Designation: Immediate Past Basileus

Dr. Khalek Kirkland has dedicated his career to serving children and families through education and currently serves as Community Superintendent for District 23 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, overseeing 23 NYC public schools. In his first year as superintendent, Brownsville achieved the highest increase in test scores citywide, reflecting his strong instructional and leadership focus. Prior to this role, he served as principal of Boys Prep Bronx, where he empowered scholars to build character, think critically, and pursue a path toward four-year college degrees. Khalek has also led schools nationally, including as Head of School at Quest Academy in Illinois and at The SEED School of Maryland, where he expanded the school through 12th grade and ensured 100% college acceptance while raising millions in funding and partnerships. His NYC DOE career includes serving as Senior Director of Leadership, recruiting and developing principals, and as Principal of MS 113 in Brooklyn, where he was named NYC Principal of the Year in 2009. A Brooklyn native with advanced degrees from Fordham, NYU, and Morehouse, Khalek is a proud son, father, and husband, a Spring 2010 initiate of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. via the Alpha Upsilon Chapter, and the Immediate Past Basileus of Alpha Upsilon, continuing to serve his community guided by faith, fraternity leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

Designation: Basileus

Brother Derek “D-Boogie” Cradle, a native of White Plains, NY, has long been known for his charisma, leadership, and commitment to service. While an undergraduate at Delaware State University, he helped found the Association of Cultural Togetherness (A.C.T.), giving voice to underrepresented students and fostering unity on campus. Inspired by the Omega men he encountered—especially the 1993 line—he pursued and earned membership in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in the spring of 1994, later serving as Basileus of the Psi Epsilon Chapter (1995–1996), where his leadership earned him the enduring nickname “The President.”

Today, Brother Cradle is the Principal of the High School of Sports Management in Brooklyn, NY, leading the school as a model of academic innovation, equity, and community partnership. His work includes developing CTE pathways, strengthening multilingual learner and special education supports, improving attendance, and mentoring educators through data-driven instructional leadership. A steadfast Omega man, he currently serves as Basileus of Alpha Upsilon Chapter (Brooklyn Omega) and lives by the creed, “When I wake up, the easiest thing to do… is be a Que!”

Designation: Vice Basileus

Bro. Gregory T. Pinn was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on January 18, 1986, and has rendered over four decades of dedicated service to the fraternity. He has held numerous leadership roles including Vice Basileus, Parliamentarian, Social Action Chairperson, and Achievement Week Chairman, consistently aligning his passion for service with the ideals of Omega. For the past two years, Bro. Pinn has spearheaded Alpha Upsilon Chapter’s partnership with Mount Lebanon Baptist Church’s Food Distribution Initiative, supporting families in the Brevoort Houses in Brooklyn. His guiding principle—“service should be innate and bigger than oneself”—has defined his lifelong commitment to community uplift. Professionally, Bro. Pinn spent more than 20 years in Information Technology before transitioning into real estate investment and property management. He is a New York State licensed Real Estate Broker and Instructor who currently owns and operates nine residential buildings across Brooklyn and the Bronx, totaling 38 units, while serving in multiple board and leadership roles throughout the community.

Designation: Keeper of Record and Seal

Brother Kyle Plant is a seasoned educator, school leader, and community servant with over 25 years of experience in the New York City Department of Education. He is a proud veteran of both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army, bringing discipline, service, and leadership to every role he holds. Brother Plant has dedicated his career to student advocacy, school safety, restorative practices, and family engagement. He holds New York State certifications including Common Branch Teacher, School Building Leader, and Attendance Teacher, and currently serves in school leadership roles focused on culture, attendance, crisis response, and Restorative Justice coordination.

An active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Brother Plant was initiated through the Alpha Upsilon Chapter in the Spring of 1998 and has served the Chapter in multiple leadership roles, including Basileus, Vice Basileus, Assistant Keeper of Finance, and several Committee Chair positions, and currently serves as Keeper of Records & Seal. He has been recognized for his service with the Alpha Upsilon Chapter Outstanding Achievement Award, two Alpha Upsilon Chapter Superior Service Awards, Alpha Upsilon Chapter Omega Man of the Year, and the Second District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Superior Service Award. A proud son, father, and grandfather, grounded in faith, family, and service, Brother Plant remains committed to purposeful, people-centered leadership that creates lasting impact.

Designation: Keeper of Finance

Brother Lehkem K. Rose is a dedicated servant-leader of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., proudly representing the Alpha Upsilon Chapter. Initiated in 2016 via the Zeta Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he has held numerous chapter and district leadership roles, including Keeper of Records & Seal, Vice Basileus, Keeper of Finance (Present), Deputy Corridor V Representative, Metro Omega Tri-Chair, and member of the 2nd District IT and Strategic Initiatives Committees. His commitment to service has been recognized with honors such as the 2nd District Corridor V Appreciation Award. Professionally, Brother Rose serves as the Associate Director of IT Project Management & Service Delivery at Year Up United, where he leads large-scale technology, infrastructure, branding, and compliance initiatives. He is deeply invested in mentoring and youth development, serving as a panelist for STEM and professional development events with the University of Hartford, Reconnect NYC, and other community partners. In addition, he co-leads Alpha Upsilon’s Food Distribution & Soup Kitchen Initiative and serves on the Board of Directors for Well Cloth’d, supporting families across New York City.

Mantra:

“The best way to learn about yourself is through service to others.”

Designation: Keeper of Peace

Brother Keir Nelson is a devoted community servant whose life reflects a deep love for people and a strong faith in God. A proud family man, he credits his loved ones for their unwavering support throughout his journey. After 30 years of dedicated service with the New York City Housing Authority, Brother Nelson retired and continued answering his calling to uplift others. Brother Nelson was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. through the Tau Mu Chapter in the Fall of 1987 and currently serves as the Chaplain and Talent Hunt Chairman of the Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in addition to serving as Director of Special Services and Outreach for the Chionesu Bakari Mentoring Program for Young Men. His passion for mentoring youth, honoring and supporting senior saints, and engaging the community through theater fuels his ongoing service. Grateful for every opportunity, Brother Nelson gives all thanks to God for the blessings that continue to shape his purpose.