HJ854: Commending Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 854
Commending Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 11, 2019
Agreed to by the Senate, February 21, 2019

 

WHEREAS, the Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., at Virginia Union University proudly marks its 100th anniversary in 2019; and

WHEREAS, the Zeta Chapter of the national Omega Psi Phi Fraternity grew from the Camp Howard Chapter in Washington, D.C., during World War I, where African American men stationed there banded together with other students from historically black colleges and universities to form an association to combat racism, serving in the United States Armed Services to demonstrate that they were loyal, patriotic Americans; and

WHEREAS, those initial Virginia Union University student soldiers and members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Victor C. Smith, Henry B. Hucles, and Melvin DeWitt “Red” Walker, met on October 20, 1919, to form the fraternity’s sixth chapter; and

WHEREAS, initially the brothers of the Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity were charged with setting up the fraternity, as well as establishing ROTC programs as assistant instructors of military science; and

WHEREAS, the Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity remains active in civic, academic, and patriotic endeavors on the campus of Virginia Union University and throughout the community; the fraternity manages a scholarship fund, hosts events, and participates in health initiative programs like blood drives and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, the Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity delivers baskets of donations to the less fortunate on holidays; feeds the hungry; organizes winter coat collection drives; adopts elementary schools to receive donations of coats, backpacks, and school supplies; and provides tutoring and mentoring to area students; and

WHEREAS, today, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity membership has broadened significantly, with over 2,000 members in its 43 chapters in Washington, D.C., and Virginia, including the Zeta Chapter; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., at Virginia Union University on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., at Virginia Union University as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the group’s significant achievements, dedication to the community, military and civic involvement, and support for higher education.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 854

Offered February 7, 2019
Commending Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Patron-- Hayes

WHEREAS, the Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., at Virginia Union University proudly marks its 100th anniversary in 2019; and

WHEREAS, the Zeta Chapter of the national Omega Psi Phi Fraternity grew from the Camp Howard Chapter in Washington, D.C., during World War I, where African American men stationed there banded together with other students from historically black colleges and universities to form an association to combat racism, serving in the United States Armed Services to demonstrate that they were loyal, patriotic Americans; and

WHEREAS, those initial Virginia Union University student soldiers and members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Victor C. Smith, Henry B. Hucles, and Melvin DeWitt “Red” Walker, met on October 20, 1919, to form the fraternity’s sixth chapter; and

WHEREAS, initially the brothers of the Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity were charged with setting up the fraternity, as well as establishing ROTC programs as assistant instructors of military science; and

WHEREAS, the Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity remains active in civic, academic, and patriotic endeavors on the campus of Virginia Union University and throughout the community; the fraternity manages a scholarship fund, hosts events, and participates in health initiative programs like blood drives and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, the Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity delivers baskets of donations to the less fortunate on holidays; feeds the hungry; organizes winter coat collection drives; adopts elementary schools to receive donations of coats, backpacks, and school supplies; and provides tutoring and mentoring to area students; and

WHEREAS, today, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity membership has broadened significantly, with over 2,000 members in its 43 chapters in Washington, D.C., and Virginia, which includes the Zeta Chapter; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., at Virginia Union University on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., at Virginia Union University as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the group’s significant achievements, dedication to the community, military and civic involvement, and support for higher education.