CHAPTER HISTORY

In early 1925, Brothers Matthew Bullock, Esq., and Dr. Theodore E. McCurdy envisioned a fraternal bond that would transcend their undergraduate years. Their vision was realized when their petition led to the establishment of the Eta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. The first graduate chapter established within New England. Officially chartered on July 1, 1925, under the esteemed leadership of Grand Basileus George L. Vaughn, Eta Phi has since become a beacon of service and community impact

CHARTER MEMBERS OF ETA PHI

The Eta Phi Chapter was founded by a distinguished group of individuals whose remarkable achievements set a high standard for future generations. These trailblazers include:

• A. B. Russell, Jr., B.S., D.M.D. – The first African American invited to Forsyth Dental Infirmary.

• Alfred T. Clark, A.B. – Inspector at General Electric Company.

• Rev. C. R. Winthrop, A.B., S.T.B. – Revered clergyman and scholar.

• E. McLeod, A.B., B.D. – Accomplished academic and leader.

• Everett C. Yates, B.S. – Prominent professional in his field.

• Irwin T. Dorch, LL.B. – Legal expert and advisor.

• Attorney Matthew W. Bullock, A.B., LL.B. – Special Assistant Attorney General of Massachusetts.

• Rev. O. Bostic Quick, A.B., B.D. – Esteemed clergyman and educator.

• S. C. Fuller, A.B., M.D. – Associate Professor of Neurology and Assistant Visiting Physician.

• Samuel A. Allen, A.B. – Secretary of the Boston Urban League.

• Dr. T. E. A. McCurdy, M.D. – Distinguished medical professional and educator.

• W. O. Taylor, A.B., S.T.B., A.M., M.D. – Specialist in Electro-Therapy.

• Warmoth T. Gibbs Sr., A.B. – Respected leader and community advocate.

• William S. Lawrence – Renowned pianist and accompanist to Roland Hayes.

From its inception, Eta Phi has been dedicated to enriching the community through various cultural and social initiatives, including:

• Negro Achievement Week – Celebrating African American contributions and successes.

• Dramatic Presentations – Showcasing artistic talents and cultural narratives.

• Annual Moonlight Sail – Fostering fellowship and community engagement.

ONGOING COMMUNITY IMPACT

Today, the Eta Phi Chapter continues to make a significant impact through an array of community-oriented programs and initiatives, such as:

• Annual High School Essay Contest Scholarships – Supporting academic excellence.

• Annual Talent Hunt Scholarships – Encouraging and recognizing young talent.

• Black Excellence Awards – Honoring outstanding community contributions.

• Black History Celebrations – Highlighting influential local Omega men and historical achievements.

• Blood Drives – Addressing critical healthcare needs.

• Bow Ties & Pearls Scholarship Brunches – Fundraising for educational support.

• Bro. Ralph Watson Brain Tumor Walks – Raising awareness and funds for brain tumor research.

• Career Pathway Workshops – Guiding the next generation in their professional journeys.

• Christmas Toy Drives – Spreading holiday cheer to children in need.

• First Time Home Buyer Classes – Assisting families in achieving home ownership.

• High School Mentoring Program – Providing guidance and support to young students.

• Homeless Care Package Giveaways – Offering essentials and compassion to those in need.

• Monthly Emergency Food Pantry – Addressing food insecurity.

• Project Bread Walks for Hunger – Supporting efforts to combat hunger.

• Support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Contributing to pediatric cancer research and care.

• Support of the Annual Young Kings and First Ladies Mentoring Breakfast – Empowering young leaders.

• Voter Registration, Education, and Mobilization – Encouraging civic engagement and participation.

• Emergency and Mobile Food Pantries – The distribution and delivery of over 3,100 lbs. of Grocery Items and Fresh
  Produce to 100 community members.

  • 37,200 lbs. distributed to 100- 125 unique households

  • Annual Operating & Impact Cost: $25,657 ($10,800 rent + $6,000 p/t vol. stipend + $2,700 food + $1,800 UHaul + $900 boxes + $110 tape + $3,347 indirect cost)

• Achievement Awards and Celebrations – Hosting a series of community events, forums, and fundraisers to acknowledge and celebrate educators and community leaders dedicated to advocating and uplifting our community.

  • 10 Educator/ Community Leaders Awarded for their commitment to our community

  • Social Action and Health Awareness Initiatives Highlighted

  • Annual Operating & Impact Cost: $7,475 ($6,500 3 events + $975 indirect cost)

• Omega Q-Care Package Distribution - Purchasing over 1100 items and consolidating care packages with toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, feminine care products, hand warmers, COVID masks, granola bars, socks, and Stop & Shop gift cards for our Homeless community.

