The Beta Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was established in 1948. The Sigma men in the persons of Dr. V. M. Chambers, Mr. J. M. Ward, Dr. L. M. Donaldson, Mr. William Grier, and Mr. B. Williamson recruited and initiated Mr. John Browder, Mr. T. V. Morris, Mr. Thomas McCrary, Dr. L. W. Bonner and the Reverend Elmer Binford; together, they formed the charter group.

The Beta Epsilon Sigma Chapter then recruited and initiated the undergraduate Gamma Epsilon Chapter at Alabama A. & M. College (now Alabama A&M University). The Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was initiated in 1949 with eleven honor roll students. The charter members were Brothers: Anthony Butler, Eddie Cannon, Frederick Carodine, James Dawson, Conelius Hinton, Bishop Lyons, Granville Meadows, James Ruffin, William Sledge, Amos Snoddy, and Wilbur Turner.