by Bro. J. Gibson
02/01/04

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Talent Hunt Idea was created in the Fraternity's Sixth District (North and South Carolina) in 1945, and the first District Talent Hunt Program was held in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 19th, 1946. The need for such a program was born out of the unequal opportunity afforded to some American youths to develop and give full expression to their talents.

The original statement of the Talent Hunt Idea included this expression: "Creative and outstanding capacities in any honorable activity should be eligible for consideration." In presenting the first public program, the displays of talent were limited to the field of music.

The Talent Hunt Idea has become one of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's National Projects, with all graduate chapters mandated to conduct an Annual Talent Hunt Program. On the Local and District levels, the project is competitive. At the National level the program is both competitive and demonstrative. The National Program is made up of District Winners, who by their talent, diligence, ability and potential appear as Guests of the Fraternity. At this stage of our growth the Talent Hunt Idea is proceeding on the National level along three lines:
1. At each session of the Grand Conclave, a Talent Hunt demonstration is presented to the public.
2. In addition, Omega is also interested in what it calls a "Fundamental Search for Talent." Here the Fraternity hopes to develop the process and resources through which it can help discover and provide assistance, as may be needed, to young people who have shown and possess talents of outstanding and exceptional quality. The field of interest will not be limited to music but all areas of the performing arts.
3. In our projected planning we hope to further encourage the Contestants on our Talent Hunt Programs by recommending them to our chapters and other organizations throughout the United States for presentations in their respective communities.

Talent Hunt Contestants have appeared on the Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour, the Apollo Theater, Radio City Music Hall, Philadelphia Academy of Music, Philadelphia Civic Center, New York City Civic Center, Washington DC Centers for the Performing Arts, the Eastman Theater, etc.
The Talent Hunt Program has been very rewarding to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and many talented youth. We will continue to search for and support our gifted youth.

Please Use the following documets for Talent Hunt Reference Documents:
Contestant Entry Form
Talent Hunt Guidelines
Letter for Solicitation of Contestants
Letter for Solicitation of Ads
A Brief Overview of Talent Hunt
Flyer