Gamma Pi Chapter Celebrates 45 Years in True Omega Fashion

Chapter Founders Williams, Herring, McIntosh, Edwards and Robinson

March 5, 2018 - The very core reason for why Omega Psi Phi Fraternity', Inc. has survived and thrived for more than a century was epitomized at Gamma Pi Chapter on Monday, March 5, when Brothers from The Super Chapter got together across generations, initiation lines, geographic backgrounds and experience in the Fraternity to celebrate 45 years in Omega for Gamma Pi.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc history was alive and well at The Super Chapter Fraternity Center on this special night!

On the exact date of the chapter's founding -- 45 years after the charter was granted -- more than 100 Brothers gathered for an exciting and insightful program and Omega fellowship at The Super Chapter Fraternity Center. What resulted was an Omega style celebration of 45 years, 21 lines and hundreds of Omega men made at The Super Chapter in almost half a century. Several of the Founders were present and spoke at the program. All are still active in the chapter today. In attendance and at the podium were these esteemed Brothers: Timothy McIntosh (the first Basileus), George Edwards, Don Herring, Sr., Joseph Williams, and John Robinson. Seeing and hearing from these Brothers was inspiring and a real testament to why the Founders organized Omega Psi Phi as a Fraternity for life.

The Super Chapter: A Part of Omega History

Through the years, Gamma Pi has left an indelible mark on Omega Psi Phi. The chapter has won numerous awards at the District level and has had numerous members serve the Fraternity at the International and District level, including Bro Kenneth Rodgers, the current two-term Grand Keeper of Records and Seal, who was in attendance. Gamma Pi has won the Large Chapter of the Year award for the Second District four times, including in 2015.

Brothers are all eyes and ears during the program

Brothers took the opportunity of the event to recall the earliest beginnings of the chapter, including  when it was meeting in Brother Tim McIntosh's basement and later at the First Baptist Church of Highland Park. Some of the earliest Mardi Gras events were even held at the old church in the basement.  The idea to conceive the chapter was triggered by several graduate Brothers in 1972 and from the germination of that idea, a total of 21 Brothers applied to the Supreme Council of the Fraternity on January 31, 1973 through then-Second District Representative Bro. Milton Johnson.

At the time Gamma PI Chapter was just an idea, many graduate Brothers in Prince George's County -- mostly in education and business careers -- were driving north to Montgomery County or into Washington, D.C. to remain active in the Fraternity.

An historic night

Anniversary Ties Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

The 45th Anniversary celebration afforded newer initiates into Gamma Pi the occasion to swap stories with some of the earlier Sons of Gamma Pi. It was a tie to see how many Past Basilei you could recall. Or how many lines have crossed over (the answer is 21). And for many, the challenge was to see if they come up with the right number of Founders and how man could you name?

It was an exciting and symbolic moment for the Brothers who bridged the very beginning with the current -- from first Basileus McIntosh to current Basileus Tony Lee, and from the first line in the Spring of 1979 xxxx to the most recent line to enter the Fraternity through Gamma Pi: the two-man Que-cified II, on April 29, 2017, of Bros. Ben Greene and Andrew Clarke.

Congratulations to Bro. Maurice Calhoun (Gamma Pi '90) for leading the planning and execution of an outstanding program, along with committee members Bros. Sheku Alieu, Steve Coles, Kevin Ford, Jr., Marlin Godfrey, Damien Goins (who serve as emcee), Eddie High, Keith Keemer, Brian King, Charles Mays, Michael Mitchell, Thad Turner, Darryl Ward and Milton Ware, Jr.

Check out the video clip below and also visit the link below to see a collection of 45th Anniversary photos from Bro. Raphael Terrell, chapter photographer.

 CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO ALBUM

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Gamma Pi Achievement Week Holds A Great Year Up to the Mirror

Brothers fellowshipping at dinner

Achievement Week may be an annual event for all of Omega Psi Phi, but for Gamma Pi Chapter, each year's observance has its own flavor. This year's Achievement Week and Founders' Day underscored the chapter's longstanding commitment to community service and highlighted just how much of a difference Gamma Pi makes in the local community.

Gamma Pi's growing influence and results in Uplifting Prince George's County were evident throughout the week's programs, from the Sunday, November 12 worship service to the Saturday, November 18 communitywide awards and recognition program. The underlying theme of it all centered on the importance of full participation and service to community as outlined by the Founders.

For Omega men everywhere, the call to action and to service is as strong as it has ever been. It's a time for Omega men to get inspired by other Omega men. No question that was the case for Gamma Pi this year as is the case every year.

It began with the Brothers' visit to Greater Bethesda Baptist Church pastored by Gamma Pi Chaplain Bro. Rev.  Brian King, on November 12.

Next, Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker reminded Gamma Pi Brothers and Fraternity guests at the November 16 Brothers Only Dinner that the vast talents and abilities of Omega men  are contributing to community Uplift all over. He used the example of Omega men who have been called to serve Prince George's other than himself. Bro. Baker reminisced about his days as an Alpha Chapter Brother at Howard University "back in the day", recalling the Brothers during the dinner. Grand Keeper of Records & Seal Bro. Kenneth Rodgers also greeted the Brothers along with Gamma Pi's first Basileus and founding member  Bro. Tim McIntosh.

Bro. Alfonzo Powell delivers keynote at program

Gamma Pi's Brother Alfonzo Powell, having recently returned to the United States after a two-year stint in Sierra Leone, brought forth some inspiring words about service and commitment to community during the November 18 Community program in Fort Washington.

In speaking to community and chapter honorees, he said, "You were chosen because your body of work, that which has come to define you, has set you apart from those who have come to define themselves as simply, ordinary....The reason you have been set out above the rest is because you have demonstrated that you are driven by a sense, a use a vision ... that has proven to be greater than yourself."

Achievement Week award winners were Bro. Darryl Thompson (Omega Man of the Year), Bro. Gordon Everett (Founders' Award), Bro. Kevin Greenwood (Superior Service Award), Bro. Brian King (Religious Leader of the Year), Bro. Ikey Staton (Educator of the Year), community leader William Paige (Citizen of the Year) and John Morgan III (Student Athlete of the Year).  In addition, Bro. Greenwood was also named Committee Chairman of the Year.

                                        Visit our Achievement Week 2017 Photo Album

2017 Omega Man of the Year Bro. Darryl Thompson

Grand KRS Bro. Rodgers (Center) with Founders and Basileus Lee

Gamma Pi Joins Forces With Community to Combat Domestic Violence

Brothers with U.S. Rep Anthony Brown

The Brothers of Gamma Pi don't have any trouble getting up early on a Saturday morning as long as it is for a good cause. That's why they were in the house and in force by 8:30 a.m. today to attend and exhibit at a countywide Domestic Violence conference called MoMENtum, Moving into the Millenium; Elevating the Male Perspective on Domestic Violence. As the crafty titles suggests, the conference was focused on educating men about domestic violence prevention through getting males to see the ripple effect and consequences of domestic violence..

About 25 Chapter members attended the morning workshop, led by Social Action Chairman Kevin Greenwood and the committee. Gamma Pi did not present as part of the program but it sponsored an exhibit display in the lobby along with other organizations. The chapter was able to highlight its community action program to attendees, including former Lt. Governor and current Congressman Anthony Brown and Prince George's County state's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks who were highlighted during the event. The Super Chapter was able to take a photo with them both.

During the Saturday program, Brothers were taking notes, meeting with other participants and speakers, collecting materials and disseminating information about Gamma Pi and Friendship Charities at the chapter's information table.

Bros Roland Jones, Kevin Greenwood and Anthony McAllister with
 U.S. Rep. Brown and County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks

This year Gamma Pi has explored new avenues to conduct social action activities throughout the community and participation in the domestic violence conference was a part of that new approach. "We're here talking to people throughout the community about how we can get involved," said Bro. Greenwood. "We have learned about a lot of opportunities."

The chapter already works with young males through its periodic visits to the Cheltenham Youth Facility in Prince George's County. It also sponsors programs in the Kentland and Seat Pleasant communities through its Que Kidz initiatives where it also has opportunities to help shape and mold the lives of young boys, including teaching them to have respect for women. Male mentoring and combating domestic violence are two major social action priorities for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

If you would like to contact The Super Chapter about a social action partnership, please reach out to Bro. Greenwood at kgreenwood35@gmail.com

The Super Chapter's Popular Project ENRICH Program Kicks Off for 2017-18

Large crowd of interested parents and students attend

On this Saturday afternoon, the weather was great. Even though it was officially the second day of Fall, the temperature soared into the 80's and everyone was not yet ready to let go of summer in the DMV. Inside the South Bowie Community Center, some people worked out in the weight room and young men bounced basketballs in the gym. In an assembly room off to the side, a trio of Brothers from Gamma Pi bounced around ideas about how to select a major, how to assess which college is right for you, what courses to focus on the last two years of high school and where to look for scholarship money. Project ENRICH is back!

The program, directed by Brother Willie Hines, held an Open House on Saturday. More than 50 parents and students showed up for the event. They had questions for the upcoming academic year and were eager to get started. Many were new registrants in the 9th grade, which is where the program starts. Students are engaged from grades 9-12 to help them take the right steps to prepare for college. Students meet one Saturday a month at Bowie State University throughout the school year.

Participating along with Brother Hines at Saturday's program were Brothers Brett Blake and Lucien Cox, who all addressed the audience from a panel at the front of the room. Brother Pete Ford was manning the entrance. They along with several other chapter members run Project ENRICH like a small school. Saturday's program was more of a preliminary getting ready for the grind designed to both welcome new students, answer questions from interested students and to set the course for this year. The Opening Convocation is set for Saturday,October 7 at 10 a.m. at Bowie State's Thurgood Marshall Library.

Gamma Pi Brothers lead Open House 

During Saturday's program, questions ranged from what the typical Project ENRICH Saturday is like to the dress code which requires the students to wear business attire to the incoming presenters to how to arrange college visits to registration. There were also queries about scholarship money, college entrance exams, AP courses, community college and opportunities provided by Historically Black Colleges and Universities at a time when those schools' relevance is being challenged. One parent gave a testimonial about her daughter's growth through Project ENRICH  And as a bonus during the Open House, parents and students received a briefing from Project ENRICH parent Cheryl Jones about the HBCU College Tour operated by her chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

As is customary with Project ENRICH, Brother Hines looks for every opportunity to get students to get used to public speaking and having ready their 30-second "elevator speech." To that end, Brother Hines had students introduce themselves and talk about their future career goals during the program.

For information about Project ENRICH, visit the program's website (www.projectenrich.org), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/projectenrichprogram) or follow Project ENRICH on Twitter (@projectenrich). Online registration is underway for 2017-18 on the program's website.

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