Delta Phi Upsilon
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| Motto | Service to Our Kind |
|---|---|
| Colors | Red █ and Old Gold █ |
| Symbol | Snowy Owl |
| Flower | White Rose |
| Founded | 1985 at Florida State University |
| Type | Community Service |
| Scope | National |
| Headquarters | PO Box 8275 Houston, Texas, USA |
| Chapters | 5+ |
| Nickname | D-Phi-U |
Delta Phi Upsilon (ΔΦΥ) Fraternity, Incorporated, formed January 15, 1985, became America's first Greek-letter organization established by and for Black Gay men. Although the fraternity's membership currently includes Caucasians, the organization remains predominantly black and serves its target community through a nucleus of more than 300 members in over 5 chapters located throughout the United States.
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[edit] History
The history of Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity is a tribute to the spirit and imagination of the one man who founded it. The ideas, the evolution, the contributions, the convictions of Delta are vividly portrayed and understood in the context of the events which fostered the Fraternity’s existence.
The Fraternity’s development during the past decade reveals the changing needs of the organization, the community and the times. Emphasis on organization during the first few years gave way to the development of scholarship, educational and public service programs during that time period.
In the year of her founding, Delta Phi Upsilon listed as her particular purpose or objective “to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards among black gay men.” During the early years, greater stress was placed on enjoyment of cultural and social activities than scholastic achievement. As her numbers grew, however, Delta would move from mere self-concern to the realization of the possibilities for service in ever-widening arenas. Thus Delta now lists herself as a community service organization rather than a “social” fraternity.
It may be interesting to note that the birth of the fraternity actually began in 1985, while the Founder, Trevor Alexander Charles, was still a high school student. It was during the Founders Day celebrations of the Miami chapter of a local sorority, that our founder became enchanted with the idea of belonging to an organization whose members were so beautiful and classy and whose bonds of sisterhood outshone all others. He decided right then and there that he should be a part of that type of organization.
In the fall of 1987, Founder Charles entered Florida State University and it is there that the fraternity's recorded history begins. Being that he did not fit into “the norm,” he had a pressing need for friends with whom he could sympathize and who could support each other’s aspirations. In fact, two years later, Founder Charles recalled:
“At that day and age of the fraternal world, gay men of color were made to feel daily that they stood in slippery places; in other words that their presence in black fraternal life was unwelcome and that the position of those who were already members was by no means secure. This sort of treatment naturally aroused what dormant energies and independence I possessed and partly as a means of strengthening and unifying the position of gay men of color, I resurrected the idea of a secret society for gay men of color.”
The Fraternity's history tells us that in December 1987, before leaving school for Christmas break, Founder Charles spoke to his friends about the idea that he had originated in 1985 and proposed that they form an organization—a sorority of men—for the segment of gay society known as “queens.”
That very night, the group named committees which would draft a constitution and decide upon a name, symbol, motto and color scheme. They readily agreed that honesty, loyalty, friendship and “real sisterhood” should be the basis of any fraternal organization; that unity should rule the conduct of one gay man to another; that there should be a continued striving to perfection in morality, ethics and social standards, and; that bonds of mutuality, if not love itself, should be firmly established between the “sisters.”
Following previously established traditions, January 15 of the new year was set as the day for the meeting when the reports of the committees would be heard, and on the appointed day, in Room 209 of Smith Hall, Trevor Charles spoke for the Committee on Name and Symbolism. The name and colors chosen by him were met with immediate disapproval by the others, rightly so, as the name already belonged to an established organization of women, a sorority.
It soon became evident to the other four that it had been Trevor’s intention all along to create this group as a deliberate emulation of this sorority. Records indicate that a heated debate soon ensured, with Trevor emerging as the victor. It is a credit to his powers of persuasion, because at the meeting’s end, the organization was reborn — albeit with a founding date of January 15, 1985!!
