Some Information About Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's Little Sister Groups

 

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This drawing is from https://www.geocities.ws/omegasweetheartsbloodypi/history.html OMEGA SWEETHEART HISTORY [Read  the complete reprint of that page below.]

This drawing shows a young Black woman standing with her right arm raised and her right hand making a sign [I don't know what that sign means.].

The woman is wearing a short gold dress a purple drawing of the Greek letter "omega" and a small purple drawing of a heart, both placed n the middle of the top of her dress. The woman is also wearing purple socks and gold sandals. The drawing is labeled "Que Sweet!!". This is a call that Que Sweets make.   

Since purple and gold are the colors for members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., those are also the colors for members of Omega Psi Phi's little sister groups).

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Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post presents some information about Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's unofficial little Sisters groups.

The content of this post is presented for historical and socio-cultural purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
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Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2025/07/greekchatcom-comments-about-little.html for Part I of the two part pancocojams series 

For the historical and cultural records, please share any information that you have on historically Black Greek letter fraternities' little sister groups. Thanks!

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OMEGA SWEETHEART HISTORY
From https://www.geocities.ws/omegasweetheartsbloodypi/history.html 

[This is a complete reprint of this page. No author or publishing date was given. I retrieved this page on July 17, 2025]

"Our history is unparalleled when it comes to the histories of the other auxiliary groups.  Omega Sweethearts were not the wives or girlfriends of fraternity members as with some other auxiliary groups.  Our history lies with the history of Omega Psi Phi.

In the early beginnings of the fraternity, Lottie B. Wilson and Mary F. Flowers were dedicated to Omega Psi Phi.  Sister Lottie B. Wilson was supportive in the establishment of the Beta Chapter at Lincoln University.  The brothers were facing an uphill battle in the expansion of Omega Psi Phi at Lincoln University.  Sister Wilson, who was familiar with the brothers and their intentions, gave them her full support in this great attempt.  She allowed them to use her home for their meetings.  On February 6,1914, the Beta Chapter was established, and the Mother of all Pearls, Sister Lottie B. Wilson was born.  She is the essence of Omega Psi Phi.  Many of Omega Psi Phi's early conclaves were held in her home.  Sister Mary F. Flowers let the brothers use her home as a meeting place as well as social gatherings.  Because she was so sweet to Omega Psi Phi, she is honored as the first sweetheart of Omega.

As the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. expanded, so did our organization.  The Omega Pearls, Essences, Gems, and Sweethearts were recognized as a powerful auxiliary organization that continued to provide for its community.  However, in 1990 all the National Pan Hellenic fraternities and sororities voted to disband all affiliations with all their auxiliary groups (with the exception of Iota Phi Theta).

Despite all the negativity that people have about our great organization, we still exist and assist the Brothers of Omega, with serving and improving our community.  The bond between the Pearls and the Brothers of Omega is UNBREAKABLE!!!!

The Omega Sweehearts, Pearls, Essences, and Gems are not affiliated with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as a "little sister organization" or recognized as such.  The ongoing role or the Brothers of Omega as they relate to our organization is to give us advice and guidance, but they do not partake in the internal activities of our organization .  We are NOT a sorority, but we do represent the true definition of the word.  We are a non-greek social service organization."

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"OMEGA PEARLS FAQs:EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW, BUT ARE AFRAID TO ASK!! SEEKING OMEGA PEARL: ADVICE FOR INTERESTS
https://www.angelfire.com/sc2/lambdasigmaquepearls/faq.htm by Pearlwebmistress

Copyright © 2004 ;Pearlwebmistress Productions Inc. All rights reserved.Revised: MARCH 12,  2004

[This is an excerpt of this online page]

"Who are the Omega Pearls

The Omega Pearls are a former affilated little sister organization of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. We were founded February 6, 1914 at Lincoln University. We are also know as Essence, Gems, Sweethearts, Jewels, and in some places Dolls. We are a nongreek social service organization that supports the Brothers of Omega through community service and fellowship.

How do I become an Omega Pearl/Essence/Gem/Sweetheart?

If you meet the requirements, you will be extended a membership invitation. (This varies from colleges and universities). The basic requirements are GPA (varies but must be a B average), community service, and involvement in campus activities/organizations. This organization is open to all women regardless of race, color, creed, or religion.

[…]

How do I become an Omega Pearl/Essence/Gem/Sweetheart?

