NPHC Fraternities
The Omicron Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
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.
The Omicron Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was chartered on the campus of Oklahoma State University
National Website: http://www.omegapsiphifraternity.org
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The Xi Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
The blueprints for this revolutionary new fraternity were laid down in 1913 -- months before the actual founding date. In a local YMCA, three young men - A. Langston Taylor (center), Leonard F. Morse (right), and Charles I. Brown (left) - organized the now global entity called Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.
The founders deeply wished to create an organization that viewed itself as "a part of" rather than "apart from" the general community. They believed that each potential member should be judged on his own merits rather than his family background or affluence, without regard of race, nationality, color of skin or texture of hair. They wanted their fraternity to exist as a part of an even greater brotherhood which would be devoted to the "inclusive we" rather than the "exclusive we."
The Fraternity was formally founded and chartered at Howard University in the year of light (1914). Founded upon the principles of Brotherhood, Service and Scholarship, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity has constantly remained a force of change in the African-American Community. Through its three National Programs: Bigger and Better Business, Social Action and Education, the Fraternity has demonstrated unparalleled excellence and leadership; our national mentoring program, the Sigma Beta Club, one of the more notable accomplishments of the Fraternity, has helped to shape and mold young men and boys nationwide
The Xi Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was chartered on the campus of Oklahoma State University May 15, 1987.
National Website: http://www.pbs1914.org
