Prince George's County's Finest Young Talent Will Be On Display THIS WEEK: Gamma Pi's Annual Talent Hunt



This young singer wowed the crowd

 It’s one thing to flip the channels between “American Idol” and “The X Factor” to see who will be the next great singer, instrumentalist or band. It’s another thing to watch these budding young artists in person. You can do just that in the coming week: see tomorrow’s stars in person when you join Gamma Pi chapter of Omega Psi Phi for the Annual Talent Hunt on Saturday, March 10, at 5 p.m. at Charles H. Flowers High School in Springdale, Maryland. Admission is FREE. Bring your family, your friends and especially your students to watch this amazing display of talent from right here in Prince George’s County!

In recent years, the Gamma Pi Annual Talent Show has brought down the house with piercing vocal renditions, classic piano performances, rhythm-inducing guitar and drum solos, Broadway-like dramatic performances and even brilliant displays of artwork evoking memories of the late great African American artist, Romare Bearden. Last year’s overall winner, Malcolm Jackson, floored the auditorium with a Lionel Hampton-like marimba solo. You can relive his stunning performance in the video below.


Bro. Leroy Barton,Jr.



Brother Leroy Barton, Jr., a longtime college-level music instructor and a professional musician, has led Gamma Pi's Talent Hunt efforts for several years. He arranges each year for Gamma Pi to get judges for the competition who are professionally and academically trained in music and the arts. Not just anybody can serve as a judge for Gamma Pi's Talent Hunt. They must be experts in the area.

In recent weeks, Brother Barton has been auditioning local county students for the upcoming program on March 10. Talent Hunt is a popular program among county students and many have showed up at the auditions looking to make it to "the big show." Everyone who has attended Gamma Pi Talent Hunt events over the years has left astonished and amazed at the type and level of talent on the program. Performances have been punctuated by standing ovations and cheers from the audience.

Talent Hunt is a mandated program of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Read more about the purpose of Talent Hunt and other Omega Psi Phi mandated programs: Mandated Programs.

Previous Performances on Video including last year's winner:

Gamma Pi Chapter Leads Omega Psi Phi's Salute to Forgotten Woman of Black History

Mockup of the Nannie Helen Burroughs AAA Member Card

It may seem unusual that a fraternity would lead the way in honoring the legacy of a sorority woman. But when it comes to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Gamma Pi chapter specifically, that is not unusual at all. Two of the four Cardinal Principles of the Fraternity -- Scholarship and Uplift -- don't have gender-eligibility requirements when it comes to who Omega serves. That was evident today as The Super Chapter observed Black History Month  by joining forces with the American Automobile Association to honor the work and legacy of Nannie Helen Burroughs.

Who is Nannie Helen Burroughs? An overlooked African American civil rights advocate and religious and education figure, she lived in the early 1900s in Washington, D.C. She was president of the Baptist Women's Convention and established a school for Negro girls in the city in 1909. The school and a street are named in her honor in The Nation's Capitol and that is really the extent to which most people in the metro area know her. She is also an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Gamma Pi's involvement in today's program is tied to the passion and perseverance of Brother James E. Wyatt, a 62-year-member of the Fraternity and a retired U.S. Army Colonel. Brother Wyatt has spent his years since retirement from the military researching Nannie Helen Burroughs' background and persuading AAA and others to give her proper respect and attention, even if posthumously. AAA's role as a partner with Gamma Pi and Omega Psi Phi is even more interesting. It is the result of Brother Wyatt's research in which he discovered, through a Library of Congress letter, that Nannie Helen Burroughs was mysteriously denied a $12 AAA membership in 1930 during a time when she was very outspoken to the President of the United States about "the plight of the Negro in America."

An Omega Man, Bro. Col. (Ret.) James E. Wyatt, Paves the Way

Bro. Col. (Ret.) Wyatt with Nannie Helen Burroughs Display

Early today, Brother Wyatt's work and tireless dedication resulted in a powerful, moving and informative Black History Month tribute to Nannie Helen Burroughs at Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Springdale, Md. The tribute was conducted as part of the chapter's signature educational program --Project ENRICH, a four-year program for Prince George's County students beginning in ninth grade during which they participate in once-a-month lectures, seminars and academic enrichment sessions at Bowie State University as preparation for college. Some of the students alo receive scholarship monies. Students from the Nannie Helen Burroughs School were also in attendance.

Brother Willie Hines is director of Project ENRICH and worked closely with Bro. Wyatt and AAA to merge the two efforts together to serve a double-edged purpose: to correct a wrong in Black history and use it as a "teachable moment" to imbue program youths with the values that Nannie Helen Burroughs espoused.

