the communique

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
SUMMER 2014
THE COMMUNIQUE
EIGHTH DISTRICT
Omega Men Take Colorado Springs and Philadelphia By Storm
from April 10 through
April 13 and it was hosted
by Xi Pi Chapter. The
brothers of Xi Pi Chapter
did an outstanding job in
preparing for this annual
meeting.
Dear Friends,
we have enjoyed two
amazing conferences in the
last 4 months, the 65th
Eighth District Meeting and
the 79th Grand Conclave.
The 65th Eighth District
Meeting was held in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Xi Pi Chapter
Committee
Members
65th Eighth
District
Meeting
The 79th Grand Conclave
was held in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania from July 10
through July 16. This
grand event was hosted
by Mu Omega Chapter
who put together a world
class meeting that included great business
venues and a wide variety
of extracurricular activities.
The brothers of Mu
Omega Chapter and the
Team Philly Ques worked
diligently to ensure the
stay in Philadelphia was
enjoyable, festive, exciting, and productive.
Many activities were
organized for the conclave with the brotherhood in mind. These
activities included the
Memorial Service, Talent Hunt Demonstration,
Marchdown Competition, Golf Tournament,
5k Run, Career Fair,
Health Fair, Service
Awards, and conducting
the business of Omega.
This edition of the Communique is dedicated to
bringing you all of the
highlights from the 65th
Eighth District Meeting
and the 79th Grand Conclave. These were two
extraordinary events
that must be documented as part of our
rich history.
Special points of
interest:

