Omega Psi Phi Fraternity: History and Impact

Posted on Feb 3, 2025 in Personal Image

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity: A Legacy of Excellence

Founding and Early History

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University. Professor Ernest E. Just, a prominent figure in the Biology Department at Howard University, served as a faculty advisor. The fraternity was established by three undergraduate students: Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank Coleman. The first chapter was designated as Alpha Chapter.

Phi Beta Kappa, the first Greek-letter organization, was organized on the campus of William & Mary in 1776.

Key Milestones and Principles

  • In 1922, the Grand Keeper of Records also became the Grand Keeper of Records and Seals.
  • Omega Psi Phi was incorporated on October 28, 1914.
  • The fraternity’s motto is “Friendship is essential to the soul.” This phrase inspired the name “Omega Psi Phi.”
  • “Omega Dear” is the official hymn, adopted in 1931. It was written by Charles Drew and Mercer Cook. The first official hymn was “Omega Men Draw Nigh.”

Organizational Structure

  • There are five Black Greek-letter organizations at Howard University.
  • Omega Psi Phi is divided into 12 districts.
  • The highest-ranking district is the District Representative (DR).
  • The fraternity holds a Conclave every two years.
  • The first National Headquarters was located at Howard University.
  • The current National Headquarters is located at 3951 Snapfinger Parkway, Decatur, GA 30035.
  • Kenneth Barnes serves as the Executive Director.
  • Andrew Ray is the current Grand Basileus.

Notable Members and Contributions

  • Dr. Charles Drew, a professor of Surgery at Howard University, discovered the secret to creating blood plasma.
  • In 1949, the Scholarship Fund was renamed the Charles Drew Memorial Scholarship Fund.
  • In 1979, the fraternity contributed $250,000 over five years to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
  • The fraternity endowed the Omega Faculty Chair at Rust College.
  • Carter G. Woodson initiated the establishment of Black History and Achievement Week.
  • H. Carl Moultrie was the First National Executive Secretary.
  • William McMillan was a College President.
  • Herman Dreer wrote the first Omega History Book.
  • Benjamin Hooks served as the Executive Secretary of the NAACP.
  • Jesse Jackson is a renowned Civil Rights Activist.
  • William (Bill) Cosby is a well-known entertainer.
  • Don Q. Pullen wrote the “Omega Sweetheart Song.”
  • Ronald McNair was an astronaut.
  • L. Douglas Wilder was the first Black Governor of Virginia.
  • William (Count) Basie was a famous jazz musician.
  • Michael Jordan is a legendary basketball player.
  • Ed “Too Tall” Jones is a former professional football player.

Publications and Affiliations

  • Omega Psi Phi has two national publications: The Oracle and The Omega Bulletin.
  • The fraternity is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), also known as the “Divine Nine.”

Mandated Programs

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity has ten mandated programs:

  1. Achievement Week
  2. Scholarship
  3. Social Action Program
  4. Talent Hunt Program
  5. Reclamation and Retention
  6. Memorial Service
  7. College Endowment Fund
  8. Health Initiatives
  9. Voter Registration, Education, and Mobilization
  10. NAACP

Chapter History

  • The first chapter, Alpha, was established at Howard University on December 15, 1911, with 14 charter members.
  • The second chapter, Beta, was established at Lincoln University in February 1914.

Inspirational Poems

Invictus by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

See It Through by Edgar A. Guest

When you’re up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it’s vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!

Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don’t let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!

Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you’re beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don’t give up, whate’er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!