How did we become Onyx?  
The 1970s was a time where Black pride was growing across the country.  Our Black leaders, our Afros and other hairstyles, our choice in clothes, and our R&B, Soul, and Rap music were influences that helped shape our young minds into wanting to change the world and exemplified the pride we had in being Black. So in August 1980 as the freshman class arrived on campus, we found it tradition at Hampton for each of the classes to have a name and that name would exemplify the character of the class.  

At the time Ogre Phi Ogre was being repeated and everyone else created their own. We had to also start preparing for homecoming, so in September 1980 after Freshman class elections we held a class meeting in Ogden Hall where classmates nominated six names for vote. The final vote came down to Onyx and Eminence 2 (from a previous class). We chose the Class of 1984 as Onyx. Onyx is a precious gemstone that is known for being a source of power. The class motto reflects the definition of Onyx. This motto, “Black and United”, exemplifies what we as freshmen were striving for. Our colors were black and silver.
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The strength we drew from each other as young Black Hamptonians helped us to endure the struggles of life and achieve unification. We continued to be Black and united as we pursued our degrees at Hampton Institute.

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The Executive Committee

Sheila Williamson-Branch

Class Leader 

Sheila is the first black elected official for the
​City of Danville, VA 
SheilaBranch(at)hotmail.com

Dwayne Blake

Co-Class Leader

Retired Executiveat at Huntington Ingalls Industries

Treasurer

Business Development Manager at JMG Connects Detroit, MI
Actively involved in mentoring your tech innovators and entrepreneurs, as well as volunteering in the community
bcgaines(at)live.com

Oliver Sporty Johnson
​Communications 

Paula Bazemore
Logistics 
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Angela Nixon Boyd 
​Secretary