The Oracle - Spring/Summer 2022

VOLUME 92 | NO. 44 | SPRING/SUMMER 2022

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC.

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC.

ATTN: GRAND KRS 3951 SNAPFINGER PARKWAY DECATUR, GA 30035

PLEASE EMAIL ALL EDITORIAL CONCERNS, COMMENTS AND INFORMATION TO: BROTHER NORM SENIOR EDITOR OF THE ORACLE EDITORTOTHEORACLE@OPPF.ORG

ORACLE LAYOUT DESIGN AND COVER BY BROTHER QUINEST BISHOP, SR. BRAND & MEDIA DIRECTOR/IHQ QBISHOP@OPPF.ORG

BROTHER MATTHEW WILLIAMS GRAPHIC DESIGNER MATTSOLO799@GMAIL.COM

ON THE COVER

A Photograph of Brigadier General Charles Young taken in 1903.

*DEADLINES FOR THE ORACLE*

WINTER ISSUE (JAN) - DEC. 1ST

SPRING ISSUE (APR) - MAR. 1ST

SUMMER ISSUE (AUG) - JUL. 1ST

FALL ISSUE (NOV) - OCT. 1ST

THE ORACLE EDITORIAL BOARD

International Editor of the Oracle Brother Norm Senior 3951 Snapfinger Parkway Decatur, GA 30035

Email: EditorTotheOracle@oppf.org

OFFICIAL WEBISTE: OPPF.ORG FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE: @OFFICIALOMEGASPIPHI INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: @OFFICIALOPPF

Undergraduate Editor

Brother Lynwood Adams

International Director of Photography

Brother James Witherspoon

District Directors of Public Relations

1st Brother Alexander Jones

2nd Brother Zanes E. Cypress, Jr.

3rd Brother Calvin Beidleman

4th Brother Marcus Bethay

5th Brother Irwin Todd

6th Brother Dr. Tim Hunter

7th Brother Sean Bland

8th Brother Eleualio Abraham

9th Brother Frank Watson

10th Brother Fred J. Saffold

12th Brother Jason Jones

13th Brother Dr. Carl Bampoe

Assistant International Photographers

Brother Galvin Crisp

Brother C. Delray Brown

Brother Jayson Jones

Brother Wayne Pollard

Emeritus Photographer - the late Brother John H. Williams

Copy Editors and Contributing Writers

Brother Reginald Whitaker Jr.

Brother Ivory Gene Cooper

Brother Nijel Redrick

Brother Damon Scott

Brother Asriel Mclain

Brother Sam Ryan

Brother Bernard Little

Brother Al Cornish

Brother Lester Sanders

Brother Bobby Robinson

System Program Engineer

Brother Cornelius Beidleman

Brother Roy Hawkins

Brother Seth Goldwire

Brother Tarkin Jones

Brother Les Johnson

Ms. Uniqua Quillins

Brother Richard Allison

Brother Dr. Trevor Hodge

Brother Russell Drake

Brother Joe Briggs

Brother Brian Stanfield

On the Cover

A Photograph of Captain Charles Young Circa 1903

FOUNDERS OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC.

MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL

FOUNDER

Dr. Ernest E. Just 1883-1941

FOUNDER

Dr. Oscar J. Cooper 1888-1972

FOUNDER

Professor Frank Coleman 1890-1967

FOUNDER Bishop Edgar A. Love 1891-1974

Dr. David Marion 41st Grand Basileus

Ricky Lewis 1ST VICE Grand Basileus

CALEB LOVE 2ND VICE Grand Basileus

MARK EVERICK JACKSON GRAND KEEPER OF RECORDS AND SEAL

JOHNNIE B. SMITH GRAND KEEPER OF FINANCE

REV. DR. WALTER T. RICHARDSON GRAND CHAPLAIN

BENJAMIN L. CRUMP GRAND COUNSELOR

WILLIAM COUNCIL GRAND MARSHAL

ANTONIO F. KNOX, SR. Immediate PAST (40TH) GRAND BASILEUS

Eleualio Abraham UNDERGRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE

KENTON KELLEY UNDERGRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE

ELLIOTT KELLY, JR. UNDERGRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE

LENNITT BLIGEN

1ST DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES

KELVIN K. AMPOFO

2nd DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE

Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania

CONRADO B. MORGAN

3rd DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE Virginia and Washington, D.C.

DAVID RELIFORD

4TH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE Ohio and West Virginia

SAM MCKENZIE

5TH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE

KURT WALKER

6TH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE North Carolina and South Carolina

REGINALD M. HARRIS

7TH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi

OSUMAN O. ISSAKA

8TH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota and South Dakota.

HAROLD BAILEY

9TH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE

Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas

DERRICK IVORY

10TH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin

KWAME DOW

12TH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE

Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming

TRACY D. GEORGE

13TH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE

Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, China, Germany, Ghana, Hawaii, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, St. Croix VI, St. Thomas VI, St. Maarten, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR GRAND OFFICERS

DR. DAVID E. MARION GRAND BASILEUS GRANDBASILEUS@OPPF.ORG

RICKY L. LEWIS

1ST VICE GRAND BASILEUS 1ST VICEGRANDBASILEUS@OPPF.ORG

CALEB LOVE

2ND VICE GRAND BASILEUS 2ND VICEGRANDBASILEUS@OPPF.ORG

MARK E. JACKSON GRAND KEEPER OF RECORDS & SEAL GRANDKRS@OPPF.ORG

JOHNNIE B. SMITH GRAND KEEPER OF FINANCE GRANDKF@OPPF.ORG

BENJAMIN L. CRUMP, ESQ. GRAND COUNSELOR GRANDCOUNSELOR@OPPF.ORG

REV. DR. WALTER T. RICHARDSON GRAND CHAPLAIN GRANDCHAPLAIN@OPPF.ORG

WILLIAM COUNCIL GRAND MARSHAL GRANDMARSHAL@OPPF.ORG

ANTONIO F. KNOX, SR. IMMEDIATE PAST (40TH) GRAND BASILEUS TONYKNOX93@YAHOO.COM

Undergraduate RepresentativeS

ELEUALIO ABRAHAM LILOABRAHAM14@GMAIL.COM

KENTON KELLEY KENTON_KELLEY@YAHOO.COM

ELLIOTT KELLY, JR. ELLIOTT.KELLYJR@GMAIL.COM

DR. DORSEY C. MILLER 35TH GRAND BASILEUS DCMA@BELLSOUTH.NET

LLOYD J. JORDAN, ESQ. 36TH GRAND BASILEUS LAWQUE@MSN.COM

DR. GEORGE H. GRACE 37TH GRAND BASILEUS OMEGAGRACE@AOL.COM

WARREN G. LEE, JR. 38TH GRAND BASILEUS OMEGAWARRENLEE@OPPF.ORG

DR. ANDREW A. RAY 39TH GRAND BASILEUS DOCRAY20@FRONTIERNET.NET

DR. EDWARD J. BRAYNON, JR. 30th Grand Basileus

DR. DORSEY C. MILLER 35th Grand Basileus LLOYD J. JORDAN, ESQ 36th Grand Basileus

DR. GEORGE H. GRACE 37th Grand Basileus

WARREN G. LEE, JR. 38th Grand Basileus

DR. ANDREW A. RAY 39th Grand Basileus

Amazon, like Omega Psi Phi, has always represented growth for me. I have always appreciated the endless opportunities to expand my knowledge.

Justin James Lopez Sr. Media Producer, Amazon Design Services

Omega Psi Phi prepared me for my leadership role in so many ways. Our cardinal principles and teachings have helped me become the leader I am.

find opportunities to share your story at: amazonandoppf.splashthat.com

The Dial at the Mother Pearl in the

J. Ofori Agboka VP, PXT Global Operations

Dear Brothers,

During the start of my administration, I invoked the African proverb that says, “if you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.” My brothers and friends, in the last four years, we have gone far. Together.

Last fiscal year, we were able to get more than 30,000 financial members for the first time in our history, due in part to successful reclamation and retention. Together, we expanded our global footprint to now include chapters in 17 countries on 4 continents. I was humbled and inspired to see that wherever I went across the globe, brothers were living up to our four cardinal principles. They were mentoring youth, providing sanctuary and solace for those who were impoverished and abused, giving hope through scholarships, and uplifting through voter education, economic equality efforts, and mental health initiatives. A telling example of our impact is our response to families in Ghana who were becoming ill or dying due to lack of clean water supplies. Together we grew the number of boreholes (wells) from 2 in 2019 to more than 70 in 2022, providing clean drinking water to families for many generations.

Together, we created Pan Global, our own insurance company and Omega Network for Action, a 501(c) (4) corporation that engages in political lobbying and political campaign activities. Together we achieved

GRAND FROM THE

United Nations Consultative Status. Together, we tripled our asset base. And together we helped our brother Colonel Charles Young get promoted to Brigadier General Charles Young.

Brothers, we have also recognized the importance of honoring each other and promoting wellness in our communities through initiatives, such as Brother, You’re On My Mind and Covid and vaccination awareness.

Finally, Brothers, we did this with a spirit of perseverance during a time of global pandemic. We were not deterred. In this time of crisis, our heads might have been bloody, but they were unbowed. We did not wince nor cry aloud. The soul of Omega proved yet again to be unconquerable. Everything that has been accomplished over the last four years, we have done together. Maya Angelou wrote, “I come as one, but I stand as 10,000.”

Thank you for the opportunity and privilege to serve.

David Marion, Ph.D. Grand Basileus Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

In the spirit of uplift, we are excited about the promotion of Brigadier General Charles Young. This promotion has been in the making and long overdue and timely. He was first in many ways: 1st African American Park Superintendent, 1st African American US Army Major, 1st African American US Army Colonel and he was a NAACP Spingarn Medal winner. We congratulate Brother Young and his family for this worthy honor.

While on a Zoom call not long ago with several brothers of Omega, we were discussing upcoming events. The brother who convened the meeting asked each of us a simple question: What are you going to do for yourself this weekend? He went around the virtual table and each of us had to say out loud what we were going to do for ourselves over the weekend.

I was taken aback by the question because, no one had asked me that before in such a direct way. I can’t recall ever being asked the question – which also implied, that he cared about “What I was doing to take care of myself”. He didn’t ask, “What are you doing this weekend? Or, where are you going this weekend? Or, are you doing anything this weekend?” He specifically asked, “What are you going to do for yourself this weekend?” Brothers, as I thought about his question then, and as I have reflected on it since, I have found solace in his inquiry - he cared enough to say to me - and have me say to myself, we care about you. His inquiry about what I would be doing for myself was impactful. His question to me meant “We Care”. Those two words “we care” could be life giving, life changing and the necessary sustenance needed for longevity.

Brothers, I ask: What will you be doing this weekend to take care of you? I ask as a friend, and a messenger. Being a caring member of our fraternity is being a trusted messenger in our communities as our mission is to constantly uplift others. We are no strangers to the notion of uplift. Through our various mandated programs, we continue to impact the lives of Black and Brown young men and their families through Uplift – reaching out, because we care! We encourage Fathers to be impactful in the lives of their children through Uplift. Being an example to the younger fraternity brothers through Uplift means your word is your bond – and we call that Uplift.

Our Grand Basileus, Brother Dr. David Marion has done a superb job in uplifting Omega and his service and sacrifice is appreciated. He led the Divine Nine Council of Presidents while simultaneously leading Omega. I had the distinct honor of sitting in the cockpit with him over the last 4 years, listening and learning. I am grateful for his guidance and friendship.

God bless the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Yours in Omega,

Ricky L. Lewis 35th First Vice Grand Basileus

Greetings Brothers of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

@JHOWARD_ED

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

International Headquarters

3951 Snapfinger Parkway

Decatur, GA 30035

Telephone: (404) 284-5533

Fax: (404) 284-0333

Greetings, My Brothers,

As your International Executive Director at our beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, I take my role and responsibilities seriously.

It brings me unparalleled delight and gratification to introduce any of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s next-level ventures. At International Headquarters (IHQ), we are fervently working on a deluge of projects, programs, and processes that will not only enhance Fraternity life but also continue to provide a level of customer service that will rival that of some of the most successful Fortune 500 companies.

Brothers, I encourage you to visit our website, oppf.org, to remain informed about all the fantastic things occurring throughout the Omega universe. Our team routinely updates our website content with additional information and valuable resources.

One such example is the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Career Center and Job Board. This tool features not only entry-level career opportunities for undergraduate members but also lists senior-level career openings for our graduate Brothers. With economic volatility consistently lurking, I highly encourage you to go to jobs.oppf.org/ sign-up and take advantage of its many offerings and features. Additionally, feel free to share this link with family and friends, as they can access some of the provided features.

Notably, this edition of the Oracle issue pays homage to Brigadier General Charles Young. The son of a military man, I can readily appreciate his legacy and the accompanying work ethic and discipline required to achieve the exceptional acclaim he has earned. I respect and can understand firsthand the degree of focus, drive, and resolve needed to persevere in this regard.

These vital elements are a few of the building blocks to success and are all tools that fuel my hope and desire to craft the best version of the International Headquarters possible.

My Brothers, I call on you to continue to support and strengthen your families, lifelong friendships, Fraternal circles, and communities. Persist in honoring your many commitments to Omega and be intentional about reclaiming Brothers, restoring them to an excellent financial and intangible standing with Omega.

Thank you for all you do to make Omega bolder, brighter, and better!

Continue to stay safe…

John F. Howard

International Executive Director Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated

COLONEL CHARLES YOUNG

POSTHUMOUSLY PROMOTED TO BRIGADIER GENERAL

By Bro. Damon Scott

General Charles Young, a name that is well known by every brother of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. His name is so familiar, in part, because his life story is among the first things we learned during our time in the Lampados Club as we are seeking Omega.

Brigadier

We learn that part of Brigadier General Young’s story includes the fact that he was the first African American soldier promoted to the rank of colonel in the United States Army. We also learn that several years later, when he was potentially being considered for promotion to general, he was denied it because he was deemed not physically fit or healthy enough to have that honor bestowed upon him—a decision with which he vehemently disagreed. As an example and lesson in perseverance, we learn that to demonstrate his ability and physical fitness, he rode his horse from his home in Wilberforce, Ohio, all the way to Washington, DC, nearly 500 miles! His storied career is a testament to endurance and a well-respected part of the early history of the fraternity.

And over a century later, the story of this revered Omega Man continues to be told. The U.S. Armed Forces finally acknowledged the discrimination it forced him to endure while

serving his country. In late 2021, approaching the 100th anniversary of Colonel Charles Young’s transition into Omega Chapter, the United States Army finally announced that he would be posthumously promoted to Brigadier General! This honor has been a long time coming, and it is fitting that the men of Omega Psi Phi take a moment to remember and honor his life’s journey.

Charles Young was born on March 12, 1864, to Gabriel Young and Arminta Bruen, who were enslaved in Mays Lick, Kentucky. The following year, Gabriel, his father, escaped from his captors and crossed the Ohio River to Ripley, Ohio. Ripley was considered the center of the abolitionist movement and served as one of the first stops on the Underground Railroad. There, he enlisted in the Fifth United States Colored Heavy Artillery Regiment close to the time that the Civil War was ending. Gabriel’s service to the war effort earned freedom for both himself and Arminta, who was already literate at that time.

Upon Gabriel’s honorable discharge in 1866, the young couple settled in Ripley with toddler Charles. They bought land and built a home with the bonus that Gabriel earned for his continued service after the war ended. As soon as

Continued on Next Page

Charles was of age, his parents enrolled him in school in Ripley. He was the only “colored” student in the all-white school. Regardless, Charles excelled in music and foreign languages. In 1880, at the age of 16, he graduated at the top of his class. He then taught in the new colored high school in Ripley, becoming a bridge builder between the youth and their education.

While he surely realized and appreciated the value he added as a teacher to the Ripley community, Charles knew he wanted more for himself as a young man. Accordingly, he made the decision, no doubt inspired by his father’s successful military example, to take the competitive examination for appointment as a cadet in the United States Military Academy at West Point. Charles achieved the second highest score on the exam. When the one candidate who scored the highest was not able to attend, Charles was given the opportunity to begin his military career and reported to West Point in 1884 at the age of 20.

At the time, there was only one other colored cadet who was a year ahead of Charles. The two of them were roommates for three years until the older cadet’s graduation. One of his engineering instructors was an assistant professor named George Washington Goethals—who took interest in Charles and began tutoring him. Goethals would later become known for directing construction of the Panama Canal.

Cadet Young unfortunately faced a great deal of racism and discrimination from his West Point classmates who ostracized him. It was so bad that he reportedly conversed in German, in which he was fluent, with some of the servant staff simply to maintain some form of human interaction. Eventually, toward the end of his time as a cadet, some of his classmates grew to respect him for his intellect and tenacity.

In 1889, five years after he began his West Point career, Charles Young graduated with his commission as a second lieutenant. He was only the third colored man to achieve that rank. His first assignment was with the Tenth U.S. Cavalry Regiment. He was reassigned to the Ninth U.S. Cavalry Regiment, where he served from 1889-1890 in Fort Robinson, Nebraska, and then from 1890-1894 in Fort Duchesne, Utah. There, he helped teach and direct the band. He also mentored then-Sergeant Major Benjamin O. Davis, Sr.—who would later become the first colored officer to attain the rank of general in the United States.

In 1894, Lieutenant Young accepted an assignment to manage the planning of, and eventual teaching at, the new military sciences department at Wilberforce College (now Wilberforce University) in Ohio—a historically black college/university (HBCU) that had received a special federal grant to establish the department. He spent four years as a professor on the college staff and also helped establish the Wilberforce College Marching Band. And it was there that he met and became close friends with another Wilberforce professor, William Edward Burghardt (W.E.B.) Du Bois as well as with poet Paul Laurence Dunbar.

During this time, Lieutenant Young and his widowed mother purchased a large house (which he named “Youngsholm”) and its adjoining farmland in Wilberforce. The home served as a gathering place for many of the elite colored thinkers, performers, and leaders of the time. It was also a welcoming place for young people and members of the extended Young family. The town of Wilberforce, Ohio would become and remain the Lieutenant’s base of operation . . . the place where he established his home, mentored a successive generation of leaders, and found intellectual refuge.

Shortly after the Spanish-American War commenced in 1898, Lieutenant Young was temporarily promoted to the rank of Major of Volunteers so that he could command the Ninth Ohio Infantry Regiment—which was a colored unit. This marked the first time in United States history that an officer of color commanded a sizable unit in the Army. At the conclusion of the very short war, he returned to his previous rank of first lieutenant. Just over two years later, he was again promoted — this time to the rank of Captain with the Ninth Cavalry Regiment.

Captain Young’s first assignment was in command of a Negro

Colonel Charles Young Posthumously Promoted to Brigadier General

company at the Presidio of San Francisco. During this time in U.S. history, the military supervised all national parks and the captain was appointed as acting superintendent of Sequoia National Park and Grant National Park—both near Fresno, California and making him the first colored superintendent of a U.S. national park. Under his leadership, road construction expanded making it possible to increase visitor access to the still-developing Sequoia National Park. Captain Young’s troops built a wagon road to the Giant Forest (known for the world’s largest trees) and also to Moro Rock — allowing the initial access to the mountaintop forest. At the end of his tenure as superintendent, he recommended that the U.S. government acquire more privately owned lands adjacent to Sequoia so that future generations would be able to access and enjoy more park land. His vision was eventually realized as the park expanded over the following decades.

It was during the time that he was assigned to the San Francisco Bay Area that he met Ms. Ada Mills — a young lady who caught his eye and to whom he proposed marriage. The couple exchanged wedding vows during a nuptial ceremony in February 1904, in Oakland, California. Soon thereafter, Mrs. Young relocated with her husband when he returned to his assignment in Ohio, and the couple lived in Youngsholm in Wilberforce.

Later that year, the U.S. Army founded its Military Intelligence Department and selected Captain Young as one of its first military attachés; he was assigned to serve in the Dominican Republic and Portau-Prince, Haiti. Two years later in Ohio, Ada gave birth to the couple’s first born in 1906, a son they named Charles Noel. In 1908, the Captain was reassigned to the Philippines with his Ninth Cavalry Regiment where he commanded two troop squadrons. The following year, while in the Philippines, Charles and Ada welcomed their second child,

By 1912, Captain Young had achieved another first; this time, it was as the first colored officer assigned as military attaché to Liberia. There, he served for three years advising the Liberian government, including directly supervising the country’s infrastructure construction. It was around this time that the leadership of a certain young organization, having observed the Captain’s career trajectory and accomplishments, made the decision to offer him honorary membership into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. It was a major accolade for Charles Young, the first one bestowed by the Fraternity since that of Founder Dr. Ernest Everett Just.

By 1916, the Captain was promoted to Major Charles Young by the U.S. Army. That was the same year of the United States’ Punitive Expedi-

tion into Mexico, where the Major commanded the Second Squadron of the 10th Cavalry Regiment Buffalo Soldiers in a pistol charge against the notorious Mexican revolutionary Francisco “Pancho” Villa at Agua Caliente. It was reported that Major Young and his Buffalo Soldiers routed the opposing forces without losing a single man!

As a result of his exceptional bravery, courage, and leadership in the Mexican expedition, Charles Young was promoted once again, this time to Lieutenant Colonel. And it was yet again another first for him . . . the first colored soldier to achieve the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army.

Later that year in 1916, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Young its prestigious Spingarn Medal. This commendation is “awarded for the highest or noblest achievement in any honorable field,” according to the NAACP, which began awarding the medal in 1915. That year, the inaugural medal was bestowed upon Founder Just. Accordingly, the first two recipients of the Spingarn Medal were stalwart Omega Men.

His next promotion did not come without controversy and discrimination. In early 1917, the United States was preparing, inevitably, to enter the first World War. As a Lieutenant Colonel, Young was in good position to be promoted to Brigadier General. However, there was widespread resistance among white officers, especially those from the segregated south, who did not want to be outranked, nor be commanded, by a colored officer. There was pushback, not only within the military, but even among those in high ranking elected offices, including the U.S. Senate and the White House.

Accordingly, Secretary of War Newton Baker was pressured to figure out what to do with Lieutenant Colonel Young. The Secretary considered sending him to officer training camp for colored soldiers. However,

Continued on Page 17

this time a daughter, Marie Aurelia.

that would mean if Young were to fight in Europe with colored soldiers under his command, then he would be eligible for promotion to Brigadier General, which would then make it impossible not to have white officers serving under him. Instead, he was again promoted, this time to full Colonel, and again becoming the first colored officer to reach that rank.

However, standard military practice required a medical examination before a promotion. As a result of his exam, medical staff found that he had high blood pressure and that his kidneys were likely damaged. But two military medical boards stated that those matters were not significant enough to prevent his continued service, and recommended that the experienced leader be allowed to fight in what was considered at the time to be America’s biggest conflict since the Civil War.

As opposed to following that recommendation, Secretary Baker recommended a medical retirement, making it apparent that now Colonel Young’s medical condition represented a convenient way to “solve the problem” of having him command white officers. Subsequently, the Colonel was temporarily placed on the inactive list. Civil rights organization like the NAACP fervently protested the decision.

Colonel Young even enlisted the aid of former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, who in his post-presidency, offered up his military experience to the government by proposing to organize a military volunteer formation of American citizens to fight for the Allies in France. Roosevelt reportedly had planned to recruit at least one or two colored regiments for the volunteer division and responded to Colonel Young offering him command of one of them. However, President Woodrow Wilson refused to give Roosevelt the permission he needed to move forward with any of his volunteer plans.

Accordingly, Colonel Young returned to Wilberforce College and resumed his teaching career as professor of military science. And it is during this time that he launched the effort that every Omega Man learns about during his time in the Lampados Club. To demonstrate his fitness for duty, Colonel Charles Young, at age 54, rode horseback, by himself, almost 500 miles from Wilberforce to Washington, DC in June 1918. And as a result, on November 6, 1918, less than two weeks prior to Omega celebrating her seventh Founders’ Day, Brother Charles Young was reinstated for military active duty as a Colonel. A fitting lesson in perseverance, endurance, and tenacity for any Omega Man!

The following year, Colonel Young spoke at the 8th

Historic photo of a few lines of Buffalo Soldiers seated for a group picture Captain Charles young (5th from left, bottom row) with troopers of I (eye) Company, 9th Cavalry, pose for a portrait while in the Philippines, c.1902. Courtesy of the National Afro American Museum & Cultural Center

Omega Grand Conclave in Boston in 1919. He delivered a speech he entitled “The Reconstruction” to an audience of 10,000, consisting of Omega Men, their families, dignitaries, and guests. In addition to having the honor of the Colonel address the attendees, the Conclave itself was a milestone, as it was the first in a location outside of Washington, DC hosted by Alpha Chapter, or Oxford, PA hosted by Beta Chapter at Lincoln University. Boston was now the home of Gamma, the expanding fraternity’s third chapter, chartered in late 1916.

Colonel Young was next dispatched to Camp Grant in Illinois to train more colored servicemen. And shortly after that assignment, the State Department requested that he once again serve as a military attaché to Liberia; he arrived there in February 1920. While there, he led a reconnaissance team to Lagos, Nigeria in late 1921. During that mission, he became gravely ill and had to seek medical treatment at a British hospital. Diagnosed with kidney inflammation and infection, Colonel Charles Young succumbed to the illness and died from Bright’s disease, transitioning to Omega Chapter on January 8, 1922, at the age of 57.

Due to his death occurring in a British medical facility, British law required that his body be buried in Lagos, where it stayed for an entire year. During that ensuing year, Mrs. Ada Young lobbied the U.S. government to have her husband’s remains be repatriated to the United States so that he could receive a proper military funeral, befitting an officer of his rank, and buried in American soil.

After the year passed, Colonel Young’s body was finally exhumed and transported back to the states. Upon arrival in New York in late May 1923, the Colonel received a hero’s welcome. Large crowds of thousands of people celebrated his life and long, accomplished military career. His obituary was printed in the New York Times, a testament to his reputation as a national hero.

On June 1, 1923, Colonel Charles Young became only the fourth soldier honored with a full military funeral at Arlington Memorial Amphitheater. His friend, W.E.B. Du Bois, spoke at the service, profoundly stating that “the life of Charles Young was a triumph of tragedy.” Afterwards, he was buried alongside thousands of other heroes at Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River from the capital of the nation he so faithfully and dutifully served. His final resting place in Section 3 is marked by a large tombstone that bears his name, military rank, and year of his birth and death on one side, with “Young” on the opposite side.

The arrival of Colonel Charles Young’s body, Union Station, Washington DC, June 1, 1923

To honor and pay tribute to this son of Omega, the Fraternity conducts its Annual Memorial Service in remembrance of all Omega Men who have entered Omega Chapter on the Colonel’s birthday, March 12th.

Since his death, Colonel Young’s legacy has been honored throughout the United States. In 1925, a Louisville school in Kentucky, the state of his birth, was renamed the Charles Young School which educated African American students for over eight decades. Years later when it was closed and demolished, a city park was constructed in its place and dedicated as the Colonel Charles Young Park. And in 1929, Charles Young Elementary School in Washington, was among the first built to serve the city’s predominantly African American neighborhoods of Northeast DC.

Mrs. Ada Young passed away in 1953 and was laid to rest with her husband in Arlington. Almost 20 years after her death, their family home where the young military officer lived while teaching at Wilberforce College, was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1974 in recognition of Colonel Young’s historic importance.

The existence of the Young home was the most visible and prominent testament to the Colonel’s legacy. During the 1980s, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity brothers of Mu Chi, a graduate chapter located in Wilberforce, became involved in the local efforts to preserve the Young home under its landmark status. At that time, Chapter Basileus, Brother Dr. James Elam (Omega Chapter), invited Grand officers to visit Wilberforce for a tour of the property.

During that visit, Brother Elam advocated for the Fraternity to purchase the property. He was so passionate about the matter that he provided significant financial support toward the eventual purchase of the home and the 90 acres of land surrounding the property. Omega funded rehabilitation work on the home, in partnership with the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center on the campus of Central State University. The college is across the street from Wilberforce University and both are within a mile from the Young home.

To help bring life back to it, Mu Chi held chapter meetings in the house and helped the Fraternity maintain the property for a number of years until the decision was made to sell it to the National Park Service so that it could be renovated and preserved for future use. The Fraternity's purchase and preliminary restoration of the home were instrumental in preserving Colonel Young’s legacy. And that would not have been possible without the efforts of Mu Chi Chapter and Brother Elam. His leadership and personal financial commitment were instrumental in ensuring the Colonel Young home eventually would be restored to its former prominence.

The brothers of Upsilon Chapter have always felt very much privileged to have had Colonel Young affiliated with Wilberforce University during his tenure as a professor in the military sciences department at the school. And likewise, Omega’s Fourth District is equally honored that the town of Wilberforce, Ohio is the location of his home, as well as proud of Mu Chi Chapter’s role in helping to restore and preserve its status as a historical landmark.

Young Posthumously Promoted to Brigadier General Continued

Toward the end of the first decade of the 21st Century, the United States elected its first African American President, Barack Obama, who, in 2013 during his second term in office, used the U.S. Antiquities Act to designate Youngsholm as the 401st unit of the National Park System. It is now known as the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument (the Monument) and houses artifacts from his personal life and military career, as well as some artifacts honoring the Buffalo Soldiers. Above the front door entrance to the home, there is a full color, ledglass window pane bearing the Omega Escutcheon to honor and signify his membership in the Fraternity.

In October 2021, the National Park System temporarily closed the Monument to begin a restoration and renovation project that should last for about 15 months; it is scheduled to reopen in early 2023. All of the artifacts inside, as well as the educational services offered there, have been relocated to the Payne Theological Seminary campus library, which sits between Central State and the Monument.

Another honor came, befittingly on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2019, after the state of California passed legislation to rename the eastern section of State Route 198 as the Colonel Charles Young Memorial Highway, which travels through Sequoia National Park where he served as the first African American Park Superintendent. Brothers of Omega’s 12th District worked in collaboration with the Colonel Charles Young Foundation, which is chaired by Ms. Renotta Young, the Colonel’s great niece, to spearhead a letter writing campaign to the California State Assembly.

Starting in 2018, the Men of Omega wrote more than 100 letters, some of which were from Brothers who are retired military veterans and some from those still in active duty, in support of Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 142, which proposed the renaming project. The culminating event occurred six days prior to Founders’ Day 2019, when several brothers, including then Executive Director Brother Kenneth Barnes, then 12th District Representative Brother Dennis Martinez, and future 12th District Representative Brother Kwame Dow, were present during the dedication and renaming of the highway, which also included the unveiling of newly erected signage bearing the Colonel’s name.

Throughout the last several decades of Colonel Young posthumously receiving well deserved honors and recognition for his service to his country, there were many organizations and individuals who held the position that while those efforts were appreciated, this American hero still deserved more. Descendants in the Young family, as well as several administrations of Omega Psi Phi leadership, were steadfast in their campaign for Colonel Young to receive the promotion that he deserved in the latter years of his military service career.

And finally, that advocacy has not been in vain. It started to gain traction in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Colonel’s birthplace, where Governor Andy Beshear, in his capacity as commander in chief of the Kentucky National Guard, posthumously promoted Colonel Young to the honorary rank of Brigadier General in Kentucky in 2020. The governor then wrote a letter to President Joseph Biden encouraging him to do the same in the U.S. Army.

Subsequently, on October 6, 2021, Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth approved the honorary promotion which was effective November 1, 2021. In a statement confirming the promotion, the Secretary said Colonel Young’s career “broke new ground time and again,” and acknowledged that “discriminatory practices not only held him back, but forced him into retirement.” Yet, she expressed her pride that “the Army has redressed that wrong with a long overdue posthumous, honorary, promotion.” The Young family, as well as the Fraternity, were officially notified in January 2022.

According to Undersecretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo, “Charles Young was a soldier, an intellectual, a civil rights pioneer, and a man who loved his family deeply. When I think of Charles Young, the word triumph comes to mind. He faced unjust and harrowing circumstances that tested him time and time again, but he triumphed.”

On Friday, April 29, 2022, at the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, a ceremony was held to posthumously and officially promote Colonel Charles Young to BRIGADIER GENERAL CHARLES YOUNG! The venue was befitting, given his graduation there as only the third African American commissioned officer more than a century ago.

Based on his advocacy of the promotion on behalf of Omega Psi Phi, 41st Grand Basileus Dr. David E. Marion was invited to attend the ceremony. The Grand Basileus had met and corresponded with three separate Secretaries of the Army to enthusiastically state the Fraternity’s support of the promotion. And he enlisted the support of three Omega Men who serve in the United States House of Representatives; Majority Whip Congressman James Clyburn, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, and Congressman Hank Johnson, all of whom wrote letters of support to the Army.

Just prior to the ceremony, Grand Basileus Dr. Marion stated that “It took a lot of energy and effort, and Omega appreciates all the efforts of the brothers around the country, as well as those outside the Fraternity, who helped make this happen.” The Grand Basileus also has thanked Omega Men in the U.S. Army for their advocacy, including particularly, Chief Warrant Officer Jacques Nixon (2013 Beta Chi), who serves as Assistant Executive Officer to Secretary Wormuth, and Lieutenant General Scottie Dingle (1985 Pi), the Surgeon General of the Army, who quietly navigated Omega’s request through the Army’s hierarchy to completion.

