We the members of the Omicron Tau Sigma Graduate Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated here in Troy along with the Troy University Alpha Alpha Lambda Undergraduate  Chapter, humbly request the Bibb Graves building be named after our late Brother The Honorable John Robert Lewis.

After many conversations with the residents of Troy and our Troy Fraternity Brothers, it has come to our attention that the buildings named in honor of Bibb Graves are being renamed all over the State of Alabama because of his ties to the Ku Klux Klan. The Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma would like to suggest that Bibb Graves Hall on the campus of Troy University be renamed after our esteemed Fraternity Brother, the late Honorable John Robert Lewis. What better way to show homage to Lewis -- the "Boy from Troy".  Lewis dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of all individuals regardless of their race. We the members of the Troy Graduate Chapter along with the Troy University Alpha Alpha Lambda Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated know how much this renaming would mean, not only to the 30% African American student population at Troy University, but to all of the University's faculty, staff, students and friends who oppose the prominent recognition of a member of the Ku Klux Klan.