University of Virginia Library

Old Idea Takes On New Outlook

By JESSICA SMITH

Omega what?

Omega Psi Phi, the new
black fraternity.

And this is their first rush
season at the University.

But what is a black
fraternity? "It is a whole
different thing," explains
third-year law student Charles
Chambliss, one of the founders
of the Virginia chapter of
Omega Psi Phi.

As the thirty-fifth fraternity
here the "Ques" (the popular
title referring the the Greek
letter for Omega) have much to
live up to. But they will do it a
little differently. As of now,
their plans include a meeting
room for all social and business
affairs rather than a fraternity
house which facilitates eating
and sleeping as well. Although
traditionally fraternities here
have houses, it is the exception
for a black fraternity to buy a
house.

As for the parties...they too
will be different. Rush plans
for this semester have not been
finalized yet, but Mr.
Chambliss explained that a few
elaborate events would be held
rather than many smaller ones.
There is a limited amount of
funds, as this is the first
semester. All students
(including graduate) are
welcome to rush.

And as the parties progress a
word of warning for all
perspective Omega Psi Phi
rushees: a strictly enforced
national qualification requires
a 2.5 average (or better) to
pledge.

Another area in which
Omega Psi Phi is unique is the
emphasis on black culture and
the black experience. One of
the primary goals of this
fraternity is to enable black
students to congregate and
share ideas on what is
happening in the black
movement.

The national headquarters
of Omega Psi Phi publishes The
Oracle, a quarterly magazine. It
deals primarily with the
problems and achievements of
the black community. For
instance, in the summer issue
an in-depth article was printed
about the more prominent men
in today's black culture who
were also members of Omega
Psi Phi. Jesse Jackson, head of
PUSH and Dr. Charles Drew,
discoverer of the use of plasma
for blood storage are Que
brothers, for example.

The Ques were founded in
1911 and since then over 50,000
men have joined. There are
over 402 chapters nationally.
As Mr. Chambliss explained,
"This will give the black
students an opportunity to go
to their communities and be in
the same frats as their friends."
Most blacks attend black
universities and belong to black
organizations. University
students will now have that
choice.

When second-yearman
Thomas Haynes was asked
what he thought of the new
fraternity he replied, "I think
it is needed. Last year
everybody was expressing a
desire for it."

As for its influence in the
University community. Mr.
Haynes thinks "it will provide
cultural enrichment for the
whole school by showing the
activities of the blacks."

Mr. Haynes said he will
probably rush the Ques. It is
not that he does not like the
existing fraternities, but it is
"hard to identify with them."

Approximately 400 black
students study here, and not all
will pledge Omega Psi Phi. But
Mr. Chambliss does not think
the Ques will become a clique.
He feels this situation will be
avoided by the emphasis on
social and cultural activities
rather than communal living.
The brothers will remain visible
in campus life and activities,
yet they will have a place to
relax. The idea is similar to
social membership in the
fraternities. Dues are less
because they cover national
fees and overhead only.

Mr. Chambliss hopes that
with planned organization,
money will not be a prohibitive
factor. The fraternity should
appeal to a diverse group from
all income levels.