Famous Omega Men

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is home to an extraordinary legacy of distinguished men who have made significant contributions to various fields. From civil rights leaders and trailblazing educators to renowned athletes, entertainers, and public servants, the fraternity has produced a remarkable roster of influential figures. Some of the most notable Omega Men include Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the "Father of Black History," civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson, renowned poet Langston Hughes, and legendary athletes like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal. These individuals embody the fraternity’s principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift, using their talents and influence to inspire and lead generations across the globe.

THE ARTS

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has produced influential artists like poet Langston Hughes and actor Sterling K. Brown, whose creative contributions exemplify the fraternity's commitment to excellence in the arts.

The Arts

Langston Hughes

The Black poet laureate, excelled as a poet, playwright, novelist, lyricist, and humorist.

Sterling Brown

Teacher, poet, writer, Professor Emeritus of Literature at Howard University, has a special foundation for folk culture and jazz music.

Roland Hayes

Internationally known tenor of the 1920's; sang in five different languages.

Max Roach

Internationally known drummer.

William H. “Bill” Cosby

Comedian, author, and actor.

William (Count) Basie

Internationally known pianist, composer, arranger, and band leader.

Not Pictured:

Joe Torry

Comedian, author, actor, and producer.

Steve Harvey

Comedian and actor.

Rickey Smiley

Comedian and actor.

Tom Joyner

Radio show host.

THE ATHLETICS

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has a rich legacy of producing legendary athletes who have excelled on and off the field. Notable Omega Men in sports include basketball icons Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal, who have left an indelible mark on the world of athletics.

The Athletes

William DeHart Hubbard

University of Michigan sprinter; first black person to represent the United States in the Olympic Games in 1924.

Joe Black

All-time great Brooklyn Dodger baseball pitcher. Lowest ERA in the Major Leagues in 1952.

Ed “Too Tall” Jones

Former Outstanding player with the Dallas Cowboys.

Michael Jordan

Outstanding former player with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. Voted to NBA Hall of Fame in 2009.

Mo Vaughn

Former outstanding baseball player with the Boston Red Sox.

Steve McNair

Outstanding former NFL player with the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens.

Not Pictured:

Jerry Ball

3 time Pro Bowler and former NFL defensive lineman.

Vince Carter

8-time All-Star. 2-time All-NBA guard for the New Jersey Nets. 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year.

Mark Duper

3 time Pro Bowler and 2-time All-Pro former wide receiver with Miami Dolphins.

Clarence E. “Big House” Gaines

Hall of Fame Basketball coach. Coached at Winston-Salem State University from 1946 – 1993. Also, 4-year All-CIAA lineman in football.

Dr. Edwin Bancroft (E.B.) Henderson

Captain and outstanding player on the Washington 12th Streeters (1906-1910). He is known as the “Father of Black Sport History”. First Black male to become certified to teach Physical Education in public schools.

Keith Jackson

5 time Pro Bowler and 5 time All Pro former NFL Tight end.He was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

Cedric “Cornbread” Maxwell

Outstanding former professional basketball player with the Boston Celtics and other teams. 1981 NBA Finals MVP.

Shaquille O’Neal

Star center with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers is a 14 time NBA All-star. He is 3 time NBA Final MVP and 2000 NBA MVP.

Brice Taylor

University of Southern California football legend. Guard on mid 1920’s team. Schools first All-American.

Terrence Trammell

2-time (2000, 2004) Olympic silver medalist in 110m hurdles.

Charlie Ward

1993 Heisman Trophy winner and former NBA guard with the NY Knicks.

BUSINESS

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has produced prominent leaders in the business world, known for their innovation and success. Notable Omega Men in business include Earl Graves, founder of *Black Enterprise*, and former American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault, both of whom have made significant contributions to the corporate and entrepreneurial landscape.

Business

Jessie Hill

President of Atlanta Life Insurance Company.

Earl Graves

Chairman and CEO of Black Enterprise Magazine.

Therman McKenzie

Former Co-Owner of M & M Products (Sta Soft Fro).

Nathaniel Bronner

Co-Owner of Bronner Brothers Beauty.

CIVIL RIGHTS

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has been at the forefront of the civil rights movement, producing leaders who have championed justice and equality. Notable Omega Men in civil rights include Rev. Jesse Jackson and Dr. Benjamin Hooks, both of whom played pivotal roles in advancing social change and fighting for the rights of marginalized communities.

Civil Rights

Grant Reynolds

Played a major role in President Truman’s 1948 decision to desegregate the United States Armed Forces.

