When Style Meets Service: How HBCU Grads Ensure ‘Sundresses & Seersuckers’ Remains The Premiere ‘Commitment To Excellence’ Enriching Experience 

Each summer, Atlanta’s social scene lights up with the vibrant colors and elegant flair of Sundresses & Seersuckers, an event that transcends the classic day party

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Each summer, Atlanta’s social scene lights up with the vibrant colors and elegant flair of Sundresses & Seersuckers, an event that transcends the classic day party. Beneath the dapper suits and flowing sundresses lies a powerful story of community uplift, mentorship, and Black excellence, deeply anchored in the values of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

At the core of this year’s Sundresses & Seersuckersmovement are three proud HBCU graduates and members of the Delta Mu Mu chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., who bring their brotherhood’s principles to life each year through a celebration that benefits the Commitment To Excellence (CTE) Foundation:

Patrick C. Daniel, Chairman of CTE and Clark Atlanta University alumnus

Larry Rasberry, Co-Chair of Sundresses & Seersuckers and Virginia State University alumnus

Wendell Span, Co-Chair of Sundresses & Seersuckers and Florida A&M University alumnus

Together, they infuse the event with the ideals they embraced during their college years: scholarship, leadership, perseverance, and service.

“Our fraternity and HBCU experience taught us the importance of community service and investing in the next generation,” says Daniel to OffTheYard. “Growing up in a single-parent home without a father figure, I understand firsthand how critical mentorship and opportunity are. Sundresses & Seersuckers is not just a party—it’s a platform to fund programs like our Black Rhinos mentoring initiative, which supports young Black men facing similar challenges.”

What began as a modest day party has evolved into a cornerstone of Atlanta’s cultural calendar. Anchored by Delta Mu Mu, Sundresses & Seersuckers has blossomed into a multi-day affair filled with immersive experiences, powerful programming, and a philanthropic mission that continues to grow.

Through the CTE Foundation, which has awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships since 2009, the fraternity supports underserved youth across the country. The foundation’s Partners in the Promise campaign invites Omega Psi Phi members, chapters, and supporters at large to donate toward scholarships, health initiatives, and mentoring programs.

“We have donors with no fraternity affiliation who simply see the impact and want to help,” Daniel noted. “Anyone can donate directly at www.cteinc.org.”

The celebration itself is anything but traditional. With vibrant activations like The Chill Zone, House of Jazz, and the Cigar Lounge, the weekend includes a Thursday meet-and-greet, Friday’s immersive Prequel, Saturday’s show-stopping main event at The Home Depot Backyard, and a Sunday brunch.

From six themed rooms pulsing with everything from go-go music to intimate R&B vibes, to a high-energy E.F.F.E.C.T. Fitness workout with over 900 participants, the programming reflects a blend of Black Southern culture, wellness, and style. This year’s guest list included Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, media personality Big Tigger, and U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas.

“It wasn’t about celebrity DJs or headliners; we’ve always focused on the patrons, creating an immersive experience that’s a vibe, a culture, and a celebration of our community,” Rasberry shared. “Think Kentucky Derby vibes—but with a deeper purpose.”

Another standout? The Black Beverage Experience, which shines a spotlight on Black-owned spirit brands and brewers. “It’s not just about partying,” Span said. “It’s about celebrating and elevating Black entrepreneurship.”

The impact goes far beyond aesthetics. The Sundresses & Seersuckers team intentionally gathers feedback each year from both attendees and sponsors to continuously elevate the experience.

“After every event, we listen—whether it’s about the music, the food trucks, or the layout,” said Span. “We work nearly year-round to ensure that it’s not only seamless but impactful.”

That attention to detail extends even to the guest arrival experience. “When our guests check into the hotel, especially the ladies, we’ve got brothers there to greet them with water and roses,” said Rasberry. “We believe in creating that magic from the very first touchpoint. It’s never been about hype or exclusivity—it’s about community.”

As the event continues to grow, so does its reach. Last year’s Sundresses & Seersuckers welcomed over 10,000 attendees from across the country and abroad, selling out well in advance and drawing national attention.

“Our HBCU journeys instilled in us a dedication to excellence that goes beyond personal success,” Daniel reflected. “Sundresses & Seersuckers and the Commitment To Excellence Foundation embody those values—transforming a celebration into a movement.”

And that movement is far from over. As the music plays and sundresses swirl, guests do more than just attend—they step into a living legacy of HBCU heritage, fortified by fraternity, and driven by a shared vision for a stronger, more empowered Black future.

“My legacy shall be that he gave everything he could and poured out every gift and every resource he had to try to improve the lives of people,” Daniel added. “No matter where I am, it’s my purpose. It’s my calling to fulfill.”

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Atlanta Community Service CTE Foundation Events Giveback Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Seersuckers & Sundresses
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