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PAST EVENTS
On January 15, 2024, the Chi Iota Iota Chapter gathered at Zion Baptist Church for a prayer service. U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered the keynote speech. After the service, we marched to the South Carolina State House for a rally. Vice President Kamala Harris was the keynote speaker at the South Carolina NAACP’s annual “King Day at the Dome” event in Columbia, S.C.
Later that day, we attended the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at the community center near Martin Luther King Park. The Chapter was recognized as a Social Change Donor for the Dream Keeper Scholarship during the ceremony. The theme for the day was “Ballots for Freedom, Ballots for Justice, Ballots for Change.”
On December 30, 2023, the Chi Iota Iota Chapter collaborated with the Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to conduct a voter registration, education, and mobilization campaign in neighborhoods located in Ward 29, Ward 21, and Ward 31.
The 2023 Chapter Christmas Party was a great success, and we would like to thank our family and friends for attending the event. We extend a special thank you to Mrs. Vanessa Matthews for the beautiful Christmas decorations. We also thank Ms. Latonya Jackson for her excellent selection of drinks that everyone enjoyed. Finally, we would like to thank Que’d Up Smokers BBQ and Catering, LLC, for their professionalism and for providing us with delicious food.
On December 9, 2023, the Chi Iota Iota chapter volunteered as Salvation Army Bell Ringers to make a difference between an empty kettle and one raising funds for those in need all year.
November 19, 2023, the NPHC Columbia, SC hosted the Annual Soiree at Second Nazareth Baptist Church. The Chapter received an Attendance Award Certificate.
The International Achievement Week Theme 2023 was “Omega Men Promoting a Harmonious Future Through Friendship and Service.” As we approached 112 years of service as a fraternity, the men of Chi Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Incorporated celebrated Achievement Week, serving our community with family and friends from November 12, 2023, to November 18, 2023. The Chapter acknowledges several individuals for their contributions to society. Congratulations to all the awardees! Achievement Banquet Awardees: Citizen of the Year-Dr. Stephanie Payne, Founders’ Lifetime Achievement Award-Brother Russell Brown Esq., Superior Service Award-Brother Tremayne Matthews, Brigadier General Charles Young Military Leadership Award-Brother Kelvin Wright, Omega Man of the Year-Brother Ramonn Lester. Guest Speaker/Basileus Awardee-Brother Dr. Rev Clarke McGriff
The following Omega Men earned a Scroll of Honor for exceptional service for various reasons that align with the Fraternity’s goals and initiatives. Brothers Craig Howard, Thomas T. Carr IV, Reginald Howell, William Randolph, Russell O. Brown Esq., Omega Harris, Dexter McLendon, Kelvin Wright, Rodney Cephas, Stacey Hill, Ricky Montgomery, Johnathan Dukes, Marshawn Martin, Tremayne K. Matthews, Darwin Barcus, and Jurmelle Hughes. https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/04eef1c064884aa48f3447b1ef977b3f
Thursday night football and fellowship!
Bowling with the Bruhs in support of Reclamation and Retention.
Chi Iota Iota partnered with Transition Homeless Center in Columbia, SC, and fed over 120 people for dinner.
The Chapter delivered 25 pre-packaged Thanksgiving non-perishable boxes to assist the Green Hill Baptist Church’s efforts to feed the community.
Chi Iota Iota assembled at Killian Elementary School to assist with moving furniture and books to new classrooms, sorting shirts for all grade levels, and organizing boxes in the media center.
Brothers and their families worshiped at Greenhill Baptist Church in Lugoff, SC, under the leadership of Brother Dr. Rev Clarke McGriff.
The men of the Chi Iota Iota chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. assisted with sponsoring the Boo at 2 Holloween event on Oct 27, 2023.
The men of Chi Iota Iota chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. host their 7th Annual Charles R. Drew Blood Drive on October 14, 2023, with the American Red Cross, Target Department Store located on Two Notch Road, along with live broadcasting from both the Big DM 101.3 FM and Hot 103.9 FM / 93.9 FM. What started as a rainy morning turned into a beautiful and successful day to sponsor a blood drive and donate blood. Some statistics from today’s blood drive: 36 units of blood were donated, 16 were first-time donors, and four were deferred for a low hemoglobin count. The goal was to collect 24 units of blood, which was exceeded by 12 units.
September 22nd-24th, 2023, The Alpha Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. hosted the first Mighty Sixth District Meeting in Rocky Mount, NC.
On September 13, 2023, the Chi Iota Iota Chapter partnered with the North Springs Elementary School STEMS Program.
