Brother Charles Burleson's Story

Brother Charles Burleson was born on September 9, 1959, in Temple, Texas, to Pastor Charles and Lovie Burleson. He spent his significant years in Denver, Colorado. He graduated from East High School in 1977. Brother Charles was awarded a full golf scholarship and served as the Captain of Prairie View’s golf team while maintaining a 3.5 GPA. He achieved academic recognition, earning Magna Cum Laude honors in September 1980 and Cum Laude in the academic year of 1980-81. In 1978, he was recognized as one of the "Most Handsome" finalists on campus. During this time, he was approached by the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., who extended an invitation for him to engage in their affiliated pledge process.

 

Brother Charles was appointed as the inaugural president of the Delta Alpha chapter, Sigma Gamma Rho Rhomeo. During his tenure, he guided the Elite members in their quest for an independent identity. Brother Charles played a critical role in the chapter's transition to a self-governing fraternity. He proposed that the group adopt the name Rhomeo Inc.; however, the Student Government Council did not recognize Rhomeo Inc. as a Greek-affiliated organization until a name change was made. Therefore, Sigma Gamma Rho was merged with Rhomeo, a decision accepted by the on-campus council to signify their commitment to establishing a brotherhood rather than being perceived as a sweetheart organization associated with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.

 

Brother Charles also assumed the responsibility as overseer to the incoming inductees known as the “Aqua 10,” the first group of members initiated without the supervision of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. He was a committed advocate for “NO HAZING” throughout their initiation period, ensuring that the new members embodied the principles of a true Rhomeo man. He stated, “Hazing Does Not Create Brotherhood.” To this day, the Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo Inc. continues the tradition of carrying and twirling the cane, a practice introduced to the fraternity by Brother Charles Burleson (not to be confused with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated).

 

Brother Charles is credited with the conceptualization of the name Sigma Gamma Rho Rhomeo, which received approval from the Delta Alpha chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, though it was not sanctioned by the regional authority of the Sorority. The other Elite members concurred that this name would effectively convey their intention to function as a brotherhood that was separate yet not segregated from Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Although Charles was reluctant to accept a Non-Greek status, the Elite members agreed to address this issue in the future. Unfortunately, as the Elite members graduated, they passed the responsibility to the current members for further deliberation.

 

The first official registration of Rhomeo on a national level occurred at Prairie View A&M University, where it was established as Sigma Gamma Rho Rhomeo, thanks to the problem-solving efforts of the chapter President Charles Burleson. Eventually, the brotherhood adopted the name Sigma Gamma Rhomeo, replacing the earlier designation for the sweethearts, which was Sigma Gamma Rho “Rhomeos.”

 

During the pledging process, Charles was married and anticipating the birth of his first child with his wife in November 1981. Devoted to his family, he made it a point to return home on weekends. At that time, he was also completing the twenty-one (21) credit hours required for graduation in the upcoming spring. He began and completed his thesis within the same semester. Despite the considerable challenges, Brother Charles managed to stay awake for 24 hours, two days a week throughout the semester, a strategy that proved effective. He attributes his strong moral foundation to the upbringing provided by his mother.

 

Brother Charles Burleson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing with a minor in Management in the spring of 1981.

 

Words of wisdom from Brother Charles Burleson: Be a person of your word. Good principles for maintaining humility in relationships include: 1) Forgive quickly; 2) Appreciate everything; 3) Accept things as they really are.

 

Today’s Success:

Brother Charles Burleson currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia. He serves as a Deacon in his church and is fortunate to own several businesses. His character is reflected in his diverse skill set. Brother Charles possesses expertise in: Marketing and Management, Networking, Fundraising, Event Planning, Venture Capital, Real Estate Investment, Business Negotiation, Soft Sales, Inspirational Poetry, Family Mentorship, Passive Recruitment and Sourcing, Execution, and Motivational Speaking.