The UT Iota Beta chapter of Omega Psi Phi was chartered on April 1, 1971, and the local African American fraternity Alpha Kappa Omega was merged into it. Omega Psi Phi was the first national African American fraternity at UT.
The fraternity was founded at Howard University in 1911. Howard University declined to accept its constitution as a national organization, offering acceptance as a local organization, which Omega Psi Phi declined. In 1914 Howard withdrew its opposition and the fraternity was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia on October 28, 1914. The name of the fraternity comes from the initials of the Greek phrase “Friendship is essential to the soul,” and the phrase is its motto. The fraternity colors are purple and gold, and its symbol is the lamp. The nickname of the fraternity is “Q’s.” Its philanthropies include Habitat for Humanity, Senior Citizen’s Project, and the National Social Action Program. Among notable alumni of the national organization are Michael Jordan, Benjamin Hooks, Charles Drew, Jessie Jackson, Bill Cosby, and Langston Hughes. In 1994, with only six members of the UT chapter, Omega Psi Phi was named Chapter of the Year by its national organization for its civic and community projects during the past year. Its charter was suspended in 1997, and it was rechartered in 2001.