3rd District Representative Que Notes

Greetings Good Brothers of the Third District,

I am extremely blessed that the Supreme Basileus of the Universe has allowed me to serve as your District Representative of this great Fraternity! Being “the birthplace of Omega”, our District has produced many stalwart men who have had a positive impact upon me and our Fraternity. I am humbled and honored to be able to carry on that legacy.

As I transition in this position, my prayers are for the Brothers to continue to build upon this wonderful tradition set before them. The embracing of new technologies to make us more effective & efficient will be the key to our continuing growth and success. The desire to be more familiar with protocol, ritual and history will diminish a lot of heretical challenges that engulf our Fraternity. Then ultimately, if we can continue to “Live Our Creed”, we will be that proverbial “shining star” and lead from the front!

Brothers, thank you for entrusting me to serve as your leader. I want to again, express my sincere gratitude for your support and friendship. I am truly proud to have stood in a place where such Greatness arose from!

Yours in Omega,
Kevin Brown
29^thThird District Representative

DR’s Labor Day 2019 Message

Greetings Brothers of the Mighty Third District,

I would like to take this time to honor the achievements of our Brothers in the workforce this Labor Day. Labor Day is not one of the traditionally festive holidays celebrated in the U.S. However, it is one of the most anticipated because it means having a long holiday weekend of barbecue and pool parties with family and friends.

Though Labor Day was officially declared a national holiday on June 28, 1894, celebrations of the holiday began more than a decade before. It’s a day to honor the deep commitment each of us has to serve the children we teach, the families we heal and the communities we love. It’s a day to reflect on the values we hold dear that every Brother should have access to a good job that can support a family, with access to affordable healthcare; that every child should be able to attend a high-quality public school in their neighborhood; that college should not be a luxury for the few but should be affordable for all; and that we should be able to retire with dignity after a lifetime of hard work, without worrying that we’ll be a burden to our loved ones.

We, the working people built this country. We did it together, brick by brick, school by school, town by town. Through these collective efforts, we built the middle class, each generation did a little better than the one before, we advanced the ideals of equality and justice, and we expanded opportunity for all. Dr. King stated that, “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence”.

The work you do builds on this foundation...your work has value. It should be respected and honored, not just on Labor Day but every day. Each Brother contributes to the collective success of our organization. Although it may seem strange to celebrate the value of labor by taking time off from work, these leisurely pursuits have long been regarded as fitting for a holiday meant to honor the “contributions workers have made to the strength of prosperity, and the well-being of our country."

Our families have history of fighting for worker’s rights, so I understand it’s your labor that has built this country and that continues to make it great. Our ancestors journeyed far for the economic opportunity. On this Labor Day weekend, I want you to know that you are in my family’s thoughts and prayers. We are thankful and appreciate all that you do. Thanks for your work, dedication and commitment to the communities you serve.

In Friendship,
Kevin Brown
29th Third District Representative

DR’s Fourth of July 2019 Message

On this day, we celebrate the birth of our nation by spending time with Good Brothers, Friends, & Family at cookouts, going to parades, and watching fireworks. It’s also important to reflect on the significance of this day, when we declared Independence and stood up for the dignity and Freedom of Man. This is a day for us to relax, but it’s also a day to reflect on those brave Americans that helped shape our nation…it’s a day for us to reflect on how we can best uphold the same ideals of life, liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness that drove our founding fathers to sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.Greetings Brothers of the Third District,

On July 5, 1852, the great orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass delivered an electrifying speech where he posed what was possibly the most significant question of his time; “What to the slave is the Fourth of July?” He received a thunderous round of applause. I posed a similar question, “Why do Black people celebrate Independence Day anyway?” The issue of whether African Americans should celebrate the Fourth of July is one of those eternal questions that is often asked this time of year but never receives a valid answer. Why do Black folks feel obligated to dress up in red, white and blue top hats and sing the Star-Spangled Banner to commemorate a day when our ancestors were picking tobacco in the hot Carolina sun? This may come as a shock for some, but Black folks weren’t free in 1776. Matter of fact, it wasn’t until four score and five years later that Abe Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation. Just a thought I wanted to share.

