“WE MUST MOVE WITH PURPOSE”

As Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., we have been given a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead our communities by example. We must “Be The Change” we wish to see in the world by promoting voter rights, social justice, and economic development to have effective change in our communities and Chapters. I will draw upon the wisdom of three great leaders, Martin Luther King, Bro. Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Bro. Ben Crump, to provide insight and guidance on how we can effectively lead our chapters and communities in promoting these ideals.

As Martin Luther King famously said, "the vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men." Voting is a fundamental right in a democratic society, and yet, we still see attempts to suppress the vote. We must fight against this suppression and promote voter rights in our communities. You look around us, and you see that there are forces that are hard at work to turn you away from voting, from the whispers of “your vote don’t count” to Gerrymandering and other techniques. While they cannot issue poll taxes or turn water hoses on you in anymore, the tactics being used are still just has harmful.

We must be vigilant in opposing attempts to suppress the vote. Bro. Ben Crump has said, "voter suppression is an attack on democracy, and we must stand up against it." We can work with local organizations and government officials to advocate for policies that protect voter rights and prevent suppression.

We must be the change we wish to see in the world by leading the charge for voter rights in our communities.

Bro. Rev. Jesse Jackson has said, "the right to vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it." To lead our communities in promoting voter rights, we must first educate ourselves and others about the importance of voting. We must encourage voter registration and turnout, and we must work to ensure that every eligible person has access to the polls. In Florida, the Governor is hard at work, making laws that could potentially damage the Divine 9 on campus statewide. This is just a test drive for what other states will try to do. You look at Tennessee and see that the two Black State Legislatures were expelled for expressing the need to have sensible gun laws, and while their white counterpart took the same action alongside of them, she was spared the same punishment. Here are some things we can do to protect and promote voter rights:

• Educate ourselves and others about the importance of voting.

• Encourage voter registration and turnout.

• Work to ensure that every eligible person has access to the polls.

It is important to stand behind political figures that share your values because they are the ones who will make decisions that affect your life. If you want to see change in the world, you need to support the people who are fighting for the same things you are. There are many ways to support political figures, including:

• Voting for them in elections.

• Volunteering for their campaigns.

• Donating money to their campaigns.

• Talking to your friends and family about them.

Social injustice is the unfair or prejudicial treatment of an individual or group based on their social status, such as race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. It can take many forms, including discrimination, prejudice, and violence. As we meet in Minneapolis, this is the home to both Philando Castile and George Floyd, two Black men who were killed by police. Castile was shot and killed in 2016 during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Floyd was killed in 2020 while in police custody in Minneapolis. Their deaths sparked protests and demonstrations against police brutality and racial injustice.

Social justice is a critical issue in our society, and we must work to create a more just and equitable world. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This means that we must not only be concerned with the injustices that affect us directly, but with all forms of injustice. As members of The Talented Tenth District, we must use our resources and our influence to promote social justice and to fight against discrimination and inequality. This may involve supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, advocating for more funding for schools in low-income areas, and working to eliminate discriminatory practices in hiring and housing.

Bro. Rev. Jesse Jackson has stated, “we must never forget that we are the hope of the hopeless, the voice of the voiceless.” To lead our communities in promoting social justice, we must first educate ourselves about the issues facing our communities. We must then work to address these issues by advocating for policies that promote equality and fairness. We must also be willing to speak out against injustice and to support those who are marginalized or oppressed.

Bro. Ben Crump has said, “we must be the strength for the weak.” We can work with local organizations and government officials to promote policies that address systemic inequalities and promote social justice. By being the change, we wish to see in the world, we can lead our communities in creating a more just and equitable society.

Economic development is crucial to the prosperity of our communities. We must work to create an environment that is conducive to job creation and economic growth. Martin Luther King said, “the solution to poverty is to abolish it directly by a now widely discussed measure: the guaranteed income.” We must work towards policies that promote economic growth and reduce poverty.

We must also be willing to invest in our communities and support local entrepreneurs. Bro. Ben Crump has said, “investing in our communities is investing in our future.” We can work with local organizations and government officials to promote economic development and create a business-friendly environment.

Bro. Rev. Jesse Jackson once said, “Our struggle is for shared prosperity, not trickle-down economics.” This means that we must work to create an economic system where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, not just the wealthy few. One way to achieve this is by supporting black-owned businesses. Black-owned businesses are more likely to hire black workers, which can help to close the racial wealth gap. They are also more likely to invest in their communities, which can help to improve the quality of life for everyone.

There are many ways to support black-owned businesses. You can:

• Shop at black-owned businesses. This is the most important thing you can do to support blackowned businesses. When you shop at black-owned businesses, you are putting money back into the community and helping to create jobs.

• Invest in black-owned businesses. You can invest in black-owned businesses by buying shares in their companies or by lending them money.

• Spread the word about black-owned businesses. Let your friends, family, and neighbors know about the great black-owned businesses in your community.

By supporting black-owned businesses, we can help to create a more just and equitable economic system. We can create a shared prosperity where everyone can succeed. Be intentional on how and where you spend your money. While we are here in Minneapolis, be intentional to seek out black owned businesses and support them. Let them know that the Ques are here!

As members of The Talented Tenth District, we have a responsibility to lead our chapters and communities with integrity and purpose. We must use our talents and skills to create positive change and to promote the values of our organization.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” As leaders, we must be willing to face the challenges and controversies that arise and to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

Bro. Rev. Jesse Jackson once said, “Leadership has a harder job to do than just choose sides. It must bring sides together.” As leaders, we must work to bring people together and to promote unity and cooperation. We must be willing to listen to different perspectives and to find common ground, even when we disagree.

but we are a group of college educated black men who must be committed to leading our communities and changing the future, this can begin within our Chapters. We believe that we have a responsibility to use our education, talents, and resources to make a difference in the world. We believe that everyone deserves a fair shot at success, regardless of their race, religion, or gender, and are involved in a variety of activities that promote social justice, economic development, and educational excellence. We work with local organizations to address issues such as poverty, unemployment, and crime. We also provide scholarships and mentoring to young people. We believe that we can make a difference in the world by working together inside and outside of our Chapters, District, and Fraternity.

We must be committed to building a better future for our communities and our country. As Bro. Ben Crump once said, “We cannot change the past, but we can change the future.” Let’s move with a purpose and be committed to “Be The Change”!

We are The “Talented” Tenth District!

We know that the past is full of injustice and inequality,