Groove Phi Groove

Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. (GΦG) is a social fellowship. It was founded at Morgan State College (now known as Morgan State University) as an alternative to mainstream historically Black Greek-lettered fraternities. It has one sister organization, Swing Phi Swing.

Groove Phi Groove
GΦG
FoundedOctober 12, 1962 (1962-10-12)
Morgan State University
TypeSocial fellowship
EmphasisService
ScopeInternational
United States
Ghana, London and Nigeria
MottoThrough loyalty and integrity, we shall achieve greatness.
Colors  Black
  White
PublicationThe Sword & Spear[1]
Chapters200+
Members60,000+ lifetime
Headquarters2453 Maryland Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21218
United States
Websitegroove-phi-groove.com

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.[2] 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

The founders of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship are:

  • Glenn Brown
  • Raymond Clark
  • John Conquest
  • Walter Goodwin
  • Barry Hampton
  • Charlie Sam Johnson
  • Nathaniel Monroe
  • David Nesbit
  • Nathaniel Parham
  • Harry Payne
  • Barry Simms
  • Robert Simpson
  • Woodrow Williams
  • James Hill

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.[3]

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[4] or the ancient Greek representation of [pʰ].[4]

Governing structure

As a body, the governing structure of the Fellowship consists of:[5]

  • The Conclave
  • The International Constitution & Bylaws Manual
  • The International Executive Board of Directors
  • The International Directorate Staff
  • Regional offices
  • Local chapters

Regions
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