As much as we each enjoy the traditions, Independence Day is, most of all, an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of our citizenship. The Declaration of Independence makes it clear. To be American, is about much more than the place we call home. To be an Omega Man, it’s a deeply felt commitment to higher principles: liberty, equality, opportunity, and self-governance. I am honored and humbled to serve with you all. Your service allows us to uphold the values we cherish to ensure all Americans enjoy the freedoms our founding fathers envisioned.

The District Council wishes you all a happy and safe Fourth of July. Enjoy your celebrations and be safe, but also remember the reason we celebrate. Let us remind ourselves that we must cherish and protect our freedom. And let us thank and remember those who have sacrificed to defend our liberty and our rights as human beings—our veterans and service members. That essence has permeated our land and inspired generations of Americans to explore, discover, and redefine the outer reaches of our infinite potential. It has become the foundation of the Omega Dream.

In Friendship,
Kevin Brown
29th Third District Representative

DR’s Memorial Day 2019 Message

Greetings my Brothers,

On this Memorial Day, we are reminded of what veterans have given to this country. When I think of Memorial Day, I think of the countless men and women who have paid the ultimate price in order to ensure our freedom, and to grant it to others. I think about the men and women who have yet to return home: our prisoner of wars, our missing in action, and those killed in action whose bodies have yet to be returned.

“We owe them all our deepest gratitude.”

Let’s take this moment to show our appreciation and “REMEMBER.” May God bless our Fraternity, the Third District, and our Veterans.

In Friendship,
Brother Kevin Brown
29th Third District Representative

DR’s Easter 2019 Message

Greetings my Brothers,

Easter is a time for hope, renewal of spirit, rekindling of faith and rejoicing in the triumph of the Lord. It is also the time to reach out to our loved ones and come together in prayer and celebrations and glorying in the miracle of Easter.

During this Easter Break, I encourage you to take time to rest, visit with friends and family and rejoice in the glory of the Lord’s Resurrection.

We should be reminded that “Jesus, Love incarnate, died on the cross for our sins, but God, Our Father, raised him and made him the Lord of life and death. In Jesus, love has triumphed over hatred, mercy over sinfulness, goodness over evil, truth over falsehood, life over death.”

I pray for all of us, that, with the grace of this Lenten journey, to the renewing of our Baptismal promises and the rising with Christ on Easter Sunday, we may be strengthened in our souls and so be able to bear our burdens and those of one another with the spirit of a missionary disciple of The Risen Lord Jesus.

The Third District Executive Council sends Easter blessings and peace come to you and your loved ones.

In Friendship,
Brother Kevin Brown
29th Third District Representative

DR’s MLK Jr. Day 2019 Message

Greetings Brothers of the Third District,

Congress named MLK Jr. Day as a national day of service, and since then Americans have often celebrated the day through acts of service, dubbing the holiday “A Day On, Not a Day Off.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired a nation to revolt against discrimination, injustice, poverty and war. He believed that the most pressing challenges we face could be resolved through peaceful non-violent action. Dr. King also encouraged this country and the world to be relentless in defense of marginalized communities of our society. Believing that acts of service were the great equalizer, the good Doctor stated, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”

We are committed to honoring Dr. King’s legacy. That means recognizing the human dignity in all the people we serve. It means protecting the right to vote for all our communities. It means ensuring that those who serve are judged not based on who they are or where they come from, but rather what they have to offer to help defend this country. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” On MLK Jr. Day, Dr. King’s dream of a nation of freedom and justice for all becomes every American’s dream as people throughout the country come together to answer his question.

I am asking the Brotherhood to join the nation in remembering and celebrating the great American leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and recommit ourselves to realizing his dream of equality and justice for all. Please join us on Monday, January 21st at Legislative Lobby Day at the Pocohantas, 3th Floor, Room 300, 900 East Main Street Richmond, VA 23219 at 8:00 a.m. Please RSVP at https://3rddistrictques.org/news/

Thank you for your service to your Chapter, to the Third District, and to our Fraternity. God bless you all as we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

In Friendship,
Kevin Brown
29th Third District Representative

DR’s Christmas Day 2018 Message

Greetings and Merry Christmas my Brothers of the Third District,

It’s the time of year where many of us are spending time with family and friends over the Holidays and reflecting on life and looking ahead to the New Year. As I reflect over the past year of the District, I cannot help but feel very blessed. Blessed by the opportunity to serve as your District Representative and be able to reach out to the Brotherhood for support and cooperation. I continue to learn from the Former District Representatives about the business of Omega and the values that we uphold. I appreciate their mentorship and how it plays a vital part of our team dynamic. I am thankful and grateful for your support and friendship.

