SPOTLIGHT Publisher Shelia Edwards honored with Community Service Award

As the Cobb County Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Chi Gamma Gamma recently celebrated their annual Achievement Week, a series of community activities, Spotlight Publisher, Shelia Edwards, was honored with their Community Public Service award for her contributions to community service. Hundreds gathered in their finest attire during their Founders Award Banquet that was held on Saturday, November 17, at the Marriott Hotel on Interstate North Parkway.

Nominated by SCLC Chair Dr. Ben Williams, Shelia was surrounded by a host of community friends who gathered to celebrate her honor including Dr. Monica Brown and husband Army Brigadier Chief Pervis Brown, State Rep. Terry Cummings, and Family Life Restoration Center Founders Luther and Angie Washington, along with Sharon Williams and husband Ben.

Shelia has long been a steadfast champion of community engagement and advocacy in Cobb County and the broader Metro Atlanta area. Her public service efforts have focused on pressing issues such as economic development, housing, quality of life, and environmental racism. Through her work, Edwards has consistently sought to bring attention to challenges and opportunities that affect underrepresented and underserved communities.

As the visionary founder of SPOTLIGHT South Cobb News, a free online media platform, Shelia has taken her advocacy to a new level. The platform is dedicated to delivering engaging, informative, and impactful content that highlights key issues and stories shaping the lives of Metro Atlanta’s diverse communities. By addressing topics that matter most to local residents, SPOTLIGHT South Cobb News has become a trusted resource, reaching thousands of readers and subscribers each month.

Shelia’s unwavering dedication to uplifting voices and fostering informed, empowered communities reflects her commitment to service, innovation, and meaningful impact. Through her work, she continues to inspire positive changes and create opportunities for dialogue and progress in the areas she serves.

Grace City Church Pastor Sherman Scott served as Masters of Ceremony for the event. The fraternity, led by Chapter Basileus Christopher Drayton, shared the history of Omega Psi Phi, and presented various achievement awards to community members and fraternity brothers. Others awards presented that evening include the High School Essay Contest Award and Community Awards in Education, and Sponsorship. Fraternity Achievement Awards were given for Citizen of the Year, Founders Lifetime Achievement, Superior Service, and Omega Man of the Year.

The history of Omega Psi Phi

On November 17, 1911, three Howard University undergraduate students, with the assistance of their faculty adviser, Professor Ernest E. Just, the trio gave birth to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. These three liberal arts students were Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper, and Frank Coleman. From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning “friendship is essential to the soul,” the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. The phrase was selected as the motto. Manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift were adopted as cardinal principles.