End-of-School-Year Que Kidz Dayz Covers Safety, Hygiene and Golf!

By Brother David White

Showing Children a Pathway to Success 

The school year is over and it’s now time for some summertime fun with the children of Kentland Community Center.  The men of Gamma Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. entertained, encouraged and mentored 12 children on Saturday, June 28, 2014.  Our program focused on the following core concepts (Cultural Awareness, Healthy Living, Academic Achievement, Service to the Community and Etiquette Training).  As always, we began our program with a healthy breakfast and a discussion strategically chosen to educate the children.   

Safety:

Brother Donald Belle lead our program with an interactive discussion regarding safety and how one plan versus another would be more appropriate for a given emergency situation such as, a fire or a burglary in the home.  Additionally, we discussed how the children should react to a stranger knocking at the door of their home if mom and/ or dad were not present in the home at the time.  We then segued into a water safety crossword puzzle where the children were challenged to see who could find the most words about water safety.  There was one child that found 13 words and was considered the top word finder of the program. 

To further the discussion of safety and summertime, and since most of our activities after breakfast were going to be performed in the sunlight, we discussed the potential dangers of too much exposure to the sun, and applied sunscreen to each child before they performed the outdoor activities planned.                   

Introduction to Golf:

What a fabulous opportunity the children of Kentland Community had in learning the basics of the challenging game of golf.  Bro. Kevin Greenwood and Bro. Chris Fleming did an outstanding job facilitating how to putt, and the children soaked up the information like a sponge.  More importantly, the actual putting performed by the children and the desire displayed by the children to actually sink the ball in the hole was nothing short of exciting.  They learned about 3 different golf clubs, the putter, driver and the pitching wedge. 

In addition to learning about the clubs, the children were exposed to the proper way of putting, the stance, and how to study the hole in preparation for a putt shot.  The men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. enjoy healthy competition, and so we challenged the children to making a long putt and to sink the ball with the fewest number of strokes.  Most children began approximately 15 feet away from the hole as one child putted and made it in only 2 strokes, which was incredible for first time exposure. 

The exposure to the game of golf is not very prevalent in our communities however, the exposure on Saturday and if consistently promoted by the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., coupled with the desire of the children to continue to want to learn how to play, the opportunity could create many positive and productive pathways in many of the lives of the children that attend our programs in the Kentland Community.

Obstacle Course:     

Also, in the spirit of competition we developed a challenging obstacle course for the children that tested physical balance, stamina and perseverance.  The obstacle course consisted of balancing a book on their head while walking to a station within the course, hula hooping to another and continuing the course by revisiting, and re-teaching how to tie a tie, and ended by making a lay-up on the basketball court.  While some of the activities in the course were difficult tasks, the fortitude that was carried out by the children to finish the course was amazing to witness.

Competition is healthy and is needed to push children to the next level.  Although we wanted to see how the children responded to the spirit of competition, it was much more important for us to see the willingness of the children to persevere, and they did. 

Clean-up, Lunch and a Lesson in Hygiene:

After 60 minutes of active play, the children gathered the golf clubs from the course, cleared the make-shift obstacle course and made their way to a hearty and healthy lunch prepared for them.  We served a nutritious lunch and recapped the day with an interactive discussion about what they learned and experienced. 

We ended the program by presenting the children with a gift bag of hygiene products that consisted of a toothbrush, dental floss and toothpaste.  The purpose of this activity was to continue our push for clean living in our communities which is consistent with our acronym, C.H.A.S.E. 

Thanks to Bro. Kevin Greenwood for the photos

Omega Men Help Young Boys Tie Their "First Necktie" and Teach Kids About Tennis

By Brother Donald Belle

"Tighten it like this, young man..." ...

As the school year comes to a close, the Que Kidz program is stronger than ever.  On May 31^st, the Gamma Pi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. hosted 22 kids at the Kentland Community Center.  The morning started with a nutritious breakfast and a discussion about academic achievement.  The students discussed the various activities being completed at their respective schools in preparation for the last day of school. 

The highlight of the morning was attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Kentland Community Center.  The new center will replace the community center currently located in the basement of the Prince George’s Ballroom.  Members of the Maryland Senate, the Maryland House of Delegates, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and the Prince George’s County Council were in attendance.  Our students were recognized for their participation in the groundbreaking ceremony and received an enthusiastic round of applause from all stakeholders.

