History Of Sigma Alpha
History of Sigma Alpha
On March 13, 1939, fourteen young Miami professional men, with ideals and attainments similar to those of the Fraternity’s founders, organized the Sigma Alpha Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The Supreme Council led by Grand Basileus Albert Dent approved Sigma Alpha’s Charter, along with two others on February 13, 1939. The total number of chapters in 1939 was one hundred eleven with a total membership of slightly more than nine thousand.
Officers of the new chapter were: A. B. Benson, M.D. (Physician), Basileus; G. W. Styles (Teacher), Vice Basileus; J. E. Hogan (Teacher), Keeper of Records and Seal; E. A. Ward (Pharmacist), Keeper of Finance; A. F. Crosby (Teacher); Keeper of Peace; and J. E. Scott (Administrator), Chaplin. The other charter members were L. H. Portlock (Minister), L. E. Thomas (Attorney), G. W. Hawkins (Dentist), C. D. Wyche (Teacher), E. B. Haley (Teacher), E. R. Jones (Teacher), C. H. Carey (Teacher) and H. E. Martin (Teacher).
Brother Styles and Brother Hogan subsequently earned medical degrees and returned to practice medicine in the community for many years.
Chapter Highlights
1950 hosted its first Seventh District Meeting.
1951 hosted the 37th Grand Conclave.
1963 hosted the Seventh District Meeting for the second time.
1964 chapter brother Edward Braynon was elected Florida State Representative
1974 Bro. U.G. Horne elected Florida State Representative
1976 hosted it’s 3rd Seventh District Meeting
1976 Bro. Edward Braynon was elected 30th Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and first brother from the Seventh District.
1977 Bro. Willie J. Wright appointed National Executive Secretary, U.G. Horne elected as Seventh District representative, Astrid Mack elected District K.O.R.S.
1982 hosted the 61st Grand Conclave
1n 1986, Brother Edward Braynon wrote A Summary of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, 1911-1986.
November 24, 1991, the Omega Activity Center was dedicated. The two-story 9,000 square foot building is located immediately south of the Florida Memorial College campus. The Omega Activity Center serves as the Chapter’s meeting place and is also very popular for weddings, wedding receptions, banquets, luncheons, political rallies, etc.
In January 1994, C. D. Wyche, Jr., the last living Chapter charter member, entered Omega Chapter. Wyche was preceded in death by charter members E. A. Ward (1991), L. E. Thomas (1989), and J. E. Hogan (1989).
Today, the Brothers of Sigma Alpha Chapter, one of Omega's premier chapters, continues to rise to great heights. Following in the footsteps of the brothers who have gone before him, Brother Larry Handfield, Esquire is the Chairman of both the Public Health Trust of Miami-Dade County, one of the largest and most comprehensive medical facilities in the nation, and the City of Miami Civilian Investigative Panel. In 2003, the Chapter established The Omega Activity Center Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, to continue the tradition of providing Uplift to the community through scholarships and programs for at-risk youth. The Chapter remains committed to giving back through its Social Acton programs, from assisting the battered women's shelter during Valentine’s Day; tutoring and providing guidance to young men through the Lamp Lighter's Program; donating food baskets to families for Thanksgiving and Christmas; and providing needed goods for the victims of Hurricane Jeanne in Haiti, to name a few.
As we march on into the 21st century - the Brothers of Sigma Alpha, through its actions and deeds, continues to illustrate the Fraternity's Cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. Long live the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and one of its shining stars - the Sigma Alpha Chapter.
This brief history was written by Brother E. J. Braynon, Jr., D.D.S., 30th Grand Basileus, and is being updated by the brothers of the Sigma Alpha Chapter to ensure that our story continues to be told……..
