The SPHINX | Fall 1996 | Volume 81 | Number 3 199608103 by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Founded 1906

Office of The General President

September, 1996 My Brothers, We are in a period of transition. This is positive and healthy for any vibrant organization such as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. We have enjoyed numerous triumphs and successes and with our transition we anticipate new energy, fresh ideas, and new directions. I have already officially communicated to the Brotherhood that after 18 years of service, Brother Darryl Matthews has retired from the position of Executive Director due to family considerations. I take this further opportunity to commend Brother Matthews for his faithfulness and commitment to Alpha during his tenure as Director of Marketing, Deputy Executive Director and as our Executive Director. We have a very capable Interim Executive Director in Brother Dr. Ralph Johnson. Brother Johnson is temporarily on leave from his position at Johns Hopkins University while the Search Committee conducts a national search for a successor to Brother Matthews. We acknowledge and applaud the election of Brother Adrian L. Wallace as our 30th General PresidentElect. Brother Wallaces' election was confirmed by the Board of Directors during its meeting at the 1996 Alpha Scholarship Forum in New Orleans. We have already conducted a series of briefings and meetings for Brother Wallace so that he will be fully informed about the affairs of the Fraternity when he assumes office on January 1, 1997. As the Era of the Alpha Renaissance moves to a magnificent close, I extend my congratulations and my profound fraternal thanks to all who served on the leadership team across the country and abroad We have truly experienced a revitalization of our fraternal life during this era and the work of Alpha has been profiled and celebrated from coast to coast. Our communities, our families and our brotherhood are the beneficiaries of this Renaissance. Together we have rekindled the spirit of leadership and service throughout the Fraternity and communities we serve. We must do all within our power to encourage our communities to vote this November. I urge every brother and every chapter to be involved in some way to GET OUT THE VOTE this November. A full and complete summary of this administration's tenure shall be published in an upcoming Quadrennial Report which shall be mailed to all Brothers before the end of the year In this my final message to you, my brothers, as your General President, I charge you to always Hold High the Name! May God Bless you Fraternally.

MILTON C. DAVIS General President

304 North Main Street • P.O. Box 509 • Tuskegee, Alabama 36083-0509 (205) 727-6595 • Facsimile (205) 727-6556

"Olympic Torch Bearers"

Volume 81 Number 3 Fall 1996

THE

SPhlHX

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ALPHA FORUM Community Empowerment Can Solve National Epidemic COLLEGE DAYS Karim Ali—College Brother of the Year Brother Chuck Stone

"Fatherhood..." Lawson Oratorical Contest Collegiate Scholars Bowl

Feature Ruben Barkley, Jr.—Alumni Brother of the Year "Meet Him Again" ALPHA RENAISSANCE General President's Address Inaugural Charles Harris Wesley Lecture lure

The 1996 Scholarship Forum Brother Huel D. Perkins

Alpha Award of Merit Congressional Black Caucus

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

Community Renewal—Alpha Village Dedicated HISTORICAL MOMENT Our Heraldic Emblems—The Fraternity Design LEISURE "Urban Transitions"—A Play Review Your Music Collection—Some Suggestions CHAPTER NEWS Meet Brother Cornel West OMEGA CHAPTER CORPORATE DIRECTORY

The Alpha Phi Alpha Building Foundation members on the cover are (fivm left): Brothers Calvin R. Austin, Everett B. Ward, Hebrew L. Dixon, III (Chair-man), General President Milton C. Davis, Harold W. Patrick, Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., Casby Harrison, III (also Associate General Counsel), and George N. Reaves (also General Treasurer). See related story inside.

Fall 1996 • The Sphinx A 1

ybars of Service

"I am leaving the General Office staff but DQf the Brotherhood

It is at this time that I must, with deep regret, leave the task of administering the day-to-day operations of the General Organization to other capable hands. As announced at the recent Board of Directors meeting in New Orleans, LA, and to those attending the 1996 Alpha Scholarship Forum, I am resigning my position as Executive Director of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for personal reasons. I am very appreciative for the outpouring of support shown to me by many of you. It is heartwarming to know that Alpha needs me but right now my family needs me more. The professional growth and development that I have experienced while working at the Corporate Headquarters is a testament to what the Fraternity can do to shape a young College Brother who started out a little rough around the edges but was mentored and groomed by caring Alumni Brothers. You need only refer to my photograph in the Fraternity History Book to know what

effect this great organization has had on my life. Many Alpha Brothers have been involved in my personal and professional development. There is not space enough here to list the names of all the individuals but I will try to mention a special few. The very first Alpha man I remember meeting - although I did not then understand the Greek letters on the paddle hanging in his office - was the late Brother George Perry, my second grade principal at D. A. Holmes School in Kansas City, MO. Many years after leaving second grade - when I was a College Brother attending my first Alumni chapter meeting with Beta Lambda in Kansas City - I again saw Brother George Perry. It was Brother Perry who admitted me to the meeting. He was an impressive figure, a man who earned a master's degree in quantum physics from the University of Kansas. He was a demanding taskmaster. His Alpha greeting at the door brought a tear to my eye. I was moved to know that I was associated with this man as a Brother. It was Brother Perry who told me in my undergraduate years: 'Brother Matthews, you will go a long way in this Fraternity because you always take the time to acknowledge a Brother.' That is the philosophy I allowed to guide me in all my fraternal endeavors. Every Brother's needs - no matter how insignificant they may appear to others - are important to him and deserve my attention. It was 25th General President James R. Williams who put me forward as a role model to other College Brothers during my undergraduate years and encouraged me to seek an official position with the Fraternity. And it was then Midwestern Vice President Dr. Thomas D. Pawley III, for

