Greek life is a huge part of the college experience. It can give some students an opportunity to form friendships and give back to the community, but it can also be known for partying and reckless behaviors.
Different fraternities and sororities gain certain stereotypes, due to social activities and controversies, but one student at Florida A&M University wants to challenge those stereotypes and promote positivity.
Jeremiah Benjamin, a fourth-year business administration major and 2022 spring initiate of the Mighty Melodic Bloody-UP Upsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, cherishes brotherhood and leadership.
“I really believe in faith. If it wasn’t meant for me, it wouldn’t have happened, but it did,” Benjamin said.
Benjamin’s father was a part of his fraternity, and he admired the men who came before him. Benjamin was never pressured to carry on his father’s legacy, but he was inspired by the opportunity to form a brotherhood with likeminded individuals.
The men of Omega Psi Phi fraternity may be known for their promiscuous ways, parties and rowdiness, but Benjamin wants people to know they are more than just those stereotypes and he wants to change that perception.
“I’m not a bad guy. I’m a good guy. I show love,” Benjamin said. “If I’m a good guy that’s going to be a better way of looking at the bruhz, instead of people just looking at us as crazy, people who party, and they just have sex with women.”
Behind the partying and strolling, the Brothers of the Upsilon Psi chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity have held several community outreach events. Some events include tutoring and assisting students at the Walker-Ford Community Center, a domestic violence awareness panel, and a Thanksgiving food drive.
The Upsilon Psi chapter of Omega Psi Phi has also been awarded “Social Action Chapter of the Year,” which is known for having the most community service and has also been awarded as “Undergraduate Chapter of the Year.”
Benjamin wants people to realize how much they do for the community and believes in upholding the fraternity’s core principles, known as manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift.
“A man should be able to follow those four cardinal principles,” Benjamin said. “A man should protect women, live out your life in a positive uplifting way, and handle your business.”
Benjamin’s father, James Benjamin, is honored and pleased with the kind of man Benjamin is becoming.
“I am very proud of Jeremiah and glad he found Omega,” James said.
Besides the community service and social outreach, the fraternity has allowed Benjamin to create multiple friendships and bonds, which will follow him throughout his lifetime.
Kaleb Brooks, a fourth-year business major at FAMU and line brother of Benjamin, looks back and appreciates the brotherhood they have formed.
“Jeremiah was my brother before the bruhz but now he’s my line brother,” Brooks said.
“In 20-30 years we’re gonna have kids and they will know each other …anytime I go to another state I can call a bruhz and they will help me out,” Benjamin said. “It’s a generational community.”
Benjamin is excited to see what the future holds for him and his line brothers. Benjamin is grateful for the opportunities that have come his way and strives to represent the Mighty Melodic Bloody-UP Upsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity in the best way that he can. He strives to promote brotherhood.