The History of Chi Iota
Chronicled by Theodore B. Thomas
Chi Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi was founded November 16, 1946 in Florence, South Carolina. It’s the birth place of graduate chapters in the Pee Dee Region. All graduate chapters of Omega Psi Phi, from Bennettsville, Marion, Darlington and Hartsville have their origins from the Chi Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi. Possible charter members:
- Brother David Pugh
- Brother Alan Austin
- Brother James “Jim” Miller
- Brother Alonzo White
- Brother James Bonaparte
- Bother B.A. Gary
During Chi Iota’s early years, the monthly meetings were held on Saturdays, at the home of the brothers in the chapter. The members of the chapter would take turns hosting the meetings and rotating the venues by alphabetical order from a list of active chapter members. These meetings were extravagant and festive gatherings that lasted the entire day (from breakfast until as late as 2AM Sunday morning). The bothers enjoyed five course meals and an enormous variety of strong drinks and spirits, and wholesome fun and friendship. Dues were less than $50 per year.
The members of Chi Iota were the Pee Dee’s most distinct and distinguished African American men. Most were principals of schools and admired for their intellect as well as their ability to influence others. Due to their high caliber, members of Chi Iota were required to submit guest list to the chapter when social functions were scheduled. The officers voted on each member’s list of potential partakers. If someone was deemed contemptible, they were prohibited from attending the function. Chi Iota’s members required 0065cellences with every endeavor and undertaking. The talent hunt began with a preliminary tryout to ensure only the most talented youth participated in the talent hunt. Hartsville native, Gwen Bradley, made it to the Opera, after having competed in the Talent Hunt Contest. Today, Chi Iota continues its tradition of only selecting members of high character and a sense of community and upholding the principles the founders of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Those principles being “Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift.