KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On Nov. 11, 1911, a fraternity was founded at Howard University that would create a legacy of brotherhood lasting longer than a century. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity branched out nationally over the years, eventually opening a chapter at the University of Tennessee in 1971. It's named Iota Beta.
Its members wear letters of the fraternity around Knoxville, showing the pride they have in the work of the organization. On March 23 at Overcoming Believers Church, the Knoxville chapter will host a talent hunt program. Knoxville's local chapters will also host Omega Psi Phi's district meeting and regional meeting.
Many of its members have become leaders, making a mark on history.
"Coming up on Black History Month, there was a local physician from Knoxville who ended up saving Martin Luther King when he was stabbed. And that local physician, E.V. Davidson ... he was from Knoxville and he ended up saving Dr. King's life when there was an assassination attempt, I think it was one of the first assassination attempts," said Keith Gunn, the Basileus of the Iota Alpha chapter of the fraternity.
Participants in Iota Alpha's upcoming talent hunt program will have a chance to win scholarships as they progress through the competition. It is named the "Mike Foxx" talent hunt and will be from 2 p.m. through 4 p.m. on March 23. There will be cash prizes for first, second and third place, and the talent hunt is open to all high school students.
Anyone who wants more information can reach out to organizers at dors32@gmail.com. The district meeting will be April 18 through April 21.
"They'll be here, with somewhere to the tune of around 350 to 400 registered brothers and then another 2,000 to 3,000 brothers of being in town as we host it, a district meeting," said Gunn.