Omega Psi Phi

Omega Psi Phi
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Name	Omega Psi Phi
Founded	November 17, 1911
Founders	Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, Frank Coleman
Type	Social
Scope	International

Omega Psi Phi is a historically African American Greek letter organization that was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University by Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank Coleman. The fraternity's founding principles are Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. Omega Psi Phi is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and has a long history of promoting academic excellence, community service, and social justice, with notable members including Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, and Bill Cosby. The fraternity has also been involved in various Civil Rights Movement events, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the Selma to Montgomery Marches.

● History

The history of Omega Psi Phi dates back to 1911, when the three founders, Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank Coleman, met at Howard University to discuss the formation of a new fraternity. The fraternity's early years were marked by significant growth, with the establishment of new chapters at Virginia Union University, Johnson C. Smith University, and Lincoln University (Pennsylvania). During the Harlem Renaissance, Omega Psi Phi played a significant role in promoting African American culture and intellectualism, with members such as Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Zora Neale Hurston contributing to the movement. The fraternity has also been involved in various World War I and World War II efforts, with members serving in the United States Army, United States Navy, and United States Air Force.

● Organization

The organization of Omega Psi Phi is based on a hierarchical structure, with the Grand Conclave serving as the supreme governing body. The fraternity is divided into several regions, including the First District, Second District, and Third District, each with its own District Representative. Omega Psi Phi is also a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which includes other historically African American Greek letter organizations such as Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta. The fraternity has a strong partnership with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, with members such as Ralph Abernathy and Andrew Young playing key roles in the Civil Rights Movement.

● Membership

Membership in Omega Psi Phi is open to men of all backgrounds who attend a college or university with an active chapter. The fraternity has a rigorous membership intake process, which includes a series of interviews, tests, and evaluations. Members of Omega Psi Phi are expected to uphold the fraternity's principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift, and to participate in community service and social justice initiatives. Notable members of Omega Psi Phi include Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Steve Harvey, who have all made significant contributions to their respective fields. The fraternity has also honored notable individuals such as Thurgood Marshall, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and Medgar Evers with honorary membership.

● Programs

Omega Psi Phi has a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting academic excellence, community service, and social justice. The fraternity's Talent Hunt Program provides scholarships and recognition to talented young people, while the Omega Psi Phi Foundation supports educational and community development projects. The fraternity is also involved in various health initiatives, including the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life and the American Heart Association's Heart Walk. Omega Psi Phi has also partnered with organizations such as the United Negro College Fund and the National Urban League to promote education and economic empowerment.

● Notable_members

Omega Psi Phi has a long list of notable members, including Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, and Bill Cosby. Other notable members include Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Steve Harvey, who have all made significant contributions to their respective fields. The fraternity has also honored notable individuals such as Thurgood Marshall, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and Medgar Evers with honorary membership. Other notable members include Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, and Julian Bond, who played key roles in the Civil Rights Movement. The fraternity has also been involved in various entertainment and arts initiatives, with members such as Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Zora Neale Hurston contributing to the Harlem Renaissance.

● Chapters_and_Districts

Omega Psi Phi has over 700 chapters located throughout the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean. The fraternity is divided into several districts, including the First District, Second District, and Third District, each with its own District Representative. The fraternity has a strong presence at Historically Black Colleges and Universities such as Howard University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. Omega Psi Phi also has chapters at Ivy League institutions such as Harvard University and Yale University, as well as at other top universities such as Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley.

● International_Presidents

The international presidents of Omega Psi Phi have played a significant role in shaping the fraternity's history and direction. Notable international presidents include Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank Coleman, who founded the fraternity in 1911. Other notable international presidents include Jesse Jackson, who served as president from 1966 to 1968, and William Pollard, who served as president from 1984 to 1986. The current international president is David Marion, who has been leading the fraternity since 2018. The fraternity has also been led by notable individuals such as Ralph Abernathy and Andrew Young, who played key roles in the Civil Rights Movement.