Rhomeo
The Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo, Incorporated. (F.O.C.G. ΣR) began as an assistance interest group on 1929 “ then known as Sigma Gamma Rhomeos at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana by a group of friends, boyfriends, and husbands to the sorority of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Under the name of Sigma Rhomeo the organization became recognized (pre fraternal reconstruction of the 1990’s) on the campus of Prairie View A&M University Alpha chapter on March 24, 1980. The Organization is made up of multicultural men from all walks of life and are known as simply “Rhomeos”.
The Begins
On October 16, 1936, Sigma Gamma Rhomeo became an official affiliate of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated. The purpose of the newly formed collegiate organization was to help in the fulfillment of the sorority's goals by assisting in its daily activities. The members of the affiliate were composed of men on the levels of undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as the husbands of sorority members. The first men of Sigma Gamma Rhomeo were inducted through a regional ceremony and are nationally recognized as those who laid the foundation for the organization.
On March 24, 1980, six newly inducted members of Sigma Gamma Rhomeo serving on the campus of Prairie View A&M University made a decision that would alter the perception of the affiliate. The decision was to organize a fully functional fraternity with an independently sovereign government. The men sought not only to offer services to their community but also to extend the right hand of brotherhood to all undergraduate students. The men known as "The Elites," aspired to bring forth a new fraternity from amongst their current choices based on the ideals of dedication, responsibility, and scholarship. Member from Prairie View A&M Tony Stewart created a new name to represent the fraternity's ideals, The Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo.
In the fall of 1990, all Greek organizations disbanded their affiliates. As a result the fraternity’s name was changed to The Fraternal Order of Sigma Rhomeo Fraternity, Inc., in order to continue functioning as a social and cultural vehicle at universities. The purpose of the organization for their young men was to enhance brotherhood, social awareness, participation, and development, through social programs. This was prepared to strengthen the University's educational and cultural objectives.
The Classy Gentlemen of Sigma Rhomeo Fraternity, Inc. has marked well in changing the University's atmosphere and controversial nature of the fraternal system. The organization had realized the necessity for responsible behavior and sincere contributions for combined objectives of public image and personal growth. The fraternity established itself as an instrument of intellectual attainment, creativity, and academic excellence. The social function of the organization provides a variety of social situations to prepare its members for social awareness and maturity, which in return provides the vehicle whereby lasting friendships are built through fraternity life. Today, The Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo, Inc., who are also known as "Rhomeos," are establishing more chapters each year. The social function of our organization provides a variety of situations in order to prepare its members for social awareness and maturity, which in return provides the vehicle whereby lasting friendships are built through fraternity life. Hence their slogan "We strive today for tomorrow's success." The fraternity is a non-profit whose aim is to enhance the quality of life within the community. Public service, leadership development and the education of youth are the hallmark of the organization's programs and activities. The Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo, Inc. has over 1500 members with currently only 5 active undergraduate and alumnae chapters throughout the United States. On November 4, 2011 the fraternity voted its third National President Minister Jason O. Alexander. President Alexander began his term with an aggressive approach towards rebuilding the fraternity’s structure, image, and community presence, awareness of brotherhood, graduation, membership relations, as well as chapter retention and growth. Within the first quarter of 2011 the fraternity charter two new chapters Emporia State University, in Kansas, Texas College in Tyler TX, Cameron University in Oklahoma and re-chartered a previous chapter Langston University in Oklahoma. The organization also is in the building stages of the Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin Area Alumni Chapters
The Founders
The Fraternity recognizes “The Elite” as its founders from 1980. These young men sought to uphold these standards: Character bearing Personality, Friendship, Enthusiasm, and Justice and vowed to help the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. to the best of their ability and promised never to bring shame to the illustrious names of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Sigma Rhomeo Fraternity These Elite young men were:
- Charles Burleson
- Lowell Washington
- Fredrick Wells
- Algie Armstead
- Lance Wyndom
- Jimmy Williams
The Presidents
- 2003-2009 Most Honorable James L. Cook
- 2009-2011 Most Honorable Taleb Shabazz
- 2011-current Most Honorable Jason O. Alexander
National Service
The Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo, Inc. gives its service and assistance towards several of foundations, national and community events. The principles set forth was the bring the surrounding communities together and to sponsor as well as mentor young men by placing value in character, professionalism and service. http://www.sigmarhomeoinc.org/
Controversies
The members are known for the twirling of the “showcane” which on many campus that thy reside on caused controversy among other organization historically link to the “showcane” such as Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. More notably the Kappas and Rhomeos both have their roots in Indiana as well as the sorority Sigma Gamma Rho. Newer or younger members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. do not usually know of the linked linage to the Rhomeos but in most places accept Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity as the unofficial “brothers”.
