BETA IOTA CHAPTER
OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC.
1940 - 2003

For many years Omega men living in Cincinnati, Ohio had a vision of organizing a chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

On Tuesday, June 25 1940 The Beta Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was chartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The vision of a graduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was discussed in the office of Big Brother Joe Smith where Big Brothers Bernice Dixon, Paul Jones and DeHart Hubbard were present. The four men, who thoroughly exemplified the cardinal principles of the Fraternity, maintained leadership and service throughout the community at large; Joe Smith, a Dentist; Bernice Dixon, a French Instructor; Paul Jones, an Educator, and DeHart Hubbard, a Recreation Director.

Subsequently, the same year that the chapter was established the first Lampado, Big Brother Harold Breazeal, Manager of Atlanta Life Insurance Company was initiated into the fraternity. During this time Big Brother Joe Smith was Basileus of Beta Iota Chapter. Big Brother Bernice Dixon, initiated at Howard University, became second Basileus of Beta Iota Chapter after returning from World War II.

Excelling, Big Brother DeHart Hubbard, Michigan's three time Big 10 champion in the long jump and two time 100 yard dash champion, became the first African American athlete to win an individual Olympic Gold Medal in 1924.

On December 27, 1953 the 40th Grand Conclave was hosted by the Beta Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio. Twenty-first Grand Basileus Grant Reynolds; National Executive Secretary H. Carl Moultrie I; Fourth District Representative Willard L. Brown and Grand Marshall Paul A. Jones were present. During this meeting the first Grand Talent Hunt took place. The Talent Hunt originated from the Sixth District by previous Grand Basileus J. Alston Atkins.

Since its conception the Beta Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc has fulfilled the requirements of service and dedication set forth by our beloved founding fathers using the four cardinal principles; Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. Through contributing to charitable organizations such as YMCA, Colored Folks Home, Urban League, NAACP, and the Negro College Fund the chapter has been dedicated to achieving excellence of the highest caliber.

Sixty-two years of strong fraternal brotherhood has maintained a rich heritage in Beta Iota’s young and older distinguished chapter members.