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)

Putting the Exclamation Point on 50 Fantastic Years!

Fifty years. Half a century. Two generations. However you choose to measure it, Gamma Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc has been around five decades. Brothers who were there at the beginning remember 8-track stereo players, dashikis, Apple caps, vinyl 45- and 33-speed records and wide-leg bellbottom pants. And don't forget the "Deuce-and-a-quarters" and Cadillac Eldorados that cruised the streets with fur-coated steering wheels, clip-on TV antennas and "diamond in the back" windows.

When this chapter was birthed into existence in Prince George's County, Md., it was also a time of turmoil in America's inner cities caused by racial strife due to inequality. Through it all over the past five decades, Gamma Pi has truly made its home in Prince George's County and the county has truly made a home for Gamma Pi, known by its deserved moniker, The Super Chapter.

These and many more specific and vivid memories of Gamma Pi helping to better the lives of families, children and seniors throughout the years in the county was celebrated recently as the chapter closed out its 50th year with a communitywide gala Saturday night, November 11, at 7 p.m. at The College Park Marriot.

Patrons enjoying the gala festivities

Celebration Really Began In March

Gamma Pi's birthdate is March 5, 1973. It was chartered by 21 courageous Omega men who had the nerve and the vision to form the chapter. Last March, the chapter kicked off the 50th celebration with a weekend of initial activities saluting the Charter Members. The weekend in March was highlighted by a Sunday brunch honoring the Charter Members.

This weekend's event puts the capper on what has been a strong year for the Super Chapter. Gamma Pi used the 50th gala to recognize its two leading Achievement Week award recipients within the Fraternity and the local community in conjunction with Founders Day.

Local Journalists Honored

Brother Rev. Laurence Hawkins, Gamma Pi's outgoing Chaplain, was named Omega Man of the Year. 

Journalist Tracee Wilkins

Local TV personality and investigative reporter Tracee Wilkins received the coveted Citizen of the Year award. Members of the Fraternity vote on all of the awards

Each year, Gamma Pi selects a local citizen who has contributed greatly to the betterment of the county through their work. As an investigative journalist for WRC Channel 4 in Washington, D.C., Wilkins, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has presented hard-hitting stories about citizen issues with the local police department, challenges in local schools and youth crime and violence. Bro. Rev. Hawkins gained support from the chapter for his daily early morning spiritual lessons.

Gamma Pi also recognized two stalwarts who are responsible for Gamma Pi being the only chapter in Omega Psi Phi with a regularly scheduled over-the-air broadcast television show, "Community UPLIFT," which is broadcast over local cable systems through PGCTV.  Those two persons were David Barnes, who manages the studio at PGCTV, and Denise Roberts, who has served as the show's host since the beginning in 2016.

Luminaries in the House

Bro. Dr. David Marion

A formally dressed crowd of about 600 packed the sold-out ballroom.  Immediate Past Basileus Bro. Dr. David Marion led the celebration as keynote speaker for the evening. He used the occasion to challenge Omega men to continue with our social justice agenda and engage in activism which he reminded the audience was just as important now as it was during the Civil Rights struggles, having been started with the founding of the Fraternity.

An array of elected leaders -- including Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Rep. Glenn Ivey and  several members of the county council -- were among the crowd. This included state lawmakers Bro. Nick Charles and JoAnne Bensen. In addition to Bro. Dr. Marion, Grand Keeper of Records & Seal Bro. Sherman L. Charles was another international officer who in attendance. Second District 1st Vice District Representative Bro. Amir Shareef, a member of the chapter, was also present. Immediate Past Basileus Bro. Richard Allison II served as emcee for the evening. Just a few weeks ago, Bro. Allison, after two terms, handed the leadership gavel off to new Basileus Bro. Eric Fields, who also addressed the crowd.

At the Brothers Only Dinner 

The night before, Friday, the Brothers of Gamma Pi gathered for their annual Busby-Walker Brothers Only Dinner also at the College Park Marriott. More than 120 Brothers showed up for the members-only occasion. Bro. Clemmie Solomon, one of the Charter Members, served as the keynote speaker and reminded Omega men of the lifelong commitment we all have.

Another Omega Mission Accomplished

"We completed the task. This event could not have happened without each of our Brothers supporting and "Seeing it Through." It was a great job," said Bro. Maurice Calhoun, who chaired the year-long planning committee.

