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 (r) leads the way
Accepting our marching orders, on Day Five of the next 100 years, you could find the Brothers of Gamma Pi chapter along with other local Omega men serving the local community, in this case passing out 17-pound Thanksgiving turkeys with all the fixings to the seniors of Windsor Crossing apartments in Suitland, Md. on Tuesday, November 22. Participating in the 9th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway with the hard working men of Omega were the Prince George's chapter of the Boys Scouts, as well as the Walker Mill High School girls basketball team. The energy was high and recipients very appreciative as they opened their doors in anticipation of receiving what one said, "was a blessing."
One occupant walking from her apartment could be heard stating, "I love the men of Omega Psi Phi, they are such a blessing." Afterwards, the gathered Men of Omega and the participating volunteers gathered in the vestibule for pictures and fellowship. We got the next 100 years off to a great start. I was thankful and honored to be a part of it. This is what it is all about, we shall return...
Brother Bleu Colquitt (in photo above) and Brother Melvin White coordinated this event. About 110 turkeys were distributed. Here are some great photos from the event taken by Brother John Robinson:
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 community -- Uplift.
Brothers from the Metro Washington.D.C region are being called into action to put Uplift on display this Thanksgiving by participating in the annual WHUR "FOOD2FEED" Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Gamma Pi chapter, in Prince George's County, is looking to lead the way by inviting its members as well as members of area chapters to join at the event on Thursday, November 17, at the Old Post Office Pavilion on Constitution Avenue, from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. WHUR personality Renee Nash will be on hand and on-air during the 12-hour event and is preparing to give the Fraternity a special "shout out"during the day for bringing "Que Manpower" to the event.
"This event is a major factor in ensuring that our less fortunate citizens are able to enjoy a holiday meal during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season," said Bro. Terry Rogers, Social Action Co-Chair for the chapter, which was chartered in the county in 1973. Bro. Rogers and Co-Chair Bro. Keith Keemer are already recruiting Gamma Pi members to get involved.
"We take it for granted that we are going to sit down at the table with our families this holiday season and enjoy our favorite foods. For many families, that would be a luxury or even a miracle," Brother Rogers added.
The event will serve as a symbolic way for Omega men to observe the 100th by engaging in a real-life service project honoring the Four Cardinal Principles just prior to participate in the evening Rededication program to be held at Howard University, where Omega Psi Phi was founded.
Members of Gamma Pi or other chapters who are interested in participating should contact Brother Terry Rogers via e-mail. Want to get a feel for what working with FOOD2FEED is like? Catch these video highlights from the 2010 project.
