THE HISTORY OF PI LAMBDA LAMBDA CHAPTER

The idea of a chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity to serve Prince William County originated with former Third District Representative Brother Curtis Baylor. During his administration, Brother Baylor began to discuss the idea of starting a chapter in Prince William County because of the significant number of brothers living there who were not willing to make the trip to attend meetings in Fairfax County. Because of this, many of these Brothers were not active in the Fraternity. These brothers believed there was a need for a fraternal anchor closer to home, in the community where they lived, worked and served. After the 2002 Conclave, Brother Baylor began a serious effort to make this chapter a reality and promoted the idea aggressively. In the latter part of 2003, Brother Baylor appointed Brother Alexander King, who was then financial with Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter, to spearhead the founding of this new chapter. Brother King invited several other brothers who lived in the area to join in this endeavor.

Brother King began by hosting and chairing several meetings at his home in Woodbridge, Virginia. The first meeting was on December 7, 2003. In attendance were Brothers Crispin Abad, Gene Bryson, Phillip Ferguson, Steven Holmes, Jordon Pope, Carl Ross and Andre Smith. Brother Curtis Baylor attended this meeting to kick off the effort. He informed the brothers in attendance of his vision and the benefits of having a chapter to service the community needs of Prince William County. He strongly encouraged the starting of a new chapter. The meeting concluded with a commitment to seriously pursue organizing a chapter. Each attendee agreed to seek other brothers in Prince William County and bring them to the next scheduled meeting.

Brother King hosted and chaired the next meeting in his home on December 16, 2003. Additional interested brothers from the Prince William County area, both active and inactive attended. In attendance were Brothers Crispin Abad, Gene Bryson, Phillip Ferguson, Anthony Fields, Darryl Hairston, Steven Holmes, Herbert Mitchell, Jordon Pope, Carl Ross, Andre Smith, Arthur A. Sobers, Jr. and Algie Walker, Jr. It was apparent there were enough interested brothers to begin work on filing for a charter. Chartering fees were determined and each brother agreed to spread the word that a new chapter would be organized to serve Prince William County. They also agreed that the chartering fees would be paid at the next meeting to get the process underway.

Brother Jordon Pope hosted the next meeting at his home on January 5, 2004. Brother Alexander King chaired the meeting. Twenty-eight (28) brothers were in attendance and signed the charter. Brother Gene Bryson served as interim treasurer and collected and accounted for all chartering fees. One (1) additional charter member was added the next day resulting in a total of Twenty-nine (29) charter brothers. The following twenty-nine (29) brothers are listed as charter members:

(1) Crispin A. Abad, (2) Honney L. Barner, (3) David Bell, (4) Gene Bryson, (5) Willie D. Camp, (6) Byron Cherry, (7) Leonard Daniels, (8) Phillip Ferguson, (9) Anthony M. Fields, Sr., (10) Walter Gooley, (11) Gregory L. Hamlett, (12) George Hampton, (13) Darryl K. Hairston, (14) James Harris, (15) Steven B. Holmes, (16) William H. Hundley, (17) Alexander King, (18) Johnny Q. Ledbetter, (19) Bennie J. Lollie, (20) Herbert Mitchell, (21) Bernard V. Oliphant, (22) George M. Parker, (23) Jordon C. Pope, (24) Gregory Reid, (25) Carl T. Ross, (26) Andre Smith, (27) Arthur A. Sobers, Jr., (28) David Stevenson, (29) Algie Walker, Jr.

Brother Jordon Pope acted as interim secretary by completing the application packet and mailing all documentation and fees to the International Headquarters on January 9, 2004 .

 

On January 24, 2004, the Supreme Council officially approved the charter and assigned the name as Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of Prince William County, Virginia. Thus, Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter was officially born as Chapter #919 of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. This was also a significant reclamation event since half the charter brothers were previously inactive. Brother Baylor personally conveyed the good news and encouraged the brothers to start to plan for the Chapter installation. The days that followed were days and nights of jubilee in the hearts and minds of the chartering brothers. Word immediately spread throughout Northern Virginia about the founding of a new chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity named Pi Lambda Lambda.