The All White Scholarship Affair and Smoke and Spirits Event.
On 19 Aug 2023, we held the 30th Chapter Anniversary Banquet, followed by the XIISF All-White Affair. Brother Grand Keeper of Records and Seal Sherman Charles was the guest speaker. The 1st Vice District Representative Cedric Luckey spoke on behalf of The Mighty Sixth District, accompanied by the District Keeper of Finance, Brother Gary Bussey, and the Assistant District Keeper of Records and Seal, Brother Robert Hemby. Attendance included Chapter Officers from Zeta Zeta, Omicron Phi, Chi Chi, Chapters, the current President and former President of Columbia NPHC, and the Assistant to the Grand Keeper of Records and Seal.
XII 30th Anniversary Banquet: https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/653b362b9bc94f699ac739e040354272
XII 30th Cookout: https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/4e0383380d0d4950bdcba110bbc3db7d
XII Golf Tournament: https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/fe7dbfcfd7684696b286d6fa1aa69973
From July 16 – July 21, the Chi Iota Iota Chapter sponsored ten campers and supported the 2023 Sixth District Boy’s Leadership Camp – at Winston Salem State University.
From July 12-16, 2023, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated held its Dr. Moses C. Norman Sr. International Leadership Conference in Nassau, Bahamas. Several Brothers from the Chi Iota Iota Chapter attended business meetings and workshops hosted by the Fraternity and sponsored by several professional organizations. In addition, the host District provided various programs and activities for families and the brotherhood.
2023 Purple, Gold, and Brigadier General Charles Young Legacy Scholarship Award Recipients
Purple Scholarship Awardee
- Khylil Romel Williamson – Fairfield Central High School: 12th Grade – College or University plan to attend: Clemson University – Expected College Major: Forestry & Natural Resources – Business Management.
Gold Scholarship Awardees
- TaeVion Monte Brown – Irmo High School: 12th Grade – College or University plan to attend: Erskine College – Expected College Major: Pre-Veterinary Sciences.
- Johnathan Eric Chambers, II – Ridge View High School: 12th Grade – College or University plan to attend: University of South Carolina Aiken – Expected College Major: Business Management.
- Isaiah Emmanuel Dye – Swansea High School: 12th Grade – College or University plan to attend: Clemson University – Expected College Major: Civil Engineering.
- Morris Wilson Morgan, III – Spring Valley High School: 12th Grade – College or University plan to attend: SC State University or Coastal Carolina – Expected College Major: Computer Science.
- Christian Isaiah Nathaniel – Fairfield Central High School: 12th Grade – College or University plan to attend: Tuskegee University – Expected College Major: Biology
- Khalil London Peake – Gray Collegiate Academy: 12th Grade – College or University plan to attend: Anderson University – Expected College Major: Secondary English Education
Brigadier General Charles Young Legacy Scholarship Awardees
- Niles Patrick Barber – Spring Hill High School: 12th Grade – College or University plan to attend: Winthrop University – Expected College Major: Business Finance.
- Devin Rahsaan Richardson – Blythewood High School: 12th Grade – College or University plan to attend: South Carolina State University – Expected College Major: Cyber Security.
- Kameron Letori Rolack – Blythewood High School: 12th Grade – College or University plan to attend: North Carolina A&T State University – Expected College Major: Nursing.
Gold Scholarship Awardees
Purple Scholarship Awardee
Brigadier General Charles Young Legacy Scholarship Awardees
Brothers from the Chi Iota Iota Chapter attended The Mighty Sixth District 78th Annual District Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, from April 20 – April 23, 2023.
Thank you for your unwavering support! We look forward to seeing you for a bigger and better event next year.
April Spring Clean-up Clothing Drive
Bro Jonathan Dukes, 3-19-Iota Gamma Gamma, of XII Chapter is a guest on Dr. Jaria Aljoe’s session about how his life as a Christian leader influences his involvement as a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Please join us in congratulating upper school students Allison Davis, Max Hagood, Edgar Jackson, Regan Williams, and coach Willis Ware on placing first in the SC State Championship for the Mighty Sixth District’s Quiz Bowl. The Highlanders traveled to South Carolina State University to compete against schools across the Palmetto State. The Highlanders head to Charlotte on April 21 to compete against the North Carolina state champions for the Omega Psi Phi Sixth District title.
On Friday, March 19, 2023, Brother Dr. Clarke McGriff represented the Chi Iota Iota Chapter at the 1st Annual Devine 9 Reading with a Purpose event at Mill Creek Elementary.
