Omega Psi Phi Explained

Letters:	Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΩΨΦ
Omega Psi Phi
Motto:	Friendship is Essential to the Soul
Free Label:	Cardinal Principles
Free:	Manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift
Coat Of Arms:	OmegaPsiPhiCrest.jpg
Status:	Active
Type:	Social
Affiliation:	NPHC
Publication:	Oracle and Clarion Call
Scope:	International
Chapters:	750+
Nicknames:	Omegas, Ques, Que Dogs, Da Bruhz, Sons of Blood and Thunder
Address:	3951 Snapfinger Parkway
City:	Decatur
Country:	United States
Mascot:	Dog

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΩΨΦ) is a historically African-American fraternity. The fraternity was founded on November 17, 1911, the first at a historically black university, by three Howard University students, Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman, and their faculty adviser, Dr. Ernest Everett Just. Since its founding the organization has chartered over 750 undergraduate and graduate chapters.^[1]

History

Since its founding in 1911, Omega Psi Phi's stated purpose has been "to attract and build a strong and effective force of Handsome men dedicated to its Cardinal Principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift". Throughout the world, many notable members are recognized as leaders in the arts, academics, athletics, entertainment, business, civil rights, education, government, and science fields. A few notable members include Samuel M. Nabrit, Walter E. Massey, Benjamin Mays, Bayard Rustin, Langston Hughes, Count Basie, Roy Wilkins, Benjamin Hooks, Vernon Jordan, Robert Henry Lawrence, Jr., Malcolm Jenkins, State Senator Isadore Hall III, Martin Luther King Sr., Rev. Jesse Jackson, William H. Hastie (U.S. Virgin Islands) and L. Douglas Wilder, Representative James Clyburn, Earl Graves, Tom Joyner, Charles Bolden, Ronald McNair, Bill Cosby, General William "Kip" Ward, Michael Jordan, Ovince Saint Preux, Shaquille O'Neal, Roger Kingdom, Terrence Trammell, Shammond Williams, Vince Carter, Steve Harvey, Rickey Smiley, Ray Lewis, Stephen A. Smith, Jalen Hurts, James DuBose, George Clinton, Kevon Williams, DeHart Hubbard, and numerous presidents of colleges and universities. Among the 2013 Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens, six players and GM Ozzie Newsome are also members/brothers of the fraternity.^[2] 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. The fraternity was incorporated under the laws of Washington, D.C., on October 28, 1914.

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 and History as "Negro History Week." Expanded to the full month of February from 1976, this event continues today as Black History Month.

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 $50,000.00 to the program.

Omega Psi Phi is a founding member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), which is composed of nine historically 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 27–31, 2011, in Washington, D.C., becoming distinguished as only the third African American collegiate fraternity to reach the century mark.^[4]

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 Association, United Way, and the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation.

• 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 Mobilization – 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]

Membership

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 8, 1922) was the third African American graduate of West Point, the first black U.S. national park superintendent, the first African American military attaché, and the highest ranking black officer (Colonel) in the United States Army until his death in 1922.

National Pan-Hellenic Council membership

See main article: National Pan-Hellenic Council.

