UPLIFT PROJECT, INC

P.O. BOX 2091

Durham, NC 27702-2091

May 18, 2023

Beta Phi Chapter

Attn: Mardi Gras Committee

P.O. Box 2091

Durham, NC 27702

Re: 2023 Annual Mardi Gras

On behalf of Uplift Project, Inc., please accept our congratulations on your 47th Annual Mardi Gras. The Board of Directors, committees, volunteers, contributors and community partners of Uplift Project, Inc. are committed to making a difference in the lives of Durham’s citizens. We know that Beta Phi Chapter shares that commitment, and that your Mardi Gras is specifically designed to further that mission through raising for college scholarships.

It is my humble privilege to serve as President of Uplift Project Inc. (“UPI”), a 501(c)(3) organization that was formed in 2002. UPI’s mission is to prepare today for tomorrow’s success through social action and youth initiatives involving education and character improvement; public awareness forums on social, economic, and health related issues; and minority community development. As you know, in partnership with Beta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, we have endeavored since our formation to champion the Fraternity’s Cardinal Principle of “Uplift” in the Durham community.

The centerpiece of our outreach is the Uplift Community Center (“UCC”), located at 1811 Palmer Street in the heart of the West End community. We are blessed to have Beta Phi Chapter on board as our anchor tenant at the UCC. The Uplift Project, Inc. Board of Directors (which is comprised of stalwart leaders in the Durham Community and includes learned professionals, business leaders, educators and elected officials) is particularly keen on impacting citizens of color who live in the shadow of the UCC. To our knowledge, the City of Durham does not have a brick and mortar footprint to conduct outreach in this area. The Lakewood YMCA is nearby, but membership costs there. The Kwysewski Center is likewise nearby, but the Uplift Community Center is in the hub of the West End – directly across the street from Lakewood Shopping Center.

Uplift Project, Inc. (“UPI”) has served the West End Community for many years. We enhanced our operations in 2011 through the acquisition of the UCC. We have renovated the facility since our purchase, and it now boasts 4500 square feet of activity space, including a kitchen, WiFi accessibility and ample parking. Through our partnership, Beta Phi has hosted many of its Fraternity mandated programs and other initiatives at the UCC.

UPI has endeavored to be a good neighbor to West End residents. Believer’s Assembly Christian Church is a tenant of the Uplift Community Center and holds its Sunday services there. As we reflect on our partnership with Beta Phi over the years, it is evident that examples of outreach spearheaded by UPI and Beta Phi have included:

Serving meals to low income students ages 3 to 19 twice a day during the summer while school is out and food insecurity concerns spike

Hosting financial literacy workshops and health initiatives to close the health gap

Hosting the yearly “National Night Out” public safety awareness event in the West End

Food distribution efforts through partnership with Zaxby’s Partnering with Urban Ministries of Durham to feed the homeless at the Urban Ministries facility located at 410 Liberty Street

Providing manpower support for Durham’s “mobile market” food distribution

Awarding college scholarships to deserving low income high school seniors

Partnering with Lakewood Elementary School Reading Program to promote literacy and career exposure

Free mask giveaways during the pandemic at the Uplift Community Center and Lakewood Shopping Center

As we look to the future, our vision for further collaboration with Beta Phi would specifically entail:

Furthering our existing partnership with Lakewood Elementary School and the “Lakewood Reading Program” with the purchase of additional books and program rewards for students who complete the reading assignments

Hosting a CPR training class for interested West End residents

Continuing support for the Bull City 5k Walk/Run to support Diabetes awareness and research

Continuing to host the yearly “National Night Out” public safety awareness event in the West End

Once again, congratulations on your 47th Annual Mardi Gras. We look forward to our further collaboration to improve the lives of citizens in the West End, Durham and beyond.

Sincerely,

Brian O. Beverly

Brian Beverly, President

June 3, 2023

47th Annual Anniversary Scholarship Event

Beta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

P.O. Box 2091

Durham, NC 27702

Dear Members of the Beta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi:

I am delighted to welcome each of you to the 47th Annual Anniversary Scholarship Event of the Beta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Since 1924, the Beta Phi Chapter has inspired and encouraged its members to improve the quality of life for individuals throughout the state, nation, and world through intentional and meaningful service.

I applaud your ongoing commitment to community service in making Omega in Durham a vital force in our local community. Your tireless efforts prove every day what we all know - a dedicated and well-organized group of caring and creative individuals can make a difference.

Many of us aspire to improve the world we live in - and Omegas do. Best wishes for a fruitful gathering, with time together that inspires and renews your spirit of service in the months ahead.

Sincerely,

Valerie P. Foushee MEMBER OF CONGRESS

47th Annual Mardi Gras Program

Welcome Bro. Antonio Jones, Mardi Gras Chairman

Purpose Bro. Terry, Baselius Beta Phi Chapter

Bro. Br Beverly, Esq. President, Uplift Project Inc. Board of Directors

Blessing of Meal Bro. Daniel Samuel, Chaplain

Dinner

Music By Krve Band of Charlotte

Special Presentation

Gilchrist-Beta Phi Ensemble

Music By Krve Band of Charlotte

Raffle Winner Announcement

Music By DJ

Rencher Nicholas Harris

Lawrence Oxley

G. W. Cox

W.D. Hill

John "Shag" Stewart

I.Gregory Newton

Howard Wright

Bernice Thornton

Leroy Swift

John H. Wheeler

Charles A. Ray

C.C. Spaulding, Jr.

David Cooke

Joseph W. Goodloe

Gerald Underwood (1965-1967)

W. G. Pearson, II (1967-1969)

Lindsey A. Merritt (1969-1971)

William A. Marsh, Jr. (1971-1973)

Robert T. Lewis, Jr. (1973-1975)

Fred D. McNeill, Jr. (1975-1977)

James E. Hayslett (1977-1978)

John H. Scott (1978-1979)

George L. Quiett (1979-1980)

Darryl Smith (1980-1981)

Philip Terry, Basileus

Kumani Simmons, First Vice Basileus

Antonio Jones, Second Vice Basileus

Bryan Patton, Keeper of Records and Seal

Darrell Spells, Ass’t. Keeper of Records and Seal

Thomas Taylor, Keeper of Finance

William Dixon, Ass’t. Keeper of Finance

Josiah Thomas, Keeper of Peace

Cedric Fairbanks, Ass’t. Keeper of Peace

Daniel Samuel, Chaplain Ass’t. Chaplain

David Fitts, Dean of Education

Robert Gaddy, Ass’t Dean of Education

Phillip Powell, Parliamentarian

Phillip Harrington, Editor

John Ervin, Ass’t Editor

Clayton Jones, Jr., Immediate Past Basileus

Elton M. O'Neal (1981-1983)

Tyrone R. Baines (1983-1985)

John H. Scott (1985-1987)

Evester B. Bailey (1987-1989)

Aubrey Kearney (1989-1991)

Quantella Williams (1991-1993)

Charles K. Blackmon (1993-1995)

A.Leon Stanback (1995-1997)

Samuel Harrison (1997-1999)

David L. Fitts, Sr. (1999-2001)

Randal V. Childs(2001-2003)

Ronald Peterson (2003-2005)

Allen M. Little (2005-2007)

Derrick D. Vines (2007-2009)

Brian O. Beverly (2009-2011)

Jim C. Harper II (2011-2013)

Derek D. Ellis (2013-2015)

Carlos M. McCall (2015-2017)

G.Russell Jones, III, (2017-2018)

David L. Fitts, Sr. (2018-2019)

Clayton Jones, Jr. (2019-2021)