Phi Upsilon Chapter

Founded September 6, 1952

at the Carver Hotel

in Neptune, NJ

Serving Monmouth & Ocean Counties

On the fall evening of September 6, 1952, twelve local African American men, who were graduates of the then existing predominately historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), assembled at the Hotel Carver, the only Black owned hotel along the eastern shore of the Atlantic Ocean. At this hotel, located on Myrtle Avenue in the Township of Neptune, State of New Jersey, an official charter rendering ceremony occurred, and Phi Upsilon Chapter began sixty-one years of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. national chapter affiliation.

With a college degree as a prerequisite, and membership intake from the County sites of Monmouth and Ocean, the chapter, over the years, has been successful in the growth of a core membership of men with vision, commitment, common goals, dedication, loyalty, and “friendship.”

In the early formative years, the chapter began to build upon the four selected cardinal principles of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.: and with a continuing emphasis, chapter members were frequently reminded to demonstrate in their daily lives, Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

As mandated by the national organization, the chapter began sixty-one years of developing and implementing the three early major programs of the Fraternity. Annually, and in each category, the chapter has promoted activities and events in recognition of human achievements, provided for scholarship financial assistance, and participated in social action programs which impact upon society.

The history of
PHI UPSILON CHAPTER
JERSEY SHORE QUES

Revered Chapter Members

Becker C. Milby, Edward Wake, William Townes, Hyland R. Moore, Isiah T. Young, James Hargraves, Joseph Allen, Charles Williams, Alexander Hasties, John Carter, Atty: Merrill Richardson, Ermon Jones

Bro. Ermon Jones

Brother Ermon Jones helped start the Phi Upsilon chapter on September 6, 1952 in Neptune, NJ. This is not what makes Brother Jones famous. What makes Brother Ermon Jones famous is that he demonstrates all the attributes of the Four Cardinal Principals. Brother Jones demonstrates manhood by being an extraordinary man that saw it through that his people excelled in economics and that his community thrived. He always put others before him and stood up for what is right. He was a proud participant of the civil rights movement and member of the NAACP. He made sure that African Americans had equal rights not only in the way African Americans were treated, but in education and in economics as well.

When it comes to the second Cardinal Principal, Scholarship Brother Jones used every opportunity to further his education. After graduating from high school, Brother Jones continued his education at Monmouth Jr College. Shortly after attending Monmouth Jr. College, Brother Jones enlisted into the military and under the GI bill of rights finished his education at Morgan St. College, where he earned his B.S. degree. Before the GI Bill ran out, he furthered his education by attending Teachers College, Columbia University in New York. This is where he obtained his master’s degree. Brother Jones was big on education and made sure that African Americans received the same education as the whites did at Neptune High School.

During the 1950’s through the 1970’s, there was a lot of adversity to overcome. One example of Brother Jones overcoming adversity is Brother Jones successfully winning a New Jersey Supreme Court landmark housing bias decision that provided homeownership opportunities for blacks throughout New Jersey. Due to this win, Gables housing community became integrated. Brother Jones demonstrated the third Cardinal Principal, Perseverance not only by winning a court case for equal opportunity for blacks to own houses, but for black youth to receive the same education as the white youth.

Uplifting the community is what Brother Jones is all about. He demonstrated the fourth Cardinal Principal by fighting for equal education for the youth, equal housing for blacks, but fighting for equal opportunity across the board. Working on Ft. Monmouth Army Base, this was one of his jobs, working for equal opportunities for 5000 civilian and military personal. For Brother Jones service to his community and his works as a civil rights activist, he was granted October 20th as Ermon Jones Day.