8th District Representative’s Reception

Undergraduate
Luncheon

Marchdown Competition

Talent Hunt

Founders’ Banquet

Grand Conclave
Highlights
Inside this issue:
8th District Meeting
2
Prayer Breakfast
6
Omega Life Membership
8
8th District Officers
11
Grand Conclave
12
Service Awards
13
Grand Council
18
THE COMMUNIQUE
Page 2
The 65th Eighth District Meeting
The brothers of Xi Pi Chapter were happy and excited to welcome
brothers and their family to the “City of Champions”.
Colorado Springs is nestled beneath Pikes Peak and is home to
beautiful landscapes, invigorating attractions, and a community of
citizens dedicated to improving this great city. It boasts excellent
colleges and a highly educated workforce. Olympic hopefuls train
at numerous sites throughout the city and the city host a devoted
military community that serves our country.
2014 also marked Xi Pi Chapter’s 40th Birthday! This was all the
more reason they were excited to have the brothers visit the
‘Rocky Mountain Ques.’ Xi Pi celebrated this historic event by
displaying memorabilia and artifacts throughout the meeting area.
Any brother who participated in the 8th District Meeting and
viewed the living history of Xi Pi walked away proud of this chapter’s service within the Colorado Springs community and their
support of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Page 3
The District Representative’s Reception
The official kick-off for the 65th Eighth District Meeting began with the District
Representative’s Reception. This was a huge success with proclamations read from
Keith King, President of the Colorado Springs City Council, and Pete Lee, State Representative of the Colorado House District 18.
Brother Dr. William Brown and Brother Osuman Issaka submitted a resolution honoring and recognizing Omega Men of the United States Armed Forces.
The reception provided the community a public forum to recognize and thank the
men of Omega for our continued efforts to provide aid and assistance, strive for positive social change, and fight for increased access to higher education in our community.
“Provide
aid and
assistance,
strive for
positive
social
change,
and fight
for
increased
access to
higher
education”
THE COMMUNIQUE
Page 4
Comedy Show Featuring Cocoa Brown
The brothers of Xi Pi organized a hilarious comedy show featuring Cocoa Brown. This
all star comedian is best known for her role in Tyler Perry’s “For Better or Worse”
and her gut busting act on “Comicview”.
Special Guest included Ron G and DC Cam. The show was held at the Stargazers
Theater and hosted by our own Brother, Brett Britton.
Cocoa Brown proved to be one funny momma with her down home humor. Throughout her show Cocoa demonstrated her knowledge of our fraternal culture and true
admiration of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
The Undergraduate
Luncheon
The Undergraduate Luncheon was held at Colorado College on Friday, April 11, 2014. The presiding district officer of this event was the Interim
2nd Vice District Representative, Nick Banks.
Three undergraduate brothers were awarded
their pins, history books, and membership certificates. The highlight of the event was receiving
an inspiring and motivational message from the
13th District Representative Brother Colonel Matthew C. Coleman.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Page 5
8th District Marchdown –
Stomping the Springs
The all greek step show was held on Friday, April
11, 2014. The event was hosted by the one and
only Shed “Can I Vent” G. There were step teams
from across the state of Colorado including two
teams from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and two
teams representing the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,
Inc., with a host of other step teams attempting to
be ranked number one in the state of Colorado.
The men of Omega were from Xi Pi Chapter of
Colorado Springs and Chi Phi Chapter of Denver
Colorado. These two chapters went head to head
in an all out duel with Xi Pi coming out on top and
Chi Phi taking second place. It was an outstanding
evening full of energy, enthusiasm, and excitement. Xi Pi truly stomped the springs with their
show and put on a program that exceeded the
gold standard of Omega.
THE COMMUNIQUE
Page 6
The Omega Prayer Breakfast
The Eighth District Omega
Prayer Meeting was held on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 7:00am.
Brother Reverend Dr. Larry E.
King, Sr., the 8th District Chaplain promoted the theme
“Moving Omega to the Next
Level”.
Brother King did an outstanding job with this well thought
out program. Brother James Ball delivered the welcome.
The National Negro Hymn was sung by Brother Dr. Marvin
Stancil of Beta Upsilon.
The Sankey Sisters of
New Hope Baptist
Church in Fountain
Colorado moved the
audience to pure joy
and uplift with two musical selections and the
guest speaker, Brother
John Register was an
inspiration to all who
heard his uplifting
story. Brothers were
filled with a delicious
breakfast and the holy
spirit after this glorious
hour of song, prayer,
and uplift.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Page 7
Brother John Register, Guest Speaker
Of the Omega Prayer Breakfast
From an All American track hurdle star to
amputee to long jump silver medalist—John
Register has never allowed adversity to hold
him back.
His track and field accolades include him as
being a collegiate four time All-American
long jumper, hurdler, and 4x40m relay specialist, while attending the University of Arkansas. He twice qualified for the Olympic
Trials—once in the 110m high hurdles in
1988 and once in the 400m intermediate hurdles in 1992. He enlisted in the U.S. Army to
further his track pursuits but Operation Desert Storm interrupted his training time as he
served 7 months in Southwest Asia, an experience he says he would never trade.
On May 17, 1994 Register suffered a crippling injury that resulted in the amputation of
his left leg. The injury dashed his hope of
making the Olympic team and stifled his
class date for Officer Candidate School. Yet,
18 months later he competed in the 1996
Paralympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia as a
swimmer anchoring the 4x100 medley
relay! Two years later he returned to
his first love of track and field and
qualified for the 2000 Paralympic
Team that competed in Sydney Australia. He jumped into the track and field
history books by winning the silver
medal and setting and American record in the process, all while becoming one of two athletes in the world to
have jumped further than 17 feet and 8
inches without a leg or knee.
In 2007 he was appointed by Secretary
