4th-District-Chronicle-Winter-Spring-Edition-2019

Bennie Jenkins During the weekend of October 5th, 2018, the Brothers of Zeta Sigma and Chi Alpha Chapters of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.. Theta Psi displayed the true meaning of friend

OHIO and WEST

VIRGINIA The Chronicle Winter 2019 Table of Content Zeta Sigma & Chi Alpha

(Southern WV Omega Reunion) 2

Chi Alpha Chapter

(Reactivation)……… 3

Beta Iota Chapter

(Articles)………4 & 17 Chi Alpha Chapter

(Articles)….……… 4,18 & 23 Delta Alpha Chapter

(Achievement Week) ……… 5

Mu Chi Chapter

(Scholarship Golf Outing)………….5

Mu Iota Chapter

(Voter’s Registration)… ………… 6

Psi Omicron Chapter

(Jamail E Johnson Memorial Schol-arship Endowment)…….…….…….6

Sigma Psi Chapter

(Undergrad Crowned Homecoming King) ……….……… 7

Xi Chi Chapter

(Social Action) ……… 7

Xi Iota Iota Chapter

(Board of Directors) … ………… 7

Zeta Kappa Kappa Chapter

(Achievement Week)……….8

Xi Iota Iota Chapter

(Achievement Week)……….8

Tau Xi Chapter

(Spirit of Community Award)… 9

Zeta Omega Chapter

(Articles) ………… 11, 19, 21 & 24 Mu Iota Chapter

(Social Action) ….…… 15, 20 & 23 Mu Chi Chapter

(Achievement Week) ………… 15

Mu Iota Chapter

(Achievement Week)……….16

Mu Chi Chapter

(Cleve L Abbott Award) …… 17

Alpha Alpha Alpha Chapter

(Blood Drive) …….……… 17

Zeta Kappa Kappa Chapter

(Talent Hunt) ……… 18

Delta Alpha Chapter

(Talent Hunt) ……….……….20

Fourth District

(Colonel Charles Young 155 Birth-day Event) ……… ………… 25

Psi Gamma

(50th Anniversary) ………… ….26

To the at-tendees of the 2019 Fourth District Meet-ing, First giving honor to my Lord and Sav-ior Jesus Christ, I greet you in Friend-ship and Fraternity! Secondly, let me thank my lady, my lover, my beautiful and brilliant wife, Teresa Robinson Teresa, you have endured the extensive traveling (oftentimes traveling with me), and you remained patient while I was occupied on calls, and in meetings You and my awesome children have remained sup-portive, as I have served the Fourth District with the spirit of excellence Finally, attendees, thank you for grac-ing the Mighty Fourth District with your presence It is our prayer you felt welcomed upon arriving at the 78th An-nual Fourth District Meeting Our Dis-trict Marshal, Brother Dr Fred Aikens, the Brothers of Delta Alpha and Eta Gamma Chapters and a host of Broth-ers from the Fourth District, have worked hard to ensure that your stay in Dayton, Ohio will be memorable, im-pactful, and joyous Edgar A Love, Oscar J Cooper, and Frank Coleman, with the help of their faculty advisor, Ernest E Just founded the greatest fraternity These three col-lege students were already friends but they knew the importance of organiz-ing and incorporatorganiz-ing Omega Psi Phi Fraternity This would be the impetus to making a difference in the lives of black people throughout the diaspora the establishment of four endowed scholarships (minimum of $25,000.00 to each university) in the names of: Brother Dr R Charles Byers Endowed Scholarship (West Virginia State Uni-versity), Brother Devin Moore Memo-rial Endowed Scholarship (Kent State University), Brother Jamail E Johnson Endowed Scholarship (Youngstown State University), and Brother Colonel Charles Young Endowed Scholarship (Wilberforce University) We are mak-ing a positive impact in Ohio and West Virginia by giving thousands of dollars in scholarships, providing community activities, volunteering countless hours for mentoring and fatherhood pro-grams, as well participating in other worthwhile endeavors Hence, please utilize this meeting to enjoy the comradery; make strategic alliances to better uplift our communi-ties; learn more Omega acumen; and make sure you go back to your respec-tive Chapters more empowered for ser-vice May God bless, guide, and keep you “Welcome and enjoy!” Yours in Friendship and Fraternity, Bobby L Robinson Bro Bobby L Robinson 2-85-Gamma Lambda 28th Fourth District Representative “Friendship is Essential to the Soul”

