With Cold Hands, Gamma Pi Brothers Display Warm Hearts on MLK Day

by Bro. Terry Rogers

with Bro. Grand Basileus Ray (2nd,left) 

I started out the morning not knowing exactly how the day would go, but I had a feeling that it was going to be great! The reason that I felt it was going to be great was because it was celebration day; it was a day in which I would be honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Not only would I be serving as Dr. King taught us to serve, butI would be doing so while wearing Purple and Gold with my Gamma Pi fraternity brothers as well as brothers from all over the region.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity is a GREAT fraternity because its foundation is built on friendship and service, and on this day we were serving the needs of the less fortunate which is what our Social Action Program is all about. Social Action is about service. Dr. King, in his "Drum Major Instinct" speech spoke of what it takes to be GREAT. He quotes Jesus by saying, "But whosoever will be great among you, shall be your servant: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all." In other words, in order to be GREAT you should be a servant.

with DR Bro.Kenneth Rodgers (left)

When I arrived at the Martin Luther King Jr. library and looked around and I saw a sea of Purple and Gold men carrying boxes, setting up tables, distributing food, handing out bags, talking and showing love to the downtrodden, I knew this was a GREAT fraternity. But then I looked again and Brother Grand Basileus Andrew Ray was making his way through the crowd shaking hands not only with Brothers but with ALL the people. The "Grand Brother" was not surrounded by a team of security, he was simply among the people. Brother Ray did not hesitate to jump right in and "serve". It was another one of those Proud Omega Moments for me, one that I will cherish forever.  Brothers please join in with the Gamma Pi Social Action Committee and serve Prince George's County. Our motto is "Service is Our Mission, UPLIFT is Our Goal." FIETTS ... (Photos from Bro. Dr. Harrison Foy).

Gamma Pi Gearing Up for Two Big Social Events: Super Bowl Sunday and Mardi Gras

When the weather turns cold, Gamma Pi chapter "heats up" as two of the biggest social events of the year are on the horizon within the next two months. First up is The Big Game Jump Off 2011 Super Bowl viewing party that is set for "Super Bowl Sunday" February 6. The Grand Centennial Mardi Gras Extravaganza is set for Friday night, March 18.

Already, regular patrons have begun inquiring about tickets to both events and with the Super Bowl much closer in the rear view mirror, numerous ticket purchases for that event have already taken place. Space is limited. There is a new surprise venue this year. Information about both events is available on Gamma Pi's Web site and from the chapter's public video channel, where you can access video previews under the "Upcoming Events" video playlist. You can also contact Brother Ian Alvarez, Brother Rodney Beverly or Brother Orlando McDowell of Gamma Pi via e-mail for more information about the Super Sunday Big Game Jump Off.  Brother Alfonzo Powell is your conact for the Mardi Gras.

Proceeds from both events go to fund the chapter's numerous social action programs that aid children, youth, families and seniors in the Prince George's County community. One such initiative is Project ENRICH, a four-year program that grooms young high school students for college and also provides them with some scholarship monies.

Bro. Alvarez - Super Sunday

Q. Gamma Pi is known for its great Super Bowl viewing parties. What's different this year?
A. In the past our Super Bowl Party ended a short time after the conclusion of the game, usually because of time restraints by the establishment that we have rented. This years event is being held in a unique location; The Down & Dirty Motor Cycle Club, there we are able to have use of the location until 2a.m., In the past brothers and guests have wanted to keep dancing and parting well into the wee hours. So this year we are trying something new, by continuing the music and dancing until 2am (Club Omega) . We have also added a raffle for a Big Screen TV, which is included in your ticket price. ( you do have to be present to win and the drawing wont be until the wee hours)

Q. What will the setup be for this event? What can patrons do to entertain themselves?
A. The Setup this year is a lot like past set ups, with food, drink, DJ, Large Viewing screens, vendors and more.

Q. What makes this event so popular?
A. The Super Bowl is viewed by an estimated 130 million Americans, and is the most viewed TV program in the U.S. every year. When you combine that with the men of Omega and a hot DJ, its a perfect mix and creates a very popular event.

