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GRADUATE CHAPTER NEWS
ALPHA OMEGA
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS SEMINAR
On June 12, 2021, the Brothers of Alpha Omega Chapter, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. hosted a Mental Health Awareness Month Webinar via Zoom. Keep in mind; May has been the official month for Mental Health Awareness in the United States since 1949. The month is observed with media, local events, film screenings which was started by the Mental Health America organization. Consequently, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated chapters across the country have hosted Mental Health Awareness programs associated with our national initiative, Brother You’re on My Mind (BYOMM).
The event was coordinated and hosted by the Health Initiative Committee chaired by Brother Edward L. Poindexter. The event’s host for the afternoon was Brother Anthony Gadson, with guest speakers Dr. Diane Kern and Dr. Samuel Gordon, both are Clinical Psychologists. The event reached 40 participants during this important conversation about Mental Health and Black Men during the webinar. The participants were provided with a wealth of information to include--What are the signs of Depression? The diagnosis of depression may include some or all of the following conditions: Fatigue, Overall loss of interest, Hormonal Changes, Low Motivation, Irritable, Low Self-esteem, Irrational Guilt, and Suicidal Thoughts. Keys for overcoming depression included seeking professional help and numerous programs provided by the National Alliance of Mental Illness and American Psychological Association. In addition, each guest commented on their own professional experience and answered an array of questions from the participants.
Upon closing the webinar, the psychologists left the audience with some poignant remarks. Dr. Gordon wanted everyone to know that we all fall short as human beings. Therefore, “Don’t let perfection be the enemy of the good!” While Dr. Kern wanted to encourage the men of the audience by saying that “Vulnerability is a strength.” Brothers, we all need to seek counsel and advice from professionals on our mental health just as we do physical health. It is a good idea to get checkups and participate in events such as this one to gauge where we are to live productive and happy lives.
This article written and pictures provided by
Bro. C. Delray Brown Alpha Omega Chapter Reporter Ques In Action News-Founder
OMEGA MEN FOR HOMELESS MEN
And Father McKenna Center-Men Recovering from Homelessness
On July 3, 2021, the Brothers of Alpha Omega Chapter, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., partnered with the Father McKenna Center to celebrate the homeless men who completed the program called “The Better Life Pyramid.” This program helps homeless men with a myriad of issues and provides them with assistance in becoming productive citizens. On this occasion, the Omega Men who participated in the “Omega Men for Homeless Men” program wanted to acknowledge the men with food and fellowship for their achievements.
The Brothers of the Alpha Omega Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. began the “Omega Men for Homeless Men” (OM4HM) program in the fall of 2010. The program’s focus is to bring support and awareness to the plight of homeless men in the Washington, D.C. area. The program supports the efforts of the Father McKenna Center located in the basement of the Saint Aloysius Catholic Church at 19 I St., N.W. Washington, D.C. The McKenna Center exists to meet the needs of the poor and homeless who reside in one of Washington’s most impoverished neighborhoods while in the shadow of the United States Capitol Building. The McKenna Center continues the legacy of Father Horace B. McKenna SJ, a Jesuit priest who devoted his life and priesthood to the betterment of the poor.
The Men of Omega provide support to and with the McKenna Center on two levels. First, on the “First Monday” of each month, Omega Men converge on the McKenna Center to provide a theme and to lead the Center’s “discussion session” with the men. The discussion session lasts for about an hour and is a way to address some of the root issues that have these men in their current situations. The Brothers provide the men with real-life tools, both inspirational and practical. Some of these tools consist of but not limited to – learning how to set up email addresses, getting identification, obtaining needed services such as bringing in key members of Washington, DC’s housing authority, and providing access to various Washington, DC agencies for potential work opportunities. These are tools key to helping these men move forward toward getting out of homelessness. Participation in these discussion sessions is a requirement for the men to receive a hot lunch. This first session was held on Monday, October 4, 2010, and along with the Men of Omega, there were about 50 men who participated in the discussion session and had lunch that day. For the past eleven years, the Omega Men for Homeless Men program has seen roughly 50-70 men participate in these First Monday sessions.
