Harry Jefferson, Jr.

Brother Jefferson was initiated at the University of Illinois in 1955 and to this day remains loyal to and lives the Four Cardinal Principals.

In 1978, Brother Jefferson became a Charter Member, and first Basileus of Beta Alpha Alpha Chapter, where he continues the work of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Bro. Jefferson retired as the Assistant Principal of the White Plains High School 1996. He has had a distinguished career in the education of students at the White Plains High School as a friend, mentor, spiritual and moral guide and substitute father to the thousands of students during his 37 years as and educator.

Born and raised in White Plains , Harry distinguished himself as a high school varsity football and varsity foot ball and track star as well as a captain of the varsity football and varsity track teams.

Bro. Jefferson was elected to All-County, All Conference, All Metropolitan and All National High School All-American Football Team. He was also selected member of the All-County and All Metropolitan Track Team.

He received a full football scholarship at the University of Illinois , and was selected to the All Big -Ten and All-Americans in 1955. In 1958 Mr. Jefferson was commissioned a 2 nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corp. Lt. Jefferson was named most valuable player and selected to the All-American Armed Forces Team. After his military service, he joined the New York Giants Professional Football Team, but sustained a serious leg injury which terminated his career as a professional football player.

Bro. Jefferson received his Masters degree at Columbia University , and joined the staff at White Plains High School where he coached varsity football, track and basketball. He captured the 1965 Coach of the Year Award as his 1965-66 team captured the Section I County Basketball Championship.

Mr. Jefferson served as former member of the White Plains Youth Board, The Salvation Army Advisory Board, and as a chairman of the Glenn D. Loucks Memorial Scholarship Committee.

1978-Harry received the H & G Educational Achievement Award
1979-Received the 9 th Annual M. L. King Educational Leadership Award
1982-Selected Omega Man of the Year (Beta Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity)
1984-Inducted into the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame
1985-Selected as dedicatee of the White Plains High School Thanksgiving Day football program sponsored by the Tiger Fans Committee
1989-Honoree of the White Plains Slater Center Award
1991-African American Achiever Award
1991-Received the Westchester County Distinguish Service Award
1993-The White Plains Board of Education established the Annual Harry Jefferson Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament
1993-Served as Marshall of the Memorial Day Parade (City of White Plains )
1997-Inducted into the White Plains School Hall of Fame
2002-Received the American Red Cross Jerome H. Holland Power of Humanity Award
2005-Selected as Marshal of the June teeth Parade

Bro. Jefferson' guidance is legendary. He has literally rescued and guided thousands of students at White Plains High School . Today, the gymnasium in the White Plains High School , where Brother Jefferson gave so much of himself, will be forever known as the HARRY JEFFERSON GYNASIUM.

Much of Harry's success in life has been due to the richness of his spiritual and family life. He has been a long-standing member of the Mt. Hope A. M.E. Zion Church , and a loving husband, father and grandfather. Harry and wife, Gertha, are the parents of two wonderful children, Harry Clifford and Elaine, and are also proud grandparents of seven adoring grandchildren.

Harry considers himself to be blessed- and we, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., are truly blessed to be able to call Harry Jefferson, Brother.