 The Que Kidz program was also highlighted for the partnership with the Kentland Community Center and commitment to the community members of the Kentland area.  Students expressed their anticipation of utilizing the many features of the new center (including a computer lab, media room, and gymnasium).  The construction of the new community center will also provide an opportunity to point out the many academic programs and careers associated with facility design, development, and management.  The students also commented on the professional attire of the panel members at the groundbreaking ceremony. 

Learning how to handle a raquet

Every man remembers when and where he first learned how to tie a necktie.  It is an essential tool for becoming a productive and respected citizen.  The students of Que Kidz received this lesson, and for many of them it was their first experience tying a tie.  The students listened intently as the brothers demonstrated tie knots such as the four-in-hand, half-Windsor, and Windsor.  Observation transitioned into application as the students practiced and tied the knots for themselves.  The students beamed with confidence as they demonstrated their new ability.  This skill will serve the students well as they endeavor to cultivate their inner character as they develop their outward appearance. 

Healthy living is always at the core of any Que Kidz session.  The physical activity for the day was “Tennis 101.”  Brothers instructed the students on fundamental tennis skills including basic racket grip, the ready position, pivoting, and the forehand stroke.  The students also completed drills to demonstrate and practice racquet/ball control, returning a serve, and sprinting.  These activities met the goal of achieving 60 minutes of active play while broadening the horizons of the students through the introduction of a new sport. 

After “Tennis 101” the students cleaned the area around the tennis courts and discussed the importance of keeping their community clean and in good condition.  Taking ownership over your environment is the first step in developing community leaders and environmental stewards.  After this discussion, the students had a chance to cook-out with the Ques as they dined on burgers/hotdogs with healthy chips and fruit.  All of the activities were successful and promoted the core concepts of cultural awareness, healthy living, academic achievement, service to the community, and etiquette training.

Photos from Brothers Kevin Greenwood, McCory King and Belle along with student participant Noriega Jones

Time for some grub!

Bowie State University Athletic Hall of Fame Names Two Gamma Pi Brothers to Rolls

It's been some years since their exploits on the baseball diamond and the football gridiron. But now it is assured that the accomplishments of Gamma Pi Brothers Anthony Stewart and John Morgan, Jr.. will never be forgotten. They are immortalized as newly minted members of the Bowie State University Athletic Hall of Fame.

These Brothers were among  16 stellar athletes, athletic leaders and one team who were honored at a special program on May 4 at the school's Fine and Performing Arts Center. Other inductees included former football coach Henry Frazier III (1986-89) and 1960's track and field star Clarence Mollock, who received the 2014 Barney Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Brother Anthony Stewart

Brother Stewart (Gamma Pi '88) was honored for his years as a power hitting third baseman for the Bulldogs with a career batting average of .340. He batted in the third spot three out of four years and was an integral part of the 1982 Bowie State CIAA championship team. He was Rookie of the Year in 1980. 

The Hall of Fame is a family affair for Brother Stewart as his father and oldest brother are in the Eastern Shore Baseball Hall of Fame. Another brother, Thomas, was just inducted into the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore Basketball Hall of Fame in February." It's been a great journey for the Stewart family," Brother Stewart said. His Brother Alan (Gamma Kappa '80) accepted the award in his behalf along with his daughter.

Brother Stewart is from Princess Anne on the Eastern Shore and is the 9th of 10 children, all of whom have finished college and most who have advanced degrees.  He runs Stewart Financial Services in Lanham, Md. Brother Stewart has also co-authored a book on financial matters, "Saving Middle America: Securing Financial Dreams." You can purchase the book at www.savingmiddleamericabook.com and watch a video interview about the book that Brother Stewart gave to Gamma Pi TV in 2011.Brother Stewart and his wife are the parents of a son and two daughters. The oldest daughter is a freshman at Bowie State. 

Brother Coach Morgan (left) with Brother Powell

Brother Morgan (Gamma Pi '99) was inducted for his stardom in football. Brother Morgan, who is now the new Assistant Head Coach at Morgan State University, played linebacker from 1989-92 and had the most tackles (89) in one season which happened to be a championship season for Bowie State when it won the CIAA title. He also holds the record for most tackles in a season (133) in 1992.

Brother Morgan is the new Assistant Head Coach at Morgan State University in Baltimore where he serves as Defensive Coordinator. He is a former  Head Football Coach at Fort Valley (Ga.) State University, where he also served as the President of the SIAC Coaches Association and a member of the Division II Southeast Regional Advisory Committee for Football.  His memberships and honors also include the American Football Coaches Association and the Black Coaches Association, and in 2011, he was selected to participate in the NCAA Expert Forum. He also took part in the NCAA Advanced Coaches Academy in 2006.