Second, the Men of Omega gather with the men on Sundays at 1pm to watch the Washington Football Team’s home games and to provide a hot lunch for the men. In terms of the hot lunch, Omega Men has partnered with a variety of great sponsors, such as churches, businesses, and individuals, to provide hot lunches. These games are laid-back opportunities to get to know the men on a different level. The numbers have averaged between 70-90 men for these events. On average, there are about 80 men at these games. There are about 10 games per season with a 1:00pm start time. The Omega Men for Homeless Men program has fellowshipped with and fed over 5,600 men over the course of the past seven years.
Lastly, the Omega Men for Homeless program has had a great and successful relationship with the Father McKenna Center over the years. The change in the lives of the men and the impact on the community validates the program is making a difference. It is the desire of Brothers leading the OM4HM program that it will be replicated across the country. This sentiment is in the spirit of Omega’s commitment to Service!
PLL & GEORGE M. HAMPTON
FOUNDATION 2021 JOINT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM
Pi Lambda Lambda (PLL) Chapter, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the George M. Hampton Foundation virtually hosted its first Joint Scholarship Awards Program on June 12, 2021, in Woodbridge, Virginia. The program was co-hosted by Jeffrey W. Allen, Basileus, Pi Lambda Lambda (PLL) Chapter, and Drefus Lane, Sr., President, George M. Hampton Scholarship and Community Action Foundation (GMHF) with Brother Jimmy Hall, Co-Chair, Scholarship Committee as Master of Ceremony. In total, more than $20,000 in scholarships were awarded.
Guest speaker, Brother Donald Eric Jones, Jr. attended James Madison University for his undergraduate degree in Health Sciences and dual master’s degree at Georgetown University in Biophysics and Physiology. Brother Jones, a former PLL Scholarship recipient and graduate of the PLL Omega U program in 2012, was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in November 2020 through PLL. His message covered experiences of being a new college student and learning to manage how to live independently, the need for a solid support system including loved ones, true friends, mentors, and the importance of keeping your Faith.
Recipients of the Dunlap Scholarships included Kevin Bull (Belmont University, $4000); C. Victor Herbin, IV (Louisiana State University, $1500); Jawuan Hill (The Julliard School, $1000); Nathan Arrington (Stevenson University, $500) and Charles Hines ($500). GMHF Scholarships were awarded to Sidney Hoeppner (Jacksonville University, $3000); Tori Johnson (North Carolina A&T University, $2500); Jayhara Guzman-Rivas (George Mason University, $2000); Kevin Bull (Belmont University, $1500); Syndey Thaxton (UNC Wilmington, $1000); Daniel Buongiovanni (Brigham Young University, $500); Michael Constant (Cornell University, $500); Jawuan Hill (The Julliard School, $500); Sara Magid (University of Maryland, College Park, $500); and Colin Villacorte (Point Park University, $500).
The inaugural Omega U Scholarship of $1000 was awarded to four graduating seniors: Cameron Davis (Norfolk State University); Elijah Gartrell (Old Dominion University); C. Victor Herbin, IV
(Louisiana State University); and Jawuan Hill (The Julliard School). This year’s Legacy Scholarship recipients are Elisa K. Clark (Brother Earl Clark), College of William & Mary; Cameron Davis (Brother Corey Davis) Norfolk State University; C. Victor Herbin, IV (Brother C. Victor Herbin, III) Louisiana State University; Nathan E. Hillmon (Brother Sam Hillmon) Virginia Commonwealth University; Victoria Hinton (Brother Victor Hinton) Texas A&M University; and Jalen Mason (Brother Leroy Mason) Virginia State University.
The George M. Hampton Foundation was founded on the idea of helping those in need. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 taxexempt non-profit affiliate of the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter, which is named in honor of Dr. George M. Hampton. Brother Hampton is a charter member of the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter. Dr. George M. Hampton, Mu Psi, 1949, celebrated his 93rd birthday and 72 years in the Fraternity offered words of encouragement for the award recipients: “Don’t let where you come from determine how far and where you go in life.” His steadfast dedication to providing personal scholarships to local youth and his commitment to social action continues to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Prince William County in legendary fashion. Since our inception, the Foundation, in partnership with PLL, has contributed thousands of dollars to local youth scholarships and other youth support programs such as mentoring, essay contests, high school talent hunt programs, school supply drives, etc. The Brothers also devote considerable funds annually to community service activities, including health fairs, blood drives, Diabetes and Cancer initiatives, food and clothing drives, and more.
