The Pi Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., last month celebrated its 54th annual Achievement Week — an internationally mandated program of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
During Achievement Week, chapters across the globe are charged with acknowledging the accomplishments of the fraternity, its members and individuals in the community.
Sunday, Nov. 12
Pi Phi Chapter kicked off Achievement Week with a brotherhood worship service at Halton Arena, UNC Charlotte. Bishop Dr. Staccato Powell, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and its Grand Chaplain, delivered the morning message – “You Were Chosen.”
Attendees participated in Holy Communion and raised nearly $1,000 for the Sixth District’s Disaster Relief Fund. (The Sixth District includes North Carolina and South Carolina.)
At the Fraternity House, Pi Phi Chapter honored its veterans. Major Gen. (Ret.) Abraham J. Turner delivered the message. Turner served as chief of staff of the U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Neb., and was commanding general at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., before he retired.
Monday, Nov. 13
Pi Phi Chapter held a “Reclamation Event,” designed to welcome detached brothers back into the arms of Omega Psi Phi. The day ended with a Monday Night Football Brotherhood Tailgating event.
Tuesday, Nov. 14
The chapter completed its community service project — a clothing drive that collected more than 700 pounds of clothing and shoes for Crisis Assistance Ministry.
Pi Phi Chapter held its 2nd Annual Games Tournament, named for the late Brother Kenneth “KD” Diamond, an avid spades player. Members and friends competed for the title “King of the Table.” Brothers Allen Dargins and Jamel Aldrich won the tournament for a second time.
Wednesday, Nov. 15
The chapter held its inaugural “Omega Youth Night,” which showcased six Pi Phi scholars — Javon Nathaniel, a North Mecklenburg High School graduate now at Appalachian State University; Jaylen Martin, a Mallard Creek High School graduate now at UNC Greensboro; Carlena Neely, a Phillip O. Berry High School graduate now at UNC Greensboro; Sydney Scott, a Charlotte Christian High School graduate now at UNC Chapel Hill; Myah Hobgood, a West Charlotte High School graduate now at Wake Forest University; and Donald “Alex” Singleton, a West Charlotte High School graduate now at North Carolina State University. The students last year received scholarships from Pi Phi Chapter totaling more than $12,000.
Pi Phi Chapter also announced its essay winners — Ava Burgess (1st Place), Kayla McLaurin (2nd Place) and Ryan Thomas (3rd Place).
The evening ended with youth mentees, mentored by the chapter’s Youth Committee, sharing their experiences from Omega Boys Camp, chess club and robotics class. Several young men demonstrated the robots they designed.
Thursday, Nov. 16
This day was focused on the fraternity’s international initiative called “Brother, You’re On My Mind.” A mental health symposium was held to address the stigma associated with mental illness among African-American men. Three panelists shared their stories.
Friday, November 17
Founders Day! Pi Phi Chapter held its annual Brotherhood Luncheon and drop-in at the fraternity house. Brothers from every corner came to fellowship and celebrate the 106th anniversary of the founding of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
The week’s grand finale was a black-tie gala — “An Evening for Celebrating” — at the Marriott Center City Hotel. Several members were honored for outstanding service and leadership.
Omegas of Charlotte announced that a room known as the “Gold Room” was renamed in honor of the late Brother Kenneth “KD” Diamond and will be called, hereafter, the “Diamond Room.”
Carl Johnson Jr. and Patrick Leak were recipients of the Queen City Omegas Award for Outstanding and Dedicated Service.
The Basileus Award was given to Gary J. Lewis for his unwavering dedication to the chapter. Pi Phi Chapter honored William “Mack” McDonald Jr. as its Citizen of the Year; Guardino “Dino” Miller with its Superior Service Award; Kipling “Kip” Wilson with its Founders Award; and Carl Jonson Jr. as Omega Man of the Year, the highest and most prestigious award given by the fraternity.
VIP guests included Antonio F. Knox Sr., the 40th Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Howard Jackson, Sixth District representative.
Pi Phi Chapter was chartered in 1927 and is located at 3301 Statesville Avenue. Brother Rayshion Sashington is the chapter Basileus.
