TALENT HUNT

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TALENT HUNT CONTEST:

 

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, is a historical African American fraternity. The fraternity was established on the Howard University’s campus in November 1911 by three college juniors - Bishop Edgar A. Love (1881-1974), Doctor Oscar J. Cooper (1888-1972), Professor Frank Coleman (1890 - 1967), assisted by a young professor, Doctor Ernest E. Just (1883 - 1941).

 

Our founders believed that men of similar ideas of fellowship should bind themselves together to form a union among college men to promote the principals of MANHOOD, SCHOLARSHIP, PERSEVERANCE, and UPLIFT, and further brotherly love and fraternal spirit within the organization; protect the sanctity of the home and the chastity of the Black women.

 

The Gamma Nu Nu Chapter is a New Jersey graduate chapter, chartered in 2019 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The chapter was formed to provide support and a home for service members located in the area. The GNN chapter membership also includes civilians in various fields of industry. 

 

The GNN chapter provides scholarships for high school students. The chapter is active in the National Pan Hellenic Council of Burlington County New Jersey, Holiday Food Baskets for service members and their families that need assistance, Social Action Programs, Voter Registration, UNCF, and the Charles R. Drew Memorial Blood Drive.

 

THE TALENT HUNT IDEA:

 

The Talent Hunt Program is a fraternity mandated program. The Talent Hunt was created in 1945 in response to a lack of opportunities for some American Youth to develop and fully express their talents and gifts. The first Talent Hunt Program was held in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 19, 1946, and made its national debut at the 1953 Cincinnati Grand Conclave. The Talent Hunt provides exposure, encouragement, and financial assistance to deserving and talented young people.

 

The competition is open to high school students, grades 9 through 12, in the following categories:

 

• INSTRUMENTAL: Classical-Contemporary

• PIANO SOLO -Classical-Contemporary-Jazz-Gospel

• VOCAL: Classical-Contemporary-Popular

• DRAMA: Dramatic Interpretation

• DANCE: Ballet-Creative-Modern-Praise

• VISUAL ART: Painting-Sculpture

 

The overall winner of The Gamma Nu Nu Chapter Talent competition will then compete against winners from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Delaware at the Second District Conference.

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The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, will continue to provide the mechanism and resources to support and assist the development and exposure of our young gifted and talented people. Our overarching goal is to assist in the development and exposure and talents of our youth through discipline and dedication,

and hard work and encourage them to stay focused on their goals and aspirations.