The brothers of Alpha Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. attended their annual Joint Achievement Week Celebration recently at the Chesapeake Conference Center; usually this is held around the same time of the fraternity’s Founder’s Day, which was Sunday, Nov. 17.

Seven other chapters from Franklin, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach joined them in celebration of the 91st anniversary of the fraternity’s beginning

Each chapter also took time out to present, recognize and honor their annual individual selections of Citizen of the Year, based on the honoree’s long time service to their respective communities.

Chapters also made their selections of Omega Man of the Year and Service Award to the individual Brother who had made exceptional contributions to his chapter.

The Suffolk chapter honored its president, Stanley D. Pittman as the Omega Man of the Year and Jesse Trent as its Citizen of the Year.

Pittman was selected for his tireless and commendable efforts in conducting the chapter’s business and promotion of the chapter’s standing within the organization; Trent was honored for his many contributions to Suffolk citizenry. In addition, Trent is a member of many boards and committees throughout the city and has given long term uplifting service to the Suffolk community.

The event also included a delicious meal and chapter members heard an inspiring message from the speaker, Glenn Sessoms, a Norfolk native and vice president with the FED-EX Corp.

On Nov. 17, 1911, three young men gathered in the office of one of their professors on the campus of Howard University.

With the professor as their advisor, the three organized a fellowship of men based on the four cardinal principals: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

Their basic thought and motto for the fraternity is &uot;Friendship is essential to the soul.&uot;

The Brothers of Alpha Iota have been active throughout the years in various activities geared towards the betterment of their community and being a positive influence on its citizens.

They have sponsored voter registration drives, given scholarships to deserving graduating high school seniors, served as Partners in Education with the Mack Benn Jr. Elementary School, and worked at the recent Peanut Festival.

They maintain many ongoing projects and enjoyed each other’s company at their annual summer cookout held this year at the home of Brother Edward &uot;Pete&uot; Smith and his mother, Mrs. Bernice B. Maloney.

The chapter members can be found working throughout the community in various professions.

The chapter is proud of its long heritage and member accomplishments and continues to be an effective member of the community.