History of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

History of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

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Since November 17, 1911

The Beginning.

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 was founded on Perseverance, 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.

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Dr. Ernest E. Just
Dr. Ernest E. Just
(1883-1941)

Ernest E. Just was born in Charleston, SC. Graduated from the Industrial School of the State College, Orangeburg, SC. Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, New Hampshire Bachelor of Arts Degree, Dartmouth College (Phi Beta Kappa) Awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP, 1915 Doctor of Philosophy Degree, University of Chicago, 1916 Became the 19th honoree in the U.S. Postal Service's Black Heritage Stamp Series on February 1, 1996.

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Dr. Oscar J. Cooper
Dr. Oscar J. Cooper
(1888-1972)

Oscar J. Cooper was born in Washington, D.C. Graduated from the M Street High School, Washington, D.C. Bachelor of Science Degree, Howard University, 1913 Doctor of Medicine Degree, Howard University, 1917 Practiced medicine in Philadelphia, PA for 50 years.

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Prof. Frank C. Coleman
Prof. Frank C. Coleman
(1890-1967)

Frank Coleman was born in Washington, D.C. Graduated from the M Street High School, Washington, D.C. Bachelor of Science Degree, Howard University, 1913 Master of Science Degree, University of Chicago Advanced Training, University of Pennsylvania Professor and head of the Physics Department, Howard University U.S. Army Officer, World War I.

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Bishop Edgar A. Love
Bishop Edgar A. Love
(1891-1974)

Edgar A. Love was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia Graduated from the Academy of Morgan College Bachelor of Arts Degree, Howard University, 1913 Bachelor of Divinity Degree, Howard University, 1916 Bachelor of Sacred Theology Degree, Boston University, 1918 Doctor of Divinity Degree (Honorary), Morgan College, 1935 U.S. Army Chaplain, World War I Bishop, Methodist Church.

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Cardinal Principles

1.

Manhood

Being appropriate in character and marked by moral excellence, courage; bravery; and resolve.

2.

Scholarship

Demonstrating an attitude toward education, learning and being informed by achieving or exceeding and maintaining the minimum educational requirements of the fraternity.

3.

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.

4.

Uplift

Sharing ones gifts with the community in the form verifiable aid, activism and leadership.

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Omegas in History

Since its humble beginnings on the Howard University campus, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity continues to be on the front line, leveraging its power, influence and more than 100 years of commitment to the uplift of our people and our communities.

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