Omega Psi Phi members are celebrating the founding day of their African-American national fraternity with Achievement Week.

The fraternity was founded in 1911. The OU chapter has been on campus since 1972.

"We try to have activities that people can be a part of," said Charles Hempstead II, an architectural engineering senior and Achievement Week chair . "We do this for the whole campus and not just the blacks."

The "Ques," as fraternity members call themselves, kicked off the week's activities on Saturday with a party and "Young Blood Step Show" at the OU Armory.

A panel discussion on the GOP's "Contract with America: Prospectus for Unity or Racism by Legislation" was canceled Monday night, but Hempstead encouraged people to attend tonight's event: "Social Awareness with OUPD and Norman Police."

The OU Police Department and Norman police officers will be present at 7 p.m. tonight in the Henderson-Tolson Cultural Center for a symposium. The officers will be open for discussion over problems that students might have with the police, Hempstead said.

"It's good to talk and get things out in the air," he said.

Patricia Stevenson, vocal music senior, echoes Hempstead in her support of "expressing your feelings about concerns." "The first step in getting things done is to go and talk about it," she said.

Issues that were to have been brought up in Monday night's panel discussion included welfare, social reform, affirmative action and small businesses, said Michael Hoggart, Achievement Week co-chair and sociology junior.

"A lot of people I've talked to are concerned that the reforms are like a crutch that's going to fall down on their face," Hoggart said.

Hoggart said most people don't know what the Republican Contract with America is about. "Some of these programs aren't going to help people but hinder them."

Omega Phi Psi has $1 raffle tickets on sale in front of Dale Hall all week. Winners can receive two OU season basketball tickets or gift certificates to Norman restaurants. Proceeds go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Way and the United Negro College Fund.

Tuesday, November 14, 1995