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The Fourth District and Mu Iota Chapter

The Omega Lamp Foundation Makes Donation to the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation “Feed the Children – Get Ready Fest”

COLUMBUS, OH

– On Friday April 29, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Columbus Urban League, 788 Mount Vernon Ave., the

Fourth District partnered and participated with The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. This event provided 1,200

pre-identified Columbus-area families with wellness resources, food and essentials. Each family received a 25

-pound box of food; a 10-pound box of much-needed essentials like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and person-

al-care items; and a box with assorted Avon products. Books and haircuts were given to all youth. The 4th

District donated a check for One Thousand Dollars and Mu Iota Chapter with The Omega Lamp Foundation

also donated a check for One Thousand Dollars. This community service event was one of the opening activi-

ties for the outstanding 75th District Meeting held in Columbus.

The Fourth District Chronicle

The Official Publication of the Mighty Fourth District of Omega The Psi Phi Fraternity Fall 2016

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Highlights from the 75th Annual Fourth District Meeting

April 28 to May 1, 2016

The Mighty Fourth District celebrated its Diamond Anniversary District Meeting in

Columbus, Ohio. The 27th Fourth District Representative, Bro. Daryl S. Cameron presided

over the historic meeting which had many highlights including a meet-and-greet social event,

Talent Hunt, Step Show, and Founder’s Banquet. The meeting kicked-off with a meet-and-

greet social on Thursday and a charity event sponsored by Bro. Malcolm Jenkins of the Phil-

adelphia Eagles on Friday morning. The Talent Hunt showcased talented youth from various

school districts in Ohio and West Virginia. The winner was Kennedy L. Kandi, representing

Mu Iota Chapter (Columbus, OH). Kennedy is 15 years old and will be a sophomore at

Westerville Central High School in Westerville, Ohio during the 2016-2017 school year. She

is the daughter of Kojo and Demia Kandi. Kennedy started dance at the age of three. She

has studied and concentrated on the following forms of dance: Ballet, Modern, Contempo-

rary, Jazz, and Hip-Hop. Her favorite dancers are Misty Copeland and Michaela DePrince.

Kennedy’s extra-curricular activities include participation in competitive dance, Theatre, and

church youth ministry activities. Three of Kennedy’s greatest experiences have been dancing

at the Alvin Ailey Dance Studio, spending last summer in Los Angeles, and spending this

summer in Atlanta training at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Kennedy’s most memora-

ble accomplishment was meeting with Denzel Washington a few months ago as a finalist for

a role in his upcoming film, ‘Fences’. Out of hundreds of girls and several call-backs, it was

down to two; including a one-on-one with Denzel himself. Kennedy plans to attend either

Howard University, Fordham University, or The Juilliard School in New York.

At the Founders’ Banquet on Friday night, the brothers took time to recognize mem-

bers who have made significant contributions to the development, organization, and sustaina-

bility of their chapters through the annual Achievement Week Awards. Keynote speaker was

Brother Michael Jefferson, Esq. 1st District Representative. This year, chapters submitted

names in every category for consideration of the Fourth District Awards. The competition

was stiff but Omega was the winner. The chart on page three shows the individual names and

chapters of the winners. Brother Mike West of Beta Iota Chapter in Cincinnati, Ohio took

charge of the committee and did a good job recognizing each winner at the Founder’s Ban-

quet.

(Continued on Page 3)

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(Continued from Page 2)

The Brothers of “Icy” Iota Psi Chapter from Ohio State University won the highly con-

tested 2016 Kevin Cherry March-Down Competition. There were eight teams representing their

individual chapters. Both Graduate and Undergraduate teams conducted their shows to the spec-

ifications, and a great time was had by over 300 people who attended. The March-Down on Sat-

urday night was followed by a dance where the brothers and Quettes danced the night away and

spent a little time fraternizing and rekindling old friendships.

The brothers of Mu Iota Chapter in Columbus hosted the 75th annual meeting and those

who attended the event were amused, entertained, and informed. The officers were elected and

Brother Daryl S. Cameron will continue to lead his executive team into the next year. The 2016-

2017 Fourth District Officers are as follows:

4th District Representative Bro. Darryl Cameron 1st Vice DR Bro. Bobby Robinson 2nd Vice DR Bro. Devin Moore DKRS Bro. Bennet Gaines DKF Bro. Lamar Cole DKP Bro. James W. Thomas District Counselor Bro. Christopher M. Cooper, Esq. DDPR Bro. Dr. Fred A. Aikens Immediate Past DR Bro. Christopher K. Welch District Marshal Bro. Howard Barrett District Chaplain Bro. Elder David Reliford

Sunday morning brought about the opportunity for brothers and their guest to give prais-

es to the Most-high God. Bro. Elder David Reliford led the Annual Worship Service and deliv-ered the well-received sermon.

The Winners of the 2016 District Awards

Large Chapter of the Year Zeta Omega—Cleveland, OH

Small Chapter of the Year Xi Iota Iota—Piqua, Sidney, Troy, OH

Undergrad Chapter of the Year Phi Sigma—Cleveland State University

Omega Man of the Year Bro. Darryl Moore—Zeta Omega – Cleveland, OH

Undergrad Omega Man Bro. Antonio Echols Jr.—Phi Sigma – Cleveland State

Founders Award Bro. Robert Wilson—Delta Alpha – Dayton, OH

Superior Service Bro. Paul Lucas—Xi Iota Iota – Piqua, Sidney, Troy, OH

Col. Charles Young Award Bro. Derek Bennett Jr.—Mu Iota – Columbus, OH

Citizen of the Year Bro. Walter Madison—Zeta Omega – Cleveland, OH

Chapter Advisor Bro. Bruce Coffee—Zeta Omega – Cleveland, OH

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Pictures from the 75th Annual Fourth District Meeting

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Pictures from the 75th Annual Fourth District Meeting

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The Brothers of Beta Iota Participate in a Mini

Marathon for the Heart

Written by Bro. Jessie Turner

The 2016 Heart Mini celebrated its 39th running on Sunday, March 13th, 2016. The Heart Mini offers events for participants of all fitness levels. Events include: signature 15K Heart Mini Marathon, Heart ½ Marathon, 5K Heart Run, 3 mile and 5 mile Heart Walks, 2K Kids’ Run and 1K Steps for Stroke for heart and stroke survivors.

The weekend started with the Health and Fitness Expo on Saturday, March 12th at the Duke Energy Convention Center from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The Expo features health screenings, fitness tests, apparel sales, yoga and fitness dance and a free Kids Fun Run for ages seven and under. The Heart Mini is presented by Mercy Health. All pro-ceeds benefit the American Heart Association. For registration, training and additional details, visit www.heartmini.org. The brothers also raised $100 for the worthwhile chari-ty.

Beta Iota

and the

Blue Ash Bash Written by Bro. Jessie Turner

The Blue Door Bash is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati's largest fundraiser of the year! The spectacular evening featured the 2016 Youth of the Year, Tahjay Woodward; and special guest speaker, NBA Hall of Famer and Boys & Girls Club Brother Dominique Wilkins. The night also included a cocktail reception, gourmet din-ner, live auction, entertainment, and so much more! Proceeds from the Blue Door Bash supports over 7,000 kids who participate in excellent youth development programs and summer camps.

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Beta Iota Runs for the American Cancer Society

Forty Brothers from The Beta Iota Chapter participated in The Relay for Life event. The

Chapter was able to meet its fundraising goal of $1,000. Relay for Life events are com-

munity events where teams and individuals camp out at a school, park, or fairground

and take turns walking or running around a track or path. The Chapter had at least one

participate on the track at all times to raise awareness to help the American Cancer Soci-

ety save lives. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life movement is the world’s

largest fundraising event to fight cancer in ever community. Rallying the passion of 4

million people worldwide. Relay for Life events raise critical funds that help fuel the

mission of the American Cancer Society.

Local Heroes Honored in Cincinnati Submitted by Bro. Anthony Wood of Beta Iota Chapter (Cincinnati, Ohio)

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - The men and women who put their lives on the line at the Cincinnati Fire Department took a moment to pay tribute to the life savers Thursday (April 7th 2016) night.

Both firefighters and civilians were honored. In one case, they teamed up to save the life

of a 10-year-old girl who collapsed at karate practice. Anna Schlosser had a heart attack

and died that day in January 2015. Jason Bonner and Joseph Butts who is a member of

the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. brought her back to life with CPR until firefighters

arrived. Jason said, "I saw her nod out and fall. She starts turning blue. I see Joey run-

ning and he says, 'Jay, I'll do the compressions. Breathe for her.'" Joseph said, "She

would come back and make eye contact and then fade out. She did that three times." Lt.