  • 250 unhouse community members receive essential items

  • Annual Operating & Impact Cost: $5,980 ($2,200 items + $3,000 gift cards + $780 indirect cost)

• College-Bound Scholarships and Resources – Organizing bi-annual essay contests with scholarship rewards and sharing access to other essential resources and tools for high school students.

  • 6 High School Students awarded a scholarship

  • Annual Operating & Impact Cost: $5,175 ($4,500 6 rewards + $675 indirect cost)

• Talent Hunt & Showcase – Providing a platform for youth to showcase their artistry, musicianship, or creative abilities for scholarship rewards.

  • Several youths were able to showcase their talents, and 3 awarded a scholarship

  • Annual Operating & Impact Cost: $3,738 ($2,250 3 rewards + $1,000 venue + $488 indirect cost)

• Back to School Drive – Purchasing 300 backpacks and school supplies for kindergarten through high school students.

  • 300 backpacks filled with school supplies.

  • Annual Operating & Impact Cost: $3,666 ($1,508 backpacks + $1,680 supplies + $478 indirect cost)

• Holiday Toy Drive – Solicitation of toys or monetary donations to make three substantial contributions to three partnering organizations; Action for Boston Community Development, Inc., The Historic 12th Baptist Church, and Family Movement.

  • 300 – 900 toys distributed

  • Annual Operating & Impact Cost: $3,000 - $14,000

• Holiday Turkey Drive – Solicitation of turkeys from the Greater Boston Food Bank or monetary donation to purchase turkeys.

  • 125 turkeys distributed to families.

  • Annual Operating & Impact Cost: $2,070

The Eta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is proud to honor a distinguished group of men who have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have exemplified excellence and leadership in Massachusetts. These remarkable individuals have left a lasting impact on our community and beyond:

• Honorable Herbert Tucker – Former Grand Basileus and Massachusetts Judge.

• Honorable Roderick Ireland – First Black Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

• Honorable Harry J. Elam – Longstanding Judge and pioneer as the first Black on the Boston Municipal Court.

• Honorable Edward Redd – Longstanding Roxbury Municipal Court Judge.

• Reverend Dr. Michael Haynes – Former Massachusetts State Representative.

• Reverend Dr. William S. Ravenell – Longest-serving Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

• Reverend Richard Owens – Longest-serving Pastor of Peoples Baptist Church.

• Reverend Ambassador Charles Stith – U.S. Ambassador.

• Attorney Wayne Budd – Former U.S. Attorney and Massachusetts Attorney General.

• Attorney Stephen Hall – Partner at Holland & Knight and Past President of the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Associ.

• Dr. Andre Quamina – Longstanding Eye Specialist at Boston Medical Center.

• Dr. Bruce Jackson – President Obama Awardee and world-renowned scientist.

• Dr. Charles Drew – Pioneer in blood/plasma separation, a medical advancement that has saved millions of lives.

• U.S. Marshal John Gibbons – First Black U.S. Marshal in Massachusetts and former Basileus of Delta Chi.

• Archie R. Williams, Jr. – Local Entrepreneur with ventures like Freedom Foods and Roxbury Technology.

• Cedric Maxwell – Former Boston Celtic with his number retired in TD Garden.

• Clarence “Jeep” Jones – Longtime Chairman of the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

• Daniel Dennis – Managing Partner at Daniel Dennis & Company, LLP.

• Edward L. Cooper – First Black A&P Manager, local urban farming leader, and founder of the Ed Cooper Community Garden & Education Center, Inc.

• James A. Owens, Jr. – First Black hired by Upjohn Pharmaceutical, top in New England, and one of the first 5 Black MBAs from Tuck School at Dartmouth College.

• Kenny Hudson – Second Black NBA Referee, founder of BNBL and Boston Shootout.

• L. Reginald Brothers, Ph.D. – Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense in the U.S. Government.

• Marvin Gilmore – Black Bank Founder, Decorated U.S. Veteran, and Businessman.

• Maurice “Mo” Vaughn – Former Boston Red Sox First Baseman.

• Otto Snowden – Founder of Freedom House and local activist.

• Paul Parks, Sr. – Head of Model Cities Administration and former Massachusetts Secretary of Educational Affairs.

• Richard Taylor – Former Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation, Rhodes Scholar, and Harvard MBA-JD.

• Robert Honeysucker – World-renowned Baritone.

• Ronald McNair – U.S. Astronaut, M.I.T. graduate, and Ph.D. in Physics.