Beta Psi 100 Year of Greatness

The Beta Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Gala

100 YEARS OF GREATNESS

Saturday, December 2, 2023 Georgia International Convention Center 2000 Convention Center Concourse College Park, GA

BetaPsi1923Foundation.com

Founders: Frank Coleman, Oscar J. Cooper, Ernest E. Just, Edgar A. Love

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 3951 Snapfinger Parkway Decatur, GA 30035 Telephone: (404) 284-5533 Fax: (404) 284-0333 www.oppf.org

Ricky L. Lewis Grand Basileus rickylewis@earthlink.net

December 2023

Greetings Brothers of Beta Psi Chapter, I want to first and foremost thank you for entrusting and electing me as your 42nd Grand Basileus of our beloved Fraternity. The mantra of men of strong will and Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift continue to define us and serve as our guideposts as we uphold the precepts of our founders!

Congratulations to the legacy of Beta Psi Chapter and the 100th Anniversary of service in Atlanta, Georgia, and surrounding communities. We thank you for your continued commitment to the tenants of our beloved Founders. I commend Brother Darryl Johnson and his team for their steadfast leadership and service for chairing the Beta Psi Chapter 100th.

When I sought to become the 42nd Grand Basileus, I said to you that “Excellence Is My Starting Point.” I said that integrity and character are paramount. We are keeping that commitment. In our communities worldwide, we have our mandated programs and we have our recently added programs. We actively do these things – Fatherhood Initiative and Mentoring is now a mandate, searching for and Illuminating Young talent and providing scholarship support – and we do these things not for ego or personal gain – but instead because it is our duty and our charge. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is now a mandate, teaching our young men the importance of embracing technology. During my administration, we are here to serve you and our communities. We are asking you to serve our communities and make a difference. We shall not lose the common touch!

Number 1. Save Our Sons through mentoring, STEM, scholarship offerings, and tutoring.

Number 2. Help fathers to be better fathers through our Fatherhood Initiative.

Number 3. Stay engaged with our brotherhood through (BYOMM): Call a brother.

Number 4. Save our HBCUs through regular and consistent contributions.

Number 5. Invest in Omega; pay your fraternity dues and reclaim just one additional brother.

If we resolve to do these five things and do them well, we will continue to see the undeniable fulfillment in our communities.

Yours in Friendship, Ricky L. Lewis, Grand Basileus

Board of Directors

Celebrating A Century of Friendship, Excellence & Impact December 2, 2023 Greetings Brothers, Alumni, Family, Friends, and Sponsors.

Darryl Johnson Board Chairman Fred Mitchell Board Vice Chairman Leon M. Smith II Board Vice Chairman Herbert McCoy Treasurer Christian Smith Jr Secretary Nat Scurry Senior Director Horace Austin Senior Director Harrison Bentley Director Jeffrey Jones Director Dr. Marco Clark Director Alexis Cureton Director William “Bill” Diggs Immediate Past Chairman

As the Chairman of the Beta Psi 1923 Foundation, Inc., and Co-Chair of the Centennial Gala. I would like to welcome you to our celebration with a purpose. Saluting Beta Psi Chapter’s “100 years of Greatness” and raising funds for scholarships to deserving students at Clark Atlanta University.

“Don’t be afraid to be Great.”

Dr. Moses C. Norman Sr. (Beta Psi ’54) As I reflect on the history of our beloved fraternity and the chronicles of our iconic chapter. I must give honor to our founders Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper, Frank J. Colman, and faculty advisor Dr. Ernest E. Just for their wisdom and foresight to recognize the void that was missing in other organizations in 1911 and bestowed our four Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. I give reverence to Beta Psi’s Fourteen Charter members that started the first Greek letter organization at Clark University in 1923. We stand on the shoulders of trail blazers, and we will continue to honor their legacy and vision into our next century.