By February, the constitution and bylaws had been drafted, along with an Initiation Ritual. The first officers had been selected, with Trevor Charles as president, Ronald Powell as vice-president, Hamilton Barnes as treasurer, Victor M. Cohen as secretary and Kenneth LeGrone as Dean of Pledges. On February 15, the group met to consider for ratification the constitution and bylaws. Several amendments were proposed and suggestions, comments, debate, motions and points of order came quickly. The amendments were finally settled and the revised document was ratified.
The men then turned their attention to the issue of membership, and in April, four men were admitted into the sorority without initiation. These men were Leroy Fisher, Gilbert Miller, Robert Stephenson and Robert White. Together, these men formed the first chapter, Zeta Omicron, and pledged themselves to secrecy. The eyes of these nine “sorors” burned with an eagerness, and as they met while passing from classroom to classroom, or in the student union, a bond of heightened friendship flashed—almost mystically—between them.
This small group of black gay men who began this organization worked with the handicap of implied, if not open, opposition. There was a need for a social center, a place of conference, a tie which should unite a circle of friends who could sympathize with one another in the perplexities of life. The “sorority” supplied a very great and pressing need in the lives of the original members. All Deltas that follow claim a kinship with them. Delta Phi Upsilon has an encircling and binding quality that is the common denominator of a brotherhood, united as one in experience and memory. This Delta experience has been transmitted from hand to hand and heart to heart through all the years since its founding.
In the first year of its life, the sorority cast the mold in its pattern of leadership in the Tallahassee gay community by beginning the tradition of intimate social activities for its members and presentations for the gay public.
With its foundation securely laid, the attention of the members now turned to expansion. To their surprise, inquiries about the sorority started to come in from Miami and there were soon indications that other cities wanted to know how they could qualify for admittance.
It was evident that the idea that sprouted in Room 209 of Smith Hall at Florida State University had begun to spread. The dream of Founder Charles had eclipsed his wildest expectations. Nationally—in the South, anyway, — the call of the “secret sorority” had been heard, although it can truly be said that in the beginning, the only “call” that was most remotely anticipated by the Founder was a favorable local reception.
The voice of black gay America had been heard loud and clear. This was wanted and needed by many black gay men who had for so long felt the sting of rejection from the more traditional black fraternities. Thus, by September of 1988, the “sorority” had grown to include chapters in Gainesville, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville and Orlando, all Florida cities. In December 1988, the Atlanta, Georgia chapter was proudly established.
And so, 1988 came to an end as a page was written in the history of black gay America. The very idea of unity among black gay men had been born and had taken hold of local communities across the Southern United States.
1989 came in like a lion for the newly formed sorority of men and it was not long until ten “good and true” men who lived up to the sorority’s ideals had been found. These ten men have gained their special place in history by being the first to participate in the Initiation Ritual which had been written a year earlier. The ritual had been amended to include new ceremonial equipment and the scene was extremely noteworthy and impressive to the new members. It is wise to note here the names of those ten men who, on January 15, 1989, became a part of our unique history. They were Merrill D. Brown, Nathaniel Glenn, Edwin Thomas, Laurence H. Smith, Charles B. Fisher, Lucien Sloan, Christopher Watkins, Fred G. Lewis, Jr., Luther M. McClelland and George Goodwin. And so, a new era had begun.
With the appeal of the group so evident, Trevor Charles, a young man of uncommon foresight, began to recognize that the group could no longer continue to use the name of an existing, well-established and powerful organization. He was acting upon his own conviction that the “sorority” could and should remain a continuing factor in the lives of its members, not limited to college friendships, but exerting an effective influence throughout life.
With the support of his Zeta Omicron Chapter, he began to devise a plan for change and the first step was to issue a call for the first Boule, where he planned to submit his proposal of change to the entire membership.
The members convened in Tallahassee on September 24, 1990, wherein Founder Charles immediately got down to business by proposing a complete separation from the previously used name along with the development of a new badge, shield and other traditions which would identify the group as an organization of gay men of color.
