11 minute read
BROTHER SPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT
BROTHER ARNOLD WESTBROOK, JR.
Brother Arnold Westbrook Jr (2-99-Delta Omega) was sworn in and appointed as the Interim City Councilor for Petersburg in Ward 7 on November 16th, 2021. The City of Petersburg City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday night to appoint Brother Westbrook as the interim councilor to succeed former councilor, John Hart. Brother Westbrook has an extensive background in education, as he is a Professor in Virginia State University’s English Department and works with students in the Honors College. Prior to working at Virginia State University, Brother Westbrook worked for the City of Petersburg, Virginia, where he instructed and mentored students in all aspects of life. Brother Westbrook’s talents stem from a line of educators, including his father, who was a professor at Virginia State University, and his mother taught at the City of Petersburg Public Schools for many years. Brother Westbrook acknowledges one of his greatest achievements is creating the #crownHIM initiative for Black Male empowerment. Brother Westbrook has also worked with at-risk youth through the Trio Upward Initiative since 2011.
Brother Westbrook earned his master’s degree in American and English Literature at Virginia State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Economics from Morehouse College. City of Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham credits Brother Westbrook with “having the experience, commitment, and passion needed as we move Petersburg forward.” Mayor Parham also mentioned Brother Westbrook being a collaborator with a vision; born and raised in Petersburg, VA and remained involved in the community by mentoring our youth and serving as Chairman of the Social Services Advisory Board.” Brother Westbrook introduced himself as a member of First Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA, where he was baptized. He currently attends Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA. Brother Westbrook identified three specific areas where he wants to be impactful - the first being education, which is nested with the fraternity’s cardinal principle of Scholarship. Brother Westbrook also wants to help residents get access to services they need for daily life. Finally, Brother Westbrook wants to push economic development amid Petersburg’s growing profile. Brother Westbrook has other objectives to accomplish during his tenure in the Petersburg, VA City Council. He stated during a recent interview, “I am committed to helping grow Petersburg and improve quality of life for all; to love something, as I do Petersburg, you must give of yourself and stay dedicated to community service and residents.”
Brother Westbrook thanks Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Brothers of Delta Omega for helping him become the man he is today. He currently serves on multiple committees that focus on uplifting the community and teaching how to conduct professional and effective meetings. Brother Westbrook acknowledges that he is ready for his new position.
His reasoning is because of his faith in God, the development of strong values, positive moral compass from his family upbringing, and the friendship and interactions with the outstanding brotherhood of Omega. Brother Westbrook plans to continue to represent the brotherhood of Omega and serve the community to the best of his abilities.
NEW STEM DEPARTMENT
FOR STUDENTS RECEIVES THOUSANDS IN FINANCIAL UPLIFT
Brother Malcolm Fox (initiated Alpha Chapter – Howard University) continues to live his creed as he was highlighted by the Chicago Tribune for his fundraising leadership efforts. “We take pride in using fashion & our brand’s platform to stress the importance of incorporating gratitude into your everyday life. I speak about how grateful I am for the endless opportunities & experiences I was afforded as a student at Phillips High School. I always pledged to pay it forward with “The P” initiative. My goal was to show my gratitude for the school by using Gratitude Chicago’s platform to fuel the fundraising efforts for the school’s new STEM Department. ”– Malcolm Fox, Co-Founder of Gratitude Chicago & 2017 graduate of Bronzeville’s Wendell Phillips High School.
In the Fall of 2021, Wendell Phillips High School, in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, launched a new STEM Department for students. The STEM Department will offer students four new curriculums: Aviation, Biomedical, Engineering, and Computer Science. The school has also secured partnerships with numerous organizations, such as Northwestern Medical, AeroStar Aviation, Turner Construction, Hitachi, & more! In addition to the added curriculums, the partnerships will also provide students with access opportunities into these industries, including site visits, mentoring, internships, externships, and more!
Phillips High School was still in need of a few supplies & technologies to ensure a successful launch. Gratitude Chicago teamed up with the school to present to all “The P.” “The P” was an effort to raise money for the STEM Department through the sale of Phillips’ inspired t-shirts & hoodies with 100% of proceeds donated to Phillips’ STEM Department.
Gratitude Chicago set a goal to donate $20,000 to the STEM Department & attempt-
ed to complete that goal through corporate sponsorships, “The P Block Party,” and online orders. Gratitude Chicago hosted “The P Block Party” on October 9th at Phillips High School, which served as a Homecoming Pep Rally for Phillips’ Football Team, as well as a fundraiser for the STEM Department, as the shirts & hoodies were available for purchase. In addition to raising $5,000 at The P Block Party, Gratitude Chicago also secured an additional $11,000 from 25 corporate sponsors, such as Foot Locker Chicago, Chicago Cubs Charities, Rush Solutions, Chicago Scholars, and more. Through “The P” initiative and Gratitude Chicago, $16,000 has been donated to the school thus far! Through donations, the Gratitude Chicago team gave away 300 t-shirts to Phillips High School students.
“Our kids will now be able to go out and compete with a kid from any other zip code in the city and be able to go right into the workforce. It is truly inspiring when we have alumni such as Malcolm come back and want to make this so much more than just a neighborhood school! – Matthew Sullivan,
Principal of Phillips High School
BRO. J. KEVIN MCINTYRE’S
In October 2021, Maryland government officials contacted Brother J. Kevin McIntyre of Sigma Mu Mu Chapter, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, about the progress of his company, Samson Protection Services. Brother McIntyre is also Omega’s Third District Counselor. He shared financial reports and projections. Additionally, he explained how a small business loan was the catalyst for his security company’s success. Maryland’s Small Business office immediately highlighted Brother McIntyre’s small company in a story on its website. (click here to view)
In 2017, Brother McIntyre established Samson Protection Services, a property protection company. At that time, the company comprised little more than an idea, a business plan, and the drive to succeed. Although he was preparing the application for a small business loan, Brother McIntyre had immediate expenses (insurance, uniforms, advertising, wages, license fees, etc.). Like most new business start-up owners, he needed to reach into his personal savings and fund the company for several months.
