By Sylvester Robinson
ON THURSDAY June 8, 2023, the Eta Nu Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. held its annual Talent Hunt Program, one of the fraternity’s mandated observances. Parents, community partners, friends, and chapter members converged at the E. Pat Larkins Complex to celebrate and observe the extraordinarily, talented contestants, many of whom attend Dillard High’s School of the Performing Arts: Va ‘Kiel Harris ( Piano Solo), Manasseh Etienne (Violin Solo), and Issac Delva (Piano Solo). A fourth contestant, Talia Mitchell, performed also. We were treated with a guest performance by past talent contest winner, Florida State University graduate, and aspiring opera singer Anielya Wells-Miller, who sang “ O mio babbino Cato, a composition of Giacomo Puccini from the opera Gianni Schicchi. Additionally, she has been accepted into an immersive 5 week young artist program in 2023 with the Festival of International Opera in Urbania, Italy. See her contact info below to donate. GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/38779529 . I have also accepted donations via Zelle: Awellsmiller11@gmail.com, Paypal: @Anielyawm, Venmo: @Anielya, and Cash App: $Princessanielya.
Talent Hunt Judges were Randy Corinthian, Michael Littlejohn and Kenneth Howard, all professional music experts in their chosen fields of study. The Talent winner , Manasseh Etienne, will represent Eta Nu at the Florida Statewide Organization Talent Hunt Program chaired by Eta Nu’s very own Antonio Womack. Vakeill Harris finished second while Talia Mitchell was the third place recipient.
Brother Chris Taylor and committee are to be commended on the exemplary program outcome. The standard is the standard.
One of the flagship programs of the Eta Nu Education Foundation, Inc. of the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity took center stage next as the chapter celebrated the mentees of Q Unit and Gentlemen of Influence (G.O.I.) mentoring program on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Historic Ali Multi Cultural Complex in Pompano Beach by hosting its annual Purple Tie Mentoring Awards Ceremony. In conjunction with the Broward Schools calendar, at the conclusion of the year, our mentees are celebrated for successfully completing the empowering and engaging programs provided by Eta Nu mentors and its sponsor partners. Mentorship chair Antonio Burgess states, “We recognize our mentees for achieving honor roll, status, earning mentee of the month, golf team participation and successful promotion. We meet on the first and third Saturday of each month at our Eta Nu Education Center with primary focus on academics, community service, character development, social/life skills, and college/careers. Our mission is to provide young males with the guidance and support needed to reach their full potential.” As a member observer, the parents exuded great pride as their sons’ names were called when accepting various awards and honors. Seeing the young mentees march in – dressed in white shirts and purple ties – was awe inspiring. The keynote address was given by Harold Pryor, Broward County’s first African American state attorney. Speaking to the mentees about some of his personal experiences encouraged them to believe that any and all is possible if they simply trust God and believe in themselves. I want to commend Brothers Antonio Burgess, Antonio Brihm and all mentors whose dedication and hard work ensure the program’s continued success. For more information, email us at etanumentoring@gmail.com
On Saturday June, 10, 2023, a formal meeting of Eta Nu , with Basileus Bruce ”Terry “ Brown presiding, was convened specifically to honor our last surviving founder, former Blanche Ely principal, Broward educator, philanthropist and champion of student achievement , Brother James L. Jones, who on this very auspicious occasion, is celebrating his 70th year as a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Gracing us with his presence was Grand Basileus Ricky Lawrence Lewis, who traveled all the way from Los Angeles, Grand Keeper of Finance Johnnie Smith, and Florida Statewide Organization president Darren Toston. Former Grand Basileus Dorsey C. Miller was scheduled to be there in person, but a medical setback prevented that inevitability. However, Dr. Miller was able to offer congratulatory remarks via phone or zoom.
Brother Jones is a 1953 initiate of Omega via the Omicron Epsilon Chapter, Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach, Florida. He has been an active, financial member for 70 years. I’m assured that I speak for all of Omegadom: We thank you for your service and we love you.
Additionally, Brother Antonio Womack received his 40 year pin at arguably, numerically the most highly attended formal meeting in Eta Nu history. All previously chronicled events were closely connected to Eta Nu Chapter ‘s 54th anniversary celebration hosted Harry Harrell and Gary Torrence of Tom Jenkins’ Barbecue as they celebrated nearly 40 years in the greatest fraternity God has ever created.
The standard is the standard!
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