While Brother Morgan worked as the Defensive Coordinator at Bowie State, the Bulldogs ranked first in the nation in pass efficiency defense, sixth in total defense and 10th in scoring defense in 2001. The next year the Bulldog defense  was second in the nation in total defense and fifth in scoring defense.

Brother Morgan earned a B.S. in Sociology/Criminal Justice in 1993 and a Masters in Education Guidance and Counseling, all from Bowie State, in 1995. His community service includes serving as youth advocate and mentoring at-risk youth. He and wife Tisa are the parents of three children.

"The BSU family is extremely proud of these Brother for their athletic performance while attending our university and we are equally as proud of their accomplishments in his career, community activities, and service to society at large," said Gamma Pi's Brother Alfonzo Powell, an influential alumni who was on the school's Charter Omega Psi Phi Line (Epsilon Sigma) in 1969. A total of 8 Omega men were among the Hall of Fame inductees, including former football coach Frazier. 

To read more about the historic occasion,  see the BSYou e-newsletter:

http://www.bowiestate.edu/bsyou/2014/04-30-2014/1.html

Brother Morgan (rear, center) with his extended family

Chapter Holds Annual Health Fair and Blood Drive During Local Cultural Festival

Brothers pose for photo during early morning setup

Throughout the day at the Kentland Community Center in Landover, local bands belted out jazz, hip-hop and R&B music from three outdoor sound stages. A few thousand people milled about buying food from the vendors, fellowshipping with friends and enjoying a good weather weekend from the comforts of lawn chairs, tents and picnic tables. No mistake, the annual Harlem Renaissance Festival was in full swing again in Prince George's County.

Inside the community center,  the topic was health and wellness.  For the Brothers of Gamma Pi, it was more than just the Harlem Renaissance Festival. Saturday's event was a tremendous opportunity to reach out to African Americans about taking care of their own health and looking out for the health of others as Gamma Pi chapter held its Annual Health Fair and Charles Drew Blood Drive as part of the Renaissance Festival. The Health Fair and Blood Drive is a mandated program of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Whether they donated blood or just perused the information tables and discussed preventive health with any of a number of representatives who took part in the health fair, patrons from the local community were able to learn about cancer, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and other diseases that afflict African Americans, often disproportionately. 

County Executive Brother Rushern Baker (c) with Gamma Pi

According to Bro. Dr.Kevin Ford,M.D., who heads the chapter's Health Fair and Blood Drive, 
cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in men and women.  The screenings being offered at the health fair focused on 4 of the 5 risk factors for heart disease which include hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and tobacco usage. Approximately 100 participants were able to take home  handouts  for the various diseases  or  have their  blood drawn. Participants were also able to have blood drawn to assess kidney function and PSA levels for men to assess their  prostate.

Bro. Dr. Michael Turnbull and his staff were  present giving out information on psychological services and Bro Dr. Edward Chapelle, DDS, was able to supply free tooth brushes and tooth paste to those who wanted them.  Bro. Dr. Lester Miles was also on-site during the event.

The blood drive had 36 people sign up to give blood and Gamma Pi was able to collect 18 pints."This is what we expect, that about 50% of people who sign up  to give will be eligible to give The 18 pints of blood will help 54 people who will need a blood transfusions and potentially save their life," said Dr. Ford.

People who came out for the event represented every age group and they included men, women and children. There was also some cultural information available including a display saluting Nannie Helen Burroughs manned by Brother James Wyatt, a 63-year- member of the Fraternity.

At least 30 Gamma Pi Brothers including Basileus Brian K. Long rotated through the event all day helping to man the volunteer's table, overseeing the health fair and working at the American Red Cross bloodmobile.

"The men of Friendship Charities Foundation and Omega Psi Phi recognize the importance of promoting community harmony and cultural awareness. That’s why we are honored to serve and support events such as the Harlem Renaissance Festival," said Brother William N. Smith, who arranged the chapter's participation in conjunction with the Harlem Renaissance Festival. Below and in the story are some photos from the event from Brothers Thaddeus Turner and Brett Blake.

With the High Sheriff -- Sheriff High

With State Attorney General Candidate Aisha Braveboy

With The Hon. Brother Rushern Baker

Bro. Dr. Ford checking out the setup

Brothers taking a break from the grind