MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Espy

House Resolution 18

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY FOR ITS DEDICATION TO CREATE SOCIAL IMPROVEMENT WITHIN THE COMMUNITY BY DELIVERING THE COMMUNITY'S ISSUES TO THE POLICY MAKERS DURING OMEGA PSI PHI'S MARCH TO THE STATE CAPITOL.

     WHEREAS, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was given life on November 17, 1911, when three students, Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper and Frank Coleman, with the assistance of Professor Ernest E. Just, created an organization from the initials of the Greek phrase meaning "friendship is essential to the soul"; and

     WHEREAS, these men sought to fill a gap within the community by promoting the principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift; characteristics necessary not only for the survival of a man, but the success of a man; and

     WHEREAS, since its inception, thousands of Omega men have actively fought, as leaders and participants of vital historic demonstrations for social change, to create social change for the betterment of all people; and

     WHEREAS, in the tradition of this phenomenal organization, its members have journeyed to the State's Capitol in a symbolic march to create social improvement within the community by delivering the community's issues to the policy makers; and

     WHEREAS, because the organization's profound commitment is not simply a local commitment to the community but to the world, internationally mandated programs were established by Omega Psi Phi to ensure that its message would reach the masses; and

     WHEREAS, these internationally mandated programs are: Achievement Week, Scholarship Programs, Social Action Programs, Talent Hunt Programs, the College Endowment Fund, Health Initiatives, Voter Education and Mobilization, and membership in the NAACP; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the contributions made by community organizations such as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for its dedication to create social improvement within the community by delivering the community's issues to the policy makers during Omega Psi Phi's March to the State Capitol.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.