The SunDial
On February 1, 1929, The Lampados Club of Alpha Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity held a formal ceremony at Andrew Rankin Chapel and unveiled, on campus, a gift to Howard University: a 3’ fluted pedestal made from Indiana limestone adorned with a bronze sundial affixed to a sculpted chapiter. The 1929 Lampados Club named this the Banneker Memorial. We affectionately call it the Dial. This gift was given to the University to honor Benjamin Banneker, the distinguished, self-taught African American intellectual whose contribution to U.S. history is significant.
This iconic figure has become one of the most recognizable edifies on Howard University’s campus among students, alumni, administrators, and visitors. It’s been a symbolic cornerstone for the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for over 95 years. This retrospective provides insight into the Dial and its true meaning to Howard University and Omega Psi Phi.