Our Fraternity values of honesty, integrity, teamwork, community involvement, empathy, personal growth, responsiveness, quality, accountability and communication is what makes us who we are, and I so proud to be surrounded by so many good Brothers and Friends that make us who we are. It is because of all of you, who help to keep the Third District the front runner of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and is the reason I will never take that for granted. We have a culture that continually tries to improve our Fraternity for the betterment of all our communities.

The knowledge and experience combined with our values and commitment of the Executive Council, Committee Chairs, and Chapter Leadership is truly what we believe is what allows us to serve exceptionally well and continue to grow and prosper.

Additionally, I am also thankful for the support of our families and friends throughout the year. I hope you all enjoy the spending this special time with your love ones over the holiday season. Please know that I deeply appreciate your dedicated service to our Fraternity and uplifting our communities. Long-live the Third District and long-live The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Thank you all once again and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

In Friendship,
Kevin Brown
29th Third District Representative

DR’s Thanksgiving Day 2018 Message

Greetings Brothers of the Mighty Third District,

As we prepare for Thanksgiving and the holidays that follow, we should pause and reflect on the many blessings that we enjoy with our loved ones, our freedoms as Americans, and the privilege of serving our great Fraternity.

A celebration rooted in history, this American holiday began with a proclamation from George Washington in 1789. Thanksgiving recalls the humble gratitude of our ancestors for the freedom and abundance of a new world at a time when their very survival was anything but certain. We give our thanks for their courage and perseverance in building the strongest and most generous democracy the world has ever seen.

So, at a time when we traditionally give thanks, allow me to thank you all for your hard work in helping to keep our District functioning effectively and efficiently. I, for one, am thankful for our District Leadership. The Executive Council, for assisting me in maintaining good standards, order and discipline. The Former District Representatives for always providing me with excellent mentorship and guidance. The District Committee Chairmen, for making sure all our programs run smoothly. The Basili for guiding their perspective Chapters to success.

Additionally, I am also thankful for the support of our families and friends throughout the year. I hope you all enjoy the spending special time with your love ones over the holiday season. Please know that I deeply appreciate your dedicated service to our Fraternity and uplifting our communities. Long-live the Third District and long-live The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving and holiday season.

In Friendship,
Brother Kevin Brown
29th Third District Representative

DR’s Veterans Day 2018 Message

Greetings Brothers of the Mighty Third District,

On this Veterans Day let us remember the honor, the pride and the freedom that our veterans brought to our country by paying respect and homage to their great sacrifices. Lets honor them by sending well wishes and messages that will show them how grateful and honored we are for having them in our lives and in our communities.

Let us also take a moment to recognize and honor the Brotherhood who have unselfishly answered the call to serve in our nation's military. In the most violent of times, our Brothers took an oath to protect and defend this country and to proudly wear the uniform. Our nation, founded on a promise of liberty, has been built upon a proud heritage of military service. From the beaches of Normandy, to the deserts of the Middle East, when our nation's security was under assault, it was our Brothers that answered the call to defend our great nation. These sacrifices, too often paid in blood, sweat and tears, must not be forgotten.

On this day, let us commit to never forget the service and sacrifice made by those who have served and continue to serve, to ensure our nation remains free. To all my fellow Veterans, I salute you for giving up everything, so that we can have everything. To the entire Brotherhood who served and are still serving, I thank you. You are among the best of the best that our nation has to offer.

God bless you, your families and God bless the United States of America. Happy Veterans Day.

