Phil W. Petrie and his bookcover
Nationwide — In an era when hazing has shamed Greek-Letter fraternities and sororities into embarrassment, and the president of the United States, with no shame, admonishes Black audiences that their plight is already in such despair they have nothing to lose. Fortunately, the publication of Beta Omicron’s 84-year old history belies the foolishness of misguided contemporary hazing, and the unfortunate words of the president.
Two Gates For Transformation: The Story of Beta Omicron by Phil W. Petrie is neither a how-to manual informing readers what steps to take, or not take, when joining a fraternity; nor is it an exposure of Alpha Phi Alpha’s rites and rituals. It is the story of Black youths who first changed themselves and then the world in which they lived. This has been happening at Tennessee State University [Beta Omicron’s collegiate home], since 1930, and at other HBCUs since 1907.
Two Gates was written so that all HBCU graduates, whether they were in a sorority, fraternity, or an independent, can appreciate this publication.
Printed on 176 pages of silk — gloss paper with more than 100 photographs, as well as original art by Tennessee State University professor Michael McBride, Two Gates is the story of Black men (and women) at Black colleges who strived to transform the lives of black youth. Their success at TSU and other Black colleges is noteworthy.
Did you know that a Beta Omicron brother was inducted into the state of Ohio’s Engineering of Fame sharing membership with the Wright Brothers and Thomas Edison? Did you know that King Gustav IV of Switzerland knighted a Beta Omicron brother and appointed him Switzerland Consul for Boston and New England?
The book closes with appendices of Beta Omicron that includes: the chapter’s receiving the national chapter of the year in 1954, 1956, and 1994; other Beta Omicron awards, scholarships, and accomplishments; student government presidents, Beta Omicron chapter presidents; and pledge-lines from 1933 – 2018.
Two Gates is the perfect gift for all seasons.
To purchase this $60 book, send check or money order to The Petrie Group (no shipping charge), or to get more information contact:
The Petrie Group
1258 Dodd Street
Clarksville, TN 37040
Pwpsr1937@gmail.com
931-919-0016