A Legacy of Leadership: Omega Psi Phi and the Virgin Islands
- M Whyte
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
The sound of the fraternity’s signature Omega Call echoed through the terminal at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport as brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated gathered to welcome Ricky L. Lewis, the fraternity’s international president, to the island of St. Croix. His arrival marked the beginning of a historic visit that brought together members of the fraternity’s highest governing body for leadership meetings and fellowship in the territory.
“This fraternity is a global organization with more than 200,000 initiated members in 18 countries across four continents,” Brother Lewis said during his visit. “St. Croix is part of what we do, and it is important for us to come together as leaders to continue moving the fraternity forward.”
Brother Lewis travelled to the Virgin Islands alongside members of the Supreme Council of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, marking the first time the fraternity’s top international leadership gathered in the Virgin Islands as a group. Welcomed by the brothers of the Eta Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, the visit represented a milestone moment for Omega men in the territory.
While the gathering highlighted the fraternity’s present leadership, the relationship between Omega Psi Phi and the Virgin Islands reaches much deeper into history.
That connection can be traced to William H. Hastie, a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Brother Hastie served as the first Black Governor of the United States Virgin Islands from 1946 to 1949, helping shape the modern political and civic landscape of the territory. A jurist, educator, and trailblazing public servant, Brother Hastie exemplified the fraternity’s cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire leaders throughout the Virgin Islands.
Building upon that legacy, Omega Psi Phi established a permanent presence in the territory with the chartering of the Eta Iota Iota Chapter on December 8, 1990, on the island of St. Croix. Since its chartering, the chapter has remained committed to serving the community through mentorship initiatives, scholarship programs, youth engagement, and civic outreach that uplift the people of the Virgin Islands.
During their visit, members of the Supreme Council were also welcomed to Government House, where they had the opportunity to engage with Albert Bryan Jr.. Governor Bryan, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, joined the fraternity’s leadership in fellowship and discussion, reflecting the longstanding tradition of leadership and public service shared by members of historically Black fraternities in the Virgin Islands.
The visit allowed the fraternity’s international leadership to witness firsthand the work being carried out by the brothers of Eta Iota Iota Chapter. Despite the territory’s small size, the chapter continues to make a meaningful impact through programs focused on mentorship, scholarship, and community uplift.
For the brothers of Eta Iota Iota, the moment symbolized the continuation of a legacy that began with trailblazers like Brother William H. Hastie and continues today through the dedicated service of Omega men committed to strengthening their communities.
From historic leadership to modern service, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated remains deeply connected to the Virgin Islands. As the fraternity continues to expand its influence across the globe, the Virgin Islands remain an important part of that story—one defined by leadership, service, and enduring brotherhood.
For more information about Eta Iota Iota Chapter, upcoming events, and community initiatives, visit www.crucianques.org.