First District Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated Official Site

Centennial Message From First District Representative

Greetings to the men of Omega and friends of our beloved Fraternity. To the Brothers of Eta Phi Chapter, I bring you congratulations and well wishes from the Office of the First District Representative and the 2010-2011 First District Council on hosting the 74th First District Conference.

I wish to personally thank 1st District Marshal Lennitt Bligen and Eta Phi Chapter Basileus Dr. Fred Powell for their leadership and enthusiasm in hosting our signature event.

I would also like to give a special thank you to the citizens of the greater Boston community for your long-time and continued support of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Brothers, our 100th year anniversary is epic and historic. We must remain committed to the principles of Omega set forth by the Founders and work to keep our District and communities strong. Our efforts must continued to enhance the quality of life for all community residents and provide a vices for others who would otherwise go unheard. It is important that we continue to work for social, educational, and political changes in order to make equality a reality. Brothers, we are to be proud of our efforts to date, but remain vigilant as we move forward in the name of Omega. Our accomplishments today will be the legacy for those who follow.

"Friendship is Essential to the Soul"
Edward T. Arrington
First District Representative 

Who We Are

On Friday evening, November 17, 1911, three Howard University undergraduate students, with the assistance of their faculty adviser, gave birth to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. This event occurred in the office of biology Professor Ernest E. Just, the faculty adviser, in the Science Hall (now known as Thirkield Hall). The three liberal arts students were Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper and Frank Coleman.

From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning "friendship is essential to the soul," the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. The phrase was selected as the motto. Manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift were adopted as cardinal principles. A decision was made regarding the design for the pin and emblem, and thus ended the first meeting of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

The next meeting was conducted on November 23, 1911. Edgar Love became the first Grand Basileus (National President). Cooper and Coleman were selected Grand keeper of the Records (National Secretary) and Grand keeper of Seals (National Treasurer), respectively. Eleven Howard University undergraduate men were selected as charter members.

Alpha Chapter was organized with fourteen charter members on December 15, 1911. Love, Cooper and Coleman were elected the chapter's first Basileus, Keeper of Records, and Keeper of Seals, respectively.



Chapter Listings in the First

• Gamma
• Alpha Nu
• Chi Omicron
• Delta Chi
• Epsilon Iota Iota
• Eta Phi
• Iota Chi
• Tau Iota
• Sigma Nu