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Delta Upsilon Celebrates 71 Years

Delta Epsilon Spring 2007 MSP Line - Six Steps To Omega visit Founder Just gravesite.

Trenton, NJ. January 30, 2021. Delta Upsilon Chapter held its 71st An- niversary Celebration via zoom. The theme of the program was “Cel- ebrating our History” and its role in effecting social change in the greater Trenton, NJ community for over 7 decades.

The Anniversary committee led by Brother Col. Walter Nall put on a fan- tastic program. It began with introductions and acknowledgments from the current Chapter Basileus, Brother Roy Johnson, Second D. R. Brother Kelvin Ampofo, and Corridor IV Representative Brother Leon Smith highlighting DU’s 71-year history within the Omega Family. The pro- gram featured chapter Brothers discussing the positive relationship that Delta Upsilon has had within the greater Trenton, NJ community and the fraternal friendships that have been forged between Brothers throughout the years. Chapter Brothers representing each decade from the 1970s through 2020 spoke on the four Cardinal Principles and how their mem- bership in Omega generally and in Delta Upsilon specifically has inspired them to live up to those principles.

The program featured former Basileus and unofficial chapter historian, Brother James Butter Allen providing a historical overview of the found- ing of the chapter and its founder Brother Dr. J. Minor Sullivan, III M.D., affectionately remembered as Cherokee Chief. Brother Sullivan, a deco- rated military man with two bronze stars arrived in Trenton in the mid 40’s with a spirit of Omega that was grounded in the relationships that he had developed with Brothers Grant Reynolds, George E. Mears, and Ellis Corbett (all of whom would later become a Grand Basileus) while living and working in NYC during the mid-40’s. Upon his arrival in Trenton in the late 40s, Brother Sullivan began practicing medicine and meeting

many Omega men throughout the community. It was out of these infor- mal meetings that Brother Sullivan envisioned a graduate chapter of like- minded men of Omega to fellowship with each other while also playing an important role in uplifting the community. His vision became a reality on January 30, 1950 when the Supreme Council officially chartered the Delta Upsilon Chapter.

Brother Frank Hundley, son of the late Seymour Hundley Sr., spoke fond- ly of his father, whose leadership of the chapter in the 70s and 80s set the chapter on its course to be an influential organization in all aspects of the Community. From education to housing to employment to civil rights, it was under Brother Hundley’s direction that the chapter flourished and took its rightful place as an important organization that could be counted on to work tirelessly to uplift those less fortunate.

The event also showcased one of the Chapter’s tradition. Since spring 2007, all MSP candidates have visited the gravesites of our beloved Founders. Brother Lemonte Sanders spoke about this tradition and the chapter’s decision to include it in the educational phase of the MSP pro- gram as a way for the candidates to bond with each other and also at the same time develop a spiritual connection with each of the Founders.

The program also featured our newest Undergraduate member and Basi- leus of the local undergraduate Iota Gamma chapter, Jared Lyles showcas- ing his “hop” skills that made many of the more “seasoned” Brothers hark back to the days when Iota Gamma under the tutelage of Delta Upsilon ran the yard.

The program ended with the singing of the Omega Hymn and a toast to the past, present, and future successes of the Delta Upsilon Chapter.

Delta Upsilon Rider University Women’s Basketball Game

Pictured with Brothers and family are Mr. Don Harnum - Rider Athletic Director (5th from the left), Brother Dr. Garry M. Keel, Rider Alumni (next to Mr. Harnum), and Rider President Dr. Gregory G. Dell’Omo (c)

Lawrenceville, NJ. February 29, 2020. Brothers from Delta Upsilon along with family members, local high school students, and community members attended a Rider Women’s Basketball game sponsored by the chapter to bring awareness to the Rider University campus. The Rider

Alumni Association donated the tickets to the game played on Saturday February 29, 2020. Rider won the game and was led by consensus All American and national scoring leader Stella Johnson who had a triple double.

Trenton, NJ. November 2020. During Achievement Week 2020, the Delta Upsilon Chapter of Trenton, New Jersey hosted several events to commemorate the week. The celebration started on 11/15/2020 with a virtual “Financial Aid & Scholarship Symposium” which was followed on 11/16/2020 by the “Virtual Malcolm Bernard HBCU College Fair. Both events were held in partnership with the Malcom Bernard Foundation and the Omega Delta Upsilon Foundation. Both were well attended by students and parents from the local community. The week continued with the Chapter’s annual Founders’ Day pro- gram on November 17. Because of the various COVID-19 restric- tions, the chapter hosted a virtual viewing of the 109th Founders’ Day program hosted by IHQ. The Achievement Week celebration cul- minated on 11/22/2020 as the chapter held its annual “Achievement Week Awards Ceremony” virtually. Bro. Walter R. Nall was honored as Delta Upsilon’s “Omega Man of the Year”. Brother Nall crossed

