Putting the Exclamation Point on 50 Fantastic Years!
Fifty years. Half a century. Two generations. However you choose to measure it, Gamma Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc has been around five decades. Brothers who were there at the beginning remember 8-track stereo players, dashikis, Apple caps, vinyl 45- and 33-speed records and wide-leg bellbottom pants. And don't forget the "Deuce-and-a-quarters" and Cadillac Eldorados that cruised the streets with fur-coated steering wheels, clip-on TV antennas and "diamond in the back" windows.
When this chapter was birthed into existence in Prince George's County, Md., it was also a time of turmoil in America's inner cities caused by racial strife due to inequality. Through it all over the past five decades, Gamma Pi has truly made its home in Prince George's County and the county has truly made a home for Gamma Pi, known by its deserved moniker, The Super Chapter.
These and many more specific and vivid memories of Gamma Pi helping to better the lives of families, children and seniors throughout the years in the county was celebrated recently as the chapter closed out its 50th year with a communitywide gala Saturday night, November 11, at 7 p.m. at The College Park Marriot.
Patrons enjoying the gala festivities
Celebration Really Began In March
Gamma Pi's birthdate is March 5, 1973. It was chartered by 21 courageous Omega men who had the nerve and the vision to form the chapter. Last March, the chapter kicked off the 50th celebration with a weekend of initial activities saluting the Charter Members. The weekend in March was highlighted by a Sunday brunch honoring the Charter Members.
This weekend's event puts the capper on what has been a strong year for the Super Chapter. Gamma Pi used the 50th gala to recognize its two leading Achievement Week award recipients within the Fraternity and the local community in conjunction with Founders Day.
Journalist Tracee Wilkins
Local Journalists Honored
Brother Rev. Laurence Hawkins, Gamma Pi's outgoing Chaplain, was named Omega Man of the Year.
Local TV personality and investigative reporter Tracee Wilkins received the coveted Citizen of the Year award. Members of the Fraternity vote on all of the awards
Each year, Gamma Pi selects a local citizen who has contributed greatly to the betterment of the county through their work. As an investigative journalist for WRC Channel 4 in Washington, D.C., Wilkins, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has presented hard-hitting stories about citizen issues with the local police department, challenges in local schools and youth crime and violence. Bro. Rev. Hawkins gained support from the chapter for his daily early morning spiritual lessons.
Gamma Pi also recognized two stalwarts who are responsible for Gamma Pi being the only chapter in Omega Psi Phi with a regularly scheduled over-the-air broadcast television show, "Community UPLIFT," which is broadcast over local cable systems through PGCTV. Those two persons were David Barnes, who manages the studio at PGCTV, and Denise Roberts, who has served as the show's host since the beginning in 2016.
Luminaries in the House
Bro. Dr. David Marion
A formally dressed crowd of about 600 packed the sold-out ballroom. Immediate Past Basileus Bro. Dr. David Marion led the celebration as keynote speaker for the evening. He used the occasion to challenge Omega men to continue with our social justice agenda and engage in activism which he reminded the audience was just as important now as it was during the Civil Rights struggles, having been started with the founding of the Fraternity.
An array of elected leaders -- including Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Rep. Glenn Ivey and several members of the county council -- were among the crowd. This included state lawmakers Bro. Nick Charles and JoAnne Bensen. In addition to Bro. Dr. Marion, Grand Keeper of Records & Seal Bro. Sherman L. Charles was another international officer who in attendance. Second District 1st Vice District Representative Bro. Amir Shareef, a member of the chapter, was also present. Immediate Past Basileus Bro. Richard Allison II served as emcee for the evening. Just a few weeks ago, Bro. Allison, after two terms, handed the leadership gavel off to new Basileus Bro. Eric Fields, who also addressed the crowd.
At the Brothers Only Dinner
The night before, Friday, the Brothers of Gamma Pi gathered for their annual Busby-Walker Brothers Only Dinner also at the College Park Marriott. More than 120 Brothers showed up for the members-only occasion. Bro. Clemmie Solomon, one of the Charter Members, served as the keynote speaker and reminded Omega men of the lifelong commitment we all have.
Another Omega Mission Accomplished
"We completed the task. This event could not have happened without each of our Brothers supporting and "Seeing it Through." It was a great job," said Bro. Maurice Calhoun, who chaired the year-long planning committee.
Other Achievement Week Award Winners
Student Athlete of the Year: Christian Blackwell (Bro. Charles Flowers High School)
Essay Contest Winner: Claudia Queen (Acellus Academy)
Religious Leader of the Year: Bro. Glenn Grayer
Educator of the Year: Bro. Wilbur Lucas, Ph. D (Livingstone College)
Superior Service Award: Bro. Darryl Perry
Brigadier General Charles Young Military Award: Bro. Aaron Ajani
Founders Lifetime Achievement Award: Bro. Teddy Taylor
Project ENRICH Chairman Emeritus: Bro. Roland Byrd
Click here to watch the WRC Channel 4 report on reporter Tracee Wilkins' Citizen of the Year award
Photos by Bro. George DuBose
