Phi Gamma

“Ferocious” Phi Gamma History (1968 -2013)

On December 21, 1968, in the Methodist Student Center, national initiation ceremonies transformed twenty-four members of Alpha Mu Omega into twenty-four charter members of Phi Gamma Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

The first officers were Robert Davis, Basileus; Arnold Bruce Johnson, Vice-Basileus; Lezely White, Keeper of Records and Seal; Fred Wright, Keeper of Finance; Billy Ratcliff, Dean of Pledges; and Joel Bennett, social chairman. The first faculty sponsor was Dr. Forston of the sociology department. As the university's hiring practices changes a few black instructors and professors were hired. One of these was Dr. Wayman T. Devers, an Omega man who accepted the sponsorship role following Dr. Forston and served in this capacity over seventeen years.

The social and civic events of the newly formed Phi Gamma chapter were numerous and included many first: a homecoming dance, a spring formal, a probate and talent show, an Easter party for the children in Flow Hospital, and a Christmas party for the children of southeast Denton.

In the fall of 1969, the search for a fraternity house ended. No longer would the fraternity's smokers have to be held at the College Inn during rush. The enthusiastic and dedicated members of Ferocious Phi Gamma had found and secured a place to call home, 1007 W. Prairie. It became the social edifice of black students on other college campuses throughout the southwest. It was an accomplishment that many fraternity chapters have yet to enjoy.

Since its inception, Ferocious Phi Gamma Chapter has made many accomplishments that deserve praise. It has been a viable part of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and an asset to University of North Texas (formerly North Texas State University). The chapter has upheld the four cardinal principles on which the fraternity was founded: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. It has manifested in its members the true meaning of brotherhood and the importance of freedom for all men.

On the date of December 21, 1968, the Phi Gamma chapter became the FIRST historically Black fraternity on a predominantly white campus in the South.

Not unlike many other Men of Omega, members of the Ferocious Phi Gamma have gone on to become doctors, lawyer, and captains of industry. To this day the men of the Ferocious Phi Gamma are agents of change, not only in Denton, TX but around the world.

Charter Members of Phi Gamma Chapter

Cecil Adams                           Bobby Dixon                           Billy Ratcliff                            

Linothus Anderson                  Bennie Edwards                      Charles Reed

Christopher Banks                  Larry-James Erwin                 Michael Shine

Joel Bennett                            Eddie Franklin                         Johnny Simpson

Willie Booker                           Arnold Johnson                       Felton Watkins

Sam Biscoe                            Ivan King                                 Lezely White

Mickey Burnim                       Wilmer Levels                         James Williams

Robert Davis                           Harold Mitchell                        Fred Wright

Chapter Accomplishments and Highlights

• December 1968 First historically black fraternity in the south  on a predominately white campus
• 1969 – First Phi Gamma Fraternity House

• Fall 2006 – First “Desegregation Walk” an award winning program that commemorates the desegregation of UNT.  Fraternity members and fellow students the three mile route that African American students walked when they first came to UNT and were not allowed to live on campus.

• Fall 2008 - Historical Marker dedicated by UNT to the Fraternity

• Spring 2010 – 9^th District Undergraduate Chapter of the year.
• Spring 2010 – 9^th District Undergraduate Community Service Award
• Spring 2012  - Mayowa Oyebadejo,  9^th District Undergraduate Omega Man of the Year

Phi Gamma Men who have served at District or Nation level

Billy Ratcliff – District Grand Marshall for 1988 Conclave

John Captain – Dist. Area Rep./ Co-Authored Current MSP Process

Glen Gowans – Dist. Area Rep.