Omega Psi Phi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Omega Psi Phi () is an international fraternity with over 750

undergraduate and graduate chapters. The fraternity was founded on Omega Psi Phi
November 17, 1911 by three Howard University juniors, Edgar Amos
Love, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman, and their faculty
adviser, Dr. Ernest Everett Just. Omega Psi Phi is the first
predominantly African-American fraternity to be founded at a
historically black university.[1]

Contents
1 History Founded November 17, 1911
2 Centennial Celebration Howard University
3 Internationally Mandated Programs Type Social
4 Membership
5 National Pan-Hellenic Council membership Emphasis Service
6 Grand Basileus Scope International
7 List of Omega Psi Phi Grand Conclaves
8 Notable hazing incidents and controversies Motto Friendship is Essential
9 "Unofficial" practices to the Soul
10 See also Colors Royal Purple
11 References
Old Gold
12 External links
Symbol Lamp
Publication Oracle and Clarion Call
History Chapters 750+
Cardinal Manhood, scholarship,
Since its founding in 1911, Omega Psi Phi's stated purpose has been to Principles perseverance and uplift
attract and build a strong and effective force of men dedicated to its
Cardinal Principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. Headquarters 3951 Snapfinger
Throughout the world, many notable members are recognized as leaders Parkway
in the arts, academics, athletics, entertainment, business, civil rights, Decatur, Georgia
education, government, and science fields. A few notable members United States of
include Charles Cardoza Poindexter, Bill Cosby, Benjamin Mays, America
Bayard Rustin, Langston Hughes, Count Basie, Roy Wilkins, Benjamin
Homepage Omega Psi Phi
Hooks, Vernon Jordan, Dr. Robert Henry Lawrence, Jr., Rev. Jesse
Jackson, Rev. Dr. Mack King Carter, William H. Hastie (U.S. Virgin Fraternity website
Islands) and L. Douglas Wilder, Representative James Clyburn, Earl
Graves, Tom Joyner, Charles Bolden, Ronald McNair, General William
"Kip" Ward, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Roger Kingdom,
Terrence Trammell, Shammond Williams, Vince Carter, Steve Harvey,
Rickey Smiley, Ray Lewis, Stephen A. Smith, and numerous presidents
of colleges and universities. Over 250,000 men have been initiated into
Omega Psi Phi throughout the United States, Bermuda, Bahamas,
Virgin Islands, South Korea, Japan, Liberia, Germany, and Kuwait.[1]
On the 2013 Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens, six players and Omega Psi Phi Founders
GM Ozzie Newsome are members.[2]
In 1924, at the urging of fraternity member Carter G. Woodson, the fraternity
launched Negro History and Literature Week in an effort to publicize the growing
body of scholarship on African-American history.[3] Encouraged by public
interest, the event was renamed "Negro Achievement Week" in 1925 and given an
expanded national presence in 1926 by Woodson's Association for the Study of
Negro Life as "Negro History Week."[3] Expanded to the full month of February The Alpha chapter of
from 1976, this event continues today as Black History Month. Omega Psi Phi in 1911.

Since 1945, the fraternity has undertaken a National Social Action Program to
meet the needs of African Americans in the areas of health, housing, civil rights, and education. Omega Psi Phi
has been a patron of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) since 1955, providing an annual gift of
$350,000.00 to the program.

Omega Psi Phi is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), which is composed of nine
predominately African-American Greek-letter sororities and fraternities that promote interaction through
forums, meetings, and other media for the exchange of information, and engage in cooperative programming
and initiatives throughout the world. The (NPHC) currently represents over 2.5 million members.[4]

Centennial Celebration
Omega Psi Phi celebrated its centennial during the week of July 2731, 2011 in Washington D.C., becoming
distinguished as only the third African-American collegiate fraternity to reach the century mark.[4] The
Centennial Celebration recognized the impact of the Fraternity in communities over the past 100 years, honored
Omega Men for achievement in all walks of life, reiterated Omega Psi Phi's commitment to providing
unparalleled community service and scholarship, and charted the Fraternity's future activities.

Internationally Mandated Programs

Each Chapter administers Internationally Mandated Programs every year:[5]

Achievement Week A week in November that seeks to recognize individuals who have made notable
contributions to society. During the Achievement Week, a High School Essay Contest is held and the winner
usually receives a scholarship award.

Scholarship The Charles R. Drew Scholarship Program encourages

academic progress among the organization's undergraduate members.
A portion of the fraternity's budget is designated for the Charles R.
Drew Scholarship Commission, which awards scholarships to
members and non-members.