Richland County Recreation Commission partnered with the Chi Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to conduct the “Stomp Out Hunger” Charity Basketball Game at North Springs Park in Columbia, SC, to support the Harvest Hope Food Bank of South Carolina and Richland County After School Programs. The joint effort raised enough snacks for 10 Richland County Parks & Recreation After School Programs and 73 pounds of canned goods for the Harvest Hope Food Bank. In addition, the Chapter distributed mask, hand sanitizer, and sanitary wipes in support of the Good Health WINs partnership with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
The basketball games included the 3rd Annual 6th District North Carolina vs. the 6th District South Carolina brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, and the South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy vs. Camp Aspen Youth Academy.
On February 26, 2023, the Chi Iota Iota Chapter and Project Aspiration Foundation, Inc. hosted the annual Black History Quiz Bowl. Heathwood Hall Episcopal School and Fairfield Central High School students competed in three rounds with questions covering the arts, military, entertainment, education, business, science, exploration, sports, and history. Ultimately, Heathwood Hall emerged as the winner for a consecutive year.
We look forward to next year and thank all the students, advisors, parents, community members, and the men of Chi Iota Iota for their unwavering support for our youth.
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School Students and Advisors:
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Allison Davis
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Max Hagood
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Edgar Jackson
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Regan Williams
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Mr. Willis Ware
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Mrs. Brionna Zimmerman
Fairfield Central High School Students and Advisor:
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Kendis Green
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Kensley Green
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Aiden Tidwell
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Ruben Tucker
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Ms. Stephanie Vincent
Quiz Master:
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Ms. Ileana Carr
On February 24, 2023, the Chi Iota Iota Chapter supported two local school events. Omega men participated in the African American Read-In entitled “Real Men Read” at Jackson Creek Elementary School for students in grades prekindergarten-5th tackling Assault on Illiteracy. At Bridge Creek Elementary, brothers served as role models and uplifted students as they welcomed them to school.
The Chi Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Project Aspiration Foundation, Inc. 2023 Talent Hunt Program
Judges:
- Adrian Jermaine Adams is the current Band Director at Ducthtown High school in Georgia.
- Cierra Asmond has served as the Orchestra Director at Richland Northeast High School.
- Austin G. Myers is a public school educator in northeast Richland County, South Carolina.
Contestants:
- 1st Place Winner: Taneya Trapp is a Fairfield Central High School senior. She performed a Classical Vocal Solo – Alto titled; I’m Here by Color Purple Musical.
- 2nd Place Winner: Khai Le’Ryn Gamble is a sophomore at Blythewood High School. She performed a Classical Instrument Solo – Violin Titled; Arlington Sketches by Elliot Del Borgo.
- 3rd Place Winner: Tyre Timbers is a Fairfield Central High School senior. He performed a Classical Instrument Solo – Upright Bass Titled; L’ Elephant by Le Carnaval des Animaux.
On Saturday, February 11, 2023, the Columbia Urban League Young Professionals (CULYPSC) partnered with The Talented Tenth SC, Columbia Recruiting Battalion, and the Chi Iota Iota chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for an event titled "Let's Talk About It: Real Paths to Success After Finishing School." Members of the chapter discussed military careers in three 45-minute small group sessions.
The Chi Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, is partnering with the National Council of Negro Women, Incorporated for the "Good Health Wins-Omega Psi Phi initiative." FOLLLOW @goodhealthwins Website: goodhealthwins.org #ncnwstrong #affordablehealthcare #healthcare #NCNWStrong #goodhealthwins #NPHC #ncicp #ncnw
On January 14, 2023, the Chi Iota Iota Chapter and Project Aspiration Foundation hosted a Community Health Fair with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to provide free COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations to the community and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Dr. Glenn S. Smith, DDS, from the Premier Smile Center, and Dr. Marcono Hines Jr., Columbia Nephrology, also presented valuable medical advice.
January 2023 Community Clean-Up
On December 10, 2022, the Chi Iota Iota chapter volunteered as Salvation Army Bell Ringers to make the difference between an empty kettle and one raising funds for those in need all year.
The International Achievement Week Theme for 2022 was "Providing Uplift to Local, National, and World Communities." Brothers, attended worship service at Green Hill Baptist Church, fed 260 people at Transitions Homeless Center while providing masks, hand sanitizer, and sanitary products, and collected and donated over 300 clothing items to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health and 126 pounds of non-perishables to the Harvest Hope Food Bank.
