was organized and officially chartered on February 10, 1961 in El Paso, Texas. Charter members included Brothers James F. McCoy, Charles King, Isaiah S. Blakely, and Herbert Kitchin. Brother Walter L. McCoy was elected the chapter’s first Basileus in 1961. Members of the chapter currently span two states, Texas and New Mexico. Sigma Tau Chapter is one of the leading chapters of the Ninth District.
Composed primarily of active and retired military, Civil Service employee’s, Education, business owners and many other professions in El Paso and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Historically Sigma Tau chapter has experienced a continuous stream of Omega Men and attracted others of varied backgrounds to uphold the principles and Omega traditions. Since its inception, the chapter has preserved the trials and tribulations of birth and maturity to execute national and local programs and objectives. From the lean formative years to the present, the chapter has consistently provided scholarships to area students. An exceptional effort was made in April 1968 when some African American Students at the University of Texas at EL Paso (UTEP) were dropped from scholarships after a boycott of a track meet with Bingham Young University during the civil right era. Sigma Tau provided aid to a number of those students after an investigation of the matter by the chapter. In executing its social and civic objectives in the community, Sigma Tau has been highly visible and influential. In 1964, the chapter was a pioneer in the establishment of the Inter-Club Council consisting of representative of the African American fraternal and social organizations in El Paso. This council has continually served as an effective vehicle for mutual support, cooperation, and coordination among member organizations. Also in 1964, the chapter actively supported the Civil Rights Bill through a letter campaign to congressional representatives for the state of Texas. In 1978, the chapter held its first annual Dr. Charles R. Drew Blood Drive. This annual event serves as a memorial and to assist the local blood services efforts. In assisting the needy, the chapter has provided Family Baskets since inception. In 1976, the chapter offered the complete hospitality of the city of El Paso in hosting the 39th Annual Ninth District Meeting. Other national programs traditionally executed by the chapter include the Annual Achievement week, Negro History Week, and the Talent Hunt Program. Grand Basileus Avery participated in Negro History Week activities in February 1971 and was highly complementary of the chapter’s efforts. Many outstanding talents have been identified locally through the annual Talent Hunt Program. The chapter’s 1980 winner, Javier Ruiz, performed as the Ninth District representative at the International Conclave in San Francisco. In addition to attracting many men into its own folds over the past twenty years, Sigma Tau has made numerous Eta Eta Chapter at New Mexico State University. Recently in 1980, the chapter established Pi Lambda Chapter at the University of Texas at EL Paso after having initiated Undergraduate on these campuses over the years. Members of Sigma Tau who have served in national or district offices are as follows:
*Brother Jethro L. Hills was elected the Ninth District Representative, and the First Vice District Representative, Ninth District in 1981. Brother Hills served as West Texas Representative, Ninth District from 1971 to 1981. In addition to a number of boards and elected to key positions in numerous civic organizations in the El Paso Area. He was awarded the Extra Miler Award by the National Council of Christians and Jews in 1978 for his contributions to the advancement of brotherhood.
*Brother Samuel W. Smoak was elected West Texas Representative, Ninth District, in 1981. Brother Smoak served on the National Audit and Budget Committee in 1949 and as District Marshal in 1976. He also served on several local boards and elected positions in local civic organizations. Sigma Tau has indeed met the challenge over the past twenty years and has represented Omega admirably in the Southwest. The chapter has established itself as a powerful positive force in the community. During the coming years the chapter for sees different challenges related to the economy and a need to steer more toward the political area and the assurance of our national ideals.
