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| Bro. Lloyd Jordan, 36th Grand Basileus |
Each year, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. looks back and ahead at the progress and promise within the local communities it serves. For the Super Chapter, whose home area is Prince George's County, there was a lot to look to in both directions. Looking back, Gamma Pi recently celebrated 50 years of dedicated service in the Greater Prince George's area, from its successful food drives during the COVID crisis to its Project ENRICH program that has helped prepare more than 900 students for college over the years. Looking ahead, Gamma Pi is on course to help change the trajectory of even more young lives with new fatherhood and mentoring programs as well as a STEM initiative to help steer youth into high-paying technical careers. All of this was top of mind during the Achievement Week community awards program held at the Harmony Hall Arts Center in Fort Washington, MD on Saturday, November 9 at 3 p.m.
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| Gamma Pi shows up in a big way for Achievement Week |
The theme for this year is, "Omega Men Building a Better Society with Friendship as the Foundation." This year's program was backdropped by a critically important national election that saw many in the African American community questioning the future and wondering if the best days are behind. It was a perfect platform for keynote speaker Bro. Lloyd Jordan, the 36th Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., who delivered a powerful message of hope, rededication and engagement to a packed house of more than 150 people.
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| A full house was on hand |
"What I want to say to you is something I've lost sleep over for some time. Brothers, it is so important for the Omegas to take over the leadership helm," said Bro. Jordan. "It's who we are because a special respect is given to Omega men. A special duty lies with Omega men. We need to do more. We need to come up with a draft plan and we need to work together."
In making his point, Bro. Jordan described how many other minority communities organized around merchant and business associations to keep their communities viable and create opportunities within, especially during challenging times.
Bro. Jordan was introduced at the podium by Gamma Pi's own Bro. Kenneth Rodgers, who is a past Grand Keeper of Records and Seal as well as a past two-term Second District Representative. Also in attendance was Gamma Pi Basileus Bro. Eric Fields. Keeper of Records and Seal Bro. David Jackson, and Achievement Week chairman Bro. Don Norwood, along with a host of other Brothers and their families.
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| Charter Member Bro. Tim McIntosh (3rd, left) |
In addition to Bro. Jordan's uplifting remarks, Gamma Pi recognized the awarding of $60,000 in college scholarships to local high school seniors for the coming year through the Charles Drew Memorial Scholarship Fund. Also, one of the chapter's most distinguished members, Charter Member Bro. Tim McIntosh, who was also the first Basileus, was awarded his 65-year service pin by Bro. Jordan onstage. And of course, the main purpose of the event was to recognize Achievement Week award winners in the community and in Gamma Pi. Below is the list of honorees:
Community Award Winners
Gamma Pi Essay Winner: Ms. Cameron Perkins
Student Athlete of the Year: Ms. Kayla Greenwood
Educator of the Year: M. Christine Coleman-Warren
Religious Leader of the Year: Pastor Keith Battle
Citizen of the Year: Mr. Keith Turner
Gamma Pi Chapter Award Winners:
Superior Service Award: Bro. William Lloyd
Brigadier Young Military Award: Bro. John Cheatham
Founders Award; Bro. William McCottry
Omega Man of the Year: Bro. Michael Locksley
PHOTOS BY BROTHER GEORGE DUBOSE
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| Kayla Greenwood |
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| Cameron Perkins |
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| Bro. William Lloyd |
