GreekChat.com Forums - National Sigma Founders Day in Atlanta with Omega Psi Phi

Joint National Founders Day Celebration Marked By Health, Legal and Political Call-To-Action Weekend In Atlanta

The Sigma Gamma Rho and Omega Psi Phi Joint Founders Day weekend celebration will include participation by such notables as Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry and Atlanta Chief of Police Richard J. Pennington

Cary, NC (BlackNews.com) - Together, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. will celebrate more than 180 years of world-wide community service at the Westin Hotel in Peachtree Plaza, Nov. 9-11 in Atlanta.

The weekend joint National Founders Day observance will be marked by national and local subject experts and leaders urging individuals and groups to take responsibility for cancer awareness and treatment, actively avoid credit pitfalls and examine practical solutions, and take other timely community and family strengthening actions – all in keeping with the weekend’s theme of Celebrating Our Heritage Through Positive Action.

The weekend’s culminating event, a critical open-to-the-public Town Hall session, will bring to the forefront specific social, economic and political issues for 2008 to use as a yardstick over the next 12 months in selecting the next leaders of the country, states and local communities.

The Town Hall Meeting will get underway on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Westin Hotel and is free to the public. Panelists will include Mayor Robert Bowser, president of the National Conference of Black Mayors, Mayor Wayne Smith, Irvington, N.J. and others.

Atlanta’s own Chief of Police Richard J. Pennington will enlighten attendees during the weekend’s workshop series on the legalities, as well as the strengthening and precedent-setting penalties for persons found guilty of hazing and stresses the important of working together to solve this growing problem.

"It is only by working in partnership with the community, our churches, schools and social agencies, will we find a viable solution to such issues,” says Chief Pennington. “Police enforce the law, but it is up to society to develop and contribute to the development of them."

Featured during the Sunday closing Ecumenical Service will be the highlighting and support of (NEW SOROR) Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry and U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown (D-Florida) in their efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Haiti. Bishop Guidry serves as the Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District which includes Suriname-Guyana, Windward Islands, Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba and London. For more information on the Haiti Humanitarian effort, go to www.ame-sada.org/help.html

"It’s a wonderful privilege to have Congresswoman Corinne Brown and the sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho join me in making this mission project to Haiti a priority,” says Bishop Guidry.

“They are not just giving money but are going to Haiti to roll up their sleeves and do real ‘grunt’ work to assist the people who need so much support. The need is great and I hope more organizations, businesses and individuals will do the same.”

The two weekend hosting international Greek-letter organizations share a legacy of selfless service to humanity and the pursuit of academic excellence, as well as founding dates during the month of November.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. was founded on Nov. 12, 1922 on the campus of Butler University by seven school teachers. The aim of the more than 90,000 members, comprising over 500 undergraduate and alumnae chapters – throughout the U.S., the Carribbean, Europe and Korea – is to enhance the quality of life within our communities and the world. Public service, leadership development and high academic standards are the hallmark of the organization’s programs and activities.

Since Nov. 17, 1911, Omega men have been leaders in science, medicine, technology, innovation and academia in their continued challenge to work and uplift humanity. Throughout the year, Omega chapters mentor youth, sponsor blood drives, raise money for scholarships and charitable causes and start initiatives that encourage our young men to make a difference in the lives of African Americans and all people.

Additional information on Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority In. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. can be found on their respective national websites: www.sgrho1922.org and www.oppf.org/about.asp

PRESS CONTACT:
Jennifer Jones
888-SGR-1922
executivedirector@sgr1922.org

Joann Loveless
412-374-4099
loveleja@westinghouse.com