About Us
Zeta Iota Chapter History
Zeta Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was chartered September 12, 1941. The first meeting was held at the home of Brother Talmadge Johnson, on 30 Manly Street, in Portsmouth, VA. The Brothers in attendance were: Joseph H. Tazewell, George E. Roundtree, Talmadge Johnson, M. R. Dinkins, Thaddeus Shelton,Curtis Parker, Mark L. Andrew, Charles Wilson, Charles Whidbee, Elmer Gordon, W. O. Watts, Joseph N. Green, Sr., and Dorsey Vick. At this meeting, Ellis F. Corbett of Lambda Omega Brother, Fourth District Representative presided at the chartering of the chapter. (At that time, Virginia was the only state in the Fourth District.) George E, Roundtree was elected Basileus.
NAMES OF FIRST OFFICERS
- Basileus - George Roundtree
- Vice Basileus - Joseph N. Green
- K.R.S. - Charles Wilson
- K.F. - Talmadge Johnson
- K.P. -Thaddeus Shelton
- Chaplain - Dorsey Vick
- Parliamentarian - M. R. Dinkins
- Editor - Curtis Parker
The last surviving charter member was Bro. Dorsey Vick.David Muckle was the first candidate to join the chapter on November 7, 1944 at Douglas Park Elementary School in Portsmouth.
AWARDS/CITATIONS RECEIVED ON DISTRICT AND/OR NATIONAL LEVEL (CHAPTER OR CHAPTER BROTHERS)
Chapter Achievements
- Brother Arthur Ray- Graduate Basileus of the year 1996
Groundbreaking Achievements and Awards
- First Junior High School named for a Black Citizen in Portsmouth, was W. E. Waters.
- Edward S. Cox named first principal of Crestwood Junior High School and is first black junior high school principal.
- Brother James Holley and Raymond Turner first elected City Council members in the City of Portsmouth, VA.
- Brother James Holley, III elected first black mayor of Portsmouth, VA.
- Brother Wayne Orton named first black City Manager for City of Portsmouth, VA.
- Brother Joseph N. Green held office of Keeper of Records and Seals for over 25 years.
- Brother Warren S. Harris served as KRS for over 15 years.
- Brother Willie Plese served as Keeper finances for over 25 years.
- Brother Earl Fuller was named Volunteer of the Year for his efforts with ZETA IOTA’S Adopt School program at Highland Biltmore Elementary School in Portsmouth, VA. Bro. Fuller was nominated for Outstanding National School Volunteer by Portsmouth School System, which was sponsored by Kraft General Food and Walt Disney World.
- Brother Junius Williams first black to be named Citizen of the Year, 1996, in Portsmouth.
- Brother Horace Savage second black to be named Citizen of the Year, 1999 in Portsmouth.
- Brother Warren D. Harris first Black Director of Economic Development in Chesapeake.
- Brother Jenson L. Baker first black quarterback and head football coach at Craddock High School.