On Monday, members of the Florida A&M University Upsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. looked on as maintenance workers chopped down the organization's lone tree, in front of Jackson Davis Hall. Bearing the words "Omega Psi Phi," the tree was cut down due to the damage from recent weather. This is the second time in less than a year that the fraternity has endured such a blow.

In Sept. 2007 the first tree had the shield of the fraternity painted on it, and was cut down after lightening struck it. This September's rainy weather damaged the remaining tree as well.

"The tree was dead and began to lean," said Felicia Barnes, Coordinator of Clubs and Organizations. "It had to get cut down before it fell."

Royle King, 22, a fourth year broadcast journalism student from Dallas and current Chapter President, said members of the fraternity noticed yellow caution tape around the tree, but officials told them it may or may not be cut down.   more »

The brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Psi Xi chapter of Ventura County completed their 2008 mentoring and Rites of Passage ceremony for young men with 20 students in grades 9th through 12th.

The program, which was called Dont Call Me Boy, took place over a three-month period and included workshops on career objectives and finances, the importance of education, African history, leadership and community service, and relationships. In addition, the young men served food to the homeless and attended the 2008 Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., 12th District Youth Leadership Conference. The conference was held in Manhattan Beach, Calif. The closing session was an uplifting graduation dinner that included a special recognition and awards ceremony. The goal of the program is to prepare young men to take their place in society and to encourage the participants to make a positive contribution to society.   more »