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THE RANGER ISSUE 1 • SPR/SUM 2022
LONE STATE STATE QUES NEWSLETTER
THE BEGINNING BY BRO. NA'SHON EDWARDS, SR.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Greetings Brothers, LSSQ President Message • P. 2 It has truy 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 1st Edition of The Ranger which is now the offical state publication. 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 Chapter News • P. 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS State President Address
3
Mu Mu Nu
18
Vice State President Message
4
Delta Omicron
21
5
Omicron Pi
23
Omicron Gamma
25
LSSQ Executive Council Omicron Upsilon Host State Meeting
Theta Celebrates Centennial Sigma Tau Psi Alpha
Rho Beta Beta
6 8 12 15 17
Gamma
Lambda Chi
29
Epsilon Iota
30
Chaplins Corner
32
Edition Contributors
33
THE STATE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Ranger. Enjoy! Brothers, it is an honor and pleasure to serve as your Lone Star State Ques President. It is a position I hold in high esteem. It is the goal of the current Executive Council to continue to build upon the legacy of the LSSQ organization. Brotherhood and Friendship will be our theme. We must increase our footprint in the great State of Texas. The LSSQ organization was created to educate, train and prepare the Brothers in Texas for leadership roles at all levels within our beloved Omega. We must unify the efforts, talents, and resources of the chapters in Texas so that we can continue to provide the greatest impact on our communities and Omega. While it is important that we become more involved in the Civic, Economic, and Political activities in the State of Texas, it is equally important that we continue to mentor and act as role models. It is our duty to prepare the Brothers that will take our places in the Fraternity as well as in the communities in which we live. The framework and structure are in place and the implementation has started. It is our responsibility to continue to build on the legacy that was started with the birth of this organization. We can never be satisfied with the status quo. The Lone Star State Ques organization will become the premier State organization in Omega. Achieving such status doesn’t just happen. It will take visionary leadership, hard work, resilience, dedicated Brothers, and a relentless focus on the wishes of the Brothers in the great state of Texas. Teamwork makes the dream work, and my team is amazing. The Lone Star State Picnic and now The Star…stay tuned Brothers, there is much more to come. Long live The Lone Star State Ques, The Ninth District, and Omega Psi Phi… One Star, One Purpose, One Omega. In Brotherhood & Friendship, Bertrand Simmons LSSQ President T.E.76; NΦ Active NLM3806:DLM113 Intl. Community & Civic Affairs Committee
THE STATE VICE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Greetings Brothers, I would like to thank the great brothers of the mighty Lone Star State Ques for being a beacon of hope and growth. The current administration is working hard on our second year together and we have implemented so many opportunities for the State to grow and fellowship together. My job as the First Vice President is to carry out, the Presidents vision to the best of my abilities and I believe that I have served the LSSQ community in a honorable fashion. Recently we completed our 2nd Annual State Picnic, and I must say that Epsilon Iota and Omicron Nu Nu did an awesome job. We had the opportunity to update our By-Laws, and this will help us expand our reach in Texas as we create opportunities for brothers to join committees that will be near and dear to their hearts. Remember that we are here to Serve and Friendship Is Essential to The Soul, no matter how big we grow We Are Friends. I truly look forward to working with everyone in the State of Texas and I know that we will make the 9th District proud as well as the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. If you are looking to serve on the committees, please contact me as soon possible. Until then my brothers, One 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
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)
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 - Missouri City, 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
Rho Delta - Kingsville, TX - Texas A&I University
Tau Epsilon - Houston, TX - Texas Southern University
Zeta Eta - Waco, TX - Paul Quinn College
Phi Gamma - Denton, TX - University of North Texas
Xi Eta - Lubbock, TX - Texas Tech University
Omega Gamma - Canyon, TX - West Texas State University Eta Theta - Austin, TX - University of Texas at Austin
Pi Lambda - El Paso, TX - University of Texas-El Paso
Theta Theta - Commerce, TX - Texas A&M Commerce University Rho Theta - Prairie View, TX - Prairie View A&M University
Nu Delta Delta - College Station, TX - Texas A&M University
Omega Theta - Houston, TX - University of Houston Mu Beta - Arlington, TX - University of Texas-Arlington
Omega Beta - Nacogdoches, TX - Stephen F. Austin
Sigma Lambda - Fort Worth, TX - Texas Christian University Eta Mu - Huntsville, TX - Sam Houston State University
Upsilon Theta - Beaumont, TX - Lamar University
Phi Beta - Hawkins, TX - Jarvis Christian College
Nu Kappa - Dallas, TX - Southern Methodist University
Chi Delta Delta - Waco, TX - Baylor University
Alpha Delta Lambda - San Antonio, TX - University of Texas at San Antonio
Austin, TX
LONE STAR STATE CHARTERS NEW CHAPTER BY JAVI LEWIS
Chartered on June 17, 2022, Omicron Nu Nu continues its celebration by dwelling in unity with the brothers of Texas at the Lone Star State Picnic. The ONN Ques recently celebrated their chartering weekend during Juneteenth festivities hosted by the city of Round Rock, Texas some social action events included a Voter Registration drive, Scholarship giveaway, career fair, and community engagement for this historical occasion. As a member organization of LSSQ, Omicron Nu Nu strives to continue the overall mission of the Lone Star State Ques of educating, training, and preparing future leaders for leadership roles within the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at all levels. Our chapter mission is to effectively impact the lives of families in Round Rock and Williamson County by developing effective scholarship attainment systems and partnership networks to mentor learners of all ages, offer substantial scholarship opportunities, provide connections to career advancements, and connect to volunteer services that bridge social and economic mobility gaps.