Our chapter’s history is engraved in Royal Purple and Old Gold! In that spirit we honor Bro. Dr. Joseph J. Dennis, Beta Psi ‘26, noted mathematician and Chairman of the Clark College Mathematics Dept from (1930 -1975); and the 1st African American Ph.D. in Ga. The JJ Dennis Memorial Fund is one of the largest endowed scholarships at CAU. WE are guided by Bro. Dr. Alfred Wyatt Sr.; Beta Psi ‘47- Educator, Musician, Mentor, and Icon at Clark Atlanta University.

Dr. Wyatt was named Honorary Co-Chair of our Centennial Celebration and will always be remembered as he was called to glory in September of this year. Then in the spirit of Bro. Dr. Moses C. Norman Sr. Beta Psi ‘54, long time Superintendent of Atlanta Public schools, administrator at CAU and the only three term Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. in who’s name we started an endowment, and our “Intent” is to make the DMCNSE the largest endowment at Clark Atlanta University.

As we forged into our next century our mandate has been set, leave our fraternity and our beloved alma mater better than you found it.

Here’s my challenge: I challenge my fellow alumni and friends to reflect on their degrees and give back to the institution that has given you so much.

I challenge my fellow Divine 9 brothers and sisters to rally their members to hop, step and stroll to support Clark Atlanta University.

Lastly, I challenge my “eclectic” Beta Psi brothers to continue the mission set forth by our Bridge Builders for the last 99 years.

“DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE GREAT” If not now, then when; If not us then who.

Darryl Johnson Chairman

Beta Psi 1923 Foundation Inc.- P.O. 54931 Atlanta, GA 30308 501[c]3 Non-Profit Organization

The Beta Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Centennial Anniversary Gala Saturday, December 2, 2023 7pm Georgia International Convention Center 2000 Convention Center Concourse College Park, GA

WELCOME ASHLEI STEVENS TV AND RADIO PERSONALITY INVOCATION BRO. DR. REV. GERALD FOLSOM PASTOR GREATER MT. NEBO AME CHURCH RECOGNITION OF DIGNITARIES BRO. LEON SMITH BETA PSI 1923 FOUNDATION VICE-CHAIRMAN BRO. RICKY LEWIS 42ND GRAND BASILEUS OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC. BETA PSI CHAPTER HISTORY BRO. LEON SMITH VICE CHAIRMAN/ALUMNI HISTORIAN BETA PSI 1923 FOUNDATION, INC. UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN BRO. JAMES E. CLYBURN HOUSE ASSISTANT DEMOCRATIC LEADER THIS IS BETA PSI AND THIS IS WHO WE ARE BETA PSI LIFETIME SERVICE AWARDS DR. ROOSEVELT THEDFORD 67 YEARS BRO. HERBERT CHENNAULT 66 YEARS BRO. WILLAM APPLING 63 YEARS DINNER IS SERVED

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DR. GEORGE T. FRENCH, JR. BETA PSI 1923 FOUNDATION INC. BOARD CHAIRMAN BRO. DARRYL JOHNSON BETA PSI MEMORIAM INTRODUCTION OF THE 42ND GRAND BASILEUS BRO. DR. MARCO CLARK DIRECTOR BETA PSI 1923 FOUNDATION 42nd GRAND BASILEUS OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC. BRO. RICKY LEWIS ONE MILLION DOLLAR CHECK PRESENTATION BETA PSI 1923 DIRECTORS SPECIAL APPEAL RAISE YOUR HAND FOR CAU BRO. FRED MITCHELL - VICE CHAIRMAN BRO. HORACE AUSTIN - SENIOR DIRECTOR CLOSING REMARKS BRO. NATHANIEL SCURRY SENIOR DIRECTOR BETA PSI 1923 FOUNDATION OMEGA DEAR BRO. JOHNATHON LOADHOLT BETA PSI 2011 TONIGHT'S ENTERTAINMENT FREDDIE JACKSON CENTENNIAL AFTER PARTY

Supporters of the Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr. Endowment Former Grand Basileus

Former Grand Basileus

GB 40

GB 41

Current Grand Basileus

GB 42

BRIDGE

BUILDERS

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P

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Thank You to Our Sp o

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Centennial Gala

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Celebrating A Century of Friendship, Excellence & Impact

Beta Psi Chapter

Centennial Celebration

Dr. Oscar J. Cooper

Prof. Frank Coleman

Manhood Scholarship

Dr. Ernest E. Just

Bishop Edgar A. Love

Perseverance Uplift

Thank you for supporting this Beta Psi Chapter Centennial Fundraising Initiative!

Beta Psi Chapter

Excellence From The Beginning The genesis of Beta Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. traces back to the establishment of Eta Chapter (chartered December 27, 1919) which consisted of exceptional young men from Atlanta University, Clark University, Morehouse College, and Gammon Theological Seminary under the leadership of 7th Grand Basileus, Brother Raymond G. Robinson (1918-1920).

Shortly thereafter, brothers from each institution would go on to establish chapters of their own.

Beta Psi Chapter was chartered on the campus of Clark University (now Clark Atlanta University; formerly Clark College)on December 22, 1923. The chapter was organized and founded under the strong influence of Brother John Prescott Murchison who was a Professor of Economics, History, and Political Science at the university. In 1925, Murchison also became Editor-In-Chief of The Oracle.

Beta Psi charter members included the following men of sterling character: Brother Walter James “Bish” Cameron, Brother Labron Revere “Cal” Carraway, Brother J. Carroll, Brother R. E. Cureton, Brother M. L. Edwards, Brother T. J. Fykes, Brother John Aaron Green, Brother Thomas P. Grissom, Brother Joel E. Hyatt, Brother R. D. Jones, Brother J. N. Montgomery, and Brother J. B. Williams.

Having the distinction of being the first Greek-lettered fraternal organization on Clark’s campus, Beta Psi Chapter has produced outstanding scholars, leaders, athletes, scientists, lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, educators, and business executives, throughout her storied history who have gone on to make major contributions nationally and internationally.

Noteworthy Beta Psians include but are not limited to the following: Brother Dr. J. J. Dennis (BY ’26,) the first African American in the state of Georgia to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics; Brother Dr. Moses C. Norman (BY ’54), 33rd Grand Basileus; Brother Dr. Elridge McMillan (BY ’52), the first African American chair (1986-87) of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia; Honorable Brother James Felder (BY’58) was a past 2nd Vice Grand Basileus during FY 1960 & 1961 and past Grand Counselor (1974), Army sergeant and top-ranking noncommissioned officer in the military honor guard during the funeral of President John F. Kennedy, author, and elected to South Carolina House of Representatives (1970); Brother Robert H. Tucker (BY ’60) was a past 2nd Vice Grand Basileus (1961-62), and many, many more.

Brother Dr. J.J. Dennis

Brother Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr.

Beta Psi Chapter Centennial Sponsorship & Marketing Opportunities

Board of Directors Darryl Johnson Chairman

Fred D. Mitchell

Leon M. Smith II

Herbert McCoy

Vice Chairman

Vice Chairman

Treasurer

Christian Smith

Nat Scurry

Horace Austin

Secretary

Senior Director

Senior Director

Harrison Bentley

Jeffrey Jones

Dr. Marco Clark

Director

Director

Director

Alexis Cureton

William “Bill” Diggs

Director

Immediate Past Chairman

Celebrating A Century of Friendship, Excellence & Impact betapsi1923foundation.com

Beta Psi 1923 Foundation

Leaders In HBCU Philanthropic Giving Clark Atlanta University’s enduring motto is “I Find a Way or Make One.” During the Fall of 2016, it was in that spirit that eleven Omega Men assembled to launch the Beta Psi 1923 Foundation Inc. From that very moment, Omega Men who matriculated through CAU from all across the country have bonded together to raise funds for this important worthwhile initiative.

