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, Omega Psi Phi was founded inside the Science Building (later renamed Thirkield Hall) at Howard University located in Washington, D.C. The founders were three undergraduates — Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman. Joining them was their faculty adviser, 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, Edgar A. Love became the first Grand Basileus (National President).

Oscar J. Cooper and Frank Coleman were selected to be the Grand Keeper of the Records (National Secretary) and Grand Keeper of Seals (National Treasurer), respectively.

Brother Cooper became the fraternity’s second Grand Basileus in 1912 and authorized the investigation of establishing a second chapter on the campus of Lincoln University located in Pennsylvania.

Brother 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 accept limited recognition. As a result, the fraternity operated without official sanction, until the university withdrew its opposition in 1914, the same year Beta chapter was chartered at Lincoln University.

Omega Psi Phi was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia on October 28, 1914.

Brother George E. Hall, the fourth Grand Basileus, authorized the establishment of Gamma chapter in Boston. Brother Clarence F. Holmes served as Omega’s sixth Grand Basileus. Under his leadership, the fraternity’s first official hymn, “Omega Men Draw Nigh,” was written by Otto Bohannon. Omega played a vital role when the United States entered World War I in 1917 by having several brothers in the first class of black soldiers graduate from Camp Fort Des Moines, a military training facility located in Iowa. Several Omegas, including Campbell C. Johnson, John Purnell and founders Frank Coleman and Edgar A. Love are among its graduates. A year later in 1918, retired Colonel Charles Young, rode 500 miles on horseback, from Wilberforce, Ohio, to the nation’s capital, to show he was always fit for duty. Stanley Douglas served as editor to the first Oracle which was published in the spring of 1919. In 1919, Raymond G. Robinson, the seventh Grand Basileus, established Delta chapter on the campus of Meharry Medical School which is located in Nashville, Tennessee. Stanley Douglas served as Editor of the Oracle which was first published in the spring of 1919. When Robinson left office in 1920 there were ten chapters in operation. Harold H. Thomas, the eighth Grand Basileus, was elected at the Nashville Grand Conclave in 1920. During this Conclave, Carter G. Woodson inspired the establishment of National Achievement Week to promote the study of Negro life and history. The Atlanta Grand Conclave in 1921 brought an end the fraternity’s first decade. Omega built a strong and effective force of men dedicated to its cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.

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The Phi Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was chartered on march 25, 1965.

The chapter has played a pivotal role in shaping the social, cultural, and academic landscape of Hattiesburg and surrounding areas. With a deep commitment to the fraternity’s cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift, the chapter has been at the forefront of community service, academic excellence, and leadership development for more than half a century.

Easterling. Lucas. Hervey. Harris Jr. Johnson.

Phi Rho was chartered by a group of dedicated and visionary men who sought to extend the reach of Omega Psi Phi to the Hattiesburg area. The charter members include Isiah Easterling, Hersie Lucas, Richard Hervey, Jr., Phillip Harris Jr., Emmanuel Johnson. These men laid the foundation for what would become a thriving chapter, committed to the betterment of their community through mentorship, service, and fraternity fellowship. Their leadership and efforts were instrumental in making Phi Rho a beacon of positive influence in the region.

Since its inception, the Phi Rho Chapter has made significant contributions to the local community.

Its members have been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at uplifting the underserved and promoting educational advancement. The chapter’s commitment to scholarship is evident through its annual scholarship programs, which provide financial assistance to deserving students pursuing higher education. Additionally, Phi Rho has consistently participated in voter registration drives, mentorship programs, and community service projects, including food drives and health awareness campaigns.

The lineage of the Phi Rho Chapter is one of continuous growth and impact.

Over the years, it has produced members who have gone on to become leaders in various fields, including education, politics, business, and the military. The chapter’s presence in Hattiesburg has not only enhanced the local community but also strengthened the broader Omega Psi Phi network, as its members embody the fraternity’s mission of uplifting others while striving for personal excellence.

Upholding the fraternity’s high standards.

Phi Rho’s legacy is not only rooted in the accomplishments of its members but also in its dedication to preserving the traditions and values of Omega Psi Phi. The chapter continues to uphold the fraternity’s high standards, ensuring that each generation of brothers is prepared to take on the mantle of leadership and service, both within the fraternity and in their respective communities. Through its unwavering commitment to the fraternity’s ideals, Phi Rho has cemented its place as a respected and integral part of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Hattiesburg community.

THE HISTORY OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC.