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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED MEN OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY INC. 108th FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION
WHEREAS, On the evening of November 17, 1911, Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman. Joining them was their faculty adviser, Ernest Everett Just; founded Omega Psi Phi Fraternity inside the Science Building (later renamed Thirkield Hall) at Howard University located in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, from the initials of the Greek phrase meaning, "friendship is essential to the soul”. Omega Psi Phi derived its name. The founders selected this 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 favorite Omega’s the late Robert B. Steele, Dr. Dennis Deer and John Roberson; and
WHEREAS, Everyone’s life has been touched by a Man of Omega Psi Phi. One member, Dr. Charles Drew, perfected the use of blood plasma, leading to the establishment of blood banks. These blood banks save millions of lives every year; and
WHEREAS, Omega Psi Phi 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, Rho Mu Mu, Mu XI; and NU PI; and
WHEREAS, Every year, these Chapters donate over $100,000 in scholarships to high school students, donate hundreds of pints of blood, mentor young people, and contribute over $50,000 to its 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 sent over 2,000 pounds of food, clothes, and medical supplies to Haiti after the 2010 Earthquake. In addition, Omega Psi Phi held one of Cook County’s largest water drives for Flint, Michigan, collecting and sending over 10 semi-trucks of water and supplies Cook County’s largest relief drives for Houston, Texas, after Hurricane Harvey. Omega Psi Phi continues to deliver thousands of Christmas presents to children of incarcerated parents; and
WHEREAS, Omegas Psi Phi conducts educational programs 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 Sunday, November 17, 2019, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc celebrated their 108th Founders’ Day recognizing individuals for their contributions to community uplift via the “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, 2019 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.
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