Waco, TX
OMICRON UPSILON HOST STATE MEETING On February 12th, 2022, Brothers of the Lone Star State Ques Organization descended upon Waco, Tx for the annual State Meeting. The meeting was well attended by Brother from across the state of Texas. There were several highlights of this year's state meeting but the two most significant were the Mayor of Waco, TX issuing a proclamation to the LSSQ Organization. The second highlight of the meeting was the fact that the Brothers were able to receive a mighty word from Grand Basileus Bro. Dr. David Marion. The Brothers of Omicron Upsilon are thankful that the Brothers enjoyed their time at this year's meeting and want you to know that you are always welcome to the big little city of Waco, TX.
THETA CHAPTER CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL BY LYNWOOD ADAMS, III
est. 1922
The Mighty Mutha Theta chapter of Omega Psi Phi Incorporated was chartered December 17, 1922 on the grounds of Wiley College. Eleven Owtstanding men of Omega came together from different corners of the world to initiate the Theta chapter and it’s Official settlement within the state of Texas during the Fraternities’ earliest years expansion. It is the First and Oldest chapter to be charted west of the Mississippi River. The campus is home to the first Thirkheild Hall in existence and the Institution had the pleasure of being guided by none other than the Professor Melvin B. Tolson. Prior to venturing out to Oklahoma, he served as a professor and instructor as well as the coach of the Infamous Great Debater team. Brother Tolson is a member of the Beta Chapter, Lincoln University and he was also involved in the upbringing of our great "Mutha" of the 9TH. The members of the Mutha Chapter also chose to branch out over the course of time to continue our duty of expansion and contributed to the establishment of 5-6 other charters within the 9TH district. Including Nu Phi 1926, the very chapter that established this very district. The Theta chapter has had 2 past 9TH District Representatives (1939-1958, 1993-1995), 1 MSP chairman, Current Texas State Representative (Tyler,Tx) and most recently the Undergraduate Oracle Editor (2020-2022) within the midst of the chapter. As we approach our 100th year Anniversary, we continue to strive towards greater perseverance combined with scholarship and consistent service to be the greater difference and remain the Eighth wonder of the world!
El Paso, TX
SIGMA TAU PARTICIPANTS IN NATIONAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY BY TERRENCE 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 ageappropriate 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.
BY
SIGMA TAU'S BRO. ANDERSON WINS BEST WARRIOR COMPETITION BY TERRENCE 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 five days, May 9-13, 2022, and Brother Sanders was declared the winner on May 16, 2022, by Brigadier General Christine Beeler. We wish Brother Sanders 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 reclassified as a Contracting Non-commissioned Officer nine years later. He’s a proud graduate of Grand Canyon University, with a Masters in Leadership and a Bachelors 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's 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
PSI ALPHA FLAG POSTING IN SAN ANTONIO
Military
Ques
BY JEREMY NEAL
On Friday, May 29th, the brothers of Psi Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, conducted a brief ceremony and posted flags at tombstones in the San Antonio National Cemetery with a group photo taken shortly after all flags were laid. This initiative provided Psi Alpha and other San Antonio brothers who received both doses of the COVID19 Vaccines the opportunity to give back to a society of people who made life-changing sacrifices towards our way of life. Twenty brothers participated in this opportunity to give back to our service heroes. On June 1st, the flags were recovered and stored with the same dignity as they were posted.
BROTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY: JEFFERY AUGUST
BY JEREMY NEAL On May 23rd, Brother Jeffery August (6-17-Psi Alpha) has been announced a winner of the 2022 Juneteenth Family Festival (JFF) Beyond the Lights Award. The criterion for this award is: JFF 2022 Beyond the Lights Award - Nominees for this award may be hard at work right now but you may never see them. This nominee works tirelessly behind the scenes, but their impact is felt and seen by others. This nominee has a proven record of executing excellently and has a “WORK UNTIL IT’S DONE” attitude. Words from Danielle Gulley: “We all have dreams. In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” —Jesse Owens, world record-setting Olympic athlete Your peers believe you embody the essence of the Beyond the Lights Award, having met our criteria, above and beyond. Your hard work, dedication, and impact on the community have not gone unnoticed. We, the Juneteenth Committee, would like to shine a light on the things you have accomplished and the sacrifices you have made. The JFF Committee would like to award you the 2022 Beyond the Lights Award. The 2022 JFF Awards Ceremony will be held at the Real-Life Amphitheater in Selma, TX on Saturday, June 18th at 10:30 am.” Congratulations Bro. August on this terrific achievement!
Houston, TX
RHO BETA BETA EARNS LGSACOY & LGCOY AT 84TH 9TH DISTRICT MEETING Our Public Relations Committee began having conference calls at the start of the 2020-2021 fiscal year, focused on recording our community service initiatives, fundraisers, etc. Shortly thereafter, this led to the arduous process of recording and documenting each event our chapter has hosted, contributed to, and/or been a part of that has positively impacted our Greater Houston area. With a sense of determination, coupled with a high level of excitement, our committee members rallied together to assist with the process of putting together a PowerPoint presentation that would not only meet the committee requirements but potentially propel us to back-to-back Large Graduate Social Action Chapter of the Year (LGSACOY), as well as Large Graduate Chapter of the Year (LGCOY) Award recipients. A collaborative system, which encompassed a detailed checks and balance process, ensured we were able to capture the numerous events that members of the Rho Beta Beta Chapter impacted. Whether members of Rho Beta Beta led the event, played an active or supporting role, or were merely participants in one capacity or another, our committee wanted to capture the positive impact their participation made on our community. This collective effort was followed by the scouring of numerous emails and social media platforms to ensure no stone was left unturned. Our attention to detail made sure we were able to record and prepare a write-up and provide proof of participation for the numerous initiatives our chapter members played a part in during the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The presentation of the required PowerPoint to Brother Dwayne Conner, Ninth District Social Action Chair, was preceded by a concerted effort to tabulate and finalize multiple submission forms that included the combined effort of our current Basileus, Jason Richards, Vice Basileus, Gary Robinson, previous Public Relations Committee Chair, Stephen Jackson, and present Public Relations Committee Chair, Walter Hunt. With all of the required documents complete and submitted, our Public Relations Committee patiently waited in anticipation of the possibility that we would hear our names called during District meetings, and sure enough, on Saturday, April 30, 2022, after months of anticipation, everything came to fruition when our Chapter, Rho Beta Beta, was recognized as the lone finalist for both the LGSACOY and LGCOY. After having received the two aforementioned recognitions, we’ve continued our efforts to serve the communities in the Greater Houston area, continued to conduct our committee meetings twice a month, and challenged ourselves to continuously present and follow through with creative fundraisers that ultimately help financially support our numerous initiatives. Most importantly, we’ve continued to foster a growth mindset within our chapter, which reminds us of a portion of a popular scripture we oftentimes revert to whenever there is doubt about what we can achieve…Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he!”
BY WALTER HUNT
MU MU NU PARTNERS WITH BBCF TO HOST SUCCESSFUL 3RD ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT BY JEFFERY BONEY
On Monday, April 11, 2022, the Mu Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. partnered with the Bridge Builder Charity Foundation to hold the 3rd Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. The golf tournament was held at the Longwood Golf Course in north Houston. More than 100 golfers took part in the event. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and golfers, the event raised over $10,000. This money will go towards allowing Mu Mu Nu, in partnership with BBCF, to continue helping high school students pursue their higher educational dreams—high school students who may not otherwise be able to afford it. The Scholarship Awards Luncheon will be held on August 6, 2022, to celebrate the recipients and their families.