A Southern WV Omega Reunion Submitted By: Bro Bennie Jenkins

During the weekend of October 5th, 2018, the Brothers of Zeta Sigma and Chi Alpha Chapters of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc descended upon the campus of Bluefield State College The Chapters are home to Bluefield State College, Concord University, and Bluefield College This gathering was held with multiple purposes, in-cluding cleaning the Omega Plot and visiting the Concord University campus for homecoming

In Athens WV, on the campus of Concord University, the brothers made their presence felt by greeting and partaking in homecoming festivities The brothers also engaged and encouraged the youth football team; the

“Lil Knights of McDowell County WV”, coached by Aaron Hood, as they were also present on campus for homecoming Many words of wisdom, experience and encouragement was shared with players and their coaches These expressions were heartfelt as most of the chapter’s members are former football players Kevin Garrett, Director of Athletics at Concord, greeted the brothers with expressions of gratitude for their show of support at Concord and stated he would “welcome and support Omega” in any future visits back to campus Concord looks forward to Omega being a positive presence in the communities of Athens, Bluefield and Princeton, WV in the future as it once was

The brothers’ final stop was at West Virginia State University in Institute, WV to visit the Brothers of Theta Psi Theta Psi displayed the true meaning of friendship to the brothers of Zeta Sigma and Chi Alpha as the spirit of Omega was on the campus These expressions of brotherhood were also extended throughout the greater Charleston communities

In response to the brothers of Zeta Sigma and Chi Alpha seeking guidance on how to get their chapters tivated, a meeting was held with the 4th District, D.R Brother Bobby Robinson Brother Robinson advised the brothers of the proper procedures and work required moving forward to getting the chapters reactivated

reac-Chi Alpha Reactivation in Southern West Virginia

Submitted By: Bro Bennie Jenkins

After an absence in excess of 30 years, effective November 2018 (under the guidance of the 4th District sentative, Brother Elder Bobby L Robinson), Chi Alpha was successfully reactivated and ready for service Led

Repre-by Brother James Rowland, Chi Alpha was chartered October 1, 1939 in Bluefield, WV The chapter is under the leadership of Brother Ronald Walker serving as Basileus, with 13 active members

On November 18, 2018 Chi Alpha traveled to Hinesville, GA to support Brother Bobby Robinson as the keynote speaker at Beta Gamma Gamma Chapter’s Achievement Week Banquet The Achievement Week was chaired by Brother Richard Smith Sr., who will serve as Chi Alpha Chapter’s Vice Basileus The evening was a grand event There were many 7th District Omega men and other members of the Divine Nine in attendance Several broth-ers received awards for their dedicated service in Omega and the community The night was an inspirational event as Brother Robinson delivered a speech that many said was uplifting, motivational, rejuvenating, and em-powering which concluded with a well deserving standing ovation Many patrons praised the topic that Brother Robinson spoke about so much, that they indicated they would use the topic in their own community and/or upcoming chapter meetings At the end of the banquet, Brother Robinson performed the installation of the newly elected officers for Beta Gamma Gamma

After the conclusion of the banquet, Brother Robinson led the Chi Alpha newly elected officers into their own installation ceremony This was another very empowering and motivational performance from Brother Robin-son as he shared many words of encouragement to Chi Alpha

Chi Alpha Chapter Officers:

Bro Ronald Walker - Basileus

Bro Richard Smith Sr - Vice Basileus

Bro Leon Parker - Keeper of Records and Seals

Bro H Derrick Wells - Keeper of Finance

Bro Bennie Jenkins - Public Relations

Chi Alpha is already making their presence in the communities and schools The leaders of the community are excited that the men of Omega are back

Chi Alpha Thanksgiving Turkey Donations Submitted By: Bennie Jenkins

November 21, 2018 the brothers of Chi Alpha Chapter completed their first service of charity to the community

of Bluefield, WV Led by the Social Actions Chair, Bro Ken Hunt, the chapter donated 10 turkeys to help families

in need for Thanksgiving Brother Hunt met with Reverend Moore of Scott Street Baptist Church to connect with families in need of help with their Thanksgiving meal The brothers of Chi Alpha, along with Rev Moore, met with a representative of each family at the church to give them a turkey The brothers were also able to speak with the families and let them know that Omega is back in the community and ready to assist in areas of need With the chapter just being reactivated less than a month ago, the bothers and community was pleased with the outcome Chi Alpha Basileus, Brother Ronald Walker, stated with passion and determination “This is just the beginning of the rejuvenation of Omega’s presence in the communities of Southern WV“ Brother Hunt, who grew up in Bluefield, said “it was a long time coming and now we home”

College Prep Workshop 2018

The men of Beta Iota chapter partnered

with the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta

Sorority, Inc to host the 2018 College

Prep Workshop The wonderful event

was held on the campus of the

Univer-sity of Cincinnati on November 10,

2018 Over 100 students and parents

were in attendance to gain valuable

in-formation on preparing for college

Both organizations presented

infor-mation on ACT/SAT prep and how to

apply to colleges and universities A

student and parent panel helped provide

the students and parents first hand

ad-vice on college life Financial experts

presented multiple ways for parents and

students to finance their goals of

attend-ing college

Written by Bro Melvin Whitlow DAYTON, Ohio – On Founder’s Day November 17, 2018 Delta Alpha chapter hosted its annual Achievement Week Banquet at Sinclair Community College Past DR Bro Jesse Junius emceed the event Brother Dr Ronald

L Jackson II, President of the National Communication Association, was the keynote speaker for the ment Week Banquet He captivated the audience and provided important insights on the topic “Omega Men: Af-fecting Positive Change in Communities Worldwide.” Brother Jackson was also recognized as the chapter’s

Achieve-2018 Omega Man of the Year

Delta Alpha Chapter award winners include Bro Kelvin Bryant as winner of the Superior Service Award, as w ell as Brother Anthony Whitmore, who was recognized as the 2018 Citizen of the Year for his economic and community development consultation services both locally and nationally Also in attendance was Bro Jesse Gooding, former president of the Dayton chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and member of the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame Bro Basileus Robert Wilson presented him with his 65-year membership pin on behalf of the International Headquarters

During the banquet, the chapter presented a $500 award to John Foster, Walter E Stebbins High School, winner

of the 2018 Essay Contest The chapter also provided $3,000 in college scholarships to six students attending Central State University, University of Chicago, University of Dayton, and Sinclair Community College

Delta Alpha Chapter Celebrates Achievement Week and Awards $3,000 in Student

Scholarships

Mu Chi Chapter 8th Annual James A Elam Scholarship Golf Outing, Beavercreek, Ohio

Submitted by Brandon C Smith

On August 28, 2018, Mu Chi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated held its Eighth Annual James

A Elam Scholarship Golf Outing at the Beavercreek Golf Club in Beavercreek, Ohio This year's event was very well attended and funds were generated to provide scholarships for deserving high school scholars from Greene and Clark Counties After the afternoon session, there was a plated meal, awards, and raffles The Quettes assisted in handing out the awards and raffle prizes There were almost 70 golfers and numerous spon-sors No one went home empty handed and over $5,000 was raised for scholarships

Voter’s Registration Submitted By: Bro Greg O Fountain

The Brothers of Mu Iota Fraternity participated in

the Columbus, Ohio Voter

Registration Drive at St Stephens Community

Center on September 25, 2018

On September 29, 2018 at the UNCF Walk for

Education the Brothers of Mu Iota

Fraternity continued with the voter registration by

hosting a tent and welcoming the community at

large to become a registered voter

February 6, 2011, marks seven years since Youngstown State University student Jamail E Johnson was tragical-

ly killed; but his legacy continues to live on through the Jamail E Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Jamail’s parents, Sydney and Shirlene Hill, the scholarship will assist African American males at Youngstown State University who are freshman through seniors and attend full or part-time

