About

History of the Alpha Tau Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (1957 - Present)

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was established more than one hundred years ago on November 17, 1911, at Howard University, Washington, DC by three undergraduate students: Oscar J. Cooper, Frank M. Coleman, and Edgar A. Love. These undergraduates were advised by Professor Dr. Ernest E. Just a professor of Biology at Howard University. The establishment of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at Howard University soon led to the establishment of Chapters on other Black Colleges and Universities campuses which soon led to the establishment of Graduate Chapters in cities and towns throughout the United States. Tuscaloosa City/County first experienced Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 1948 when Phi Omega Chapter was chartered with the following Charter Members:

1. Bro. Marvin T. A. Allen

Gamma Sigma Chapter
Alabama State University
Initiated: April 1940

2. Bro. M. L. Bonner

Mu Psi Chapter
North Carolina A&T University
Initiated: November 12, 1942

3. Bro. M. P. Gilmore

Delta Chapter
MeHarry Medical College
Initiated: April 1915

4. Bro. C. H. Williams

Rho Chapter
Johnson C. Smith University
Initiated: March 31, 1945

5. Bro. N. B. Wesley

Gamma Sigma Chapter
Alabama State University
Initiated: March 1936

However, Phi Omega Chapter membership became too small to have an active Chapter so it became inactive resulting in the removal of the Charter. Nevertheless, previous members of Phi Omega Chapter who continued to live in the Tuscaloosa City/County area wanted to see Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. continue to exist. They petitioned the International Office of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in Washington, DC and applied for a new Chapter Charter. The International Headquarters honored their request after displaying that eleven members of the Fraternity who lived in the Tuscaloosa City/County plus other professional men were interested in becoming members of the Fraternity. The Chartering of the Alpha Tau Chapter was granted.

The establishment of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Inc. at Howard University soon led to the establishment of Chapters on other Black Colleges and Universities campus which soon let to the establishment of Graduates Chapters in cities and towns throughout the United States.

Tuscaloosa City/County first experienced Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 1948

The eleven members were:

1. Bro. Marvin T. A. Allen

Gamma Sigma Chapter
Alabama State University
Initiated: April 1940

2. Bro. M. L. Bonner

Mu Psi Chapter
North Carolina A&T University
Initiated: November 12, 1942

3. Bro. M. P. Gilmore

Delta Chapter
MeHarry Medical College
Initiated: April 1915

4. Bro. C. H. Williams

Rho Chapter
Johnson C. Smith University
Initiated: March 31, 1945

5. Bro. N. B. Wesley

Gamma Sigma Chapter
Alabama State University
Initiated: March 1936

6. Bro. B. B. Hardy

Phi Omega Chapter
Tuscaloosa Graduated Chapter
Initiated: May 29, 1949

7. Bro. McDonald Hughes

Phi Omega Chapter
Tuscaloosa Graduated Chapter
Initiated: May 29, 1949

8. Bro. Leroy Hyter

Nu Epsilon Chapter
Alabama A&M University
Initiated: April 17, 1952

9. Bro. S. W. Washington

Phi Omega Chapter
Tuscaloosa Graduated Chapter
Initiated: May 29, 1949

10. Bro. J. T. Whiestenton

Rho Epsilon Chapter
Tougaloo College
Initiated: April 17, 1953

11. Bro. Troy Young

Rho Epsilon Chapter
Tougaloo College
Initiated: November 13, 1945

12. Bro. O J Brooks

Phi Omega Chapter
Tuscaloosa Graduated Chapter
Initiated: July 13, 1950

13. Bro. Jimmie Johnson

Phi Omega Chapter
Tuscaloosa Graduated Chapter
Initiated: February 5, 1952

14. Bro Robert Harrell

Phi Omega Chapter
Tuscaloosa Graduated Chapter
Initiated: December 12, 1953

15. Bro Paul Meachem

Phi Omega Chapter
Tuscaloosa Graduated Chapter
Initiated: April 28, 1955

The interested men who were on the Charter Line, May 3, 1957 were:

1. Bro. Robert Israwl Beasley

Alabama State University

2. Bro. Cleve Hale Sr.

Tuskegee University Graduate

3. Bro. Mark Arthur McCrackin

Florida A&M Graduate

4. Bro. Elbert Sparks Jr

Alabama State University Graduate

5. Bro. Jessie B. Wier

Alabama State University Graduate

Since this time Alpha Tau Chapter has continued to make a positive difference in the Tuscaloosa City/County area. The Alpha Tau Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. mission is to bring about union of college men of similar high ideals of scholarship and manhood in order to stimulate the attainment of ideas and ambitions of its members; occupy a progressive, helpful and constructive place in political life of the community and nation; and foster the humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual; and aid downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher economic and intellectual status.

The Alpha Tau Chapter chapter covers five west Alabama counties: Tuscaloosa, Bibb, Green, Pickens and Sumter. We are graduate level men who embody Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Four Cardinal Principals of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. These principals are the bedrock for all that we do in making a difference in the State of Alabama, the 7th District and the fraternity as a whole. We take pride in making a positive impact in our communities and in our role mentoring and overseeing undergraduate chapters at Stillman College (Rho Gamma), the University of Alabama (Beta Eta), and the University of West Alabama (Alpha Delta Iota).

We are also allied with the Bridge Builder Friendship Foundation Inc. The foundation is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization that was established to help promote educational awareness, mentorship, and provide available resources to deserving communities. The Bridge Builder Friendship Foundation Inc. supports several programs designed to encourage our youths in the areas of leadership, academic achievement, self-awareness, social awareness, health awareness, and volunteerism through various community services projects.

We strive to do our best, and leave unto the Lord the rest.