A most precious gift: the Omega Dears Initiative

By Bro. CPittman III

March 12, 2025 – Decatur, Georgia - The Kappa Alpha Alpha Chapter continues to foster a friendship with the widows of brothers who have transitioned into Omega Chapter. This Initiative shows the widows that the brothers remember them. Although their husbands have gone, Omega has not forgotten about their most precious gift that they left here on earth, showing that … we are one Omega family.

As KAA establishes and maintains consistent communication with each Omega Dears’ member, this exceptional group has requested how it can help, which included the funding of the Chapter’s 1st female Scholarship award last year. Over the last couple of years, these members have attended several events, including, Mardi Gras fundraiser, Talent Hunt program, and the Linen and Lyrics fundraiser. Due to these activities, the ladies have developed a sisterhood sharing their HBCU lineages, family goals, and appreciation for the love they have for Omega.

Also, Omega's Georgia State Organization (GSO) has recently voted in favor of this Initiative being a part of all Graduate Chapters in the state. And, at a previous Omega 7th District Chaplains Retreat, discussions emerged which were prompted by questions that included: How does this initiative bring peace to our Omega Dears; how can Omega brothers help them achieve peace? How does this Initiative glorify God? How does this Initiative improve our Fraternity?

The Initiative committee’s mission is to identify the widows (Omega Dears) of KAA Brothers that have transitioned to Omega Chapter with the intent of establishing and maintaining consistent communication with them. Upon KAA‘s Chapter notification of the passing of a brother, the chairman Bro Darrell DeShazier, exercises discretion when inviting the spouse to become an Omega Dear. He is forthright in explaining to the widow that she is in no way obligated to participate and it is totally at her own leisure. As part of the Initiatives’ Goals and Objectives: an agreed upon method of communication is established with a widow; communication is done at least once a month which may include, but limited to invitations to Chapter events, holiday cards and wellness checks; and the Initiative committee will gather and discuss any recommendations made by each Omega Dears and present to the Chapter with the recommendation for its disposition and response to the Omega Dears.

The Omega Dears committee brothers Geoff Gordon, James Garner, Randall Wilson, KC Jackson, James Devine, Chris Bailey, Bill Lipscomb, Anderson Hill, and Horace Austin, provide monthly reports to the Chapter officers and general body regarding all fellowship activities. During the pairing process, the chairman serves as the liaison between the Omega Dears and committee members. The hope is that in time, new relationships are formed between the Omega Dears for years to come. It is our commitment to promote the phrase “Friendship Forever” and to serve as Bridge Builders to the widows of our gone but not forgotten brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.