whom I served as Assistant Vice President, who suggested upon my graduation from college that I apply for a staff position in the General Office. It is most fitting that both of them received the Alpha Award of Merit during the 1996 Scholarship Forum weekend. I take this opportunity to acknowledge Brother James B. Blanton III, who was not only my mentor and supervisor for many years, but is also godfather to my son, Darryl, Jr. Brother Blanton's curious view of human behavior, his unique wit and anecdotal humor leave me with an indelible impression and fond memories of my time spent in the General Office and at General Conventions. There were times when I did not know whether to laugh or cry. Somehow Brother Blanton always knew the right words to say to break the tension and keep us moving toward the goals and objectives of the Fraternity. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the impact the late Brother Michael Price had on my life. I still think and talk fondly about him as though he were still here. Michael and I didn't always share the same opinions but we share a fervent desire to move Alpha forward. Even now, I find myself asking 'what would Michael think' of a certain thing and wonder how would Michael view the events of today. I regret that he did not live to see Alpha move to a new headquarters facility. Other significant figures in my growth and development were former General Presidents Ozell Sutton, Charles Teamer and Henry Ponder. Working on the staff of their administrations provided me with immeasurable knowledge about effective leadership. Each of the General Presidents had unique but effective management styles. I owe a special debt of gratitude to 29th General President Milton Carver Davis who was more than just our (my) leader. We are personal friends and I

would like to thank him for handing me the football and telling me the plays - all the while knowing it was my responsibility to score the touchdowns. The recent election campaign for 30th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was a unique experience for me in that both candidates, Brothers Roy L. Manley and Adrian L. Wallace, are also personal friends. I knew the Fraternity would be in good hands whatever the outcome of the election. To Brother Wallace, our 30th General President elect, I extend best wishes for a successful term of office. I had looked forward to serving with Brother Wallace but unfortunately circumstances will not permit me to serve as Executive Director. I will be available to assist in any other way I can. There are many other Brothers not named here who have been part of my development, and again I extend my gratitude to each of them. I plan always to be involved with Alpha Phi Alpha. I will not "steal away into the night." I am leaving the General Office staff but not the Brotherhood because this Fraternity is truly a magnificent organization of African-American men. My wife, my children and I thank you for your prayers, your demonstrations of support and your friendship. Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. Executive Director Note: Brother- Matthews retired as Executive Director in August 1996 after being employed with the Fraternity for 18 years. He was appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as Executive Director in May 1995 after serving as Interim Executive Director. He was Deputy Executive Director beforefillingthe interim position. Before that, Brother Matthews was Director of Marketing/Membership and also held the position ofAssistant Executive Director:

Alpha Forum we started the D. C. Organ Donor Program in August 1982. As a pilot project, between 1982 and 1986 this program progressed through the District of Columbia and other southeastern organ procurement foundation (SEOPF) cities with the above mentioned methodology. Very soon it became evident that this simple modus operandus worked with a message tailored to the minority population and delivered by community minorities who were similar in appearance and spoke the same language. This was particularly effective when the spokespersons were transplant candidates, transplant recipients, organ donors, and their families. These messengers successfully educated and empowered the community to change "mind sets" and produce behavior modifications. The following objective parameters highlight the success of these programs. The number of motor vehicle donor card signings increased from 25 a month in August 1982 to 650 a month in August 1986; the number of African-American donors in the District of Columbia and the SEOPF area doubled. The success of these programs led to a presentation in 1986 before the American Council on Transplantation in Chicago. Dow Chemical Company and the Golan Harris Public Relations Company saw this as an area in which they felt they could make a difference. The Dow Chemical Company agreed to expand the pre-existing Dow Chemical Take Initiative Program to encompass African-American donor education. This led to a merging of the grassroots, face-to-face dialogue interaction and the mass media approach in 50 cities with large African-American populations and to four historically African-American colleges and universities (Southern, Howard, North Carolina A&T and Prairie View A&M). This combined grassroots, mass media effort in African-American communities by Dow Chemical Company (between 1986 1993) accomplished the following: ***The number of African-Americans signing donor cards increased from 7 percent in 1985 prior to the donor education efforts to 24 percent after the education efforts which began in 1986 (Gallup Polls, 1985 - 1990).

***The number of African-Americans polled who were aware of the highly successful nature of transplantation in 1985 increased from 10 percent to 31 percent by 1990 (Gallup Polls, 1985 and 1990). ***The number of African-American organ donors in the District of Columbia increased by 125 percent between 1982 1989). ***The consent rate among District of Columbia organ donors increased from 10 percent in 1978 to 51 percent in 1993. ***One year after the Dow Historically African-American Colleges and University (HBCU) organ donor program, the percentage of students signing donor cards and holding family discussions increased from 22 percent in 1991 to 52 percent in 1992. ***The number of African- American patients at Howard University receiving organs from African American patients increased from 12 percent to 43 percent between 1982 and 1994. ***The National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP) took the methodology of the District of Columbia Program (DCODP) and the Dow Chemical Company Take Initiative Program (DOW TIP) and applied them to all other minority groups - native Americans, Hispanics, Asian Pacific Islanders and Alaska Natives. National MOTTEP was created because of the crisis in transplantation which affects the African-American population more than any other ethnic group. MOTTEP developed a national strategy which places the solution of the problem in the hands of the community because community education and empowerment are the keys to the solution. Why do we call it a crisis? There are 45,000 Americans on transplant waiting lists, 23,000 of these are minorities (49 percent) and 15,000 (33 percent) are African-American. This is true

