1911 "Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor" 1947
Beta Tau Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi
THE GODFATHER CHAPTER
The Kappa Alpha Psi Journal 1998
Pg. 284
The Little Rock Alumni Chapter used the nomination for the Laurel Wreath to pay tribute to Dr.Oba Bernetha White's lifelong achievements and services. "Rare indeed is a man who can point to 75 years of unselfish devotion that spans the community, state ,and nation."
Oba B. White was born in Kansas City, Kansas on August 14, 1901. He received his AB degree in June 1925 from the University of Kansas in Lawrence and MD degree from Meharry Medical College in May 1933. He completed his internship at G.W. Hubbard Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee from 1933 -1934.
He came to Arkansas on July 1, 1934 to work part-time at the McRae Memorial Sanatorium as Assistant Superintendent and at the United Friends of America Hospital as Staff Physician. In December, he opened his offices for the practice of medicine and surgery. He enjoyed a lucrative practice and made his presence felt in the community. Oba B. White has been a member of the Fraternity for 77 years. He has been financial 74 of those years with the exception of three years when he moved to Arkansas and there were no chapters established. The following is a chronological listing of positions he has held during his years.
- March 27, 1920 - Charter Member - Mu Chpater - University of Kansas
- August 8, 1937 - Charter Member - Little Rock Alumni Chpater
- 1938 - 1948 - Keeper of Records and Exchequer - Little Rock Alumni Chapter
- 1946 - 1953 - Keeper of Rocords and Exchequer - Southwestern Province
- 1953 - 1955 - Province Polemarch - Appointed by Dr. W. "Stud" Greene
Visited every chapter (16) in the province once a year. Founded or helped organize the following chapters: Pine Bluff Alumni, Waco Alumni, Greenville Alumni, Beta Tau, Gamma Sigma, Theta Epsilon and Iota Gamma 1973 - 1983 - National Chairman, Life Membership - increased numbers from 1,850 to 4,612 fully- paid and 1,100 subscribing members.
Dr. White was a charter member of the Senior Physicians of Arkansas; a past president and secretary of the AAFP of Pulaski County (having been the first black member of that society); and past president of the Arkansas Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association. The Medical Association sponsors monthly medical seminars, which bear his name.
During the course of his professional career, Dr. White has served as Preceptor for the Minority Medical Graduates at the University of Arkansas Medical School and Honorary Consultant at the Little Rock Air Force Base Hospital. He has served as Medical Examiner for federal employers, Universal Life Insurance Company, Mutual of Omaha, the Elks (Little Rock and the State of Arkansas) and Goodrich Tire Company.
Oba White was never too busy to help where he saw a need. In 1950, after a child was killed at an intersection near a school crossing, he purchased a Safety Patrol Sign for M.W.Gibbs School. In addition to his medical profession and dedication to Kappa Alpha Psi, he was active in several civic/community organizations. In recognition of his service to the community, the Oba White Fall Tennis Classic was started, and a medical scholarship is awarded annually to an African-American student at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences campus.