Corridor 5 Notable Omega Men

The Omega men listed below represent all that is Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. They have stood out as outstanding men of Omega that have exemplify the cardinal principles of our fraternity.

Bro. Eddie Taylor

Current Chapter:
Omega

Brother Edward (Eddie) H. Taylor was duly initiated November 17, 1928 into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated through Alpha Chapter, at Howard University in Washington , DC . While a student at Howard University , Brother Taylor served as the Howard University Student Council President from 1930-1931. Brother Taylor left Howard University to return home to New York City , where he earned both a B.S. and M.S. in Education from Columbia University .

In 1931, Brother Taylor aligned himself with Zeta Psi Chapter, Brooklyn , New York where he served as Basileus for two years, and Keeper of Records and Seal for four years. In November 1949, Brother Taylor, along with other distinguished Omega Men, helped to charter Alpha Upsilon Chapter to serve as the graduate chapter in Brooklyn , New York. Brother Taylor faithfully attended chapter meetings. Until his health began to fail, he had not missed an Alpha Upsilon chapter meeting since 1950. He served Alpha Upsilon as Basileus for two years, and the Keeper of Records and Seal for an “astonishing” thirty years. Brother Taylor also served as Chaplain and was duly elected Keeper of Records and Seal Emeritus for Alpha Upsilon Chapter.

Brother Taylor served as Special Advisor to numerous Second District Representatives for over twelve years. He served the Second District's Recommendation Committee for fifteen years, the Artifact and Memorabilia Committee for thirteen years, and served as the Project Uplift Chairman. In 1959, Brother Taylor served as the New York City Conclave Grand Marshal. Brother Taylor served on the National Recommendation Committee, the Bishop Love Study Commission, and the Constitution Recommendation Committee for three years. Brother Taylor also served on the National Artifact Committee for three Grand Conclaves.

In addition to Brother Taylor's great contribution to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he faithfully served as a teacher and guidance counselor for the New York City Board of Education for thirty-four years. Brother Taylor has been honored or received the following awards and distinctions: Omega Man of the Year, Zeta Psi chapter 1967; Forty Year Award, Conclave Charlotte, NC 1968; Omega Man of the Year, Alpha Upsilon Chapter, 1970 and 1984; Fifty Year Award, Conclave New Orleans, LA 1978; Sixty Year Award, Conclave Dallas, TX 1988; Founders Award – Stand in for Brother Love at the Second District Conference 1989; Seventy Year Award, Conclave New Orleans, LA 1998; Iota Xi Chapter Award 2000; Outstanding Participation Award, Zeta Theta Chapter 2001; Outstanding Service to Omega Award, Theta Omicron Chapter 2001; Undergraduate Summit – Keynote Speaker 2003; Supreme Council – Keynote Speaker 2003; Special Honoree, Alpha Upsilon Chapter 55th Anniversary 2004. Also in 2004, Alpha Upsilon Chapter established the Brother Edward H. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award to serve as Brother Taylor's Legacy in the Chapter and the Fraternity in recognition of his many years of service and deeds to Omega.

No biography could ever adequately capture the true essence of what Brother Taylor has done for Omega throughout his seventy-eight years of loyal service to her. Brother Edward H. Taylor, the Man, the Legend, is the personification of Omega. He will be thoroughly missed. Omega Chapter – September 7, 2007.

Rudy (as he was affectionately known by his Brothers in Omega Psi Phi) was a devoted life member of the Fraternity who served faithfully and with distinction for over 66 years. He was active with Kappa Omicron Chapter in New York City for more than 30 years. Prior to that, he was an active member with Epsilon Chapter in New York City , and Nu Omicron Chapter in Jamaica , NY. He was elected as Basileus (Chapter President) for four different chapters: Nu Psi Chapter, Epsilon Chapter, Nu Omicron Chapter, and Kappa Omicron Chapter. Rudy was appointed as the 2nd District Corridor Five Representative. This was a position he would hold for nearly 30 years. In his role as a Corridor Representative he oversaw the activities and administrative duties for the 14 local chapters in New York City , Long Island , Westchester, and Albany . He was later appointed Corridor Five Representative Emeritus.

