About Us - Gammaphichapter

The Gamma Phi chapter of Omega Psi Phi was chartered on October 1, 1925 In Nashville TN under the patronage of the 11th Grand Basileus Bro. George E. Vaughn. The Brother from Delta chapter saw a need to establish a graduate chapter for brothers to reside after graduation. Brother John Work Sr. and other members of Delta Chapter oversaw the formation of the chapter and later became member of Gamma Phi. The Gamma Phi chartered line was comprised of 4 men, Brother George W. Crite, Brother Charles Dowdy, Brother Willis Lewis, and Brother Thomas E. Poag.

The first presiding Basileus of Gamma Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. was Bro. Theo. T Groves (The Oracle, 1925). No other chapters that are currently presiding in the 5th District until the establishment of Epsilon Phi in Memphis and Gamma Phi in Nashville in 1925.

From our humble beginnings, Omega men have built bridges in the Nashville community and beyond. Through dedication to the aspirations so firmly planted by the founders, Gamma Phi men have provided UPLIFT to the citizens of Nashville and areas beyond our borders. Many Omega men of Gamma Phi have made a lasting mark in religion, civil rights, athletics, medicine, business, and institutions of higher learning, government, military, science, engineering, and education (Gamma Phi 2017). Gamma Phi's community involvement includes serving holiday meals to local residents, youth toy drives, back to school events, mentoring programs for youth, political activism, scholarships to aspiring students.

A Few of the more noteworthy Brothers in the rich history of Gamma Phi are:

Bro Z Alexander Looby — the first 5th District Representative and 17th Grand Basileus whose house was bombed by segregationists because he began the movement to desegregate Nashville Schools with help of his law partner and VERY ACTIVE Gamma Phi fellow member Bro. Avon Williams. Together they are now known as two of the most influential and KEY figures in terms of the history of fighting for civil rights and social justice in Nashville…..bringing about groundbreaking legal victories and legislation while representing students and others involved in the Nashville Sit-Ins.

Bro Moses McKissack III from Pulaski, TN—Founder of McKissack & McKissack--the first African American professional firm in Nashville and STILL remains the oldest minority-owned architectural company in the country…and who were among the first to be registered architects in the state of TN. Known for their distinctive style and design, they are rumored to have built half of Nashville.

Bro Matthew Kennedy – Juilliard trained World-Renowned Concert Pianist and Fisk Jubilee Singers Director for more than 20 years and who was recognized as the Omega Man of the Year in 1973. For whom the Gamma Phi annual Talent Hunt is named.

Bro Arna Bontemps – Harlem Renaissance Writer and Poet and longtime head librarian at Fisk University and who was a good friend of Bro Langston Hughes.

Bro Edward Temple —International Omega Man of the Year and Legendary Tennessee State University Head Women's Track and Field Coach and Head Coach of the U.S. Olympic Women's Track and Field Team twice.

Bro Matthew Walker – Meharry Medical College graduate who was a professor of surgery and who was instrumental in helping get the federal grant to helped to establish what we now know as Matthew Walker Clinic.

Bro Don Q Pullen – Wrote “Dear Omega Girl” which was adopted as the official sweetheart song for our entire Fraternity in 1940 at the 28th Grand Conclave here in Nashville.

The chapter’s current roll reflects over 180 enthusiastic Brothers. We look forward to providing continued service in the local community, within the Legendary 5th District, and in the national arena. Gamma Phi chapter remains diligently, and duty bound to fulfilling its mission of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. Special thanks to all the Brothers whose shoulders we stand upon!

Current District Officers and Committee Chairs of Gamma Phi:

Bro. Edward S. Vinsang Sr, District Keeper of Finance 2023-Present
Bro. Julius Hill, Chairman of Fatherhood Initiative and Mentoring
Del McSpadden Sr., Chairman of Legendary University

Past Grand Officers

Grand Basileus: Z. Alexander Looby, 1940-1945
Grand Keeper of Finance: Horace Chace

Past District Representatives of Gamma Phi:

Bro. Z. Alexander Looby, District Representative 1938-1941
Bro. L. W. Beasley, District Representative 1945-1960
Bro. Frank Royal, District Representative 1968-1969
Bro. Albert Berry, District Representative 1969-1972
Bro. Ralph Johnson, District Representative 1995-1997

Past Basileus of Gamma Phi:

Chapter Members in Government and other auspicious offices:

Harold M. Love, Jr.: State Representative
Vincent Dixie: State Representative
Clifton Harris: Executive Director Urban League Middle Tenn.