On July 11, 2017, Brother Moses Conrad Norman, Sr., the longest serving Grand Basileus in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s history, transitioned peacefully to Omega Chapter. He was 82. After coming to Omega Psi Phi through Beta Psi Chapter while a student at Clark College in 1954, he served the Fraternity through Eta Omega Chapter for decades. “Brother Grand”, as we respectfully and lovingly called him, was a leader’s leader and the most Brotherly of Brothers. One of the sturdiest trees in Omega’s forest, he left a lasting impact on everything and everyone he touched.
The Fraternal Memorial Service was held on Sunday, July 16th. About 750 Brothers, including current Grand Basileus (40th) Brother Antonio Knox, and his predecessors Brothers Andrew Ray (39th), Warren Lee (38th), George Grace (37th), Lloyd Jordan (36th), Dorsey Miller (35th), Tyrone Gilmore (34th) and Edward Braynon (30th) participated, as did First Vice Grand Basileus Brother David Marion, International Executive Secretary Brother Kenneth Barnes, 7th District D.R. Brother James Cistrunk, and numerous other District and State officers past and present. A vast sea of black suits, white shirts, and purple ties filled the church to overflowing. The choir loft and the area behind the altar were filled to capacity, and Brothers stood two abreast in all four aisles from the front pew to the back doors and beyond. Some even stood in the balcony.
At the Celebration of Life Service on July 17th, 31st Grand Basileus, Brother Burnell Coulon and Grand Chaplain, Brother Reverend Staccato Powell joined more than a hundred other Brothers paying their respects. Accolades and tributes to Brother Norman were delivered by dignitaries from his alma mater (Clark Atlanta University), the city of Atlanta, the Atlanta Pro Duffers, and, of course, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Our “Brother Grand” is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gertrude C. Norman, three sons (all Omega Men), Brothers Moses C. Norman, Jr. (Kym), Christopher K. Norman, and Jeffrey B. Norman (Joy), and three grandchildren. At the gravesite, at the request of the family, dozens of Brothers formed a circle and sang “Omega Dear”.
BELOW: Photos from Brother Grand Norman’s Memorial Service
