A house RESOLUTION

 

To recognize and honor the Members of the Zeta Zeta Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., during the 1970s and to congratulate them upon the fiftieth anniversary of their founding. 

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the class of the 1970s of Zeta Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., will celebrate a half century of brotherhood; and

 

Whereas, initially, the Zeta Zeta chapter received designation as an official campus organization through the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the University of South Carolina (USC), but many in the Afro-American Greek community felt that the organizational needs, as well as the ability to stay true to their cultural identity as Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLO), were not being met by the campus IFC, which had no historical reference for interacting with their organizations; and

 

Whereas, the formation of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the governing body of Greek organizations traditionally utilized at many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's), met this need.  Zeta Zeta was instrumental in championing the organization's successful start on campus and would have a rotating presidency, with Brother Ollie Lowry as its first president in 1976; and

 

Whereas, the catalyst of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift enabled the men of the Zeta Zeta Chapter to carve a niche for themselves on campus.  Zeta Zeta had one hundred four Omega men who crossed the Burning Sands between the years of 1973 and 1979, a membership that represents thirty percent of all the brothers the chapter has inducted over its five decades; and

 

Whereas, during the 1970s, Zeta Zeta men routinely led in chapter GPA averages among Panhellenic organizations on campus with high levels of scholarship through a broad range of disciplines for undergraduate and graduate degrees at USC and graduated with distinction.  Many earned post-graduate degrees in law, medicine, and other professional disciplines, gaining acclaim in their chosen fields; and

 

Whereas, some of the Zeta Zeta men who held prominent positions on campus in the 1970s included Maurice Sanders, president of the Afro-American Students Association; Nathaniel Smith, president of the Afro-American Students Association; Ollie Lowry, first President of the USC Panhellenic Council;

Gary Norris, first Black vice president of the USC Student Union Association; and Rick Leftt and Garry Norris, pages for the South Carolina House of Representatives; and

 

Whereas, on the athletic scene at USC, Zeta Zeta Brothers Maurice Sanders and Ralph Wilkes were the first Black male varsity cheerleaders.  Zeta Zeta brothers from the 1970s who played varsity football at USC included Clarence Williams and Kevin Long.  Both played in the NFL and were the first running backs tandem to each rush for a thousand yards in the same season.  Other Zeta Zeta brothers to play for USC were Casper Carter, Michael Tisdale, Charles Barber, and Phil Procter.  Greg Gresham was the first Black quarterback recruit for USC, and Willie Scott played for USC and in the NFL; and

 

Whereas, Zeta Zeta men enjoyed the best of step shows, parties at the frat house, and pledge lines in the 1970s and lighted the way for others by uplifting the chapter and maintaining its values.  Zeta Zeta will light the way for those who follow its motto: "Friendship is essential to the soul."  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the members of the Zeta Zeta Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., during the 1970s and congratulate them upon the fiftieth anniversary of their founding.

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