Omega Psi Phi holds Achievement Week Program at Mt. Calvary AME Church

The Omega Psi Phi fraternity held an Achievement Week program for outstanding young citizens at Mt. Calvary AME church in Hartsville on Sunday, Nov. 16.

The blue-hued pews of the church started to fill around 3:50 p.m. on Sunday evening with former South Carolina State Rep. James L. Felder as the keynote speaker of the day.

Felder presented area students Maxie Jacobs, Jordan Jefferson and Warwick Bouman with awards for their essay writing. The winner, Jacobs, will represent the Sixth District in the state competition and has the chance to advance for a scholarship on the national level.

Felder is the CEO of the South Carolina Voter Education Project, and the theme for his speech was “Is race a relevant consideration in leading the United States of America?”

“This social fraternity is specifically designed to recognize people in the community who achieve above and beyond,” Felder told those in attendance.

Felder also spoke of the recent historic election of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama to the office of President of the United States. He said Obama notched the best approval rating since Ronald Regan in the election and spoke of the meaning the election for minorities in America. He ended his speech saying, “The hands that used to pick cotton, now pick presidents.”
Members of the Kay Branch Missionary Baptist Church Choir performed two selections as members of the fraternity, led by Franklin Hines, walked the aisles.

The program is to recognize the achievements of area citizens throughout the year, said fraternity member Evans Gilliard.

The fraternity recognized the Omega Man of the Year and the Citizen of the Year.

The Omega Man of the Year was Charles White of Florence, who is a member of the local chapter of the fraternity.

The Rev. J.D. Blue was recognized as the Citizen of the Year. Blue is the pastor at Second Baptist Church on Washington Street in Hartsville.

Blue was recognized for his tireless work helping needy families in the area with clothing, food and shelter, Gilliard said. “We try to find those individuals that have an impact on people’s lives during that year and recognize them,” Gilliard added.

The fraternity meets monthly and engages in civic projects to help those in need in the area and help youth in the area become better citizens, Gilliard said of the organization. Those activities include a summer camp for area youth in need.