Kevin Uhl was the Advanced Life Support supervisor who took over and helped save

little Anna's life. She, by the way, is great with an implanted device to keep her heart

beating should it happen again. She's back in school making great grades. A myriad of

other firefighters were honored including members of the 19's and 32's for saving 16

people in an apartment fire.

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Delta Alpha joins with Ethan Temple SDA Church for

Back to School/Health Fair Event

Written by Dr. Michael Dulan, Chapter Editor

On August 7, 2016 the Delta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

linked arms with Ethan Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church for a combined com-

munity event. Ethan Temple has been in the Dayton community for 95 years and has

consistently answered the needs of the community. Dr. Michael Dulan, who is the

Health Initiative Chairman of Delta Alpha Chapter and an Elder at Ethan Temple was

instrumental in joining the organizations together and helping plan the event. Under

the leadership of Pastor McKenzie Kambizi, youth leaders William Raglan and Tadja

Vance rallied their team and church members to provide school supplies and draw-

string book bags for 296 children.

The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi (Delta Alpha Chapter) donated $250 to the

event and coordinated and helped the 15 community participant groups set up, direct

attendees, serve food, and aid in break down. Blood pressures and blood sugar screen-

ings, proper handwashing techniques, and diabetic education were provided by Ket-

tering Health Network, and mental health and wellness information was provided by

Kettering Behavioral Health. Healthy nutrition and other childhood health topics

were presented by Montgomery County Public Health Department. Life Connection

of Ohio offered information on organ donation, and Vitas Hospice educated attendees

on end-of-life care. Advocare, Smoothie King, Ethan Temple Hospitality Committee,

and Ethan Temple Health Ministries all provided samples and information on healthy

living and healthy food choices.

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Delta Alpha Joins with Ethan Temple SDA Church

for

Back to School/Health Fair Event (Continued)

Bro. Keith Vukasinovich provided heroin addiction treatment options through

Cornerstone Project, and the Dayton VA had an outstanding booth for our veterans

and information on veteran’s services. Gem City home care provided home care in-

formation and donated several book bags which were raffled off. Diabetes-Dayton

provided useful information on community diabetes education. Massage therapist

Joseph Bush, Jr provided chair massages and had many relaxed, smiling people leav-

ing his chair. Bro. Marvin Horton provided education and samples of personal, porta-

ble, self-filtering Bula water containers. There was also a voter registration table, and

spiritual health was addressed through the Ethan Temple Prayer Warriors Ministry

and Pathfinders and Adventurers youth ministries. The kids had a ball in a large

bouncy house donated by Jimmy and Amanda Fox. The Mayor of Trotwood, Mary A.

McDonald, attended the event and congratulated Ethan Temple and Delta Alpha on

their commitment to the community.

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Omega Successfully Partners with Local Law Enforcement in "Bridge Builders" Community Outreach Initiative

PIQUA, Ohio — July 10, 2016 Submitted by Brother Paul Lucas

The need and want for dialogue between the community and law enforcement

was the emphasis for the “Bridge Builders” forum on October 15, 2015 in Piqua, Ohio.

During the Thursday night event, panelists discussed with community members topics

that are often highlighted in the national media, including the intersection of race, law

enforcement, and community development. The panelists each took turns going over

why they were at “Bridge Builders” and why they were appreciative to be a part of the

discussion

"Bridge Builders" panel members along with members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.: Brother Gary Wilson, Brother Jarrett A. Thomas, Brother Clayton Brown, Executive Director of the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services Kahrlton Moore, Tipp City’s Chief of Police Eric Burris, Sidney Chief of Police William Balling, Piqua City Schools Athletics Director Chip Hare, Municipal Court Judge Elizabeth Gutmann, Chief Deputy Dave Duchak of the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Veroman D. Witcher of the Piqua Post of the Ohio Highway State Patrol. Brother Timothy McKinney, Brother Rev. Dr. Stacy Worley, Brother Paul Lucas.

Audience members from all walks of life and multiple cities posed questions and

provided perspective on various issues surrounding recent national events involving law

enforcement and the community at large. The panel and audience also shared their vari-

ous perspectives on local issues and events and challenged each other to come up with

solutions and/or actions that could be implemented for positive change.

