The establishment of the Tau Chi Chapter in Liberia marked a significant milestone in the international expansion of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Founded on December 1, 1955, in Monrovia, Liberia, this chapter was the second international chapter of the fraternity, following its initial expansion outside the United States. The decision to establish a chapter in Liberia was emblematic of Omega Psi Phi’s broader mission to connect and empower African diasporic communities globally. The Tau Chi Chapter was chartered during the tenure of Grand Basileus John F. Potts, a scholar and educator who played a pivotal role in the fraternity’s international outreach.

The chapter’s founding was influenced by notable Omega men who were already active in Liberia. Among them was Father Seth Edwards, Sr., an Episcopal priest and professor at Cuttington University, who had been living and working in Suakoko, Liberia, since 1948. The second international chapter, Tau Chi was chartered in Monrovia, The Republic of Liberia on December 1, 1955 during the tenure of Grand Basileus John F. Potts. From 1953 to 1955, Bro. Potts, a scholar, was then the principal of the Avery Institute in Denmark, South Carolina, which is currently known as Voorhees College.

Currently there is very little data available as to the charter members of Tau Chi and their activities in Liberia. However, Father Seth Edwards, Sr. who was initiated at Pi Chapter at Morgan State, had been in Liberia as an Episcopal Priest and professor at Cuttington University, was a known Omega man during that period. Brother Edwards lived and worked in Suakoko from 1948 until he entered Omega Chapter in 1978. During those days, it was rather difficult traveling from the hinterland to Monrovia because of the bad roads, if any at all. (Dr. Vivian Jones Edwards, wife of Brother Edwards, retired professor at St. Augustine’s College, Raleigh, N.C. interview March 29, 1998). It is safe to assume that with the ongoing political unrest in Liberia, many materials and data relating to Tau Chi at the University of Liberia in Monrovia, Cuttington University in Suakoko, and at other sites such as homes, military installations, and other institutions were most likely destroyed. Therefore, from incomplete documentation, the challenges of political and socioeconomic unrest, and from comments made by few living friends and family members of brothers, one can only speculate about the development and contributions of this chapter.

Tau Chi was the lone Chapter designated for the 13th District sub-region of Africa. But it was inactive up to the time of the district’s formation. It continued to be so until the chapter was finally officially reinstated to active status by the International Headquarter Office resulting from the endeavor of District Representative Matthew B. Coleman, the eighteenth 13th District Representative. Leading up to this period there was sporadic interest being shown in bring the chapter back onto the rolls, but it wasn’t until the aforementioned re-instatement that Tau Chi blessed the 13th District with its presence once more.

The establishment of the Tau Chi Chapter in Liberia was not without its challenges. During the 1950s, Liberia faced significant infrastructural and logistical difficulties, including poor road conditions that made travel between Monrovia and other parts of the country arduous. For instance, Brother Seth Edwards, Sr., an Episcopal priest and professor at Cuttington University in Suakoko, faced considerable challenges traveling to Monrovia due to the lack of reliable transportation infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, the founding brothers persevered, demonstrating the fraternity’s cardinal principle of perseverance.

Tau Chi’s establishment in Liberia was a landmark event for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as it symbolized the fraternity’s commitment to fostering unity and leadership among people of African descent worldwide. Liberia, as a nation founded by freed African Americans, held a unique historical and cultural significance for the fraternity. The chapter served as a bridge between African Americans and Liberians, fostering cultural exchange and mutual support. Additionally, the chapter’s members played a vital role in promoting education, economic development, and social uplift within Liberia, aligning with the fraternity’s broader mission.

Tau Chi’s history has been profoundly shaped by Liberia’s political instability, particularly during the Liberian Civil Wars (1989–2003). These conflicts resulted in widespread destruction, including the loss of historical records and materials related to the chapter’s activities. Despite these challenges, the chapter’s members remained committed to their mission, often working under difficult and dangerous conditions to support their communities.