The Omega Chapter
Origins of the Omega Chapter Tradition
The tradition of using Omega, the final letter of the Greek alphabet, to represent deceased members dates back to 1900, when Chi Omega Fraternity, Inc., founded in 1895 at the University of Arkansas, established the Omega Chapter as a perpetual memorial for members who had passed away. The concept was developed collectively by Chi Omega’s founders and is not attributed to any single individual.
Over time, the concept was adopted by other Greek-letter fraternities and sororities, including organizations within the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)/ Divine 9. Although individual organizations developed their own customs, ceremonies, and terminology, the underlying message remained similar: Omega represents the final chapter in a member’s earthly journey.
The Omega Chapter in Phi Beta Sigma
Within Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the Omega Chapter is the symbolic designation for Brothers who have passed away. Rather than an functioning as an active chapter, the Omega Chapter represents the completion of a Brother’s time on Earth. The Fraternity uses the Omega Chapter to as a way to honor the lives, accomplishments, and service of it's deceased members and their everlasting commitment to the principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service.
Phi Beta Sigma honors these Brothers through memorial traditions, including the solemn Omega Chapter Ceremony, which commemorates their lives, accomplishments, service, and commitment to the Fraternity’s principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service.
A Legacy Beyond Life
The Omega Chapter represents more than a record of deceased members. It expresses the belief that brotherhood does not end with death; the Omega Chapter represents generations of Sigma men whose contributions and enduring legacies continue to inspire the Fraternity and the communities we serve around the world.
In this sense, entering the Omega Chapter represents both an ending and a continuation, the conclusion of a Brother’s earthly service and the preservation of his legacy within the bonds of our wondrous band.
WR Brothers in The Omega Chapter
Hon. Bro. Dr. Clarence Muse
Phi Beta Sigma Chapter | Los Angeles, CA
Hon. Bro. Dr. William Savage
Phi Beta Sigma Chapter | Los Angeles, CA
Hon. Bro. H.A. Howard
Phi Beta Sigma Chapter | Los Angeles, CA
Hon. Bro. William Perry
Phi Beta Sigma Chapter | Los Angeles, CA
Hon. Bro. Oscar Morgan
Phi Beta Sigma Chapter | Los Angeles, CA
Hon. Bro. Gilbert Lindsay
Phi Beta Sigma Chapter | Los Angeles, CA
Hon. Bro. R. Eugene Davis
Phi Beta Sigma Chapter | Los Angeles, CA
Estd. Bro. Richard Hogg
Gamma Phi Sigma Chapter | San Francisco, CA
Estd. Bro. Charles Martin
Phi Beta Sigma Chapter | Los Angeles, CA
Hon. Bro. Charles H. Odom
Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chapter | Phoenix, AZ
Hon. Bro. James Anderson
Phi Beta Sigma Chapter | Los Angeles, CA
Hon. Bro. Emmett Spencer
Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chapter | Phoenix, AZ
Hon. Bro. Jeffery Whitmore
Phi Beta Sigma Chapter | Los Angeles, CA
Estd. Bro. Paul Cash, Esq.
Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chapter | Phoenix, AZ
Estd. Bro. Augustus Clark
Alpha Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chapter | Inland Empire, CA
Bro. Derek Sparks
Epsilon Epsilon Sigma Chapter | Seattle, WA
Bro. Charlie Ward
Phi Beta Sigma Chapter | Los Angeles, CA
Bro. Keith More
Sigma Zeta Sigma Chapter | Tacoma, WA
Bro. Mikel Spencer
Sigma Zeta Sigma Chapter | Tacoma, WA
If you know of a Brother not currently listed that chould be please send an email to omegachapterregistry@pbswest.org