Brother Dr. Clive 0. Collender

Fall 1996 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx A 5

"We are faced with a national epidemic, but the minority community has the power to make a difference, a difference that is critical to our survival."

although minorities constitute only 25 percent of the American population and African-Americans only 12 percent of the population. Since less than 20,000 Americans were transplanted last year that leaves more than 20,000 Americans who still remain on transplant waiting lists and 8 - 10 people who die daily waiting for organ transplantations. Organ donation is then the number one problem in transplantation today. The challenge of the National MOTTEP is to rally African-American and other minority communities to the challenge by encouraging them to sign donor cards, have family discussions and leave organs and tissues behind after death. By so doing, the blind may see again, the deaf may hear, the lame may walk, and those who would otherwise die may have a second chance at life. One donor can yield life enhancing organs for 8 - 10 Americans and quality enhancing tissues for another 20 persons. While educating the community about donation and transplantation for those who already have end organ failure, these donation efforts can save the government as much as $1 billion. The benefit from emphasizing "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is more worthwhile as community education now, and may prevent end stage failure later. AfricanAmericans - all Americans - are affected from the cradle to the grave and the following preventive education ideas are presented in an effort to prolong life spans and prevent the development of end organ failure: ....Children need their blood pressure checked at least twice a year upon reaching age 12. ....Diets should be low in fat. ....Body weight should be kept at no more than 10 lbs. above the ideal weight. ....If blood pressure is elevated, allow a physician to treat to keep the systolic less than 140 and the diastolic less than 90. Often proper dieting, weight loss and proper exercise will be sufficient. ....Urine, sugar and protein tests should be conducted annually. ....Blood prostate specific antigen (PSA)

levels should be tested annually after age 50 to diagnosis prostatic cancer early enough for cure. ....If hypertension is present and medication is required, see your physician no less than 3 - 4 times a year. ....It is no longer necessary to sacrifice sexual potency (libido) and the ability to function as a sexual partner because of anti-hypertensive medications. These can be chosen by you and stopped with the doctor's consent and new medication chosen should side affects occur which hamper your ability to function as a sexual partner. ....A nutritional analysis of your diet should be performed if you are more than 10 lbs. above your ideal weight. ....15 minutes of daily exercise is a must. ....If diabetes runs in the family or if you are a diabetic, you should eat no sugar and keep your blood sugar well controlled with diet, insulin or other appropriate medication. We are faced with a national epidemic, but the minority community has the power to make a difference, a difference that is critical to our survival. National MOTTEP, the National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program, believes that information is power and that an educated , empowered community can sign donor cards, have family discussions and leave organs and tissues behind after death. The earliest intervention is with prevention which can in many ways prolong the length and quality of lives. If you want to become a part of this national effort, call 1-800-393-2839. Brother Dr. Callender is LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr. Professor and Chairman, Department of Surgery, Howard University College of Medicine; Principal Investigator, Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program, and Director, Howard University Transplant Center.

College Days

en Karim Ali graduated from high school in Houston, TX, he knew precisely what he wanted to do. He had grown up in "the city", so he was not interested in continuing studies in that environment. "Too many distractions." Karim read the scripts of most of the recruiters who sought his academic talents and he was not really impressed with what he

urging him not to even think about joining "any of those fraternities." Ali agreed. But not for long. The Alpha agenda fit his personal agenda. He saw Alphas doing things he was interested in doing. He was volunteering himself and he saw Alphas participating variously as volunteers. He was service oriented and so were the Alphas at Talladega. Today, four years after thinking he would not get involved in fraternity life, Karim Ali is College Brother of the Year. Armed with his bachelor's degree in marketing and finance, Brother Ali is participating in an intensive, four-month management training program at AmSouth Bank in Birmingham, AL. "It's just like being in school again," he says of the banking experience. Before he

1996 COLLEGE BROTHER OF THE YEAR

"/ WANTED TO GET MY EDUCATION AND MOVE ON... //

was hearing. "Most recruiters aim to please," Ali decided. But he was not interested in an institution's social environment, its proximity to a big city, the winning athletic program. "I wanted to get my education and move on die next endeavor," he had decided. The Talladega College recruiter "gave me what I wanted to hear," says the 1996 graduate. She put special emphasis on the academic and study environment. Fraternity life was among the things he was not interested in at Talladega. He remembers a letter from his father

is offered an assignment at the end of the management program, Brother Ali will have been exposed to just about every position the bank can offer branch management, consumer lending, credit analysis, and he will have also served as a teller. "You have to pay your dues," he acknowledges about the different demands of the training program. He is confident that he will become a millionaire, but understands that he cannot start at the top, Brother Ali says. On the way to becoming a millionaire, Ali will complete a dual MBA and

Fall 1996 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx A 7

juris doctorate degree program at either the University of Texas or the University of Michigan. The universities could be exchanged but not the goals. He is not sure if he wants to continue with the banking industry, but on the other hand, he is not really sure what he wants to do after completing the management training program. Advertising sounds attractive or it could well be corporate law.