"Over $10,000 raised towards scholarships for deserving high school seniors"
MU MU NU PARTICIPATES IN CAREER DAY BY JEFFERY BONEY
On May 19, 2022, the Mu Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in partnership with the Bridge Builder Charity Foundation, participated in Career Day at Shadydale Elementary, where they positively impacted the lives of over 150 young scholars at various elementary grade levels. Shadydale Elementary is located in the Mu Mu Nu chapter’s north Houston service area, and the school has been adopted by the chapter to ensure the mandated programs and other ways in which the chapter can play a major role in empowering the youth in the community. A total of twelve (12) Mu Mu Nu Brothers took time out of their busy schedules to speak to the young scholars. The Brothers gave interactive presentations, where they enlightened the future leaders about their respective careers and college experiences, along with what the young students MUST do to be successful in life and school. Each Brother conducted two, one-hour presentations for two separate classes and grade levels. These Brothers served as a valuable resource to the school and their community, and all the students, teachers, and school administrators expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation for their participation at Shadydale Elementary as Career Day Presenters. The Mu Mu Nu Chapter strongly believes that the knowledge that was shared with the Shadydale Elementary scholars on May 19th will help immensely in their development to become productive citizens in our community.
Beaumont, TX
DELTA OMICRON HOST SCHOLARSHIP AFFAIR IN GOLDEN TRIANGLE BY JACOBY ANDERSON
The Delta Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated recently hosted their 8th Annual Linen and Sundress Scholarship Fundraiser in Beaumont, Texas. It was held at The Beaumont Event Centre on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Being one of the city’s first post-covid events, it was nothing less than a success. The event SOLD OUT several weeks before the actual date and through many corporate sponsorships, the chapter was provided the opportunity to award 5 enthusiastic graduating males with a scholarship to assist them in their upcoming college endeavors. Listed below are the five Omega Scholars and the college of their choice. 1. Kenneth Wayne Coleman II, Houston Baptist University – Biology Pre-Med 2. Jadarious Christopher Hamilton, Lamar University – Biology Pre-Med 3. Elisante Israel Msengi – Lamar University, Mechanical Engineering 4. Chandler Dakota Rivers, Duke University – Business Administration 5. Jose Alberto Argueta Urquilla, Rice University – Biology Pre-Med/Business Administration The brothers of The Delta Omicron Chapter would like to thank all of those who attended this event. We would also like to spotlight our corporate sponsors H-E-B Grocery, The Byrd Lawfirm, PdM Technology, Jamie and Melanie Smith, American Real Estate, and The Janson Bailey Law Firm for their generous donations. If you would like to participate or become a sponsor of the 9th annual event, scheduled for June 10, 2023, feel free to contact any member of the Delta Omicron chapter of Omega Psi Phi. Also,
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Killeen, TX
OMICRON PI CHAPTER, KILLEEN, TX, MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Hood
Ques
BY QUINCY NORMAN
On May 14, 2022, the Brothers of Omicron Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Chapter Incorporated hosted a Mental Health Awareness Fair at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9191 and discussed the Brother You’re on My Mind Initiative, which is changing the National Dialogue regarding mental health among African American Men. The Mental Health Fair included nine mental health professionals from Central Texas. We recorded over 150 contacts during the fair. The Brothers of Omicron Pi Chapter continue to remain committed to tearing down the stigma on mental health and will continue to promote the Brother You’re On My Mind Campaign.
OMICRON PI CHAPTER, KILLEEN, TX , COMMUNITY UPLIFT THROUGH AWARENESS BY QUINCY NORMAN
On April 23, 2022, in Killeen, Texas, the brothers of Omicron Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated partnered with the Killeen Independent School District (KISD) leaders for their 15th Annual KISD Family Fitness & Wellness Fair. The KISD Family Fitness & Wellness Fair was created to benefit the KISD school children and surrounding communities by promoting healthier living and exercise. The men of Omicron Pi Chapter successfully ran an “Omega Fitness Challenge” lane that encouraged exercise for over 2500 participants which included KISD children and their families that attended the event. Omicron Pi Chapter was thanked publicly for their participation and service provided during this event by the KISD leadership and the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) representatives who were also in attendance.
