Citizen of the Year Dawn Baker is pictured with Henry Perry, Jr. Mu Phi Chapter, the local graduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Alpha Gamma Chapter, the undergraduate chapter at Savannah State University, held a banquet on Sunday, November 16, 2008, at the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum Ballroom to celebrate Achievement Week, one of several nationally mandated programs for the Fraternity. During the banquet, the local Omegas recognized individuals in Savannah who have made noteworthy contributions to improve the quality of life for African Americans.

Lloyd J. Jordan, an attorney with Holland & Knight, LLP, and a former Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, was the guest speaker. Jordan delivered a thought-provoking address and used the program theme "Yes We Can," to challenge the Omegas to be more aggressive in support of people in our community who are less fortunate and who cannot to speak for themselves. He challenged the men of Omega to take the lead in building a better community.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the annual awards. For 2008, Mu Phi selected popular WTOC-TV news anchor Dawn Baker for the prestigious Citizen of the Year Award. The other Mu Phi Chapter award recipients were Brother Arthur Howard, Superior Service Award; Brother Thaddeus V. Hodges, Omega Man of the Year; Brother Jonathan Clark, The Basileus Award; and Brother Lester B. Johnson, Jr., the Founders' Award. Brother Johnson, Jr. was also recognized for 60 years of distinguished service to the Fraternity.

L-R: Mu Phi Basileus James Melvin (left) and Omega Man of the Year Thad Hodges. The Alpha Gamma Chapter Awards went to Brother Charles Huggins, III, the Superior Service Award; and Brother David Lipscomb, Jr., Omega Man of the Year.

During the affair, Mu Phi Vice Basileus Thaddeus Hodges presented a bouquet of roses to the 2008 Miss Mardi Gras, Tasha Hall.

Founded in 1911 at Howard University in Washington, DC, Omega Psi Phi is an international fraternity, and the first African-American fraternal organization founded at one of the historically black colleges and universities.

Founder's Award Winner Dr. Lester B. Johnson, Jr. (right) is pictured with Dr. Mark Stewart. Brother James Melvin is Mu Phi Chapter Basileus and Brother Arthur Howard was Achievement Week Chairman.

Philip Coooper (left) presents the Superior Service Award to Arthur Howard. Mu Phi Basileus James Melvin (left) presents the Basileus Award to Jonathan Clark. David Lipscomb, Jr., (right) Alpha Gamma Omega Man of the Year is pictured with DeMarcus Dixon.