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Tampa Bay is excitedly preparing to welcome the distinguished members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for their 84th Grand Conclave. This is the first time Florida will host the event since 1982, marking a historic return after more than four decades.

Enrollment has already surpassed the fraternity’s centennial conclave in 2011, with more than 10,000 individuals set to attend. Total attendance is expected to be between 20,000 and 25,000, making it potentially the largest convention in the history of the fraternity. The event has already secured 12,000 room nights, representing significant economic growth for the local community.

“The Grand Conclave is a landmark event for Tampa Bay in that it sends a strong signal of how ready and welcoming Hillsborough County, its residents and its facilities are to host groups as diverse as ours,” Santiago said. C. Corada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “As the second of the Divine Nine to host their national convention in Tampa Bay, we are proud to support such a meaningful and historic gathering that emphasizes community engagement, social impact and economic growth.”

This year’s conclave, themed “Conclave with a Purpose” is set to be the biggest conclave in a century. While conducting the essential business of fraternity, the event will emphasize giving back to the community that hosts this grand gathering, focusing on key areas of community support and engagement.

“The decision by fraternal leadership to bring our Grand Conclave to Tampa was influenced by the eagerness of city leadership to embrace our vision of a ‘Conclave with a Purpose,'” Dallas Thompson said, Special Assistant to the Grand Basilius of Omega Psi Phi, Ricky Lewis. “We are grateful for the support we have received and the willingness of city and county leadership to align with and accommodate our efforts. This will be a festive and celebratory gathering, but our aim is to provide a forum where tools for shaping a more just future can be discussed, leveraged and expanded.

The Divine Nine Institute has announced a series of exciting initiatives planned for their Tampa event. These initiatives include financial empowerment, voter registration and mobilization, book drives, youth symposiums and community forums. Here is a breakdown of the various events scheduled:

Thursday, June 27:

• Youth Leadership Conference at the Tampa Convention Center, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
• African American History Book Drive at the Tampa Convention Center, 8:30 a.m.-noon.
• Voter Registration, Education and Mobilization at the Tampa Convention Center, 9-11 a.m

Friday, June 28:

• Juilliard School Master Class at the Tampa Convention Center, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
• Silent March on the Tampa Riverwalk, 9 a.m. to noon.
• African American Museum and Artifacts Exhibit at the Tampa Convention Center, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
• Omega Mixer at Curtis Hixon Park, noon-6 p.m
• Career Fair at the Tampa Convention Center, 12:30 p.m
• Youth Symposium at the Tampa Convention Center, 1-3 p.m
• Public event at the Tampa Convention Center, 3:15-5:15 p.m
• 84th Grand Conclave Stepshow at the Tampa Convention Center, 8:30-11:30 p.m.