FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2, 2025

Media Contact:
Whitney Rawls
Director of Public Relations
Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
etanuques1969@gmail.com
(954) 408-2230

Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Receives Top Honors at District and State Levels

Pompano Beach, FL — Continuing its proud tradition of excellence and service, the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was honored with multiple prestigious awards at the recent 88th Annual 7th District Meeting, held in Orlando, Florida. The 7th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. comprises 140 chapters located throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. Eta Nu’s deep commitment to uplifting communities across Pompano Beach and Broward County earned them the top designation of Social Action Chapter of the Year, Large Chapter for the 2023-2024 fraternal year.

Eta Nu’s leadership in social impact, mentoring, and historical preservation was recognized across several categories at the District level, including:

• Social Action Chapter of the Year, Large Chapter
• Mentoring Program of the Year, Large Chapter
• Father of the Year, Large Chapter – Bro. Rodney Hankins, Jr.
• Mentee of the Year, Large Chapter – Asante Brooks
• 1st Place – History & Archives Award

These awards celebrate Eta Nu’s dynamic programming, strategic community outreach, and unwavering focus on youth development, fatherhood engagement, and community service.

“These honors are a testament to the collective dedication of the men of Eta Nu,” said Chapter Basileus Brother Rodney Hankins, Jr. “We are proud to be recognized not only for what we do, but for how we do it—with integrity, consistency, and a genuine love for the communities we serve.”

To be considered for competition at the District level, chapters have to earn recognition by their state organizations. The 2023-2024 high honors Eta Nu received and announced by the Florida Statewide Organization of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. during the State’s caucus meeting included:

• Chapter of the Year, Large Chapter
• Social Action Chapter of the Year, Large Chapter
• Fatherhood Chapter of the Year, Large Chapter
• Mentoring Program of the Year, Large Chapter
• Father of the Year, Large Chapter – Bro. Rodney Hankins, Jr.
• Mentee of the Year, Large Chapter – Asante Brooks
• 2nd Place – Scholarship Awards ($27,900 awarded)

As the Eta Nu Chapter continues to lead with vision and purpose, these recognitions affirm its place as a standard-bearer and premier chapter within the 7th District and across Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Through social action, mentorship, education, and advocacy, the chapter remains committed to the fraternity’s cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

For more information about the Eta Nu Chapter’s programs and impact, visit www.etanu.org or follow @EtaNuQues1969 on social media.

 

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About Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.:
Chartered in 1969 in Pompano Beach, FL, the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is an unincorporated chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. that provides uplift and community service to Pompano Beach and the north Broward County communities. — http://www.etanu.org/

About 7^th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.:
Created in 1935, the 7^th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. which encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. It is the fraternity’s largest district. — https://oppf7d.org/

About Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Founded in 1911, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is a historically Black fraternity committed to manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. The 7th District represents chapters in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi, focusing on leadership, service, and community advancement. — https://oppf.org/

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2025

Media Contact:
Whitney Rawls
Director of Public Relations
Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
etanuques1969@gmail.com
(954) 408-2230

 

7th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to Host 88th Annual District Meeting in Orlando, Florida

Orlando, FL – March 2025 – The 7th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is set to convene in Orlando, Florida, for its 88th Annual District Meeting, taking place March 27-30, 2025, at the prestigious Rosen Shingle Creek Resort.

This year’s conference is themed “Unifying the District Through Purpose,” hosted by the Eta Nu Chapter (Pompano Beach, FL), in collaboration with Chi Tau and Omega Beta Beta chapters, and promises four days of impactful programming, including leadership development, community service, and cultural engagement. The event will bring together Brothers from across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi, along with their families and supporters, for a weekend dedicated to uplift and empowerment.

Highlighted Events & Initiatives:

• Clothing Drive & Health Fair – Supporting local communities, and fostering better health outcomes, through essential resources.
• STEM Camp – Inspiring the next generation of innovators.
• Daily Worship Services – Spiritual enrichment for all attendees.
• Golf Tournament & 5K Run/Walk – Promoting health and wellness.
• Charles Drew Blood Drive – A life-saving initiative with a goal of collecting 88 pints of blood.
• Leadership Development Workshops: Focused on enhancing the skills and knowledge of fraternity leaders at all levels.
• Community Impact Forums: Addressing issues such as education, economic empowerment, personal health, and voter engagement.
• Achievement Awards Banquet: Honoring the outstanding accomplishments of members and chapters across the district.
• March Down Step Show Competition & Talent Hunt Showcase – Celebrating the fraternity’s rich culture and immense talent from four states.
• Mardi Gras Party & Orlando Divine 9 Party – Exclusive social events uniting the local community with members of the Divine 9.

A Public Program to kick off the weekend will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819. The Public Program will include welcome messages from fraternity leadership, including Ricky L. Lewis, International Grand Basileus (President) of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and 7th District Representative Christopher Brooks; local elected leaders and dignitaries; regional member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine 9), Miss Black Florida USA, and the public.

