8th District History

Formation and Early Years:

• Originally part of the Third District, the Eighth District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. emerged due to rapid growth, with nine districts established by 1928.

• Upsilon Omega Chapter, founded in 1921 in St. Louis, was the first chartered chapter in the Eighth District. It underwent a name change from Upsilon Graduate Chapter to Upsilon Omega Chapter.

• In 1922, Beta Omega Chapter in Kansas City became the second chartered chapter in the Eighth District.

District Representatives and Expansion:

• In 1922, a constitutional provision empowered Grand Basileus Julius McCain to appoint District Representatives. George L. Vaughn, later the 11th Grand Basileus, was one of the first appointed.

• The Eighth District hosted its first Grand Conclave in 1923.

• George D. Brantley was elected the first District Representative in 1928.

• The District grew over the years, incorporating more states, and underwent several redistricting phases.

District Leaders and Achievements:

• Herman Dreer, an educator and Washington, D.C. native, was elected District Representative in 1933 and contributed significantly to the Fraternity's history.

• The Eighth District added Illinois in 1935 and expanded further over the years, including the addition of New Mexico in 1964.

• Leaders like Lucius Jones, Edgar Burnett, Lynn Beckwith, and others made notable contributions to the District's growth and service.

• In 1947, Arkansas was added to the Eighth District, and in 1964, New Mexico became part of the District.

Later Developments and Challenges:

• The Fraternity redistricted in 1947, eliminating the Eleventh District and adding Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa to the Eighth District.

• Significant events, such as purchasing the first National Headquarters building in 1949, marked the Fraternity's progress.

• The Eighth District continued to expand its contributions to the community, addressing issues like voter education and health concerns.

• The District experienced significant growth and organizational changes from the 1980s to 2010.

Recent Leadership and Achievements:

• Notable leaders like Lloyd J. Jordan, who became the 36th Grand Basileus in 1998, played crucial roles in shaping the Fraternity's operations and navigating legal challenges.

• The Eighth District witnessed expansions, technological advancements, and initiatives under leaders like Larry Burks, Glenn E. Rice, and others.

• The District remained active in political and civic engagement, working with organizations like the NAACP.

• Recent District Representatives include Robert C. Scott, William Ray Brown, and James R. Ball, each contributing to the District's ongoing legacy.

Current Status:

• The Eighth District presently comprises 39 graduate and undergraduate chapters, with active participation in all aspects of Omega Psi Phi.

• The District continues to strive for excellence, with each chapter aspiring to achieve the coveted "Chapter of the Year Award."

• Recent leaders, such as Kermit D. Ervin, James R. Ball, and Osuman O. Issaka, contribute to the ongoing success and growth of the Eighth District.

Notable Figures in Eighth District History:

• James Crawford McMorries (5th Grand Basileus), Clarence Fitzhugh Holmes Jr. (6th Grand Basileus), George L. Vaughn (11th Grand Basileus), and Lloyd J. Jordan (36th Grand Basileus) played pivotal roles in Omega Psi Phi's growth and development.

• The Eighth District has seen leaders who have excelled in various fields, including law, dentistry, and civic activism.

ALL INFORMATION IS CREDITED TO: www.8thdistrictoppf.org