DeKalb Iotas

Brotherhood's true value is most evident during life's heaviest moments.

Over the past month, our chapter has walked through a season of grief. We stood with Brother Gordon Chew as he laid his mother to rest. We lifted up our Chaplain, Brother George Wormsby, in prayer and support as he mourned the loss of his oldest sister. And now, together, we mourn the loss of Brother Alex R. Lumpkin.

In moments like these, brotherhood becomes more than a word. It becomes a phone call. A shoulder. A prayer. A presence. It becomes brothers standing together when standing alone feels impossible.

"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." Romans 12:15 (KJV)

Brotherhood connects us through every phase of life. Through celebration and sorrow. Through victories and setbacks. Through beginnings and endings.

As we continue to support those carrying the weight of loss, may we also remember the responsibility and blessing of being present for one another. Sometimes the greatest act of brotherhood is simply showing up.

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It's hard to share this, and it is with heavy hearts and burdened minds that we share the passing of Brother Alex R. Lumpkin.

If you ever met Alex, you met Alex.

He was unapologetically himself, genuine in every interaction, kind in spirit, and never interested in being anyone other than exactly who he was. Whether you agreed with him or not, you always knew where he stood, and there was something refreshing about that authenticity.

A foundational member of our chapter and the broader state of Georgia, Alex was a charter member of the T.H.E.E. Epsilon Xi Chapter at the University of West Georgia and served our Fraternity in various roles ranging from local to regional leadership.

His presence, loyalty, and brotherhood left a lasting mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. While words cannot fully capture the weight of this loss, we are grateful for the legacy he leaves behind and the countless lives he touched along the way.

Please keep his family, friends, LB, and all who loved him in your thoughts and prayers.

Rest in power.

OW OW & OLE' Good Brother

Leadership in education starts with a commitment to growth, service, and pouring knowledge back into the next generation.

Join us in congratulating Bro. Reginald Owens on earning his Ed.S. in Secondary and Middle Grades Education from Kennesaw State University.

Congratulations, Bro. Owens. The Beta Psi Omega Chapter celebrates this milestone with you and wishes you continued success on the journey ahead.

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D9 history is Black history.

Throughout February, the Theta Men of DeKalb stood in churches, walked in parades, showed up in schools, and supported HBCU and Greek presentations across our community.

We closed out the month at Pleasantdale Elementary for their D9 Black History display, sharing our story with grades K–5, reading about Aretha Franklin, and answering questions about Iota, leadership, and brotherhood.

That’s how legacy stays alive, by making sure young people understand the impact Divine Nine members have had on Black history, and the role we still play in what’s being written.

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