the burning sands into the fraternity in January 1984 through the Iota Omega Chapter, Tuskegee, Alabama and is a Life Member. Immedi- ate Past Basileus Dr. Charlie Williams received Delta Upsilon’s “J. Minor Sullivan, III Basileus Award” for his outstanding leadership of the chapter during his tenure as Basileus. Mercer Street Friends was recognized as “The Community Organization of the Year” for its ef- forts to overcome poverty and its lasting effects in the community. Over 512,000 meals were provided by Mercer Street Friends to needy families in the Trenton area in 2020. New Jersey State Senator Shirley K. Turner was the recipient of the “Community Leader of the Year” award for her years of dedicated service to her constituents in the 15th Legislative District. Brother Keir Pemberton, 2nd District Achieve- ment Week Chairman, served as the keynote speaker and delivered a powerful address on the theme “Omega Men Ushering in Social Change.

Delta Upsilon Food Distribution and Blood Drive

Delta Upsilon Brothers distributing food to Trenton Life Community Church

Trenton, NJ. May 8, 2020. Delta Upsilon Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fra- ternity participated in a full day of community service on Friday May 8. Chapter members gathered in the parking lot of the Triumphant Life Community Church in Trenton to provide person power and financial support to the Church and the Mercer Street Friend Food Bank during its weekly food giveaway program. Over 200 food baskets were distrib- uted to those in the community who are struggling with personal food insecurities.

Later the same day, members of the Chapter donated 9 pints of blood during the American Red Cross’s Blood Drive at the Masonic Temple in Trenton. The Chapter had been looking for a way to assist during this pandemic and since, one of the most prominent members of the Omega

Psi Phi Fraternity was Dr. Charles Drew, recognized as the Founder of Blood Plasma, it was only natural for our Chapter to honor Dr. Drew’s work while assisting in addressing the current blood shortage facing our community during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Ms. Carol Field, Account Executive for the American Red Cross Penn- Jersey Blood Services Region thanked the chapter for its efforts; “We greatly appreciate the Delta Upsilon Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s willingness to come forward to give blood and support our effort to address the need for blood during these difficult times. The coronavirus pandemic has caused many uncertainties in our world, but patients and the Red Cross are thankful that they can count on Delta Upsilon Chapter to answer the call to help”.

Delta Upsilon Donates Mask to Community Organizations

Ted Millard, Exec. Dir. of Good Friends, receives 500 mask from Delat Upsilon Brother Aaron Rice

Trenton, NJ. July 2020. Eleven Community Organizations from the Greater Mercer County, NJ and Bucks County, PA were recipients of over 5,000 protective facial coverings. The washable face coverings were donated and presented to the various organizations by members of the Omega Delta Upsilon Foundation and members of the Delta Upsi- lon Chapter’s Social, Amenities, and Executive committees. The list of organizations receiving the coverings are as follows: Coalition to Shel- ter & Support the Homeless (Bucks County), A Woman’s Place (Bucks County), Valley Youth House (Bucks County), Bucks County Housing Group (Bucks County), Good Friends Halfway House (Bucks County),

Brother James Allen presents 500 mask to Mercer Street Friends

Destined for a Dream (Bucks County) Advocates for Homeless & Those in Need (Bucks County), Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (Mercer County), Mercer Street Friends (Mercer County), UIH Fatherhood Organization (Mercer County), Children’s Home Society (Mercer County).

The Omega Delta Upsilon Foundation is the Chapter’s 501C arm with its purpose to provide a positive impact to the greater Mercer County, NJ and Bucks County, PA area through the development of partnerships that support scholarships and other educational initiatives, community awareness, economic empowerment and healthy living.

Delta Upsilon 70th Anniversary Gala

Trenton, NJ. January 2020. The Brothers of the Dynamic Delta Upsi- lon Chapter celebrated the Chapter’s Platinum (70 Years) Anniversary on Saturday, February 1, 2020. This gala affair was held at the Buck County Sheraton Hotel with a platinum and royal purple décor. Sons of Delta Upsilon, from all over the country, converged to celebrate the chapter’s legacy and commemorate its founder, charter

members, past and present stalwart Brothers. Brothers from nearby chapters and members of the Divine 9 joined in the celebration.

