About the Chapter

Nu Pi Chapter

Chartered on March 9, 1974, Nu Pi Chapter is a graduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, serving Joliet, Illinois and the surrounding communities of the Tenth District. Nu Pi was the first African-American fraternity chapter founded in the southwestern suburbs.

In 1973 a group of men who lived in the city of Joliet, Illinois would see each other on the streets and of course, they would greet each other as fraternity brothers. Some had just moved to the city, while others were already living there. Joliet, Illinois at that time was a predominately blue collar town, consisting of Caterpillar, the Quarry and the prison industry.

The city had its share of racial issues dating back to the Joliet Riot after the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. Being an African-American professional man in the city at that time was not the norm. However, these brothers developed a very close bond based upon friendship, family and spirituality. In the latter part of 1973 their numbers had grown to 14 brothers coming from Alcorn, Philander Smith, North Carolina A&T, Tennessee State, Florida A&M, Tougaloo, Texas Southern, Grambling, Morris Brown and Wilberforce. These brothers truly believed and lived our creed of "Friendship is Essential to the Soul."

On March 9, 1974, the chapter was officially chartered at a ceremony where Burnell Coulon (Omega Chapter), 10th District Representative and a future Grand Basileus, and Marion Garnett, Grand Basileus of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at the time, presided. The Nu Pi brothers elected their first chapter officers: John Greenwood, Basileus; Arnold Mitchell, Vice-Basileus; Willie L. Lewis, Jr., Keeper of Records and Seal; and Tillman Rosemon, Keeper of Finance.

The chapter was off and running by initiating their first line in 1975 and by establishing Pi Eta Chapter at Lewis University the same year at the request of Carlton Russell, the lone undergraduate Omega on campus. In order to bring the African-American community together, the chapter initiated the 3rd Friday's Gatherings at the Joliet Sheraton which became very popular in the 70's and 80's. Chapter members served on the boards of the NAACP, Friends of the Joliet Public Library, Forest Park Community Center, and the Rainbow Council of Boy Scouts.

In 1994 at the Conclave in Cleveland, Ohio, Brother Clevon Davis had his first conversation about reactivating Nu Pi Chapter with Ronald Hughes, then the 10th District Representative. In 1995, Nu Pi was reactivated. The first official meeting was held in the home of Brother Elvis Adams, where Brother Clevon Davis was elected Basileus, Brother Robert Ellis Vice-Basileus, Brother Harold Dell (Omega Chapter) Keeper of Records and Seal, and Brother Elvis Adams Keeper of Finance. That reactivation propelled Nu Pi into the next century.

This effort has increased the rolls of Omega by initiating over 180 new brothers into the fold. Through the fraternity's mandated programs, Nu Pi has participated in or sponsored Talent Hunts, Essay Contests, Achievement Week, Blood Drives, Health Fairs, Joliet Black Pride, Clothing and Toy Drives, Food Give-A-Ways, Scholarships, and mentoring programs. The Chapter hosted the District Meeting in 2009 and received the Chapter of the Year Award from the District in 2007 and 2009. Long live Nu Pi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

"Brotherhood is the very price and condition of man's survival."

The Cardinal Principles

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  Manhood

  Integrity, accountability, and character in all things.

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  Scholarship

  The relentless pursuit of learning and academic excellence.

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  Perseverance

  Steadfast commitment to purpose through every obstacle.

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  Uplift

  Service that raises the whole community, not the few.

"Friendship Is Essential To The Soul."