Rudy was always willing to share his experiences and knowledge of Omega with his Brothers. He invited many of the newly initiated Brothers in the New York City area to his home and encouraged them to remain financial and active, become working members on chapter committees, run for chapter leadership positions, and attend other local chapter meetings. He also encouraged them to do the same on the District and National level. Rudy also provided counsel to many of the local chapter Basili as well as District and National Officers.

Rudy received many honors and accolades for his service in Omega. On a local level he was selected as the Omega Man of the Year, the highest award to be bestowed by a Chapter, four times. He received this award from Nu Omicron Chapter in 1966, Xi Phi Chapter in 1972, Omicron Iota Chapter in 1992, and Kappa Omicron Chapter in 1993. He was also honored as the Citizen of the Year by Iota Xi Chapter in 1980. On the district level he was selected as the 2nd District Citizen of the Year in 1981. On the National level he received National Service Awards for 25, 40, 50, and 60 years of continuous service.

Bro. Dr. Edmund W. Gordon

Current Chapter:
Xi Lambda Lambda

Bro. Dr. Edmund W. Gordon has been cited by The New York Times as, “Perhaps, the most distinguished African-American psychologist of his generation.” Some have challenged this ethnic limitation and place him among the most distinguished behavioral and pedagogical scientists in our nation. He is certainly one of the most unique. Bro. Gordon is one of the very few people in the world to hold two endowed Ivy League University professorships. Dr. Gordon is the Richard March Hoe Professor of Psychology and Education emeritus and Director of the Institute of Urban and Minority Education, (IUME), at Teachers College, Columbia University where, he also served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Interim Dean from July 2000 until August 2001. Professor Gordon is also the John M. Musser Professor of Psychology, Emeritus at Yale University . He is the Senior Scholar in Residence at the College Board and Scholar in Residence at SUNY Rockland Community College . In 2004, The Educational Testing Service created the Edmund W. Gordon Chair in Evaluation, Research and Policy in his honor. In 2005, Columbia University named its facility in Harlem , the Edmund W. Gordon Campus of Teachers College. Without question, he is one of our nation's most distinguished scholars.

Brother Gordon's distinguished career spans professional practice and scholarly life as a minister, clinical and counseling psychologist, research scientist, author, editor and professor. He has held appointments at several of the nations leading universities including Howard, Yeshiva, Harvard, Columbia, Yale, The Educational Testing Service and the City University of New York.

Dr. Gordon's scholarship is document in his authorship of more than 200 articles in scholarly journals, 50 book chapters and in more than 18 books and monographs authored or edited by him. He served for five years as Editor of the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry and for three years as Editor of the annual Review of Research in Education. Professor Gordon is best known for his research on diverse human characteristics and pedagogy, and the education of the low status populations. His book, Compensatory Education: Preschool through College , continues to be regarded as the classic work in its field. His recent book, Education and Social Justice: a View from the Back of the Bus, was published by Teachers College Press in 1999. His text, Supplementary Education: the Hidden Curriculum of High Academic Ability , was published in 2005. His most recent book, The Affirmative Development of Academic Ability was published in 2006. Even though Gordon is in his ninth decade, he has recently completed his book titled Defiance: Achievement in Black Men, and is now writing his conceptual memoir, Pedagogical Imagination.

Brother Gordon was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity through Alpha chapter at Howard University in 1940. He is a Life Member and a charter member of Xi Lambda Lambda chapter (Rockland Ques) in Rockland County , NY. He and his wife, Dr. Susan G. Gordon, have been residents of Rockland County since 1954. They are the proud parents of four children, grandparents of nine children and one great grandchild. Although both the Doctors Gordon are highly accomplished they consider the humanity of their four accomplished children to be their greatest achievement. Together with their four children the Gordons are the founders of the CEJJES Institute and Conference Center in Pomona NY. The Institute is their children's memorial to their parents work while still alive.

