Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Pi Chapter: African American Male Identity And Fraternity Culture

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Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2009

Department

History and Geography

Program

Doctor of Philosophy

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This item is made available by Morgan State University for personal, educational, and research purposes in accordance with Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. Other uses may require permission from the copyright owner.

Abstract

Pi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at Morgan State University made a significant contribution to the identity construction of collegeeducated African American men in the state of Maryland. For eight decades, the initiates of Pi Chapter constructed identities that allowed the members to see themselves as participants in mainstream American society as opposed to being marginalized by it. The members of the chapter navigated American race relations and constructed identity roles, which included: use of fraternity mentoring opportunities, pursuit of higher education, participation in the Morgan college athletic program, and participation in the United States military. This dissertation discusses the initial role of Black Greeklettered organizations on historically Black college campuses, and provides an overview of Omega Psi Phi's founding on Howard University's campus, and the founding of Pi Chapter at Morgan, with its distinction as the oldest undergraduate Omega chapter in Maryland. Pi Chapter's development is within the context of historical events and American race relations. Consequently, each generation of Pi Chapter initiates reconstructs their own identity in an effort to maintain a relevant role on the Morgan College campus, and within the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.