The Omegan Conference Edition 2016

Voice of the Second District
Xi Phi Blake Ansari Book Drive and Flint Water Social Action
The Omegan
Harlem, NY. February 25, 2016: The Xi Phi Social Action Committee
hosted a multi-purposed fundraiser benefitting two note worthy causes;
one locally and the other in another part of the country. The first cause -
The Blake Ansari Mini Library Drive, was created and named after an 8
year old Harlem resident. Young Mr. Ansari created this charity to collect
children’s books for children residing in NYC’s homeless shelters. His
goal each year is to collect 1000 books to give to the shelters.
The second cause was for the purpose of collecting cases of water for
distribution to the people of Flint, Michigan. The Brothers of Xi Phi along
with other local Men of Omega, friends, family and other associates gathered
at Streetbird NYC, a local Harlem establishment.
Streetbird NYC graciously allowed Xi Phi chapter members and guests to
Xi Phi Brothers at Streetbird NYC collecting books and water for Flint, MI.
Xi Phi Black College Tour
fellowship and contribute to both causes, even contributing a free appetizer
to every guest who either donated 3 children’s books or a minimum
of a $5 cash donation. At the conclusion the event, $500.00 cash was collected
in total for the purchase of cases water and nearly 300 books to go
to the city’s children currently residing in homeless shelters.
The Brothers of Xi Phi chapter thanked all of our guests and host location
Streetbird NYC for their generosity and accommodations for the purpose
of both endeavors. With the money raised, Xi Phi chapter was able to
purchase and ship over 3 pallets of bottled water to the people of Flint.
The Brothers of Xi Phi Chapter will personally deliver books collected to
Mr. Ansari and his team.
Harlem, NY. March 6, 2016. For 26 years the Brothers of Xi Phi Chapter
of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. have created the opportunity for high
school students primarily from New York City, to visit the campuses of
Historically Black Colleges & Universities.
The Xi Phi Chapter planning committee members and tour chaperones,
representing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority Incorporated, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Sigma
Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated and Alumnae representing Hampton
University respectively, formally interviewed over 60 high school students
regarding their interest in attending the 2016 black college tour,
their academic / leadership qualities and career goals. 45 students were
formally selected to participate in this endeavor.
Prior to the actual tour, all 45 high school students enthusiastically participated
in four pre-tour workshops that included team building activities
and overviews regarding the history of historically black colleges &
universities, the financial aid process, college life (focusing on first year
related experiences as undergraduate students), career exploration and diversity.
Following the pre-tour workshops, students and chaperones traveled to
the states of Tennessee to visit the campuses of Tennessee State and Fisk
www.opp2d.org
Universities, Georgia where they visited Morehouse College, Spelman
College and Clark Atlanta University and Virginia to visit Virginia State
University as well as Hampton University. The tour concluded with visits
to Howard University in Washington D.C. & Morgan State University in
Baltimore, MD. before heading back to New York City.
Students were scheduled to visit the campuses of North Carolina A&T
University and Bennett College, however due to inclement weather, tours
of these institutions were canceled. However, students were orientated regarding
what North Carolina A&T University has to offer them by recent
graduates currently residing in New York City.
During the closing workshop, students and parents alike expressed their
sincere gratitude about the learning experience the 2016 black college
tour provided for them and to those who volunteered as chaperones.
In addition, as a special surprise for students and their families, they
received a visit and words of encouragement from Black College Tour
Alum, NFL and Super Bowl Champion Mr. Willie Colon.
As the 2016 Black College Tour concluded, the Brothers of Xi Phi Chapter
were reminded of the importance and lasting effect that this social action
project had on all of its participants and those who attended previously.
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