He frowns on ony emphosis on "self" in the service of Alpha. Rather, he says "we can never lose sight of the fact that community uplift" is the cornerstone of our reason for being.

ess than five months out of college and with his undergraduate experiences still fresh on his mind, Brother Ali observes: "Talladega provided something special for me. The opportunities there for me were so great," a reference especially to the national civic and political leaders with whom he was able to interact and the numerous leadership roles he was able to play. And Brother Ali did lead at Talladega - president of the Student Government Association for two consecutive years, president of Students in Free Enterprise, Editor-in-Chief of the college yearbook and SGA Newsletter, a Talladega College Council and Pan Hellenic Council member, member of the Talladega College National Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees Student Affairs Committee, and the National Pre-Alumni Council for two years. Brother Ali graduated Cum Laude and with departmental distinction and there were special honors and scholarships along the way - UNCF/Paine Webber, Eunice Walker Johnson, Alpha Phi Alpha Educational Foundation, C. M. Harris, and LULAC Scholarships. An All-American Scholar and a member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society, Brother Ali's professional development credits include three internships: two years with the Natural Gas Clearinghouse in public and investor relations; operations training coordinator with Six Flags Inc. - Astro World;

and Office Education Assistant with Tenneco Gas. Of all the honors he received at Talladega, he is most proud of his membership in Alpha Chi National Honor Society. He took special note during a convocation in his freshman year at Talladega that men were conspicuously absent in Alpha Chi membership. He wanted to dispel "the myth about men in general, about their not performing." Ali wanted to be able to say, "I did it and it can be done." He did it - he was inducted into Alpha Chi after ranking in the top ten percent of his junior class. The fraternity life in which he initially professed no interest is today a significant influence in his overall life. "I didn't think in my wildest dreams that I would have gotten out of (fraternity life) what I did," Ali recalls. "I never expected to get so much. I believe in giving 100 percent to everything that I do without necessarily expecting a return on what I do." But he says the "returns have been amazing. It has been a real privilege and honor to work for the Fraternity." In his Talladega College chapter, the Alabama District, the Southern Region, and in National Programs, Brother Ali's presence and commitment is commendable. He has been a delegate to several National, Regional and District Conventions and served on National, Regional and District committees. Alpha Phi Alpha and community service are synonymous. Community service and Karim Ali are no less inextricably bound. And neither has Brother Ali shunned opportunities to become involved in political activities. He led the lobbying campaign at Talladega to "stop cuts to the education (federal) budget; organized a Talladega Save Financial Aid Phonathon; co-founded the Alabama HBCU Student Leadership Alliance; was a Clinton/Gore Campaign team leader; and as a Talladega County Deputy Registrar, coordinated campus

College Days voter registration drives. A member of the Democratic National Committee, Brother Ali was also a group discussion leader at the Congressional Black Caucus 25 th Legislative Weekend. He frowns on any emphasis on "self in the service of Alpha. Rather, he says, "we can never lose sight of the fact that community uplift" is the cornerstone of our reason for being. Alpha men should not become lost, he maintains, in "menial discussions" particularly about themselves and their achievements in life. Instead, "we need to be about (fostering) political and economic power." The College Brother of the Year has special applause for General President Davis and his emphasis on the priorities of the Fraternity's reason for being. He also likes the efforts of General President Davis and Regional Vice President Chester Wheeler to involve College Brothers in Fraternity affairs. He was impressed, Ali noted, with the attention President Davis devoted in his speeches to "the progress of Alpha" and the kinds of programs in which the Fraternity ought to be involved instead of a focus on what Ali called "trivial and procedural issues.

en he was elected Southern Region Vice President, Brother Wheeler, Ali remembered, called for more college Brothers to participate in Board activities. He, Wheeler, has kept his promise, Ali said. "It is up to us to show up." Ali also had high marks for the Scholarship Forum. "That is the

way it should be," he said of President Davis' highlighting scholarship. "That is what we need. It shows that we are about more than step shows."

Ali, College Brother of the Year.

College Days

SPEAKERS CHALLENGE AFRICAN-AMERICAN MALES.... BECOME MORE RESPONSIBLE FATHERS The Belford Lawson Oratorical Contest

Brother Donovan Wheotfoll

10 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx T Fall! 996

t takes hard work and dedication to assume the role of fatherhood, the speaker admitted. But he insisted that we have no other choice, as difficult as it may be, but to re-examine our roles as fathers. African-American males must exhale "the fowl air of not assuming responsibilities" and inhale a "commitment to God, community, and family." Brother Donavan Wheatfall's moving speech, filled with emotional nonverbal gestures, won the Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest. Brother Wheatfall represented Pi Omicron Chapter, Texas A&M University and the Southwestern Region in the contest during the Scholarship Forum in New Orleans. Wheatfall issued "an urgent call for black men to come to the aid of their communities - financially, spiritually, physically, socially, and mentally." Fatherhood, the tlieme of

this year's Lawson Oratorical Contest, "permeates every part of our daily lives," Wheatfall maintained. It "infiltrates our family life, pierces into our economic structure, and it is crucial to our religious and community stability." Also competing in the oratorical contest were: Craig D. King, second place; Shannon Lee Pettiford, third place; Damon L. McDade, and Ryan E. Ballard. Brother King represented Theta Gamma Chapter at the University of South Florida and the Southern Region; Brother Pettiford represented Beta Gamma Chapter at Virginia State University and the Eastern Region; the Midwestern Region and Zeta Rho Chapter at Indiana State were represented by Brother McDade; and Brother Ballard represented Pi Kappa Chapter at California State University and the Western Region. All of the speakers issued challenges. They all made persuasive arguments. They were all, and correctly so, well received. There were role models for African-Americans to follow, legacies for African-Americans to continue,

Brother Craig King

ing music. Rather, the "man", Brother King noted, "is working 9 - 5 , five days a week to support his family. The man is the one at the kitchen table helping his kid with homework." Brother of the Year at the University of South Florida and a senior in mass communication, Brother King continued: "Our children can and will succeed at what they attempt if they have the proper support system." Children need to see leadership not only in their own homes but "at their friends house down the street," King added.

