The Talent Hunt program of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is one of several nationally mandated programs designed to identify and support the youth of our nation and the world.  The original idea was created by the 9th Grand Basileus, Brother J. Austin Atkins of Winston Salem, North Carolina, and Brother Dewey Duckett of Rock Hill, South Carolina.  While the idea was conceived in 1945, the first District Talent Hunt program was held in the Sixth District in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 19, 1946.  The need for such a program was born out of the unequal opportunity afforded to some American youth to develop and give full expression to their talents.

The original statement of the Talent Hunt idea included this expression: “Creative and outstanding capacities in any honorable activity should be eligible for consideration.”  During public presentations, all original displays were limited to the field of music.  Since that time, the Talent Hunt program has been expanded to include other forms of the expressive arts.