History of Zeta Alpha

It was through perseverance and the untiring efforts of brothers Leander Spencer, Reginald Harris, Herman Davis, and Dallas Hawkins that Zeta Alpha chapter was chartered by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on October 1, 1934. The first official meeting of Zeta Alpha chapter was held in an empty room in Dr. Hawkins’ office. Later meetings were held in the homes of different brothers. This trend continued until the chapter started renting a building from Mrs. Alma Spencer, wife of one of the charter members, Brother Leander Spencer. The building was called the Omega Den. After renting the Den for a number of years, the property was purchased on October 31, 1988.

In the spring of 1936, the first initiated brother, Dr. Samuel Beckford, was inducted into the chapter. It was also during this time that one pledge was rejected and his pledge pin withdrawn and one name was submitted but rejected.

By 1938, meetings became so infrequent and the number of brothers in attendance so small, achieving a quorum became an impossible task. The effects of the war took a great toll on the chapter. Key brothers such as Spencer and Harris relocated due to job changes. Others brothers who did not leave because of employment were sent off to war or became involved in the defense industry.

The post war period brought about changes and conditions began to improve. In March 1950, in keeping with the principles of Omega, the first Omega Musical Talent Hunt was held at the former Henderson Institute.

Some highlights of the Zeta Alpha Chapter include:

· An adult basketball program in Oxford, NC was organized from 1971-72. There were eight teams in the league.

· A picnic, held at Lawyer Williamson’s cabin on Henderson Point, led to the Annual Q-Nic currently enjoyed by the brothers, their families, and guests.

· An Annual Scholarship Dance is held each year to provide funds for a graduating student from each of the four counties.

· Every summer, Zeta Alpha sponsors young boys to the Sixth District Boys Camp.

· In 2000, Zeta Alpha Chapter received a $1250.00 grant from the Omega Life Membership Foundation to coordinate a mentoring program for young boys in the area.

· The Brothers of Zeta Alpha have always worked with adolescent boys through an array of mentoring programs. The chapter’s Boys to Men Summit allows chapter brothers to share information with the participants and is always a big success.

· The Achievement Week Program, Boys Camp, Dental Health Awareness, Golf Tournament, Prostate Cancer Screening, Q-Nic, Scholarship Dance, Talent Hunt, Blood Drive, Voter Registration, and Jazz Night are some of the major activities sponsored by the Zeta Alpha chapter.

Zeta Alpha chapter is comprised of brothers with like ideals from Franklin, Granville, Vance, and Warren counties.

The Brothers of Zeta Alpha Chapter are actively involved in fraternal affairs at the District and International levels. Brothers always attend district meetings, council meetings, and the International Grand Conclave. Zeta Alpha is proud to claim three Sixth District Omega Men of the Year: Brothers Jimmie V. Morris, Abram Liles, and Charles Worth.

In 2001, Brother Abram Liles received the Sixth District Founders’ Award. In 2002, Brother Abram Liles claimed the Sixth District Omega Man of the Year Award and the title of International Omega Man of the Year Award. In 2007, Brother Kenneth Evins received the Sixth District Founders’ Award. Brother Abram Liles received the 2007 Sixth District Superior Service Award. Brother Michael Edwards received the 2008 Sixth District Superior Service Award

Brother Charles Worth has served as Sixth District Assistant Keeper of Finance, 1st Vice- District Representative, and Sixth District Representative.

Previously known Basileus of Zeta Alpha:

1. Leander E. Spencer

2. Reginald M. Harris

3. Herman Gilreath

4. Leonard M. Dunn

5. A. M. Ward

6. Josiah Thomas

7. William Pointer

8. Abram Liles

9. Octavius Lucas

10. Maurice Crump Sr.

11. Archie Snipes

12. James T. Wilkerson

13. Arthur Henderson

14. Jimmie V. Morris

15. Nathaniel Miller

16. John Henderson

17. Lonnie Davis Jr.

18. Robert Gorham

19. Howard Herring Jr.

20. Dana Small

21. Nathaniel Yarbrough

22. Michael Putney Sr.