Lieutenant General Darryl Williams, USMA Superintendent, shared “We remember Colonel Charles Young as a leader of character who lived honorably, led honorably, and demonstrated excellence in all his endeavors. He holds an honored place on West Point’s Long Gray Line and still inspires generations of soldiers and officers today as an exemplar of Army values and the West Point ideals of duty, honor, and country.”

So, moving forward, when men who are seeking Omega learn about her history, they now will learn about the perseverance, endurance, and tenacity of BRIGADIER GENERAL CHARLES YOUNG!

“It took a lot of energy and effort, and Omega appreciates all the efforts of the brothers around the country, as well as those outside the Fraternity, who helped make this happen.”

-Dr. David Marion - 41st Grand Basileus

Photo (L-R) Lieutenant General Darryl Williams, USMA Superintendent; HON Gabe Camarillo, 35th Under Secretary of the Army; Chief Warrant Officer Jacques Nixon (2013 Beta Chi)

WARREN G. LEE, JR.

By Brothers Sean Bland and Na’Shon Edwards, Sr.

on purpose. He was born in Greenville, TX, located just about an hour from Dallas, TX, to the late Warren Gamaliel Lee and Mary L. Giles–Lee. As the youngest of four boys, Bro. Grand Lee showed precursors to being dependable and respected leader even amongst his much older siblings.

Bro. Grand Lee was a decorated student athlete while attending Greenville High School and upon graduation attended the University of Texas –Austin where he gained notoriety amongst his peers because of his athleticism in many if not all of the intramural sports. Such a notable figure on the campus of the University of Texas, Bro. Grand Lee attracted the attention of the Brothers of the Eta Theta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (University of Texas – Austin) and was initiated in 1971.

During his introductory year into the fraternity Bro. Grand Lee quickly emerged in the realm of fraternal leadership and duties when he was elected the fraternities 2nd Vice Grand Basileus which is the third highest ranking member on the Grand Council. Bro. Grand Lee sought to equip the African American community with tools that would secure their families for generation, which was a prime determining factor in Bro. Grand Lee beginning a career with Atlanta Life Insurance

Company (ALIC). In this capacity his experience and knack for getting the jobs done enabled him to rise in the ranks of ALIC at a very young age. Being very mature for his age, this assisted him in gaining the respect of his colleagues and superiors.

Bro. Grand Lee made a pivot to work for Southwestern Bell and again exhibited qualities that enabled him to quickly rise to the ranks of account manager in a matter of three years. Such a move was instrumental in building and developing his family in the Dallas, TX area with his wife, Ethal Loraine Green-Lee. Bro. Grand Lee was not only proud to be a member and 38th Grand Basileus of our beloved fraternity, but he was a proud businessman that prided himself on integrity, good worth ethic, and the belief that “everything must rise and slumber on leadership.” These virtues and values were the driving force that sustained Bro. Grand Lee to be an entrepreneur for well over 30 years in the financial services industry.

Bro. Grand Lee was indeed a task master that managed faith, family, business, and last but not least, the fraternity by leading our historic organization to new highs under his leadership as the Grand Keeper of Finance, Grand 1st Vice Grand Basileus, and 38th Grand Basileus. Lastly, of Bro. Grand Lee’s many accomplishments and leadership roles, none was greater than bearing witness to both his son and grandson being inducted into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Bro. Grand Lee will be remembered not for just being the Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. but more lovingly as a devoted brother, leader, and confidant.

Brothers descended upon the City of Dallas to speak with his wife and discuss the plethora of cherished memories that she shared with Bro. Grand Lee of whom she spoke lovingly about his intelligence and ingenuity. Quette Lee underscored to the Brothers how she admired the different mediums he tried to use to testify his understanding of the world. His biggest attribute was how he constantly tried to encourage others to be their absolute best.

After being married for 44 years, she got to witness firsthand his unwavering commitment to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He often talked about having a vision for Omega and wanting to make sure that the vision was updated for continuity. Bro. Grand Lee believed in having a vision with continuity and momentum, along with constant evaluation and updating as needed.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish. But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18 KJV

THE DISTRICT EVOLUTION

GROWING THE OMEGA MAP - part iI 1940 - 2021

By Bro. Sam Ryan

Part 1 of the District Evolution was presented in the Fall/Winter 2022 Oracle.

In 1922, the fraternity took its first steps in building a regional governing system that would work in conjunction with the national leadership to further manage the business of the fraternity. The original five districts were placed under the supervision of a district representative who was responsible for coordinating administrative matters and facilitating communication between the national headquarters and local chapters. Over the course of the next few decades, the number and size of districts expanded as the number of chapters grew and its correlating administrative needs increased as well. Along with such growth, there were redesignations of states from one district to another to align the administrative responsibilities of the district representatives to better promote national programs and policies.

Heading into the 1940s, expansion would continue to be a focus for the fraternity as it pushed to establish undergraduate chapters at various college campuses and graduate chapters in regions where a substantial number of Omega Men lived. District evolution slowed considerably in the 1950s as the fraternity developed a mature organization structure to administer its respective chapters thus leading to the current district alignment we see today.

Make it an even Dozen

As the world found itself in the beginning years of a second World War, the fraternity did hold its annual Grand Conclave in 1939, 1940, and 1941. In 1940, at the 28th Grand Conclave in Nashville, Tennessee, the 17th Grand Basileus Z. Alexander Looby was granted authorization to form a committee to study re-districting. It was at the 29th Grand Conclave in 1941, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, that the conversation around redistricting was once again on the docket. The leading purpose put forth by the committee was the strengthening of each district through better alignment. The organizational changes recommended were adopted and effective immediately.

The big adjustment to the district layout occurred with the reassignment of a twelfth district. California, the long-time stronghold of the west coast, was now the newly formed twelfth district. With a new twelfth district, there was also a change to the eleventh district. Ohio and West Virginia were redesignated back to the fourth district where the states previously resided and were now put in proximity to their sister states and numeric order of districts. In place of Ohio and West Virginia, the states of Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa would become the new Eleventh District. The eleventh district would remain intact for a little more than a decade after this decision. The following new alignment came out of the district reorganization:

become the new Eleventh District. The Eleventh District would remain intact for a little more than a decade after this decision. The following new alignment came out of the district reorganization:

▪ 1st District - Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Sigma Chapter in Montreal, Canada.

▪ 2nd District - New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania.

▪ 3rd District - Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C., Virginia.

▪ 4th District - West Virginia, Ohio. (Both states previously made up the 11th District)

▪ 5th District - Tennessee, Kentucky.

▪ 6th District - North Carolina, South Carolina.

▪ 7th District - Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi (Officially listed in the 7th District)

▪ 8th District - Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas.

▪ 9th District - Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma.

▪ 10th District - Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana.

▪ 11th District - Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa (Nebraska and Iowa were new states added to existing districts).

▪ 12th District - California.

Grand Basileus Z. Alexander Looby’s administration also wanted to formalize the district reorganization effort which required the 29th Grand Conclave to approve an amendment to the fraternity by-laws. The Constitution and ByLaws Committee put forth an amendment to add a new section to the fraternity by-laws to place formal structure around the districts to include (1) the requirement to conduct an annual district meeting under the supervision of the district representative as the presiding officer; (2) that a District Meeting elect its own officers from the financial members who reside within that district; and (3) Any action except the election of officers at a district meeting shall be subject to the veto powers of the Grand Conclave when in session and of the Supreme Council when the conclave is not in session, but the decisions of the Supreme Council on matters pertaining to the district meeting may be appealed to the Grand Conclave at its next session.xvi

The recommendation was adopted by the Grand Conclave; thus, 1941 marked the first time the position of the district representative would be elected by the financial brotherhood within those respective geographic districts. Prior to 1941, the position of district representative was appointed by the Grand Basileus. But, with the close of the 29th Grand Conclave, all districts were required to hold an annual meeting with one of its primary duties to elect its district officers.

*In the December 1941 Oracle directory, all the states of the 1st and 2nd districts were all listed under the 1st District. District Representative Flemming Norris of New Jersey is listed as 1st district representative supporting a notion that the two districts for a short time were combined into one. In June of 1942, the Oracle directory listed both a 1st and 2nd District. However, starting in 1942, there was no district representative listed for the 1st District. This continued over the course of a number of issues. Flemming Norris is listed as the 2nd District Representative in 1942.

A Doorway to New Lands

Up to this point in its history, the fraternity had initiated men who attended schools in the states but were originally from places abroad. In some cases, after graduating, they returned home or to other destinations to start their professional careers. In other circumstances, assignments in the military would find Omega men stationed around the world. Both scenarios helped provide an avenue to spread the word and efforts of the fraternity.

The following men were elected as district representatives to help guide the territories for the fraternity while the country was at war:

▪ 1st District - No representative*

▪ 2nd District - Flemming Norris of Paterson, NJ.

▪ 3rd District - future 19th Grand Basileus Harry Theodore Penn of Roanoke, VA.

▪ 4th District - Chester Gray of Columbus, OH.

▪ 5th District - A. A. Branch of Memphis, TN.

▪ 6th District - E. Kermit Hightower of Greensboro, NC.

▪ 7th District - John H. Calhoun, Jr. of Atlanta, GA.

▪ 8th District - Ulysses Simpson Donaldson of St. Louis, MO.

▪ 9th District - F. Rivers Barnwell of Fort Worth, TX.

▪ 10th District - Corneff Taylor of Chicago, IL.

▪ 11th District - Raymond Holman of Denver, CO.

▪ 12th District - Ralph Augustine Vaughn of Los Angeles, CA.

In his report to the Grand Conclave in 1947, former 1st Vice Grand Basileus and sitting Second District Representative (since 1945) Mifflin Tucker Gibbs (Mu Omega Chapter in Philadelphia, PA) reported that steps had been taken to have the Virgin Islands as part of the district. He mentioned that the work of fraternity member and Governor of the Virgin Islands William Henry Hastie was a welcomed benefit to creating a graduate chapter in the Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands while not having an actual chapter, was considered a functioning territory of the fraternity. As such, in 1949 and 1950, the Virgin Islands was listed on Second District Conference literature along with the states of New York, New Jersey and, Pennsylvania.

It helped that this tool of expansion was already discussed in an earlier Supreme Council meeting in 1947 and that it was agreed that other locations outside of the continental United States such as Puerto Rico, British West Indies, and Cuba should also be given consideration as territories and be situated within districts within the fraternity based of proximity. Puerto Rico and the British West Indies would be included in the Second District, the Virgin Islands would be part of the Third District, and Cuba would be placed in the Seventh District.

While such recommendations did not come to full fruition at that time, the continuing appeal of international expansion would surely continue to exist, and these

Z. Alexander Looby 17th Grand Basileus (1940–1945)

opportunities did not go unnoticed and would eventually usher in growth in places other than the United States.

A Continuation of Consistent Districts

Heading into the 1950s, the changes to the districts slowed down considerably. A few notable changes occurred in the Second District, where Delaware and Maryland were the last states to settle into place. In 1952, both Delaware and Maryland were still part of the Third District. Delaware and a part of Maryland would soon join the Second District in 1953. At the start of 1955, the state of Maryland still had chapters split between two districts. Pi Epsilon, the undergraduate chapter at Maryland State College (now the University of Maryland at Eastern Shore), and Pi Alpha a graduate chapter in Princess Anne, Maryland continued to be listed as part of the Second District, while Pi Chapter at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University) and Pi Omega Chapter (a graduate chapter in Baltimore Maryland) were listed as part of the Third District. It was not until after the end of 1955 that Pi Chapter and Pi Omega were listed as members of the Second District. Another change that occurred was the state of Arkansas, which presided in the Eighth District would move over to the Ninth District where it has resided since.

Heading to the middle years of the decade another big shift would happen. At the 1955 Grand Conclave held in Los Angeles, California, a motion was put forth to combine the Eleventh and Eighth Districts. At the time, the existing Eleventh District had three chapters and the Eighth District had a total of eight chapters. The decision was made that the district with the least number of chapters would be absorbed into the bigger district. This result was the Eleventh District being vacated and the states of Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska moved into the Eighth District which consisted of Kansas and Missouri. In the years since that decision, there have been no new states or chapters designated for the Eleventh District.

While there were no realignments to the districts after that Grand Conclave decision in 1955, the Fraternity did continue to grow in the decades after as some new states like Utah, Oregon, New Mexico, and Alaska would be eventually added to existing districts and chapter charters awarded to locations in those territories. The following

were the new districts and the states that made up their alignment in 1956.

▪ 3rd District - Washington D.C., Virginia.

▪ 4th District - West Virginia, Ohio.

▪ 5th District - Tennessee, Kentucky.

▪ 6th District - North Carolina, South Carolina.

▪ 7th District - Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi.

▪ 8th District - Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa.

▪ 9th District - Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas.

▪ 10th District - Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana.

▪ 12th District - California, Arizona, Washington

Chartered on December 1, 1955, Tau Chi Chapter in Liberia, Africa became the Fraternity’s new International Chapter. After the realignment the men serving in office in 1956 as District Representatives were:

▪ 1st District-Chester N. Gibbs of Springfield, MA.

▪ 2nd District-Ermon K. Jones based in Neptune, NJ.

▪ 3rd District-Hilary H. Jones of Norfolk, VA.

▪ 4th District-Leonard L. Holland of Columbus, OH.

▪ 5th District-L.W. Beasley of Nashville, TN.

▪ 6th District-Former 9th Grand Basileus Jasper Alston Atkins of Winston-Salem, NC.

▪ 7th District-William C. Gaines of Atlanta, GA.

▪ 8th District-H. Monroe Purnell of Denver, CO.

▪ 9th District-F. Rivers Barnwell of Fort Worth, TX.

▪ 10th District-Abraham Ulmer Jr. of Detroit, MI.

▪ 12th District-Thomas G. Neusom of Los Angeles, CA.

In the years following the 1955 redistricting, Omega celebrated its Golden Anniversary at the 47th Grand Conclave held in August of 1961 in Washington, D.C.

At the closing of the Fraternity’s 50th year, there were over 25,000 members. Also, at the close of 1961, nearly 300 charters had been issued and Tau Chi was the Fraternity’s international chapter in Liberia, Africa. A little over a year after the Golden Conclave, Theta Rho Chapter would be chartered in Frankfurt, Germany on August 15, 1962, therefore joining Tau Chi as international chapters for the Fraternity.

In as much with such growth over the course of its sixty-plus years of existence, the Fraternity was now on the verge of exhausting its use of double letter Greek letters to designate chapters. As a result of this achievement, on March 3, 1978, under the administration of 30th Grand Basileus Dr. Edward Braynon, Jr. the Supreme Council approved its first charter for a triple letter chapter. On March 10, 1978, the Alpha Alpha Alpha Chapter

was chartered in Shepherdstown, West Virginia as a member of the Fourth District.

Later that year, the new triple letter chapter Beta Alpha Alpha Chapter was chartered on September 18, 1978, in White Plains, New York as part of the Second District. Gamma Alpha Alpha Chapter was chartered on September 15, 1978, in Anchorage, Alaska as part of the Twelfth District. Also, on September 15, 1978, Delta Alpha Alpha Chapter in Tucson, Arizona in the Twelfth District and Epsilon Alpha Alpha Chapter of Jonesboro, Arkansas in the Ninth District were granted chapter charters. Since the addition of the triple letter into the Fraternity’s chapter lettering system, there have been a host of new chapters that have joined that group, including a good number of which were designated to chapters outside of the United States.

A Global Explosion

In comparison with the continuous domestic growth, Omega’s global expansion was successful as well. What began with the Fraternity’s establishment of Sigma Chapter in Canada and the first chapter outside of the United States in 1923 has since extended well beyond the land of North America. In the late 1940s, the Virgin Island open the gateway for territorial recognition as part of the Fraternity and was considered part of the Second District. As mentioned previously, in December of 1955, Tau Chi Chapter was established in Liberia, Africa, and, in 1962, Theta Rho Chapter was chartered in Frankfurt, Germany.

Over the next fifteen years, new chapters would be added to the Fraternity’s International District. In the mid-1970s, the Fraternity set up a charter for Zeta Xi located in St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands on August 15th, 1976. Nearly six months later, on February 22, 1977, the Lambda Xi chapter was chartered in Seoul, Korea. Later that year on August 17th of 1977 the Pi Xi chapter was established in Nassau, Bahamas.

In the early part of the 1980s, on June 25th, 1982, Lambda Beta Beta chapter was chartered in Honolulu on the island of O’ahu in Hawaii the 50th state. A few years later Nu Gamma Gamma Chapter was established in Panama City, Panama in December of 1985. Towards the latter years of the eighties and the beginning of the 1990s, only a couple of international chapters were chartered. On February 28th, 1987 the Sigma Gamma Gamma Chapter was set up in Okinawa, Japan. Phi Gamma Gamma Chapter was chartered in Wuerzburg, Germany in July of 1988. At the beginning of the nineties, Eta Iota Iota Chapter was chartered in St. Croix,

The Virgin Islands on December 8th, 1990

The 1990s saw the official naming transition of the International District to the Thirteenth District. The mention of the new title shows up at two different points in time. In a report presented to the 66th Grand Conclave in Detroit Michigan, the International Chapters are referenced as the 13th District on the Section 3 cover of the Report to the Grand Conclave. It is noted in the History of the 13th District, that it was during a Supreme Council meeting in Cleveland, Ohio in December of 1993, that 34th Grand Basileus Curtis Tyrone Gilmore, Sr. presented the motion that the International District be known as the Thirteenth District. The motion was accepted and passed by the Supreme Council.

As the world welcomed in the 2000s, Omega established additional chapters around the world. The first few years into the new millennium saw new charters given to Zeta Lambda Lambda Chapter in Hamilton, Bermuda on October 1st, 2001, Kappa Lambda Lambda Chapter located in Freeport, the Bahamas on August 9th, 2002, Upsilon Lambda Lambda Chapter across the Pacific in Tokyo, Japan in July of 2004, and Alpha Delta Xi Chapter up north in Ottawa, Canada on June of 2008.

The second decade of the new millennium saw the establishment of Chi Mu Mu Chapter located in Birmingham, England in 2012. The Alpha Epsilon Beta an undergraduate chapter based at the University of Bahamas joined Pi Xi in the Nassau Bahamas on March 27, 2018. Phi Gamma Gamma Chapter was reactivated and placed back in Germany on March 31, 2018. Later that year the Chi Mu Nu Chapter was set up in the Far East in Shanghai, China on December 1st, 2018.

In recent years Beta Nu Nu Chapter was established across the border in Tijuana, Mexico in March of 2019. Later that year across the globe on December 9th, 2019 the Delta Nu Nu Chapter was chartered in United Arab, Emirates. After a pandemic stopped the world, the

Fraternity set up its newest chapter Nu Nu Nu Chapter in Puerta Plata, The Dominican Republic on June 24th, 2021. Omega’s Thirteenth District composed of the international chapters of the Fraternity has demonstrated a steady expansion of the organization around the world.

Omega, Today and Tomorrow:

What started as a unified effort amongst dear friends at Howard University during the fall semester in 1911 has developed into an international Fraternity. As an organization of both undergraduate students and graduate men, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. continues to inspire men to seek and align themselves with its principles and efforts to contribute to the world.

Now, as we are in 2022, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will once again mark another great milestone. Nearly one hundred years ago in 1922 at the 11th Grand Conclave in Philadelphia, Pa, the foundation was put forth for managing the continuing expansion and health of the Fraternity’s territories with the formation of the districts. With that decision came the creation of the District Representatives and eventually the Traveling Representative positions to help manage the growth and expansion regionally. The Supreme Council, with the assistance of these men, helped inspire active members to continue their work, and detached members to realign themselves with the principles of the Fraternity and its service to the community at large. Ultimately those commitments over the course of all these years have led the way to the growing of the Fraternity, and the Omega map.

The District Evolution: Growing the Omega Map

By Brother Sam Ryan, 5-91-E International History and Archives Committee

Brothers in the Dominican Republic for the Chartering of Nu Nu Nu Chapter - 2022

OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC. From the Desk of the International Reclamation and Retention Committee “Each One Bring One”

Brothers of Omega,

Over the past 4 years, your International Reclamation and Retention Committee has focused on specific goals and initiatives geared towards encouraging all districts, chapters, and Individual Brothers to make Reclamation and Retention, one of our nationally mandated programs, a major priority of the Fraternity. Several initiatives have included: (1) Revising and updating the International Reclamation and Retention Resource Manual (2) Providing districts and chapters with quarterly tracking reports on retained and reclaimable brothers (3) Implementing a quarterly district chairman meeting with chapter reclamation and retention chairs in their respective district, and (4) initiating (annually) our “Each One Bring One” incentive program to reward districts, chapters, and individual brothers for their efforts in promoting reclamation and retention.

2020-2021 International Reclamation and Retention “Each One Bring One” Incentive Winners

Congratulations to all of the above winners and a special thank you to all of the International Reclamation and Retention committee members for their dedication and commitment to this vital and necessary program.

Brothers, Omega continues to move next level and we need all brothers on board. Please make Reclamation and Retention a major priority and your personal commitment to “Each One Bring One.”

Long live the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

A purpose for all people.

At the core of our purpose—to build better lives and communities—are the values that guide us to be intentional about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do the work every day to diversify our leadership, empower all teammates, and fight for the opportunities we all deserve. Because we believe a culture where we can live and contribute our authentic selves is a stronger one.

The chapter was established on March 15, 1921, by our beloved Charter Members, including Bro(s) G.D. Brooks and Daniel B. Taylor. Nu Chapter has a longstanding commitment to living out our Four Cardinal Principles; Manhood Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift, as well as our Motto,

“Friendship Is Essential to the Soul,” in the “Happy Valley.” Nu Chapter was the first Omega Psi Phi Fraternity chapter organized on a predominately white institution (PWI) campus. Nu Chapter was also the first black organization recognized at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). At the time, the entire African-American student body was only 8 strong. The charter members were: George D Brooks, Louis A. Potter, Daniel B. Taylor, James A. Gardiner, Eldridge A. Miller, William N. Lewis, J. Lester Smith, James A. Moore.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic had forced a rescheduling of our in-person Centennial events to April 2022, we recently and formally were able to recognize this special milestone. (photos)

The Nu Alumni Association is an integral part of what we call “The Nu Chapter Family”. The Nu Chapter Family includes the undergraduate chapter (Nu Chapter), the Graduate chapter (Iota Lambda Lambda), and the Nu Alumni Association.

The Pennsylvania State University sought to incentivize donors to help create endowed scholarships that support diversity, equity, and inclusion at Penn State. When the University announced that it had established a matching scholarship fund program in 2020, the Nu Alumni Association saw this as a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate our leadership, a decision was made to participate in this transformational program in conjunction with the University. We also saw it as an opportunity to commemorate our Centennial milestone, our unique status as the First African American Organization on the campus of Penn State, and to further cement our legacy as a leader here at Penn State.

In March of 2021, the University activated the Omega Psi Phi Nu Alumni Association Educational Equity Scholarship Fund. A total of 40 Brothers made pledges and gifts approaching $150,000. The current market value is now over $300,000, inclusive of the University match. The value of the fund after the end of the pledge period should approach $400,000. Today, over $40,000 in gift and pledge money is in the door, representing approximately 33% of our commitment. Please remember that our group has five years to make its pledge commitments. The account has thus far generated $10,030 in awards from the account. The awards for this scholarship were for the academic year 2021-2022. Two students received the scholarship: Haleem Abdullah, a Sophomore majoring in the Arts, was awarded $5000 (split for fall and spring); and Grescia Aguilar Gaviria, a Junior majoring in Architecture, was awarded $5030 (split for fall and spring). Continued on Page 34

The Oracle Features

Nu Chapter continued

As we continue building upon the immediate success of the endowed EducationalEquity Scholarship Fund, our next phase will be to establish a scholarship to endow the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Nu Chapter Scholarship and Program Fund. The fund’s role will be to provide financial assistance to the undergraduate members of Nu chapter, and to assist in their aspirations to obtain a Baccalaureate Degree at the University. In addition, these

“A Lot of Hurt”

At Last the Healing Begins, After Almost 60 Years

by Brother Asriel McLain

Brother Asriel McLain, Summer 1979, Epsilon Chapter, New York City, presently the Ninth District Chaplain, grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. When churches were voting against allowing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to speak in their pulpits, Brother McLain’s father, Rev. Claude Clifford McLain, had the courage to invite him to speak at the Little Union Baptist Church. Little Union was the epicenter of the movement in Shreveport. Little Union is where NAACP meetings and strategic planning sessions for marches, boycotts, sit-ins, and voter registration drives were held. Many nationally known personalities visited Little Union, including Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, who were in town to film the movie "The Slaves." Still, they participated in marches and boycotts to get Shreveport business owners to hire more Black clerks and cashiers.

In 1921, the only eight black male students on Penn State's University Park campus banded together to form Nu Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Credit: LaVie (provided by Omega Psi Phi). All Rights Reserved.

funds will also be able to help Nu chapter with its overall Chapter obligations, ranging from community service to fraternal commitments. The funding goal to support this endeavor is $100K.

Nu Chapter holds several annual events such as our annual Ms. Black Penn State which goes back to May 8, 1980 when Sharon Thorpe was crowned “Miss Black Penn State” in the inaugural pageant sponsored by Omega Psi Phi fraternity. The pageant was “meant to showcase the beauty of the African American culture through its young women.” An enthusiast crowd filled the Paul Robeson Cultural Center auditorium to witness the event. Thorpe, a sophomore health planning and administration major, received a crown, flowers, a trophy and $100 for the win. Susan Lindner was the first runner-up, and would be crowned Miss Black Penn State in 1981. Anya Armstrong would take the title in 1982.

This year’s winner will take home $1,000.00 from the event during the centennial.

Striving for Excellence—winning 2nd District chapter of the year in 2020/2021—Penn State brothers at Nu chapter have enjoyed much success over the years. We are proud to add this Milestone to our rich legacy.

One memory, during the movement, that stands out in Brother McLain’s mind was at the age of 10. He remembers a memorial service being held in honor of the four girls killed at the 16th Street Baptist Church of Birmingham, Alabama, on September 22, 1963. The speaker was a church trustee, Mr. Coke, who discovered the bodies in the ladies' restroom. At the end of the memorial service, the Shreveport police went on a rampage. They chased people into their houses and beat people in front of the church. Rev. Claude McLain, spoke to the officers declaring that this was America, not Nazi Germany nor Russia. Regardless, the officers continued their rampage. For Brother McLain, the one memory that stands out was about Rev. Brother Harry Blake.

Rev. Brother Blake is a charter member of the Mu Gamma Chapter at Bishop College, then in Marshall, Texas, before its relocation to Dallas, Texas under the name Paul Quinn College. He was also a close friend to Brother McLain’s father and their family. Brother McLain remembers how severely the officers beat Rev. Brother Blake. He remembers Rev. Brother Blake staggering up the stairs to his father's study.

He remembers seeing Rev. Brother Blake drenched in his own blood from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet. He remembers the sound of his mother, Mrs. Mildred Oliver McLain, screaming in horror upon seeing Rev. Brother Blake. To add further insult to the dehumanizing events endured by the church, Brother McLain remembers the Shreveport Police grabbing Rev. Bro. Blake by his neck and dragging his battered and bloodied body into the sanctuary as they rode on horseback. The horses defecated down the aisles and in front of the altar and pulpit. They left a trail of Rev. Bro. Blake’s

blood and horse manure through the church. The next day the janitor, Deacon Andrew Harris, and his family had to clean the blood and manure left in the wake of such heresy. They worked diligently to clean the new expensive–now soiled–carpet in the recently renovated sanctuary. Despite their consistent efforts the memory inducing odor lasted for a long while.

However, as time passed, the Commissioner of Public Safety, George D'Artois, apologized for the atrocities committed on his watch. Recently, the Shreveport City Council issued a formal apology to the Little Union Baptist Church, the current Pastor, Dr. Clifford McLain, and the daughters of the janitor who had to clean up the remnants of the event. Little Union was also recognized for the significant role it played in Shreveport during the Civil Rights Movement.

Little Union was the last place that Dr. King spoke in Shreveport; the city dedicated a state historical marker, adding Little Union to the list of historic sites in Louisiana. Additionally, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, whose office is in charge of state tourism, along with Shreveport Mayor Brother Adrian Perkins, 4th District Congressman Mike Johnson, Brother McLain, and his older Brother Gene unveiled another marker placing the church on the Civil Rights Trail, coordinated by the State of Louisiana and the National Park Service.

While the state has only recently begun to acknowledge this history, Little Union has been preserving the history. The Church has an archives room, where memorabilia is on display, including the pulpit from which Dr. King spoke, the pulpit Bible he used, and the couch upon which Rev. Blake was placed after the officers beat him. The events at Little Union at that time have been the subject of documentaries, including one entitled "Beyond Galilee," which aired on PBS stations.

When asked about the events, Brother Asriel McLain stated that they impacted him deeply. He shared that it sparked his commitment to social justice and being a voice for the voiceless in marginalized communities, showing forth Omega's four cardinal principles,

MANHOOD, SCHOLARSHIP, PERSEVERANCE, UPLIFT.

Photo: Reverend (Brother)Harry Blake after being hit with a baton inside Little Union Baptist in 1963

please contact Executive Director John Howard

WILLIAM MONTAGUE

Photo: April 1930. Oracle

“A Tribute Long Overdue” Honoring a ‘Renaissance Man’

By Brother Bernard S. Little

Calleda “Renaissance Man” repeatedly by those gathered to recognize his achievements, Dr. W. Montague Cobb was honored with the naming of the “Dr. Montague Cobb Way” on the campus of Howard University on March 27, 2022. Dr. Montague Cobb Way is located at 6th and W Streets, NW, and falls between Howard University’s College of Medicine and College of Dentistry.

Brother Cobb was born in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 12, 1904, and entered Omega Chapter on Nov. 20, 1990, at the age of 86.

Brother Cobb graduated from Dunbar High School in 1921. At Dunbar, his Latin teacher was Brother Clyde McDuffie, a charter member of Alpha Omega Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the chapter at which Brother Cobb would later serve as Basileus. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Amherst

COBB

“[The American Negro] is fecund, having maintained under adverse conditions a consistently high birth rate which has raised his numbers to approximately thirteen million despite a high mortality rate.

He is physically strong, showing great endurance at strenuous labor under severe climatic and nutritional hardships, and producing a disproportionately large number of champions in representative fields of athletics.

He is mentally able, having produced individuals of exceptional attainments in nearly every line of intellec tual endeavor and integrated himself into all phases of modern life in which opportunity has opened.”

William Montague Cobb

“The Negro as a Biological Element in the American Population,” 1939

College in Massachusetts in 1925. He was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., through Gamma Chapter in 1922.

In 1926, Brother Cobb chartered Kappa Psi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as an intermediate chapter for the professional students at Howard University. From 1926 until 2000, Kappa Psi Chapter initiated undergraduates from Georgetown, George Washington, and American and Catholic universities. It became Washington, D.C.’s second graduate chapter in 2000.

Brother Cobb taught for numerous years at Howard University, where he earned his medical degree in 1929 and became the university’s first distinguished professor in 1969 and professor emeritus in 1973. Brother Cobb earned his Ph.D. in anthropology from Case Western Reserve University in 1932, making him the first African American in the country to earn a Ph.D. in anthropology and the only one until after the Korean War.

From 1934 to 1937, Cobb served as Basileus of Alpha Omega Chapter. He also served as president of the NAACP (1976-1982), the American Association of Physical Anthropologists (1957-1959), and the Anthropological Society of Washington (1949-1951). He was also president of the National Medical Association (1964-1965) and chaired the Department of Anatomy of Howard University’s College of Medicine from 1969 to 1974.

Brother Cobb advocated for health improvements and civil rights for all, and his efforts led to the expansion of access to health care. He testified before Congress leading up to the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. He was also present at the signing of the bill into law, being personally invited to the ceremony by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Continued on next page

In addition to Howard University faculty members and administrators, and the Brothers of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., including the fraternity’s Grand Keeper of Records and Seal, Brother Mark E. Jackson, other organizations who sent representatives to the ceremony honoring Brother Cobb were: the W. Montague Cobb Institute; National Medical Association; and the Washington, D.C. City Council. Many of Brother Cobb’s family members were also in attendance for the program.

“This is a grand occasion,” said Grand KRS Jackson.

“If today’s program had a subscript, it would probably read, ‘A tribute long overdue.’”

Brother Jackson said, “He was a giant in Omega and a trailblazer. Dr. Cobb walked amongst our founders, and like our founders, Dr. Cobb personified our beloved Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. Dr. Cobb’s legacy continues today. For his legacy lives within me and you. And just as importantly, his legacy lives through the Omega Foundation, the Dr. William Montague Cobb Educational Foundation, which supports District of Columbia students and prepares them for success in global citizenry. Since its inception, the foundation has positively impacted thousands of students in Washington, D.C... Additionally, I like to think of it in this fashion, ‘because he was, therefore I am.’ I stand on his shoulders. A tribute long overdue.”

Amy Wilkinson, the granddaughter of Brother Cobb, said, “In addition to being an educator, civil rights leader and advocate, prolific writer, historian, researcher and recipient of numerous awards, Montague Cobb was a renaissance man and a character. He had many pursuits and talents. He played the violin, a raconteur, actor, painter, and collector of beautiful objects. Additionally, he took a movie camera with him wherever he went to record historical events, like the March on Washington and various family activities. He had a great wit and sense of humor. He was always working to move forward, make things better, end discrimination in medicine, make health care affordable to millions of people, and make the world a better place.”

Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr., professor and chair of pathology at the Howard University College of Medicine, called

Cobb “a giant” at the university. “No one word could describe him, or one organization could tell his full story. He was a professor, scholar, researcher, mentor, leader, activist, humanist, thought leader, and brother,” he added. “We were able to carve out just a small piece of real estate and name it after [Dr. Cobb], where people walking by can look up and wonder who that man was. And then when they find out, they will realize it is hallowed ground that they stand upon,” Mitchell said.

Howard University’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Anthony Wutoh, Ph.D., R.Ph., said, “If you only knew of Dr. Cobb as a faculty member in the College of Medicine, that he authored of more than 1,000 publica-

tions, that he taught over 6,000 anatomy students, that he was a star cross-country athlete and a star boxer who won championships you have only scratched the surface of knowing who this man was,” said Wutoh.

Kenyan McDuffie, Esq., Ward 5 Council Member, said Cobb “left an imprint on Washington, D.C., this country, and the world. He manifested in life the essence that calls on us all to serve as guides leading those who come after us. His legacy helps us all to be true, live strong and bold to battle the wrongs of this world.”

Thomas Hienbockel, Ph.D., professor, and interim chair of the Department of Anatomy at Howard University College of Medicine, called Cobb a “doctor father” and “academic father” who “shepherded” many to their degrees and “keenly observed” them on their career paths, “as a parent would do.”

Dr. Randall Morgan Jr., president and CEO of the W. Montague Cobb Institute, said, “Dr. Cobb serves as the compass along the journey for many following the same path seeking solutions for health disparities and healthcare inequities.”

Dr. Rachel Villanueva, president of the National Medical Association, said Dr. Cobb “impacted all facets of African American life in our country through his leadership in civil rights and his activism in policy issues. His legacy means so much to many, and we owe him so very much. His reach far exceeded that of medicine and science. But for us at the NMA, his career and life personify the mission and vision of our organization.”

Brother Robert R. Church

Robert R. Church, son of Robert R. And Anna (Wright) Church, was born in Memphis Tennessee October 26, 1885.

Brother Church was “a son of his father,” who was long recognized among representative men in Memphis.

Brother Church had considerable business experience, having identified himself with large enterprises with splendid success. In 1907 he began as cashier of the Solvent Savings Bank and Trust Company, and was president of this bank fro 1909 to 1912.

Brother Church was also a keen and very active student of political science. He was a delegate from Tennessee to the Republican National Convention in 1912, 1916, 1920, and 1924. In 1920 he had full charge of the African American electorate in President Harding’s campaign; and in 1924 he was a member of the advisory committee of President Coolidge’s campaign as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the Roosevelt Memorial Association.

In 1922, he was requested by the Secretary of State, Mr. Charles Evans Hughes, to go on a special mission to Haiti to study industrial and business conditions, and make recommendations to the State Department; but he declined this appointment. In 1924 he was appointed by President Coolidge Chairman of the Commission to study the conditions in the Virgin Islands: this appointment also he declined.

Brother Church was a member of the Board of Director of the National As ociation for the Advancement of Colored People.

Brother Church was a true knight, a loyal brother, and one of the noblest Greeks of us all.

Source: February 1926 Oracle

The Oracle Features

University of the District of Columbia Names Sports Complex After Dr. Edwin B. Henderson

By Brother Bernard S. Little

OnFebruary 19, 2022, Alpha Omega and Omicron Gamma chapters, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., in conjunction with the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and Dr. Henderson’s family, participated in the renaming of the Sports Complex on the campus. After the cover was unveiled, the sign above the entrance of Building 47 on the University of the District of Columbia’s main campus in Washington, D.C., read, “Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson Sports Complex.”

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) community renamed its sports complex after Henderson, one of its most distinguished alumni, a native Washingtonian, physical health education and basketball pioneer, and civil rights advocate. In addition, Brother Henderson was a Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee in 2013 and a charter member of Alpha Omega Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 1922. The building is the first on UDC’s main campus to be named after an individual.

Edwin Bancroft Henderson was born in southwest Washington, D.C., on Nov. 24, 1883. He was an honors graduate of M Street High School (later called Dunbar High School) and the Miner Normal School (a predecessor institution of UDC) in 1904. Upon graduating as a teacher in 1904, Henderson taught (and later directed) physical education in the D.C. public schools for five decades. During his first three summer breaks, he attended summer sessions at Harvard University’s Dudley Sargent School of Physical Training in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he learned the game of basketball.

When Henderson returned to segregated Washington, D.C., he had difficulty finding courts or clubs for Black players, so he organized Black basketball teams, leagues, and referees. He used basketball as a catalyst for physical education training, leadership development, and sportsmanship. Known as the “Grandfather of Black Basketball,” he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. He taught and influenced perhaps hundreds of thousands of Washington area schoolchildren in basketball, including Duke Ellington and Dr. Charles Drew, teaching them integrity and the importance of scholarship.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Howard University, a master’s degree from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in athletic training from the Central Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Missouri. He became the first black man to receive a National Honor Fellowship in the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.

He also authored several seminal books about African American participation in sports, including his landmark work, The Negro In Sports. He helped organize the first all-black amateur athletic association, the Interscholastic Athletic Association (1906), the Washington, D.C. Public School Athletic League (1906), and the Eastern Board of Officials (1905) – which was a training center for decades and was the go-to pool for highly qualified African American referees.

Continued on Page 106

Celebrates 100 Years

Kappa Chapter at Syracuse University (1922-2022)

TheKappa Chapter brothers hosted their Centennial celebration at the Syracuse Downtown Marriott. Chartered at Syracuse University on February 18, 1922, Kappa Chapter has strongly influenced and served the fraternity throughout the 2nd District and Syracuse community.

During this stellar weekend, April 22-24, 2022, over 120+ Brothers, representing six decades of Omega men, participated in multiple enriching workshops, including

By Brother Dr. Kyle Randolph Bacon

Black Men Build One Another. The following awards were given out during the Achievement Week portion of the Centennial Banquet: Bro. Ben Jeffers – Life Time Achievement, Bro. James "Scrappy" Jordan - Courage, Bro. Derrick "DC" Carr – Long Distance Runner, Mrs. Rachel Vassel – Bridge Builder, Syracuse University African American Studies Department –Architecting Legacy Award, and The Unsung Heroes: Bro. Allen Sullivan, Mrs. Jo-Ann K. May and Mr. Horace Smith. The comradery

experienced by the brotherhood was second to none. Chi Pi Chapter provided strong support throughout this experience and welcomed the strong bond with Kappa Chapter.

One of the weekend's highlights took place on Saturday afternoon as Brothers reflected on their Omega experiences, and rededicated themselves to the fraternity's ideals led by our 39th Grand Basileus, Dr. Andrew Ray. We remembered why we hold Omega dear to our hearts.

OMEGA PSI PHI IS PROUD TO HOST:

rich ish

BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH

SPONSORED BY U.S. BANK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FREDDIE MAC

Homeownership provides stability for families and is a catalyst for wealth creation and building a legacy of generational wealth.

This forum will provide information from industry experts on establishing, building and transferring generational wealth through homeownership equity, investments, entrepreneurial opportunities and estate planning.

Join other key stakeholders in a discussion around this important topic and lets help our community and ourselves to own our tomorrow, today.

THURSDAY JULY 21

8:00 - 11:00AM

Charlotte Convention Center

501 S College St

Charlotte, NC 28202

REGISTER HERE: https://cvent.me/b8RGWE

GB41 Presents $5,000 to 9 HBCUs in Kentucky and Tennessee at its 74th Fifth District Meeting

By Brothers Al Cornish & Lester Sanders

Dr. David Marion, 41st Grand Basileus, on behalf of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., awarded $45,000 to the 9 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Kentucky and Tennessee. The awards ceremony took place at the Galt House during the 74th Fifth District Meeting. The meeting was hosted by the local chapters, Theta Omega (Louisville Metro) and Phi Eta (University of Louisville).

This year, Theta Omega Chapter is celebrating 100 years of service to the Louisville community. Fifth District Representative and Tennessee State Representative, The Honorable Sam McKenzie stated, “This is a reflection of the fraternity’s ongoing commitment to support the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Kentucky and Tennessee but also throughout America.” He went on to say, “The fraternity has a very rich tradition on the campuses of the HBCUs from which many of our members have graduated.” And finally, “I am very proud that the fraternity will grant $5,000 to each of the 101 HBCUs or over $500,000.”

The 9 HBCUs given the awards included locally Kentucky State University and Simmons College of Kentucky. In Tennessee, they include American Baptist College (Nashville), Fisk University (Nashville), Knoxville College (Knoxville), Lane College (Jackson), LeMoyne-Owen College (Memphis), Meharry Medical College (Nashville) and Tennessee State University (Nashville).

Historically black colleges and universities are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of primarily serving the African-American community.

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded on November 17, 1911, on the campus of Howard University. The fraternity’s mandate is to provide leadership development to its members and uplift through social action projects in the communities that they serve. From its humble beginnings, it has grown into an international fraternity with over 750 chapters and over 250,000 members.

When Bro. Derek Huell, Delta Kappa ‘20, came to Georgia Tech, he was looking for an academic atmosphere that would challenge and encourage him on his road to medical school as a neuroscience student. However, as a 330-pound former offensive lineman, Huell discovered that many of his peers were more interested in discussing his high school athletics and physique than his ambitions to become a neurosurgeon.

He entered college as a Stamps President’s Scholar (Georgia Tech’s most prestigious full-ride scholarship) and Honors Program student studying neuroscience — a major with primarily female students and a minority of African American students. He is now the first African American male to ever earn a B.S. in neuroscience at Georgia Tech. Bro. Huell also minored in Health and Medical Sciences and completed the Research Option, culminating in a thesis on his cognitive neuroscience research.

Upon starting at Tech, he concentrated on two things: first, he dialed in on his health and lost 100 pounds during his freshman year. Second, he focused on academics and personal development. Within his first semester at Georgia Tech, Bro. Huell joined several organizations across campus, which opened up leadership opportunities to give back to the community and impart lasting change on organizations that positively influenced him.

He served as Vice Basileus of the BOLD Delta Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., co-founder of the Precious Angel Project (Alzheimer’s volunteer organization), President of the Minority-Association of Pre-Medical Students, President of Neuroscience Club, and was also on the College of Sciences Diversity Council. Bro. Huell was also Vice President of Student Life within the Student Government Association.

Bro. Huell's deep commitment to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was fueled by his passion for service and brotherhood. The organization's emphasis on leaving a lasting impression on the community has influenced his future plans. His participation demonstrated that an essential portion of his career should be what he does outside of the operating room, allowing him to encourage future black male physicians. In the future, Bro. Huell hopes to create a nationwide organization for minority men in medicine to provide mentorship and empowerment for pre-med and medical students — just as others have supported him.

Currently, Bro. Huell has received 17 medical school acceptances from the following Institutions: New York University, Duke University, Columbia University, Stanford University, University of California San Francisco, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, Washington University in St. Louis, Vanderbilt, Northwestern,

Derek Huell, Delta Kappa ‘20, Continued

University of Michigan, University of Chicago, University of California Los Angeles, Emory University, Georgetown University, and the Medical College of Georgia.

He received full cost of attendance (full-ride) scholarships to Columbia University, New York University, Duke University, University of California Los Angeles, and the University of Michigan. He also received full tuition scholarships at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, Vanderbilt University, and Washington University in St Louis.

Bro. Huell will be pursuing his MD at the New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine as a recipient of the Klara and Larry Silverstein Merit Scholarship. This full cost of attendance scholarship covers everything from tuition and fees to housing and food. He will obtain his MD without having paid a penny for his undergraduate or medical education. His decision to attend NYU was

GAMMA EPSILON

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY

Hampton, Virginia

helped by his admission to NYU’s 3 Year Accelerated MD Pathway for Neurosurgery. This program will allow him to complete medical school in 3 years and offers a guaranteed neurosurgery residency spot at NYU Langone Hospital. While he is allowed to apply to other residencies, this program ensures that he will be a neurosurgeon and expand the less than 4% of neurosurgeons who are Black/ African-American.

Omega Men Serving other Students on Campus

On Wednesday, April 6, 2022, the Brothers of Gamma Epsilon, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., continued their Fried Chicken Wednesday. Fried Chicken Wednesday is a staple at Hampton University that the men of Omega have decided to use as one of their methods to uphold their tradition of service on campus. The brothers of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter serve students in the cafeteria. On this Wednesday, for about 2.5 hours, approximately 400 – 500 students were served. Members initiated in 2020 and the newly minted members of Spring 2022 came together to serve the campus in a special way. The cafeteria workers assign the brothers to various teams to execute tasks. Some tasks included salad preparation, food delivery, cleanup, and trash pickup.

The cafe workers thanked the Brothers for their continued efforts

to help in the cafeteria. Workers also gave the fraternity praise for our work ethic and willingness to complete all tasks. “This week has been an especially difficult one because we have recently been understaffed. Any help we can garner goes a long way to relieve the pressure off us,” said one worker. Cafeteria workers were eager for the brothers to return this upcoming Wednesday.

XI ZETA UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS, MEMPHIS TN

THE MAGNIFICENT

The Brothers of the Magnificent Xi Zeta Chapter at the University of Memphis had an outstanding semester of service, brotherhood, and uplift. To begin the semester, the chapter unveiled the first official Omega Psi Phi chapter plot on the campus in a ribbon-cutting ceremony which was attended by all the divine 9 as well as the chapter’s charter brothers from the Fall of 1972 and Spring of 1973. This achievement speaks to the perseverance of the chapter as well as Black students at what was then Memphis State University.

The University of Memphis’ National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapter held a plot dedication ceremony at the Alumni Mall to highlight the visibility, value and vibrancy of the historically African American fraternities and sororities at the UofM. . 1 2 3 4 5

1. Brothers at dedication of the fraternity plot and ribbon-cutting event.

2. Brothers carrying out its NAACP international mandate.

3. Brother and chapter Basileus Kyle Anthony on the Rugby field.

4. Chapter won (i) The Undergrad Chapter of the Year (ii) Social Action Chapter of the Year (iii) Highest Chapter GPA (iv) Undergrad Scholar of the Year (v) Omega Man of the Year (vi) 3rd Place in March down Competition at the 74th Fifth District Meeting.

5. Brothers completing Service project at local elementary school.

Triple-Header Day of Service

Saturday, February 5, 2022, was a triple-header day of community service for the men of the Nu Psi Chapter, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Engagement at all levels has undoubtedly been a challenge due to the pandemic. However, the Nu Psi chapter has and continues to find ways to engage and provide service to the community. Maintaining consistent communication and building bridges are essential parts of any successful community uplift program on or off-campus. The Nu Psi chapter takes great pride in upholding those obligations.

Virginia state university Ettrick, VA

The morning began as the Nu Psi, Delta Omega, and Upsilon Nu brothers partnered to participate in the Breast Cancer Awareness – 10th Annual Coaches for the Cure Cancer walk. The walk was hosted by Brother Kevin Bettis and the Team Loaded Foundation at Virginia State University’s Multi-Purpose Center.

The event was designed to increase awareness of the various types of cancer, raise money to help families of those affected by the disease, and celebrate the life of loved ones who have succumbed to cancer. Following the walk, the brothers continued the day of service, assisting where needed as they participated in loading numerous boxes of food for the on-campus (Virginia State University) Food Pantry. The staff at the Food Pantry were appreciative of the support they received from the young men of Omega.

The second group of brothers rounded out the trio of events in the afternoon, lending a helping hand at the newly remodeled Ettrick Elementary school by building wooden tables for new exterior spaces of the school. The addition of the tables provides the children a place to sit, eat, and fellowship outside the school. The school’s administrative staff were pleased with the service and assistance afforded to them by the brothers of Omega.

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, SYRACUSE, NY

Kappa Chapter Welcomes the “Centennial 3”

Syracuse, New York – Kappa Chapter welcomed three new brothers, Warren Dixon, Salim Oloko, and Joshua Hector, into the fold of Omega on its 100th anniversary at Syracuse University. On February 18, 2022, Kappa Chapter celebrated 100 years at Syracuse University.

The 37th Second District Representative, Bro. Kelvin Ampofo officiated the initiation ceremony. Also present was the 28th Second District Representative, Bro. Ben Jeffers, the 31st Second District Representative, Bro. James (Scrappy) Jordan and the Corridor 6 Representative Bro. Daren (Doc) Thomas. Brothers came from several different chapters (Chi Pi, Phi Omega, Beta Alpha Alpha, and Zeta Nu Nu) to witness this centennial initiation.

A special moment of pride was shared by Bro. Wilbert Dixon, father of Bro. Warren Dixon one of the newly initiated brothers of Kappa Chapter. The MSP team responsible for bringing in these new brothers are: Bro. Ben Jeffers, Bro. Herb Dunmore, Bro. Daniel Akins, Bro. George Kilpatrick Jr., Bro. Andre Santibanez, Bro. Tahshea Hollington, Bro. Shaton Clark and Bro. Willie Walker. On April 22-24, 2022, Kappa Chapter held its Centennial Celebration at the Syracuse Downtown Marriott.

Dr. Andrew Ray, the 39th Grand Basileus, officiated a rededication ceremony on the campus of Syracuse University for the brothers of Kappa Chapter, reminding them of their fraternal oath and that “Friendship is Essential to the Soul.”

chi omicron remembers bro.

samuel burrell

New Haven, CT

The Brothers of Chi Omicron chapter suffered a great loss of a Stalwart Brother. Brother Samuel Abbott Burrell Jr. was born on December 1, 1932, in New Haven. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in New Haven, Sam served his country in the Korean War as a medic. He received the prestigious Bronze Star for his heroic contributions in the War. Upon his return from Korea, he became a proud graduate of Southern Connecticut State University. Brother Burrell was initiated into the Chi Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity on October 18, 1958. He received Man of the Year Award following his term as Chapter Baselius. In addition to loving his family and fraternity endlessly, Brother Burrell was a lover of any and all sports, and baseball was just one sport at the top of his list. He coached American Legion Post 47 baseball from 1956 to 1967 and won several zone championships.

To further highlight his love of the game of baseball, he helped establish The Greater New Haven Diamond Club in 1980. Reestablished as the Southern Connecticut Diamond Club in 2005, The Burrell Coach of the Year Award, “named in honor of legendary coach Samuel A. Burrell, Jr.” is awarded during the annual “There’s No I In Team” banquet each June. The award honors an area high school coach whose team shows sportsmanship and a positive attitude, two essential ingredients to and about Brother Burrell. His association with Yale University began with Jonathan Edwards College in 1966, when he became Head Tackle Football Coach for Yale’s intercollegiate football league. In 1968, he was appointed as an Associate Fellow in Jonathan Edwards College, one of Yale’s residential colleges. Also in 1968, Brother Burrell was appointed as Yale Head Freshman Baseball Coach, thus becoming the first recorded black coach in the Ivy League. From 1969 to 1992, he coached freshman baseball and freshman football at Yale and in 1993, he was appointed a Yale Varsity Assistant Coach and later retired. In 1996, he became the Director of Athletics Thomas Beckett appointed Brother Burrell to serve as Community Outreach Coordinator of the Thomas W. Ford ‘42 Outreach Program for the Yale Athletics Department. Along with his association at Yale, Brother Burrell was a community builder in New Haven, serving many roles from the Director of the New Haven Parks and Recreation Department to teacher and PTO Liai-

son for the New Haven Board of Education. During the school year, he took his athletic talents to the field again, serving as Assistant Baseball Coach at Wilbur Cross High School and Head Varsity Baseball Coach for Hillhouse High School.

Summers were spent building New Haven’s involvement in the U.S. Youth Games, a national program devoted to instilling teamwork, leadership, and academic commitment. He was a past president of the Walter Camp Football Foundation, an organization founded to perpetuate the name of Walter Camp, who is regarded as the father of American college football. As a lifelong champion for students everywhere and a former school educator in New Haven Public Schools, Brother Burrell was the mastermind behind the Walter Camp Stay in School Rally, which promotes strong school attendance and academic achievement to middle school students from around the state. At the 2020 rally, they referred to Brother Burrell as the longest living member of Walter Camp, and during the 2022 Walter Camp Football Dinner, in absentia, Brother Burrell was honored for his 50 years of dedication to the Foundation. Brother Burrell worked endlessly for others and will be greatly missed. Brother Burrell of Hamden, passed away with his family by his side on April 11, 2022.

By

eta phi chapter - service and duty dedication to service

By Bro. DeMarr Vass - Boston, MA

Service and Duty lie in direct accordance with the ideals of our beloved brotherhood; to be forever held within the soul of Omega’s guiding light. As we approach our Centennial anniversary, the Eta Phi Chapter is proud to recognize our undying efforts of service to our community. Participants in many annual initiatives such as Career Pathway Workshops, Home Buyer Courses, Walks for Hunger, bi-weekly food pantries, donations towards the Borehole project in Ghana, and most recently My Brothers’ Keeper, a mentoring program designed to provide resources and guidance to black males in local colleges.

tau iota continues enhancing education outcomes for black male youth

By Bro. Sharif Williams - Hartford, CT

On February 24, 2022, the Tau Iota chapter in conjunction with the Legacy Foundation and the Black Leaders & Administrators Consortium (BLAC) joined to discuss and address the issue of improving the educational outcomes for Black male youth. A panel of Omega Men, who have been involved in education as administrators, teachers, counsel-

Thanks to our incessant commitment to service, the Eta Phi Chapter was regarded as the 1st District Chapter of the Year for FOUR consecutive years. We are honored to acknowledge the dream of our esteemed charter members including Bro. Matthew Bullock, Esq. (13th Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.), who sought to enhance Omega’s strength in New England with more prominent graduate members. The brothers of Eta Phi Chapter will continue to remember the watchword for it is the foundation of how we choose to live our creed.

ors, and parents came together to share their experience and expertise in assisting young Black men on their educational journey. The panel included Bro. Sam Galloway (1984), member of the Bristol board of Education; Bro. Sharif Williams (1993), Student Support counselor at the Greene Hill School; and Bro. Terrel Hill (2022), the Superintendent of Windsor Public Schools. The program was moderated by Bro. Greg Jones (1976), of the Legacy Foundation.

The panelists spoke to the role of an affirming presence for Black male students that comes with their respective

Continued on next page

Enhancing Eduction Outcomes for Back Male Youth, continued...

positions. Black Men make up 2% of the teaching population. We have to show up and hold the schools accountable for the decisions they are making and have direct conversations with teachers regarding child development. It is imperative to be an active member in your child’s school community and let your voice be known whether it’s coming in to read a book to students or joining the PTA, be involved. We need to tell our sons from an early age, that they are beautiful and are capable of much more than the stereotypes that society will present.

Brothers also spoke on the importance of studying and knowing the history of Black people since they touched these shores in 1492. A strong knowledge of history provides a strong knowledge of self and how

we as Black people helped to shape this country since its inception. As the saying goes, history often repeats itself, knowledge of the past often gives us a playbook for the future and an understanding of how we got to our present day conditions.

We need to remember the schools are in service to us. Even if we feel uncomfortable or out of place in the educational sphere, we need to make sure everything that is going on with our children is clearly explained to us. We need to ensure that schools are meeting our children where they are cognitively, socially, and emotionally. Then make sure they are teaching children how to meet expectations not thinking they can magically reach them because they were told. The brothers of Tau Iota, BLAC, and the Legacy Foundation hope to

assist with this process through the information provided in the webinar. The three organizations plan to continue this partnership and host a series of webinars providing parents and educators with tools to assist in the development of Black boys.

two lambda rho brothers honored

for protection, service and committment to the community

By Bro. Derrick Perry - Waterbury, CT

The brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. are bound to the principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. With that, comes a sense of professional responsibility to pursue occupations of high integrity; where one can excel professionally and honor their sense of duty and service to those in need. The Lambda Rho Chapter is proud to have two men of such high distinction.

This past year, Bros. Dr. James H. Gatling and Michael Epps celebrated the conclusion of decades of service to the City of Waterbury. Bro. Gatling retired effective March 31, 2021, after a 42-year career. He most recently served as the President and CEO of New Opportunities, Inc. Bro. Epps concluded 25 years of service and most recently served as a Lieutenant in the Waterbury Police Department.

Bro. Dr. Gatling made his way to Connecticut through scholarship. After attaining a BA in Chemistry from Hampton Institute, an MBA in Management from the University of New Haven, and a Ph.D. in Business Administration, he settled in his professional life at New Opportunities, Inc., a community action agency serving the Greater Waterbury area of Connecticut. At New Opportunities, he dedicated his leadership skills to build a diverse staff that was able to make great strides in the development and implementation of several community action programs statewide. To commemorate his retirement, the building at 232 North Elm Street is now known as the Dr. James H. Gatling Human Resources Center, Bro. Dr. Gatling was initiated into Lambda Rho Chapter in 1973.

When Bro. Epps graduated from Western Connecticut State University in 1989, he wasn’t sure of his life’s direction. His professionally journey found him a home in 1997, as he joined the Waterbury Police Department academy. Bro. Epps acknowledges that while his career was successful, it was not one that was always easy, “Working in a place where you see so many people who look like you that look up to you, makes it easy to want to serve the community. The pressures and troubles of inner-city life can also present challenges which can make the job just as hard as it is rewarding.” A 1988 initiate of Chi Omicron Chapter of New Haven, CT, Bro. Epps hit the ground running in his career as an Omega man. He helped charter Epsilon Iota Iota Chapter of New Haven, CT, and is currently serving as Basileus for Lambda Rho Chapter.

In December 1945, at the 31st Grand Conclave in Washington, D.C., the Fraternity took steps to acknowledge that youth not only had a message for himself, but for the direction and future of Omega, as well.

As reported in the December 1945 Oracle, then Vice Grand Basileus John H. Calhoun, Jr. proposed a national program to revitalize and bring direction to an Omega program that at the time was experiencing waning support from the members, including District and Chapter leadership. Bro. Calhoun knew that the well of enthusiasm and progressive thinking capable of charting Omega's future relevancy would come from its youth.

Accordingly, he challenged our young Brothers to get more involved and formally introduced the concept of the "Junior Vice-Grand Basileus" in his proposed national program.

At the 31st Grand Conclave the Fraternity elected its first Second Vice Grand Basileus, Dexter Dillard Eure, an art student and member of Theta Psi Chapter at West Virginia State College, Institute, WV. This election focused attention on Omega Undergraduates and turned a renewed interest on their aspirations.

Source: The Oracle 1945

Brother John H. Calhoun, Jr.

Mentoring Initiatives

By Bro. Frank Miles - Columbia, MD

Columbia, MD. March 30, 2022. Tau Pi Chapter has been conducting its in person mentoring program since 1994. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 2021 academic year program was conducted virtually using the ZOOM Platform. Because of the continued presence of the COVID-19 Virus, the 2021-2022 academic year program is continuing as a virtual experience. The program consists of 25 mentees from 3rd to 11th grade. To make the program more engaging, new approaches to mentoring and more relevant subject matter and discussion topics have been developed.

With the basic discussion topics of STEM, Chess, Proper Decorum, Stress Management, Reading & Writing Development, Black History, Basic Money Management, Public Speaking, and Career Planning. Mentees discuss the topics in an open group discussion format. In addition to the basic discussion topics, new subject matter discussion topics consisting of Dealing & Communicating with Police, interaction with social media, Black Lives Matter, Time Management, ACT & SAT Prep/Exams, and FAFSA preparation are also being discussed. The purpose of the program is to develop a program that meets not only the academic need of the mentees but also the social and cultural development of Black Males. To stimulate the active participation of the mentees, two new special initiative are also being undertaken, Town Hall Meeting and use of the Mentee Performance Evaluation.

The Town Hall Meeting uses an open format between mentees and experts of various social disciplines to

discuss current events and their impact on the Black Community. Emphasis is also being placed on the use of the Mentee Evaluation Tool, which is used to measure and reward mentee academic performance and level of program participation. This program culminates in MidYear Performance Awards and a End of the Year Performance Awards.

omicron chi chapter kicks off

2022 mentoring program

By Bro. Leon Smith - Plainfield, NJ

Plainfield, New Jersey. April 2nd, 2022. Omicron Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Union County College (UCC) have established a partnership to further enhance the lives of the participants of UCC’s Black Male Achievers Program. Union County College is a public, community college in Union County, New Jersey that serves over 9000 students. It was founded in 1933 as the first of New Jersey’s public community colleges.

The partnership launched in the Spring of 2016 with Omicron Chi Chapter hosting several pilot sessions. Utilizing the framework of Omicron Chi’s highly regarded Omega Leadership Institute Mentoring Program (OLI) the partnership with Union County College provides the young men of the Black Male Achiever’s program with

meaningful information and content that will assist their scholastic performance and overall life skills. The collective goal of the partnership is to improve the matriculation, retention, and graduation rate of underrepresented students particularly young men of color. During the last 5 years of the partnership, the graduation rate for African American males on campus increased from 13% to 26%!

The 2021-2022 program theme “Above the Line Performance” focuses on driving successful academic outcomes for the participants through self-improvement, personal development, and leadership skills. With a high emphasis on defining individual purpose and personal values, the young men will set both short-term and long-term goals that will improve academic success. Affectionally known as the “The EMPOWER HΩUR” the program explores important and relevant topics centered on personal growth and education.

This impactful program is co-chaired by Omicron Chi Chapter members Bro. Byron Ward and Bro. Leon Smith II. The opening workshop for the 2021-22 cohort entitled “Fighting Mediocrity sparked an engaging discussion on the “myth of black laziness” followed by training on

Making History: Chi Delta chapter

Brother Joseph Drayton Testifies at Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings in Support of Ketanji Brown Jackson

By Bro. Erik Lords - Washington, DC

When millions of Americans viewed the televised March 24 Senate Judiciary Confirmation Hearings centered on the Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson, they saw that an Omega Man had a prominent and influential seat at the table. Chi Delta Chapter Bro. Joseph Drayton, who is an attorney and partner with Cooley LLP, gave compelling sworn testimony before the U.S. Senate regarding the Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson which explained why she deserves to be the first Black woman ever to be an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Continued on next page

methods to avoid mediocrity in life. The February 2022 workshop centered around a celebrating Black History Month. The Brothers of Omicron Chi Chapter shared highlights of the life of the late Brother Carter G. Woodson and other great Omega Men. This discussion was followed by a lively interactive entitled “If I were President” where the young men shared laws and policies that they would enact if they were President of the United States. The session closed with deeper discussions on topics including Police Reform and Critical Race Theory (CRT). Over 60 participants including Union County College staff members attended each workshop.

Brother Leon Smith II stated “It is important for these young men to see and hear from successful black men. While each young man has high career and personal goals, many of them have never engaged with professionals in the fields that they are pursuing. The men of Omicron Chi Chapter are providing needed awareness and access to professional black men who will serve as both mentors and role models to the students at Union County College. We thank Union County College President Dr. Margaret McMenamin for her leadership and vision.”

Brother Rev. Fitzpatrick Stewart

“Brother Fitzpatrick Stewart departed this life on August 16th, 1920. Brother Stewart was born in Trinadad, B. W. I.

He completed his education in this country, graduating from Lincoln University, Class ‘15, and from Western Theological Seminary, Class ‘18.

He secured his Master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1918. He entered upon study for his Ph.D., but died while preparing his final thesis, on “The Negro in the Limelight of Civilization”.

Brother Stewart was a charter member of the Beta Chapter and was elected Grand Basileus at our Third Annual Session, 1914.

Above the many other accomplishments of Brother Stewart for Omega must be remembered the work he did upon our pin, its design and significance being his own.

Omega can never forget Brother Stewart - his spirit shall abide with us ever.”

Source: The Oracle August 1921

Bro. Joseph Drayton Testifies, continued...

Bro. Gerald Collins, a federal prosecutor, reflected on observing Bro. Drayton, “I am proud of the service that Bro. Drayton has provided to the American people. We have a responsibility as Omega men to ensure our legal community is positioned to protect future generations. Bro. Drayton is a bridge builder like other notable Omega men Jesse Jackson, Wiley Branton, James Nabrit, and Vernon Jordan.”

During his testimony, Drayton quoted a variety of legal experts and professionals, some of whom described Judge Jackson as “brilliant” and “conversant in many areas of law.”

Drayton said Judge Jackson is “a preeminent member of the legal profession with outstanding legal ability and exceptional breadth of experience,” who “merits our highest rating of “Well Qualified” to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.”

During his testimony at the confirmation hearings, Drayton provided important support for Judge Jackson by confirming that the judges and lawyers the American Bar Association interviewed had no concern over the controversial child pornography sentences Jackson has handed down from the federal bench. “None of them felt that she demonstrated bias in any way,” Drayton said. In contrast, many Republican senators had attacked Judge Jackson’s sentencing as overly lenient during their questioning.

Bro. Richard Harris, Senior Partner, Littler Mendleson LLP, who specializes in high profile and crisis management litigation, remarked “It was extremely heartwarming to see Joseph Drayton testify at the Senate Confirmation hearing as the former President of the National Bar Association and to now see him testify on behalf of the American Bar Association, an organization that has had its challenges with inclusivity. It demonstrates Brother Drayton’s hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence. His testimony profoundly addressed a portion of the criticism regarding Judge Jackson’s sentencing, specifically on child pornography cases. The depth of interviews and analysis was spot on and negated a false narrative regarding her qualifications to be the next Supreme Court Justice.”

President Joe Biden chose Jackson in February, fulfilling a campaign pledge to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court. She would replace Justice Stephen

2nd District News - New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland

Breyer, who announced in January that he would retire this summer after 28 years.

Jackson would be the third Black justice, after Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas, and the sixth woman. She would also be the first former public defender on the court, and the first justice with experience representing indigent criminal defendants since Marshall.

The testimony from Drayton and other experts came after two days of questioning from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and wrapped up about 30 hours of hearings on Jackson’s nomination. In the days of questioning, Republicans asked Jackson about her record as a federal judge, including her sentencing of criminal defendants.

Providing more strong support, Drayton quoted one ABA reviewer who argues routinely before the Supreme court. That reviewer said this about Judge Jackson:

“Her opinions consistently reveal a deep commitment to legal process . . . .The hallmark of her opinions is thoroughness.”

Drayton is a member of the American Bar Association’s Federal Judiciary Committee, which evaluates the professional qualifications of all nominees to the Supreme Court of the United States, circuit courts of appeals, district courts (including territorial district courts) and the Court of International Trade. The Committee, at the request of the President, provides the White House with an evaluation of the professional qualifications of each prospective nominee for District and Circuit courts in advance of the President making a nomination and for the U.S. Supreme Court post nomination.

Bro. Drayton’s testimony was a high point for Omega, and for Chi Delta.

“Chi Delta has been blessed with tremendous talent,’’ Chi Delta Basileus Maurice Garland said. “This was on display at the historic Supreme Court hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, as our own Brother Joseph Drayton testified. Bro. Drayton, our chapter, and Omega are now officially part of this great moment in history.”

VIDEO: Bro. Drayton’s full testimony can viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tolwnUKRUKA

chi rho aviation

4 us flight training

By Bro. C. Green - Suffolk County, NY

Suffolk County, NY. March 5,2022. The Men of Chi Rho took flight to introduce the 1st flight training initiative for young men of color in Suffolk County, New York. The Aviation 4 Us flight training program was introduced to the public during its kickoff inauguration on Saturday March 5th, 2022, at the Central Islip Library. The ten high school participants hope to graduate from this primary stage of “introduction to flight theory” to eventual, actual flight training in an aircraft. The participants have the high aspiration and goal of completing this training and one day becoming commercial airline pilots.

The program entails a 6-week collaboration between Chi Rho and members of the NYPD Aviation Division, who hope to forge a positive relationship with the youth through mentorship & scholarship ultimately helping them to meet their goals in aviation. The 6 weeks of classroom training in flight theory and logbook maintenance will see the participant graduate to the next level of training leading to actual aircraft flight. Chi Rho is now uplifting the community on the wings of the youth through the “Aviation 4 Us” flight training program.

omega men uplifting and providing

scholarship in support of the national read accross america comapaign

On March 2, 2022, Omega men participated in the Reading Across America campaign to continue their engagement with the youth in their respective communities on the value of reading. With Scholarship and Uplift being two of the fraternity’s cardinal principles, brothers exuded the true meaning of these principles as they volunteered numerous hours for this worthy event. The program strives to promote literacy and encourages students to make reading a daily habit. The mission is to increase literacy among youth in the community. The brothers believe the students can soon learn to do it as the brothers and volunteers continue to promote good reading habits among the youth.

Third District Chapters brothers continue to live their creed by participating in this worthy event. Delta Omega Chapter Brothers participated at Sussex Central Elementary School located in Sussex, VA. The Brothers of Omicron Omega Chapter came together to read to students at Walnut Hill Elementary School in Petersburg, VA. The Brothers of Upsilon Nu Chapter were at Overby-Shep-

pard Elementary School, Richmond, VA., and Marguerite Christian Elementary, Colonial Heights, VA. On this day, the Brothers and other community members gathered to encourage the importance and joy of reading while making the event fun and interactive so that the students would remember and appreciate the learning experience.

In addition to the brothers, various community leaders and volunteers supported the event by reading to kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Volunteers read to numerous students in-person and virtually as the students gathered in the classrooms. The focus was on creating an enjoyable experience through spending time with the children and motivating them to develop

and enjoy good reading habits. Several books were read throughout the day, including but not limited to Bro. Roderick Walker’s reading of the book Luke Goes to Bat, by Rachel Isador, to the 5th Grade class. After reading, the students were able to explain the moral of the story never to give up, also known as perseverance! Brothers Don Bentley, Michael Edwards, and Peter Hammond had very interactive reading sessions with the Kindergarteners and 5th Graders. They read the books Schooled, by Gordon Korman, Flo Jo, by Allen Benable, The Good Egg, by Jory John, and The Bad Seed, by Jory John.

All schools were very appreciative and expressed their gratitude for the brothers of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.’s participation and support. Additionally, the school administration, staff, students, and Omega men will continue to look for ways to support and promote education and uplift our youth and communities.

Throughout February and March, the Brothers and Chapters of the Third District continued to live out their creed by doing what all real men do. Several chapters held their annual Talent Hunt to showcase the extraordinary and phenomenal talent of the youth throughout the various communities. Numerous youth competed, performed, and entertained the audience with excellence. Brothers across the district volunteered in multiple ways to ensure the youth was supported in this endeavor. A huge thank you and great work to all the chapters who presented a fantastic talent hunt event. Some of the chapters that hosted an event, including but not limited to, were:

Sigma Mu Mu Chapter, Third District, presented its virtual Talent Hunt Program and announced the winners of $1150.00 in prizes for the competitors. Each contestant’s video performance was shown during the program, providing exposure for the students, and highlighting their individual talents. Five contestants competed and performed in the areas of vocal music, dramatic interpretation, and instrumental music. Ms. Dillan Vanzego, a third-year student at Tuscarora High School in Leesburg, VA, won the competition with her solo vocal performance of “Days of Plenty” by Jason Howland. As the winner, Ms. Vanzego was awarded a $500.00 scholarship and represented Sigma Mu Mu in Omega’s 3rd District Talent Hunt Program in Alexandria, VA, on April 2, 2022. The first runner-up, Ms. Zahria Ford, is a junior at Rockridge High School in Ashburn, VA. Ms. Ford performed a dramatic interpretation of an original poem entitled “Colors” and was awarded a $300.00 scholarship. The second runner-up, Mr. Elijah Woodward, is a senior at Duke Ellington

the third district’s talented youth

School of the Arts in Washington, D.C.; Mr. Woodward performed an instrumental solo of an original composition entitled “Back to the Norm” and was awarded a $200.00 scholarship. Honorable mention contestants Mr. Shire Sexton and Mr. Mason Wes Manassa received a $75.00 award; Mr. Sexton performed a saxophone instrumental, and Mr. Manassa performed an oboe instrumental.

Psi Alpha Alpha, Third District, held an extraordinary Talent Hunt program virtually on February 26, 2022. The program began with a supportive audience of over 100 people, including Brothers, family, and friends glued to their screens to support a great group of students displaying their talents in the performing arts. The showcase featured 11 extraordinarily talented high school students from the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. Performances included dance, piano/ keyboard recitals, instrumentation, and vocal renditions.

All the competitors performed admirably and received a certificate of appreciation from the chapter and

a monetary prize from the Bernie L. Bates Foundation. Nevertheless, as with every competition, one winner had to be selected. Taking the grand prize of $1000 and winning first place was Mr. Lawrence Wingfield, an accomplished pianist and Senior at Bishop McNamara High School. Winning the second place $500 prize was Miss Daneya Celestin, a well-trained dancer and freshman at Bishop McNamara High School. Our third-place prize winner of $250 was Miss Kishara Bates, a dancer and sophomore at Kipp DC College Prep School.

Sigma Kappa Kappa and Zeta Iota Chapters – PORTSMOUTH, VA— On March 6, 2022, at Fourth Baptist Church, participated in a Joint Talent Hunt Program showcasing the talents of more than twenty high school-aged students performed for more than one hundred spectators. The top three performances received cash prizes. Every participant was awarded a Certificate of Participation; however, 3rd place received $100, 2nd place was awarded $200,

Continued on next page

zeta omicron

celebrates 75 years of existence

By Bro. Wardell Coward III - Hampton, VA

The Third District’s Talented Youth, continued...

and $500 was the grand prize for 1st place.

On March 19, 2022, the Brothers of the “Mighty” Zeta Omicron Chapter, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, celebrated their 75th Anniversary at the Hampton Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia. Brother Eric Leach, Zeta Omicron’s Basileus, presented “The Scroll of Honor” to Brothers Burnett “Burnie” Peters, Haywood “Woody” Holder, Robert B. Lee III, C. Roland Dixon, Ralph Ransom, Danny Myers, James Jackson, John Coles, Ralph Randolph, and Ervin “Sarge” Melton for their many years of faithful service, not only in the Chapter but also in the Fraternity. Brother Leach stated, “During Zeta Omicron’s eventful history, Zeta Omicron Chapter has served the city of Hampton and surrounding communities with distinction and proudly sets an example for others to follow.” Brother Reverend Emerson Louis Boyer was the Master of Ceremony and talked about “What is Your Next Revolution?”

Zeta Omicron Chapter was officially chartered on Thursday, March 20, 1947. In paying homage to our charter members and lineage are Brothers Dr. Fred D. Inge, Dr. Don A. Davis, Herman G. Cook, Arthur E. Burke, and Colonel William H. Moses.

For 75 years, the Brothers of Zeta Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. have constantly been working toward the goals and objectives of the Founders. No wonder the community has always relied on the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in their time of need. Men of like-attainment and similar ideas committed to a cause. The Chapter’s historical mission of removing discrimination from the education and military systems has been the grounding force of our efforts and continues today as a prominent voice in the Hampton Roads community.

The first-place winner was Ted J. C. Thomas of Western Branch High School with a vocal performance. The second place was Kristiana Jones of Smithfield High School with a vocal/opera performance. Third place went to Mary Reins. This year’s participants included: Aaliyah Williams, Amyia Arnold, Ayana L. Johnson, Anthony Silvis, Makenzie Joyner-Cassanova, Sasha Daniel, Caden Silvis, Hannah Paige, Tyson J. Devenny, Kristiana Jones, Brandon Askew, Devonte Melton, Sunshine Huggins, Scott Allen, Mikaela Cerro, Kasandra Jimenez, Ted J.C. Thomas, Mary ReinsDevonte Melton, Sunschine Huggins, Lavonte Evans, Scott Allen, and Mikaela Cerro. Their talents ranged from Dance to Instrumental to Vocal to Drama Interpretations. Thank you all for your participation and congratulations to our winners.

Pi Lambda Lambda (PLL) chapter, Third District, held a virtual affair for its 18th Annual Talent Hunt Program on February 26, 2021. Bro. Dr. C. Victor Herbin, III, led the committee for their most diverse program presentation with eight outstanding and talented high school students within Prince William and Stafford County to showcase their musical, dance, oratorical, and vocal talents in grand fashion. The performances were prerecorded and presented via the Zoom platform before a nationwide audience, where $2,500 in cash prizes was awarded. This year’s 1st Place Winner, Ms. Emily Yeh, Colgan High School, in Woodbridge, Virginia, took home the top prize with a moving piano performance. The 2nd Place Winner, Ms. Samia Nelson, from Colgan Senior High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, performed a dynamic dance that captivated the audience. The 3rd Place Winner, Mr. Antonyo Douglas, from Colgan Senior High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, displayed his talent in dance to include him in the winner’s circle.

Tau Rho Chapter – Fredericksburg, VA – in March conducted an excellent virtual Talent Hunt event showcasing the talents of the youth in the Fredericksburg area. The youth performed with enthusiasm, excellence, and grace to entertain and display their talent to the attendees and a chance to win the grand prize and the opportunity to represent the chapter at the District’s Talent Hunt. The following contestants below received a trophy and cash prize: First place - $500, Thaira Williams; Second place - $300, LaMarrio Pittman; and Third place - $200, Emily Warnick.

Mentoring continues to be a point of emphasis with the Brothers of the Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education provides our youth with skills to be more employable and ready to enter the workforce. Each STEM component is valuable and contributes to a well-rounded education. STEM fosters creativity and critical thinking skills together with fundamental disciplines. Additionally, STEM helps to motivate and inspire youth to generate new technologies and ideas while focusing on innovation.

Alpha Omega Chapter – At the Harmony School of Excellence in Northeast DC, a Black History Month event was held sponsored by Bro. Ransom Miller’s Project Giveback organization in partnership with Washington Commanders’ football player William Bradley-King. The Harmony School of Excellence is a Charter School focused on providing education to underserved communities in Washington, DC. The school teaches Pre-K to 5th grade with an educational focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Bro. Miller and his wife picked this school for its remarkable work in serving these students who have challenges in their communities in receiving a quality education. The event culminated around Mr. Bradley-King reading (Superheroes Are Everywhere) to the students, which emphasized you can be anything you want to be by applying yourself and believing! The students were very engaged and spirited during this interactive activity. Following the reading, a catered lunch and approximately 25 Black history month books were provided by Project Giveback. The school administrators were very pleased with the impact made upon the students. Bro. C. Delray Brown stated, “I can humbly say, we are planting seeds today that will bring forth great fruit for our future!”

Kappa Iota Iota Chapter – The Young Men of Distinction Mentoring Program (YMOD) visited the Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab. What a tremendous experience! The Brooks Crossing Laboratory’s mission statement promotes digital fabrication, STEM, and entrepreneurial educational programs to increase student interest and achievement. There were 13 young men from YMOD that visited. Although more is available, this session

was divided into three learning disciplines: 3D Printing, Recording Studio, and DJ Equipment. The disciplines allowed the young men to experience and learn various technical skills and techniques, such as using an Ultimaker printer, how to develop products through digital fabrication to rapid prototype, produce functional parts, and how to use a 3D printer consistently.

Additionally, the young men had hands-on experience with Pioneer DJ controller, Maschine beat pad, Arturia MiniLab Key controller, electric keyboard, microphones, and iMac desktop to manipulate the sounds. Each one had the chance to create a song while another student ran the control board.

Finally, they had an opportunity to experience the DDJSB3 portable digital DJing power. This course included full 4-deck controls, on-jog displays, and tried-and-true mix functions such as Filter Fade and Pad Trans. The 8th to 12th graders really enjoyed what this facility brings. These opportunities are FREE. We expect to hear some of these young men coming back and saying how they went back to learn something new or be the next hip-hop artist to rule the charts.

science, technology, engineering & math

eta nu nu brother

flying the friendly skies with purpose

By Bro. Gregory Fountain

Brother David Mason, a life member of Omega Psi Phi and currently serving as the Chaplain of Eta Nu Nu Chapter in Columbus, OH is known for the spiritual uplift he provides to Brothers and their families in times of need. Bro. Mason was also recently recognized for his dedication to serve by the 73rd Troop Command of the Ohio Army National Guard. Bro. Mason received an army commendation medal for superior service. Bro. Mason was second in command when the unit, known as the FEMA Region V Homeland Response Unit, was mobilized in support of the 2021 Presidential Inauguration.

Bro. Mason is also a private pilot with an instrument rating. He owns a Cessna 177 that he flies in his spare

mentoring on the drum line

By Bro. Dr. Virgil Goodwine

time but has recently joined a group known as Angel Pilots. Angel Pilot donate their time and resources to fly patients in need of medical care to a specific healthcare facility. Angel Flight is a non-profit organization of volunteer pilots and non-pilots who have earned more than just wings. Pilots unselfishly donate their planes and their fuel, and fly missions whenever called upon.

Angel Flight Soars missions are flown in a single-engine; four-seat aircraft and the majority are within a 300-400 mile radius. Being centrally located in the heartland, many Angel Flight missions originate from the Ohio area, making this a prime op-

portunity to Bro. Mason to utilize his talents to help those in need. He has also commissioned a new co-pilot on these flights, having his two-year old granddaughter join a trip from Ohio to Fayetteville, NC with him.

Bro. Mason exemplifies the very essence of a selfless, caring Omega Brother who is committed to uplift. His works and deeds go far beyond any one particular community in any one particular region of the country. He has generously given of his time, talent and treasure to positively impact the lives of anyone and everyone who has sought his services. Bro. Mason is the definition of a patriot.

1. Exposing students to the percussive arts,

2. Support from nurturing mentoring adults who will improve their worldview,

The Dayton Dum Academy (DDA) is headed up by Bro. Dr. Virgil Goodwine . The purpose of the Dayton Drum Academy is to build students’ self-esteem, self-confidence, determination, perseverance, academic achievement, community involvement, and well-being through percussive performance. The goal of the DDA is to improve the life chances of children and young people in challenging circumstances through musical, personal, social, and emotional development.

The DDA focuses on providing these students with five key essential elements:

3. Improving academic performance, school attendance, and behavior/attitudes toward school,

4. Strengthening relationships with adults and peers, and

5. Enhancing problem-solving and decision-making skills.

The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Alpha Chapter, have taken on a partnership with the Quarter Note Club’s Dayton Drum Academy. The brothers of Delta Alpha helped teach proper fundamentals

claiming a seat at

the table in cincinnati, oH

By Bro. Marcus Bethay

On January 5, 2022 Bro. Scotty Johnson was sworn in as a City Councilman in Cincinnati, OH. Bro. Johnson, a lifelong Cincinnatian, spent his career in public service. Bro. Johnson always emphasizes lessons his father taught him at a young age. Especially to “always stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone”. Over the course of a 33-year career with the Cincinnati Police Department Bro. Johnson never wavered in his commitment to integrity.

Bro. Johnson had 3 major points to his campaign and what he is dedicated to working towards for the city where he grew up and helped make him who he is today. Those points were Jobs, Housing and Public Safety.

As it relates to jobs, Bro. Johnson is committed to bringing new good-paying jobs to underserved neighborhoods that are accessible to all. On housing Bro. Johnson considers himself an advocate for an all-of-the-above approach that will include improving density and incentivizing affordability. Bro. Johnson sees housing as a holistic issue stemming from wage, transportation, and social factors. Finally, public safety, where Bro. Johnson spent his career. He has pledged to becoming a bridge builder between the city’s police and fire departments, along with vital social services, to help reduce crime and

to percussion performance. Students learned different techniques as a few brothers were well versed in the art of percussion. The fundamentals reviewed were the basic 40 rudiments (para-diddles, double para-diddles, flams, flam taps, swiss army triplets), correct hand technique, attacking the proper zones (quints), rudiments across the drums (quints), and proper cross and sweep techniques.

As a percussion group, the DDA is also a mentoring group for these Dayton-area students, many of whom are considered at-risk students. DDA has also partnered with Wlberforce University for these twice per week meetings, providing the students even more exposure through one of the oldest Historically Black Universities.

The Academy has targeted youth who do not receive musical instruction as a part of their school curriculum and do not have the financial resources to access music

strengthen transparency. Bro. Johnson understands that none of these things will come easy but he is ready to take on the challenge and feels he is beyond prepared with the experience and support system of his family, friends and of course the Brothers of Beta Iota Chapter in Cincinnati.

Bro. Johnson was sworn in by his 86-year-old father and supported by a number of previous colleagues from the Cincinnati Police Department as well as the Brothers of Beta Iota Chapter who were in attendance. Bro. Johnson is slated to serve as chairman of the Public Safety and Governance Committee. He charged the audience that day to hold him and his fellow council members to the fire; he specifically noted that City Council will move the needle on equity, affordable housing and making sure everyone has a seat at the table.

education elsewhere. Due to the start of COVID-19, the target population has increased as the needs of students who have a passion for learning to read music has grown. By rekindling the marching band culture for youths, DDA and the Brothers of Delta Alpha are committed to preserving Dayton’s musical legacy and, most importantly, providing a productive alternative to risky activities.

Zeta Omega Brother Headlines Group

of D9 Elected Officials in Cleveland OHIO Suburb

By Brother Damon Scott

Every four years in this country, we elect a president and every two years, members of Congress, along with many public office holders at the state level. However, in the intervening off-cycle years, many local counties and municipalities also hold elections to decide who will lead them locally.

In the Village of Woodmere, Ohio, a suburban community of Cleveland, voters went to the polls and decided that their mayor had done well enough to merit re-election to a second term. Accordingly, Bro. Benjamin I. Holbert III (1980 Psi Gamma), will continue as chief executive officer for another four year term in Woodmere.

When asked to reflect on his re-election, Mayor Holbert shared “To whom much is given much is required. I take my obligation as the mayor of the Village of Woodmere very seriously and believe it is my obligation to make the community much better on my departure, than it was when I arrived. Omega Psi Phi has been such an important aspect of my life. I am molded by those who came before me. It is my goal to make those who paved the way proud, but also to serve as an example to those who come behind me, what Omega can propel us all to achieve - servant leadership.”

Joining Bro. Holbert was the Honorable Ronald B. Adrine (1967 Eta Psi), retired Cleveland Municipal Court Judge, Jurist-in-Residence at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, and member of Zeta Omega, who conducted the swearing-in of the Charter Review Commissioners. Three of those commissioners are Mrs. Joyce Holbert, member of the Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (GCAC-DST) and wife of the Mayor; Mr. Gerald Carrier, member of the Cleveland Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (CAC-KAY); and Mr. Myron Bennett, member of Gamma Alpha Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody J. Stewart, currently the sole African American justice on the court, conducted the swearing-in of the Mayor and Village Council Members, which include Mr. Hilman Lindsey, also a member of CAC-KAY, and Mrs. Nicole Culliver, PhD, also a member of GCAC-DST, and wife of Bro. Devlin Culliver (2013 Zeta Omega), who was in attendance. The Mistress of Ceremonies for the day was the Honorable Meredith M. Turner, Cuyahoga County Council Member representing District 9, which includes Woodmere Village, some neighboring suburbs, and parts of the east side of Cleveland city proper; she also is a member of GCAC-DST.

Residents of Woodmere Village, the east side of Cleveland, and Cuyahoga County District Nine can be assured that their community elected officials will lead and legislate in their best interest, and that matters of particular importance to the African American community will be addressed fairly and judiciously.

mental agility resiliency, and uplift

Nashville, TN - Becoming a more resilient person is a practiced skill that is needed when dealing with the highs & lows of everyday life. We live in a complex world with many revolving pieces were people need to have the mental capacity to shut down and refrain from counterproductive thinking. These efforts help enable a greater concentration and focus on the task at hand.

After the Nashville Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) selected the training topic, “Real Time Resilience: Mental Agility,” Bro. Captain Brian Stanfield (Gamma Phi), Executive Officer of the Nashville

By Bro. Brian Stanfield

MEPS, thought it would be fitting to have Bro. Eddie George (Rho Kappa Kappa) come out and speak to the civilians and service members at the MEPS.

The Army takes an active stance on service members and government employees becoming more resilient. There are 14 training modules to the Army’s resiliency program. What better way to discuss mental agility than by having an All-Pro running back discuss the trials and tribulations of his life, training regiments, and the obstacles he faced in life while playing in the NFL. On February 18, 2022 Bro. George helped facilitate resiliency training to the

38 assigned service members and government employees assigned to the MEPS.

Everyone listened attentively, and there was an question and answer period that followed. Thank you Bro. George for assisting with our training needs.

The men and women working at “Freedoms Front Door” greatly appreciated your presence and learned how to remain resolute through trials and tribulations.

Friendship Is Essential To The Soul!!

gary mays, a critical community connector

4:13 Strong, stronger men, stronger families, stronger nashville

4:13 Strong shared deep-seated statistics, “We’ve served approximately 2,000 men since our inception.”

To successfully complete the program, men must have: 4 months of continuous employment; Court fees and fines paid off; Driver’s license acquired or reinstated; Car and insurance purchased with cash; and $1500 emergency fund saved.

By Bro. Andre Anderson, PhD (ABD), BCBA - Hendersonville, TN

Bro. Gary Mays (5-2010-Omega Lambda Lambda), Campus Life Director at 4:13 Strong, knows a lot about bringing people together to solve a problem.

4:13 Strong, a 6–8-month residential program, has a history of transforming the lives of men in the city of Nashville. Young people who have been plagued with bad decisions and setbacks get an opportunity to turn it around and get a second chance at life. 4:13 Strong is spearheaded by Gary Mays. Bro. Mays reached out to a couple of his chapter brothers at Omega Lambda Lambda and the friends responded in grand fashion to help mentor, mastermind and mediate many of the ills that plague our society. “It feels good to see the brothers in my fraternity come out and share time, food and fellowship with men who are bouncing back”, Mays stated emphatically.

This past week, a small group session dealt with bravery and many of the brothers shared with the young men that courage is on display with them leaving the streets, choosing to do something different and trusting a process to make their life better. Brothers from Omega Lambda Lambda Chapter shared personal testimonies of venturing into college, being a father for the first time, and loving their families enough to make a difference. Brothers like Dr. Andre Anderson, Dr. Tedric Robinson, Dr. Allataye Russ, and Min. Stephen Jones were very transparent in sharing with the men on how to persevere and see situations through for success.

Dr. Allataye Ross (1-2021-Omega Lambda Lambda), reflected, “I connected with the men out of the pain that I experienced with my father as a means of solace, I could see in their eyes that they, too, had challenges with their father. We embodied bravery in the same room and same breath.” Eric Evans, co-founder and Program Director at

“We envision simple points of contact to help bolster connectivity and bravery. For example, a simple game of kickball or playing spades will continue to strengthen the bonds between men of different backgrounds for a unified mission”, Eric Evans suggested. Bro. Mays is indicative of compassionate and collaborative confidence. The environment created during the Monday night team building session on bravery was the tip of the iceberg when it came to connecting on bravery. Bro. Mays intentionally socially engineered the motto of our fraternity: Friendship is essential to the soul.

To find out more about Omega Lambda Lambda’s involvement in the 4:13 Strong program please visit Bro. Gary Mays at: gmays5que@gmail.com and https://413strong.org/about/

omega lambDa lambda supports

knowledge academy’s boys ii men boot camp

By Bro. Andre Anderson

Given the disparities faced by African American Youth, a customized reprieve was garnered on April 2, 2022 at Knowledge Academy. Titled “Boys II Men Boot Camp”, it was a one-day symposium designed to help middle school students navigate through high school and life. The event was spearheaded by Bro. LaSalle Chapman-Curry (23-92-Rho Psi) of Omega Lambda Lambda Chapter.He emphasized, “…(society) often criticizes student behavior without getting to the crux of the matter. This forum provided personal dialogue with boys and men. Men that have sat in those same seats- facing the same obstacles.”

The one-day camp, served approximately 20 students

Continued on next page

5th district establishes its first security detail

Creating a security detail was a vision that the current Fifth District Keeper of Peace Bro. Dwight Jones envisioned back in 2020. He had an idea of expanding his duties by creating a vice committee, to not only providing services to the district officers and maintaining order in meetings, but he also wanted to extend that courtesy to vendors as well. The overall goal is ensuring that brothers are adhering to guidelines and standards. The 23rd Fifth District Representative Samuel McKenzie approved the plan for the inaugural security detail in January 2022 to perform duties at the upcoming district meeting. Members across the Fifth District were identified and recommended to be on the security detail. The detail performed their duties during the 74th District meeting in Louisville, KY March 31 – April 3, 2022.

The detail performed their outlined responsibilities and rendered services to the host chapter. They also provided services to visiting grand officers, providing escort services, and helping with any logistical needs that may have had to ensure that the Fifth District provided first class support.

with 10 guest speakers. Some of the topics included: male confidence, self-respect, etiquette, social media engagement, and community service and education empowerment.

Bro. Jeremy Kellem- 9-2020-Omega Lambda Lambda stated, “…we all remember that it took someone to pour into our lives when we were kids and therefore, we are reaching back... to pull up. “Bro. Darrel Powell, 1-1993Rho Psi, indicated, “I felt the brothers passionately shared their expertise and love for the development of our next generation. We represented the mandated program of Social Action.” Bro. Ken Willoughby, 2-2020-Omega Lambda Lambda disclosed, “Without anyone saying it, the theme was definitely manhood and making choices that you can live with.”

Undoubtedly, 20 students from Knowledge Academy were strengthened socially and emotionally because of the Boys II Men Boot Camp. Bro. Chapman-Curry concluded, “It’s always a pleasure to have my brothers of royal purple and old gold in attendance. Building bridges so others can cross. That’s Omega Psi Phi.”

For more information on Omega Lambda Lambda’s involvement with Knowledge Academy’s Boys II Men Boot Camp, reach out to Bro. LaSalle Chapman-Curry: lchapmancurry@kayouth.org

“I have traveled to many district throughout the years and I have never seen a district level security detail. You all provided excellent support, and have done an outstanding job.”

The security detail set up for success and looking forward to performing their duties and roles at future meetings.

-First Vice Grand Basileus Ricky Lewis

Omega Lambda Lambda supports..Continued

beta kappa kappa chapter

stacy brown memorial scholarship

TThe Lincoln Financial Group is announcing a new information technology scholarship in partnership with Beta Kappa Kappa Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The Stacy Brown Memorial IT Scholarship, established to honor late Lincoln Financial employee and Omega Psi Phi brother, will recognize the achievements of a deserving Black or African American student who plans to pursue an education in computer science, information technology, data science, cybersecurity, software engineering, or a related technical field.

The annual recipient of the $25,000 scholarship will be a North Carolina resident who plans to attend a four-year accredited college or university in the Greensboro, High Point or Winston-Salem, N.C.-area. Scholarship details have been shared with Guilford County, N.C. high school graduating seniors and the 2022 recipient will be selected in early May.

“Stacy was an instrumental member of our IT team and Lincoln family, and his leadership and can-do spirit were contagious,” said Ken Solon, executive vice president, chief information officer and head of IT, Digital and Enterprise Services, Lincoln Financial Group. “To know, respect and learn from Stacy was a true privilege, and through this annual award and opportunity to foster development and growth of young IT talent, I look forward to continuing and strengthening his legacy.”

During his nine years at Lincoln Financial, Brown was involved in numerous community events and organizations—serving as co-chair for the company’s annual United Way fundraising campaign and the organization’s African American Business Resource Group for employees. He was also very involved in his fraternity and local N.C. community, serving as a mentor and sports coach.

Bro. Michael D. Royal, Basileus of Beta Kappa Kappa Chapter, said “One of the key tenets of our chapter and fraternity is leveraging our power and influence to uplift our communities, and Stacy truly embodied that in his involvement with his own community, through his

professional engagements and in how he continued to support current brothers, candidates, and our alumni network. We appreciate the opportunity for our chapter to partner with Lincoln in developing a scholarship to honor Bro. Brown. This scholarship highlights Stacy’s character and impact, and we look forward to how it will enrich the lives of its recipients.”

“As a true champion and advocate of diversity, equity and inclusion, Stacy was consistently engaged in making Lincoln and his community more inclusive and collaborative,” said Brandy Smith, Vice President, Workplace Diversity and Counsel, Lincoln Financial Group. “His mark will always be on Lincoln, and it is exciting to see how his life and legacy will foster a new generation of bright and deserving diverse talent.”

Lincoln Financial and Beta Kappa Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., will announce and celebrate the first annual scholarship recipient with Stacy’s family in June.

alpha delta chi chapter

achievement week 2021

Alpha Delta Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., known for its steady contributions to the community, took the opportunity to expand its community service, compassion and helpfulness during Achievement Week 2021.

Although Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and fellowship with loved ones, there are members of the community who do not have the means to have a bountiful meal during the holiday season. The pandemic has exacerbated some of those situations. Because Alpha Delta Chi (Newberry College, SC) is attuned to the needs of its community, the brothers took the time to give turkeys for families unable to afford the same.

The turkey drive was held at F.B. Pratt and Son Funeral Home. The chapter members gave almost two hundred turkeys to families in need. Needless to say, the turkey

chi iota iota blood drive

The members of Chi Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. partnered with the Columbia, South Carolina American Red Cross (ARC) to promote the significance of blood donations. The blood drive goal was met with a collection of twenty-five units of blood [fifteen whole blood, five power red (counts as two), and twenty-six donors, five of which were first time donors]. This was our third blood drive of 2021 and we are proud to have collected a total of seventy-six units of blood this year to date. These three blood drives have made a significant impact in the medical community.

The Charles R. Drew Blood Drive is one of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.’s mandated programs. Dr. Charles R. Drew, a late member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., known as the “Father of Blood Banking,” is an American Hero. Every two seconds someone in the United States requires a blood transfusion. This is due, in large part,

drive was a huge success, warmed many hearts, and blessed many souls. The members of Alpha Delta Chi are actively planning a number of meaningful community service events for the near future. Stay tuned!

to the pioneering research of Dr. Charles R. Drew whose revolutionary work changed the landscape of blood collection and storage. A salute to the ARC, the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Columbia Community for providing unquestionable and committed support. It is acts of kindness of this magnitude that saves lives!

rho chapter reaches the centennial mark

In 2014, Bro. Robert “Boo “Cunningham conceived the idea to have a Rho Reunion during homecoming in 2015. His thought was the reunion would be a springboard for the Chapter’s Chapter 100 Celebration in 2021 with the objective of giving the University $100K to celebrate its 100th year anniversary. A meeting was held during homecoming in 2016 under the leadership of Bro. Steven Boyd who also led the effort for the 2015 Reunion. That idea became reality on December 5, 2021, when the brothers of Rho Chapter gathered on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University to celebrate Rho Chapter’s Centennial Celebration. The celebration was kicked off by Rho’s Chapter Basileus Bro. Adam Nicholas who was the host for the event. Bro. Johnnie Goodlet gave an overview of Rho’s History and the significance of this special day. He reminded us that the founders of our great fraternity faced many barriers on the campus of Howard University while attempting to birth this new fraternity named Omega Psi Phi. But on November 17, 1911, through perseverance a genesis based on Friendship and a strong belief in the principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift, finally came to fruition. Our fraternity’s Centennial Celebration was in 2011 in Washington DC.

Rho Chapter’s beginning, of course, starts with our own founders. During World War I, several black college presidents, with the advice of Dr. Joel Spingarn, petitioned approval from President Woodrow Wilson and Congress, to create a special program for the selection and training of black officers in the military, resulting in the creation of Camp Howard and Ft. Des Moines in May of 1917.

Our fraternity which was still in its infancy, realized that this would be a great opportunity to establish an inflection point for possible initiates into the fold, and The War Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was established for this group of exemplary military men. We sought leaders; only the best and the brightest. Universities such

us veterans hall of fame

The US Veterans Hall of Fame (USVHOF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, was established in December 2018 to recognize and honor the veterans in all branches of the United States military for their selfless service and sacrifices made for the freedoms of this nation. It operates on the premise of three key pillars: Recognition, Honor, and Service.

The first Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, in Concord, NC. The classes of 2020 and 2021 were inducted during the same program and there were a total of twelve (12) inductees honored. The first Induction Ceremony, originally scheduled for 23 May 2020, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pi Phi Chapter was a co-sponsor of the event and purchased 2 tables seating nine (9) persons each. Bro. Colonel (US Army Retired) Fredrick DuBois, a member of Pi Phi Chapter, serves as the Project Development Manager for the USVHOF.

Pi Phi Chapter Partnered With The US Veterans Hall Of Fame (USVHOF)

During The 2020/2021 Induction Ceremony October 30, 2021

12 Pi Phi brothers attended along with other Omegas Warren Bacote Joe Lewis James Barrier Calvin Martin

Fredrick DuBois Paul Nelson

Roosevelt Gary Johnnie Richardson Carl Johnson, Jr. Shawn Williams

Wayne Lear Lewis Young

Centered is inductee Brother Grover Lewis, III; Mu Tau ‘79 Phi Lambda Lambda Chapter, Jacksonville, NC

as Howard, Biddle University (now Johnson C. Smith), Morehouse, Meharry Medical College, West Virginia Collegiate Institute (now West Virginia State), Fisk, Atlanta University, Lincoln University, Talladega, Shaw, Virginia Union had applicants represented in the program. While at Camp Howard, our founders Rudolph Melville Wyche and James Ward Seabrook, were among the select few initiated into our beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

After returning from their military duties and their induction into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Brothers Wyche and Seabrook sought to expand the footprint of Omega by establishing a chapter on the campus of Biddle University (currently Johnson C. Smith University) in Charlotte, N.C. They petitioned the university for the approval to establish a chapter of our young fraternity on campus, and immediately faced similar barriers faced by our fraternity’s founders when they were attempting to birth Omega Psi Phi at Howard University only 10 years earlier.

Biddle University in the early 1900’s, had no Greek organizations on campus. The deeply rooted religious beliefs of the university permeated the administration and faculty and our founders faced many barriers and obstacles. Biddle was a Presbyterian based institution dedicated to training and education in religious studies, and they felt that there was no place for a secular Greek organization on the campus. But, with a strong belief in Omega, a determination that was not lukewarm and after a prolonged battle with the administration and faculty, they were eventually granted approval to establish a chapter on campus. Thus, on December 5, 1921, the 17th chapter of Omega Psi Phi was chartered with the

name Rho Chapter. Bro. John Prescott Murchison was elected the 1st Basileus of the chapter. Rho was the 1st chapter of Omegas established in the Carolinas, in what was the 8th District at the time but currently known as the Mighty Sixth. For this reason, RHO Chapter is referred to as the “Mother Pearl of the Mighty Sixth District”.

The brothers of Rho were very active in campus and community service, participating in local speaking engagements, excelling in academics, sports, and just about every aspect of campus life which included a fraternity house located at 204 Martin Street, right beside the campus. They were clean men, of clear vision, of straight thinking, and of unselfish doing, as we all must strive to be.

The significance of today is that Rho Chapter is celebrating its 100th year of service to Omega Psi Phi and 100 years of dedication to the great academic institution of Johnson C. Smith University. They presented the university with a gift of $100, 000.00 towards the President’s GAP Scholarship Fund, and the Rho Chapter Endowment which now has over $100,000 in its account. Bro. Al White, 1st Vice DR of the Sixth District congratulated the Brothers of Rho Chapter for this great milestone and their contribution to Omega and their community. Johnson C. Smith University President Clarence Armbrister acknowledged the gift and commended the chapter for its service to the University while recognizing Rho Chapter as the first alumni or Greek organization to present a gift of this magnitude to

the University.

Bro. Darryl A. Jackson, Sr. closed the program by reminded us of our commitment to Omega and the oath we took when we were initiated into this great Chapter of Omega. He challenged the Brothers of Rho Chapter to come back to the fold immediately, become financial and use their talents and skills for the betterment of the community and Omega.

In addition to the gift to the University, the Brothers of Rho set aside funds to construct a new fraternity monument on campus, provided financial resources to sustain the undergraduates chapter and have planned a banquet to commemorate the Centennial during JCSU’s 2022 JCSU Homecoming. Brother David Gottlieb and Terry Clark are working to capture all activities in a souvenir book that will be distributed during this once in a lifetime celebration.

Somebody said, “It couldn’t be done!” and “Rho Chapter did it”.

psi omega chapter implements

the passport to manhood graduation program

By Bro. Dr. Charles J. Smith, Sr.

Founded in 1925, Psi Omega Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has long exemplified the true meaning of our Four Cardinal Principles, Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. All these well-defined principles have been implemented and organized to help establish a mechanism of hope and wisdom for underprivileged young boys in the Augusta, Georgia community. Under the leadership of chairman Bro. Michael Griffin, the Passport to Manhood Program encourages boys ages eight through seventeen to develop outstanding character and expand this growth into mature young men. The program represents a targeted effort to engage young boys in discussions, hands-on practical application activities which reinforces character, leadership, and positive behavior. Each participant receives a “passport” to underscore the notion that they are on a personal journey of maturation and growth. Each of the program’s twelve (12) sessions use interactive activities to focus on a specific aspect of character and manhood.

The Brothers of Psi Omega Chapter regularly conduct training sessions at the J. Hebbard Boys and Girls Clubs of Augusta. The Passport to Manhood Program is designed to provide skills needed for young boys to become a productive man in society. It navigates the youth on a journey whereas each stop session along the way helps them to learn about a specific topic by which their passport is stamped. The program is divided into twelve motivational sessions covering the following topics:

INTRODUCTION

SESSION 1: SELF-ESTEEM AND IDENTITY

SESSION 2: VALUES IN PERSONAL DECISION MAKING

SESSION 3: ACADEMIC SUCCESS

SESSION 4: HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

SESSION 5: RESPONSES TO AUTHORITY

SESSION 6: RELATIONSHIPS WITH GIRLS

SESSION 7: FATHERHOOD AND THE FAMILY

SESSION 8: EMPLOYMENT AND CAREERS

SESSION 9: COOPERATION AND CONFLICT

SESSION 10: PERSONAL LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

SESSION 11: GRADUATION

To implement the program, the first session was conducted on November 9, 2021, and concluded on March 10, 2022, with a graduation and an awards program. Other important dates included sessions held on November 9, 16, 18 & 30; December 2, 7, 9, 14, & 16; and January 11,13, 18, 20, 25 & 27.

The Brothers of Psi Omega Chapter were asked to volunteer at least two sessions per week to conduct in person workshops approximately ranging from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. The program acceptable ages are 8-12, and held on Tuesdays, with the ages 13-17 meeting on Thursday. The tutorial sessions concluded with approximately 45 Manpower hours. A general overview and assessment of the program with responses from team members and mentors revealed the following information. When asked during the interview process among team members, it

was mentioned that this program itself promotes the academic materials needed to mentor and motivate boys to get back on track to meet the benchmarks deemed necessary to become productive citizens in society. The overwhelming majority of these boys were underprivileged disadvantaged individuals from a single-family home environment, with the mother serving as the primary breadwinner, to include taking on the role of a father figure. While working with these young boys during these mentoring sessions, the interest from participating parents who attended each training, revealed that they were very impressed with the visibility of Omega men the brothers of Psi Omega Chapter serving as role models.

Chairman Bro. Griffin believes that the “seed” Psi Omega Men planted into the session to guide the young men will eventually bloom and expand towards their growth and development. Some of the skills placed in the skills box included “responsible” decision making and academic improvement. The skills are directly poised in conjunction with the Omega State, District, and International Manhood Programs being led by past State Representative Marvin Broadwater, Sr. It is the hope of Psi Omega Chapter that we can expand the Passport to Manhood Graduation Program to Boys and Girls Clubs across the Augusta - Central Savannah River Area community. Per the Chairman Griffin and Bro. Myler, expanding this mentoring initiative throughout the community is a great idea.

Mentoring Team member Past Basileus Charles Myler, orated the same sentiments that the parents were very pleased with the program and that the Passport to Manhood and Graduation sessions will help them continue to make progress and move forward in a good way. He reiterated further that it is an evolution from the beginning to the end, and one can see in their eyes the excitement the mentoring program and the impact it had on them. It should also be so noted that nearly all the program participants completed the twelve-week sessions. Only a few boys did not complete it. The sessions were held as an after-school initiative. Also, Bro. Myler stated that during the outdoor session, parents came by and expressed much gratitude that the presence of Omega men leading this important session, resonated with them in a positive manner. He spoke to the mentees about the responsibility of being a man and stressed the importance of dealing with accepting the consequences of their actions. These attributes will help them become productive citizens in society with the understanding how important it is for fathers to be a visible and vital part of their son’s upbringing.

The Passport to Manhood and Graduations program has had wide-spread media coverage and has been viewed on WJBF TV 6 Station Parade of Quartets in Augusta, Georgia and online with YouTube. During the interview, Bro. Griffin reminded the public that Psi Omega Chapter takes pride in its involvement with mentoring our young boys. One of the sessions, due to a lack of fatherly presence, was done with emphasis on what a father really is or should be. This session resonated well based on the number of mothers who were present. It detailed the negative impact of father’s absence in the lives of the boys meant, as well as, provided mothers present a pathway to giving their best efforts to the boys who needed a positive male role-model in the household.

Another active mentoring team member Bro. Charles H.S. Lyons, III, attended these sessions and served as an advocate for these boys by encouraging them to stay in school and stay out of trouble. Bro. Lyons is an Attorney who often deals with juvenile issues in the court system. Often, he sees the issues some of the parents, in particular mothers are having trying to hold down the responsibility of parenting and work. Most of the time, the mother must represent both parents. Why? In most instances, there are no fathers in the household who can be the male role-model that can deal with male issues. During a recent television interview on the Augusta Parade of Quartets, Bro. Lyons spoke of his involvement with the Boys and Girls Clubs, and how important it is for the Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to step up and become an active member of the mentoring program. He reminded the young boys that it was not always perfect for him growing up. He too had his issues to deal with to help him develop the strength needed to refocus what he wanted to accomplish in life.

He praised the leadership at the community facility Mrs. Maria Henry, for providing outstanding support of the boys, as well as giving their parents the tools necessary to help the children reach the mentoring benchmark. A program such as mentoring cannot be successful without the full support of the leadership, to include the Executive Committee and brothers of Psi Omega Chapter. Under the auspices of the current Basileus Bro. Charles Byrd, this program has taken off with success and productivity provided by the committee team members. Basileus Byrd attends most of the sessions to render visible and administrative support to his team mentors. During

Continued on next Page

Passport To Manhood Program, continued...

the sessions, as the leader of Psi Omega Chapter, he gets involved with hands on practical application engagement with the boys to show that in any organization, he is leading by example. Also, his presence reinforced the true meaning of our Four Cardinal Principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. According to Brother Byrd, this by far is one of the most important programs of the Fraternity. He has pledged his support beyond the Chapter and is providing leadership necessary to expand the committees vision of the boy’s future growth and development. In conjunction with numerous Psi Omega Chapter brothers who participated in

the twelve-week sessions, emphasis throughout this important mentoring program continuously highlighted the Founding Principles and our Motto: “Friendship is Essential to the Soul.” For long-range planning and expansion throughout the community, more emphasis shall be placed on providing in-person mentoring sessions with area school principals. For years to come, Psi Omega’s visibility will most certainly give these administrators and parents a sense of hope and enthusiasm that will help provide young boys some much needed encouragement.

eta nu participates

at unity in the cummunity

By Bro. Whitney Rawls

On possibly one of South Florida’s coldest winter days of 2022, the brothers of Eta Nu Chapter participated at Unity in the Community’s Family Fun Day in Pompano Beach, Florida. Participation in the event was part of a continued effort to show solidarity with its local community, including residents, service organizations and businesses. Unity in the Community was held on Saturday, January 29th, and is an annual event that brings over 500 people together to promote and celebrate unity. The event featured more than fifty service organizations, including arts and crafts vendors, the sheriff’s office, the fire department, and other city departments among others. Pompano Beach’s Mayor and Commissioners, Broward County’s Vice Mayor, and a State Representative all took part in the event. Local artists performed throughout the day, adding a festive, diverse, and cultural vibe to the event, while the fire and police departments monitored public demonstrations. Eta Nu Chapter participated by distributing literature, including its Black History Month events calen-

dar, its Scholarship Application, and information about its Mentoring Program. Brothers were able to interact with local residents in a positive way while acting out our fraternity’s fourth cardinal principle, Uplift.

District News - Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi

omega mu mu

requested for city wide black history display

Omega Mu Mu (Tupelo, MS) Chapter’s accomplishments captured the attention of Oren Dunn’s Museum of History, which led to all local political leaders creating monthly displays over the past nine months to explain the history and achievements of our beloved fraternities and sororities. The event was such a success for the city and the Museum that the Museum’s directors decided that this would be an annual occasion. From now on, each of the Divine Nine Greek-Letter Organizations will be on display for a month each year. The Museum even promised to honor Omega Mu Mu’s efforts by allowing the chapter to have another display in the month of July to celebrate the chapter’s 10th year anniversary, which is on July 5, 2022.

psi chI chapter

celebrates black history month

By Bro. Cornelius I. Faulk

Psi Chi Chapter celebrated Black History Month on Saturday February 26, 2022, with a community program focused on the achievements and contributions that were made by Bros. Dr. Nathaniel Hawthorne Jones and Edmond Fordham in Marion County, Florida and surrounding areas. Dr. Jones opened his practice in Ocala, FL in 1928. He was the first Black doctor to become a staff physician at Munroe Memorial Hospital. He was one of the pioneers in medicine in Ocala, FL. Dr. N. H. Jones Elementary School is named in his honor. Brother Fordham was a lifelong educator in Marion County. He served as principal at Dr. N. H. Jones Elementary for many years before taking over as principal in Dunnellon, FL. He was instrumental to youth development in Marion County. He also ushered many African Americans in Marion County into the career field of education. Many of his students are now educators and Omega Men. The event featured powerful and thought-provoking speeches from Basileus Ronald Jones Jr, Vice Basileus Eric Cummings, who serves as the School Board Chair, and citizens of the community that were positively impacted and inspired by these Omega Men. Creative dancing was performed by GAP Production, a group of adolescents in Ocala, FL, a recitation by Eric Tarver entitled “A Knock at Midnight,” and musical performances by Rudy Turner. The program featured a rendition of “Lift Every Voice & Sing” led by Bro. Rodney Rocker, Jr., and sung by the attendees. The program was attended by many dignitaries in the Marion County area.

sigma alpha chapter

partners with big brothers/ big sisters miami and former miami heat player norris cole

By Bro. Paul Wilson

On Saturday, August 7, the brothers of Sigma Alpha chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., were invited to the headquarters of Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami (BBBSM). Members of the chapter got to tour the Carnival Center for Excellence, BBBSM’s new state-of-the-art facility. They also discussed a future partnership, and engaged in a critical discussion regarding mentoring as guests on the “Game of Life’’ podcast entitled, “It Ends with Omega.” BBBSM is a nonprofit mentoring organization that has been serving South Florida since 1958. Similar to the mission of Omega Psi Phi, BBBSM has always been a champion for hope, transformation, and social good, as well as defending the potential of children who need it most. Sigma Alpha Basileus Bro. Khallid Mahmood, Bro. Reggie Leon, and Bro. Paul Wilson participated in the conversation revolving around mentoring the youth. The discussion delved into how we serve the community, and educate the whole child. All shared stories about who made a lasting impact on their life. We had the pleasure of hearing from former teachers, coaches, neighbors, and other community members. The brothers also discussed the importance of joining forces to consistently serve the youth of South Florida, and how the two organizations can continue to collaborate and make an impact. BBBSM is expanding its programs and services to include digital literacy, health and wellness, music and the arts, academic enrichment, and career pathways training. The goal is to engage thousands of promising youth and empower future leaders for the betterment of the community. BBBSM and Sigma Alpha joined forces for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami Back to School Jam. The event took place August 19-21. The Jam was hosted by two-time NBA Champion, Norris Cole. Sigma Alpha Brothers served as ambassadors and volunteers for the event. The Brothers ensured the participants were hydrated, created tournament brackets, scheduled games, and encouraged every team. “The children in our program are not broken,” said Gale Nelson, President, and CEO of BBBSM. “They may have challenges, but they do not lack potential or hope. We come to their side, defending their potential and helping them go further than they ever imagined. We are ecstatic that the Sigma Alpha brothers of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. have joined us as defenders.” said Nelson.

a walk worth taking

as told by 16th eightH district representative brother

lynn beckwith, jr.

By Bro. Jayson “Jay” Jones

Omega Men create history at a moment’s notice. What seems like an opportunity to others is really a blueprint layout, a map of sorts that has been years in the making. A mentor, teacher, work associate, friend, or even a parent may cause the spark that lays that solid foundation. Bro. Beckwith has lived his life exemplifying the true meaning of BROTHERHOOD. He has been making history along the way while remaining humble and standing on four cardinal principles as an Omega Man! Bro. Beckwith is a generous man who takes being an Omega Man as a lifetime commitment. Bro. Beckwith has numerous awards and achievements such as serving as the Eighth District’s Sixteenth District Representative; former Chairman of the National Scholarship Committee of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; past Man of the Year for Upsilon Omega, and the list goes on.

I remember calling Bro. Beckwith about seven years ago to request a one on one interview for an article I was writing. We agreed to meet at a local restaurant and our conversation centered around the fraternity, mentorship, and family values. Highly respected in the Missouri education system, Bro. Beckwith is currently the Chairman of Riverview Gardens School District Special Administrative Board and President of the St. Louis County Library District Board of Trustees. During the interview, there was one story we didn’t finish. It was about his love for education and making a difference to help anyone that called upon his assistance. His perspective comes from years of serving Omega and cherishing the values of both his parents. Pondering service, Omega, and life balance as a young man, Bro. Beckwith recalls the life lessons he learned and how the foundation of his “blueprint” started.

Bro. Beckwith’s mother, Myrtis Jones Beckwith, worked as a member of the cleaning crew in the early 1960’s at the University City Library, a suburb of St. Louis. The librarians there told her how important it was for her five children to have library cards. In turn, she demanded

that all five of her children get library cards. The closest library branch from their home in the Ville area of St. Louis was approximately 20 minutes away. He and his siblings walked to and from that branch library to get books to read and then return to check out some more. That is where he developed his love for reading. The first certificate he ever received was for reading and reporting 15 books as a part of the summer Read Away Vacation Club.

While his mother was not formally educated, she knew the power of a formal education and always encouraged her children to learn and perform to the best of their ability. His father worked at the main United States Post Office in downtown St. Louis. As a pre-teen, his dad encouraged his reading by bringing home the morning Globe Democrat newspaper and in the evening, sending him to the corner store to get the St. Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper. Brother Beckwith read both news newspapers each day.

Some 30 years later after his mother worked as a part of the cleaning crew at the University City Library, he was appointed Superintendent of Schools in University City which validated all she had taught her children about what she called “getting a good education.”

Good news travels fast, but often we must persevere through the end. Circa 2019, the St. Louis County Library District purchased five different pieces of property from homeowners in the city of Frontenac, Missouri, an upper-class community. When the Mayor and some of the powers in Frontenac learned that the Library District planned to build its administrative building on the purchased properties, it filed suit against the Library

Continued on next Page

Upsilon Omega Chapter | St. Louis, Missouri

A Walk Worth Taking, continued...

District reasoning that the building might bring unwanted individuals to its city. The presiding judge for the lawsuit dismissed the suit in favor of the Library District however negotiations did take place regarding the size of the building. Regardless, there is now a completed state of the art Administrative Building, named for Bro. Lynn Beckwith, Jr. It stands as the headquarters and flagship of the St. Louis County Library District.

The St. Louis County Library District is composed of 19 branches and the Lynn Beckwith, Jr. Administrative Building. It serves the citizens of St. Louis County, Missouri of approximately one million people. Bro. Beckwith was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the SLCLD in 2007 and became the first African American appointed to the Board of Trustees since it was founded in 1946. In 2010, Bro.Beckwith was elected president of

the Board of Trustees and has been president since that time. Oftentimes we don’t understand why our parents, friends, family members and mentors give the advice they give. Not knowing the outcome of our journey. This indeed was a WALK WORTH TAKING.

gamma upsilon

HONORED RETIRED DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF WANDA GIVENS AND OUTGOING POLICE CHIEF GORDON RAMSAY

On 1 March 2022, Gamma Upsilon Chapter, in collaboration with Military and Veteran Services at Wichita State, the NAACP, and the Greater Wichita Ministerial League, honored retired Deputy Police Chief Wanda Givens and outgoing Police Chief Gordon Ramsay, who are either members of or affiliated with all three organizations. Chief Ramsay served the city of Wichita from 2016 to 2022 and is relocating back to his family home in Duluth, MN.

Deputy Police Chief Givens is retiring after 31 years of service with the department. She had a distinguished career achieving the singular distinction of being the first African American woman promoted to Deputy Chief in the 151-year history of the department. She has a connection to Omega through her husband Brother Daryl Givens. Both honorees were given plaques and an engraved saber from Military and Veteran Services honoring their leadership to the city and commitment to the citizens of Wichita. Deputy Chief Givens was previously recognized as Gamma Upsilon Chapter’s Citizen of the Year.

nu rho golf tournament

fundraisers - new mexico

Brothers with a recipient of the “purple Swipe” Event - nebraska

The holidays are an incredible time for many families. Joy filled dinners, laughter, and gifts are often associated with the festive season. However, for many families, the price associated with the aforementioned complicates things. “We saw a need and we went to fulfill it.”

Enter the men of Beta Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. “The Omaha Ques” brainstormed on how they could help families during the Christmas Season. Bros. Basileus Tony Finch and Miguel Mason came up with the idea of going to a local store and purchasing food and those last minute gifts.

Thus, the idea of the purple swipe was born. Bro. Craig B. Thompson, the chapter Vice Basileus, came up with the name and says the time couldn’t have been any better.

“It’s not everyday you can make a positive contribution by basically putting money in people’s pockets in a roundabout way,” he said.

“So for us to be able to do this and help the number of families we helped is pretty spectacular.”

The chapter set up shop on the North Side of Omaha, a predominantly African-American area. Brothers walked inside the Walmart on Ames Avenue and got to work

Continued on next Page

To support our youth encouragement programs and to raise money for scholarship awards the Nu Rho Chapter sponsored an annual Open Golf Tournament. We have a standing Golf Committee which works in cooperation with our Scholarship Committee and our Talent Hunt Committee to coordinate event dates and budgetary needs. Funds raised through business and civic donations and golf entry fees flow directly into our Nu Rho Foundation, which is our own 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Scholarship awards and competition prize awards are granted from our foundation.

We in the chapter are grateful to the continuing support of our major golf tournament sponsors including; Wells Fargo Bank, NAPA Auto Parts, and generous contributions from Chapter Members.

The local contributions mentioned above have enabled us to provide three cash awards up to $1000 each for talent hunt winners, three cash awards to our annual essay contest winners, and three scholarship college students. First Place essay contest winners from our chapter have gone on to win first-place honors at the 2020 8th district meeting and second place at the 2021 8th District meeting. Our congratulations go to winners Kristian Thomas in 2020, and Aliva Trujillo in 2021 for great writing efforts.

Purple

Swipe Event, continued...

on a sunny Christmas Eve, looking for those who needed help with groceries for their holiday dinner and last minute Christmas gifts. So what did participants have to do? All they had to do was take a picture with us. We met them in the check-out line and took it from there,” said Bro. Thompson. All the Brothers were decked out in Omega Psi Phi paraphernalia. Because of the chapter’s heavy involvement in the community, people knew something was going on when they saw the number of Omega Men that invaded Walmart.

“We try to be the light in the community, so when they see the letters along with Royal Purple and Old Gold, we hope it’s associated with good thoughts and deeds.”

Beta Upsilon was able to bless 12 families and pay for their shopping expenses. It was well received by the community and the Brotherhood looks forward to the next one.

“When you wear the letters you have an obligation to uplift the downtrodden. And with the holidays, this was a much needed endeavor.,” says Bro. Thompson, who hopes to build upon the event next year.

“This is only the beginning,” he shared.

National (UG) Leadership

Brother Lilo Abraham speaking at the 1st annual 6th District (UG) Summit

The 8th District’s very own Lilo Abraham was invited as the keynote speaker for the undergraduate summit in Greensboro, North Carolina. The meeting was attended by over 150 graduate and undergraduate brothers of the 6th District. The meeting was driven by the body of undergraduates that discussed many challenges, including SEC checklist compliance, retention (UG), chapter fundraising, and post college job opportunities.

The meeting was a historical moment for the 6th District and set the standard for future 6th District undergraduate summits. During Bro. Abraham’s address, he elaborated on the transitions from undergrad to graduate for brothers in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He explained how your loyalties change during your transition and how important it is to stay connected and financial with a graduate chapter in your area. Bro. Abraham also charged the 6th district brothers with 10 challenges that included;

1. Publish Scholarship of High Journalistic Quality

2. Supply news that would challenge, criticize, or commend policies and plans of action

3. House the Undergraduate Brothers

4. Encourage Scholarship Attainment through loans and scholarship

5. Publish Occasional Rosters

6. Keep Alive the Memory of Deceased Brothers

7. Inspire Race Pride

8. Joint Action Programs Between Various Chapters

9. Encourage Brothers to immortalize Omega in song

10. Financial Assistant to Worthy Projects that benefit the race

8th District News - Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota and South Dakota

omicron pi brothers

uplift the community

By Bros. Joe Holston and Adrian Davenport Killeen, TX

Because of the COVID pandemic, the underprivileged citizens in the local communities have an even greater need for basic support. On February 22, 2022, the Brothers of Omicron Pi Chapter, Killeen, TX, presented the second quarterly check of $500.00 to God’s Servant Ministries. God’s Servant Ministries was established within one of our local churches. The ministry seeks to provide wholesome meals to less fortunate members of the community. God’s Servant Ministries provides more than two hundred meals per month for the deserving citizens of our community. Omicron Pi Chapter is honored to assist in this effort.

brothers uplift

the community

By Bro. Rufus Woods, IV Magnolia, AR

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care and research. This event is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide. Kappa Chi brothers’ community involvement and social action was on full display. Not only did the brothers serve as an event sponsor, they also led the way in the walk. Involvement in the event is even more significant as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. announced a national partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association on February 8, 2022. We have renewed our sponsorship for the 2022 Walk to

End Alzheimer’s and look forward to more brothers joining in and increasing the awareness for a disease that heavily impacts Black communities. Black Americans are about twice

as likely to have Alzheimer’s and other dementia as compared to other groups.

Tau phi community service

Tau Phi Brothers uplift the community by Brother Antwon Emsweller Sr. - Tau Phi - Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Tau Phi Chapter provides uplift to the community of Pine Bluff, Arkansas by purchasing and providing essential household items to Committee Against Spouse Abuse (CASA) Women’s Shelter. CASA is a non-profit organization that is committed to ending violence against women and children. CASA aids and provides a safe haven to individuals who have been battered, physically and mentally, as well as financially.

psi alpha chapter and alamo city omega gents

discuss and apply lessons from the book

“the making of a mad man” by bro. mateen diop

By Bro. Earnest Smith - TX

On March 12, 2022, Psi Alpha Chapter and Alamo City Omega Gents participated in a mentoring session discussing the book The Making of a Mad Man by author Bro. Mateen Diop. Brothers Mateen Diop and Earnest Smith were our guest speakers. This is the first of three sessions covering the first five chapters of the book. The Omega Gents participated in a question-and-answer discussion on several important points of the book.

In opening our discussion, Bro. Diop shared his birthdate of June 19 and Omega Gent Braylen Jacques-Smith discussed the importance of the date and the reason it is still celebrated today. He noted generally that it marks the date that the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas became aware of their freedom some two years after emancipation. This date

in history would serve as a talking point to remind the mentees the importance of knowing their history. This moment in history has often been left out of history books in most curriculums and the Brothers collectively encouraged the mentees to seek to learn their history so they will always know the great feats those who came before them have made.

Bro. Diop discussed a difficult time in his young life relating to his sister being sexually assaulted and how it impacted him. The mentees discussed the traumatic experience and asked how he and his family member’s lives changed due to that incident. Omega Gents Cameron and Jalen Hall discussed how they would tell a family member, mentor, or friend if they are ever faced with a similar situation. Bro. Diop shared the moments when he first

remembered facing racism when he transferred to a new school, and the subsequent altercation that happened due to some racist remarks his new schoolmates made. Bro. Smith requested that each mentee share a time where they had faced a similar incident and their responses. Omega Gent Travion King gave a detailed account about a time he was faced with a similar situation where a teammate made racist comments. Collectively, the Men of Omega provided feedback to each mentee on the importance of making wise decisions when faced with racism. Brothers shared examples of ways to navigate through those moments.

The brothers transitioned into a discussion about the Omega Gent’s career aspirations. Omega Gent AJ Hardeway said he aspires to be the greatest actor ever known and he

was currently pursuing acting roles to work on his craft. Omega Gent Gavin Newsome would like to work in the tech industry and have a career in programming or cyber security. Omega Gent Ashton McGhee is interested in becoming a Software or Mechanical Engineer and Omega Gent Braylen would like to be an entrepreneur. Omega Gent Darius Burley would like to be a business owner and or entrepreneur. The brothers discussed certain steps the mentees should be taking to best position themselves to reach their respective goals. These steps included formal education, internships, and leaning on their well-educated mentors when needed for additional wisdom.

Bro. Diop shared insight on chapter 4 and chapter 5 of his book and presented several additional thought-provoking questions and scenarios to the mentees. Brother Lionel Richardson gave a legal perspective to the mentees on the use of social media and being transparent when inappropriate images and or content is shared to the mentees. Brothers Reggie Smith and Dereck Morton reiterated to the mentees that they should be cautious when interacting with acquaintances and to be careful who they call friend. They shared further that trusting the wrong people could land them in bad situations and derail their goals.

Finally, Bro. Diop provided details of many of the highs and lows of his experience as a student-athlete in college. His journey caused him to

transfer more than a few times. His story displayed areas where he found allies in unexpected ways and unexpected places. Although he was told by several people, including professors, that a career as a teacher or administrator would not be a great fit for him. Bro. Diop surpassed all expectations and met his educational

goals. His story of perseverance and ingenuity to overcome every obstacle proved to be key ingredients to his success. His story of triumph during adversity inspired the mentees to know they too can achieve whatever it is they desire as long as they do not give up.

SPC MOURNS PROFESSOR

EMERITUS DR. WILLIAM C. DAVIS

St. Philip’s College (SPC) Professor Emeritus Dr. William C. Davis passed away on March 16, 2022, at the age of 95.

Dr. Davis led a remarkable career as a researcher, food chemist and educator. His career was set in motion when his father took him on a road trip from the family’s home in Valdosta, Georgia, where they visited the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. There, the young Davis attended a workshop with George Washington Carver and Henry Ford. Seeing African American professors and scientists in action inspired Davis to become a chemist.

Dr. Davis created instant mash potatoes, soft-serve ice cream and industrial glue. He standardized medical tests for insulin and growth hormones. Working with a St. Philip’s College colleague, the late Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Lanier Byrd, Dr. Davis studied the characteristics of drinking water and co-created the formula for Dasani brand water.

William Conan Davis was born on August 22, 1926, in Waycross, Georgia to Kince Charles and Laura Jane Davis. He graduated from a segregated high school and went to New York City to further his education. He lived with his brother, the late actor and civil rights activist, Ossie Davis, and briefly attended the City College of New York (www.ccny.cuny.edu).

Brother Davis went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Talladega College (Ala.) (talladega.edu) in 1956 and a Mas-

ter’s of Science in Organic Chemistry from the Tuskegee Institute (tuskegee. edu) in 1958, where he was a George Washington Carver Research Fellow.

He was determined to pursue a Ph.D. in research, an extremely difficult goal for a Black student to achieve at the time. The University of Idaho was the only institution willing to accept him as a research-track grad student. His thesis was A Study of Sloughing in the Potato Tuber (1965).

With a Ph.D. in hand, Dr. Davis began to explore human health: studying hay fever antigens, learning radioimmunoassay techniques. He spent nearly 15 years as director of United Medical Laboratories in Portland, Oregon. He helped establish a free medical clinic in Portland’s Albina neighborhood before relocating to San Antonio, Texas. From 1979 to 1982, Dr. Davis was a research associate in Molecular Pharmacology at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. In 1983, he became a chemistry professor at St. Philip’s College.

Dr. Davis served as department chair of Natural Sciences, starting in 1996. He was named Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 2009. In 2012, the college science building

was named in his honor, the William C. Davis Science Building. On the day of the building renaming ceremony, Dr. Davis awarded the college a $20,000 endowment toward scholarships for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students.

In addition to all of his accomplishments, Dr. Davis also served in the military. He enrolled in the U.S. Army Officer Training Corps while he was a student at Talladega College. He served during the Korean War, Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He was awarded with a Purple Heart in 1953. He will be interred at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery in San Antonio.

Source: SPC : SPC Mourns Professor Emeritus Dr. William C. Davis | Alamo Colleges

another first for

omega nu

brother gregory harris becomes the first african american united states attorney

By Bro. Marcus Taylor - Springfield, IL

Omega Nu Chapter has become familiar with breaking the glass ceiling in many professions locally in Springfield. Late Bro. Dr. Edwin A. Lee was the first African American physician to be admitted into the Sangamon County Medical Society in 1949. Late Bro. Johnnie D. Washington was the first African American principal in the Springfield Public School District 186. On December 10, 2021, after being nominated by President Joseph R. Biden and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate Bro. Gregory Harris continued this long tradition by being sworn in as the first African American United States Attorney for the Central District of Illinois. Bro. Harris graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law in 1976 and has been a practicing attorney ever since.

Bro. Harris was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in the Spring 1983 through Omega Nu Chapter.

Wisconsin

formidable phi mu nu chapter

third annual achievement week celebration

By Bro. Theron Wilson - Fishers, IN

Phi Mu Nu Chapter, located in Fishers, Indiana, celebrated their beloved fraternity’s Achievement Week. Our week events began Saturday, November 13, 2021. Phi Mu Nu partnered and sponsored a virtual symposium with the Minority Health Coalition of Marion County. This event was named “Too Sweet For Your Own Good”: Managing Diabetes Virtual Conference. This zoom webinar hosted up to 85 registrants. The conference highlighted four health professionals from various fields that discussed topics around diabetes, nutrition, kidney management, and mental health awareness.

On Sunday, November 14, 2021, Phi Mu Nu held its Third Annual Achievement Week Founders’ Banquet. This joyous occasion allowed Phi Mu Nu Chapter to acknowledge newly-elected officers while simultaneously honoring the previous year’s officers and award recipients for their service and accomplishments.

On Monday, November 15, 2021, Phi Mu Nu hosted a private Reclamation and Retention event at a local Bar & Grill, Ale Emporium. Brothers from around the city and neighboring cities gathered to fellowship and connect.

On Wednesday, November 17, 2021, Phi Mu Nu brothers gathered on a zoom meeting to make a virtual toast and we were out in the community fellowshipping with brothers throughout the state of Indiana.

On Thursday, November 18, 2021, Phi Mu Nu Vice-Basileus assisted with the chapter donation of over 150 books. They dropped them off at Sand Creek Elementary School in Fishers, Indiana. This event is the chapter’s Assault on Illiteracy program, aiming to improve literacy programs in local schools.

Ending out the Achievement Week celebration on Sunday, November 21, 2021, Phi Mu Nu held its Inaugural Basilieus Brunch at a local restaurant, The Garrison Restaurant. This new tradition allows chapter brothers to connect with the new Basilieus to fellowship and share unique ideas for the upcoming year for the fraternity.

transforming boys into men

rho gamma gamma’s omega-yes mentoring program in chicago’s morgan park

By Bro. Lemarr T. Ketchens - Chicago, IL

After a successful Spring 2021 cohort, Rho Gamma Gamma Chapter’s OMEGA-YES Mentorship Program began its Fall 2021 cohort with Morgan Park High School, a Chicago Public School. This joint venture is part of a great partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, which started on October 22, 2021. OMEGA-YES is the brainchild of Golden Bridge Builder, Bro. Michael Parham Sr., while facilitated by the Coordinator, Bro. Christopher Burney.

This cohort meets weekly on Thursdays for one hour, a modified from Spring 2021, which did meet for two hours. The brothers involved with this cohort are very enthused and have encouraged more brothers to get involved. The mentees are meeting at Morgan Park High School (MPHS) in person. However, there have been a few virtual meetings to deal with the increased issues with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 during the holiday season and whenever it’s impossible to meet in person.

Make no mistakes, OMEGA-YES is fully compliant with the COVID-19 protocols, as brothers are fully vaccinated, wearing masks, and social-distancing. There are seven mentees in the MPHS cohort, which the brothers have been engaging with weekly. Some of the highlights: Job Shadowing, Critical Thinking, & Self Reflection. Uniforms, which will consist of an OMEGA-YES polo and Khaki slacks, will be provided to the MPHS cohort. Yet another way to encourage young men to become a mentee in the future.

The committee collaborated with the Rho Gamma Gamma Chapter Food Pantry Committee, in December (2021), at Morgan Park High School, where there were 500 bags of food distributed to needy families. The activity was a great venue to show the mentees what Omegas do. The OMEGA-YES brothers are looking forward to starting the Spring 2022 cohort, which will resume weekly on Saturdays for two hours. The Spring cohort will be for 10 weeks, and a

graduation ceremony will occur where the mentees will receive a purple blazer.

“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living—if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” —

Denzel Washington

a beautiful, enduring, and sometimes forgotten legacy

of omega men

By Bro. Devin Oten

What comes to mind when you hear the term Christian Manhood? Probably one of the Aims of our beloved fraternity. Maybe you think of the Apostle Paul’s call to manhood in 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” Or maybe your thoughts focus on the fact that Jesus Christ was not only the Son of God but the Son of Man, according to Matthew 18:11, which compels us as men to walk even as Christ walked as He sojourned this life during His earthly ministry. For those with ministry training, maybe your thoughts went to theology, specifically Christology, the part of theology that addresses the nature, purpose, and work of Jesus Christ which is to be continued and carried on by man. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Don’t let anybody take your manhood,” aligning with our fraternal mentality.

As you well know, our first Grand Basileus was Bishop Edgar Amos Love. Would you agree that the Basileus sets the tone and initiates the direction for the fraternity? An organization’s president sets policies and strategic direction for the organization, both for the near term and the foreseeable future. Please meditate on this quote from The History of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity by Brother Herman Dreer, “Thus Brother Love completed his formal training,

ably prepared to be a prophet of the twentieth century and lead humanity to God.” One of our beloved Founders discovered his purpose to lead humanity to God. What a rich and inspiring start to a fraternal legacy! Is it safe to say Bishop Love desired to lead the Men of Omega to God? I would give a resounding YES to that question. Dreer stated that wherever Bishop Love was, he brought the church’s presence with him. Bishop Love believed that faith in God “should be the guiding force in all things.” Therefore, when I hear Christian Manhood, especially since I was initiated into the bosom of Omega, what comes to mind is this simple thought, may my faith in God guide me in every aspect of my life. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Here are a few spiritual bread crumbs our Founders left behind:

MANHOOD – “manhood is developed by responsibility.” Genesis 2:15, “Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.”

SCHOLARSHIP – “Scholarship is no side issue – it is an integral and deep-rooted component of this organization.” Proverbs 18:15, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”

PERSEVERANCE – “Thus the struggle for existence demanded devotion, methodical precision and sober judgment.” Romans 5:4, “And endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

UPLIFT – Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, “a group capable of giving expression to the hopes and aspirations of an unfree people in the land of the free.” Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

May the men of Omega continue the heritage of Christian principles established by our founders in 1911. May we carry the church’s presence with us wherever we go, even as Bishop Edgar Amos Love carried God’s presence to humanity.

There is a spiritual awakening on the horizon, and it is my prayer that our beloved fraternity would be a leader in bringing about this great revival.

former 1st vice grand basileus Dr.

CARL A. blunt recognized with

the pillar of excellence award

By Bro. Myron E. Reed

Bro. Dr. Carl A. Blunt, who served as Omega’s 32nd First Vice Grand Basileus (2006 to 2010) and the only man to serve Omega as a District Representative in 2 different chapters located in different states (Sigma Iota, Oakland, CA from 19931995 & Phi Iota, Phoenix, AZ from 1998-1999), was recently recognized for his continuous and unselfish service to the fraternity and the community.

On February 11th Bro. Blunt received the Pillar of Excellence Award from the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity for his decades of community service and leadership in the field of education and mentorship.

From the time Bro. Blunt arrived in Arizona from San Francisco in 1997, he has provided mentorship to young men of color in the Valley of the Sun, initially as a Senior Vice President with Bank of America. Since his retirement he continues to mentor youth and lecture as the Chairman of the Board of the Omega Youth Leadership Academy.

assault

on literacy 2022

By Bro. James Breedlove

Zeta Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. partnered with the Bridge Builders Foundation and Tabahani Book Circle to give away over 1,200 books to targeted schools in Los Angeles Unified and Long Beach Unified School District.

The Brothers made a commitment to bring books to life through reading, role playing, and donations of personal books for youth to take home. In order to comply with social distancing mandates, the Brothers of Zeta Rho Chapter bought a two room tent to provide portable, outdoor classroom capabilities to engage youth. The mobile classroom includes a two-room purple carpet, and folding benches, and is a hit with participating youth. In addition students were given school supplies and “Assault on illiteracy” T-shirts.

Sixty-one percent of low-income families have no books at all in their homes for their children. While low-income children have, on average, four children’s books in their homes, a team of researchers concluded that nearly twothirds of the low-income families they studied owned no books for their children (US Dept. of Education). In low-income neighborhoods the ratio is 1 book for every 300 children.

southern california

hbcu recruitment fair

By Bro. Myron E. Reed

OOn Tuesday, March 1, 2022, the Brothers of Mu Alpha Alpha Chapter, an Unincorporated Association of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., led by Bro. Ernie Bridges, supported a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) recruitment fair. The event took place at Bible Believers Missionary Baptist Church in Downey, California. Other event partners included the Orange County Uplift Foundation (OCUF) Fullerton College UMOJA Community, Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College.

There were several highlights from the recruitment fair including a young lady in attendance that was admitted to four (4) HBCUs on the spot. Her admissions package to Tuskegee University included 100% full-ride financial package. The event was a major success with several HBCU admissions representatives in attendance, including but not limited to, Edward Waters University, Bennet College, Shaw University, Wilberforce University, Talladega University, Southern University of New Orleans, Texas Southern University, Fisk University, Grambling State University, Tuskegee University and Harris-Stowe State University to name a few.

Brother Ernie Bridges stated “I really appreciate the support provided by Brothers of Mu Alpha Alpha Chapter to help make this event a huge success!” Additionally, Brother Bridges mentioned “The recruitment fair is an excellent opportunity to introduce HBCUs to students and families from California that are not typically exposed to HBCUs.

There were other local Omega Men in attendance supporting the recruitment fair from Phi Beta Beta, Tau Tau, and Omega Mu Nu chapters as well. Brother Michael Haynes (Phi Beta Beta Chapter) hosted a STEM information booth and delivered a STEM career presentation to several of the students in attendance.

WESTSIDE!!!

PHOENIX METROPOLITAN HAS A NEW GRADUATE CHAPTER - XI NU NU!!

By Bro. DL White

Acknowledging the ever-increasing population on Phoenix’s westside, Phi Iota Chapter, a Phoenix graduate chapter chartered in 1946, opened its heart and mind to the cultivation of a new graduate chapter to serve the expanding westside of Maricopa County.

Combined with the leadership and vision of 12th District Representative Kwame Dow, Grand Basileus the honorable Dr. David Marion, Xi Nu Nu, became the third graduate chapter in Arizona, following Phi Iota, and Delta Alpha Alpha (Tucson graduate chapter 1978).

Xi Nu Nu Chapter will serve the ever-increasing population on Phoenix’s westside, including Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, and Surprise.

Xi Nu Nu Chapter was chartered on December 15, 2021, a historical and significant date to all Omega men as it was on the same date in 1911 that Alpha Chapter was chartered. The official ceremony took place on March 5, in the Avondale Convention Center Complex.

Rising to the occasion and accepting the mantle of leadership to guide the new chapter, officers elect include; Chapter Basileus (president) Terry Williams, Vice-Basileus Bryant Jones, Keeper of Records and Seal, Barry Kimmons, Demond Bradford, Keeper of Finance, Charles Williams, Asst. Keeper of Finance, Courtney Boss, Parliamentarian, Jermaine Sampson, Chaplain, and Gustavus Lawlar, Keeper of Peace.

“We want to extend a special thanks to 34th Twelfth District Representative Kwame Dow and his vision to

see the need for further expansion into the West Valley of the greater Phoenix Metropolitan area,” said Terry Williams, Basileus of Xi Nu Nu.

Added Dow, who was unable to attend the ceremony:

“I am very excited that Omega’s footprint continues to grow. The Brothers of Xi Nu Nu Chapter will continue to uplift the communities we serve. I am looking forward to the impact these Brothers will make.”

Bro. Andrew Davis, the 12th District First Vice District Representative, attended the official ceremony standing in for the District Representative Dow.

“I have no doubt these brothers will continue the long tradition of Omega Psi Phi working to improve and uplift the community here on the Westside,” Davis said.

“I am excited for the growth and the opportunities that lie in wait.”

Also in attendance and making a presentation were members of Delta Alpha Alpha Chapter and Sorors from Delta Sigma Theta and Sigma Gamma Rho.

The Brothers of Xi Nu Nu stand ready and willing to assist the community in any form or fashion needed.

“Xi Nu Nu Chapter is excited to have the opportunity to cultivate relationships and provide support to the west valley communities, local organizations, charities and youth initiatives,” Jones said.

lambda xi chapter

celebrates 45th anniversary

By Bro. Clarence Burse

On February 22, 2022, the Brothers of Lambda Xi, located in the Republic of Korea, hosted a virtual presentation and cake cutting ceremony on Zoom to celebrate their 45th Anniversary. Basileus Desmond Smith and Brothers of Lambda Xi’s Fall 2021 line led the short celebration with a prayer, a reading of the chapter history, and remarks from Brothers in various locations in the United States and overseas.

This year, Lambda Xi’s Chapter Anniversary was marked by a unique day in history. It was referred to as “2’s Day,” meaning the second day of the week, the second month of the year, the twenty second day of the month, and the year ending in 2s (Tuesday, February 22, 2022).

The year 1977 proved to be an exciting one for international chapter development because Lambda Xi was chartered at the Eighth United States Army Headquarters, Yongsan, South Korea. This brotherly expansion under Grand Basileus Edward J. Braynon was a celebration for the Fraternity and especially for the Korean Peninsula. While Lambda Xi’s application was initiated through the Third District Representative, Brother B.T. Garnett on October 20, 1974, it was not officially chartered until February 22, 1977. The eleven charter members consisted of Leroy C. Bell, Peter J. Baker, Curtis A. Baylor, Marshal F. Atkins, James H. Campbell, Thurman R. Hampton, James H. Jackson, Thomas G. Joiner, Henry L. Gibson, William J. Bryant, and Roosevelt Adams.

Lambda Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was the first fraternal organization to be activated on the Korean Peninsula. Throughout the past 45 years, several Brothers and family members of the United States Military, civilians, and contractors have enjoyed living in the Republic of Korea known as “the Land of the Morning Calm.” Today, Lambda Xi continues to give back to the community by supporting local orphanages, youth events, the annual Talent Hunt Program, and scholarships for college bound high school seniors.

Recently, the Brothers of Lambda Xi Chapter were recognized by the 13th International District and the International Headquarters of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as one of the top small chapters with the most reclaimed Brothers during the 2020-2021 Omega Year. In addition, Lambda Xi’s 2020-2021 Talent Hunt Winner Ms. Jennifer Chung from Daegu High School was selected to represent the 13th International District at the 2021 Moses C. Norman Leadership Conference held virtually in Tampa, Florida. Due to the COVID pandemic, the event was cancelled.

In the spirit of friendship, fellowship, and brotherhood, Lambda Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will continue to promote the enhancement of the quality of life for its members. As pillars of the community, the Brothers of Lambda Xi serve throughout the Republic of Korea and abroad as philanthropists, mentors, and role models, thereby demonstrating positive character traits focused on improving the community through social action involvement.

District News - Bahamas, Canada, Germany, Ghana, Hawaii, Japan, South Korea, US Virginia Islands and United Kingdom

omega psi phi fraternity

international father’s day celebration

Brothers, families, and Friends of Omega from all over the world celebrated virtually by means of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s second annual International Father’s Day Program and Celebration on June 19, 2022. The theme of the program remained Fathers celebrating Fatherhood.

The event included words of reflection by Bro. LaMar-Octavius Scott, Bro. Jon Love, Sr., and Bro. D.L. Hughley. These Brothers spoke directly to what fatherhood meant to them.

The celebration was led by Brothers Francois R. Fils-Aime II, Immediate Past District Representative of the

First District, Lourenco Lopes, Jr. Immediate Past Basileus of Phi Iota Chapter of Phoenix, AZ,

and the First Vice District Representative from the 12th District Andrew Davis.

This year’s program consisted of virtual Father’s Day forums being conducted from June 1 through June 10, 2022. The forums were held throughout each District. Highlights from these recorded forums were selected by the District Fatherhood Initiative and Mentoring Chairs and sent to the International Headquarters to be edited and organized into a video collage. The collage was presented as one of the highlights of this year’s Father’s Day celebration on June 19, 2022.

Bro. Chris Collins, Spring 1995 Epsilon Chi, again moderated this year’s program, while Bro. Robert Scott III moved the celebration along.

The program opened with a prayer from the Grand Chaplain Rev. Walter T. Richardson. Bro. 1st Vice Grand Basileus Ricky Lewis shared authentic words and thoughts of what Fatherhood meant to him before Bro. Grand Basileus, Dr. David Marion, provided his remarks. Bro. Grand Basileus Marion provided his accounts of fatherhood and his continued path and experiences, which included various life lessons. This keynote address by Bro. Grand Marion was genuine and heartfelt.

The Fraternity will look to continue building the legacy of Fathers celebrating Fatherhood by way of the the International Virtual Celebration for the third year, in 2023.

phi gamma gamma donates blood

as tribute to dr. charles richard drew and support to the armed forces across europe, africa, and middle east

By Bro. Michael J. Watkins

In honor of the great Dr. Charles Richard Drew, the Brothers of Phi Gamma Gamma donated blood during the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) Europe Blood Drive on February 1, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Germany. The ASBP Blood Drive supports real-world operations and livefire training exercises throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East as well as patients in military medical facilities overseas. The members of Phi Gamma Gamma attended the blood drive with enthusiasm and in full force. They range from retired and active duty military to civilians in support of the military. At the blood drive Vice Basileus Randy Jeter stated, “Collectively Phi Gamma Gamma understands and appreciates the sacrifices of our Service Members to ensure our freedom. We believe it is our duty to help support this blood drive and pay respect to the legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew.” Dr. Charles R. Drew was no stranger to Europe and the military.

During World War II, he used his ingenuity to develop and apply his concept of “Blood Banks” as the full-time medical director of the Blood for Britain project. In February 1941, the first American Red Cross Blood Bank appointed him director where he oversaw the storage and supply of blood for use by the U.S. Army and Navy. Dr. Charles R. Drew would continue to brake barriers and shatter stereotypes in the fields of medicine, science, and black achievement. Thus, we commemorate the trailblazer and pioneer, Dr. Charles R. Drew.

brother nathaniel r. juarez

By Bro. Michael J. Watkins

wins the senior non-commissioned officer of the year for the 86 wing staff agency

This prestigious award recognizes the top Senior Noncommissioned Officers for their phenomenal leadership, superb job performance, scholastic achievements, and unquestionable character on and off duty, all of which Bro. Juarez consistently exhibits. Multiple organizations nominated their best Noncommissioned Officers to compete for the award.The selection board considered more than 200 highly qualified applicants, ensuring a strict and competitive process with less than a one percent chance for selection. Bro. Juarez’s next endeavor is to reach for the stars, as he has high aspirations to become an astronaut and follow the path of the great space pioneer Ronald McNair. Through faith in God, the support of his beautiful family and grounded in the Cardinal Principals, Bro. Juarez will continue to further the esteemed legacy and reputation of accomplished Omega Men worldwide. Bro. Juarez was born in Fort Benning, Georgia and enlisted in the United States Air Force in July 2007. In February of 2021, Bro. Juarez transferred to the newly created Space Force. Since his enlistment in the United States Air Force and Space Force,

Bro. Juarez has served at five duty locations and deployed six times. His deployments include Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Qatar. His service includes positions in the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Base Honor Guard Program, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He currently oversees a 512-member inspection team for the Air Force’s largest airlift wing while advising 77 commanders across 30 geographically separated units. Furthermore, he is the central coordinator for joint, coalition, and Department of Defense audits. Bro. Juarez has earned a bachelor’s degree in Counter-Intelligence Studies and a Master’s Degree in Information Technology. He became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. through Phi Gamma Gamma Chapter located in Kaiserslautern, Germany in Fall of 2021.

13th District News - Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, Dubai United Arab Emirates, Germany, Ghana, Hawaii, Japan, Mexico, Panama, South Korea, US Virginia Islands, and United Kingdom

sigma gamma gamma

presidential volunteer service award

By Bro. Cortez Pree

On January 20, 2021, Sigma Gamma Gamma became a certified organization to issue the Presidential Volunteer Service Medal. The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is an award that is signed by the President of the United States that honors the most outstanding volunteers and recognizes the impact they make on their local community.

Sigma Gamma Gamma presented their first PVSA to Basileus Brother Cortez Pree for his outstanding support to the local community of Okinawa. Basileus Pree was presented the Gold Award for accumulating over 500+ hours of service to mankind. He created and serves as lead facilitator for his Cutting-Edge Conditioning and Mentorship Program, Lead Facilitator for their Boyz to Men(Torship) Program, Men’s Ministry Leader, and youth sport s coach.

Brother Robert Townes was presented with Silver PVSA for accumulating over 250+ hours of service to man-

kind in the community of Okinawa, Japan. Brother Townes accumulated over 250+ at the Foster Red Cross and as a member of the Foster Gospel Service Choir located on Camp Foster in Okinawa, Japan.Brother Robert Taylor was presented with the Sliver PVSA for accumulating over 250 hours of service to mankind in the community of Okinawa, Japan. Brother Taylor served as a member of the Kadena Gospel Service, as he assisted with Boyz to Men(Torship), Mother’s Day Fellowship, Cutting Edge Conditioning, and Mentorship Program. Congratulations to these brothers for their hard work and dedication to uplift.

the men of sigma gamma gamma

celebrated 100 years of fraternal existence

By Bro. Cortez Pree

The Men of Sigma Gamma Gamma Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. celebrated 110 years of their fraternal existence on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, in Okinawa, Japan. Sigma Gamma Gamma is also known as “The Okinawa Ques” and was established in Okinawa, Japan on February 28, 1987, aboard Kadena Airbase in Okinawa, Japan. Achievement Week is one of the Fraternity’s mandated programs that is normally conducted worldwide during the week of the Fraternity’s Birthday. Achievement Week is designed to recognize those individuals at the local and international levels who have contributed to community uplift. A High School Essay Contest, Talent Hunt, Veterans Day Parade, Church Service, and birthday dinner are to be held in conjunction with the Achievement Week festivities.

Sigma Gamma Gamma recently held their annual Achievement Week Awards Banquet on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at the Crow’s Nest aboard Camp Shields Navy Base. Winston Clarke, III who is a senior at Kadena High School, kicked off the programs as he was presented with a $500 Scholarship for being a 2021 Fall Scholarship Winner. Mr. Clarke, III provided the audience with a rendition of his award-winning essay. Lilyana Roque who is a member of

the Footloose Dance Studio under the direction of Marisel Hayden was crowned the winner of the 2021 High School Talent Hunt Contest. Caleese “CC” Council was crowned the winner of the 2021 Middle School Talent Hunt Contest. The Chapter selected 7 finalists for the Citizen of the Year Award and they are as follows: Mr. Devinti Williams, Mr. Serio Mendoza, Mr. James Strait, Ms. Krista Hurley, Ms. Latoya Scott, Ms. Gina Leidig, and Mrs. Vonna McKoy.

Mr. James Strait, Kubasaki Principal and 2021 DODEA Principal of the Year, was selected as the winner of the 2021 Citizen of the Year Award. The following Omega Men were selected for awards: Captain Toneo Gulley (Colonel Charles

Young Award); Bro. Anthony Polk (New Member of the Year Award); Bro. Robert Taylor (Superior Service Award); Bro. John Smith (Founder’s Award); Bro. Justin Thurman (Basileus Award); Bro. Cortez Pree (Father of the Year Award); and Bro. Donald Gardner, Jr. (Omega Man of the Year Award). Congratulations to all of the Award Winners.

Bahamas, Canada, Germany, Ghana, Hawaii, Japan, South Korea, US Virginia Islands and United Kingdom

Brothers Uplifting Communities

Facing Health Disparities; Leading the Way for Health Equity

By Uniqua Quillins

When the topic of health care is discussed, statistics for Black and Brown communities are often negative. However, there are Brothers working to change this narrative at Atrium Health. Atrium Health is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Brothers there are leading our communities into a new day and providing Uplift across the board in the healthcare industry. Atrium Health is an integrated, nonprofit health system with more than 70,000 teammates serving patients at 40 hospitals and more than 1,400 care locations.

Brother Roy Hawkins Jr., FACHE, (Alpha Chapter, 1997) is Senior Vice President and North Market President for Atrium Health where he leads operational strategy for Atrium Health’s North Market, including Atrium Health Cabarrus, Atrium Health Stanly, Atrium Health University City and multiple free-standing emergency departments. Brother Seth Goldwire, MHA, (Tau Delta Chapter, 2008) is Vice President and Facility Executive for Atrium Health Union West, where he is responsible for goal setting, strategic planning and overall daily operations.

PROVIDING UPLIFT IN HEALTH CARE

Staying true to the Cardinal Principles of Omega, Bros. Hawkins and Goldwire say the principle they carry out the most, day in and day out, at Atrium Health is Uplift. Hawkins says he is passionate about uplift-

Photo (L-R) Brother Roy Hawkins and Brother Seth Goldwire

ing the community and those on the front line in the health care environment. “The men and women that care for our patients everyday have hard jobs, challenging jobs and so making sure that they are motivated, encouraged and engaged is really the space where I thrive,” he said. “As I reflect on my life’s journey and the principle of Uplift, I think about how important it is to continuously lift others as we climb. It is our collective responsibility.”

Goldwire says Atrium Health’s mission “to improve health, elevate hope, and advance healing – for all,” drives him to uplift the community and make sure people are getting access to the type of care they desire. “I believe that if you can impact someone’s health in a positive way, it absolutely elevates their standard of living and, honestly, opens up a lot more doors and opportunities than what they’ve had before,” Goldwire said. “If we can reach as many people as we possibly can and give them that equitable care, it undoubtedly raises their quality of life overall.”

BEING A CATALYST FOR INCLUSIVITY

In addition to using their skills and influence to increase health equity in the community, Hawkins and Goldwire are also champions for making sure diverse perspectives are heard and elevated. Goldwire helped build – and continues to build – the team for Atrium Health Union West, Atrium Health’s newest hospital that opened in February. Goldwire says he and his executive team interviewed every new teammate to send the message that they are all one team and all belong. “When you think about lowering anxiety, having a diverse group of folks with diverse ideas, with diverse perspectives, who can offer different ways to accomplishing an outcome – it’s having those folks at the table that actually helps further the mission,” said Goldwire.

Creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and valued is the environment Hawkins works to cultivate daily. “We encourage our teammates to bring their perspectives into the room and to use their voice. Their voice is necessary and required to help us improve health care delivery,” he said.

LEADING THE WAY FOR HEALTH EQUITY

One thing that Hawkins wants the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi to know is that it is imperative that our community is educated on health equity and the impact of disparities of care within the United States. The World Health Organization defines health equity as “the absence of unfair and avoidable or remediable differences in health care among population groups defined socially, economically, demographically or geographically.”

Health disparities are inequalities that occur in the provision of health care and access to health care. Hawkins says it’s important that the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi play an active role in advocating for health equity and eliminating health disparities in our communities.

“The overall goal really is that we each begin to advocate and empower those who experience inequities, so that everyone who seeks care gets what they need without bias,” Hawkins said. Advocacy and empowerment in the health care space may look different for everyone, but here are some ways to get started: understand your health status for you and your loved ones, develop a relationship with a trusted primary provider and commit to an annual physical on your birthday.

For Brothers looking to make an impact in the health care industry directly, Goldwire says health care has a place for you and the legacy left behind by touching countless lives in a positive way is far reaching. “If you have a clinical lean, we’ve got options for that. If you’ve got a non-clinical lean, there are also options for that as well. The biggest message is, no matter what, if health care is an interest to you, you absolutely can pursue a career here,” he said.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

One final message Hawkins and Goldwire have is to take care of your health, both mental and physical. Hawkins says “health is wealth” and maintaining good health requires being intentional about understanding your health status and the decisions that impact your health and well-being.

Goldwire says it is important to start and to be consistent. “It doesn’t matter what kind of health you’re in right now, if you’ve not done anything for your physical health or for your mental health, just start today,” said Goldwire. Hawkins also says remember to mentor and uplift one another along this journey. “It takes iron to sharpen iron,” he said.

There are many Brothers within the Atrium Health system that join senior leaders Hawkins and Goldwire in upholding the culture commitments at Atrium Health which are: create a space where all belong, earn trust, innovate to better the now and create the future, and drive for excellence – always. These Brothers are all appreciated for the lasting impact they have made and continue to make in the health care industry.

GAMMA EPSILON CELEBRATES

75TH CHAPTER ANNIVERSARY

By Bro. F. Tarkin Jones - Washington, DC

TheGamma Epsilon chapter celebrated 75 years of service. The chapter was chartered on February 12, 1947. The Gamma Epsilon Alumni Association and the 75th Anniversary Chairman and Co-Chairman: Brosthers Morgan Bailey, 1-92-GE, and Brandon Grooms, 4-02-GE, planned and coordinated the celebratory events. Pandemic protocols were put in place led by one of the “Four Horsemen” Bro. Dr. Keith Boykin 11-78-GE. Thursday began with “Fellowship Night” which is something the chapter has been doing virtually via Zoom every Thursday at 9pm EST since the pandemic began. Later on Friday evening, there was a reception and registrant check-in. Saturday morning began with service in collaboration with the Dreams of Hope Foundation to serve food and clothing to the homeless of the Hampton Roads area.

Throughout the morning, approximately 50 homeless people were fed and provided with clothing to survive the harsh conditions of the winter. The event was sponsored and led by GE undergraduate Brothers under the leadership of Basileus Bro. Nicholas Edwards 4-20-GE, Vice-Basileus Bro. Resmond Williams 8-20GE and Bro. Georquel Goodwin 9-20-GE who chaired the service initiative.

During the Gala’s cocktail hour, the GEAA President Bro. George White 6-78-GE and GEAA Director of Finance, Kenneth Jackson 8-95-GE presented Hampton University President Bro. Dr. William R. Harvey $285,000 as a gift on behalf of the GEAA to the brothers beloved alma mater. After the Welcome by GEAA VP Grooms and Invocation given by Bro. Eric Twiggs 19-90-GE, Bro. Osei Tuffour 3-96GE served as Master of Ceremonies. Celebra-

tory toasts were given and a musical selection was sung by Bro. David Whitted 4-90-GE and an empty table presentation representing all of the Gamma Epsilon Brothers in Omega chapter. While brothers and guests dined, the video “75 Laws of Power” created by Kay Hamed 6-04-GE was shown and highlighted an interview conducted by Lance Gatewood 4-81GE with chapter founder Bro. Dr. L. Julian Haywood 45-A and Bro. Jerry T. Hodges 11-47-GE.

The video also showcased Gamma Epsilon from 1947 to 2022 through various pictures and clips narrated by Bro. Richard Thompson 1-74-GE.

The 30th 3rd District Representative Bro. Conrado B. Morgan 82-PG read “Invictus” and brought greetings. Congratulatory messages were given by 1st Vice Grand Basileus Bro. Ricky Lewis who commended GE “for your service and to your families for allowing you to serve…long live Gamma Epsilon Chapter and long live Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.”

Special recognitions presented by GEAA President Bro. George White

were given to Bro. James T. George 58-GE who Hampton University’s School of Business is now named in his honor. Bro. Charles D. Chambliss Jr 11-68-GE and Bro. Alonzo Carter 10-82-GE were celebrated for their past International Headquarters fraternal leadership as Grand Counselor and 2nd District Representative respectively. Bro. Xavier T. Brunson 9- 90-GE was honored for being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and is the highest ranking military brother in the chapter.

Cornerstone Awards named after Bro. Jerry T. Hodges 11-47-GE were presented by Recognition Chairman Sheldon Schanck 15-90-GE and given to GEAA President Bro. George White, Bro. Brandon Grooms, Bro. Morgan Bailey. Brothers from the 1947 charter lines, Bro. Samuel J Dunn, Bro. Henry Kemp, and Bro. Jerry T. Hodges also received Cornerstone Awards and were recognized for their 75 years of service to the chapter, graduate chapters, the fraternity and respective communities.

Scholarship Chairman Bro. Andre DeBose 2-78-GE presented a $2,000

scholarship award to Bro. Resmond Williams 8-20-GE, a business management major who also serves as the chapter’s Vice Basileus.

After all recognitions were given and the cake was cut, Brothers sang the hymn in place. The event concluded with a rousing and emotional benediction, “The torch of Omega still lives on and GE will still be the light of the world and so God we thank you on this day we celebrate your presence and your spirit and in God’s name we say Amen, Amen and Amen!” praised by Bro. Reverend Caralis Kimbrue 8-79-GE.

In his final appearance in front of the chapter, Bro. Dr. L. Julian Haywood stated he looked for people “that were Serious, Capable and have character…and look what happened. You all are a testament that that approach worked!” Over 300 Brothers traveled from across the country and internationally to be in attendance to exemplify what chapter founder Bro. Dr. L. Julian Haywood envisioned!

Dr. Edwin B. Henderson Continued from page 41

Aside from sports, Henderson and his wife, Nellie, also an educator, helped form the Colored Citizens Protection League to fight segregation and discrimination in housing and education after they moved to Falls Church, Virginia. In 1918, Brother Dr. Henderson helped form the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in Falls Church, the nation’s first rural branch of the NAACP. He twice served as president of the NAACP’s Virginia Council, from 1955 to 1958. He claimed to have had more than 3,000 letters published in more than a dozen newspapers, with most of the letters concerning race relations and seeking equality for African Americans in the United States and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Henderson died of cancer in 1977 at age 93. His ashes were interred in Woodlawn Cemetery in Washington, D.C. His papers are held at Howard University’s Moorland-Spingarn Research Center. During comments at the reception following the unveiling, Brother Mark Robinson, chair of Alpha Omega Chapter’s Centennial Committee, said, “Brother Henderson is more than deserving of this honor. As fate would have it, the recognition comes as the Alpha Omega Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the chapter he helped charter, is celebrating its centennial anniversary.”

Alpha Omega Chapter has committed to donating $5,000 over the next two years and the Omicron Gamma Chapter made a $500 donation to the UDC Foundation for a memorial campaign in Brother Henderson’s honor. Plans call for the construction of a statue of Brother Henderson in a memorial plaza in front of the sports complex, which will bear his name. In addition, the foundation plans to endow a scholarship named after Brother Henderson to be awarded to students attending UDC.

Brother Jerome Shelton, a UDC alumnus (Class of 1968) who was initiated at Omicron Gamma Chapter (University of the District of Columbia) and now sits on the UDC Board of Trustees, said, “We stand on the shoulders of giants. I grew up in D.C., played basketball at the Boys Club, and never knew who E.B. Henderson was until many years later. That is truly sad, but I am so elated today that we recognize the guy who I spent so much time trying to play his game.”

“People from around the world will be able to come, see, and understand who this man was, once the statue and project are complete,” said UDC President Ronald Mason, Jr.

“We want to raise scholarships so students can learn and study about who this man was and what he did.”

Mason then asked, “Why did it take so long for this to happen?” He explained that “great people of color who were Washingtonians” haven’t received their just due in the annals of history. “In America today, there is an assault on truth. People are trying to rewrite history. If we had commemorated E.B. Henderson 50 years ago, we might have had some professional basketball players here with us who understood how much respect this man was due because of how he enabled them to make billions of dollars today. When we commemorate him today, it will help the young people who only see the obstacles in the paths to understand the possibilities of the future and that they too can be an E.B. Henderson.”

The grandson of Brother E.B. Henderson, Edwin Bancroft Henderson II, said although his grandfather didn’t have a degree in architecture, “he was an architect who helped to build the infrastructure, so African-American youth would be able to participate in organized athletics.”

John Thompson III, vice president of Player Development and Engagement for Monumental Sports and Entertainment, donated $200,000 to UDC for the Dr. E.B. Henderson Memorial Fund Campaign on behalf of the Ted Leonsis Foundation, which owns the NBA’s Washington Wizards and WNBA’s Washington Mystics.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.,

we believe it’s our job to provide you, as members of the fraternity, with the resources, networks and support you need to be successful.

We’re committed to getting to know you—your story, your values and your perspectives. We want your curiosity and ideas.

Morgan Stanley is a firm where the best come to get better.

Why Do Brothers Go Ghost?

By Brother Les Johnson

If you are reading this piece you are probably an engaged brother or one interested enough to pick up the Oracle. Between the Oracle, our official OPPF and chapter websites, and the various social media pages, the brothers definitely keep things interesting with the many discussions, interesting hobbies, and postings, the good, the bad and the ugly. We’re a great fraternity, made up of unique individuals. I can’t think of another fraternal organization that I would rather be a part of.

This brings me to the topic at hand. “Why Do Brothers Go Ghost?” As a member of my chapter’s reclamation and retention team, I was tasked to reach out to the 90’s brothers that were initiated in my chapter. Many of the brothers had relocated out of state. There were others, who fell completely off the grid; untraceable, yet to be found. A few disappeared in the 90’s, before Facebook, or social media as we now know it. Brothers might be inclined to think they’re not “good,” depending on their relationships, or how they were initiated to begin with. Others might second guess their own intentions, their process, or lack thereof. Others might wonder about their reasons for entering to begin with.

At times, I find myself pondering. How does a Ghost Brother live day-to-day? Why did such a brother step away from Omega, after making the decision to step into Omega? No pun intended. Did the brother denounce the fraternity? Did the brother feel disrespected? Was he taken to the green, or worse? Did the fraternity not live up to its ideals of brotherhood and community service? Was the brother misled by a trusted friend?

When this brother sees another Omega Man wearing paraphernalia, does he introduce himself? Or does he walk away and keep it moving? What does this brother tell his chapter and line brothers? Does a Ghost brother ever throw up the funk? Or does he avoid Omega altogether?

Do you know a ghost brother? That brother who was initiated, and disappeared sometime after, to never be seen again? Are these brothers worth reclaiming, and could they offer cautionary tales to illuminate lost opportunities in support of our ongoing reclamation efforts? With technology we should be able to track and record the reasons for analysis, even if unknown, or TBD.

What about the sponsors and perhaps, by extension, the chapter? But let’s start with the sponsors first. If you sponsored a ghost brother, why do you think they disappeared? Were there overlooked traits or intentions?

If you had to do it all over again, would you sponsor this brother? Are you still in touch with the ghost bother? If so, are you working to reclaim him? Was he enthusiastically serving in the beginning and somehow, things went south afterwards?

As for the chapter, what protocols or safeguards are in place to help minimize the likelihood that a brother will be initiated only to become a ghost brother? In my chapter meetings, on a couple of occasions, I expressed my concerns with MSP. While I understand the intent, the process – in my opinion – doesn’t do enough to engage the chapter. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges this creates when a newly initiated brother struggles to gain the acceptance that they thought would be readily available. We all know the costs, but the structure of MSP simply doesn’t provide space to engage in those worthwhile transactions.

In closing, might the answer to Omega’s reclamation and retention challenges exist among the ghost brothers? Would every ghost brother's answers reflect incompetence or is it possible that a few ghost brothers would provide a rationale that could benefit Omega? It’s unlikely that we would be able to find and reclaim them all. The ghost brother probably made the decision to stay off the radar. In addition, the fraternity doesn’t take lukewarm lightly, so ghost brothers don't stand a chance. However, despite our differences over many matters, we still love Omega in friendship, and I would argue, our humanity and mankind-ness. Might it be worth it for brothers, as individuals, to try to reach out to those ghost brothers we may remember, or know about, but never really got to know, or understand? Given our love for Omega, is it acceptable for ghost brothers to remain disconnected, without some accounting as to the reasons why? Or do we chalk it up to lukewarm enthusiasm, or some other marginalizing term? Reaching out wouldn’t change past blessings and great experiences we’ve had on our journeys. It’s possible that the ghost brother, in some way, elevated the friendships and experiences of those who stayed true to Omega. I think the reasons for going “ghost” might offer lessons for chapters, mentors or sponsors under MSP.

Initiating a brother who goes Ghost leaves friendship on the table.

Tau Rho 2nd Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M) Science Fair

By Bro. Tracy Whitehurst

King George VA – On Saturday May 14, 2022, the members of Tau Rho Chapter Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. conducted its 2nd Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Fair. The event was held at the YMCA in King George, VA. The event provided students an opportunity to present their science projects to the community, showcase their technical aptitude, and have fun in the process.

The goal of the program was to stimulate the students’ interest in STEM fields and help them discover how STEM relates to the world around them. Social Action Committee Chairman Bro. Norman Carter Jr. and the committee planned and executed the event. Students entered the STEM Fair with creative and innovated projects that showcased robotics, wind tunnels, electronic hands, and even a self-contained model of a full-service high school. The creativity displayed by the 4th through 8th graders was outstanding. The projects were presented online via Zoom and as well as in-person at the event.

First, second and third place winners received monetary awards and certificates. Additionally, the remaining participants were provided certificates of achievement. The members of Tau Rho Chapter along with community leaders were invited to log on and provide the adjudication and judging for each project. There were over 40 projects judged. A total of 120 contestants and family members attended the event. Bro. Tracy Whitehurst, Basileus of Tau Rho Chapter, presented awards to the participants. The bothers of Tau Rho also provide refreshments for the participates and their families.

This year’s event was sponsored in part by the Third District Fatherhood Initiative and Mentoring Committee and the NOVA AFCEA. Additional sponsorship was provided by Rappahannock Regional Uplift and Scholarship Foundation. Tau Rho Chapter will seek additional funding to expand this STEM Fair next year.

FRIENDSHIP

Friendship – it is the one word that binds all Omega Men together. This single solitary word all by itself defines our Fraternity and what we are to stand for. And yet, Friendship is a subject of much debate in our Brotherhood today. Let’s consider what place Friendship has in the Fraternity today, whether it’s understood as the core element of our Fraternity, and whether that needs to be re-emphasized.

When you look back upon our great history and achievements, everything that has been accomplished was predicated upon Friendship. Unlike other fraternal organizations, Omega practiced and preached the establishment of Friendship as a foundation for all else that occurred in the Fraternity. Omega without Friendship is like a car without a transmission. It may run and make a lot of noise, it may even look expensive inside and out; but, the truth of the matter is that as good as the car sounds or as expensive as it looks it isn’t going anywhere without a transmission. The transmission enables the gear ratio between the drive wheels and engine to adjust as the car slows down and speeds up. In other words, the transmission provides a measure of control over the vehicle, such as the act of Friendship in our Fraternity.

Fortunately, Omega is not a pretty, transmissionless car sitting in the driveway unable to move forward. The fact is that Omega is still on the move, and it is because we still have a powerful transmission in Friendship.

Like so many organizations, Omega is undergoing great change and re-examination. As the Fraternity has evolved over time, we have asked these questions at all levels within the Fraternity: Are we still tightly embracing the Four Cardinal Principles of Omega? What role should Omega play in the community today? Are we still focused on serving the community effectively and fervently? Can we show the same level of enthusiasm for the business of Omega as we when it comes to being owt? If the Founders were here today, would they recognize Omega? Are too many of our members sitting back paying dues and/or unfinancial while “the few” do all the work? These are just a few of the issues Omega is contemplating these days. I think there is one answer that will bring resolution to these issues. It is quite simple and direct – we must recommit to and renew the emphasis on Friendship in Omega.

The Founders intended Friendship to be the glue that would hold us together at all times; through disagreements, disappointments, dissatisfaction and even disrespect. Friendship was meant as the elixir to treat all that ails and address any concerns that would crop up in our Fraternity. The Friendship the Founders envisioned was not conditional. It was not subject to whether you were initiated as an undergraduate or graduate. It mattered not if you were made in a particular decade, or at specific chapter or districts. Nor was it conditioned on the manner in which a brother was made. Friendship was not contingent upon who a Brother

supported in the various leadership positions in Our Fraternity. How it was is how it should be today.

Our Founders were brilliant, and they knew more than a century ago that Friendship would be as relevant today as it was on November 17, 1911. The motto “Friendship is Essential to the Soul” not only sounds good, but it feels good. The motto has always fit us uniquely, as it goes to the very heart of how Omega Men should view and practice Friendship. Accordingly, we should be practicing and becoming better stewards of Friendship. As our motto makes clear, this is not just the superficial form of friendship that we often talk about. To all true Omega Men, Friendship is an essential part of the very core of our being – our soul. So, I would reason that the Founders’ standard of Friendship be our measure. Let’s consider whether Friendship in Omega remains soul-deep. We may find that Friendship hasn’t gone anywhere. It is still holding us together as intended, but it may not always run deep into the soul as we would like. We may all need to dig deeper when it comes to Friendship. As Bishop Edgar A. Love once said, expounding on the importance of Friendship: "Friendship is Essential to Life and it is because we were born as a Fraternity of brothers and friends always love each other…."

DEWEY R . ]ONES, City Editor, Editorial Writer of The Chicago Defender, and Conductor of Lights and Shadows. Associate Editor, Abbott's Monthly.

Brother Dewey Roscoe Jones

By Brother Richard Allison II

University. Served in France during world war with 8th Infantry of Illinois and 15th New York Infantry. Jones married Faith Jefferson of Oak Park, Illinois in 1928. The couple had one son, Dewey Roscoe Jones, Jr.

Dewey Jones left the Chicago Defender to work as the Associate Acting Advisor on Negro Affairs in the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works in the U.S. Department of the Interior under Harold L. Ickes in 1935. While in Washington D.C. he also served as

an adviser to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his “Black Cabinet,” a group of men and women who provided the President and his staff with policy advice on African American issues.

He returned to Chicago in 1938 to serve as the Assistant Director of Hull-House.

What initially began as an informal conversation at a Supreme Council Training in Atlantic City in March of 2019 to acquire Special Consultative Status with the United Nations for the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. eventually became a reality and a dream realized of the 41st Grand Basileus, Dr. David E. Marion.

Since the birth of Omega on November 17, 1911 and its subsequent incorporation on October 28, 1914, Omega has remained fiercely committed to the principles of service and uplift and has provided opportunities for the enhancement of communities through mentorship programmes, the protection of womanhood, educational initiatives, disaster relief, the health and well-being of our communities, the participation in political and social activism as well as humanitarian projects globally. The Fraternity is a staunch advocate around issues affecting populations primarily within diasporic and other marginalized communities around the world. While advocacy has been a key focus of the Fraternity, Omega men have also implemented projects that have had a specific impact on local communities globally.

On Tuesday, May 17, 2022, Omega Psi Phi became the first NPHC Fraternity and third Divine Nine organization to receive Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) - Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Omega joins Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (2002) and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (2014)

as the only Divine Nine organizations to receive this distinction from the United Nations.

Special Consultative Status provides the Fraternity with the following:

▪ International recognition of the humanitarian and other significant advocacy work being done by the Fraternity globally and the enhancement of our efforts around the world;

▪ Influence with Global Leaders and Governments;

▪ Access to ECOSOC and other United Nations subsidiary bodies;

▪ Access to possible funding sources to support work relevant to the United Nations;

▪ Access to the various human rights mechanisms within the United Nations, and

▪ Access to special events organized by the President of the United Nations General Assembly

In 1948, shortly after the founding of the United Nations, there were 45 NGOs in Consultative Status. This number has grown to 5,593 as of April 2021. The recent review cycle of which Omega was apart, saw 266 new applications and 320 deferred re-applications from organizations worldwide. Omega’s application was voted on and approved by the Committee on NGOs, comprised of United Nations

By Brother Dr. Trevor V. Hodge

Member State diplomats representing their respective governments.

Omega's association with the United Nations through Special Consultative Status provides us with the enviable opportunity to continue our legacy of encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; facilitating international cultural and educational cooperation; identifying solutions to global economic, social, and health problems, and promoting higher standards of living, employment, economic empowerment and social progress for communities around the world.

Omega's successful acquisition of this Special Consultative Status will significantly raise the profile of our beloved Fraternity and bring legitimacy to the work of all our Chapters located in 17 countries globally and celebrate the incredibly profound contributions of our hardworking Brothers of Omega on 4 continents around the world. It signals to the global community that we truly international and that we are defined by the noble and tangible contributions Omega men have made for more than a century. In short, it will enable the men of Omega to continue "Lifting as We Climb.”

Many of the international projects considered by the United Nations Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations in granting this distinguished status included the Water for Life Borehole Project (Ghana); the Knife Crime Prevention Project (United Kingdom); Jasmine Grove Battered Women’s Refuge (United Kingdom); HBCU/ Higher Education Initiatives (United States); Post-Hurricane Dorian Glaucoma Initiative (Bahamas); Dubai Foundation for Abused Women and Children (Dubai); the Orphanage for Children (China); National COVID-19 Resiliency Network (United States); Thermo-Fisher Partnership (United States); Mexican Border Crisis Response (Mexico); the establishment of a Fraternity’s Disaster Preparedness & Relief Initiative; the partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Omega’s Brother You’re on My Mind Mental Health Initiative as well as the many other health initiatives and mentoring programs being implemented around the world.

In commenting on this notable achievement, the 41st Grand Basileus thanked Bro. Dr. Trevor Hodge, Immediate Past 13th District Representative, and Bro. William Jemison, Chief of Staff to the 41st Grand Basileus, for their steadfast commitment and dedication, since 2019, in researching and completing our application packet and in presenting our case before the United Nations Committee on NGOs.

These Brothers will now serve as Omega's Representatives to the United Nations Committee on NGOs/ECOSOC.

A mosaic of differences unites us.

Cigna believes that a diverse workforce is essential to growth. Different perspectives, experiences and cultures, when brought together, help us innovate better, faster – and create more positive health outcomes in the communities we serve.

No more overseers, No more plantations, Every slave in the South just got Emancipation. It was June One Nine One Eight Six Five In Galveston Texas the word finally arrived.

General Gordon Granger issued General Order Number 3, Shackles of bondage broken – enslaved finally set FREE! Three Fifths of a person, now deemed as ONE, Long deserved liberation had finally begun!

That's the good part, RIGHT? Turn a cheek to the bad?

Take a blind eye to centuries of negative treatment Blacks had?

Truth must come out - with a thorough look at our history, The burdens of the past should Never be a mystery.

Won't dwell on pains, just know learning's never too late, Nothing to overcome if we can't own mistakes.

After freedom was gained there came the laws of Jim Crow, Stifling progress, but Blacks still managed to grow – until an economic hit 100 years ago. May 31 to June 1, 1921 marked the bombing – Yes BOMBING - of Tulsa's Black Wall Street, Mass Destruction to America's most Booming Black Economies.

Wealth lost never regained: No Inheritance Reparations nor life insurance policies, That's why most Blacks are only 1 to 2 generations away from poverty. Not slumming it on the street, the real-life working poor, Grinding every day to make ends meet and raising children they bore. Can't forget the past because we're moving UP right now, Much respect and homage to Elders and Ancestors' Spirits ever Shining down. Trying to make them proud with our works, trying to Represent, We've come a long way, even had a Female VP and Black President. Still overcoming barriers and climbing Up the life ladder, And let's be clear with no fear, YES Black Lives Matter!

Some People toeing a line, afraid of making noise, All that changed after the tragic murder of George Floyd –A Knee on the Neck no one can ever forget - with similar wrongful deaths around the nation met. The late Breonna Taylor and slain Ahmaud Arbery, Modern Day Lynching in the losses of all three. World saw firsthand evidence about travesties told, Sparked a true awakening to happen all across the globe. Leading to enlightening opportunities with culturally themed occasions, From Building Black Daily with businesses to more inclusive education. Now there's a new National Holiday Embracing a Celebration of Resilience, Unmasking the Myriad of Black Beauty and Bronzed Nubian Brilliance. We are not our Ancestors? TRUTH – They were stronger than we'll ever be, We are however some of the wildest dreams they'd hope to see, Standing 150 plus Years since the official ending of slavery!

IT'S JUNETEENTH!! Hope you got the lesson; If not, peep the Progression, Learning from one another is Truly a Blessing. Be there to Uplift, Extend a Hand and Teach others to Rise Above, Some Share the Legacy for the Likes, You Should Do It for the Love!

© 2021 Russell Drake. ~ TheRussellDrake.com

Dr. R. Charles

Byers

By DR Bobby Robinson

Bro. Dr. R. Charles Byers, West Virginia State University (WVSU) Provost Emeritus and Vice President of Academic Affairs Emeritus, began making his impact at the University as a student. Bro. Byers was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., through Theta Psi Chapter in December of 1965. His tenure as a student included multiple offices in the Chapter, as well as within the student body. After securing his terminal degree from The Ohio State University, he joined the faculty of WVSU in 1972. He served as a professor of teacher education, Vice President for Planning and Advancement, Title III Director, Executive Director for WVSU Research and Development Corporation, Provost, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Interim President for a period of time.

His contributions at WVSU exceed 50 years, with thousands of students who have been taught, mentored, inspired, and developed into productive citizens because of him. There are also hundreds of administrators, faculty, and staff who have been encouraged, challenged, and made the better because of Dr. Byers. And certainly, there have been hundreds of Theta Psi Chapter Brothers, and Brothers throughout the Fourth District, who have been initiated into

West Virginia State University Names Building after

Photo Credit: West Virginia State University

the Fraternity, sponsored, mentored, and taught the “true Omega Spirit” by Bro. District Representative Byers. Furthermore, there are many who say WVSU never would have received university status, would have lost accreditation, and even possibly would have closed its doors, as we have seen with other Historically Black Colleges/Universities, if it were not for the dedication of Dr. Byers!

Based on Bro. Byers’ significant impact on WVSU, a few of his Omega sons, Bro. Dale Volley, Bro. Tom Jones, and Bro. Glover Smiley, began working to get a building named after him at the University. Historically, all buildings have been named after someone, either posthumously, or as the result of a substantial financial contribution. However, the Brothers had a different thought process. They knew the significant impact Bro. Byers has had on the University, the appreciation the WVSU family has for him, the admiration the educational community extols on him, and the pride the African American community has for one of their own coming from humble beginnings to accomplish such amazing things. The love and respect for this Omega Man was evident when the naming of the Dr. R. Charles Byers Land-Grant Administration Building was approved unanimously by the WVSU Board of

Governors in February, and the formal dedication of the building on May 13, 2022.

Bro. Dr. R. Charles Byers is an accomplished artist who has published A Place We Love So Dear: A Collection of Campus Drawings, featuring pen and ink drawings of every building on the WVSU campus. Bro. Byers, a 1968 graduate of WVSU with a bachelor’s degree in art education, is the only University alumnus to serve as its Interim President. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from The Ohio State University while working as a commercial artist and public school teacher in Columbus, Ohio. Later, he earned a doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University. He is married to the former Edithe Rosebourgh, a retired public school educator of 50 years. They are the parents of three adult children and five grandchildren.

Bro. Byers served as the 14th Fourth District Representative from 1975 to 1978, and continues to be an active voice in the Fourth District. Congratulations to Bro. Dr. R. Charles Byers!

By Brother Joe Briggs

On February 26, 2022, the Lincoln University (PA) Women’s Basketball team celebrated their first CIAA Conference Tournament Championship in its storied history. The victory culminated a five-year process under the leadership of Bro. Harry Stinson III (1-2001-Chi Theta). The tournament was the team’s first conference championship since Lincoln returned to Division II/CIAA more than a decade ago.

Bro. Stinson joined Lincoln University in July 2017 and has quickly transformed the University’s entire athletic program into a CIAA force. Since beginning his tenure at Lincoln, he has increased the student-athlete graduation rate by 20 percent and increased the overall grade point average from 2.66 to 3.01. Improvements in academic outcomes for his collegiate athletes are great and worthy of praise, but our brother did not stop there. He also created a marketing and branding awareness initiative that has elevated the brand of Lincoln’s athletic department, and the University as a whole. He is responsible for nearly $35 million in renovations and upgrades to facilities since his arrival.

Bro. Stinson, a former student athlete and Florida State University graduate, began his track to ‘The Big Chair’ in 2005. He worked his way through the ranks gaining valuable experience along the way. He has worked at several institutions and in several conferences, including serving the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) as Director of Championships, Communications and Marketing and as Interim Commissioner; as Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance and External Operations and Interim Athletic Director for Kentucky State University’s and later Central State University’s. He is now Director of Athletics and Recreational Services at Lincoln University. At each stop along the way, Bro. Stinson made it a point to fellowship with the young brothers on each campus. He also took time to look for opportunities for those who considered a career path in athletics.

His rise to athletic directorship has been tremendous and filled with success and many awards. Bro. Stinson has cemented himself as a thought-leader and subject matter expert in college athletics by leaning into a variety of leadership roles within the CIAA and NCAA. Along with his duties as Athletic Director at Lincoln University (PA) and chairing the CIAA Tournament Committee and Management Council, Bro. Stinson serves on the NCAA Division II Management Council. As a member of the NCAA Constitution Committee, he was instrumental in reconstructing the NCAA Constitution. The NCAA Management Council reports directly to the Presidents Council and is charged with recommending administrative policy and regulations that govern the division. The Management Council reviews and acts on recommendations from the Division II committee structure and from Division II representatives to committees with Association-wide functions. The Council also is responsible for appointing Division II representatives to those committees. As a member of this committee, Bro. Stinson also serves as the Vice Chair of the Minority Opportunities and Interest Committee (MOIC). The committee is aimed at championing the causes of ethnic minorities by fostering an inclusive environment, thereby creating a culture that promotes fair and equitable access to

opportunities and resources. He has also served as Chair of the Committee of Infractions, the NCAA Board of Directors Ad Hoc Committee on Sports Wagering and Gambling and the Committee on Women’s Athletics for the NCAA.

Bro. Stinson attributes his success to two things, combining all of his passions into his career and having a relentless pursuit of his goals. “Early in my career I put myself into position to learn while putting my hands into a variety of pots. I used my entrepreneurial spirit to take the things I am passionate about such as marketing, communications, leadership and fundraising and combined them to create my own path,” Bro. Stinson shared. “Having my hands in many pots exposed me to a variety of people and industries I could learn from. Those experiences allowed me to be thrust into leadership and the exposure helped for others such as college presidents and industry leaders to see me thrive in my element and made them comfortable with putting me in leadership roles.”

One of the biggest, and most recent accomplishments, came while serving as the Chairperson for the CIAA Tournament Committee. This momentous occasion for the Lincoln University Women’s Team and Fayetteville State University Men’s Team culminated in a transition of the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association), the nation’s oldest HBCU conference and home of the nation’s 3rd largest basketball tournament, after the ACC and Big 10 Conferences, from Charlotte, NC to Baltimore, MD. The tournament had been held in Charlotte for 16 years. The tournament exceeded all expectations not only in terms of attendance, but from overcoming the pandemic and expectations of playing the tournament in a northern city for the first time since 1952. Bro. Stinson along with CIAA Commissioner Jacquie McWilliams-Parker and other athletic directors within the CIAA helped to navigate, plan, and execute one of the best collegiate basketball tournaments in recent history. The impact on the City of Baltimore, the fans, alumni, and students of the CIAA institutions led to the second largest attendance in the past eight years.

The leadership of the CIAA President’s Council, Management Council, CIAA Commissioner, and her staff along with the City of Baltimore have been instrumental in chartering the way for the tournament to thrive in a new home. Baltimore is investing more resources to ensure the tournament’s success including renovating the Royal Farms Arena in 2022 to make the tournament a spectacle for years to come.

When asked about the outlook of the industry and for the future, Bro. Stinson is determined to engage more minorities into the ecosystem of athletics and create avenues for success. “Athletics is a field that takes the best from every industry, combines entertainment, business and leadership and creates a platform to showcase talent across many spectrums. Every industry, major or technical service can find a place within the ecosystem of athletics at every level and it’s my job to ensure the pathways to leadership within this industry are available for all.”

Bro. Stinson believes the entrepreneurial mindset instilled in him by his father, Bro. Harry Stinson II (1-76-Omicron Psi), coupled with the technical training and experiences in athletic administration and being a student athlete allows for him to thrive in this industry. He will be the change agent that takes athletic programs to new heights. This too can be the industry for many of our leaders of tomorrow. I'm an advocate for sport and the training it provides and look to provide avenues for them to be engaged in this industry in the future.”

“My goal in life is aimed at ensuring an even play ground for student athletes and administrators within the NCAA structure for minority students and for those attending and/ or working at HBCUs” stated Stinson. “Service to the industry always leads to more exposure, a seat at the table, a voice for change and ensures I change the narrative of what black and minority administrators can accomplish and stand for within the NCAA structure.”

Black Americans are about two times as likely as White Americans to have Alzheimer’s or another dementia, but less likely to receive a diagnosis. The Alzheimer’s Association® is working to solve this crisis and provide care and support to those affected, but we need your help.

The 11th District Gone But Not Forgotten

By Brother Brian Stanfield

This article is to expound on the history of the 11th District and to caveat on the article written in the Fall/Winter 2022 Oracle. The 11th District has a very unique history in which some of it was briefly mentioned in that article. The intent of this article is to expand on that history, and to provide the brotherhood with more in depth information.

We first have to understand that the first five districts of the fraternity were merely geographical regions, and were not in numerical order. The first set of District Representatives were all appointed during the Grand Basileus J. Austin Atkins administration in 1922-23 (Dreer, pgs 38-39) (Gill pg 14). The jurisdictions included the New England States, Middle Atlantic States, Central States, Southern States, and Western States.

Picking up were the Fall/Winter 2022 Oracle article left off the 11th District Representative at that time was Adolph P. Hamblin in 1937, whom oversaw the fraternal activities in Ohio and West Virginia. He would go on to serve in this capacity for another two years. At the 11th District, meeting Hamblin gave his district report on May 20, 1939 in Institute, West Virginia (Dreer, pgs 214-215). Hamblin was replaced by Elvey E. Mitchell as the District Representative upon conclusion of that district meeting. The 11th District would go on to have two more District Representatives before the districts conducted a major realignment (See the list of past DRs below). After the districts were realigned Ohio and West Virginia were added to the 4th District in which these states remain there to this day. (4th District History).

The conclave in 1941 took place in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 27-30. Three additional states were aligned with the 11th District during that time. The cities in which the chapters were located in were Denver, Colorado, Des Monies, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska. There were only three chapters across the entire three states (See the geographical layout below). These states first appeared in the June 1942 Oracle after the realignment. The 11th District did not have any undergraduate chapters across the newer states.

In 1956, another district realignment took place. The chapters in the 11th were last listed in the May 1956 Oracle. The modification of the districts resulted in the final elimination of the 11th District. The states that made up the 11th District were consolidated into the 8th District. (Gill, pgs 29-30 [cliff notes]) (Also view the 8th District History)

The 43rd Grand Conclave took place in Baltimore, MD December 27-30, 1956 (March 1957 Oracle). Only at a Grand Conclave could a vote to disband the 11th District for good could have taken place. In that same 1957 Oracle the 11th District is not listed along with the other districts, and no longer appears in any Oracle going forward.

Finally, the 11th District also has small ties to the 13th District. There was an effort to bring back the 11th District in 1993, in which the administration was going to make the 11th the new International District, but that idea was never formalized. The following exert was taken from the 13th District History:

“As a result, a proposal was put forth by the International Chapter Liaison to form the International District which was initially being billed as the Eleventh District. The District plan proposal called for a split into four regions: the Pacific Rim, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean Region. The proposal, on a

motion from the Grand Basileus, was approved by the Supreme Council at its meeting on December 3, 1993 in Cleveland, Ohio. The District was to be known as the Thirteenth District as it was decided that the Eleventh District’s name was to remain separate so as to preserve its past existence. Hence with the birth of the Thirteenth District, ushered in the most recent expansion of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.”

Past 11th District Representatives post 1937:

1. September 1937 Oracle – March 1939 Oracle: Adolph P. Hamblin (States: West Virginia and Ohio) *The July and December 1939 Oracles did not list DRs in the content section.

2. March 1940 Oracle - October 1940 Oracle: Elvey E. Mitchell (States: West Virginia and Ohio)

3. March 1941 Oracle: James H. Rowland (States:

West Virginia and Ohio) *He was listed as a District Representative for the 29th Grand Conclave at MeHarry Medical, Nashville, TN December 29, 1940 (Dreer, Supplement, pg 2).

