Every year, members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. proudly observe Founders Day as a time to honor their beginnings, reflect on the values that define the fraternity, and celebrate their achievements in community service, leadership, and brotherhood. Founders Day commemorates the establishment of the fraternity on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. For Omega men, this date is more than an anniversary it is a symbol of commitment, pride, and legacy. The event has become a unifying occasion for chapters across the globe, serving as a reminder of the fraternity’s deep cultural, historical, and social roots.
The Birth of Omega Psi Phi
Omega Psi Phi was the first international fraternal organization to be founded on the campus of a historically Black college. The fraternity was created by three Howard University undergraduates Frank Coleman, Oscar J. Cooper, and Edgar A. Love under the guidance of their faculty adviser, Ernest E. Just. The founders aimed to build a brotherhood based on four cardinal principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. These core values continue to guide the organization’s activities and mission to this day.
Significance of November 17
November 17 holds a sacred place in the hearts of Omega brothers. It represents the official founding date of the fraternity, and it has been designated as Founders Day. This day is marked by ceremonies, educational programs, and community outreach, emphasizing the fraternity’s enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to service and excellence.
How Founders Day is Celebrated
Chapters of Omega Psi Phi across the United States and abroad celebrate Founders Day with a variety of activities, often held throughout the month of November. The celebration serves as both a reflection of the past and a recommitment to the future. Common traditions include:
- Formal Banquets: Members gather in formal settings to honor the founding members and present awards for outstanding service.
- Guest Speakers: Prominent alumni or leaders in the community are often invited to speak about topics relevant to the fraternity’s mission.
- Public Service Events: Community clean-ups, voter registration drives, and mentoring initiatives are organized as acts of uplift.
- Historical Presentations: Educational segments or exhibits explore the fraternity’s history and its impact on civil rights and education.
Omega Week
In many chapters, Founders Day is part of a broader celebration known as Omega Week. This week-long series of events may include social functions, religious services, step shows, and public forums, all designed to bring together fraternity brothers, their families, and the surrounding community in unity and celebration.
Remembering the Founders
The spirit of Founders Day is anchored in the lives and legacies of Omega Psi Phi’s four founders. Each played a crucial role in shaping the fraternity’s mission and laying the groundwork for its expansion:
- Dr. Ernest E. Just: An esteemed biologist and educator who served as the guiding figure for the fraternity’s formation.
- Dr. Oscar J. Cooper: A physician who later became a leader in medical associations and continued to support Omega’s outreach efforts.
- Professor Frank Coleman: A physics professor and military officer whose leadership influenced generations of Omega men.
- Bishop Edgar A. Love: A Methodist bishop and educator who championed civil rights and youth empowerment.
These men exemplified the ideals of perseverance, scholarship, and manhood, and their commitment to upliftment remains a guiding force in Omega Psi Phi’s initiatives.
Brotherhood and Legacy
Founders Day also reaffirms the strong sense of brotherhood that binds members of Omega Psi Phi. Through rituals, shared experiences, and generational mentorship, members develop lifelong bonds that extend beyond college and into professional and civic life. The celebration becomes an occasion for reconnecting, reminiscing, and setting goals for the continued growth of the organization.
Omega’s Impact on Society
Omega Psi Phi has a long-standing tradition of producing leaders in every sector of society, including politics, the military, education, business, and the arts. Notable members include Langston Hughes, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal. The fraternity’s programs, such as its Achievement Week, Talent Hunt, and Assault on Illiteracy campaigns, have made substantial contributions to African American communities across the nation.
Founders Day and Youth Empowerment
In recent years, Founders Day celebrations have increasingly emphasized mentorship and youth development. Many chapters host youth forums and scholarship events, where young people are introduced to the principles of Omega Psi Phi and encouraged to pursue academic excellence and community leadership. These efforts help ensure that the legacy of the fraternity continues to inspire new generations.
Spiritual Reflections
Religious services are another cornerstone of Founders Day. Omega Psi Phi maintains a strong spiritual foundation, and many celebrations include church services, prayer breakfasts, or inspirational gatherings that reflect on divine guidance, personal growth, and collective purpose. These spiritual moments reinforce the values of humility, integrity, and faith that have long defined Omega men.
Looking to the Future
As Omega Psi Phi approaches new milestones, Founders Day offers a chance not only to reflect on the past but also to envision a stronger future. Chapters are encouraged to strategize, innovate, and lead with intention. By adapting to modern challenges while remaining rooted in tradition, the fraternity remains a powerful force for good in a changing world.
From the early days at Howard University to the global reach of today, Omega Psi Phi’s Founders Day continues to inspire pride, purpose, and progress. Whether through education, service, or mentorship, the impact of this historic fraternity resonates far beyond its founding. As Omega men gather each November, they honor not only the legacy of their founders but also their own commitment to being leaders and role models in their communities.