Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Honors Three During Annual Luncheon

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Numerous responsibilities accompany an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. member. Among them is recognizing the exceptional natures and accomplishments of women.

Saturday, inside the Newburgh Activity Center, that mission was fulfilled, as guests, including several local dignitaries, gathered to pay tribute to three accomplished, altruistic and empowering females when the Fraternity’s Upsilon Tau Chapter and Foundation held its Annual Scholarship Luncheon, whose monies went to a scholarship fund for deserving, Mid-Hudson Valley high school seniors.

“The men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Upsilon Tau Chapter are recognizing these phenomenal women during Women’s History Month because history is not just events of time long past, but last year, last month, even yesterday,” explained Dennis W. Grant, Basileus-Upsilon Tau Chapter, who oversaw the Luncheon event, and who along with his Fraternity Brothers, supports area mentorships as well as other critical community investments. “Our chapter understands it’s our responsibility to reveal our exceptional, hidden women of the Mid-Hudson Valley during our Scholarship Luncheon.”

Those three females hail from different corners of their communities. Whether it’s the police force, education or a non-profit, each woman honored by the Fraternity has left an indelible, positive impact on their towns or cities as well as the people they encounter. They are committed and talented people who span several generations, while exemplifying the 4 Cardinal Principles of the Upsilon Tau Chapter.

Beverly Braxton, a retired teacher for the Warwick Valley Central School District, embarked upon a new chapter, becoming the founder of Family Central, an all-volunteer, non-profit Parenting Support Network for parents and caregivers of children from birth-adolescence. Earning the Community Service Award, the veteran educator, challenged herself as well as the audience to the pressing question: “What do our children most need to be successful?” From there, her parenting classes were born, along with a huge following and immeasurable impact.

The Distinguished Educator Award went to Newburgh Free Academy-West Campus Guidance Counselor, Lakeya Stukes, who has implemented an assortment of programs, serving the whole child’s needs in the District.

“When I met with Dennis (Grant), and he told me about the Cardinal Principles of the Fraternity, Uplift and Perseverance really stood out to me, especially with what I do, focusing on the whole child’s needs,” said Stukes. “”I teach a dance program and am a facilitator of a federally funded program called My Brother’s Keeper, supporting Black and Latino males with academic and social needs, as well as work with children who face challenges such as homelessness, financial issues, and finding themselves, so the focus on those principles really connected me to the Fraternity and what they strive to do.”

Another Newburgh-based recipient was Najjah C. Scott. A graduate of Newburgh Free Academy, Scott has the distinction of being the City of Newburgh’s first African-American female Police Officer. A member of the Air Force Reserves, Scott serves as a strong female role model as well as leader in her community. Attaining multiple honors during her five year career with the City of Newburgh Police Force, she is committed to doing as much as she can to make a difference in the coming years. Her accomplishments earned her the Good Citizen Award.

“I’m so blessed to have this opportunity,” said a visibly touched Scott by the recognition.

“I’m a very driven person, and because of my parents, I have tunnel vision, and want to take it one step at a time to get to where I’m going; I feel truly blessed.”

The event further featured musical entertainment by the Hudson Valley Ebony Strings, black students throughout the Mid- Hudson Valley who play string instruments in unison. Also, among the crowd were several local, political dignitaries, including; City of Newburgh Mayor, Torrence Harvey, City of Poughkeepsie 5th Ward Councilwoman, Yvonne Flowers and NYS Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson.

“It’s so important that organizations like Omega Psi Phi Fraternity recognize people doing hard work in their communities,” said Jacobson. “These people are not doing what they do for the love of money, but because they truly love their community.”