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

Name	Order	Time in Office	Ref.
Edgar Amos Love	1st Grand Basileus	1911–1912	^[9] ^[10]
Oscar J. Cooper	2nd Grand Basileus	1912–1913
Edgar Amos Love	3rd Grand Basileus	1913–1915
George E. Hall	4th Grand Basileus	1915–1916
James C. McMorries	5th Grand Basileus	1916–1917
Clarence F. Holmes	6th Grand Basileus	1917–1918	^[11]
Raymond G. Robinson	7th Grand Basileus	1918–1920	^[12]
Harold H. Thomas	8th Grand Basileus	1920–1921
J. Alston Atkins	9th Grand Basileus	1921–1924	^[13] ^[14]
John W. Love	10th Grand Basileus	1924
George L. Vaughn	11th Grand Basileus	1924–1926
Julius S. McClain	12th Grand Basileus	1926–1929	^[15]
Matthew W. Bullock	13th Grand Basileus	1929–1932
Lawrence A. Oxley	14th Grand Basileus	1932–1935	^[16]
William Baugh	15th Grand Basileus	1935–1937
Albert W. Dent	16th Grand Basileus	1937–1940	^[17]
Z. Alexander Looby	17th Grand Basileus	1940–1945	^[18]
Campbell C. Johnson	18th Grand Basileus	1945–1947
Harry Penn	19th Grand Basileus	1947–1949
Milo C. Murray	20th Grand Basileus	1949–1951
Grant Reynolds	21st Grand Basileus	1951–1953	^[19]
John F. Potts	22nd Grand Basileus	1953–1955	^[20] ^[21]
Herbert E. Tucker, Jr.	23rd Grand Basileus	1955–1958	^[22]
I. Gregory Newton	24th Grand Basileus	1958–1961
Cary D. Jacobs	25th Grand Basileus	1961–1964	^[23]
George E. Meares	26th Grand Basileus	1964–1967
Ellis F. Corbett	27th Grand Basileus	1967–1970	^[24]
James Avery	28th Grand Basileus	1970–1973	^[25]
Marion Garnett	29th Grand Basileus	1973–1976	^[26] ^[27] ^[28]
Dr. Edward Braynon, Jr.	30th Grand Basileus	1976–1979	^[29] ^[30] ^[31]
Burnel E. Coulon	31st Grand Basileus	1979–1982	^[32]
Dr. L. Benjamin Livingston	32nd Grand Basileus	1982–1984	^[33]
Dr. Moses C. Norman	33rd Grand Basileus	1984–1990	^[34]
Dr. C. Tyrone Gilmore, Sr	34th Grand Basileus	1990–1994
Dr. Dorsey Miller	35th Grand Basileus	1994–1998
Lloyd Jordan, Esq.	36th Grand Basileus	1998–2002
George H. Grace	37th Grand Basileus	2002–2006
Warren G. Lee	38th Grand Basileus	2006–2010
Dr. Andrew Ray	39th Grand Basileus	2010–2014	^[35]
Antonio Knox	40th Grand Basileus	2014–2018
Dr. David Marion	41st Grand Basileus	2018–2022
Ricky Lewis	42nd Grand Basileus	since 2022

a. Finished unexpired term of Atkins^[10]

List of Omega Psi Phi Grand Conclaves

See main article: List of Omega Psi Phi Grand Conclaves.

"Unofficial" practices

Like many fraternal organizations, Omega Psi Phi has a rich tradition of practices. While some traditions are secret, many are freely expressed in public. A popular one is referring to members as "Que Dogs" or "Ques" (pronounced, like the letter Q). 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. Another tradition is members "barking" as a sign of support for fellow members.^[36]

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.^[37]
• 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.^[37]
• 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.^[38]
• 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.^[39]
• 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.^{[40] [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.^[39]
• 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.^{[43] [44]}
• In 2009, a former pledge at the University of Houston 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.^[45]
• 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.^[46]
• 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.^[47]
• 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.^[48]
• In 2015, a Florida Atlantic University student reported to the police she was gang-raped at an Omega Psi Phi "Oil Spill" step show afterparty. Inside the party, she stated she was suddenly and forcefully pulled behind curtains and raped by a group of men in a dark area.^[49]
• In 2016, the fraternity at Florida State University was suspended for severely abusing pledges and violating the university's code of conduct.^[50] Criminal charges were pending for members of the fraternity.
• On August 28, 2016, two Ithaca College students were stabbed (one fatally) as they got into a fight as they left a Omega Psi Phi party held at Willard Straight Hall of Cornell University.^{[51] [52] [53]}
• In April 2017, Omega Psi Phi member and alleged spree killer, Steve Stephens, referred to 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.^[54]
• In 2018, a fraternity member and head accountant at the fraternity headquarters in Georgia blew the whistle in regards to concerning embezzlement allegations among fraternity leadership. As part of his accountant duties, he reported his embezzlement findings to his fraternity's 24-member board of directors and was suspended.^[55]
• In 2019, national leadership of Omega Psi Phi, Inc., halted all new membership initiation activity when Georgia Tech football player Brandon Adams died during a fraternity event. During step practice for pledges at a townhome near campus, Adams collapsed and was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.^{[56] [57]}
• In 2023, three Memphis officers that were members of the fraternity had their memberships permanently revoked due to their involvement with the killing of Tyre Nichols. A picture went viral on social media of one of the officers wearing an Omega Psi Phi wristband doing the killing which sparked outrage from many black activists and prompted an official response from the fraternity.^[58]

