Kappa Upsilon Chapter was charted by a distinguished group of nine Omega men in West Palm Beach, Florida in November 1951, forty years after the founding of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The charter members were Brother Theodore A. Davies; Brother Arthur L. Davis Sr.; Brother William C. Drayton; Brother Charles P. Falana; Brother Lawrence Hall; Brother Bradley B. Mitchell; Brother Charles S. Munnings; Brother Dr. Carl R. Vickers; and Brother Alton R. F. Williams.  Due to their outstanding reputations for community empowerment, the chapter's quality brand of service was firmly established in South Florida.

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Since 1951, Kappa Upsilon Chapter has evolved into a dynamic service organization in Palm Beach County. Chapter members award scholarships to deserving college-bound seniors; tutor and mentor children at-risk; recognize individuals who make valuable contributions to the community; sponsor Talent Hunt and Showcase competitions; promote voter registration and mobilization activities; coordinate programs that support health and wellness; volunteer to support the church community and local government; raise funds to support the needs of low-income families; and co-sponsor(with the Kravis Center) and annual African-American Film Festival. It is important to note that in 1967 the chapter was honored to be selected as Host Chapter for the Fraternity's 30th Annual Seventh District Meeting.

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In recent years, the chapter has maintained its focus and attention on two key annual events: a Formal Masquerade Ball and the mentioned African-American Film Festival. Under the visionary leadership of Brothers Tommy Simmons and Lee Hooks, the Ball was initially held in 2005. Currently, the Ball is a signature charitable and social event in this county and is co-sponsored by the chapter's Charitable Foundation, which provides academic scholarships to bright and deserving students and supports community uplift programs. The 17th annual Ball will be held this year on Friday, October 25, 2024, although Balls were canceled in 2021 and 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

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The African American Film Festival was developed and nurtured over the years by Brother James Drayton. It is held annually in partnership with Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, and brings to the local community, on some occasions during African-American History Month, three notable films on the Black experience. The festival extends over three weeks and the chapter and its foundation sponsor youth groups to participate in this important event.

 

 In the new millennium, Kappa Upsilon continues to honor its commitment to marginalized residents and low-income communities. While offering quality services to the community remains a primary focus, nonetheless, the chapter has succeeded as well in routinely meeting its charge of completing all of the Fraternity's annual Mandated Programs. In doing so, it has been recognized for its achievements on several occasions by the Florida Statewide Organization.

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In the early years of its inception, the chapter met semi-monthly or monthly in the homes of various members. Today, the chapter meets monthly at CitySide Suites in West Palm Beach. Benefiting from our experience with the global Covid pandemic, meetings are currently offered both in person and via a virtual setting. Indeed, we are confident that some of the good work of Omega marches onward through the daily actions and activities of Kappa Upsilon.

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