Daniel W. Boddie was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in the fall of 1941 by Zeta Chapter and served one year as Basileus there. He received an OMEGA scholarship from the Grand Conclave as student of the year. Daniel has been a faithful brother in the Omicron Iota Chapter since 1950. He has served two non-consecutive terms as Basileus. He was the first corridor representative of what is now Corridor 5, appointed by the then District Leader, James R. Avery. He also served as Second District Counselor for 10 years. His life membership number is 617.

Daniel was employed as Law Secretary to City Judge, Deputy Court Clerk, Assistant Corporation Counsel and Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of New Rochelle for 27 years. He's had his Private Practice of Law since 1984.

Daniel's community affiliations include the following:

Member of Bethesda Baptist Church for over 50 years;
Bethesda Man of the Year, 1983;
Teacher of Adults' Men Sunday School class for past 5 years;
Business Manager of the Church for four years;
Former Trustee – served for over 20 years;
Member of the Chancel Choir;
Represented the BBC on the Inter Religious Council;
Served as Treasurer of the Metro Conference of the American Baptist Convention;
Member and Chairman of the New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority, 1951-1965;
Member and former Legal Counsel to the local chapter of NAACP;
Member of the New Rochelle Bar Association (President from 1971-1972);
A founding member of the Association of Black Lawyers, Westchester County

His awards and commendations are as follows:

Recognition and appreciation for 27 years of service to the City of New Rochelle – Council Resolution;
Recognition for outstanding service to the Legal Profession – Association of Black Lawyers, Westchester County, May 1984;
Civil Service Employees Coalition for service to Employees of the City of New Rochelle;
Forty and Fifty years of dedicated service to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.;
Man of the Year, Omicron Iota Chapter, 1973
2 nd District Counselor, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc for 10 years

Daniel was born in New Rochelle, NY to Reverend and Mrs. J. B. Boddie. He began his formal education in the New Rochelle's public schools, where he graduated from New Rochelle High School in 1939. He continued his education by graduating from Virginia Union University in 1943 and Cornell University School of Law in 1949.

He was drafted in the United States Army in February 1943 during World War II and honorably discharged in December 1945. He served in the CBI Theater as battalion Sergeant Major for over 2 years.

Daniel is predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Annie Virginia Wise Boddie. Their heirs include daughter Cynthia L. Boddie-Willis, grandchildren Akiza and Aisha Amilcar and great grandchild, Latoya.

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.

Dr. Smith received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1950 from South Carolina State College; a Master of Science degree in Biology in 1955 from Fordham University and his Ph. D. in Biology in 1959 from Fordham University. Dr. Smith's curriculum vita includes a number of Professional positions held at Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus where he taught Biology for thirty eight (38) years. He was the Program Co-Director, for Minority Biomedical Research Support (MBRS) Program and Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC).

Dr. Smith began his career at Long Island University in 1959 as the only full-time African American professor at the Brooklyn campus where he taught undergraduate and graduate courses and served as advisor to undergraduate students and student organizations and as sponsor to graduate students directing research and thesis development. In 1989 Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus was awarded its first major grant in support of research in Biomedical Science through the Minority Biomedical Research Support Program (MBRS) as a result of Dr. Smith's efforts. These grants were renewed five times during Dr. Smith's tenure. In addition, the College also received funding for the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC). These grants have provided additional research training opportunities for minority students exposing them to research protocols and the opportunities in the Medical field. Until his retirement, the College received in excess of $4 million dollars in MBRS and MARC research grants.

Dr. Smith has received numerous professional honors including membership in Alpha Epsilon Delta, a pre-medical honor society, serving as advisor for 15 years, Phi Sigma, Biology honor society, American Association for the Advancement of Science and is listed in the American Men of Science. Dr, Smith retired in 1997 as a Full Professor, having served several terms as Faculty Senate President at the Brooklyn Campus. Upon retirement he was awarded the honorary status of Faculty Emeritus.

