tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44828286323181896352012-01-25T10:00:10.659-05:00Blog of "The Super Chapter"The Writermannoreply@blogger.comBlogger741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-75852846816873793612012-01-07T13:41:00.000-05:002012-01-25T10:00:10.668-05:00

In about 100 days from now, Omega men from all across the five-state region of the Second District will converge on the banks of the Potomac River outside Washignton, D.C, for what promises to be one of the most exciting District meetings ever held in "2D." Registrations are beginning to come in at a quickened pace for the 64th Second District Conference, set for April 26-29 (Thursday-Sunday)

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-3495501620923649442012-01-06T23:14:00.000-05:002012-01-06T23:16:28.157-05:00

By Brother Dwayne "Pete" Ford  It was early in the morning of December 20,2011, 9 a.m., when they heard Omega Calling. A total of 20 Brothers (what a coincidence!), thoroughly immersed with true Omega Spirit, descended upon Kentland Community Center in Landover under the Leadership of Brother Orlando McDowell to do what all good Omega Men do and joyously participate in yet another of Gamma

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-86032194260724873372011-11-27T23:13:00.000-05:002011-11-27T23:13:04.352-05:00

by Brother Tony Kelly On the dawn of Omega's greatest feat, celebrating 100 years of service to community and Brotherhood, the Grand Basileus addressed the assembled Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Inc. during the Rededication Ceremony at Howard University on November 17, 2011, beseeching us to never forget, "We must not drop the baton as we go forward into the next 100 years.  Bro. Bleu Colquitt

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-3273438400048466072011-11-02T22:44:00.005-04:002011-11-04T00:09:53.834-04:00

Bro. Rushern Baker Omega Psi Phi celebrates 100 years officially on November 17, the Fraternity's true "birthday." Earlier this summer, chapters from all across the globe flocked to Washington, D.C. for the official Centennial Celebration to mark the historic 100th. One of the challenges issued to Omega men worldwide in observance of the Centennial year is to remain steadfast in service to the

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-33314072410973888722011-10-09T12:52:00.001-04:002011-10-09T13:49:28.851-04:00

Not every teenager in Prince George's County was sleeping in on Saturday morning, October 8. At least 70 of them were "hanging out" with the Ques at Bowie State University's Thurgood Marshall Library, talking about how to select a college, how to access information on scholarships and financial aid, how to choose a career, how to save, invest and budget money and even how to become respectable

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-66054591504694717732011-09-05T10:20:00.005-04:002011-09-09T22:39:49.774-04:00

On August 22, the school year kicked off in Prince George's County. But just a day into the new school year, a large earthquake rocked the metro area and shut down county schools for several days to assess damage. No sooner than students returned to school, a major hurricane whipped up in the Caribbean and lashed the mid-Atlantic region, again closing schools. Now that school is finally underway

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-67403861714641265692011-07-07T17:25:00.003-04:002011-07-07T20:18:41.974-04:00

Bro. Reggie Thomas African American men are profoundly affected by prostate cancer. When it comes to prostate cancer, African American men have the world's highest incidence and mortality rates. These are our Omega Brothers, our fathers, grandfathers, our blood brothers, nephews and co-workers. These are men in our church and the men active throughout our communities. Omega men understand this

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-88697885868375225172011-06-25T21:05:00.001-04:002011-06-26T17:00:00.674-04:00

Only The Super Chapter could do it this way. Today, Gamma Pi chapter combined the annual Charles Drew Blood Drive and Health Fair with the monthly gathering of Que Kidz Dayz into one super community Uplift event at The Kentlands Community Center in Landover. Dental Van at today's blood drive/health fair A number of people in the neighborhood turned out for the Blood Drive and Health Fair event

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-46475408067671136132011-06-12T16:03:00.003-04:002011-06-12T23:46:30.421-04:00

A full house at Saturday's program On Saturday afternoon, June 11, while temperatures outside flirted with 90-degrees, it was warm on the inside of the hearts of close to  100 senior citizens (including some  family) gathered at the Gethsemane United Methodist Church in Capitol Heights. It was the annual Seniors Banquet that the men of Gamma Pi chapter sponsor each June at the church as its way