Q. How do people get tickets and what do they get for the money?
A. Tickets are available on our web site http://www.gammapi.org/ or by contacting any Brother in the chapter, who can get you in contact with the brothers on the fundraising committee who are tasked with selling tickets; when you consider that your ticket price includes food & beverage including the nectar of Omega (Oil) and the chance to win a big screen television, the ticket price also includes Club Omega until 2a.m. Our guests are getting a great evening for a reasonable price.



Bro. Powell - Mardi Gras

 Q. Why is Gamma Pi's Mardi Gras so popular?
A. Gamma Pi Chapter's Mardi Gras Extravaganza is extremely popular because our patrons recognize Gamma Pi men as leaders in our community who have distinguished themselves through timeless service to humanity and they want to be associated with great men who put on great events. Also, people are aware that the proceeds from our Extravaganza goes to support our social action programs and our scholarship efforts. Oh!! Did I mention that people also know that the Ques know how to party and they will always have a great time at our Extravaganza.

Q. What are the new ideas in store for Mardi Gras this year?
A. Yes. This year we have added a theme for our Extravaganza, "The Sensational Seventies". Not only can our patrons choose to dress in Semi-Formal attire, African attire, costume consistent with New Orleans style Mardi Gras. This year they may choose to bring back their bell-bottomed pants, hot pants, mini skirts or platform shoes like they wore in the '70s. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes and best dressed individual and groups.

Q. What about the music? Is "Soul Patrol"band coming back?
A. Yes, indeed. The Soul Patrol Band is back and better than ever. They promise to perform and keep everyone on their feet. Music makes the event and we are fortunate to have Soul Patrol back again this year.

Q. What kind of "spread" can we anticipate? The food at Mardi Gras is always good.
A. We have an outstanding menu again this year: roast beef, baked chicken, Italian meatballs, seafood jumbalaya, and many vegetable and dessert choices.

Q. Why did Gamma Pi keep ticket prices at last year's levels?
A. This year we instituted a series of cost cutting measures and passed the savings on to our patrons, thereby holding our ticket prices at the same level that it has been for the last three years. We work hard to give folks the best bang for their buck and the best time to be had on the planet.

Q. How do we secure tickets now?
A. Tickets can be purchased from any member of the Mardi Gras Committee, by contacting a Brother of Gamma Pi Chapter or purchase online. People may contact me directly at 301-467-2607 and I will make tickets available to them.

Bro. Dr. Gerald Folsom, Chapter and Second District Chaplain, Named to Baker Transition Team

This year has been a year of "new heights" for Brother Dr. Gerald T. Folsom, who is Chaplain for Gamma Pi as well as for the entire Second District.  When Brother Rushern Baker III (also of Gamma Pi)  takes the oath of office Monday, December 6, as the new Prince George's County Executive, following Brother Jack Johnson, who served two terms, Brother Dr. Folsom will be playing an important role in the weeks to follow as the Baker Administration sets up shop. Brother Dr. Folsom is an official member and leader of the Baker Transition Team as a co-chair of the Public Engagement Transition Committee Working Group.  He was appointed to that post by County Executive-elect Baker and the committee is one of eight that have been established to start the Baker administration.

Brother Dr. Folsom

"I am honored and humbled to be asked by the County Executive-Elect Brother Rushern Baker to co-chair the Public Engagement Committee along with another Omega man, Brother Rev. Leonard Hamlin, who is pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia. We hope to make a good county great for all of its citizens," Brother Dr. Folsom said during a recent interview. "Dr. Hamlin and I look forward to serving the citizens of this great county and it is our desire to make some concrete recommendations ... that will positively impact the lives of all citizens in Prince George's County. Our goal is to improve government outreach and cooperation with all county residents."

County Executive-elect Baker

"Our role will be to investigate and recommend how the county can improve communication with the faith community, non-profits, civic associations and other entities. We will co-chair a committee that will have approximately 25-30 members from a wide area within Prince George's County . Our goal is to improve government outreach and cooperation with all county residents."

Brother Dr. Folsom, who is on the ministerial staff at Community of Hope Church AME Church in the county, is also scheduled to read the Scripture at a 7:30 a.m. Interfaith Service at Cheverly United Methodist Church on Monday, Inauguration Day. In addition to Monday's swearing-in, an Inaugural Ball will be held Monday night. You can follow Inaugural activities online.