Social Action Programs All chapters are required to participate in

programs that uplift their society. Many participate in activities like:
voter registration, illiteracy programs, mentoring programs,
fundraisers, and charitable organizations such as American Diabetes Omega Psi Phi chapter members
Association, United Way, and the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation. marching in an Independence Day parade,
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Talent Hunt Program Each chapter is required to hold a yearly
talent contest, to encourage young people to expose themselves to the
Performing Arts. Individuals who win these talent contests receive an award, such as a scholarship.

Memorial Service March 12 is Omega Psi Phi Memorial Day. Every chapter of the Fraternity performs a
ritualistic memorial service to remember members who have died.

Reclamation and Retention This program is an effort to encourage inactive members to become fully active
and participate in the fraternity's programs.
College Endowment Funds The fraternity donates thousands of
dollars to Historically Black Colleges and Universities each year.

Health Initiatives Chapters are required to coordinate programs that

will encourage good health practices. Programs that members involve
themselves in include HIV/AIDS awareness, blood drives, prostate
cancer awareness, and sickle cell anemia awareness programs.

Voter Registration, Education and Motivation Coordination

activities that promote voter registration and mobilization.

NAACP A Life Membership at Large in the NAACP is required by

all chapters and districts.[6] Omega Psi Phi chapter members at the
50th Anniversary of theMarch on
Membership Washington for Jobs and Freedom

Omega Psi Phi recognizes undergraduate and graduate membership.

College students must be working toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution, have at least 31
semester credits, and maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average. For the graduate chapter, an applicant must
already possess a bachelor's degree.[7] The fraternity grants honorary membership to men who have contributed
to society in a positive way on a national or international level. For example, Charles Young (March 12, 1864
January 2, 1922) was the third African American graduate of West Point, the first black U.S. national park
superintendent, the first African American military attach, and the highest ranking black officer (Colonel) in
the United States Army until his death in 1922.

National Pan-Hellenic Council membership

In 1930, Omega Psi Phi became one of 5 founding members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
Today, the NPHC is composed of nine international black Greek-letter sororities and fraternities and promotes
interaction through forums, meetings, and other mediums for the exchange of information, and engages in
cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.[8]

Grand Basileus
 Time in
Name Order Ref.
Office

Edgar Amos Love 1st Grand Basileus 19111912 [9][10]

Oscar J. Cooper 2nd Grand Basileus 19121913 [9][10]

Edgar Amos Love 3rd Grand Basileus 19131915 [9][10]

George E. Hall 4th Grand Basileus 19151916 [9][10]

James C. McMorries 5th Grand Basileus 19161917 [9][10]

Clarence F. Holmes 6th Grand Basileus 19171918 [9][10][11]

Raymond G. Robinson 7th Grand Basileus 19181920 [9][10][12]

Harold H. Thomas 8th Grand Basileus 19201921 [9][10]

J. Alston Atkins 9th Grand Basileus 19211924 [10][13][14]

10th Grand
John W. Love 1924[a] [10]
Basileus

11th Grand Omega Psi Phi shoulder bag

George L. Vaughn 19241926 [10][13]
Basileus

12th Grand [10][12][15]

Julius S. McClain 19261929
Basileus

13th Grand [10]

Matthew W. Bullock 19291932
Basileus

14th Grand [10][16]

Lawrence A. Oxley 19321935
Basileus

15th Grand [10][17]

William Baugh 19351937
Basileus

16th Grand [10][17]

Albert W. Dent 19371940
Basileus

17th Grand [10][13][18]

Z. Alexander Looby 19401945
Basileus

18th Grand [10]

Campbell C. Johnson 19451947
Basileus

19th Grand [10]

Harry Penn 19471949
Basileus

20th Grand [10]

Milo C. Murray 19491951
Basileus

Grant Reynolds 21st Grand Basileus 19511953 [10][13][19]

22nd Grand [10][20][21]

John F. Potts 19531955
Basileus

23rd Grand [10][22]

Herbert E. Tucker, Jr. 19551958
Basileus

24th Grand [10][16]

I. Gregory Newton 19581961
Basileus

25th Grand [10][23]

Cary D. Jacobs 19611964
Basileus

26th Grand [13]

George E. Meares 19641967
Basileus

Ellis F. Corbett 27th Grand 19671970 [24]

 Basileus
28th Grand [23][25]
James Avery 19701973
Basileus

29th Grand [26][27][28]

Marion Garnett 19731976
Basileus

30th Grand [25][29][30][31]

Dr. Edward Braynon, Jr. 19761979
Basileus

Burnel E. Coulon 31st Grand Basileus 19791982 [25][30][32]

Dr. L. Benjamin 32nd Grand [33]

