Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.- celebrates Achievement Week
Special to the Outlook
The Tallahassee Chapters of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. got together to uphold an Omega tradition and fulfill one of the Fraternity’s mandated programs.
Achievement Week has a long rich history amongst the men of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Carter G. Woodson was the pioneer of what we now call Achievement Week. . Woodson felt that Blacks should spend more time and effort in the research and study of their history. Woodson expressed these thoughts at the 9th Annual Grand Conclave in 1920.
The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity responded and instituted an annual observance of Negro History and Literature Week. All chapters were encouraged to showcase information in churches, schools, communities, and exhibits. In 1925 the celebration was renamed as National Achievement Week. The purpose of this mandated program has been to inspire pride and appreciation of the African-Americans contributions in a public forum.
The Chi Omega Chapter, Upsilon Psi Chapter, and the Chi Theta Chapter united to make sure the 2018 Achievement Week Celebration was a success. From Nov. 3-10 the brothers hosted many diverse and worthy events.
Achievement Week started with a roadside cleanup and followed up on with a church service. The church service was well attended by all three chapters and took place at Powerhouse COGIC. The brothers also got together to spearhead an early voting initiative, promoting the importance of the vote. Fellowship is important in with the Fraternity, and this was on display at the Brotherhood Night, Nov. 5. Chi Omega, Upsilon Psi, and Chi Theta members got together for a night of fellowship and fraternal conversation. The week continued with an active shooter seminar and a 40-plus luncheon. Nov. 9 Earley’s Kitchen hosted the Jazz and Ques Reception. This event was well attended and included food, music, and fellowship. The Achievement Week Brunch was one of the week’s highlights. The 41st Grand Basileus David Marion was the guest speaker in front of a sold-out crowd. This event brought out brothers who have served the fraternity five decades, starting in 1930.
The Upsilon Psi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. dedicated a moving tribute and future scholarship awards in the name of Alfred Motlow. Motlow was a 2017 initiate of the Upsilon Psi Chapter. He lost his life in a tragic car accident. Motlow will never be forgotten. Brother Julius Fisher a 1947 initiate of Upsilon Psi Chapter was in attendance and recognized for his 70-plus years in the fraternity. A portion of the Achievement Week Brunch recognized the efforts and achievements of the Omega Lamplighters, the premier youth group in the Big Bend area. The Tallahassee Chapters ended the 2018 Achievement Week Celebration at the Veterans Day Parade. The Fraternity has a rich history tied into the military with many members having served in the armed forces. It was only fitting that the week ended on such a positive note. We would like to thank Brother James Moran, Kyle Erickson, Chazmen Geames and Jordan Robinson for their hard work serving on the Achievement Week Committee team. We also would like to thank Brothers E. Newton Jackson and Anthony Woodley for their time and dedication to this year’s events.
