by Bro. Sylvester Robinson
Brothers Smith and Jones, having shared many common experiences, have forged a unique bond that spans six decades. The native Floridians both attended Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, chose professional careers in education, served their country in the U.S. Army during WW II, decided to make Pompano Beach their permanent residence and became members of our beloved fraternity at Omicron Epsilon (OE) in Daytona Beach, Brother Smith in 1948 and Brother Jones in 1953.
Founding or chartering chapters is old hat for Brother Smith who is also credited with having founded or chartered Omicron Epsilon in 1948 and Zeta Chi in 1954, the Ft. Lauderdale graduate chapter.
Born in Miami, Florida, Brother Smith attended Booker T. Washington High school, excelling academically and athletically. After graduating from Bethune-Cookman, he began his professional career as a math teacher, quickly ascending to the position of assistant principal at Blanche Ely and Pompano Beach High Schools. His professional career was interrupted by a two-year stint in the army during WW II in North Africa with a chemical warfare company whose primary function entailed laying smoke screens for incoming infantry. If gas had been employed, his company was responsible for neutralizing the chemical’s impact to protect the troops.
Brother Smith is highly thought of, respected and admired by so many in Omega because his unquestioned devotion for our fraternity has never waned, even after 60 years of continuous service. Eta Nu’s own Harry Harrell, a distinguished Omega man who was recently elected Seventh District Keeper of Finance, marvels at Brother Smith’s longevity stating, “I trust that I am fortunate or blessed to enjoy a similar Omega journey”.
Born in Fernandina Beach, Fl., Brother James “Jimmy” Jones, after completing his undergraduate degree in mathematics, began an extremely successful educational career in the Broward County School System as a teacher, counselor, administrator and principal. During his tenure as principal of Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Fl., Brother Jones touched the lives of myriad students, teachers, and parents. The love and respect that he demonstrated for his constituents was reciprocal. A visit to his home reveals the esteem with which he is held in the Pompano community, evidenced by the numerous plaques, trophies and certificates adorning his Florida room walls. Coming from various entities – school board members, parents, teachers, students and athletes – they are a testament to a career fervently devoted to those who benefited the most from his honest, integral and steadfast leadership.
Retirement for him has been anything but as he is constantly barraged with requests to serve on various committees, support political candidates or simply use his sagacious instincts to advise those seeking counsel.
A communications specialist in the army, he was on duty when the message came across the Teletype announcing President Truman’s decision to terminate General McArthur as commander of the European forces, replacing him in 1951 with General Ridgeway. Brother Jones was responsible for ensuring that the message was given to the commanding officer by following protocol. It is a proud moment in his military career that he remembers with great nostalgia.
Today, our great fraternity and Eta Nu continue to be the beneficiaries of the talents, contributions, experiences and beacons of excellence that embody their long and extraordinary journeys.
Originally published June 2010, all four founding charter members have entered Omega Chapter.