19821984
Livingston Basileus

33rd Grand [25][30][34]

Dr. Moses C. Norman 19841990
Basileus

34th Grand [9][25][30]

Dr. C. Tyrone Gilmore, Sr 19901994
Basileus

35th Grand [9][25][30]

Dr. Dorsey Miller 19941998
Basileus

36th Grand [9][25][30]

Lloyd Jordan, Esq. 19982002
Basileus

37th Grand [25]

George H. Grace 20022006
Basileus

38th Grand [30]

Warren G. Lee 20062010
Basileus

39th Grand [35]

Dr. Andrew Ray 20102014
Basileus

40th Grand
Antonio Knox 2014present .
Basileus

a. Finished unexpired term of Atkins[10]

List of Omega Psi Phi Grand Conclaves

Notable hazing incidents and controversies
In 1977, Robert Brazile, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, collapsed and died at a fraternity house
meeting due to injuries and beatings he sustained while pledging the fraternity.[36]

In 1978, Nathaniel Swimson, a student at North Carolina Central University, died during an off-campus
initiation activity. He was asked to run several miles before he collapsed and died.[36]

In 1983, Vann Watts, a student at Tennessee State University, died of an alcohol overdose following an
initiation party. It was reported that prior to his death, he was severely beaten and verbally abused by fraternity
members.[37]

In 1984, a Hampton University student was killed participating in an Omega Psi Phi ritual. The family of the
deceased student privately settled with the fraternity for an undisclosed amount as a result of his wrongful
death.[38]

In 1986, Thomas Harold, a student at Lamar University, died as a result of running miles on Lamar's track as
part of a pledging task.[39][40]
In 1993, 24 Omegas were arrested for making pledges from University of Maryland at College Park eat vomit
and dog biscuits, dropping hot wax on their necks, and beating them so badly that they needed medical
attention.[41]

In 1997, the fraternity was court ordered to pay a former Indiana University pledge $774,500 for injuries he
sustained while pledging in 1994. [42]

In 1999, Omega Psi Phi was court ordered to pay a former University of Louisville student nearly $1 million
for suffering kidney failure due to hazing activity in 1997.[43]

In 2001, Joseph T. Green, a student at Tennessee State University, died as result of an asthma attack he
developed from being asked to run long distances while pledging. In 2002, his family filed a $15 million
wrongful death lawsuit against the men of Omega Psi Phi Incorporated.[44] [45]

In 2009, a former pledge at the University of Houston (UH) settled with the fraternity for an undisclosed
amount after being hit with a baseball bat, wood board, and TV antenna while pledging. The UH student
wanted to join the fraternity because his father was a member. The chapter was placed on suspension following
this incident. [46]

In 2014, the chapter at Valdosta State University was banned from campus until at least August 2022 due to
severe hazing and violating the school's code of conduct.[47]

In 2015, six Omega Psi Phi members at Johnson C. Smith University were arrested and charged with assault for
severely beating pledges over a two-month span.[48]

In 2015, four Omega Psi Phi members at Saginaw Valley State University were arrested and charged for
striking pledges with open hands and paddles. One known pledge sustained a serious injury after losing
consciousness one night pledging.[49]

In 2015, a Florida Atlantic University student reported to the police she was gang-raped at an Omega Psi Phi
"Oil Spill" step show after party. Inside the party, she stated she was suddenly and forcefully pulled behind
curtains and raped by a group of men in a dark area.[50]

In 2016, the fraternity at Florida State University was suspended for severely abusing pledges and violating the
university's code of conduct.[51] Criminal charges are pending for members of the fraternity. That same year,
the Cornell University chapter hosted a party to which several hundred people attended. At the end of the night,
two visitors were stabbed and one died as they left, amidst several fights that broke out.[52]

In April 2017, Omega Psi Phi member and alleged spree killer Steve Stephens referenced the fraternity multiple
times in videos he posted during his killing spree. Stephens claimed that he was going to shoot "Greeks" in the
head until he was caught. [53]

"Unofficial" practices
Like many fraternal organizations, Omega Psi Phi has a rich tradition of practices. While some traditions are
naturally secret, many are freely expressed in public. A popular one is referring to members as "Que Dogs" or
"Ques". Another is the practice of members voluntarily undergoing branding of the letters, or variations and
designs based on them (such as two linked Omega symbols), on their skin. The brands often are displayed in
public as a matter of pride; some prospects first learn of the fraternity by seeing members bearing brands.[54]

See also
List of social fraternities and sororities
References
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sgs.html). Voices. New York Folklore Society. 30 (FallWinter). Retrieved 14 April 2011.

External links
Official website

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Omega_Psi_Phi&oldid=802860257"

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