IOTA NU Chapter
Black History Month
Book Dedication to the Harford County Public Library
By Robert C. Bell, Editor to the Oracle, Iota Nu Chapter
February is traditionally the month for recognition of Black achievement in American history. The men of IOTA NU Chapter are ensuring that this tradition continues to be the frontrunner in the Harford Community. A book dedication ceremony was held at the Harford County Public Library, Aberdeen, Maryland with the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, IOTA NU Chapter dedicating eleven hard copies of the biography of Dr. Ernest Everett Just. The book entitled: Black Apollo of Science: The Life of Ernest Everett Just was dedicated to the Harford County Public Library System on February 9, 2008. These books were presented to the Harford County library system ensuring the community would be afforded the opportunity to review the life and times of our Brother and one of the Founders of our beloved Fraternity, Bro. Ernest E. Just. Bro. Dwayne Adams, as the Master of Ceremonies, presented the opening remarks and a brief overview of the life and times of Bro. Just. Bro. Adams, while highlighting the times and challenges of Bro. Just, a sense of joy and pride permeated throughout the room. Bro. Charles Alston, a charter member of IOTA NU Chapter, provided an uplifting impressionable rendition of the early years of IOTA NU.
Bro. Marvin Dillard, 2nd District Representative, was the Guest Speaker for the occasion, expanding on the works of our founders and emphasizing the importance of understanding the significance of being a Black American verses an African-American. Bro. Dillard highlighted how the company in which he is employed (IBM) had indicated any person of African nationality can come to America, obtain their citizenship, and become an African American. This revelation prompted them to change their association with the term African American and reverted back to the term Black American. Bro. Dillard closed by saying the chapter is starting a new beginning with the establishment of a partnership with the Harford County community. Bro. Dillard further indicated Omega Men, as Leaders, should be good neighbors to the community as well.
Bro. James “Scrappy” Jordan, 1st Vice District Representative, spoke on the driving force of Brother Just, which was one of adversity. Adversity was a continuous inspiration for Brother Just keeping his drive alive to combat against adversity, racism, and prejudice against his people.
The presentation concluded with Bro. Walter Wyatt, Basileus, IOTA NU, presenting Ms. Mary Hastler, Associated Director (Harford County Library), with eleven books on the life of
Bro. Ernest Everett Just. Ms. Hastler was overjoyed with emotions and her appreciation was warm felt throughout. She further emphasized that this special presentation should be treated as a start of a notable relationship, which she hopes will flourish throughout the year. In attendance were families, friends, and members of the community who all expressed such joy with the contribution and impact the men of Omega are making in the community. The ceremony concluded with refreshments, fellowship, and reminiscing on the struggle past, present and future.
Group shot of the Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, IOTA NU Chapter