On October 20, 2018, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Fourth District presented Mrs Hill with a $6,000 check to help advance the scholarship to an Endowment YSU Foun-dation President Paul McFadden and Scholarship Coor-dinator, Tiffanie Thomas, were present on behalf of the Foundation to help accept this generous gift

Brother Jamail E Johnson Memorial Scholarship Endowment at Youngstown State

University with a donation from the Fourth District

L-R, Bro Jerry Fordham, YSU President Foundation Paul

McFadden, Jamail Mother, Mrs Shirlene Hill, YSU

Founda-tion Coordinator, Tiffanie Thomas, Bro Tom Franklin (Back

Row) Bro Dr David M Davis, Basileus, Bro D R Daryl S

Cameron #27, Bro D R Elder Bobby L Robinson #28 and

Bro Kevin C Miles

Undergraduate Member Crowned Homecoming King of Ohio University

Athens, Ohio – On October 20, 2018, our own Brother Keith Brandon Key from Sigma Psi Chapter was crowned the Home-coming King of Ohio University Bro Key was initiated into Sigma Psi Chapter Fall 2016 He is a Senior at Ohio University studying Business Management & Strategic Leader with a Minor

in Finance He is a three year varsity football player at Ohio versity who became medically disqualified last season due to an injury

Uni-Bro Key stated “I used this [injury] as an opportunity to increase

my involvement with the university becoming the Treasurer of both the Black Student Union and the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) and being Chapter Basileus for the 2nd year for

my chapter” Last semester in the spring, Sigma Psi Chapter ceived the highest chapter GPA amongst all greek lettered frater-nities on Ohio University’s campus Bringing home this crown was a big achievement for the Fourth District of Omega Psi Fra-ternity, Inc., Sigma Psi Chapter his friends and most importantly his family

Xi Chi Turkeys and Food Giveaway

Submitted By: Bro Fred Barrett

Thanksgiving is widely known and carried by families

coming together to give thanks for many things over an

array of food, on this holiday, featuring turkey, ham and

all the fixings There are families that do not have the

ability or the means give thanks in this fashion There are

a group of Brothers who decided that giving thanks

in-cludes providing a reason for some families to give

thanks On December 15, the Brothers of Xi Chi and

Be-ta BeBe-ta chapters with Bro Pastor Bruce Butcher (93

Del-ta Alpha currently Xi Chi) of St Paul A.M.E Church

served over 30 families in Akron, OH

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center appointed Xi Iota Iota Chapter Member

to the Board of Directors

November 2018, Bro Brian C Thomas, Esq., was appointed to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s Board of Directors Bro Thomas is partner with Cincinnati’s Graydon law firm, where he has experience representing employers in a wide range of em-ployment matters like workplace health and safety Bro Thomas is a graduate of Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Ga and University of Dayton College of Law, Dayton, Ohio

Zeta Kappa Kappa Chapter – 2018 Achievement Week Program

Zeta Kappa Kappa Chapter held its 19th Annual Achievement Week Program at

the Double Tree Hotel, in Beachwood, Ohio, Saturday, November 10th The

keynote speaker was Bro Rev Edward A Hailes, Jr., a renowned speaker on

Civil Rights His electrifying speech challenged the audience to continue our

fight for justice

The chapter recognized Bro Rev Paul H Sadler as our Omega Man of the

Year, where he led the chapter on many of our social action projects and he is

regarded as an active participant in the uplifting of our inner-city

neighbor-hoods Bro Darnell Robertson was recognized as the James Elam Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, where

he has been strong advocate of the fraternity and lifetime member of the organization Bro Charles Bond was recognized as the Chapter’s Founders Award recipient, where he has been a steadfast member of the chapter and has served in many of the Chapter’s officer positions Bro Bond’s dedication and effort in chapter activities ex-emplified him walking in the path of our founders Bros Cooper, Colman, Love and Just The Chapter honored Judge Michael L Nelson, Jr for his outstanding work as a Judge in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where he focused

on issues affecting the African American Community Brother Theodore Morris served as the Master of mony for the event along with our Basileus Bro Steven Robertson

Cere-THE GRAND KEEPER OF FINANCE SPEAKS AT THE XI IOTA IOTA 27TH

ACHIEVEMENT WEEK BANQUET

Piqua- The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity held its 27th Achievement Week Banquet, November 17, 2018 at the Piqua Country Club in Piqua Ohio Four area students received scholarships that evening from the cities of Sidney, Piqua, Troy and Lima Ohio

The Grand Keeper of Finance, Brother Daniel B Jones, Sr delivered the address at the 27th Achievement Week Scholarship Banquet of the

Xi Iota Iota Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc Bro Jones stated in his address, “We can no longer stand by We can no longer remain detached and disenfranchised We must register We must mo-bilize We must understand the facts We must understand how the proposed laws impact us and the community and we must vote”, he said Brother Grand Jones delivered the address at the 27tha Achieve-ment Week Scholarship Banquet of Xi Iota Iota Chapter of the Frater-nity Each year, the chapter makes one thousand dollar each grants to four students; one each from Sidney, Piqua, Troy and Lima High schools

Also during the Banquet, owner-operator S Howard Cheney of Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home, Troy Ohio accepted the Business award Dis-trict Elder Brian T Hamilton, Senior pastor of Transformed Life Church received the Citizen of the Year Award

L-R: Bro Grand Keeper of Finance, Daniel B Jones, Dalonte’ Manley, Sharetta

L Smith, Chief of Staff Lima Mayor, Bro Basileus Gary Wilson

L-R: Rob Messick, Principal

Piqua High School, Bro

Grand Keeper of Finance,

Daniel B Jones, Tayvian

Elder, Kate Schulze,

Coun-selor, Bro Basileus Gary

Wilson, Kris Lee, City

Com-mission City of Piqua

L-R: Bob Humble, Sidney City Schools Superintendent, Bro

Grand Keeper of Finance, iel B Jones, Kathern Bourelle, Counselor, Ratez Roberts, Bro

Dan-Basileus, Gary Wilson, Mike Barhorst, Mayor of Sidney

L-R: Dave Dilbon, Principal

Troy Highschool, Bro Grand

Keeper of Finance, Daniel B

Jones, Rhys Jamison

Wil-liams, Bro Basileus Gary

Wilson, Paul Delwiche,

Counselor, Thomas Kendall,

City Commissioner Troy

University of Cincinnati Computer Engineer Student Receives Spirit of Community

Award

Student recognized by CEAS for his dedication to the UC community

Written By: Diana Riggs, University Cincinnati Newspaper

On November 19, 2018 Kyle Robinson was selected by the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) for the Spirit of Community Award

Robinson and other award recipients were recognized at the all-university recognition ceremony hosted by the fice of Student Activities and Leadership Development in April

Of-Every year, each UC college honors one student who exemplifies a high standard of contribution to student life, both within their college and the greater campus community The Spirit of Community Award recognizes students who have stood out in their contributions to build a stronger community

Robinson, who received his bachelor’s degree this spring in computer engineering (with minors in mathematics and computer science), was honored for his dedicated service to CEAS, the Cincinnati community, and the communities surrounding his co-op sites

“Robinson has changed many lives through his physical work and his innovations and planning time to make any program better,” the award nomination said “Through this award, the College of Engineering and Applied Science recognizes Kyle Robinson not only for his college and university involvement but because he takes that spirit of community wherever he goes as a representative of CEAS.”

“As a leader, you need the ability to envision of the future and set sustainable goals by developing your own critical thinking skills and involving the younger generations”

Kyle Robinson, UC computer engineering graduate

A central focus of Robinson’s service involves the next generation of engineers and other young professionals

“I continually try to lead within the community by committing myself through service in the communities of nati,” Robinson says

Cincin-Since his first year at UC, he has participated in the Cincinnati STEMulate, a non-profit program designed to crease the number of engineers and applied scientists in the Cincinnati area over the next 20 years Robinson partici-pated in events for students in the community such as Engineer for a Day, STEM Fests and Math Help Nights, for which he received an National Technical Association Honors Award for Community Service

in-Additionally, Robinson is a leader through a plethora of organizations he has joined throughout his collegiate career: ADVANCE Organization, National Society of Black Engineers, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Gentleman’s Quar-terly He was able to grow in his foundation of leadership, interpersonal skills and need for challenging roles that have allowed him to continually perform above and beyond the normal scope Robinson's impact on campus has given him the special honors of being tapped into Sigma Sigma, National Society of Leadership and Success and the Collegiate 100