Other Achievement Week Award Winners

Student Athlete of the Year: Christian Blackwell (Bro. Charles Flowers High School)

Essay Contest Winner: Claudia Queen (Acellus Academy)

Religious Leader of the Year: Bro. Glenn Grayer

Educator of the Year: Bro. Wilbur Lucas, Ph. D (Livingstone College)

Superior Service Award: Bro. Darryl Perry

Brigadier General Charles Young Military Award: Bro. Aaron Ajani

Founders Lifetime Achievement Award: Bro. Teddy Taylor

Project ENRICH Chairman Emeritus: Bro. Roland Byrd

Click here to watch the WRC Channel 4 report on reporter Tracee Wilkins' Citizen of the Year award

Photos by Bro. George DuBose

Gamma Pi's Achievement Week 2019 Shows Why Omega Psi Phi is UniQUE

The proud Gamma Pi Achievement Week 2019 award winners 

Gamma Pi's 2019 Achievement Week program had all the right touches and showed why we are The Super Chapter when it comes to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In a one week period from Saturday, November 9 through Sunday, November 17, the Achievement Week Committee sponsored two major community service projects, a well-attended community awards program, a packed dinner for Omega men only and a caravan of Brothers who attended the annual Rededication Service at Howard University, where our Fraternity was founded on November 17, 1911,

The week began with an outstanding community awards program on Saturday, November 9, at the Ernest Everette Just Middle School in Largo, MD., an appropriate venue given the special week. The Hon. Bro. Derrick Leon Davis, of the local Prince George's County Council, brought a challenging message as keynote speaker. His point: we are obligated to reach back, and especially to help our youth.

Award Winners
In addition to Brother Davis' remarks, the communitywide event was highlighted by the always-anticipated individual awards for chapter and community excellence. In the community, the award winners were The Hon. State Del. Jazz Lewis, Citizen of the Year; teacher Stevie Prather, Educator of the Year;  Metropolitan Baptist Church pastor the Rev. Dr. Maurice Watson, Religious Leader of the Year; and Miss Brianna F. Davis, Athlete of the Year. Within the chapter, Gamma Pi honored Bro. Kevin Greenwood, outgoing Social Action Chair and incoming Assistant Keeper of Records and Seal, as Omega Man of the Year; Bro. Sheku Alieu, for Super Service; and stalwart Brother Maurice Calhoun for the Founders Award for lifetime achievement.

Suits collected for drive

On Sunday, November 10, about 20 Brothers trekked to the PG House Men's Shelter for homeless men to deliver 200 suits and assorted accessories for the residents. Led by the Social Action committee, the in-person donation triggered emotions of joy and sincere appreciation from the staff. In this one activity, Gamma Pi demonstrated in clear terms just how Omega Psi Phi works. Brothers -- like-minded men of high ideals -- used their foundation of Friendship to provide a much-needed service to a forgotten part of the local community.

There was nothing especially elaborate about the project. It was just simple hard work and dedication and perseverance. Quite simply Brothers used their persuasive skills to encourage members of the chapter and the Fraternity as well as members of the greater community to dispose of too-big, too-small and outdated suits through giving to other local residents they did not know, rather than dumping them on the trash pile.  In two months time, the incredible number of wearable suits collected was achieved. It truly made a difference.

Brothers after Reading Across the District project

A few days later following the community awards program and the suit drive, the Gamma Pi Brothers participated in the Second District "Read Across the District Day" on Tuesday, November 12. The District called on all Omega Men throughout "2D" to gather at a local school and read to Fourth and Fifth graders.  Gamma Pi read to students at Gaywood Elementary School in Seabrook, where Bro. Damien Goins is Principal, and the Mary Harris Jones Elementary School in Adelphi, where Bro. Rev. Brian King teaches.

When Omega Men Get Together
In their "usual and customary fashion," Gamma Pi along with guest Brothers from around the DMV broke bread during the Annual Brothers Only dinner at the upscale Martin's at Camelot in Upper Marlboro. Approximately 120 Brothers attended the dinner, headlined by Grand Keeper of Records and Seal Bro. Mark Jackson as the guest speaker. While most of his message was about "in house" business, he implored Brothers to always make Friendship #1 and to find ways to get involved in the Fraternity.

Brothers enjoy fellowship after the Brothers Only dinner

As an Omega-only event, the Brothers Only Dinner allows Fraternity members to fraternize and fellowship in a way that only Omega men appreciate and understand.  After the formal program, Brothers spent the remainder of the evening sharing their Omega experiences through the years and swapping stories about their time in the Fraternity as well as when they were seeking to enter Omega's realm.

Finally, the weeklong celebration of Omega Psi Phi concluded with another Brothers Only event, which was the Annual Rededication program held at Howard University on November 17, where the Fraternity was founded on November 17, 1911.The Grand Basileus, Bro. Dr. David Marion, led the ceremony at a packed house in Howard's Cramton Auditorium.

