News Article - 9 minute read

Submitted By Brother Brian Johnson

Ashburn, VA - On November 14, 2021, the Brothers of Sigma Mu Mu Chapter, Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. held their virtual Achievement Week Awards Brunch to recognize exceptional Brothers and community leaders who served tirelessly during the past Omega year.  South Carolina Congressman and U.S. House of Representatives Majority Whip, Brother James Clyburn, former Grand Basileus Dr. Andrew Ray, 1st Vice Grand Basileus Ricky Lewis, 3rd District Representative Conrado B. Morgan, and other District Officers participated in the program, making it the signature event among Sigma Mu Mu’s Achievement Week celebration and community service activities.  Other activities included the chapter’s annual High School Essay Contest in October; a Dr. Charles R. Drew Blood Drive held at the Inova Blood Donor Center in Sterling, VA on November 6; Tuscarora High School Virtual HBCU College Showcase participation on November 17; an Adopt-a-Highway community service project and Christ Redeemer Church Food Drive in Sterling, VA on November 20; and a chapter worship service at The Temple of Healing Waters Church in Dulles, VA on November 21.   Sigma Mu Mu Chapter’s brotherhood and commitment to the community were on full display as the Brothers successfully executed the events under the leadership of Brother Basileus James Banks and Achievement Week Chairman, Brother Van Corbin.

While Sigma Mu Mu’s Achievement Week observance included the uplifting community service activities, the Awards Brunch was highly anticipated once Brother Clyburn was confirmed as the keynote speaker.  Excitement and anticipation grew when Brothers learned that former Grand Basileus Dr. Andrew Ray also planned to speak during the program.  These Omega giants did not disappoint!  During his remarks, Dr. Ray commented on the relevance of the Achievement Week theme, “Omega Men Protecting Life and Liberty”, observing that Omega men always lead the way.  He used the sports analogy of a relay race baton handoff to illustrate the importance of perfecting the handoff in life: if the handoff is botched in a race, the relay team loses the race; similarly, if Omega men and other responsible citizens miss the handoff in life (e.g. fail to pass along meaningful values and traditions), precious lives are lost to the ills of society such as gun violence, drug addiction, and lack of education, among others.  Brother Ray stressed the need to handoff vision informed by hindsight (history), insight (the present) and foresight (the future).  The former Grand Basileus’ remarks provided a nice segue to Brother Clyburn’s keynote speech.

Brother Clyburn commented that he studies and uses history as a guide, emphasizing the need for Omega men and African Americans, in general, to stay vigilant in protecting rights and institutions.  He cited existential threats to HBCUs and attacks on democracy as examples of why vigilance is needed.  To underscore the importance of preserving the integrity of HBCUs, Brother Clyburn shared a conversation he had with Brother Ronald McNair prior to his untimely death in the Space Shuttle Challenger accident.  Brother McNair observed that the PhD he earned from MIT always seemed to get highlighted during public introductions, but Brother McNair said it was his North Carolina A&T experience that enabled him to achieve.  Brother Clyburn