LSSQ |The Ranger - Edition 2 - Fall/Winter 2022

ISSUE 2 • FALL/WIN. 2023

LONE STATE STATE QUES NEWSLETTER

SECOND EDITION

BY BRO. NA'SHON EDWARDS, SR.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Greetings Brothers, LSSQ President Message • P. 2

It has truly been a pleasure to service the LSSQ Organization as Public Relations Chairman. In this role I was charged with improving the LSSQ PR platform in hopes of boosting morale on the state level and creating a space for Brothers witihn the state to share their great work within their communities and cities. Thus, we have the 2nd Edition of The Ranger which features chapters both Large, Small, Graduate, and Undergraduate. I want to thank the commitee for their work on this worthy project and pray that each of you enjoy.

LSSQ Vice-Pres. Message • P. 3

LSSQ History • P. 4 Epsilon Alpha Turns 90 • P. 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS State President Address

3

Sigma Tau

19

Vice State President Message

6

Psi Alpha

22

Past LSSQ State Presidents

7

LSSQ Executive Council

8

Tau Epsilon

29

9

Mu Mu Nu

30

Graduate and Undergraduate Chapters

10

Alpha Iota Iota

33

Omicron Pi

Past LSSQ State Meetings

11

35 37

Pi Upsilon

13

Omicron Gamma Gamma Epsilon Alpha

39

Phi Beta

14

Eta Mu

42

Omicron Upsilon

15

Chaplins Corner

44

Sigma Omicron

17

Edition Contributors

46

LSSQ Public Relations Committee

Houston Area Coalition of Chapters 26

THE STATE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Welcome to the second edition of The Ranger.

Welcome to the 2023 Lone Star State Que’s Annual Meeting. I greet you in the name of the Supreme Basileus of the Universe. It is my honor to serve you the brothers of the great state of Texas. It is not something that I take for granted and my charge is to continue the great Legacy of this organization. Once again thank you for the opportunity to be a leader of leaders. It is truly an honor to serve as your President. The LSSQ Organization stands firm and steadfast in the belief that “Friendship is Essential to the Soul.” And “Service is the rent we pay to live on this earth”.

The Mission of the Lone Star State Que’s Organization is to educate, train and prepare future leaders for positions within our beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at all levels. The Lone Star State Que’s organization strives to unify the efforts, talents, and resources of the brothers in the most effective manner possible to provide the greatest impact in the State of Texas. The executive council will work diligently to find avenues to involve the Lone Star State Ques organization in the economic, political, and social fiber of our beloved state.

Significant changes have been made to the bylaws that will allow us to fulfill our mission. The bylaws changes allow us to mirror the Ninth district so that our officers and committees can prepare themselves to move forward to districtlevel roles. Thank you, brother, Jason Allen, for undertaking this momentous task and shepherding it to fruition.

2022 has been an extremely active and busy year. I have made it a point to attend as many events as possible in Texas. I have attended various social, service, and fundraising events in Texas. In addition, I have attended multiple homegoing services for brothers throughout Texas. This year our scholarship check delivery was in person and it was received with a great deal of gratitude. From the Jarvis Christian University family. Wherever I go I always promote and-

THE STATE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE recruit for the Lone Star State Ques. A big thanks to the brothers that extended the hand of friendship as I visited your city.

Our website continues to evolve and get better. Thank you, Brother Alvin Williams, for your service to The Lone Star State Ques organization. Your dedication to making sure our website is up-to-date and functional has made our tasks so much easier.

The Executive Council meets monthly to create a framework and establish a working platform to increase the number of Brothers that become active in the LSSQ organization. If the LSSQ Executive Board is allowed to continue to serve; our aim is to conduct a minimum of two general body meetings during 2023. It is also our desire that each chapter designates an LSSQ representative. We will focus on increasing the number of Brothers that are active in the LSSQ organization. The pursuit of 501 status and establishing a political action committee is tantamount to the long-term impact of the LSSQ organization. Our activities will emphasize brotherhood, friendship & service. The LSSQ organization will continue to prepare Brothers for district and international leadership roles.

Teamwork makes the dream work. The team that I am so fortunate to work with is, without a doubt, the greatest of all time. Thank you for your dedicated service and for keeping the train on the tracks. Just know that any accomplishments made are the direct result of your unselfish efforts.

THE STATE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE The organization is in a wonderful place and with the support of the brothers in Texas we can build upon the legacy of our past and execute our vision for the future. We will continue to enhance our technology and social media presence, highlighting the positive activities, we are involved in. We will partner with our D9 Brothers and Sisters, leveraging our capital to realize a seat at the big table. This will allow us to provide significant benefits to the communities we serve.