On October 13, 2018, the Beta Psi 1923 Foundation announced a pledge to donate $100,000 to Clark Atlanta University (CAU) to establish Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr. Endowment Fund over a five year period. The endowment was established in honor of Clark alumnus, the late Bro. Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr. Dr. Norman was a retired dean of Clark Atlanta University’s School of Education, former area superintendent in Atlanta Public Schools, and the 33rd Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. As an undergraduate student, Bro. Dr. Norman became a member of the fraternity through Beta Psi Chapter in 1954. Board members made the formal presentation to Immediate Past CAU President Dr. Ronald A. Johnson during halftime of the university’s 2018 homecoming football game at Panther Stadium as thousands of CAU students, faculty, and alumni witnessed this joyous occasion. On December 16, 2020, the Foundation fulfilled its commitment by presenting a check to current CAU President, Dr. George T. French, Jr. nearly 3 years ahead of schedule. The Beta Psi 1923 Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit entity with the expressed purpose of developing a legacy of financial support for matriculating students at Clark Atlanta University.

Beta Psi Chapter Centennial Sponsorship & Marketing Opportunities

Our Philanthropic Portfolio

Given to Clark Atlanta University for Student Scholarships

$34,000 Dr. Gideon K. Mincey Scholarship Endowment (Biology majors)

$360,000 Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr.

$9,000 Beta Psi Male Scholarship Fund $2500 Emergency Gap Fund (Juniors and Seniors)

$1600 CAU COVID-19 Donation

Beta Psi 1923 Foundation Inc. is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to fund scholarships at Clark Atlanta University 5

betapsi1923foundation.com Beta Psi Chapter Centennial Sponsorship & Marketing Opportunities

1911

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. founded on November 17, 1911 by Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper, Frank Coleman and their faculty advisor Dr. Ernest E. Just.

1923

Beta Psi Chapter was chartered on December 22, 1923, becoming the first Greek-lettered organization on the campus of Clark University.

1940

Clark University became Clark College in 1940.

1988

Clark College and Atlanta University merged to become Clark Atlanta University on July 1, 1988.

2016

Clark University was founded in 1870 by the Freedman’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first location was at Whitehall and McDaniel Streets.

The Beta Psi 1923 Foundation was founded in 2016.

2022

1869

Our Historical Timeline

Resolution in support of a $10 donation from each registrant of the bi-annual Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr. Leadership Conference passes into policy at the 83rd Grand Conclave in Charlotte.

This Is Beta Psi… 1st Greek organization chartered on the campus of Clark Atlanta University

Centennial Gala Beta Psi produced 463 Initiates & 22 brothers have transferred to Clark during their matriculation in college

Beta Psi Alumni advanced degrees

brothers

Patents, inventions, reviewed publications

and

with

peer-

Brothers have served on the Supreme Council of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (one Grand Basileus, two 2nd Vice Grand Basilei, one Grand Counselor, and two 7th District Representatives

Donated to CAU in the last 6 years

Join us live as we mark the 100th celebration of Beta Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi at Clark Atlanta University, with a black tie gala!

This exclusive fundraising and social event focuses on raising much-needed funds for student scholars at Clark Atlanta University.

This Gala will be an evening of celebration attended by national celebrities, civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers, and friends of CAU and Beta Psi. Don’t miss this evening of fun that supports students at an HBCU!!

Saturday, December 2, 2023 Georgia International Convention Center 2000 Convention Center Concourse College Park, GA RECEPTION - 6 P.M. DINNER AND PROGRAM - 7 P.M. Black Tie Attire

THANK THANK YOU YOU TO TO OUR OUR

GOLD GOLD CIRCLE CIRCLE SPONSORS SPONSORS

Congratulations to the Beta Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on its 100 Years of Service Richard Wright Schools salutes and congratulates the Beta Psi Chapter on its 100th year of Service and creating stellar African-American men of high esteem and great character.

We wish our Beta Psi Chapter continued growth and success.

May we continue to LIFT AS WE CLIMB for 100 more years of service positively impacting lives for generations to come.