If you meet the requirements, you will be extended a membership invitation. (This varies from colleges and universities). The basic requirements are GPA (varies but must be a B average), community service, and involvement in campus activities/organizations. This organization is open to all women regardless of race, color, creed, or religion.

[…]

Why aren't the Pearls affiliated with Omega Psi Phi anymore?

In 1990 all National Pan-Hellenic Fraternities and Sororities voted to disband their affiliations with their auxiliary organizations. The only exception to this is Iota Phi Theta, their sweethearts are recognized by their nationals but under a very strict directive. (They do not pledge, have line names, numbers, etc.) However just because we are not recognized by nationals doesn't mean that we don't exist and we are not illegal as many people seem to think. It is illegal for the undergraduate chapters to participate in our activities( i.e. pledging) but not illegal for us to exist!!  Greeks stop getting it twisted!!  We are our own separate entity!! All PEARL business matters, administrative and financial are handled by the pearls and not by any member of Omega Psi Phi.

[…]

What are the duties of a Pearl?

The duties of a Pearl are to serve God first, promote unity, sisterhood to collegiate women while serving our community and campus. To build character and help our members to become well rounded women while promoting scholarship and academics. We also serve as role models to young girls in community by providing them with encouragement, guidance, and mentoring. Finally, to support and uplift Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. through fellowship.

When did the Pearls start pledging?

ROFL at this question, but it was submitted so we will answer it. The Pearls have ALWAYS pledged as do all FORMER auxiliary groups do in their own way. Back in the day the pearls were pledged by the Omegas and the older pearls. Today the process is done by the PEARLS ONLY!! The Omegas are only present for our pin ceremony. So yes we do have a pledge process and if you want to know about it so bad...STEP UP AND TAKE THE CHALLENGE!!

Are the Pearls female Ques?

NO OF COURSE NOT!! We are LADIES of Omega. We provide that balance and calmness that the brothers need from time to time. We provide them with support in serving the community and functions. They provide us with advice and guidance in preparing our activities and functions. We are the Essence of Omega, its softer side which was personified by our beloved founder, the Honorable Lottie B. Wilson.

[…]

Do the Omega's recognize and acknowledge Pearls??

Yes. Even though we are no longer recognized by nationals as an affiliated organization, the Brothers of Omega do acknowledge their Precious Pearls. Many chapters do not have pearls on their yard by choice or college/university restrictions but they still acknowledge visiting pearls and appreciate our support.

Are the Pearls required to get a brand??

No. It is not a requirement, however many sisters do have brands as well as tattoos. Getting a brand is something very sacred and special. Its an honor to wear the Omega Pearl brand. LET IT BE KNOWN THAT NOT ALL OMEGAS APPROVE OF OR CONDONE THIS!!

[…]

What is the official hand symbol of the Pearls?

The true symbol or hand sign of an Omega Pearls is the two middle fingers touching the thumb with the index and the pinky in the air. The Zetas also use the sign as their Z-kitty sign. This has ALWAYS been our sign and it will continue to be our sign. Zetas, no offense but we've been using it since 1914, SO HOW ARE WE COPYING YOU?? Anywhooo...so to keep down the drama we still do this sign but without the two middle fingers touching the thumb. But the Zetas were still trippin about that, saying WE were being disrespectful to THEM. WHATEVER!! NOBODY in OMEGA LAND is trying to be KAT!! However many bruhz allow their pearls and gems to put up a half que or even full hooks. LET IT BE KNOWN THAT NOT ALL OMEGAS APPROVE OF OR CONDONE THIS!!

What is the official call of the Pearls?

The Pearls and Gems say, "Que Psi"; Essence say, "Que-E"; and Sweethearts say, "Que Sweet".  Old school pearls from the 1970s in some places said, "QQQQQQQQ-AHHHHHHHH".

[…]

Do girls pledge nongreek organizations because they can't get in a "REAL" sorority?

NO!! A great deal of greeks love to say this  but its not true. People go nongreek because they CHOOSE too!! Its that simple. Many nongreeks do eventually go greek but a vast majority choose not too so they are labeled as sorority "rejects".   How can someone be a reject for something they never wanted to be a member of in the first place?  Every nongreek does not harbor a desire to be in a sorority or fraternity.  An individual has a RIGHT to choose which organizations he or she joins. And as far as nongreeks not making the grades to pledge is bull. There are  nongreeks that are doctors, lawyers, CPAs, engineers, computer programmers, nurses, and various other professional career fields.  We highlight many of our sisters here on the site for scholastic and career achievements and they definitely had to have excellent grades to gain acceptance to graduate school and maintain scholarships.  For example, our Pearl of the Year and Eminent Scholar Award recipients both have a GPA over 3.0

Can you pledge pearl and pledge a sorority later?

YES!! Despite what many sorority members might say they cannot keep you from applying for memebership to their organization because you were a nongreek first. There are MANY pearls who are now AKAs, Deltas, Zetas, SGRhos, and other sororities (latin and white). So don't believe the hype. If you meet all of their requirements and you do not get selected for MEMBERSHIP INTAKE, because they don't "PLEDGE" anymore according to their national headquarters, contact their nationals and inquire as to why you were not selected.

Are the Deltas the sisters of the Omegas? Why is there such animosity between the Deltas and the Pearls?

NO!! The ONLY fraternity and sorority with a LEGAL CONSTITUTIONAL BOND is Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta. One of the founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., M. Edna Brown, married Omega Psi Phi founder Frank Coleman. Hence the "COLEMAN LOVE" phenomenon with the younger ques and deltas. When the founders of DST had broken from AKA, some had came to the Omega founders for advice, moral support, and guidance in their endeavor to charter a new organization since Omega had just done it two years earlier in Howard's campus. As a symbol of appreciation for the Omega founders' efforts assisting them in laying the groundwork for their foundation, they mandated the official flower of their organization to be the African Violet--which is purple and gold. This is the same flower which is the official flower of Omega Psi Phi. Those are the unwritten "bonds" between the Deltas and the Omegas.

Three of their founders also married Alphas but you don't here anything about that!! Several of the Deltas early conventions were held in conjunction with the Alphas conventions. Not to mention this famous quote by a Past National President of Delta

[…]

The animosity is there because 1) they do not know the history of the pearls; 2) they do not know OUR bond to the Omegas; and 3) they feel as if we are imposing on "their bond" with the Omegas. Not all Deltas have hard feelings toward the pearls and vice versa. They must realize that WE also have a bond with the Omegas and they are on two totally different levels. The animosity is mostly among the "younger" generations(1990-Present) of Deltas.

If you are the girlfriend of an Omega do you automatically become a Pearl?

NO!! Just because you are dating an Omega that does not mean you are a Pearl now!! Apparently alot of women seem to think that but no boo, you're just an Omega's girlfriend...PERIOD!!

[…]

Are the girls that are crowned Miss Omega Psi Phi and her court automatically become Pearls?

Traditionally the woman who is crowned Miss Omega Psi Phi is made an honorary SWEETHEART of the fraternity. However, if she is already a sweetheart for another organization she is not given this honor. No one on her court is extended the honor of being an honorary sweetheart either. There are no honorary pearls!! Many Miss Omega's are already either a pearl or a Delta but occasionally there are some who aren't. Some do eventually pledge pearl and some don't. Today this tradition varies from campus to campus, some chapters extend the honor and some don't. So for all you Miss Omega's running around claiming PEARL...please stop because you are not a PEARL of a OMEGA you are an HONORARY sweet.

Are the pearls allowed to step?

! On most campuses when the Pearls cross they will do a show on the yard. The pearls participate in nongreek step shows, perform during their week on campus, and perform for community service groups (i.e. The Boys and Girls Club, Big Brother/Big Sister, and The YMCA).

Are the pearls allowed to "party hop"?? Especially with the Omegas when Atomic Dog is played at a party?

YES!! Apparently the Deltas, not all but a good majority, seems to think that THEY are the only ones who can hop with the bruhz but Atomic Dog is not your song!! They ain't hopped all night but as soon as THE PEARLS come in the party and start hopping with the bruhz they wanna hop. These particular Deltas are just too funny and really its not that serious people. *SHEESH*

Who are the Quettes?

The Quettes is an organization composed of the wives of the Omegas. They are recognized nationally.  Many Quettes are pearls and/or members of various sororities.

Who are the Omega Squires, Preps, Pups, and Grooves?

The Omega Squires, Preps, Pups, and Grooves are high school boys that are sponsored by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. graduate chapters. The Omegas serve as mentors to these young men and help nurture them as men.  They are part of the Jr. Greeks.  All the BGLO have Jr. Greek orgs."....
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This is an excerpt of a page that was published in 2004. I retrieved it on July 17, 2025. Consequently, all of the information in this article may no longer be still valid.

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