In spring of 1999 outside the campus of University of Texas, Austin, TX a brawl broke out as a result of a Rhomeo-Kappa cane duel. It started off as friendly competition but broke out of control leaving several members of each organization hurt and a Rhomeo sent to the hospital. Other similar fights also occurred in other area such as Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M, Paul Quinn College, and University of Houston. The two organizations eventually settled many of the disputes and current compete in areas that two organizations dwell in fun during homecomings and/or funds raising events.
In 1998 due to College & Universities crackdown on hazing Sigma Rhomeos from Paul Quinn College were perceived to be hazing by Dallas Police Department on numbers occasions. The members were mistaken as a street gang because of the unrecognizable brands and tattoos a few members had on their bodies and the secluded late night step show routines preempted arrests and street gang status placed on the organization. After being released and months of investigation the organization was taken off of the list but was the Paul Quinn Chapter was suspended by the National Council for hazing.
Membership
The Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo, Inc. includes graduate and undergraduate men from a variety of fields and ethnicities.
Notable members
There are several notable members who are members of The Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo, Inc.
- Mario "Rio" Moore – r&b music recording artist & song writer
- Kristofer Smith – professional baseball player
- Dr. John Fulbright – minister
- CJ Johnson - Hollywood screenwriter
- Rev. Dr. Simeon L. Queen – politician, author, and pastor
- Adam Bob – comedian
- Pastor Ray Hall Jr – minister
- Magical Soul Brothers – r&b group
Chapters
Below are lists of Undergraduate chapters that are current or once current as of 2001
- Savannah State College Alpha Iota
- Texas Southern University Alpha Lambda
- Lincoln University Alpha Mu
- Texas A&M University Alpha Mu
- Huston Tillotson Alpha Omega
- Texas Wesleyan University Alpha Psi
- Middle Tennessee State University Alpha Upsilon
- Alabama State University Beta Chi
- Temple University Beta Delta
- Wiley College Beta Gamma
- Grambling State University Beta Omega
- Florida A&M University Beta Upsilon
- Prairie View A&M University Delta Alpha (Active)
- Lamar University Delta Beta
- Texas College Delta Delta
- Florida State University Delta Epsilon
- Cameron University Delta Eta (Active)
- McLennan Community College Delta Gamma
- Emporia State University Delta Iota (Active)
- Edward Waters College Delta Kappa (Active)
- Ohio State University Delta Phi
- Elizabeth City State University Delta Tau
- Southern University Delta Theta
- Bethune-Cookman University Delta Zeta
- Knoxville College Gamma Gamma
- Paul Quinn College Gamma Iota
- Ramapo College Gamma Theta
- Langston University Iota (Active)
- Sam Houston State University Kappa Mu
- Jarvis Christian College Kappa Upsilon
- University of Oklahoma Lambda Upsilon
- University of Texas at Austin Mu Upsilon
- McMurry University Theta Iota
- University of Houston
- Waco (Colony)
Below are lists of Graduate/Alumni chapters that are current or once current as of 2001
- Houston Area Alumni
- Dallas Area Alumni
- Austin Area Alumni
- San Antonio Area Alumni
- Waco Area Alumni
- South Florida Area Alumni