Omicron Xi History

The Omicron Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was chartered on Sunday, April 3, 1977, under the leadership of the 30th Grand Basileus, Dr. Edward Braynon Jr., and the stewardship of Dr. Lynn Beckwith Jr., who was the 16th Eighth District Representative.

The chapter’s charter members were Ray Carlock, Garfield McConico, Joe Brooks, DeRay Cole, Jesse High, Steve Bradford, Eddie Violet, and Lyman Washington. 

On Saturday, August 20, 1977, the chapter initiated its first pledge line, S.S. First Blood: Marvin Stancil, Leonardo Brown, Ralph Booker, and Vernon R. Wilson. Reggie Dukes and Marty Childs formed the second pledge line that crossed the burning sands into Omega on December 9, 1977.

Jesse High served as the 19th Eighth District Representative from 1982 to 1985. He along with Garfield McConico later entered Omega Chapter. The Omicron Xi Chapter has honored the legacy of Jesse High by naming a scholarship in his memory.

Over the years, Omicron Xi has stood as one of the most dynamic chapters within the Eighth District. In 1983, Omicron Xi hosted the 62nd Grand Conclave in collaboration with the Beta Omega Chapter. Omicron Xi hosted Eighth District meetings in 1983, 1998, 2006 and 2018.

The chapter also hosted the International Leadership Conference in 2013.

Omicron Xi played a pivotal role in chartering the Mu Mu Chapter at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the Omicron Iota Iota Chapter at Fort Leavenworth.

Several of its members including, Larry “Turk” Tircuit, Keithley Lake, Joe Brooks, Robert Coates and James Burch served at various times on the Eighth District Council.

Stefan C. Hughes, Esq. served over a decade as the Eighth District Counselor and three years as the First Vice District Representative.

Greg Stegall served 13 years as membership selection chair for the Eighth District, responsible for reviewing and approving hundreds of applications from prospective Omega men. Several Omicron Xi members also served as committee chairmen at the Eight District and international levels.

Rev. Dr. Larry E. King Sr. served six years as the Eighth District Chaplain. 

Glenn E. Rice was elected the 30th Eighth District Representative from 2008 to 2010.