It was over 62 years ago when Dr. James Andrew Elam decided to pledge Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Jim

Elam witnessed over 60 brothers of Upsilon Chapter at Wilberforce University when they rose in unison,

dressed in dark blue suits, white shirts, and all wearing a budding red rose in their lapels. The brothers stood

to recognize and escort Ada (Mother) Young to the podium as she entered the large room in Shorter Hall. The

brothers stood at attention while she spoke. They did not return to their seats until she left the room. Since

that day, Brother James Andrew Elam wanted to be a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Today, as I approach the home of Brother Jim Elam to interview him for this article, Jim, wearing one

of his famous hats and a heavy jacket, greets me in the driveway, even though it is the first day of spring and

unseasonably cold. I was welcomed in true Omega fashion. His first words were, "Hello Fred. How are you

doing? How's the family?" Brother Elam makes visitors to his home feel like family. Upon entering his

home, I felt welcomed as he lit the fire, offered me a seat and thanked me for the opportunity to listen to him

tell his story. Even though he is considered a giant among men in the fraternity, he still finds the need for hu-

mility; he recognizes the importance of service and making others feel at ease in his presence.

Humble Beginnings

Brother Elam was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His family later moved to Owego, New York,

a small town near Cornell. He is the son of a single mother, Sarah Elam, to whom he credits for being the sin-

gle greatest influence in his life. In this small New York town with a population of 5281, his was one of only

five African American families. This fact alone makes it even more spectacular that Jim Elam was elected the

Junior and Senior Class President while in high school. He was well-regarded by his classmates and respected

by adults in his community. The only male figure of influence in his life was his grandfather, who rarely ex-

hibited a kind word or action of encouragement. Brother Elam has a very high opinion of his mother, who

worked tirelessly to get him through school and see that he had a good foundation before sending him out into

the world.

(Continued on Page 2)

Volume 13; Issue 2

April 2013

OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY INC. FOURTH DISTRICT

A Profile of Leadership:

An interview with Brother Dr. James Elam W r i t t e n b y B r ot h e r D r . F r e d A i k e n s

4th District Ch

ronicle

2

(Bro. Elam-Continued from Page 1)

Bro. Dr. Jim Elam (Pictured)

Attending Central State University

Brother Elam attended Central State College in 1951. His small hometown in New York had ill-

prepared him for the culture shock that was to come. This was the first time that Brother Elam encountered

educated African American professionals. In his hometown, the blacks consisted of the preacher, the barber,

and the shoe shine man. Central State College was different. At Central State, Jim encountered black teach-

ers, doctors, administrators, students, and most surprising were the black cheerleaders. Brother Elam had

never seen a community that consisted of anything other than a predominantly white population. During his

short time at Central State due to graduating in three years, brother Elam did quite well in his studies. He was

President of the Junior Class and subsequently the Senior Class.

Central State College prepared Brother Elam with a “fundamentally excellent education.” He had the

distinction of being a chauffeur for the first President of Central State College, Dr. Charles Wesley. This was

a position that Brother Elam loved. He enjoyed the interaction with the former president, and learned a lot as

he frequently drove Dr. Wesley to Xenia, Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Although this was a responsibil-

ity which was reserved for the younger fraternity brothers of Dr. Wesley (Alpha Phi Alpha), Dr. Wesley re-

quested Brother Elam even though he was an Omega because of his sterling reputation and character. Brother

Elam graduated from Central State University in 1954.

Professional Success

Brother Elam has done well professionally. When asked what he would have done differently, Brother

Elam paused. He said he would have complimented his employees more often. He would have given more

positive feedback and let his team know how much he appreciated their effort. His leadership style is known

throughout the fraternity. Brother Elam is often praised for his ability to influence others, and for his kind and

approachable demeanor. Brother Elam is now retired. He is the owner of Belmont Park Laboratories which

he sold to Smith Kline Beecham Pharmaceuticals. His organization focused on chemical and biological testing

in the city of Dayton and the surrounding area. When he retired, he donated all of the equipment in his labs to

Central State University.

When asked to define success, Brother Elam’s answer was enlightening. He measures success by the

service that he can provide to others; making a difference in the lives of others, and having meaning in one’s

life. He went on to add that one must be willing to provide advice and counsel to others as they encounter dif-

ficulties and obstacles. Brother Elam completed by saying that his own success will be determined by history.

This definition, though very lofty, has guided Brother Elam throughout the course of his life. He continues to

donate to his church, his alma mater, his fraternity, and many other philanthropic endeavors around the world.

Brother Elam has several buildings and honors named for him. The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will bestow the

most recent honor in April when an endowment of $30,000 is established in the name of James Andrew Elam

at Central State University. (Continued on Page 3)

4 T H D I S T R I C T C H R O N I C L E

3

(Bro. Elam-Continued from Page 2)

Fraternity Activity

James Andrew Elam was initiated into the Lampado’s Club in 1951 and crossed the burning sands

of Omega on March 12, 1952. He is a Charter Member of Eta Gamma Chapter at Central State University

and has been influential in the fraternity since the day he was initiated.

Brother Elam has been very active in the fraternity. He has been a member in several graduate chapters since

graduating from Central State. He is currently a member of Mu Chi Chapter in Wilberforce, Ohio where he

attends meetings regularly, participates in chapter activities, and shares in the camaraderie of the Brothers.

Brother Elam served as the International Chairman of Fiscal Management when the Grand Basileus, Brother

Edward Braynon, asked him to take the position in the mid 1970’s. It was during a time when the fraternity

needed greater fiscal oversight, and Brother Elam was happy to serve. He had the honor to serve as a Foun-

der's Stand-In during the Centennial Conclave that took place in Washington, DC in 2011. Brother Elam has

won nearly every award, at every level of the fraternity. He has over 100 plaques in his Omega Room. Jok-

ingly, he said he wanted brothers to stop giving him plaques because he has no place to hang them. The

plaque of which Brother Elam seems most proud is the one given to him by the Economic Development

Committee, acknowledging his business acumen. He states that at the time there were only five of these

awards given out by the Fraternity, and he is elated to be in the company of such great business men and

members of the fraternity such as Brothers Earl Graves and Dr. William (Bill) Cosby.

Brother Elam is busy even to this day as he prepares to visit Washington D.C. for the dedication of

the Colonel Young Estate. President Obama’s office has summoned Brother Elam to be present as the Na-

tional Park Service establishes the Colonel Charles Young Estate as one of five historical sites that will re-

ceive this honor on Monday March 25, 2013. It is expected that President Obama will make this event part

of his Presidential legacy and our own Brother James Elam will be an important part of that history.

I asked Brother Elam how he felt about the future of the fraternity. He expressed his approval of the

current administration as well as the measures that are being implemented to protect the organization for

years to come. He praised Dr. Andrew Ray, the current Grand Basileus, and said the fraternity has come

through a rough past and is now headed toward a promising future. Brother Elam shares a majority opinion

as he expresses his concern for the younger members of our fraternity. Our conversation then focused on

how the younger generation lacks leadership and guidance. An absence of black role models in our commu-

nities is putting our young black men at risk. We both agreed that this issue has reached a critical point and

the fraternity must continue to play a role in the solution. As an organization, we need to return to the pre-

cepts established by our founders. We need to find some way to bring Omega’s proud history to the fore-

front, and show our newest members how to comport themselves in a manner in which our founders would

be proud.

Conclusion

As we ended our time together, Brother Elam shared myriad pictures and documents that demonstrate

his involvement in the fraternity and other communities to which he belongs. As he recalls his memories, I

can see the passion, emotion, and admiration that he has for those who have touched his life. He speaks of

Mother Young, who affectionately called him “Son Jim.” He talks of the past grand officers and the work

they shared. He tells his stories as though they happened yesterday and shares the pictures with accurate de-

scriptions of the people in them.

(Continued on Page 7)

V O L U M E 1 3 ; I S S U E 2

4

If you had any reservations at all when the soon-to-be Immediate Past District Representative was

elected two years ago, today you should be convinced that the Fourth District elected the best man for the job.

Brother Stanford T. Williams Jr. has served the Fourth District with dedication, distinction, discipline, and de-

termination for the last 15 years. He has sacrificed for the brothers of this district as he has maintained his in-

tegrity, solidified the reputation of the Fourth District, and established friendships all over the world, and then

he began his second term. For many of the brothers of the district, Brother Williams is a mentor, a teacher,

and a friend. This article is written in the spirit of advice, uplift, and furthering the mission of the Mighty

Fourth District and the brothers that call Ohio and West Virginia their home.