of State Condoleezza Rice as one of
eight members to advise the Secretary
on Foreign policy issues regarding
disability. He continues to serve in
this capacity under Secretary Hillary
Clinton.
THE COMMUNIQUE
Page 8
8th District Omega Life Membership Foundation Meeting
The Eighth District Omega Life
Membership Foundation meeting
was held on Saturday, April 12,
2014. The Chairman, Ken Patterson completed his full term and
was not able to run for another
term as Chairman. The 8th District Life Membership Foundation
elected Brother Charles “BeBe”
Shelton, of Upsilon Omega Chapter in St. Louis, Missouri, as the
new Chairman for the 2014 and
2015 fiscal year.
The Omega Life Membership
Foundation, Inc. was established
in 1984. It was chartered to aid
organizations involved in charitable, education, scholastic and
scientific pursuits. In its 30 years
of history, it has shown tremendous growth
and success and has been of significant
benefit to those groups whose work support
our communities. There have been numerous young people gifted in the performing
and scholastic arts who have benefited for
the philanthropic work of the foundation.
Since the establishment of the Omega Life
Membership Foundation more than
$2,000,000 have been remitted to the
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and other
programs designated by the fraternity.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Page 9
District Talent Hunt Program
The Omega Talent Hunt Program is one of ten programs our fraternity embraces to provide support and encouragement to our local communities. The 8th District Talent Hunt program is an important component of a full slate of activities that demonstrate our commitment to our youth.
There were several chapters in the 8th District that sponsored a contestant to participate in the
talent competition. This large group of participants treated the audience to an afternoon of
dance, drama reading, instrumental solos, and a contemporary vocal solo.
The names and talent of each performer are as follows: Dominique Young performed a dance to
“Change Gonna Come” by Lauryn Hill; Philemon R. I. Abel completed a drama reading called
“Actions”/”Hoodie”; James Duckery did an instrumental solo to “Just Because”; Emily Kirkman
dance to the song “Someone Like You” by Adele; Kija Cammock sung a solo called “Open my
Heart”; Erian Hall did an instrumental solo of “Do I Do”/”Sir Duke” Medely; and Desiree Sanders
performed an interpretative dance to “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus.
THE COMMUNIQUE
Page 10
The Founders Banquet - A Black Tie Affair
Brother James Ball, the
First Vice District Representative presided
over the Founders Banquet. This formal program was an excellent
forum where we paid
tribute to our past 8th
District Representatives
and our Omega men
who are serving and
have served in the
United States Armed
Forces.
Brother General William “Kip” Ward was
the Keynote Speaker
who shared a message
of living our creed as
we pursue excellence in
leadership in promoting
community based programs.
All White Party
The final party of the weekend was the Omega
all white party which was advertised as the
“White Owt 4”. It was held at the Doubletree
Hotel in the Maxi’s Lounge & Windows Club.
The music was by DJ Lemonhead who entertained an overflowing crowd of people
squeezing in their last opportunity to enjoy the
Omega experience.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Page 11
Brother Jerry Walker
Keeper of Finance
Brother Carl Lemon
District Chaplain
Brother Ronald Mells
66th District Marshal
THE COMMUNIQUE
Page 12
The Grand Conclave
The body of Omega has become much more than just the transformative power of knowledge
and formal education to the skill set that is collectively needed to uplift our people and the
whole of humanity. Omega has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships to deserving high
school and college students. We have fed the hungry, protected the vulnerable and comforted
the weary. We have mentored thousands of young men and women. Most profoundly, we
forged partnerships with the White House through the Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative, the
Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation and the National Education Association. We have also
partnered with other Greek and non-Greek organizations in the effort to uplift humanity. It was
no accident that our founders, Oscar J. Cooper, Frank Coleman, Edgar A. Love and Ernest E.
Just, created a fraternal organization whose influence and impact would be felt worldwide.
These were men of high ideals, deep faith and superior intellect.
Omega men have stepped up often to serve wherever and whenever needed. For example,
Colonel Charles Young, one of the first African-American graduates of the United States Military
Academy at West Point, served his country around the globe. Likewise, Omega continues to be
a strong, effective force of men who are dedicated and squarely focused on the Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. Our ability to remain a progressive and
positive force within our communities depends upon our ability to recognize and adhere to the
unifying vision of our Founders. Their wisdom was profound and most evident when they wrote
that “we are only passing this way but once, and ours is the glorious privilege as we pass of acting well our parts.”
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Page 13
Service Awards
The Grand Officers and the members of Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity, Inc. made time during the Grand Conclave
to congratulate members for their 25, 40, 50, 60, 70,
and 75 Years of Service Award. The 8th District had two
former District Officers who were recognize for continued contributions to this great organization. Past 8th
District Representative Larry Burks received is 40
Years of Service Award and Past 8th District Keeper of
Finance Kermit Ervin received is 25 Years of Service
Award. Clearly, reaching these milestones are special
occasions for our good brothers. It is also a very special occasion for our fraternity since it is a testimony of
their loyalty to our four cardinal principles of Manhood,
Scholarship, Perseverance, and uplift.
THE COMMUNIQUE
Page 14
Service Awards Continued
Brothers Burks and Ervin are valued members of the Omega Psi
Phi Fraternity, Inc., and their
dedication and support of this
historic organization are vital to
our success in meeting our beloved cardinal principles. All our
organizational achievements are
made possible because of their
individual efforts as well as the
efforts of their respective chapters within the 8th District.
