Achievement week 2021
Omega Men Protecting Life and Liberty
Each year, the 700-plus worldwide individual chapters of Omega Psi Phi observe Achievement Week as part of the Fraternity’s founding, on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. As the fraternity is preparing to celebrate its Centennial next summer, Achievement Week is even more important to Omega Psi Phi's legacy. Originally designated to promote “the study of Negro life and history,” Achievement Week today has broadened to also recognize local and national citizens who have made noteworthy contributions toward improving the quality of life for African Americans.
Gamma Pi uses the Achievement Week observance to recognize outstanding leaders and students in the local community. In recent years, Gamma Pi chapter has also utilized that program to award more than $20,000 in college scholarships to Prince George's County students who are either headed to college or are currently enrolled in college. Gamma Pi also traditionally includes chapter awards as part of Achievement Week. Every year, the chapter draws a full house to its Achievement Week program held on the Saturday of Founders' Week.
In addition to scholarships and community and Fraternity awards, Gamma Pi has a history of selecting outstanding notable keynote speakers. Among them have been Civil Rights icon Ernest Green (Little Rock Nine), JFK Pallbearer James Felder, General William E. "Kip" Ward and Bowie State University President Dr. Mickey L. Burnim, all members of the Fraternity. In 2008 the Fraternity featured local news anchor Leon Harris as its keynote speaker. Achievement Week is always one of Gamma Pi's most anticipated programs.
Achievement Week 2021: “Omega Men Protecting Life and Liberty”
National Achievement Week is a mandated program of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Inc., that was originally designed to promote the study of African American life and history. Its beginnings date back to the 1920 Grand Conclave in Nashville. It was at this Conclave that Brother Carter G. Woodson inspired the overall idea. In 1927, at his urging, the Fraternity made National Negro Achievement Week an annual observance. In 1976, this commemoration evolved into Black History Month. Presently, the Achievement Week Program is used to recognize those individuals at the local and national levels who have made significant contributions towards improving the quality of life for African Americans.
As we celebrate the 110th anniversary of the birth of our illustrious organization, The Super Chapter encourages you to view our Achievement Week program titled “Omega Men Protecting Life and Liberty.”
Our awardees for the occasion are as follows:
Citizen Awards:
Student Athlete of the Year – Mr. Devin Morgan, St. Francis Academy, Football
Citizen of the Year – The Hon. Bro. Calvin S. Hawkins, II, Chair, Prince George’s County Council
Religious Leader of the Year – Bro. Dr. Rev. Gerald Folsom, Hemmingway Memorial AME Church
Educator of the Year – Bro. Marcus Davis, Surrattsville High School
Chapter Awards:
Omega Man of the Year – Bro. Kevin Ford, Jr.
Founders’ Award – Bro. James Alexander
Superior Service Award – Bro. Benjamin Greene
Charles Young Military Leadership Award - Bro. Lt. Col. Aaron O. Ajani
Other Speakers:
Guest Speaker: The Hon. Bro. Rushern L. Baker, III, Candidate for Governor of State of Maryland
Keynote Speaker: The Hon. Bro. Calvin S. Hawkins, II, Chair, Prince George’s County Council