Brother Williams pictured with Former District Representatives Jarrett Thomas (center) and Albert Jordon (right). Success, Opportunities, Pleasure and Pain

In an interview with Bro. Williams in early April, several questions were posed to the DR. These ques-

tions were intended to get the DR to share his learned lessons and his perceptions of his success as the DR, to

provide some sage advice for the incoming Officers of the district, and to take a look into the future of the

Fourth District. Although the DR was candid with his responses, he demonstrated characteristics of an authen-

tic leader who seeks to add value to the lives of those he leads. This is apparent in how he assesses his admini-

stration, and how he makes decisions.

Brother Williams asserts that his greatest accomplishment was moving the district closer to paperless

processes and reporting. Previously, the district had between 50 and 70 reports that used numerous pages to

report to the district; this happened at least three times a year, using thousands of sheets of paper and thou-

sands of dollars. The reporting process is now more streamlined, the reports are available on the district web-

site, and brothers can read the reports prior to arriving at the meetings. This reduces the amount of time re-

viewing reports while at the meetings, leaving more time for fraternization and community service. When

asked what could have been done better, the DR thought there could have been a greater focus on undergradu-

ate development and utilizing the Chapter Advisors to be more instrumental in undergraduate chapter develop-

ment.

If you have spent any time with Brother Williams, you will understand that he is a very real and ap-

proachable brother. As a member of the Supreme Council, he appreciates the interaction with other brothers

who have made the same sacrifice as he. Among this select group of leaders, there is a certain level of peer-

respect, common concerns, and an understanding of how the fraternity conducts its affairs. It is among this

group of brothers that our DR flourishes. He likes the camaraderie. He likes the influence that the Fourth Dis-

trict has, and he likes spending time with the brothers. What he liked the least is taking disciplinary actions

against and suspending brothers.

words of Advice from the Fourth District

Representative B y b r o t h e r D r . F r e d A i k e n s

5

(Williams-cont. from Page 4)

The Future of the Fourth District

The outgoing District Representative has some advice for his successor. Were he taking office today,

the DR’s first priority would be the Omega Legacy Project (OLP). This is an initiative to have brothers get

their affairs in order before they enter Omega Chapter and share their wishes with their families so that there is

no ambiguity. The OLP allows brothers the opportunity to get fraternity property back to the fraternity so that

the heritage and memorabilia are maintained for future generations. The second priority would be to create a

committee to address the possibility of establishing a life membership program for the Fourth District. There

are other districts that offer this benefit at the district level. Brother Williams feels that the Fourth District

should explore the potential of making this happen in Ohio and West Virginia.

Brother Williams thinks that the future of the fraternity looks bright and that there are great leadership

mechanisms in place. He assures us that the International Headquarters is stable under the leadership of

Brother Kenneth Barnes. There are processes in place, and the fraternity is better organized. The Grand Basil-

eus, Brother Dr. Andrew Ray is a collaborative leader. There is team building and participation by all the offi-

cers of the fraternity. As a member of the Supreme Council, Brother Williams sees that there is “one voice”

that commands the fraternity, and that voice says that we are sound, and the future of Omega is bright.

Giving Advice and Leaving a Legacy

As Brother Williams takes a look back at his tenure, he is proud to say that he was the last Fourth Dis-

trict Representative of the last century and the first DR of the next century. Although leading educated black

men is a difficult task, Bro. Williams would not hesitate to run again. His advice to his successor is to listen

and not to take on too much. He suggests that the incoming DR should take the time to develop a team around

himself with the necessary talents to move the Fourth District forward. The future officers should have the

right skills and dispositions to lead the district to greater heights. Brother Williams says that we should con-

tinue to define excellence, that there should always be a focus on improving and innovating, and that there

should be a continued focus on applying a greater level of business acumen in the fraternity.

Brother Williams was initiated into the fraternity at Beta Iota Chapter in 1997. Since then he has served

as Chapter Basileus, District Editor, District Keeper of Records of Seal, First Vice District Representative, and

currently serves as the 25th Fourth District Representative. The legacy that he leaves, though yet unwritten,

will likely include such characteristics as being direct, being a servant leader, providing training and coaching

to the members of his administration, being fiscally responsible, and being openly and actively supportive in

the election of Brother Christopher M. Cooper Esq. as the Grand Counselor. Brother Cooper is the first Grand

Officer elected from the Fourth District and has worked with Brother Williams as he has served as our District

Representative.

