february 2013 president’s message · 2013-08-24 · browder, dr. ivan van sertima and others. the...
TRANSCRIPT
A L P H A P H I A L P H A
Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda Chapter - 1923, Washington, D.C. 1
President’s MessageBut yield who will to their separation, My object in living is to unite My avocation and my vocation As my two eyes make one in sight. Only where love and need are one, And the work is play for mortal stakes, Is the deed ever really done For
Heaven and the future’s sakes.
- Robert Frost
Each February I am reminded that the designation of Black History Month was driven in part by a former Mu Lambda Chapter brother – J. Rupert Picott. It is also the shortest month of the year – what’s up with that? Seriously, have you noticed how the investigators on “CSI” use flashlights to examine the crime scene even in broad daylight? It causes one to focus on the specific area by concentrating on the light, making both eyes one. Correspondingly, the short month forces us to focus on the task at hand – improving the plight of those less fortunate everywhere. Why was Carter G. Woodson intent on having Americans learn the history of blacks? Because he wanted the past contributions of persons of color acknowledged and remembered by citizen’s of today.
Focus! “Before we can take our rightful place on the throne we must first know that we were once kings and queens.” Many groups, Jews for example, make
certain their children know the achievements of their ancestors by requiring study. Increasing their self-worth assessments can assuage many of the issues of today’s youth. In the movie “The Five Heartbeats” a father angrily browbeat his son by telling him he wasn’t “sh-t” and would never be “sh-t!” How motivated will a child be seeing only poverty and crime in their neighborhood and their homes? How can they possibly succeed when they have few positive role models and are left to believe that is their destiny?
Focus! Two weeks ago I presented a workshop to the Beaux, and several candidates, entitled “Know Thyself – from Egypt with Love.” Basically, I reiterated information I have heard and read through the years from scholars like Dr. Edwin Nichols, Brother Tony Browder, Dr. Ivan Van Sertima and others. The reaction is similar each time – “I didn’t know that”, “How did ancient Egyptians do those things?” – from the
Beaux and candidates. I firmly believe it is important to learn our history without distortion by someone with a subversive agenda. The youth should know that persons of color made significant contributions to society such as - Granville Woods patented a telephone system and a teletype system; Garrett Morgan patented gas masks and traffic signals; Lewis Latimer patented the filament that enabled Edison to make a light bulb that would glow more than a few hours; Jan Matzelier patented a lasting machine to make leather shoes; Alexander Miles patented the elevator; Elijah McCoy patented a device to lubricate machinery (the “real McCoy”); George Washington Carver held hundreds of patents on items made from peanuts – and the list goes on.
Focus! It is important to know that the depiction of our African ancestors as “savages” is pure Hollywood fiction. Our ancestors built pyramids and dams carving stones weighing thousands of pounds each; they developed calendars, clocks, scientific principles and Arabic numbers; farmed crops using lunar cycles as guides for increased production; performed surgery on hearts, eyes and bodies; wrote of the solar system and comets before they could be seen by telescopes – 4000 – 5000 years ago! Imagine the sociological impact of teaching these facts to our young. As proud as I am of our President, Barack Obama, he is not the first African-American to achieve that office.
(continued on page 2)
Monthly Newsletter Editor: Jason Clark February 2013
A L P H A P H I A L P A - M U L A M B D A
2 Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda Chapter - 1923, Washington, D.C.
Calendar of Events
February3rd - Superbowl Party7th - Chapter Meeting 7:06pm19th - Foundation Brd Mtg 7:06pm20th - Smoker 21st - Executive Board Mtg 7:06pm
March7th - Chapter Meeting 7:06pm19th - Foundation Brd Mtg 7:06pm21st - Executive Brd Mtg 7:06pm
Focus! Some groups’ deal with a single issue – Kiwanis works with youth health concerns; the Lions Club tries to improve vision; the March of Dimes tries to cure birth defects after the eradication of polio, etc. – with varying degrees of success. I have asked Brother Keith Hinnant to chair a Branding Committee for Mu Lambda Chapter. The committee will prepare recommendations defining what Mu Lambda is about; determine what role we want to perform in resolving the myriad problems facing persons of color. Should Mu Lambda devote our energy in a specific area to “fix” the problem rather than dilute our efforts by spreading them across a wide spectrum? Can we truly combine our avocations and our vocations?
