12/23/2025
Happy Birthday Founder Elder Watson Diggs!!!
Elder Watson Diggs was born in Christian County, Kentucky, on December 23, 1883. He received a one-room school education in Louisville, Kentucky, where he helped teach the younger children. Following graduation from Indiana State Normal School in the spring of 1908, Diggs enrolled at Howard University in 1909.
Diggs transferred to Indiana University in the fall of 1910 and was the first Black student to graduate with an A.B. degree from Indiana University’s School of Education in 1916. He subsequently earned his M.A. in Education from Indiana University in 1944.
Diggs held educator positions at public schools throughout Indiana. Following his death, School #42 was named in his honor where he served as principal for 26 years. After WWI began, Diggs resigned as principal, entered the nation’s first officer’s training camp at Fort Des Moines, IA, and was commissioned a Lieutenant. He subsequently became a Captain in the Reserve Officers Training Corps.
Based on discriminatory circumstances facing Black students at Indiana University, Diggs decided to establish a fraternity on campus to give them support and sanctuary based on high Christian ideals and the purpose of achievement. Diggs assumed responsibility for creating many of the primary fraternity documents and emblems.
He served as Grand Polemarch, a Grand Board Member, and Grand Historian. He established the first nine undergraduate chapters and the Indianapolis (IN) Alumni Chapter. Diggs was awarded the first Laurel Wreath, the fraternity’s highest honor.
The second-highest award available to celebrate a member’s achievements or service to the fraternity is dedicated in his name. Founder Diggs died on November 8, 1947.
