*HR1502* Introduced Version HOUSE RESOLUTION No. ___ Introduced by: Smith V ____________________________________ 1 A HOUSE RESOLUTION recognizing Omega Psi Phi 2 Fraternity, Inc. 3 Whereas, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., is the first 4 international fraternal organization founded on the campus of 5 a historically black college or university; 6 Whereas, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a predominantly 7 African-American organization of college men, was founded at 8 Howard University on November 17, 1911; 9 Whereas, The name Omega Psi Phi was derived from the 10 initials of the Greek phrase meaning "friendship is essential to 11 the soul"; 12 Whereas, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., is guided by four 13 principles: "Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift"; 20241952 HR 1502/DI 140 2024 2 1 Whereas, Omega Psi Phi flourished in large part due to the 2 high ideals of its founders, who chose men of like character to 3 guide the fraternity into the future; 4 Whereas, Omega Psi Phi has many internationally mandated 5 programs, including the following: Achievement Week, which 6 is designed to recognize those individuals at the local and 7 international levels who have contributed to community uplift; 8 Scholarship, which promotes academic excellence among 9 undergraduate members; Social Action, in which chapters 10 participate in activities that will uplift their communities, 11 including voter registration, Assault on Illiteracy, Habitat for 12 Humanity, mentoring, and fundraisers for charitable 13 organizations; Talent Hunt, which provides exposure, 14 encouragement, and financial assistance to talented young 15 people participating in the performing arts; Memorial Service, 16 which recalls the memory of those members who have entered 17 into Omega Chapter; Reclamation and Retention, a concerted 18 effort at the international, district, and local levels to retain 19 active brothers and return inactive brothers to full 20 participatory status; College Endowment Fund, which is an 21 annual contribution of at least $50,000 to historically black 22 colleges and universities in furtherance of Omega Psi Phi's 23 commitment to provide philanthropic support; Health 24 Initiatives, which facilitates, participates in, and coordinates 25 activities that promote good health practices, including the 26 Charles Drew Blood Drive and partnership with the American 27 Diabetes Association; and Voter Registration, Education, and 28 Mobilization, which facilitates and participates in activities 29 that uplift their communities through the power of the vote; 30 Whereas, The Indiana chapters of Omega Psi Phi are Alpha 31 Chi, Gary; Alpha Kappa Kappa, Gary; Beta Xi, Evansville; Chi 32 Sigma, Indiana State University; Epsilon Beta Beta, Notre 33 Dame; Eta Delta, Indiana University Northwest; Kappa Theta, 34 Indianapolis; Nu Alpha Alpha, Bloomington; Nu Mu Nu, 35 Kokomo; Phi Mu Nu, Fishers; Rho Sigma, Purdue University; 36 Sigma Beta, Indiana University-Purdue University 37 Indianapolis; Tau Nu, Fort Wayne; Upsilon Beta, Ball State 38 University; Upsilon Kappa Kappa, Lafayette; Zeta Epsilon, 39 Indiana University Bloomington; and Zeta Phi, Indianapolis; 20241952 HR 1502/DI 140 2024 3 1 Whereas, Many renowned Americans from the business, 2 professional, and educational areas have been members of 3 Omega Psi Phi; and 4 Whereas, There are very few Americans whose lives have not 5 been touched by a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.: 6 Therefore, 7 Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the 8 General Assembly of the State of Indiana: 9 SECTION 1. That the Indiana House of Representatives 10 recognizes the many contributions made to our state and our 11 nation by the members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. 12 SECTION 2. That the Principal Clerk of the House of 13 Representatives shall transmit a copy of this resolution to 14 Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and its 10th District 15 representative. 20241952 HR 1502/DI 140 2024