The Uplift 5/31

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The Official Publication of Upsilon Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity INC.

Uplift serves as a valuable resource for maintaining the history of Upsilon Xi Chapter.

If you have any suggestions or feedback regarding The Uplift, please contact us at UpsilonXi1977@gmail.com

We sincerely thank our Sponsors for supporting our 5K Run! Our community uplift projects are only possible because of your generous support! We ask the Polk County Florida Community to please support these businesses, who endeavor to support nonprofit organizations, that assist people in need within our communities, so that they can lead successful lives.

Chapter Conducts Memorial Service WINTER HAVEN, FL –

On January 8, 1922, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity lost one of its most esteemed members, Brigadier General Charles Young (then Colonel), who passed away in Lagos, Nigeria. In the wake of his passing, the Fraternity took the lead in honoring and commemorating our fallen Brother by organizing the first Memorial Service in the country. Alpha Chapter at Howard University led the way, followed by tributes from Gamma Chapter and other Chapter and organizations across the country.

The Associated Negro Press and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), along with other organizations, issued a press release announcing that Sunday, March 12, 1922, would be the date for the National Memorial Service honoring Colonel Charles Young, which would have coincided with his 58th birthday. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity supported this initiative and urged all Chapter to partner with an organization or hold a service on that date.

Over time, the format for memorial services evolved to include individual services for Brothers and public services held in March of each year. Nonetheless, Upsilon Xi Chapter remains committed to upholding the high standard set in the original memorialization of Brother Young by ensuring that our Chapter Memorial Service is conducted with the utmost care and reverence.

New Members Attend First District Meeting

HUNTSVILLE, AL – From March 16-19, 2023, the Upsilon Xi Chapter welcomed five new members into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. These exceptional individuals were keen to take advantage of the opportunity to attend the 85th 7th District meeting. The event provided a valuable platform for these outstanding men to further their quest for knowledge and networking while honing their skills as well-rounded Omega Men who are trained on how to provide uplift and support to their respective community. They also seized the chance to make new friends and connections at the district meeting.

Above: Upsilon Xi Chapter Members are pictured immediately after a Chapter Memorial Service

Above: Left to Right Chapter members Bryan Wallace, Devin Frost, Reggie Cannon, Terrance James and Caldon “CJ” Jones are pictured at the 85th 7th District Meeting.

Mrs. Aetna Bradley Remembered

DAVENPORT, FL

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Aetna Mae Thomas Bradley, the beloved wife of Upsilon Xi Chapter member Willis Bradley. Aetna passed away peacefully, having lived a life filled with love and devotion. Born on May 2, 1948, in Haines City, Florida, Aetna attended Haines City Public Schools and graduated from Oakland High School in 1965. She then attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida, where she met and fell in love with Brother Willis T. Bradley Jr. The couple shared over 55 years of a beautiful life together and had two daughters, Yasmin Nichole and Courtney Lynn.

A dedicated mother, Aetna spent her early years raising her daughters as a stay-at-home mom. Later on, she worked as the secretary of her church, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Saint Louis Missouri. After moving with her family to North Carolina in 1991, Aetna worked as an administrative assistant for the North Carolina Job Corps Placement Service. She then relocated to Holland Pennsylvania and later Stamford Connecticut.

Aetna was a devout Christian who accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at New Beulah Missionary Baptist Church when she was just 11 years old. Throughout her adult life, she remained an active participant in church activities, serving as a deaconess at four different church homes. After returning to Florida, she became a member of First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC) in Winter Haven. There, Aetna served as the chairperson of the Deaconess Ministry, and was also involved with the couple’s Sunday school class, Pastor’s Aide, educational council, hospitality committee, culinary ministry, and program committee.

Aetna will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. However, we can take comfort in knowing that she is now in God’s loving arms.

Upsilon Xi Supports HBCU Jump Off

LAKELAND, FL – The HBCU Recruitment Fair offers a unique opportunity for both parents and students to interact face-to-face with college representatives and admissions officers. The fair features two panel discussions, "Successful College Planning 101" and "Why I Chose to Attend a HBCU," making it an excellent resource for all students. Upsilon Xi Chapter members have been strong supporters of this event for many years, and the February 18, 2023 fair was no exception. They set up an Omega Psi Phi Information table and provided Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Scholarship Applications, promoted voter registration, and provided assistance as needed at Polk County’s Largest HBCU Fair.

Left: Under the leadership of Bro. Kenny Strong Jr, Upsilon Xi Chapter members are pictured at Simpson Park Community Center supporting the 2023 HBCU Jump Off

Mrs. Aetna Bradley

Above: Bro. Willis and Aetna Bradley

Upsilon XI Chapter Adopts Military “Storyboards” to Archive Chapter History

LAKELAND, FL The use of PowerPoint presentations as a communication tool in education, business, and the military has been extensively studied. However, the History and Archives Committee has discovered a unique facet of PowerPoint usage that has not been widely explored - the use of one-slide PowerPoints called "storyboards" in the United States military. Storyboards were utilized in Iraq and Afghanistan to plan and document activities and operations at the battalion and brigade level. Officers at these levels of command used storyboards frequently, whether viewed on individual computers, projected on screens in meeting rooms, or printed out in paper copies. The ability to create coherent storyboards in-line with command expectations and conventions became a necessary skill for staff-officers and unit leaders, with operations and intelligence officers typically creating them.

Upsilon Xi Chapter's History and Archives Committee has adopted the same concept of publishing storyboards as quickly as possible after an event has taken place, making it an efficient way to capture and archive the chapter's history. Brother James Mullen, the Chairman of the Committee, emphasized the importance of storyboards in rapidly communicating events that have occurred in the Chapter. So far, the storyboards have proven to be effective in achieving this goal.

Chapter Adopt-A-Highway Program

LAKELAND FL – The Upsilon Chapter has recently signed a two-year agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT). Under the agreement, the Chapter has committed to conducting litter removal at regular intervals. They have adopted two miles of highway, enabling members of the Chapter to engage in this civic-minded activity to make a positive impact on Polk County, Florida. This agreement also helps ease the load of DOT work crews, allowing them to allocate more time to other road maintenance and special highway projects.

Above: An example of an Upsilon Xi Chapter Storyboard used to rapidly record and report Chapter events and activities to members of the Chapter

Above: Upsilon Xi Chapter members after a successful Adopt a Highway Cleanup.

Above: Pictured is the Florida Department of Transportation Sign Identifying the stretch of highway adopted by the Upsilon Xi Chapter

A successful Adopt a Highway Cleanup.

Chapter Sponsors Community 5k Run

LAKELAND, Florida – On April 15, 2023, the Upsilon Xi Chapter hosted their Fourth Annual Bridgebuilder 5K Run, which saw a great turnout of Omegas, Quettes, and members of the public. Participants enjoyed a morning of exercise while taking part in the chapter's 5K Fun Run and Walk around scenic Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, Florida. The Upsilon Xi Chapter is committed to engaging in activities that uplift the community, and this 5K race is in support of one of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's mandated Health Initiatives programs. This program encourages Chapter to facilitate, participate, and coordinate activities that promote good health practices. Chairman Rico Green, who has been the Chairman of the Bridgebuilder 5K race since its inception, noted that the event has grown each year. "In 2020 we had 75 participants. This year, we registered the Chapter registered over 150 participants. " Now that this event is over, the Chapter will shift their focus to their next health initiatives event, the Charles Drew Blood Drive in June 2023.

Above: Race participants prepare to start the 5k

Below: Medals are prepared for run/walk participants.

Below: The Community participates in the 5K

Below: One of the top runners crosses the finish line.

Above: Race participants executing the 5k.

Bobby Harper Enters Omega Chapter

FROSTPROOF, FL It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bobby Lee Harper, Basileus (President) of the Upsilon Xi Chapter, who died on March 26, 2023. Bobby was born on February 20, 1960, in Frostproof, Florida, to the late Roosevelt Harper Sr. and the late Bobbie Nell Maloy.

Bobby graduated from Frostproof High School in 1978 before attending Florida A&M University, where he obtained a degree in Criminal Justice in December 1983. He went on to have a distinguished career with the Florida Department of Corrections, where he eventually retired.

February 20, 1960 - March 26, 2023

Bobby was a devoted member of First Baptist Hilltop, where he served as a deacon, and was also a proud member of the Upsilon Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, which he joined on June 8, 1984. His commitment to service extended beyond his Chapter as he served as the 18th Florida Statewide Organizational Representative.

Bobby was preceded in death by his brother, Roosevelt Harper Jr. He is survived by his brothers Willie Randolph and Alvin, aunts Willie Mae, Christine, Millie Ann, Thelma, and Sylvia, uncles Curtis, Jimmy Lee, Marvin, William Sr, and Tony, his precious aunt Mattie Maloy, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends, and his brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Friendship is Essential to the Soul

Brother Bobby Harper

Upsilon Xi Chapter Holds Bicycle Drive

ZEPHYRHILLS, FL A bicycle is a symbol of freedom of the road ahead that can be traveled. It is also one-way kids can get to school or activities, and a bicycle is one of the most traditional Christmas gifts.

The Upsilon Xi Chapter Annual Bicycle Toy drive is a mission to make sure as many children as possible have a bike. Saturday, December 17, 2022, was the Chapter's fourth annual Bicycle Drive.

"Our goal is to make sure that everybody, regardless of income, has access to a bicycle, and that's what we're doing here today, making sure that every child has access to a bicycle," Committee Chairman Booker Pickett said.

To date, Upsilon Xi has given away well over four hundred bikes. Former Basileus and Bicycle Drive Chairmen Neil Wallace said, “it took help from all over the Chapter ensure that we were able to fulfill the wishes for some children.”

He also noted that we have been averaging about one hundred bikes per year per child. From volunteers to putting bikes together and donating money, nearly 80 members of the Chapter were able to make the task possible. "The end result is a lot of smiling kids, many of whom this will be their very first bicycle," Wallace said. So, it's just amazing to see all these different pieces come together to really make it a special day for these kids." A special day for the kids and the community.

Above: The Upsilon Xi Chapter pre staged over 100 bikes prior to the December 2022 Bicycle giveaway.

Above: Upsilon Xi Chapter members engage with the community during the fourth annual bicycle giveaway.

Another Successful Toy Drive

LAKELAND, Florida -- On December 22, 2022, members of the Upsilon Xi Chapter gathered for the John Belk Memorial Toy Drive. This worthy project was to provide toys for special needs children who require specialist medical care. Committee Chairman, Booker Pickett led the effort for this project once again. He stated that this was the twelfth year that the Upsilon Xi Chapter had collected toys and partnered with Lakeland Pediatric Health Choice for this drive. This year was no exception; this toy drive was an unqualified success. This toy drive for this special population provides children with a small sense of normalcy when everything else around them is different, and it helps these children, who, in some cases, are introduced to unfamiliar medical equipment. The Lakeland Pediatric Choice staff has indicated how grateful they are for the continued support of these children from the members of the Upsilon Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc

Above: Brothers Kizer and Longworth prepare to give gifts to happy children.

Above: Bro. Booker Pickett gives instructions to the Toy Drive Committee.

Below: Chapter members conduct another Toy Drive.