History of Zeta Psi

On December 24, 1924, while on winter recess, Alpha Chapter undergraduates and neophytes Henry Randolph Jackson (Alpha 1924) of Brooklyn, New York and Percival E. Newbie (Alpha 1924) Brooklyn, New York, along with Stanley M. Douglass (Alpha Chapter 1915), Editor of the Oracle and Gerald Seon (Epsilon Chapter 1922), spearheaded the foundingFirst Draft / September 2009 ( Zeta Psi Brothers Only) of Zeta Psi Chapter in the home of Percival Newbie, where high school student Eddie Taylor had lived after being taken in by the Newbie family.

On Dec 27, 1924, Zeta Psi initiated its charter line: Charles Dickey (CCNY); S. Augustus Walker Jr. (CCNY); Clarence Johnson (Brooklyn Law); John Melvin Coleman (CCNY); J. Berk Horne (Columbia); Ludlow W. Werner (NYU); Alfred Miller (Maxwell Teachers School); Archibald F. Glover (Cooper Union) and S. Malcolm Dodson (CCNY).

After the initial formation of Zeta Psi chapter, Newbie and Jackson returned back to Alpha Chapter, where Bro. Newbie continued to shine. In 1925 and 1926, Bro. Newbie was elected Basileus of Alpha Chapter and was the first in the chapter's history to be elected to two consecutive terms. Additionally, in 1925-1926 he was chosen to be Editor-in-Chief of Howard's daily student publication, “The Hilltop," and was the first Omega Man to hold this distinguished position.

Upon graduation, Bro. Newbie returned to Brooklyn to rejoin the chapter he founded and he was very active in its expansion. However, tragedy struck in 1939 as Bro. Newbie died unexpectedly soon after completing his law studies.

The Oracle: The Playground of Zeta Psi

The first Oracle was edited by Zeta Psi founder Stanley M. Douglas in 1919. The publication contained 28 pages, a roster, eleven pictures and several articles. In the forward, Douglas writes the historical statement on the Fraternity that would be quoted by Brother Mayzck in “Omega's Infancy” and Brother Dreer in the “History of Omega Psi Phi.” Bro. Douglas, in a column paying tribute to the Founders, eloquently wrote:

“More than once did these pioneers of Omega ask themselves whether or not it would make such men broad or narrow in their views towards the world that surrounded them; whether or not it would promote in these a spirit of sacrifice for the common good, or one of selfishness in dealing with their fellowman. They saw both sides, and still their dream was luminous.”

After discussing the four cardinal principles of Omega, Douglas' editorial ends with the following statement, “Omega, the future welcomes you; the challenge of your Founders bids you enter!”

In 1926, Zeta Psi continued its contribution to the Oracle. Under the leadership of J.P. Murchison, Brothers Malcolm S. Dodson and A. Glover began writing for the Oracle. Famously, Dodson began publishing a comedy piece entitled “Omega Oil,” which became acclaimed throughout the Fraternity. He also published other satirical pieces which he labeled “Big Shots of the Fraternity” and “College Fables.”

In December of 1927, Brother Malcolm S. Dodson was elected Editor of the Oracle and beginning in 1928, the Oracle was published four times a year in Brooklyn, New York. The staff consisted of Zeta Psi brothers Malcolm Dodson, Editor; Alexander Miller, Associate Editor; S. Ellis Blount, Art; Stanley Douglass, Who's Who in America; along with brothers Herman Dreer, Literary; H. Ellis Cureton, Book Rack (Book Reviews) and H.W. Baumgardner, Our Forum. The April 1928 issue was dedicated to the discussion of Omega's National Program which included an article published by Bro. Miller on the “Vocational Future of Negro College Graduates.”

The June 1928 edition, focusing on Arts and Literature, is often herald as Dodson's finest production of the Oracle. Dodson and Ellis, along with Bro. Burke Horne, published the majority of the material, while Bro. Langston Hughes published 3 poems including “To Artina.” Bro. Colonel Charles Young penned a moving poem entitled “Negro Mothers Cradle Song” which also appears in the issue. Additionally, Dodson reviews a one act play called “Charley's Aunt,” which was enacted by the Omega Players. Bro. S. Ellis Blount provided a comic strip depicting a recent college graduate seeking a job, and as usual, Bro. Dodson publishes “Omega Oil” with entertaining pen sketches.

