Founders

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college. It was established on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. by three undergraduates—Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank Coleman—along with their faculty adviser, Dr. Ernest Everett Just.

The name Omega Psi Phi was derived from the initials of the Greek phrase meaning “Friendship is Essential to the Soul,” which was selected as the fraternity’s motto. The Cardinal Principles adopted were Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

On November 23, 1911, in Thirkield Hall, Love became the first Grand Basileus (National President), with Cooper and Coleman serving as the Grand Keeper of Records (National Secretary) and Grand Keeper of Seals (National Treasurer), respectively. Alpha Chapter was officially organized on December 15, 1911, with fourteen charter members.

In 1912, Cooper became the fraternity’s second Grand Basileus and authorized an investigation into establishing a second chapter at Lincoln University, Pennsylvania. Love succeeded him as the third Grand Basileus and served until 1915. Although Howard University initially refused to recognize Omega Psi Phi as a national organization, the fraternity continued to operate independently until official recognition was granted in 1914. That same year, Beta Chapter was established at Lincoln University, and Omega Psi Phi was incorporated in the District of Columbia on October 28, 1914.

The fraternity expanded quickly. George E. Hall, the fourth Grand Basileus, authorized the founding of Gamma Chapter in Boston. Clarence F. Holmes, the sixth Grand Basileus, oversaw the writing of the fraternity’s first official hymn, “Omega Men Draw Nigh,” composed by Otto Bohannon.

Stanley Douglas served as editor of the first issue of “The Oracle,” published in spring 1919. Under the leadership of Raymond G. Robinson, the seventh Grand Basileus, Delta Chapter was established in Nashville, Tennessee. By 1920, ten chapters were in operation.

At the 1920 Grand Conclave in Nashville, Harold K. Thomas was elected as the eighth Grand Basileus. During this Conclave, Carter G. Woodson inspired the creation of National Achievement Week to encourage the study of African American history and life. In 1922, the fraternity created the offices of District Representatives and Vice Grand Basileus. The Grand Keeper of Records also became the Grand Keeper of the Records and Seal.

The first issue of the Omega Bulletin was published in 1928, edited by Campbell C. Johnson. In 1931, “Omega Dear” was adopted as the official hymn. It was written by Mercer Cook and Charles R. Drew, both professors at Howard University.

Each founder went on to distinguish himself professionally: Love became a Methodist bishop; Cooper practiced medicine in Philadelphia for over 50 years; Coleman chaired Howard’s Physics Department; and Just gained international recognition as a biologist and NAACP Spingarn Medal recipient.

In the 1940s, the fraternity continued to make significant contributions. The “Omega Sweetheart Song,” composed by Don Q. Pullen, was adopted at the 1940 Grand Conclave. Founder Ernest E. Just passed in 1941. That same year, Charles Drew perfected the use of blood plasma for medical treatment. William Hastie protested racial discrimination in the military by resigning as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of War and was later appointed Governor of the Virgin Islands.

In 1949, Omega purchased its first national headquarters at 107 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W., in Washington, D.C. H. Carl Moultrie I was appointed the first National Executive Secretary, and the fraternity’s scholarship fund was renamed in honor of Charles R. Drew.

During the 1950s, Omega prioritized social action, contributing nearly $40,000 to the NAACP through graduate chapter Life Memberships. The 1960s saw brothers actively engaged in civil rights demonstrations, including sit-ins.

The 1961 Grand Conclave celebrated Omega’s 50th anniversary. Founders Love, Cooper, and Coleman attended along with thirteen former Grand Basilei. The 1964 dedication of a new national headquarters at 2714 Georgia Avenue, N.W., marked another milestone. The Charlotte Grand Conclave of 1968 mandated a constitutional convention, which occurred in 1969.

The revised Constitution and By-Laws took effect after the 1970 Pittsburgh Grand Conclave. H. Carl Moultrie I was appointed to the Superior Court of Washington, D.C., and later honored as Executive Secretary Emeritus.

The 1970s saw the passing of Founders Cooper (1972), Coleman (1974), and Love (1974). A monument honoring the founders was dedicated in 1975 near Thirkield Hall. The 1976 Atlanta Grand Conclave was the largest to date, and many new undergraduate chapters were chartered. “Operation Big Vote” in 1976 helped register thousands of African-American voters. In 1979, the fraternity committed $250,000 to the United Negro College Fund.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Omega continued expanding its influence. In 1981, it endowed its first faculty chair at Rust College. The 75th Anniversary Grand Conclave in 1986 broke attendance records. C. Tyrone Gilmore Sr., elected as Grand Basileus in 1990, led the effort to find a new headquarters site in Decatur, Georgia. In 1994, Dorsey C. Miller Jr. finalized the purchase of the Snapfinger Parkway location. The original Georgia Avenue site was retired after 31 years.

Lloyd J. Jordan was elected Grand Basileus in 1998, followed by S. Earl Wilson as Executive Director in 2000. George Grace’s tenure beginning in 2002 led to improved financial health, and Warren G. Lee Jr., elected in 2008, emphasized mentorship and charitable work.

Dr. Andrew A. Ray was elected Grand Basileus in 2010. Under his leadership, the fraternity celebrated its centennial in July 2011 in Washington, D.C.

Today, Omega Psi Phi boasts over 700 chapters across the U.S., Bermuda, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Korea, Japan, Liberia, Germany, and Kuwait. The fraternity continues to attract and develop men of exceptional character, intellect, and service, with countless members recognized as leaders in the arts, sciences, academics, business, government, and civil rights.