Omega Psi Phi History Exam/52
Questions & Answers
When Was Omega Psi Phi Founded? - -November 17, 1911 at Howard
University (Thirkield Hall) formerly known as "Science Hall"
-Who are the Founding Fathers of Omega Psi Phi - -Dr. Ernest Everett Just
(1883-1941)
Professor Frank Coleman (1890-1967)
Dr. Oscar James Cooper (1888-1972)
Bishop Edgar Amos Love (1891-1974)
-Why was the Science Hall changed to Thirkield Hall - -In 1907, Howard's
President Wilbur P. Thirkield, who recognized the growing importance of
science in education, was able to convince the Federal Government to
appropriate $90,000 for a new science hall, and the building was dedicated
in 1910.
-Members Vs Men - -Members Versus Men
Bro. Walter H. Mazyck
The Greek Letter Societies among our group appear to have entered into a
period of mad competition for obtaining members. Pledges are increasing in
numbers. Scarcely a student on the college campus but wears a pledge pin
or a frat pin. Are the fraternities forgetting their original high standards? Can
it be said that every man who enters college is of Fraternity material? If in
any place, Omega has entered this mad race for members, pause and
consider.
The value of our Fraternity is not in numbers, but in men, in real
brotherhood.
Eight men thoroughly immersed in the true Omega spirit are far greater
assets than eighty with lukewarm enthusiasm.
-What is the Omega Psi Phi motto" - -"Friendship Is Essential to the Soul"
-What are the Cardinal Principals of Omega Psi Phi? - -Manhood
Scholarship
Perserverance
Uplift
-When was Omega Psi Phi Incoporated? - -Omega Psi Phi was incorporated
under the laws of the District of Columbia on October 28, 1914.
, -When was Alpha Chapter Formed? - -Alpha chapter was organized with
fourteen charter members on December 15, 1911. Brothers Edgar A. Love,
Oscar J. Cooper and Frank Coleman were elected the chapter first Basileus,
Keeper of Records, and Keeper of Seals, respectively.
-Who was the First Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi? - -Bishop Edgar Amos
Love - November 23, 1911
Dr. Oscar James Cooper as Grand Keeper of Records (Grand Keeper of
Records and Seals or Grand KRS)
Professor Frank Coleman as Grand Keeper of Seals (Grand Keeper of Finance
or Grand KF).
-Recite "Invictus" - -Invictus
By William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
-First Honorary Member of Omega Psi Phi - -Dr. Ernest Everett Just (1883-
1941)
-Who is the Epsilon Tau Chapter Current Basileus? - -David A. Louis, PhD
-Who is the First Lady an the only woman member of Omega Psi Phi? - -
Lottie B. Wilson (Mr's Charlotte T. Wilson)
, Lottie Wilson - Mrs. Charlotte T. Wilson (Only Woman Omega Member) taken
from the 1961 Oracle
Lincoln University, Pa.
Beta Chapter aka First Stepping Stone of Omega's Expansion
In a big hotel structure on Lincoln University, Maple Avenue, lives a Woman
whose life is vital not only to Omega Psi Phi, but especially to the history of
Beta chapter, the second of Omega's birth. Meeting this great lady is an
experience within itself. You see a rather small, gray haired lady, with
sparkling eyes and a radiant countenance.
Logic tells you that this lady is far up in years, because she's been a part of
Lincoln since 1901. Yet she is so young in spirit, in thought, and in action.
She has lost none of her zest for living and when shaking her hand, you are
astonished at the firmness with which she meets your grip. This woman's life
symbolizes all lives that have been given to the service of mankind. Hers has
been a life of service to the men of Omega Psi Phi, Beta chapter. After Alpha
chapter was founded at Howard University in 1911, the founders decided
that the second chapter of the fraternity should be located at Lincoln
University, Pa.
When Founder Love visited Lincoln University in 1914, he was told by the
faculty that they would not give recognition to a chapter of Omega Psi Phi on
this campus. Founder Love and those interested Lincoln men left the faculty
meeting full of sadness. Thus begins Lottie Wilson's part in Omega Psi Phi,
Beta chapter. As the dejected men were on their way to see Founder Love
board the train back to Howard, they passed a lady sitting on her front porch.
Noticing their very somber faces, she asked them about their problem.
The young men relating their story to her, touched Lottie Wilson's heart and
Beta chapter was founded in her home that very day. L
-Name of Famous Omegas in The Arts - -* Langston Hughes - The Black
poet laureate, excelled as a poet, playwright, novelist, lyricist, and humorist.
* Sterling Brown- Teacher, poet, writer, Professor Emeritus of Literature at
Howard University, has a special foundation for folk culture and jazz music.
* Roland Hayes- Internationally known tenor of the 1920's; sang in five
different languages.
* Max Roach - Internationally known drummer.
* William H. "Bill" Cosby - Comedian, author, and actor.