Celebrating the Centennial: Achievement Week 2011

Submitted by Bros. Christopher Boone and Jason V. Jackson

Eta Omega Chapter held its annual Achievement Week activities from November 12 through November 19, 2011. This was a special edition of Achievement Week as it also included celebrations of the 100 year anniversary of Omega Psi Phi's founding on November 17, 1911.

The Chapter began its celebration on Saturday, November 12, with the annual Achievement Week Awards Breakfast. The event had over 60 Omega Men and their guests in attendance. The keynote speaker was Bro. Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr., the 33rd Grand Basileus of Omega and a longtime member of Eta Omega. Dr. Norman emphasized the importance of continuing to understand the principles upon which the Fraternity was founded, and being steadfast in upholding those principles to guide us into the next 100+ years. The Achievement Week Breakfast also recognized citizens who have gone truly beyond the call of duty with regards to service to the community, and brothers who have done the same in their support for Eta Omega Chapter. The 2011 award winners recognized were:

• Patrise Perkins-Hooker (Citizen of the Year)
• Bro. David Anthony Spencer, Jr. (Basileus Award)
• Bro. Ernest Perry (Superior Service Award)
• Bro. Willie Wilkerson (Founders Award)
• Bro. Ronald Coleman (Omega Man of the Year)

On Sunday, November 13, the Chapter continued its activities by attending church service at Zion Hill Baptist Church in southwest Atlanta, GA. Zion Hill's Pastor, Dr. Aaron L. Parker, thanked the brotherhood for coming out to worship and invited us back to attend at any time.

Next, on Monday, November 14, Eta Omega held a Monday Night Football edition of "Brotherhood Night" at Pizza Bar in Mableton, GA. The Chapter hosted brothers from around the city for a night of food, football, and friendship. Brothers had an outstanding time fellowshipping, demonstrating once again that Friendship Is Essential to the Soul.

On November 16th and 17th, Eta Omega brothers served as judges for Deerwood Academy's annual One Academic Fair, which combines the disciplines of Science, Social Studies, Math, and Technology. Deerwood, a K-5 elementary school in southwest Atlanta, is the site of Eta Omega Chapter's award winning mentoring program, the Omega Manhood Leadership Institute.

November 17 was a Founder's Day unlike any other as Omega Men celebrated the Fraternity's 100th year of existence. Eta Omega returned to Zion Hill Baptist Church as the Metro Atlanta Chapters held their annual Omega Rededication Ceremony. Brothers reflected on Omega's first 100 years, and reaffirmed their commitment to serving the Fraternity and community. Brothers went on to party at the Cascade Club, painting the former "Omega Frat House" purple and gold once again.

The week's events culminated on November 19th with the Metro Atlanta 100 Year Centennial Gala Celebration, a formal event held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta. Over 1200 brothers and guests were treated to a grand affair. The Omega Man of the Year from each Metro Atlanta Chapter was recognized, and Bro. Ceasar Mitchell, Atlanta City Council President, presented a proclamation on behalf of the Atlanta Mayor's office to the brotherhood. The night then progressed to the entertainment portion of the program, as the Ques partied as only Ques can. The crowd danced the remainder of the night away to a live performance by Morris Day and the Time, and later to music provided by local DJs.

Eta Omega once again congratulates its Achievement Week award winners for their contributions to the community. The Chapter also recognizes its Achievement Week Committee, led by Bro. Trenton Merideth, and the Metro Omega Council of Basilei for putting on stellar events throughout the week. Last, but certainly not least, we thank Omega's Founders for laying the foundation that saw the Fraternity through these first 100 years, and promise to continue building on that foundation for 100 more. Long live Omega!

More Information

About Achievement Week

Achievement Week is a Nationally Mandated Program of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. It was originally designed to promote the study of Negro life and history. Achievement Week is observed in November of each year and is designed to seek out and give due recognition to those individuals at the local and international levels who have made a noteworthy contribution toward improving the quality of life for black Americans.