Furthermore, Robinson has volunteered countless hours through his membership in student organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers, ADVANCE, Gentlemen’s Quarterly, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc Tau Xi Chapter, and Sigma Sigma

The National Society of Black Engineers is a collegiate organization whose mission is to increase the number of turally responsible black engineers and to help them excel academically, succeed professionally and improve the community Throughout his time at UC, Robinson served as Regional Board Planning Committee vice chair and vice president

cul-Robinson served in various roles (including vice president, vice president of internal affairs and director of mation systems) for ADVANCE, a minority professional development organization that supports minority students

infor-at UC to enhance their career awareness and preparinfor-ation for career success

Robinson also served as director of information technology and membership chair for Gentlemen’s Quarterly, playing

a crucial role in recruitment and communication with members Gentlemen's Quarterly’s mission is to unite men of color for mutual success by promoting brotherhood, community service and mentorship

During his senior year, Robinson was tapped for Sigma Sigma Honorary, whose values include “unselfish service and loyalty to the best interest of our alma mater.”

Robinson particularly enjoys Sigma Sigma’s emphasis on local community engagement, he says

“I have enjoyed giving back to the UC community to enhance the overall experience for all UC students,” he says Not even co-op relocations could hold Robinson back from his passion for volunteering Robinson participated in four co-ops during his undergraduate studies; three within General Electric Aviation and one with Marathon Petrole-

um Company LP He sought out community service while on co-op out of state, participating in Kids Food Basket 12 Days of Giving (Grand Rapids, Mich.), Ronald McDonald House Merry Meal Makers of Western Michigan, Habitat for Humanity Home Build (Galveston, Texas), and within the Food Banks of Galveston, Texas

Robinson sees the roles of engineer and community leader in a similar light—in both, he strives to improve the world around them by making new connections

“I chose to major in computer engineering because we are living in a digital age where computer programs permeate every aspect of life,” he says “The field offers limitless opportunities—through collaborative work and individual effort—for true creativity and innovation and most importantly, making a positive difference within the world.” Robinson’s experiences in community engagement informs his work

“Good leaders must establish that they are trustworthy to the community and to fellow leaders Trust facilitates ductive discussions and desired social change,” he explains “As a leader, you need the ability to envision of the fu-ture and set sustainable goals by developing your own critical thinking skills and involving the younger generations.”

pro-Following his graduation, Robinson relocated to Grand Rapids, Mich., to take a full-time position in GE's Edison gineering Development Program, where he says he has had exceptional experiences in his new career in engineering and product design

En-Robinson may have left Ohio for now, but the Bearcats are never far from his mind, he says

“I look forward to giving back to the University of Cincinnati and continuously striving, personally and

professional-ly in efforts to make the world a better place,” Robinson says

Three Georges of Zeta Omega Chapter

Submitted By: Bro Dell Robinson and Bro Damon Scott, Esq

On a warm late summer Saturday afternoon, several brothers of Zeta Omega Chapter gather at the Chapter’s House in Cleveland, Ohio They are there to witness history in the making As brothers ar-rive, they immediately begin to greet the most senior brothers in their ranks There are three brothers who have come today to share in a conversation about their lives in general, and also about their service

to Omega

Zeta Omega Chapter is blessed to have not one, not two, but three brothers on the roll who are at least

90 years old and have at least 70 years in Omega And all three of them just so happened to be named

George Brother George Waller, 1947, Phi Sigma, Western Reserve University, is 91 years old and has

been a member of Omega Psi Phi for 71 years Brother George Purefoy, 1946, Zeta, Virginia Union versity, also is 91 years old and was initiated 72 years ago And Brother George Whitehead, 1942, Iota Psi, Ohio State University, is 96 years young after crossing those burning sands more than 76 years ago!

Uni-He is the oldest living brother in the Fourth District Collectively, they have over 219 years of service to

Omega! Affectionately, they are known as “The Three Georges of Zeta Omega.”

