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TO HONOR THE RICH TRADITION OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INCORPORATED, AND TO WELCOME ITS MEMBERS TO ORANGEBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR THE 3RD DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD MARCH 16 THROUGH 18, 2018.
Whereas, on November 17, 1911, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., became the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college, Howard University; and
Whereas, the founders were three undergraduates, Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank Coleman, along with their faculty advisor Ernest Everett Just; and
Whereas, the name Omega Psi Phi was chosen to represent this fraternal organization, and the phrase "friendship is essential to the soul" was selected as the motto. Manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift were adopted as cardinal principles; and
Whereas, on November 23, 1911, Edgar A. Love became the first Grand Basileus. Oscar J. Cooper and Frank Coleman were selected to be the Grand Keeper of the Records and Grand Keeper of Seals, respectively. Eleven undergraduate men were selected to become the charter members; and
Whereas, Omega Psi Phi has built a strong and effective force of men dedicated to its cardinal principles; and
Whereas, there are many notable Omega men recognized as leaders in the arts, sciences, academics, athletics, business, civil rights, and government at local, national, and international levels; and
Whereas, the fraternity continues to flourish, largely because its founders were men of the highest ideals and intellect, and as such, attracted men of similar values and characteristics, beginning a legacy that continues to attract many of America's great black men whose aspiration is to seek affiliation through membership. This results in Omega Psi Phi having over seven hundred chapters throughout the United States and in Bermuda, the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Korea, Japan, Liberia, Germany, and Kuwait; and
Whereas, the Honorable Antonio F. Knox, Sr., was elected as the fraternity's fortieth Grand Basileus during the Grand Conclave in Philadelphia in 2014. Under his leadership, the fraternity has championed a number of civil rights initiatives, becoming a strong voice against police brutality, efforts to suppress voting rights, and other social issues; and
Whereas, the fraternity continues to mentor youths, provide support to the needy, register people to vote, and fulfill its mandated programs including scholarship and remaining the guardians of the social and political accomplishments of those who have gone before; and
Whereas, the 3rd District Council meeting will be held in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on March 16 through 18, 2018. It will be hosted by the Epsilon Omega Chapter, which has a rich and storied legacy as a member of the Mighty Sixth District lead by Basileus Robert M. Hemby, II; and
Whereas, the Mighty Sixth District consists of North and South Carolina, has over one hundred graduate and undergraduate chapters and over two thousand members; and
Whereas, since its humble beginnings on the Howard University campus, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., continues to be on the front-line, leveraging its power, influence, and more than one hundred years of commitment to uplifting people and communities. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives of South Carolina, by this resolution, honor the rich tradition of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated and welcome its members to Orangeburg, South Carolina, for the 3rd District Council meeting to be held March 16 through 18, 2018.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
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