Our Cardinal Principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift

Since 1923, the Great Zeta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has worked to uplift underserved communities. Our programs are directed by our Cardinal Principles. We strive to make a positive difference in the lives of fathers and youth in the Mighty Fourth District (Ohio, and West Virginia).

The Great Zeta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. | The Positive Difference

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The Fatherhood Forum brings together fathers, community leaders, and experts for open dialogue and powerful discussions on topics vital to fatherhood today.
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The Zeta Omega Youth Mentoring Program offers transformative experiences designed to develop young men into responsible, confident, and successful leaders.
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Omega Men foster meaningful relationships with young men—encouraging academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership development.
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The Zeta Omega Fatherhood Initiative is dedicated to empowering fathers and strengthening communities through active engagement, supportive resources, and impactful programming.
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The Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative (CCFI) seeks to strengthen families in our community by encouraging fathers to play a more active role in nurturing and raising their children.
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Live broadcasts, videos, and media associated with our Fatherhood and Mentoring programs.
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Images of our Fatherhood Initiative and Mentoring Committee in Action!
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The Fatherhood Crux is the Zeta Omega Quarterly Journal featuring fatherhood and mentoring program activities. Established in 2024 by Bro. Dr. Jehoshaphat K. Jones, this quarterly journal is the flagship news and information organ of the Zeta Omega Fatherhood Initiative and Mentoring Committee.
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Get credit for all of the service you do in the community. Log your hours of service!
JUNE FATHERHOOD EVENTS - SAVE THE DATES

Signature FIMC Events

06.07.25 - 1st Annual Fatherhood, Family, and Community Cookout:
Time: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Location: Luke Easter Park - Pavilions 1 and 2
Event Description: This event invites fathers, families, and community members to share culinary traditions, enjoy delicious soul food, barbecue, and celebrate community spirit.


06.13.25 - 19th Annual Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative Conference: A Celebration of Fatherhood
Time: 8 am - 4 pm
A conference managed by Brother Al Grimes (Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative Director). This free event features:
-Resource Fair
-Fatherhood Awards Luncheon
-Town Hall Meeting
-Informational Workshops


06.21.25 - 1st Annual Fatherhood Community Impact Day: This event mobilizes fathers, families, and community volunteers to actively participate in neighborhood revitalization efforts. Participants foster civic pride, teamwork, and a shared commitment to creating healthier, safer, and more vibrant communities for future generations through organized clean-ups, landscaping, and beautification projects.


06.28.25 - 2nd Annual Fatherhood Camping Trip: This event offers fathers and their children a unique opportunity to bond, explore nature, and create lasting memories.

Men of Excellence Digital Book

The Men of Excellence Digital Book showcases distinguished fathers whose exemplary contributions have positively shaped their families and communities. Through inspirational stories and powerful insights, this digital publication highlights influential fathers who embody leadership, dedication, and excellence, serving as role models for future generations.

Founder - Edgar A. Love

"I want Omega to be a shining light among all the fraternities among us. I want that we shall not lose the ideals; and a man ought always have his ideals so high; for a man's reach ought to exceed his grasp, for what's ahead of him. The idea is to lift us, as we look towards them and try to make them real in our community. I don't want Omega to lose the ideals established by the Founders and carried on through more than (50) [now 100+] years to date."

Fatherhood Initiative and Mentoring Committee: What Matters Most
Raising Awareness

- Focus public attention on the concerns and importance of Fatherhood and Mentoring.
- Host public events, i.e. town hall forums, School PTA meetings, men’s ministry programs, etc.
- Conduct awareness activities in your chapter communities at Fraternity programs, schools, barbershops, community sporting and entertainment events, Family events, etc.

Partnerships

- Chapters work in partnership with community organizations, agencies, institutions, fatherhood programs, focusing on fatherhood and mentoring activities

Advocacy

- Conduct meetings with community leaders; conduct funding drives in support of fatherhood and mentoring activities; hold political roundtables with elected officials on legislative issues; meet with fatherhood leaders; attend political hearings on fatherhood; on National Omega Political Action Day once established, chapters should visit City, State, Federal and White House offices to meet and address issues on behalf of our initiative efforts.

Celebration

- Host and/or create partnership efforts to celebrate, honor, recognize, and salute fathers. i.e.  have a fatherhood breakfast, lunch, or dinner program honoring Father’s for community service, school involvement.
- Host a salute to Omega Dads in the Fraternity.

Tenants Aligned With the International Fatherhood and Mentoring Committee

We are guided by our Four Cardinal Principles to support underserved communities and become champions of those in need.

Our Cardinal Principles FIMC Co-chair: Dr. Jehoshaphat K. Jones

Manhood serves as a foundational guide for fatherhood and youth initiatives, emphasizing character, accountability, and leadership. In the context of fatherhood programs, this principle encourages men to take active roles in their children's lives by modeling integrity, emotional strength, and responsible decision-making. For youth, particularly young men, programs rooted in Manhood foster a sense of identity and purpose by offering mentorship, life skills training, and positive male role models. These efforts ensure the next generation understands that manhood is not just biological, but a lifelong commitment to service, honor, and personal growth.

Manhood

Scholarship is a critical element in Omega Psi Phi’s commitment to building strong families and communities. Fatherhood and youth programs guided by this principle prioritize education as a pathway to opportunity and empowerment. By encouraging fathers to support their children's academic pursuits—and by offering tutoring, literacy workshops, and college readiness resources for youth—these programs cultivate a culture of learning. Moreover, Omega men often serve as tutors, mentors, and advocates who stress the importance of educational excellence, helping young participants recognize that success begins with a solid academic foundation.

Scholarship

Perseverance reinforces the value of resilience in both fatherhood and youth development. Omega Psi Phi programs that promote this principle help fathers overcome personal and societal challenges—such as incarceration, unemployment, or systemic barriers—by providing them with tools for growth, support networks, and second chances. Likewise, youth are taught the importance of determination and endurance in the face of adversity. Through storytelling, workshops, and one-on-one mentorship, participants are empowered to keep striving toward their goals, regardless of the obstacles they face, understanding that perseverance is a lifelong virtue.

Perseverance

Uplift is the heart of Omega Psi Phi’s service to communities, embodying the spirit of collective responsibility and support. Fatherhood and youth programs infused with this principle seek to elevate entire families by addressing not just individual needs, but also the broader social conditions that impact success. These initiatives may include community service, career development, health education, and financial literacy. Fathers are encouraged to uplift their families by becoming pillars of strength and support, while youth are taught the importance of giving back, building self-worth, and lifting others as they climb. Uplift ensures that no one is left behind, creating a ripple effect of positivity and progress.

Uplift