On Saturday, January 31, 2004, Pi Lambda Lambda conducted the chapter inaugural meeting at the home of Brother Alexander King who initially chaired the meeting. The first order of business was election of chapter officers. The task of assuming the helm and charting the course fell on the broad shoulders of Brother Bernard Oliphant who was elected as the chapter’s first Basileus. The following brothers were elected to assist him: Byron Cherry – Vice Basileus; Cozy Bailey – Keeper of Records and Seal; Jordon Pope – Keeper of Finance; Carl Ross – Parliamentarian; Willie Camp – Chaplain; and H.L. Barner – Keeper of Peace. Following the elections, Third District Representative, Brother Curtis Baylor, recognized Brother Alexander King as the founder of Pi Lambda Lambda and thanked him for a job well done. Brother King acknowledged and thanked Brother Baylor for his support in making the chapter a reality. In a moving ceremony, Brother Baylor installed the newly elected chapter officers and presented the chapter with the charter. Brother Robert Lewis, then the Third District First Vice District Representative, followed with words of congratulations and expectations. The meeting ended with fellowship and libations courtesy of Brother King.

Under the leadership of Brother Oliphant, the chapter began to work diligently on getting organized during the first year. Brother Oliphant placed emphasis on prayer, getting to know each other as well as fraternal education and training. As Vice Basileus, Brother Cherry appointed committee chairs and the work began in earnest. Brothers Steven Smith and Crispin Abad were appointed Assistant Keeper of Records and Seal and Assistant Keeper of Finance respectively. The By-Laws committee, chaired by Brother George Parker, developed a comprehensive set of By-Laws that were presented to the chapter and approved. Brother Parker also served as the chapter representative to the Northern Virginia Pan Hellenic Council. The Budget committee, chaired by Brother Darryl Hairston, crafted and obtained chapter approval for a budget to get the chapter through the first year. Brother Hairston also instituted a comprehensive voucher system along with a travel policy to put in place appropriate fiscal management controls. The Strategic Planning committee chaired by Brother Arthur A. Sobers, Jr. developed a five-year strategic plan for the chapter. Brother Steven Smith instituted a unique and well received practice of recognizing the birthdays and anniversaries of Brothers and Spouses by sending cards from the chapter. The chapter also initiated informal social gatherings for Brothers and their Families. 


Initially, chapter meetings were held at the homes of brothers. In November, 2004, the chapter began having meetings at the Dr. A. J. Ferlazzo Building in Prince William County, to better accommodate the growing chapter and stabilize meeting times and location. This was accomplished through the efforts of Brother Steven Smith, resulting in establishing a regular working relationship with the community the chapter supports. Monthly meetings were established as every third Saturday of the month at 10:00 A.M.

The chapter immediately became active at the District and National levels. During the first year, Brothers Oliphant and Cherry represented the chapter at the Third District Spring Council meeting in Norfolk on February 7, 2004. Brothers Oliphant and Abad represented the chapter as delegates to the Third District conference in Richmond, April, 2004. Brothers Oliphant and Cozy Bailey represented the chapter as delegates to the Grand Conclave in St. Louis, in July, 2004. During the second year, Brothers Oliphant and Harvey Woodson represented the chapter as delegates to the Third District Conference in Norfolk, April, 2005. Brothers Oliphant and Robert Drummer represented the chapter as delegates to the National Leadership Conference in Atlanta in July, 2005. In 2005, Brother Abad was appointed as the Third District Talent Hunt Chairman after serving on the District Talent Hunt Committee for two years.

One of the highlights of the first year was the Retreat conducted in Front Royal, Virginia October 15-17, 2004. This event was inspired by Brother Oliphant and spearheaded by Brother Gene Bryson. During this event, the chapter conducted Team Building and Strategic Planning for the upcoming 2005 Calendar Year. The chapter meeting for the month of October, to include chapter elections, was also conducted during the retreat. The following new officers were elected: Frank McClary – Vice Basileus; Steven Smith – Keeper of Records and Seal; Albert Lamar – Assistant Keeper of Records and Seal; Crispin Abad – Assistant Keeper of Finance (previously appointed), and James Noel – Chapter Editor. All other incumbents were reelected to a second term of office. Additionally, the chapter selected Brother Alexander King as our first Omega Man of the Year, Brother (Dr.) Luke Torian as our first Citizen of the Year and Brother (LTC) Frank McClary as our first Colonel Charles Young Military Leadership Award recipient, all to be honored at the Achievement Week program. Chapter committee chairs and committees were energized and focused on mandated programs for 2005. The chapter later voted to make the retreat an annual event and to name it in honor of Brother Gene Bryson to recognize his perseverance in making the first retreat a resounding success. 

