By Patricia McDougall
The Alpha Omega Social Action and Scholarship (AOSASF) Foundation held its 66th Annual Alpha Omega Mardi Gras Ball on Feb. 7 in Bethesda, Md.
Over 700 people showed up to Bethesda North Marriott and Conference Center to fellowship with each other and support the men of the Alpha Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as they grow their scholarship fund. Attendees arrived in line with the Mardi Gras theme, sporting their black-tie threads with beats, masks and ornate headdresses.
According to chapter history, the event has been in operation since 1923 and serves as a signature fundraising event that supports AOSASF programming in the community. In the past decade, the chapter has reported more than $200,000 in scholarships.
Brother Nathan Hunter, chairman of the Mardi Gras Committee for the Alpha Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., speaks to those gathered for the annual ball on Feb. 7 in Bethesda, Md. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall 
Former Basileus Brother Frank Borris and his wife Jill Borris get into the spirit of the Alpha Omega Mardi Gras Ball. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall 
Daryl Barnes, chairman of the Prince George’s County Planning Board and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), enjoys the evening with his wife, Makeba Barnes. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall 
Stacey Dixon (left); Rhea Brooking-Dixon; Phoebe Dixon; Herbert Dixon and Jason Dixon show up in style. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall 
Alpha Omega Mardi Gras event brings together influential men from all walks of life, including Darryl D. Sims (left), founder and CEO of Sims Publishing Group, and Dr. Steven G. Johnson, executive vice-president for Events DC. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall Shown here, Ondra Dukes (left); Angelica Melendez; Portia Williams; Marcus Moor; Ryan Williams of Seattle; Tiffany Minor and Shun Williams, a member of the host chapter. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall 
Brother Basileus Wendell Bugg (left); Bro. Julian McCormick; James Garrett; Michael Prettyman; Bro. Gregory Boykin; Bro. Eric Johnson and Bro. Eric Carter share a moment at the ball. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall 
Shown here, from left to right, Howard University Queens of the Mardi Gras Court, escorted by the Omega Men: D’Nyah Jefferson-Philmore and Mark Marotta; Mackenzie Mcintyre and Noah Fitzgerald and Janasia Blake and Baxter Barber. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall 
Gala attendees dance the night away. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
The Alpha Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was chartered in 1922 in Washington, D.C., just 11 years after the organization’s founding. Today, the chapter boasts more than 300 members.