In the fall of 1959, amid the rising tides of the Civil Rights Movement and the oppressive grip of Jim Crow in the South, Memphis State University opened its doors to its first full-time African American students. Though a landmark moment, it would be several years before young Black men at Memphis State would begin their journey toward Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. That journey began with James “Bootsy” Woodhouse, who was initiated through the Epsilon Phi graduate chapter in the spring of 1966.

It was not until the spring of 1970 that three undergraduates, initiated at the Chi Psi Chapter of LeMoyne-Owen College, expressed their fervent desire to establish an Omega presence at Memphis State. Though unofficial, their efforts gave birth to a "colony"—a committed group of Omega men who embodied the fraternity’s values on campus despite the absence of a formal charter.

Another trio joined the ranks in the spring of 1971, also initiated through Chi Psi. However, the path to official recognition required more: a minimum of 12 active undergraduate brothers enrolled full-time at the university. That moment arrived in the fall of 1972, when Bro. William "Big Bill" Wooten (Spring ’71) served as Dean of Pledges and guided “The Eight Wonders” across the burning sands—bringing the colony to chartering strength.

These determined young men did more than meet the numbers—they raised funds through parties, campus events, and even donated blood at the Student Donor Center to finance their charter application. At the District Meeting in Jackson, TN, in March 1973, their application was submitted and proudly approved by then District Representative Robert Jefferson.

On September 28, 1973, the Magnificent XI ZETA Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was officially chartered at Memphis State University—forever establishing Omega’s sacred legacy on the campus.

~ contributed by Bro. William DeWayne Sweet, 4-Spring-87