Achievement Week was also a time for Gamma Pi to transition in leadership. During the week, Brothers Steven A. Walls and Vice Basileus Richard Allison III and their leadership team entered office as the team of Bro. Tony Lee (Immediate Past Basileus) and Don Norwood (Vice Basileus) finished up three terms of service. The new leadership, elected in June, was sworn in on November 16.

For the Super Chapter, it was a memorable week and a great reminder about why Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is so special. Thanks to Brothers Jeff Adkisson and Cruiz Alexander for heading this year's Achievement Week activities.

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MORE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS FROM ACHIEVEMENT WEEK 2019

SEE PHOTOS FROM BRO. RAPHAEL TERRELL (Chapter Photographer)

Other photos courtesy of Bros. Teddy Taylor, Ken Jones and Tony Kelly 

SPECIAL VIDEO FEATURE BELOW: Bro. Derrick Leon Davis on Gamma Pi TV

Grand Keeper of Records and Seal Mark Jackson at Brothers Only

Fraternity members welcome Grand Basileus Bro. Dr. David Marion to Howard

Brothers after completing "Reading Across America" at Gaywood 

The sold-out crowd at Brothers Only dinner

Gamma Pi men pose after delivering 200 suits

Brothers assemble to deliver the suits to homeless men

Chapter's Achievement Week Events Filled with Enthusiasm, Inspiration and Participation

All the honorees

The Brothers of Gamma Pi closed the books on the 2018 Achievement Week observance on Saturday night, November 17, at the annual Rededication Service held at Howard University's Crampton Auditorium, buoyed into the 108th year of the Fraternity by the powerful challenging words of "not satisfied" from Bro. Mark Jackson, the Grand Keeper of Records and Seal.

About 50 Gamma Pi chapter members rolled up U Street Washington, D.C. in a Que car caravan -- direct from the November monthly chapter meeting -- to attend the service. The Gamma Pi Brothers were part of a full house of about 1,000 Fraternity members who came from near and far to the program, some by chartered bus.

Audience enjoys the program

Gamma Pi put on a spirited Achievement Week of its own, making the Howard program "icing on the cake." Friday night, November 16, the chapter hosted 100 Chapter members and Fraternity guests for the annual Robert Busby/Claudius Brothers Only dinner at Martin's Camelot. It was the first time that Gamma Pi had held the dinner at the plush location. Immediate Past Grand Keeper of Records and Seal Bro. Kenneth Rodgers, a Gamma Pi legend, offered the inspirational words of "unity" at the dinner. Brothers enjoyed a free-form fellowship afterwards. It was one of the best Brothers Only dinners in recent memory, from the atmosphere to the succulent food to the Brotherhood to the message of the evening.

 On Monday, November 12, when Veterans Day was observed, the Social Action committee led a contingent of Omega men who gathered at the P.G. House Men's Shelter in Capitol Heights to deliver suits and shirts to the residents. Marching up to the facility in single file, with the clothes in their possession, the Gamma Pi men were met with enthusiasm and appreciation from the shelter manager on duty. Brothers delivered a total of 35 suits and two dozen shirts to the shelter.

How good and pleasant it is when brethren ...

For Gamma Pi, Achievement Week kicked off on Saturday, November 10, with the chapter's annual communitywide awards program held at the Ernest E. Just Middle School. It was a full house audience that witnessed the bestowing of awards to the following community leaders and chapter members. Bro. Anthony Stewart served as emcee.

Incoming Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsbrooks (Citizen of the Year) and incoming Gamma Pi Vice Basileus Bro. Don Norwood (Omega Man of the Year), led the way in receiving the most coveted awards. Other winners were Kayla Lawrence (Student Athlete of the Year); Ms. Dives Lopes (Educator of the year); Rev. Akil Dickens (Religious Leader of the Year); Past Basileus Bro. Brian K. Long (Super Service Award);  and Bro. Kenneth Rodgers, Immediate Grand Keeper of Records & Seal (Founders Award).

In addition to the awards, the program was highlighted by an insightful and riveting keynote speech by Bro. Theodore "Ted" Johnson, a former Gamma Pi chapter member who is a nationally known commentator on social justice issues, and by the soul-stirring renditions sang by the Gamma Pi Chorale, under the leadership of Bro. Alan Stewart.

Earlier in the day, the Social Action committee organized a Veterans Day program for youth in the Kentland community. The event featured military veteran Omega men sharing their experiences and explaining their role and the impact that African Americans have had on the U.S. Armed Forces.

Congratulations to Brother Teddy Taylor and the Achievement Week committee for an exciting and challenging week. Brothers who engaged in the week's events clearly felt re-energized after an uplifting series of activities.