Phi Phi Chapter, Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., celebrated the 108th Anniversary of Omega with its Annual Achievement Week Banquet on Sunday November 17, 2019 at the Deep Run Recreation Center in Henrico, Virginia. The banquet followed the previous night’s Sips & Sounds Jazz event – Featuring Legendary Songstress Regina Belle with Jazz Keyboardist Marcus Johnson and Richmond’s own QuintEssential Jazz.
Achievement Week, one of our mandated programs, is observed each November and it is designed to recognize those individuals at the local and international levels who have contributed to community uplift. The proud brothers of Omega and guest were welcomed by the Master of Ceremonies, Bro. Corey Muse who guided us through the impressive program. Bro. Corey Muse, Chaplain, rendered the invocation. Brother William Prentiss, Jr. introduced our guest speaker, Bro. Jerome Clayton Ross. The theme: “Omega: Now is the Time for serious Thinking and Impact”.
Bro. Jerome Clayton Ross, adjunct Professor in Hebrew Bible at Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University (STVU) and at John Tyler Community College was the Guest Speaker. In his words”my national address is the Hebrew Bible, my state address is the Torah, and my city address is Leviticus”. Giving his life to studying the Sacred Text, loving the Lord , and serving His people, his testimony is “I believe.”
Citizen of the Year – Rodney Robinson
Rodney Robinson, an American educator was named Virginia Teacher of the Year in 2018 and National Teacher of the Year in 2019. He descibed his reaction to winning the awards as ” humbling, as a black male educator, we’re put in this box where we’re told only coach, only deal with difficult kids, only discipline, and we fight to try to escape that box, and now here I was being chosen to represent all teachers and students in America. It was validating”.
Citizen Award – Ms. Shayla Winn
Shayla Winn, a local entertainer, has been singing for school and local events around Richmond. She’s a recent graduate of Specialty Center for Performing Arts at Thomas Dale High School. Two years ago, she had brain surgery that caused her to be visually impaired (legally blind). She has adapted very well with this new change. She has not let it stop her from following her passion. She has played the leading role in AIDA and most recently made the top 40 contestants on American Idol.
Citizen Award – Ms. Shelby Brown
Shelby Brown, CBS 6 Reporter, honored for making a positive impact on our community from her organization (Mission From the Heart). Her organization collects and distributes year round to schools and Families in the Richmond area. “Our goal this year is to double the number of students we assist. We believe it’s a very attainable goal, with the continued held of our community partners”.
Omega Man of the Year – Bro. Jay Allen
Brother Jay Allen, the recipient of The Omega Man of the year Award, exemplifies our Four Cardinal Principles of: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. He is the embodiment of our motto: “Friendship is Essential to the Soul”. The Omega Man of the Year Award is presented to a Brother who has made significant contributions to his Chapter, his District and to his community.
Undergraduate Omega Man of the Year – Bro. Elisha Howard
Bro. Howard is being recognized for his significant contributions to his chapter, his District and on the International level of the Fraternity. He has made significant contributions to his College, Virginia Union University and to the Richmond Community.
Superior Service Award – Bro. LeRoy Mason, Jr.
Bro. Mason has demonstrated a continuous spirit of service toward the fraternity and the Community. He is being recognized for his sustained concern and contributions to the Richmond community and to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Founders Lifetime Achievement Award – Bro. William Prentiss
Bro. Prentiss has served as Phi Phi Basileus, President of P&G Foundation, Omega Man of the year, Founders Award, 3rd District Awards and Recognition Chair, Talent Hunt Chair, District Foundation and was presented the Basileus of the year award at the 83rd Third District Meeting.
500 Mile Award – Bro. Jack Mosby
Bro. Alexander “Jack” Mosby, a retired school administrator from Richmond Public Schools and a retiree from the U.S. Army with the rank of Major.
500 Mile Award – Bro. Chip Anderson
Bro. Ralph “Chip” Anderson, has served as Phi Phi Chapter KRS, and he began the Vanco automatic withdrawal initiative that continues today making membership affordable. Bro. Anderson is currently serving as the Phi Phi Housing Committee Treasurer. After graduating from Hampton University, Bro. “Chip” Anderson entered active duty in the U.S. Army as a Signal Corps officer. He served in Korea and Ft. Ord, California before moving back to Richmond to attend dental school at MCV/VCU. After getting his orthodontic training at the University of Louisville, Bro. Chip Anderson joined his father, Bro. Ralph L. Anderson, D.D.S, Nu Psi 58, in their orthodontic practice.
Our Achievement week celebration included “Brother’s Night Out” event. The brothers met at the fraternity house for great fellowship, food and beverages. During “Brother’s Night Out” the brothers separated the donated food and packed bags for the thanksgiving basket giveaway, “Feeding 500″, which is part of our commitment to reach out to people in need.
