Since the inception of the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at Murray State University in 1969, the brothers have worked to exemplify and live out the fraternity’s creed of “Manly Deeds, Scholarship and Love for All Mankind.”

Zeta Omicron became the first black Greek-lettered organization on campus. These young men were present and engaged in the Civil Rights Movement as it pertained to their future and their education at MSU. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights leader and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, was instrumental to the civil rights movement, but more importantly, his teachings and active membership in the fraternity served as an example and reason why Alpha Phi Alpha should be present at MSU.

In the early 1980s Murray’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter worked to continue the legacy of King. In doing so, the fraternity continued an established relationship with the university to present a Martin Luther King Jr. observance day in conjunction with the national holiday. This partnership, they felt, would bring awareness to King’s teachings and the respect and honor to the Civil Rights movement as it pertains to the diversity at MSU.

Under the direction of Zeta Omicron the university allowed the chapter to erect a memorial honoring King. The memorial consisted of a planted tree and plaque located near Elizabeth Hall, and served as a reflection of the caliber of the faculty, students and staff that made up the MSU community. As the campus expanded, plans were to relocate the memorial, a step that has not yet been taken.

However, in the spring of 2012 the Zeta Omicron brothers made it a goal to complete and erect the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monument on campus. With much support from MSU administration this monument is here today. A re-dedication ceremony will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 3:30 pm in the grassy area to the east of Elizabeth Hall (site of old Clark Hall). The Murray State community and the public is invited to attend this special event.