(Continued on Page 11)

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(Continued from page 10) Future forums are in the works with panel members encouraging those in attend-

ance to get the word out and to continue to increase the number in attendance to maxim-

ize the benefits of such discussions. The group also complemented each other on being

progressive leaders in the area of positive change related to these difficult and challeng-

ing times.

As a result of this successful initial effort local government officials authored a

state grant proposal requesting funding for future outreach events and activities. May

2016 Chief Jamison wrote to the Men of Omega: “I’m pleased to report that we were

one of 20 jurisdictions in Ohio to receive an award from the Ohio Community-Police

Relations Grant. They awarded the full amount requested in our application. I’m look-

ing forward to working with you all (or your designee) to improve community relations

by teaming up with you to improve young lives together through effective mentoring

opportunities through service to the wider community." In addition, area officials also

attended a May 2015 briefing at the White House regarding the report of the president’s

task force on 21st Century Policing and shared this report with the men of Omega in

preparation for continued partnering efforts.

Piqua Police Department (PPD) Chief Bruce Jamison stated "A major theme in

the task force report is trust. And, I agree that building trust is central to improving rela-

tionships. The briefing provided several insights into the pillars of the report, as well as

recommendations and suggested action items. Because of our special relationship be-

tween PPD and the Omega’s, I would welcome any interest in just sitting down and

talking in light of the events of the last couple days." The Men of Omega stand poised to

continue building bridges between our communities and Law Enforcement.

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Xi Iota Iota Helps Host Annual Back to School Bash

Troy, Ohio August 21, 2016 Submitted by Brother Shane Carter

The line to get into the building stretched down the block, but the smiles on the faces of the students told the real story of the success of Lincoln Community Center’s 5th annual Back to School Bash. The start of the school year can be excit-ing, scary and overwhelming, for both kids and parents, but more than 375 area stu-dents were styled and stocked with all the school supplies they will need to succeed, thanks to the event. On Sunday, August 21st, Xi Iota Iota chapter was one of many sponsors to help Lincoln Community Center welcome the students to the bash, just in time to get them ready for the start of the new school year. The event was free for Pre-K through 12th graders and their families, and a record-setting number of students participated. This is the third year that the members of Xi Iota Iota volunteered and donated supplies.

Again this year, the bash offered food, refreshments, free haircuts and school supplies so each student could look and feel great about the year ahead. Xi Iota Iota donated funds to purchase supplies such as highlighters, boxes of tissues, notebooks, binders, markers, paper, pens, erasers, hand sanitizers and bottles of glue for the students to take home. Local barber and hair stylists clipped and snipped hair for more than 60 students who wanted a fresh look. New this year was information booths sponsored by area nonprofits and youth-centered services to discuss what is available for fami-lies. Representatives from Miami County Health District, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Awana’s/Good News Club and Care Source were among those agencies on hand to answer questions and share information with families. “The students were all excited about collecting their supplies, and the parents appreciated knowing how much the community supports the hard work it takes to raise kids,” noted Shane Carter, Execu-tive Director of Lincoln Community Center. “This is only one of the programs we offer throughout the year to help the kids be successful and support the parents when they need some extra assistance,” he shared. Carter also added that the center contin-ued to get calls on Monday, August 22nd from families requesting school supplies because they had been unable to attend the Sunday event. Located at 110 Ash St. in Troy, the center provides educational and recreational facilities and tools that cater to patrons of all ages, including senior citizens. To learn more about other programs available, visit the center’s Web site at www.lcctroy.com.

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2016 Fourth District Undergraduate Summit Held at

Kent State University

September 10, 2016 , Kent Ohio

The Brothers of the Fourth District held the Annual Undergraduate Summit at Kent State University. Brother Devin Moore, the 4th District Second-Vice District Repre-sentative coordinated the summit which included MSP training, undergraduate of-ficer training, and training on violence prevention. During the event, the Undergradu-ate Strategic Plan was developed, fine-tuned, and disseminated to the chapters. The brothers of Psi Gamma Chapter hosted the event that was supported by brothers from around the Fourth District including Bro. Judge Ron Adrine, Bro. Lamar Cole, DKF, and Bro. Bobby Robinson, the First-Vice District Representative of the Mighty Fourth District.

