I don't know what you mean about the similiarities are "crazy". He earned Our fraternitys motto is Friendship is essential to the soul and the selection process is centered on an international uniform system of bringing forward new member with ideals of true friendship. The fraternity sought plausible solutions to civil unrest that erupted in urban communities following fatal police shootings of several unarmed African-Americans. H. Carl Moultrie was named, Executive Secretary Emeritus. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. mission is to bring about union of college men of similar high ideals of scholarship and manhood in order to stimulate the attainment of ideas and ambitions of its members; occupy a progressive, helpful and constructive place in political life of the community and nation; and foster the humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual; and aid downtrodden . In 1930, Omega Psi Phi became one of 5 founding members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Programs that members involve themselves in include HIV/AIDS awareness, blood drives, prostate cancer awareness, and sickle cell anemia awareness programs. I've found this discussion and the posts very interesting! In 1915 Just was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP and in 1996 he became the 19th honoree in the U.S. The free discussion, hosted byDispatch Opinion and Community Engagement EditorAmelia Robinson, will be streamed live on the newspaper'sFacebookpage andYouTube channel. You must log in or register to reply here. For further reading, check out Secret Societies. A few notable members include Samuel M. Nabrit, Walter E. Massey, Benjamin Mays, Bayard Rustin, Langston Hughes, Count Basie, Roy Wilkins, Benjamin Hooks, Vernon Jordan, Robert Henry Lawrence, Jr., Malcolm Jenkins, State Senator Isadore Hall III, Martin Luther King Sr., Rev. Copyright 2012 - 2021 | All Rights Reserved. Founding of Omega Psi Phi[ edit] On November 17, 1911, Love and two other Howard students, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman, established Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Love was a charter member for Howard's Alpha Chapter on December 15, 1911 and served two non-consecutive terms as Grand Basileus (President). Love served as a US Army Chaplain in World War I and went on to serve a lifetime of dedicated service as a Bishop in the Methodist Church. I bet you most if not all of the founders were members of their respective fraternity/sorority before they became a mason or eastern star. Brothers Edgar A. Love are among its graduates. First Black to matriculate from Harvard Medical, School First Black Major in the U.S. Army, Bro. Over 100 young men were hand to hear Omega men talk about subjects ranging from manners to morality. Orchestra leader/composer, Bro. Both were founded at Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C. One of Omega's founders, Prof. Frank Coleman, while a student at Howard, dated and later married . Edgar Amos Love (September 10, 1891 May 1, 1974) was an American educator, minister, and activist. Rev. Julius C. Love and Mrs. Susie C. Love, was born in Harrisburg, Virginia, September 10, 1891. I am currently working on a project trying to pin-point which Black Greek fraternity founders were PH Masons as well. Carl B. Stokes He later attended Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, New Hampshire. Benjamin E. Mays Former President of Morehouse College The Golden Anniversary Conclave authorized a $150,000 investment towards the construction of a new national headquarters building in Washington, D.C. Founder of the Rainbow Coalition and Operation Push, Bro. In 1916 Love attained his Bachelor of Divinity degree from the Howard Divinity School, after which he matriculated to the Boston University School of Theology, obtaining his Bachelor of Sacred Theology in 1918. Upon honorable discharge he became a professor at Morgan College for two years, devoting additional time as the school's athletic director. http://inside.fdu.edu/fdupress/04050501.html. Their work culminated with the landmark decision outlawing segregated public schools, Brown v. Board of Education. [58], Last edited on 23 February 2023, at 14:38, Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, List of social fraternities and sororities, "The Baltimore Ravens brotherhood within a brotherhood CBSSports.com", "Omega Psi Phi brothers celebrate centennial at D.C. birthplace", "Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Official Website", "Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Official Membership Page", "National Pan-Hellenic Council Aboutpage", "About: HOLMES/OMEGA Memorial Scholarship Fund", "Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Rho Phi Chapter", "Beta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc", "Login