Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college, Thirkield Hall at Howard University located in Washington, D.C. The Founders were three undergraduates - Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman. Joining them was their faculty adviser, Ernest Everett Just.

"Friendship is Essential to The Soul" the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. That phrase was selected as the motto.

Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift were adopted as Cardinal Principles.