[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 17, 2009

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize my 
fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, the first African-
American national fraternal organization to be founded at a 
historically black college, for their 7th Annual Florida Political 
Summit in Tallahassee, Florida.
  For nearly 100 years, my fraternal brothers have faithfully carried 
out their mission of fostering the growth of men, both college and post 
college, by providing an outlet and opportunity to serve the community 
as set forth by our founders at Howard University, Edgar A. Love, Oscar 
J. Cooper, Frank Coleman, and Ernest Just.
  Since its inception in 1911, Omega Psi Phi brothers have been 
advocates of taking leadership to prevent violence against women and 
children in the African-American community, supported efforts of the 
United Negro College Fund and the Congressional Black Caucus, and most 
recently partnered with the American Cancer Society and the National 
Association of Basketball Coaches in Coaches vs. Cancer in empowering 
basketball coaches, their teams and local communities to make a 
difference in the fight against cancer.
  While attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, FAMU, 
in Tallahassee, Florida, I had the distinct honor of serving as 
Basileus of the Upsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi. My experiences as 
Basileus have served as the cornerstone in my education and leadership 
skills that I have carried over into this esteemed Chamber in 
representing the 17th Congressional District of Florida.
  In an esteemed effort to continue Omega Psi Phi's mission, I know the 
men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will discuss their legislative concerns 
ranging from civil rights, health care reform and veteran's affairs to 
public education, foreign policy, and economic issues while sharing 
their experiences and raising awareness of issues affecting our daily 
lives.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in wishing my 
brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity a successful political summit as 
these men continue to build a strong and effective force of men 
dedicated to its Cardinal Principles of manhood, scholarship, 
perseverance, and uplift.

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