Omega Psi Phi History Exam Prep
and Comprehensive Study Guide
2026/2027 for Membership Review,
Quizzes, and Test Bank Practice
Question 1:
Which statement best describes the historical founding of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,
Inc.?
A. It was founded in 1906 at Cornell University by seven educators.
B. It was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Thirkield Hall.
C. It was established in 1914 after being incorporated in Washington, D.C.
D. It originated at Lincoln University as the first Black fraternity.
Correct Answer: B. November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Thirkield Hall
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was officially founded on November 17, 1911, at
Howard University in Thirkield Hall, formerly known as Science Hall. This founding
represents a major milestone in the history of historically Black Greek-letter
organizations. Option A is incorrect because Alpha Phi Alpha was founded in 1906 at
Cornell University. Option C confuses the incorporation date with the founding date,
as Omega Psi Phi was incorporated later on October 28, 1914. Option D is incorrect
because Beta Chapter was established at Lincoln University, not the fraternity itself.
Question 2:
Which of the following individuals is recognized as one of the four founding fathers
of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.?
A. Charles Young Harris
B. Dr. Charles Drew
C. Dr. Ernest Everett Just
D. Langston Hughes
Correct Answer: C. Dr. Ernest Everett Just
Dr. Ernest Everett Just was one of the four founders of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
The other founders were Professor Frank Coleman, Dr. Oscar James Cooper, and
Bishop Edgar Amos Love. Charles Young Harris was a charter member of Alpha
Chapter but not a founder. Dr. Charles Drew became a prominent honorary member
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and contributor later in the fraternity’s history. Langston Hughes was a famous
Omega in the arts but was not involved in founding the fraternity.
Question 3:
Why was Science Hall at Howard University renamed Thirkield Hall?
A. To honor a military veteran who supported the fraternity
B. To recognize a major donor to Howard University athletics
C. To honor President Wilbur P. Thirkield for advancing science education
D. To commemorate the first Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi
Correct Answer: C. To honor President Wilbur P. Thirkield for advancing
science education
Science Hall was renamed Thirkield Hall in recognition of Howard University
President Wilbur P. Thirkield, who successfully convinced the federal government to
allocate $90,000 for a new science building in 1907. The building was dedicated in
1910. This change reflected the increasing importance of science education. The other
options are historically inaccurate and unrelated to the renaming of the building.
Question 4:
According to Brother Walter H. Mazyck’s “Members Versus Men,” what is the true
value of a fraternity?
A. Large membership numbers
B. Wealth and social influence
C. Real brotherhood and committed men
D. Athletic dominance on campus
Correct Answer: C. Real brotherhood and committed men
Brother Walter H. Mazyck emphasized that the true value of the fraternity lies not in
the number of members but in the quality and commitment of its men. He argued that
“eight men thoroughly immersed in the true Omega spirit” are more valuable than
many members with weak dedication. This principle reinforces the fraternity’s
emphasis on integrity, brotherhood, and purpose over popularity or size.
Question 5:
What is the official motto of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.?
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A. Culture for Service and Service for Humanity
B. Friendship Is Essential to the Soul
C. Achievement Through Brotherhood
D. Leadership, Scholarship, and Service
Correct Answer: B. Friendship Is Essential to the Soul
“Friendship Is Essential to the Soul” is the official motto of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,
Inc. The phrase reflects the fraternity’s emphasis on brotherhood, loyalty, unity, and
mutual support among members. The other answer choices are mottos or themes
associated with other organizations or are fictional statements not officially tied to
Omega Psi Phi.
Question 6:
Which of the following represents the four Cardinal Principles of Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity, Inc.?
A. Faith, Service, Leadership, and Unity
B. Brotherhood, Loyalty, Scholarship, and Honor
C. Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift
D. Integrity, Courage, Excellence, and Achievement
Correct Answer: C. Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift
The four Cardinal Principles of Omega Psi Phi are Manhood, Scholarship,
Perseverance, and Uplift. These principles serve as the foundation of the fraternity’s
mission and values. They guide the conduct, academic pursuits, and community
involvement of members. The remaining options contain admirable traits but are not
the official Cardinal Principles of the fraternity.
Question 7:
When was Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. officially incorporated?
A. November 17, 1911
B. December 15, 1911
C. October 28, 1914
D. January 1, 1915
Correct Answer: C. October 28, 1914
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the District of
Columbia on October 28, 1914. Incorporation provided the fraternity with formal
legal recognition and allowed it to expand organizationally and nationally. The other
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dates correspond to the fraternity’s founding or chapter establishment milestones
rather than incorporation.
Question 8:
Which statement accurately describes the formation of Alpha Chapter?
A. It was founded at Lincoln University with 20 charter members.
B. It was established after receiving faculty approval in 1915.
C. It was organized on December 15, 1911, with fourteen charter members.
D. It was formed as the first graduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi.
Correct Answer: C. It was organized on December 15, 1911, with fourteen
charter members.
Alpha Chapter, known as “The Mother Pearl,” was organized on December 15, 1911,
at Howard University with fourteen charter members. This chapter became the first
official chapter of Omega Psi Phi. It was established before faculty approval was
granted, demonstrating the determination and vision of the fraternity’s early members.
Question 9:
Who served as the first Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.?
A. Dr. Oscar James Cooper
B. Professor Frank Coleman
C. Bishop Edgar Amos Love
D. Dr. Ernest Everett Just
Correct Answer: C. Bishop Edgar Amos Love
Bishop Edgar Amos Love served as the first Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi
beginning on November 23, 1911. His leadership was instrumental in establishing the
fraternity’s early organizational structure and spiritual direction. Dr. Oscar James
Cooper served in the role of Grand Keeper of Records, while Professor Frank
Coleman served as Grand Keeper of Seals/Finance.
Question 10:
Which founder of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. later became an internationally
recognized biologist?
A. Bishop Edgar Amos Love
B. Professor Frank Coleman