77th International Talent Hunt Demonstration Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr. International Leadership Conference Nassau, Bahamas - July 11 - 16, 2023
August 3, 2023 Brothers, First giving honor to God, my Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ! Let me begin by saying Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for attending and supporting the Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr. International Leadership Conference. When I sought the office of First Vice Grand Basileus, I told you that I would work from “sun-up” to “sun-down” to ensure we plan and execute the best Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr. International Leadership Conference in the history of our beloved Fraternity. Well, I’m extremely happy to report that, in fact, we have done just that! The team planned and executed an exciting training agenda that focused on core Chapter Officer Responsibilities, Leadership Development, Fatherhood and Mentoring, Risk Management and Civic Engagement. There was much energy and synergy around our embracement of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and the International Youth Leadership Conference (IYLC) workshops; and because the meeting was held outside of the U.S., we are getting world-wide attention for our commitment to service to our communities. The final activity to be associated with the Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr. Leadership Conference is the International Talent Hunt Program. The Talent Hunt Program of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is one of several national programs designed to identify and support the youth of our nation and the world. The original idea was created by the 9th Grand Basileus, Brother J. Austin Atkins of Winston Salem, North Carolina, and Brother Dewey Duckett of Rock Hill, South Carolina. To the Talent Hunt participants, I want you to know that individually and collectively, the mighty men of Omega congratulate each of you on reaching this major milestone in your journey of artistic expression and most of all, we thank you for your participation. May God continue to bless each of you, and may God continue to bless the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Yours in Friendship, Mark E. Jackson, Sr. Mark E. Jackson, Sr. Mark E. Jackson, Sr. 36th First Vice Grand Basileus Founders: Frank Coleman, Oscar J. Cooper, Ernest E. Just, Edgar A. Love Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 3951 Snapfinger Parkway Decatur, GA 30035 Telephone: (404) 284-5533 Fax: (404) 284-0333 www.oppf.org
HISTORY OF TALENT HUNT Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.’s Talent Hunt idea was created in the fraternity's Sixth District (North and South Carolina) in 1945, and the first District Talent Hunt Program was held in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 19, 1946. The need for such a program was born out of the unequal opportunity for some American youth to develop and give full expression to their talents. The original statement of the Talent Hunt idea included this expression: "Creative and outstanding capacities in any honorable activity should be eligible for consideration." In presenting the first public program, the displays of talent were limited to the field of music. The Talent Hunt made its national debut at the 1953 Cincinnati Grand Conclave. The Talent Hunt program provides exposure, encouragement, and financial assistance to talented young people. There are 3 phases to the Talent Hunt Program – local chapter competitions; district competitions; and the International Talent Hunt Demonstration (ITHD) which is an exhibition of the winner from each of the 12 districts of the fraternity. The ITHD was originally only held at our Grand Conclaves in the even-numbered years (and every 25 years). Beginning in 2015, the ITHD is also held at our International Leadership Conferences in the odd-numbered years. Many of our Talent Hunt winners, at all levels, have attended some of the finest conservatories and artistic programs in our country. Past Talent Hunt contestants have appeared on the Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour, at the Apollo Theater, Radio City Music Hall, Philadelphia Academy of Music, Philadelphia Civic Center, New York City, Washington, DC Centers for the Performing Arts, the Eastman Theater, etc. Currently, some participants at the international level are awarded college scholarships. Additionally, the Talent Hunt is an internationally-mandated program for all chapters of our fraternity. The Talent Hunt program has been very rewarding to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and many talented youth. We will continue to search for and support our gifted artists!
Program Master of Ceremony Bro. Carlton Lampkins, Ed.D. Invocation Bro. Rev. Roi Johnson Greetings Bro. Larry C. Pough Introduction of District Talent Hunt Chairmen & Performers Bro. Carlton Lampkins, Ed.D. Talent Hunt Demonstration Performances by Student Artists Representing our 12 Districts Presentation by International Talent Hunt Foundation Bro. Daniel B. Jones, Sr. Presentation of Awards to the Performing Artist By: Honorable Bro. Gregory Pittman, Omega Life Membership Foundation Chairman Bro. Ricky Lewis, 42nd Grand Basileus Bro. Mark Jackson, First Vice Grand Basileus Remarks & Closing Bro. Carlton Lampkins, Ed.D. 1 9 1 1 2 0 2 Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr. 3 International Leadership Conference
1st District Madison Chueka is a 18-year old Senior at the Pierrepont School in Westport, CT. Aspiring to help support the voices of her fellow students, she is a member of her school’s student leadership council. With her love for music, Madison plays the flute, the harp, and is head chorister of her church choir. She also enjoys reading, journaling and exercising. 2nd District Ciarra Bailey is a 16-year old sophomore who attends school in Paterson, New Jersey. She is a Visual Arts Major at the Rosa Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts High School. Her dream is to become a world class sculpturer and design a work of art that will last for all to see. 3rd District Noah Crumbly is a 15 year old sophomore who has played the cello of 12 years. He has been a member of the Bay Youth Orchestra of Virginia for 9 years. Among his many outstanding accomplishments, Noah has performed with the incomparable Yo-Yo Ma in a master class in February of 2023. In addition to the cello he enjoys basketball and bowling. 2023 District Champions
4th District Trinity Thrasher is a 17-year-old junior at The School for Creative & Performing Arts in Cincinnati, Ohio. Playing the viola since the age of 8, and playing in youth Orchestras since 13, she is currently a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra. Trinity plans to attend Belmont University. 5th District Tasia Murphy a senior at The Nashville School of the Arts, has been dancing and entertaining through dance since the age of 4. She has been featured on hit TV shows such as "Bring It" and worked with various musicians as a backup dancer. At just 18 years old, Tasia has a bright future ahead of her. 6th District Zhanshuo Zhang is a Junior at Riverside High School in Greer, SC. Zhanshuo began his piano studies at the age of four. He has won numerous awards in China. He is also a Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist. Zhanshuo enjoys taekwondo, solving Rubik’s cubes, and participating in Student Council, Speech, and Debate clubs. He is thrilled to share his story and music. 2023 District Champions
7th District Darrina Johnson is a 15 year old sophomore and honor roll student at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. She began playing the piano at age 4 and has competed in several competitions. After graduation, Darrina plans to attend either Julliard School of Music, Berklee College of Music or Rice University. 8th District Essence Cunningham– Peoplesis a junior and honor roll student at University City High School in St. Louis, MO. She is a choreographer assistant and works as a summer camp tutor. Her goal is to be a professional dancer with a focus in modern/ contemporary styles in a company or Broadway production. 9th District Tinashe McGowan is a 16 year old sophomore at the Booker T. Washington HS for the Performing and Visual Arts with a cumulated grade point average (GPA) of 3.8. His passion for music started from an early age. His Parents encouraged those interests and that encouragement drove him to excel. 2023 District Champions
10th District Zachariah Elliott is a 16-year-old junior who started violin lessons at 2 1/2 and piano lessons at 3 years old. Since the age of 5, he has attended the Merit School of Music. Playing the violin has continued to help him grow as a musician. Zachariah is also a passionate singer who also enjoys training and competing with his swim team. 12th District Cyann Hollenbaugh is freshman a rising sophomore at Highmark Charter School in West Haven, UT. She began studying ballet at the age of 4. Since then she has added Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, and Tap. An honor roll student with a 3.8 GPA she plans to attend Florida A&M University and major in business with a minor in dance. 13th District Lilyana Roque is 16-year senior at Kubasaki High School in Okinawa, Japan. She enjoys reading good books, listening to any kind of music, drawing occasionally, and most of all dancing. Though she can be quiet and reserved at times, she loves to perform. 2023 District Champions
International Talent Hunt Committee 1st District Bro. Michael L. Fletcher 2nd District Bro. Andrew J. Huff, Jr. 3rd District Bro. Owen Nixon 4th District Bro. Mark C. Shaw 5th District Bro. Mal Matthews 6th District Bro. Willie Forest, Jr.
International Talent Hunt Committee 7th District Bro. David Carter 8th District Bro. Verne Wilson 9th District Bro. Rod Delph 10th District Bro. Jeffrey Smith 12th District Bro. J.D. McDowell, Sr. 13th District Bro. Cortez Pree
International Talent Hunt Committee At Large Member Bro. Cris Abad At Large Member Bro. Charles Duke At Large Member Bro. Paul Anderson II At Large Member Bro. Galvin Crisp At Large Member Bro. Ernest Goode