Omega History

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Ernest Everett Just was a trailblazing African American biologist whose work in cell biology and marine biology gained international recognition. He began his formal education at the Industrial School of the State College in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and later attended Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College in 1907, graduating magna cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest academic honor society.

Dr. Just joined Howard University as a professor in the Department of Biology and quickly became one of the most respected faculty members. In 1915, he was awarded the prestigious Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for outstanding achievement in science—the same year Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Chicago in 1916, one of the earliest African Americans to receive such a degree in the sciences.

His research focused primarily on cell physiology, particularly fertilization and embryonic development, and he published over 70 scientific papers. He conducted significant research in Europe, where he worked extensively at marine biology stations in France and Italy due to limited opportunities in the racially segregated U.S.

In recognition of his scientific contributions and pioneering role in African American academic excellence, Dr. Just was honored posthumously by the U.S. Postal Service as the 19th honoree in the Black Heritage Stamp Series on February 1, 1996.

Frank Coleman was born in Washington, D.C., and graduated from the prestigious M Street High School, known for its academically rigorous African American curriculum. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Howard University in 1913 and later completed a Master of Science degree at the University of Chicago. He also pursued additional advanced studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Professor Coleman served as a Professor and Head of the Physics Department at Howard University, where he became one of the most influential African American scientists and educators of his time. He was instrumental in shaping the physics curriculum and inspiring generations of Black scientists and engineers.

During World War I, Coleman served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, demonstrating leadership both in academic and military service. As a co-founder of Omega Psi Phi, he emphasized the fraternity’s dedication to scholarship and scientific excellence.

Dr. Oscar James Cooper was also a Washington, D.C., native and attended M Street High School alongside Frank Coleman. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Howard University in 1913, the same year Omega Psi Phi was incorporated, and obtained his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Howard’s College of Medicine in 1917.

After completing his medical education, Dr. Cooper moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he practiced internal medicine for over 50 years. He was a pioneer in private practice for African Americans during the Jim Crow era and served both affluent and underserved Black communities with compassion and excellence.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Cooper remained a lifelong advocate for civil rights, youth mentorship, and education reform, reflecting Omega’s enduring principles of uplift and perseverance.

Born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Edgar Amos Love was raised in a deeply religious household and pursued education at the Academy of Morgan College (now Morgan State University). He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in 1913, a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1916, and a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Boston University in 1918. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by Morgan College in 1935.

During World War I, Love served as a Chaplain in the United States Army, offering spiritual support and guidance to African American soldiers stationed in Europe. His ministry and leadership extended beyond the battlefield; he later became a Bishop in the Methodist Church, where he championed racial integration, social justice, and Christian ethics.

As the first Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Bishop Love embodied the fraternity’s cardinal principles through a lifelong commitment to public service, education, and spiritual leadership.