On December 1, 2004, the chapter ended the first year with a Christmas Party for chapter brothers and their guests. The chapter Social Committee, chaired by Brother Trevor Hamilton, hosted a lavish spread at the Montclair Golf Club. All who attended feasted on great food and enjoyed a great evening of music and dancing.

The chapter kicked off the second year with a Que Year Reception conducted on January 22, 2005. This event served as 1) the chapter’s official introduction to the Prince William County community, 2) a reclamation activity, and 3) a celebration of the chapter’s first anniversary. This event, Co-chaired by Brothers Trevor Hamilton and Arthur A. Sobers, Jr., was a grand success enjoyed by more than fifty (50) brothers and guests. Brother Oliphant took this opportunity to introduce our chapter and programs to members of the Prince William County community. Additionally, charter brothers in attendance and other working brothers in the chapter were recognized by the Basileus with unique chapter service medallions.

On June 19, 2005, the chapter also enjoyed an exciting “Juneteenth Celebration” at the home of Brother George Hampton. This event, hosted by Brother Hampton, was a festive and joyous cookout for the families and guests of the chapter. These were the first official social events for the chapter.

Under the leadership of Brother Oliphant, the chapter immersed its many talented and dedicated brothers in providing uplift to the citizens of Prince William County. Since its inception, the chapter made donations to the College Endowment Fund and established the “George M. Hampton Scholarship and Community Action Foundation” in honor of the chapter’s senior brother, Dr. George M. Hampton. Brother Alexander King spearheaded the establishment of the “Pi Lambda Lambda Community Development Corporation” which is the chapter Housing Foundation. Brother James Harris spearheaded the first mandated Achievement Week program. The Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Brother Tyree Webster, generated the fund raising concepts of a Golf Tournament and a 5K Run Event. Brother Willie Camp chaired the first mandated Memorial Service. Brother Leonard Daniels chaired the first mandated Talent Hunt Program. Brother Byron Cherry chaired the first Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Scholarship and Social Action Programs. Brother Crispin Abad chaired the first mandated Scholarship Program. Brother Trevor Hamilton spearheaded the establishment of the official chapter website. Brother Charles Mitchell, serving as Chapter Photographer, contributed to the pictorial documentation of chapter accomplishments. 


The chapter also established an aggressive Social Action Committee under the leadership of Brother Harvey Woodson that provided Thanksgiving Food Baskets, conducted a Christmas Toy Drive and completed a wide range of other mandated Social Action Programs. Brother David Stevenson chaired the first NAACP Membership Drive; Brothers Lloyd Marshall and Vernon Campbell Co-chaired the first Charles Drew Blood Drive; Brothers Robert Drummer and Vernon Campbell Co-chaired the first Voter Registration Drive; and Brother George Parker chaired the first Relay for Life event that benefited the American Cancer Society. 

International Awards


2005-2006  | International: Social Action Chapter of the Year
2006-2007  | International: Social Action Chapter of the Year
2010-2011  | International: Social Action Large Graduate Chapter of the Year 
2010-2011  | International: Graduate Large Chapter of the Year 
2011-2012  | International: Graduate Large Chapter of the Year 
2014-2015  | International: Graduate Large Chapter of the Year
2019-2020  | International: St Jude & Omega - The Power of Giving 2020 Top Chapter Fund Raiser
2020-2021  | International: St Jude & Omega - The Power of Giving 2021 Top Chapter Fund Raiser
2021-2022  | International: St Jude & Omega - The Power of Giving 2022 Top Chapter Fund Raiser
2022-2023  | International: Social Action Chapter of the Year
2022-2023  | International: St Jude & Omega - The Power of Giving 2023 Top Chapter Fund Raiser