Other significant issues of the Oracle included the December 1928 publication in which Dodson included the roster of the entire fraternity, and the 1933 Oracle, which was dedicated to the life of Bro. Mayzck. The latter depicted a cover illustrated by Bro. Ellis, while Bro. Dodson illustrated a picture of Bro. Mayzck within the issue.

During Bro. Dodson's tenure as editor of the Oracle from 1928 -1934, he oversaw the creation of 28 issues and increased the subscription list from 1001 in 1928 to 2207 in 1930, while lowering the cost per copy from $0.345 to $0.19. Under the watch of Bro. Dodson, The Oracle was a well rounded literary achievement, containing art, political thought, comedy and satire. Another attributed that marked an issue of the Dodson Oracle was the array of distinctive covers. Ranging from penned sketches depicting a day in the life of a man sporting oversized spectacles (a self-representation of the Editor himself), to picturesque images of Omega life, or simply the reverence of our Fraternity's shield, Malcolm Dodson lent an air of creativity that would mark our journal for years to come.

1925- 1947

The first two decades of Zeta Psi's existence marked a period of tremendous growth and excitement within the chapter, yielding an abundance of activity and memorable events. One of the earliest of these occasions was in June of 1925 when the chapter hosted a closed house party at the residence of Dr. Francis Horne at 189 Chauncey Street. In attendance, were Rip Day, Basileus of Beta Chapter and St. Elmo Taylor, Basileus of Sigma Chapter in Canada.

In 1926, Bro. Dodson reported to the Oracle that he and Bro. Johnson had just graduated from college and that the Zeta Psi was quickly taking on the guise of a Graduate Chapter. Unfortunately, this issue would remain unresolved throughout the years of Zeta Psi.

The following year, in March of 1927, the chapter began to shape its long tradition of recognizing the achievements of great Omega Men and community servants. During this time, an event was organized in honor of Col. Charles Young at the Carlton YMCA in which Bro. Stanley Douglass was the Master of Ceremonies and A. Phillip Randolph was the Keynote Speaker.

That winter was also busy time for the chapter. In December of 1927, Zeta Psi along with Epsilon, and Xi Phi, were the proud hosts of the Grand Conclave, which was held in New York City. During that time, the chapter also hosted two Mock Trials and commenced its signature “Little Theater Movement” series with a play entitled “Charley's Aunt.” The theatre movement continued through the following year, where on May 21, 1928, the chapter presented “Aftermath” and “Fools Errand” at the Central Branch YMCA. Most notably, Bro. Dodson brought the house down in his portrayal of character Parson Williams, and in an effort to show their appreciation, the chapter presented him with an engraved silver compact, with a short chain and finger ring attachment, as a token of appreciation.

During the Easter Holiday of 1928, Gerald Seon and Malcolm Dodson, as a precursor to the Roadrunner tradition, visited Alpha Chapter in an effort to continue fostering relations among brothers in various chapters. Later that fall, Zeta Psi partnered with brothers of Xi Phi in a November 15th radio address over WABC. This event was spearheaded by the efforts of Bro. Miller, who assisted the Chapter in obtaining the opportunity to host “The Negro Achievement Hour” over the station. George Hall of Xi Phi spoke on the Arts and Business. Bro. Douglass spoke about the history of Omega. Bro Miller spoke about the achievement week. Bro. Clarence Johnson sang a tenor solo, Bro. Lyell Usher rendered a Violin Solo, and Brother William Pickens played a piano solo. Zeta Psi Chapter was the first Black Fraternity to have used the radio in New York.

The chapter rounded out the year of 1928 with two noteworthy events. Achievement Week was hosted at the Carlton YMCA in which Brothers Miller and Douglass, along with Brother Clarence Johnson, gave illuminating talks on the achievements of African Americans. Weeks later, on December 16, 1928, the Chapter hosted a “stomp” in the Community Center Building in Brooklyn, chaired by James Holbrook.

The following year, on January 11, 1929, a second radio broadcast was hosted by Zeta Psi on WABC. Among the speakers were Bro. Miller and Alpha Phi Alpha Founder Mr. Eugene Kinckle Jones, Spingarn Medal Winner Channing Tobias of the YMCA and Dr. Walter G. Alexander. Later that year, the chapter held another memorable Achievement Week program on November 13, which was held at the Nazerene Baptist Church.

