Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Holds 79th Grand Conclave In Philadelphia
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- More than 20,000 members of one of the country's oldest African American fraternity's have converged in Philadelphia this weekend -- and their focus is service.
Founded in 1911, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated has more than 150,000 members in 850 chapters worldwide -- and now Philadelphia is host to the group's 79th Grand Conclave.
"The fraternity is founded on four cardinal principals," says spokesman Glenn Rice, "manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift."
Rice says Omega Psi Phi's focus over the next several days is giving back through suit collection efforts, scholarships, talent shows, a youth leadership conference and a food and clothing give-a-way.
"We're feeding 1,000 families in the North Philadelphia section, feeding them each 40 pounds of non-perishable foods," says publicity chairman says Patrick Robinson. "We're giving them coats for the winter, shoes and we're giving the mothers Avon products."
Most events take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and include a step show, a talent hunt chaired by Kenny Gamble, parties, award banquets and more through Wednesday, July 16.
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