Our keynote speaker Harold B. Vereen; a 50-year Brother (Epsilon Ep- silon March 1970, Benedict College) gave a historical perspective of the Chapter and shared stories about our Founder; Brother Dr. J Minor Sul- livan, III and other early members of the Chapter who were instrumental in his arriving to NJ from South Carolina. Brother Vereen shared the chapter’s legacy of genuine friendship, deference to our Cardinal Prin- ciples and community service from the “old days” through and includ- ing the present times.

Delta Upsilon Raises over $2500 for Prostate Cancer

Delta Upsilon Brothers participating in the 5K Walk Run for Dad

Trenton, NJ. On Father’s Day June 21, Delta Upsilon Chapter partici- pated in the annual Run for Dad Prostate Cancer 2 mile walk and 5 mile run event. Because of Covid 19 and the need to social distance, teams and individuals participated in various locations around the county. Al- though the event was spread out around the county, Delta Upsilon once again had over 30 participants and was again recognized as the team

with the most participants while also capturing 3rd place in overall team fund raising having raised $2560. This was the 8th year in which Delta Upsilon has participated in the annual Run for Dad sponsored by the American Cancer Society to bring awareness to this deadly disease that effects African American men more than any other group.

Delta Upsilon HBCU College Fair

West Windsor, NJ. November 11, 2018. Delta Upsilon Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. participated in HBCU College Fair at Mercer Community College. Twenty-five (25) Middle School Scholars, ranging from 5th grades to 7th Grade attended the Mercer County Com- munity College event on November 11, 2018. The HBCU College Fair was designed to expose the scholars to a college environment. Scholars were afforded the opportunity to meet with over forty (40) institutions of higher learning colleges and universities. The event was conducted at Mercer County Community College, located in West Windsor, New Jer- sey. Brother Matt Stevens, the College Achieve Community Engagement

Coordinator for the Charter school, was contacted by the organization (in which he is a member) and invited as the only group of middle school students to attend the event.
The fraternity is committed to participating with the College Achieve Greater Asbury Park School (CAGAPS) mentor program as part of its national mandate to mentor boys. The fraternity will be sending current college student athletes (football players) to talk to the middle school stu- dents. The middle school scholars enjoyed the trip and recommend the trip to classmates. They also indicated that the event inspired them to seek more information about college. It was a successful trip!

Delta Upsilon Supports Trenton Youth Employment Program

Delta Upsilon Brothers presenting $2000 check supporting Trenton, NJ Summer Youth Employment Program

Trenton, NJ. June 2017. Delta Upsilon Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fra- ternity, Inc. presented a check for $2000 to Paul E. Kuhl, Chairman of the MIDJersey Chamber Board of Directors in support of Mayor Eric E. Jackson’s Summer Youth Employment Program. Several members of the Chapter attended the check presentation at the MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 15.

This is the second consecutive year in which Delta Upsilon Chapter has pledged support for the City-initiative. In 2016, the program was able to sustain 85 summer jobs for local youth residents and more than a dozen local organizations made financial commitments. This year, the expecta- tion is that 100 or more young adults will be involved. This has escalated

the need for more support from corporations and charitable-giving institu- tions.
“Our financial contribution to the Trenton Summer Youth Program is con- sistent with our fraternity’s commitment to contribute to our community and youth,” said Delta Upsilon Basileus, Scott Rice. “We’re honored to participate in the event, especially, because the program prepares and pro- vides our youth with skills needed for today’s workforce. “And, our par- ticipation is an extension of our other community partnership initiatives (i.e., Trenton soup kitchen, blood drive, health fair, cancer walk, Annual Historically Black Colleges & Universities College Fair, etc.), he added.

Delta Upsilon’s Late Honorable Brother Lawson R. McElroy Honored with Monumental Bench and Plaque at Rider University

Lawrenceville, NJ, June 6, 2017. The Late Honorable Brother Lawson R. McElroy was recognized and honored at Rider University’s Reunion on Saturday, June 10, 2017 with a formal dedication of a Cleveland flow- ering pear tree, in ground cemented plaque and a

bench that will be permanently enshrined on the campus. This is the very first permanent marker of any kind at a NJ College/University campus to honor a member of Omega Psi Phi.

Brother McElroy, fondly known as “Mac or Law- son,” was a former Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Admissions at Rider University where he recruited, mentored, and provided aid to hundreds of Rider students, many of whom went on to become successful doctors, lawyers, corporate heads, poli- ticians, educators, highly honored military, police administrators, and entrepreneurs throughout the country.