See also

• List of social fraternities and sororities

Further reading

• Book: Dreer, Herman . The History of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity: A Brotherhood of Negro College Men, 1911 to 1939 . Omega Psi Phi . 1940 . Herman Dreer.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. . March 3, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110903040706/http://www.omegapsiphi2011.com/history . September 3, 2011 .
2. Web site: The Baltimore Ravens brotherhood within a brotherhood – CBSSports.com.
3. Daryl Michael Scott, "The Origins of Black History Month", Association for the Study of African American Life and History, 2011, asalh.org
4. News: Jenkins. Chris L.. Omega Psi Phi brothers celebrate centennial at D.C. birthplace. August 4, 2011. The Washington Post. July 27, 2011.
5. Web site: Internationally Mandated Programs . April 18, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080412034238/http://www.oppf.org/programs.asp . April 12, 2008 .
6. Web site: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Official Website . OPPF . March 3, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306015648/http://www.oppf.org/mandated_programs.asp . March 6, 2012 . dead .
7. Web site: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Official Membership Page . OPPFMembership . March 3, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120305103721/http://www.omegapsiphifraternity.org/member_selection.asp . March 5, 2012 .
8. Web site: National Pan-Hellenic Council Aboutpage . NPHC . August 15, 2006 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091222135422/http://www.nphchq.org/about.htm . December 22, 2009 .
9. Web site: xiphichapter.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20081121184926/http://www.xiphichapter.com/omegahist.html. dead. November 21, 2008. xiphichapter.com.
10. Robert L. Gill, The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Men Who Made Its History; A Concise History;, The Official History of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., 1911–1961, pp. 83–84
11. Web site: About: HOLMES/OMEGA Memorial Scholarship Fund. holmesomega.org.
12. Web site: Epsilon history. https://web.archive.org/web/20090531165549/http://www.epsilonchapter.org/EHistory.htm. dead. May 31, 2009.
13. Web site: Legendary 5th History. https://web.archive.org/web/20090210072101/http://omega5d.us/dhistory.php. dead. February 10, 2009.
14. Web site: My virtual paper entry.
15. Web site: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Rho Phi Chapter. rhophi.org.
16. Web site: Beta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.. https://web.archive.org/web/20110416214234/http://www.betaphi.com/accomplishments.htm. dead. April 16, 2011. April 16, 2011.
17. Web site: mightyninth.org. mightyninth.org.
18. Web site: Login – The Magnificent Beta Mu Mu Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc..
19. Web site: Cincinnati Ques. https://web.archive.org/web/20081203194545/http://www.cincinnatiques.org/page4.html. dead. December 3, 2008.
20. Black Sororities and Fraternities . . Johnson . September 1993 . 113 . April 18, 2009.
21. Web site: Omicron Chi History . Omega Psi Phi, Omicron Chi chapter . April 18, 2009 .
22. Web site: mightyninth.org. mightyninth.org.
23. Web site: Omega Life Membership Foundation. olmf.org.
24. Web site: Lambda Omega chapter history. https://web.archive.org/web/20091219162627/http://lambdaomeganorfolk.org/history.html. dead. December 19, 2009.
25. Web site: Omega's Clarion Call Summer 2007.
26. http://www.etanu.com/navbar/hn_history.html Eta Nu History
27. Web site: Founder's Monument. https://web.archive.org/web/20040719005821/http://www.alphaomegachapter.com/history/chapterhistory/foundersmonument.htm. dead. July 19, 2004. July 19, 2004.
28. Web site: University of Florida – Tower Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL), Class of 2003. 142. E-Yearbook.com .
29. Web site: 7th district history. https://web.archive.org/web/20090720064502/http://omegapsiphi7d.com/districthistory/districthistory_main.html. dead. July 20, 2009.
30. Web site: Encantadora Mexican Spirits – Tequila & Mezcal – The Art of Agave. encantadora.com.
31. Web site: History of Zeta Phi chapter. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110718152811/http://zetaphi.com/aboutus.html. July 18, 2011.