Immediately, two very different factions emerged to help shape the history of the fraternity. One faction was concerned with personal employment and the other, with the social issues of the time. Fired by the rise of the gay rights movement, these brothers wanted to redirect the group toward greater social consciousness and away from the frivolities of fraternal activities. Edward Morrow led one faction in a struggle to preserve the original name and structure of the organization, while Trevor Charles led the faction that wanted a change in the name and traditions of the group. He presented the name “Delta Phi Upsilon” for adoption. This was quickly rejected by the opposing faction, and the Boule resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, wherein a heated debate ensured.
When the dust cleared, the chapters of Atlanta, Miami, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tampa and Orlando had seceded from the organization. In keeping with the new organization’s goals for future expansion, the remaining men named themselves the Alpha Chapter and elected Trevor Charles as its first Supreme Basileus.
Having conducted extensive research on the structure and operations of fraternal organizations, the first official act of the national president was to appoint a governing body of officers called the Executive Council.
This first group of leaders consisted of Kenneth LeGrone as Supreme Anti-Basileus, Victor Cohen as Supreme Grammateus, Patrick Fleurimond as Supreme Tamiouchos, Hamilton Barnes as Supreme Parliamentarian and Ronald Powell as South Atlantic Regional Director.
The remaining months of 1990 were spent by the new Supreme Basileus and his Executive Council rewriting bylaws, rules and procedures for the new entity. Most important on Trevor Charles’s list of priorities was a change in the name and he relentlessly pursued the subject with the other members.
Each time he met with defeat and disapproval, he only became stronger in his resolve to take the organization to bigger and higher heights with a name that it could be publicly proud of. As the members entered 1991, they were met with an ultimatum from Founder Charles: either accept a new name or leave the organization. To his surprise, they accepted his proposed change and so, the Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity was finally born. It was agreed that the founding date would again remain as January 15, 1985 and a new shield was designed.
The open motto was then changed to “Service to our kind,” and other essential fraternal symbols were developed including membership certificates, financial cards and chapter charters. Committees were appointed to investigate and implement changes in all internal procedures. A distinct membership intake process was written and adopted.
As in the past, the members turned their attention to the issue of expansion and it was to this that they dedicated their efforts for the next three years. In 1994, as part of an expansion drive, ads were placed in several black gay publications across the country. In 1995, a group of men in Boston, Massachusetts began to work toward the establishment of a chapter in their area. After six months of active and favorable exposure in the local community, the Delta Chapter was officially chartered, making Delta Phi Upsilon a national fraternity. These men, becoming part of a growing history, were David Murray-McCarthy, Theodore Devane, Darrell E. Tabb, John Wooden, Troy Whitaker and Lee James.
With the establishment of this chapter, the North Atlantic Region was created and David Murray-McCarthy was appointed as its first Regional Director.
Sustained by a bond of brotherhood, the challenges and successes of 21 years inspire the members today and assures that the organization will endure.
[edit] Membership
Membership in the fraternity is classified as:
- Associate
- General
- Life
- Honorary
An Associate Member is a brother who has been selected and initiated in accordance with the Bylaws, and the prescribed ritual of the fraternity and is regularly and legally associated with an existing, active chapter.
A General Member is a brother who lives in a locality where there is no chapter of the fraternity and who meets the financial obligations of the fraternity OR an active brother who lives in a locality where there is a chapter of the fraternity but does not choose to affiliate with the local chapter.
A Life Member is a brother who possesses certain qualifications and who voluntarily meets and accepts certain provisions.
An Honorary Member is a man to whom honorary membership is extended because of his high ethical standing and national recognition of noteworthy achievement. He shall have the privilege of participating in all activities of the fraternity and chapter and shall enjoy speaking but not voting privileges. Honorary members who become active members relinquish all rights to honorary membership.
[edit] Criteria For Membership
A man is eligible for membership provided that he:
- Is a gay man of color who has reached the age of 18;
- Possesses great potential in the area of community service;
- Is a positive role model for gay men of color;
- Possesses talents, skills and qualities of leadership which are beneficial to Delta Phi Upsilon;
- Is able to actively participate in the financial growth of Delta Phi Upsilon;
- Is willing to participate in chapter, regional and national activities;
- Submits an Application for Membership to the chapter, which includes a Letter of Interest;
- Has been interviewed by the Chapter Membership Committee;
- Has been approved for membership by a majority vote of the members of the chapter through which he is to be initiated;
- Has been approved for membership by the Grand Chapter through the Director of the Region of which the initiating chapter is a part;
- Meets all financial requirements of the Grand Chapter and the initiating chapter;
- Meets all requirements for membership as outlined in the Member Education Program of the Fraternity; and
- Is not a member of any society holding membership in the National Gay & Lesbian Greek Council, Inc., or the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.