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-67047454963313510332011-06-05T15:00:00.003-04:002011-06-07T22:08:09.935-04:00

Right now, Omega men across the country are readying for the trek to Washington, D.C. to celebrate and observe 100 years of "blood, sweat and tears" of the World's Greatest Fraternity. But right behind that historic gathering in the birthplace of Omega Psi Phi is something truly special for Brothers of the Second District -- the upcoming 2012 Second District Conference scheduled for the gleaming,

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-73320080353153266592011-06-01T23:55:00.002-04:002011-06-02T10:59:50.365-04:00

Bro. Minister Michael Turnbull is one of the newer members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., having entered the Fraternity in '08. As he goes about his way, he can be rather quiet and unassuming until, that is, he is asked to give Brothers a Word from the Lord to close out a meeting, share a Pearl of spiritual wisdom when he has to stand in for the Chaplain, or when he cracks his Bible and

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-53782969938933376812011-05-23T22:53:00.002-04:002011-05-23T23:05:44.132-04:00

Brother Greg Crawley, new to Gamma Pi, organized a very successful mentoring visit to a local youth detention facility this past weekend and wrote this dispatch for the blog as a follow-up: Brother Crawley The Gamma Pi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity participated in a united effort to impact the youth in our community. The Joint Fraternal Outreach Project took place this past Saturday, May

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-57415358522643563892011-05-17T23:56:00.001-04:002011-05-18T00:37:57.322-04:00

 Brother Ambassador Taylor Former Gamma Pi Basileus and current U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Teddy B. Taylor has been in the news in recent days and weeks over in the South Pacific along with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Brother Ambassador Taylor and the Secretary of State have been quoted in print and broadcast media about the location of

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-4521558891368601532011-05-07T22:39:00.003-04:002011-05-16T23:34:11.076-04:00

Dinner at the 2D Conference A week ago, a caravan of Brothers made their way to Cherry Hill, N.J.for the 63rd annual Second District Conference. It was a special time of pride for the chapter as one of its own, Brother Kenneth Rodgers, led his first District Conference as the 32nd Second District Representative.  Second District Chaplain Brother Dr. Gerald Folsom, also of Gamma Pi, led a

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-714355972907328512011-04-20T21:43:00.002-04:002011-04-20T21:45:26.567-04:00

Most of the time, Gamma Pi chapter is out and about while thoroughly immersed in a local community service project.  Whether it is feeding the homeless at a local shelter, helping young students aim for college with Project ENRICH or spending quality time with senior citizens, the Super Chapter is always bringing Uplift to the Prince George's County community as Brothers exhaust themselves

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-37454173568484942572011-04-10T19:12:00.001-04:002011-04-10T19:22:12.219-04:00

As the school year winds down, Gamma Pi chapter is preparing to bring to a close another successful year of Project ENRICH. On yesterday, April 9, the presentations of the student essays signalled the coming close of this year's program which transitioned to new leadership in 2010-11 under Brother Pete Ford with the retirement last year of Brother Roland Byrd.  Last year's seniors at closing

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-5064377803914024842011-03-06T23:28:00.004-05:002011-03-06T23:30:50.342-05:00

If you have not already purchased your ticket, rounded up your outfit (70's theme, African garb or semi-formal), or made arrangements to share a table with your best friends, you may be running out of time to be "in the house" when Gamma Pi chapter (through the Gamma Pi Omega Foundation, Inc.) hosts its Centennial Mardi Gras Dinner & Dance Extravaganza on Friday night, March 18, 2011. Ticket

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-7272041933327572442011-02-26T00:02:00.005-05:002011-02-26T00:13:25.344-05:00

WBLS-FM is one of the largest African American/Urban stations in all of New York City and, by extension, in the entire country. It has been on the air for more than 50 years and features an adult urban format playing all the top soul and R&B music from today's artists. It's the station that many of New York's African American population listens to while driving to and from work every day. Bro.

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-57427121706453989632011-02-05T11:49:00.008-05:002011-02-07T21:55:50.213-05:00

In a show of force not unlike an Army brigade invading a small country, the men of Gamma Pi chapter showed up in big numbers this morning to cook and serve a hot and tasty breakfast to residents of a local shelter for battered and abused women. The women, along with their children, were awakened bright and early to a "sea of purple and gold" that swarmed the facility for several hours, beginning

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-36099302654597585092011-01-21T23:12:00.004-05:002011-01-22T12:08:15.975-05:00

by Bro. Terry Rogers with Bro. Grand Basileus Ray (2nd,left)  I started out the morning not knowing exactly how the day would go, but I had a feeling that it was going to be great! The reason that I felt it was going to be great was because it was celebration day; it was a day in which I would be honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Not only would I be serving as Dr. King

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-18415634372433450242011-01-18T22:35:00.002-05:002011-01-22T12:17:01.535-05:00

When the weather turns cold, Gamma Pi chapter "heats up" as two of the biggest social events of the year are on the horizon within the next two months. First up is The Big Game Jump Off 2011 Super Bowl viewing party that is set for "Super Bowl Sunday" February 6. The Grand Centennial Mardi Gras Extravaganza is set for Friday night, March 18. Already, regular patrons have begun inquiring about

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-3242711769382386412010-12-05T23:11:00.002-05:002010-12-05T23:17:01.839-05:00

This year has been a year of "new heights" for Brother Dr. Gerald T. Folsom, who is Chaplain for Gamma Pi as well as for the entire Second District.  When Brother Rushern Baker III (also of Gamma Pi)  takes the oath of office Monday, December 6, as the new Prince George's County Executive, following Brother Jack Johnson, who served two terms, Brother Dr. Folsom will be playing an important role

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-83848295724409523802010-11-21T10:24:00.002-05:002010-11-21T13:38:51.964-05:00

Bro. Dr. Joe Leonard, Jr. speaks You had to be there to feel the spirit of the place and sense the spirit of the Founders of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at Gamma Pi's Achievement Week observance held Saturday at the Drew-Freeman Middle School in Suitland. Thanks to some powerful words from Guest Speaker Brother Joe Leonard, Jr., Ph.D., today's Achievement Week program hit on just the right

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-753717361754595922010-11-13T22:05:00.002-05:002010-11-13T22:06:56.505-05:00

 Project ENRICH Students Listening  You wouldn't know it was Saturday morning by the buzz of activity and positive academic energy coming from the Thurgood Marshall Library at Bowie State University earlier today. While many were using the time to sleep in, the Brothers from Gamma Pi were fully awake and at the helm guiding and directing our youth toward the future as the chapter kicked off

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-42832877955627859552010-10-29T21:54:00.003-04:002010-10-30T16:19:01.531-04:00

Last weekend was a "red-letter" weekend in Winston-Salem, N.C. Make that a "red and black" letter weekend, as Winston-Salem State University celebrated its Annual Homcoming. Prominent in the celebration was Gamma Pi's own Brother Gordon Everett, who is fresh into his term as the elected National Alumni President for WSSU. He is a 1978 Rams graduate. Brother Everett crossed those Burning Sands at

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-31281525566611920112010-10-23T12:42:00.001-04:002010-10-23T22:38:48.125-04:00

Not quite a year ago, on the evening of November 29, Gamma Pi Brother Phillip Ferguson sent out this email to the Gamma Pi Brotherhood: "I informed one of Brother Blakey's line brothers, Prince Willis, from Knoxville College of Buddy's condition. Prince has visited him in the hospital several times and is quite concerned about Buddy's progress. He said Buddy recognized him and sort of smiled

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-63906921410965394612010-10-09T19:57:00.003-04:002010-10-09T20:26:02.580-04:00

It may not seem readily apparent to members of the public, but the life of a true Omega man is always guided by the Four Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift.  It is often in the death of a great Omega man that those in the Fraternity are reminded of the wisdom and nobility of those Cardinal Principles while people outside the Fraternity get a true picture of what

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-62811966194366554162010-09-11T13:45:00.002-04:002010-09-11T13:54:47.016-04:00

It is approaching one year since Brother Teddy Taylor, Gamma Pi's Immediate Past Basileus, left the streets of Prince George's County for the sunny shores of the South Pacific as U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Today, he is still making major diplomatic news for the U.S. and so is his wife, Antoinette Corbin-Taylor (Delta Sigma Theta). Visiting with

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-76137444325633517532010-09-08T11:25:00.000-04:002010-09-08T11:25:29.036-04:00

Dr. Just's statue It is the only school in the country named for Dr. Ernest Everett Just, a renowned and accomplished African American scientist who is widely known as a Founder of this Great Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. And sitting right at the front of the property of Brother Dr. Just's namesake school located in Prince George's County, Maryland is a handsome statute of Bro. Dr.

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-86145279184275426732010-08-01T18:03:00.013-04:002010-08-01T23:09:54.064-04:00

Already, several Brothers just back from Raleigh, N.C. are remarking that the recent 76th Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Grand Conclave held there was one of the most significant for the Fraternity and, for Gamma Pi, certainly the best ever. That sentiment describes Gamma Pi's experience during the July 22-30 Grand Conclave, which is the biennial international meeting of the Fraternity. Omega men

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-46577025731295244302010-06-12T20:04:00.002-04:002010-06-12T20:06:42.371-04:00

A full house marks today's event Every year, Gamma Pi's Senior Citizens Banquet is one of the most anticipated events in Prince George's County. Men and women who paved the way for today's generations look forward to a relaxing Saturday afternoon featuring a hot meal served at the table, exciting door prizes, live musical entertainment and a word from The Word.  In all, the event is one of the

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-11901140032286083112010-06-09T01:05:00.011-04:002010-06-09T10:10:15.835-04:00

Currie The media and the public may not be able to put the puzzle together, but members of Gamma Pi chapter can do it easily. That puzzle, when assembled, makes it clear that Gamma Pi men and Omega men are the backbone of the local community. Barnes Two members of Gamma Pi chapter, Brother State Sen. Ulysses Currie and Brother Rev. Rodney Barnes, have probably never sat next to one another

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-21830161577886993782010-05-08T22:09:00.015-04:002010-05-09T00:01:11.463-04:00

Earlier today, Gamma Pi bid goodbye to 17 graduating seniors and wished a productive summer to tens of other underclassmen who will come back next year to rejoin the flagship Project ENRICH college preparatory education program. The chapter also extended a heartfelt thanks to longtime member Bro. Roland Byrd, who after several years, is stepping down as the director of Project ENRICH. Bro. Byrd

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-36051635628224900652010-04-25T14:44:00.002-04:002010-04-25T14:49:46.889-04:00

When the small contingent of Brothers walked into the house at 6501 Woodland Road in Suitland early Saturday morning, it was Christmas for the owner -- as in, "Christmas In April." Gamma Pi lent some much-needed manpower to efforts to improve the home that was in vital need of repair as part of the annual commitment that the chapter makes with sweat equity to the countywide Christmas in April

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-74129536608427119032010-04-17T19:32:00.003-04:002010-04-17T20:00:34.372-04:00

Today, April 17, 2010, will go down in history as a day to forever remember in Gamma Pi chapter as former three-term Basileus Brother Kenneth Rodgers becomes the 32nd Second District Representative during the Second District Conference near Syracuse, New York. It is fitting that Gamma Pi chapter would start such a special day doing what it does best -- providing Uplift to the local community as "

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-86214972430695102082010-03-30T21:24:00.012-04:002010-03-31T09:41:37.796-04:00

In just a few weeks, Brothers of Gamma Pi are anticipating a crowing achievement for the 37-year-old chapter when former three-term Basileus Bro. Kenneth Rodgers is expected to win election as the District Representative for Omega Psi Phi. If things continue on course, he would become the highest-ranking member of the Fraternity in the five-state Second District comprised of Maryland, Delaware,

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-9837792911194676612010-03-21T19:58:00.008-04:002010-03-22T00:21:36.499-04:00

By Brother Earl Adams, Jr. Brother Adams On Thursday, March 11, the Brothers of Gamma Pi, Tau Pi, Pi Omega and Psi Nu traveled to Maryland’s capital to host members of the General Assembly at the annual “Ques in Annapolis” legislative reception. Over 50 Brothers participated in the event, which is a record for the annual “Ques in Annapolis”program. Brothers asked questions of and heard from

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-87744386774967395082010-03-16T23:31:00.020-04:002010-03-17T09:42:31.471-04:00

It's been said that Gamma Pi has enormous and diverse talent within the chapter. If you know many of the Brothers of Gamma Pi, you know that truer words have never been spoken. Brothers of The Super Chapter are plugged into society from many different angles, and some in multiple ways. One of those men of special talent is Brother Eddie Epps, who is Chairman of the chapter's Social Action

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-68026883256158968482010-03-06T15:22:00.037-05:002010-03-06T20:45:52.651-05:00

The New Year is well underway now and so is Gamma Pi's ambitious agenda of Social Action projects for 2010. For two weekends in a row, the chapter has been pulling the curtain closed on a tough winter and opening the door to the hopeful spirit of spring with two key community projects, one focusing on service to homeless families and the other on improving the academic performance of high school

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-84573781438115233192010-01-13T00:26:00.008-05:002010-01-13T09:29:26.329-05:00

Gamma Pi Immediate Past Basileus and U.S. Ambassador Brother Teddy Taylor gave a major interview to Papua New Guinea's national commercial television network, EM TV, over the weekend in preparation for the upcoming visit of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to his country post this week.Brother Ambassador Taylor and his staff at the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby will be receiving the

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-3505986020439854422009-12-25T00:10:00.003-05:002009-12-25T00:15:36.329-05:00

Three days before Christmas, most people were out making retailers happy in malls and shopping centers. But the Brothers of Gamma Pi chapter of Omega Psi Phi were out making children and families happy in their local adopted community of Suitland in Central Prince Georges County, thanks to the Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway that has made Gamma Pi a much-anticipated Holiday visitor every year. This

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-20904677331743876712009-12-09T22:08:00.019-05:002009-12-09T22:27:11.946-05:00

It has been little more than a month since Brother Teddy Taylor, Gamma Pi's Immediate Past Basileus, set sail for the South Pacific seas and the island nations of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Already, he has made a number of major headlines in the international print and broadcast media as the new U.S. Ambassador to those three nations. In these photos, Brother Ambassador

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-51238458992731401562009-12-02T21:27:00.011-05:002009-12-02T21:49:43.281-05:00

For many people who may be living quiet lives of desperation, Thanksgiving can be a rough time. While it may seem like everybody can at least afford to have a turkey on the table, that is not so. For that reason, the men of Gamma Pi have for years made the Thanksgiving holiday a time to kick off a season of giving back to those persons most in need in the Prince George's County community. It

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-43497411509693756152009-11-25T20:10:00.009-05:002009-12-02T21:50:51.668-05:00

One of Gamma Pi chapter's newest programs is Que Kids Daze. Started just a couple years ago, the program is an activity-oriented initiative through which the chapter organizes and conducts a wide range of fun and educational activities for younger children in a needy area of Prince George's County. The program is held every third Saturday at the Glassmanor Community Center in Oxon Hill, Md

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-47131939516647858732009-11-15T17:37:00.040-05:002009-11-23T23:37:50.591-05:00

When he took to the podium at Saturday's 36th Annual Gamma Pi Achievement Week program at Suitland's Drew Freeman High School, ABC 7 WJLA TV news anchor Leon Harris admitted that he only figured out what he wanted to talk about a few minutes before he walked on stage. Saying to the audience "I probably should not have told you that," he half-jokingly looked back at the chapter Brothers who were

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-12317847118639304242009-10-29T22:38:00.020-04:002009-10-30T17:57:10.172-04:00

A month ago, Brother Teddy Taylor was saying his goodbyes to the Brothers of Gamma Pi chapter. The South Pacific and the pinnacle of a career as a Foreign Service officer beckoned as he looked forward to serving as one of the few African American U.S. Ambassadors. Today, Brother Taylor has "made port" in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and is officially on the job as U.S. Ambassador to PNG (as

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-37903741606432409242009-10-24T14:40:00.010-04:002009-10-24T15:19:25.394-04:00

Every year about this time, the leaves turn from green to brown and begin falling from the trees to the ground below. The scorching hot days of summer give way to the chill of stiff, fall winds and "sweater weather." And you can always count on Gamma Pi chapter ringing in a secondary, albeit important, part of the Prince George's County school year with its Project ENRICH college preparatory

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-70067567997081334472009-10-21T20:06:00.033-04:002009-10-21T23:35:18.609-04:00

Many times we will leave a spirited church service and utter the words, "Man, that brother can preach!" When the Brothers from Gamma Pi chapter say those words, we mean it quite literally, especially when it comes to our esteemed Chaplain Brother Dr. Gerald Folsom. On September 30, Brother Dr. Folsom fed a "heaping helping" of spiritual food to a huge contingent of Gamma Pi Brothers, family,

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-31683621035751210422009-10-11T21:30:00.011-04:002009-10-20T23:54:19.332-04:00

by Bro. Patrick JohnsonPlease join “The Super Chapter” for its 36th Achievement Week Program on Saturday, November 14, 2009. The program will be held at the Drew-Freeman Middle School (2600 Brooks Drive) in Suitland, MD at 1:00 pm. The theme for this occasion is “Unity through Friendship, Brotherhood and Fraternity.” This program recognizes the achievements of citizens, educators, religious

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-21912661906289043012009-09-21T23:24:00.038-04:002009-09-25T00:40:36.620-04:00

Many people who come in contact with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. socially may not get to experience the real meaning and depth of the Fraternity in terms of its purpose and mission. Founded on the Four Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift, Omega Psi Phi is a unique Brotherhood of like-minded men whose lives are grounded in achievement and contribution to

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-54913715616978689472009-08-29T22:50:00.028-04:002009-08-29T23:15:46.593-04:00

The first man to take the field at the start of the Washington Nationals-Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball game on the evening of August 18 at Nationals Park actually was NOT either team's leadoff hitter. It wasn't even the umpires or the first and third base coaches moving into position to start the contest. It was, instead, Eddie Epps, of Gamma Pi chapter. And he didn't come up to the

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-2678288436879945112009-08-17T21:59:00.023-04:002009-08-29T23:19:22.404-04:00

Gamma Pi continues to celebrate the nomination and now the official confirmation of its Immediate Past Basileus, Brother Teddy B. Taylor, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and a career diplomat, as the U.S. Ambassador to the three Melanesian nations of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the Republic of Vanuatu. In case word has not fully traveled the corridors, Brother Taylor was

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-33907791256017055992009-08-06T20:21:00.016-04:002009-10-31T15:28:15.502-04:00

It is some 2,000 miles and two weeks later, but they are still clapping for Gamma Pi's esteemed Brother Tim McIntosh. A highlight for Gamma Pi chapter during the recent Omega Leadership Conference in Las Vegas was Brother McIntosh receiving his 50-year pin. Brother McIntosh served as the first Basileus of Gamma Pi and remains very active in chapter business and is known as a quiet counselor. He

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-38375431682506470292009-06-27T19:34:00.018-04:002009-06-27T21:16:49.501-04:00

It was an interesting week leading up to Gamma Pi chapter's annual Blood Drive and Health Fair. The loss of two entertainment icons within hours of each other on the same day -- the incomparable music legend Michael Jackson and actress Farrah Fawcett -- underscored the importance of achieving and maintaining good health. Both were relatively young at 50 and 62. Those startling news headlines

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-74739360543193502782009-06-13T18:58:00.007-04:002009-06-20T13:25:34.899-04:00

Every year, the seniors in Gethsemane United Methodist Church and in the local community look forward to Gamma Pi's Seniors Banquet. This year did not disappoint. More than 50 seniors from the church in Capital Heights and the surrounding community enjoyed today's 36th Annual Seniors Banquet at the church fellowship hall. The theme for this year was, "Walking in a New Day." For two hours, Gamma

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-7711301245968359282009-05-09T20:15:00.020-04:002009-05-10T11:25:44.955-04:00

Gamma Pi chapter's flagship education initiative, Project ENRICH, ended the 2008-09 year today with an exciting and uplifting closing ceremony held at Bowie State University. Nearly 200 students, parents, other family and friends turned out to congratulate students on completing another year. It was a special day for seniors in the program who began in the 9th grade when Project ENRICH was

