THE HISTORY OF THE OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization to be founded on the campus of a historically black college. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The founders were three Howard University undergraduates, — Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman. Joining them was their faculty adviser, Dr. Ernest Everett Just.
From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning, “FRIENDSHIP IS ESSENTIAL TO THE SOUL”, the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. That phrase was selected as the motto.
Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift were adopted as Cardinal Principles.
On November 23, 1911 in Thirkield Hall, Love became the first Grand Basileus (National President). Cooper and Coleman were selected to be the Grand Keeper of the Records (National Secretary) and Grand Keeper of Seals (National Treasurer), respectively. Eleven Howard University undergraduate men were selected to be the charter members and Alpha Chapter was organized with fourteen charter members on December 15, 1911.
Cooper became the fraternity’s second Grand Basileus in 1912 and authorized the investigation of a proposed second chapter at Lincoln University, Penn.
Love was elected as the third Grand Basileus in 1912 and served until 1915. In 1912, Howard University officials did not initially recognize the fraternity as a national organization and Omega Psi Phi’s leadership refused to only accept local recognition. As a result, the fraternity operated without official sanction, until the university withdrew its opposition in 1914, the same year that the Beta Chapter was chartered at Lincoln University.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia on October 28, 1914.
For more Omega history please visit our National Website
Little Known facts about Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was the first black Greek fraternity to be founded on the campus of a historically black college or university.
Carter G. Woodson, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, inspired the creation of National Achievement Week to encourage the study of African American life and history. This initiative later evolved into what we now celebrate as Black History Month.
In 1923, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity became the first Black Greek-Letter Organization (BGLO) to have its membership span across the entire United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
In the 1950s, thousands of Omega men became actively involved in the fight to eliminate discrimination
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has over 700 chapters and more than 250,000 members worldwide. The fraternity has a global presence, with chapters in the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Korea, Japan, Liberia, Germany, Kuwait, Canada, China, Ghana, Italy, Mexico, Panama, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Hawaii.
Cardinal Prinicpals
Manhood – Being appropriate in character and marked by moral excellence, courage; bravery; and resolve
Scholarship – Demonstrating an attitude toward education, learning and being informed by achieving or exceeding and maintaining the minimum educational requirements of the fraternity.
Perseverance – Exhibiting a “spirit” of brotherhood, togetherness, humility, cooperation, and a willingness to go an extra mile for the goal sought, as a responsible first-class citizen. This can be demonstrated by presenting obstacles overcome, awards received and honors issued.
Uplift – Sharing ones gifts with the community in the form verifiable aid, activism and leadership.
Founders
 | Dr. Ernest E. Just (1883-1941) Ernest E. Just was born in Charleston, South Carolina. |
 | Professor Frank Coleman (1890-1967) Frank Coleman was born in Washington, D.C. |
 | Dr. Oscar J. Cooper (1888-1972) Oscar J. Cooper was born in Washington, D.C. |
 | Bishop Edgar A. Love (1891-1974) Edgar A. Love was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia |