14 minute read
KII Y.M.O.D
Young Men of Distinction’s (YMOD) mission is to mentor, motivate and guide adolescent boys to transition into young men with a purpose to obtain a higher education. Kappa Iota Iota partners with the Achievable Dream Middle/High School to help provide that positive heart that Tupac Shakur references for over 50 young men in the program.
What is Achievable Dream Middle/High School? Achievable Dream is a unique partnership between Newport News Public Schools, the City of Newport News, and the local business community to give our students who are at risk of failure in school due to socioeconomic factors, a chance to succeed. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are offered a quality education in a nurturing environment as well as the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with caring adults. The KII and Achievable Dream YMOD partnership has been in existence for seven years and the program runs during the normal school year. Five to 10 young men are given the opportunity to join YMOD each year starting in the sixth grade as part of the school’s club program. Currently YMOD has 53 young men in the program. Every two weeks, Brothers in KII meet with the young men to provide character building programs, hands-on teaching, and an ear to listen to the young men’s concerns and issues. We monitor the young men’s progression. In the past YMOD young men have competed in the KII scholarship mandated program and won scholarship assistance from the chapter. YMOD focuses on Academics, Integrity, Discipline, and Uplift. Attention is given to these principles through social activities, youth conferences, and community services projects. Community speakers are invited to address each one of the program goals. Previous speakers have included the Mayor of Newport News, the NNPD Police Chief, the Newport News Sheriff and other civic leaders.
Young Men of Distinction’s (YMOD) mission is to mentor, motivate and guide adolescent boys to transition into young men with a purpose to obtain a higher education. Kappa Iota Iota partners with the Achievable Dream Middle/High School to help provide that positive heart that Tupac Shakur references for over 50 young men in the program.
Some of our annual field trip activities include:
An Annual College Tour and sporting event The Southeast Community Clean-Up The Opera Hampton Public Schools Boy’s Conference Newport News Public Schools R.I.S.E. Conference Military Day Fatherhood Banquet
Young Men of Distinction’s (YMOD) mission is to mentor, motivate and guide adolescent boys to transition into young men with a purpose to obtain a higher education. Kappa Iota Iota partners with the Achievable Dream Middle/High School to help provide that positive heart that Tupac Shakur references for over 50 young men in the program.
KII had to operate within the boundaries of the Newport News school system during the COVID 19 pandemic and we had to be creative and in constant communication with the young men to keep them engaged.
A recent accomplishment, YMOD/KII entered two teams (seven young men) in the Carter G. Woodson Black History Trivia Contest on Saturday 27 February sponsored by the Alpha Iota Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
To prepare for the competition, students learned Black history facts and attended training sessions via Zoom over the course of five weeks. The young men studied over 1,500 questions with the help of the KII and Achievable Dream mentors. Their dedicated effort led to their victory (Team A: Trey Terry, Rickey Taylor and Ty Kinney) over five other local teams. Team A and Team B included:
• Seniors: Trey Terry, Rickey Taylor and Ty Kinney (Team A) • Junior: Raekown Perry (Team B) • Eighth Grade: Jaden Alexander (Team B) • Seventh Grade: Richard Linyear III (Team B) • Sixth Grade: Hopeton Bailey (Team B)
The group's sponsor is Lloyd McKeithan (Gamma Epsilon-78), who teaches math at the school, and says, "The young men that participated in Black History Trivia Bowl have dedicated themselves to the program's focus on academics, integrity, discipline, and uplift. Attention is given to these principles through civic/social activities, youth conferences, and community services projects. Through mentoring and guidance, we are preparing future leaders to serve our community”.
Young Men of Distinction’s (YMOD) mission is to mentor, motivate and guide adolescent boys to transition into young men with a purpose to obtain a higher education. Kappa Iota Iota partners with the Achievable Dream Middle/High School to help provide that positive heart that Tupac Shakur references for over 50 young men in the program.
We are proud to say four seniors are matriculating to higher learning, some are joining the military, and the others are still considering their options. KII plans to hold a end of the year celebration to recognize all of the young men for their participation. The intent is to hold the event outside for faculty and parents to join as well.