For more than one hundred and three years, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity has embraced
and nurtured the youth and less fortunate of the black community. With a sole missionto provide community service and uplift, our fraternity strives to be an organization of
enduring quality and strength. We acknowledge and appreciate that the foundation of
our success is built upon the commitment of Brothers like Larry Burks and Kermit Ervin
Congratulations on
your Years of Service!
Thank you for the
many years of service
and dedication to
making our Mission,
Vision and Values
come true everyday.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Page 15
The Grand Conclave Talent Hunt
The Talent Hunt program of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is one of several national programs designed to identify and support the youth of our nation and the world. The original idea was created by Brother J. Austin Atkins of
Winston Salem, North Carolina, and Brother Dewey Duckett of Rock Hill South Carolina. While the idea was conceived in 1945, the first district Talent Hunt program was held in the Sixth District in Charlotte, North Carolina, on
April 19, 1946. The need for such a program was born out of the unequal opportunity afforded to some American
youth to develop and give full expression to their talents.
The original statement of the Talent Hunt idea included this expression: Creative and outstanding capacities in
any honorable activity should be eligible for consideration. During each of the public presentations, all original
displays were limited to the field of music. Since that time, the Talent Hunt program has been expanded to include
other forms of the expressive arts.
In 1953, Brother J. Austin Atkins, assisted by Brother Dewey Duckett, chaired the first National Talent Hunt Committee and presented the first National Talent Hunt program as an integral part of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
Grand Conclave held in Cincinnati, Ohio. Prior to 1969, all participants in the Talent Hunt program were required
to be high school seniors. A revision in the guidelines for the operation of the Talent Hunt program expanded the
level of participation to grades 9 through 12.
The Talent Hunt Program of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity has touched thousands of students, many of whom have
gone on to make outstanding contributions to their communities and our world. Many have earned scholarships,
awards, and recognition through exposure from this program. It is our quest as Omega men of substance to continue to grow in our unyielding commitment to support our youth.
THE COMMUNIQUE
Page 16
The International Marchdown
Some say that the history of stepping began when the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Fraternities and
Sororities conducted "Greek Sings" that were popular in the early 1900s. The chapters would gather on
campus and sing uplifting songs and cheers about their fraternity or sorority. In later years when the
Greeks sung songs they began to add movements such as walking in a circle, and clapping hands. The
sororities were singing songs up to the early eighties, and all of the sororities still have traditional
songs that they sing today. Meanwhile the fraternities begin to add movement to their songs. One particular fraternity; Phi Beta Sigma initiated a member from one of the African countries, that member
added African movements to the songs. In later years "Greek Sings" became "Greek Shows" which
were a major event and still are to this day. Stepping has been popularized by National Pan-Hellenic
Council member organizations who gives tributes to their historical Greek letter organizations and also
perform at local and national competitions.
This is what we know, the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated has made stepping a pure
art form that pays tribute to our history and show spirit and pride in this great organization.
Stepping is a complex performance that melds folk traditions with popular culture and involves synchronized percussive movement, singing, speaking, chanting, and drama. Developed by AfricanAmerican fraternities and sororities, it is now practiced worldwide. The pictures that you will see in
this newsletter will attempt to capture the enthusiasm and energy of the Q-Hop teams and other organizations that participated in the International Marchdown competition.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Page 17
International Marchdown Continued
THE COMMUNIQUE
Page 18
Grand Officers
Antonio F. Knox, Sr.
Grand Basileus
Dr. David Marion
1st Vice Grand Basileus
Anthony Kadri
2nd Vice Grand Basileus
Kenneth Rodgers
W. Kelly Shannon
Grand Keeper of Records and Seal Grand Keeper of Finance
Dr. Christopher T. Curry
Grand Chaplain
Warren G. Lee Jr.
38th Grand Basileus
D. Michael Lyles
Grand Counselor
Dr. Andrew Ray
Immediate Past (39th) Grand
Basileus
George H. Grace
37th Grand Basileus
Lloyd Jordan, Esq.
36th Grand Basileus
Dr. Dorsey Miller
35th Grand Basileus
C. Tyrone Gilmore, Sr.
34th Grand Basileus
Dr. Moses C. Norman
33rd Grand Basileus
Burnel E. Coulon
31st Grand Basileus
Dr. Edward Braynon, Jr.
30th Grand Basileus
Alan W. Junius
Grand Marshal
James Avery* (Omega Chapter)
28th Grand Basileus
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Page 19
Undergraduate Representatives
Donnel Jones
Cody R. Charles
Undergraduate Representative Undergraduate Representative
Alaric Jones
Undergraduate Representative
District Representatives
Michael A. Jefferson, Esq.
1st District Representative
Milton D. Harrison
2nd District Representative
Robert C. Warren, Jr.
3rd District Representative
Christopher K. Welch
4th District Representative
Earl T. Young
5th District Representative
Brian O. Beverly, Esq.
6th District Representative
Leslie A. Gamble
7th District Representative
Dr. Wm. Ray Brown
8th District Representative
Ernest E. Parquet
9th District Representative
Steven Gregory Watkins, Esq.
10th District Representative
Freddrick Alexander
12th District Representative
Col. Matthew B. Coleman
13th District Representative
THE COMMUNIQUE
Page 20
Highlights from the Grand Conclave
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Grand Conclave Highlights Continued
Page 21
THE COMMUNIQUE
8th District Editorial Team
8th District Editor Business Address
24446 E. Glasgow Cir.
Aurora, CO 80016
Phone: 303-475-0673
Office 720-523-6824
E-mail: [email protected]
W E ’ R E O N T H E W E B AT
8 T H D I S T R I C T O M E G A P S I P H I . O RG
Brother Stefan Hughes
Brother Greg Labrie
Brother Michael Williams
Brother Verne Washington