DUMFRIES THOMAS TEULL
COLORED CEMETERY CLEANUP
Pi Lambda Lambda (PLL) chapter, Third District, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Social Action Committee partnered with friends, family, and local volunteers in the Batestown community to clean up the Dumfries Thomas-Tuell Colored Cemetery. With the recent change to Covid-19 restrictions, Brothers were able to come out and join to perform the work of Omega and continue into the sixth year of dedication to this venture.
The group’s efforts were led again this year by Brother Lloyd Marshall of PLL to restore the cemetery and preserve the rich history of this community. This season’s team spent the morning cleaning and manicuring the cemetery grounds, planting flowers, and clearing brush from the area to identify the grave locations. The chapter volunteered over 150 man-hours to ensure the cemetery continues to be properly preserved.
STANDING ON MY 1
LOVING YOUR WIFE
Pi Lambda Lambda (PLL) Chapter, Third District, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Fatherhood Initiative Committee on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, hosted its fourth virtual “Standing on my 1” focus group discussion. The Brothers of the PLL Chapter were led in this event by Brother Darryl Barnett II and Brother Ricky Siggal, the Fatherhood Initiative Committee members, who strategically engaged in conversation on the importance of loving your wife. The purpose of this event was to allow Brother a venue to collaborate and learn from each other. In this open forum, brothers freely shared and received experienced first-hand conversation to educate, encourage, and uplift brothers to enrich and acknowledge the value of the relationship they have with their wives. The backbone of a strong Omega man is the support he has with his Omega Sweetheart.
BATESTOWN ROAD HISTORIC
RENAMING JUNETEENTH 2021
Pi Lambda Lambda (PLL) chapter, Third District, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Social Action Committee partnered with friends, family, and local volunteers in the Batestown community renaming of Mine Road to Batestown Road in Dumfries, VA during this Juneteenth Celebration weekend.
Batestown, named for early settlers and freed slave Sally Bates, was one of a small number of African American societies in the United States that thrived with black businesses and prosperous community living with more than 550 residents. After WWII, landowners were forced out by new local governments that claimed eminent domain and changed the name of the area to bury the development of this black progression. On June 19, 2021, community leaders, historians, citizens of Dumfries, and brothers of PLL joined in a celebration to officially rename Mine Rd. to Batestown Rd. In a fitting ceremony, Prince William County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair, Andrea Bailey, wife of Brother Cozy Bailey (President of Prince William County NAACP), acknowledge the long road to get to this day and commended all the laborers involved. She presented PLL’s own, Brother George M. Hampton, with an award of appreciation and recognition for his efforts to spearhead and solidify Juneteenth celebrations within Prince William County (PWC). The Brothers of PLL continue to be thoroughly involved in energies to preserve and maintain the history and dignity of this once overshadowed community to seeing it once again restored to the light of historic relevance.
GMHF “DECADES SPONSOR”
ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT DONATION DRIVE 2021
Pi Lambda Lambda (PLL) chapter, Third District, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., on Friday, July 23, 2021, participated in a SOLD-OUT golf tournament sponsorship fundraising event entitled “Decades Sponsor” hosted by the George M. Hampton Foundation (GMHF) at the Forest Green Golf Course in Triangle, Virginia.
Despite this year’s event being sold out well in advance, donations continued in support of achieving the Foundation’s mission to make a difference in the lives of youths while promoting growth and development in the Prince William County community. Through diverse partnerships, GMHF can support local community youth events, higher education scholarship programs, provisions to those of disadvantaged backgrounds, and mentoring through the Leadership Outreach Program (Omega U) onsite at each educational level of the local community schools.
While the day was full of fraternization, fellowship, and fun, a round of applause is due to the corporate and community leaders, distinguished civilians, public donors, Divine Nine, PLL Chapter, the GMHF committee members, and the 120 golfers who helped exceed $20,000 in funding to benefit the youth and provide them with an opportunity to experience a better tomorrow.
BBQING FOR THE KIDS SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Hampton, VA - On July 25, 2021, the Brothers of the Zeta Omicron Chapter, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., held the “Back to School” supply drive at their Chapter’s BBQ Cookout. The event was held at Newport News Park in Virginia. The event was the first since the coronavirus pandemic. Due to their tireless efforts, it was the most significant school supply drive in 13 years. The goal is to deliver 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to 100 kids who attend Hampton High School, Benjamin Syms Middle School, and Phenix Elementary School. The outpouring of school supplies was due to the generous contributions from the men of Zeta Omicron, their families, and the community.