The Magnificent Beta Mu Mu Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc", "University of Florida Tower Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL), Class of 2003", "Encantadora Mexican Spirits Tequila & Mezcal The Art of Agave", "Burning Messages: Interpreting African American Fraternity Brands and Their Bearers", "THOMAS v. LAMAR UNIVERSITY | 830 S.W.2d 217 (1992) | w2d21711016 | Leagle.com", "Reported hazing, pledging-related deaths in Texas since the 1800s", "Frat-ricide: are African American fraternities beating themselves to death? Due to the pastoral obligations of his father, Edgar spent portions of his childhood in parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Founding of Omega Psi Phi. McMillan stated that the chair would be used to promote the humanities. Kwame Kilpatrick Former Mayor of the City of Detroit Bro. Must have a minimum of a Bachelors Degree from an accredited University. Why is it that so many masons get so excited about this bit of information. Brother (Dr.) Ernest E. Just was a college professor selected by Brothers Coleman, Cooper and Love to assist with the founding and establishment of Omega at Howard University in 1911. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The Dispatch will present Columbus Conversations: Jeffries: There's great reason Ohio's Charles Young was made Brig. The newly revised constitution and by-laws and the ritual went into effective at the close of the 1970 Pittsburgh Grand Conclave. Dr. Ernest E. Just (1883-1941) was born in Charleston, South Carolina and graduated from the Industrial School of the State College, Orangeburg. He was the 1st member to be elected to both positions. James Forten Dennis Archer He is a frequent contributor. Impressed by Woodsons stirring address, Democracy and the Man Far Down, at the fraternitys Ninth Annual Grand Conclave the previous year, where he urged the college man to give less attention to social affairs and devote more time to the study of Negro life, the fraternity initiated a program called Negro History and Literature Week, to be held in April of every year. Bishop Love presided in this capacity for twelve years. A year later in 1918, retired Colonel Charles Young, rode 500 miles on horseback, from Wilberforce, Ohio, to the nations capital, to show he was always fit for duty. This was my foundation in LIFE. See more ideas about omega psi phi, phi, psi. [7] The fraternity grants honorary membership to men who have contributed to society in a positive way on a national or international level. ", Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, Boston University School of Theology alumni. In 1941, Brother Charles Drew perfects the use of blood plasma as a life-saving tool. In 1979, during the Denver Grand Conclave the fraternity committed to contribute $250,000 to the United Negro College Fund over the next five years. Scholarship The Charles R. Drew Scholarship Program encourages academic progress among the organization's undergraduate members. Maynard Jackson Zeta Chapter - Virginia Union University. As a result, the fraternity operated without official sanction, until the university withdrew its opposition in 1914, the same year Beta chapter was chartered at Lincoln University. Beginning with the 2020-2021 academic school year, all candidates under the age of 21 will need to involve their parent or guardian in the Membership Selection Process and sign off on various documents. Since its founding the organization has chartered over 750 undergraduate and graduate chapters.[1]. from Morgan College in 1935. [1], "Bishop Love, last founder of Omega, dead at age 82. The founders of the Fraternity were three students: Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank Coleman and their first faculty advisor Ernest Everett Just. For 110 years and counting, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated has been the standard bearer for service, fidelity, sculpting leaders, and developing . Benjamin E. Mays Jack Johnson Lambda Zeta . First African-American to head a hospital in the U.S. Bro. Bro. Sigma chapter was organized at McGill University, which is located in Montreal, Quebec (Canada) on December 15, 1923. Jesse Jackson The fraternity was founded on November 17, 1911, the first at a historically black university, by three Howard University students, Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman, and their faculty adviser, Dr. Ernest Everett Just. When Woodsons term as dean at West Virginia Collegiate Institute ended, the fraternity placed the endeavor under his stewardship. Former Mayor of Washington, D.C. Bro. a Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Boston University Wow! For centuries the study of Black peoplewas thought to be an exercise in futility. Edward Kennedy Duke Ellington For the graduate