Founding of Xi Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Freaternity, Inc.

On May 30, 1947, five distinguished Omega men founded the Xi Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. This historic event took place under the leadership of:

• Herschel B. Cashin

• Dr. John L. Cashin Jr. (Dentist)

• Alfred G. Adams (Educator)

• Charles Brandon (Educator and Businessman)

• Robert A. Carter

Robert A. Carter served as the first Basileus of Xi Omicron during its organizational phase. The chapter was officially chartered in 1948, largely through the efforts of Brother Carter, who at the time was the Academic Dean and Professor of Chemistry at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College. He later became the second Basileus of Xi Omicron.

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Membership Expansion in 1948

In August 1948, twelve men became members of Xi Omicron. Nine brothers transferred their membership into the chapter, and three men were initiated.

The three initiated members, inducted on August 13, 1948, were:

• Charles W. Orr – Principal of Council Training School and Professor of Education/Administrator at A&M

• Howard M. Roper – Faculty member at Alabama A&M

• W. H. Hollins – Chairman of the Mechanical Arts and Technology Division

The nine brothers who transferred their membership were:

• B. L. Hall, Jr.

• J. A. Simpson

• R. A. Carter

• Charles T. Brandon

• W. H. Lewis

• A. G. Adams (Educator)

• J. N. Lemons

• Shirb Gilbreath

• Dr. M. H. Williams

In 1949, Brother Robert A. Carter continued to serve as Basileus, while W. H. Hollins was elected the chapter's Keeper of Records and Seal (KRS) (Source: Oracle, September 1949).

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Chapter Meetings and Community Involvement

Initially, chapter meetings were held in members' homes through the late 1960s. At the time, Xi Omicron consisted of brothers from across North Alabama, including areas as far west as Florence.

Prominent members during this era included:

• Dr. Garland Bass (Professor, A&M)

• Warren Scott (Home Demonstration Agent/Businessman)

• Isaac “Ike” Rooks (Principal/Coach)

• W. H. Lewis (Principal, Florence)

• Welton Reynolds (Coach/Principal, Florence)

• Sam Sheffey (Former 7th District Representative)

• Howard Roper

• James Jamar

• Lee Lacey

• James Hall

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Transition of Meetings Locations

In June 1968, chapter meetings were held at Sistrunk’s, a Black-owned restaurant on Church Street in downtown Huntsville. During this period, the chapter initiated efforts to acquire a fraternity house.

However, the effort faced significant challenges, including urban renewal initiatives that led to the closure of Sistrunk’s. As a result, meeting locations transitioned to:

• The Elks Club on Pulaski Pike

• The Community Room at First Federal Savings and Loan on University Drive

• The Fraternal Club on Church Street

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Community Engagement and Legacy

Since its founding, Xi Omicron Chapter has built a strong reputation for sponsoring nationally mandated and local programs of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. These initiatives have earned high regard within the community and continue to reflect the chapter’s enduring commitment to excellence and service.

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