"As African-American men our foremost objective should be to devote our energies to constructing and cultivating the universal success and progress of our families."

Brother Wheatfall noted. "Crispus Attucks died so that Nat Turner could revolt. Nat Turner revolted so that Frederick Douglass could speak. Frederick Douglass spoke so that Martin Luther King could march. Martin marched so that Jesse Lewis Jackson could run. Jesse Jackson ran so that we could stand for fatiierhood and dignity." A business and information analysis major at Texas A&M, Brother Wheatfall challenged the brotherhood to "start saving and stop consuming. You have to deal with life as it is given to you." rotJier King thought that African-American males should "stop demanding attention and respect from our lads, but command it with untiring efforts to create a strong family structure...." Young people should be minded, King went on, that "the man" is not the person on the corner selling drugs, not the one driving the Cadillacs with blast-

oung people should be taught that success and achievement are not events but a way of thinking. When young people see success as a way of thinking, King explained, "the forest that has sheltered them for so long will never be looked upon or treated as a jungle." Calling African-American men "the father and master of all civilization," Shannon Pettiford thought AfricanAmerican men and their communities were special targets for discrediting. "They have moved jobs out and they have moved in drugs and violence. We have to reconstruct our communities into the way they should be." As Brother Pettiford explained it: "We (African-Americans) cannot depend on the school system to educate our people and children. We have to educate (them) ourselves." His was a wake-up call, Brother Pettiford said, to African-American fathers. "We are a strong people. We were made to last. Our strength is a threat to

Brother Shannon L. Pettiford

Fall 1996 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx A 11

Oratorical Contest participants shown here with Brother Jim Dave Wilson (center), contest coordinator, are (from left): Brothers Craig King, Southern Region; Shannon Pettiford, Eastern Region; Damon L. McDade, Midwestern Region; and Ryan Ballard, Southwestern Region.

12 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 1996

America." But African- American males must come to understand their strength and rid themselves of drug abuse and be reminded "from whence we have come." A biology major at Virginia State, Brother Pettiford will attend medical school at Howard University. Brother Damon L. McDade agreed with Preston J. Edwards that "the African-American male is under siege. He is being attacked on all fronts." Young African-American males are trapped into a system of poverty, illiteracy and unemployment, all obstacles they must overcome, Brother McDade insisted.

cDade called on AfricanAmericans to develop a "vision" which, he said, would be a "blueprint to build a well-fortified structure." He cited "patience, preparation and much prayer" as ingredients of a vision that would increase the potential for progress. McDade is a graduate of Indiana State and will attend graduate school at Purdue- Indiana University.

"As African-American men our foremost objective should be to devote our energies to constructing and cultivating the universal success and progress of our families," Brother Ballard said in his speech. If their sons should emulate them, Ballard told African-American fathers they should be men and not just act like men. Brother Ballard said it would take a battle to save African- American children. "Are you prepared to fight?' he asked rhetorically. "No battle is won without a fight," the speaker added. A senior Human Relations major, Ballard called fathers the nucleus of the family unit. "Any damage to the nucleus can prove to be detrimental to the whole," the speaker went on. Ballard opposed any emphasis on negatives about African-American males, calling instead for a focus on the positive. In that connection, he said AfricanAmerican males must be assertive in never underestimating the value of family.

College Days

or the second consecutive year, Alpha Brothers in the Southwest outscored their opponents in the Southern Region to win the Collegiate Scholars Bowl, one of the principal activities at the 1996 Scholarship Forum. This is the fourth year of the Scholars Bowl, an initiative of the Alpha Renaissance administration of General President Milton C.

Competition for the Scholars Bowl starts at the District level and advances through the Regions to the General

The Bowl is administered with questions developed by the Honda All-Star Challenge, after

SOUTHWEST WINS AGAIN

which the Alpha Bowl is patterned. Ford Motor Company provided stipends for the winning

Davis. The Bowl activities are directed by Brother Dr. Ronald Wesley of the Midwestern Region. Brother Wesley is affiliated with Mu Mu Lambda, Glen Ellyn, IL.

Convention. The winner from the previous year receives a bye to participate in the Nationals. Following roundrobin elimination, the two surviving

team members, $1,000 and $500 respectively, support that is coordinated by Brother James Moore of Ford Motor.

Fall 1996 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ 13

College Days teams play three games to determine the National Champions. In the 1996 competition during the Scholarship Forum, the Southern Region eliminated the Eastern Region before falling to the Southwestern Region in three games. More than 300 College Brothers from each of the Fraternity's regions have participated in the competition since its inception. "The Collegiate Scholars really enjoy themselves," says Brother Wesley. The Scholars are involved in all aspects of the competition - judging, scoring, and announcing. As Brother Wesley sees it, the Collegiate Scholars Bowl could become

"the key to showcasing the (intellectual) abilities of African-American youth." He would like to see more participation, Brother Wesley says, but he wants the increased participation to represent a "broader spectrum of the community." He specifically mentioned the possibility of involving other organizations in the Scholars Bowl competition. "I am excited about it. The General President had an idea and he gave us a chance to implement it." The Bowl is administered with questions developed by the Honda All-Star Challenge, after which die Alpha Bowl is patterned. Ford Motor Company provided stipends for the winning team members.

