On November 23, 1911, they chose eleven others to join the fold of Omega. To expand the fraternity's reach and presence at Howard University, the Founders sought out like men of high attainment and who possessed the Cardinal Principles upon which the fraternity was founded. Cooper and Frank Coleman as the first Grand Keeper of Records and Grand Keeper of Seals, respectively. Love as the first Grand Basileus, and Oscar J. On Thursday, November 23, 1911, the three undergraduate Founders met and elected Edgar A. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. historical markers approved for Philadelphia in 2021'. The History of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity: A Brotherhood of Negro College Men, 1911 to 1939. African American Fraternities and Sororities: The Legacy and the Vision. Black Greek-Letter Organizations 2.0: New Directions in the Study of African American Fraternities and Sororities.

^ 'About Omega – Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc'.

The story of Dunbar High School: How students from the first public high school for black students in the United States influenced America (Thesis).

^ 'Omega's Founders - IOTA CHAPTER QUES'.

Oscar James Cooper, a street was renamed and a historical marker erected'.

^ a b c d Russ, Valerie (2 October 2021).

List of Pennsylvania state historical markers in Philadelphia County.

In addition to the marker, at the unveiling ceremony, the block of Jefferson Street between 16th and 17th was renamed to Dr. He continued his role as a founder of many influential organizations including the Philadelphia Chapter of OPP, was a charter member of the Pyramid Club, and supported many Black charities. Following graduation, Cooper became a physician and settled in Philadelphia where he spent his entire career. One of the founders of Omega Psi Phi (OPP) at Howard University, the nation's first fraternity established at a historically Black college or university. The marker was approved along with two other markers in Philadelphia County, honoring Anna Elizabeth Dickinson and the Wyck House and Rose Garden it was one of 23 markers approved out of 39 applications across the state, officially announced on March 10, 2021. Cooper was honored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission on October 2, 2021, with a historical marker at the site of his home and office in Cecil B. Cooper practiced medicine for 50 years prior to his death in 1972.

Moore, North Philadelphia, which provided events and cultural engagement for African-American professionals in Philadelphia at the time, racial segregation in the United States often barred professionals from access to other clubs. He was closely involved with the founding and early years of the Pyramid Club on Girard Avenue in Cecil B. Īfter medical school, Cooper moved to Philadelphia, where he practiced medicine.

Omega Psi Phi was the first black fraternity whose founders were at a historically black college or university, and eventually grew to over 750 chapters. Cooper was elected as the first secretary of the organization. Discussion of the idea initially began between Love and Cooper, who were later joined by Coleman. On November 17, 1911, he cofounded Omega Psi Phi, a historically African-American fraternity, along with Edgar Amos Love and Frank Coleman under the mentorship of Just. Cooper majored in biology and was a lab assistant for biologist Ernest Everett Just. in 1888 and attended Howard University, receiving a Bachelor's degree in 1913 and a Doctor of Medicine in 1917. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was a charter member of the Pyramid Club.Ĭooper was born in Washington, D.C. He is known for cofounding Omega Psi Phi in Washington, D.C., the first fraternity founded by students at a historically black college. Oscar James Cooper (1888–1972) was a physician and African-American cultural leader.

Oscar james cooper