HISTORY

CHAPTER HISTORY OF ZETA UPSILON

The Zeta Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., located in Seattle, WA, is rooted in the principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. For 75 years, our chapter has been dedicated to service and leadership, creating a positive environment that encourages meaningful contributions to the community.

History and Founding

African Americans began migrating to the Pacific Northwest during the 1920s and 1930s, and members of Omega Psi Phi began gathering at church and social events in Seattle’s Central District. In the late 1940s, a group of Omega members decided they wanted to establish a chapter in the city. Brothers Robert Joyner, John Anderson, Julius Gresham, Lamond Reese, Perry Thomas, and Joseph Powe collaborated with 12th District officials and the International office to bring their dream to life.

In July 1950, Zeta Upsilon Chapter was officially chartered in Seattle, Washington. Though initially a graduate chapter, Zeta Upsilon served as a bridge to connect undergraduates from the Pacific Northwest to the fraternity. Under the leadership of its first Basileus, Brother Robert Joyner, Zeta Upsilon became a highly active presence in Seattle and generated growing interest in Omega Psi Phi. The first Brother initiated through Zeta Upsilon was Brother Curtis O. Bogan, on May 25, 1950.

Early Initiates and Membership Growth

In Spring 1952, Zeta Upsilon initiated several new brothers, including Brother Felton Eagles, the first undergraduate initiate of the chapter, who was attending the University of Washington. In 1954, Brother Robert Gary Sr. was initiated while attending Washington State University. His sons, Robert Jr. (ZL – Winter 85) and Jon (ZL – Fall 91), also became Omega men. In 1955, Brother Willis L. Ball was initiated while attending Western Washington University.

Challenges and Continued Improvements

In 1957, Zeta Upsilon hosted the 12th District’s annual meeting, and in the Fall of 1957, the chapter faced a membership decline, with active brothers decreasing from 100 to around 15-25. Many of the members were in the military, serving in the Vietnam War. Despite these challenges, in 1959, Zeta Upsilon hosted the 14th Annual 12th District Meeting, with Brother Julius Gresham serving as Basileus and Brother Hutchen R. Hutchens as District Marshall. Brother Henry Sands was the District Representative, and Brother Ellis F. Corbett, the 27th Grand Basileus, was the national officer in attendance.

Growth and Significant Milstones

In the early 1970s, Zeta Upsilon became increasingly involved in community service. In 1971, the 12th District’s annual meeting took place in Portland, Oregon, with Mayor Charles Evers of Mississippi as the guest speaker. Zeta Upsilon partnered with Mayor Evers to assist in his gubernatorial campaign.

In 1975, Brother Ed Chatman served as Basileus and Brother O.L. Mitchell introduced the Black Awareness Program, which ran for three years. The program gave Black high school students across Washington state opportunities to meet, receive guidance from Black professionals, and compete for scholarships and basketball honors. Zeta Upsilon once again hosted the 12th District meeting that year. By the mid-1970s, the chapter operated with just 12 active brothers. However, Brother O.L. Mitchell was elected Basileus, and Brother Willis Ball became Dean of Pledges. Brother Ball established the Lampados Club, which led to the initiation of 10 graduate brothers in 1975. In 1976, Brother Ball made history with 25 undergraduates crossing the burning sands.

Brother Samuel S. Cook played a key role in helping Omega undergraduates charter a chapter at the University of Washington. In 1979, the Fraternity chartered Zeta Lambda Chapter on the campus of the University of Washington, with the charter being presented by District Representative Brother Arnold C. Butler. Brother Cook’s son, Dennis (ZU – Fall 1978), became a charter member of Zeta Lambda, and his younger son, Darryl (ZU – Fall 1991), is also an Omega man.

Leadership, Initiatives, and Legacy

During the 1970s and 1980s, Zeta Upsilon brothers held various positions within the 12th District. Brother Edgar Bridges Jr. served as the 12th District Representative from 1980-1983, and Brother Carl Vinson was the Keeper of Finance from 1984-1994 and served as the 2nd Vice District Representative in 1995.

Under the leadership of Brothers O.L. Mitchell and Robert Gary Sr., Zeta Upsilon initiated the Seattle/Puget Sound Black College Tour. Each Spring, chapter members took high school students on tours of historically Black colleges and universities across the United States. This initiative significantly increased African American student enrollment at HBCUs from the Seattle area.

In 1986, Brother Charles Huey (ZU – Fall 1959) secured a fraternity house for Zeta Upsilon through the Casey Foundation. The house was named the Brother John Anderson Omega Fraternity House in honor of a key charter member.

Through our philanthropic initiatives, educational programs, and committed involvement, we strive to create a meaningful and lasting impact in Seattle and beyond. We are dedicated to promoting service, excellence, and leadership, with a focus on uplifting our community and honoring the enduring legacy of our fraternity.