Bill Text: IL HR0513 | 2021-2022 | 102nd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Recognizes the 100 year anniversary of the founding of the Sigma Omega Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and the service and accomplishments of Sigma Omega Chapter members.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Passed) 2021-10-20 - Resolution Adopted [HR0513 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2021-HR0513-Introduced.html

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HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity began at Howard
University in 1911; the fraternity was started by three
Liberal Arts students named Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper,
and Frank Colemanin and met in the Science Hall, now known as
Thirkield Hall, in the office of biology Professor Ernest E.
Just who would serve as faculty adviser; and
WHEREAS, The name Omega Psi Phi was derived from the
initials of the Greek phrase meaning "friendship is essential
to the soul"; manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift
were adopted as the fraternity's cardinal principles; and
WHEREAS, Each year, Omega Psi Phi gives at least $50,000
to historically Black colleges and universities in furtherance
of its commitment to provide philanthropic support; and
WHEREAS, Many notable Omega Men are recognized as leaders
in the arts, academics, athletics, business, civil rights,
education, government, and science sectors at the local,
national and international levels; and
WHEREAS, Omega Psi Phi chapters participate in activities
that will uplift their communities; some of the activities
include voter registration, fighting illiteracy, volunteering

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for Habitat for Humanity, mentoring, and participation in
fundraisers for charitable organizations; and
WHEREAS, In 1921, Dr. Taylor F. Harmon and Dr. Simmons
Hamilton became the first initiates of the Sigma Omega Chapter
of Omega Psi Phi at the University of Chicago; both men were
distinguished dentists in the Chicago area and graduates of
Meharry Medical College; and
WHEREAS, The Sigma Omega Chapter has hosted its signature
Mardi Gras event in Chicago for many years, with proceeds
funding scholarships; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, the Sigma Omega Chapter started the
Sigma Omega Foundation, now known as the "Strengthening our
Community Alliance Foundation", to provide scholarships and
community services to the Woodlawn community; and
WHEREAS, The Strengthening our Community Alliance
Foundation (The Foundation) has four pillars for the success
of the community, consisting of education, economic
development, community, and health; and
WHEREAS, The Foundation hosts monthly community health
screening and tax clinics for community members in the
neighborhood of Woodlawn; and

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WHEREAS, The Foundation provides mentoring, tutoring, and
coding classes for students in the community; and
WHEREAS, The Foundation encourages civic engagement
through community block club meetings, voter education,
education seminars, and non-partisan political forums; and
WHEREAS, The Foundation recognizes a need for a mentoring
and leadership program in the community and is in the process
of developing a leadership program and curriculum for grades
one through six; and
WHEREAS, In 2015, the Sigma Omega Foundation purchased the
former Alexandre Dumas Elementary School from the City of
Chicago; this building serves as a chapter house to host
monthly meetings and serves the Woodlawn community on the
South Side of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, The Sigma Omega Chapter has worked tirelessly to
uphold the cardinal principles of Omega Psi Phi in the
Woodlawn and Chicago community through their community service
and scholarship fund; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that

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we recognize the 100 year anniversary of the founding of the
Sigma Omega Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and
recognize the service and accomplishments of Sigma Omega
Chapter members; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to the Sigma Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi as a
symbol of our esteem and respect.