OMIK Amateur Electronic Communications Association, Inc., K0MIK

OMIK (pronounced "Oh-Mike") is a national Amateur Radio organization composed primarily of African-American radio hams who are interested in the promotion and the hobby of Amateur Radio.

The organization was formed on August 12, 1952 when 11 amateur radio operators met at Wilberforce College (now Central State University) in Ohio. The name OMIK is a contraction of the states Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky. It currently has over 600 members.

OMIK has an active student scholarship program, awarding thousands of dollars yearly to students headed for, or those students already in college. The organization is involved in projects that promote Amateur Radio in schools. Twice a year it sponsors "OMIK School Days" a day when students at schools around the country talk to each other via Amateur Radio. Its quarterly newsletter The Communicator is filled with amateur related information.

There are yearly conventions usually held in July. These are fun-filled fests in which hams relax and enjoy each others company. There are skits, technical sessions, flea markets, and amateur examinations. There is a moving Memorial Service that is held at the culminating banquet.

OMIK is not solely an African-American organization. It is open to all. It is not only limited to licensed amateurs but "anyone interested in applied electronics is eligible". "We cling together because of one common interest-- Amateur Radio," states its former President Dub Washington, KR0Z.

OMIK AFFILIATED NETS:

14.295 MHz USB, 14:00 UTC, Sunday

7.265 MHz LSB, 12:30 UTC, Sunday

3.908 MHz LSB 0300 UTC, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday

OMIK Officers:

President: Frank T. Smith, K3UB

Vice President: William (Nate) Jenkins, KS4SX, (njenkins@ix.netcom.com)

Secretary: Sarah E. Jackson, KB9PJ, (kb9pj@worldnet.att.net)

Treasurer: Patricia Sneed, KF6P, (tedwg6f@juno.com)

Communicator Editor: Kenneth Lewis, KQ6TP, kq6tp@aol.com