James Nabrit

Former Dean of the Howard University Law School and former president of Howard University. A leader in the training of the early Civil Rights lawyers.

Roy Wilkins

Long-time Executive Director of the NAACP.

Jesse Jackson

Former Director of Operation PUSH; Founder, National Rainbow Coalition.

Vernon Jordan

Noted Attorney and Former Executive Director of the National Urban League.

Not Pictured:

Wiley Branton

Attorney of the “Little Rock Nine” and former Dean of Howard University School of Law.

Oliver Hill

Civil Rights attorney whose work against racial discrimination helped end the doctrine of “separate but equal”. 1999 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.

Benjamin Hooks

Succeeded Roy Wilkins as Executive Director of the NAACP, the most effective of all civil rights organizations.

EDUCATORS

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has a proud history of producing distinguished educators who have shaped academic and intellectual landscapes. Notable Omega Men in education include Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the "Father of Black History," and Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., both of whom made lasting contributions to education and social progress.

Educators

Wiliam Hastie

First Governer of the Virgin Islands.

Robert C. Weaver

Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.

Secretary, Department of the Army.

Lawrence Douglas Wilder

Former Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Togo West – Secretary of the Army.

Togo West

Secretary of the Army.

James E. “Jim” Clyburn

The House Majority Whip in the 110th Congress. (2nd Black to hold that position).

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Founder of both entities that merged to form Rainbow/PUSH. Candidate for the United States Presidency in 1984 and 1988. Served as “Shadow Senator” for DC from 1991 to 1997.

Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.

2001 Springarn Medal recipient. Executive Director of United Negro College Fund and a former president of the National Urban League. He also served as a close adviser to President Bill Clinton.

Clarence Lightner

1st Black Mayor of Raleigh, NC. Held the posts of the Director of the CDC and the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry from 1993 to 1998.

Walter E. Washington

1st Home-Rule mayor of the District of Columbia. Former Executive Director of the National Capital Housing Authority.

George L.P. Weaver

Former U.S. Secretary of Labor.

Kendrick B. Meek

Congressman serving the 17th Congressional District of Florida since 2003. A former trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol where he became Florida’s 1st African-American to promoted to the rank of Captain.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has produced influential leaders in government and politics who have shaped national and global policies. Notable Omega Men in this arena include U.S. Congressman James Clyburn and former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson, both of whom have made significant contributions to political leadership and public service.

Government & Politics

Wiliam Hastie

First Governer of the Virgin Islands.

Robert C. Weaver

Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.

Secretary, Department of the Army.

Lawrence Douglas Wilder

Former Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Togo West – Secretary of the Army.

Togo West

Secretary of the Army.

James E. “Jim” Clyburn

The House Majority Whip in the 110th Congress. (2nd Black to hold that position).

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Founder of both entities that merged to form Rainbow/PUSH. Candidate for the United States Presidency in 1984 and 1988. Served as “Shadow Senator” for DC from 1991 to 1997.

Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.

2001 Springarn Medal recipient. Executive Director of United Negro College Fund and a former president of the National Urban League. He also served as a close adviser to President Bill Clinton.

Clarence Lightner

1st Black Mayor of Raleigh, NC. Held the posts of the Director of the CDC and the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry from 1993 to 1998.

Walter E. Washington

1st Home-Rule mayor of the District of Columbia. Former Executive Director of the National Capital Housing Authority.

George L.P. Weaver

Former U.S. Secretary of Labor.

Kendrick B. Meek

Science

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has a legacy of producing pioneering figures in science and medicine who have made groundbreaking contributions. Notable Omega Men in science include Dr. Charles Drew, who revolutionized blood banking, and Dr. Ernest Everett Just, a pioneering biologist, both of whom have left an enduring impact on their fields.

Science

Dr. Ernest Everett Just

Internationally known biologist and professor at Howard University.

Dr. Charles Drew

Perfected the use of blood plasma; Professor of Surgery at Howard University.

Percy Julian

Discovered the use of foam to extinguish fires and discovered a method of producing cortisone synthetically.

Charles Bolden

Astronaut, graduate of the United States Naval Academy (pilot).

NASA Administrator (July 17, 2009 – present).

Dr. Ronald E. McNair

Astronaut, graduate of M.I.T., Ph.D. in Physics (civilian).

Dr. Fred Drew Gregor

Astronaut, graduate of the United States Air Force Academy (pilot).

Dr. Hildrus Poindexter

Bacteriologist who studied the epidemiology of tropical diseases.