Brother Whitehead was born in 1922 in Columbus, Ohio His father was a church pastor who graduated from Livingstone College in North Carolina in 1904 and from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania in

1908, making Brother Whitehead the second generation in his family to earn a college education Born

in 1927 in Rankin, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh, Brother Purefoy was reared by his mother in

a single-parent household and became an athlete in high school, playing basketball Although Brother Waller was born in Selma, Alabama, also in 1927, just about the time that he was old enough to walk his family relocated to Washington, D.C where his father worked in the United States Postal Service

During their time together, they reflected on their years in the Lampados Club, in the Fraternity, and on their careers In his freshman year at Ohio State, 18 year old Brother Whitehead had two close friends, one of whose father was an Omega The three of them decided to attend the smoker for the Alphas, the Kappas, and the Omegas All three of them then made the decision they would all pledge the same fra-ternity Young George was impressed with how the Omegas conducted themselves at the smoker, as they were all dressed in suits and ties and were known to be scholars on campus Once he and his friends chose Omega, they were among 12 members of the Lampados Club in 1940, and Brother White-head was elected as President

After one year had passed, George did not have the $22 initiation fee, which he reminds brothers was a lot of money at that time! So after the line went over in 1941, he persevered and continued as the Presi-dent of the Lampados Club for a second year; by then he had saved enough money for his fee and was finally initiated into Omega through Iota Psi Chapter in 1942

In the midst of World War II, Uncle Sam came a calling and George enlisted in the United States Army Once he had served his country and was discharged at the end of the war, he returned to school One

of his many fond memories was serving as Dean of Pledges when there were 50 members of the dos Club in 1946

Lampa-Having grown up during The Depression, Brother Purefoy followed other student athletes from his hometown Rankin high school to Virginia Union He too attended smokers for all the fraternities on campus and narrowed his options down to Kappa and Omega He says the fellows he bonded with the most were Omegas, so that was his final choice When he entered the Lampados Club, there were a to-tal of seven on his line One of his line brothers was a religion major who was blind Their big brothers made no exceptions for him and also made sure that he was held to the same standards as the rest of his line brothers who were held responsible for him

Brother Purefoy recalls that his line in 1946 was the first one in Zeta Chapter after their big brothers had come back from World War II; he pauses for a moment to reflect, and simply says, with a light chuckle, that it was something to behold and he and his line brothers paid the price for it! Once he became an Omega Man, his leadership skills must have been evident to his peers, as Brother Purefoy would be elected president of the National Panhellenic Council on Virginia Union’s campus One of the pastimes

he relished the most from those days was after their chapter meeting when brothers would go out on campus and serenade the girls in their dormitories with the Omega Sweetheart Song! He also recalls one of his younger Zeta Chapter brothers would enter government service and politics and become the nation’s first elected African American governor, Brother L Douglas Wilder of Virginia Upon gradua-tion, George would eventually do graduate work at Western Reserve University

After the Waller family relocated from Selma, Alabama to Washington, D.C., the center of democracy for all the world, young George grew up and attended, much to his surprise, segregated schools Then, during his senior year in high school, his father moved the family again, this time to Cleveland, Ohio There his father worked with his brother-in-law and George’s uncle, W.O Walker, who was the owner

and publisher of the Call & Post, Cleveland’s Negro newspaper Once his family settled in Cleveland,

George decided to attend a local college, then known as Western Reserve University, prior to its merger with Case Institute of Technology, to become the current day Case Western Reserve University There

he saw the Alphas and the Kappas, but neither was really active on campus He met an Omega by the name of Cal Thomas, a founder of Phi Sigma, who would go on to become very active in the Fourth District and for whom the District would name its annual Talent Hunt competition

Brother Waller quickly took note that the Omegas’ cumulative grade point average was always number one on campus, or at least within the top three That accomplishment was impressive enough for him

to join the Lampados Club in 1945 However, he was drafted shortly thereafter and left school for the United States Army Once he had served his country, he returned to school, and the Lampados Club, the following year There would be four brothers on his line who were initiated in December 1947 Brother Waller proudly points to the Omega fraternity pin he is wearing and shares that it belonged to his uncle W.O Walker, who he helped initiate into Zeta Omega Chapter

