Epsilon Iota Iota Chapter
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Epsilon Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Founding and Early Years

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., established on November 17, 1911, at Howard University, holds the distinction of being the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college. Over the past 113 years, Omega men have significantly influenced society by adhering to the fraternity’s cardinal principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

By the end of 1988, members of the Chi Omicron chapter in New Haven, CT, envisioned a more active role for the fraternity in addressing pressing social, health, and political issues. This vision was influenced by the historic presidential runs of Jesse Jackson and the tenure of Barack Obama. With an unwavering devotion to the fraternity, these men, led by Brother Michael A. Jefferson and assisted by Brother Sylvester Wilkins, the First District Representative, initiated the process to establish a new chapter.

Chartering of Epsilon Iota Iota

On August 2, 1990, the Epsilon Iota Iota (EII) Chapter was chartered as the 860th chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The 13 charter members were:

• Bro. Wayne Ricks

• Bro. Larry Conaway

• Bro. Michael Jefferson

• Bro. Craig Streeter

• Bro. Bobby Gibson

• Bro. Rodney Russell

• Bro. James Ellis

• Bro. Matthew Marrow

• Bro. Michael Epps

• Bro. Randy Campbell

• Bro. John Harris

• Bro. Vaughn Willis

• Bro. Kevin Moses

The chapter’s first official meeting took place on November 16, 1990, with the first officers being:

• Basileus: Bro. Michael A. Jefferson

• Vice Basileus: Bro. Bobby Gibson

• Keeper of Records and Seal: Bro. Larry Conaway

• Keeper of Finance: Bro. Craig Streeter

• Chaplain: Bro. Vaughn Willis

• Keeper of Peace:Bro. Rodney Russell

Community Engagement and Achievements

Despite being a “young” chapter, EII quickly established itself as a formidable presence within the First District (Conneticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) and an asset to the Greater New Haven community. The chapter’s early efforts included:

• Providing over $75,000 in scholarship awards to college-bound high school seniors.

• Raising more than a ton of food for local food pantries.

• Participating in clothing drives and neighborhood cleanups.

• Collaborating with community-based organizations to address social issues.

EII’s impact continued with initiatives such as voter registration drives, mentoring programs (Que Academy and YOMEGA), career fairs, the NAACP Health Fair, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday celebrations, and Stop the Violence Initiatives. Current and notable community service projects include the Youth Summit, Omega Uplift Series, Free Market (with the New Haven Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta), and the Kwanzaa Project.

Membership and Leadership

Less than a year after its chartering, EII began expanding its membership. After a rigorous vetting and intake process, six students, known as “The Pioneering Six” were initiated in July 1991:

• Kelly Russell

• Mark Nivet

• Dwayne Rivers

• Steve McCray

• Adrian Webber

• Greg Johnson

These men significantly contributed to the chapter’s reputation and vitality. Since 1991, EII has initiated 72 members, both undergraduates and graduates and earned the Chapter's moniker of "The Bloodline of the First District".

First District Contributions

EII’s contributions to the First District are substantial. The chapter has produced in numerous district positions:

• District Representatives (Rodney J. Russell, Vaughn Willis, and Michael Jefferson)

• First Vice District Representatives (Vaughn Willis and Michael Jefferson)

• 2nd Vice District Representatives (Jack Perry, Michael Rivers, Alexander Jones and Allahunique Cutts, David McKinnie, Dana Griffin Jr., Affiz Din-Gabisi)

• District Keeper of Records and Seal (Alexander Jones)

• District Keeper of Finance (Ruel Dixon)

• District Public Relations (Al-Rahim Williams and Alexander Jones)

• District Chaplains (Vaugh Willis, Alexander Jones and Samuel Ross-Lee)

• First District Omega Men of the Year (Michael A. Jefferson and Ruel Dixon)

• Region 1 Life Membership Chair (Vaughn Willis and Kevin Walton)

• District and International Scholars (Ruel Dixon)

• District Marshals- Kevin Walton, Craig Streeter, Gregory Johnson Sr., Jeron Alston and Naciki Reid

EII has also hosted four District Conferences and was named the 2010 First District Co-Chapter of the Year, and reestablishing the Chapter's moniker of "The Bloodline of the First District".

Conclusion

Epsilon Iota Iota’s 34-year history is a testament to its commitment to the cardinal principles of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The chapter’s extensive community service and significant contributions at the district level reflect its enduring impact. EII continues to uphold the values of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift, making its members and supporters proud.

**Long Live Epsilon Iota Iota! Long Live the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity!**