Greetings Brothers of Omega,
Happy Founders Day! I greet you in the name of the Supreme Basileus, my Lord and Savior. It is with great enthusiasm that we are able to celebrate 112 years of excellent service of our illustrious fraternity – the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Let us continue to remember, honor, and be forever grateful to our Founders – the three honorable visionary undergraduates (Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank Coleman) along with their faculty adviser (Ernest Everett Just) created the greatest and first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically Black college.
Founded on November 17, 1911, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. Their dream was simple yet profound: to create a fraternity of like-minded men rooted in friendship (Friendship is Essential to the Soul) that would uplift and empower African American men, providing them with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
In a world where greatness is sometimes measured by the impact a person or organization contributed to their community, the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has and continues to stand tall as a shining beacon of excellence for 112 remarkable years. As we celebrate this historic milestone, we can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey of our illustrious Fraternity’s dedication to community service and living the four cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.
Brothers, our unwavering dedication to service to the community, leadership, friendship, and fellowship continues to set Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. apart. Through our mandated programs like “Fatherhood Initiatives and Mentoring and Scholarships” and countless community service initiatives, we have and continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of numerous people and communities. The level of our commitment to uplifting the underserved is a testament to our fraternity’s enduring legacy.
Brothers, I encourage you to live your creed and nobly as all real men do, knowing that we stand on the shoulders of our four Founders and giants that have come before us. Over the past century, the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. have strived to live up to its founders’ aspirations by persevering through the various tests and challenges of life and societal issues (racism, segregation, economic injustice, unfair wages, voting rights, and long overdue civil rights protections). We consistently produce outstanding leaders in various fields, from politics to business, and are at the forefront of the fight for civil rights and social justice.
As we commemorate the 112th anniversary of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., let us celebrate the remarkable achievements, the unwavering brotherhood, and the indomitable spirit that have defined our organization throughout its illustrious history. Additionally, let us continue to strengthen the tie that binds us together to ensure Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. continues to be the beacon of hope, light, life, and love throughout the world for eternity.
“Strengthening The Brotherhood Through Friendship and Fellowship”
Shawn R. Lacey
Brother Shawn R. Lacey
Third District Representative
