Chapter History

The Mu Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. was established in the spring of 1947.

The Chapter Founders were Marsh Houston, a teacher, Brother Glanton, (known as "Mr. Que") a lawyer who was to later become a District Court Judge, Stanley Griffin and Murphy Powell, both of whom were physicians. All of these brothers are now members of the Omega Chapter.

George Stone came to Des Moines and joined the Chapter in the fall of 1948. The first line to cross the burning sands was in 1948 and consisted of Alfred Edwards, Woodrow Lewis, Stanley Griffin and Eustace Ware. Griffin and Ware were also physicians. Edwards, Griffin, and Ware have also gone on to the Omega Chapter.

Brother Lewis although no longer active is still a member of Mu Omicron living in the Des Moines area.

As the years passed, Mu Omicron was on of the most dynamic chapters in the Eighth District. At one time, this chapter had over fifty active members. This chapter was instrumental in establishing undergraduate chapters at Iowa State University and Drake University. Brothers of this chapter initiated the first members of both these chapters.

During the early years of this fraternity, members were involved in combating many of the social ills facing Afro-Americans in this country. Locally, they were very active in the cultural, social, and civic life of their community. Every March, boycott, or lunch counter sit in was lead or supported by a brother of Omega Psi Phi.

In an effort to elevate the status of Afro-American men in the community, several academic scholarships were provided to worthy undergraduate and graduate students. From the late forties to the late eighties this chapter hosted one of the most prestigious social functions in this city. In fact, it was the highlight of the social season for Greek organizations and the black community as well.

Edna Griffin, the person who single-handedly brought down the walls of discrimination in Des Moines restaurants in 1947 was a "Que Ette". She was in the national news long before Rosa Parks. A downtown building on the southeast corner of 7th and Locust Street was renamed in her honor.