title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED MEN OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY INC. FOR THEIR FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION
WHEREAS, On the evening of November 17, 1911, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded inside the Science Building (later renamed Thirkield Hall) at Howard University located in Washington, D.C. The founders were three undergraduates -- Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman. Joining them was their faculty adviser, Ernest Everett Just; and
WHEREAS, from the initials of the Greek phrase meaning, "friendship is essential to the soul”. The name Omega Psi Phi was derived. That phrase was selected as the motto; and
WHEREAS, The Cardinal Principles of Omega Psi Phi are Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift; and
WHEREAS, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college; and
WHEREAS, Notable members include Michael Jordan, Langston Hughes, Percy Julian, Tom Joyner, L Douglas Wilder, and Cook County’s own Robert B. Steele, Dennis Deer and John Roberson; and
WHEREAS, Everyone life has been touched by a Man of Omega Psi Phi, one member, Dr. Charles Drew, perfected the use of blood plasma, which led to the establishment of Blood Banks. These Blood Banks save millions of lives every year; and
WHEREAS, Members are Politicians, Scientists, Mentors, Fathers, Entrepreneurs, Entertainers, and Community Leaders. Members include the First African-American Olympian, William DeHart Hubbard and Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who established what we know today as Black History Month; and
WHEREAS, There are ten active Chapters Chartered in Cook County, Sigma Omega, Iota, Epsilon Eta, Rho Gamma Gamma, Theta Kappa Kappa, Chi Lambda Lambda, Omicron Mu Mu, and Rho Mu Mu, Mu XI, NU PI; and
WHEREAS, Every year, these Chapters donate over $100,000 in scholarships to high school students, donate hundreds of pints of blood, Mentors young people, and contributes over $50,000 to the College Endowment Funds; and
WHEREAS, Chapters also conduct Voter Registration, Education, and Mobilization drives, highlight the best high school talent for the annual Talent Hunt, and Social Action Programs; and
WHEREAS, Omegas has sent over 2000 pounds of food, clothes, and medical supplies to Haiti after the Earthquake hit in 2010. In addition, held one of Cook County’s largest water drives for Flint, Michigan, collecting and sending over 10 semi-trucks of water and supplies and also one of Cook County’s largest relief drives for Houston, Texas, after Hurricane Harvey. Delivers thousands of Christmas Presents to children of incarcerated parents; and
WHEREAS, Omegas conduct education on health Initiatives focusing on Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and other prevalent issues effecting the residents of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, The Men of Omega Psi Phi have held Ques4Peace marches throughout Cook County to fight youth violence; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, November 17, 2018, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will celebrate their Founders Day where individuals are recognized for their contributions to Community Uplift via Citizen of the Year and Omega Man of the Year awards.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that on behalf of the President, the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the 5.4 million residents of Cook County take great pleasure in honoring and celebrating the men of Omega Psi Phi for their leadership, dedication and commitment and hereby proclaim November 17, 2018 as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Day in Cook County and herewith express our sincere gratitude for your service to the community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution is spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in honor of this auspicious occasion.
end