[edit] The Founder of Delta Phi Upsilon
The Originator of the Idea and Founder of Delta Phi Upsilon, Trevor Alexander Charles was born on January 13, 1969 to Linton & Daphne Charles.
Founder Charles attended the Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School, from which he graduated in 1987. He then went on to attend Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.
Delta Phi Upsilon has good reason to be proud of its founder, for throughout the years he has continuously distinguished himself. From the original inception, Founder Charles has worked for the betterment of black gay society and for the glorification of Delta.
When, at the 1990 Boule, The Big Issue caused the split in the organization, the remaining members, led by the Founder, spent three days together creating the Grand Chapter and authorizing the combining of local chapters under a central government. At that time, the members unanimously elected Trevor Charles as its first Supreme Basileus.
His tenure as Supreme Basileus proved to be fruitful and important to the fraternity. Under his leadership the national program was formulated, along with sound membership intake procedures. The use of membership certificates, financial cards and chapter charters was adopted, along with a redesigned shield and jewel badge. The fraternity's ritual was put into print and strict policies regarding its distribution were developed. The first issue of The Torch Magazine, Delta’s official organ, appeared during his term of office.
Founder Charles has proven to be a driving power, a virtual one man army in Delta Phi Upsilon and its predecessors. Were it not for his vision, hard work, determination and planning in the early years, the fraternity would likely have expired, or been so dwarfed and restricted, that the organization would have sustained a staggering setback. He was a dynamic leader and advisor to his brothers. Outspoken and nonconforming, he gave his talents of organization to the fraternity in the unrelenting belief that it would someday be a shining example for other groups to follow. Founder Charles currently resides on the caribbean island of Barbados.
[edit] National Programs & Community Service
It was not until 1990 that the newly formed leadership decided upon a definite and consistent program thrust. Led by the Supreme Basileus, Trevor Charles, the Executive Council met to compose the Delta Service Mission. This mission included the areas of:
- Health Awareness
- Education
- Political Empowerment
- History & Heritage
- National Expansion
The Delta Service Mission is indicative of a deep and abiding commitment and active participation by the Executive Council, committees, national headquarters and the membership. The success of the fraternity’s community service program depends upon the continuous interaction of each member, locally and nationally. Since 1990, this has been the hallmark of Delta Phi Upsilon and the foundation of its success. In 1991, in order to more successfully interpret the founding purpose of the fraternity, the Delta Service Mission was finalized to include the following initiatives:
Health Awareness: The fraternity has given distinct priority to increasing and heightening the awareness and level of concern regarding the prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS through its Project PREVENTION program. As a major programmatic initiative of Delta Phi Upsilon, Project PREVENTION seeks to educate gay men of color and others about HIV/AIDS and to formulate action plans and develop strategies to help prevent the spread of this deadly virus within our community.
A major aspect of Project Prevention will be featured specialists in the medical field, persons with AIDS (PWAs), community organizations and others who are very knowledgeable and concerned about this disease.
Persons with expertise in outreach, networking and coalition building will also be utilized to make this project a success. Other activities will include sponsorship of community forums, youth programs and safer sex workshops.
Education: As America’s first black gay fraternity with a college beginning, Delta Phi Upsilon has continuously sought to put forth a winning strategy whose result will be the encouragement of young gay men of color to achieve a level of education beyond the high school level.
