Gamma Pi Brothers Show Up in Support of Fight Against Domestic Violence

Basileus Bro. Tony Lee, 2nd right and Social Action Chair Kevin Greenwood, 2nd left,
 with some of the other Gamma Pi Brothers at the domestic violence event

The Brothers of Gamma Pi don't have any problem rolling out of bed early on a Saturday morning, even after working all week, if it is for a good cause. Today, the Brothers rolled out and showed up at the Camelot by Martin's in Upper Marlboro to show support for and help local advocacy groups strategize in the fight domestic violence. For the third consecutive year, Gamma Pi participated in the Prince George's County MOMENTum "Men Making Our Relationships Excellent" Domestic Violence conference.

The chapter's participation was led by the Social action committee and was highlighted by the deployment of its new exhibit booth that served as an onsite home base for the distribution of information about the Fraternity and chapter and its ambitious Social Action initiatives. The booth received a multitude of visitors curious about Omega Psi Phi and about the various community programs the chapter is involved in.

Gamma Pi also drew praise for bringing about a dozen young boys from the nearby underserved Kentland Community-- many dressed professionally in their ties -- to learn an early life lesson in having a proper relationship with women. The young boys are part of Gamma Pi's long-running QueKidz mentoring initiative that sponsors a monthly series of social and education enrichment activities for the Kentland youth. The young boys were transported to the event by bus from the Kentland Community Center where QueKidz programs are held one Saturday a month.

One of the key aspects of the conference, sponsored by the county's Department of Family Services, was a series of breakout sessions, which the Brothers from Gamma Pi covered. For example, there was a session on "Understanding Domestic Violence and Your Role in Preventing It" which included discussions on learning how to detect, report and respond to domestic violence. Another one of the sessions focused on "Becoming a Better Man."  The Gamma Pi team attending the conference took an active part in the frank dialogue and informative discussion that came out of the conference.

"The conference created a gender specific community dialogue to educate men and youth on healthy relationships, non-violence, and to give them an opportunity to partner with other males in discussion to address domestic violence in Prince George’s County," said Social Action Chairman Kevin Greenwood. "We learned  lot."

In 2016, the chapter used the opportunity of attending the conference to observe and meet community leaders directing the fight. The focus now is on getting more actively engaged in the effort. In recent years, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has turned more of its attention to the plight of domestic violence in our communities.

VIDEO CLIP: Que Kidz mentees arrive at the Camelot

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