The Omegan Conference Edition 2016

The Omegan
Columbia, MD. February 13, 2016. Tau Pi Brother Jerin Wall-Thame
was extremely disturbed and frustrated in reading and seeing on television
the awful water conditions in Flint, MI. To put his frustration into action,
he put together a group composed of Cory Brim of the Sugar Rim Bar and
Hip Hop for Food. Their mission was to visit businesses in the Washington,
DC metro area and collect bottle water.
Upon collecting a sizeable amount of water, they loaded a truck and drove
to Flint, MI. When they arrived in Flint, MI they dropped off water to
various churches and shelters. Upon delivering water, it was disheartening
to hear the stories of the residents. The situation had impacted their
daily hygiene, food preparation and of course their daily water intake.
Many shared that they also received skin rashes and other health issues
from the contamination.
The water situation has had an extreme negative effect on businesses,
schools and public places. Due to this severe condition, it has forced closure
of many establishments. Many people have left the area. However,
many cannot afford to relocate.
The communities of Flint, MI are extremely dependent on charitable organizations
such as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for support. All levels
of government and other organizations are sorely needed to provide assistance
and help them get through this disaster.
Tau Pi Water Donation to Flint, MI
Tau Pi Mid YearMentoring
Voice of the Second District
Tau Pi Brother Jerin Wall-Thame at the Water Collection Site
Ms Tayna Holland making Mid Year Presentations to to Tau Pi Mentoring Program Participants
Columbia, MD. February 20, 2016. Tau Pi Chapter Mentoring Initiative
held its Mentee Mid-year Celebration at Guilford Elementary School
in Columbia, Maryland. Tau Pi Chapter’s Mentoring Initiative has been
mentoring elementary, middle and high school African American Males
in Howard County since 1994. The Mid-Year Mentee Celebration was attended
by mentees, mentees family members and special guests.
The purpose of the Celebration was to recognize the outstanding performance
of mentees during the first and second quarters of this school year
and to enhance mentee self-esteem. Awardees received certificates of excellence
and other forms of recognition for their academic achievements.
Within the philosophy that “ It takes a village to raise a child”, special
tokens of appreciation were given two Educators for their presentations to
high school mentees and their parents regarding SAT English and FASFA
preparation techniques. They were DST Mrs. Madonna Brown-Miles, a
counselor in Montgomery County School System and AKA Ms. Aleisha
Lanfair, a teacher in Prince Georges County School System.
Special Celebration Presentations were given by Theta Mu Mu Bro. Carlos
Dunmoodie varsity football coach at Centennial High School, Columbia
Maryland and Mr. Richard Ryan, former PTA President at Ducketts
Elementary School, Elkridge Maryland. Bro. Dunmoodie presentation
stressed the importance of academic success relative to athletic endeavors,
while Mr. Ryan presentation stressed the need for parent involvement
in the education process of their students.
We were honored to have as a special guest was 88 years old Bro. Carl
Haggins. Bro. Haggins was one of the founders of our Mentoring Program.
The Celebration closing comments were given by Tau Pi Chapter Basileus
Dr. Henry Jenkins, Jr. who reinforced Tau Pi Chapter’s commitment to the
Mentoring Initiative.
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