SUMMER ACADEMY LAUNCHED AT LANGSTON

Thirty-three young people from Oklahoma, Illinois and Colorado took advantage of the opportunity to hone their skills in math and science.

14 A The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 1996

he idea was too good to let go. So when the Alpha Academy at the University of Missouri seemed to be losing steam, Brother Dr. Roland Wesley said "no". Brother Dr. Ernest Holloway, president of Langston University, agreed. Langston, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the U. S. Department of Energy, the Midwest Research Institute (Kansas City, MO), and Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. formed a partnership, and an "Intensive Summer Academy in Mathematics and Science" was underway. Thirty-three young people from Oklahoma, Illinois and Colorado took advantage of the opportunity this summer to hone their skills in math and science. Brother Roland Wesley of Mu Mu Lambda Chapter, Glenn Ellyn, IL, was the on campus coordinator and he had the special support of Brother Dr.

John K. Coleman, a chemistry professor at Langston University. The participants were sophomores, juniors and seniors. Each student received a $200 stipend. The students received exposure in biology/physiology, chemistry/stoichiometry, mathematics/calculus-graphing, and computer based problem solving in addition to technical writing. Brother Wesley wants each chapter to sponsor participants in future Academy sessions. He says the chapter sponsorships will also enhance the chances of the Academy receiving matching funds support. In addition to his volunteer roles with the Summer Academy at Langston University and the Collegiate Scholars Bowl, Brother Wesley operates his own business, Janaston Management and Development Corporation and Applied Research Technical Institute, Chicago.

f4£4&tmi*tq> Oun, Sccccete© The national d e b a t e regarding the country's commitment to inclusiveness is being w a g e d on political, e d u c a t i o n a l legal a n d organizational levels. • While many key decision makers have expressed their desire to maintain a n d further the c o n c e p t of diversity, it is clear that many d o not share these sentiments. • As a result, African Americans entering the work force f a c e not only the normal challenges associated with starting a career, but also the effects of this debate. Affirming Our Success© is a proactive program designed to provide African Americans with the requisite tools needed for success in the workplace. • •

The program content is based upon in-depth interviews a n d frank discussions with successful African American professionals. Their advice, words of wisdom a n d experiences are woven throughout the presentation a n d accompanying materials.

^/de 'Pte&eHten Entrepreneur. Workplace Expert. Motivational Speaker. Educator Dr. Karen Bearden is uniquely qualified to c o a c h African Americans on workplace issues. As president of the Bearden Group, a Louisville-based human resources consulting firm, she has worked with a diverse client base a n d employees at every level in organizations. Her expertise frequently is sought by college presidents, senior management a n d government officials.

JfcP't&cete,

Affirming Our Success© is being offered to colleges a n d universities during the 1996-97 a c a demic year. A SPECIAL DISCOUNT IS OFFERED FOR ALPHA PHI ALPHA MEMBERS! The presentation is four (4) hours in length and colleges a n d universities h a v e t h e o p t i o n of h a v i n g Dr. Bearden speak to faculty, staff a n d student groups in addition to demonstration of the program. •

To schedule a session for your campus, call (502) 893-7041, or requests may be sent via fax to (502) 893-6875. Fall 1996 T The Sphinx A 15

1996 ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR

RUBEN BARKLEY, JR.

ecoming Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's 1996 Alumni Brother of the Year is not something Ruben Barkley, Jr. initially sought. Brother Barkley was busy fulfilling some of die community needs in Petersburg and Fort Lee, VA, where he lives and works, when he was recognized as a good candidate for Brother of the Year honors. His work in the two communities began shortly after he moved to Petersburg in 1988 and took a position with die Aviation Organizational Structure in Fort Lee where he is Civilian Management Analyst for die Department of the Army. Brother Barkley joined Nu Omicron Lambda in Fort Lee after transferring to the area and in 1991 was elected chapter president. Upon becoming president, "I said the chapter had to become more visible in doing programs and community work," he reports. Nu Omicron Lambda has been active in community service ever since and in 1992 and 1994, under Brother Barldey's leadership, was named Outstanding Alumni Chapter of the Year by the Virginia Association of Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Brother Barldey's work with Nu Omicron Lambda serves as a springboard for his other community involvement, which includes service through boards and organizations such as: the Petersburg Public School Board, YMCA Board of Black Achievers, Concerned Black Men of Petersburg, Cities in Schools/Burger King Academy and the Virginia Avenue Elementary School Role Model Program. In addition, he serves the community through the Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg. "I consider myself very, very spiritual

and I try to operate on a spiritual level. And I realize that in all things â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I don't do them by myself. It's by God's grace who gives me the power from on high," says Brother Barkley. "I believe in the true essence of Brotherhood," he says. "I believe we should be concerned, committed, and caring." Brother Barkley remembers how he and the chapter assisted when an elected official from the area, a Brother, was given a long jail sentence after being found guilty of committing an offense in his private life. While others turned their backs on the legislator, Brother Barkley continued to visit him in jail and worked with the justice system to get the Brother an early release. Nu Omicron Lambda's reputation for community service and its establishment of such programs as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award may have helped in their efforts, he said. "I believe we must have a willingness to help the less fortunate and downtrodden and that we must see good in all people," Brother Barkley added. "Anytime you do something to uplift God it will work out for the best." The Petersburg area has been undergoing economic hardship that has created a greater need than usual for youth mentoring. A tobacco company, one of the city's largest employers, was shutdown. Also a shopping mall was built in an adjacent community, causing a decline in the town's shopping options. The resulting loss of city tax revenue has adversely affected the school system and added to the drug and crime problem there, Barkley believes. "Like all cities, (in Petersburg) you have your influx of drugs," says Brother Barkley. "We work with kids at risk, trying to show them some alternatives because they need to see some successful