4. June 1941 Oracle - December 1941 Oracle: Chester Gray (States: West Virginia and Ohio)

SPLIT

5. June 1942 Oracle - May 1946 Oracle: Raymon Holman (States: Nebraska, Colorado, and Iowa)

6. November 1946 Oracle - March 1949 Oracle: William H. Pinkett (States: Nebraska, Colorado, and Iowa)

7. December 1950 Oracle - May 1956 Oracle: Harvey V. McDaniel (States: Nebraska, Colorado, and Iowa)

In closing, the 11th District played a vital role in the shaping of our fraternities districts. Even though the district did not have a long history its original, formation played an instrumental role on how the districts are currently structured. Which plays a key role on how the voting power is currently laid out amongst the districts. With this article the 11th district will no longer be a forgotten or over looked aspect of the fraternity’s history.

When we wear the gloves

A Brother has gone from our midst And sailed to golden shores.

When we wear the gloves

A Friend has passed the final test And walks through purple doors.

The circle has an empty place

A Voice will raise no more The song of fellowship and love Uplift forevermore

When we wear the gloves

When we wear the gloves

A Light goes from this earthly life The visor closed again Yet all the heavens open wide To let a new star in.

When we wear the gloves

A Brother leaves the chapter rolls And moves to other worlds For when we say our last goodbye He walks on streets of Pearl.

When we wear the gloves

by Brother Dr. Carver A. Portlock

The Oracle Omega Chapter Brother Willie Walker

Some part of Omega's star has diminished because Bro. Willie Alexander Walker departed this earthly life on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, here in Charlotte, NC.

As an active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Bro. Walker was initiated right here in Charlotte, at Pi Phi Chapter in the Fall of 1958.

During his time at Pi Phi Chapter, he served in different capacities, and contributed extraordinary service. From serving as the Sixth District Marshall, Pi Phi Chapter’s Keeper of Peace, Keeper of Records and Seal, being a member of several committees, and attending all National, District and local trainings and Leadership conferences, Bro. Walker always made sure that everything was done FIRST CLASS. He was also the property manager for the Sixth District Headquarters located on Beatties Ford Road which houses the Carolina Uplift Foundation.

Of course his love for music of all genres led him to be a soloist and member of the Pi Phi Ensemble. The harmonious voice of Bro. Walker will surely be missed and we will cherish it, every time we hear and sing the Omega Hymn.. Rest In Peace My Brother.

Brother Michael McLean

Some part of Omega's star has diminished because Bro. Rev. Dr. Michael Eldred McLean, departed this earthly life on Sunday, February 20th, 2022 at Atrium Hospital in Charlotte, NC.

Bro. Michael McLean was born September 11, 1958, in Erwin, NC to Rev. Edward Clifton McLean, Sr. and Mrs. Mildred Ray McLean. He was educated in the Guilford County Schools where he graduated from James Benson Dudley Sr. High School, Class of 1976.

He furthered his educational journey attending Livingstone College, in Salisbury, NC where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, in 1980. He then enrolled in Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, NC, 1981-1984, where he received a Master of Divinity degree. In 2008, Rev. McLean earned a Doctor of Ministry (D. Min) from Hood Theological Seminary.

Bro. McLean’s Pastoral Appointments took him all over North Carolina, until his 2005 appointment to East

Stonewall African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the congregation he served the last 17 years. He has severed this congragation the last 17 years. One of the highlights at East Stonewall was the building of the James E. McCoy Family Life Center. His church involvement included him serving on various Finance Committees in the Cape Fear, Blue Ridge, and

Western North Carolina Conferences. He served as Chairman of the Evangelism Committee of the Western North Carolina Annual Conference and Piedmont Episcopal District. He was also Chair of Charlotte District Studies. He was a duly elected ministerial delegate to six Quadrennial Sessions of the General Conference.

Bro. McLean was also very active in the community and his beloved Livingstone College. Some of his Memberships included: The Executive Committee of Livingstone College National Alumni Association; Local Officer & member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc; and various other organizations. He received the Mooresville Y.M.C.A. Rose Award in 1997; He was a Livingstone College Silver Graduate and was inducted into the Livingstone College Hall of Fame.

As an active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he was initiated at the Tau Alpha Chapter in Salisbury, NC in the Spring of 1984. During his time at Pi Phi Chapter in Charlotte, he served in different capacities, including the Pi Phi Chapter Chaplain. His love for music of all genres led him to become a soloist and member of the Pi Phi Ensemble. The harmonious voice of Bro. McLean will surely be missed.

Those left to cherish fond memories include his wife of 37 years, Mrs. Gloria Hall McLean,daughters, Kristin Yvonne McLean, and Brittany Michelle (Martinous) Stitt, one granddaughter, Malia Faith Stitt, all of Charlotte, NC; Mother, Mrs. Mildred R. McLean, Greensboro, NC. He will forever be missed by his siblings and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, and his loyal and loving toy poodle Chloe.

Brother Prince Albert Brown Jr.

Mr. Prince Albert Brown Jr., a member of Mu Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, of Greenville South Carolina, passed on Monday, March 7, 2022, at Magnolia Manor. Bro. Brown Jr. was initiated at Nu Psi Chapter at Virginia State College in the Spring of 1954. He was the son of the late Prince Albert Brown, Sr., and Gabrelle Jefferson Brown.

Bro. Brown is survived by his wife Margaret Austin Brown; one son, Bruce Austin of Greenville, SC; one sister, Martha Smith of Washington, DC; two grandchildren, LaToya Austin Jones and Bruce Austin, Jr.; two great-grandchildren, Tobias Austin and E'marion Heard Lee; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Brother Paul Edward Bennett

Raleigh North Carolina - Paul Edward Bennett, a devoted husband, a dedicated father, respected federal government executive, and active church participant joined his Lord and Savior in heaven. Bro. Bennett was born in Lilesville, North

Carolina on January 21, 1946. He was the son of the late Jabie and Johnsie Ingram Bennett. He accepted Christ at an early age at his home church, Pee Dee Baptist Church, also located in Lilesville, where he was an active young adult. He attended public schools in Anson County, especially enjoying his years at Henry Grove High School as a member of the Class of 1963.

After high school, Bro. Bennett attended North Carolina College at Durham (later known as North Carolina Central University) where he graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Geography. Shortly before graduating from college, he married the love of his life, Shirley Spencer Bennett, on October 21, 1966, at the University Memorial Chapel at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. To that union was born two children, Karen Elaine Bennett-Yates and Paul Edward Bennett, II.

After graduating from college, Bro. Bennett's prominent career as an executive with the Social Security Administration began in 1967. He served in various management positions in the areas of budget, management, and personnel. In 1986, he was accepted into the Senior Executive Service, which is the highest level of career executive management service in the federal government. Throughout his distinguished career in executive management, Bro. Bennett obtained numer-

ous achievements. Most notably, he served as a Senior Advisor to President Bill Clinton's Task Force on the Employment of Adults with Disabilities and served as the Director of Management for the Social Security Administration's Office of Hearings and Appeals where he directed the administrative and operational activities of over 7,500 federal employees located in approximately 148 offices across the country with an annual budget of over $700 million dollars. Bro. Bennett retired from the Social Security Administration in 2003 after 37 years of distinguished service.

After retirement, Bro. Bennett remained active professionally by forming Bennett & Associates to provide management consulting services to the federal government. Additionally, from 2003 to 2005, he served as the Church Administrator for a congregation of over 4,000 members at the People's Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. As a member of People's Community Baptist Church, he also served in various other capacities, but he was most passionate about being a member of the Men's Choir. He sang formally throughout his life. Bro. Bennett sang in several groups in high school and college. Singing praise and worship songs brought him joy and allowed him to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Bennetts relocated to Raleigh from the Washington, D.C. area in January 2012 and became members of Watts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. He was a faithful and devoted member of Watts Chapel where he also sang in the church choir until his passing.

Bro. Bennett was a devoted member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where in 2020, he received his pin commemorating 55 years of service to the fraternity. He was initiated into Tau Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi in the Fall of 1965. He was privileged to serve as Basileus of Tau Psi prior to graduating from college. After graduating from college, he was an active member of Pi Omega Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland; Mu Nu Chapter in Montgomery County,

Maryland; and Iota Iota Chapter in Raleigh, North Carolina until his transition into Omega Chapter. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Shirley Spencer Bennett, his parents, Jabie and Johnsie Ingram Bennett, and his younger brother Harold Maurice Bennett.

Bro. Bennett is survived by his two children, Karen Elaine Bennett-Yates (Sean) and Paul Edward Bennett, II (Danielle); four grandchildren, Kelsey Alesha Yates, Sean Ronnell Yates, II, and fraternal twins Colin Michael and Matthew Paul Bennett; one brother Lewis Bennett (Dorsae); four sisters, Elanders Arrington (Therman), Gwendolyn Marlow (Guy), Denise Nicks (Beau), and Carol Smith (David); and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Brother Rickey

Baskett, Sr.

Bro. Rickey Baskett, Sr. of Raleigh, NC departed this life on Friday, March 5, 2021.

He is survivored by his Wife, Debra Baskett of the home; sons, Rickey Baskett, Jr., (Kristen) of Willow Springs, NC, Quinn Anthony Baskett of Raleigh, NC, Christopher Michael Baskett (Jessica) of San Francisco, CA and Malcolm Lamar Baskett of Raleigh, NC; parents, Milton and Rosetta Baskett of Henderson, NC; brothers, Militon Baskett of NC, Michael Baskett of Henderson, NC, Anthony Baskett, Sr., (Loretta) of Fayetteville, NC, Andre Baskett of NC, Bryant Morris (Nadine) of Raleigh, NC and Melvin Baskett ( Stacy) of Raleigh, NC; grand-daughter, Gemma Brox of San Francisco, CA and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The Oracle Omega Chapter

Brother Gordon Gaines

Everett, Sr.

Beloved Bro. Gordon Gaines Everett, Sr., a stalwart of Gamma Pi Chapter in Prince George’s County, MD and longtime active in Second District affairs, was suddenly and unexpectedly called Home to Omega Chapter on Friday morning, February 25, 2022. Bro. Everett was dutifully memorialized in an Omega service and funeral on March 18, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville, MD.

Bro. Everett, known affectionately as Butch, entered Omega Chapter the day before his 66th birthday. His sudden passing sent shockwaves throughout the chapter, as well as the District and International circles of Omega. At the time of his passing, Bro. Everett was a member of the Senior Executive Service in the federal government where he served as Program Director of the Federal Records Centers Program at the National Archives in College Park, MD.

A 47-year member of the Fraternity, Bro. Everett crossed The Burning Sands in Fall 1975 as a member of “The Ten Commandments” at Mu Epsilon Chapter on the campus of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) in North Carolina. A Life Member since 2005, he served as Basileus at Mu Epsilon at the undergraduate level, and at Nu Upsilon and Gamma Pi Chapters as a graduate member. He was a three-term Basileus at Gamma Pi Chapter from 2010-2013. He was also a two-time Omega Man of the Year for Gamma Pi and served as Chairman of the Violence Prevention Committee for the Second District. Bro. Everett has won numerous other awards, served as Keeper of Record and Seal for Gamma Pi, and chaired various chapter committees.

Enduring memories of Bro. Everett emanate from his role as a leader in the

Fraternity and in other areas of his life. When it came time to roll up the sleeves, Bro. Everett had an all-business persona that was unmatched. Whether decked out in a perfect-fitting suit, spiffy shoes, and an unmistakably purple tie, or adorned in his Omega sweater, Bro. Everett could run a meeting with the skill and acumen of a Corporate CEO. He was very adept at keeping the business at hand front and center and staying on track. He never seemed to get flustered no matter how hot the heat “turned up” in the kitchen. Leadership was written all over him.

As a proud alumnus of Winston-Salem State, Bro. Everett was a life member of the WSSU National Alumni Association (WSUNAA). He served two terms as WSSUNAA president from 2010-2014. He was indicted into the WSSUNAA Hall of Distinction in 2016. In 2019, he and his wife, Sharon, established the Gordon and Sharon Everett Scholarship at Winston-Salem State, where the Everetts met. Prior to his federal government service, Bro. Everett had a successful career in sales for the Hunt-Wesson, Con Agra, and Kellogg companies. Bro. Everett is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Bro. Gordon G. Everett, Jr.; daughter Jazmin; and several siblings along with a host of other relatives and friends.

BROTHER WILLIAM BONNER

Bro. William Bonner transitioned into Omega Chapter on October 15, 2021. He was born on June 30, 1952. Bro. Bonner was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity on September 27, 2007, through Sigma Omega Chapter in Chicago, Illinois. He had a distinguished career in education and transitioned into the insurance industry. Bro. Bonner was an active member of Sigma Omega Chapter until his transition. He will be missed but not forgotten.

BROTHER FLOYD STEWART, SR.

Bro. Floyd Stewart, Sr. transitioned into Omega Chapter on December 31, 2021. He was born on November 27, 1928. Bro. Stewart was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity on April 25, 1953, through Eta Chapter,

Alcorn State University. Brother Stewart had a distinguished career with the Department of Human Services for the State of Illinois, serving 34 years. He was a member of Sigma Omega Chapter, Chicago, Illinois, where he remained active until his transition. He was an active member of the legacy committee, and a mentor to many.

Bro. Stewart was a faithful member of our beloved fraternity for over 68 years. He had the opportunity to experience several fraternity milestones, including the 50th, 75th and centennial anniversaries and the entry of the last three Founders into Omega chapter. This Omega giant will be missed but not forgotten.

BROTHER MICHAEL ANTHONY JENKINS

Bro. Michael Anthony Jenkins transitioned into Omega Chapter on November 1, 2021. He was born on October 9, 2000. Bro. Jenkins was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity on June 13, 2020, through Nu Gamma Chapter at Oakland University. He served worked tirelessly for the Fraternity, serving as the Basileus of Nu Gamma Chapter.

Bro. Jenkins, a finance major, worked part time as a banker to gain experience in his industry. He was awarded a Bachelor Degree in Finance posthumous, by Oakland University.

Brother Lawrence (Larry) E. Jack

Bro. Lawrence (Larry) E. Jack passed away peacefully at his home in Plymouth Meeting, PA on November 2, 2021. He was born on June 16, 1941 in Harrisburg, PA., attended Harrisburg city schools, and graduated from William Penn High School in 1959. Bro. Jack received his BS in Education from Cheyney State College in 1963 and his MPA from The Pennsylvania State University at Middletown in 1985. He later acquired his Principal's Certificate in Elementary and Secondary Education in 1994 He was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity on October 1, 1966 through Kappa Omega Chapter in Harrisburg, PA.

Bro. Jack became the first Black teacher at his high school alma mater. He spent the next 10 years as an educator teaching Special Education and serving as Director of the Independent Academy in Harrisburg. In 1974 Larry shifted from educator to civil servant. He began his 21-year civil service career by accepting a position as Administrative and Special Assistant to House Majority Leader and Speaker, The Honorable K. Leroy Irvis, where he developed the first statewide Legislative art exhibit, coordinated a summer intern program for the Majority Leader, and initiated the first Black Legislative Conference with legislatures from MD, NJ and PA. Larry went on to serve as Senior Legislative Research Analyst where he drafted legislation and reviewed agency regulations and Executive Director, Philadelphia Legislative Delegation where he worked with the Philadelphia mayor's office and Philadelphia school officials to increase the school district's economic supplement by $40 million.

In 1995 Larry resumed his career as an educator. For the following 14 years Larry served as Assistant Principal at the Scott Rowland In-

termediate School and William Penn Intermediate School, and Principal of Marshall Elementary School. Later Larry served in the Substitute Teacher Service and as a Regional Technician for the U.S. Census.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Paula F. McCauley and son Lawrence M. Jack of Lancaster, PA, Larry also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews and godchildren to cherish beautiful memories.

Brother Leonard Washington Jr.

Leonard Washington Jr. departed this life and joined the ancestral plane on May 28, 2020 at the age of 79. He was born on October 6, 1940, in New Orleans, Louisiana,. Bro. Leonard graduated from Walter L. Cohen High School in New Orleans. He continued his education at Dillard University in New Orleans, Howard University, and the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. He earned a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Social Work, and Master of Business Administration degrees respectively.

He joined the staff of the Lebanon VAMC in 1963 as a social worker. In 1969, he moved to Illinois where he was appointed Supervisory Social Worker at the North Chicago VAMC. During the 1970s and early 80s, he held several federal government assignments of increasing responsibility: Hospital Administration Specialist at the VA Central Office in Washington, DC; completed Assistant Director training at the Shreveport LA VAMC; Assistant Director at the Canandaigua, New York VAMC; and the Associate Director at the Brecksville, Ohio VAMC. In 1982, he returned to the Lebanon VAMC where he served as CEO until retiring in December 1998.

Bro. Washington was initiated in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at Theta Sigma Chapter on November 12, 1958. As a 60-year member

of the fraternity, he was an active member of Kappa Omega Chapter. Despite his busy schedule, he served on several boards and in many community organizations. He was a member of the original planning committee which designed the Leadership Lebanon Valley Program and served as a board member of the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he was honorary chair of the 1998 Relay for Life in Lebanon and a member of the Lebanon Rotary. He was chair of the Government Relations Committee for the South-Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and retired in 2018 from the board of The United Way of Lebanon County after 35 years. He had been active in area theater productions including the Lebanon Community Theater, Mt. Gretna Playhouse, and the Theater of the Seven Sisters.

Bro. Washington was a faithful and active member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he willingly took on leadership positions in the church as Lay Reader, Chair of the Pastor Parish Committee, Choir Member, Men's Breakfast Leader and served on local and district committees.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Albertine (Tina) Washington; his children: Henry C. Moore and wife Stephanie of La Place, Louisiana; Tracy Felton and husband George (Ammioz) of Suitland, Maryland; and Troy Washington and wife Kim of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He was a blessed grandfather to five grandchildren.

Brother Dr. Rudolph T. White

Silver Spring, MD. Bro. Dr. Rudolph T. White transitioned to Omega Chapter on March 28, 2022. Bro White was initiated in May 1952 of 1985 with Zeta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at Butler University in Indiana. Bro. White was a

The Oracle Omega Chapter

founding member of Mu Nu Chapter located in Montgomery County Maryland. Rudolph T. White was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 22, 1932, to Gene White and Frances Bohannon White. He was a graduate of Butler University where he pursued his bachelor's and master's degrees. From 1954 to 1956 Bro. White served on active duty in the U.S. Army and in 1956 he transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves and completed the remainder of his military service in 1962.

Bro. White moved to Washington, DC to accept a position in the Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools as a counselor and then principal of several elementary schools. He earned a PhD. in Educational Psychology from the George Washington University and later completed a second PhD. in Clinical Psychology from California Southern University. Bro. White is survived by his wife Dorothea White, his son Major (U.S Army) Adrian White and the brothers of Mu Nu Chapter that continue his legacy of service.

Brother Nelson E. Wilkerson, Sr.

Nelson E. Wilkerson, Sr., born July 18, 1942, transitioned to Omega Chapter on March 17, 2002 in Baltimore County, MD. Educated in Howard County, MD at Guilford Elementary and Harriet Tubman High School, upon graduation he matriculated to Maryland State College (now University of Maryland Eastern Shore). While attending UMES, he was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity through Pi Epsilon Chapter in April 1962. He served as Basileus of the Chapter and was known as "Chief", due to his indigenous American features, leadership, and ancestry. Upon graduation he attended and graduated from Coppin State College (now University), with a master's degree in Mathematics' and English.

Professionally, Bro. Wilkerson was an educator with the Maryland Department of Corrections Institute in Jessup, MD for over 48 years, until his retirement. After retirement, Bro. Wilkerson returned to the workforce as a substitute teacher in Howard, Carroll, Prince Georges, Baltimore City, and Baltimore County School Systems. He enjoyed doing home improvement or construction projects and was an avid Sudoku player and Chess Connoisseur.

Bro. Wilkerson was a proud member of Pi Omega graduate chapter in Baltimore, MD, serving on too numerous chapter committees to mention and greeted every Brother individually upon entry to chapter meetings with a handshake.

A devoted family man, Bro. Wilkerson leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Willa, three sons Bro. Shawn Wilkerson, Nelson Jr, Duane, and numerous family membersand friends.

Brother Dr. Lester Elwyn Benn

Bro. Dr. Lester Elwyn Benn born February 22, 1944 transitioned to Omega Chapter on August 26, 2021. Receiving his elementary and secondary education in the Boston Public School system, upon graduation from Boston English High School, he attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. On October 9, 1964 he became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Beta Chapter, as one of the "Neoteric 9" pledge line. He was fraternally and brotherly nicknamed the "Beta Beast." After college, he taught in the Philadelphia Public School System followed by employment in the private sector. Bro. Dr. Benn eventually returned to his pursuit of a medical degree, a dream he fashioned as a child following the footsteps of his dear

uncle, Dr. Reginald E. Benn, also an Omega man, who graduated from Lincoln U. He earned his MD from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.

Bro. Dr. Lester Benn's medical career extended throughout the duration of his life. For approximately thirty years, he practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology in Boston, MA and Atlanta, GA, serving primarily high-risk patients at the former Boston City Hospital, Boston Medical Center, University Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Beth Israel Hospital. He also served as an instructor at the Harvard Medical School and as an assistant professor at the Boston University Medical School.

In 1988, he moved his family to Marietta GA. He served on staff at Southwest Hospital, South Fulton Hospital, Atlanta Medical Center, Crawford Long Hospital, and Southside Medical Center. He also served as an instructor at the Morehouse School of Medicine. In both Boston and Atlanta, he served his community at neighborhood health centers, which included among others Roxbury Comprehensive Medical Center, the Whittier Street Health Center in Boston, and Southside Health Center in Atlanta. Upon retiring from the demands of his OB/GYN practice, Bro. Dr. Benn participated in numerous community-related endeavors. His last medical-related venture was as Medical Director at Synergy Medical Center practices in Savannah and Macon, GA.

Throughout his career, he treated work as ministry, sharing Christian principles with his patients. He was passionate about sharing God's word and the interconnection of Body, Soul and Spirit. Bro. Dr. Lester Benn is survivedby his wife of 51 years, their six children, a daughter Tamia Hall, fourteen grandchildren, one great grandson, two brothers and two sisters, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and countless friends.

Dr. Rudolph T. White

Brother Joseph Collier Sr.

Bro. Joseph Collier Sr. age 95 of Levittown, PA passed away December 31, 2021 surrounded by his family and friends. Bro. Collier was an active member of Delta Upsilon and could be seen at many chapter events taking pictures and kicking up the dance floor. Bro. Collier was a 60+ year member of the Fraternity, pledging at Theta Psi Chapter West Virginia State in 1955. His smile and generosity will be sorely missed by members of the chapter, his family, and the greater Mercer/Bucks county communities.

Brother Matthew Thomas, Jr.

Bro. Matthew Thomas, Jr. was born on November 14, 1953 in Philadelphia, PA and transitioned to Omega Chapter on October 23, 2021. He was reared in a home where hard work and honorable living was at the foundation of the household. Matthew accepted Jesus Christ as a young adult and was baptized at First Corinthian Baptist Church where his father was a deacon.

He began his education in the Philadelphia School System and furthered his quest for knowledge at Cheyney State College currently Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. While at Cheyney he was initiated into Beta Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on December 2, 1972. Affectionately, known as the "Godfather" on the legendary "Evolutionary 18", Bro. Thomas and his line brother's took the campus by storm. Matt met the love of his life Beverly (Collins) Thomas on the campus of CU in an Education class. He later retired as an Elementary School Assistant Principal after 31 years of service to the children and families of Philadelphia.

Bro. Thomas was a dedicated Bro. and was actively involved various organizations including: Mu Omega Chapter of Philadelphia, The Beta Gamma Foundation, the Montgomery County Chapter of Cheyney Alumni, The Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, Montfort Point Marines National Association, Philadelphia Chapter, Que Vets, the John W, Zaengle Detachment of the Marine Corps League and a Life Member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Bro. Thomas leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 45 years Beverly Thomas, stepdaughter Michelle Simmons; daughters Latina Bobo; Dalisa Wilson, and son Bro. Matthew Thomas, III. Long live the memory of Bro. Matthew Thomas Jr. and long live the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Brother Thomas King Jr.

When Alpha Nu Nu earned its charter in 2018 as a graduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Bro. Thomas King Jr. served graciously as its first Keeper of Peace, pitching in once again after nearly 60 years of service to the

fraternity. That's the kind of selflessness that came to mind when the brotherhood learned of the death of Bro. King, April 12, 2022, in Reno. He was 86 years old. The Korean War Air Force veteran and former auto industry executive had retired from Northern California to Nevada years before with his wife, Thelma Neal King. He once said that the family was attracted by the mountains, where in past winters he was known to cut an impressive figure gliding on nearby ski slopes.

Bro. King was born Sept. 11, 1935, in Lower Peach Tree, Alabama, and attended high school in Mobile. His journey in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity began at Alabama State University in Montgomery, where he was initiated into Gamma Sigma Chapter in 1960. He subsequently earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from California State University-Los Angeles. His long professional career included leadership as a senior labor relations representative at Ford Motor Co. and a labor relations manager for a company jointly owned by General Motors and Toyota.

Alpha Nu Nu Basileus Michael J. Smith recalled Bro. King as a warm, reserved, committed charter member. "Bro. Thomas King was a gentlemen's gentleman who truly set an example as an Omega Man living out the fraternity's cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift." In addition to his widow, Thelma, and their five grandchildren, Bro. King is survived by three daughters: Felicia of Naperville, Illinois; Bridget of Sacramento, California; and Kimberly of Livermore, California. A son, Kelvin, preceded him in death.

BROTHER KENNETH L. TAYLOR

Bro. Kenneth L. Taylor transitioned into Omega Chapter on January 8, 2022. He was born on April 26, 1955. Bro. Taylor was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity through the Beta Epsilon Chapter at Knoxville College in 1975. He later joined Chi Lambda Lambda Chapter, Matteson, Illinois, where he was a faithful and loyal member. Upon joining Chi Lamba Lambda Chapter, Bro. Taylor was very influential in both the community and fraternity.

After a career is manufacturing, he had very successful career in Real Estate and Property Management. He was famous for cooking outstanding breakfast meals for the brotherhood before each chapter meeting. Bro. Taylor exemplified our cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. He was a model for all Omega men, who will always be remembered but can never be replaced.

The Oracle The End

ATTENTION

“DOUBLE COVER” PUBLICATION

PLEASE CLOSE AND FLIP TO READ PART II

The Fall 2022 Oracle: 83rd Grand Conclave Coverage and Achievement Week. Coming Soon

We are always seeking Brothers with an opinionated view to submit an editorial, a story idea, an article from the history & archives, a poem, or a photo.

If you have those desires, please email Bro. Norm Senior at EditorToTheOracle@oppf.org

to Serve as your Editor

Send address changes to: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Attn: Grand KRS 3951 Snapfinger Parkway Decatur, GA 30035.

EDITOR

NORMAN SENIOR

ART/CONTENT DIRECTOR

QUINEST BISHOP, SR.

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES WITHERSPOON

GRAND BASILEUS

DR. DAVID E. MARION

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

JOHN HOWARD

THE ORACLE

OFFICIAL ORGAN

OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC.

Brothers David E. Marion, Stanley R. Reives, and Vincent L. Jones (Eta Xi Chapter. Circa 1979)

25th Editor of the Oracle and 41st Grand Basileus

From New Omega to Next Level

avid E. Marion, Ph.D., who had previously served as First Vice Grand Basileus, was elected the 41st Grand Basileus at the 81st Grand Conclave in 2018 in New Orleans, LA. Under Marion’s leadership the fraternity tripled its asset base and increased its membership rolls to its largest in our history.

its

So let’s take a look back at further highlights of Dr. Marion’s time at the forefront of change and innovation in this international fraternity.

Omega became more involved and outspoken in the political arena on the national, state, and local levels ultimately leading to creation of the Omega Network for Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. It emerged from a global COVID-19 pandemic to become the first National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) fraternity and third “Divine Nine” organization to receive Special Consultative Status with the United Nation’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Omega It

Omega created its own insurance company, Pan Global Ltd. Just as we are the only “Divine Nine”organization with a credit union, we are also the only one with an insurance company. In keeping with Dr. Marion’s métier, the fraternity pushed the importance of mental wellness through our “Brother, You’re On My Mind” program particularly while navigating through a pandemic.

targeting military families and communities to combat

Omega collaborated with the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a pilot program in the states of Mississippi, New Jersey, Louisiana, and Maryland targeting military families and communities to combat the prevalence of obesity amongst potential military recruits. We are the only “Divine Nine” organization to partner with DoD in this federally-funded endeavor.

Omega’s advocacy culminated in finally getting our brother Colonel Charles Young posthumously promoted to Brigadier General Charles Young by the Secretary of the Army. We saw it through!

of the Army. We saw it through!

Omega drilled over seventy drinking wells (boreholes) in Ghana. These boreholes will provide fresh, clean, and potable water to thousands of Ghanians for generations. Construction of the boreholes will improve sanitation and hygiene in numerous villages while the local chapter provides continued community support through Omega’s initiatives.

We are have expanded our footprint worldwide now having initiated over 200,000 men in 750 chapters in 18 countries on five continents since 1911. In addition to Ghana, you will find Omega Psi Phi chapters in Shanghai (China), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Tijuana (Mexico), The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, Germany, England, Panama, Canada, The Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Japan, and South Korea.

Thank you Brother Grand for your stewardship and vision.

NEXT LEVEL

DR. DAVID MARION

Elected to the Office of Grand Basileus

New Orleans, LA

Expanding Omega's global footprint: Chi Mu Nu - Shanghai, China, Delta Nu Nu - Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Beta Nu Nu - Tijuana, Mexico, and Nu Nu Nu - Dominican Republic”

None of this would have happened without each of you working harder, thinking out of the box, and setting aside petty differences.” Dr.

July 2019

July 2018

Elected to the Office of Grand BasileusNew Orleans, LA Continues “Brother your on my Mind” Mental Health Initiative

Aug. 2018 Celebrated the Life and Legacy of 31st Grand Basileus Burnel Elton Coulon

Dec. 2018 Shanghai, China chapter chartering

June 2019

Tijuana, Mexico chapter chartering

Steve Harvey Mentoring Camp

Inaugural Moses C. Norman Leadership Conference Atlantic City, NJ

Aug. 2019 Visit and Public Address regarding Black Church burnings in Louisiana Visit to Ghana (Tau Chi Chapter) First visit by a Grand Basileus and dedication of Omega’s first Borehole in the nation

David Marion

SPRING/SUMMER 2022

BRO. Dr. Jorge Alfredo Chico Arenas WITH 41ST GRAND BASILEUS

BRO. Eleualio Abraham WITH 41ST GRAND BASILEUS

Feb 2019

OPPF IHQ infrastructure overhaul begins

Feb. 2020

Dubai Chapter

Chartering

Completed $1 million Sponsorship to Smithsonean National Museum of African American History and Culture

June 2020

Omega 1000 for 1000 fundraising campaign (“HBCU Initiative).

Raised $500,000 for HBCUs

July 2020

Historic Virtual Grand Conclave

Aug. 2020 Supreme Council approved Brother John F. Howard as Executive Director

March 2020

March on Selma (55th Anniversary Commemoration of Bloody Sunday)

Feb. 2021

June 2021

Jan. 2022

Sept. 2020

Election as Chairman of the NPHC Council of Presidents

Meeting with Vice President Joe Biden in Jackson, MS

5 6 7 8

9 10

Established Pan Global Ltd,.Omega’s own insurance company

Created the Omega Network for Action, a 501(c)(4) organization

Initiated protocols to enhance and protect Brand/ trademarks

Sept. 2021

Unveiling of Street Renaming of Founder Oscar J. Cooper

Historic visit to Tulsa, OK. 100 year commemoration of Tulsa Race Massacre

Aug. 2021

11 13

Awarding of $2.7 Million grant for COVID education - Signing of NPHC MOU with National Council of Negro Women

30,000 financial members milestone

Establishment of Dr. David Marion Endowment at Jackson State University

Dominican Republic chapter chartering

April 2022

Promotion of Col. Charles Young to Brigadier General Charles Young @ West Point

May 2022

14 15

Meeting with Ghana Ministers on economic opportunities for Omega and dedication of Omega's 75th Borehole in Ghana

Omega became the 1st NPHC fraternity to receive Special Consultative Status with the United Nation’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

BRO. QUINEST BISHOP SR. WITH 41ST GRAND BASILEUS

“There’s a higher brotherhood that God calls us to honor -the brotherhood of mankind.”

- Dr. David Marion

If we truly want to honor our ancestors, we owe it to ourselves and, more importantly, the next generation to pay forward the opportunities and blessings that were so graciously bestowed upon us.”

- Dr. David Marion

The American Red Cross celebrates the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as the largest fraternal organization National Blood Program Partner.

The Dr. Charles R. Drew Blood Program continues to set the pace for making an impact for improving health inequities for diverse patients in need of frequent blood transfusion.

If you are interested in your chapter adding to the impact Omega makes in the lives of patients in need of blood transfusions, please follow the link below.

ATTENTION “DOUBLE COVER” PUBLICATION

PLEASE CLOSE AND FLIP TO READ PART I

Photo: Dr. David Marion (Right) with wife

Dr. Joyce Cole-Marion (Left) and daughter Chloe Marion (Middle).

“ Brothers, I thank you for the time you have given me to be your leader. I have used my time.”

- Dr. David

Marion