Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc Phi Upsilon Chapter Honors Brother Ermon K. Jones

The Phi Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. celebrated its 60th Anniversary on October 20, 2012 at the Sheraton Hotel in Eatontown New Jersey.

Approximately 250 people attended the event that was full of youth performances, scholarship donations and the honoring of one of the chapter’s brightest stars, Brother Ermon K Jones.

Mr. Ermon K Jones is one of twelve men who founded Omega Phi Upsilon in 1952.

Jones tenure in the fraternity is legendary as he has been serving Omega for 65 years.

The Civil Rights Movement

In addition to recognizing his fraternal contributions, Jones was recognized as having had an instrumental role during The Civil Rights Movement in the Jersey Shore area.

He is responsible for assisting in desegregated the public school system, public housing system and public work environments in Monmouth County.

He spoke briefly and passionately at his contributions civil rights movement. His motivation was based on a statement that was made to him upon returning from Morgan State University and Columbia Teachers College in search of employment and housing.

Jones was told, “We do not allow Negros to live, teach or work in certain public areas in Neptune.” It was at that moment he decided he wanted to be the change he wanted to see in the world and he has been fighting for equality ever since.

As a result of sixty years of struggle and perseverance, Mr. Ermon K Jones was honored on a local, state and national level throughout the luncheon by the Second Baptist Church of Asbury Park, Township of Neptune, State Assembly and the Grand Basileus of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

It was also announced that in the Township of Neptune, October 20, 2012 will now be known as Ermon K. Jones Day.

Performances

A phenomenal series of performances were conducted by drumming sensation by Malachi Samedy, the 2nd Baptist Church Praise Dance Team and Omega Psi Phi-Lambda Upsilon Chapter Step Team.

Frank’s Big and Tall Men’s Shop provided Phi Upsilon with two major donations as a part of an annual tradition and a new campaign.

For the past 20 years, Frank’s Big and Tall has provided approximately $100,000 in scholarship funds to help Monmouth County youth attend college.

They were joined by a new set of scholarship donors that included the Presidents of Noble Strategy A Construction Management Firm, Intelligent Influence Inc. and Extended Learning LLC. Each firm donated $1000 and will be working with Phi Upsilon to provide reading material and staff training.

The day concluded with The Basileus Challenge brought forth by Chapter President, Matthew P. Stevens. The Basileus Challenge was formed based on a stipend received from the Bloomfield College Mentor Program for Black Males.

This challenge asked all of the event attendees to donate 1% ($20) of what Stevens donated through his paid work with the mentor program.

Stevens also encouraged the audience to take a more active role in engaging young Black males, their families and community in his closing statements with a quote by David Miller, Author of Khalil’s Way and President of the Urban Leadership Institute, which insist that, “no one is coming to save us.” Stevens went on to say that the Men of Omega are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.”

Phi Upsilon is dedicated to working with local districts to coordinate mentor activities, developing training programs for educators that will teach them how to effectively teach black boys and providing resources for single mothers. Be on the lookout for the Phi Upsilon Chapter.

Their efforts have set the stage to bring forth positive change the lives of those in need.