On Friday evening, November 17, 1911, three Howard University undergraduate students, with the assistance of their faculty adviser, gave birth to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. This event occurred in the office of biology Professor Ernest E. Just, the faculty adviser, in the Science Hall (now known as Thirkield Hall). The three liberal arts students were Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper and Frank Coleman. From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning "friendship is essential to the soul," the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. The phrase was selected as the motto. Manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift were adopted as cardinal principles. A decision was made regarding the design for the pin and emblem, and thus ended the first meeting of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity .
The Theta Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded on October 14, 1944, in Jackson, Tennessee. Some of the chartered members were Bro. Professor A. M. Dobbins, Bro. Dr. W.R. Bell, Bro. Rev. P.E. Brooks, Bro. Professor Hunt, Bro. Colonel Shaw, Bro. S.H. Bronaugh, Dr. John Howell, Bro. Julian Bell, Bro Robert Teague and Bro. Nathan Cunningham.
The Chapter was fortunate to have Brothers move from other cities to move to Jackson and affiliate and become loyal and dedicated members including Bro. James F. Taylor (Rip), Bro. W.E Mc Kissack, Bro. Julian Bell, Bro. Albert Porter, and Bro. Clyde Allen. Bro. William H. Jones, relocated to Jackson and became a motivating and beloved member of Theta Iota. Later the chapter honored him by dedicating a scholarship in his name.
Many of the Brothers from Kappa Sigma chapter at Lane College were transformed to Theta Iota: Bro. Colonel Shaw, Bro. Earl Shaw, Bro. William Gause, Bro. Leo M. Gray, Bro. Markan Stansbury, Bro. Alexander Moore, Bro. George Thacker, Bro. Alton Jarmon, Bro. Marvin Cathy, Bro. Levy Moore, Bro. Isaiah Savage, Bro. William (Duck) Green, Bro. Charles Smith, Bro. Ben Ewell, Bro. Gaston Andrews, Bro. Paul Toliver, Bro. William Adulphus Jones, Bro. William Hayes, Bro. Joe Taylor, Bro. James Poe, Bro. Charles Dawson, Bro. David Manuel, Bro. Robert Maclin, Bro. Red Porter, Bro. Charles Chatman, Bro. Clifford Bailey, Bro. James Collier, Bro. Riley Gregory, Bro. Paul Barnes, and Bro. Ernest Brooks.
Theta Iota was proud to have been the home chapter of Brother James "Rip" Taylor, who was initiated in 1929 and served the fraternity for 80 years before his death in 2009.
In the early years Theta Iota would meet in the homes of brothers in Jackson, Paris, Brownsville, Bolivar and other cities. Brothers would work in groups to host meeting to include food, Omega Oil and often serenaded the Omega girls with the Sweetheart Song.
On many occasions undergraduate Brothers were invited to meet with the Theta Iota Chapter to emphasize the importance of our cardinal principles and to assure them of interest in them as Omega Men. This was an effort to fellowship and not only call them in for disciplinary problems.
The Fraternity sponsored a boxing tournament which was always well attended by the community. The Omega Ball was one of the largest social functions in the city. It was invitational and persons would seek diligently to get on the guest list. Each fraternal organization was extended an invitation and given an opportunity to stand for the playing of its hymn. Founders Day was always well attended and people would look forward to meeting and greeting citizens of the year and also the Omega Man of the Year.
Theta Iota Chapter continues to grow in numbers, but more importantly in service to the community. To name a few projects, Theta Iota has sponsored “Ques for Shoes “, which sent hundreds of pairs of shoes to Africa, voters’ registration drives, scholarships to local high school students, donations to Lane College, blood drives, talent hunts, mentoring programs, nursing home visits, food baskets deliveries, diabetes education, and crime marches.
Long Live Theta Iota Chapter!