The 29th Achievement Week Banquet acknowledged several individuals' service and dedication to the community, and high school students from the Richland and Lexington districts participated in the Essay Contest. Congratulations to all the awardees for well-deserved recognition! Achievement Week Awardees: Citizen of the Year-Mrs. Karis Mazyck, Founders' Lifetime Achievement Award-Brother Reginald Howell, Superior Service Award-Brother Dexter McLendon, Omega Man of the Year-Brother Tremayne Matthews, Brigadier General Charles Young Military Leadership Award-Brother Quentin Benjamin. High School Essay Contest Finalist: 1st Place Essay Winner-Grayson T. Chatman-Dutch Fork High School, 2nd Place Essay Winner-Kameron Rolack-Blythewood High School, 3rd Place Essay Winner- Dorthanius Slade-Dreher High School.
The following Omega Men earned a Scroll of Honor or plaque for exceptional service for various reasons that align with the Fraternity's goals and initiatives. Brothers Craig Howard, Thomas Carr IV., Russell Brown Esq., Cedric Henderson, Dr. Marcono Hines Jr., Terrell Howard, Marshawn Martin, and Ramonn Lester.
The Chi Iota Iota Chapter partnered with R2i2 for BOO at 2.
October 16, 2022, NPHC Columbia SC hosted the Annual Soiree at Second Nazareth Baptist Church.
On September 17, 2022, Project Aspiration Foundation held its Safety Day activities at the Omega Center at 2 Flora Circle, Columbia, SC. Richland County SC Police Department and Fire Department were on hand to partner with Project Aspiration Foundation to promote the services they provide for the community. The intent was to familiarize children & parents on the equipment used in case of emergency & how these public service agencies work for the community in a safe reliable way.
September is Sickle Cell Awareness month. On September 10, 2022, the Chi Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated members completed its sixth annual Charles R. Drew Blood Drive. The event's success would not be possible without the support of the Columbia, South Carolina American Red Cross (ARC), Target department store, and live radio coverage from the Big DM 101.3 FM. This year we collected 28 units of lifesaving blood, exceeding the 24-unit goal! These units will potentially help save the lives of up to 84 hospital patients in need.
The Chi Iota Iota Chapter signature All-White Scholarship Affair on August 20, 2022, was a great success, but we could not have done it without the support of our loyal sponsors and patrons. Your kindness permits us to fulfill our purpose, and we thank you!
We want to thank the community and Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, for attending. We look forward to seeing you at our follow-up events.
2022 Columbia Black Expo Greek Village
2022 Brigadier General Charles Young Legacy Scholarship Awardees
- Anthony Cole Jr. is graduating from Spring Valley High School with a 4.27 GPA. Anthony was a three-year varsity Wrestler letterman. He held several student councils elected positions, was a two-time CATE Completer (Career and Technology Education), and president of The Man Up Mentee Group at Spring Valley. Anthony plans to attend The Citadel during the Fall year of 2022, pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Terry Watson is a graduating senior at Blythewood High School, where he served as captain of the Varsity soccer team and won all State and All-Region honors. After graduation, he will continue his soccer career as a Division I athlete at Clemson University, pursuing a degree in Business Marketing.
Chi Iota Iota Chapter and Project Aspiration Foundation 2022 Talent Hunt Program
Judges:
- Adrian Jermaine Adams serves as the Assistant Director of Bands and Professor of Upper Brass at Allen University.
- Joel Collier, D.M.A., currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music and Professor of Lower Brass at Allen University.
- Jovon Milford currently serves as Assistant Director of Bands and Professor of Percussion Studies at Allen University.
Contestants:
- Tyler Stodghill: 1st Place Winner – $500. Tyler Stodghill is a senior at Richland Northeast High School. He performed a classical instrumental solo using the alto saxophone.Khai Gamble: 2nd Place Winner – $300.
- Khai Gamble is a freshman at Blythewood High School. She performed a classical instrumental solo using the violin.
Project Aspiration Foundation, Inc., Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
2022 Assault on Illiteracy Black History Quiz Bowl at Bethel AME Church (Rev Dr. Caesar R. Richburg, Senior Pastor)
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School Students
- Justin Ansley
- Kayla Barnes
- Allison Davis
- Edgar Jackson
Advisors
- Mr. Willis Ware
- Ms. Brionna Zimmerman
Richland Northeast High School Students
- Autumn Christy
- Deim Gannaban
- Ta’miya, Williams
Advisor
- Mrs. Regina Cherry