The Collegian

Issue date: 3/9/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Dervedia Thomas/The Collegian Genesis Peterson. On his upper arm two of his brands are visible . The larger of the two , has a lighting bolt running throuh it.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article contains subject matter that may be deemed explicit . Reader discretion advised.

Branding is an undeniable part of the experience at a Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU). Everyone has either seen someone with a brand and been mortified, thought of getting one or felt the heat themselves.

Senior history major Genesis Peterson who is part of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, has felt the heat 19 times. He has brands on his back, both sides of his shoulders, his hips and both his wrists; one of which is dedicated to a deceased member of his chapter.

Many persons see this act as barbaric or simply gross. Most of the National Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLO's) including the Omegas have even publicly distanced themselves from this practice and underscore that it does not form part of their official rituals.

Fraternity members however, say it is a personal choice that shows their devotion to the organization and that legitimizes their membership.

"When I first came out I was just so excited to be an Omega," said Peterson. "It was a goal that I always wanted to attain, and once I got here, I crossed, had my coming out show; I was wearing the shirts and doing everything I was supposed to, but it just didn't feel real to me until I made it legit. The brand to me signified, OK Genesis; you're really an Omega now."

Students pledging Greek organizations gain not just membership, but a new family which they often refer to as brothers or sisters. This bond is something he says he has never experienced.

"Before I pledged, I knew a lot of people, but I never really had any close friends. Omegas are about friendship. When two Omegas see each other, were just ecstatic, the way we greet each other and we just saw each other yesterday. It has also enabled me to become friends with people that I would probably have never talked to."

Branding is a second degree burn inflicted by a heated iron. In this case, it is a clothes hanger twisted in the form of an Omega that is pressed on the skin for about five seconds. The person inflicting the burn is often called a Hit Master and many fraternity members even have parties where branding is done.

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