Dr. Smith is a 60 year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and received his 60 year pin at the Birmingham Conclave. He was initiated at Xi Psi chapter, South Carolina State College in 1947 where he served as Dean of Pledges for two (2) years. He joined Sigma Beta Beta chapter in 1984 where he served with distinction as Chaplain, Keeper of Records and Seals, Basileus, Chaired the Scholar and the In-House Education committees. Dr. Smith also was elected and served as the Second District Chaplain for three (3) years and was nominated as Omega Man of The Year in 1993 by Sigma Beta Beta, the highest chapter honor.

Dr. Smith was involved with the Brooklyn Library Council for ten (10) years, serving as President for three (3) years. He also served as President for three (3) years on Community School Board, District 14 during the period of decentralization. He was a member of Union Baptist Church where he served as church school teacher, teacher trainer, Director, Youth Department and Chairman, Board of Christian Education.

Dr, Smith is especially proud of his association with the MBRS and MARC programs. These programs have allowed an increase in the numbers and quality of under-represented minority students who enter biomedical careers. Since the program began in 1989, many of the students have earned masters and doctorates and have become doctors, science teachers, college professors and researchers, consultants with laboratories and pharmaceutical companies.

Dr. Smith is married to Josephine Irving Smith for 56 years, and has two daughters, Valerie and Vera, a son Daryl and three wonderful grandchildren Allison, Ellis and Gage.

Bro. Butler Dowery is a native of Shelbyville, KY who holds a B.S. Degree from Kentucky State University (KSU) and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Indiana University. He matriculated at Long Island University with courses in Special Education. He is a retired Guidance Counselor for the New York City Department of Education. He is also a retired Adjunct Professor from the Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY) where he served as a Guidance Counselor.

Bro. Dowery crossed into Omega Psi Phi fraternity through Psi Psi chapter (KSU) in 1952. His Life Member number is 81. He was instrumental in the reactivation of Epsilon and Xi Phi Chapters in New York and in 2004, became the charter baselius of Psi Lambda Lambda Chapter in New York City . During his tenure as basileus of Psi Lambda Lambda, the chapter had contributed to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and John Edward Bruce Development and Educational Center in Brooklyn , New York . He served as baselius of Xi Phi Chapter for five (5) years and received the honor of Basileus Emeritus for both Epsilon and Xi Phi Chapters. He served as Chairman of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and the Reclamation and Retention Committee of Xi Phi Chapter, which won several awards on the District level. In 1992, he was crowned King Que at Xi Phi Chapter's Mardi Gras for raising more than $2,800.00. 2002 marked the fiftieth anniversary (50th) of Butler B. Dowery's initiation as a member of the fraternity. In celebrating fifty years of service, Bro. Dowery raised more than $8,000 in support Xi Phi Chapter's annual benefit dance.

The funds from this venture were used for scholarships and to underwrite the annual Black College Tour, Xi Phi Chapter's flagship program. Another highlight of his fifty years of service was the recognition by Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, New York Alumni Chapter at their Reginald F. Lewis Scholarship event for "Outstanding Community Service." November 9, 2002, he was “Omega Man of the Year” for Xi Phi Chapter making it the third time this award was bestowed on him. May 3, 2003, he was awarded the second District's “Omega Man of the Year” at the Second District Conference.

Bro. Dowery is one of the Tri-Chairperson of the Metropolitan Omega Chapters Carter G. Woodson Celebration and Omegas' Founders Day. Finally, Bro. Dowery has attended every Conclave since 1959.

Bro. Dowery chairs the Urban League Football Classic Committee, which obtains group sales since the 1970's for this annual football event. In 2006, the Committee raised in excess of $21,000.00 for the New York Urban League. These funds go towards their scholarship program.

Most recently (July 2009) he successfully raised more than $2,000.00 and was the top individual winner for the "Harlem-East Harlem Relay for Life” sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Additionally, Psi Lambda Lambda, was the second place winner for the team fundraising category.

August 2009, members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., presented Bro. Dowery the Centennial Lapel Pin in recognition of his continuous and outstanding service to the fraternity.

