PsiAA Attend Third District Virtual Fall Council 2020

On September 25-26, 2020, the Brothers of Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter, Third District Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc attended the District's Fall Council meeting. The meeting was held virtually as we are still under the COVID-19 and social distancing environment. On Friday, September 25, 2020, brothers attended the virtual fellowship. The DJ spun the 1's and 2's as the Brothers enjoyed the music from old the new school mix. There were about 100 brothers on the Friday night virtual social. As the sun rose on Saturday, Brothers began to join the meeting. The meeting was well attended as there were approximately 355 Brothers on the Zoom meeting. Brother Conrado B. Morgan, 30th Third District Representative opened the meeting at 8:30am and provided an Omega welcome to all. The 41st Grand Basileus Dr David Marion, provided an excellent summary of the current state and future initiatives of the organization. One of these initiatives is called Black men vote. The Divine Nine fraternities are planning to collaborate on getting an additional 1 million Black men to vote in this year's election. On October 14, 2020 there will be a Town Hall held by the Divine Nine and Derrick Johnson (NAACP President) to discuss getting out the black to vote. 1st Vice Grand Basileus Brother Ricky Lewis encouraged brothers to support the 1000 for 1000 to raise $1 million dollars to support HBCUs, as requested by the 41st Grand Basileus Brother Dr. David Marion. Brother John Howard, Executive Director presented a summary of the IHQ vision and a new initiative called “Be the Bridge” webinar which will focus on Reclamation and Retention. He also reminded the Brothers about the corporate website, SEC process discussion on October 14, 2020, and the Founder’s Day Program will be held virtually.

Brother DR Conrado B. Morgan delivered his report on the state of the District. A few accomplishments included the editing of the criteria for the Omicron Gamma Chapter Student Leaders Memorial Endowment Account Agreement with University of District of Columbia (UDC) on June 15, 2020 (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. donated $10,000); Assisted in raising $34,313 (#1 District in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.) and $123,000 for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for St. Jude with the Social Action Committee on June 30, 2020, Retention-Chapters continue to retain 80% + of its current membership, and executed a District wide virtual MSP training session with 300 Brothers trained. It was motioned and approved for the Third District to donate $1,000. Other Executive Officer, Area Supervisors, and Committee Chairman reports were provided and received by the Brotherhood.

The Fall council meeting was a huge success with a lot of business being discussed and accomplished. See distributed reports for more details.

Step Out Walk for Diabetes 2020

On Sept 26, 2020 from 8am to 11am, the Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter, Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated participated, sponsored, raised and donated $1,000. This year, the event was hosted virtually due to the current COVID and social distancing environment. The American Diabetes Association requested and encouraged all participants to get out and walk, run, or bike 3.4 miles. If unable to walk, run, or bike, participants were encouraged to move around / perform some activity to support and bring awareness to the efforts to fight diabetes. Brother Calvin Beidleman created and submitted video conveying the chapter's support of the Diabetes Association and encouraging everyone to teach and take one to the walk to help increase the number of supporters to fight diabetes. The reason for the brothers participating in this worthwhile event was to raise awareness in the community about diabetes, support life-saving research, help those being discriminated against as result of being diagnosed with diabetes, as well as an opportunity to fellowship with others during a healthy activity.

As of Sept 27, they raised $125,000 with 353 participants and 47 teams. Throughout the virtual event, there were several videos displayed via the American Diabetes Association's Facebook page highlighting various participants engaged and encouraging others to join the fight. This continues to be a worthwhile and worthy event.

PsiAA Food Bank Sept 2020

Brothers after a great morning of work | Social Action - Food Bank | Sept 2020

On September 12, 2020, the Brothers of Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter, Third District Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. provided their service to the community by leading the effort in participating at the Capital Area Food Bank in Lorton, Virginia. There were 8 Brother and 2 volunteers who enjoyed an early Saturday morning giving back. As the music played throughout the morning, everyone enjoyed the old / new school tunes. The event was a huge success as we were able to package 1,006 bags filled with Pork, peanut butter, veg.soup, tomato soup, cream of mushrooms soup, and Tasteeos cereal.

PsiAA and BLB, First Responder’s COVID-19 Catering Donation – Sept 2020

Brothers Chisolm, Morris, Kelly, Williams, presenting check to Ms. Cheron Burns with Rx Catering | Social Action - First Responder Donation | Sept 2020

On September 15, 2020, the Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter, Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Bernie L. Bates Foundation, Inc., have joined forces to make a positive impact on the First Responders in Fairfax, County, Virginia, as a result of COVID-19. The Chapter’s Basileus (Brother Eric Kelly, Sr.) and the Foundation’s President (Brother Richard Morris) donated the fifth of five monthly contributions to Rx Catering – DC Metro. The fifth check for $1,000.00 was presented to Ms. Cheron Burns, owner, of Rx Catering at Greenspring Continuing Care Retirement Community, Springfield, Virginia. At the same event, Rx Catering donated 125 meals to Ms. Chandra Kumar, Executive Director of the Garden Ridge Complex for the nurses, staff, and residents. Other Chapter and Foundation attendees were Brothers W.J. Williams, Jr., Marvin Chisolm, and Kenneth Younger. As this joint COVID-19 effort comes to an end, we look forward to similar support in the coming fiscal year.