Dallas, TX
OMICRON GAMMA GAMMA PARTICIPATES IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS BY LAMON SMITH
Once again Omicron Gamma Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. had to esteemed pleasure to participate in the Special Olympic Games held on April 23, 2022, in Cedar Hill, TX. The event was held at Cedar High School stadium. The purpose of the Special Olympic Games is to give children and young adults with special needs and disabilities the opportunity to participate in various track and field games. Omicron Gamma Gamma supported this event by volunteering as coaches to empower and encourage them for their mental and emotional stamina. Omicron Gamma Gamma also provided uplift to each participant’s family and members of the community. Volunteering for this event brings peace and accountability to members of our chapter because we enjoy helping others and being a part of their success. We have been volunteering with Special Olympics for several years and love seeing the joy and happiness on the faces of the participants, their families, and the community. Each year we look forward to participating in this event with enthusiasm. It is our pleasure for Omicron Gamma Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc to continue this partnership for years to come.
OMEGA GENTS CELEBRATION OMICRON GAMMA GAMMA BY LAMON SMITH
In recognition of our Omega Gents, we had a year-end celebration on June 4, 2022, at Main Event in Grand Prairie, TX. For this semester we gave them the following topics to work on and present via Zoom to the group. They had to work with the assigned mentor to present a PowerPoint presentation to the body. Here is the list of the topics that they had to choose from: Intimate relationships (physical and mental), Bullying, Covid, Peer pressure, Depression/suicide, best social media app, Pros and cons of video gaming, Keys to school success, Keys to managing relationships with Parents, Keys to managing Girlfriends/dating, Dealing with Social Anxiety, Sexting and Underage Drinking. Our Omega gents did a wonderful job with their assignments and part of the assignment was to get them comfortable with public speaking because our ultimate goal is to have them speak on the benefits of being an Omega Gent and what the program means to them. During this year-end celebration, they enjoy playing games such as bowling, laser tag, air hockey, basketball, and other games as well as eating pizza and spending time with their fellow mentees and mentors.
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. Prior to 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!
Amarillo, TX
LAMBDA CHI PARTICIPATES IN COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY CLEAN UP BY ROY PHILLIPS
Always looking for opportunities for social action and uplifting our local community, the Lambda Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc dwelled together in unity on September 18, 2021, to participate in National Cleanup Day with the City of Amarillo. National Cleanup Day is a nationally coordinated cleanup effort promoting clean-up events that include picking up trash in local area green spaces and urban landscapes to keep the outdoors clean and prevent plastic from entering the waterways. The City of Amarillo Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Division (SWCDD) designated and organized multiple locations where cleanup was necessary. Additionally, the city provided the heavy equipment and roll-off dumpsters to dispose of and account for the total tonnage of the trash disposed of that day. These dumpsters were strategically positioned in each neighborhood and used as centralized disposal stations to report to the National Cleanup Day organizers. The neighborhoods identified for cleanup were the Barrio, North Heights, San Jacinto, and Eastridge Neighborhoods, respectfully. The North Heights neighborhood was chosen by the brothers of the Lambda Chi to clean up. Located within the North Heights Neighborhood are a few “notable” gems to our chapter. The North Heights Neighborhood is the location where one of the charter members of the Lambda Chi Chapter, Bro. Arthur G. Champion has a street named after him, and located within this neighborhood is Carver Elementary School. Carver Elementary School is one of the local elementary schools adopted by the Lambda Chi Chapter, and this was an opportunity to demonstrate our continued support for the school and the supporting community. On this day, the brothers were able to contribute to national cleanup efforts by picking up and disposing of several hundred pounds of trash.
Austin, TX
LONE STAR STATE QUES PICNIC & FELLOWSHIP WEEKEND 2022 BY RAMONT MITTCHELL
On Saturday, June 25th, the Brothers from Epsilon Iota hosted the 2nd annual Lone Star State Picnic, on behalf of the Lone Star State Ques (LSSQ) Committee. Over 150 brothers from across the state of Texas, the D9 organizations, and the Greater Austin community came out to a festive and fun-filled picnic with dominoes, fried catfish, and tons of fellowship, despite the 104degree temperatures. The picnic was host to the 2nd annual Lone Star State Cook-Off, where the reigning champions, The Burroughs Brothers of Rho Beta Beta successfully defended their title to become back-to-back Lone Star State Cook-Off champions. DJ Modrinx, from Houston, TX traveled to Austin to give the picnic a one-of-a-kind sound that kept the picnic lively and buzzing for 6 hours.
