Benjamin D. James (1-82-A) Tribute Marker

In 1987, Alpha Chapter lost one of her precious sons.  Ben James (1-82-A) passed away at the young age of 25 after a valiant and uplifting fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig%u2019s disease).  Ben was a friend and brother to us as well as an athlete, scholar, husband and father.  After being initiated through Alpha Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity on March 19, 1982, Ben proceeded to work hard for Omega resulting in his select as the second winner of the prestigious Horace D. Boston Award for exemplary enthusiasm and service given annually to a neophyte.  In 1984, Ben took on the heavy responsibility of becoming Dean of Pledgees for the 1984 Line, Uncle Benny%u2019s 14 Nephos of Havoc and Hell.  Ben%u2019s leadership, guidance and love were a beacon for his 14 %u201CSons%u201D he led into Omega that still shines today through their service to the community and friendship exemplified.  Beyond the Fraternity, Ben was a leader among men.  He was on the Dean%u2019s List several times during his tenure at Howard, was an athlete earning a scholarship on the Bison swim team and serving in a leadership capacity in the Undergraduate Student Association (UGSA).  In the Fall of 1985, after being diagnosed, Ben refused to let this disease conquer him as he earned a spot and participated on the Fall 1985 Greek Show team and graduated from Howard in May of 1986.  Ben was truly the definition of Omega representing the high standards of friendship and cardinal principles to the end.  His life serves as an example for all of us as Omega men.

In March 1988, through the efforts of The Nephos and Ben%u2019s line brothers, a stone was created and placed in front the Omega Psi Phi Monument in the Valley to pay tribute to Ben and the exemplifying life that he led.  We recently discovered that the Fraternity is considering removing Ben%u2019s tribute stone as part of its plan for the Centennial Brick program.  The purpose of this petition is to serve as a unified voice that can be presented to the Fraternity and the Howard University administration in support of keeping Ben%u2019s tribute stone.  Please take a moment to complete the petition as your voice is essential in keeping this monument a part of Howard University commemorating Ben%u2019s legacy to Alpha Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.