Page 38 - Kappa Eta 40th Anniversary History Book

Prelude to Kappa Eta

History of the New Jersey chapters

By Steve Barnes
Upsilon Phi 1970

1970 began an important page in the history of
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. It was the beginning of
our expansion onto predominately white college
and university campuses across America. African
American students had high hopes and aspirations for

themselves as well as their futures. For most
Individuals it was best of times. For many students
they were first to attend college in their
families. Many African American students were
seeking out
Campus organizations they could identify with and be a part of other their
designated Black Student Unions. They were craving recognition and demanded
to have viable courses that reflected our heritage. Pressure was placed on many
university and college administrations and many African American Studies
Programs began to appear nationwide with qualified black professors to teach
these courses.

Enter Upsilon Phi Chapter (the mother pearl of New Jersey) which is the oldest
graduate chapter established on October 22, 1927 which has served the
Greater Newark area for over 80 years.

In 1969, Upsilon Phi made a commitment to bring the undergraduate experience
to Northern New Jersey in hopes of establishing undergraduate chapters
on three major campuses Rutgers University - Newark Campus, Kean College
(formerly Newark State College) and Seton Hall University. The chapter sought
out "men of like attainment and the same ideas" Up to that point there were no
undergraduate chapters in the area. However, in 1970 Iota Gamma succeeded
in becoming the first undergraduate chartered chapter in southern New Jersey.

It is important to understand that college black Greek life was relatively non-
existent in New Jersey at the time. A few students had family members,
relatives, teachers, doctors, lawyers and community leaders that pledged Greek
organization but at black colleges and that's what they knew and heard of their
experiences. What Upsilon Phi Chapter lacked was raw talent until 1969.

The driving force came from one man Dr. Wilmoth F. Roberts (Pi Chapter)
Director of EOF (Equal Opportunity Fund). Upsilon Phi conducted interviews at

Kappa Eta 1975-2015 ver June-25-2016 Page 37