Lambda Gamma Gamma (“LGG”) also known as the “Capital Region Ques” was established on Fort Meade, Maryland in 1985. The first meeting was held in August of 1984 before an official charter was processed for approval. Brothers Doug Bonner, Cyrus Stroman, Jonathon Allen, Blair Alexander, Roy Gordon and Shelton Henry met to form the nucleus of the soon to be chartered military chapter.
The chapter was chartered on December 29th of 1984 however, the official charter was presented to the chapter’s charter members on April 28, 1985. Before the formal presentation, provisional officers were appointed to manage the affairs of organizing and coordinating for future recognition by the national organization.
The provisional slate included the following brothers: Basileus (prov.) Roy Gordon, Vice Basileus (prov.) Jonathon Allen, Keeper of Finance (prov.) Blair Alexander, and Keeper of Records and Seal Cyrus Stroman. These brothers made up the core of the organization and were instrumental in putting together a viable proposal to establish the Lambda Gamma Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
The charter officially established LGG as part of the National Capital Region. Brother John Maloney III, 19th Second District Representative, officiated the charter ceremony and Brother E. Ross presented the guest remarks. LGG was unique in that it was composed of an assortment of military and non-military brothers devoted to the principles of Omega. Charter membership consisted of Brothers Cyrus Stroman, L.C. Collins, Roy Gordon, Shelton Henry, Jonathon Allen, Blair Alexander, Douglas Bonner, and Lawrence Shaw.
“Aid to an indigent family” was the chapter’s title for its first philanthropic endeavor. Working with the assistance and oversight of Fort Meade’s Army Community Services Program, a family was identified and the brothers of LGG provided anonymously donated food goods to needy families for a period of 6 months.
A military based chapter had its share of unique challenges. The constant turn-over of membership posed a particularly tough challenge and LGG has been somewhat vulnerable throughout the years. In 1998 however, LGG was reinvigorated with a massive infusion of brothers determined to make LGG a powerful chapter within the National Capital Region. The chapter’s membership rose from 12 financial brothers to over one hundred in a period of less than 12 months.
LGG incorporated a new strategy and the chapter shifted its membership focus from primarily military brothers to young and disenfranchised Omega men between the ages of 25 and 50. The membership drive was spurred on by the newly elected slate of officers consisting of Basileus S. Earl Wilson, former National Executive Director of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Vice Basileus James Mullen, Keeper of Records and Seals Lee Packnett, Keeper of Finance Angelo Riddick and a host of supportive brothers. The new leadership encouraged the brothers to recruit from a ripe pool of unclaimed brothers in and around the DC area.
To manage the chapter, it was decided that the chapter be divided into three logical geographical areas to be governed by a designated Area Representative. Area 1 consisted of brothers in the Laurel/Odenton/Baltimore/Crofton/Montgomery County regions. Area 2 consisted of brothers in the Prince Georges, Calvert, St. Mary, and Charles County regions. Lastly, Area 3 consisted of brothers in the District of Columbia, Alexandria, Arlington, Woodbridge, Virginia regions. Each area was to conduct monthly meetings and provide support services for meetings to be strategically scheduled on a rotating basis. Meetings were officially rotated from area to area to add variety and make travel reasonable for the brotherhood that stretched as far south as Stafford, Virginia to Baltimore, Maryland.
The geographical dispersion caused initial controversy but LGG worked with local chapters to establish amiable working relationships. The chapter now boasts a membership of over 250 financial members who come from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Since the reorganization the chapter has been recognized for outstanding achievements within the chapter and the district. One of the most significant achievements is the chapter’s reclamation program. LGG has won the 2nd District’s Reclamation Award for the past several years. In 2007, Brother James Hicks was elected 2nd District Keeper of Finance and Brother Phillip T. Edmonds was awarded the “Second District Superior Service Award.” In 2002, Brother Reggie Sullivan spearheaded the step team that won 3rd place at the National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In 1998, the chapter adopted the nickname “The Capital Region Ques”.
To add to the rich history of Lambda Gamma Gamma, the chapter boasts a list of famous brothers; Brother S. Earl Wilson, former National Executive Secretary to Omega Psi Phi was also a former Basileus of the Chapter. Brother Lieutenant General Kip Ward (U.S. Army) and Brother Major General Abraham Turner have graced the ranks of the Capital Region Ques. In addition, the chapter has the honor of having Brother Robert Rigsby on its roll. Brother Rigsby is a Judge in Washington, DC and a United States Army Reservist who served a considerable amount of time on active duty. LGG has the honor of also having in its ranks Bro. Lonnie Liston Smith famous Jazz Musician and Artist.
As LGG embarks upon it’s 35th anniversary our chapter continues to grow and serve the community in the name of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. With a focus on Manhood and Mentorship, LGG continues to strive to make a difference in our communities.
