Beta Delta Delta Chapter Historical Summary

Beta Delta Delta Chapter Historical Summary

Beta Delta Delta (BDD) chapter, also known as The Formula of Perseverence (The Formula), was chartered at James Madison University (JMU), Harrisonburg, Virginia, on December 7, 1985.  BDD is the eleventh of fifteen undergraduate chapters in the Third District.  Although granted a charter in 1985, Omega men have been present on JMU’s campus since November 17, 1979.  In fact, there were a total of three pledge classes and seven men who crossed the “burning sands” at JMU prior to the BDD charter line.  These seven pioneers were initiated through the Lambda Zeta chapter at the University of Virginia (UVA).

In the fall of 1978, “Trying to Make Omega” (TMO), an interest group comprised of 18 JMU students, traveled around the Third District seeking the support and guidance from other chapters of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.  The objective of those missions was to seek assistance to help establish Omega Psi Phi on JMU’s campus.  In spite of being disappointed and rejected on numerous occasions, the TMO group persevered and finally convinced Phi Delta Chapter (Virginia Commonwealth University) to hold an informational smoker and step show on the JMU campus.  Phi Delta Chapter conducted the informational smoker and performed the step show   during the fall semester of 1978.

Invigorated by the interaction with the Phi Delta Chapter, TMO requested a meeting with JMU President Ronald Carrier to discuss the possibility of establishing an Omega Psi Phi chapter on campus.  President Carrier rejected TMO’s request due to the perceived negative reputation of the pledge process.  In January 1979, TMO contacted Third District representative Kenneth Brown and requested that he assist with the establishment of a chapter at JMU.  Bro. Brown and TMO met with President Carrier.  Following the meeting, President Carrier agreed to allow a pledge process to begin at JMU on a provisional basis.

Several months after meeting with President Carrier, TMO was informed that Lambda Zeta chapter would oversee the pledge process.  On a Friday night in the fall of 1979, 21 gentlemen traveled 60 miles to Newcomb Hall at UVA, to begin the selection process.  The first Lamps to walk on the campus of JMU and ultimately “see it through” were: Randall Tapley, Carlton Brown, and Gary McCollum. This line was known as “Trichotomy of One.”

Two other Lampados Clubs from JMU would experience the pledge process under the supervision of Lambda Zeta chapter:  “The Second Coming” (Fall 1980) – Clarence Jones and Craig Patterson, and “The Covenant” (Spring 1981) – Brian Tyler and André Wallace. These seven brothers were instrumental in laying the foundation for BDD’s rich history and eventual charter.  In the fall of 1981 pledging under Lambda Zeta chapter was abruptly suspended.  The suspension created a period of uncertainty for Omega Psi Phi at JMU and, upon the graduation of the last Lambda Zeta initiate in 1982, the campus was without an Omega presence.

            This period of uncertainty was countered by the Friendship that had been forged among several men who were positively influenced by Omega Psi Phi’s small, but powerful presence on the JMU campus.  From 1981 until 1985 a second interest group, similar to the initial (TMO), continually sought to stay in contact, learn any available fraternity history and reach out to the brothers for any opportunity to begin another pledge process.  By early 1985 the second TMO group had burgeoned with close to 30 men sharing a common interest in Omega; their interest in Omega Psi Phi could not be ignored.  The Charlottesville graduate chapter (XI Iota) informed the students that in order to have a pledge process and charter an undergraduate chapter, eight men were needed.  In the spring of 1985, after interviews were conducted at UVA with Lambda Zeta and Xi Iota brothers, seven undergraduate and one graduate member were selected for the pledge process.  On April 18, 1985, “Resurrection 8” crossed the “burning sands.”  The new initiates were: Ronald Tatum, Robert Jordan, Lee Parker II, Julius Reynolds, Rodney Waldren, Darryl Coleman, Owen Wilson, and Forrest Parker, Sr. (graduate member).

            On December 7, 1985 BDD was chartered as an undergraduate chapter.  At the time only 7 undergraduate men were on campus.  The eighth charter member, Bro. Roderick Young (Spr. 85, Psi Nu chapter – Alexandria, VA) an undergraduate at George Mason University, was added to solidify the charter.  Forrest Parker, Sr., a well respected administrator at JMU, became the chapter’s first faculty advisor.  In the spring of 1986, “Genesis 3” (Shelton Johnson, Nicholas Evans and Carl Reddix) was the first line to cross into the newly formed chapter.  The new brothers worked tirelessly to build a model chapter. 

Determined to make a mark that could not be erased, these men immediately began to serve the JMU community and their commitment to excellence steadily attracted like-minded and enthusiastic young men until 2000.  During the chapter’s first six years of existence, this tradition of excellence continued to be evident:  three-time Third District Undergraduate Chapter of the Year Award Winner; three-time Third District Undergraduate Man of the Year Award Winner; and two-time Third District Undergraduate Basileus of the Year Award Winner. 

Due to declining black male enrollment at JMU, there was a period of eight years where there were no undergraduate Omega men on the campus. However, on March 8, 2008, “Lazarus 6” crossed the “burning sands” and The Formula was reborn.  “Lazarus 6” took the JMU campus by storm, quickly and effectively reestablishing Omega Psi Phi’s presence and storied history.  Since then, there have been five lines and 24 brothers who were welcomed into the fold through BDD.  The most recent line, “Unreasonable Doubt”, crossed over on April 12, 2014.

Throughout the 29 years of BDD’s existence, the chapter has performed remarkable work while uplifting the JMU and Harrisonburg communities.  In the chapter’s young, yet storied history, BDD brothers have “led the way” through their leadership positions in campus Christian Ministries, the local NAACP chapter, the campus Black Greek Caucus, and university NCAA sports teams.  When JMU decided to shift its focus to science and technology and compete with Virginia Tech and other national power-houses in this arena, BDD had membership on the student advisory council involved in the selection of the first President of the Science and Technology School.  Additionally, The Formula has never shied away from seeking justice and racial equality.  In 1989, Brothers of BDD co-founded and served as charter members of the organization BOND, which stands for Brothers of New Direction.  This organization works to provide a support system for all men of color in a predominantly white campus environment.  Today, it remains a vibrant and impactful organization on the JMU campus.  BDD Chapter leadership has participated in various campus and community demonstrations.  They vigorously opposed the Gulf War initiative launched on Martin Luther King’s Birthday.  BDD became a campus pioneer in the realm of civic and community leadership.  While partnering with other ethnic, civic and community organizations such as the Asian Student Union, BDD conducted numerous service projects.  The chapter has implemented countless programs that have positively impacted the community, including Moments in Black History on local radio, an Omega Queen Pageant and Women Appreciation Day to celebrate women of color, Career and Networking Days to support professional advancement, Academic Tutoring Programs in local schools, and a stepping program to promote interest in college for local youth (a few even stepped with the chapter during a campus step show).

There have been a total of 65 men who have crossed the “burning sands” into Omega through BDD.  Brother Herman Fleming who was initiated during the spring of 1991 is the only brother to have entered Omega chapter; he passed in 1997.  In dedication to his memory, a scholarship fund has been established in Bro. Fleming’s name. 

The men who comprise the chapter’s fabric leave an impressive legacy.  Alumni from the chapter have gone on to become leaders in various careers including law, medicine, education, the military, business, private industry, and government.  The chapter shares a close and continuing bond with its members which transcends several generations.  From its early years to the present, The Formula is committed to furthering the vision of the founders and promoting the ideals of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.