Pictured are the Grand Counselor (fifth from the left), Bro Williams (6th from the left), and the Past

District Representatives of the Fourth District

6

Brother Carter G. woodson Honored at

west Virginia State University

Xi Alpha Achievement Week 2012

Christian Manhood By Brother Bobby Robinson

Huntington, WV. On November 11th, 2012, the brothers of Xi Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi

gathered at the First Baptist Church of Huntington, WV to kick off their Achievement Week festivities. This is

a fitting location, albeit this is the city where Omega's beloved Bro. Dr. Carter Goodwin Woodson began his

education at the Fredrick Douglas High School (one of the only all-black high school educational institutions

of its time in the region). Brother Woodson attended Douglas High School before leaving for Berea College in

Kentucky and returning to become the principal of “Douglas High.” This occasion proved even more signifi-

cant as brothers gathered in worship as Reverend Brother Dante’ Jackson (Pastor) rose to proclaim the word of

God in this church in where Brother Dr. Woodson was a member many years ago.

The impact on what we as Omega men have come to know as Achievement Week, has not only shaped

the way Omega Men everywhere perceive the achievements in Negro history, but has evolved into something

that has helped shape the minds of Black people everywhere during Black history month. In a time and society

in which the accomplishments of Black people are acknowledged but undervalued and sometimes devalued,

the power and purpose of Omega stands sure. One component of this purpose to keep alive the legacy of

Achievement Week; not permitting the important achievements of today’s Black people to go unnoticed or un-

dervalued, but continue with perseverance while heroes yet to be recognized do the same.

Brother Rev. Dante’ Jackson said, “Throughout my almost 8 years in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,

Incorporated, this Achievement Week was most meaningful not because it began at the church where I am

blessed to serve as pastor, but because it began in the city and church where Brother Dr. Carter G. Woodson

himself served while on his journey to Black heroism.”

7

(Bro. Elam-Continued from Page 3)

He expressed his belief in Jesus Christ and the role that his church plays in his life. He never misses Sun-

day service, he regularly attends Sunday school, and he attends bible study on Wednesdays. He sets a pi-

ous example of an upright man through his devotion and service to God. Brother Elam is a wealth of

knowledge, and I thank him for sharing the afternoon with me. I look forward to spending more time with

him learning about the fraternity, Central State University, and life in general.

Col. Charles Young Historical Marker dedicated

on the Campus of Wilberforce University

Wilberforce, Ohio– April 6, 2013

On a brisk spring afternoon in Wilberforce, Ohio, Colonel Charles Young was honored for

his many contributions. One could say he was being honored for his military service, or for organiz-

ing the Military Science Department at Wilberforce University. It could also be argued that he was

being honored for being the highest ranking African American Officer in the United States Army

during his lifetime. The invited guests and speakers told stories and read history of how Colonel

Young was awarded the NAACP Spingarn Medal in 1916 and how he served the Wilberforce com-

munity as he worked with his friend, W.E.B. DuBois. The accomplishments of Colonel Charles

Young were many, so there is much for which he could have been recognized. As members of

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, we are most proud that “The Colonel” is and will always be one of us.

Though he is a member of Omega Chapter, Brother Young lives in our hearts and in our history. He

serves as a shining light in the bright crown of Omega.

The unveiling of this marker is symbolic that The Colonel’s contributions are not only recog-

nized by the Fraternity, but by the State of Ohio. On hand to commemorate this auspicious occasion

were representatives from the Governor’s Office, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Ohio His-

torical Marker Committee, and the President of Wilberforce University, Dr. Patricia Hardaway.

Among the myriad brothers of Upsilon Chapter who were on campus to celebrate their 90th anniver-

sary was Brother Dr. Jim Elam, representing the Buffalo Soldiers.

8

In the next issue:

Presidential Proclamation-The Youngsholm Estate National Park

Upsilon Celebrates it’s 90th Anniversary

The 72nd Annual District Meeting and Conference hosted by Beta Iota Chapter

Introducing the new 4th District officers

Thank you to the Brothers of the Fourth District for the chance to

serve as your District Director of Public Relations

May God continue to bless you, your families, and your endeavors

Brother Christopher Welch

http://www.oppf.org/leadership-conference.asp