Brothers, I ask that you embrace this Organization and involve yourselves in continuing the legacy while enhancing the future of the Lone Star State Ques organization. Brotherhood, Friendship, and Service will catapult this organization to its rightful place.

Chair or serve on one of the committees. The Lone Star State Que’s organization needs You. It can not be done without you.

In Brotherhood & Friendship, Bro. Bertrand Simmons Lone Star State Ques President T.E.76:NΦActive NLM3806:DLM113 Intl. Community & Civic Affairs Cmte.

THE STATE VICE -PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Greetings My fellow Lone Star State Brothers, It has been a pleasure serving the Texas Brothers for these past two years as your LSSQ Vice President. We have made many strides to grow this great state organization with the leadership of our current President, Brother Bertrand Simmons. I truly believe that by working together there is nothing we can’t do to move the brotherhood forward. We have added new committees for the Texas brothers to get more involved with, so that we may pursue the district's true aim. To be the best, we must embrace the vision and without vision, we become mediocre as the Honorable Founder Brother Edgar Amos Love stated, there is no room in Omega for mediocracy. Brothers let's continue to stay focused on being our Brother's Keeper and Long Live Omega.

Fraternally, Bro Antonio D. Brown, MBA First Vice President, LSSQ 9th District Keeper of Records and Seal 3 Spr 02 YQ (PBB) 713 398 1753

PAST LSSQ STATE PRESIDENTS 1st President Brother Steve Braimer, Psi Alpha 2nd President Brother Kervis Thornton, Rho Beta Beta 3rd President Brother Billy Williams, Theta Alpha 4th President Brother Kenneth Shaw, Epsilon lota 5th President Brother Willie Hinchen, Theta Alpha/Pi Upsilon 6th President Brother (Dr) Dyrren Davis, Rho Beta Beta/Mu Mu Nu 7th President Brother Willie Pope, Psi Alpha 8th President Brother John Cooper, Psi Alpha 9th President Brother Shawn Brewer, Eta Mu Mu 10th President Brother (Dr) Kenneth Terrell, Omicron Gamma Gamma 11th President Brother Charles Stewart, Rho Nu 12th President Brother Benjamin Green, Theta Alpha

LSSQ Executive Council President: Bro. Bertrand Simmons (Nu Phi) 1st Vice-President: Bro. Antonio Brown (Rho Beta Beta) 2nd Vice-President: Bro. Willie Henderson (Phi Gamma) Secretary: Bro. Kevin Randolph (Epsilon Alpha) Treasurer: Bro. Charles Lovelace (Delta Xi) Chaplain: Bro. Rev. Ernest Brown (Psi Alpha) Parliamentarian: Bro. Glen Gowans (Eta Mu Mu) Immediate Past President: Bro. John Cooper (Psi Alpha)

LSSQ Public Relations Committee Chair: Bro. Na'Shon Edwards, Sr. (Theta Chi) Vice Chair: Bro. Marcus McCoy (Sigma Tau) At Large: Bro. Jeremy Neal (Psi Alpha) At Large: Bro. Jeffrey L. Boney (Mu Mu Nu) At Large: Bro. Fredrick Wilson (Rho Theta)

GRADUATE CHAPTERS Nu Phi - Houston, TX Epsilon Alpha - Fort Worth, TX Theta Alpha - Dallas, TX Psi Alpha - San Antonio, TX Epsilon Iota - Austin, TX Nu Iota - Marshall, TX Delta Omicron - Beaumont, TX Epsilon Omicron - Wichita Falls, TX Sigma Omicron - Tyler, TX Theta Upsilon - Texarkana, TX Xi Upsilon - Port Arthur, TX Omicron Upsilon - Waco, TX Pi Upsilon - Hawkins, TX Gamma Chi - Corpus Christi, TX Eta Chi - Longview, TX Theta Chi - Prairie View, TX Mu Gamma - Irving, TX

Lambda Chi - Amarillo, TX Epsilon Tau - Lubbock, TX Sigma Tau - El Paso, TX Iota Rho - Odessa, TX Rho Nu - Galveston, TX Omicron Pi - Killeen, TX Delta Xi - Rowlett, TX Rho Xi - Freeport, TX Rho Beta Beta - Houston, TX Omicron Gamma Gamma - Arlington, TX

Alpha Iota Iota - Dallas, TX Eta Kappa Kappa - Lufkin, TX Eta Lambda Lambda - Red Oak, TX Alpha Mu Mu - College Station, TX Eta Mu Mu - Denton, TX Mu Mu Nu - Conroe, TX Omicron Nu Nu - Round Rock, TX

UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTERS Theta - Marshall, TX - Wiley College

Alpha Delta - Dallas, TX - Dallas Baptist College

Alpha Psi - Austin, TX - Huston-Tillston University

Xi Delta - San Antonio, TX - Texas State University

Sigma Sigma - Tyler, TX - Texas College Tau Epsilon - Houston, TX - Texas Southern University Phi Gamma - Denton, TX - University of North Texas Omega Gamma - Canyon, TX - West Texas State University Eta Theta - Austin, TX - University of Texas at Austin Theta Theta - Commerce, TX - Texas A&M Commerce University Rho Theta - Prairie View, TX - Prairie View A&M University Upsilon Theta - Beaumont, TX - Lamar University Omega Theta - Houston, TX - University of Houston Mu Beta - Arlington, TX - University of Texas-Arlington

Rho Delta - Kingsville, TX - Texas A&I University Zeta Eta - Waco, TX - Paul Quinn College Xi Eta - Lubbock, TX - Texas Tech University Nu Kappa - Dallas, TX - Southern Methodist University Pi Lambda - El Paso, TX - University of Texas-El Paso Sigma Lambda - Fort Worth, TX - Texas Christian University Eta Mu - Huntsville, TX - Sam Houston State University Nu Delta Delta - College Station, TX - Texas A&M University Chi Delta Delta - Waco, TX - Baylor University

Phi Beta - Hawkins, TX - Jarvis Christian College Alpha Delta Lambda - San Antonio, TX - University of Texas at San Antonio Omega Beta - Nacogdoches, TX - Stephen F. Austin

PAST LSSQ STATE MEETINGS 1990 - First - San Antonio - Psi Alpha

2007 - Eighteenth - Port Arthur - Xi Upsilon

1991 - Second - Waco - Omicron Upsilon

2008 - Nineteenth - Houston - Omega Theta

1992 - Third - Lake Jackson - Rho Xi

2009 - Twentieth - Dallas-Ft. Worth - Epsilon Alpha

1993 - Fourth - Plano - Aloha lota Iota

2010 - Twenty-First - Lake Jackson - Rho Xi

1994 - Fifth - Marshall - Nu lota

2011 - Twenty-Second - Killeen - Omicron Pi

1995 - Sixth - Wichita Falls - (x )Omicron Epsilon

2012 - Twenty-Third - Dallas - Theta Alpha

1996 - Seventh - Greenville - Delta Xl

2013 - Twenty-Fourth - Austin - Epsilon lota

1997 - Eighth - Austin - Epsilon Iota

2014 - Twenty-Fifth - Tyler - Sigma Omicron

1998 - Ninth - Denton - (*) Phi Gamma

2015 -- Twenty-Sixth - San Antonio

1999 - Tenth - San Antonio - Psi Alpha

2016 - Twenty-Seventh - Denton

2000 - Eleventh - Plano - Alpha Iota Iota

2017 - Twenty-Eighth - Tyler

2001 - Twelfth - Houston - The Houston Coalition

2018 - Twenty-Ninth - Houston

2002 - Thirteenth - Waco - Omicron Upsilon

2019 - Thirtieth - Corpus Christi

2003 - Fourteenth - Corpus Christi - Gamma Chi

2020 - Thirty-First - Ft. Worth

2004 - Fifteenth - Austin - Epsilon lota

2021 - Canceled

2005 - Sixteenth - Killeen - Omicron Pl

2022 - Thirty-Second - Waco

2006 - Seventeenth - Arlington - Omicron Gamma Gamma 2023 - Thirty-Third - Conroe/Spring 2024 - Thirty-Fourth - Kileen 2025 - Thirty-Fifth - Pending

(*):First Undergraduate Chapter (x): Cancelled (Weather)

Hawkins, TX

MAKING AN IMPACT IN HAWKINS, TEXAS

By: Brother Elijah Calloway III

Greetings to my Brothers of our Most Highly Honored Mighty Ninth District as it is our sincere hope and prayer that this brief communication from the Pi Upsilon Chapter finds all in harmony.

Brothers, we have faced some challenging situations during the past two years as this pandemic has affected each of our lives in one way or the other. Nevertheless, we as loyal sons of Omega continued to “Endure Hardness” as good soldiers as we set forth and continued her worthy cause.

Not only have we continued to partake in the Brother You Are On My Mind Project, but Pi Upsilon Chapter has Partnered with one of our primary local Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas located in the Oak Cliff metroplex. We participate with them regularly as a “Passport to Manhood” program which takes place weekly in which life skills are heavily emphasized that are so essential for our young men to be exposed to as they grow into manhood.

.The chapter has developed a Boys and Girls Club Barbeque Pit Master Cooking Team and which the brothers are teaching them how to start a fire, properly season the meats that are to be prepared, and practice safety on how to keep your pit under control while engaged in cooking and monitoring the fire on the pit. The Chapter also paid homage to our frontline workers in the field of Education as they performed their duties in our classrooms to ensure academic success with our children. Pi Upsilon has taken on a sincere interest, especially for those Educators who work with and prepare our Special Needs Children to be able to perform the essential basic skills that are not only needed but required for them to perform and function in their daily life within our society.

Also, members of the Pi Upsilon Chapter were present at a special community event hosted in our metroplex and had the distinctive honor of Meeting with one of our most noble pioneers woman Mrs. Opal Lee who was honored on behalf of her accomplishments and dedicated work to make our day in history be acknowledged as a National holiday in our DFW Metroplex. After she spoke I had the opportunity to sit and chat with her as she shared with me her experiences in the field of education which was found to be a very interesting and heartfelt enlightening moment for all who were in attendance. In conclusion, Hebrews 6:10 states “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

LSSQ Scholarship Presentation LSSQ Scholarship presentation at Jarvis Christian University during the basketball contest against Paul Quinn. $8829.00 was generated from Omega license plate sales. $1171.00 was donated by Phi Beta Chapter Brothers; Bro. John Barker, Bro. Kevan Hinchen, Bro. Stefan Howard, Bro. Rodney Davis, Bro. Willie ”Mercenary” Hinchen, Bro. Kevin Ladkins, Bro. Donald Gillett, Bro. Jabari Barnett, Bro. Blake Pryor, Bro. Mike Landry, Bro. Kendrick Crenshaw, Bro. Gerald Singleton, Bro. Donald Sims & Bro. James Huff. Jenetrica Woods is a 2022 scholarship recipient. Paul Quinn will be the 2023 Lone Star State Ques scholarship recipient. Brothers, consider purchasing an Omega License Plate so that we can continue to support this worthy endeavor.

Waco, TX

THE FEAST IN THE EAST The Omicron Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity participated in the 7th annual “The Feast in the East” free community dinner, volunteering their time to serve and give back to the east Waco community.

The event brings together neighbors, families, and community organizations for a festive and inclusive holiday meal.

The fraternity’s involvement highlights its commitment to service and its desire to make a positive impact in Waco.

Tyler, TX

SIGMA OMICRON CONTINUES TO IMPACT THE TYLER COMMUNITY The Sigma Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, and the Rose City Omega Lamplighters had an eventful and impactful holiday season!

The organizations hosted a Health is Wealth Educational Session in December and the Annual Sock Drive donation to The Salvation Army in Tyler, Texas.

We are excited about the upcoming events for both organizations for the rest of this year!

El Paso, TX

SIGMA TAU PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY By: Bro. Terrance Kinard On March 2, 2022, the Brothers of Sigma Tau Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated participated in the National Read Across America Day. National Read Across America Day is a national observance that was started by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to encourage children to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources with a different theme each year. This year’s Read Across America theme was diversity and inclusion. As part of the Fatherhood Initiative, Sigma Tau Brothers coordinated with the school librarian, Mrs. Bernadette Valenzuela to select age-appropriate literature.

Brothers Antone Reese (not pictured), Robert Robinson, Jamaar Redd, Marcus McCoy, Terrance Kinard, and Jeromy Hamilton (not pictured) read to the students at Western Hills Elementary School in El Paso, Texas. The children ranging from ages 5-12 actively participated with the Brothers as the stories were virtually narrated. Due to COVID protocols, the Brothers read their books over Zoom as Mrs. Valenzuela hosted the event from the school library. The Brothers of Sigma Tau were afforded the opportunity to meet the students, and faculty members after the event concluded.

Border Ques

BROTHER JACOB SANDERS WINS ACC BEST WARRIOR COMPETITION By: Bro. Terrance Kinard

Brother Jacob Sanders, a 2020 initiate of Sigma Tau Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, and a Contract Specialist assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas won the Army Contracting Command Best Warrior Competition. The events were held over a five-day span, May 9-13, 2022, and Brother Sanders was declared the winner on May 16, 2022, by Brigadier General Christine Beeler. We wish Brother Sander the best in the U.S. Army Material Command Best Warrior Competition in August.

Brother Sanders, a native of Santa Ana, California, enlisted in the Army as an Infantryman in August 2010 and was reclassified as a Contracting Non-commissioned Officer nine years later. He’s a proud graduate of Grand Canyon University, with a Master's in Leadership and a Bachelor's in Public Safety and Emergency Management. Brother Sanders has received numerous military accolades and awards in his career, including the Purple Heart. In Brother Sanders' words, “It is truly one of the biggest moments in my career, and I am truly grateful for all the leaders, mentors, Soldiers, and friends who got me where I am today. I hope I can be an inspiration to other 51Cs to step outside of their comfort zone and compete.”

