunities places the spotlight on African American men, especially those in the Boule, to use their talents and considerable influence to impact more directly the lives of our communities especially those that are most severely handicapped by social inequity, inadequate schools and crime and violence."

Harris admits that historically Sigma Pi Phi has shunned publicity. "We have chosen to become more public now," said Harris, "so we can more effectively influence the public policy agenda that will strengthen the economic and social plight of African Americans."

Harris says the Boule is uniquely positioned to make a difference because its members consist of some of the most accomplished, affluent and influential men in this country; men who are already making significant contributions to their communities, society and the world.

Founded in 1904, Sigma Pi Phi is America's oldest Greek-letter organization of primarily African American men. It has 119 member boulés (chapters) throughout the United States and in the Caribbean. For more than a century boule men such as W.E.B. DuBois, James Weldon Johnson, Martin Luther King, Whitney Young, Vernon Jordan, Ken Chenault and numerous others have played key roles in changing the American landscape.

Harris said, "We have no plans to become a typical activist organization, but we do plan to hold public officials accountable when it comes to policies affecting our community."

For Immediate release 7/18/2008

Contact: Dr. Peyton Williams, Jr.

Executive Secretary 404.529.9919