The Life of Founder Ernest Everett Just

[Wolfman]

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded by three undergraduate students of Howard University's Class of 1909 and their faculty advisor, Biology professor Ernest E. Just. He was asked to serve in that capacity at the recommendation of Founder Oscar J. Cooper, his lab assistant at the time. Because of his contributions to the genesis of the Fraternity, he was accorded the status of founder and was elected the first honorary member of the Fraternity.

Founder Just is more prominently known as a pathbreaking black scientist and eminent biologist. Dr. Kenneth Manning of MIT wrote an outstanding biography about him, Black Apollo of Science: The Life of Ernest Everett Just. He was the only magna cum laude graduate of his class at Dartmouth College but was not allowed to address the audience at graduation because the administration felt it might offend the white parents. At Howard, he was initially hired to teach English and Rhetoric but when the new Science Hall was built he transitioned to teaching biology. He also served as a mentor to students and founded the Dramatics Club at Howard, which put on plays. Two of the undergraduate founders participated in theatrical productions of the club. Later Alpha Chapter at Howard formed its own repertory group, the Que Players. Today, several universities and colleges have honored him with programs and internships, and several elementary schools are named in his honor.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E64u3QKk5Uc

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Apollo-...s=books&sr=1-1

[PrettyBoy]

Interesting and great history facts. I just forwarded the YT video to my sister because of his connection to the University of Chicago. My sister graduated from that school.

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by PrettyBoy

Interesting and great history facts. I just forwarded the YT video to my sister because of his connection to the University of Chicago. My sister graduated from that school.

Thanks! The UChicago has established an annual lecture series in honor of Founder Just, the E.E. Just Lectures. In 2018 the lecture features his biographer, Dr. Kenneth Manning of MIT. There was a contingent of Ques at this lecture, and members of the Boule ( Sigma Pi Phi), which he was also a member.

[PrettyBoy]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Thanks! The UChicago has established an annual lecture series in honor of Founder Just, the E.E. Just Lectures. In 2018 the lecture features his biographer, Dr. Kenneth Manning of MIT. There was a contingent of Ques at this lectures, and member of the Boule ( Sigma Pu Phi), which he was also a member.

Thanks for posting these, Wolfman. I enjoy reading and watching the videos you post. I was my fraternity’s historian back in the day, but I also enjoy reading and learning about all D9 American history. It’s fascinating.