The highlight of the tribute -- which captured the interest of local media in attendance -- was the symbolic presentation of Nannie Helen Burroughs' long-overdue AAA membership card posthumously on stage. AAA officials flew in from Florida to make the presentation. Local Nannie Helen Burroughs historian Dr. Traki Taylor-Webb served as the "stand-in" for the late Ms. Burroughs in receiving the membership card, and she in turn presented the symbolic membership card to Brother Wyatt as a token for his efforts.

Bro. Col. (Ret.) Wyatt and Bro. Willie Hines prep on stage

Like many people, including many who know their civil rights history, AAA spokeswoman Yolanda Cade said today to the audience: "I had never heard of Nannie Helen Burroughs...but what she was saying was work hard, be proud and lift others up with you."

Iconic NBC newsman Tom Brokaw, author of the best-selling "The Greatest Generation," even sent a personal note to Brother Col. Wyatt that was read at the program: "We must all commit to the values Nannie Helen Burroughs personified."

Honoring Nannie Helen Burroughs Through the Voices of Our Youth

Adding depth and emotion to the program and to Nannie Helen Burroughs' values and legacy were the convincing and heartfelt testimonials of several Project ENRICH students, who spoke onstage about their experience in the program and how they have benefited from Project ENRICH.  One parent, Ms. Najmah Bass, represented other parents with children in Project ENRICH with a heart-rendering account of how the program has helped her children grow into better students and better people.

A view of the dais - a fabulous historic program

"My participation in this program has given me the tools to embark on a journey of success that is now easier for me to attain," said one of the students.

Gamma Pi has close to 100 youths participating in the 2011-12 version of Project ENRICH. Following the Black History Month program, the students and others willing to stay were treated to a more in-depth look at Nannie Helen Burroughs' life by Brother Col. Wyatt via a PowerPoint presentation.

AAA ended the ceremony with a formal presentation to Bro. Wyatt and Gamma Pi Basileus Bro. Gordon Everett, giving them a souvenir copy of the AAA membership card.

Others involved in this historic program were Omega Psi Phi's Second District Representative, Brother Kenneth E. Rodgers, who is the elected head of the Fraternity in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania; Ms. Sylvia Cyrus, Executive Director of Association for the Study of African American Life and History; Burroughs School principal Ms. Rita Johnson; and Rev. James Coates, Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church and a pallbearer for Nannie Helen Burroughs in 1961.

Today's program will go down in Gamma Pi and Omega Psi Phi history as one of the most inspirational and uplifting ever held, truly in the spirit of 100 years - something the Founders would have cheered from the front row. Enjoy the video highlights below and the photos from Bro. Thaddeus Turner.

Additional Resources:
Gamma Pi Press Release (distributed to local media)
More about Project ENRICH (http://www.projectenrich.org/)
AAA article about Omega-Burroughs Event on PR Newswire

Ques Getting Ready: Preparations Underway for the 64th Second District Conference

In about 100 days from now, Omega men from all across the five-state region of the Second District will converge on the banks of the Potomac River outside Washignton, D.C, for what promises to be one of the most exciting District meetings ever held in "2D."

Registrations are beginning to come in at a quickened pace for the 64th Second District Conference, set for April 26-29 (Thursday-Sunday) at the fabulous, new Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor in Prince George's County, Md. in the shadow of the Nation's Capital.


The Super Chapter at Thirkield Hall - November 2011



This is the first time in many years that Gamma Pi has hosted a District Conference. For "The Super Chapter" and other Brothers in the region, this will also be the largest venue of any District Conference in recent memory. Attendance records are expected to be broken given the level of early interest and the many amenities on the premises. It will be unlike any other District Conference anywhere.

Gamma Pi is home to current and two-time Second District Representative Bro. Kenneth Rodgers. Bro. Edward High II, a past Corridor I Representative, has been appointed District Marshal for the conference and is heading up the planning efforts. District Marshal Bro. High and his committees have been working overtime throughout 2011 to put everything in place and assure Brothers a memorable long weekend in April, long after the snow has melted and right about the time that "the locals" will be breaking out in shorts and tee shirts. Gamma Pi is also home to Second District Chaplain Bro. Dr. Gerald Folsom.

What is National Harbor?

Not to be confused with Baltimore's Inner Harbor which is about 35 miles further to the north, the National Harbor is a brand new, ambitious, waterfront resort and entertainment complex that when fully completed, will be "bigger and better" as a rival to the older Baltimore Harbor. Also, the National Harbor is just 10 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C., and because of its proximity to "D.C." and the multitude of national capital tourist venues, it is expected to draw more visitors in the long run. It is the hottest new tourist attraction on the East Coast.