The Northern Area II Supervisor Earl Smith, Jr. with the Vice Basileus Sekou Owens, KRS Shaun Marzett and Brothren of the OKK Chapter
OMICRON KAPPA KAPPA ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY
For the Sons of the Omicron Kappa Kappa (OKK) chapter, Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., what began as a wet and dreary morning on June 27, 2021, turned into the perfect setting for fellowship and service to their community. Accompanied by Northern Area II Supervisor Brother Earl Smith Jr., Vice Basileus Brother Sekou Owens and KRS Brother Shaun Marzett, the brothers of OKK congregated at the upper most corner of Sunrise Valley Drive for their quarterly Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup event along a 1.5 mile stretch of Reston Parkway in Reston, Virginia. As the morning rain came to a halt, the brothers garnered their vests, trash bags, gloves, PPE and hit the streets to begin the cleanup with matching t-shirts that prominently displayed a gold diamond encapsulating the Greek letters of their Fraternity, chapter on the front, and a perfectly fitting quote for the times at hand by Malcolm X that read “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today”. Afterwards the brothers continued the fellowship at the Bungalow Lakehouse in Sterling, Virginia where they thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company as they celebrated another successful community service event. The OKK Brothers garbed in their Chapter t-shirts.
PROVIDING UPLIFT
AND SUPPORT TO OUR BROTHERS
Earlier this year, the Basileus of Omicron Kappa Kappa Chapter (OKK), Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc (Kimmel Daniel), has approved a new initiative within the Reclamation and Retention Committee that is titled “OKK Visits the Bruhz”. The objective of this initiative is to schedule dates to visit the Senior members of the Chapter that are no longer mobile or is experiencing sickness. The first of many visits began in July with two visits to Brother Steve Lewis (Omicron Pi - 84). He is currently recuperating at the Burke Rehabilitation Center in Fairfax County, Virginia. Brother Lewis loves visits from the Brothers. He was especially ecstatic about the outpouring of love and Uplift from the Chapter. Members came out in droves to see him. On the second visit, the Brothers came together at the gazebo of the facility and covered him in prayer and positive energy during a phone call from his wife.
Two of the Chapter’s Charter members joked about eating his donut. Brother Lewis responded with full heartfelt laughter and said he would be there shortly to retrieve his sugary treat. The Basileus was impressed by the outpouring and number of Brothers who showed up to support Brother Lewis. He stated that this cannot be a one-time event. The Chapter looks forward to putting their best foot forward to show up and support all sick, shut-in, and distressed Brothers of the Fraternity.
THIRD DISTRICT COVID-19
WORSHIP & PRAYER
Date:
Every Sunday
Time:
7:11 PM EST or 1911 Hours
Zoom:
Meeting ID: 770 6700 5487 Password: 090950 Dial In: (301) 715-8592
FaceBook Live:
www.facebook.com/3rddistrictques/live/
WORSHIP & PRAYER
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
The Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated instituted the weekly Third District Worship & Prayer services on Sunday nights at 1911, starting in April 2020. Initially, the prayer services were designed as a prayer service for COVID-19 pandemic relief. The prayer service mission developed into opportunities for fellowship and celebration across the District and beyond.
Over the past year, the Third District Worship and Prayer service has combined powerful words of uplift, great music, fervent prayers, and fellowship in True Omega fashion. This event is open to Brothers of Omega, family, and friends alike. We have enjoyed special services that celebrated Omega Legacy on Father’s Day, Service Members on Veterans Day, and couples married for more than 50 years on Valentine’s Day, with two of our celebrants sharing 68 year partnerships. We have showcased the future leadership of the Fraternity, and nation, with student led services commemorating HBCU Homecoming, College Graduation, and Mother’s Day. Both local, regional, and national representatives of the National Pan-Hellenic Council have participated along with every member of our Supreme Council.
The Third District Worship & Prayer Service facilitated by Third District Chaplain Rev. Courtenay L. Miller, under the leadership of District Representative Brother Conrado B. Morgan. This service has provided a forum for uplift in an uncertain and unsteady time. while also providing a vehicle for reconnection and connection to participants across the county and indeed around the globe. The Third District acknowledges the contributions of the many worship leaders, musicians, and the automation team for their contribution to this great worship and friendship experience.