In Friendship,
Brother Kevin Brown
29th Third District Representative
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

DR’s Voter Registration 2018 Message

9/23/2018

Greetings Brothers of the Mighty Third District,

I pray that this message finds you well. As we approach the fall elections, I am asking each of you to pro-actively to participate in this year’s Mid-Term Election. I know that each of you understands the importance of voting and exercising your civic right to participate in each election. Our Founders and the early builders of our grand Fraternity also recognized this valuable civic catalyst for change and community development and improvement and consequently made it one of our mandated programs. Not voting can result in candidates being elected who do not represent the interests of our communities. Therefore, I am asking each Chapter to do the following in our service area:

1). Between now and Saturday, October 15, 2018, I am requesting EVERY CHAPTER to utilize social media and other methods to promote and conduct one final Voter Registration Drive. This Voter Registration Drive can be held singly or in partnership with a church, another Greek-Letter organization, a non-partisan organization such as the NAACP, the League of Women Voters, The Poor People’s Campaign, Voto Latino, or Rock The Vote, etc. The only stipulation is that the partnering organization must be non-partisan.

2). Election Day is Tuesday, November 6, 2018. If Brothers are able to work as volunteers at the polls, I encourage you to do so. As an example, the Brothers of Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter have given out water and snacks to voters standing in long lines as people waited to vote.

3). On Election Day, Chapters should try to partner with churches and other organizations to provide transportation to the polls. No Chapter should be liable for providing these services, but if your Chapter is available to assist with drivers to these organizations, please do so. Also, LYFT is providing free and discounted rides to the polls. DO NOT take on this responsibility. There is no need to put your Chapter and the Fraternity at risk, and finally

4). VOTE! If possible, VOTE EARLY, and take someone with you!Fraternally,
Brother Kevin Brown
District Representative

CALL TO ACTION: 2018 Hurricane Florence

9/13/2018

Greetings Brothers of the Third District,

The President of The United States has declared a “State of Emergency” in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia as Hurricane Florence approaches. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Prediction Center forecasts as much as 20 inches of rain, if not more, for parts of North Carolina. Rain could reach as much as 10 inches elsewhere in North Carolina, Virginia, parts of Maryland and Washington, D.C. When the hurricane approaches, the height of the waves from the ocean are expected to be at least 13 feet tall in Virginia Beach and spill onto the land, repeatedly and will flood everything! This is no joke!

Florence, will be one of the strongest storms on the Eastern Seaboard in decades, is a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 115 mph. It is predicted to deliver tropical-stormforce winds by noon Thursday to North Carolina's coast, and hurricane-force winds and dangerous storm surges by late Thursday or early Friday. Tornadoes are possible Thursday in eastern North Carolina.

Be advised, even though the National Hurricane Center warned everyone that wind speeds in Florence have dropped, wind fields are still expanding, and Florence has more total energy, which will "create a significant storm surge event." Florence could bring life-threatening storm surges, up to 13 feet! Virginia is still slated to receive damaging winds and significant coastal flooding!

WE NEED EVERY BROTHER IN THE THIRD DISTRICT TO PAUSE AND CONSIDER...PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY!

In Friendship,
Brother Kevin Brown
District Representative

DR’s Labor Day 2018 Message

Greetings Brothers of the Mighty Third District,

I would like to take this time to honor the achievements of our Brothers in the workforce this Labor Day. Labor Day is not one of the traditionally festive holidays celebrated in the United States. However, it is one of the most anticipated because it means having a long holiday weekend of barbecue and pool parties with family and friends.

The work you do builds on this foundation. Your work has value. It should be respected and honored, not just on Labor Day but every day. Each Brother contributes to the collective success of our organization. Although it may seem strange to celebrate the value of labor by taking time off from work, these leisurely pursuits have long been regarded as fitting for a holiday meant to honor the “contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

Thank you, Third District, for your work, your dedication and your commitment to the community and people you serve.

In Friendship,
Brother Kevin Brown
District Representative

DR’s Fourth of July 2018 Message

Greetings Brothers of the Third District,

On this day, we celebrate the birth of our nation by spending time with Good Brothers, Friends, & Family at cookouts, going to parades, and watching fireworks. It’s also important to reflect on the significance of this day, when we declared Independence and stood up for the dignity and Freedom of Man. This is a day for us to relax, but it’s also a day to reflect on those brave Americans that helped shape our nation…it’s a day for us to reflect on how we can best uphold the same ideals of life, liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness that drove our founding fathers to sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.