Already, National Harbor is loaded with top-shelf restaurants and nightspots, shopping and recreation establishments, water taxis and boat rides, suitable for all ages (including families) and all anchored by the spectacular Gaylord hotel. All of this is within a stone's throw of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, as well the Lincoln Memorial, museums, the U.S.Capitol and The White House.  Brothers are already getting "worked up" about enjoying Omega business during the day in a picturesque waterfront setting and engaging in "social action" at night under the stars and the bright, colorful lights of the Harbor and downtown Washington, D.C.

"Like the Centennial" All Over Again

The upcoming Second District Conference is already being compared to a "mini version" of the Centennial Celebration held last summer in D.C. Given D.C.'s geographical proximity as "the border" between the Second and Third Districts for the Fraternity, many Third District Brothers will be "in the house" that week as well. There will be Ques in town from all over.

How Do I Register?

Registration is quick and easy. By resgistering now, you will save on the costs and assure your spot now. This is a weekend with Omega you absolutely cannot miss ass we go forward into Omega Psi Phi's next 100 years. You can register right here at the Second District Web site.

I Am Not an Omega - But I Am Interested in the Social Activities

Like the Omega Centennial held last July in Washington,D.C., a full agenda of social events -- including a golf tournament, March Down/Step Show, Pan Hellenic Dance, Founder's Banquet -- is being planned in conjunction with the District Conference. Activities are also being coordinated for Quettes. More information is forthcoming as social events are finalized. A Second District Conference Facebook page and a conference Twitter feed will also be available soon for exclusive updates on the upcoming conference. Stay tuned!

Want to Know More About NATIONAL HABOR? Watch the Video Below

You Better Watch Out, You Better Not Pout ... Santa QUE is Coming to Town

By Brother Dwayne "Pete" Ford



It was early in the morning of December 20,2011, 9 a.m., when they heard Omega Calling. A total of 20 Brothers (what a coincidence!), thoroughly immersed with true Omega Spirit, descended upon Kentland Community Center in Landover under the Leadership of Brother Orlando McDowell to do what all good Omega Men do and joyously participate in yet another of Gamma Pi Chapter’s many community service projects. Today it was Que Kidz Daze, a relatively new youth-oriented program, of Gamma Pi.

No stockings were being hung. No chimney for Santa. Just the joyous spirit of giving, love and support for the 27 children as the chapter helepd them get ready for Christmas.

Activities included breakfast, a Kwanza Celebration, lunch, Secret Santa and "stepping" which kept them all busy up until 1 p.m. Smiles filled the room, as the Brothers served and the Children ate and told the Brothers about their Christmas wishes, grades and their fantastic dreams for their future.

Brothers Darrell Dreher and Marcus Whitfield set up the Kwanza Celebration Display, while Brother Whitfield made the presentation. In short, the Kwanza is considered a 7 day celebration, which begins the day after Christmas. as a cultural holiday, it is meant to celebrate and embrace the Collective Work, Unity and Collective Economics in the Black Community. Three different colored candles -- red (represents blood shed for prosperity), black (represents Black people) and green (represents fertile land & prosperity) -- are to be lit over seven days. All candles will be placed in the Kanuri before being lit. With each day representing a common goal of the community, like Unity, Purpose etc. etc... Optional Kwanza display items included a Fertility Doll that represents prosperity and growth of the community and a Drum, which was the fastest and first means of long distance communication between African people.

The food was good and abundant. As a surprise, the Brothers provided the children with presents and played “Secret Santa”. Brother Roderick Lawrence (Rod #6 Genesis 10) displayed his Omega Talent by controlling 27 children while they negotiated (or "fought" maybe?) over all the great gifts. Other than not having enough footballs, all went extremely well.

In true Omega tradition, we started off strong with food and closed out strong by teaching the QKidz how to "step". Our MVP for the day, Bro. Marcus Whitfield and Bro. Anthony Kelly did the honors of being their "instructors." 

Laughter, joy and love were shared by all, if only for a few hours. Who said that STARS don’t come out during the day time? The support of all the Omega Men (List Below) was commendable. I’m sure Coleman, Cooper, Love and Just was smiling. Twinkle, Twinkle Bruhs!

Attending Omega Men: Rev. Rodney Barnes, Anthony Kelly, Thomas Boone, Roderick Lawrence, Kevin Buster Briscoe, Orlando McDowell, Bleu Colquitt, Kelvin Medlock, Darrell Dreher, Albert Slack, Joe Felder, Lucius Toney, Kevin Ford, Rob Waller,Steven Walls, Otis Fowler, Marcus Whitfield, Willie Hines Jr. and Reggie Marshall.

Thanks to Brother Kevin "Buster" Briscoe for the photos