Project ENRICH Gets Off to a Flying Start as Youth Are Treated to Inspirational Talks



Project ENRICH Students Listening

 You wouldn't know it was Saturday morning by the buzz of activity and positive academic energy coming from the Thurgood Marshall Library at Bowie State University earlier today. While many were using the time to sleep in, the Brothers from Gamma Pi were fully awake and at the helm guiding and directing our youth toward the future as the chapter kicked off the first monthly session for this year's Project ENRICH.  Just two weeks removed from an outstanding opening ceremony that drew a full house, Brothers joined forces with enrolled students and their parents in rolling up their sleeves and going to work for what will be a rigorous year of academic and personal enrichment.

Led by Brother Dwayne "Pete"Ford, the new program coordinator who is stepping up to replace the retired Brother Roland Byrd, Brothers from the chapter delivered the first of what will be numerous pitches concerning critical information about scholarships, completing homework, careers, colleges, confidence, public speaking and "competency and competitiveness" in a tough, unforgiving world.



Brothers Cox and Jarmon lead session

 This year's Project ENRICH offers a new component -- mentoring. Several Brothers in the chapter have already received formal training in that area in preparation for applying those skills in this year's program. Gamma Pi's Project ENRICH has caught fire in recent years as more Prince George's County parents see the benefits of the chapter's formal, four-year program to prepare their students for college that is free and intense. The program builds off the expertise of Gamma Pi members who are in education as well as connections many Brothers have with area educators.



"The Master" Bro. Byrd in attendance

 "There is one thing you cannot put in a book, and that is the passion of the individual," said Brother Ford in addressing the students. His message to the participating students and their families was to get serious about their academic skills, show some passion for succeeding academically and be aggressive in pursing educational and career opportunities.

In addition to Brother Ford's talk, Brother Wesley Jarmon, head of the Ernst E. Just Foundation, and retired educator Brother Barron Stroud, also spoke to the students. Brother Jarmon outlined an upcoming February trip for some of the Project ENRICH students to a Science Symposium in South Carolina in honor of Omega Psi Phi Founder Dr. Errnest E. Just.  Speaking of "passion," Brother Stroud hit home the importance of education and the payoff to come with an emotional, inspiring, no-holds-barred, locker-room-style talk that had all the students and parents sitting up in their seats and taking note. After hearing the initial talks by Brothers, students were split off into groups for classroom sessions based on their class.

Below are some video clips from today.

Our Role on the Pan Hellenic Council: How Black Greeks Make a Difference

by Bro. William Smith

On December 10th, the Prince George's County Council of the National Pan Hellenic Council met to finalize yet another drive to support county youth development and achievement. This time, local fraternities and sororities came together to raise approximately $3,000 in donations for a Uniform Drive in support of needy students at the Drew Freeman Middle School. This activity exemplifies the honorable and courageous history forged by Black Greek Organizations to influence the African American community, and position themselves at the forefront of civic action, community service, and philanthropy.

The National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC), which serves as the organizing body of the nine Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs), including, of course, our Fraternity, was established at Howard University in May 1930. Brother Mathew Bullock (Omega Phi Phi) was appointed the first chairman. The NPHC mission is to coordinate and further program unity among its constituent members at colleges, universities, and communities in which alumni(ae) chapters are located.

Too often the deeds of BGLOs go unnoticed and the public often fails to acknowledge their contributions. While many of the accomplishments of the NPHC are often obscure in appearance, the need for and impact of their activities are nevertheless extremely profound. These organizations not only serve to solidify bonds among African American College students, but continue to have a vision for a sense of purpose – leadership development, racial uplift, and high scholastic achievement. It is no accident that best and the brightest African American leaders come from the ranks of these organizations. The aforementioned uniform drive by the Prince George's Council typifies how these ideals are perpetuated by BGLOs. Through their support of our community youth, future leaders and scholars are afforded opportunities they otherwise would not have experienced.

As an Omega man, I am proud of our legacy. While our legacy is impressive, we as Black Greeks have yet to reach our full potential. Our need to support students in Prince George's County is wide-ranging and urgent. With this in mind, I am soliciting your support in continuing our efforts at Drew Freeman and our other endeavors around the community. Our future depends upon the investments we make in our youth of today. Activities such as Project Enrich, Que Kids Daze, and Charles Drew Scholarship Foundation are additional opportunities available for interested parties to participate. I encourage you to get involved. We need your help now more than ever.
If you want to give back to our youth, please contact me at (301) 467-0530. You won't regret it!