Focus! I took my automobile through the inspection station last week. As I waited for the sticker to be placed on the windshield one of the employees approached me. He asked if I knew a gentleman who was a member of my “organization” (he saw my Alpha license plates). He said the brother was one of the finest men he knew, had mentored him as a young man and was responsible for him being where he was today! Although I did not know the brother he spoke of I was eminently impressed by the gentleman’s comments. It would be wonderful if everyone saw the men of Alpha Phi Alpha as positive role models because they stand for something uplifting! I know you feel as I do or you would not have committed your time and resources to Mu Lambda. Bring your ideas to the meeting on Thursday – come let us reason together for heaven and the future’s sakes.
’06!
Congrats to Bro. Keone Thomas on closing his first home!
(Presidents Message Con’t)
C H A P T E R D E A N ’ S C O R N E R
Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda -1923, Washington, D.C. 3
The Mu Lambda Smoker will take place on February 20, 2013 at 7:06 PM.
Brothers are asked to assemble 30 minutes early to allow time for signing of documents. The dress for the Smoker is Alpha attire. All Brothers wishing to attend the Smoker must be IMDP certified. This is a mandatory event for brothers that are sponsoring candidates.
Art
The Fall 2012 semester for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Beta Chapter was a success.
The 20th Annual Brother 2 Brother Youth Conference made its
appearance on campus for the first time since 2010. This year we
had over 200 children from the DC metropolitan area in
attendance. They had the opportunity to participate in various workshops, and a three of the
attendees were awarded scholarships.
Participating in the homecoming step show for the first time since 2008, Beta Chapter
continued it's winning streak finishing first place. Currently, the chapter has won the three
step shows it has participated in at homecoming, (2007, 2008 and 2012).
Beta Chapter has many events planned for the 2013 semester, including its well known Ms.
Black and Gold Pageant. The chapter is excited and looking forward to putting on another
great pageant for the Howard community.
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B E A U T I L L I O N
4 Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda -1923, Washington, D.C.
There are 11 young men participating in the 2012-2013 beautillion. One young man had to drop from the program to pursue his athletic scholarship in soccer.
Each young man is being sponsored by a brother of Mu Lambda.
- Beau Jalen Barcenilla is sponsored by Brother Sanjay Mitchell
- Beau Dominique Brevard is sponsored by Brother Larry Davis
- Beau Jordan Burns is sponsored by Brother Sanjay Mitchell
- Beau William Gray, Jr. is sponsored by Brother Eddie Neal
- Beau Jordan Howie is sponsored by Brother Larry Davis
- Beau DeAndre Lancaster is sponsored by Brother Larry Davis
- Beau Malachi McCaskill is sponsored by Brother Sanjay Mitchell
- Beau Ricky Neal III is sponsored by Brother Eddie Neal
- Beau Jabari Powell is sponsored by Brother Juan Powell
- Beau Darius Smith is sponsored by Brother Juan Powell
- Beau Kamani Swann is sponsored by Brother Frank King
They will be attending an overnight trip at the University of Maryland College Park on February 17 and 18th, where they will be shadowing students on the campus and attend classes to get a sense of the collegiate atmosphere.
As discussed at prior meetings, every young man will have an executive team consisting of brothers in the chapter. Every brother of Mu Lambda will be a member of one of the executive teams. We anticipate your role participating to help the young men complete their ultimate goals of entering college and obtaining scholarship money. The primary source of obtaining scholarship funds through the beautillion program is the selling of ads for the beautilllion journal.
The beaux began dance rehearsal Superbowl Sunday with their moms and the young ladies:
M U L A M B D A
Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda -1923, Washington, D.C. 5
The young men are working hard. I need your assistance in making the event a success. Please purchase your tickets in advance, assist in selling tickets to your family and friends, and help the beaux secure ads when they contact you.
The event is being held Saturday, April 20, 2013, at the Howard University Blackburn Center. Tickets are $100 per person. Drinks can be purchased in advance for $10 (includes three beverages of choice from the drink menu). Valet parking is $12 in advance.
The branding committee is continuing to focus on creating a written document that defines who we are as a chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha. The committee is still in the beginning stages and will have our next meeting on Wednesday, February 13th @ 7pm. This meeting is open to all active brothers who would like to be a part of the process; however, we are looking for brothers who are willing to commit to regularly attending our branding meetings on a consistent basis. To ensure that the committee is successful at proposing our chapter’s brand (without revisiting topics that have already been discussed), this will eventually become a closed committee of the brothers who have consistently contributed/attended the meetings.- Brother Hinnant
The Mu Lambda Brand
P H O T O S
6 Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda -1923, Washington, D.C.
