History of Chi Rho
Chi Rho Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated was founded to afford an opportunity for all unaffiliated Omega men of Long Island to meet. On August 11, 1965, the Chapter Charter for CHI RHO Chapter was signed by the Supreme Council of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. CHI RHO is the first chapter chartered and founded on Long Island and is known as the Pearl of Long Island. Chi Rho oversees all of Suffolk County, NY.
The ten charter members of Chi Rho Chapter were:
| Frank Nichols* | – Basileus |
| Harrison Smith* | – Vice Basileus |
| Daniel Henderson* | – Keeper of Records and Seal |
| James Lewis* | – Keeper of Finance |
| Charles Belfield* | – Keeper of Peace |
| Clarence Johnson* | – Chaplain |
| Ercelle Williams* | – Editor to the Oracle |
| Walter Bailey* | – Dean of Pledges |
| Aubrey Greene* | |
| John Van Buren* |
The officers of Chi Rho Chapter were officially installed on October 29, 1965 at the home of Bro. Harrison Smith, 58 Wright Street, North Babylon , New York . The National and District Officers that officiated were:
| George Meares* | Grand Basileus |
| James Avery* | Second District Representative |
| James Murray* | District Keeper of Records and Seal |
| Rudy Powell* | Past First Vice District Representative |
| Nathaniel Burrell* | Past District Keeper of Records and Seal |
The Chapter Motto is:
| Challenge | Rededication |
| Hope | Happiness |
| Initiative | Optimism |
Since it’s inception, Chi Rho Chapter has been involved in community activities which embody the fraternity’s cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. The chapter’s signature programs are
- The Purple and Gold Dance Masquerade
- Men Who Cook (started in 1990)
- Fish Fry
- Thanksgiving Basket donations
- Christmas Basket donations
- XP Blood Drive
- Fatherhood Initiative Month consisting of the Father Son outing, Father Daughter Dance and the Pride for fatherhood Breakfast
- Domestic Violence Walk.
In May, 2005, the chapter’s anniversary year, Chi Rho Development Corporation, a not for profit 501(c) 3 organization, was incorporated to further help the Long Island Community.
Many of our programs are designed to provide funding for mentoring and scholarships to college bound minority youth. XP also participates and upholds our Fraternity’s mandated programs yearly. Through the years, the chapter has provided more than 50 scholarships and has awarded many young people on their talents through the Talent Hunt Program. Chi Rho has supported the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and many other charitable means.
The chapter has also sponsored other social action endeavors through support of the NAACP, voter campaign support, and recognition of other community achievers.
In 2010, Chi Rho chapter held its first Domestic Violence walk in conjunction with the Suffolk County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and donated approximately $3000 to the Suffolk County Coalition against Domestic Violence.
In 2010 Chi Rho held its first Pride for Fatherhood Breakfast. The platform for this was in recognition of our very own chapter brother Lee Isabelle Sr. In June of 2011, Chi Rho Chapter received a signed recognition citation from President Barack Obama for our commitment to Fatherhood, through our Pride for Fatherhood Breakfast, highlighting our support of hard working fathers in the community raising their families and being positive role models in their lives.
In 2017, XPotential, a not for profit 501©3 organization, was incorporated to further help the Suffolk County Long Island Community.
In 2018, Chi Rho’s final charter member Brother Ercelle Williams entered Omega Chapter.
In 2019, Chi Rho created a challenge coin.
Chi Rho is on Page 22 in the ORACLE – December 1965:
1965 December, Oracle
CHI RHO HISTORY IN POWERPOINT