KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Men in purple may fill the sidewalks and streets of Knoxville over the weekend, all as part of a slate of weekend events planned by members of Omega Psi Phi.
Chapters of the Black fraternity organization from across Tennessee and Kentucky will be in Knoxville for the 76th Fifth District meeting. On Thursday, the group kicked off opening ceremonies. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon also issued a proclamation for the organization.
Knoxville's Iota Alpha chapter of the organization started the celebrations by giving away around 100 pairs of shoes, and on Saturday it will kick off a community 5K race at 7 a.m., starting in the UT Gardens.
A cabaret party with live music and drinks is also planned for Friday evening at the Knoxville Convention Center. Other events include a blood drive, a talent hunt and voter registration drives.