RESOLUTION NO. 220887
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Sponsor: Councilperson Lee Barnes, Jr.
Honoring the Beta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as the brotherhood celebrates their Centennial Anniversary with the purpose of honoring their rich history and contributions to the City of Kansas City, Missouri.
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WHEREAS, on Friday, November 17, 1911, three Howard University undergraduate students, with the assistance of their faculty advisor, gave birth to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. This event occurred in the office of biology Professor Ernest E. Just, the faculty advisor, in the Science Hall, now known as Thirkield Hall. The three liberal arts students were Edgar A Love, Oscar J. Cooper and Frank Coleman. From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning "friendship is essential to the soul," the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. The phrase, “friendship is essential to the soul” was selected as the fraternity’s motto. Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift were adopted as its cardinal principles; and
WHEREAS, on October 1, 1922, the Supreme Council of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. approved the charter of Beta Omega Chapter for Kansas City Missouri. Beta Omega became very active in civic affairs, the Kansas City school system and social activities that focused on improving the lives of people of color. World War II took many of Beta Omega's members off for America’s fight for liberty, but following the war, Brothers Harold L. Holiday, Sr., Carl Peterson, MD, Leroy Woodard and Louneer T. Pemberton took the charge to reengage the community as the Chapter became strong advocates for civil and social justice; and
WHEREAS, this 100 year celebration continues to pay homage to Omega Men from Beta Omega like Brother John H. Gregg, Brother John Williams, Brother Kit Carson Roque and Brother Derrick Thomas. Beta Omega has always been the umbrella for moving social concerns and the fabric of the community; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and Council of the City of Kansas City, Missouri hereby extend their thanks and appreciation to the Beta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for their continued support and efforts to making Kansas City, Missouri a better, more inclusive city; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to the Beta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in token of the Mayor and Council’s thanks for its 100 years of leadership, influence and dedication.
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