Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated Warren G. Lee, Jr., Grand Basileus Marvin Dillard, District Representative THE OMEGAN Zanes E. Cypress, Jr., Dir. of Public Relations Founded November 17, 1911 Spring 2007 Edition “THE VOICE OF THE SECOND DISTRICT” New York - New Jersey - Pennsylvania - Delaware - Maryland District Representative Marvin Dillard Message We look forward to a pro- this conference, we will be ductive conference to exe- diligent to assure it is time cute our business effec- well spent! tively and efficiently. We have carefully planned our agenda to provide the best I encourage you to attend the opportunity to participate several events planned in- in all activities. cluding the Talent Hunt, Founders’ Banquet and other entertainment activities. I Your executive team has appreciate your attendance worked hard on your be- with us, and hope you enjoy half to execute their duties the conference and visiting Brothers , and move forward in Pittsburgh! “Building a Stronger It my pleasure to welcome Omega.” Again, I appreci- you and your families to “Building a Stronger th ate the cooperation and Pittsburgh and the 59 Sec- dedication of this team, and Omega”! ond District Conference! with your approval and Brother Keith Clark, Dis- support seek to move for- trict Marshal, and the ward with this team to lead Yours In Omega, Brothers of Iota Phi have the Mighty Second District worked long and hard to for another year. assure you will enjoy the fel- Marvin C. Dillard lowship during this week- 30th Second District end. Recognizing the time you Representative have committed to attend Inside this issue: IHQ Condemns Don Imus’ Remarks 2 First Vice District Representatives Message 3 Bro. Earl W. Byrd - Omega Chapter 12 Bro. Dr. Gerard W. Lee, Jr. - Omega Chapter 13 2007 Second District Executive Council 20 Historical Perspective - The Memorial Service 23 Leadership Conf. Registration Form 24 Friendship Is Essential to the Soul THE OMEGAN Page 2 THE OMEGAN Page 3 First Vice District Representatives Message look forward to another the host chapter for a fine few minor issues to address year of friendship. event. We began a dialogue with the host state (DE). on District issues that need However, the federal govern- to be addressed. My hope ment is currently The year started with is that this discussion will “backlogged” in processing preparation for the 74th be continued at this year’s our application. As soon as Grand Conclave in Little conference. After serving we can get this process com- Rock, AK. We went to as the moderator, I pre- pleted we can better serve our Little Rock with one pur- pared and had distributed membership by actively seek- pose in mind; getting our across the District the ing sponsorships for our candidate Terrel Paris Shirtsleeve Conference events. In the end, this will elected 1st Vice Grand Report. help to reduce our expendi- Basileus. Though unsuc- tures and provide us in the cessful in that endeavor, future with a reduced regis- Brothers of the Second the District left its mark After not convening a Su- tration fee for the district District, on the proceedings by preme Council meeting for conference. coming away with a few over 18 months, our cur- I greet you in the name of more International Com- rent international leader- my Lord and Savior Jesus mittee Chairs (C. Donald ship has held three Su- Brothers, we have now Christ. With him all things Bowser, Jr. – Int’l Budget, preme Council meetings reached another conference are possible. Peter Higginbottam – Int’l (two in Atlanta, GA and season. The 59th Second Dis- Government Relations, one in Raleigh, NC) since trict Conference will be Adam McKee – Int’l His- October 2006. For me, hosted by Iota Phi Chapter It has been a year since I st tory/Archives, Terrel these meetings have shed and held in Pittsburgh, PA, was elected your 1 Vice Parris – Next Generation some light on the “inner from May 3 through 6, 2007. District Representative. A Leaders, Larry Pugh – workings” of our organiza- At that time, I will run for re- lot has occurred and I will Int’l Talent Hunt and Cal- tion. Again, thank you Bro. election of my position. I be highlighting below. I vin Zellars – Ways and DR for including me in believe that my record over first want to thank all those Means). Congratulations these meetings. the last year exemplifies my brothers who have sup- and best wishes go out to deep commitment to Omega ported me over the last these worthy brothers. and the Second District. I year. Your words of en- I have worked closely with hope you agree and come to couragement and the recep- the District IT chairman Pittsburgh prepared to re- tion I have received as I The Undergraduate Con- over the last year to im- elect me as your 1st Vice Dis- travel around the