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-38026046628478321452009-04-25T13:21:00.021-04:002009-04-25T19:19:34.244-04:00

Today, Gamma Pi chapter arose early and went back to work for the second weekend in a row. We're talking manual labor. Brothers this time grabbed their hammers and nails, their electric trimmers, paint brushes, spackling knives and industrial brooms and converged on a small frame house on Esslog Street for a revitalization project as part of Christmas in April. The chapter has participated in

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-13672876847100154182009-04-22T23:34:00.015-04:002009-04-23T10:18:59.344-04:00

The Washington press recently took notice of Gamma Pi's successful Mardi Gras Extravaganza 2009 . The chapter's fundraiser social event was featured in the Washington Afro, a distinguished and historic newspaper serving the African American community. Edgar Brookins, longtime photographer and an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity member, photographed the event for the Afro. You can visit the Afro online

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-56718926001808486422009-04-18T13:28:00.013-04:002009-04-18T23:21:17.852-04:00

Many people rolled over in their beds this morning when the alarm went off. After all, it was Saturday. No work. No school. No schedule to keep. But for many of the men from Gamma Pi chapter, today was a day to show up and be counted as a way of reaching out to the local Prince George's County community. About 30 Brothers from the chapter showed up and showed out at Watkins Regional Park today to

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-56280120773493659572009-04-17T21:00:00.000-04:002009-04-18T15:59:19.783-04:00

You don't get to be a distinguished 50-year member by sitting on the sidelines. A young Gamma Pi neophyte, Brother Marcus Whitfield, was reading some of his father's back isues of The Oracle and came across an article on Black Inventors penned in the 1970s and published by Bro Dr. Luther Burse. The article (complete with photo) is available here. At the time, Bro. Burse was at Cheyney State in

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-80022461370173007712009-04-05T20:48:00.011-04:002009-04-05T21:10:55.760-04:00

by Brother Wesley JarmonOn March 18, 2009, at the Governor's Cabinet Meeting with the Board of Public Works, it was announced that the Ernest Everett Just Foundation, Inc. will receive funds up to $150,000 for the creation and erection of a statue bearing the likeness of Dr. Ernest Everett Just that will be permanently placed on the campus of Ernest Everett Just Middle School located at 1300

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-10078994650234084452009-02-07T13:43:00.027-05:002009-02-08T13:54:37.715-05:00

On any given Saturday morning, many people find it an opportune time to sleep in and catch some extra winks. Those who do wake up from their sleep during the early hours of Saturday morning often find it a perfect time to remain in a state of half-dress and sip on coffee and read a newspaper while enjoying not having to battle with the daily commute to work -- at least for a couple days. But a

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-63263012454122329682009-01-11T16:55:00.000-05:002009-01-11T16:53:43.123-05:00

by Bro. William Blakey, Esq., Legislative ChairFor many of us in the ‘baby boomer’ generation, the Year 2008 brought unexpected joy in the political area and some real pain when we looked at the impact of the economic decline on our investments and prospects for immediate retirement. These major events had similar, but differential impact on generation X-ers and generation Y-ers/millenials.

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-68339307781259733682009-01-11T11:04:00.018-05:002009-01-11T18:19:01.260-05:00

by Bro. Marcus WhitfieldOn Saturday December 27, 2008 Gamma Pi hosted its monthly Que Kids Daze event at Glass Manor Community Center in Suitland. The event began around 11:00 am with approximately 12 kids. The Brothers demonstrated a typical Kwanzaa celebration led by Bro. Darryl Dreher. The kids were able to participate in hands-on fashion by lighting the candles on the Kinara (candle holder)

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-6181289836479013782009-01-03T18:21:00.007-05:002009-01-03T20:29:25.710-05:00

An enduring legacy of Gamma Pi chapter is its strong ties with the local Prince George’s County Community. The chapter’s annual Achievement Week observance is always highly anticipated and demonstrates the community commitment in a very real way. On Sunday, December 21, a group of Gamma Pi chapter members, led by Bro. Patrick Johnson, presented the chapter’s Citizen of the Year award to Rev.

