Leadership Highlight

Leadership Highlight: Marquise Shelby the President of Phi Beta Sigma at Clark Atlanta University

In an effort to highlight the young leaders who are leading undergraduate chapters across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.’s Psi Chapter at Clark Atlanta University and did an interview with Marquise Shelby the president of the chapter.

The position of president of an undergraduate chapter of a Black fraternity is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes. 20 year-old Marquise Shelby has used the position to gain new leadership experience, improve the lives of other students on campus and help the community around him.

We interviewed the Theatre Arts major and talked about his position, goals, future and what it means to hold a leadership position on campus in the digital age.

Read the full interview below.

What does it mean to be a chapter president to you?
Bring chapter President, is one of the most honoring and humbling positions I have ever had. This chapter has shaped me into the man that I’ve always dreamed to be and for my prophytes to select me as president, means the world to me. I cannot wait to share what has been passed down to me to my future neos.

What made you decide to attend Clark Atlanta University for undergrad?
I decided to go to Clark Atlanta University because it has rich history. CAU is in the heart of the black Hollywood, Atlanta. Clark Atlanta has shown me not only what it takes to be a scholar but a well rounded, Black American.

What specific initiatives is your chapter heading up this year and how do you think they will improve the campus/surrounding community?
For the upcoming semester, my chapter will be hosting a MENtal Health Series for the men on campus. During this series, we will touch on the importance of mental health amongst black men. Psi will hold self defense classes for the women of CAU before spring break. My brothers and I, will simply model what it is to be well respected man, student, &’member of D9.

What made you want to pledge Phi Beta Sigma?
Growing up, I was not exposed to Greek life so when I got to CAU, Greek life was very much new. However, the men of the chapter, who are now my prophytes were always very genuine when passing by. There were other frats but I always saw the Sigmas. Even though they did not know I was interested, they made me feel like I was supposed to be here all along. I would say, God led me to Sigma.

What is it about your specific chapter that makes it so unique?
What makes my chapter unique is Genuine brotherhood.
My brothers and I believe, that if you are following your organizations principles and you place a camera in front, the rest will follow. Have fun, stroll, step, show the world why you love this organization so much.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think undergraduate chapters across all orgs need to do to represent themselves online in 2018?
My brothers and I believe, that if you are following your organizations principles and you place a camera in front, the rest will follow. Have fun, stroll, step, show the world why you love this organization so much.

What does leadership mean to you?
To me, to be a great leader you have to be a great follower. You have to have great listening skills. Once you listen to your peers, what will you do with that information? A true leader put himself last. Leadership is seeking a greater goal and taking those amongst you, with you to take that goal. While adapting and cultivating that goal for those that are to follow. “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing themselves.”

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black greekdom?
Many people do not what Black Greekdom is and I feel that with the advancement of technology, the new generations are being able to see what the fuss is all about. Watch the Yard, gives the inside scoop on this beautiful thing called, the Divine 9. Can’t wait to see what you all have in store.

What does brotherhood mean to you?
I am an ace so I have always been about brotherhood. True brotherhood is about holding your brothers accountable. Being the ear when no one else is listening. Having fun but also knowing when to turn the fun off. A true brother takes his fellow brothers to victory with him.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?
After I graduate from CAU, I plan to go to NYU Steinhart, where I plan to get my masters degree in Educational Theatre. After graduating with my masters, I would like to open a youth arts program for inner cities, such as: Detroit, Chicago, NYC, Memphis, Compton, Atlanta and hopefully more. Arts has played a huge part in the development of my life and with the power of art, I plan to change the world. The children of the world need us and I plan to be there.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Marquise Shelby for his work as the president of Psi Chapter which has a long legacy that spans back to December 27, 1935.