The SPHINX | Winter 1993 | Volume 78 | Number 2 199307802

sphinx Volume 78, Number 2, Winter 1993

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A Thousand Words You've heard the old adage: "A picture is worth a thousand words." No disagreement on that with one exception—some pictures from the 1993 Alpha Phi Alpha National Convention are worth several thousand words, for which there is not the space. International Forum participants which featured Gambian Ambassador Ousman Sallah; Brother Ambassador Horace Dawson, international affairs advisor to the General President; and the Alpha Brothers on the staff of Africare.

And there was Public Policy Forum speaker Moses Boyd, senior counsel, U.S. Senate; Brother Dr. Richard Butcher, president of the National Medical Association; Brother Huel Perkins, Grand Sire Archon, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity; Brother Adrian Wallace, outgo(To Page 41)

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Volume 7 8 Number 2 Winter 1 9 9 3

THE

sphinx

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.

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African American Males and Success

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College Days Scholars Bowl Miss Black and Gold Wilson/Voorhees/Buxton College Brother of the Year

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Alpha Forum: Making a Difference

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General President's Address

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National Convention Photo Gallery

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National Convention Coverage Alpha Renaissance continues Community Service: Habitat for Humanity International Forum Youth Center Gift Alumni Brother of the Year Public Program Address Alpha On the Move Eta Lambda Sets Tough Example The Fraternal Address Omega Chapter Chapter News Corporate Directory

On the Cover: Alpha Brothers helped the DeWitt and Sabrina Galman family move from the St. Bernard Projects in New Orleans, La., into their own home constructed through the Habitat for Humanity program. See story, pages 26-27.

Sphinx (USPS 510-440) is published quarterly for $10 a year by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 2313 St. Paul Stret, Baltimore, MD 21218-5234. Second-class postage paid at Baltimore, MD and additional mailing offices. P o s t m a s t e r : Send address changes to Sphinx, 2313 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21213.

The Sphinx is the official magazine of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Send all editorial mail and change of addresses to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The Fraternity assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or art. Opinions expressed in columns and articles do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Use of any person's name in fiction, semifiction, in articles or humorous features is to be regarded as a coincidence and not as the responsibility of The Sphinx, and is never done knowingly. Copyright 1976 by The Sphinx, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of the editorial or pictorial content of the magazine in any manner is prohibited. The Sphinx has been published continuously since 1914. Organizing Editor: Brother Raymond W. Cannon. Organizing General President: Brother Henry Lake Dickason.

BROTHER LAWRENCE E. GARY

African American Males and During the last several years, it has become common for social scientists and laypeople alike to speak of young African American males as "endangered species." The high rates of death, poor health status, and low socioeconomic status of Black males have contributed to such despairing metaphors as "the Black male as an endangered species."

While the bleak social and demographic status of the youth of the underclass captures the lion's share of media attention, another set of youth who face no less daunting social and economic obstacles to individual success is finding a way to surmount the seemingly insurmountable barriers of race, and, paradoxically in the case of African American males, gender.

It should be noted that African American males are not an "endangered species." The Black male population is increasing, and not decreasing, as implied by the concept of "endangered species." For example, in 1970, there

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were 10.7 million Black males (U. S. Bureau of the Census, 1982); in 1980, there were 12.6 million (U. S. Bureau of the Census, 1986); and in 1990, there were 14.2 million (U. S. Bureau of the Census, 1992). Since 1970, the Black male population has increased by 32 percent or 3.4 million.

The everyday success experienced by many African American males is often overlooked by the media. Despite impoverished surroundings, single-parent households, and other material impediments to their achievement, many of these men find a way to succeed in both the academic and social environment. The undue focus on the number of young Black men in

jails and prisons, or enmeshed in violence, or afflicted by drug addiction, among other problems, has served to overshadow those who overcome long odds and achieve success in school and society in general.

There are no objective criteria for success.

Success is invariably a subjective perception of achievement or accomplishment. However, there has been some research about what makes people successful. For example, one study of successful rural Black adolescents indicated that the following psychosocial variables are associated with academic success and social success: close-knit and supportive family network with strong direction from parents; highly developed social network outside the family; strong identification with positive role models; active participation in school and church activities; positive educational experiences, with school providing the major social outlet; strong future orientation based on realism; high educational and occupational goals and expectations; moderate to highly conservative moral attitudes; strong religious convictions; positive but realistic view of self with the ability to accept responsibility for self and behavior, the ability to both lead and follow, and an internal locus of control; • well-developed, through somewhat limited interests; • limited degree of Black consciousness; and • well-developed views on the nature of success.

Similarly, other researchers found that successful persons had the following characteristics or experiences: • there was at least one strong parent (or parent surrogate, such as a grandmother) who had high expectations of the child as well as giving sustained love; • home atmosphere was described as warm; • frequent or occasional contact with

• • • • • • •

parental family; most alienated from father rather than mother or siblings; participated in school activities; parent discipline consistent; never received failing grades; confident about future; expressed positive attitudes toward himself; and felt more successful than youth peers.

Other variables related to success are churchgoing behavior, religious socialization, the cultivation of role models and mentors, setting goals and having aspirations, positive self-concept, racial and ethnic pride, self control, cognitive competencies, risk taking capacities, the ability to channel rage, and rewards for change.

Spirituality or religious orientation helps individuals to deal with contradictions and disappointments. Involvement in church has been shown to be associated with increased academic achievement. Moreover, Black youngsters who go to church regularly are less likely than are others to be involved with drugs, and they are more likely to get better grades and end up with more rewarding careers. In general, an awareness of and involvement in community activities has a stimulating effect on the curiosity of the youth and should help them connect seemingly abstract concepts learned in school to real life activities occurring everyday in their community.

M

entors provide a supportive and inspiring relationship which aids the individual's professional development.

African American males must receive more individualized attention. A mentor can answer questions concerning school, career choices, and life, in general. A mentor has a crucial role in assisting the individual in his development of self-confidence, positive risk-taking, and assertiveness. Finally, a mentor can be the first link to a career-based network of support.

Goal setting is an important step in seeking self-empowerment and being successful. Goals help an individual to endure, allowing for consistency in experience even when there are disappointments. Successful people set goals and aspirations early in life. Establishing long term goals encourages long term thinking and diminishes the tendency toward seeking immediate gratification.

Winter 1993 T The Sphinx • 5

being able to endure the anxiety, suspense, disappointment, and humiliation of experimenting with new behavior and experiences.

The result of risks is often rage and this rage must be channeled properly. Following risk there may be disappointments, anxiety, or barriers and those experiences must be directed into strategic actions effectively designed to achieve certain goals.

Finally, rewards for change are self motivating mechanisms which aid in the attainment of achievements. The sucAfrican American males place a great deal cessful individual might reward himself for obtaining different kinds of success, of importance on being self-reliant, and including material success. attending to their own internal In examining the lives of successful African American males, such as Dr. psychological, social, and spiritual needs.

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bill Cosby, it is noticeable that these individuals worked hard at their respective careers.

Martin Luther King, Jr. attained such heights which have occurred within American society because of, in part, a supportive and positive in the past three decades, African Americans, family and home environment. The emphasis and particularly African American males, have on church, family, and other Black institutions been bombarded by negative and debilitating helped to foster a strong sense of self in young messages via the media, the educational Martin. Church and community involvement system, and other sources. Knowledge of were not options and his parents maintained history about African Americans and the role of an intense involvement in his educational and other Blacks currently and in the ancient world career development. Bill Cosby maybe exammay aid in the development of racial ethnic ined because he embodies the image of the pride. well-rounded, successful African American Fostering a sense of self-control is another man. He reflects some of the key values of important factor. High achievement is associbeing educated, a family protector, emotionally ated with a high degree of self-control. Successexpressive and rational, having a spiritual ful individuals tend to feel more empowered foundation, a risk taker, self-reliant, and than those who are less successful. Most independent. successful people have been able to avoid or In my own research, I found that African cope with personal disaster.

American males place a great deal of imporSuccessful people develop their cognitive tance on being self-reliant, and attending to skills in an effort to gain the ability to function their own internal psychological, social, and effectively in society. These skills include the spiritual needs. Among some of the individuals ability to express mature and intelligent who are admired and may serve as role models thoughts, to solve reasoning problems, and to include sports and entertainment figures, think abstractly. Encouraging and cultivating religious and community leaders, and fathers academic motivation is key. Additionally, and male relatives. These role models aid in fostering academic stadia is crucial. High the development of successful African Ameriachievers and other successful people have can males. This research found that African failures and setbacks in school and in life.

American males engage in numerous activities However, the probability of achieving success is to be successful: determined in direct proportion to how the individual responds to failure. Success is • taking care of one's children; virtually assured once an individual acquires • staying in school; the inner motivation to preserve when the • protecting Black women; going gets tough.

• seeking unity in the community; • fighting against drugs and violence; Successful people take risks after determin• respecting each other; ing the consequences. Risk taking involves Positive self-concept refers to the ability of an individual to feel good about himself. Successful people tend to be internally motivated and directed. They take control of their lives and feel that success or failure is dependent upon their actions and not upon the external world.

Racial and ethnic pride is important because, despite some of the positive changes

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• • • •

being self reliant; loving self; developing spirituality; and thinking critically.

These characteristics support earlier research on attributes of successful persons.

In general, successful individuals understand the importance of developing skills.

Whether these skills are cognitive, the ability to negotiate risks, or the effective planning and implementation of goals, successful people must strive for what they desire in life. As stated earlier, African American males place a large amount of importance on being selfreliant, and on their psychological, social, and spiritual needs. Recognizing the attributes of successful people and promoting these behaviors in African American males is crucial for a healthy Black Community as the 21st Century approaches. Success at social relationship, success in meeting one's own individual socioemotional needs, and the attention to the spiritual aspect of oneself will perhaps mean the difference between survival and death.

Indeed, attention to such matters may be the balm that the African American community needs.

Brother Lawrence E. Gary is a Professor of Social Work at Howard University and a member of Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter, Silver Spring, Md.

Deadline for the Next Issue of The Sphinx Please foward story ideas and chapter news for consideration at this time. We would like to have materials on hand for consideration by March 10, 1994. We are especially interested in hearing from Brothers who are available to write 3-4 page essays for the Alpha Forum. The subjects will vary with each issue but will have implications for all of us...violence and the media, a longer or shorter school year, putting the brakes on crime, the family, health care reform. Do not write the essays, only indicate your availability to do so.

Please follow the suggested guidelines

elsewhere in this issue in preparing chapter news. You really facilitate editing the magazine by avoiding salutations and superlatives. Sometimes your chapter can be appropriately represented by a photograph of some special activity with a caption as opposed to a narrative. But be sure the photo is of some activity. Mail material for consideration NOW. Send to: THE SPHINX Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218-5234

Winter 1993 • The Sphinx A 7

Mississippi Coed Named 'Miss Black and Gold' The "Miss Black and Gold" Pageant represents "the true essence of African American women. The 1990s African American woman not only represents beauty, but she represents intellectual ability as well as talent."

T h a t is t h e way Kimberly Campbell characterizes the pageant and the 1993 Miss Black and Gold t i t l e she won t h i s year. Ms. Campbell, a native of Jackson, MS, is a senior English major at Mississippi State University. She represented Kappa Beta Chapter in the pageant.

At Mississippi S t a t e , Ms. Campbell is an Ambassador for the Holmes Cultural Center, has served on the MSU Reflector staff, and is a member of the Youth NAACP chapter and the University Fashion Board. She plans a career in broadcasting with an emphasis on production and management.

Ms. Campbell sees the classical ballet talent she displayed during the pageant as a means of "bringing culture and art into our communities. Our children need to know that they are able to reach all scopes of life, fine arts included, and not just athletic ability and entertainment," Ms. Campbell maintains.

She has practiced and performed ballet for more than 13 years.

Denise Smith of Georgia State University was the first Miss Black and Gold to be crowned during the 1976 National Convention in New York City. After the 1976 inaugural pageant, the activity was not held again until the 1982 convention in Los Angeles.

The Miss Black and Gold p a g e a n t is directed by B r o t h e r Jerry Woods of Beta Upsilon Lambda Chapter. Brother Woods is also a district and Southern Region pageant director.

Voorhees Brother Excels A former President of Eta Iota Chapter at Voorhees College is credited with being among the first of his school mates to complete an internship at Quaker Oats in Chicago. Brother Paul V Murray, an accounting major, was assigned to the advertising d e p a r t m e n t at Quaker Oats this summer.

An honor student at Voorhees, Brother Murray is President of the Student Government Association, a member of Alpha Kappa Mu and Alpha Chi Honor Societies, the

Voorhees College Honors Program, and he is an Upward Bound Tutor/ Counselor.

Murray will study toward an MBA in finance at Harvard University upon g r a d u a t i o n from Voorhees. Academic achievements at Voorhees have earned Brother Murray listing on several prestigious honor rolls including the USAA Academic All-American and All American Scholar and the National Collegiate Minority Leadership Award.

Southern Region Wins Alpha Scholars Bowl In the first ever Alpha Collegiate Scholars Bowl, first place honors went to the Southern Region. Two eight-member teams per region were represented in the academic competition.

"College Brothers really participated, and they participated with short notice," says Brother Roland Wesley, who directed the competition. Questions for the Scholars Bowl were purchased from the na-

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tional Honda All-Challenge Competition.

Wesley called the competition "fantastic," and invited other chapters and Brothers from across the country to "get involved."

While the inaugural Scholars Bowl matched teams at only the National Convention, Brother Wesley says competition at the 1994 Convention will include teams that will have advanced from District to Re-

gional competition.

The Southern Region winners took home first place trophies for their performance at the 1993 Convention, but Brother Wesley is optimistic that the rewards, as the program grows, will include team/ individual scholarships.

Wesley is an active member of Mu Mu Lambda Chapter in Chicago, and operates a privatelyowned vocational school in that city.

Alpha Eyes College Presidency Now that he has graduated from Langston University in Oklahoma, he plans to pursue master's and doctorate degrees in higher education.

And after during so, Brother Terry L. Buxton, Sr., could well find himself appointed to a college presidency.

At least that is his goal.

An especially active member of Beta Kappa Chapter while at Langston, Brother Buxton distinguished himself in scholarship, leadership, and service.

He was elected to the Langston Student Senate, served as vice president of the Student Government Association, and represented Langston

at the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature.

Brother Buxton was regularly listed on the Dean's Honor Roll, was named "Most Outstanding Student" by the Department of Elementary Education, won the "Student Leadership Award" from the Office of Student Affairs, and earned membership in the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society.

A minister who regularly spoke to church, youth and community organizations, Brother Buxton was a presenter at the 18th Annual Convention of the National Conference of Black Mayors which convened in

Kansas City, Mo., and the National Conference on Urban and Multicultural Education which convened at Langston.

Brother Buxton represented Beta Kappa as a delegate at district, regional, and national conventions; served one term as Assistant District Director in Oklahoma; and coordinated Beta Kappa's outreach program at the Guthrie Job Corps Center.

Buxton was the second place winner in the Belford V. Lawson National Oratorical Contest at the 86th Anniversary Convention in Anaheim, Calif.

Alphas Elected to Leadership Roles Alpha men are serving as presi- dent representative on the Board of dent of the student body at the Uni- Trustees. The Pi Delta Chapter versity of Southwestern Louisiana member is active with the LU and Langston University, and the marching, concert, and jazz bands.

Student Government Director of In addition to his work with AlPublic Relations at Rochester Insti- pha Phi Alpha and the Student Govtute of Technology is also an Alpha Brother.

Zeta Xi Chapter's Shawn D. Wilson secured 59 percent of the run-off vote to win the SGA presidency at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, the state's second largest university.

A honor student, Brother Wilson also serves as student representative on the State Board of Trustees for Colleges and Universities.

A Residence Hall Director, Student Orientation Staff members, vice president of Order of Omega Honor Society, and SGA Vice President at USL, Brother Wilson was a candidate for graduation in December 1993.

B r o t h e r Eddie J e r o m e Gildersleeve, meanwhile, is the third African American to serve as SGA p r e s i d e n t at LU. College Chapter of the Year, Alpha Phi Brother Gildersleeve is also stu- Chapter, Clark Atlanta University

e r n m e n t Association, B r o t h e r Gildersleeve is also active with Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at LU. Before he was named Student Government Director of Public Relations, Brother Malik Simmonds was vice president of the Black Student Government at Rochester Institute of Technology. In the l a t t e r capacity, Brother Malik supervised and coordinated all executive board directors, committees, and African American clubs and organizations.

A junior communications and printing management major, Brother Malik was Mu Sigma Chapter's "Brother of the Year" for 1992-93. In addition to being president of Mu Sigma for the current school year, Brother Malik was president of R.T.I.'s African American Special Interest House for two years, a member of Gamma Epsilon Tau Honorary Printing Fraternity, a m e m b e r of t h e Rochester NAACP, and the African American student representative for the R.I.T. Policy Council.

Winter 1993 T The Sphinx A 9

College Brother says: 'Someone has t o t a k e a Chance . . .'

W

hen Charles J. Brown was growing up in Terrebonne Parish in Houma, La., his father was president of the local chapter of the NAACP. Brown, like his father, remembers being "heavily involved in local politics" and civic issues.

Brown's involvement in local civic affairs meant ongoing interpersonal relationships with local attorneys, and it was this contact with local attorneys that began to focus his attention on law. He was only 9th grade then, but today he is a 1993 honor graduate of Xavier University in New Orleans and a first-year law

student at Tulane University.

The 1993 College Brother of the Year, Brother Brown has established as his credo, "dare to be different."

"When I was growing up (in Houma, La), many of my classmates did not encourage my involvement in extracurricular activities," Brown remembers. "Therefore, there were a lot of lost friendships. However, I decided that I would be my own person."

"Some people think that being different has negative connotations because they can't understand you. They can't understand why you are so involved." But Brown maintains that being different can be positive.

"Someone has to take a chance and try to make a difference. Someone has to dare to do something positive," the 22-year-old law student explains. "The more people who dare to be different, the more examples you have for others to follow."

As a student at Xavier University, Brown received the University Service Award, the 4.0 Academic Gold Medal Award, and the Spirit of Excellence Award. He earned membership in both Alpha Kappa Mu and Alpha Epsilon Honor Societies, Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities, Phi Alpha Delta PreLaw Society, and was awarded the Sigma Lambda Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Scholarship.

Brown's interest in Alpha Phi Alpha had its genesis in Houma, La, as did his interest in law. He credits a Houma attorney, then a city councilman, and a high schoolmate with evidencing the "character I wanted to emu-

College Days late." Both were Alphas.

At Xavier, he says Beta Tau chapter is "one of the most active and visible organizations on campus." As a member of Beta Tau chapter, Brown says he and his Alpha Brothers felt a sense of "responsibility to the community. As future leaders and educated African American men, we have a responsibility to give something back to our communities.

"If we take our education and selfishly move away from our communities, we are breaking the continuous chain that is needed for success," Brown says about the responsibility of fraternity membership to the community.

"There has to be some link between the younger and older generations."

Without neglecting his studies, although he believes his grades might have suffered a bit, Brown constantly played leadership roles in the Xavier and New Orleans communities.

He was president of the Student Government Association, named "Mr. Xavier," and was Student Director and co-creator of New Student Orientation at Xavier. A former president of the Louisiana NAACP State Youth Division, Brown is also a Prince Hall Mason of Blaine C. Clay Lodge #14 (F&AM), and served as a model United Nations Ambassador in New York.

He also found time to participate in an Adopt-A-Grandparent Program, Big Brother/ Little Brother Program, can-food drives for the needy, and volunteered as a tax counselor for the IRS. A '93 Council on Legal Education (CLEO) Fellow and a Northwestern University SROP researcher, he also served as an intern for U. S. Senator J. Bennett Johnston.

