2023 Omega Ball Awardees
President, NAACP St. Louis County
John Bowman
A dedicated member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, he received the Omega Man of the Year and Superior Service Award. Elected in 2019, Bowman's leadership as NAACP president prioritizes pandemic response, testing access, virtual town halls, and food distribution to aid underserved communities.
President, Harris Stowe State University
Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith
She assumed office in March 2022 as the first African American female to hold this role with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience. Under her leadership HSSU raised $3.5 million, initiated renovations, and advanced the University's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
MO Supreme Court Judge and Chief Justice (Ret.)
Hon. George Draper
With a rich history of judicial service, education, and legal contributions, he served as a Supreme Court Justice from October 2011 until December 2023, including a term as Chief Justice. He continues to give back to his community through his many civic and charitable endeavors.
Prosecutor, St. Louis County
Hon. Wesley Bell
As St. Louis County Prosecutor, he initiated vital criminal justice reforms, including the North County Police Cooperative, and expanded diversion programs for non-violent offenders with remarkable success. Now, running for the U.S. Senate, Bell aims to bring practical leadership to Missouri.
US Senator - MO 1st Congressional District
Hon. Cori Bush
She is the first Black woman and first nurse to represent Missouri; the first woman to represent Missouri's First Congressional District; and the first activist from the movement to save Black lives elected to the United States Congress.
President & CEO, Affina Healthcare
Kendra Holmes
She currently leads Affinia Healthcare, overseeing 11 locations providing crucial health services. Her notable achievements include the Distinguished African American Alumni Award and recognition in the "40 Under 40" Class of 2015.
Superintendent of Schools, Normandy Schools
Dr. Michael Triplett
A dedicated educator with robust track record from Olathe (KS) Public Schools. He's renowned for educational leadership and commitment to fostering excellence and potential in all, pursuing shared educational goals.
Founder, Jones Strategic Advisors, LLC
Michael Jones, Sr.
His four-decade career includes leadership as Deputy Mayor of the City of St. Louis, Senior Policy Advisor in St. Louis County and Missouri Board of Education. He writes and serves on the Editorial Board of the St. Louis American.
Golden Service Award
Carl "Shaft" Hoskins
Initiated in 1972 by the Omicron Sigma Chapter. Bro. Hoskins is a member of the Charter Line of the Epsilon Delta Chapter (Univ. of MO -Columbia) of .Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.. He continues to serve and expand Omega as a Team Captain of the Omega Elite, Upsilon Omega Chapter, and Charter member Theta Mu Nu Chapter in St. Charles, MO.