Over the next decade, Zeta Psi would continue to play a pivotal role in fostering both brotherly bonds within and outside the chapter, as well as contributing to Pan-Hellenic relations with social affairs that would produce a lifetime of fond memories and friendships.

To celebrate the initiation of its First Pledge Club, the chapter threw a banquet and smoker in 1932 which was chaired by Bro. Eddie Taylor with Bro. Malcolm Dodson serving as toastmaster.

On Saturday, August 12, 1933, the chapter began hosting a series of monthly bridge tournaments at the Carlton YMCA and in April of 1934, Epsilon, Xi Phi and Zeta Psi hosted a formal dance at the Renaissance Casino in Harlem.

The chapter held its Scholarship Dance at the Savoy Ballroom in 1938 and on Friday June 24, 1938, Bro. Edward Taylor chaired the chapter's Christmas Party which was held at the Bedford Ballroom.

The activities within the chapter during the early part of the decade sparked an interest in the chapter to begin contemplating securing a Brooklyn fraternity house in 1934. Bro. Malcolm Martin said, “The Desire for an Omega Fraternity House has been a long felt crying need....with a Fraternity House as a hub of activities and a rallying point for all Zeta Psi Programs, Brooklyn will witness a new Omega, full of life and vigor.”

1947 – 1959: First Transition

Not immune to the growing pains typical of many chapters, Zeta Psi endured a period of transition when it was forced to reorganize in year of 1947. It was then that Alpha Upsilon was founded in Brooklyn, New York and thirty-eight distinguished graduate brothers from Zeta Psi Chapter were selected to be its charter members. The charter members of Alpha Upsilon Chapter, all of whom were former members of Zeta Psi Chapter were: Clarence N. Johnson (First Basileus of Alpha Upsilon); Dr. Addison Z. Bowman; Joseph Bostic Sr.; Dr. Bryan Cave; Stanley Douglass; Harry Giles; Clarence V. Harris (2nd District Representative 1954-1956); William Hutchins ; Thomas R. Jones (New York State Supreme Court Justice); Dr. Paul L. Jones; Dr. Herbert E. Marshall; Alfred Miller Sr.; Dr. Gerald Seon; James E. Spaulding; Edward H. Taylor (*76 yrs of service to Omega); Charles Trice; Arnold Webb; J. Melvin Coleman (2nd District Representative 1959-1961); Kenneth Bramwell; Hewitt Bourne; Malcolm Dillard; Funn; Greg Gilmer; William Hilton; Dr. Henry Jackson; Dr. Darnell Johnson; Malcolm Martin; Rev Joseph H. May; Carl McCrea; Dr. Hamilton Soden; Donald K. Taylor; Edwin F. Taylor; Leonard Tyson; Authur Arnold Williams; Lindsay White; Norman B. Johnson; Fred Bestman and Oliver D. Walcott.

The mass exodus left Zeta Psi in a state of disarray. Overnight the chapter went from an established graduate chapter to a young undergraduate chapter. However, the brothers who remained were ready to meet the challenge of rebuilding.

In 1948, the chapter started to regain its momentum and moved forward with new programs and events. In March of 1948, the Chapter hosted its 24th Annual Formal at Webster Hall under the direction of Basileus Marion English. October of 1948, the Zeta Psi hosted Dr. Ralph Bunche at the Hotel Pierre, and the following day the Chapter hosted its Scholarship Dance at the Savoy Ballroom.

Another formal dance was held on Friday, April 1, 1949, at City Center. Also in that year, the chapter distributed scholarships to Brooklyn High School Students, including the Malcolm Dodson Essay Award, the Guy Fultz Athletic Award, and the Percy Newbie Perseverance Award. .

In an effort to raise funds for the completion of a Fraternity Center, the chapter hosted its Spring Dance at the Skyline Ballroom on Friday June 13, 1951 under the leadership of Basileus Mathew Hammer. The event was such a success that many had to be turned away at the door.

In the following year, Zeta Psi continued its tradition of fundraising for various causes, as well as hosting traditional fraternity programs. On Saturday January 27, 1952, the chapter hosted a Matinee Benefit at the Savoy Ballroom in Manhattan. The Lampados Club of Zeta Psi also hosted a dance in June of 1952, at the Fraternal Clubhouse in Manhattan. Lastly, in of 1952, the chapter co-hosted an Achievement Week Program with Xi Phi, Epsilon and Nu Omicron.