Bro. Dowery serves as the president of Kentucky State University Alumni Association; New York Chapter. He is a member of the Executive Board of KSU Alumni Association; member of KSU Alumni Hall of Fame; member of Whitney M. Young National Project; Alumni Chapter representative for college fairs and member of the Board of Directors for the National Organization of Black College Alumni, Inc., New York Chapter. Upon his nomination by Kentucky State University, he received the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) Distinguished Alumni Award at their National Conference on Blacks in Higher Education in Washington, D.C. Currently, he chairs the National Nominating Committee of KSU.

Bro. Dowery is a past director of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Inc., Eastern Region. During his tenure as director, Bro. Dowery was responsible for the implementation of programs that included the development of a scholarship fund for collegiate members of NPHC and participation in the National Penny Campaign, where $2,000 was raised. He served as Tri-Council Coordinator of the Eastern Regional Conference in New York City; served two terms as Assistant Regional Director, Eastern Region, and served two terms as Treasurer of NPHC, Inc. Bro. Dowery is also past president (1988-1992) of The Pan Hellenic Council of Greater New York, Inc., and served as a member of the Board of Directors and chaired the Founders Day Committee and Penny Campaign Initiative in the Council. Also, on two occasions, he was awarded Frater of the Year by this Council. He was instrumental in forging the joint venture between the Council, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Metropolitan Opera Singer Morris Robinson, to raise funds for both organizations' scholarship programs. In addition, May 18, 2003, The Pan Hellenic Council of Greater New York, Inc., awarded him the Presidential Award for Outstanding Community Service.

Active with St. James Presbyterian Church, Bro. Dowery is an Elder and is the Moderator of the Church's Nominating Committee. He has also served on the Nominating Committee for the Presbytery of New York City.

The Reverend Brother Charles A. Coverdale is Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Riverhead, New York, where he has served for the past twenty-two years. Formerly he served for seven years as Pastor of the historic Pond Street Baptist Church in Providence Rhode Island .

Reverend Coverdale is the father of two children and grandfather of eight. He resides with his wife, Shirley, in Aquebogue , New York . He has made major contributions to the life of his local community as well as having contributed positively on the county, state, national and international level.

Reverend Coverdale was formerly an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Simmons College in Boston and Bently College in Waltham , Massachusetts . He also taught at Leslie College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Currently he is an Adjunct Professor at the American University in Washington , D.C. and teaches at the Harvard Divinity School Center for the Study of Values in Public Life.

Reverend Coverdale has traveled extensively as an emissary for different organizations. Under Reverend Coverdale's leadership, several youths from the Riverhead area have traveled to Scotland and to Africa as delegates to youth conferences and for educational purposes. Reverend Coverdale has been a consultant, guest speaker, lecturer and preacher both nationally and internationally. He has been a representative for many diverse causes, including representing the concerns of communities with regard to the banking Reinvestment Act, to the Federal Reserve Chairperson, Alan Greenspan and representing also the concerns of African Americans against apartheid to Bishop Desmond Tutu.

Educationally, Reverend Coverdale graduated from Lincoln University and Harvard University . He studied at New School for Social Research, Rutgers University , the University of Massachusetts and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

Most recently, Rev. Coverdale was presented an award which honored him for exemplifying manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift, and for forty years of devotion and service to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The reverend was also honored by Islip Chapter of the Long Island Council of Afro-American Republicans with the Frederick W. Douglas Award. The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Metropolitan Chapters, on February 1, 2008, awarded Rev. Bro. Coverdale with the “Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award” for Excellence in Religious Ministry. On February 22, 2008, the Reverend was presented with the Social Justice Award by the Social Justice Center of Stony Brook School of Social Welfare. On June 18, 2011, at the Pride for Fatherhood Prayer and Celebration Breakfast, Rev. Bro. Coverdale was presented with the “Uplift Award” by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Chi Rho Chapter.

Reverend Brother Coverdale joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in 1966; initiated at Epsilon Chapter. He is currently a member of Chi Rho Chapter in Suffolk County , N.Y. , and has served as the chapter chaplain for past two years.