Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Mourns the Passing of 28th Grand Basileus,
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Posted By: How May I Help You NC on May 05, 2011 Brother James S. Avery; scholar, author, businessman, community leader, and family man, continued to be actively involved as a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and will be remembered as a positive role model in the community. A native of Cranford New Jersey, Brother Avery was born in 1923. He graduated from Cranford High School in 1941, where he excelled in academics and athletics. During his time at Cranford High School, he became the 1st African-American to serve as President of the Student Council. After high school graduation, he went on to serve in the United States Army. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he attended Columbia University in New York City, NY where he received Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degrees. Additionally, he received Executive Management training at the University of Southern California. Upon graduation from Columbia University, Brother Avery became the Chair of the History Department and coached athletics at his alma mater, Cranford High School, until 1956. He began his career at Exxon in 1956 as a public relations representative and traveled nationally developing and implementing programs that positively impacted minority group organizations throughout the United States. In 1968, he was appointed Public Relations Manager and in 1971, he was promoted to Public Affairs Manager. From 1983 until his retirement in 1986, Brother Avery served as Senior Public Affairs Consultant for Exxon Corporation where he advised the company on matters concerning government, public and community relations, planning and programming, and improving the company's social responsibility. He retired from Exxon Company, U.S.A., in 1986 after 30 years of service. On May 29, 1957, James S. Avery was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. through the Omicron Chi chapter in Plainfield, New Jersey and carried the distinction of being the first man ever initiated by Omicron Chi chapter. He scaled the ranks of leadership at the local, district, and national levels and ultimately obtained the highest office of the Fraternity as he was elected the 28th Grand Basileus of the International organization. Brother Avery served as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.’s Grand Basileus from 1970-1973. During that period he was listed by EBONY Magazine as one of the 100 most influential Blacks in America. Additionally, Brother Avery was also listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who Among Black Americans. Brother Avery served on the Board of Directors of many professional, national, educational, and civic organizations. Brother Avery also published his autobiography “Others Thought I Could Lead” in 2006. The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fraternity brothers of Brother James S. Avery. Brother Avery leaves behind a wonderful legacy as a scholar, businessman, and community leader. There will be two (2) wakes on behalf of Brother Grand on Thursday, May 5, 2011. The first wake will begin at 2:00pm and end around 4:00pm., attended mainly by members of his community. The Fraternity will conduct its "Memorial Service" during the second wake which is to begin at 7:00pm and conclude somewhere around 9:00pm. Both services (wakes) will be conducted at the DeMarco Funeral Home located at 205 Rhode Hall Road, Monroe Township, NJ 08831. The funeral will be on Friday, May 6, 2011 at First Baptist Church 100 High St., Cranford, NJ 07016. Viewing will commence at 9:30am and the funeral services will begin at 10:00am. ********************** The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) is currently composed of nine (9) International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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