SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1034
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, on the
occasion of its 100th anniversary and the Theta Alpha Chapter in
Dallas, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded on November
17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., the first
black national fraternal organization to be established at a
historically black college; and
WHEREAS, From its beginning, the fraternity has worked to
build a strong and effective group of men dedicated to the
principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift;
the fraternity made National Negro Achievement Week an annual
observance in 1927, and the event evolved into the celebration of
Black History Month; and
WHEREAS, Today, the international fraternity has more than
700 chapters around the world; many of its members are recognized
leaders in their fields, which span the arts, science, academics,
athletics, business, civil rights, education, and government; and
WHEREAS, The Theta Alpha Chapter in Dallas was formed on
October 1, 1935, by a group of exemplary intellectual leaders
with a clear vision for the future and high ideals of morality,
honor, and scholarship; Theta Alpha Chapter today has more than
150 brothers on its roster and includes learned men from all
walks of life; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
has been well represented in many fields of endeavor by such notable
members as William "Count" Basie and William H. "Bill" Cosby in
the arts, athletes Michael Jordan and Hank Aaron, business
leaders Albert C. Black, Jr., and Earl Graves, civil rights
leaders Roy Wilkins and the Reverend Jesse Jackson, political
leaders Vernon Jordan and Texas State Senator Royce West,
accomplished scientists, astronauts, and academics, and the
presidents of numerous renowned institutions of higher
education; and
WHEREAS, The brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the
Theta Alpha Chapter in Dallas continue to be at the forefront of
community service and social action, and they deserve
recognition on the special occasion of their organizations'
anniversaries; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby commend the members of Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity, Incorporated, and the Theta Alpha Chapter in Dallas
on their many contributions to their communities and extend to
all congratulations as they celebrate the fraternity's 100th
anniversary and the chapter's 75th anniversary; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
recognition of these significant occasions.
West
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 18, 2011.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate