By Brother Steve A. Bynum Jr.

Virginia Beach, VA – June 10, 2025 — On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, The Golden Fold, a signature youth mentoring initiative supported by the Gamma Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., proudly concluded its program year with the 17th Annual Crossing the Bar Ceremony. This year’s celebration featured the accomplishments of twelve outstanding Young Leaders (YLs) and marked the end of another successful season of mentorship, growth, and service.
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Noah Deavers, the program’s senior participant, who was honored as Mentee of the Year. In recognition of his leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to service, Noah was awarded the Gamma Xi Chapter’s James Dixion/Calvin Sears Memorial Scholarship. He is set to attend Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in the fall, where he will pursue a degree in nursing.

A Year of Growth and Leadership Development
Over the course of the 2024–2025 fiscal year, The Golden Fold conducted 20 enriching sessions designed to promote self-awareness, leadership, and public speaking skills. The program combined structured workshops with real-world experiences to help cultivate confident, community-minded young men.
Among this year’s standout experiences were:

• Attending a Norfolk State University football game, accompanied by two engaged fathers,
• Touring the Air & Space Museum,
• Participating in the prestigious 900 Men Strong Scholarship Breakfast, and
• Supporting The Salvation Army’s holiday kettlebell ringing campaign.

As part of their community service efforts, the Young Leaders raised $378.83 in charitable donations and contributed significantly to the chapter’s outreach by logging 851 total man-hours—a testament to their dedication and work ethic.
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A Strong Foundation for the Future
The Golden Fold continues to stand as a model for youth mentorship, offering young African American males the opportunity to develop their character, confidence, and sense of purpose under the guidance of committed mentors and community leaders.
This year’s Crossing the Bar Ceremony not only marked a moment of celebration but also served as a reminder of the transformative impact that structured mentorship can have on the lives of young men. With graduates like Noah Deavers leading the way, The Golden Fold’s legacy remains strong and its future even brighter.
The Golden Fold is proudly supported by the Gamma Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., whose mission of service, scholarship, and uplift continues to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.

By Brother Steve A. Bynum Jr.
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Virginia Beach, VA – June 7, 2025 — The Brothers of Gamma Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. demonstrated their ongoing commitment to community service on Saturday, June 7, by hosting an Adopt-A-Highway Clean-Up Event along Baker Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Fraternity members gathered early in the morning to don their colors, grab trash bags, and begin their work revitalizing a stretch of this well-traveled roadway. The event was part of Omega Psi Phi's national initiative to promote environmental responsibility and civic pride, aligning with the organization’s cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

“Our goal is not just to clean the road,” said a chapter member, “but to set an example for our community, especially our youth. Service is central to our mission, and we take pride in doing our part to keep Virginia Beach beautiful.”
The clean-up event saw participation from both long-standing members and newer initiates, highlighting the chapter’s intergenerational unity and shared values. The Adopt-A-Highway program, run by the City of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation, allows civic-minded organizations like Gamma Xi to take responsibility for keeping public roadways free of litter.
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Passersby honked and waved in support as the brothers worked diligently under the summer sun. By the end of the event, several bags of litter had been collected, leaving Baker Road noticeably cleaner and safer.
The Gamma Xi Chapter plans to continue its regular participation in the Adopt-A-Highway program and other outreach initiatives throughout the year.