History of Omega Psi Phi History

“Friendship Is Essential to the Soul”

Founded November 17, 1911

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college. On the evening of November 17, 1911, three Howard University undergraduate students — Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank Coleman — along with their faculty adviser, Dr. Ernest Everett Just, gave birth to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity inside the Science Building (later renamed Thirkield Hall) at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning “friendship is essential to the soul,” the name Omega Psi Phi was derived and selected as the motto.

Cardinal Principles

Manhood — Being appropriate in character, marked by moral excellence, courage, and resolve.

Scholarship — Demonstrating an attitude toward education and maintaining the highest
intellectual standards.

Perseverance — Exhibiting a spirit of brotherhood, togetherness, and willingness to go the extra
mile.

Uplift — Sharing one’s gifts with the community through verifiable aid, activism, and leadership.

Early Growth

On November 23, 1911, Edgar A. Love became the first Grand Basileus (National President). Alpha Chapter was organized with fourteen charter members on December 15, 1911. The fraternity was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia on October 28, 1914. Omega Psi Phi is a founding member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and has chartered over 750 chapters with more than 250,000 lifetime members worldwide.