32. Web site: Psi Alpha Alpha History. January 13, 2009. July 27, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110727194010/http://www.ques-psiaa.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=997405&module_id=21866. dead.
33. Web site: Sigma Alpha Ques, about us. https://web.archive.org/web/20080611055609/http://www.sigmaalphaques.com/aboutus.html. dead. June 11, 2008.
34. Web site: ETA Omega Milestones. etaomegachapter.com.
35. Web site: Message from the Grand Basileus. August 20, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20110722055017/http://www.oppf.org/News/view.asp?ID=22. July 22, 2011. dead.
36. Posey. Sandra Mizumoto. Burning Messages: Interpreting African American Fraternity Brands and Their Bearers. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20170118212556/http://www.nyfolklore.org/pubs/voic30-3-4/burnmsgs.html. January 18, 2017. New York Folklore Society. 30. 3–4. 42–45. . Fall–Winter 2004. 1551-7268. April 14, 2011.
37. Web site: Archived copy . September 20, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031506/http://www.law.howard.edu/dictator/media/229/how_56_2.pdf . March 4, 2016 .
38. Web site: Ban on Fraternity in Death. December 15, 1983. The New York Times.
39. Web site: 'Greek' Pride and Pain. August 19, 1999.
40. Web site: THOMAS v. LAMAR UNIVERSITY | 830 S.W.2d 217 (1992) | w2d21711016 | Leagle.com. Leagle.
41. Web site: Reported hazing, pledging-related deaths in Texas since the 1800s. John-Henry. Perera. October 14, 2014. Houston Chronicle.
42. Web site: Frat-ricide: are African American fraternities beating themselves to death? – includes related articles on the National Pan-Hellenic Council, its statement on hazing and its membership development efforts – Cover Story. July 11, 2007.
43. Web site: Fraternity faces $15 million lawsuit over hazing death. https://web.archive.org/web/20160305003033/http://www.schoolviolencelaw.com/sites/default/files/Green.pdf. 2016-03-05. 2023-08-14.
44. Web site: Talkin' 'Bout Nothin': Black Greek-letter Organizations and Hazing. Gregory S. Parks, JD. PhD. . September 27, 2012.
45. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20120618033326/https://kollegekidd.com/news/university-of-houston-grad-reaches-settlement-with-omega-psi-phi-over-hazing-incident/. 2012-06-18. University of Houston Student Reaches Settlement with Omega Psi Phi over Hazing Incident. KollegeKidd. Staff. June 12, 2012.
46. Web site: National fraternity with VSU chapter issues ban on pledging. John. Hechinger. David. Glovin. Valdosta Daily Times. March 10, 2014 .
47. Web site: Omega Psi Phi members at JCSU accused of hazing . September 24, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150925102616/http://www.wcnc.com/story/news/crime/2015/01/29/omega-psi-phi-members-at-jcsu-accused-of-hazing/22547343/ . September 25, 2015 . dead .
48. Web site: 4 Michigan College Students Sentenced In Fraternity Hazing Case. June 22, 2015.
49. Web site: A year after college student reports being gang-raped, case hinges on DNA evidence. Emily. Miller. Sun-Sentinel. April 11, 2016 .
50. Web site: Suspension of FSU Fraternity Lifted, Case Closed. WCTV Eyewitness News, Chris. Gros. wctv.tv. February 21, 2019. November 23, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181123071255/https://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/FSU-Fraternity-Suspended-Following-Allegations-of-Hazing-369175521.html. dead.
51. News: Ithaca College student fatally stabbed in fight on Cornell campus. CBS News. August 28, 2016. August 9, 2020.
52. News: Nazaire Stabbed After Attending Omega Psi Phi Event, Source Confirms. Cornell Daily Sun. August 29, 2016. Josephine. Chu. August 9, 2020.
53. News: Alleged Nazaire Attacker Found Guilty of Assault, Jury Hung on Murder. June 21, 2017. August 9, 2020.
54. Web site: Steve 'Stevie Steve' Stephens: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know. Tom. Cleary. April 16, 2017.
55. https://earhustle411.com/in-greek-news-omega-psi-phi-fraternity-inc-is-rocked-to-its-core-with-charges-of-embezzlement/ Omega Psi Phi, Inc. Rocked with Charges of Embezzlement
56. Web site: Omega Psi Phi halts activities of 700 chapters after Georgia Tech pledge dies. Mo. Barnes. March 29, 2019 .
57. News: Brandon Adams toxicology test indicates no foul play in death. Ken. Sugiura. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
58. Web site: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Revokes Membership of Memphis Officers Involved in Tyre Nichols' Death . February 2, 2023 .