As Student Government Association President, Brown testified before a field hearing of the U. S. House Subcommittee on Education which was at the time considering reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Brown encouraged the congressional committee to continue its support of federal student aid for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and to revise the financial needs test so that students from lower income families could have a "greater access to grants rather than loans."

"If it were not for grants, loans, and work study, many students who desire to attend a black university would not be able to do so," he told the subcommittee.

He wants his career path at some point to include service as a U. S. Senator, but Brown is currently working toward a law degree at

Tulane, a prerequisite to his interest in corporate law. "There is a need for more African American lawyers in corporate America," he maintains. "We are highly under-represented" in corporate America, Brown adds.

And he chose Tulane to earn his law degree because "I wanted to attend a law school that is truly interested in my success as an individual." He says Tulane—its law school administrators and graduates of the program— evidenced that level of interest.

He was also influenced by Tulane's ranking as the so-called "Harvard of the South," and one of the top 30 law programs in the country.

Tulane is also one of only two law programs in the country to offer a "minority clerkship" experience. The program matches minority law school students with participating companies in corporate America who provide the minority students with summer clerkships and offers of permanent employment upon graduation from law school.

"The program allows companies an opportunity to observe excellence among minority students," Brown says, which complements his interest in corporate law.

The 1993 College Brother of the Year served on several Fraternity committees while a member of Beta Tau at Xavier, and was also Step Master and Editor to the Sphinx. Brown was also a delegate to the 47th Southwestern Regional Convention and the 87th National Convention, where he chaired the College Brothers Affairs Committee and served on the National Ad-hoc Committee for Administration.

As a role model and mentor in the community in which he serves, Brown wants young men to redefine what it means to be a man—"a man in the true sense."

"Many brothers (young men) have a misconception of what it means to be a man," Brown reasons. He says too many young people define being a man in terms of carrying a gun, hanging out with a gang, or impregnating a young woman.

But Brown tells them that being a man means "perseverance, self-discipline, and a commitment to excellence." He tells young men that being a man means "being your own person and resisting the negative influences of the media and society."

For his accomplishments, Brown gives special thanks to "Almighty God," his family, Brother Alsan Bellard, and the Brothers of Beta Tau and Sigma Lambda. •

Winter 1993 T The Sphinx • 11

Alpha Forum

Making A

Difference From Huddles to Headlines By the Rev. Brother James E. Coleman, Jr. As I ponder over the theme, "To Make A Difference". . . , I am reminded of a football game. How often have we observed our favorite team huddle on the field at a crucial point in the game? In football language, the term "huddle" means to conference in a circle. This is done usually before each play by the offensive team—and sometimes the defense. While in the huddle, there is an exchange of information and an elevation of inspiration. The players communicate, concentrate, concur, and clap hands. After the huddle, execution is the only issue that remains.

Yet, in order for there to be effective execution, there must be a time when the huddle ends and the action begins. The truth of the matter is that the 50,000 or 60,000 people attending the game did not come to see their favorite team stay in a huddle. They would be quite disappointed and berate if their team remained in huddle formation all game long while the opponent ran up and down the field scoring touchdowns.

No! The fans come to see their team move from clapping hands in a conference circle to making a difference in the game. They come to see their team See COLEMAN, next page

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We Must Open Doors and Act

By Brother Dr. Sylvester Lorenzo Shannon What does it mean to be an Alpha Brother in our contemporary society? A "servant of all"?

This question has been raised again and again

by Alpha Phi Alpha men in each generation.

However, when one is honest, there is frustration upon finding traditional passages closed and familiar ways crumbling. An example, the intake process replacing our old pledge system or black males saying on television that "making As is acting white." Or African people whose forebearers delighted in "leaning on the Lord" parenting offsprings who hold contempt for religious and ethical lifestyles.

Times have changed and we must open new doors to gain success in the 21st Century and these last six years of the 20th Century must be the place to start. As Antonio Porchia says: "A door opens to me, I go in and am faced with a hundred closed doors." (Voices, Chicago, 1969) Any new insight which suggests an answer leads me to many new questions which remain unanswered. To find answers we need to open the door, explore, act creatively and courageously and move on to open yet another door.

I want to at least prevent the temptation of not See SHANNON, next page entering any doors

Alpha Forum Coleman produce some highlights which would turn into headlines.

To my Brothers in Alpha, we must never become satisfied with huddles. Although huddles have their place, where we come together at local, state, regional and national conference circles to share information and gain inspiration, we must eventually move to address the action in the streets of life.

The masses of people who are depending on us for leadership and service are not interested in watching us remain in huddles clapping our hands. This is a basic criticism of so called "elitist" organizations. Alpha cannot afford to ever remain in huddles while our co-laborers in redemption—the Omegas, Kappas, Sigmas, etc.—are scoring touchdowns day-by-day.

Neither in a spiritual sense can we allow our chief opponent the Devil to continue making headlines by destroying our young black males, our families, and communities while we remain in distant and removed conference circles.

As an Alpha Chaplain, I strongly urge that Alpha Brothers everywhere get behind General President Milton Davis and make a difference in our communities. Ultimately, this transformation will truly be made when the Brotherhood accepts the clarion call to a deeper relationship with God. God is the one who can move us from ideas to action, from rhetoric to results, from tolerance to turbulence, and from huddles to headlines.

Headlines occur when we follow the model of Jesus in our individual lives and in the life of our Fraternity. I might add that Jesus was a great Alpha man in his own right for he declared to the world: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." (Revelation 21: 6). Thus, as Alpha men, Jesus is worthy of our attention. Jesus did not go out seeking headlines or front page coverage. But as a natural outgrowth of his actions, he gained attention and results.

Consider, those of us who are interested in making a difference, a 24-hour cycle in the life of Jesus as recorded in Mark 1: 21-45. Here we find Jesus moving from his huddle with disciples to teaching with authority in the synagogue, casting out evil spirits, healing the sick, praying in a lonely place, preaching to the lost, and sharing compassion. The record states at the conclusion of this chapter that one man

(even after being told not to do so) went away and began spreading everywhere the news in headline form about the difference Jesus had made in his life. All of this was the result of one day in ministry.

Men of Alpha, we can also make such an impact on society in just one day by moving from huddle to headlines. ALPHA COULD TURN THIS WORLD UPSIDE DOWN if we would dare: • Live and teach the truth and righteousness.

• Tell the Devil we will no longer let him have a field day in the lives of our youth and communities without a fight.

• Help the needy everywhere.

• Strengthen our daily devotional life through focused prayer and Bible reading.

• Share hope with the hopeless.

• Demonstrate compassion.

With this in mind, might we remember the words of the hymn writer, "This little light of mine, I am going to let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!"

Brothers, it is time for us, in the midst of a decaying society, to let our God given lights shine as we move from huddle to headlines. To God be the Glory!

Reverend Brother James E. Coleman, Jr., is Eastern Region Chaplain INational Associate Chaplain

Shannon at all out of fear of the closed ones. This explains the structure of my response to the Director of Publications, Brother J. J. Johnson, when he asked what insights or guidance do you have, as a chaplain, for the brotherhood.

Let me suggest four doors through which we should enter: Teamwork, Revenue Sharing, Scholarship and Spiritual Direction. There are many more doors to open; however, if Alpha Brothers everywhere open these four creatively and courageously, our place in the 21st Century will be assured.

The teamwork demonstrated by those Brothers who helped our Habitat for Humanity project at the 87th Anniversary Convention in New Orleans illustrates just one way Brothers could engage the apathetic tendencies or weak programs in their communities. Undergraduate and graduate brothers may band together

Winter 1993 T The Sphinx A 13

Alpha Forum and bond as they build a home for a homeless or underqualified family.

Painting walls, putting on siding, or moving debris will provide an ideal environment for modeling habits and behavior which each brother, older and younger alike, will remember and appreciate. This is also an ideal time to teach younger men just what Alpha Phi Alpha means by "Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind." Bring along your sons, nephews, Boy Scouts, Little Brothers, and those other boys who seem never reached. The door to teamwork must be opened wide!

I am a witness that revenue sharing pays great dividends. As a real estate investor I made more money in those transactions where three or more Brothers pooled their money and their best ideas than in those where I went solo. Sharing our money together for the common good is not new in the black community. Siloam Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, New York, takes pride in the historical fact that John Brown stopped by this Christian community of ex-slaves enroute to Harper's Ferry. This fellowship of former slaves raised $25 in cash to help that important cause!

Siloam Church was established in 1849 and John Brown's rebellion occurred in 1859.

History is loaded with reports of African Americans pooling their resources for real successes.

Even as you read this issue of The Sphinx, Alpha Brothers in our nation's capitol are

"Why not volunteer four or five hours per month to help some elementary or secondary school male improve his reading or mathematical skills?" establishing a new bank holding company.

Sharing our money and our best ideas together will enrich all of our lives early in the 21st Century. We must close forever the door which "houses" notions that black people cannot work together, invest together and succeed. I have seen it done in the 20th Century and you will see it done more often in the 21st Century.

Seldom do we see a male tutoring in an after-school program. In Bedford Stuyvesant, where I work, we struggle to acquire an occasional male role model for the youngsters who

14 A The Sphinx • Winter 1993

frequent our center. Alpha men must demonstrate in action what they sing when they gather. Scholarship is enhanced when one discovers the joy of learning and receives recognition for success.

Why not prepare for the 21st Century by volunteering at least four or five hours per month to help some elementary or secondary school male improve his reading or mathematical skills. One distinguished black leader says: "We do well...what we do most." Before the 21st Century, academic accomplishment could surpass athletic accomplishment in the minds and actions of black males. Open the door of persistent and consistent attention to learning in the classroom so that college entrance will be insured for our future Alpha Phi Alpha aspirants.

M. Scott Peck, M.D., reminds us (The Road Less Traveled, New York, 1979) that: The most important part of our culture is our particular family. The most basic culture in which we develop is the culture of our family, and our parents are its "culture leaders." Moreover, the most significant aspect of t h a t culture is not what our parents tell us about God and the nature of things but rather what they do— how they behave toward each other; toward our siblings and, above all, toward us.

What we see done and what we do matter far more than what we say. Actions speak louder than words. We have placed the religious life and the spiritual quest as the last door for emphasis. However, the West Point Cadet Gospel Choir let our Siloam Church family know that attention to the spiritual direction of one's life should come first. Open the door to a meaningful spiritual life.

Alpha men and their families must once again discover the value of corporate worship. This means doing more than attending the Annual Founder's Day or the Ecumenical Service at General Conventions. The need for a vital faith in God is evident in our culture and also in the lives of many Alpha Brothers. Finding a community where faith can be fostered is essential to forward movement in the 21st Century.

Brother Dr. Sylvester Lorenzo Shannon is an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Chaplain and Senior Minister, Siloam Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, N.Y.

National Convention

STATE OF THE FRATERNITY ADDRESS Delivered by General President Milton C. Davis 87th Anniversary Convention New Orleans, Louisiana (Edited for Publication)

T

o the past General Presidents: Bro. T. Winston Cole, Bro. Walter Washington, Bro. James Williams, Bro. Ozell Sutton, Bro. Charles Teamer and Bro. Henry Ponder — To The General Officers — My Brothers in Alpha.

It is my great privilege and honor to come before you and report on the status of our fraternity since my assumption of this Office on January 1, 1993, some six months and 29 days ago.

During these past few months, I have visited every region and many chapter and fraternal activities across the country. Everywhere I have gone, I have met and experienced genuine goodwill and excitement about the programs and workings of our fraternity. I thank you all for the fellowship and courtesies shown to me and my family.

In this report to you I shall outline my perceptions about our organization, both internally and externally. I shall summarize the initiatives undertaken by this administration and share my vision and direction for the future of our beloved fraternity.

1993 marks the 87th year of our founding.

An organization in its 87th year proudly notes both its maturity and its youthful spirit. There has been time to establish a firm record of service: but any claim to enduring renown is in its infancy.

So it is with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, it is mature in its judgment but youthful and progressive in its vision and optimism for the future.

For almost nine decades, this fraternity has produced leaders who have demonstrated Alpha's uniquely useful role in the African American Community and in the larger American Society. The maturity of spirit and substance achieved in these 87 years grow out of our basic commitment to human dignity. But, this continually maturing organization is touched, too, with vibrancy in all we do. Highly challenging work remains ahead of us in this decade. How sobering it is to contemplate that we are only six years, five months and two days before the next century, the next millennium. What a stunning event and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will be prepared for its rightful place.

A recap is instructive.

Alpha Phi Alpha is, first, a fraternity of educated men of high quality, secondly, but of special significance, Alpha is an entity with positive societal impact which advances educational opportunity and social justice. The successes of Alpha, often under trying circumstances, are rooted in our commitment to uplift downtrodden humanity and elevate human dignity. Our record of service elicits from others high expectations. Every fraternal task is the work of a team, fluid in its composition for the needs of the immediate challenges and always undergirded by strength that surges from joint

Winter 1993 • The Sphinx A 15

National Convention effort. It is from this perspective, that we seek to solve our problems and advance our mission.

Let me speak to you frankly about where we are in several areas: I appointed a headquarters maintenance committee consisting of experienced, professional structural engineers, builders and commercial architects and charged that committee to comprehensively evaluate our headquarters building in Baltimore and submit a written report setting forth its findings and priorities for renovating the building in order to bring the building up to a condition to be fully utilized by our staff.

There are The present structure some serious will not accommodate concerns associated modern needs without with our substantial investment present location.

There will be no hasty rush to judgment by this administration. It is simply my duty to objectively share the facts with you. One thing is clear, the present structure will not adequately accommodate the needs of a modern corporate headquarters without additional substantial investment based on the findings of this report.

There have been changes in leadership positions and the addition of some positions not previously existing. I only highlight a few here, among them is Bro. Thomas D. Pawley, former Midwestern Vice President and Member of the Education Foundation, has been appointed and ratified by the Board of Directors as the new historian of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I congratulate Bro. Reavis Mitchell, our past historian for his work and efforts during his term of office.

Bro. Pawley has been hard at work. Those Brothers who attended the Leadership Seminar and Inauguration in Birmingham received the first Alpha Calendar created under the leadership of Dr. Pawley and our new Archivist Bro. Herman "Skip" Mason. The 1994 Alpha Calendar will be available in December of this year and will be mailed to all active Brothers.

Our Archivist has already made an assessment visit to our Headquarters and is at work on establishing the Alpha Archives.

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Pawley has completed a video tape lecture on the historical beginnings of our fraternity which 16 A The Sphinx •Winter 1993

will be premiered at this convention. This truly outstanding video tape produced by Bro. Vic Carter in Atlanta with the assistance of several other Brothers, is not only a lecture but also depicts action scenes of significant events in our history and is complete with vintage film, music and graphics which may qualify this superb project as a motion picture rather than an ordinary video tape. This video will be reproduced and made available to all chapters and used as a central part of our membership intake intensive Education Program. This tape will ensure that our history is presented to candidates with accuracy, uniformity and quality. Bro. Pawley has also completed and presented a comprehensive summary study guide on all chapters of our history. A video on risk management is also under production by our General Counsel. A video tape capturing the highlights of this convention will also be available for Chapters and Brothers.

We have established at this convention in our Media Room a Video Studio to be used to tape interviews with our 50-year Brothers so that their great legacy of historical knowledge will not be lost to us in the passage of time. All Brothers with 50 years or more of service, please allow yourselves to be interviewed for our archives during the course of this convention.

There is a new committee on ritual, ceremonies and protocol. The goals of this committee are to recommend appropriate revisions and updating of our ritual: To instruct Brothers at all levels on the proper execution of the ritual, ceremonies and protocols of the fraternity and to provide a standardization and uniformity in the appropriate interpretations of our procedures.

T

he new innovation of our legislative day will allow us to address all major business items on one day using the remainder of our convention to seriously and comprehensively plan for our projects, programs and receive training. All committees shall meet today. Tomorrow the convention votes on all major issues and reports.

Our membership census is not good. We have a reduced active membership as of December 31, 1992 and serious efforts must be made to reclaim for active service the thousands of Brothers already initiated. This goal can only be accomplished at the local levels, with active leadership from our Area Directors,

District Directors, Regional Vice Presidents, but most importantly, our Chapter Presidents and Members. In a word — everyone — must act to bring a solution to this problem. The formula for success consists of viable programs and interesting meetings at the local levels.

Let's face it Brothers, if you are not doing anything constructive at the local level no one is going to leave the comfort of his home to do nothing with you. On Tuesday morning we shall have a major workshop of the convention which has as its primary purpose the training of our membership in techniques, methods and ways for implementing our national programs, whether you are conducting mentorship programs, Big Brother, Project Alpha, Go To High School-Go To College, or Boy Scouts. If you want to know how to do it right be present on Tuesday.

Our Chapters must be alive with projects and programs which generate interest among the membership and fulfill needs in the Community.

B

iennial Conventions is an idea which Alpha must implement. A resolution will come before you in this Convention to allow the full Brotherhood to vote by written ballot on the question of whether Biennial Conventions shall occur beginning in 1997 with no Convention occurring in 1996. Many Brothers have asked about our centennial year.

There is nothing whatever preventing the calling of a Special Centennial Convention in 2006 to celebrate our 100th year. That is not incompatible with Biennial Conventions.

Simply put, we can no longer afford the money or the man hours required to produce, plan and implement annual conventions. I urge this Convention to adopt the resolution offered by your General President and permit the Brothers to vote on the issue.

Turning To Other Initiatives: This administration has taken the position that whenever and wherever feasible, Board of Directors meetings and other national gatherings shall be held on historically black college and university campuses. In May of this year we held our Board of Directors meeting on the beautiful campus of Dillard University in its new Conference Center. We were warmly welcomed by the President of Dillard University, Dr. Samuel Cook and superbly hosted by him and our own Bro. Dr. Charles Teamer. We shall be meeting at other campuses around the

country in the months ahead.

One of the most important and significant gatherings of African-Americans occurs during the Annual Congressional Black Caucus Week in Washington. This year during the caucus week, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity shall have a significant presence at this event. Our Brothers, Iva Williams and Chris Womack have been hard at work and have secured corporate support to underwrite an Alpha reception on Thursday, September 16, 1993. This underwriting allowed us to secure a convenient location and invite 500 persons to this reception and recognition of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity as a significant organization in Black America. This type of support helps to propel us back onto the national scene where we ought to be. This will also allow us an opportunity to promote our Martin Luther King Memorial Project. This is the level of support which we expect from Brothers who claim significant positions in Corporate America. You ought to be able to deliver something back to those causes which you espouse. I hope and expect that the example of Brothers Williams and Womack will encourage others of us to come to the support of our fraternity in a significant way with resources so that we may advance our cause with credibility at all levels.

Although we are more than able, individually to do so, as Alphas we have not supported our fraternity financially at the levels that we ought. Some of us seem to take delight in summoning up any excuse in order not to take on our fair share of financial responsibility. The policy of this administration shall be to move forward with those Brothers who are committed to giving not only their rhetoric but their resources as well to the work of this fraternity.

I welcome and encourage constructive criticism and wisdom but, I have no time for and there is no place for those who only complain.

I

am proud to announce that the six past General Presidents and I have agreed to endow a General Presidents' Scholarship in our Education Foundation at the level of $25,000. This money shall be raised by the seven of us and paid into the foundation within 12 months. Thereafter we shall make additions to the endowment on an annual basis.

The right to vote in America is the ultimate trademark of a citizen in this country. Our entire history in this nation has been one of striving for full citizenship with all its privi-

National Convention leges. This administration has proposed a constitutional amendment which requires all candidates for admission to membership to offer proof that they are registered voters. This requirement would exempt those who because of conscientious objection or legal ineligibility

We believe in doing what we do well. Our standard is the world's standard, that is the benchmark of excellence. are not able to vote.