San Antonio, TX

Daddy's Want Custody Too

By: Scott L. Earle Sr.

Of course, every relationship goal is for marriage and for the family to stay under the same roof until death do you part. Starting a relationship, having children, and starting a family are collectively one of life’s greatest joys in a healthy relationship. When you get married and have children, you never know what could happen in the relationship, but we must remember a relationship doesn’t require marriage, or even a long-term, loving, or permanent relationship for children to be born. How the relationship evolves, and what part each parent decides to play in the child’s life, is a huge decision between the two parties; we must note that married or unmarried, if you have a child or children, you need to know the laws in America in case things take a turn for the worse in your relationship.

On January 25th four members of the Psi Alpha Chapter Fatherhood Initiatives Committee met to have a candid conversation about child custody. All 4 of the members had fought for custody and to be part of their children’s lives. Brother Fred Beebe shared his story of winning full custody in the 1990s and the lack of support systems for single fathers that exist for single mothers. Brother Scott Earle shared his experience when he lost in the 1990s and received standard visiting rights and then shared that through the mentoring from Brother Beebe, he received much better results and was able to share custody of his younger children and although they lived with him only half the time, he was able to see them every day and take them and pickup them up from school daily. His son moved with him full-time at 16 and he credits Brother Beebe for his mentoring. Brother Jacques Shinault shared his story of winning full custody of his young son as a single dad after a failed relationship and recently being granted shared custody of his infant son after his divorce. Brother Shinault is 30 years of age and serving in the Marines and doing a great job as a dad. Brother Le Marc Holcombe shared the story of his tears fighting to be part of his older teenage daughter’s life and blending her with his wife and two small children. His story is ongoing, and he still has not been able to secure proper visitation and for the child custody decree to be followed. How much custody time a father gets varies widely by state, with 20 states giving fathers 50% of the overall time but in Texas, fathers are awarded only about 120.5 days each year with their children (33%) compared to the 245 days awarded to women.

This forum was candid and needed for men with similar stories to listen and communicate with each other. This was not a forum to bash women and we all wished the family structure could have not been broken. We all agreed that the misconception that black fathers are not present is incorrect.

Recently the CDC reported that 70% of Black fathers were most likely to have bathed, dressed, diapered, or helped their children use the toilet every day compared with white (60 percent) and Hispanic fathers (45 percent). Fathers need to have custody whether full, joint, or shared.

Governor Abbott Appoints Brother Elvis Williams to Teacher Retirement System of Texas Board of Trustees By: John D. Cooper and Jeremy Neal On January 9, 2023, Brother Elvis Williams, a 1994 initiate of Beta Theta Chapter of Omega Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, was appointed to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas Board of Trustees. The Board manages retirement and other benefits for teachers and employees of the state’s public schools and institutions of higher education. TRS is the largest public retirement system in Texas, serving nearly 1.9 million people. TRS improves the retirement security of Texas public education employees through investment management and diligent delivery of pension and health care benefits.

Brother Williams's term is set to expire on August 31, 2027.

Brother Williams of Fair Oaks Ranch is assistant superintendent of operations at Edgewood Independent School District, where he oversees several departments within the school’s operations division including transportation, inventory and warehousing, planning and construction, technology, athletics, and child nutrition services. He has previously held administration positions at Dallas ISD, Del Valle ISD, and Huntsville ISD. Williams volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and with various committees of Bethlehem Baptist Church. He received a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi Valley State University, a Master of Education from Dallas Baptist University, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education at The University of Texas at Austin.

"A mind is a terrible thing to waste" -Bro. Benjiman A. Mayes

J.L. August Bridge Builders Foundations: Career Day at AT&T Spurs Entertainment By: Jeff August and Jeremy Neal On January 30, 2023, the J.L. August Bridge Builders Foundation was welcome to the AT&T Center for a Career Day presentation by Spurs Entertainment. A total of forty (40) students from Randolph and Sam Houston High Schools were hosted to gain exposure for future career and professional opportunities. The day started with a tour around the AT&T Center and ended with a panel discussion from the Spurs Entertainment staff.

During the panel discussion, the mentees asked questions such as, “What was the greatest disappointment in your career?” and “What entrylevel job would you feel we should look for as a high school senior?”. The staff was very transparent and gave the mentees a lot of information that they could place into their toolbags for success as the real world is just around the corner. Each mentee received four tickets to the next San Antonio Spurs basketball game.