In recognition of Brother McElroy’s service at
Rider, in 2006, a small group of alumni and friends
spearheaded by Brother Kevin Derricotte, (Rider Alumni, 1979 and ) be- gan formulating a strategy to create an endowment in Brother McElroy’s name. Starting in 2007, more than 25 students have received scholarships in excess of $30,000. The permanent endowed scholarship is now worth more than $80,000.
The dedication and recognition program at Rider was just the next step in honoring Brother McElroy’s legacy and recognition of his work in assist- ing individuals in reaching their life goals. “Unconditionally, Mac gave and loved; then he gave and loved some more,” said Brother Derricotte.

“Mac was a mentor, a friend, and a brother to me and my wife Wanda” said Brother Terry Rogers, Rider Alumni, 1979. “Since meeting him at Rider over 40 years ago, Lawson was a part of every significant event in

our lives, so to us, it is only fitting to honor him in this special way,” said Delta Soror Wanda Rogers, Rider Alumni, 1979.
While being a member of various organizations throughout his life, Brother McElroy was proudest of his over 50 year membership in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., being initiated in the Eta Sigma Chapter, as an undergrad at Lincoln University, Mis- souri, and continuing his membership in Trenton, Delta Upsilon Chapter, where he held various of- fices. He was principally responsible for establish- ing Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as the first Black Greek letter organization at Rider in 1977, and he was also advisor to many other social service and other Black Greek organizations during his time at Rider.

While at Rider, Brother McElroy attended Seton Hall Law School in the evenings and received his Law Degree in 1982. His law practice, which opened hortly after, defended hundreds of clients pro-bono in all manner of legal problems. It was also the launching pad for several attorneys who later became prominent in their various specialties. He was later named a prosecuting attorney in Trenton Municipal Court and later appointed a municipal court judge, there. On the bench, Mr. McElroy had a reputation for firmness and fairness, and was respected by prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, defendants, and the police.

Delta Upsilon Sponsor YMCA Healthy Kids Health Fair

Trenton, NJ. April 2017. For the third straight year, Delta Upsilon Chap- ter was one of the principle sponsors of the annual YMCA Healthy Kids Health Fair. Taking advantage of a glorious late spring day, over 1000 children/parents/guardians/and other community members registered and attended the event. Ms. Renee Dixon, YMCA coordinator, indicated that

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it was the largest crowd ever. Brothers handed out material and talked with the fair goers about exercising regularly, the negative health effects of smoking, drinking and taking illicit drugs and the importance of eating a proper and balanced diet to fight obe 

Delta Upsilon Sponsor Youth to Trenton Thunder B Ball Game

Brother Ken Moore reading to one of the classes.

Delta Upsilon take youth to Basketball Game

Trenton, NJ. The Delta Upsilon Health Initiatives and Social Action committees sponsored and chaperoned 20 youngsters and their parents/ guardians from the Friendship Baptist Youth Ministry at a Trenton Thun- der Baseball game. It was the first time for many of the youngsters to have attended a professional baseball game. Brother Ron “No Match” Williams (sitting in the foreground with the Omega shirt) also had the op- portunity to represent DU by being one of a select number of fans to throw out a ceremonial first pitch in support of the American Cancer Society’s prostate cancer awareness night

Delta Upsilon Aid with DST’s EMBODI Program

Brother Stan Davis instructs neck tyeing to youth

Trenton, NJ. During the 2016-17 academic year, Delta Upsilon once again partnered with the Trenton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. to support their Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for De- veloping Independence (EMBODI) program. Over the past year Delta Upsilon members facilitated sessions with the EMBODI participants to foster and develop their personal, academic, and social growth. Among other topics, the Brothers assisted the students in exploring the African principle of Sankofa, co-facilitated a Black History Month Program, and organized a saving for the Future and Financial Literacy workshop and ‘How to Properly Tie a Necktie

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answered numerous questions as each book was read. All of the books focused on animals and supported the schools’ visit to the zoo earlier in the week. 

Delta Upsilon Achievement Week Activities

Trenton, NJ. November 2017.The Brothers of Delta Upsilon Chapter began their Achievement Week celebration by first joining the Brothers of Nu Nu Chapter at their 1st Annual “Omega Night of Worship and Song” held November 10, 2016 at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Burlington New Jersey. On Sunday, November 13, 2016, Delta Upsilon Chapter in col- laboration with the Omega Delta Upsilon Foundation, the Malcolm Ber- nard Historically Black Colleges and Universities College Fairs of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Department of Education, hosted their an- nual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor New Jersey. The HBCU College Fair was free and open to the public and approximately 750 parents and students (high school juniors and seniors) were in at-

tendance. Over 45 plus colleges and universities were on display. As in past years, several HBCU’s in attendance waived the application fee for students applying on-site and awarded scholarship dollars exceeding $1,000,000.00. Students and parents also had an opportunity to attend workshops on Educational Goals for Life, Financial Aid 101, Exploring HBCU Opportunities after Community College and Making College De- cisions / Why Choose an HBCU. The event was a tremendous success! Finally, Delta Upsilon held its annual Achievement Week Dinner. Hon- ored at the event where the “Omega Man of the Year”, Bro. Rayford John- son, “Community Leader of the Year”, Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson, and “Community Organization of the Year”, the National Junior Tennis and Learning of Trenton.