On the Fourth of July, we are grateful for the blessings that freedom represents and for the opportunities it affords. We are thankful for the love of our family and friends and for our rights to think, speak, and worship freely. We are also humbled in remembering the many courageous men and women who have served and sacrificed throughout our history to preserve, protect, and expand these liberties.

On behalf of the District Council, I wish you all a happy and safe Fourth of July. Enjoy your celebrations, but also remember the reason we celebrate. Let us remind ourselves that we must cherish and protect our freedom. Also, let us thank and remember those who have sacrificed to defend our liberty and our rights as human beings—our veterans and service members! That essence has permeated our land and inspired generations of Americans to explore, discover, and redefine the outer reaches of our infinite potential. It has become the foundation of the Omega Dream!

In Friendship,
Brother Kevin Brown
District Representative

DR’s Father's Day 2018 Message

Greetings Brothers of the Third District,

In remembering the words of Langston Hughes, life is definitely not a crystal stair for Black Men in this country. However, the recent months (and years) have made it keenly aware of the numbers of Black Fathers who have been taken from their families far too soon. Whether by gun violence, police brutality or the carceral state, there are far too many families growing up without a father present in their lives.

There are clearly institutional and structural forces in this country that are removing Black men from their homes and communities. How can we curb this tide and build holistic communities? I don’t have the answers, but I do know there are groups across the country working to strengthen Black male relationships, confidence and mental health. For those interested in learning and doing more, the work of Brother Fairchild and the Fatherhood Initiative are helping to change this statistic. So, as we move forward into the latter half of 2018, I hope we can commit ourselves to learning and doing more to support Black men and youth in this country.

So, to all the Dads out there, it is my genuine hope that you know you are loved and appreciated by so many people, even if you only have an old tie as proof.

On behalf of the Third District Executive Council, I wish you all a Happy Father's Day...

In Friendship,
Brother Kevin Brown
District Representative

DR’s Memorial Day 2018 Message

Good Brothers of the Third District,

Since 1900, more than 35 million men and women have served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Iraq, and unnamed military engagements. More than half a million of them gave their lives in the cause of freedom, some in battle, some in captivity (to include many of our Brothers), have paid the ultimate sacrifice to secure the blessings of liberty for our Nation and our allies around the world.

On this Memorial Day, let us pause to remember those who gave the last full measure of devotion for our Nation! Let us remember the special nobility and grace of those who donned the uniforms of our country and sacrificed their lives during times of conflict. Let us remember as we renew our commitment to honor those we have lost, every day, dedicated men and women put their lives on the line to protect all of us!

“We owe them all our deepest gratitude.”

Let’s take this moment to show our appreciation, may God bless our Fraternity, the Third District, and our Veterans!

In Friendship,
Brother Kevin Brown
District Representative

DR’s Mother's Day 2018 Message

Greetings Brothers of the Third District,

Why do we have such a special day as Mother’s Day? The actual observance of this day grew from a modest beginning in 1872 as a day dedicated to peace. On May 9. 1914 then President Woodrow Wilson signed a resolution of Congress commending its observance. The next year the President was authorized to declare Mother’s Day as a day of national observance, and it has been a national custom to this day.

But the honoring of motherhood is not of man, but of God. We honor mothers, not because of a Congressional resolution, but because of a divine teaching. We honor mothers, not just one day of the year, but throughout the year. In ancient times, as today, motherhood was considered a great and special blessing. God commanded through Moses, “Honor thy father and thy mother....” (Exodus 20:12). The same teaching is in the new covenant in Ephesians 6:2.

What does it mean to honor your mother? It may include paying her a visit, giving her a gift, sending her a card, making a telephone call to her, writing her a letter, even wearing a special flower on that day to commemorate whether she is living or dead. All these things are nice. But there are much, much more things of deeper significance. To honor means to regard and treat with great respect and esteem. The very definition includes both the heart and the manifestation of the attitude in the heart. It is a disposition toward mother that demonstrates itself in deeds.

It is still true that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Mothers have such tremendous burdens and responsibilities. They exert such care and concern, and often without the resources she really needs. Their hearts surely are the biggest in the world. On behalf of the District Council, we send Mother’s Day blessings to the Mothers in your lives!