YMOD Editor: Brother Lloyd Boxley
Alexandria, VA - March 2021 will always be in the hearts of the Brothers of the Psi Nu Chapter, as they remember an American and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. legend entering Omega Chapter - Vernon Jordan (Aug 15, 1935 – Mar 1, 2021).
As Brother Jordan was often a voice supporting unheard voices, the Brothers of Psi Nu Chapter gathered last week to lend their voices and experiences in honor of his life and legacy.
“To the world, Vernon Jordan was many things: a pioneering attorney, an advocate for vulnerable populations, a businessman, a civil rights leader and even counselor to many presidents; to us, he was our Brother and even more so - our dear friend, said Brother Garrett James, who organized the commemorative session.
The following are expressions of love for Brother Vernon Jordan from the Psi Nu Brothers during the tribute: ● "I've always admired how his mannerisms and behavior never contradicted the things he said and taught others. He talked the talk and lived and walked the walk - that meant something in our day; he always lived honorably with every opportunity he had." -
Francisco Landers, Pi Lambda Lambda '11 ● "He was influential without being pompous. He was able to be in high places and not lose himself; remaining down-to-earth while never forgetting his roots." - Roger Hicks, Psi Nu '91 ● "I remember him fondly as he had a direct link to a service organization I used to work for and I've always seen him be true, never shying away from saying and doing what was right.
Consistently, he spoke up against injustice and remained true to the cause no matter who he was with or what environment he was in." - Melvin Skinner, Psi Nu '94 ● "He was a soft-spoken man. I'm inspired by his achievements as a black man in the community, in politics and within the fraternity. As a black man, he inspired me to think about the heights I could inspire to and things I could achieve in life, when I put my mind to it." - Victor Taylor, Psi Nu '98 ● "He was a caring and engaging man. He always had a moment to provide wisdom and perspective and he was a calming influence for younger Brothers." - John Gordon, Xi Iota '88
● "He was quiet, yet effective. He was a beautiful man." - Yao Tyus, Psi Nu '02 ● "Brother Jordan once said that he stands on the shoulders of many. To me, that means we must always honor those who have paved the way for us and do our own part to progress society.
We also have to continuously look forward to help build bridges for future generations. This is my personal mantra and it's because of him that I carry this with me daily."- Garrett James,
Tau Lambda Lambda '08 ● "I think of the Omega Psi Phi cardinal principle of "perseverance"; which he exemplified at all times because he didn't let the obstacles of the world hold him back. Honestly, when I want a true example of perseverance, I look no further than to Brother Jordan." - Edward Dixon, Psi
Nu '86 ● "Brother Jordan always demanded equality for all. To me, he was many things: the consummate political survivor, a power broker, successful business executive and also a trusted advisor. Ultimately, he left an impact on the black community, as well as the world itself." - Edgar Brookins, Tau Phi '82 ● "To put it simply; Vernon Jordan was Black excellence personified. His dedication to the advancement of African Americans was inspiring and needed." - Kyle Hill, Psi Nu '11
The Brothers of Psi Nu Chapter encourage the community to share their own experiences and how Vernon Jordan’s life has impacted them. May his work and legacy bring fruit for generations to come. Long live the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.!!
For more information on the Psi Nu Chapter, please visit www.psinuques.com
Written by:
Bro. Garrett James | 3-SP08-TLL Chapter Reporter: FY 2020-2021 Psi Nu Chapter | LM #6184 P: 202-321-0706
Pi Lambda Lambda’s Health Initiative Committee Brother You’re On My Mind Discussion cont.d
The day’s highlight was the discussion with Mr. C. Victor Herbin, IV, a graduating senior at Charles J. Colgan High school in Manassas, Virginia and president of his school’s Omega U chapter (Omega U is Pi Lambda Lambda’s youth mentoring program). Mr. Herbin spoke about his book, “"It Should Not Be Normal . . . the Normalization of Suicide”, which addresses teenage suicide and mental illness. Mr. Herbin spoke of how his book arose from his coping with a friend’s suicide during his sophomore year in high school, and the impact it’s had on some of his peers who’ve read it. He also talked about the many stressor of being a young adult, to include peer pressure, pressure from adults, and just being a young black male and having to stay on point “at all times, because ‘all times’ could be my last time” he said.