In Search of The Never-Ending Story

Brother Dr. Garry Keel

For the past several years, I have written and spoken about MSP, the skills needed to be a successful sponsor/mentor, the need for Brothers to be teachers first and Brothers second when working with young folks, and the need to bring about significant and continuous improvement to the MSP process in order to successfully bring new recruits into Omega. During the course of this time, I have attended numerous MSP training programs and have had the pleasure of being a DP (back in the day) for several undergraduate and graduate lines and most recently served as the MSP chairperson for Delta Upsilon Chapter during fall 2016. These ex- periences have provided me the opportunity to have a unique view of how our “membership and selection” programs have changed over the years. As the spring is typically the time in which we see an increase in “re- cruiting” activities among chapters, there are two constructs that I believe chapters need to consider before they actually begin and complete the MSP process in the coming months.

The first is the training that Brothers will receive in order to prepare for their participation in a successful MSP sanctioned program. Today’s MSP training and violence prevention programs generally do a good job edu- cating Brothers as to what is not acceptable behavior during the MSP program. However, from my experience, what is missing in training is the answer to and discussion of the following:

“What does a good MSP program look like from the beginning of the process to the end (initiation)?”

From what I can gather, most of the formal MSP training is devoted to making sure that Brothers know what they are not to do and the conse- quences associated with inappropriate actions and very little if any time and discussion devoted to what “is” appropriate behavior and how that might look during the process. I am not suggesting that individuals should not be aware of the rules/regulations and the consequences of breaking them, but to have a training program that focusses primarily on the nega-

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tive, just does not seem, in my estimation, to have Brothers leaving the training with a road map on how to conduct an appropriate MSP program. I believe that along with the discussion of the rules and regulations and how to alleviate negative behavior, during the formal training process there needs to be time set aside and materials developed that show what one is “supposed to do” to conduct a successful process. What specific activities are suggested that reflect manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift? I am not talking about what history or poems should be taught or what hops should be learned, I am talking about what activity/behavior ior we want them to exhibit and “own” throughout the entire MSP process from start to initiation.

This is the piece of the training that I believe is missing. What should be included and what will a good process look like?
Without the opportunity to discuss and share “success” stories, then I just don’t think that scare tactics, even with the threat of imprisonment, ban- ishment, etc. alone, will ever get us away from the inhumane (my word) process that some Brothers feel is necessary in bringing future prospects into the fold.

In addition to adding to our training methods and materials, in my view, the second construct is even more important than the Chapter’s MSP training program. The concept of “Worthy” brother cuts right to the core of having a successful MSP program or not. If the Founders in their infinite wisdom can add a word like “Worthy” when discussing the re- sponsibility of one Brother to another, then we have to believe that they knew that some Brothers, even with 20 pearls, needed to be scrutinized and were not worthy of the full enjoyment and benefits of the fruits that Omega can offer.

If you believe, as I do, that the Founders knew this about human nature, then it would stand to reason that it cannot be an automatic “right” for every Brother to be allowed to participate in a MSP (even if properly certi- fied and having met all financial obligations) or have a leadership role in the most precious process of our Fraternity, that of bringing new members into the fold. Just because a Brother is familiar with challenges, has com- pleted a MSP training program, has paid dues, etc., does not automatically make him “worthy” or gives him the “right” to educate, guide, mentor, and/or support our future leaders. I don’t think any of us who have kids would want a “bad” teacher (even with a degree) to be our child’s teacher. If that is true, then I don’t know how any of us can just blanket approve “any and all” Brothers to teach our future leaders the virtues of being a good Brother simply because that Brother found his way into the light of Omega.

Whether a chapter decides to have a MSP program or not and whether they provide good examples of what a positive MSP program should look like, members of that Chapter and of the Fraternity in a whole must have the courage, foresight and the wisdom to ensure that whomever is involved in the process as participating Brothers, mentors, sponsors, or leads their MSP is “worthy” and not just simply a member of the organization. Our Founders and the future of our Beloved Omega demand nothing less.

A well thought out MSP program developed and facilitated by well trained and “worthy” Brothers will keep Omega’s story a never-ending one. Don’t you Just Love Coleman and Cooper.

Brother Dr. Garry Keel