chapter, an applicant must already possess a bachelor's degree. Omega Psi Phi was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Contrary to popular belief, the Masons did not organize any College Fraternities, nor did the OES organize any Sororities. During this Conclave, Carter G. Woodson inspired the establishment of National Achievement Week to promote the study of Negro life and history. [56][57], In 2023, three Memphis officers that were members of the fraternity had their memberships permanently revoked due to their involvement with the killing of Tyre Nichols. Joining them was their faculty adviser, Ernest Everett Just. During the Achievement Week, a High School Essay Contest is held and the winner usually receives a scholarship award. Bishop Love died May 1, 1974 in Baltimore, Maryland at the age of 82. Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Upliftwere adopted as Cardinal Principles. Jeffries: Dr. King worked tirelessly for democracy. Since the fraternity's founding in1911, the fraternity has grown to offer scholarships, leadership conferences, and an international high school writing essay contest to name a few of our programs. He guided various congregations in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland; the most prominent being John Wesley Church in Baltimore. He Graduated from was disposed. Founders THE FOUNDERS OF THE OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC. ____________________________________________________________________ Ernest Everett Just Brother (Dr.) Ernest E. Just was a college professor selected by Brothers Coleman, Cooper and Love to assist with the founding and establishment of Omega at Howard University in 1911. Founders Day Program. When informed of a Jamaican gentleman of letters, David Hume, another of the worlds purported intellectual luminaries, scoffed at the possibility, saying he believed the man was the equivalent of a parrot who speaks a few words plainly. Actor/Director/Playwright, Bro. The struggle for social justice shifted into high gear. He also served on the Maryland Inter-Racial Commission under Gov. In 1912, Howard University officials did not initially recognize the fraternity as a national organization and Omega Psi Phis leadership refused to accept limited recognition. Under Knox, the fraternity championed a number of civil rights initiatives. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded on Nov. 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Postal Services Black Heritage Stamp Series. In the making of America, the countrys founding fathers, and other intellectuals drew heavily from some of these transcontinental thinkers. Omega Psi Phi Perfect Apparel is a licensed vendor for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. H. Carl Moultrie, Omegas only National Executive Secretary, was appointed a judge to the Superior Court of Washington, D.C., in 1972. Must be sponsored by two MSP-Qualified members of the chapter to which he is applying through the submission of a Nomination Form. In January 1966, Brother Dr. Robert C. Weaver was appointed the first Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as well as the first black person appointed to a cabinet-level position in the United States. In America, some of the more widely known individual counternarratives were proffered by such intellectual giants as W.E.B. Eve was a Delta and Adam was a Que". His father, the Rev. Just as the fraternity has been built for you, we expect members to do their part and continue to build the bridge for those to come. Julius C. Love, was a widely respected minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Needless to say, the history of Blacks wherever they were in the world was told and written via an imperialist historiography. On January 28, 1986, Brother Ronald McNair died during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger. He graduated from the M Street Brother George E. Hall, the fourth Grand Basileus, authorized the establishment of Gamma chapter in Boston. Love. He emerged from retirement from November, 1966 through June, 1967 to serve as Bishop of the Atlantic Coast Area, which at the time spanned churches in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. Thousands of Omega men became actively involved in the fight to eliminate racial discrimination. Under his leadership, the fraternitys first official hymn, Omega Men Draw Nigh, was written byOtto Bohannon. [37], In 1978, Nathaniel Swimson, a student at North Carolina Central University, died during an off-campus initiation activity. After receiving a [1] The fraternity was incorporated under the laws of Washington D.C. on October 28, 1914. Our Membership Selection Process ensures that we are selecting the best-qualified men who exemplify the tenets of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. Former