By Frank Gaines, Ph.D.
The brothers of the Zeta Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have been hard at work exemplifying their cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. Through multiple activities throughout the county, brothers have sponsored, facilitated or participated in food drives, uplift projects and mentoring activities for youth, families, fathers and the community.
April 27 – UPLIFT Project Raises $4,600 in 72 Hours for Families Affected By COVID-19
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The Men of the Zeta Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. raised money to provide Publix gift cards valued at $200 each to selected families in Broward County financially affected by the COVID-19 Coronavirus. The initiative was made possible when Brother Michael T. Bostick issued a call to action for brothers to donate $25 each in 24 hours as an UPLIFT Challenge to help the community.
When the challenge ended, brothers had far exceeded their goal of $1,200 by raising $4,600, enabling them to provide $200 Publix gift-cards to 21 families from Pompano Beach to Hallandale Beach and as you can imagine the families were much appreciative. Brothers Chad Walker and Von Howard were instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. The project is expected to be an annual project with the goal of collaborating in the future with all of the Divine 9 Greek Letter organizations.
The gift card distribution was spearheaded by Lauderhill City Commission seat candidate Lawrence “Jabbow” Martin. Mr. Martin is a long-time community activist, Lauderhill youth activities coach and mentor, Code Board volunteer, and Pride of Parkway founder with a platform that is focused, meaningful, and actionable. You can follow Lawrence “Jabbow” Martin’s campaign on Twitter @lawrencemartin2020 and through his website, lawrencemartin2020.com.
April 2 – Free Com-munity Food Distribution sponsored by Lawrence “Jabbow” Martin
Lauderdale Lakes, FL – Lauderhill City Commission seat candidate Lawrence “Jabbow” Martin’s contributions to the Broward County community continued on May 2nd through a Free Community Food Distribution at Boyd H. Anderson High School. Contributors included the Fort Lauderdale NAACP, Boyd H. Anderson High School, Ark of the City, Broward County Public Schools, and the Henry D. Perry Educational Center. Over 300 families received free fruit, vegetables and snacks.
May 2 and 16 – Zeta Chi Brothers Assist Feeding South Florida
WEST PARK FL – Drive thru Food Distribution, Mc-Tyre Park – The brothers continued to do their part to assist families in need in South Broward County by providing manpower on two weekends to distribute food in a drive-thru food distribution at McTyre Park in West Park, Florida. On both days the brothers assisted by setting up, preparing food for distribution, distributing food and directing traffic during the event. Hundreds of families received milk, produce, meat, vegetables and other food items. Chapter brother Brian C. Johnson, West Park vice-mayor and candidate for Florida State Representative – District 101 (South Broward County), facilitated the participation of the brothers of Zeta Chi. Brian Johnson’s campaign can be followed on Twitter @electBCJ , and Instagram @ElectBrianCJohnson . Contact information is bcjohnson@electbrianjohnson.com – by email. The website is www.electBrianCJohnson.com
Mentoring Platforms Lamplighter’s
LAUDERHILL, FL – Two of the strongholds of the Zeta Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., mentoring programs continue to be its Lamplighter’s Mentoring Program and its Fatherhood Mentoring Program. The Lamplighters Program was implemented in 2008 by brother Brian C. Johnson and currently serves 22 young men on a bi-weekly basis. The organization continues to operate from a virtual platform during the pandemic. As it closes out its 12th year, upcoming events include sessions on ACT/SAT test-taking strategies, Youth Entrepreneurship and Civic and Political Engagement for Change. Applications and inquiries for high school age young men for the upcoming school year can be obtained by email through zxkrs@hotmail.com .
Fatherhood
The Fatherhood Program, facilitated through the chapter’s Basileus Ron C. Osborne-Williams, currently serves 16 adult fathers in locations throughout Broward County. Although all meetings are currently virtual, fathers are serviced at the DISMAS Halfway House in Dania Beach, Lauderdale Lakes Library, Jan Moran Collier City Library and South Regional/Broward College Library. The program participants meet on the virtual platform on a weekly basis. 8 of the 10 program mentors are brothers of the Zeta Chi chapter. Program components include group meetings, case management and therapy services. Fathers receive assistance to overcome obstacles that include but are not limited to employment, housing, finances, legal, child custody/support issues and emergency needs. The program is free. Any father in Broward county with a child 19 years old or younger is eligible. To refer fathers or get additional information, please contact program coordinator Angelica Brodeur at (954) 695-2905 – Abrodeur@hmhbbroward.org. *Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is a philanthropic social service organization with the primary purpose of supporting and uplifting the community in which it resides.
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