From Whence We Came: The History of Sigma Omega Chapter
Sigma Omega Chapter was founded in 1920 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chapter was subsequently organized and chartered in 1921. As the first chapter organized and chartered in the 10th District, we are the Pearl of the 10th District. The Charter members as of this writing are as follows:
Bro. Benjamin W. Clayton – Alpha Chapter 1914
Bro. Carter Walker Wesley – Fort Des Moines War Chapter 1917
Bro. Joseph A. Berry – Camp Howard War Chapter 1918
Bro. Benjamin Elijah Mays – Gamma Chapter 1919
Bro. Miles D. Davis Jr. – Beta Chapter 1920
In 1922 Sigma Chapter became Sigma Omega Chapter after Grand Basileus J. Alston Atkins designated single Greek letters for undergraduate chapters and distinguished graduate chapters by adding Omega to the end of the name.
From its inception Sigma Omega Chapter was destined for greatness, in 1921 at the Atlanta Conclave Benjamin W. Clayton was elected Grand Keeper of Records while serving as Basileus of Sigma Chapter. Also, in 1921 Dr. Taylor F. Harmon and Dr. Simmons Hamilton became the first initiates of Sigma Omega Chapter. Bro. Hamilton and Bro. Simmons were both distinguished dentists in the Chicago area and graduates of Meharry Medical College.
Throughout the years and as early as the 30’s Sigma Omega has hosted its signature Mardi Gras event in Chicago. Our chapter continues to hold this event annually to this day with proceeds going towards scholarships. In 2015 Sigma Omega Foundation purchased the former Alexandre Dumas elementary school from the City of Chicago. This building serves as our chapter house to host monthly meetings and serve the Woodlawn community on the south side of Chicago. For 98years, Sigma Omega Chapter has provided great leadership and direction to help the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity thrive and remain viable.
Sigma Omega Chapter has had major contributions at the International and district level thanks to the Brothers of the Chapter who pushed them to be the very best. You can’t mention Sigma Omega without also including notable Brothers such as: John Armstrong, John Moore, Ernest Fair, Ted Davis, T.F. Harmon, Everett White, Emmitt White, William Robinson and Charlie Bruce just to name a few. Mu Xi, Nu Pi, Rho Gamma Gamma, and Chi Lambda Lambda are chapters that rose up from the ranks of Sigma Omega and proceeded to have very successful chapters and produce district level officers of their own.
Going into our next 100 years, Sigma Omega Chapter will continue to make major contributions at the international and district level to help the Fraternity reach its maximum potential.
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