In Friendship,
Brother Kevin Brown
District Representative

DR’s Valentine's Day 2018 Message

Greetings my Brothers,

Valentine’s Day is a great way to acknowledge to the significant ones for all their support! I think of Valentine’s Day not as just another romantic occasion or an opportunity for build bridges, but a time to celebrate and strengthen personal and business relationships. This often overlooked occasion, can create happier and more loyal friendships!

By showing your appreciation with a Valentine’s Day card, flowers, and/or dinner, you will keep your wife, girlfriend, or partner in good spirits (as well as, out of the dog house!). We hope you celebrate it by uplifting the people that uplift you!

The District Executive Council send all of the Brotherhood warm wishes for a Happy Valentine’s Day. Thanks again for all that you are doing to uplift your communities, the Third District and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.. Best wishes to you and yours!

In Friendship,
Brother Kevin Brown
District Representative

DR’s Thanksgiving Day 2017 Message

Greeting my Brothers of the Third District,

Thanksgiving Day is a day for family reunions and thanking God for his infinite blessings and bountiful harvest. Marked on the fourth Thursday in the month of November every year, Thanksgiving Day is a significant festival of the United States of America, considered to be amongst the top six annual holidays of the country. Luxurious traditional meals, colorful parades, holidaying, exciting sport games, and partying are the most common customs observed on this auspicious festival. The entire country can be witnessed as a grand carnival time as this three-day occasion draws closer. Families and friends do not miss a chance to greet their loved ones the very best wishes of this day. In my case, I have much for which to be thankful. I'd like to start by thanking you, the Brothers of the Third District!

So, at a time when we traditionally give thanks, allow me to thank you all for your hard work in helping to keep our District functioning effectively and efficiently. I, for one, am thankful for our District Leadership. The Executive Council, for helping me lead and maintain good standards, order and discipline. The Former District Representatives for always providing me with excellent mentorship and guidance. The District Committee Chairmen, for making sure all the programs run smoothly. The Basili for guiding their perspective Chapters to success.

On behalf of the Executive Council, please have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving Holiday!

In Friendship,
Brother Kevin Brown
District Representative

DR’s Veterans Day 2017 Message

Good Brothers of the Third District,

On this Veterans, Day let us remember honor, pride, and freedom our veterans brought to our country by paying respect and homage to their great sacrifices and also by sending wishes and messages that will show them how grateful and honored we are for having them in our lives and in our communities!

Putting on a uniform and leaving your family behind to serve your country creates a lifelong bond among veterans, same with our Brothers. Veterans fight for their fellow vets and measure commitment in actions, not just words. Being a veteran myself, I am also particularly mindful of the meaning of Veterans Day. We should never forget the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families. But we should especially remember them today. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.

Let’s celebrate them by telling their stories. Let’s help those who need it, while supporting their strength and resilience. And let’s honor our veterans by creating new opportunities for them to contribute after their service, so they can continue making a difference in the world.

Veterans, I salute you for giving up everything, so that I can have everything. To the entire Brotherhood who served and are still serving – thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for our country. You’re among the best our nation has to offer. God bless you and your families, and happy Veterans Day.

Yours in Omega,
Bro. Kevin Brown
District Representative

DR’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund Message

Greetings my Brothers of the Third District,

It’s been stated, that Hurricane Harvey will be “the worst flooding in the country’s worst natural disaster” since Hurricane Sandy!!!

Texas officials said that at least nine people, so far, had died statewide as a result of the storm, as floodwaters continued to turn streets into waterways and gush into buildings Monday, a full two days after Harvey made landfall. Authorities expect the death toll to rise as rescue efforts go on and as more rain, rising rivers and surging floodwaters pummel the Gulf Coast.

Brothers, I know we are going thru our own “trials & tribulations” but, if you can find it in you heart to spare a few dollars for our Brothers that would assist to their recovery!

On behalf of the Brothers impacted by Hurricane Harvey in Houston and surrounding areas, Omega Charities has established a Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. I HUMBLY ASK THAT EVERY BROTHER IN THE THIRD DISTRICT please contribute at least $19.11. Please donation using the link below! This will only take a few seconds of your time! Contributions to this fund will be accepted from individuals, chapters and foundations via online at http://omegacharities.org/donate/; In addition, please submit your tax deductible check contributions payable to Omega Charities, Inc., and mail to:

Omega Charities, Inc.
3951 Snapfinger Parkway, Suite 202
Decatur, GA 30035

Please note “Harvey Relief Fund” in the memo section of your check. You will receive a receipt for your contribution and thank you for helping Omega Charities to help others.

