ALPHA RHO QTLY

February 2000
Volume 2, Issue 2
The AR (pronounced “ark”) is a quarterly newsletter highlighting the various events of Alpha Rho (Berkeley Graduate Chapter) of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Newsletter established in 1998)
Inside this Issue
1 / 4th Annual Founders’ Day Banquet
1 / Chapter Kwanzaa Celebration
2 / Personal Achievements
2 / Upcoming Events


AP’s 4th Annual Founders’ Day Banquet

By Editor

Alpha Rho celebrated Founders’ Day by holding its Fourth annual Founders’ Day Scholarship and Awards Banquet at the San Leandro Marina Inn in San Leandro, CA. As customary, this gathering is to first and foremost honor the four founders of our beloved fraternity, Professor Ernest E. Just, Bishop Edgar Amos Love, Dr. Oscar James Cooper and Professor Frank Coleman. The banquet represented the 88th anniversary of our founding at Howard University in 1911. James Payton (AP ’95) was MC for the event.

Brother and Reverend Joseph Simmons of Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church was the keynote speaker at the banquet on Wednesday November 17, 1999. Also in attendance were 12th local chapter basili, Brothers, family and friends.

Bro. Simmons eloquently spoke about the Brothers setting examples for young people, community activism, and the importance of knowing our history. The speech was moving and inspirational.

Additionally, the chapter presented several other awards. Other awards included Citizen of the Year Mother Mary Ann Wright of the Mother Mary Ann Wright Feed the Homeless Foundation, Brotherhood Award (Bryan Murphy Rho Sigma ‘89), Scholar of the Year (Keir Abrams IM ‘89) , and Omega Man of the Year (Fred Alexander EM ’90).

The chapter would again like to thank all of the attendees, sponsors, guests, Brothers, family and friends who made this event possible. A special thanks goes out to the chapter’s Social Action Committee that coordinated this event. Job well done!

Chapter Kwanzaa Celebration

By Chapter Writer

On Dec. 11th, the Brothers of Alpha Rho celebrated Kwanzaa with a ceremony and a feast hosted at Bro. Bryan Murphy’s home. Bro. Aaron Hamilton (EM ’91) again served as the host of the ceremony.

Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday created in 1966 which celebrates family, community and culture. It is celebrated from December 26th thru January 1st. The origins of Kwanzaa are in the first harvest celebrations of African which it takes its name. “Kwanzaa” is derived from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits.” Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of the Department of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, is widely known as the creator of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa was created in the midst of the Black Freedom Movement. Thus, it reflects cultural groundedness in thought and practice.

Kwanzaa builds on five fundamental activities:

  1. A time of gathering of the people to reaffirm bonds between them
  2. A time of special reverence for the creator and creation in thanks and respect for the blessings, bountifulness and beauty of creation
  3. A time for commemoration of the past in pursuit of its lessons and in honor of its models of human excellence, our ancestors
  4. A time of recommitment to our highest cultural ideas in our ongoing efforts to always bring forth the best of African cultural thought and practice
  5. A time for celebration of the Good, the good of life and of existence itself, the good of family, community and culture, the good of the awesome and the ordinary, the good of the divine, natural and social. *

During the ceremony, Bro. Hamilton lead the gathering thru a discussion of these five fundamental activities. Additionally, he discussed the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa:

  1. Umoja (unity)

  2. Kujichagulia (self-determination)
  3. Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
  4. Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
  5. Nia (purpose)
  6. Kuumba (creativity)
  7. Imani (faith)

The evening was capped off with a bountiful feast. The event was very enlightening and fulfilling. Thanks again Bro. Murphy for your hospitality.

Personal Achievements

  • Bro. Damon Scott (MI ’90) obtains new position. His new title is legislative aide for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. His responsibilities include: -advising the board on matters pertaining to legislation and policy -researching and drafting legislation -writing press releases, editorials, and speeches -informing media re: current/pending legislation. Congratulations Bro. Scott.
  • On Nov. 23, 1999, Lori Payton, Bro. James Payton’s wife, gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The newest addition to the family came at 12:07am in the morning. Kenneth James Payton 7lbs & 15ounces. 20 inches in length. Bro Payton (AP ’95) wanted to thank all for their support. Congratulations Bro. Payton.
  • Bro. Hugh T. Stinnette (AP ’98) has moved on from Stanford University to a position at Applied Materials, Inc. in their New College Graduate Engineering Program. Good job Hugh!

...... 1

ALPHA RHO QTLY

...... 1

ALPHA RHO QTLY

Alpha Rho Chapter
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
PMB# 211 Kittredge St.
Berkeley, CA 94704 / U.S. Stamp
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
Subscriber Name
Number Street Address
City, State Postal Code

...... 1

ALPHA RHO QTLY

...... 1