District ference was held at Tem- prove our electronic pay- trict Representative, so I can have meant more to me ple University, in October ment system for our two continue the work started a than you will ever know. 2006. Brothers, you major annual events year ago with our District This past year has been a would have been proud to (Shirtsleeve and District Representative in “Building a rewarding experience. I see our Undergraduate Conference’s). The Second Stronger Omega”! would be remise, at this brothers in suits, sport District now has an active time if I did not also thank coats, dress shirts and ties merchant account that is our leader 30th Second Dis- at this event. The next tied to our website. We Fraternally, trict Representative, generation of leaders of now offer every brother the Marvin C. Dillard. Thank our great organization ability to register for each you for your guidance and gathered that day to deal of these events, pay by inclusive leadership. You with issues of concern credit card and receive a have made it a point to across Omega. The 2006 confirmation. Roderick E. Richardson ensure my inclusion in all Shirtsleeve Conference 1st Vice District key meetings, including was also held in October Representative Supreme Council meetings. 2006. Once again, let me I have also worked on the It has indeed been a pleas- thank the Basileus and District 501c (3) project. ure to work with you and I brothers of Omicron Chi, At this point, we have a THE OMEGAN Page 4 Pi Omega Chapter’s 2007 Talent Hunt Competition Baltimore, MD March 18, Instrumental Contempo- 2007 rary: (1) David Lindberg, Archbishop Curley High Pi Omega Chapter, Graduate School, (2) Quintin Edwards, Chapter of Baltimore, MD, Woodlawn High School Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., hosted its 52nd Annual Visual Arts: (1) Michael H., Talent Hunt Competition on Woodbourne School, (2) Sunday March 18, 2007 at Jaleel P., Woodbourne School The Reginald F. Lewis Mu- Mr. David Lindberg will rep- seum of Maryland African resent Pi Omega Chapter at American History & Culture, the District Talent Hunt Com- located at 830 E. Pratt Street, petition to be held at the 2007 Baltimore, MD. 59th Second District Confer- The Talent Hunt demonstra- ence. This year the confer- tion was created in 1945, and ence will be held in Pitts- is one of the national projects Talent Hunt Chair, Kelvin O’Neal and Basileus Danard Smith poise with burgh, Pennsylvania the of the Omega Psi Phi Frater- Talent Hunt Winners weekend of May 3-6, 2007. nity. Pi Omega has partici- Over twenty students were Vocal Contemporary: (1) Bro. Dr. Kelvin O’Neal was pated in this activity for over involved in this year’s compe- Bijan Glen, Randallstown the chairperson for the 52nd 50 years, and many of our tition. The winners were as High School, (2) Haikeem Annual Talent Hunt Competi- talented high school youths follows: Johnson, Oakland Mills High tion. Special thanks are ex- have benefited from this pro- School tended to the Pi Omega Foun- ject through all-expenses paid Vocal Classical: (1) Sarita dation for providing the fund- trips, U.S. Savings Bonds, Tompas, Randallstown High Instrumental Classical: ing for this year’s competi- trophies, certificates, print School, (2) Mashara Hunt, Bryan Alston, Mt. Zion Bap- tion. and televised media exposure. Baltimore School for the Arts tist School Pi Omega Chapter’s Memorial Day Observance Baltimore, MD March 11, munity Church. The suit dona- 2007. Pi Omega Chapter, tion was the accumulation of Graduate Chapter of Balti- the collection of suits the chap- more, MD, Omega Psi Phi ter began in September 2006. Fraternity, Inc., hosted it The Memorial Day Service is Annual Memorial Day Ser- th vice on Sunday March 11, observed on March 12 of each 2007 at the Emmanuel Chris- year. Chapters throughout the tian Community Church in world conduct an appropriate service to recall the memory of Baltimore, MD. those members who have Bishop Durant Harvin, Sen- passed and entered into Omega ior Pastor of Emmanuel Chapter. This year Pi Omega Christian and a member of Pi Chapter held the service in Omega Chapter, presided honor of the following brothers: over the church service pre- Bro. Eliot Burgess, Bro. Benja- ceding the Memorial Day Pi Omega Basileus, Vice Basileus, Memorial Day Chair, min Franklin Smith, Bro. Steve Observance. Bro. Harvin Bishop Bro. Durant Harvin and Representatives from Christopher’s Place Smith, and Bro. Darrin Wynn. spoke on the message “Failure Is A Permitted De- At the beginning of the church these organizations assists Bro. Reginald Thomas chaired sign”. He encouraged the service Pi Omega Chapter men in transition. The suits the 2007 Memorial Day Pro- attendees not to let others presented a donation of over will help the men to be prop- gram.