Chapter History

The Gamma Pi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was originally conceived by several Brothers residing in the Prince George's community. Although the purpose and aim for establishing a chapter in Prince George's County mirrored those aims and purposes of the Founders of our fraternity, there were other bilateral issues that took precedent: 1) establishing a chapter that would be closer to home for the members that were traveling to Montgomery County and Washington, D.C. to maintain their active membership in the fraternity; and 2) creating a chapter that would be small enough to maintain a close bond among the brotherhood in order to carry out the mandates of the fraternity. The Fraternity has always been a source of leadership training for young Black men, whose opportunities to exercise such skills has been limited. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that several young men across the country have sought to establish chapters of the fraternity in their respective places of residence. Whether their residence was on a college campus, or in the case of Graduate chapters, in their cities, or counties. The young leaders that chartered the Gamma Pi Chapter were no different. They sought the opportunity to further their alliance with the fraternity in an area that was remotely close to their residences.

In 1972, the idea to establish a graduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in Prince George's County, Maryland was conceived by several graduate brothers residing in the County. Many brothers were contacted to ascertain if they had a similar interest. The first meeting took place at Timothy McIntosh's home. Other initial meetings were held at various homes of the charter membership. Subsequent meetings were held at The First Baptist Church of Highland Park approximately a year after receiving the chapter charter. This group of brothers with similar ideals and like attainments began to grow and approached a membership of 21 brothers. 

On January 31, 1973, twenty-one brothers made application to the Supreme Council of the Fraternity through the Second District Representative, Brother Milton Johnson, for a graduate charter, which established Gamma Pi Chapter in Forestville, Maryland. The charter was granted on March 5, 1973. Brothers Timothy McIntosh, John Robinson, Joseph Williams and Steve Settle were elected to the positions of Basileus, Vice Basileus, Keeper of Records and Seal, and Keeper of Finance, respectively. The chartering ceremony was held at what was at the time called Bowie State College(now Bowie State University).

The Charter Brothers of Gamma Pi Chapter and their contributions in paving the way for the chapter are forever etched in the fabric of what has become The Super Chapter, Home of the Beltway Ques. 

The charter members are Giles Bragg (Omega Chapter), Reuben Buggs (Omega Chapter), George Edwards (Omega Chapter), Floyd Gilmore, Robert Graves, Willie Hagans, Thomas Hardin, Donald R. Herring, Sr., Willie Lamb, Timothy McIntosh, Lee McLean (Omega Chapter), Raymond Nobles (Omega Chapter), John Robinson, Dillard Rowe, Herbert Ruffin, Steve Settle (Omega Chapter), Clemmie Solomon, Nathaniel Vann (Omega Chapter), Wiley Welch, Joseph Williams and Timothy Williams (Omega Chapter).

Several of the new chapter's functions were initiated at The First Baptist Church of Highland Park in Landover. Those events included the Easter Egg Hunt and the Senior Citizens Banquet. The Kiddie Cabaret became a very popular event within the community as well and was held every year from 1974-84. 

The chapter held its first Cabaret at the Knights of Columbus Hall in August of 1973. This impromptu Cabaret was organized by the first Basileus of Gamma Pi, Timothy McIntosh. This was also the chapter's first official fund-raiser. Shortly thereafter, the Cabaret was moved to St. Mary's Catholic Church's Burgundy Room in Lanham and was consistently attended by approximately 500 Prince George’s residents. This event was then called the Annual Mardi Gras, and through today, it has become one of the chapter's most popular and successful events. Another premiere social event, the annual chapter picnic, got its start at Hankins Field in Oxon Hill.

The Achievement Week observance has also been a very popular affair of the brotherhood. The first program was held at Bowie State College, November 3, 1973, under the chairmanship of charter member Brother Hagans. The theme was "Good Human Relations: The Keys of Love, Compassion & Understanding". Under the chairmanship of Brother Jim Jones in 1979, the Achievement Week banquet was expanded to a formal format.

The first Pledge Program took place in 1978. The first Dean of Pledges was Brother Calvin Martin. The first members initiated into Gamma Pi were Brothers Melvin Graham and James Coleman (Omega chapter). Activities associated with this pledge program were held at The First Baptist Church of  Highland Park. 

On May 3-5, 1985, Gamma Pi Chapter hosted the Second District Conference for the first time. The conference was held at the J. W. Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC, with the theme being, "The Importance of Black Political Action Now". Brother Melvin White served as the District Marshal and Brother Dillard Rowe served as the Deputy District Marshal.

The first annual Talent Hunt Program was held in 1974 at Central High School in Seat Pleasant under the chairmanship of charter member Brother Edwards. As a mandated national program, Gamma Pi's Talent Hunt Program has been held annually. The original program's format only included the category of music. Since then, theTalent Hunt has been expanded to include dance, drama and visual arts.

The first Founders Award recipient of Gamma Pi Chapter was Brother Robert Busby (Omega chapter). This award is given to a Brother who has made noteworthy contributions to the fraternity at the local, district, national and international levels.

Gamma Pi's history is dotted with chapter and individual accolades.  It is the only chapter of Omega Psi Phi's Second District (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania) to be named Graduate Chapter of the Year five separate times -- in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2015, and 2020. In 2010, the chapter added to its legacy with the historic election of former Basileus Kenneth Rodgers as the Second District Representative leading the five-state region. Also in 2010, Second District chapters voted Gamma Pi the Graduate Social Action Chapter of the Year. Gamma PI has already co-hosted a Districtwide conference and will serve as the sole host for the 2012 District Conference in April at Prince George's County's National Harbor resort.

Gamma Pi is also home to numerous influential community leaders. In addition to Brother Rodgers as District Representative, the chapter is home to two Prince George's County Executives, Brothers Rushern Baker and Jack Johnson.  Also, Brother U.S. Ambassador Teddy Taylor (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu), Bowie State University President Brother Dr. Mickey Burnim, former Chief of Staff for the Maryland Lieutenant Governor Bro. Earl Adams, Jr. and Brother Dr. Ed Chappelle, DDS, past President of the National Dental Association.