Founding Fathers

The charter members of the Beta Epsilon Sigma Chapter included Dr. Vivian M. Chambers, Bro. Homer McCraw, Dr. Leon Bonner and Dr. L.M. Donaldson.

Dr. Vivian Murray Chambers 

Dr. Vivian Murray Chambers founded the Beta Epsilon Sigma chapter in 1948 and later founded the Gamma Epsilon chapter in 1949. Vivian Murray Chambers was born in Salisbury, North Carolina on June 4, 1903. Mr. Chambers received a Bachelor of Science from Shaw University in 1928, then a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University, New York in 1931. He later received a Master of Science from Cornell University in 1935 and a Doctor of Science (Ph.D. in Economic Entomology) from Cornell in 1946. Dr. Chambers worked for the WPA (Works Progress Administration) as a Senior Research Worker in the American Museum of Natural History. From 1936-1937, Vivian Chambers was appointed an Instructor of Science at Lincoln Normal School, Alabama. Between 1937 and 1943 Dr. Chambers worked as a Biologist for the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (Alabama A&M). In 1945, Dr. Chambers was appointed Professor of Biology at Alabama A&M. In 1970, Professor Chambers was appointed Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. He died in 1984. Dr. Chambers was Initiated into Iota Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity at Shaw University February 27, 1925.

Bro. Homer McCraw

Bro. Homer McCraw was born in Oakman, Alabama (Walker County) to the late Mr. and Mrs. Isaac McCraw on August 11, 1920. He served in World War II in the European Theatre participating in some of the most documented engagements to include D-Day, “Battle of Bulge” as staff sergeant and platoon leader in the 3393 Quartermaster Truck Company. The Company was a component of the acclaimed predominantly-black unit, named Red Ball Express for their unique, yet effective, truck convoy system responsible for transporting fuel, ammunition, food, clothes and other critical supplies throughout the US Third Army. Staff Sergeant McCraw was a multiple awarded non-commissioned officer; receiving the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart during his military service. Upon his return to Huntsville Mr. McCraw enrolled in Alabama A&M College and received a Bachelor of Arts in agricultural education. He taught veterans in Madison County for several years, he became principal of Farmers’ Capital School, now known a Lynn Fanning Elementary School for 28 years. An influential community leader and educator he was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., active member of the Kiwanis Club, and served as President, Trustee Board of St. John AME Church for several years and other roles within the church.