We have established "The Alpha Shop" at this Convention. This shop is fully owned and operated by the general organization of this fraternity. A full inventory of gifts and Alpha paraphernalia is available. All profits come back to the General Office, to service the Brotherhood and our programs. You have a discount coupon in your ticket book which may be redeemed at "the Alpha shop." Spread the word, "The Alpha Shop" is open for business.

Shop Alpha first! This is a major effort on our part to create new funding sources for our budget. A catalog is being developed so that you may order paraphernalia and other gifts directly from our headquarters. The materials are of high quality and reasonably priced.

A highlight of this convention is the first Collegiate Scholars Bowl. No effort has been spared to make this an exciting event. I am expecting our Brotherhood to support this event and our young Brothers as they demonstrate their academic strengths and scholarship.

Our support of the Habitat for Humanity project here in New Orleans will bring another tangible benefit to this city by our presence. We will specifically impact the family which shall reside in that home. If you have not already done so sign up to take your turn working on this project.

We have extended ourselves in our own Local Community; we must extend ourselves to our International Community. I have appointed Bro. Ambassador Horace Dawson, a retired career diplomat who is currently Director of International Programs at Howard University, as the Advisor to the General President on International Affairs. With his counsel, we have proposed an International Outreach

18 • The Sphinx T Winter 1993

initiative for our fraternity in the African Nation of Botswana. We are becoming partners with a youth center in Botswana, founded and now operated by the first lady of that country, Mrs. Gladys Masire. Designed to offer training, counseling, shelter, and otherwise ease the transition of rural residents to urban life, the center pioneers as a private sector initiative in attacking one of Africa's most critical problems. Our financial support, and hopefully also technical assistance from individual Brothers and chapters as time goes on, will make a meaningful impact on development in this crucial area. The designated charity for this convention shall be the youth center in Botswana. It is our goal to re-establish the name and workings of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on the mother continent of Africa.

We meet around the theme — Alpha Renaissance: rekindling the spirit of leadership and community service. This theme is deeply rooted in the belief system and legacy of this great fraternity.

As Alphas we believe: • In the dignity of labor and hard work • We believe in doing what we do well.

Our standard is the world's standard, that is the benchmark of excellence.

• We believe in the power of education.

Booker T. Washington said: "ignorance is not a cure for anything. There is no defense or security for any of us except in the highest intelligence and development of all."

• We believe in a life of service: manly deeds is our hallmark.

• We believe in the spirit of cooperation between individuals and groups.

• We believe in preparing the people of our community to better exercise the responsibilities of American citizenship.

T

hat so many of us gather here this week is a tribute to the triumphs and struggles of our fraternity. Whenever we come together for the purpose of sharing how we might move our fraternity and our people forward, I believe that the ancestral spirits join us and bless us and encourage us. When we come together it is a celebration, a time to plan our forward movement because we are the first generation of African descendants to be up off our knees in America. In many ways we can

say that we are the flowers that bloomed.

Black peoples dreams of yesteryear were not for themselves. Their dreams were for their children. We are those children and we must prepare for the generations to follow. We must make the next generation stronger than the last. How do we do that?

We get stronger when we demand a better education for our children, when we search out the teachers who care. We get stronger when we demand safety and security in our neighborhoods. We get stronger when we learn about our heritage, and pass it on to our children. We get stronger wrfen we stand up against racism, discrimination and abuse. We get stronger when we value our bodies and minds, and nurture them accordingly. We get stronger when we dream, stronger still when we pursue our dreams. We get stronger day by day, stronger when we succeed, stronger when we fail — because failure cannot diminish our strength

but can add to it. We get stronger when we are willing to do what is necessary!!

We have a rich and empowering convention program laid out before us. So my Brothers, let this convention experience be a healing time — banishing from our midst those past issues which separate, divide and distract us from our mission. We must anchor our dedication and commitment in our fraternity and not drift about aimlessly without direction.

Let this convention, serve to revive our intellectual focus as problem solvers and profound thinkers and doers.

Truly, let there be a renaissance in Alpha Phi Alpha — A rebirth of our Spirit of Leadership and Community Service.

Let this Renaissance begin and grow in each one of us and may we take this new life with us into the world we serve: For We Are First Of All; Servants of all; We Shall Transcend All! C

Keynoters and honorees during the 1993 National Convention, shown here with General President Milton Davis, include: Virginia Congressman Robert "Bobby" Scott, Former U.S. Senator Edward Brooke, Grammy Award winner Lionel Richie, Alabama Congressman Earl Hilliard, and football legend Eddie Robinson. Brothers Scott and Hilliard were Public Policy Forum speakers and special guests during the Public Program. Brother Brooke, Richie, and Brother Robinson received special honors during the Public Program—Brooke and Robinson, the Alpha Award of Merit, and Richie, the Alpha Award of Honor.

Winter 1993 • The Sphinx A 19

Convention Photo Gallery

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Winter 1993 T The Sphinx • 21

National Convention

The Renaissance

Continues The promise was that there would be a "Renaissance"—a major movement toward "rekindling the spirit of leadership and community service"— the legacy of our Fraternity.

The promise got underway in Birmingham, Ala., in January 1993 with the inauguration of General President Milton C. Davis.

It continued in New Orleans, La., at the 87th General Convention. There were no disappointments. Not only did the "Renaissance" continue in New Orleans, it may have picked up steam. Business was dispensed, amid appropriate debate, efficiently; intellectual stimulation was exceptional; and the fun was varied and plentiful.

Community service? In

aspects of the annual gathering of Alpha Brothers and their families.

The Fraternity made a generous $10,000 investment in an African Youth Center through the designated charity contribution ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR, OMICRON M U LAMBDA, at the MARIETTA, GEORGIA Convention's Ecumenical Service. (See directs Habitat for Humanity related story.) And before the activities in New Orleans, and Convention ended, General the painting, nailing, sawing, President digging and general labor of Davis led Alpha Brothers. Alpha support a continof the Habitat for Humanity The 87th General Convention in New gent of project also included the Brothers purchase of several appliances Orleans was a time to rekindle the spirit in a for the Galmon home. of leadership and community service of Habitat Brother John T Porter for Hugave the Convention goers an Alpha Phi Alpha. There were no manity insightful view of the role of disappointments. constructhe Black Church in the 1990s; tion the Gambian ambassador project. invited African Americans to (See related story.) take advantage of business keeping with the Presidential opportunities in Africa (See promise and Convention The home now enjoyed by related story); and Brother theme, community service got the Dewitt Galmon family in Edward Brooke recommended equal treatment with the New Orleans is due in large establishment of an Alpha Phi business components, intellecpart to the leadership of Alpha World Policy Council tual presentations, and social Brother Ed Marshall, who

22 • The Sphinx T Winter 1993

which he said would "search out long-term solutions to the complex national and international problems we face now and in the 21st century."

The family and spiritual values represent the most "immediate and most pressing challenge" of the nineties, according to Brother Porter, the Ecumenical Service speaker. Dr. Porter pastors Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala. Only through the church and family will there be a return of spiritual values to our society, Rev. Porter maintained. "Black men of faith must stand up and be counted," Porter added.

He cited the need for an appeal for black men to return to the church. "And with him he must bring his wife and his children, his sisters and brothers, and his neighbors and friends," Brother Porter said.

"What the world needs today is a good dose of that old-time religion because it included God." Despite the many investments families have made in their children— educational opportunities, money, clothes and automobiles—Brother Porter said parents may have failed in not arming them with a "spiritual foundation upon which they can build their lives. Unless their lives are built upon a solid spiritual foundation, all else that is done will be done in vain."

Porter called on Alpha men to "lead the march back to the church—back to matters of the

ARC A HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ANS

spirit, back to a time and place where we can acknowledge the power and authority of God over our lives."

Brother Edward Brooke, like Rev. Porter, was concerned

about the future of African American males. The Fraternity was challenged not to give up on young African American males less they "mutilate the powers of intellect" granted them. Brother Brooke, a former U. S. Senator from Massachusetts, was the Convention Public Program speaker.

Despite the challenges they face, the future of African American males is not hopeless, Brooke maintained. "Life can be saved long after it seems to have been lost," he said. "Life is not set and final as we sometimes think it is.

Human nature is not as susceptible to change as we sometimes fear it is."

As Brother Brooke saw it, "the life of our young African Ameican male is the most immediate and real need for ending frightening and intolerable conditions in this country." (Brother Brooke's speech is printed in its entirety in this issue of The Sphinx.)

In addition to his keynote Public Program address, Brooke was joined by Grammy

Winter 1993 • The Sphinx A 23

Award winner Lionel Richie and football coaching legend Brother Eddie G. Robinson as special honorees. Brooke and Robinson received the Alpha Award of Merit, and Richie received the Alpha Award of Honor.

It was the Gambian Ambassador's turn, the honorable Ousman A. Sallah, during

24 • The Sphinx • Winter 1993

the Convention Forum which focused on international affairs.

In his call for "self-reliance," Ambassador Sallah noted: "Only self-reliance can ensure that there will never again be mass exploitation and domination of Africans. And only self-reliance can give African Americans the fertile soil in which their businesses can grow and flourish with almost unlimited markets."

"There is every reason for African Americans to return home to Africa to do business," Ambassador Sallah insisted.

The Convention's focus on international affairs was accented during an evening flavored with special food, dance and dress.

College brothers were intricately involved, as they usually are, in Convention activities. Only this year their participation was expanded— in keeping with the "Renaissance."

A Step-Show? For sure. A Convention wouldn't be a Convention without it. But the college Brothers also competed this year in the first

ever Alpha College Bowl. The lengthy evening of intellectual competition matched the academic skills of two eight member teams from each region's college chapters.

Five college Brothers drew applause for their presentations on "Renewing the Entrepreneurial Spirit" during the Belford B. Lawson Oratorical Contest. Represented in the competition were: Brother William Roberts of Psi Chapter, University of Pennsylvania; Brother Nigel Long, Mu Zeta Chapter, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Brother John Jackson, Beta Tau Chapter, Xavier University, New Orleans; Brother Danny Lawson, Epsilon Alpha Chapter, University of Toledo; and Brother Christopher Donald, Nu Sigma Chapter, Stanford University.

All were winners, but first place honors went to the Nu Sigma entry, Brother Christopher Donald.

In another Presidential initiative which was specially designed to involve college Brothers, the Convention agenda included a mentoring

session which matched alumni Brothers with the career interests of college Brothers.

Attorneys, medical doctors, educators, social and civic service persons, engineers/ architects, ministers, among others, offered advice on preparing for the challenges of their respective careers, and heard college Brothers outline their special concerns and needs as they contemplated different career fields.

And we cannot forget the Ball. Like the Step-Show, a Convention is not a Convention without a Ball. It was a fun-filled Ball. It was an elegant Ball.

The Ball, the Step-Show, the College Bowl, the Oratorical Contest, the Public Program, the International Forum and Gala, the Ecumenical Service, the business and mentoring sessions, the family activities—the Renaissance continued in New Orleans.

Winter 1993 • The Sphinx • 25

National Convention

A Dream

Fulfilled Public housing projects often carry with them an image that is not always so pleasant. St. Bernard Projects in New Orleans, La., is typical.

It has never been known as the safest environment in New Orleans. Instead, maybe it has been characterized as among the toughest.

Saprina Galman was "born and raised" in the St. Bernard Projects and never had any problems. "But it was always my dream to get out," she recalls.

"I had to deprive my children of a lot of playing time," she remembers about insuring the safety of her two children while growing up in St. Bernard. "Overall, a lot of people come out of the projects and do great things," but there are still the "undesirable things" she didn't want her children exposed to.

"I didn't hide it from them.

I let them know what was going on. They knew what was happening," Saprina said of the protection she provided.

Her husband, DeWitt, agreed.

"We didn't let them out of our sight," he recalls.

Saprina and her family realized their dream in late

26 • The Sphinx T Winter 1993

November 1993. They moved out of St. Bernard and into their own home constructed through the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity program. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was one of several participants in making the dream possible for the Galmans.

"It was really beautiful. I was able to have my first real Christmas tree (decorated) the way I wanted it," she says about her first Christmas in the new home.

She called it "real warm and cozy."

"It just felt great," DeWitt said after celebrating Christmas at his new address. 'Tou (Alphas) shared everything. It's a great feeling."

A first-year student in the LSU Medical School's nursing program, Ms. Galman says she is determined to follow the example set by her mother. "I have always wanted to be a nurse because my mother was a nurse. I always wanted to give of myself as she gave to people."

"It is sort of rough, but I'm making it. The demands are much higher" at LSU, she says.

Saprina's participation in the construction of her own home was the third Habitat for Humanity project in which she was involved. Indeed, it was through her earlier participation with Habitat for Humanity that she was inspired to apply for her family.

"They were really great.

Very eager and willing to work," she said of the role Alpha men played in the construction of the Galmon home. "It made me feel good because they seemed to have enjoyed doing what they were doing. I really want to thank them."

Ms. Galman's husband believes that Alpha's involvement put the project "a month ahead of schedule." Everything, over the two days Alpha men shared their time at the construction site, "just came together. It is a feeling that we won't forget," Galman says.

He said eight or nine people were involved in the construction before Alpha men, by far the largest group effort, joined the project during the National Convention.

Galman and his wife say their two children share the excitement of the new home.

Their ten-year-old daughter will move to a school closer to the new home next school year, and the son will graduate from high school this spring.

National Convention

Service to the

Community "One of the most tangible ways to uplift individuals is to provide them with a safe, secure, and decent dwelling which is the homestead of the family."

General President Milton C. Davis was reacting to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's participation in the construction of a home for the DeWitt Galman Jr. family during the General Convention in New Orleans.

For the Galmans, the new home was like a dream. But for the Fraternity members who took part in the Habitat for Humanity project, it was helping someone's dream come true.

Under the leadership of Brother Edward Marshall, president of the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity, Alpha men invested more t h a n two days of labor— about 30 hours—to construction of the Pauger Street house in New Orleans—digging, sawing, nailing, and painting.

Davis called the Fraternity's participation in the project "overwhelming." But at the same time, the level of participation was not unexpected.

The General President explained: "Alpha Phi Alpha's interest and participation in the effort to provide housing is not new. It goes back several decades. The Fraternity has a Housing Foundation which has over the decades provided resources to stimulate the construction of housing for

persons in every economic strata."

Alpha Phi Alpha housing projects are most notably located in Akron and Cleveland, Ohio, St. Louis, Mo., and Chicago, 111.

Galman called support for his new family home and the Habitat for Humanity project a "blessing."

"People have come out from all over the world to put a nail in this house. You couldn't ask for anything else," he told a Times-Picayune reporter.

Since 1985, 14 New Orleans area families have had homes constructed through the Habitat for Humanity program. Homes are sold to families for exactly what it cost to build them, and the new home owners paid a note t h a t is just about the same as rent.

President Davis characterized the Fraternity's contribution as an opportunity for "direct input (into a community) with some results. It is "fulfilling," Brother Davis added, to leave something tangible in a community other t h a n memories.

The future? Brother Davis said: "Alpha is committed to continuing its initiatives in the area of housing, both in terms of developing buildings and dwellings as well as providing manpower in such efforts as Habitat for Humanity.

"I am encouraging all chapters to participate in Habitat for Humanity projects wherever possible." He called Habitat for Humanity a special opportunity for college Brothers to "give substantial service to the community." •

Winter 1993 • The Sphinx A 27

National Convention

Gambian Ambassador Envisions Alliance with

Black Businesses is better; seeking capital from the World Bank or the I.M.F. is fine, but pooling our existing resources and investing in ourselves is better," the ambassador told the Convention.

"Seeking aid and comfort is fine, but manufacturing what the world wants to buy and using the proceeds to provide aid and comfort for our own is better."

Africans and African Americans have mutual interests in one "There is every reason for African another, the speaker reaAmericans to return home to Africa soned. Africans to do business." would gain selfreliance through the "entrepreneurial, managerial land rich in natural resources. and technical resources" of The continent? Africa. And Gambian Ambassador Ousman African Americans, he said, a A. Sallah believes it is time for self-reliance that will give African Americans "the fertile Africans and African Amerisoil in which their businesses cans to form a business allican grow and flourish with ance. almost unlimited markets."

"There is every reason for For African Americans, African Americans to return home to Africa to do business," "Africa represents an open door," Ambassador Sallah said.

Ambassador Sallah said He called on African Ameriduring the Alpha Phi Alpha cans to stop knocking, kicking, General Convention in New banging, and pleading "at the Orleans. Ambassador Sallah doors of power in America." was the keynote speaker for Instead, he said: "Now is the the Convention session which time to leave the door that has focused on international been closed for so long and affairs.

"We should now say philan- waltz through the door that has been opened by African thropy is fine but self-reliance It has 97 percent of the world's chrome and 85 percent of the world's platinum reserves. Some 70 percent of all cocoa is reported to be produced there as is more than 60 percent of manganese, 25 percent of the world's uranium, and more than 10 percent of all copper, bauxite, nickel and lead.

And two of every ten barrels of oil comes from this

28 • The Sphinx T Winter 1993

nations who say 'come home, this is where you belong."

African American businesses flourished during periods of racial segregation in America, Ambassador Sallah noted, but he said these same businesses faced difficult times when they were confronted with competition from "larger, better financed businesses in other communities.

"The sad fact is that African Americans have cut off their own life's blood by taking your disposable income out of your own communities," Ambassador Sallah observed.

But Sallah saw hope for economic revival in an alliance with African nations.

He predicted that African American businesses would thrive again as they identified new markets in Africa. Not only do African nations need all African American businesses have to sell, "more importantly, we want to do business with you," the ambassador noted.

Ambassador Sallah accused American politicians of stunting development of an alliance between African and African American businesses because, he said, American politicians thought they were "safeguarding national security while holding African markets open to larger, mainstream businesses." But he

National Convention said both economies and politicians have changed, and "people are looking outside the false boundaries of nationalism in search of new vistas and new opportunities."

Preparing to do business in Africa would place considerable demands on African American businesses, the ambassador allowed. He said African American businesses should be prepared to invest in educating and training the African workforce, and investing in their health care.

"Our human resources are among our most valuable, and are like diamonds simply waiting to be polished," Ambassador Sallah said. "African nations benefit by having increased employment and income as a way of achieving better standards of living."

He said the increasing population predicted in Africa over the next 20 years would create "extraordinary opportunities for new markets and investments," but admitted that predicted population growth would also place "a tremendous strain on health care availability for the masses."

African American companies seeking to do business in Africa must "participate in programs that will help ensure a healthy population," the Gambia Ambassador said.

"The humanitarian effort to save lives should rightly go hand-in-hand with any efforts to locate and do business in Africa."

Sallah concluded: "We swing the door of opportunity wide open for our sons and daughters in America to return at a time when the rest of the world's people are tending to their own national interests." •

Alpha invests $10,000 in Botswana Youth Center The gracious First Lady of Botswana, Lady Gladys Masire, and His Excellency, President Sir Quett Masire, accepted a $10,000 check from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity this fall to support a program that is focusing on a range of special needs of African youth.

General President Milton C. Davis was joined at the presentation in Richmond, Va., by retired U. S. Ambassador Horace Dawson, the general president's advisor on international affairs.

In making the $10,000 gift to President and Lady Masire, President Davis acknowledged Botswana as a "country which is democratically governed, a country antagonistic to corruption, and one blessed with a leadership which is concerned for the welfare of all its people."

The $10,000 gift to the Botswana Youth Center founded by Lady Masire was raised as the "designated charity" during the Ecumeni-

cal Service at the 87th General Convention in New Orleans.

Davis recognized Lady Masire's "farsightedness and charitable enterprises" which he said were "making a significant contribution to the welfare of Botswana."

The Youth Center in which Alpha Phi Alpha has invested caters to young people from rural areas who are making an adjustment to urban life. The young participants receive classes in cooking, sewing, candle making, and packaging with other skills courses planned. The youth center also provides special counseling for un-wed mothers and their children.