In Friendship,
Brother Kevin Brown
Third District Representative

DR’s Charlottesville, VA 2017 Message

8/16/2017

Good Day Good Brothers of the Third District,

The extremist activities that occurred in our Beloved District, in Charlottesville, in this DAY, and this TIME, is TERRORISM, plain and simple. If Men of color were the aggressors, it would be decrying an act of terror! Instead we hear from many of them the same EXCUSES we have heard after too many recent domestic terrorism episodes. We mourn those killed and their families and pray for those injured in this dreadful, hatred events.

With our nation leadership’s reaction in the wake of this terrorist CRIME, it is clear we cannot count them for action. Many of us were concerned that nation leadership’s unwillingness to denounce and distance themselves from white nationalists would be taken as tacit support by those ready to use violence to advance their racist, white-nationalistic ideology. We must continue to stand up against any and all ideologically-motivated violence. As we saw in Charlottesville, failure to do so put American lives at risk!

I call on my Brothers to continue to condemn unequivocally the racism and hate being allowed to fester and even flourish in this country! I ask that you ALL be safe and govern yourselves accordingly.

I remind you of our mission, our call, OUR GOAL!

In Friendship,
Bro. Kevin Brown
District Representative

DR’s 4th of July 2017 Message

8/16/2017

Good Day Good Brothers of the 3rd District,

Like many of you, I hope to spend part of this weekend celebrating our Nation’s birthday with Family and Friends. The Fourth of July just doesn’t seem complete without picnics, parades, fireworks, and Good Brothers to share it with!

As much as we each enjoy this American tradition, allow me to reflect on a little of our history. On June 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, marking the colonists’ independence from Great Britain. But some 75 years later, some black Americans weren’t ready to celebrate.Abolitionist movement leader, Frederick Douglass, gave a scathing speech the day after Independence Day in 1852, saying: “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn. What to the American slave, is your 4th of July”

On July 4th, while many of us are celebrating our day off, doing things such as watching fireworks, attending parades, and barbecuing, I would encourage us to look at our community in historical context. We’ve come a long way with unarguably a great distance left to march. A march that might be made a bit less taxing if we remember that the Declaration of Independence is not just a historical document but it is a living document that is as relevant to our freedom today as it was when it was initially written.

The Founding Fathers may not have originally intended The Declaration of Independence to apply to our ancestors, but today the Declaration applies to us. Legally we are no longer the Three-Fifths Compromised Americans. We are not Africans callously exiled and brutally shipped to America. We are no longer the black gold miners who lined the pockets of America’s plantation owners.As Americans we have the right to hold America accountable for her promises. Likewise, as Americans, we are endowed with the responsibility to do our part to make the “Declaration” a manifest truth in our community.

I wish you all a happy and safe Fourth of July. Enjoy your celebrations, but also remember the reason we celebrate! Be safe, my Friends!

In Friendship,
Bro. Kevin Brown
District Representative

DR’s Father's Day 2017 Message

8/16/2017

Good Day Good Brothers of the 3rd District,

This Sunday, we will celebrate Father’s Day! I only ask one thing, That you continue to be a strong figurehead in these children’s lives!

It’s important to not confuse our children’s ability to survive in your absence with their need to thrive in your presence. You must reject the commonly accepted notion that while motherhood is necessary, fatherhood is optional, superfluous; a luxury reserved only for a fortunate few children. My task to my Brothers is to continue to “Show UP and Show Owt!”

After all, time is rare and the demands on your agenda and attention can seem never-ending. You can’t make it to your son’s soccer game because you have to take that business trip to Texas to close the deal or your daughter has a recital—wait—that was last week!?! When all is said and done, neither you nor your children will remember that big business deal you closed. What they will remember is whether or not you showed love and appreciation for them, and made the sacrifices to be involved in their lives, both for special occasions and on a day-to-day basis. It’s about you being present. Love is showing up.

