HR0513 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0513 LRB102 20941 ECR 29832 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity began at Howard University in 1911; the fraternity was started by three Liberal Arts students named Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper, and Frank Colemanin and met in the Science Hall, now known as Thirkield Hall, in the office of biology Professor Ernest E. Just who would serve as faculty adviser; and

WHEREAS, The name Omega Psi Phi was derived from the initials of the Greek phrase meaning "friendship is essential to the soul"; manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift were adopted as the fraternity's cardinal principles; and

WHEREAS, Each year, Omega Psi Phi gives at least $50,000 to historically Black colleges and universities in furtherance of its commitment to provide philanthropic support; and

WHEREAS, Many notable Omega Men are recognized as leaders in the arts, academics, athletics, business, civil rights, education, government, and science sectors at the local, national and international levels; and

WHEREAS, Omega Psi Phi chapters participate in activities that will uplift their communities; some of the activities include voter registration, fighting illiteracy, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, mentoring, and participation in fundraisers for charitable organizations; and

WHEREAS, In 1921, Dr. Taylor F. Harmon and Dr. Simmons Hamilton became the first initiates of the Sigma Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi at the University of Chicago; both men were distinguished dentists in the Chicago area and graduates of Meharry Medical College; and

WHEREAS, The Sigma Omega Chapter has hosted its signature Mardi Gras event in Chicago for many years, with proceeds funding scholarships; and

WHEREAS, In 1995, the Sigma Omega Chapter started the Sigma Omega Foundation, now known as the "Strengthening our Community Alliance Foundation", to provide scholarships and community services to the Woodlawn community; and

WHEREAS, The Strengthening our Community Alliance Foundation (The Foundation) has four pillars for the success of the community, consisting of education, economic development, community, and health; and

WHEREAS, The Foundation hosts monthly community health screening and tax clinics for community members in the neighborhood of Woodlawn; and

WHEREAS, The Foundation provides mentoring, tutoring, and coding classes for students in the community; and

WHEREAS, The Foundation encourages civic engagement through community block club meetings, voter education, education seminars, and non-partisan political forums; and

WHEREAS, The Foundation recognizes a need for a mentoring and leadership program in the community and is in the process of developing a leadership program and curriculum for grades one through six; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, the Sigma Omega Foundation purchased the former Alexandre Dumas Elementary School from the City of Chicago; this building serves as a chapter house to host monthly meetings and serves the Woodlawn community on the South Side of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, The Sigma Omega Chapter has worked tirelessly to uphold the cardinal principles of Omega Psi Phi in the Woodlawn and Chicago community through their community service and scholarship fund; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the 100 year anniversary of the founding of the Sigma Omega Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and recognize the service and accomplishments of Sigma Omega Chapter members; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Sigma Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi as a symbol of our esteem and respect.