Feature men - men who are not into drugs." Concerned Black Men, an organization which he helped found, has developed a curriculum to bring youth to a certain level of awareness while giving diem life skills, he says. Brother Barkley, working with Concerned Black Men and Nu Omicron Lambda, is the primary drug counselor for tbe Boy Scouts of Fort Lee, Troop 912. He also has gotten Nu Omicron Lambda involved in hosting the area's Special Olympics. In addition to working with Scouting, he plays a leadership role in the Chapter's Go to High School, Go to College and Voter Registration programs. They were successful this year in getting a Brother re-elected to the

Petersburg City Council. "If you look at the legacy of Alpha, we have provided leadership to our community. So we (the Chapter) also hold high the banner and hold high the name of Alpha in tbe form of Brotherhood," says Brother Barkley. "Some Brothers get in die Fraternity and just work right inside the Fraternityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and that's good. But we also have to have an outreach program. We must learn to give sometbing back. If you are not willing to work in the community, then this is not the organization that you should be with," says Brother Barkley who received a proclamation from the Petersburg Mayor and City Council for his work with the school board and public schools. The Atlanta, GA., native received his Bachelor of Science degree in business management with honors from Hampton Institute (now University) in 1975. He was initiated into the Fraternity at Hampton through Gamma Iota Chapter. He currently serves as corresponding secretary for Nu Omicron Lambda and the Virginia Association of Chapters

of Alpha Phi Alpha; chairman of the Association's Education Foundation; chairman of the Eastern Region's Scholarship Committee; and Area Director for Virginia's Area I. He retired from the U. S. Army Transportation Corps in 1981 with the rank of Major. Brother Ruben Barkley, Jr., Alumni Brother of the Year.

Fall 1996 T The Sphinx A 17

Feature

hree years ago he was in New Orleans, LA, to receive the Alpha Award of Honor, the highest award given to significant achievers who are not members of the Fraternity. He had already earned a long list of honors by the time the Alpha honor was added - six Grammys, 18 American Music Awards, ASCAP

YOU HAVE MET HIM BEFORE, BUT MEET HIM A G A I N . . . THIS TIME AS A BROTHER

404

18 A The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 1996

> *w i

Feature

Publisher and Writer of the Year honors; three Black Gold Awards, the People's Choice Award on several occasions, and many more. Writer, producer, singer, and entertainer, you knew him in New Orleans, LA, as Lionel B. Richie, Jr. Today meet Brother Lionel B. Richie, Jr. No, meet Life Member Brother Lionel B. Richie, Jr.

eneral President Milton C. Davis led the delegation of Alpha Brothers completing die Alpha Intake in California where Brother Richie resides. Brother Richie was, however, assigned to Alpha Nu Lambda Chapter in Tuskegee, AL, home for both Richie and President Davis. Brother Davis and Richie grew up together in Tuskegee. The Davis and Richie circle of friends in Tuskegee also includes Brother John W Hines, who made the Intake photos possible. Hines and Davis are products of Gamma Phi Chapter, Tuskegee.

On hand for the Intake, in addition to Brothers Davis and Hines, were: Western Region Vice President Kenneth Venable, Brothers Alpha Dixon, Kevin Mott, and Kenneth Wynn, Darryl Matthews, Al Rutherford, Soloman Banks, Harold Patrick, Leroy Titus, Ian Coleman, and Herbert Marshall. Brother Richie's father, the late Lionel Richie, Sr., was a longtime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and active with Alpha Nu Lambda Chapter in Tuskegee.

Fall 1996 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ 19

Address Delivered by

General President Milton C. Davis to the

1996 Alpha Scholarship Forum New Orleans, Louisiana July 12,1996

o our Past General Presidents, General Officers and my Brothers— Today we have come from across the country to this noble and wonderful city of New Orleans. I welcome you and extend my fraternal greetings to each of you. I am privileged and honored to have this occasion to come before you to update you on the status of our affairs in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and, in addition, to reflect on our purpose and reason for assembling for this weekend. This year, 1996, marks the 90th year of our founding. This Scholarship Weekend serves as our fraternity's official observance of this anniversary. An organization in its 90th 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 nine decades, this fraternity has produced leaders who have demonstrated Alpha's uniquely useful role in the African-American community and the larger American society. The maturity of spirit and substance achieved in these 90 years grew out of our basic commitment to human dignity. But this continually maturing organization is touched

20 A The Sphinx T Fall 1996

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 three years, five months and nineteen days before the next century, tlie next millennium. What a stunning event and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will be prepared for its rightful place. lpha Phi Alpha is, first, a fraternity of educated men of high quality, secondly, but of special significance, Alpha is a entity with positive societal impact which advances educational opportunity and social justice. The successes of Alpha are rooted in our commitment to uplift downtrodden humanity and elevate human dignity. For the last four years, this administration has embraced and promoted the theme - "The 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 be 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 - no excuses, no crutches, no whining.

