By Cliff Bellamy
cbellamy@heraldsun.com; 419-6744
DURHAM -- The rain fell, but it did not seem to bother Duke and N.C. Central University alumni who gathered late Saturday before the historic first meeting of the Blue Devils and the Eagles football teams at Wallace Wade Stadium. In addition to the rain, beer flowed, and there was plenty of chicken, barbecue and other good picnic food as fans gathered at Blue Devil Alley for the pregame tailgate parties for the historic first meeting of the two schools' teams.
Much has been said and written about this game as an event that bridges a historical divide between Duke and historically black NCCU. Members of the Omega Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity -- the first black fraternity at Duke, established in 1974 -- were on hand celebrating that historic milestone along with the evening's game. "This game brings the two academic communities together, and we're happy about that," said Wayne Dallas, a member of the chapter who graduated in 1978 and played football. "It's been a long time in coming."
Like many other groups, they had rented a tent in the alley area, and their event had the feeling of old home week.
Fans from both schools hailed the meeting as historic and good for Durham. "This is so reflective of Durham trying to bridge the gap," said Dorian Bolden, owner of B