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-19193480367973935642008-12-23T21:56:00.016-05:002008-12-24T09:26:36.442-05:00

by Bro. William SmithOn December 10th, the Prince George's County Council of the National Pan Hellenic Council met to finalize yet another drive to support county youth development and achievement. This time, local fraternities and sororities came together to raise approximately $3,000 in donations for a Uniform Drive in support of needy students at the Drew Freeman Middle School. This activity

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-62421703484171593642008-11-30T17:30:00.013-05:002008-11-30T20:46:21.629-05:00

Gamma Pi's Achievement Week programs have a history of attracting dynamic, thought-provoking speakers whose words remain with us long after the program has ended. There have been requests to publish this year's remarks and here are links to two well-received sets of remarks from this year's program: the keynote speech from Brother Dr. Mickey L. Burnim and some special remarks from Brother Roland

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-52452247590983629482008-11-15T20:29:00.021-05:002008-11-16T21:39:10.095-05:00

A lot of people outside Omega Psi Phi Fraternity don't always readily associate the organization with its strong sense of community uplift and involvement. But every year, Omega chapters around the world have paused around the time of founder's week in November to recognize the contributions and achievements of African Americans in the local, state and national communities. Throughout the

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-87097243957397474652008-10-30T20:38:00.008-04:002008-11-01T12:44:58.854-04:00

By Bro. Wesley JarmonThe National Science Foundation will sponsor its first ever symposium on the life and legacy of Ernest Everett Just. This one-day symposium will be held on the campus of Howard University, November 21, 2008, in the Carnegie Building. This symposium will be free and open to the public; however, pre-registration will be required to attend. Please see http://www.eejsymposium.com

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-29779361678809215622008-10-25T12:31:00.011-04:002008-10-30T21:03:58.015-04:00

By Bro. Patrick JohnsonPlease join “The Super Chapter” for its 35th Achievement Week Program on Saturday, November 15, 2008. The program will be held at the Drew-Freeman Middle School (2600 Brooks Drive) in Suitland, MD at 1:00 pm. The theme for this occasion is “Three Looks, One Focus: Family/Fraternity/Friendship.” This program recognizes the achievements of citizens, educators, religious

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-63923053084506470702008-10-19T23:40:00.009-04:002008-11-30T19:17:15.695-05:00

Scholarship is a primary focus at Gamma Pi chapter and that was never more evident than Saturday, October 18, when the chapter held the opening ceremony for its fast-growing Project ENRICH program. A near-full auditorium of parents and 9-12 graders from Prince George’s County gathered on the campus of Bowie State University to kick off the 2008-09 version of the program that the chapter

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-67201176675067062008-10-12T19:00:00.000-04:002008-10-12T19:17:38.608-04:00

By Bro. Dr. Gerald FolsomCaught in the somber roads and disillusioned rules of the pre-1965 “deep South” in America, I hear the cries. Mixed in the overpopulated and close proximities of the government housing projects of the pre-1965 “promised-land of the North” in America, I hear the cries. It’s the cries of generations preceding us; confessing to America that African Americans are citizens and

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-9093478922447299522008-09-15T23:29:00.006-04:002008-09-15T23:52:07.187-04:00

Shoppers going in and out of the GIANT Food Store on Campus Way Drive in Largo got a firsthand education in the importance of being registered to vote during our chapter's Voter Registration Drive today, Saturday, September 13. Brothers Melvin McCottry, Joe Felder and Dr. Gerald Folsom spent several hours explaining the registration process, passing out literature and helping new registrants

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4482828632318189635.post-3075892400899860852008-07-26T18:30:00.018-04:002008-11-13T02:58:17.057-05:00

The 75th Grand Conclave was a great success and Gamma Pi represented well as The Super Chapter played a role in helping Omega Psi Phi chart its course for the next two years. Gamma Pi's Basileus, Vice Basileus, Keeper of Records and Seal and many other officers and chapter members made the trip to Birmingham in July. Gamma Pi's Immediate Past Basileus and First Vice District Representative,

The Writermannoreply@blogger.com0