In the late 1960’s, the University of Maryland College Park was devoid of the traditional Black Greek life that the surrounding area schools had grown to enjoy. Chartered in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College, the University of Maryland College Park was just beginning to extend itself to a class of minority students seeking an institution that met the academic, cultural and social issues of that time. Experiencing vast social changes, the University was ripe for the development of future African American leaders. As demonstrated by the times, the development of leaders and opportunities for social change could be achieved by greater academic experiences and social growth.

 

Young students thrived for vehicles to test their abilities and strengthen their social bonds. They desired to take part in traditional college organizations that were also culturally and socially relevant. However, as of 1972 only Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. existed as a Black Greek Lettered organization on the University of Maryland College Park campus. From this environment of despair the dream for a chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was born. Inspired by their interaction with Brothers such as Clarence Bullock (Pi Omega Chapter) several young men began to seek and learn about the brotherhood originated at nearby Howard University (Alpha Chapter founded November 17, 1911).

 

Recognizing that a similar chapter at a large institution, such as the University of Maryland would drastically enrich the social and intellectual aspects of college life for the African American student, these men set to work. The blueprint for chapter development and growth had already been established by the other surrounding area chapters: Morgan State University-Pi Chapter (founded October 28, 1923); University of Maryland Eastern Shore-Pi Epsilon Chapter (founded May 3, 1947); Bowie State University-Epsilon Sigma Chapter (founded March 10, 1968); and Coppin State University-Delta Beta Chapter (founded January 15, 1971). Believing in the principles that the fraternity’s founders had already established it was important that this chapter unite men of similar achievement and ideals in a brotherhood that fostered academic excellence and leadership qualities. In 1973, after several failed attempts, these men came under the guidance of Brother Dr. Ronald Jerome Council (initiated Kappa Psi Chapter, Washington DC, April 15 1972). Along with Bros. Castomal Alexander (initiated Omicron Psi Chapter—University of Pittsburgh#6 Spring 1972) and Graduate Advisor Dr. Hugh Warner (initiated Alpha Chapter #2 Spring 1970 —Howard University). Through their direction the Chi Delta Chapter was formed on March 3, 1973. With the assistance of the Pi Omega Graduate Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland, Chi Delta was chartered seven days later on March 10, 1973 and at this time blessed by the Honorable Bishop Edgar Amos Love. Chi Delta Chapter’s charter line was initiated through Pi Omega and was entitled the “Eight Excuses”. It consisted of Brothers Tony Lisby, Ray Taylor, Al Hunter, Greg Countess, Reggie Moore, Barry Young, Joseph E. Younge, and Mike Davis. The first actual Chi Delta line crossed on April 20, 1974. “The Twelve Ushers of Hell” consisted of Brothers Tommy Brown, Jesse Ashe, Van Jones, Maynard Curry, Keith Morgan, Ronald Webb, Rod Sharpless, Jerry Johnson, Guilford Narinjat, Michael Matthews, Steve O. Smith, and Gerald Inman. The first administration of the Chi Delta Chapter was lead by Brother Joseph E. Younge.