LOS ANGELES – The brothers of the Massive & Progressive 12th District hosted a welcome reception for the International Headquarters staff of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on March 13. The IHQ staff was in California for its planning retreat. 

The “All White Affair” was held at an upscale location in Los Angeles with more than 100 guests in attendance. Grand Basileus Ricky Lewis, 12th District Representative Ed Young and Executive Director John Howard addressed the attendees.

Members of the finance, risk management, office management and administration, membership, membership selection process and IT teams were present. 

“It’s easy to do my job when you have a fantastic team,” Howard said.

Bro. Howard joked about emails from Bro. Lewis often refers to the sunny weather in Southern California but perhaps that wasn’t true, given the chilly weather. But with heat amps outside, the live band was able to perform to an enthusiastic crowd and a good time was had.

Given that Bro. Lewis is from the 12th District and lives in the Los Angeles area, this was an opportunity to plan on the West Coast and serve as a getaway for the Georgia-based staff to recharge in preparation for the rest of 2025 and beyond. 

“Every time I go to Atlanta I say, ‘When are y’all coming to Cali?’” Lewis said. “I said ‘John, before I get out of office you all have to come to L.A.’”

Bro. Lewis acknowledged the staff does not have an easy job, given the number of phone calls and tasks they are responsible for. And in many cases, those calls are about an issue that needs to be resolved, which can make for some tense conversations. 

“We appreciate you,” Lewis said when addressing the staff in the audience. We thank you for all the calls you take, we thank you for taking care of this fraternity.”