COLLABORATE TO INSPIRE YOUTH

THIRD DISTRICT BROTHERS COLLABORATE TO INSPIRE YOUTH

The Brothers of Alpha Omega and Alpha Chapters, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in collaboration with other Brothers of the Third District – led by Brother Miller (District Chaplain), welcomed the visiting Brothers of Rho Alpha Chapter (Seventh District) along with the members of the Mobile Omega Lamplighters, who embarked on an excursion that could only be described as EPIC. Their journey began when a group of approximately 120 individuals – fraternity members of Rho Alpha Chapter, nearly 60 mentees, and “Da Village” (a contingent of family and friends) - departed Mobile, Alabama, on the night of July 4th. The purpose of this trek was an “all in” effort to expose the young men to educational opportunities at HBCU campuses on our way to visit the nation’s capital of Washington D.C.

Their monumental voyage was facilitated along the way by members of the Fraternity, other College Dignitaries, and officials who were eager to show these young men the rich heritage associated with some of this nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The Lamplighters were exposed to a few HBCUs before arriving at the Nation’s Capital. A couple of visits included North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and Morgan State University.

They arrived in the Nation’s Capital via bus and were provided with an initial guided bus tour – led by Brother Rohulamin Quander (Alpha Chapter ’64). Brother Quander is a licensed and certified District of Columbia tour guide. The Lamplighters were able to view sites such as the U.S. Capitol, Black Lives Matter Boulevard, Martin L. King, Jr Memorial, Benjamin Banneker Circle, historic U street, Lincoln Memorial, and other notable locations. Due to COVID, several sites were closed to the public. However, the Brothers persevered and provided a walking guided tour on Thursday, July 8, 2021 – led by Brother Quander. Brother Steve Johnson provided the Lamplighters with fair cards for them to travel via the metro. The Lamplighters had a fun

day filled with learning about Washington DC’s rich history and visiting several historic and notable locations: Black Lives Matter Plaza, Frederick Douglas Church – Metropolitan AME on M street, St John’s Episcopal Church – Church of the Presidents, Lafayette square to

see White House, and the World War 1 Memorial – symbolizes the African American contributions, National Museum of African American History and Culture, and services in various wars. Brother Quander provided a detailed, powerful, and inspiring description of these locations’ vast and deep historical accounts. He also encouraged them on the importance of lifting as they climb and how the cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift are critical to everyday life.

On Friday, July 9, 2021, the lamplighters were provided with a guided tour of the historic Howard University by Brother Colin Dickens (Alpha Chapter Basileus) and several other Brothers. Some of the prominent sites toured consisted of the President’s House (where classes were first held in 1868), Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, Thirkield Hall (where the fraternity was founded on November 17, 1911), and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Founder’s Monument. Other sites included the Dial – dedicated to Benjamin Banneker and the honorable Brother Ernest E. Just Science building. Brother Dickens informed the Lamplighters that they would need to remain focused and diligent to attain academic success at Howard University and membership in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. The entire group proceeded to the fraternity house for lunch and fellowship. They were provided with words of encouragement by Brother Conrado B. Morgan – Third District Representative. The Lamplighters presented Brother Dalton – Basileus Alpha Omega with a gift of appreciation.

The Brothers appreciate the opportunity to share our rich history with the Lamplighters. All had a great time. The Brothers continue to stand ready to serve in any capacity to encourage and uplift our youth.