Achievement Week Message Touches Local Community Members During Challenging Times

Gamma Pi Chapter added a few more gold stars to it's long and distinguished legacy of sponsoring high-energy, relevant and timely Achievement Week programs with its 2025 event held on Saturday, November 8. About 200 people from the local community packed the Suitland Community Center to recognize the efforts of high achievers in the community and in the chapter, punctuated by good live gospel singing, a powerful and uplifting message from one of the Fraternity's leaders and an enjoyable post-event reception.

Bro. Leon Smith

With Achievement Week chair Bro. Teddy Taylor serving as Master of Ceremonies, the program moved swiftly like a massive force of wind sweeping waves of assurance and perseverance over an audience hungry for hope. In many ways, this year's program was a much-needed elixir for citizens in the community experiencing a volatile and challenging time in America, especially for persons of color.

Through the community and Fraternity awards, soul-tingling singing by the Gamma Pi Chorale, the announcement of scholarship and essay contest winners and the powerful keynote address from Second District First Vice Representative Bro. Leon Smith, the significance of community and civic involvement was underscored in the 90-minute program.

The keynote message delivered by Bro. Smith proved to be a very timely and relevant overlay to the occasion. "The 'ship' in Friendship and leadership reminds us that we are not called to stand still," said Bro. Smith, who hails from Plainfield, New Jersey's Omicron Chi Chapter. "Silence is not an option. Don't give up the fight."

Bro. Smith's inspirational talk was centered on this year's Achievement Week theme, "Impactful Leadership Through Intentional Friendship."

Bro. Basileus Terance Hare and Bro. Taylor presented keynoter Bro. Smith with a plaque from the chapter.

Achievement Week was started by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as an annual national observance in November to recognize individuals and organizations for their community uplift, service, and achievements. It was originally created by Brother Carter G. Woodson to promote the study of Black literature, culture, and history. The week features various activities, such as awards ceremonies, fundraising events, and community service projects, that highlight the fraternity's principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

ACHIEVEMENT WEEK AWARD WINNERS

Omega Man of the Year (Bro. David Jackson)

Superior Service Award (Bro. Lee Best)

Founders Award (Bro. Maurice Calhoun)

Brigadier General Charles Young Military Award (Bro. Major Michael Mitchell/U.S. Army reservist)

Citizen of the Year (Bro. State Sen. Nick Charles)

Religious Leader of the Year (Bro. Rev. Aaron Stewart/Greater Mount Nebo AME Zion Church youth minister)

Educator of the Year (Bro. Alexander Brown)

Student Athlete of the Year (Ian Greenwood)

Gamma Pi Essay Winner (Mischa Smith/Eagle Oaks Preparatory)

READ THE FULL PROGRAM HERE

                                                     (Photos by Brother George DuBose)