President Davis said he would encourage the Fraternity to make additional investments in the Botswana Youth Center and that technical assistance from Alpha Brothers is also a possibility. •

Winter 1993 • The Sphinx A 29

National Convention

A Life of Service 7 don't think our work will ever 7 be done His Alpha Brothers—and many others, too—call him a "work-a-holic." Ronnie Jenkins does not deny this characterization, but he maintains that it has a special meaning.

"It means to me that I am getting the work done. There are a lot of things that need to be done, and I am trying to get them done or find resources to get them done," Brother Jenkins explains about his nonstop schedule.

He has a special interest in

30 A The Sphinx T Winter 1993

young African American males.

Really, African American youth—male and female. "We have to identify positive adult role models wherever they are and get them into the homes and communities" so they can help young men "answer questions about themselves, about their bodies, and about each other," Jenkins says.

The Morehouse College graduate studied biology and chemistry because he wanted to be a medical doctor. The money wasn't right, he admits, but he was not at all deterred from the causes that undergirded his interest in medicine.

He wanted to help people—he wanted to be of service where there was the need.

Not knowing where he could get the financial aid he would need to support him through medical school, Jenkins turned to public health, and subsequently a master's degree from Georgia State University. He is now sure it was a good choice— perhaps better than

medicine.

"Physicians are not taking care of the needs of their communities," Brother Jenkins maintains. Some physicians, for instance, will not treat certain classes of patients, and most physicians only see patients who come into their offices.

But as public health professionals, "we go out there and find them (those who need assistance) and bring them in and educate them," Jenkins observes.

Jenkins is a 25-year veteran of public health services.

He is currently a Health Program Consultant with the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health. He directs Georgia's efforts in teenage pregnancy prevention with a range of other responsibilities which include: designing adolescent pregnancy prevention and at risk prevention programs; training staff and members of community organizations on how to prevent at risk behavior of adolescents, role of mentoring, male involvement programs like Project Alpha, family life and sex education and patient flow analysis.

He is a man without free

National Convention time insisting, instead, that there is simply "too much that needs to be done." Consider this schedule which he not uncommonly follows: First, he played a major role in organizing and the initial launching of a Male Partnership Project between selected Alpha chapters in the Southern Region, Head Start directors, and the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Under terms of the agreement, 35 college and alumni Alpha chapters will administer mentoring programs designed to increase the participation of fathers, and other males, in Head Start and in the lives of their children and families. The $240,000 federally-funded program is unprecedented.

Having put the Male Partnership Project in place in Atlanta, Jenkins drove off to Memphis to conduct an Alpha National Program Workshop for Brothers in Tennessee. He was back in Albany, Ga., by Sunday to talk with 2,500 students, from three different counties, whose behavior had earned them "in school suspensions," and with teen mothers and those who fathered their children. He focused on selfesteem and the need to stay in school during presentations at assembly programs.

Before the evening was over in Albany, Jenkins had organized parenting, peer counseling and mentoring programs.

A Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Jenkins was initiated into the Fraternity in 1989. His record of service is enviable. He chairs the National Program, Go to High School-Go To College and Alpha South Male Involvement Programs including Project

Alpha; member of the Alpha South Board of Directors; director of Alpha South Leadership Institute; chairs the Georgia District-Male Involvement Programs; member of the Board of Directors of Georgia District; president of Eta Lambda chapter for two consecutive terms; co-chaired Project Alpha for 1992 and 1993; and among so many other roles, co-chaired Leadership Institute-1992.

Jenkins does more than talk with the young people he mentors. He challenges them.

He confronts them with specific agendas to follow.

After counseling one student in Terrell County who was failing miserably, Brother Jenkins offered her a contract.

She would receive $100 if she maintained a "C" average, caused no behavioral problems that had to be brought to the attention of school officials, and she had to share household chores. She was also required to read a book a week.

Another student at Randolph/Clay High School will receive $35 for every "A" earned, $20 for "Bs," and the student will pay Jenkins for "Cs," "Ds," and "Fs."

J

enkins grew up in DeLand, Fla., where he says he had "strong male role models"—his father, grandfather, coach, biology teacher, math teacher, uncles.

"I always knew what was expected of me, as he saw them (his role models) doing what was expected of them," Jenkins says. And what was expected of him and his role models?" "Doing positive things in the community?"

Brother Jenkins positive involvement in his community

is extensive and impressive.

An active member of Ben Hill United Methodist Church, Jenkins has chaired the Freshstart, Smoking Cessation Program; he is chairman of the Board, Mid-Atlanta Unit, American Cancer Society; chairperson of Pathways to Freedom, an African American Smoking Cessation Program; and is active with the American Red Cross, Black Leadership Initiative on CancerMorehouse School of Medicine; Black Congressional Health Brain Trust; the Fulton County Board of Education Health Advisory Committee; and a SAFE Place-Council of Elders.

He is an active member of the Morehouse National and Atlanta Alumni Association.

And with a special focus on young African American males, Jenkins chairs Phase II of Project Success for the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, trained the members of this same organization in mentoring, and has been out front in helping to seek funding for students from Archer High School who are now enrolled in the college or university of their choice.

Optimistic. Confident.

Committed. Deeply involved.

Determined. Jenkins is all of these. Alpha men, he maintains, must not only be role models for African American youth, they must also "be leaders in coordinating the involvement of other agencies and organizations" in programs that support African American male and female youth.

"I don't think our job will ever be done," he insists. "The need is just that great."

Money, Jenkins maintains, is not the solution to problems (To Page 57)

Winter 1993 • The Sphinx A 31

The Public Program Address Delivered by Brother Edward W. Brooke 87th Anniversary Convention New Orleans, Louisiana "It must be borne in mind that the tragedy in life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn't a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but, it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disaster to be unable to capture your ideal, but, it is a disaster to have no ideal to capture. It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but, it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but, low aim is sin."

I

trust you will forgive me, for these are not the words of an Alpha man. These are the words of Benjamin Elijah Mays, for twenty-seven years the President of Atlanta's prestigious Morehouse College. A man, whose magnificent life impacted the lives of many Alpha men, and many others, over the span of almost a century. You may want to reflect upon Dr. May's words, as you ponder the issues you will address at this great convention.

I was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha in the spring of 1937 and "looked down that lonesome road" in Beta Chapter at Howard University. It seemed for me, the greatest achievement of my life. For, I had literally lived in awe of Alpha men, I was privileged to know personally, and, for whom, I had the greatest admiration and respect. Included, were the only four living Jewels, Jewel Brothers Nathaniel Murray, Vertner Tandy, George Kelley, and Henry Callis. And, there was Charles H. Wesley, not a founding Jewel, but, a Jewel of an Alpha Man in the highest sense of the word, who, arguably, has contributed more than any other to the rise and development of Alpha Phi Alpha. Then, there was Belford V. Lawson, our dynamic 16th General President, who, gratefully, was my mentor; Rayford Logan, Raymond Cannon,

32 A The Sphinx • Winter 1993

W.E.B. DuBois, Paul Robeson, Thurgood Marshall, Sidney Jones, Ted Berry and many others. In more recent generations, there were Martin Luther King, John Hope Franklin, Aubrey Robinson, George and Robert Scurlock, Dick Gregory, Wilbur Jackson, Ernest Morial, Bill Coleman, who should have joined Thurgood Marshall on the Supreme Court years ago, Andrew Young, LaSalle Lefall, Chuck Stone, John Johnson, Charlie Rangel, Eddie Robinson, Whitney Young, A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr., Bob Carter, Ron Dellums and many others.

Now, I ask you, how could one help but be inspired by such an array of illustrious Alpha Brothers? When, later, I entered politics, on being asked, how I was able to make it in the rough and tumble politics of the State of Massachusetts, my response was, "If you can survive the politics of Alpha Phi Alpha, you can survive the politics of any state on earth."

F

or the record, in my early years, I knew precious little, if anything, about American politics. I had been educated in the segregated public school system of Washington, D.C., a city governed by a Commissioner, appointed by the President, and whose citizens were "a voteless and hopeless people." I attended Howard University to prepare for medical school, for, I believed, at the time, the best of our young ladies were marrying young doctors or preachers. I may not have been sure if I had qualifications for the former, but I certainly was sure I did not have qualifications for the latter. After graduation, and on Pearl Harbor Day, I was ordered to duty with the valiant 366th Infantry, a black Regiment stationed at Fort Devens, Massachusetts,

which, incidentally, was my first time in the State. After serving a good deal of my active service in North Africa, and, in the front lines in Italy, where a large number of my regiment lost their lives, I was discharged in March of 1946.

Too old to begin medical school, I studied law and later ran for State Representative twice and Secretary of State once and was defeated in all three races. Subsequently, I was elected Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, served for two terms, elected to the United States Senate, served for two terms, and was defeated. In one of my campaigns, a Boston political writer wrote that "Brooke is a carpetbagger from the South, a Republican in a Democratic state, a black in a white state, a Protestant in a Catholic state, and he is poor." And I pleaded guilty to all indictments.

In July 1967, America's greatest civil rights President, Lyndon Baines Johnson, asked me to serve on the Kerner Commission, which was appointed to study the roots of racial violence in the wake of the worst epidemic of racial violence in American history. Our Commission was asked to find answers to three central questions: what happened, why did it happen and what can be done to prevent it from happening again? After countless hearings, meetings and drafting sessions, we submitted our report with strong recommendations. We concluded that America was moving toward "two societies, one black and one white, separate and unequal". And, as painful as that admission was twenty-five years ago, with

little, or no implementation of our recommendations, it is even more painful today.

In parts of this country, segregation in education, housing and jobs is worse than in 1967. Black unemployment is still "at all points in time, good or bad", running at about twice the rate of white unemployment. And, the rate of joblessness, among black teenagers, is nearly 40 percent, an absolutely unconscionable figure in a nation which proclaims itself to be a land of opportunity for all of its citizens. America can no longer sanction a morality, which, permanently condemns any group of people to the awful sub-existence of being unable to find decent work at decent wages.

B

rother Martin Luther King said "We aren't where we want to be and we aren't where we should be, but thank God, we aren't where we used to be". And, I understand, and concur with those words. For in the 1950's, 60's and 70's we sought equality under the law. The pressure tactics and powerful convictions of black and white allies who marched in Washington, Selma and in countless cities across the country, led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Economic Opportunity Act of 1965, the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and the Full Employment Act of 1978.

I think that fair-minded thinkers will agree, that the agenda, which called for the enactment of legislation to achieve the goal of equality under the law, has, in large measure, been achieved. But, even though we have, by legislation, the legal protection of the law, that legal protection is consistently under attack, requiring constant surveillance and defense.

Representatives of the Radical Right have seized any opportunity to weaken our laws and eliminate remedies that have long been available to victims of unlawful discrimination. No area of civil rights law has been immune from their unrelenting attack. Somewhat, and somehow, the rhetoric has changed. Yesterday, we heard "separate but equal", "freedom of choice", and "states rights". Today, we hear "reverse discrimination", "quotas" and a "color blind society".

The code words and the tactics change, but, the effects remain the same. The blatant segregation and discrimination of yesterday have given way to a more subtle, sophisticated and pernicious segregation and discrimination To Page 54

Alpha ON THE MOVE

Keep your eyes on...

Norman B. Rice His roots are in Denver, Colorado, where he was born in 1943.

He replanted most of those roots in Seattle, Washington, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Washington.

After 11 years on the city council, N o r m a n B. Rice w a s t h e people's choice for Mayor of Seattle in 1989. He was elected to a second four-year term in November 1993. Rice is the first African American Mayor in the history of Seattle.

His first election in 1989 was with broad support and a comfortable 57 percent of the vote. The second time around, the margin was a much wider 67 precent.

N o r m a n B. Rice is a n Alpha o n t h e Move.

He has won high marks for his leadership in "quality integrated education," promoting diversity in city government and in the larger Seattle community, investing in Seattle's economic and h u m a n infrastructure, strengthening the City's financial position, improving public safety, maintaining vitally needed h u m a n services, giving special attention to the homeless, and preserving the unique environment of Seattle and the Puget Sound region.

The "Seattle Education Summit" Mayor Rice convened involved more t h a n 2,000 citizens who outlined strategic plans for Seattle's troubled schools. Three years later, the results were in— and they were impressive. Public school enrollment was up significantly, reversing a 30-year trend; student achievement is up; and t h e gap between minority and white students is decreasing.

Rice a l s o s e r v e d on t h e

34 A The Sphinx T Winter 1993

Governor's Council on Education Reform.

Under Brother Rice's leadership: the number of people of color has increased in every category of the city workforce; a new international trade promotion partnership has been created between the City, t h e P o r t of S e a t t l e , t h e Chamber of Commerce, and local labor unions; the City's gang prevention teams were expanded and "Drug Free Zones" established; major investments were made in cultural diversity training for police officers, and numerous forums held to bring young people and police officers t o g e t h e r ; m a i n tained a balanced budget while c o n t i n u i n g to p r o v i d e v i t a l l y needed city services, expanding some of them; and his "Environmental Action Agenda" could well be among the first of its kind anywhere in the nation.

N o r m a n B. R i c e is a n Alpha o n t h e Move i n Seattle, i n t h e s t a t e of W a s h i n g t o n , a n d across the United States.

A national spokesman on the challenges and opportunities facing America's schools, Rice h a s chaired the U. S. Conference of M a y o r s C o m m i t t e e on Youth, Families and Education, and cochaired the National League of Cities Task Force on Children and Education. He is also a member of the Strengthening of America C o m m i s s i o n c h a i r e d by U. S. Senators Sam Nunn and Pete Domenici.

He serves on the Advisory Committee to the U. S. Senate Task Force on Urban and Community Revitalization; a trustee of the U. S. Conference of M a y o r s ; a n d serves on the Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee to the

United States Trade Representative.

Brother Rice set the stage for his election as Mayor of Seattle through 11 years of constructive leadership on the City Council— two years as the Council's President and the chairperson of major committees, finance, public safety and energy among them.

S e a t t l e a l s o got to k n o w Norman B. Rice as a reporter and writer/editor for radio and television in Seattle; as assistant director of the Seattle Urban League; Director of Government Services for the Puget Sound Council of Governments; and as manager of Corporate Contributions and Social Policy for Rainier National Bank.

With the Mount Baker Comm u n i t y Club, P l a n n e d P a r e n t hood of King County, the Masons, the NAACP, Garfield High School PTA, t h e U r b a n L e a g u e , t h e Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, and the Municipal League, N o r m a n B. R i c e is a n Alpha o n t h e Move.

And moving right along with him, in addition to the citizens of Seattle, are his wife Dr. Constance Rice, vice chancellor of the Seattle Community Colleges, and their son, Mian, a graduate of Eastern Washington University. •

Black Caucus Weekend

Alpha, Black Caucus Agendas Link It took all of the Fraternity Brothers, luminaries, and friends to make the evening the festive occasion it was. But it was the initiative and leadership of Brothers Chris Womack and Iva Williams, both of the Southern Power Company, that made the celebration possible. The gathering took place at Washington, D.C.'s International Club, an acknowledgment by the Southern Companies of the Alpha Renaissance and Alpha's program linkage with the Congressional Black Caucus. Congressmen Earl Hilliard and Robert Scott, NAACP's William Gibson, Pan Hellenic Council's Daisy Woods, and former General Presidents Ozell Sutton and James Williams were among the many notables present.

More than 500 Brothers and their guests from around the country attended the event.

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I Winter 1993 T The Sphinx • 35

Eta Lambda Is

Tough to Follow Pictured, The Alpha Community Center, a dream, a vision which started years ago with the founding of the seventh graduate chapter in Alphadom, Eta Lambda, on May 20, 1920, in Atlanta, GA. Inspired by a rapidly growing brotherhood with an already deeply rooted legacy, the men of Eta Lambda purchased their first "House of Alpha" May 10, 1961. From its location at 2007 Gordon Road, S.W. (now Martin Luther King Jr. Drive), all of the chapter's programs were implemented. And "men entered, shook hands, and departed friends." Good times were had by all.

The Alpha Community Center, located at 1286 East Washington Avenue, East Point, GA, has over 52,000 square feet of lease space and a 15,000 square foot gymnasium. With nine acres of land at its disposal, the Center is the pride of Eta Lambda and a testimonial to the determination the chapter has in its commitment to impact posi-

36 A The Sphinx • Winter 1993

tively on the black community.

The Community Center, formerly Quillan Elementary School, was purchased with monies acquired from the sale of the first Alpha House and through a unique creative agreement with the County and School Board officials.

This agreement reduced the financial responsibilities of the chapter considerably as it included a five-year contract to mentor students in the county's school system. Already in its third year of operation, the Center, with its many facilities, is a more than adequate venue for the chapter to carry out its goals and the programs subscribed to by the Fraternity.

Purposely located in a deprived area of East Point, GA, and through recognition that African American neighborhoods are facing the loss of one of our most important assets, "our male children," the Center serves as the coordinating site for all programs and activities. From our "Go to

High School-Go to College" and "Leadership Development/ Citizenship Education Institute Programs" to "Project Alpha", programs such as these are carried out helping to train, motivate, stimulate, and develop strong characters and future leaders.

This year, Eta Lambda established its own Scout Troop No. 1007 directed by Brother Albert E. Smith, Jr. Using scouting as a resource for youth development, fully operated and supported by the chapter, Brothers of Eta Lambda serve as Scout leaders and constantly expose the young Scouts to the solid role models of Alpha men as they are seen entering and exiting the facility. The young men are selected from the surrounding neighborhoods.

In addition to the space used at the Center to conduct community and fraternal programs, the chapter has been successful in securing several paying tenants who help defray some of the over-

head paid in the maintenance of the facility. The Atlanta Project, directed by President Jimmy Carter, is one such tenant. The Project serves as a catalyst for development in disadvantaged communities by providing job opportunities and self-help programs. Another tenant, The Ballethnic Dance Company, a company equivalent to the Dance Theatre of Harlem or the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe, draws from the surrounding community for dance instruction and the composition of its members. The dance company rehearses and often holds recitals in the auditorium.

Other tenants who see the Center as an opportune place from which to run their business or organization are the Sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha who regularly hold their meeting here, a nursery catering to the needs of local residents, and the Davis Outreach Ministry, a church run drug rehabilitation program. Many Alpha college chapters have held gatherings

and often use the facility to host their meetings. The Center has been the venue for several alumnae fundraising functions such as that held for Morris Brown College.

In an effort to be the focal point in the community and to win public trust and respect, the chapter, each year, has given dinners and food staples to needy families of the neighborhood. And with the help of our physician Brothers in the chapter, health fairs have been held where mamography, blood workups, and blood pressure checks were given. Another program, the NUCUP Foundation, uses the facility to grow a vegetable garden. Attended by some 150 children, the garden teaches the ability to work along side others and a sense of belonging. The East Point Community in conjunction with the East Point police department holds its T-Ball leagues on site and several private schools have held graduation exercises here.

With all of the focus on programs and community

involvement, the chapter does find time to host several fun opportunities for the members to have a good time. On special sporting event nights, many members gather to watch the Braves beat up on someone or to watch championship boxing on the chapter's 50-inch television set soon to be located in a newly renovated room called the "Frat Room."

Other scenes such as the "Summer Blowout" find Brothers and their significant others enjoying games, music, horseback riding, and good fellowship.

Future plans call for complete renovation of the building addressing the specific needs of the chapter.

Plans include a chapter basketball team and a boxing gym which might produce a possible Evander Holyfield.

