Since November 17, 1911
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.
The Cardinal Four & Faculty Adviser
(1883–1941) · Faculty Adviser
Ernest E. Just was born in Charleston, SC. Graduated from the Industrial School of the State College, Orangeburg, SC, and 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.
Learn More(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.
Learn More(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.
Learn More(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.
Learn MoreWhat We Stand For
Being appropriate in character and marked by moral excellence, courage, bravery, and resolve.
Demonstrating an attitude toward education, learning, and being informed by achieving, exceeding, and maintaining the educational requirements of the fraternity.
Exhibiting a spirit of brotherhood, togetherness, humility, cooperation, and a willingness to go the extra mile for the goal sought.
Sharing one’s gifts with the community in the form of verifiable aid, activism, and leadership.
Discover Omega
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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