Mayor of the City of Detroit. H. Carl Moultrie was selected to serve as the first National Executive Secretary. The official website describes the fraternity as the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college.. hell you could say the masons had influence on alot of things in the culture, why so much focus on the greeks? Just as our Founders selected each other and each member thereafter, we are rigorous in ensuring we are bringing members in the fraternity who already possess the qualities of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. College students must be working toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution, have at least 31 semester credits, and maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average. Love graduated from the Academy of Morgan College (Baltimore) in 1909 and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in 1913. Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, Bro. There is a guy I work with that constantly wants to compare the two groups, and he is a perfect example of what i mentioned. Warren G. Lee Jr., who served as the 23rd Second Grand Vice Basileus, became the 38th Grand Basileus during the Little Rock Grand Conclave in 2006. Omega men across the United States mentored the youth and organized various social action programs and donated millions to worthy causes. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. | 3951 Snapfinger Parkway. During step practice for pledges at a townhome near campus, Adams collapsed and was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Henry McKee Minton and colleagues, the Boul was America's first black Greek-letter fraternity. Since 1945, the fraternity undertook a National Social Action program to meet the needs of African Americans in the areas of health, housing, civil rights, and education. He was later appointed Governor of the Virgin Islands by President Harry S. Truman. Topic to be discussed at next Columbus Conversation. "[3] Expanded to the full month of February from 1976, this event continues today as Black History Month. The founders were three undergraduates Edgar Amos Love,Oscar James CooperandFrank Coleman. Love was born November 17, 1911 in Thirkield Hall at Howard University located in Washington, D.C. Who are the founders of Omega Psi Phi? Bro. Because of his lifelong service to God and mankind he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Morgan College. in Charleston, South Carolina. Omega Psi Phi was founded inside the Science Building at Howard University in Washington, D.C on November 17th 1911. Happy Founders' Day to all the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. #OmegaPsiPhi #FIETTS #OmegaFoundersDay #FoundersDay110 pic.twitter.com/sKCPHef8Tf. Our fraternity's motto is "Friendship . The fraternity's founders chose these tenets and each candidate must exhibit the qualities of the Fraternity's Four Cardinal Principles. Rocked with Charges of Embezzlement, "Omega Psi Phi halts activities of 700 chapters after Georgia Tech pledge dies", "Brandon Adams toxicology test indicates no foul play in death", https://news.yahoo.com/omega-psi-phi-fraternity-revokes-193850761.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Omega_Psi_Phi&oldid=1141133325, Omegas, Ques, Que Dogs, Da Bruhz, Sons of Blood and Thunder, Manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift, This page was last edited on 23 February 2023, at 14:38. The young men selected Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift as their Cardinal Principles. Bro. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young brothers to mingle with some of the greatest black men that America ever produced. He was asked to run several miles before he collapsed and died. He wanted to be a que. On November 17, 1911, Love and two other Howard students, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman, established Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. His father, the Rev. Love was a charter member for Howard's Alpha Chapter on December 15, 1911 and served two non-consecutive terms as Grand Basileus (President). Thurgood Marshall Former Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court Bro. Submit the Medical Consent and Release Form from a licensed physician taken within the last ninety (90) days (Parent/Guardian signature is required for candidates under 21 years of age). Panelists for Dispatch presents Columbus Conversation:"What is the future of Black history?" Millers administration closed the sale of the property at 3951 Snapfinger Parkway, which is the site of new international headquarters. They enlisted the guidance of Ernest Everett Just to assist them in their endeavor. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College where he was honored by being selected as Phi Beta Kappa for his outstanding academic performance as an undergraduate. Thirteen of 23 former Grand Basilei also attended this historic gathering. Arthur A. Schomburg Dubois, Anna Julia Cooper and Alain Locke, whose scholarly works about, both, Black Africa and Black America have not only stood the test of time but are part of the cannon in Black history. Just earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dartmouth College (Phi Beta . Omega Psi Phi has been a patron of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) since 1955, providing an annual gift of $50,000.00 to the program. First Black to receive a U.S. patent, Bro. The Georgia Avenue location served as the fraternitys headquarter for 31 years and the fraternity shield that adorned the facade is now at the Smithsonian. Oscar J. Cooper and Frank Coleman were selected to be the Grand Keeper of the Records (National Secretary) and Grand Keeper of Seals (National Treasurer), respectively. His contributions and awards in the field of medicine were many. In 1984, John S. Epps was selected as only the fifth Omega man to serve as Executive Secretary. Omega Psi Phi Phi Beta Sigma And that the Order of the Eastern Stars (PHA) is considered the "Mother of all" Greeks of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Delta Sigma Theta Zeta Phi Beta Sigma Gamma Rho 95% of the founders of the Great 8 are Prince Hall Masons or Eastern stars. It was reported that prior to his death, he was severely beaten and verbally abused by fraternity members. Medal by the NAACP in1915. When Robinson left office in 1920 there were ten chapters in operation. [4] The Centennial Celebration recognized the impact of the Fraternity in communities over the past 100 years, honored Omega Men for achievement in all walks of life, reiterated Omega Psi Phi's commitment to providing unparalleled community service and scholarship, and charted the Fraternity's future activities. The founders selected and attracted men of similar ideals and characteristics. Have something to tell us about this article? South Carolina. One of the founders of Omega Psi Phi and and Renowned zoologist Bro. Congressman, Bro. Founders of Omega Past Grand Basilei Programs All Mandated Programs Fatherhood & Mentoring Stem Scholarship High School Essay Contest Talent Hunt Brother You're on My Mind Project 1911 Photos Mailing address: 3951 Snapfinger Parkway Decatur, Georgia 30035 Operations/Administration John Howard, Executive Director Phone: 404-284-5533 Hazing Hotline Brother Cooper became the fraternitys second Grand Basileus in 1912 and authorized the investigation of establishing a second chapter on the campus of Lincoln University located in Pennsylvania. It was the first international and predominately Black frat to be created on the campus. in the Methodist Church. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization to be founded on the campus of a historically black college. Lawrence Douglass Wilder We should do the same. Edgar Amos Love was born September 10, 1891, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The fraternitys founders chose these tenets and each candidate must exhibit the qualities of the Fraternitys Four Cardinal Principles. Possess a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5 (in a 4.0 system, or equivalent in a different system). Omega Purple Large British Check Tie $38.00 $38.00 Omega All Purple Q Tie $38.00 $38.00 Omega Life Member Tie $38.00 $38.00 Omega Multi Stripe Tie $38.00 . Brother Coleman passed in 1967. Dr Oscar J. Cooper (1888-1972) was born in Washington, D.C and graduated from Howard University in 1913 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, then again in 1917 with a Doctor of Medicine Degree. Our Membership Selection Process ensures that we are selecting the best-qualified men who exemplify the tenets of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. A popular one is referring to members as "Que Dogs" or "Ques" (pronounced /kju/, like the letter Q). Must provide at least one letter of recommendation from a member of the community in good standing. Epsilon Gamma - (Inactive) Omicron Gamma - University of DC. He received his early training in the public schools of Virginia and Maryland. the University of Chicago. Attendance exceeded 10,000. JavaScript is disabled. On January 13, 1990, Brother L. Douglas Wilder became Virginias sixty-sixth governor and became the first elected African American governor in United States history. The Grand Keeper of Records became the Grand Keeper of the Records and Seal. More:The Dispatch spent Black History Month telling stories of Columbus' Black communities. Thurgood Marshall G.W.F. For example, Charles Young (March 12, 1864 January 2, 1922) was the third African American graduate of West Point, the first black U.S. national park superintendent, the first African American