The three stalwart brothers then began to reflect on their transition from graduating college, leaving undergraduate school behind, and relocating to Cleveland Eventually each would become active in the local graduate chapter, Zeta Omega, which also is the oldest and largest chapter in the Fourth Dis-trict Brother Purefoy was among the seven original signatories for Zeta Omega to purchase its house;

he jokes that he told the brothers who asked him to join them in signing that doing so might cause him

to be put out of his own house! Brother Whitehead also recalls contributing $500 toward the purchase

of the house His professional experience working for the State of Ohio Liquor Board would come in handy when he helped acquire the state liquor license for the house Zeta Omega was chartered in

1923, which means that Brother Whitehead, who was born in 1922, is actually one year older than the chapter! We joke about the fact that, in the Omega tradition of showing deference and respect for brothers older than you, when Brother Whitehead, 1942, needs a ride to the chapter meeting, he calls Brother Waller, 1947, to come pick him up and drive him to the meeting!

Brother Waller remembers being asked by a brother he made at Phi Sigma, who was then Zeta Omega Keeper of Records and Seal, to attend his first Zeta Omega meeting which was held at a brother’s home It was the first meeting of the year and the chapter held its election Much to his surprise, Brother Waller left that meeting having been elected chapter Keeper of Finance, a position to which he would be re-elected for an additional 20 years He would later serve as Dean of Pledges and also be elected Basileus as well He fondly recalled the 1954 Grand Conclave hosted by Zeta Omega in Cleve-land where he met Founder Dr Oscar J Cooper and his wife Brother Waller’s description of Founder Cooper was that “he just embodied all of the principles of Omega without even saying anything it was just his presence It gave brothers a lift.”

Brother Purefoy has been active in Zeta Omega since 1984 During his tenure with the chapter he too has served as Keeper of Finance, and Dean of Pledges under Basileus Frank Williams, who eventually would go on to be elected Fourth District Representative Brother Purefoy is the current co-chair of the Social Action Committee Under his continued leadership, Zeta Omega’s social action efforts include giving away up to 600 Christmas food baskets annually, having started at only 50 baskets; ongoing blood drives with the American Red Cross, where George serves as a member of the Board of Direc-tors; and work with the American Sickle Cell Anemia Association to promote awareness of the disease

in the African American community And at 91 years of age, he’s still staying busy!

All three men are able to look back on successful careers as well Brother Whitehead retired from a very successful law practice that included him becoming the first African American lawyer to special-ize in liquor law in Ohio He says that even today at 96 years old, he still reads and looks in the dic-tionary to find out what certain words mean In addition to his career with the United States Postal Service, Brother Purefoy was the first African American Assistant District Director of Contract Compli-ance with the Department of Labor in Cleveland In that role, he worked for equal employment and also with the Teamsters union to help institute the first truck driver training school at the local Cuya-hoga Community College in the 1960s and early 1970s

That program would be replicated in Toledo, Columbus, and Indianapolis to afford opportunities for African Americans to learn how to drive large vehicles in the trucking industry Brother Waller worked

as an auditor for the United States Air Force He was appointed Director of Contract Management for the Department of Defense in the Cleveland region, which managed all government contracts in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Northwest Pennsylvania, and parts of Canada He also audited contracts for TRW, Inc.; one of those contracts was for the lunar excursion module descent engine that was used in the land-ing on the moon!

As we conclude the conversation, the Three Georges of Zeta Omega reflect on lives well lived, including

their service to Omega They talk about how they came of age as young college men in the Lampados Club, where they learned to become men through the Cardinal Principals Among their goals in life, one has been to help the downtrodden in essence, to Uplift When asked what they want to see Omega accomplish in her second century, they speak about helping our communities achieve unity and togeth-erness, racial pride, self-respect, education, self-discipline, and to continue to take leadership in, and do more to stress the importance of, getting people to turn out to vote because we have seen what hap-pens when we do not vote! And lastly, these three revered men of Omega say that we in the fraternity

must continue the fraternity; a lot of organizations come and go, but Omega has been here a long time

it is up to the younger brothers of today to keep Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc moving in the right tion