Under the organized and skillful leadership of Brother George Gilbert, Eta Omega’s Annual Achievement Week Awards Banquet was held at the Atlanta Gateway Mariott Hotel. More than 300 guests attended the awards banquet and listened to a dynamic speech from U.S. Representative (and Fraternity Brother) James Clyburn (D – South Carolina), the third ranking member of the United States Congress.
The Achievement Week was originally designed to promote the study of Negro life and history. Today, Achievement Week is used to seek out and give due recognition to those individuals at the local and national level who have made a noteworthy contribution toward improving the quality of life for black Americans.
Eta Omega Chapter presented awards to the following outstanding individuals from the Greater Atlanta Community:
Essay Contest Winner: Nierra Ragland South Atlanta High School
Talent Hunt Honoree: James Robertson
Citizen of the Year Award: Dr. Mike Weaver — Researcher, evaluator, educator, filmmaker, author and social entrepreneur—has built a strong reputation for helping colleges/universities, organizations and individuals succeed. Actively involved in education, Weaver has served as Assistant Professor at Temple University (Philadelphia), Visiting Professor at Saint Joseph’s University (Philadelphia), University of South Florida (Tampa), Morehouse School of Medicine (Atlanta) and Research Assistant Professor at Morehouse College (Atlanta). His extensive lecture schedule and research have included visits to Australia, South America, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. Weaver is the author of The Roots Cried Out: Hurricane Katrina One Year Later- Real Life Lessons from Young Adults in New Orleans and South Africa. The Roots Cried Out is based on his cutting edge and ground-breaking research with college students upon their immediate return to New Orleans after displacement following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He regularly conducts study tours and service-learning projects for teens and adults to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. Throughout his career Dr. Weaver has published and co-authored peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles, as well as op-eds in various national publications and websites. His research has focused primarily on Black males from both violence and HIV/AIDS perspectives. He Ain’t Happy- Urban Male Youth on the So-Called American Dream is a 90-minute research documentary examining the impact of drugs and violence on the dreams of young Black males in 24 U.S. cities. Dedicating his life to youth and community organizing, Dr. Weaver founded the Atlanta University Center Volunteer Task Force while a student at Morehouse in 1987, a student-based organization with a membership of over 500 college students; and T.A.R.G.E.T. Prevention in 1992, a peer-led health education opportunity for teens in underserved communities throughout Atlanta. Presently, he is chairman and CEO of SeaGull Industries, Inc., an Atlanta based research and educational materials consulting company specializing in Education, Not-for-profit and Multi-Media markets. Some of SeaGull Industries’ clients have included Clayton County Commissioner’s Office, Tulane University School of Public Health, City of Atlanta Department of Community Affairs, the State of Colorado Public Health Department, State of Connecticut Department of Corrections, and the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center in Seattle, Washington. He and his wife Yolanda, an Atlanta public school educator, have three sons, Malachi (a freshman at Colgate University), Noah and Solomon.
Special Recognition Award: Presented to Brother Dosh Jackson for his outstanding 80 Years of dedicated, faithful, and financial service to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Brother Moses C. Norman, 33rd Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, presented the award.
Eta Omega Chapter Basileus Award: Presented to Brother Javarro Edwards for commitment, excellence and service to several chapter committees whenever requested.
Superior Service Award: Presented to Brother Paul Simpson who consistently provided first class, top quality and dedicated support to many chapter programs. He tirelessly supported many programs and always encouraged other brothers to participated. With our ant doubt, this is a Superior Service Brother.
Founders’ Award: Present to Brother William Appling for his many years of civic and community service. He served as Chairman, Eta Omega Foundation, Chairman of NPU-P Transportation Committee for the City of Atlanta and a member of the Saint Paul of the Cross Catholic Church Finance Committee. He has received the Outstanding Community Service award from the Atlanta Public Schools for 37 years of service, Omega Man of the Year award from Eta Omega Chapter and the State of Georgia Omega organization. He has also received a Superior Service from Eta Omega Chapter. Brother Appling has served as Eta Omega Chapter Achievement Chairman, Social committee co chair and served on most of the Chapter committees including the Audit Committee. Brother Appling served Eta Omega Chapter as Vice Basileus in 1989-1992 and Basileus in 1992-1994. During his Basileus term, the chapter started a SAT training class. Brother Appling coordinated with the Carter Center for supplies and secured the support of Club Foods to feed all students taking SAT training. During this period Brother Appling convinced the Chapter and International headquarters to support The Buffalo Soldiers re-enactment ride of Brother Charles Young . Forty-one (41) brothers and their families traveled to Arlington Cemetery in Washington, DC for this event and the ride was featured on CBS Sunday Morning. Grand Basileus Gilmore attended the celebration banquet. Brother Appling was appointed to Chair the International Membership Committee by Grand Basileus Dorsey Miller in 1994 and served on Georgia State Counsel for five (5) years.
Omega Man of the Year: Presented to Brother George Gilbert. When you think of an Omega Brother who captures the real essence of a Graduate Omega Man of the Year that tirelessly support many chapter functions, Brother Gilbert is the ultimate choice. This Life Member consistently provided dedicated support to several programs, and through his tireless efforts and skilled leadership, as Chairman, Eta Omega Achievement Committee, the awards banquet had outstanding speakers like Brother(s) Vernon Jordan and James Clyburn.