The Superbowl Party
M L K D A Y O F S E R V I C E
Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda -1923, Washington, D.C. 7
On Saturday, January 19, 2013, the Mu Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. participated in a citywide MLK service project, titled “Unite America in Service Event.” As volunteers, we packed care kits for service members, veterans, wounded warriors and first responders. Over 5,000 people from the D.C. area volunteered for this service project, including Vice President Biden. And our chapter had one of largest group of volunteers among Greek organizations present. Brothers and guests enjoyed the camaraderie and service.
B R O T H E R S K E E P E R
8 Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda -1923, Washington, D.C.
Brothers: It has been a pleasure to help introduce the Brother’s Keeper National Program to Mu Lambda, and it has been great serving as Chair in the effort to serve the brothers of the chapter. As life sometimes goes, I have needed to put extra effort into my personal goals; quite unnecessarily, Brother’s Keeper has suffered as a result. While I have had plans to restructure Brother’s Keeper to simplify it and make it more integral to our lives as Alpha Men and brothers, I reached out to the brothers in Mu Lambda to find a new leader so that he may move forward with his own ideas. Brother John “Tony” Wilson has risen to the challenge to lead Mu Lambda's Brother's Keeper Committee. “THANK YOU, BROTHER WILSON!” Tony and I have spoken at length, and I look forward to his leadership. I am committed to staying active in both Mu Lambda and the Brother’s Keeper Committee, and I hope others join the committee to assist Tony. Let’s show how deep Mu Lambda’s attention to those in need runs! Please listen out for more from Brother Wilson about the “new look” Brother’s Keeper, and please give your time & energy to the cause. The senior brothers, disabled brothers, and their spouses and widows need all of us! Yes, we ARE our Brother’s Keeper!!!
- Bro. Pernell V. Williams
M U L A M B D A R O S T E R
Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda -1923, Washington, D.C. 9
Akins, LamontAllen, ToddAlmaroof, SulaimanAmpy, FranklinBalfour, TonyBanks, DavidBeard, AndreBell, RyleBennett, CarlBlassengale, ClydeBowling, Jr, WileyBranche, GlennwoodBraxton, RonaldBrice, JuliusBrown, LuciusBrown, ChristopherBrown, ArlesterBuck, LouisBulter, JonathanCarter, MichaelChapple, KevinChase, DarrylCheek, AlbertClark, JasonCole, Jr., O. JacksonCollins, MichaelCotton, PaulDavis, LarryDawson, HoraceDonaldson, JamesDouglass, A. GilbertEngram, FrederickFields, ArthurFitzgerald, Timothy
Ford, LouisGadsden, ElbertGibbs, JosephGiles, KevinGrey, JoelHarmon, JamesHarris, RudolphHawkins, WilliamHerndon, EricHill, EdHinnant, KeithHixon, OrlandoHolbert, KennethHolman, BenjaminHoskey, FrankieHousey, JosephHunigan, CurtisJackson, MalcolmJames, AdrianJohnson, JeffreyJoyner, WilliamKing, AdrianKing, FrankKittrell, DanielLewis, PatrickLindsay, CoyLofton, AntwanLowery, LeRoyMagwood, ClarenceMcDonald, JamesMcGee, WillieMcGriff, LloydMiller, Garret
Mitchell, SonjayMonroe, JeffreyMontgomery, LawrenceMorgan, MarcNeal, EddieNelson, ArthurPage, WilliamPowell, JuanPullen, AlexanderRichardson, RobertRoberts, TalmadgeRoss, MarkRutherford, JonathanScipio, RudolphSeabron, LavertSharp, KhamaShaw, PaulShepard, RobertSpeight, Jr, JamesSuber, HerbertTarver, TerrenceThomas, WilliamThomas, WesleyThomas, DerrickThomas, KeoneTillman, KamaToure, KwekuTyler, LeeUlmer, KwameValentine, FredWalker, JacobWashington, Kenneth
Whitley, WalterWilliams, PernellWilliams, GerardWilson, JamesWilson, JohnWilson, KerryWood, GarnetteYoung, Michael
G E N E R A L C O N V E N T I O N
10 Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda -1923, Washington, D.C.
Convention Call & Registration /
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Registration Is Now Open
That Is a Link..... Click it to be brought to the website with the proper forms
E A S T E R N R E G I O N
Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda -1923, Washington, D.C. 11
81st Annual Eastern Region Convention CallApril 25-28, 2013
Hyatt Regency Buffalo Hotel and Conference CenterTwo Fountain PlazaBuffalo, NY 14202Phone: 716.855.4950Fax: 716.855.4958
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, IncorporatedEastern RegionP.O. Box 77873
Washington, D.C. 20013-7873
Greetings Brothers of AlphaEast!
We hope this message finds you both mentally and physically strong.
We send greetings to all who are planning to attend the 81st Annual Eastern Region Convention. We aretraveling to Buffalo, New York and have created an extensive list of events for you and your guests.
The Convention will be held from April 25-28, 2013 and the regional staff, in conjunction with the NYACOADistrict and all local host Chapters, is working hard to make this an enjoyable time.
The Hyatt Regency Buffalo Hotel and Conference Center is prepared to absorb your reservations and we urgeyou to register early to ensure the availability of your accommodations.
Please take the time to fill out the registration materials and we’ll see you in Buffalo!
Brother Sean L. McCaskillEastern Region Vice President
Brother Brandon JohnsonEastern Region Assistant Vice President
“A Broader Bond of Brotherhood” www.AlphaEast.com• NOTE: A separate registration form must be completed for each registrant. •
BROTHER’S REGISTRATION (Check one) ALUMNI COLLEGE
Chapter Name: Key Number:
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
Address
City: State: Zip:
Phone: Fax: Cell:
E-mail: AlphaNet/Mem ID # Life Mem #
Company/University Occupation/Major
Special Dietary Needs: VEGETARIAN NO SHELLFISH NO PORK NO NUTS DELEGATE YES NO
LADIES REGISTRATION Please note Greek affiliation (if any):
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
Special Dietary Needs Vegetarian No Shellfish No Pork No Nuts
ESTIMATED DATE OF ARRIVAL
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 Thursday, April 25, 2013 Friday, April 26, 2013 Saturday, April 27, 2013
REGISTRATION
Brothers Registration: $ x reg(s) = $
Neophyte Registration $ x reg(s) = $
Ladies Registration: $ x reg(s) = $
ADDITIONAL TICKETS
Life Membership Luncheon $ 30 x = $
Fraternal Luncheon $ 40 x = $
Pageant $ 20 x = $
College Brothers’ Luncheon $ 40 x = $
Black and Gold Banquet $ 75 x = $
TOTAL REMITTANCE ENCLOSED $
Please note: Any registration form submitted withincomplete information, or without payment, will not beprocessed. Be certain to note any special dietary/physicalneeds.
Registration can also be mailed to: Alpha Phi AlphaFraternity, Inc.; Eastern Region; P.O. Box 77873;Washington, D.C. 20013-7873
Refund Policy: 75% refund if the Eastern Region isnotified in writing before February 6, 2013. Requestsafter February 6, 2013 will not be honored.
Alumni Brothers Rates College Brothers Rates Ladies Rates Neophyte Rates(Fall 2012/Spring 2013)
Early Expires 1-26-13 $325 $250 $250 College $225Pre Expires 2-28-13 $375 $300 $300 Alumni $300Late from 3-1-13through the convention
$475 $350 $350
ALL ITEMSMUST BE COMPLETED OR REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE PROCESSEDCard Type: Visa Mastercard Discover Expiration Date: /Cardholder Name:
Card Number: Security Code:Signature Date: / /The issuer of the card specified above agrees to the terms & conditions of this contract and has authorized contractor to debt the aboveaccount to the total amount outlined above. In the event of dispute contractor will be notified within 5 business days from time ofpurchase after which contractor is no longer liable nor responsible for any restitution to the cardholder. In the event of fraud,contractor will prosecute to all limits of the law.
THE CARD HOLDER MUST SIGN THIS FORM.
