ABOUT IOTA IOTA CHAPTER

The Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was officially chartered on May 31, 1944, in Raleigh, North Carolina, by 26 distinguished charter members. Prior to its founding, Omega men in Raleigh were linked with the Beta Phi Chapter in Durham, NC. 

 

The initial officers of Iota Iota were:

• Dean F.P. Payne-Basileus

• E.H. McClenny-Vice Basileus

• J.R. Larkins- Keeper of Records & Seal

• P.H. Kyle-Keeper of Finance

• Rev. J.W. Cameron-Chaplain

• P.H. Williams, Jr.- Keeper of Peace

 

Additional charter members included L.W. Addison, James H. Baker, H.C. Brower, Dr. W.F. Clark, Cecil H. Flagg, S.T. Gibson, Dr. Nelson H. Harris, Lewlyn M. Hayes, M.C. Hill, William Hurdle, W.J. Latham, L.T. Lightner, W.S. Lockhart, S.G. Parham, L.C. Rivers, W.W. Smith, John S. Spivey, T.L. Spraggins, C.A. Toole, and C.H. Williams.

 

From its inception, Iota Iota has established itself as a vibrant and visible force for community service and leadership in Raleigh.

 

A Decade of Impact and Civil Rights Leadership

 

Within its first ten years, Iota Iota emerged as a pioneer in civil rights, especially during the time of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The chapter played a crucial role in the desegregation of public accommodations in Raleigh. A landmark civil rights case against the city of Raleigh addressed broader segregation issues. A key figure in this victory was Brother Dr. Carl DeVane (Omega Chapter), a member of Iota Iota and an architectural planner. Bro. DeVane was interviewed by Harry Reasoner on CBS Evening News, and the trial’s importance attracted national media attention, leading to the proceedings being moved to the Raleigh Auditorium to accommodate the audience.

 

Iota Iota simultaneously laid the groundwork for political representation. In 1953, the chapter supported Dr. Carl DeVane’s historic run for City Council. Although he was unsuccessful, DeVane’s campaign made unprecedented strides for African Americans in Raleigh politics. Four years later, Brother John W. Winters won a City Council seat and later served in the North Carolina State Senate. 

 

In 1973, Iota Iota supported Brother Clarence E. Lightner in his successful campaign for Mayor of Raleigh, making him the first and only Black mayor in the city’s history. During his term, Raleigh was named an “All-American City” for the first time.

 

During this time, Brother Dr. Prezell Robinson, another member of Iota Iota, was appointed president of St. Augustine’s College in 1969. His tenure of more than 25 years solidified the college’s legacy as a leading institution for African American education.

 

Ongoing Political Influence and Leadership

 

Iota Iota’s influence persisted into the following decades:

 

• In 1980, Brother Harold W. Webb was appointed Director of State Personnel and later served as a Wake County Commissioner in the early 2000s.

• In 1990, Brother Geoffrey H. Simmons was elected as the first African-American president of the Wake County Bar Association. 

• In 1992, Brother Ralph Campbell was elected as the State Auditor of North Carolina, becoming the first African-American to hold this position.

• In 1993, Brother Bradford Thompson was elected and served as the sole African American on the Raleigh City Council.

• In 1994, Brother Michael R. Morgan became the first member of Omega to serve as a judge in the General Court of Justice in Wake County, later taking a position on the Superior Court of North Carolina.

 

Commitment to Economic Uplift and Cultural Recognition

 

For over 65 years, Iota Iota has exemplified the fraternity’s cardinal principle of “Uplift” by promoting African American entrepreneurship and preserving cultural heritage. The chapter notably assisted Wilson S. Lockhart and his business partner in becoming the first African Americans to secure a Shell Oil franchise in Raleigh.

 

On September 18, 1988, founding member Brother Clarence A. Toole (Omega Chapter) was interviewed for an upcoming book chronicling African-American contributions to Raleigh. His vivid depiction of Raleigh as a “cultural town” inspired the book’s title, Culture Town, published in 1993, which is the only comprehensive work of its kind. These efforts underscore Iota Iota’s deep and ongoing investment in the economic progress and cultural pride of the communities it serves.​