The Super Chapter Puts Local Kids, Families in the Holiday Spirit at Two-Day Holiday Extravaganza

For the second consecutive year, the Brothers of Gamma Pi Chapter in collaboration with Prince George's County Council At-large member Bro. Calvin Hawkins brought the holidays to life for hundreds of young local  elementary school students and their families with a two-day Holiday Extravaganza. 

The signature event featured food and games, holiday music, along with coat and toy giveaways and personal photos with Santa. This year the lucky students were from Suitland Elementary. Last year the chapter threw a big holiday extravaganza bash for the students of Panorama Elementary in Temple Hills.

The event was split over two days this year because of the massive attendance at Panorama in 2024 when the event was one night only. Even with the two-day format this year, the event was still packed both nights with eager and excited kids and trailing parents who seemed happy to have one more activity they could experience to put the exclamation point on the holidays. The first night was for grades K-2 and the second night covered children grades 3-5. On both nights, Santa  and Mrs. Claus were the main attractions for the children.

In addition to the chapter and Bro. Councilman Hawkins, Friendship Charities, Inc. also provided support to the event. Toys and other gifts were contributed through a special Amazon gift registry link. Approximately 30 Brothers from The Super Chapter were on-site for both of the two nights handling an array of duties to make sure a good time was had by all. Gamma Pi men helped unload the food, manned the food lines, set up and placed chairs and tables and kept the flow of gifts and prizes going to the children throughout the two-hour affair.

"Our commitment to our community shines brightly this holiday season. Through the goodwill and generosity of the Brothers of Gamma Pi, we proudly present the Toy Extravaganza at Suitland Elementary, embodying our belief that nurturing connections and giving back are the true gifts of the season," said Bro. Terrance Hare, Gamma Pi Basileus. "Together, we can inspire joy and create lasting memories for our children, reminding us all of the power of community and compassion."

The holiday festivities were punctuated by guest appearances from some important Prince George's County leaders: county  schools interim superintendent Bro. Shawn Joseph, Maryland State Treasurer Bro. Dereck Davis and Prince George's County Circuit Court Judge Ada E. Clark-Edwards. Maryland District 25 Sen. Bro. Nick Charles and District 25 Del. Denise Roberts were also in attendance.

As is the custom of Gamma Pi, the Brothers use the end-of-the-year holiday period to check in with our two favorite constituencies -- children and seniors. Gamma Pi's holiday cheer began several weeks ago  on Saturday, November 22, when a contingent of Gamma Pi Brothers delivered more than 100 Thanksgiving dinners to the seniors who live at Trinity Terrace in Temple Hills and Cheval Court in Forestville, both senior housing complexes.

The Extravaganza attracted coverage from two local news stations: WUSA Channel 9 and DC News Now.

Gamma Pi Vice Basileus Bro. John Morgan initiated the event last year as Social Action Chairman and reprised the event this year in his new role as Vice Basileus. He said, "The two-day Holiday Extravaganza at Suitland Elementary School exceeded every expectation. From the incredible volunteers of our Divine Nine family to the dedicated staff at Suitland Elementary, the outpouring of support was truly inspiring. Over the course of both days, seeing the smiling faces of students and the joy of grateful parents filled the space with true holiday cheer."

Bro. Morgan added, "Moments like these remind us why we serve. The brothers of Gamma Pi and Friendship Charities Foundation were honored to be part of an event that brought genuine love, hope, and celebration to the community."

PHOTOS BY BRO. GEORGE DUBOSE

More than 200 additional photos and video clips from Bro. Dubose and others here: PHOTOS

 

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER: Bro. Dr. Frank D. Chambers Continues to Blaze Trails in Higher Education Post-Retirement

EDITOR'S NOTE: For the Good of the Order is an occasional series highlighting the accomplishments of the men of Gamma Pi Chapter.

Congratulations to Bro. Franklin D. "Frank" Chambers, Ph.D., (Gamma Pi '92) on his recent selection as Chairman of the Prince George's County Hillside Work Scholarship Connection (HWSC) Advisory Council within the Hillside Family of Agencies. HWSC plays a crucial role in supporting over 350 students across six high schools and one middle school in Prince George’s County, helping them stay in school, earn their diplomas, and prepare for higher education and employment.

Bro. Dr. Chambers is a distinguished longtime leader in higher education with more than 30 years experience in higher education leadership. He has served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Howard University, Coppin State University, and SUNY Oneonta in New York before retiring in 2023. Bro. Dr. Chambers also held key positions at Bowie State University as coordinator of academic services and the summer emerging scholars program.

Bro. Dr. Chambers earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University at Northridge. He earned his master’s in educational administration and Ph.D. in organizational communications from Howard.

Among his career highights are serving as a panelist for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and as a presenter at the Second National Summit on Black Greek-Letter organizations. Bro. Dr. Chambers was also an active and influential member of NASPA, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. 

Gamma Pi and the higher education community salute Bro. Dr. Chambers on another great accomplishment.

Gamma Pi Spotlights The Challenges of Caregiving on Its Public Affairs TV Show

Host Denise Roberts (left) with guests
Shaunda Bellamy and Reginald A. Lawson

For Gamma Pi Chapter, Social Action does not always mean in-person activities. To that end, the chapter routinely utilizes its long-running over-the-air TV broadcast show, "Community UPLIFT," to reach the masses in Prince George's County and beyond with vital information. In its just-released latest episode, Gamma Pi's public affairs show is focusing on the needs and challenges of caregivers. November is Caregivers Awareness Month.

Show guests are Shaunda Bellamy, president of Pickett Fences Senior Services, Inc. and Reginald Lawson, motivational speaker-expert and author on dementia. Both are Prince George's County residets.  

Locally, "Community UPLIFT" is available on Comcast (Channel 76) and Verizon FiOS (Channel 42) every Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. The 30-minute program is also broadcast on the Prince George's Community TV (PGCTV) livestream at www.pgctv.org. For even broader reach, Gamma Pi makes each of the episodes available for on-demand viewing on its YouTube channel at the link below.

In recent episodes Community UPLIFT has spotlighted Gamma Pi's Project ENRICH college preparatory program, its STEM initiative, Social Action activities and mental health awareness featuring University of Maryland footall coach and chapter member Bro. Michael Locksley.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Achievement Week Message Touches Local Community Members During Challenging Times

Gamma Pi Chapter added a few more gold stars to its 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)