One other notable Gamma Pi Brother is involved in Baker Transition activities: Brother Dr. Mickey L. Burnim, President of Bowie State University, is serving as an Honorary Co-Chair along with several others. Both his and Brother Dr. Folsom's service was announced via official press releases.

Send Brother Dr. Folsom a shout out of congratulations via e-mail.

Below is a video clip of Brother Baker announcing his candidacy earlier this year:

Obama Administration Official, Fraternity Member Propels Gamma Pi Achievement Week

Bro. Dr. Joe Leonard, Jr. speaks

You had to be there to feel the spirit of the place and sense the spirit of the Founders of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at Gamma Pi's Achievement Week observance held Saturday at the Drew-Freeman Middle School in Suitland. Thanks to some powerful words from Guest Speaker Brother Joe Leonard, Jr., Ph.D., today's Achievement Week program hit on just the right chords for both youth and adults who made up a packed house at the school. In light of the upcoming Centennial Celebration for Omega Psi Phi in 2011, this year's Achievement Week was special. Brother Brian Long served as Emcee.

Bro. Marcus Davis and Surrattsville Choir

Brother Leonard, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, led the way with a formidable challenge to the young people gathered in the audience to chase dreams and goals and not money and position as they begin to build their careers and establish their place in the world. He provided some hints for success, referring to his own background and to profiles of successful people outlined in a book by Malcolm Gladwell:

"You have to spend about 10,000 hours doing something you love if you are going to be successful," he said in his remarks. The upshot of his message for the students was to give their all and become passionate about what they feel they are good at in order to become truly successful. He related the story of his own career and how he knew at age 8 that he wanted to work in civil rights. He did not just fall into it. Brother Dr. Leonard is appointed by President Obama and confirmed to his post by the U.S. Senate. Just this week, he was a point person in the historic settlement of more than $1 billion to black U.S. farmers in a decades-old discrimination case involving government loans and loan payments.

True to the Cardinal Principles of Uplift and Scholarship, Saturday's event showcased just how one chapter of Omega Psi Phi can help uplift a community and make a difference in bringing along the next generation through creating educational opportunity.  After all, that is what the Founders envisioned. Gamma Pi is involved in building and improving local communities and in creating and enhancing educational opportunities for local youth, who were well represented at today's program.



Omega Man of the Year Bro. Felder and Family

 In addition to Brother Dr. Leonard's keynote speech, several Community service awards and Fraternity service awards were also presented during the program. Winners of the Community Service Awards are: Kenya Colbert, Scholar Athlete of the Year (daughter of Brother Derek Colbert); Brenda J. Gilmore, Citizen of the Year; and Gamma Pi Brother Rev. Rodney Barnes as Religious Leader of the Year.

Winners of the Fraternity Awards are: Brother Joe Felder (Keeper of Records and Seal), Omega Man of the Year; Brother Terry Rogers, Founder's Award; Brother Maurice Calhoun (Basileus 2008-10), Superior Service Award; and Brother Rodney Beverly, Citizen of the Year. Bro. Felder was presented for Man of the Year by Brother Tim McIntosh, Gamma Pi's first Basileus.

Basileus Calhoun thanks Bro. Leonard

The chapter also awarded 10 scholarships to Prince George's County seniors, which brings the total scholarship awards for this year to more than $23,000. Those winners were Brandolyn Irene Burks (Flowers High School) Temple University: Carl Franklin Felton III (Suitland High) Towson University; Courtney Camille Ford (St. John's College High) Spelman College; Nicole Lorraine Heard (Gwynn Park High) University of Maryland; Kyle Julien Majors (Flowers) Alabama A&M University; Modinat Mayowa Mustapha (Bladensburg High) University of Maryland; Min Namkoong (Roosevelt High) Maryland- Baltimore County; Renee Elizabeth Plummer (Central High) Howard University; Kiah YeWon Victoria (Bowie High) New York University; and Ciara Janee Williams (Gwynn Park High) Spelman College.

Thanks also to Brothers Patrick Johnson and Brian King, who serve as co-chairs for Achievement Week. Some video from Saturday's event is below and also thanks to Brother David Sierra of the PR Committee for the photos: