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76th Grand Conclave
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc
July 22nd - July 30th
Exciting Public Events
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The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc held its 76th Grand Concave in downtown Raleigh beginning July 22nd and ending on the 30th. Fortunately, social action activities were held from last Thursday through Monday. It was called their pre-convention activities. I have never seen so much purple and gold! Every where you looked, there they were. The young brothers didn't need much encouragement to go into one of their "stomping" routines. (Until I saw them in action, I was wondering why they were wearing those heavy boots in 100 degree weather). On the 22nd, their opening allowed us to meet and greet the frat brothers as well as the officials who came to welcome the fraternity to Raleigh. On the 23rd, we drove to Virginia Beach to visit a brother from Zeta Psi days who was made in 1954 and was missing his first concave since then because of an emergency illness while on vacation. Butler Dowery is well-known among his brothers. On Saturday, we marched in a parade and there were about 55 Delta Sigma Theta sorors. There were twice as many of them on the sideline. It was great! On Fayetteville Mall was a street fair....and somemore Ques. Out at the Moore Square park were at least 1500 YOUNG people who went to either be fed or to observe the homeless enjoying the food. Hundreds more Omega brothers were dishing up free food. The park was filled............more purple and gold! Do I need to say that there were many young ladies there--taking it all in. At 7 PM that night Laverne and I went back to the RCC for the Marchdown--which is a steppers competition among the districts of the fraternity. There must have been 4000 persons in that room! A comedian from BET kept the action going. Each district presented 6-12 brothers who stepped--hoping they were original enough to win the grand prize. On Sunday, there was a program of "talent" wherein talent winners from all the districts performed. (I didn't attend this.)
On Monday afternoon, the 26th, we were invited to a cook-out given by one of the brothers who relocated from New York. They had been members of Bridge Street WAME church. I had a chance to see Ques that I knew 50 years ago and I was wondering if I would recognize them. Some I did and others I didn't. One brother made the comment that he didn't remember seeing me so "heavy". ( Got go to the gym!) It was nice to talk about old times....we giggled a lot. Another strong AME in the bunch was William Richardson of Metropolitan AME church in Harlem. He has never missed a conclave ( made in 1952) or a General Conference.
On Monday night, the 26th, there were 4000 persons in Ballroom "B" to support their pastors who received Awards of Merit for the great job they do in supporting their members and communities. This presentation was unique in that the pastors were on the dais and their presentations came to us via video presentations where we saw the church and listened to a talk about their missions and plans for their churches. There were 12 pastors receiving awards and I have sat in the audience of five of them. Those five do great jobs in the pulpit.( See attachment below to get the names and churches.)
At this program, many from St. Matthew were in attendance to cheer Rev. Robinson as he received his award--a beautiful engrave vase.
Did I tell you that they had more people than seats? Anyway...it was great hearing from members of the Pan-Hellenic Council and to note how they work together.
Some say that this is the biggest conclave of the Ques--- ever. Some said this was the biggest convention held in Raleigh--ever! I don't know that but I was very proud of the young black men who were in attendance. There were clusters of policemen all over the place---with nothing to do! Thank God!
If you ever get a chance to attend the public meetings of any African American organization, please go! We are in this together and we make progress when we support each other.
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