Each chapter will conduct programs in education, ranging from tutorial services to literacy initiatives and the awarding of scholarships and grants. Significant national programs include:
- The Pearls of Distinction™ Program
This program will be held annually to honor brothers from the five regions, by virtue of having the highest grade point average. The Pearls of Distinction™ Program was established to identify Deltas who have upheld the fraternity’s high standards of scholastic achievement, and is open to active brothers who are enrolled in a college, university or school and who meet certain criteria established by the National Scholarship Committee.
- The Leadership Conference
This Conference shall be held in summers when the Boule does not meet, and will be structured to meet the needs of current and potential leaders of Delta Phi Upsilon. The Conference will seek to provide an experience in organizational development, leadership training and communication skills.
Political Empowerment: Recognizing the need for support of gay friendly legislation, each chapter’s Lambda Committee will implement Project WATCHCARE to monitor legislation at the federal, state and local levels.
The Committee will provide educational information to the membership and the public through direct communication, e.g., legislative alerts, mass mailings and public forums, as well as gay rights-related activities. Issues such as same-sex marriage and legislation affecting health, employment & housing discrimination are priority issues.
History & Heritage: Delta Phi Upsilon’s challenge is the lack of knowledge about the foundation of gay history, limited research on the contributions of black gays to gay society and a lack of appreciation for gay history. Delta and her chapters will meet that challenge with events that broaden one’s awareness of the past and express our appreciation of black gay icons and their contributions. Primary focus is aimed at highlighting the works and talents of black gay artists via study and awareness projects, performances and exhibitions.
Two main aspects of the History & Heritage thrust are:
- The Lambda Seminar
Recognizing the need for enhancing the quality of black gay life, the Lambda Seminar is designed to study those issues —discrimination, hate crimes, sexually transmitted diseases, and alcoholism— that are relevant to black gay life and will be used by chapters to provide experiences structured to promote thought, stimulate discussion and offer solutions to the problems facing the black gay community.
- Project IMAGE
A biblical verse states: “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about you.” Using the credo, “Because Image is Everything,” Deltas work to serve as positive role models to black gay men, by replacing the negative stereotypes held about gay people with positive ones.
National Expansion: In 1990, the fraternity's Executive Council established the expansion of the fraternity as a major program goal. This includes the identification, recruitment and induction of interest groups in cities across the country. Crucial to the plan is the reorganization of chapters previously operated by Delta Phi Upsilon.
[edit] Delta Phi Upsilon Organizational Structure
The Boule – In democratically governed organizations, all basic legislative powers are placed with a representative body. For Delta Phi Upsilon, this body is the Boule. The Boule is the biennial meeting of the entire membership, and is composed of delegates from each chapter, plus specified fraternity officers. These delegates comprise the voting body of the Boule.
The Boule has the power to organize, constitute and charter chapters and has general supervision over these chapters; to form new regions whenever warranted by growth of the fraternity; to dissolve chapters and expel members; to make, write, compile and promulgate all of the ritualistic work; to hear and make decisions on all questions that are referred to it, on appeal or otherwise.
Any member in good standing may attend the Boule with the privilege of being recognized and speaking from the Boule floor during debate, but only the official delegates of chapters in good standing may vote.
The Executive Council – The Executive Council is empowered to carry on the business of the fraternity when the Boule is not in session and to deliberate on all policies and problems of the organization. It has the specific powers to hear and act upon all appeals brought before it by members, chapters and regions; to make recommendations to the Boule; and approve the program of the Boule.
The Executive Council is composed of the Supreme Basileus, the Supreme Anti-Basileus, the Supreme Tamiouchos, the Supreme Grammateus, the Supreme Parliamentarian, the Regional Directors and the Executive Director, all of whom serve without pay. These men are loyal and hard working Deltas whose primary concern is providing every Delta with a quality lifetime experience.
[edit] Executive Council Duties and Responsibilities
The Supreme Basileus – presides over all meetings of the Executive Council and the Boule. He performs the duties which are usually executed by the Chief Executive Officer. He appoints, with the approval of the Executive Council, all delegates to national organizations with which Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. is affiliated. He exercises general supervision over the Boule and all personnel. The Program of the Boule is prepared under his direction.
The Supreme Anti-Basileus – assists the Supreme Basileus in the performance of his duties and presides in the absence of the Supreme Basileus. He also serves as the Chairman of the National Program Committee and as an ex-officio member of all other committees except the National Nominating Committee.
The Supreme Grammateus – serves as secretary of the Executive Council and of the Boule. He also serves as a member of the National Standards Committee.
The Supreme Tamiouchos – monitors all receipts and expenditures of the fraternity, and makes periodic reports. He also serves as Chairman of the National Finance Committee and presents the budget of estimated income and expenditures to the Boule for approval.
The Supreme Parliamentarian – advises the presiding officer in the interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws and serves as Chairman of the National Standards Committee. As the chief judicial officer of the fraternity, he rules on all disciplinary hearings held by any unit of the fraternity.
The Regional Director – exercises supervision over the chapters in his region, with the power to adjust problems in such regions. He notifies chapters when candidates have been approved for the Membership Intake Process. He presides over all Regional Conferences and has the responsibility for the establishment of chapters in his region.
The Grand Chapter – The Grand Chapter is the name given to the headquarters of the fraternity and it is headed by the Executive Director who is responsible for its administration. While the duties of the Executive Director are quite broad, it is his specific responsibility to maintain the permanent records, transact business, and implement the program of the Fraternity as approved by the Executive Council.
The fraternity has established various standing committees to better assist the organization in conducting its affairs. These National Committees include:
The National Membership Committee – consists of a member from each region. The committees’ purpose is to stimulate interest in the total fraternity program; monitor membership status and trends; recommend strategies for recruitment, retention and reactivation of members; study those problems pertinent to chapters and encourage scholastic achievement, community service and involvement.
The National Standards Committee – consists of the Supreme Parliamentarian as Chairman, the Supreme Grammateus and a member from each region. This committee interprets and enforces the Constitution and Bylaws and the established policies and procedures of the fraternity among members and chapters; proposes needed changes to the Constitution and Bylaws; carefully examines all proposed amendments from other approved sources and formulates same to be circulated; functions as a judiciary board and an arbitrator when disputes arise between officers, chapters and members; monitors and investigates all allegations and improprieties related to Membership Intake; establishes the criteria and implements the yearly evaluation of chapters.
The National Scholarship Committee – The committee consists of a member from each region and establishes specific criteria for selecting honorary members, screens nominations for honorary membership, presents recommendations to the Executive Council for induction; develops and administers the scholarship program of the fraternity and makes recommendations concerning the same to the Executive Council; screens nominations for the Pearls of Distinction; makes recommendations to the Executive Council for the Delta Phi Upsilon National Merit Awards; and any other matters related to awards.
The National Elections Committee – consists of members elected by the membership, with representation from each region, whose job it is to certify the credentials of all candidates for national office and preparing the slate of nominees. The committee also supervises all campaign practices and establishes checks to ensure that all campaign rules are followed. The National Finance Committee – consists of the Supreme Tamiouchos as chairman, the chairman of the National Program Committee, the Executive Director, and a member from each region. It is the duty of the committee to draw up and supervise the annual budget of the fraternity; promote support for any current fund-raising drive and be responsible for the auditing of all accounts. The committee is also responsible for originating and administering a program of investments when feasible.
The National Program Committee – consists of the Supreme Anti-Basileus as chairman and a representative from each region. Its function is to formulate the Delta Phi Upsilon program for recommendation to the Executive Council.
The National Lambda Committee – consisting of a member from each region, this committee identifies and studies national and international issues which impact upon the quality of black gay life.
The National Lambda Committee also designs strategies for communication with the membership regarding such issues and mobilizes the membership for action to formulate and recommend position statements to the Supreme Basileus and the Executive Council.
Regions – All chapters have been grouped into geographic regions, each of which are supervised by a Regional Director, who provides assistance and advice in chapter operations and program development.
Chapters – Each region is populated by chapters established by groups of 10 or more men who meet the criteria for membership in Delta Phi Upsilon. Each chapter follows a structure similar to that of the national body, and in most cases, is supported by a Chapter Advisor, who provides assistance and advice in chapter operations.
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