In January of 1957, the chapter held an art show at the fraternity clubhouse in Manhattan and later, a complimentary dance, which was held on January 20th. In August on that year, the chapter hosted the first of its many Post Boat Ride Cabarets which took place the day after the Epsilon Boat Ride.

November

On September 9th 1958, Zeta Psi along with Epsilon, Alpha Upsilon, Kappa Omicron, Nu Omicron, and Xi Phi hosted a bon voyage gathering for Founder Brother Edgar A. Love as he and his wife would soon be traveling to Europe and then to Africa. After the celebration, all of the New York metro chapters turned their efforts to completing the plans for the Conclave.

In 1959 from December 27 through the 30th, Kappa Omicron, Alpha Upsilon, Nu Omicron, Xi Phi, Zeta Psi, and Epsilon co-hosted the 46th Grand Conclave, which was held at the Hotel New Yorker on 34th Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan. Brother Edward H. Taylor of Alpha Upsilon Chapter was the Grand Marshall, while Brother Robert "Bob" Addison of Epsilon was Vice Grand Marshall.

1959 - 1974: Glory Years of Zeta Psi

In the Sumer of 1961, under the direction of Dean of Pledges Warren Marsh and Neophyte Commandant Butler Dowery, the Zeta Psi initiated the following brothers: Rupert M. Bath; John Brown; Gordon K. Burnham; Robert J. Daniels; Luciur Durden; Fredrick Harrison; James W. McCoy; Raymond R. Robinson; Michael Smith; Donald Stephenson; Anthony J. Valentine; Vernon Campbell; Pierce R. Hinton; Granville Lee; Roy Roberts; and Roger Webb.

Beginning in the sixties, the chapter established the Zeta Psi Road Runners in which brothers visited almost every chapter on the east coast. The Brothers wore distinctive Zeta Psi track suits which are now vintage collector's items among the brothers. This decade also marked a time of growth and another era of peak activity within the chapter.

Under the direction of Basileus Warren Marsh, the chapter hosted its Sweetheart Ball at the Palm Gardens 1961.

In 1963, the chapter began to meet regularly at 553 West 147th Street at an edifice known as “The Que House.”

The year of 1964 proved to be particularly busy for the chapter. In April, the chapter held its Mardi Gras ball at the Savoy Manor Ballroom where Judy Green of Delta Sigma Theta was elected Mardi Gras Queen.

The Michael Smith; Donald Stephenson Lampados Club of Zeta Psi hosted an open meeting to discuss the New and Old Nations of Africa, while on December 26, 1964, the Chapter co hosted a New Year's Party with Epsilon, Kappa Omicron, Alpha Upsilon and Nu Omicron

The 1965 Mardis Gras Ball was held in March at the Riverside Plaza Hotel. That year, Sandra Sobian of Hunter College was chosen as Omega Queen and Sweetheart of Zeta Psi. This was also the year that Zeta Psi made history as the first Black fraternity to receive recognition at City College of New York.

On Sunday February 20, 1966, the chapter opened the fraternity house at 882 Bushwick in Brooklyn. In attendance were Bro. George Meares, Bro. James Avery, and Bro. Gerald Seon who was accompanied by his wife. Rooms were dedicated to Bro. Earl Graves and Bro. Jeff Greenup. The Fraternity house at 882 Bushwick would become legendary.

Zeta Psi hosted the Que mardi Gras at the Manhattan Center on March 3, 1967 and in June of 1967, Zeta Psi pledged the charter line of Omicron Chapter (Columbia University) at 882 Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. Brother Raul Aarron served as the Dean of Pledges and Bro. Earl Reagan served as Neophyte Commandant. This was also the year that the chapter honored Eddie Taylor as Omega Man of the Year.

By the end of the sixties, Zeta Psi was one of the largest chapters in the Fraternity with a roster of over 75 men. However, as society changed during the transition from the sixties, so did the chapter

Meets: First Saturday of the month
Time: 2:00pm
Venue: Fort Green Senior Citizens Center
966 Fulton St.
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Zeta Psi Chapter
PO Box 380-922
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Basileus: Bro. Marlon Myers
email: zetapsibasileus@oppf.org

KRS: Bro.Lehkem Rose
email: zetapsikrs@oppf.org