The 88th Annual District Meeting will be a transformative experience, blending service, leadership, and celebration. Community members, fraternity brothers, and supporters are encouraged to participate in select events.

Christopher Brooks, 7th District Representative, shared his excitement about the upcoming meeting:

“The 88th Annual District Meeting is a time to reflect on our legacy, celebrate our achievements, and chart a bold course for the future. We are thrilled to host this year’s event in Orlando, a city that embodies growth and opportunity, much like the spirit of our fraternity.”

Harry Harrell, Sr., District Marshal, stated:

“While Eta Nu Chapter is located in Pompano Beach, Florida, we’re excited to partner with our brothers at Chi Tau and Omega Beta Beta (central Florida chapters) to bring ‘The Eta Nu Experience’ to Orlando and welcome over 2,000 brothers and visitors for what promises to be the most monumental gathering in the 7th District’s history. We expect this District Meeting to have a significant economic and social impact on Orlando and the Orange County community.”

** Media availability will take place immediately following the Public Program on Thursday, March 27th.

For more information, contact Whitney Rawls, Director of Public Relations for Eta Nu Chapter and the Florida Statewide Organization of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at etanuques1969@gmail.com or (954) 408-2230.

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About Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.:
Chartered in 1969 in Pompano Beach, FL, the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is an unincorporated chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. that provides uplift and community service to Pompano Beach and the north Broward County communities. — http://www.etanu.org/

About 7^th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.:
Created in 1935, the 7^th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. which encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. It is the fraternity’s largest district. — https://oppf7d.org/

About Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Founded in 1911, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is a historically Black fraternity committed to manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. The 7th District represents chapters in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi, focusing on leadership, service, and community advancement. — https://oppf.org/

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 3, 2025

Media Contact:
Whitney Rawls
Director of Public Relations
Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
etanuques1969@gmail.com
(954) 408-2230

 

88th Annual District Meeting of the 7th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to Be Held in Orlando, Florida

Orlando, FL – Following the tremendous success of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.’s Grand Conclave held in Tampa in July 2024, the fraternity’s largest district has chosen Orlando as the setting for its 88th Annual District Meeting.

The distinguished 7th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., encompassing the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi, will host its 88th Annual District Meeting, scheduled to take place from March 27-30, 2025, at the elegant Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Hosted by the Eta Nu Chapter of Pompano Beach, Florida, this annual gathering will bring together over 2,000 members of the fraternity to the Orlando area. The District Meeting (district meeting) serves as a vital forum for leadership development and strategic planning, while celebrating the fraternity’s mission of service, scholarship, brotherhood, and friendship.

The theme for this year’s meeting, “Working for a Unified District,” reflects Omega Psi Phi’s continued commitment to uplifting communities and fostering excellence in every aspect of life. Attendees will engage in impactful workshops, networking opportunities, and dynamic discussions designed to advance the fraternity’s programs and initiatives.

Highlights of the 88th Annual District Meeting include:

• Leadership Development Workshops: Focused on enhancing the skills and knowledge of fraternity leaders at all levels.
• Community Impact Forums: Addressing issues such as education, economic empowerment, personal health, and voter engagement.
• Achievement Awards Banquet: Honoring the outstanding accomplishments of members and chapters across the district.
• Youth Leadership and STEM: Inspiring the next generation of leaders through mentorship and empowerment.
• Social Action and Community Service: Providing aid and support to uplift the local community.

The Rosen Shingle Creek Resort offers a premier venue with state-of-the-art facilities and luxurious accommodations, providing an ideal setting for this significant event. Located in the heart of Orlando, the resort also offers convenient access to the city’s renowned attractions and vibrant culture.

Christopher Brooks, 7th District Representative, shared his excitement about the upcoming meeting:

“The 88th Annual District Meeting is a time to reflect on our legacy, celebrate our achievements, and chart a bold course for the future. We are thrilled to host this year’s event in Orlando, a city that embodies growth and opportunity, much like the spirit of our fraternity.”

Harry Harrell, Sr., District Marshal, stated:

“While Eta Nu Chapter is located in Pompano Beach, Florida, we’re excited to partner with our brothers at Chi Tau and Omega Beta Beta (central Florida chapters) to bring ‘The Eta Nu Experience’ to Orlando and welcome over 2,000 brothers and visitors for what promises to be the most monumental gathering in the 7th District’s history. We expect this District Meeting to have a significant economic and social impact on Orlando and the Orange County community.”