military attach, and the highest ranking black officer (Colonel) in the United States Army until his death in 1922. These programs are made possible because excellent Omega Men gave their time, talent, and treasure to the fraternity. Founder of the Philadelphia Vigilance Committee, Bro. Submit the Medical Consent and Release Form from a licensed physician taken within the last ninety days. [2] Over 250,000 men have been initiated into Omega Psi Phi throughout the United States, Bermuda, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, South Korea, Japan, Liberia, Germany, and Kuwait. Author of David Walkers Appeal, Bro. [55], In 2019, national leadership of Omega Psi Phi, Inc., halted all new membership initiation activity when Georgia Tech football player Brandon Adams died during a fraternity event. One of the founders of Omega Psi Phi and and Renowned zoologist, Bro. Dr. Ernest E. Just. All the while maintaining his leadership in the Methodist church, Bishop Love was a trustee for numerous black colleges and universities, including his beloved Morgan. He practiced medicine for 50 years in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tau Chi was founded in Monrovia, The Republic of Liberia on December 1, 1955 during the tenure of Grand Basileus John F. Potts. During his administration, Omega became the first black Greek organization to charter a graduate chapter in Great Britain. In 1964, the new national headquarters was dedicated. Richard Allen John H. Johnson Read them all. C. Tyrone Gilmore Sr. became the 34th Grand Basileus in June 1990. Absalom Jones More:Column: A demand for democracy and accountability. One known pledge sustained a serious injury after losing consciousness one night pledging. Army Chaplain in World War II. In 1955, Brother Roy Wilkins was chosen to be the executive secretary of the NAACP and in 1964 he became its executive director. Brother Walter R. Dunston, former Basileus of Phi chapter, set up the fraternitys first international chapter with the assistance of Brother George W. Brown. Omega Psi Phi becomes the first black Greek organization to span its membership across the United States from the Atlantic (Iota in Atlantic City) to the Pacific (Lambda in Los Angeles). Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. | 3951 Snapfinger Parkway. From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning, friendship is essential to the soul, the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. . Omega Psi Phi The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded on Friday, November 17, 1911 at Howard University in Washington, D.C. On Friday evening, November 17, 1911, three Howard University undergraduate students, with the assistance of their faculty adviser, gave birth to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Jesse Jackson, William H. Hastie (U.S. Virgin Islands) and L. Douglas Wilder, Representative James Clyburn, Earl Graves, Tom Joyner, Charles Bolden, Ronald McNair, Bill Cosby, General William "Kip" Ward, Michael Jordan, Ovince Saint Preux, Shaquille O'Neal, Roger Kingdom, Terrence Trammell, Shammond Williams, Vince Carter, Steve Harvey, Rickey Smiley, Ray Lewis, Stephen A. Smith, Jalen Hurts, James DuBose, George Clinton, Kevon Williams, DeHart Hubbard, and numerous presidents of colleges and universities. The founders were three undergraduates along with their faculty advisor. The fraternity also joined forces with President Barack Obama to promote fatherhood and responsible parenting through the national Fatherhood Initiative. (1883-1941) Ernest E. Just was born in Charleston, South Carolina. College Endowment Funds The fraternity donates thousands of dollars to Historically Black Colleges and Universities each year. Executive Director of the N.A.A.C.P. Under Graces leadership the fraternity realized financial solvency and a steady increase in its membership rolls. Brother (Dr.) Oscar J. Cooper like a few of his friends was born in Washington DC and graduated from the M Street High School. Column: Here is how to be an antiracist in Ohio. November 17, 2021. It is in this time that Love met and married Virginia L. Ross on June 16, 1923. Pi Gamma - Norfolk State University (Suspended) Delta Theta - Southeastern University. Talent Hunt Program Each chapter is required to hold a yearly talent contest, to encourage young people to expose themselves to the Performing Arts. will be: Julieanna Richardson, founder and executive director, The HistoryMakers, Judson L. Jeffries, editor of "Spectrum: A Journal on Black Men," and African American history professor, Ohio State University, Kevin McGruder, vice president for academic affairs and associate professor of history, Antioch College, Damika Withers, chief economic equity and inclusion officer, Franklin County Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.