The chapter is proud to have had many National Alpha Brother of the Year winners, such as Verdree Lockhart, Walter Sullivan, Herman "Skip" Mason, John Carter, and Ron Jenkins; to have one of the oldest Senior Alpha Brothers in Alphadom still actively participating at 93 years old, Brother Rev. H. J. C. Bowden, Jr.; and to have been chosen Chapter of the Year on many occasions at the National Convention. With the rich background of these contributing Brothers and the great leadership of the current president, Ron Jenkins, the chapter is proud to say the sky is the limit to its potential growth through the use of its great facility. •

Winter 1993 • The Sphinx A 37

Alpha Phi Alpha and American History

The Fraternal Address Delivered by Brother Thomas D. Pawley III 87th Anniversary Convention New Orleans, Louisiana

I

'm going to follow the lead of Jim Williams in my salutation and just say Brothers in Alpha. When last I stood at this podium to deliver the Fraternal Address in 1977 my subject was the ritual. Today it is our history.

Our Fraternity has always had an interest in history-its own as the first African American Greek Letter Fraternity and that of the African American people. We are in fact a part of that history, founded during the same period as The Niagara Movement, the NAACP and the National Urban League and embracing in our brotherhood many of the historic figures of the 20th century.

Mr. C.C. Poindexter, President of the Social Study Club, which preceded the Fraternity, and to whom we owe a great deal, apparently resigned from the Alpha Phi Alpha Society because he felt Negro Americans had no cultural background (that is to say history) upon which to build a college fraternity. Even the adherents of the fraternity idea admitted they lacked a knowledge of the history and background of African American life which they avidly sought in order to give the Fraternity some racial significance.

This concern for history was expressed formally as early as the 7th General Convention in Chicago in 1914 which mandated that each chapter appoint a historian, a regulation which was passed again in 1925. The duty of this officer was not only to record the facts of local chapter history but also to prepare and delineate discussions of Negro history among brothers and the local black community. In 1916 when Brother Charles Garvin was appointed historian he began to gather material for a history of the fraternity.

His efforts did not result in a publication, how-

38 A The Sphinx T Winter 1993

ever, so that in 1919 the General Convention directed General President McGee to appoint a committee of three persons "to compile a detailed history of the fraternity containing the names and pictures of the Founders and of the General Officers during the years succeeding the First General Convention together with important incidents and a recounting of noteworthy achievements of the organization and its members." It affirmed its concern for history at the 13th General Convention in Kansas City when The Sphinx magazine was reorganized and required to have "an informed department of Negro History." As a result a distinguished historian, Brother Leo Hansberry, a graduate of Harvard University, and an authority on the history of ancient Africa, was requested to take charge of this department. Thereafter, articles on African history appeared in The Sphinx. Commenting later on this development Brother Wesley wrote, "In view of the wording of the Ritual and the tradition of the fraternity this was one of the most important steps which the fraternity had taken." At this same convention the Commission on Graduate Work and Public Affairs was directed to compile a history of the fraternity for publication in Baird's Manual of Fraternities.

S

till there was no published history of the fraternity. Both Jewels Callis and Kelly reminded the brothers of this at the 19th Annual Convention in Richmond, Virginia, stressing the need for a permanent record of the organization as they spoke of the early days of the fraternity. Founder Murray emphasized this concern also at the same convention

when he read a brief history of the organization to the Convention.

That the history would be written and published was inevitable. In 1928 at the 20th Convention in Philadelphia, Brother Charles Wesley, Chairman of the Historical Commission, reported that the writing of the history was underway and that progress was being made toward completing it. (He had actually been working on it since 1927, when Brother Cannon requested him to do so.) True to his word the following year at the 21st General Convention in Atlanta during the course of his report as historian a copy of the first volume published by the Howard University Press was passed our for the inspection of the delegates. It covered the years 1905-1928 and contained 294 pages with 59 illustrations. Of the 1500 copies printed 100 were leather bound. In making his report Brother Wesley stated, "For the first time in this history of the western world there has appeared a study of a selected group of Negro men and also the first comprehensive history of the oldest Negro college fraternity." The publication of our history itself made history.

Between 1929 and 1991, The History of Alpha Phi Alpha, A Development in College Life, has apparently been published fifteen times in twelve editions. I say apparently, because there is no listing of the dates of the fourth edition or the thirteenth printing in the frontal matter of the volume. The Foundation Publishers, which we created to publish our history has also published other historical studies by such scholars as Brothers Hugh Gloster, John Hope Franklin, Rayford W Logan and Dr. W Sherman Savage who was not an Alpha.

Our concern for our history has been manifested at General Conventions in another way.

One of the features during the lifetime of the Jewels was the Founders Address by one of the "original seven" in which the early days of the Fraternity were recalled. Following the Golden Anniversary Convention the Foundation Publishers, issued a 50th Anniversary Edition of the history and a 90 page brochure also authorized by Brother Wesley entitled, "The Golden Anniversary Story, 1906-1956." At the General Convention in Boston in 1963 the Committee on Resolutions asked that the Historian be authorized to form a commission of eminent historians to write the "History of the American Negro Revolution."

And that's not all.

Our passion for history has caused us to make periodic pilgrimages during General Conventions beginning with the Baltimore

Convention in 1921 when the Brothers journeyed to Anacosta in the District of Columbia to pay tribute to Frederick Douglas and to conduct services at his home. The following year in St. Louis, the delegates took time off to cross the river into Illinois to visit the Elijah Lovejoy monument to pay tribute to the anti-slavery abolitionist who died in the cause of freedom for blacks. In 1956, over 1000 brothers and guests traveled from Buffalo to Ithaca on a 165 car train to celebrate our Golden Anniversary and to honor the Founders and "Mother" Singleton. On August 20, 1963,the brothers left Convention 'Alpha Phi Alpha would Hall in Boston have the blacks of en masse led by the General America look with pride Officers and upon African civilization.' preceded to the Crispus Attucks Monument to pay tribute to the black man who was killed in the Boston Massacre and then to the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial to honor the slain leader of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment in the Civil War. Here they heard Brother Wesley review the steps which had been taken toward freedom in 1776, 1861, 1863, and 1963. Back in St. Louis at the General Convention in 1966 we marched through the streets of the city to the Courthouse where the infamous Dred Scott decision was rendered and heard a message by the Solicitor General of the United States, Brother Thurgood Marshall. And perhaps the penultimate example of a Convention Pilgrimage took place when more than 300 of us crossed the Atlantic for the second phase of the 1976 General Convention in Monrovia, Liberia, returning to the land of our forefathers. And there have been other pilgrimages in recent times such as the one in Atlanta to the tomb of Brother King.

W

hy has there always been an interest in history among our brotherhood? I turn again to Brother Wesley for an answer, "Alpha Phi Alpha," he states, "would have the blacks of America look with pride upon African civilization with its kingdoms, its governments, its laws, its social institutions and its evidences of indigenous progress, unaffected by outside influences." And I must add we also look with pride upon our own history as Americans for we know that those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it. And what

Winter 1993 T The Sphinx • 39

they often repeat is their mistakes.

Not only have we celebrated the Fraternity history but we have been makers of history individually and collectively. We all know and the world knows the achievements of individual Alpha men who have made history. Today I want to remind you of what we have done as an organization to affect the history of the United States of America.

Alpha Phi Alpha entered the history of this country in 1906 when our Jewels dared to found a Greek letter fraternity for black men without any knowledge of how to do it. That was an historic event in American higher education. The idea was unheard of since collegiate education for blacks was still in its infancy and a fraternity was foreign to their experience. Fraternities engendered images of elitism and snobbery which were little known in the culture of the sons and daughters of former slaves. It is not surprising, therefore, t h a t the Founders faced opposition both in the Social Study Club and among their peers. "The objections of their fellow students had made them aware of the obstacles which stood in the way of success from some of their own group" (meaning other black students) states Dr. Wesley.

But 1906 marked a turning point in the history of collegiate education because the Jewels proved t h a t a Greek letter fraternity could be formed by black men whose goals were not purely social or political but service oriented aimed at the uplift of a race of people. By their achievements they paved the way for Alpha Kappa Alpha and the other African American sororities and Omega Psi Phi and the other African American fraternities.

Alpha Phi Alpha altered the history of this country in 1917 after a state of war was declared between the United States and imperial Germany. It was obvious t h a t black men would be drafted and t h a t by and large they would be led by white officers. The highest ranking black officer at the time was Colonel Charles Young and he was denied a command and discharged from the service because of his "health." Desirous of securing leadership roles in the Army for black men, Alpha brothers in Beta Chapter began thinking of how this could be achieved. The chapter house, we are told, became the source of the movement which led to the establishment of an Officers Training Camp for black officers at Ft. Des Moines, Iowa, a movement involving the faculty and student body of Howard University and the active participation of Beta Chapter. As a result 58 brothers entered training on J u n e 15, 1917 and on October 15, 32 were commissioned

2'

as officers in the Army of the U.S. For the first time in the history of our country black officers in large numbers would be leading black troops, changing a tradition established during the Civil War and Alpha had led the way.

Our major influence as a Fraternity on the history of our country, however, came in the legal attacks on segregation and discrimination, in the 1930's, 40's and 50's.

At the Special Session of the Fraternity in the summer of 1934 having determined t h a t blacks were being discriminated against by denying them admission to publicly supported colleges in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and D.C., the Fraternity decided to take the lead in eliminating the discrimination with the following objectives: (1) Admittance of black students on the same bases as other students.

(2) Larger appropriations for black colleges within states.

(3) Payment of tuition of black students to schools outside of the non-admitting states.

When these proposals were endorsed by the District of Columbia Chapter of the NAACP and the New Negro Alliance, the Fraternity agreed to seek the admission of a black student into the University of Maryland. Brother B. V. Lawson, Jr., took the leadership in this matter together with the General Counsel Brother Ted Berry.

Following a conference with Brothers Charles Houston and Thurgood Marshall an applicant was found.

Subsequently Brother Houston was named Special Counsel of the NAACP and charged with devising the legal strategy to eradicate educational inequalities in the South. I once heard Belford V. Lawson say, "Charles Hamilton Houston was the architect of the entire legal attack to destroy racial segregation".

In 1935 Donald G. Murray of Baltimore applied for admission to the School of Law of the University of Maryland. His application was rejected because of his race. He appealed to the Regents who also denied his admission. A writ of Mandamus ordered his admission stating that Murray could not be excluded because of his color.

The decision was appealed to the Court of Appeals where Brother Charles Houston and Thurgood Marshall defended Murray. The Court affirmed the decision of the lower court and admitted Murray to the School of Law. It was then discovered t h a t Murray could not pay his tuition or purchase the expensive law (Continued to Page 52)

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A Thousand Words (From Inside Front Cover) ing Southwestern Regional Vice President. The Job Fair and Ladies Fashion Show Luncheon were both major attractions, and nothing was more colorful than the International Night, a new Convention initiative College and Alumni Brother Mentoring was a new initiative at the 1993 Convention as was the exciting Alpha Scholars Bowl.

Brother John T. Porter gave a moving and insightful address at the annual Ecumenical Service, and the Alpha Chorus, under the leadership of Brother Peter Felder, deserves special mention.

Winter 1993 T The Sphinx • 41

Chapter News Xi Alpha Lambda

EASTERN Iota Theta Lambda Endicott, NY Iota Theta Lambda Chapter is celebrating 25 years of continuous and dedicated service to the community. Each year the chapter joins forces with the March of Dimes to administer a Project Alpha Workshop. Workshop sessions deal with decision-making, responsibility, safe sex, and the legal aspects of teen pregnancy.

Several members of Iota Theta Lambda are instructors and tour guides for a Technical Vitality Advancement Program which is designed to introduce minorities to careers in math, science and technology. Some 40 students attend the weekly sessions which are held over a 10-week period.

The chapter's Scholarship Fund supports five college freshmen.

And a highlight of the year for Iota T h e t a L a m b d a was the chapter's leadership role in the Martin Luther King, Jr. March which used as its theme: "Where Do We Go From Here? Nonviolence: Learning It, Living It, Teaching It."

Alexandria, VA Nu Omicron Lambda Chapter won Alumni Chapter of the Year honors for the second consecutive year in Virginia.

Program highlights include the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast, "Go to High School, Go to College," United Negro College F u n d Telethon, and an annual Boy Scouts Night.

B r o t h e r William Davis chaired the Drug Awareness Program for Scout Troop 912 for which Nu Omicron Lambda also purchased camping supplies; Brothers Willie Bradley, Charles Mitchell and Benjamin Hudley participated in the UNCF Telethon to which t h e c h a p t e r pledged $500; more than 250 att e n d e d t h e King Memorial Breakfast chaired by Brother Ronald Sutton; and Nu Omicron Lambda co-sponsored with the local Omega Psi Phi Fraternity 77 area youth in the Third Historically Black College and Universities basketball tourney at Virginia State Univ.

Special chapter awards this year went to Brothers Darrell Williams, Willie Bradley, Ronald Sutton, Robert Walker, and Michael Johnson.

Iota Upsilon Lambda er Spring, MD

i

Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter, Montgomery County, Silver Spring, MD, has had significant success with a Mathematics and Reading Tutorial Program initiated two years ago. The program is coordinated by Brother Frank Westbrook and involved some 50 African American elementary school male students. ln addition to local support, the tutorial program received support from the prestigious American

42 • The Sphinx T Winter 1993

Xi Alpha Lambda C h a p t e r had a full agenda for the period of this report. Chapter activities included: a Superbowl Party, Awards Banquet, Atlantic City trip, chapter picnic, support for Luthern Place Ministries, support for the Gum Spring Community, tutoring and mentoring activities, and the Black and Gold Scholarship Ball.

Three $1,000 scholarships were presented during the Ball.

Recipients of special chapter awards for the year included: Brothers Lee Rainer, David E v a n s , Carroll S. Antoine, Larry Henderson, Earl T Richmond, Donald L. Smith, William Allen, Joe Austin, Martin Carpenter, Chester J o h n s o n , Horace J o r d a n , Carl Lockett, Charles E. Murphy, John W Powell, and Beverly S. Scott.

Xi Delta Lambda Henrico County, VA Xi Delta L a m b d a C h a p t e r , Henrico County, Va., celebrated its 10th anniversary in March 1993.

Charter members of the chapter are: Brothers Phillip E. Battle, James P. Cuffee, Alan J. Foster, Sr., John S. Greene, Jr, Clifton Johnson, J a m e s M. J o h n s o n , J o h n C. Puryear, Leo H. Ross, Weldon H. Smith, Dennis R. Winston, James E. Wright, and Carrol E. Zanders.

Nuclear Society, La Grange Park, ILL. The four primary objectives of the program were improvement in mathematics performance, reading skills, study skills, and to increase parent involvement in the academic development of participating students. Brothers adopt a student, provide transporation to the program site, and supervise the tutoring, usually once each week.

Results? All of the fourth, fifth, and seventh grad ers showed improvement in program skills with two exceptions. These two students started the program at the "A" and "B" level.

Chapter News During Xi Delta Lambda's Anniversary Banquet this year, awards were presented to the Honorable L. Douglas Wilder, Governor of Virginia, and the Honorable (Brother) Robert C. Scott, U. S. Congressman from Virginia. Governor Wilder and Congressman Scott were honored for their public service to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Brother Leo H. Ross chaired the Anniversary Committee.

Zeta Upsilon Lambda Reston, VA Academic excellence headlined the Achivement and Scholarship Awards Ceremony hosted by Zeta Upsilon Lambda. More than 160 students in grades 7 to 12 in schools throughout the Virginia surburbs and Washington, D.C., were recognized. Some 102 students received certificates for having academic averages between 3.0 and 3.49, while 61 students were cited for academic averages of 3.5 and above.

Four African American senior students, two male and two female, received $1,000 scholarships to help support their college studies.

"Yours is an awesome responsibility, to guide the minds and actions of your children as they pursue their educations," Brother Franklin Fisher said to the parents and guardians of the program participants. "We, the men ofAlpha Phi Alpha, are proud to be able to contribute to having a positive influence on your students."

Nu Kappa University of MarylandBaltimore County Special honors were earned by Brother Bobby Evans of Nu Kappa last year. Brother Evans was named "Greek Man of the Year at UMBC and was also inducted into the Order of Omega, an honorary society for Outstanding Student Leadership in the Greek System. Brother

It has been more than business as usual for Mu Sigma.

Rather, it has been exceptionally busy for the Brothers of Mu Sigma. The chapter, the first African American Greek Letter organization recognized under the Rochester Institute of Technology Greek Council hosted the New York State Convention where it received the College Chapter of the Year Award; earned the Arete Award (given by the University's Greek Council) for exemplary human contact, and the University's Community Service Award; and received the 1992-93 Outstanding Greek Chapter of the Year Cup. The first a n n u a l Alpha Week was a special success for Mu Sigma. The week of activities included a multicultural workshop with topics on affirmative action and gays in the military; an oratorical contest, a two-day "Black Expo" featuring Rochester's African American-owned businesses, a candlelight vigil, basketball tournament, and a Sunday service.

Mu Sigma was joined by Pi Beta of Delta Sigma Theta in sponsoring the Rochester Image Awards which cited faculty/staff and student leadership. B r o t h e r Dr. Keith Jenkins was honored for his dedication and contributions to the chapter and Brother Malik Simmonds was presented the Brother of the Year award.

Evans has served as both president and vice president of the Pan Hellenic Council, vice president of the Black Student Union, and held the position of Resident Assistant with the Office of Residential Life.

Meanwhile, Catonsville Middle School is the center of mentoring and tutoring sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students, a long term Nu Kappa project.

Nu Kappa is also currently affiliated with the Regional Institute for Children and Adolescence.

Delta Epsilon University of Buffalo African monologues, singing, and a cultural fashion show helped entertain the more than 200 patrons who attended Delta Epsilon's Fifth Annual C a b a r e t Weekend. The chapter honored two African American instructors within the Buffalo schools for years of dedicated service, and also cited a senior high school student for academic excellence.

The student scholarship winner, Salah Jason Ross Brown, was further honored at a dinner hosted by Delta Epsilon.

Charitable and public service activities of Delta Epsilon included a Thanksgiving Turkey Raffle, a Can Food and Clothing Drive, Project Alpha, and a Glad Bag-AThon Drive.

Student leadership roles earned special acknowledgments for Brothers Billy E. Richards, comptroller and chief fiscal office of the Untied S t u d e n t G o v e r n m e n t Service Group, Inc., State University College-Buffalo; Willis P. Saintil, assistant comptroller; Michael Nelson, assistant comptroller; and Sean D. Clarke, Saintel, and Douglas E. Walker for their appointments to the Board of Directors of the Incorporated Student Government.

Other Delta Epsilon members in campus leadership roles: Brother Joseph Judes Louis, president of the

Winter 1993 T The Sphinx • 43

Chapter News Haitian Student Organization, and Brother Melvin D. Tatum, vice president of athletics and a member of the Intercollegiate College Board.

Gamma lota Hampton University Gamma Iota Brothers kicked off a "Voteless People Is A Hopeless People" program with a registration drive and support for Brother Bobby Scott, Virginia Congressman. A Manhood Seminar series focused on the achievements and potential of African A m e r i c a n m a l e s and "Gentlemen By Choice" was the chapter's tutorial and mentorship project at a local elementary school.

Public school s t u d e n t s were treated to a Halloween Festival, U n i v e r s i t y s t u d e n t s enjoyed a Gamma Iota sponsored "FashionTalent Show Extravaganza", needy families were remembered with Thanksgiving and Christmas treats, and the student body was welcomed back to Hampton with an Alpha-Bar-B-Q at Buckroe Beach.

Gamma Iota is the first Greek Letter organization at Hampton to permanently establish a scholarship, GICAPAF.

MIDWESTERN

local homeless shelter, hold clothing/canned food drives at local churches, and visit residents at the Mary Scott Nursing Center. Brother Fred Humphrey is teaching one nursing home resident to read.

Project Alpha is also alive with Theta Lambda. In addition to the one-day seminar for participants in the program, Brothers maintain year-round contact with their respective mentee groups, join them in community projects, and together visit museums, attend plays, and Cincinnati Reds baseball games.

The scholarship component of Theta Lambda's program includes an annual Eight Grade Youth Recognition activity sponsored jointly with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and a scholarship award to a high school senior who is this year attending the University of Dayton.

Sigma Phi Indiana University A highlight of the Sigma Phi program year was a series of five biweekly panel discussions which were structured around the unifying theme, "Rebuilding the African American Family." Students, faculty, and community leaders composed the panels which responded to questions developed by Sigma

Phi Brothers. Audience participation was lively.

A special summer program is the volunteer support provided Christ Presbyterian Little League. Brothers Corey Bush, Ken Howard, and Andre Warren are coaches for the Tee Ball League teams, and Brother Curtis Childress is a Boy Scout leader for the church troop.

Iota Lambda and Sigma Phi are partners in their support of the church Little League teams.

Tau University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Well before the media blitz, the Brothers of Tau C h a p t e r were calling attention to the plight of citizens in Somalia. Tau chapter joined with the local NAACP in sponsoring a public forum on the problems of this starving African nation, raised money to aid emergency relief efforts in Somalia, and generally encouraged other student organizations to do their part in support of Somalians.

Meanwhile, "The Ritual" served as a wakeup call for the campus on issues of special interest to African Americans everywhere. This public program was jointly sponsored with

Mu Mu Lambda

Theta Lambda

Glen Ellyn, IL

Dayton, Ohio

Mu Mu Lambda has set a precedent in securing and awarding nearly $1 million—$922,000—in scholarships to African American youth from the Chicago area over the years.

The chapter's six-month intensive training program involves some 150 youth who take part in sessions that address: personal and career goals, selecting a college and college life, personal presentation, and human sexuality and pregnancy prevention.

Of the 150 African American males who take part in the chapter's Leadership, Citizenship, Education and Culture Program, 14 were presented at the Chapter-sponsored Beautillion. Seventeen graduating seniors received scholarships totaling $22,000, and three program participants received U. S. Naval Academy Scholarships valued at $300,000.

Alumni Chapter of the Year honors have been earned by Theta Lambda for two consecutive years, and the chapter's vice president, Brother Timothy Spraggins, won Alumni Brother of the Year honors for two consecutive years.

Brother Spraggins provided the leadership for T h e t a Lambda's Project Compassion which focuses on the plight of the homeless and elderly. Brothers serve dinners at a

44 • The Sphinx • Winter 1993

Chapter News Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Tau chapter is also involved with projects which t a r g e t the Champaign Park District, the Male Project of Champaign, and a Black History Month Art Show where city youth display their artistic talent and earn prizes.

Local youth are being brought to the campus, under a new program launched by Tau chapter, to join University s t u d e n t s at weekly meetings designed to foster "understanding" amongst them.

And the Fraternity's birthday was remembered by Tau chapter through a Brotherhood Retreat and Brotherhood Dinner.

Nu Delta Chicago State University Nu Delta has 16 years of service at Chicago State and in the city, and last year completed nearly 200 hours of community service—as tutors with a Homework Hotline and counselors with Project Alpha.

The chapter's service includes participation in the United Negro College Fund Walk-A-Thon, the National Urban League's Job Fair, NAACP's Tag Day, the Red Cross Blood Drive, children's Halloween and Easter activities, and an AdoptA-Senior Citizen program.

Beta Mu Kentucky State University A panel of judges selected by the Pan-Hellenic Council has named Beta Mu the most active organization on campus.

The c h a p t e r is appealing to former members to "drop us a line" that can be included in a Beta Mu Alumni Directory.

Four students, meanwhile, are attending Kentucky State with the support of scholarships provided by Beta Mu, and the chapter gave cash awards to winners in their Black History Quiz and Poetry Contest.

SOUTHERN Zeta Mu Lambda Gulfport, Mississippi Tomorrow's young leaders were presented by Zeta Mu Lambda during the chapter's annual Spring Beautillion. The 14 Beauxs, all high academic achievers, received scholarships from Zeta Mu Lambda.

"Go to High School, Go to College"? The national project is in "full swing" on the Mississippi Coast under the leadership of Zeta Mu Lambda.

pha Lambda since 1955.

Brother Holmes is an active member of the First Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale and a Scout Master of Troop No. 164.

He was cited by Florida Governor Robert Graham upon his retirement from the Broward County Schools in 1992. Brother Holmes is active with Senior Citizens activities in Broward County, and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention at which President Jimmy Carter was nominated.

Nu Mu Lambda Decatur, GA

It is called an "Afro Centric Affair."

It is an annual scholarship Zeta Alpha Lambda dance that also fosters cultural enFort Lauderdale, FL richment. Sponsored annually by Four of the eight participants in Nu Mu Lambda, the dance features Zeta Alpha Lambda's Men of To- African art displays by local venmorrow program have received dors, storytelling, special dances, chapter scholarships. The Men of door prizes, and awards which acTomorrow program is in its 16th knowledge the best dressed Afro year.

Centric Male and the best dressed Needy families were remem- Afro Centric Female. bered with Thanksgiving baskets, But scholarship is not forgotten. the chapter donated funds to Habi- For the last two years, Nu Mu t a t for H u m a n i t y , B r o t h e r s L a m b d a h a s given six DeKalb mentored young men in homes County high school students $6,000 without a male figure, and Project in scholarships. Three AfricanAlpha is chaired by Brother Michael American males received $1,000 Robinson. scholarships at the most recent Founder's Day is co-sponsored dance. The recipents attend Georwith Zeta Alpha Lambda by the gia Tech, the University of North Brothers in Broward, Dade, and Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Devry Palm Beach counties.

Institute in Atlanta.

The chapter's goal for the 1993Since Nu Mu Lambda was char94 program year? To reclaim 100 tered some 13 years ago, the chappercent membership of Alpha men ter has been a political, social and in the Fort Lauderdale area. civic influence in the community.

Nu Mu Lambda members are pro55 Years of Service fessionally active in education, poliAll Alpha men are special, but tics, business, and numerous govthe Brothers of Zeta Alpha Lambda e r n m e n t agencies, p r o m i n e n t chapter are especially proud of among them are Brothers Johnny Brother Archie Holmes. A Life Jones, a retired Dekalb County Member, Brother Holmes has de- School Administrator, and Coleman voted 55 years of his life to the work Seward, retired administrator with of Alpha. He is a 1934 graduate of the Food and Drug Administration.

South Carolina State University and has been a member of Zeta Al-

Winter 1993 • The Sphinx • 45

Chapter News Delta Phi Jackson State University The Brothers of Delta Phi are establishing a record of leadership at Jackson State. Three BrothersJeremy Morris, Pasqual Slaughter, and Reginald Gentry have been named among the "10 Most Distinguished Men on Campus;" Morris was elected Student Government Association president; Brother Carnell Clayton was elected Student Government vice president; and Brother Slaughter is the University administration and staff's choice for "Campus King."

Delta Phi has also been honored for having the highest academic averages among fraternities on campus.

Brother Corey Ellis finished basketall play at JSU as an academic leader, and Brother Derrick Gilbert, also an academic leader, earned All-Southwestern Athletic Conference Team honors for two consecutive years for his performance on the baseball team.

In other activities, Delta Phi hosted its annual scholarship ball and candlelight vigil in honor of

Brother Martin Luther King, Jr; p a r t i c i p a t e d in a city c l e a n u p project, gathered clothing for a project sponsored by Zeta Phi Beta and Phi Beta Sigma, and joined with Alpha Epsilon Lambda and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in p a i n t i n g a home for displaced women and children in Jackson, MS.

Nu Mu Georgia Tech/Southern Tech The Brothers of Nu Mu chapter left no stones unturned in sponsoring their Black and Gold Ball at the Georgia World Congress Center.

The Black Tie activity enjoyed considerable support from the local business community.

More extensive participation in community activities is expected as membership increase, but Nu Mu Brothers were active in the AIDS Walk in Atlanta, a citywide effort to dramatize the plight for victims of AIDS and the need to focus on a cure. And a one mile stretch of highways in the Atlanta area is kept policed by Nu Mu members.

Mu Zeta University of North Carolina "A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People." As a manifestation of their commitment to this position, Mu Zeta has taken credit for registering more voters than any other organiation in Orange County.

In addition to the fun enjoyed at the chapter's annual Greek Freak Invitational Stepshow, funds were raised to support two scholarships, a n d t h e UNC community was treated to a series of lectures on being African in America.

Alpha South's College Brother of the Year, Brother Malcolm Turner, was a Rhodes Scholarship finalist and received a recommendation from the treasurer of Zimbabwe.

Brother Turner is a former Student Body Attorney General at UNC. The 1993 Alpha South Bedford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest winner is also a member of Mu Zeta.

Brother Nigel Long had the distinction of having his senior thesis, "Federal Aid to Minority Businesses", published in the Harvard Business Review.

Nu Sigma Stanford University

Kappa Beta Mississippi State University Outstanding community service has earned Kappa Beta the local NAACP's Image Award for Fraternity of the Year. During the same program, Brother Rodney King received the Most Outstanding Scholar at MSU award.

Kappa Beta's Project SOARS (Science Opportunities, Activities, and Responsibility Series) attracted 150 4th and 5th grade students, all of them encouraged to pursue careers in science and mathematics related fields.

Brothers took part in the state-sponsored Adopt-A-Highway program and sponsored their own annual Clothes Drive and Project Alpha program.

State and regional "Miss Black and Gold" honors went to the Kappa Beta entry, Kimberly Campbell, who has since won the national title. And the Kappa Beta step team won competition at Livington University, the University of Mississippi, Ole Miss, and the Mississippi Statewide Show at MSU.

46 • The Sphinx • Winter 1993

Black Volunteer Student Organization of the Year honors have been earned by Nu Sigma chapter at Stanford University.

Two community projects highlight the chapter's special service— a Quarterly Senior Citizens Luncheon and an Alpha Boys Club. The latter provides mentoring, tutoring and a good time for its members.

The Boys Club gives special attention to raising cultural awareness and creating a sense of pride in African heritage.

Beta Nu Florida A & M University A combination of tutorial, athletic, and leadership programs

Chapter News keeps Beta Nu members in contact with youth in the local community.

Their message to the youngsters: "Go to High School, Go to College."

Pursue your interest through higher education, Beta Nu constantly tells the young people they come in contact with.

Chapter members also regularly visit local hospices and children centers in the community. And Beta Nu also plays an active role in "A Vote is a Voice" program designed to inform and encourage registration and participation in voting.

Like their Brothers at other universities, Beta Nu members are well established campus leaders, including S t u d e n t G o v e r n m e n t a n d NAACP president and co-captain of the football team.

Delta Psi Florida Memorial College Leadership and Alpha men are synonymous at Florida Memorial.

The Alpha Renaissance is especially alive in Delta Psi at Florida Memorial.

In the Student Government Association, on the campus newspaper a n d yearbook, in t h e P r e Alumni Association and in many other many ways across the campus, Alpha Brothers are providing leadership.

The Student Government Association leadership includes Alpha Brothers John Nixon (president), Peter Carey, Enrique McCartney, and Simon Sands. The s t u d e n t newspaper is edited by Brother Carey and his staff includes Brothers Neil Russell, Simon Sands, and Wayne Jones. Yearbook staffers include Brothers Wayne Jones, Jose Palermo and Clifton Franklin.

Brother Everton Haye is Central Region Vice President of the UNCF Pre-Alumni Association, Brother Virgil Oliver tutors several subjects in the Student Support Services department, and Brother Marcellus Sheppard is a member of "The Am-

bassador Chorale."

One of the finalists in the Florida Leadership Magazine's Student of the Year competition was Brother Neil Russell, and Brothers Dustin Gallop and Ricardo Jolly played founding roles in the campus Aviation Club and Jamaican Students Association, respectively.

Who won "Mr. Homecoming" honors? An Alpha man, Brother Clifton Franklin, the 8th consecutive Delta Psi member to be so honored.

Florida Memorial was not affected by the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, but Delta Psi was active in assisting those who were impacted by the storm.

And as their special project during the year, Delta Psi hosted members of Jan Mann, an opportunity school for rebellious youngsters.

Delta Gamma Alabama A & M University

Pi Delta Brothers were represented as Student Government Association President, Senator-atLarge, membership in Omicron Delta Kappa honor fraternity, the Blue-key honor fraternity, as Campus Projects Director, Livingston University Envoy, and Residence Hall Assistants.

Sigma Tau University of South Carolina at Aiken Omicron Tau Lambda conducted the intake activities for the charter members of Sigma Tau, and the chapter hit the ground running. The Brothers immediately launched a voter registration drive, joined Omicron Tau in a "Rights of Passage" program, and participated in the Adopt-A-High way program and the National Into the Streets Day. "Rights of Passage" brings Alpha men in contact with African American males at an elementary school focusing on leadership skills.

For the third consecutive year, District College Chapter of the Year honors have gone to Delta Gamma, Delta Sigma and the Brothers at Alabama A & M University promise to keep the Grambling State University honors for "many more (years) to The Brothers of Delta Sigma come." chapter are addressing the needs of Delta Gamma, co-host of the community youth through an excit1993 Alabama District Convention, ing Extended Day program. Brother has adopted a child from a Third Douglas Luke is chairman of the World nation, administers an ongo- program which provides after ing counseling and tutorial program school tutoring for area high school with schools in the Huntsville metro students and counsels them on soarea, raised funds for the Boy Scout cial matters and life in general.

Camporee, conducted a campus Delta Sigma has also developed blood drive, and sponsored a num- the V i n s o n / S m i t h S c h o l a r s h i p ber of campus educational forums. which provides $250 per semester The University cited 22 members to a deserving student. of Delta Gamma as Honor Students.

Delta Sigma h a s served t h e Grambling State University comPi Delta munity for more t h a n 40 years (chartered June 11, 1952).

Livingston University Pi Delta membership was down to eight Brothers during last year's Spring quarter, but that number did not dampen the chapter's involvement in campus activities.

Mu Phi Lambda Republic of Korea Thousands of miles away, Alpha men are having an impact at their

Winter 1993 T The Sphinx • 47

Chapter News overseas duty station.

Lt. G e n e r a l E d w a r d Honor, United States Army retired, was the guest speaker for Mu Phi chapter's Black History Month program.

Brother Honor was cited for his work as a noted scholar, dynamic leader, and tireless public servant.

Brother Honor is president of the National Defense Transportation

Association (NDTA).

Like t h e i r B r o t h e r s in t h e Contennial USA, Mu Phi Brothers are supporting the United Negro College Fund, the Boy Scouts, Korea Far East District, and Seoul American High School.

Alpha Phi Clark Atlanta University In manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind, Alpha Phi chapter has recorded one of the most productive years in the history of the chapter. And the recorded accomplishments have won Alpha Phi 1993 National College Chapter of the Year honors.

Manly Deeds—"It is very important to know who we are and where we come from. With this knowledge, we can achieve anything we set our minds to," says chapter president, Brother Trevear A. Thomas. Based on that philosophy, Alpha Phi offered several campus seminars which featured African American issues—"The Plight of the Black Male" in conjunction with the men of Brawley Hall and "Are We African or African American in conjunction with the PreLaw Society, among many others.

Alpha Phi Brothers are role models for youth in chapter projects at Miles Elementary, Adamsville Elementary, and with the John Hope Holmes Community.

Scholarship—Brothers Trevear Thomas and Gregory J. Sims are Student Government Association leaders; Brother Tracy L. Johnson is president of the campus Finance Club; Brother Trenton L. James had his research published in the Journal of Molecular Biology and Cellular Cardiology; Brother Derrick E. Getter is president of the Pan-Hellenic Council.

Also, B r o t h e r Robert J. Gilchrist is co-founder of t h e Entrepreneur's Club; Brother Quinton D. Watson is founder of the Physics and German Clubs; Brother Jason P. Freeman is vice-president of the band; soccer team members include Brother Thomas R. L. Gates; Brother Eric J. Morgan is special assistant to the Director of Student Activities.

And two Brothers presented their research work during a meeting in Puerto Rico, Brother Douglass R. Tantin in biomedical engineering and Brother Brent Merriell in biology.

Love for All Mankind—Alpha Phi's service to the Clark Atlanta community includes some 30 projects: blood, clothing, and food drives; a scholarship pageant, seminars on test taking skills, African History, voter registration drives, and "Go to High School, Go to College" seminars.

Clark Atlanta University Organization of the Year honors went to Alpha Phi chapter and the University's Leaders of the Year honors were earned by Brothers Gregory J. Sims (first place) and Trevear Thomas (second place)

48 A The Sphinx • Winter 1993

Xi lota Lambda Oxnard, CA Where is the scholarship investment best made—in high school seniors or Junior College students? Xi Iota Lambda members have decided to make their scholarship investments in Junior College students.

Many African American students are simply without finances to enroll in four-year, senior colleges and universities, Xi Iota Lambda members have noted. And because they are without sufficient funding, many African American students are enrolling in Junior College programs.

While other organizations make their investments in the pool of talented students who have already made plans for senior college studies, Xi Iota is providing scholarship support for talented students who are selecting Junior College programs.

Pi Rho Lambda Hollywood-Beverly Hills, CA Los Angeles Raider football coach Art Shell chaired Pi Rho Lambda's second annual Inner-City Football Camp. The camp features, in addition to Brother Shell, National Football League standouts from the Los Angeles Rams, Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Buffalo Bills.

The Inner-City Football Camp doubles as Pi Rho Lambda's Project Alpha program. Fundamentals of football and an exploration of issues related to teen pregnancy from the male perspective, are taught during the camp.

More than 7,500 young men are believed to be involved in more than 100 Project Alpha programs.

The Inner-City Football Camp and Project Alpha were co-hosted with Pi Rho L a m b d a by t h e Inglewood High School Athletic Department.

Chapter News Eta Sigma San Diego State University "Community Service, Tenacity and Dedication to Tradition" is the motto around which Eta Sigma programs are centered. Eta Sigma cele b r a t e d Founder's Day with a Charles H. Wesley Banquet; observed Black History Month with an Art Exhibit, AIDS Awareness Night, and among other activities, treated young people to a night at the movies.

In connection with the chapter's Project Alpha effort, the Brothers treated a group of inner-city youth to a San Diego State college football game.

Brother Tommy Greene organized the Black History Month program which paid homage to African American women through song, poems, and speeches.

And the chapter's first annual Oratorical and Dramatic Interpretation Contest featured the best speakers and actors at San Diego State University.

Southwestern

Liszt. Brother Spaights has performed t h r o u g h o u t t h e U. S., Canada, and Northern Europe.

Alpha Sigma Lambda remembered Brother Martin Luther King Jr. with a special service at the King Community Center in South Dallas.

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX Seven Alpha chapters from the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex area were prominent among the participants in the annual March of Dimes "Walk America" fundraiser.

Project Alpha, a coalition between Alpha Phi Alpha and the March of Dimes Foundation, receives funding from the annual March.

Alpha Brothers helped process some 8,000 walkers during the day.

Participating chapters included Zeta Chi, Pi Omicron, Alpha Sigma L a m b d a , Iota Kappa, Nu Pi Lambda, Beta Tau Lambda, and Xi Tau Lambda.

Brother Dale Long of Xi Tau Lambda is a member of the March of Dimes North Texas Board of Directors and helped organize chapter participation in the a n n u a l March.

Alpha Sigma Lambda

Pi Theta Lambda— Delta Rho Lambda

Dallas, TX

San Antonio, TX

Alpha Sigma Lambda, the first black Greek Letter organiztion in Dallas, TX, has celebrated 60 years of service to the community. Brother Robert Prince, the only surviving founder of the chapter, was a special honoree during the Founder's Day program.

