In addition to being the day that Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated was founded,
November 17 of this year also marked the date of the annual Achievement Week
Banquet sponsored by the DC area chapters.
At the banquet, Omegas, families, and friends
gathered to recognize the individual achievements of brothers over the course
of the year. Representatives from Alpha Chapter, Alpha Omega, Kappa Psi and
Omicron Gamma were in attendance to honor the awardees from their respective
chapters. For Kappa Psi, Bro. WJ Williams was awarded the plaque for Superior
Service for his unending and untiring work for Omega and Kappa Psi. Bro.
Anthony Burley was awarded the plaque for Citizen of the Year for his work
founding the inspirational Kappa Psi Urban Debate Tournament at the University
of the District of Columbia.
Last, Edward Muhammad was voted Omega Man of the Year for Kappa Psi for his
leadership and accomplishments over the past year. After recipients were given
their awards and made remarks, all in attendance sat down to enjoy the
delicious meal that was prepared for the occasion.
This year’s Achievement Week
Banquet was indeed an afternoon of honor and achievement and there is
absolutely no better way to spend Founder’s Day than with frat, friends, and
those who work hard to up hold the legacy of Omega Psi Phi.
Later that evening, "Omega called her sons to
light." Over 150 men of Omega gathered on the campus of Howard University
to celebrate and pay tribute to the founders of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,
Incorporated.
All brothers joined together rededicating themselves to the
cardinal principles of our beloved organization. Brother Harold James
Cook (4-66-A) served as the keynote speaker for the evening's festivities
highlighting Omega's presence and influence throughout the world. In
addition to area basili representing Alpha, Alpha Omega, Kappa Psi, and Omicron
Gamma Chapters, past and present third district officers participated in the
program highlighting the positive works of district chapters.
Holding a candle to signify the founders’ ever-illuminating
presence, the area basili represented the founders and concluded the
evening by leading all brothers in attendance with the singing of the hymn at
the founders’ monument.
"Everywhere in my travels
around the world and since the founding of this fraternity, Omega men have
taken the role of leadership on a national and international scale...[W]e must
thoroughly understand that the cardinal principles upon which the founders
built Omega, namely Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift, must stand
forever as a burning light guiding the destiny of all Omega men in the service
of God and mankind”.
- Oracle, Summer 1971
