Eta Nu Nu and the fight against Prostate Cancer
For the fourth year in a row the men of the Eta Nu Nu chapter of the illustrious Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. held in conjunction with Brave Men, Inc. and the 1911 Foundation one of its highly anticipated events titled MAN P.L.E.A.S.E. Check Yourself! In less than two years of its founding, the men of Eta Nu Nu believed it prudent to establish programs that addressed the health and wellbeing of those Black men who live, worship, work, fellowship and attend school in the Columbus Greater Metropolitan area. Every report that the men of Eta Nu Nu were able to get their hands on that featured the state of Black health in Franklin County showed that Black men are disproportionately impacted by this disease in Columbus, Ohio. The good news is if caught early carriers of the disease stand more than a good chance of beating it, hence the importance of programs like MAN P.L.E.A.S.E. Check Yourself!
Held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the elegant Boathouse at Confluence Park the turnout was impressive as more than 100 people registered for the event. Some were brought guests. Registrants were greeted by the men of Omega as they trickled through the doors even before the program began at 8:00 am. Cloaked in royal purple polo shirts and khaki pants the men of Omega were easy to spot. Of course, there were some on-site registrants, but that process was without hassle as people moved quickly from the registration/check-in table to the main room where the testing and screenings and other activities occurred. Once inside attendees found there was plenty of food and drink. Breakfast consisted of an assortment of fruit, breakfast sandwiches, turkey patties, and a few bite size morsels.
The stations were set-up in a logical sequence making it easy for the men to follow. Each gentleman started by hoping on a scale and having his weight recorded. From there he was instructed to go from station to station until the process was complete. Numerous vendors were on hand to provide information and trinkets for folks to take home.
As an added bonus the men were encouraged to take advantage of the self-care professionals who were on tap to provide massages and conduct yoga sessions. The massage component was particularly dynamic in that the men were provided much needed body work done by professionals who were able to loosen up knots, stiffness, and stagnant range of motion in the head, neck, upper limbs, and back. At the same time, from the body workers’ perspective, it was a chance to put their skills to good use and for a good cause.
Kaya, a former nursing student and one of the body workers hired for the event, talked about how pleased she was to see the smiles on the faces of the men after a session with her. Of course, there was good reason to smile as her energetic hands, forearms and elbows brought relief if only temporary to the men who benefitted from her talent. Kaya is already looking to the future when she’ll have the opportunity to bring greater knowledge and enhanced techniques to the event next year.
At 10:00 am a panel of four took to the stage. Martin Brown, Brenda D. Spencer, George Koch, MD and Kevin Sweet, GC. Attendees received advice from medical professionals, and they heard from a cancer survivor in Martin Brown and a caregiver in the form of Brenda D. Spencer who shared a gripping story about her dad that resonated with many people in the audience. NBC4 anchor Cierra Johnson Barnes who emceed the event asked the panelists great questions and kept the conversation moving. As usual the event was not without its sponsors as they included OSU’s The James, Zangmeister Cancer Center, ELB Philanthropy, Johnson & Johnson, the Columbus Chapter of ONS and Columbus Public Health, to name a few.
The day could not have turned out better as everyone seemed to enjoy themselves as many came away with a memorable and unprecedented experience. The mood was upbeat throughout the morning thanks to DJ Reesee. Luckily the downpour that occurred late morning started once everyone was comfortably inside and well into the program. Many of the attendees were surprised when they arrived and learned that a raffle would be held at the end of the program at which point attendees would have a chance to win an array of prizes ranging from restaurant gift cards to tickets to an OSU football game. Said Bart Ridgill, an engineer and OSU grad, “I really enjoyed and appreciated the event . . . it was great to go around to each of the stations and get bio-screenings, the flu vaccine and even a massage! I got expert advice based on the bio-screening results and a delicious breakfast! Definitely a wonderful event! I will be attending next year as well!” Willis Brown, a retired schoolteacher and president of the Bronzeville Neighborhood Association seemed to agree. After the program Brown wrote, “the prostate cancer health screening event today was great. It was informative and well organized, as expected with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at the helm. Looking forward to the next health and/or event in the near future.”
As cited earlier Man P.L.E.A.S.E. Check Yourself! is only in its fourth year and its promises to be bigger and better in the years to come.
