Chapter History

The most significant achievement of the Fraternity during the fourth decade consisted in the adoption of a set of social action principles and the effectuation of an immense administrative reorganization. Z. Alexander Looby, Campbell C. Johnson, Harry T. Penn and Milo C. Murray, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth and Twentieth Grand Basileus, respectively, shared responsibility for this development. This was a period characterized by frequent adjustments demanded to World War II and its aftermath. (Gill, p. 29) Before the end of his (Looby’s) first term, the United Stateswas at war and the colleges were almost bereft of young men. (Gill, p. 29) In spite of the war, 14 chapters were chartered under Looby, three in 1941, four in 1942, one in 1943, and two in 1944 (Theta Iota in Jackson, TN and Iota Iota in Raleigh, NC), and four in 1945. The Fraternity was re-districted to provide for 12 districts. (Gill, p. 29)

Iota Iota’s four founding members, Brothers Cecil H. Flagg, Dr. Nelson Harris, C. A. Toole and William Hurdle, chartered Iota Iota on May 31, 1944. All of the founders have entered Omega Chapter. Formerly an extension of the Beta Phi Chapter of Durham, NC, Iota Iota was formed when the Omega men of Raleighand Omega men of Durhambecame two separate and distinct entities. On that date, sources believe the Dr. Nelson Harris was presiding Basileus and the chapter’s only members were its four founders. Early on, Iota Iota quickly positioned itself as a viable, visible team of community service leaders and role models within the city. This role would gain the chapter recognition not only with the city of Raleigh, but also throughout the state of North Carolinaand beyond. The following are highlights of some of the strides made by Iota Iota since 1944.

Within the first ten years of its history, Iota Iota made history during the Martin Luther King, Jr. era. The chapter played a significant role in the desegregation of public accommodations in the city of Raleigh. A landmark civil rights judgment was won against the city of Raleigh covering all types of segregation, and featured a planning architect, Brother Dr. Carl DeVane (Omega Chapter), who was a member of Iota Iota. Bro. DeVane was quoted by Harry Reasoner of the CBS evening news during the thrust of the controversial case and Reasoner returned to the city of Raleigh to cover the actual trial which was so heavily attended that it was held at the Raleigh Auditorium.

Also within the first ten years, the chapter established a political presence in the city of Raleigh. Several people and issues supported by the fraternity, eventually gained recognition in the political process during this time. In 1953, the chapter laid the political foundation to run one of its own members for a political office. Dr. Carl DeVane ran for City Council; although Dr. DeVane did not win the campaign, he came closer to a victory than any other African-American had at that time. Four years later, the chapter sponsored another Omega man, Brother John W. Winters, who ran successfully for a seat on the City Council and later went on to become elected to the State Senate. In 1973, Iota Iota backed yet another member, Brother Clarence E. Lightner, to run for political office. Brother Lightner ran for and won the mayoral election that year and served a two-year term. This was one of the most significant elections in the state of North Carolina; not only was Brother Lightner the first and only black mayor in the history of the city, but also because during Brother Lightner’s tenure, Raleighwas cited as an “All-AmericanCity.” This commendation had never been bestowed on the city before. During this era, St. Augustine’s College, one of the most instrumental institutions in the education of African-American youth in this country, chose Iota Iota member Brother Dr. Prezell Robinson to lead. Brother Robinson served in this capacity for over twenty-five years having been appointed in 1969. These are just a few of history-making endeavors for the men of the Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Continuing in the political arena, Iota Iota went on to add to its list of accomplishments in 1980 with the appointment of another member of the chapter. Brother Harold W. Webb was appointed as director of State Personnel where he served four years. Also, in the early 2000’s, Bro. Webb serves as a Wake County Commissioner. In 1990, Brother Geoffrey H. Simmons became the first African-American elected to head the Wake County Bar Association. On November 4, 1992, Brother Ralph Campbell became the first African-American elected as State Auditor. In 1994, Brother Michael R. Morgan became the

first Omega man to serve as a judge in the General Court of Justice in Wake County and later in the 2000’s serves on the Superior Court of NC. In 1993, Brother Bradford Thompson was elected and served as the only African-American on the Raleigh City Council.

Giving credence to its cardinal principle “uplift,” Iota Iota has, in the past 65 years, been instrumental in assisting the establishment of some of the city’s historically African-American landmarks by advising the efforts of aspiring local businessmen. One such undertaking was the chapter’s assistance to Wilson S. Lockhart and a partner to become among the first African-Americans to obtain a franchise with Shell Oil Enterprises.

On September 18, 1988, Brother Clarence A. Toole (Omega Chapter), one of the founding members of Iota Iota was interviewed for a developing book which would address the social and cultural achievements made by African-Americans in Raleigh. Although Brother Toole was one of the many interviewed, it was his passionate depiction of Raleigh as a “cultural town” that led to the editors’ decision to later title the book Culture Town. The book published in 1993 and is currently the only one of its kind in print.

The accomplishments of Iota Iota collectively and of its individual members have been many and among those consistent with the fraternity since its early years, include the fraternity’s serving as advisor to three undergraduate chapters of Omega Psi Phi located on the campuses of Shaw University, St. Augustine’s College and North Carolina State University. The advisory program encourages the younger brothers to maintain academic excellence as well as to pursue education beyond their undergraduate degrees.

The chapter has a scholarship program designed to help fund the aspirations of high school seniors and undergraduate fraternity brothers in pursuit of higher education. The chapter currently holds two annual fundraisers dedicated solely for the scholarship program. On March 22, 1990, Iota Iota established the Leonard Medical Scholarship. The objective of the scholarship is to assist the efforts of African-American youth to pursue a degree in medicine. The scholarship recipient is chosen as a high school senior to receive a portion of the scholarship upon graduation from high school with the remainder of the scholarship remaining in a certificate of deposit until the student completes his or her undergraduate degree and is accepted to a medical degree program. Iota Iota held a press conference on April 11, 1990 on the steps of Leonard Hall, which is now a landmark on the campus ofShawUniversity. Leonard Hall housed the first medical school for African-Americans in this country. The medical school was established in 1881. The establishment of this scholarship has become one of the most significant programs in the chapter’s history.

Just as the Iota Iota Chapter has made significant contributions in the Raleigharea, the chapter has also been a significant contributor to the Mighty Sixth District (North and South Carolina). Iota Iota has hosted the Sixth District Annual Meeting in 1965, 1975, 1980, 1987, 1999 and 2003. In 2013, Iota Iota will host the 68th Sixth District Meeting with Glenn Thomas serving as the District Marshal. Also, several Iota Iota Brothers have represented the chapter in an elected capacity. Brother Lawrence “LT” Williams served several years as the Sixth District Keeper of Finance. In 2002, Brother Antonio Knox became the 33rd District Representative and had two great terms in office. More recently, Brother Victor Bruinton served as the 37th Sixth District Representative beginning in 2010 and leading the district to its most product two years. He also served as the Sixth District Keeper of Finance, Brother Al White served as Assistant Keeper of Finance, and Brother Michael A. Boykin served as Sixth District Director of Public Relations. Brother Boykin served a dual role as the Interim Editor to the Oracle in 2009.

On September 1, 2011, a new chapter was added to the Raleigh Area, Xi Mu Mu. This was during the tenure of Basileus Ken Johnson along with District Representative Bruinton. Xi Mu Mu chartered with 26 Brothers under the leadership of Basileus Keith Grantham.

The Iota Iota chapter has produced many personal successes also. These Brothers were recognized for their achievements in the following award categories: