HR0354 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0354 LRB104 13717 LAW 26418 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C. on November 17, 1911, becoming the first international fraternal organization established on the campus of a historically Black college or university (HBCU); and

WHEREAS, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was established by three Howard University students, Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank Coleman, with guidance from their faculty advisor, Dr. Ernest Everett Just; and

WHEREAS, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.'s name derives from the initials of the Greek phrase meaning, "Friendship is Essential to the Soul", and this phrase was adopted as the fraternity's guiding motto; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has grown into a global brotherhood with over 750 chapters and tens of thousands of members across the United States and abroad, including distinguished members in government, education, medicine, business, athletics, and the arts; and

WHEREAS, The men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to community uplift, civic engagement, and educational advancement through nationally recognized programs, including the fraternity's annual Achievement Week, the Talent Hunt competition, the National High School Essay Contest, the Charles R. Drew Blood Drive, the Assault on Illiteracy, the Fatherhood Initiative, the Domestic Violence Awareness campaigns, and its voter registration and mobilization efforts; and

WHEREAS, In Illinois, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.'s 31 active and passionate chapters have collectively contributed thousands of hours of service, mentorship, and outreach in communities across the State, ranging from Chicago and the suburbs to downstate regions, and have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to scholarships and food security, healthcare awareness, and youth development initiatives; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois leadership of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has worked to ensure a visible and constructive presence in the civic and political life of the State, including organizing Omega Days at the Capitol to engage lawmakers on policies affecting education, equity, and community development; and

WHEREAS, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has selected the City of Chicago as the host of its 2028 Grand Conclave, a gathering that will bring thousands of Omega men and their families to Illinois for fellowship, service, and celebration; and

WHEREAS, On May 21, 2025, members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will gather at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield for Omega Psi Phi Day in Illinois, which will serve as a day of advocacy, fellowship, and recognition of their enduring commitment to service and social action; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on its remarkable history of leadership, service, and brotherhood, and we welcome its members to the Capitol; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Illinois chapters of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as a token of our respect and esteem.