Omegas Celebrate 80 years
The Kappa Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. celebrated its 80th charter anniversary with an inaugural black-tie affair — The Golden Gala on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Common House Chattanooga. The 80-Year Celebration of Excellence, Service, and Brotherhood was held in conjunction with the chapter’s Achievement Week to honor the past, celebrate the present, and plant seeds for the future.
The Golden Gala was a milestone celebration and a call to continue the impactful work of the men of Kappa Iota. The evening featured a powerful keynote by Omega Psi Phi’s 1st Grand Vice Basileus, Mark E. Jackson as well as an awards ceremony recognizing individuals who exemplify service and leadership. Two 2025 ‘Citizen of the Year’ awards were presented to Ms. Katherlyn Geter and Ms. Danielle ‘Sha’McCowan. Brother Reshard Montgomery was named the 2025 OMEGA MAN of the Year!
Brother Chris Mayes, Kappa Iota 80th Anniversary Chairman and Brother Dr. Reginald Smith is Basileus, Kappa Iota Chapter.
KAPPA IOTA Chapter History:
After the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. had some thirty-one years in existence and increased national popularity, a group of dedicated Omega men residing in Chattanooga decided to initiate plans to establish a graduate chapter in the area. The Kappa Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded in the fall of 1945 culminating many meetings to plan the chapter’s successful creation.
The chapter’s original Charter members were Brothers William J. Davenport, Thirkield E. Cravens, Sr. T. R. Gaston, T. D. Upshaw, B. W. Harrington, Dr. J. 0. Young, Marvin Harris, Bernard E. Burke, and T. E. Rhue all of the charter members are now deceased. This chapter became a member of 5th District in the fraternity under the leadership of Brother Z. Alexander Looby of Nashville, Tenn. who then was our District Representative.
Kappa Iota conducted its first initiation in 1948 bringing three new members into the fold of Omega.
Kappa Iota has accomplished immeasurable progress in the community over the past eighty years of its existence. This progress has been shown in many ways, by the leadership of our dedicated basilli and members. A few of these projects included the National Talent Hunt, the Hamilton County Minority Health Fair (going forward to be known as The Chattanooga Wellness Expo), Kappa Iota Scholarship Programs, our Thanksgiving and Christmas projects for the less fortunate not to mention other charitable contribution efforts that we endeavor. Years ago the members had the gratifying experience on one occasion of entertaining one of the founders of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Brother Edgar A. Love.
The Omega men of Kappa Iota have been fortunate to have their wives work along with them in support of our many endeavors, as members of the Quettes Club. (This is a club consisting of the wives of Omega men only). We acknowledge their patience, love and support!