Brother McIntyre quickly generated enough business to cover operating costs. Because of the team’s lack of chemistry, the company was stagnant and sustained several company executive changes before settling on the right team. By winter 2018, the team was solidified. Based on the direction the company was headed and with the consensus of the new team, the decision was made to reset, buckle down, and guide the company to the next level. In January 2019, the company was generating very little revenue and was down to about three small contracts. However, Brother McIntyre stayed the course.
In November 2019, after waiting two years, Brother McIntyre finally received a small business loan from the state of Maryland. He and
the team were able to move into an office, pay rent for one year, fund wages, buy new patrol cars, and market services. Perseverance came to the forefront; to Insure the loan, Maryland placed a lien on Brother McIntyre’s home and vehicles and required that he add the state as an additional insured party on his insurance policies. These requirements did not deter him. He was set on moving the company forward. Brother McIntyre provided what the state needed and didn’t look back. Shortly after receiving business funding, company growth accelerated. In one year, Samson Protection Services’ revenue grew tenfold, and it continues to grow steadily today.
Brother McIntyre states, “In summary, my brothers, if you take nothing from my words, please know that “When you are up against a trouble, meet it squarely face to face. Lift your chin and set your shoulders, plant your feet and take a brace.” In other words, SEE IT THROUGH!”
PI LAMBDA LAMBDA’S
BROTHER MARLON CROOK, SR. PROMOTED TO BRIGADIER GENERAL U.S.A.F
Pi Lambda Lambda (PLL) chapter | Third District | Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. | Prince William County, Virginia – On October 8, 2021, Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter’s very own, Brother Marlon Crook, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Air Force. Brother Crook will become the Director of Intelligence & Cyber Effects Operations for the Air National Guard.
Brother Brigadier General Marlon E. Crook, Sr., is currently the Principal Deputy Director of Operations for the National Guard Bureau A2/3/6/10 in Washington, DC. In this role, he supports the Director in oversight of a vast portfolio to include: intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, combat and mobility air forces, rescue and special operations forces, command and control forces, nuclear forces, cyber forces, systems architecture, along with both fixed-base and expeditionary information networks and security, supporting and enabling over 108,100 military and civilian personnel assigned to 90 wings and 175 geographically separated units throughout the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Brother Brigadier General Crook earned his commission in 1993 through the University of Notre Dame Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program, where he also graduated with a Bachelor of Business focused on Management Information Systems. In 2006, Brigadier General Crook became a Brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., number fifteen on that year’s line for Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of Third District. Out the gate, Brother Crook lent his service to Omega by being PLL Keeper of Peace, part of the Omega U and Social Action Committees. Additionally, he participated in PLL community efforts through other committees serving Prince William County VA.
MESSAGE FROM THE
SECOND VICE DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE
Greetings Brothers of the Third District,
Igreet you in the name of the Supreme Basileus of the Universe. I am honored to serve as the Second Vice District Representative for the mighty Third District. On January 8th, the Third District held a successful undergraduate summit. The undergraduates had full participation from all active undergraduate chapters and received a wealth of knowledge that we can use to better our respective chapters. I want to thank Brother Conrado Morgan – District Representative, for his leadership and guidance in ensuring that the undergraduates had this opportunity. Additionally, thank you to the members of the District Council for their hard work in bringing this undergraduate summit to fruition, especially Brother District Keeper of Records and Seal Craig Spraggins, for the major role he played in our efforts. This past December, we had fourteen brothers graduate. We are encouraging these brothers to get active in their local graduate chapters. In coordination with Brother District Representative Conrado Morgan’s vision for the 3rd District. I have had ongoing communications with each active undergraduate chapter. This effort is to assess their individual needs and coordinate with their assigned graduate chapters, chapter advisors, and district committee chairmen to ensure that the Undergraduate chapters have all the support they need to provide service to the community and conduct MSP.
The Undergraduates of the Third District have dedicated themselves this past semester to tackling the issue of food insecurity in their respective communities. I would like to recognize the Nu Psi Chapter at Virginia State University for their efforts in collecting over one hundred and fifty canned goods to be donated to underprivileged families in Petersburg, Virginia. The brothers of the Nu Psi Chapter have also had a major impact on their community volunteering with the Chesterfield County, Virginia food bank. I want to highlight the Phi Delta Chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University for their volunteer work with the Apostolic Church food pantry, feeding families in Richmond, Virginia. Lastly, I commend the Eta Lambda chapter at Virginia Tech University for their outstanding work feeding one hundred and eighty-one families with their third annual holiday meal box project. I’m excited to see what the undergraduates will do in the Spring semester as we look to accomplish even more impactful projects within our respective communities. The Undergraduates of the Third District have modeled the conduct, business, and service standards that every District should strive to achieve. We’re looking to carry on this momentum into the upcoming Spring semester and pass down our enthusiasm for the business of Omega to the brothers that will come after us.
May God continue to bless you, your family, and the undergraduates of the Third District. I remain grateful to serve the Third District as the Second Vice District Representative.
Fraternally,
Daniel Dunn Second Vice District Representative