The chapter's scholarship benefit featured Brother James Spaights in concert at the Dallas Museum of Art. A graduate of Howard University, Columbia University, and the Adament Piano School, Brother Spaights performed classical selections from S c h u b e r t , B r a h m s , Beethoven, Prokofief, Chopin, and

Project Alpha won high marks from the staff at West Campus High School. Pi Theta Lambda and Delta Rho Lambda have been invited to repeat the program this year.

Project Alpha was presented at West Campus High as part of the school's "Teen Issues Workshop."

Brothers Bill Smedler and James Hickey were program instructors.

Meanwhile, Pi Theta Lambda has inducted seven outstanding young men into "The Altairs." The young men were presented during the chapter's annual Black and Gold Ball. "The Altairs," young African American men of distinction,

is part of Pi Theta Lambda's "Go to High School, Go to College" program. All of the young men are high academic achievers and also leaders in a range of school activities.

The seven young men will be sponsored by Pi Theta Lambda at the 12th annual Langston University Leadership Institute.

Zeta Chi University of Texas at Arlington Zeta Chi is included among the many chapters actively particpating in the national Project Alpha program. The chapter also joined with Big Brothers/Big Sisters in co-sponsoring mentoring programs for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders at the local Rockmore Elementary School.

Certificates and T-shirts were presented to the students who competed in attendance and good behavior.

A Thanksgiving Food Drive, the 17th annual Miss Black and Gold African-American UTA Pageant, and the "Alphaplex III" Greekshow were prominent among Zeta Chi activities for the year.

EtaMu University of Houston The all African American male 5th grade class at Grimes Elementary School in Houston received some lessons from the Brothers of Eta Mu in how to use their time constructively. The project was designed to help keep the young men positively occupied during the summer months. Brother Robert Moss taught the class mentored during the summer by Eta Mu. Eta Mu also coordinated the volunteer work of high school students at the NAACP ACT-SO Awards.

Clash of the Pyramids, Alpha Week, Miss Black and Gold Pageant and Project Alpha also found places on Eta Mu's program agenda.

Winter 1993 T The Sphinx • 49

Omega Chapter Brother Riley Rufus Cabiness, Jr., attended public schools in Shelby, NC, received the bachelor's degree from Johnson C. Smith University and master's and doctorate degrees from New York University. He began his professional career as a principal of Camp High School in Cleveland County, NC. He later joined the faculty of Johnson C. Smith University where he became chairman of the Department of Education, a position he held until his retirement. Dr. Cabiness was a musician, a self-styled writerpoet and an artist. He was a member of Alpha Kappa Sigma and Delta Phi Delta Honorary Societies.

Brother Stanley Glenn Dean was a product of Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University). He for sometime managed his father's grocery store, "Sunny Brook Groceries," in Elberton, GA. He also worked with the Internal Revenue Service in Austin, TX, and Atlanta, GA. Brother C. C. Dejoie, Jr, was publisher and president of the 68-year-old Louisiana Weekly.

He was also a past president of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). Brother Dejoie attended Southern University in Louisiana before transferring to Talladega College in Alabama where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1937. A year later, he earned a graduate degree in journalism from the University of Michigan.

His professional and civic affiliations included the Bunch Club, Amalgamated Publishers Inc., Louisiana Press Association, Better Business Bureau

50 • The Sphinx T Winter 1993

of New Orleans, Chamber of Commerce, and the NAACP. Brother Charles E. Edwards was a graduate of Langston University in Oklahoma. He was a longtime resident of Bedford, MA and former owner of Solex, Inc., in Lowell, MA. Brother Otis Floyd Jr. attended Lane College, received his master's degree from Tennessee State University, and the doctorate in education from Memphis State University. Former President of Tennessee State University, Dr. Floyd served the Purdy, West Tennessee, community in many capacities, particularly in education. Brother Floyd's professional experience included appointments as assistant superintendent, supervisor and program director for the Tennessee Department of Education, deputy and later commissioner of Education for the State of Tennessee. Dr. Floyd played a major role in development of the $112 million Capital Improvements Project at Tennessee State University, a long range campus master plan. The campus center has been named in his honor.

Brother Peyton Randolph Higginbotham attended the Howard University Medical School and completed his internship and residency at Freedman's Hospital in Washington, DC. He started a practice in Bluefield, West Virginia, in 1927, where he is credited with serving with distinction. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Higginbotham served as president of the West Virginia State Health Department

Board, president of the Southern West Virginia Regional Health Council, and helped establish a well-baby clinic through the Carolina Community Home, now the Bluefield Community Center. The health clinic served hundreds of African American mothers who would not otherwise have had care.

Brother Albert Holland, Jr was an honors graduate of Boys High School in Brooklyn, NY, and received degrees from Columbia University and the Columbia University School of Law. He was especially active with the Nyack, NY, NAACP chapter serving that organization as chairman of its Housing Committee and chairperson of the Redress Committee.

Brother Holland was a partner in the New York City law firm of Sinclair, Holland, and Randolph, Covington, Grant, Howard, Haygood and Holland. He served as general counsel for the Winston Burnett Construction Co., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Interracial Council for Business Opportunity, the Bedford-Stuyvesant Development Corp, and the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Holland was also at one time vice president of the Harlem (NY) Lawyers Association.

Brother Boyd Jackson was a product of Alabama A&M University and the University of New Mexico, where he earned a master's degree. He was the first Area/District Director for the state of New Mexico and was the catalyst in establishing the state's three college chapters. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Jackson taught in the Albuquerque Public Schools for some 12 years and

Omega Chapter was otherwise active with the Civitans and Masons of the Mt. Everest Masonic Lodge #1.

Brother Charles Edward Jones was pastor of Mount Tabor Baptist Church and professor and chairman of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Virginia Union University. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Brother Jones also attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; earned the Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union; and received the Doctor of Ministry degree from Howard University in Washington, DC. Dr. Jones is listed in "Outstanding Young Men in America," 1982 and 1988; "Who's Who in Religion," 1992 and 1993; was named "Teacher of the Year" at Virginia Union in 1988 and 1989; and served on the Board of Trustees of Averett College, Danville, VA. Brother Bill Jones attended public schools in Fort Worth, TX and later earned a bachelor's degree from Texas College. He held teaching, administrative and coaching positions in the public schools of Kilgore, Mineral Wells, Victoria, and Orange, TX. Brother Jones organized the first football team at M. R. Wood High School in Mineral Wells and led that team to a Bi-District Championship. A civic leader, Brother Jones was a member of Friendship Baptist Church, Beaumont Rehabilitation Loan Advisory Board, School Volunteer Program, and a county Literacy Committee. He organized the first United Negro College Fund Banquet in the Golden (Texas) Triangle, and helped organize the first

African American Greek fraternal organization at Lamar University.

Brother Eugene S. Richards, a product of the University of Pittsburgh, was a fellow in the American Society of Civil Engineers. As an employee of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Brother Richards wrote the specifications for the study that halted Niagara Falls in 1970. He spent 22 years with the Corps of Engineers before retiring and operating Eugene S. Richards Associates, the only minority owned civil engineering and land surveying practice in western New York.

Brother Weldon Henry Smith taught in the Bedford (VA) County School system for several years before joining Virginia Power Company and later the City of Richmond (VA). He was a charter member and past president of XI Delta Lambda chapter in Henrico County, VA, served at one time as Director of Music for Alpha's Eastern Region, and was a familiar face in the Fraternity's General Convention Choir.

Brother Karl R. Thomas is a Master of Divinity graduate of Gammon Theological Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. As a member of Iota Alpha chapter, Brother Thomas was the facilitator on moral responsibility for the chapter's 1990 "Project Alpha."

He was president of Iota Alpha for the 1978-79 year and served on the planning committee for the 1979 General Convention held in Washington, D.C. Brother Thomas

affiliated with Iota Alpha Lambda chapter after being called to pastor Ames United Methodist Church in Bel Air, Md.

1993 O m e g a Chapter Listing Bennett, David - Delta Iota Lambda Boswell, Arthur - Rho Bowser, Barrington, Sr. - Beta Gamma Lambda Brown, Lloyd O. Sr. - Delta Alpha Lambda Cabiness, Riley Rufus, Jr. - Beta Nu Lambda Campbell, Robert Atlas - Zeta Zeta Lambda Cartwright, Gilbert - Gamma Phi Lambda Churchman, Clinton C. - Zeta Omicron Lambda Cole, James E. - Beta Gamma Lambda Coleman, James M. - Beta Gamma Lambda Cooper, Harold Preston - Alpha Zeta Lambda Cooper, Thomas M., Jr. (Dr.) - Zeta Iota Lambda Dewalt, Artist J., Jr. - Epsilon Phi Lambda Ealey, Roland D. Edwards, David H. Floyd, Otis L., Jr. - Tau Lambda Freeman, Murry T. - Epsilon Phi Lambda Gibson, Walter William, Dr. - Eta Lambda Gill, Roscoe, Jr. - Rho Higginbotham, Peyton Randolph, Dr. Alpha Zeta Lambda Jackson, Wilbur E., Sr. - Beta Gamma Lambda Johnson, Sylvester H. - Rho Jones, Hinton Claudius, Sr. - Tau Lambda Jones, Kirkland C. - Epsilon Phi Lambda Jones, Leonard - Gamma Phi Lambda Jones, William H., Dr. - Epsilon Phi Lambda Jones, Wilfred R. - Zeta Omicron Lambda Kellem, C. Frank - Rho King, Comillous J. - Delta Omicron Lambda Martin, Jerry L., Sr. - Zeta Omicron Lambda Martin, John J. Meade, James O. Zeta Omicron Lambda Pittman, Joseph A. - Beta Theta Lambda Prewitt, Clemoth Eldrain - Alpha Iota Lambda Richardson, Edwin H. - Zeta Omicron Lambda Scott, J. D. - Pi Lambda Smothers, Clinton T. -Alpha Phi Lambda Tisdale, John - Tau Lambda Turner, Edward Charles - Epsilon Mu Lambda Williams, Gordon B. - Rho Woods, Cornelius - Tau Lambda

Winter 1993 T The Sphinx A 51

litigant was that of Brother Herman M. Sweatt who was denied admission to the School of Law of the University of Texas. The State improvised a initiated by Alpha Phi Alpha and brought to a law school in Austin for Brother Sweatt in a three conclusion later by two Alpha men who were room basement with chairs and desks. The Texas attorney's for the NAACP. Murray was not an Court of Appeals declared that this arrangement Alpha. was equal to the School of Law at the University In 1935 Brother Lloyd Gaines, a graduate of and declared that Sweatt could not be admitted.

Lincoln University, sought admission to the Law Brother Sweatt appealed to the Supreme Court School at the University of Missouri and was where on June 5, 1950 the Court ruled in his favor. While this case was not initiated by the Fraternity, Alpha men all over the "Equality is unconditional, identical, coexState of Texas stood around him. The Southwestern Region contributed istent and co-extensive to all citizens, $1,000.00 to pay for legal fees. And it was regardless of race or color. The very idea two Alpha men, Brothers Thurgood Marshall and Brother Durham, who of separateness carries with it inequality." appeared in his defense. A similar case in Oklahoma, the McLaurin case, had Brother Marshall and Brother Robert Carter as counsels. Other cases involving Alpha men denied admission by the Registrar. He appealed occurred at the University of Virginia and the to the President of the University without sucUniversity of Tennessee with the result that cess. Epsilon Lambda Chapter of St. Louis had professional and graduate schools were created at been interested in this effort and assisted in black colleges, blacks were admitted to previously initiating it. With Brothers Charles Houston and all white institutions, and appropriations were Sidney R. Redmond as his attorneys Gaines substantially increased at black institutions— appealed the decision through the Circuit Court thus altering forever the course of higher educaof Missouri to the Supreme Court of the United tion in this country.

States which reversed the decision of the lower court, stating that Gaines must be admitted to he legal attack was mounted on another the University of Missouri School of Law in the front by the Fraternity when it undertook absence of a School of Law at Lincoln University. on its own to eliminate segregation in The result was a School of Law that was created interstate commerce. In 1942 Elmer Henderson, a in St. Louis exclusively for blacks. The decision first class passenger traveling from Washington, reverberated throughout the South, causing D.C. to Atlanta, was seated in the dining car segregated graduate and professional schools to alone behind a curtain when he sought service. be created within the various states. Again it was Mr. Henderson subsequently filed a complaint Alpha Phi Alpha in the lead. with the Interstate Commerce Commission It was again a local chapter, Alpha Lambda in charging that he had been denied service equal to Louisville, Kentucky in 1948 that came to the that of other first class passengers, and that this support of one of its members Brother Lyman T. was a violation of the Interstate Commerce Act Johnson, a teacher in the public schools who and the 14th Amendment.

The brief was filed by sought admission to the Graduate School of the Brother Belford V. Lawson then General Counsel University of Kentucky from which Negroes were of the Fraternity.

In his brief Brother Lawson excluded under the Day Law. The Federal Court declared "Equality is unconditional, identical, at Lexington ruled that until the State estabcoexistent and co-extensive to all citizens, regardlished a Graduate School for Negroes substanless of race or color. The very idea of separateness tially equal to that at the University of Kentucky carries with it inequality." An unfavorable ruling it must admit them on the same basis as whites. was appealed to the Federal Court which recomBrother Johnson was subjected to tremendous mended it for a second hearing by the I.C.C. pressure as a public school teacher but he stood before it was appealed to the United State Sufirm refused to give up the fight and persevered preme Court. until the successful outcome of his appeal in 1949 with Alpha Phi Alpha behind him.

The case was filed on behalf of Alpha Phi Alpha by Brother Lawson who was now General Another case in which an Alpha man was the P a W l e y (from Page 38)

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52 • The Sphinx T Winter 1993

President of the Fraternity and General Counsel J a w n Sandifer and the Fraternity bore the expenses. In 1949 the Executive Council approved the payment of $1,535 to cover the cost of printing the Henderson vs. Southern Railway record. It was joined by attorneys for the government, the NAACP, the American Jewish Congress and the American Jewish Committee, the AntiDefamation League and others. On March 20, 1950 Brothers Lawson and Sandifer, U.S. Attorney McGrath and Solicitor General Perlman "stood side by side and shoulder to shoulder (requesting) the United States Court to strike down once and for all the myth of separate but equal...," said Brother Sandifer. The court did not rule on the separate but equal question but it ruled out "curtains, partitions and signs" because they "emphasize the artificiality of a difference in treatment."

Both Mr. Henderson and the NAACP credited Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and its General President Belford Lawson for the successful prosecution of this case. It didn't batter down the walls of discrimination but it certainly weakened them.

No discussion of the legal attack on segregation by Alpha Phi Alpha would be complete without mentioning Brother Arthur Shores of Birmingham, Alabama. Brother Shores, a member of Omicron Lambda Chapter began court action against the zoning ordinances of Huntsville and Birmingham. Omicron Lambda supported his efforts financially. Joining him in these efforts was Brother Attorney Frederick A. Curtis.

In 1946 the Alabama Supreme Court declared the zoning ordinances of Huntsville unconstitutional and followed this a similar ruling on Birmingham. Brother Shores then took the lead in the effort to secure admission of blacks to the University of Alabama. He became the attorney for Autherine Lucy, defeating the effort to keep her out of the University. As a consequence of his aggressive actions his home was bombed but he never took a backward step.

Thus through the legal attacks in court initiated by Alpha Phi Alpha, supported by the General Organization and individual chapters and led by Alpha men, we helped to change the history of this country.

Internally we have much to do in order to make sure what we have done on the local, regional and national level is not forgotten and t h a t is a whole speech in itself. I have been told I would be remiss, however, if I did not at least suggest what needs to be done on the occasion of

this Fraternal Luncheon and I will do so succinctly.

We need an immediate revision of the 12th edition of our history and t h a t should be preserved "sacred to the memory of Charles Harris Wesley" as volume one of the History of Alpha Phi Alpha. We need a second volume beginning with 1973, covering the past 20 years (a period almost as long as t h a t covered in the first edition in 1929). It should include appendixes listing the recipients of all our fraternal awards and the recipients of the Memorial Scholarship at Cornell. We need regional historians to write the history of each region and written chapter histories for inclusion in the national achieves. And finally we need a Biographical Dictionary of Distinguished Alpha Men to avoid the mistake I have heard some brothers make of identifying certain personalities as Alpha men who are not. I shall not now go into the why's and wherefore of these proposals but I hope I have whetted your curiosity and interest.

Every Alpha man should be proud t h a t his Fraternity has always had an interest in history and manifested t h a t interest at its General Conventions and through the support of scholarly writings. No Alpha man should forget t h a t the act of founding the Fraternity was itself an historic event, t h a t Alpha Phi Alpha led the way in securing leadership roles for black men in the Army in World War I and t h a t it pioneered in the legal attacks t h a t ultimately destroyed racial segregation.

The poet Thomas Gray wrote in "Elegy in a Country Churchyard," Full many a rose is born To blush unseen And Waft its sweetness On the desert air We in this brotherhood m u s t never become like the rose in the desert. We owe it to the Jewels, our deceased brothers, to ourselves and to those who have not yet seen the light to respect, revere and cherish our history and never let it "fade away". This done in the ages yet to come people will know t h a t in the 20th century there lived a brotherhood of men on planet Earth who were heirs to the tradition of ancient Ethiopia, whose emblem was the Sphinx, and whose goal was the uplift of the downtrodden in a world of universal brotherhood.

That is my message to you. Z\

Brooke (from Page 31) of today. The Mail Order Right of today, using modern technology, is a far more dangerous enemy than the violent segregationist of yesterday.

And, look at the 80's and early 90's when, there was a tragic lack of progress and commitment and, when, the "tone at the top" appeared almost belligerent. Even, as recently as, June 28th, 1993, the United States Supreme Court rendered a five to four decision, written by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and concurred in

by Justices Rehnquist, Scalia, Kennedy and Thomas, which places in jeopardy more than two dozen "majority-minority" congressional districts created after the 1990 Census and which sent thirteen blacks, including Alpha Brothers Earl Hilliard of Alabama and Robert Scott of Virginia, and six Hispanics to Congress. The ruling will make it more difficult, if not impossible, to justify redistricting for racial purposes.

Even more recently, Federal agents arrested eight "white supremacists" they say were plotting to bomb the oldest black church in Los Angeles, South Central's First African Methodist Episcopal Church, in the heart of the black community, in the nation's second largest city. The agents said, that, the "skinheads" planned to spray the church's congregation with machine gun fire and kill Rodney King and prominent blacks in order to start a race war. Five days ago the Sacramento, California, office of The N.A.A.C.P. was firebombed. Two days ago the Tacoma, Washington, N.A.A.C.R office was fire-bombed. And, such violent attacks, far from abating, are on the increase.

I cannot, in good faith, say, or, in the face of present day realities say, that since Kerner or since the hay-days of our legislative years, we have achieved any fundamental reform of society's ills.

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nemployment, poverty, broken homes, and poor education in black neighborhoods, saturated with guns, drugs, and liquor stores, breed crime, teenage pregnancy, violence, and death by our own hands.

When most of us were young African American males, we settled our more serious disputes with our fists. Today, those fists are guns and bullets, knives and automatic weapons. It's no longer a black eye; too often

it's a black death.

I recently saw, for the second time, John Singleton's powerful motion picture, "Boyz n' The Hood." You may recall, that, when it was released, it was considered a very controversial film. If you did not see it on the screen, I suggest that you may want to see it on video. I think it will be well worth your while. The movie begins with two simple, but, tragic statements: "One out of every 21 black American males will be murdered in their lifetime", "Most will die at the hands of another black male." These stark statistics may be even worse today.

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he film goes on to portray the turbulence of life in the inner city, faced daily, by black families, single mother black families, and young black males and females, it is superbly written and directed by Mr. Singleton and features an outstanding cast. Ice Cube, one of the very talented actors, masterfully plays "Doughboy," a young black male without ambition, without hope, without love, without care, without regard for life (his own or others) and without faith in God or in himself.

"Doughboy" lives a violent life, and dies a violent death. Filmmakers Allen and Albert Hughes, 21-year-old African American Detroit twins, have brilliantly produced and directed a more recent film, "Menace II Society," which paints another blood-red portrait of a world on the verge of self destruction.

But, "Boyz 'n The Hood" and "Menace II Society" probably tell us nothing, we did not already know, and certainly, nothing we should not know. But, they do vividly bring us face to face with something most of us try to avoid, if not ignore. Most of us do not live in, or, in most instances, anywhere near, what are described as "the ghetto", "the combat zone". And, some of us, like too many other Americans, say "isn't it a shame, but, so long as it doesn't happen in my neighborhood or to me or to mine, let it be".

Some, even more callous, say "As long as they are only killing each other, let it be." We read about the killings or see, almost daily, on our television screens the dead bodies lying on the streets or being carried away by the police, who seldom apprehend the killers, And, we all agree, it is senseless and tragic. But, is that enough? We come from those streets, and if not, most likely, our parents did! Think about the people, young and old, who have to live with this violence and bloodshed every day of

their lives. They cannot move. They have no place to go. And, think also, of the sad and miserable lives of those who kill and get killed, and, for whom, also, there is no escape and who, in a sense, are "born dead."

We cannot steel our hearts and our minds against the fears and sorrows of our own people and others. For, if we do, we are not worthy of our Alpha heritage.

We cannot give up, on our young black males. Life can be saved, long after it seems to have been lost. Unexpected and radical changes do take place in people. Life is not as set and final, as we sometimes think it is.

Human nature is not as susceptible to change, as we sometimes fear it is. Young African American males are our future. We cannot fail them now, lest we mutilate the powers of intellect, that have been granted us.

I have never been quite comfortable with people who always state the problems, but, rarely even attempt the solutions. In my time, I tried to avoid being such a person. Today, I am old enough, but, hardly wise enough, to spell out solutions to the problems of Black America, Black Africa and the world in which we live.

However, trusting that you do not think me too presumptuous, I do have two proposals, which, do not pretend to solve the problems, but, which, never the less, I would like to pass on, for consideration, to problem solvers, who have the intellect, the power, the prestige and the money, my Brothers, in Alpha Phi Alpha.

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he first proposal, for your consideration is that we, as Alpha men, reach out to "our endangered species", our young black males, often school drop-outs, unemployed, too often, unemployable and lacking consistent discipline and self respect, who consciously, or otherwise, cry out for help or even for life. I would suggest consideration of an Alpha Phi Alpha sponsored program to encourage and fund through scholarship, and other means, the education and special training of young African American male teachers, who, in turn, will teach in predominantly black elementary and middle schools primarily in the inner city and also in rural areas. African American children, in addition to the normal curriculum, will be taught, first hand, by young African American male teachers whom they can identify, the rewards of education, family and above all, the value of life itself (their own

and others). The young African American male teacher will be a role model himself, as in the case of my fortunate son, Edward rV (Alpha 99), whose last year's 6th grade teacher was a young African American male with the added advantage of being an Alpha Brother, and who, I believe is in attendance at this convention.

The young African American male teacher role model will substitute for the gangsters and hoodlums who fill the movie and television screens with their drive-by, gang-style shootings, and, who teach the art of killing, all too often, imitated by our young black males.

The need for such a program is obvious. For there are far too many young black Young African American males who males are our future. We come from weakened cannot fail them now. families or from homes where there is no father, and whose only contact with black adult males is in the streets.

There are far too few African American males teaching in elementary and middle schools across the country, and, regrettably, few, who are presently studying to be teachers in elementary and middle schools.

To find young African American males for teaching, and training, our program would target high schools and primarily our black colleges and universities, where the great majority of our students are still trained and educated, as well as, all other colleges and universities, where African American male students matriculate.

It is for the sake of those without hope, whose very existence is threatened, that, I make this suggestion. For, the life of our young African American male is the most immediate and the most real need for ending frightening and intolerable conditions in this country.

The second proposal, for your consideration, is the formation of an Alpha Phi Alpha World Policy Council for the purpose of searching our long-term solutions to the complex, national and international problems we face now and in the twenty-first century. Since our beginning, Alpha Phi Alpha has been a leading force in the intellectual life of Black America and Black Africa. I do not intend to name the names or describe and accomplishments of our members. Suffice it to say, they are enormous.

Winter 1993 T The Sphinx A 55

Those accomplishments have been in law, education, science, the arts, sports, medicine, religion, technology, the media, government and various other fields. But, Alpha's contributions to world policy have been mainly on an individual basis. And, Alpha has always taken pride in, and applauded, the contribution and the Alpha contributor. The Council would continue to encourage individual efforts, while, at the same time, providing Alpha with the means for collectively applying its divine skills and perspective to illuminating and deepening its understanding of the complex issues of today and tomorrow.

The Council would be charged with finding constructive and innovative approaches to dealing with those complex issues and with framing those approaches in a way that offers policy makers, as well as, the general public, a broad and informed range of options and opportunities.

The Council could consider such subjects as, but, by no means, limited to: World Population Control, The Homeless, Water, World Hunger, Health, the Global Economy, Disarmament, Gun Control, Crime, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Teenage Pregnancy, Aids, Elections in South Africa and Haiti, the seemingly intractable dilemma in the Middle East, the Environment, Ethnics in Africa and Asia, the location of hazardous waste landfills in predominantly Black and Hispanic communities, and a host of others.

The Council's studies, findings and policy positions would be published in The Sphinx and other publications and made available to public and private institutions, local, state and federal governments at home and abroad, and to the world community at large. It would set its own agenda and establish its own priorities.

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t may be said, that, there are other organizations with far greater resources than we can command, already addressing national and international issues. There may be specific mention of The Congressional Black Caucus, and the Joint Center for Political Studies, headed by the able Eddie Williams. Both do excellent work. They have their objectives and they reach them. As a matter of political fact— When the House of Representatives votes on President Clinton's economic, deficit, tax programs on Thursday next, the vote will be extremely close. And, if I can still count correctly, the Congressional Black Caucus is not

powerful enough to decide if the President's package wins or loses. And, there are many other fine "Think Tanks." But, Alpha Phi Alpha, in the perilous times in which we live, must not fail to offer our greatest asset: our intellectual power!

Proud of its Scholarships, Go to High School-Go to College, A Voteless People is a Hopeless People programs, and many others, and, proud of its generous financial support of The N.A.A.C.P; The Negro College Fund; The Urban League and others, Alpha Phi Alpha is humbly desirous of finding new places to serve.

And, to do so, Alpha must have visions of the large issues at stake. Alpha men must continue to see life in the light of duty and personal responsibility, but, we must look upon ourselves as part of a great organic whole serving a useful function in the life of the world. We have, and will always have, a further contribution to make, a place to fill, a work to perform.

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hen I think of "manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind," I almost always think of Alpha men of the past. But, "thanks be to God," I am living now, with Alpha men of the present. Alpha men, who are seriously included, to be open, to consider difficult subjects. Alpha men, who have trained their minds in veracity and accuracy and fed them noble ideas. Alpha men, who think broadly and largely on the vast problems of the world.

It is to these Alpha men, I have addressed my remarks.

I have trod no new ground, nor was that my purpose. For, in truth, there is no new ground to trod.

But, I have tried to provoke, (and maybe to tear at your heart strings, as was my experience with "Boyz 'n The Hood") to edge on, to incite, to prod you into communicating between ideas and action.

Goethe wrote, "We are not born to solve the problems of the world, but to find out where the problem begins, and then to keep within the limits of what we can grasp." No more is suggested, no more is asked.

We are the blessed few who, by some good fortune of birth, have been educated by our parents, others, or by our own hands. We live in relative comfort and security. We have experienced the joy of achievement!

We have individually and collectively contributed to the acquisition and the protec-

tion of human rights, and the improvement of life itself. But, there is not one among us, who believes, that our work is done. There will always be challenges. There will always be those "mountains to climb and rivers to ford."

With all of the magnificent accomplishments of the past, and there have been many, they pale in comparison to the awesome responsibilities of the present and future.

And, as in the past, Alpha men will not shirk their responsibilities...if the dream of the dreamer is to come true... if the promise of justice and equality is to be kept. And anything less is unacceptable slavery. And, if we are to answer the call of our General President, Milton C. Davis, to "rekindle the spirit of leadership and service," we must aim high. For Alpha men agree with Benjamin Elijah Mays.

"Not failure, but, low aim is sin."

Alumni brother (From Page 31) confronting African Americans and their communities. "Not until we wake up and put back into the community what it has given us will we be able to solve our problems," Brother Jenkins says.

He wants to see college Brothers recruit their schoolmates to join them in adopting nearby public schools. Each college Brother—each college student for that matter—is a potential tutor or mentor, as Jenkins sees it.

"With the number of kids we have in college, there should be no failures in elementary, middle or high school," Jenkins insists.

The leadership Jenkins has provided his Fraternity and community has not been without recognition. He has received some 40 awards acknowledging his service to humankind.

This year he adds to that list of awards the Alpha Phi Alpha Alumni Brother of the Year. •

Brother President, my Brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha, I accept the Alpha Award of Merit. I shall cherish it for all the remaining days of my life and hopefully beyond. •

Deadline for the Next Issue of The Sphinx Please foward story ideas and chapter news for consideration at this time. We would like to have materials on hand for consideration by March 10, 1994. We are especially interested in hearing from Brothers who are available to write 3-4 page essays for the Alpha Forum. The subjects will vary with each issue but will have implications for all of us...violence and the media, a longer or shorter school year, putting the brakes on crime, the family, health care reform. Do not write the essays, only indicate your availability to do so. Please follow the suggested guidelines elsewhere in this issue in preparing chapter news. You really facilitate editing the magazine by avoiding salutations and superlatives. Sometimes your chapter can be appropriately represented by a photograph of some special activity with a caption as opposed to a narrative. But be sure the photo is of some activity. Mail material for consideration NOW. Send to: THE SPHINX Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218-5234

Winter 1993 • The Sphinx A 57

Policy on Submitting Articles for The Sphinx

The background is the meat of activity pictures but not the story. We also need backphotographs of annual dances. ground on award and scholarBut service projects, yes. ship recipients. Again, quotes will strengthen the story. And tell us how to reach the honoree We are always looking for so that we might get additional story ideas. Write us about good quotes. story possibilities. Ask your —Let's put a hold on chapter members what stories Please consider the followstories on intake. they would like to see pubing policy guidelines in prepar—Don't send stories about lished in The Sphinx. ing materials for publication in the naming of chapter officers The young man to whom The Sphinx. and the elections of chapter you award a scholarship could committees. On the contrary, be the subject of a feature in we want to know about brothThe Sphinx. Tell us why he —News Releases should be ers named to positions of should be featured. Tell us how typed and double-spaced. responsibility in the local to reach him. If we decide to do —Use white paper and community. the feature, we'll let you know type on one side only.

—Make a special effort to and ask your assistance in —Do not use all-capital show collaborations and the developing the story and typing elements. impact of chapter activities on getting a photograph.

—Name, address and the community.

You might feel that your telephone number of the chapter is so strong, it is so Associate Editor of The active in your community, that Sphinx should be included at —Send only 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 it ought to be featured in The the top of the article (s) subglossy, black and white photoSphinx. Make the case but mitted. graphs. don't write the story.

—Horizontal or vertical We look to hear from you formats are acceptable. soon.

—Avoid personal opinions —Avoid large group photos. and attempts to characterize For instance, do not send a chapter events reported in the story. picture taken Don't say the program was a "success," or the brothers had a following a Founder's Day "good time."

1 Jot j Js 1'N ; " * ' » * program. Photo—Do not embellish. Don't graph the speaker, "pad" the story. Provide an chapter honorees accurate account of what took and the chapter place or what is expected to president. take place.

—You need not provide a Identify step-by-step, chronological persons in photo, account of an activity, but name, title and aa-ssfisftstte chapter affiliation, provide significant details. where two or more Don't start or stop with "we had our annual retreat for Boy are included.

Large groups, and Scouts this year." Tell us what they should be took place at the retreat. Give — - - ">* m exceptions rather details that might be of interS&fe&O... _ _ than the rule, est to another chapter. Report dasesesr nssw sa need not carry the unique activities in your individual identifiBoy Scout program. Quote the cations. Identifica••!?««,—— 1 participants. Quotes give special life to the story. Quotes tions should be from left to right. introduce readers to program participants.

—Avoid hand —When you report on the and facial gestures in photobrother named Man of the graphs.

Year, provide background on the brother's accomplishments.

—We welcome

General

Format

Photographs

Content

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THE SEVEN JEWELS

HenryA.Callis. M.D.

Charles H. Chapman

Eugene Kir

Nathaniel A. Murray

Robert H. Ogle

Vertncr W. Tandy

GENERAL OFFICERS G E N E R A L P R E S I D E N T — Milton C. D a v i s , P. O. B o x 5 0 9 , T u s k e g e e , A L 3 6 0 8 3 IMMEDIATE PAST GENERAL PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR -

H e n r y Ponder, President's Office, F i s k U n i v e r s i t y , N a s h v i l l e , T N 3 7 2 0 8

J a m e s B. B l a n t o n , III, 2 3 1 1 3 St. P a u l S t r e e t B a l t i m o r e , M D 2 1 2 1 8 - 5 2 3 4

G E N E R A L T R E A S U R E R — George N . R e a v e s , 2 9 3 3 B a l m o r a l C r e s c e n t , Flossmoor, IL 6 0 4 2 2 C O M P T R O L L E R — F r a n k J e n k i n s , 5 2 9 S. P e r r y St., Montgomery, A L 3 6 1 0 4 G E N E R A L C O U N S E L — Tyrone C. M e a n s , P. O. D r a w e r 5 0 5 8 , Montgomery, A L 3 6 1 0 3 - 5 0 5 8 D I R E C T O R - G E N E R A L C O N V E N T I O N — Al Rutherford, 8 5 8 5 S t e m m o n s F r e e w a y S u i t e 7 3 0 N D a l l a s TX 7 5 2 4 7

VICE PRESIDENTS E A S T E R N — J o h n A. (Tony) M a n n , 9 5 2 5 H e a t h w o o d Court, B u r k e , VA 2 2 0 1 5 M I D W E S T E R N — Roy L. Manley, Sr, 2 6 3 1 C o v e n t r y Road, S h a k e r H e i g h t s , Oh 4 4 1 2 0 S O U T H E R N — Robert A. Willis, 130 Old F a i r b u r n Close, A t l a n t a , GA 3 0 3 3 1 S O U T H W E S T E R N — Harry E. J o h n s o n , 8 6 0 6 R u n n i n g Bird L a n e , M i s s o u r i City, TX 7 7 4 8 5 W E S T E R N — Phillip Cochran, 1165 Drexel Ave., Boulder, CO 8 0 3 0 3

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS E A S T E R N — Kobi Little, J o h n s H o p k i n s Univ., 8 5 0 5 W i n a n d s Rd., B a l t i m o r e , M D 2 1 2 0 8 M I D W E S T E R N — H. L e v e t t e W a s h i n g t o n , 1 9 4 8 R e v e r e , C l e v e l a n d H e i g h t s , O H 4 4 1 1 8 S O U T H E R N — A n t o n i o M. S m i t h , 1 8 8 0 N o r t h Willow A v e n u e , # 1 1 , Cookville, T N 3 8 5 0 1 S O U T H W E S T E R N — Richard Lee Scott, Jr., 4 0 4 Oak Park Dr., Little Rock, AR 7 2 2 0 4 W E S T E R N — Richard E. G r a h a m , 7 5 M a i n St. # 2 0 5 , S e a t t l e , WA 9 8 1 0 4 A d m i n i s t r a t i v e A s s i s t a n t s to t h e General P r e s i d e n t Charlie E. Hardy, Tuskegee, AL Joseph E. Heywood, Florence, SC Warren W. Sherwood, Montclair, NJ Alpha Phi Alpha E d u c a t i o n F o u n d a t i o n , Inc. Larry Drake, Chairman 605 W. Madison, Tower 3 - #2104 Chicago, IL 60661 J a m e s B. Blanton, Secretary George N. Reaves, Treasurer Cecil Howard, Assoc. Gen. Counsel Jim Dave Wilson Keener A. Tippin Clarence Christian

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Raymond E. Carreathers John W. German Milton C. Davis, Ex Officio

Corporate Office

Alpha P h i Alpha B u i l d i n g F o u n d a t i o n , Inc. Donald Lee, Chairman 2313 St. Paul Street 8916 Tennessee Kansas City, MO 64138 Baltimore, MD 21218-5234 J a m e s B. Blanton, III, Secretary George N. Reaves, Treasurer Telephone: (410) 554-0040 Clinton C. Jones, Assoc. Gen. Counsel Samuel L. Guillory Robert E. Simmons James B. Blanton, III, Executive Director J. W. Vaughn Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., Deputy Executive Director Felix Goodwin Milton C. Davis, Ex Officio Aaron Pretlow, Customer Service Manager

NATIONAL COMMITTEE/COMMISSION CHAIRMEN A l p h a S c h o l a r s h i p Bowl Roland Wesley 1159 Quail Run Avenue Bolingbrook, IL 60439

C o l l e g e B r o t h e r s Affairs Myles Newborn 421033 Desert Hill Drive Lancaster, CA 93536

J o b Fair Wilbur E. Jackson 6716 Indian Spring Court San Jose, CA 95120

Publications J. J. Johnson III P. O. Box 512 Tuskegee, AL 36087

Archivist Herman "Skip" Mason, 564 Blake Avenue. S.E. Atlanta, GA

S e n i o r A l p h a Affairs Rufus B. Dewitt 4937 Dafter Drive San Diego, CA 92102

Constitution David Pryor 6466 Gunstock Court Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

Life M e m b e r s h i p John C. Rawls 5808 S.W. 49th Street Gainesville. FL 32608

Public Relations Edward L. Marshall 100 Cypress Grove Court Condo #77 New Orleans, LA 70131

Awards Chairman Joseph Byrd, Xavier University P. O. Box 101-C New Orleans, LA 70125

Special Projects Leroy Lowery. Ill 1724 Portal Drive N,W. Washington, DC 20001

Elections Johnson E. Pennywell 15613 Singapore Houston. TX 77040

Membership Standards & Extension Ronald L. Mangum 306 Euclid Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Racial J u s t i c e Joe C. Thomas 787 Carsten Circle Benicia, CA 94510

Time & Place Michael C. Rogers 466 W. 142nd Street New York. NY 10031

Budget & Finance Roger A. McLean, P. O. Box 921-E.C.S.U. Elizabeth City. NC 27909

Endowment and Capital Formation Robert L. Davis 102 W. Northside Street Tuskegee. AL 36083

Business & Econ. Development Matthew H. Dawson 43 Garthe Court Vallejo, CA 94591

Grievances & Discipline Harry E. Johnson, Sr, 86066 Running Bird Lane Missouri City, TX 77489

National Programs Ronnie Jenkins 3507 Dale Lane. S.W. Atlanta, GA 30331 Personnel Iva B, Williams 2 3 7 - l l t h Avenue, S.W. Birmingham, AL 35211

Recommendations Chester E. Jordan 9105 Rev ( n u n El Paso, TX 79925 Rules and Credentials Ronald T..lann'-1717 Northeast 668) Oklahoma City. OK 73111

The Living Past General Presidents T. Winston Cole, Sr. 124 SW 23rd Gainesville, FL 32607

Henry Ponder Fisk University Nashville, TN 37208

Walter Washington Alcorn State Univ.

Lorman, MS 39096

Charles C. Teamer Sr. 4619 Owens Blvd.

New Orleans, LA 70122

James R. Williams 1733 Brookwood Drive Akron, OH 44313

Ozell Sutton 1640 Loch Lomond Tr., S.W.Atlanta, GA 30331