Omega Psi Phi Returns to Cincinnati for Its Highest-Registered Grand Conclave in Fraternity History

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will hold its 85th Grand Conclave in Cincinnati from July 30 through August 3, and Grand Basileus Ricky Lewis says the gathering will draw the largest turnout in the fraternity’s history.

The fraternity expects close to 30,000 people in the Queen City for the event, which it has branded #CincyClave26. That total includes more than 10,000 registered members and upward of 20,000 relatives and friends. Visit Cincy, the region’s tourism organization, says it will be the area’s largest convention in three years.

Omega Psi Phi was founded at Howard University in 1911, becoming the first international fraternal organization established on the campus of a historically Black college. Its members have carried the Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift for more than a century.

The city has hosted the fraternity before. In 1953, Cincinnati was the site of the first Talent Hunt ever presented at a Grand Conclave. More than 70 years later, the brothers of Omega are returning to a city they are now calling “OmegaNati.”

On top of conducting the fraternity’s official business, the schedule includes STEM programming, an international youth leadership conference, scholarships, the Talent Hunt, a golf tournament and a step show, along with community service across the region. Visitors are also being encouraged to explore Black-owned businesses, Black history and culture, and family attractions on both sides of the Ohio River.

Tourism officials expect the five days to generate millions of dollars in spending at local hotels, restaurants, retailers and transportation providers.

We at Watch The Yard are excited to see the impact the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will make in Cincinnati, and we wish them a powerful and successful 85th Grand Conclave.