Dr. Marco Clark Bro. Dr. Marco Clark Founder & CEO Richard Wright Schools

WWW.RICHARDWRIGHTPCS.ORG

THANK YOU TO

OUR SPONSORS

THANK YOU TO

OUR SPONSORS

Thank You

To Our Sponsors

THE SLY, THE SLICK, AND THE WICKED - FALL 1978

THIS LINE REMAINS UNBROKEN

Beta Psi Chapter 1979-1980

Officers: William P. Von Blasingame, Basileus, Kenneth Thompson VB, Horace Austin KRS, Bernard Burns KF

Elect

LEON M. SMITH II

Fir st V ice Dis tric tR epr ese nta tive

Elevating The Mighty Second District Through Friendship

“Boldly Leading Omega Into The Future!!”

WWW.VOTE4LEON.COM

“AGAINST ALL ODDS” delves into the extraordinary life and career of Dwayne C. Brown, one of NASA's most recognized public spokespeople. Brown pioneered global communications for iconic space missions —from the groundbreaking flight of the first African American woman astronaut and the visionary Hubble and James Webb space telescopes to the unparalleled exploration of Mars and Pluto.

From his roots in Washington, D.C., a modest black-and-white television ignited his cosmic dreams. Immediately following college, he embarked on a nearly four-decade career representing NASA to the media and the public, granting worldwide audiences a riveting gaze into America's awe-inspiring space program.

A recipient of numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal and NASA's Silver Snoopy - only bestowed by an astronaut, after retiring in 2019, his catchphrase "Science Never Sleeps" remains influential in the aerospace field and merchandising.

Yet Brown’s story is much more than just science and spacecraft. It's about a proud Black man who soared in a realm largely uncharted for people of color. In a dominantly white, elite academic environment, Brown's words resounded, growing into one of NASA's most influential public voices. Faced with challenges that might have thwarted others, he leaned on visionary mentors who saw the universe of potential within him. Brown propelled his career with tenacity and ardently advocated for diversity and inclusivity during his career.

Brown's life story is an inspirational lighthouse for people of color, illuminating the intricate pathways of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Enriched with enthusiasm, wit, and wisdom, his narrative is a testament to persistence and a beacon for those aspiring to pursue interests in the expansive and challenging universe of STEM. Embark on this compelling voyage in “Against All Odds,” and let Brown's legacy inspire, guide, and remind you that every dreamer can shine against the vast backdrop of the universe with belief and perseverance.

"Against All Odds" is the inaugural installment in the "Steel STEM Life" series, a collection of inspirational memoirs spotlighting the triumphs of successful individuals of color in STEM careers.

Congratulations to Beta Psi Chapter for 100 Years of Excellence and Producing Exceptional Omega Men

1 9 2 3

Beta Psi Solo Ques Fall 1984- The One and Only One Bad Mike-SNAFU-Dr. Michael Cooks Fall 1985- The Resurrected One-Phantom Que-Patrick Daniel

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Celebrating 100 Years Beta Psi Chapter Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc. Clark Atlanta University From The Tenacious 10 1976’ Alpha Sigma Chapter Morris Brown College

Congrats to Beta Psi Chapter on the 100th Anniversary!

Bill Diggs Founding Chairman of The Board of Directors Beta Psi 1923 Foundation, Inc.

Congratulations to the Historic Beta Psi Chapter

As you celebration (100 Years of Greatest) Brother Mike Adams 10-83-Beta Sigma Candidate for Grand Basileus 2024

www.mike4grand2024.com

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Congratulations to all of the Omega Psi Phi Beta Psi Brothers for 100 Years of pure Greatness!!!

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HAVE A GREAT EVENING EVERYONE!!!!!

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Congratulations Beta Psi Chapter on reaching a Centennial Milestone!

May God grant us another 100 years of producing Men who have high aspirations.

Ad Astra Per Aspera

Brother Tucker was initiated into Beta Psi on December 2, 1960, one of the Magnificent 11.

While an undergraduate at Clark College he was twice elected as the 2nd Vice Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. the highest undergrad position in the fraternity.

In Honor of the Life and Service of

Dr. Alfred Wyatt, Sr.

From:

Daryl Johnson Beta Psi - Fall ‘81 Chairman Beta Psi 1923 Foundation

Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr.