Panel discussion regarding new Omega Psi Phi History book.

[Wolfman]

The link below is a panel discussion by members of Omega's International History & Archives Committee who have been commissioned to write a new history book for the Fraternity, the first official history book since 1961. The four academic historians and one independent researcher/editor/author report on their methodology of research and thumbnail sketches from their areas of expertise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbWFLf3NfYM

[Sen's Revenge]

Not to be nosey.... but I have to ask:

There is a book called The History of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.: An Update for the Period 1960 to 2008 by Vernon Steve Weakley. I possess a copy, along with the Gill and Dreer books. Not only does this book list Omega Psi Phi as the publisher, it states (in all caps) "This book was officially snactioned and commissioned by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. via 38th Grand Basileus, The Honorable Warren G. Lee and the Supreme Council born from the 74th Grand Conclave in July 2006.

Yet both you and the presentation assert that the book that is in progress is the first official history book since 1961.

[Wolfman]

Yes, the Weakley book was commissioned under a previous administration but was not received as "acceptable" by the powers that be and the Brotherhood. The Dreer and Gill history books are scholarly works of deep learning and critical reflection which the Fraternity stands behind and sells to new initiates and the Brotherhood at large. Not only that but there was another history book commissioned by a later administration and a manuscript produced but it was opposed by the Supreme Council because of uneven coverage of various sectors of the Fraternity, which made this effort a non-starter. Even though the author was an academic (a STEM scholar), it shows that doing this work should be carried out by trained historians. This administration ,to its credit, has typically relied on Brothers with expertise to carry out important tasks, since we have a plethora of Brothers in every field. But you understand that politics plays a role in these matters too! I am encouraged by this effort, from the serious critical scholars involved in this project to the methodological issues dealt with in implementing this project.

[Sen's Revenge]

I understand.

As a relatively reasonable third party observer, the Weakley book being ignored doesn't give me hope that the work in progress will be impartial.

I'm sure it will be good.

[Wolfman]

All history writing is perspectival. What is most important that it is comprehensive in depth and scope, with the requisite treatment of Omega's past and present in a sympathetic yet critical manner. Committee member Bro. Alridge of UVA, who is an educational and intellectual historian, has written in the past how much historical work regarding history makers/shapers in textbooks has been "one dimensional" based on the "great man" myth as it regards the task of historiography. He specifically applied this observation to treatments of Dr. MLK, Jr. My hope is that if they can bring some of that critical acumen to bear on the cherished legacy of the Frat, we'll be well served. He remarked in the presentation about the "unfettered" assistance the H&A Committee has received from this administration for this project which is a good sign, if it's more than typical pro forma verbiage. And I noticed the comment by Bro. Hobson regarding the abivalent effects of the prohibition of pledging by the NPHC has had on the life of its member orgs is in line me with this thrust. This is the type of reflection that needs to happen for this work.

[Wolfman]

The manuscrpt for the new Omega Psi Phi History Book has been completed and submitted to the publisher, although there is no date of publication as of yet.

During Plenary Session V of the 83rd Grand Conclave recently in Charlotte, NC, there was a presentation by the Chair of the International History & Archives Committee, Bro. Keir Pemberton and a panel discussionbyf the authors of the History Book, Profs. Derek Alridge (UVA), Jim Harper (NCCU), Maurice Hobson (Georgia State Univ.) and Eddie Cole (UCLA) about this accomplishment entitled, "Making of the History Book".