In June of 2009, President Barack Obama held a Fatherhood Town Hall meeting in the White House to address his Administration’s concerns and commitment towards the crisis on fatherhood and mentoring responsibilities plaguing the country. Omega Man, Thabiti Boone, as a result of being a part of that town hall meeting, brought the idea of to the fraternity to support and partner with the President’s administration concerning the fatherhood and mentoring initiatives. Ultimately, this became an initiative Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated charged each of its chapters to enact on a local level. We must not forget our commitment and stay determined that this mission would be to strengthen the effectiveness of fathers in the fraternity and community by providing enrichment programs and opportunities that increase the quality and quantity of time invested in our roles as fathers, mentors and facilitators.

I remind you of our mission, our call, OUR GOAL!

In Friendship,
Bro. Kevin Brown
District Representative

CALL TO ACTION: 2017 Leadership Conference

8/16/2017

Good Day Good Brothers of the 3rd District,

We are less than 60 days away from the 2017 Leadership Conference which we be held in Cincinnati, OH. The local chapters, Beta Iota and Tau Xi are working together diligently to ensure this event is a success. Currently, we have 573 paid registrants for the Conference, but the goal is to reach 810! We are asking all the Brothers in your Chapters to register for this conference.

The registration rate was scheduled to increase to $360 on May 26, 2017, but to encourage more participation we postponed that increase and the rate remains at $330.

The Hyatt Regency Cincinnati is the host hotel and the overflow hotel is the Millennium Hotel Cincinnati (which is located directly across from the Hyatt Regency).

This year’s seminar promises to be one you won’t want to miss. This powerful agenda is packed with fraternal and professional training to develop your leadership skills, and enhance your ability to effectively contribute to your community. We know you will be thoroughly enthused about the training opportunities during this Leadership Conference.

I humbly request everyone truly consider registering for the conference by logging onto the Fraternity’s official website, www.oppf.org and click on the 2017 Leadership Conference banner.

Download: 2017 Leadership Conference Call to Action

In Friendship,
Bro. Kevin Brown
District Representative

DR’s Memorial Day 2017 Message

8/16/2017

As we gather today at barbecues, parks, and beaches, I would ask that we all take a moment to remember why it is that we have this day. Let us not do so somberly, but PROUDLY…let us honor all our Veterans, dead and living. What this day and all the memorial parks around the nation do is not to let us forget the Veterans who have sacrifice to give us our sovereignty, but rather gives us a day and a place to honor their memory.

This day pays tribute to our Fallen Veterans contributions to American Freedom, it should remind all who hear the phrase “Freedom isn’t Free”! These are not just words, they are a value, a belief in the way of life that puts service for others above self. The American people cannot and should not ever forget what these Heroes did for us! We as a nation must keep faith with all our fallen Heroes and our Veterans. This then begs the question “How do we honor those who’ve sacrificed for us and our country?”

As we know, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has established March 12th of each year as Memorial Day. On this day, each chapter is expected to conduct an appropriate service to recall the memory of those members who have entered into Omega Chapter. We as Omega Men honor those lost in the way we care for those who returned home—and for their families and survivors. Thank you for all that you do for Veterans. It is a privilege to serve with each one of you in fulfilling our sacred mission.

On this Memorial Day, may God bless our Fraternity, the 3rd District, and our Veterans!
In Friendship,
Bro. Kevin Brown
District Representative

DR’s Mother's Day 2017 Message

8/16/2017

Greetings Brothers of the 3rd District,

There is no bond, none, stronger than that between mother and child; nothing can break this connection. Mothers are truly remarkable beings! Mothers are the ones who are make a positive difference! No one usually as strong and as effective an advocate on your behalf. Mothers have and continue to make a real difference in your life. And for this—we, at “the Premiere District” would like to say, “Thank You”!

Mothers are the sweetest gift from God to us, there is nothing more important! There is no way we can ever really thank our Mothers for all she does for us, nevertheless we must make it a habit to keep reminding ourselves of the various sacrifices they made while raising us!

On Mother’s Day, show your Love, Affection, Respect, and Appreciation as you commemorate one of the important days in their lives! Even once in a year, make her feel loved and well appreciated. That is our charge!

In Friendship,
Bro. Kevin Brown
District Representative