After the picnic, Legendary Epsilon Iota hosted its inaugural Austin Ques Sneaker Ball Fundraiser, supporting its “kicks for kids” initiative to provide 200 pairs of new sneakers to high school students in the fall of 2022. The Sneaker Ball was a massive success. Everything from red bottoms, Alexander McQueen, and Guiseppe to Brotherhood Jordan 1’s were on display at the sneaker ball. The Lone Star State Ques Picnic and Fellowship Weekend was a great show of brotherly love, community connection, and outreach by the LSSQ Executive Council and Legendary Epsilon Iota.
Chaplins Corner
LSSQ Chaplain’s Spiritual Monthly Uplift Message
“Unity”
How is it when something is going smooth and growing in prosperity by faithful works it becomes the target of jealousy and dissension? There is always one or more that seeks to have their way. Having a selfish attitude causes the decline of any house. Malcolm X made a statement that I wish could be coined word for word, but because there are words in the message which are inappropriate for this written word, let us express it like this: People will mess up a good thing. Luke, in the book of Acts, writes the word of God saying this when speaking about those who resist the good things for their own self-indulgence; “Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Spirit: as ye fathers did, so do ye” (Acts 7: 51, KJV). The prophet Moses uses the phrase God gave him, “obstinate people.” Some of us become obstinate people so full of ourselves, believing our opinion, perception, and knowledge are the only true and correct way. When not accepted by the whole, we want to rebel, split and separate like little children throwing a tantrum by picking up their toys and going home, with no willingness to play well with others. Even when leadership excludes the body, as transparency is required, making decisions without the body's approval based on their reasoning causes dissension within the body/dividing the body. Jesus teaches us that a house divided against itself is brought to desolation and shall not stand. When their obedience in righteousness and prosperity blesses, the home reaps from the good seed sown, why would it risk the destruction by being stiffnecked. Rodney King with his infamous phrase say this, “Can we all just get along.” As we are one in the body of Christ, so are we one in the body of Omega. There are many members in the body of Christ as there are many members in the body of Omega. In one spirit are we baptized in the body of Christ, and so by one vow of the oath are we one in the body of Omega. Each member has its strength, and collectively it makes a strong body. The absence of one member is an unwholly body. One member separate from the body can’t function as well as the body whole. God commands us to love each other as we love ourselves. Omega’s motto is friendship is essential to the soul. To see one member defile itself is the appearance of a fool. To see a member, resist the excellent thing within itself is looked upon as a physical or mentally deficient body. Let’s treat each other with love and respect. It makes the whole body strong and impenetrable. Love is the tide that binds, and without it, weakness can be found in the body that leads to destruction. Unfairness is a killer. Unity is being undivided. This is an exhibit of a true state of strength and oneness because God is one. I heard someone say that the actions, attitude, and behavior of the body are the reflection of leadership. Let’s all stand in the light of unity so that all communities worldwide may see the strength in the body of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., standing strong as one body, local, state, and international. We are all brothers in friendship that is essential to the soul. Go with God! “And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:” Exodus 32:9 (KJV) “Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into His sanctuary, which He hath sanctified forever: and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of His wrath may turn away from you.” 2Chronicles 30:8 (KJV) “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyer, and that without remedy.” Proverbs 29:1 (KJV) “And Jesus knew their thought, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:” Matthew 12:25 (KJV) “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have between all made to drink into one Spirit, For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing?If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? …… And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.” 1Corinthians 12:12-26 (KJV) “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets”. Matthew 22:36-40 (KJV) “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism One God and Father of all who is above all, and through all and in you all.” Ephesians 4:262-6 (KJV) “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. …. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 1Corithians 13:1, 13 (KJV) “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. ……… Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. ……. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:5-12 (KJV)
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THE RANGER ISSUE 1 • JUNE 2022
1ST EDITION CONTRIBUTORS Epsilon Iota – Austin, TX Omicron Nu Nu – Round Rock, TX Omicron Pi – Kileen, TX Delta Omicron – Beaumont, TX Eta Mu Mu – Lewisville, TX Mu Mu Nu – Conroe, 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 Rho Beta Beta - Houston, TX Lambda Chi – Amarillo, TX
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One Star.
One Purpose. One Omega.