E X E C U T I V E B O A R D
Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda -1923, Washington, D.C. 13
CCommittee Chairs
President LeRoy Lowery III 202-487-3129 [email protected]
Vice President Timothy Fitzgerald 301-332-7507 [email protected]
Recording Secretary Kevin Giles 804-389-1906 [email protected]
Treasurer Michael Young 202-544-8449 [email protected]
Financial Secretary Ben Holman 571-643-8120 [email protected]
Corresponding Secretary Keone Thomas 404-452-8063 [email protected]
Chaplain William Hawkins 202-583-3211 [email protected]
Historian James Harmon 301-659-0442 [email protected]
Archivist Sulaiman Almaroof 240-486-6851 [email protected]
Sergeant-At-Arms Alexander Pullen 773-213-8202 [email protected]
Associate Editor to the Sphinx James Harmon 301-659-0442 [email protected]
Editor of the Torch Jason Clark 732-642-2610 [email protected]
Webmaster Joel Grey 301-717-8505 [email protected]
Director of Intake Arthur Fields Jr. 301-442-9064 [email protected]
Director of Education Sean Bellamy 336-575-7677 [email protected]
Parliamentarian Open
Member-at-Large John Mabry 202-441-9910 [email protected]
Immediate Past President Kwame Ulmer 202-492-3487 [email protected]
Auditing P.E. Parker 703-314-1429 [email protected]
Beautillion Eddie Neal 301-440-4055 [email protected]
Brother’s Keeper Tony Wilson [email protected]
Budget and Finance Ben Holman 571-643-8120 [email protected]
Chapter of the Year James Harmon 301-659-0442 [email protected]
Charles H. Wesley Award Christopher Fredd [email protected]
Communication and Technology Keith Hinnant 202-544-2222 [email protected]
Community Service Kharma Sharp 202-294-0328 [email protected]
Membership Adrian King 770-820-8032 [email protected]
Pan Hellenic Council Jermaine Wilson 240-393-5176 [email protected]
Program Derrick Thomas 301-589-1469 [email protected]
Public Policy Michael Collins 202-374-8974 [email protected]
Social Daniel Kittrell 571-426-5769 [email protected]
C H A I R D R I V E
14 Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda - 1923, Washington, D.C.
The chapter chair drive project needs your support. The Mu Lambda Foundation is accepting tax deductible donations in the amount of $100 per chair. You don’t have to be a Brother to make a chair donation: Alpha wives, friends and families are also encouraged to participate. Upon receipt of your donation, your contribution will be permanently noted for all to see. Your name will be inscribed in gold lettering on a black chair as pictured above.
Donated by Brother (your name inserted) or In Memory of Brother ___________. Supporters to date include: Brother Julius Brice Brother Eddie Neal Brother LeRoy Lowery Brother Charles Donegan Brother Curtis Hunigan Brother Timothy Fitzgerald Brother Arthur King Brother Michael Brown Brother Michael Brown in Memory of Brother Kenneth Higgins Brother Michael Carter Brother Adrian Vincent James Brother Adrian Vincent James in Memory of Brother Robert “Bob” Warren Brother Syl Lorenzo Shannon Brother John Eason Brother Louis Ford in Memory of: Brother Morris Hawkins Brother Frederick Ford Brother Earl Root Brother Rudolph Scipio Brother William Calbert in Memory of Brother Syl Lorenzo Shannon Brother Lloyd T. McGriff Brother Louis Buck Brother Arlester Brown Brother James McDonald Brother M. Christopher Brown II in Memory of Brother Vernon Polite Brother M. Christopher Brown Brother Clyde Blassengale, Sr. Brother William Page Brother Eric Herndon Brother Rudolph Harris Brother Rylan R. Harris Soror Janette Hoston Harris in Memory of Brother Eluen H. Hoston, Jr. Brother David BanksBrother Malcolm D. JacksonSoror Janette Hoston Harris in Memory of Brother Charles H. WesleyBrother Kenneth HolbertBrother Clinton C. Jones III in Memory of Brother Louis E. Murray
C H A P T E R D U E S
*Please attempt to submit your dues online using PayPal*
www.Mulambda.org
or
www.MuLambdaFoundation.org
*If you are not using Paypal, funds in the form of check or cash must have the appropriate form attached. You can download forms from the chapter or foundation
website. Attach the form along with the check or cash to mail in or submit to the Treasurer or Financial Secretary*
Chapter Dues Structure Grand Tax Chapter Dues
General Organization Mu Lambda Total Late
Life Member - $400.00 $400.00 $410.00Non-Life Member $150.00 $400.00 $550.00 $570.001st Year Alumni $75.00 $350.00 $425.00 $445.002nd Year Alumni $112.50 $350.00 $462.50 $482.50Graduate Student $150.00 $350.00 $500.00 $520.00
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.Mu Lambda Chapter2405 First St. NWWashington, DC 20001-1019