Pi Gamma Omicron | |
---|---|
ΠΓΟ | |
Founded | January 1, 1905 Ohio State University |
Type | Social |
Affiliation | Independent (pre-NPHC) |
Status | Defunct |
Emphasis | Black students |
Scope | local |
Chapters | 1 (now dormant) |
Members | 12 lifetime |
Pi Gamma Omicron (ΠΓΟ) was one of the first documented black collegiate fraternities which was founded in 1905. [1]
The group was founded at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. [2] [3] The group had 12 members. [4] The group was not known by the Ohio State's registrars office but was known to the Chicago Defender newspaper which wrote an article about Pi Gamma Omicron. [1] [5] This article about Pi Gamma Omicron took the interest of Alpha Phi Alpha founder Robert H. Ogle who was inspired to transform Alpha Phi Alpha from a literary society into a fraternity. [5]
It was reported that Pi Gamma Omicron initially desired to become a national fraternity by establishing chapters in Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, and Indiana according to the Beta Theta Pi correspondent at Ohio State University, but this expansion did not occur. [6]
One member, Elmer Shackelford, went on to earn his law certificate in 1906, then the equivalent of today's law degree. [2] [7]
The Founders of Pi Gamma Omicron were: [4] [8]