The Citizen of the Year Award
EACH year, the Iota Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. takes on the monumental task of recognizing local individuals/organizations that play a prominent role as an inspiration and positive influence in the lives of Black people in Utah.
The Citizen of the Year is selected each year from outstanding citizens who are nominated, by the public at-large and previous Achievement Award winners. The alumni Achievement Award winners then vote on the slate of nominees. This person represents the most significant contributions to humanity over a life-time. The nominee should be a person of local, regional, and/or national recognition and acclaimed by a significant segment of society for outstanding contributions to the welfare of humankind. Through this effort we will recognize individuals within the local community whose contributions have made a substantial difference in the lives of Black people and humanity. Our representative for this award will be forwarded to our Fraternity’s 12thDistrict competition. If successful at that level, the person moves on to the International competition for the Fraternity.
Several important areas that we consider for the Citizen of the Year Award are:
1) Documented service to the community and professional recognition.
2) Noteworthy achievements during the year in organizations
3) Does the individual transcend his or her profession or position and command widespread local and/or national influence among Black people?
4) Does the individual, therefore, affect in a decisive way the lives, thinking and actions of large segments of the state’s and/or nation's Black population?
5) Is the individual influential among those Blacks and/or other groups whose policies and practices significantly affect the lives of large numbers of Black people of Utah?
6) What significant honor and awards has the person received from his or her own societies, organizations, profession, etc.?
While the Citizen of the Year Award primarily recognizes the accomplishments of individuals of African descent, we realized that outstanding contributions to the Black community could come from various non-Black people that are equally committed to the welfare of Blacks in Utah. These individuals with exceptional commitment to the Black community will be equally and highly considered.
Lastly, we will hold an annual Achievement Awards ceremony during our Founders Week Celebration. During this ceremony, various Achievement Awards winners will be recognized, including scholarship recipients and talent award winners.