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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity began at Howard
3University in 1911; the fraternity was started by three
4Liberal Arts students named Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper,
5and Frank Colemanin and met in the Science Hall, now known as
6Thirkield Hall, in the office of biology Professor Ernest E.
7Just who would serve as faculty adviser; and
 
8    WHEREAS, The name Omega Psi Phi was derived from the
9initials of the Greek phrase meaning "friendship is essential
10to the soul"; manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift
11were adopted as the fraternity's cardinal principles; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Each year, Omega Psi Phi gives at least $50,000
13to historically Black colleges and universities in furtherance
14of its commitment to provide philanthropic support; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Many notable Omega Men are recognized as leaders
16in the arts, academics, athletics, business, civil rights,
17education, government, and science sectors at the local,
18national and international levels; and
 
19    WHEREAS, Omega Psi Phi chapters participate in activities
20that will uplift their communities; some of the activities
21include voter registration, fighting illiteracy, volunteering

 

 

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1for Habitat for Humanity, mentoring, and participation in
2fundraisers for charitable organizations; and
 
3    WHEREAS, In 1921, Dr. Taylor F. Harmon and Dr. Simmons
4Hamilton became the first initiates of the Sigma Omega Chapter
5of Omega Psi Phi at the University of Chicago; both men were
6distinguished dentists in the Chicago area and graduates of
7Meharry Medical College; and
 
8    WHEREAS, The Sigma Omega Chapter has hosted its signature
9Mardi Gras event in Chicago for many years, with proceeds
10funding scholarships; and
 
11    WHEREAS, In 1995, the Sigma Omega Chapter started the
12Sigma Omega Foundation, now known as the "Strengthening our
13Community Alliance Foundation", to provide scholarships and
14community services to the Woodlawn community; and
 
15    WHEREAS, The Strengthening our Community Alliance
16Foundation (The Foundation) has four pillars for the success
17of the community, consisting of education, economic
18development, community, and health; and
 
19    WHEREAS, The Foundation hosts monthly community health
20screening and tax clinics for community members in the
21neighborhood of Woodlawn; and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, The Foundation provides mentoring, tutoring, and
2coding classes for students in the community; and
 
3    WHEREAS, The Foundation encourages civic engagement
4through community block club meetings, voter education,
5education seminars, and non-partisan political forums; and
 
6    WHEREAS, The Foundation recognizes a need for a mentoring
7and leadership program in the community and is in the process
8of developing a leadership program and curriculum for grades
9one through six; and
 
10    WHEREAS, In 2015, the Sigma Omega Foundation purchased the
11former Alexandre Dumas Elementary School from the City of
12Chicago; this building serves as a chapter house to host
13monthly meetings and serves the Woodlawn community on the
14South Side of Chicago; and
 
15    WHEREAS, The Sigma Omega Chapter has worked tirelessly to
16uphold the cardinal principles of Omega Psi Phi in the
17Woodlawn and Chicago community through their community service
18and scholarship fund; therefore, be it
 
19    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
20HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that

 

 

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1we recognize the 100 year anniversary of the founding of the
2Sigma Omega Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and
3recognize the service and accomplishments of Sigma Omega
4Chapter members; and be it further
 
5    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
6presented to the Sigma Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi as a
7symbol of our esteem and respect.