The Mighty Second District: 5 Unmissable 2024–2025 Initiatives Of Omega Psi Phi (NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD)
The Mighty Second District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., stands as a powerhouse of service and scholarship across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, encompassing five critical states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. As of the current date, December 24, 2025, the District is actively engaged in a series of high-impact programs and preparing for major conferences that define its commitment to the Fraternity's four cardinal principles: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. This deep dive explores the current leadership, the geographical scope, and the most significant initiatives defining the District's legacy and future impact, from major legislative advocacy to its cornerstone academic support.
The Second District is not just a collection of chapters; it is a pioneering force within the Fraternity, known for introducing impactful programs that have been adopted across the nation. Under the current leadership, the focus remains on community uplift, academic excellence, and developing the next generation of servant leaders, ensuring the foundational principles laid down by the Founders continue to thrive.
Current Leadership and Geographical Scope of the Mighty Second District
The Second District is a geographically diverse and influential area, covering the Eastern Seaboard from the urban centers of New York and Philadelphia down to the legislative halls of Annapolis and Dover. This expansive territory requires dynamic and focused leadership to coordinate the numerous graduate and undergraduate chapters within its borders.
Current District Council and Leadership Profile
The District Council is led by a dedicated team of brothers committed to executing the Fraternity’s mission and vision. The current leadership is focused on engagement, service, and reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood across all five states.
- District Representative: Brother Amir M. Shareef
- Role: Brother Shareef serves as the chief administrative and executive officer of the Second District, responsible for overseeing all chapter operations, implementing the mandates of the Supreme Council, and representing the District on the national level of Omega Psi Phi.
- First Vice District Representative: Brother Leon Smith
- Previous District Representative: Brother J. Kendall Smalls (36th District Representative)
The Five States of the Mighty Second District
The District is often cited for its historical significance and density of chapters, making its operational scope massive.
The states comprising the Mighty Second District are:
- New York (NY)
- New Jersey (NJ)
- Pennsylvania (PA)
- Delaware (DE)
- Maryland (MD)
This regional concentration allows the District to coordinate large-scale service projects and advocacy efforts, such as the annual legislative outreach in Annapolis, with maximum impact across multiple state governments and diverse communities.
5 Unmissable Initiatives and Events Defining the 2024–2025 District Agenda
The 2024 and 2025 calendar years are packed with major events and long-standing programs that exemplify the Second District’s commitment to service and scholarship. These initiatives are the engine of the District's community impact and a source of topical authority within the Fraternity.
1. The James S. Avery Shirtsleeve 2025: Leading Through Service
A flagship event for the District, the Shirtsleeve Conference is a major annual convening that focuses on internal operations, leadership development, and service strategy. The 2025 event holds particular significance.
- Focus: The conference is centered on the theme "Leading Through Service" and is designed to refocus the collective energy of the brotherhood on the core tenets of scholarship, leadership, and action.
- Historical Context: The conference was introduced by Brother James S. Avery, Sr., to serve as a blueprint for servant leadership and a forum for brothers to collaborate on enhancing district programming.
- Key Entities: The event often features the Undergraduate Representative, such as Jordan Gipson, who serves as "Mr. Junior" at Morgan State University, highlighting the focus on developing young leaders.
2. The Annual “Ques in Annapolis”: Advocating for Change
Held annually in Maryland, the "Ques in Annapolis" event showcases the District's commitment to civic engagement and legislative advocacy. The March 2024 event continued this tradition with a focus on community uplift and advocating for change.
- Purpose: This event brings brothers from various chapters to the state capital to engage with legislators, discuss community issues, and advocate for policies that align with the Fraternity's social action agenda.
- Impact: It serves as a powerful demonstration of the collective influence of the Second District, ensuring that the concerns of the communities they serve are heard in the halls of government.
3. Dr. Charles R. Drew Memorial Scholarship Program
Scholarship is a foundational pillar of Omega Psi Phi, and the Second District’s efforts are spearheaded by the prestigious Dr. Charles R. Drew Memorial Scholarship Program.
- Goal: The program proudly supports academic excellence, providing financial assistance to deserving students. This commitment honors the legacy of Brother Dr. Charles R. Drew, a brilliant surgeon and pioneering medical researcher.
- Related Service: Chapters like Gamma Mu Nu are actively involved in supporting this legacy by leading the annual Charles R. Drew Annual Blood Drive, linking service to the scholarship's namesake.
4. Achievement Week and the Legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson
Achievement Week is a mandated program across the Fraternity, and the Second District utilizes this time to recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to society.
- Honoring History: The week is closely associated with Brother Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the "Father of Black History," whose legacy underscores the importance of academic pursuit and cultural recognition.
- Scholarship Component: Achievement Week is a time when the District awards scholarships, further cementing the link between recognizing excellence and fostering future academic success.
5. The 78th Second District Conference and Project Enrich
The annual District Conference is the major business meeting where the collective will and future direction of the District are determined. The 78th installment of this conference is a key event for the 2024–2025 period.
- Strategic Planning: The conference features a dynamic lineup of speakers and provides a forum for leadership and vision, setting the purpose for the coming year.
- Community Entities: The District’s charitable arm, the Friendship Charities Foundation, Inc., is a key entity often highlighted at the conference, alongside other critical programs like Project Enrich, which focuses on community development and mentorship.
The Enduring Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift
The "Mighty Second District" continues to uphold the core values that have guided Omega Psi Phi since its founding. The sheer scale of operations across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland means that the principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift are translated into tangible, large-scale community impact.
From the legislative advocacy of the "Ques in Annapolis" to the academic support provided by the Dr. Charles R. Drew Memorial Scholarship Program, every initiative is designed to "Lift as We Climb!" The District's commitment to developing servant leadership, exemplified by the James S. Avery Shirtsleeve Conference, ensures that its legacy of pioneering impactful programs will continue for generations to come.
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