BETA 

 

The twenties saw the first decade of the existence of Beta Chapter. As the fraternity continued

to flourish, Beta lead by example in choosing strong goal oriented men. During this period

Bro. Melvin B. Tolsen was on campus and had begun his illustrious career by winning interstate

poetry contests, oratorical prizes, and was well known as an interscholastic debater.

 

Brothers were also creating social action initiatives as well. Bro. Vernon R. James spearheaded

a scholarship drive for students on campus who were excelling academically. In addition, Bro.

A.D. Williams organized the National Students’ Anti-Lynching League for all historically black

colleges and universities. It was aimed to bring pressure to the U.S. Senate for passage of the

Dyer Anti Lynching Bill. The decade also saw the passing of Col. Charles Young into Omega

Chapter. Brothers held a memorial service on campus on March 12, 1922 in which Bros. F.H.

Davis, T.A. Williams, and Melvin B. Tolsen spoke.

 

During this decade the fraternity realized the importance of African Americans influence

on the culture of the American landscape and looked to celebrate this rich and vast history. The

effort materialized into Negro Achievement Week and the brothers were eager to push this agenda

forward. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity saw tremendous growth at the close of the 1920s. By

1929, there were seven members of Omega Psi Phi teaching at Lincoln University. Bros. Edward

S Gray, F.B. Mitchell, J.T. Sydnor, and Langton Hughes were members of the pledging

committee that brought in a line of 16 Beta brothers.