Dr. Diakima Y. Thomas-Davis and Dr. Rhodesia McMillian closed the session with their presentation, “A Public Health Crisis: Children, Adolescent and Adult Mental Health”. Dr. Thomas-Davis, an 11year public health professional, spoke about adolescent mental health from a mentoring perspective, as she has mentored hundreds of teens and young adults from community centers to jails. She provided some harrowing statistics of how boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD, and are more likely to have a mental, behavioral or developmental disorder. She also told a touching story of an encounter with a young man in juvenile lock up whose goal was to become incarcerated so he could see his father. She recommended the following tips if you encounter a young adult who is struggling: meet them where they are in their situation, create a “no judgement zone” for them to talk about their issues; be present with them; and do what is in your power to help.
During this same presentation, Dr. McMillian, a school psychologist with Columbus City Schools in Columbus, Ohio, elaborated on the differences between school psychologists and counselors, and how the school psychologist examines a child’s mental capacity, and helps address the student’s academic challenges and requirements based on that examination. She talked about how the impacts of the pandemic have shown up in schools in her area. “Even our best students, our ‘A’students, who manage stress well are being challenged,” she said. “So just think about those who already had other challenges”.
MAY 2021– WWW. 3RDDISTRICTQUES.ORG Talent Hunt 2021 Proves Successful for Psi Nu Chapter
Alexandria, VA - The Brothers of the Psi Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. ended Black History Month in grand fashion by hosting its 2021 Talent Hunt program virtually on Saturday February 27, 2021. First held in 1946, the Talent Hunt was created to offer opportunities and support to the artistic talents of youth. Psi Nu’s competition winner will go on to compete at the district level, in hopes of winning the International Talent Hunt competition for the Fraternity.
The Psi Nu Talent Hunt winners were: First place - Ms. Isabel Madison, Second Place - Sharli Fleming and Third Place - Virginia Sacotingo. The audience was wowed by their performances and the Brothers of Psi Nu wished them well in their next endeavors. The program can be viewed via this link: https://www.facebook.com/psinuomegapsiphi/videos/184532853445626
The order of program included the following: Welcome by Brother Shawn Brown; Invocation by Brother Eric Smith; Introduction by Basileus Brother John Gordon, Introduction of MCs and Judges by Brother Corey Griddine and the Closing & Benediction by Chaplain Brother Eric Smith. The program was MC’d by Brothers Corey Griddine and Douglass Lightfoot, with judges Dr. Sandra Burrell, Mr. Camal Pugh and Ms. Deborah Whitfield. The program was led and executed by Talent Hunt committee chair, Brother Shawn Brown. For more information on the Psi Nu Chapter, please visit www.psinuques.com
Written by:
Bro. Garrett James | 3-SP08-TLL Chapter Reporter: FY 2020-2021 Psi Nu Chapter | LM #6184 P: 202-321-0706
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. adds to the Nu Psi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.’s Endowment Account at Virginia State University
Nu Psi Chapter, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., received an additional $10,000 for its endowment, an endowed scholarship at Virginia State University (VSU) Foundation. The award will add to the funds already at the university that are providing scholarships annually to VSU undergraduate members of the Nu Psi Chapter, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
“This extraordinary gift is from the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to Virginia State University a Historical Black College and University (HBCU),” said Brother Dr. David Marion, 41st Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Marion added, “We hope this check of $10,000 will inspire other Greek organizations to support the VSU Foundation.”
In mid-March 2021, Brother Conrado B. Morgan, District Representative for the Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. requested the $10,000 check from the fraternity based on a request from Brother Gary C. Clark, 20th District Representative, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In addition, Brother Dr. Bob Turner is the Executive Director of the VSU Foundation. Last, Nu Psi Chapter’s ‘1961 line” donated $1000.00 as well. Brother Lewis Forrest, Nu Psi Chapter 1961 lead this effort.
The Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is home to roughly 2,000 members and includes 43 chapters across the District of Columbia (D.C.) and Virginia. Please visit our website at www.3rddistrictques.org for more information. The Nu Psi Chapter, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was established at the Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) in 1927 in Petersburg, Virginia and remains an integral piece of Greek Life at VSU.
