News Article - 3 minute read

On June 17, 2023, Sigma Mu Mu Chapter, Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., participated in the "Burg" Family Reunion's Juneteenth Celebration at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, VA.  The chapter assisted with parking, voter registration, and vendor booth setup. In addition, Sigma Mu Mu gave away brand new books to children in attendance as part of its Ques’ Book Give Away Program. Through its relationship with the Toys for Tots charity program, the chapter receives over 3,000 new Scholastic Pre-K to 12th grade books each year for distribution to the Loudoun community.  Sigma Mu Mu starts distributing the books at the end of the school year as part of its Que Bucks Reading Program at the chapter’s adopted school, Sugarland Elementary.  Each child is given two books to encourage them to read during the summer break.  Sigma Mu Mu Book distribution concludes with chapter donations to the Loudoun County Chapter Of The Links, Incorporated, Greater Little Zion Baptist Church in Fairfax, VA; Rust Library in Leesburg, VA; Cascades Library in Potomac Falls, VA; and the " Burg" Family Reunion Juneteenth Celebration.  During the Juneteenth event, Brothers engaged the children in conversation while helping them look for books by asking them about their school experiences.  Brothers also shared with parents information about Omega and Sigma Mu Mu programs such as Scholarship, Mentoring, and High School Talent Hunt.

The celebration continued on June 19, 2023 at the NAACP's March and Unity Rally that started at the Loudoun County Courthouse where Loudoun County District Court's  first Black presiding judge, Ms. Lorrie  Ann Sinclair Taylor, provided words of reflection and encouragement. Attendees were then led in prayer by NAACP President, Pastor Michelle Thomas, before marching with The Crush Funk Band accompaniment to the Orion Anderson Lynching Memorial; the memorial is located at the site where Orion Anderson, a 14 year old African American, was hanged and shot by a white mob in 1889. His murder was the second of three recorded lynchings in Loudoun County, VA between 1880 and 1902.

Virginia's First Black Elected County Chair, Ms. Phyllis J. Randall (D- At Large), and Secondary School Level Principal, Ms. Josephine Hamilton Steward, gave the event’s closing remarks that included messages about the successes of unity and  struggles that persist to this day. As a show of unity at the end of the event, marchers sat down and enjoyed a meal together that was prepared by Everything Irie Taste of Jamaica. It was a good day.