THE EARLY BEGINNING

The Mighty Chi Omega Chapter

The Chi Omega Chapter of the Omega Psi Fraternity Inc. has a rich history that started in Thomasville, Georgia and is now located in Tallahassee, Florida. The Chi Omega Chapter has represented the fraternity for over 100 years and has established itself as a working and knowledgeable chapter. The Chi Omega Chapter was chartered on Monday December 15, 1924. in Thomasville, Georgia. The name Brother Dr. Percy Richardson has been linked in being very instrumental in the chartering of the Chi Omega chapter. The chapter experienced growth and stability during the rest of the 20’s. In 1925 the members of Chi Omega hosted a New Year Night Smoker. Dr. Bowen was the speaker of the Emancipation Exercises that night. Brother Bowen spoke in front of the largest crowd assembled in South West Georgia. Brother J.P Murchinson advised the chapter on future expansion, and development. Prominent members of the Chi Omega Chapter at this time included Dr. M.L Walton, Dr. Mosley, Brother Smith, Brother Professor H.Rogers, Brother Hutto, and Brother M.S Paige. Side Note: The Chi Omega Chapter was named and documented in a May 1924 Oracle even though they weren’t chartered until December of that year. The 30’s were a time of despair and struggle for many due to the depression. Chi Omega persevered. In 1934, Chi Omega officially relocated to Tallahassee, Florida. During the 1933 Conclave in Durham, North Carolina it was voted on to accept the transferring of Chi Omega from Thomasville, Georgia to Tallahassee, Florida. Prior to this time Chi Omega was instrumental in establishing the Upsilon Psi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. on the campus of Florida A&M University in 1932. Chi Omega had a documented membership of 19 members in the mid 1930’s. These members consisted of teachers, dentists, physicians, and business owners. As the 1930’s ended, Chi Omega was looking forward to the 1940’s with zest and vigor.


THE FORTIES

The 40’s brought about change and war. Members of the Chi Omega Chapter served bravely in the Armed Forces. Membership intake on both graduate and under-graduate levels saw a period of inactivity based on military intake. For a short period of time prior to 1945 the Chi Omega Chapter had been practically inactive in so far as participation in the national life of the Fraternity was concerned. To a large extent this inactivity was due perhaps to a decline in fraternity consciousness which resulted from the great mortality suffered by the undergraduate chapter Upsilon Psi at Florida A&M College, because of the war. Even though the war was still in progress, the graduate brothers of Tallahassee most of whom were staff members of Florida A&M College met on March 4, 1945 and elected officers. {Oracle May. 1946 pg. 36) A decline in membership was inevitable but once again the principle of Perseverance came forth. The war ended in 1945, this sparked a rebirth in chapter activity. New chapter officers and committees were established. On March 4th, 1945, the Chi Omega Chapter elected the following officers; Brother M.S Thomas, Basileus; Brother C.B Lindsay, Vice Basileus; Brother B.F Holmes, Keeper of Records and Seal; Brother E.L King, Keeper of Finance; Brother James Emmanuel, Chapter Editor; and Brother H. Manning Efferson, as Chaplain. The brothers of Chi Omega paid their national dues and made plans to become more active with the undergraduate chapter Upsilon Psi. Joint activities included freshmen welcoming at Florida A&M University, and freshmen orientation. Chi Omega organized one of the more successful dances on January 10th ,1946. There was an Annual Omega Dance at the local USO Club, brothers from out-of-town chapters celebrated and supported this event. The brothers of Upsilon Psi were guests on this occasion. As the fraternity was seeing growth Chi Omega continued with their momentum. Chi Omega and Upsilon Psi helped in honoring Brother J.T Brooks, District Representative. A luncheon was held at the home of Past Basileus W.A Campbell. The fraternities annual Memorial service in honor of the late Colonel Charles Young was observed by Chi Omega on March 24, and Brother J.V Anderson delivered a memorable eulogy.

Recommendations

The Chi Omega Chapter was instrumental in recommending that all fallen men of Omega be honored during the Memorial Services held in honor of the late Colonel Charles Young. They also considered the shifting of Achievement Week as it clashed with American Education Week. The members of the Chi Omega Chapter in regular meeting assembled proposed the following recommendations that their delegate to the regional present the following: 1} That in view that Achievement Week comes at the time as American Education Week this district goes on record proposing to the national body that the time of our observance be shifted. {So many of our brothers in this area are in the teaching profession that such a change in date would be beneficial.} 2.} That the 7th District goes on record proposing that certain changes in our Spring Memorial to Colonel Charles Young be affected since the death of Colonel Charles Young many other distinguished Omega Men have passed on to their reward men who have done work meritorious as the great soldier did in his. {Oracle May 1946 pg. 37}

Respectfully Submitted

C.B LINDSAY


THE FIFTIES

Chi Omega continued to build and prosper during the 50’s. The Chi Omega chapter continued to feed off the momentum from the 40’s and kept making strides in community affairs and on the campus of Florida A&M University. The Quettes of Chi Omega were also established in 1956 under the guidance of Basileus W. Gaither. Chi Omega took a stand during the racially charged 60’s and participated in the Tallahassee City Boycott. The Chi Omega Chapter continued to put their mark on many diverse fields of labor. Members of Chi Omega held ranks in the medical field, teaching profession, law enforcement, athletics, law, and pharmacy.


THE SIXTIES

With the emergence of the 60’s, African American citizens began to rise and object to their second class citizenship which was bestowed upon them since the 17th century. Chi Omega members were active participants in notable events such as the Tallahassee City Bus Boycott and non-violent protests of all kinds. Through the leadership of the Brothers, Tallahassee, Florida developed into a community that is both understanding and receptive to all of its citizens.The 60’s also saw Chi Omega bring in and initiate the first members of the Chi Theta chapter in 1967. This chapter would set a standard and make history as the first black Greek organization on Florida State University campus.


THE SEVENTIES

While the 60’s brought in change for African Americans in our society, the 70’s saw an increasing number of the changes implemented. Chi Omega, once again was at the center of change with members representing all facets of the public and private sectors of our society. The following Brothers took an active leadership role within the community:

Health Sciences

Brother John Seay               Pharmacist

Brother Earl Britt                 Cardiology & Internal Medicine

 

Education

Brother Robert Bryant        Superintendant of Schools (Gadsden Co.)

Brother Julius Fisher           Principal (Havana Jr. High School)

Brother Hansel Tookes        F.A.M.U. Coaching Staff

Brother Allen Bogan            F.A.M.U. Coaching Staff

Brother Bob Leach               FSU Administrator

 

Public Service

Brother O.H. Hankerson      State Government

Brother John Marks             Lawyer

Brother Fred Flowers           Lawyer

In the 70’s Chi Omega hosted the 1976 State Workshop in Tallahassee, Florida. Brother Ted Scott was recognized for his outstanding service as State Marshall.

 

THE EIGHTIES, NINETIES and beyond

With the dawning of the 80’s, portions of our precious privileges fought so hard for in the 1960’s and 1970’s began to disintegrate. Chi Omega, once again must rise to meet the challenge. The Chi Omega Chapter kept up the work of Omega throughout the 21st Century. Chi Omega held initiations in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2026. The chapter continues to reflect and fulfill the Mandated Programs of the Fraternity. Programs that the chapter upholds are Roadside Cleanup, Neighborhood Safety Walk, Charles Drew Blood Drive, Annual Golf Tournament, Vegas Nights, Talent Hunt, Scholarship Awards, Brothers for Fitness, Angel Tree Salvation Army, Welcome Back Students, Que-Kappa Cosmo, Brother Night of Fellowship, Achievement Week, Memorial Service and Reclamation and Retention, NAACP, Voter Registration, Read to Succeed, Chi Omega Biking Brothers, Chi Omega Fitness, and members also support the Omega Lamplighters Mentoring Program. Chi Omega earned State Graduate Chapter of the Year in 2008 and History and Archives 1st place winner in 2011.

Chi Omega Historical Information Summary

  • Chi Omega was chartered Monday December 15th, 1924 in Thomasville, Georgia

  • Brother A.S Parks served as Basileus in 1947 and was a charter member of the Upsilon Psi

  • Chapter in 1932.

  • John Love was acting Grand Basileus when Chi Omega was chartered in 1924.

  • Chi Omega was instrumental in the establishment of Upsilon Psi and Chi Theta Chapters in

  • Tallahassee, Florida in 1932 and 1967 respectively.

  • Dr. M. L Walton was awarded Chi Omega Man of the Year in 1951.

  • Chi Omega established their Quettes in 1956 under Basileus W. Gaither.

  • Edwin Norwood- educator in the public-school system of Leon County and later at Florida

A&M University was an early member of Chi Omega who was instrumental in the city-wide

protest of segregated seating on Tallahassee city buses.

  • H Manning Efferson was awarded Chi Omega Man of the Year in 1958

  • Brother James A. Hefner (1965 Chi Omega)- Former President of Tennessee State University

  • Chi Omega hosted the Florida State Workshop in 1976

  • Chi Omega was State March Down champs in Florida in 1993 and 2015

Several Chi Omega initiates and members served in state, district and international capacities

State Positions:

Ozzie “OH” Hankerson- FSO State Representative 1977-1981

Darron Toston- State Representative

Darron Toston- First Vice State Representative

Royle King- State Representative

Royle King- State KRS, State Public Relations Director

Craig Brown- State Counselor

District:

Benjamin Crump- District Counselor

Darron Toston- District Director of Public Relations

E. Newton Jackson- District Scholarship Committee

International:

Benjamin Crump- Grand Counselor

E. Newton Jackson- International Scholarship Committee

State Workshops:

1976- Ted Scott- State Marshall

1995- Carver T. Spence- State Marshall

2008- Zollie White II, State Marshall

2016- C. Terrell Jenkins- State Marshall