XI NU CHAPTER

OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC

 

The Xi Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. was founded in San Jose, California in 1966.  The chapter’s charter was presented by Grand Basileus Bro. Ellis T. Corbett on May 8, 1968.  The character and quality of the chapter was demonstrated early when only 18 months after its incorporation, Xi Nu hosted a 12th District Meeting which was an overwhelming success.  Xi Nu was also the first graduate Black Greek Letter fraternity to receive its charter in the City of San Jose.

During the first year after receiving its charter, Xi Nu very ambitiously started a “boys to camp” program and initiated its first annual boat ride.  The chapter’s early success can be attributed to the dedication and perseverance of its 18 charter members:  Willie Bell, Aaron Harris, Orlando Starks, Willie Ellison, William Keys, Washington Kingsby, Adam McKee, Tim Jernigan, Franklin West, Charles Smith, William Ridgeway, Richard Sheppard, James Jamison, David Washington, Rex Fortune, Jr., Clayton Miller, Lumon Morrow, and John Sampson.  Also many Omega men full of the true Omega spirit moved into the area and promptly joined and melted into the spirit of the young Xi Nu Chapter.

Since Xi Nu Chapter’s founding in 1968, the chapter has had many successes and has been a trend setter in the Greater San Jose area and in the 12th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.  Some of the successes include:

  1. An active scholarship program, where each year monies are granted to deserving college bound students.

 

  1. Initiated a Project Aspiration to acknowledge male African-American high school students for achievement and improvement for grades.

 

  1. Annually honoring outstanding community leaders during our achievement week activities.

 

  1. Sponsoring of essay contests and talent hunts that are directed at, but not limited to, African-American students.

 

  1. In the social events areas we were one of the first Black Greek Letter fraternal organizations to sponsor large scale boat rides on the San Francisco Bay, Mardi Gras extravaganzas and fashion shows.

 

  1. We have hosted “UNCF Drive for Knowledge” Golf Tournaments with proceeds of approximately $25,000 going to the UNCF.

 

  1. We have given holiday food baskets to the needy, adopted families at Christmas, fed the homeless in St. James Park (local San Jose Park in downtown).

 

  1. Formed the undergraduate chapter at Stanford, Alpha Mu, and supported the undergraduate chapter at San Jose State, Xi Gamma.

 

  1. Founded the Omega Boys Club of San Jose.

 

  1. Founded Omega Leadership Association (OLA), a mentoring program at Piedmont Hills High School in San Jose. There are plans to introduce this program to other schools in the San Jose area.

 

  1. Established the Omega Foundation as a nonprofit corporation to aid Xi Nu in doing many of its community services.

 

  1. Helped host the 1980 Grand Conclave, along with other San Francisco Bay Area Chapters.

 

  1. Hosted many 12th District Meetings.

The success of the chapters current and past programs can be attributed not only to the retention of the nucleus of some of the charter brothers and brothers who joined Xi Nu in the early years, but also to the ambitious selection and induction of new quality men.

Xi Nu Chapter feels proud of the many accomplishments and progress made over the last 50 years.  There is still much more to be done.  We will continue to embark upon new programs, being guided by our cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.