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Fields of Dreams for Community Reinvestment and Empowerment

Lee V. Fields Jr. Vice President, Community Development Manager, Community

Reinvestment Act Officer- First Federal Lakewood

By Donald James

Since 2012, Lee V. Fields Jr. has served as vice president and community development manag-er of First Federal Lakewood, the largest independent depositor-owned bank headquartered in Ohio. In this capacity, he is responsible for fostering relationships and initiatives that bridge the bank with the community, as it relates to the financial institution’s lending, deposit, and other banking products and services. Fields also serves as Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) of-ficer, where he oversees CRA initiatives that connect the bank to the communities it serves. Fields works closely with members of the community, as well as city officials, businesses, com-munity leaders, and non-profit organizations. “I love what I do,” said Fields. “I’m proud of the fact that we’ve created, cultivated, and have continued to maintain meaningful relationships with community-based organizations.” Fields is no stranger to the banking industry. Since 2002, he has worked in various positions with a number of Cleveland area banks, including Charter One (in store branch sales manager), National City (branch manager), and KeyBank (center manager). Outside of the banking industry, Fields has worked as a community relations manager for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Cleveland Housing Network. The banking industry, according to Fields, represents his second career. Field’s first career was in the aviation travel industry, where for 16 year he held numerous exec-utive positions with United Airlines and its subsidiary Galileo International. “I enjoyed work-ing in this industry, where I got to see a lot of the world,” said Fields, who was based out of Chicago for 10 years. “But after 9/11, the airline industry drastically changed. I was one of the casualties of downsizing.” Fields knew that he had to reinvent himself in order to search for a new career. He began by taking an inventory of the skills he had acquired, developed, and uti-lized in the aviation travel industry. After all, he had extensive experience as a reservation and sales agent, account manager, national account manager, and trainer. Fields also assessed skills acquired from his membership in the international fraternity Omega Psi Phi, where he pledged at the University of Toledo, in route to earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial sales and marketing. “As for being organized and having excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, I credit Omega Psi Phi,” said Fields. After determining his marketable and transferable skills, Fields looked for a new career; the banking industry back home in his native Cleveland took notice. In addition to his current workload with First Federal Lakewood, Fields continues to make time for civic and community involvement on his own volition. He serves as Vice Basileus for Zeta Omega, Cleveland’s graduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi, and is a member of 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, where he holds several leadership positions. Fields sits on the board of di-rectors for ICAN Schools, Harvard Community Services Center, and Detroit Shoreway Com-munity Development Organization. Yet, Fields loves that his position with First Federal Lake-wood is significantly intertwined with empowering the community. “First Federal Lakewood has the strength it takes to support the communities we serve and I’m thrilled to be able to live that mission every day,” says Fields.

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A Tribute to

Brother Brandon Billips Omega Chapter

Brandon Montrell Billips was born on July 14, 1993 in Cleveland, Ohio to LaTonya Billips and Darryl Williams. Although he had two biological brothers and sisters, he claimed multiple sur-rogate siblings that he adopted along his short and impactful life among us. Brother Brandon Montrell Billips was initiated into the Fraternity through The Grand and Glorious Eta Gamma Chapter in Fall of 2013. Because of his desire to give to his community, Brother Billips had many names. He was a scholar, a friend, a mentor, a Basileus, a president, and a king. As the 2015-2016 Mr. Central State University, he inspired his fellow students with his ever-present mantra that he shared with everyone, “Every Season Grind Season” or ESGS. Brother Billips epitomized the Fraternity’s Cardinal Principles as he lived his life. His impact, because of the way that he lived, will last forever among those who knew him.

Brother Billips was the 2014 and 2016 Fourth District Scholar. He won the 2016 Charles R. Drew Memorial Scholarship award and was chosen as the 2015-2016 International Undergrad-uate Scholar of the Year. He was a member of the 2016 graduating class at Central State Uni-versity, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Communication. Bro. Billips entered Omega Chapter on Tuesday, September 20, 2016. As men of Omega we mourn his death, as Christians we celebrate the life that he lived knowing that his soul is now at peace and resting with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,"

John 11:25 ESV

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Are you registered for the Leadership Conference?

Register at:

http://www.oppf.org/leadership-conference.asp

If you want to serve on the team, contact Brother Stanford Williams, The Grand Leader at SWilliams@messer.com

Registration Type Registration Dates Registration Price Super Early Bird August 9 - August 21 (3:00am PST) $250 Early Bird August 22 - November 4 (3:00am PST) $300 Standard November 5 - March 1 (3:00am PST) $330 Late March 2 - July 14 (3:00am PST) $360