District Awards


2005-2006  | Third District: Social Action Chapter of the Year
2006-2007  | Third District: Social Action Chapter of the Year
2009-2010  | Third District: Social Action Chapter of the Year
2010-2011  | Third District: Social Action Large Chapter of the Year
2010-2011  | Third District: Large Chapter of the Year 
2011-2012  | Third District: Social Action Large Chapter of the Year 
2011-2012  | Third District: Large Chapter of the Year
2012-2013  | Third District: Large Chapter of the Year 
2012-2013  | Third District: Reclamation Award
2013-2014  | Third District: Social Action Large Chapter of the Year 
2014-2015  | Third District: Large Chapter of the Year 
2015-2016  | Third District: Large Chapter of the Year 
2015-2016  | Third District: Social Action Large Chapter of the Year
2016-2017  | Third District: Youth Academy Program Chapter of the Year (Academic Year)
2017-2018  | Third District: Social Action Large Chapter of the Year
2017-2018  | Third District: Youth Academy Program Chapter of the Year (Academic Year)
2018-2019  | Third District: Youth Academy Program Chapter of the Year (Academic Year)
2019-2020  | Third District: Youth Academy Program Chapter of the Year (Academic Year)
2019-2020  | Third District: St Jude & Omega - The Power of Giving 2020 Top Chapter Fund Raiser
2020-2021  | Third District: St Jude & Omega - The Power of Giving 2021 Top Chapter Fund Raiser
2021-2022  | Third District: Social Action Large Chapter of the Year
2021-2022  | Third District: St Jude & Omega - The Power of Giving 2022 Top Chapter Fund Raiser

Community Chapter Award and Recognitions


2021       | Prince William County Supervisor Andrea Bailey's Proclamation for Black History Month
2021       | Prince William County Human Rights Commission: Human Rights Community Organization of the Year Award

Omega Man of the Year 


2004Alexander King
2005Harvey L. Woodson, Jr.
2006Dr. Byron Cherry
2007Dr. H.L. Barner
2008Harvey L. Woodson, Jr.  
2009Mike Crawford
2010Bernard Oliphant
2011Tony Bullock
2012Charles Mitchell
2013Albert Woods
2014Tony Bullock
2015Erik Noel
2016David "Doc" Holliday
2017Raymond Bell
2018Michael W. Frazier
2019Jeffrey Allen
2020Michael W. Frazier
2021Anthony E. White
2022Jacque Nixon
2023Corando Morgan


Citizen of the Year


2004Luke Torian
2005Dr. George M. Hampton
2006Mitchell C. Clark
2007Bishop Eugene V. Reeves
2009Ms. Marilyn Blakely
2010Rev. Keith Savage
2011Dr. Benita Stephens
2012Conrado Morgan
2013Gerry Connolly
2014Mike Futrell
2015Bernard O. Ames
2016Dr. George M. Hampton
2017Andrelique "Tony" Dural Sr.
2018Ms. Muriel Garr
2019Ms. Francia Salguero
2020Andrea O. Bailey
2021Ms. Norma Fields
2022Dr. LaTanya D. McDade
2023Ms Lillie G. Jessie


BG Charles Young Military Leadership Award


2004Frank McClary
2005Dr. Byron Cherry
2006James Winbush
2009Tony Bullock
2010Trevor Williams
2011David "Doc" Holliday
2012Leonard Newman
2013Drefus Lane
2014Leshawn Langford
2015Kelcey Shaw
2016Ron Blanch
2017Jacque Nixon
2018Dr. C. Victor Herbin
2019Ahmad "Cricket" Andrews
2020Johnathan M. Thomas
2021Jacque Nixon
2023Warren Simmons Jr.


Superior Service Award



Awardee #1 Awardee #2Awardee #3
2005Crispin A. Abad
Steven B. Smith

2006Derryl Pooler
David A. Ballard
Art Sobers
2007Michael Crawford
Craig Turman
Paul Washington
2010Craig Turman


2014Kenneth West


2015Raymond Bell


2016David Williams


2017Michael W. Frazier


2018Ahmad Andrews


2019Albert Woods


2020Ron L. Blanch


2021Charles Hunter


2022Damon Scott


2023Raymond Bell


Founder's Award


2013Dr. Byron Cherry
2014Lee J. Bennett
2015Daniel B. Jones
2016Ricardo Robinson
2017Harvey L. Woodson, Jr
2018Dr. George M. Hampton
2019Rev. Luke E. Torian
2020Eddie A. Stephens, Jr.
2021Crispin Abad
2022Art Sobers
2023Charles Mitchell