The J. L. August Bridge Builder's Foundation is for undergraduate/graduate students previously in the mentoring program. The scholarship program is available to high-achieving high school seniors or students previously in the mentoring program with financial needs who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's best four-year colleges and universities. Selected from a regional pool of applicants, up to 20 students will become J. L. August Bridge Builder's Scholars and have access to funding for up to four years of undergraduate studies. Each award is intended to cover a significant share of the student's educational expenses – including tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees. Awards vary by individual, based on the cost of tuition as well as other grants or scholarships he or she may receive.

Houston, TX

TEXAS HOST YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE IN HOUSTON

BY NA'SHON EDWARDS, SR.

On September 17th, 2022 Brothers of the Houston Area Coalition of Chapters hosted the Inaugural International Youth Leadership Conference at the historical Booker T. Washington High School. Attendees travel from across the country to attend this event. Not only did attendees travel near and far but Brothers traveled to support the impact that Omega would have on todays youth. Topics that were discussed included Financial literacy, Health and Wellness, and STEM. This was an event that has the potential to grow into a bigger and better event. The Brothers of the HACOC are looking forward to the next IYLC and congratulate Bro. Chair and committee on a job well done.

HOUSTON AREA COALITION OF CHAPTERS PARTNERS WITH CITY OF HOUSTON TO HOST RECORD BREAKING EVENT

BY NA'SHON EDWARDS, SR.

Houston Area Coalition of Omega Chapter - Houston, TX - On Saturday, October 8th, 2022 Brothers of the HACOC participated in the largest gun buyback program in American history in partnership with the Mayor of Houston, City Councilwoman Tiffany D. Thomas, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Congress members Sheila Jackson-Lee and Al Green, and Houston Police Department. The marketing and media coverage was underwritten by the HACOC which was the largest contributor. Brothers also were recognized for their partnership with federal, County, and city governments to take back communities by getting guns off the street by collecting over 1,200 firearms.

BROTHERS FROM TAU EPSILON REPRESENT WELL DURING MATRICULATION CONVENTION

BY NA'SHON EDWARDS, SR.

Tau Epsilon - Texas Southern University - On October 11th, 2022 The Brothers of the Tau Epsilon Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. ushered the 2nd Annual Texas Southern University Matriculation Convocation. A ceremony where freshman and sophomore students receive their cords and other symbolic tokens on the pathway toward their degrees. The freshman class was able to see the Brothers serve as role models for students at Texas Southern University. The Brothers did such a phenomenal job that the University president insisted on taking a photo with the Brothers of the Tau Epsilon Chapter. Well, done Brothers!

MU MU NU CHAPTER PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY

BY JEFFREY L. BONEY

On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, the Mu Mu Nu chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. participated in a voter registration drive at Lone Star College North Harris campus in conjunction with the League of Women Voters (LWV). Together with LWV, eight (8) students were newly added to the voter rolls and 15 accepted Mail-in registration forms were to be completed at a later date.

MU MU NU HOSTS ANNUAL BACKPACK DRIVE AND DISTRIBUTION AT RUBY REED ELEMENTARY

BY JEFFREY L. BONEY

The Mu Mu Nu chapter hosted its annual Backpack Drive and Distribution event on August 15, 2022. Ruby Reed Elementary School was chosen as the recipient school for this year's Backpack Drive initiative. There was a Zoom Backpack Drive Information meeting on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, and then Brothers showed up at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in north Houston on August 14, 2022, to assist with creating signs welcoming the students back to school and to stuff approximately 80 backpacks. Then on August 15th, the Brothers of Mu Mu Nu showed up to volunteer to distribute the backpacks at the Ruby Reed Elementary Orientation Night.

MU MU NU TAKES OMEGA GENTS OUT TO HOUSTON ASTROS BASEBALL GAME

BY JEFFREY L. BONEY

The Brothers of the Mu Mu Nu chapter took the Omega Gents “out to the ballgame” as they hosted a social event for the young men at Minute Maid Park for the Houston Astros Sunday afternoon baseball game.

Brother Mekele Brown was instrumental in securing the tickets for us through his connections.

MU MU NU WELCOMES RUBY REED ELEMENTARY STUDENTS BACK TO SCHOOL

BY JEFFREY L. BONEY

Through our annual Backpack Drive, the Mu Mu Nu chapter, in partnership with the Bridge Builder Charity Foundation, has come together for several years to improve the lives of young kids heading back to school.

On August 17, 2022, Mu Mu Nu was back at it, as the students were welcomed by the Brothers as they came back to school. The school’s leadership requested the help of Mu Mu Nu on the first day of school, and wanted the Brothers to assist with escorting the students into the building, high-fiving the students as they entered the building, and assisting that morning in the cafeteria by moving about to help the students go through the breakfast line more quickly.

Plano, TX

Alpha Iota Iota Serves at Luncheon at Partner Church

BY BRO. DANA HOLCOMB

In the month of December Brothers of the Alpha Iota Iota gathered the consensus to partner with local organizations to more than collaborate but give thanks through service. On December 14, 2022, Alpha Iota Iota committed to serving the members of Shiloh Baptist Church Christmas during their annual Christmas luncheon. Brothers were able to feed and serve over twelve hundred parishioners. The church was truly grateful for the Brothers and this endeavor.

Kileen, TX

Omicron Pi Host Chapter Talent Hunt

BY BRO. DANA HOLCOMB

Hood

Ques

On March 26, 2022, the Brothers of Omicron Pi Chapter hosted their annual Youth Talent Hunt. The event is intended to motivate, encourage, and build confidence in community youth while showcasing their gifts. This year’s event did not disappoint. From dancers to violinists, performers kept the audience on their feet as one by one they were astonished by an array of talent of the highest caliber. Community partners, eager to safely emerge from the isolation of Covid, donated considerably to make this event the success it was. What stood out most was the excitement and joy on the faces of the youth contestants. A highly engaged and appreciative audience poured an abundance of praise and encouragement into every individual talent. This year's 1st place winner was Ms. Grace Koh

Dallas, TX

18TH ANNUAL YOUTH EDUCATION SUCCESS SUMMIT

BY LAMON SMITH

Omicron Gamma Gamma - Dallas, TX - The Brothers of Omicron Gamma Gamma participated in the 18th Annual Youth Education Success (YES!) Summit held at the University of Texas at Arlington Oct, the 15th. The brothers had a chance to highlight the Omega Gents and STEM Programs to 6th12th grade students while educating them about the Fraternity and Chapter.

Ft, Worth TX

RECOGNIZING BRO. L. CLIFFORD DAVIS ON 75 YEARS IN OMEGA

BY BRANDON KITCHIN

On April 29th, 2022, Bro. L. Clifford David (Fall 1947, Tau Chapter) received his Service Award from the fraternity for 75 years in Omega during the Ninth District Meeting held in Dallas, TX. Bro. Davis is 97 years old. During the first plenary session of Day 1’s formal meetings, Ninth District Representative, Harold Bailey, suspended his report for several minutes to recognize Bro. Davis upon his arrival into the conference room to be recognized. Bro. Davis was brought to the Sheraton hotel and escorted to the front of the conference room by fellow brothers from his current chapter, Epsilon Alpha (Fort Worth, TX).

During his recognition, Bro. Davis received an honorary plaque as well as a standing ovation from the constituency of brothers in attendance. Bro. Davis then stood before the brothers to speak about his fraternal career and the importance of remaining active and involved, as he stated that he has attended at least 80% of all chapter, District, and Conclave meetings during his 75 years in the Fraternity.

Before his recognition at the Ninth District Meeting, Bro. Davis received a celebration from his chapter brothers at Epsilon Alpha in a night of fellowship at Cigar International in Fort Worth on March 8th. Bro. Davis stated he has “enjoyed the taste of a good cigar since the age of 14 and he would have liked nothing more than to puff on one around his brothers and friends.”

We applaud Bro. Davis for his commitment to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and thank you for being such an inspiration to countless brothers over your decades of service!

Brother of Epsilon Alpha Celebrate 90 Years of Service

By Bro. Brandon Kitchen

On October 1, 2022, the Brothers of Epsilon Alpha Chapter, Ninth District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. celebrated 90 years of service to the city of Fort Worth, TX. Epsilon Alpha Chapter was chartered on October 1, 1932, under the direction of Brother William C. Paul, 5th Ninth District Representative (1931-1933). It is the oldest chapter in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex. To commemorate the milestone celebration, Epsilon Alpha hosted a series of events including a cigar lounge fellowship, a golf tournament, volunteering at Tarrant County Food Bank, a community cookout, and attending worship service at a local church. The highlight event occurring the evening before the 90th was the scholarship fundraising banquet featuring several distinguished guests and special moments.

In theme with Epsilon Alpha’s moniker, “the Cornerstone Ques”, Ninth District Representative Bro. Harold Bailey spoke on the significance and symbolism behind the cornerstone when used during the process of construction as it is the first stone set in a structure. Before it is placed, it is carefully evaluated both on its own and about what is to come around it, ensuring proper alignment and stability when the building is complete. Bro. Bailey likened the metaphor to Epsilon Alpha being the foundational start of Omega’s presence within DFW that provided the opportunity for growth in surrounding areas to occur in the form of other chapters. The keynote address was provided by Grand Counselor Bro. Clement Osimetha, gave a passionate and moving speech reflecting on how far Fort Worth has evolved in 90 years. He challenged the audience to consider the past; recognizing the efforts of those brothers who established the charter in an era of the city that was deeply segregated and hostile toward African-Americans, and how we, benefit today from their bravery and collective leadership. In attendance was Loraine Lee, widow of 38th Grand Basileus Bro. Dr. Warren G. Lee Jr. was presented with the chapter’s resolution following her husband’s entrance into Omega Chapter on July 18, 2022. A special tribute and standing ovation were given to Bro. “Judge” L. Clifford Davis. Initiated through Tau Chapter in Spring 1947, Bro. Davis celebrated his 75th anniversary in the fraternity this year and is an active and financial brother in Epsilon Alpha at the age of 98. Bro. Davis was one of the first two Black lawyers in Fort Worth; two notable lawsuits he filed were the cases that ultimately led to the desegregation of both Fort Worth and Mansfield school districts. He also assisted Thurgood Marshall in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education. As Epsilon Alpha looks to the future of serving its community and surrounding areas, the chapter does so with the desire of being a positive influence to all and showcasing service and leadership led by our four Cardinal Principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

Huntsville, TX

ETA MU CELEBRATES NEW SPRING 2022 INITIATES AT PURPLE BLAZER CEREMONY

BY JEFFREY L. BONEY

Coming off the heels of their 40th Anniversary as a chapter, the Eta Mu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in partnership with the Mu Mu Nu Chapter, hosted a Purple Blazer Ceremony for their four (4), fully immersed Spring 2022 initiates, along with their family and loved ones on August 6, 2022, at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in north Houston.

Congratulations go out to Blake Forbes (1 Eta Mu 2022); Luis Meza (2 Eta Mu 2022); Isaiah Bradford (3 Eta Mu 2022); and Kobe Edmond (4 Eta Mu 2022) on their continued journey in Omega, seeking to exemplify the four Cardinal Principles of MANHOOD, SCHOLARSHIP, PERSEVERANCE, and UPLIFT!

Chaplins Corner

LSSQ Chaplain’s Spiritual Uplift Message Love Dark is the night that covers me. Loneliness presents itself all around me as if there is no one there to love me. I search for things to please me but all I find is vanity. The essence of vanity is emptiness, meaningless, and futility no matter how hard I work to possess it. It reveals to me, “a man born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He springs up like a flower and withers away like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.”

We all have experienced those days, wandering around the pits of our minds. Trying to understand why is life sometimes so challenging. How did we arrive at this dark and dismal place? If we are truly honest with ourselves in the search for an answer, a reflection of ourselves may appear from the roads we have traveled by choices. The true reality will set in and reveal itself. And now the opportunities for betterment have long passed us. We find ourselves with more life behind us than before us. How can we change for the better?

The gospel of Luke 23:39-43 tells the story of the repentant thief. The story exhibits a man’s life hanging on the crucifying cross next to Christ as the light of the world began to dim but yet still shined. He recognized his sinfulness. At the eleventh hour, he repented by taking accountability for his life choices. He realized his inevitable reward of death was justified. By humble submission, he repented to Christ asking for mercy and grace. He received and was granted the overturning of his just demise.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." “I am come that they may have life, and life more abundantly.” An abundant life is the light of joy’s fullness and the ultimate strength in spirit, soul, and body. God’s desire in the original creation of us is for us to have abundant life. So, when you find yourself in a place where life’s challenges have come to steal, kill and destroy you by your path of wrong choices, remember, repent, and turn away from those destructive thoughts, and behavior. Call out to the redeemer Jesus Christ for His saving grace. “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” If you have a changed mind about your sins and believe by faith in Jesus Christ, repentance will bring you into His light of grace and mercy. “By the mercies of God, present your bodies a living sacrifice holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you will prove what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God.” You have the choice to stop and turn your life around. Choose the life that Christ died for you, so that you may live an abundant life.

2ND EDITION CONTRIBUTORS Omicron Pi – Killeen, TX Epsilon Alpha – Ft. Worth, TX Omicron Gamma Gamma – Dallas, TX Sigma Tau – El Paso, TX Psi Alpha - San Antonio, TX Tau Epsilon – Houston, TX Alpha Iota Iota – Plano, TX Sigma Omicron – Tyler, TX Phi Beta – Hawkins, TX Pi Upsilon – Hawkins, TX Omicron Upsilon - Waco, TX Mu Mu Nu - Conroe, TX Eta Mu - Huntsville, TX Houston Area Coalition of Chapters

One Star.

One Purpose. One Omega.