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About Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.:
Chartered in 1969 in Pompano Beach, FL, the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is an unincorporated chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. that provides uplift and community service to Pompano Beach and the north Broward County communities. — http://www.etanu.org/

About 7^th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.:
Created in 1935, the 7^th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. which encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. It is the fraternity’s largest district. — https://oppf7d.org/

About Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.:
Founded in 1911, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is a historically African American fraternity dedicated to the principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. With a legacy of excellence and service, the fraternity continues to positively impact communities around the globe. — https://oppf.org/

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Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. mourns the loss of Brother James L. “Jimmy” Jones, who entered Omega Chapter on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

Originally from Fernandina Beach in northeastern Florida, James Leroy Jones, affectionately known as “Jimmy”, graduated second in his high school class before matriculating to Bethune-Cookman College (now University). His college education was briefly interrupted when Jones joined the United States Army where he served as a Communication Specialist in World War II. Eventually, he returned to Bethune-Cookman and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics. While at Bethune-Cookman, Jones was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in 1953 through the Omicron Epsilon Chapter.

After being sought out by the late Mrs. Blanche General Ely to teach math at Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Jones relocated to South Florida in 1955. He taught mathematics at Ely for 12 years before seeking to further his academic career. Jones received Masters’ Degrees in Guidance & Counseling and Administration and Supervision from Florida Atlantic University. His 37-year tenure in the Broward County Schools system included: classroom instructor at Blanche Ely, Guidance Director at Everglades Middle School in Fort Lauderdale, Dean of Students at Plantation and Pompano Beach High schools, and Assistant Principal and Principal of Blanche Ely High School. He eventually retired from Broward Schools in 1992.

After moving to South Florida, Mr. Jones joined the Zeta Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi in Fort Lauderdale. In 1969, he and three other men (Clifford Dudley, Edgar Mills and Joseph Smith) founded the Eta Nu Chapter to stimulate Pompano Beach and the surrounding communities with the four cardinal principles of the fraternity: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift.

For decades, Jones served on various civic boards in Pompano Beach including the Charter Review Board, the Education Advisory Committee, the Police and Firefighter’s Pension Board, and as chairman of the Community Development Advisory Committee. He also served as a Trustee and member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, a member of Kiwanis Club Northwest, and many other organizations.

Jones’ life as a community servant has become a symbol of excellence for generations of youth, men and women, both in and out of the classroom. He was often sought out for his advice and sound counsel. His indelible mark on South Florida can be seen and felt, far and wide, through the many people he has taught and mentored over the 69 years he has been in South Florida. A visit to Mr. Jones’s home reveals the countless honors and awards he has received from many organizations throughout the decades, including having the auditorium at Blanche Ely High School named in his honor, named Pompano Beach’s Citizen of the Year in 2010, and receiving his 70th Year Pin and Service Award from Omega Psi Phi, personally delivered to him by current Grand Basileus Ricky L. Lewis in June of 2023.

He will be remembered by all as he would often be heard saying: “Never let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can do.”

Along with Jones’ family, the brothers of Eta Nu remember, honor, and celebrate the life and legacy of Brother James L. “Jimmy” Jones – a pillar of our community.

Funeral Services have been arranged as follows:

• Friday, July 12, 2024
  Visitation: 5:00pm-8:30pm
  Omega Service: 6:30pm
  
  
• Saturday, July 13, 2024
  Funeral Service: 9:00am

The location of both services is the James L. Jones Auditorium at Blanche Ely High School, 1201 NW 6th Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL 33060.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Eta Nu Education Foundation at https://www.etanu.org/donate.

Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Eta Nu Education Foundation were recently awarded a $10,000 grant to further the chapter’s mentoring and STEM program. With over 75 boys from middle and high school enrolled in the mentoring program, the grant will allow the chapter to continue its work of providing quality leadership, life skills, and social entrepreneurship training while also building out its anticipated state of the art STEM Lab. The grant was provided as part of the Pompano Live! Resorts’ community benefit program through Harrahs Pompano Beach and Caesars Entertainment.

On Sunday, July 28, 2023, the Eta Nu Educational Foundation hosted its annual Benefit Gala and Fundraiser sponsored by Corporate Partner, Global Wealth Management. Held at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott, Coral Springs, the black tie affair supports STEM promotion, Gentlemen of Influence/Q’ Unit mentoring programs and scholarship initiatives.

This year’s honoree, retired Circuit Court Judge Ilona Holmes, is the recipient of the James L. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award, presented in honor of Eta Nu founder, philanthropist, Broward educator and former principal of Blanche Ely High School, Mr. James L. Jones.

Introduced by Eta Nu Basileus and Assistant U. S. Attorney Bruce Terry Brown, Judge Holmes’ selection recognized her impeccable, accomplished career as an attorney, proponent of equal justice and opportunity for all under the law, law professor, administrator and jurist. Event MC and Eta Nu Foundation Chairman Brother Harry Harrell welcomed all in attendance, including Mr. John Thomas, Global Wealth Management CIO; South Plantation High graduate and South Florida University enrollee Jahshai Reid, whose candid, impassioned remarks as a beneficiary of Eta Nu’s GOI mentoring program, acknowledging particularly the advice, encouragement and support of Brothers Rodney Hankins and Broderick Henry, left the audience spellbound; Delta Sigma Theta sisters who came in support of Judge Holmes; and the wives, sweethearts and loyal Eta Nu brothers in attendance…