Upsilon Zeta - Spring 1981 Line 'Gangsters of the Groove' Interview

Introduction

• Interviewer: Jackson Farrar
• Interviewees: Spring 1981 Line, also known as 'Gangsters of the Groove'
• History Committee Members Present: Maron Murphy, Ron Quet
• Line Members Present: Danny Austin, Tony Hester, Tyron Vinon, Reginal McNeil, Vincent Peele, Sheridan Barnes, Michael Swan
• Objective: Discuss the cultural, historical, and personal experiences of the Spring 1981 Line at East Carolina University (ECU)

Setting the Scene

Introduction of History Committee

• Maron Murphy: Fall '89, Upsilon Zeta Chapter, East Carolina University
• Ron Quet: Summer '93, Upsilon Zeta Chapter

Personal Introductions from Line Members

• Danny Austin (Diller): Whitakers, North Carolina
• Tony Hester (Little Caesar): Mo City, North Carolina
• Tyron Vinon (Valentino/Tino): Winston Salem, North Carolina
• Reginal McNeil (Bang Bang): Lumberton, North Carolina
• Vincent Peele (Devious Dion): Baltimore, Maryland
• Sheridan Barnes (Baby Face Dog/Scooby-Doo): Micron Carolina
• Michael Swan: Bermuda, transfer from Jackson State University

Context at ECU in the Early 1980s

Campus Environment

• Student Body: Around 10,000 students, with fewer than 1,000 minority students
• Greenville, NC: Typical Southern college town with racial tensions and conservative political views
• Dorm Life: No air conditioning, primarily white student body
• Facilities: Wright Student Center was the only wooden building, designated for black students

Personal Experiences and Cultural Climate

• Tyron Vinon: Attended ECU following limited options due to segregation; found comfort among Eastern NC students
• Vincent Peele: Chose ECU to be near family; noted the sharply segregated cultural atmosphere
• Michael Swan: Transitioned from historically black college (Jackson State) to ECU's majority white campus; struggled with cultural shock

Historical Context

• Ronald Reagan's Election (1980): Marked a shift in political climate on campus
• Conservative Influence: Notable conservative figures like Professor/Senator John East influenced campus dynamics

Pledge Process and Chapter History

Early Days on Campus

• Introduction to ΩΨΦ: Most members learned about Omega Psi Phi through friends or family connections
• Smoker Event: Initial meeting place where candidates got assessed; marked by intense questioning

Chapter Dynamics

• Small but Impactful: Despite small chapter size, Omega Psi Phi was influential and commanded respect
• Integration with Other Students: The small number of minority students meant most knew each other

Social Life and Bonding

• Activities: Frequent gatherings, such as stepping in front of the bookstore at noon
• Brotherhood and Camaraderie: Deep emotional connections formed through shared experiences

Memorable Moments and Challenges

Humor and Hardships During Pledge Process

• Cleaning Funeral Homes: Forced to clean around Norris Funeral Home; memorable due to eerie setting
• Struggles with Physical and Mental Hardship: Emphasis on mental toughness over physical challenges

Stepping and Public Engagements

• Regular Step Sessions: Stepped daily at noon in front of the student store; attracted many white onlookers
• Social Recognition: Regular appearances gained them local fame and respect

Post-Pledge and Brotherhood Continuity

Visiting Chapters and Conclaves

• Frequent Visits from Other ΩΨΦ Chapters: Regular visits from Elizabeth City, St. Paul, and Fayetteville State
• First Conclave: Myrtle Beach in 1984

Social and Community Impact

• Big Events: Notable parties like the toga party; attracted large crowds including celebrities like the Dazz Band
• Service Projects: Involved in initiatives like tutoring programs (Dial A Teacher)

Reflecting on Brotherhood and Achievements

Personal Growth and Lifelong Bonds

• Impact on Life: Members share how the Omega Psi Phi experience influenced their personal growth and career paths
• Tragic Moments: Reflecting on the passing of Honcho Joe Ward and its emotional toll

Final Reflections

• Transformation Line: Spring 1981 described as a transformational line for the chapter
• Pioneers and Trendsetters: Acknowledgement of the 1973-1980 brothers for laying the foundation
• Continued Legacy: Emotional connections and unity maintained through yearly homecomings and social events