Alpha Renaissance

lpha was founded by, and for, extraordinary men whose destiny it is to do great work. We should never be timid, embarrassed or ashamed to profess to ourselves and to the world that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is not for everyone. Alpha is reserved for extraordinary men of intellect, quality and character. — 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. It is because of our profoundly held beliefs and based on the legacy of 90 years of struggle and triumph that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has assembled here today for this weekend to forthrightly, confidently, unashamedly proclaim and celebrate the scholarship and the intellectual achievement of the African American male. That is why we are here. Not all African-American males are on the street corner with seemingly no purpose in life. Not all African American males have succumbed to human weaknesses and vices. Not all African American males are locked away in prisons and detention centers. There are those who have locked themselves away in the study hall, libraries and laboratories of over 115 historically black colleges and universities across the nation. There are those who matriculate with confidence and success on virtually every college campus in the country. There are those who pursue high academic pursuits and earn the coveted title of honor student. There are tbose who walk upward and onward toward the light. It is for them

on whose behalf we assemble today and this weekend to support, raise up and honor those who legitimately strive for knowledge and achievement. The purpose of Alpha is not only to state the problems but to seek solutions to those problems. Alphas greatest calling and basic tenet is the training of the human mind. Ayn Rand's book The Fountain Head aptly states: "Man comes to earth unarmed except for his mind. His brain is his only weapon. Man has no horns, no fangs, no great strength of muscle. He must either plant food or hunt it. To plant food, a process of thought is required. To hunt food, one must make weapons and thereby a process of thought is required. From the simplest necessity to the highest religious abstraction from the wheel to the skyscraper - everything we are and everything we have comes from a single attribute of man - the function of his reasoning mind." Our agenda this weekend has ample opportunity for fellowship but it is primarily designed to be a veritable feast for the mind. We shall leave this session and move to the College Brothers Luncheon where we shall hear our College Brothers who are contestants in the Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest. Later today we shall view our College Brothers as they further compete in our Collegiate Scholars Bowl. A glittering reception this evening hosted by our brother Mayor Marc Morial will occur at the Mahalia Jackson Center for the Performing Arts, followed immediately by a fabulous performing arts concert featuring young virtuoso artists and seasoned artists performing in a diverse program of classical, Broadway, jazz and contemporary presentations. n Saturday, I invite you to view the extensive archival exhibit of memorabilia and artifacts of our renowned Brother Charles H. Wesley. Our archivist, Herman Mason has once again prepared an exhibition which is informative and inspiring as he presents one of the greatest scholars and role

"The purpose of Alpha is not only to state the problems but to seek solutions to those problems."

Fall 1996 • The Sphinx A 21

models of the 20th century through this exhibit. e shall gather in the afternoon for our Alpha Academic Convocation to hear Brother Senator Edward W. Brooke deliver the Inaugural Charles H. Wesley Memorial Lecture. We shall also hear the first pronouncements coming from our Alpha World Policy Council: profound thoughts, opinions and recommendations addressed to the serious, critical issues and times in which we live. The scholarship convocation shall be another historic initiative in the life of our fraternity. The evening shall conclude with a formal reception and awards banquet followed by a late night cabaret. There are a few other developments. We have hired a full time Program Director at the General Headquarters, Brother Gregory Harrod. Brother Harrod will coordinate our mentoring program funded through our W K. Kellogg Foundation grant as well as seek to expand and develop funding for our other national initiatives. We have begun construction on our housing developments in the city of Chicago by our Building Foundation. Three single-family homes with attached rental units are being constructed on the site of our former General Headquarters. We are scheduled to dedicate the first completed house in September of this year. A word about transitions. All of us have observed the Olympic flame as it made its way from Greece to the United States and then across the country by way of hundreds of citizens. Each person who had the once-in-a-lifetime honor of carrying the Olympic torch mustered their energy, pride and dignity to accomplish this task in the best manner available to them. After each torchbearer covered the distance assigned to him or her, the flame was transferred to the fresh torchbearer and he with equal pride, dignity and poise set forth to cover his distance. It is time for some of us now to pass the light of Alpha on to the new torchbearers.

Brother Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., after prayerful consideration has determined that some serious family considerations will not allow him to continue as our Executive Director. He has submitted his resignation to the Board of Directors. Brother Matthews has given us 18 years of his life as a staff member of our fraternity. I would have us hold Darryl, his dear wife, Allison especially and his three sons Julian, Darryl, Jr. and Blake close in our hearts and prayers in the days ahead. Brother Matthews shall leave us on August 31, 1996. Darryl, we miss you already â&#x20AC;&#x201D; May God bless you and your family. Let us surround him and support him and his dear family. This marks the final time that I shall address you in a national assembly as your General President. As the torchbearer of the light of Alpha, I have run the distance assigned to me and I have done my best. This Scholarship Weekend is the crowning achievement of this administration. I thank you all for having so magnificently supported every single initiative of this administration.

close with a prayer written by our brother, W . E . B . Dubois - written at a time a hundred years ago when he as a young man faced the beginning of the 20th century. "The difference between man and beast is this, that Thou, O God, hast planted in us aspiration, ambition, outstretchings toward the dim and far possible, the unresting desire to be more than what we are and truer and better. Bless to us this mighty passion, our Father, and make it a true inspiration and not a selfish temptation. May we realize how wonderful a thing it is to be a healthy human being here on the threshold of a great new centuryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; to taste the heritage of a mighty past, to pile the endowment of a greater future and above all to realize in our own souls all that God meant us to be. Amen."

Alpha Renaissance

merica was credited with serving as a "shining example to millions around the world" as she "grappled successfully with enormous challenges both at home and abroad." But despite her "shining example, America has not yet lived up to its promise." Brother Senator Edward W. Brooke was delivering the inaugural Charles Harris Wesley Memorial Lecture. The former Massachusetts Senator credited Brother Wesley with standing up for America and working "as hard as he could to make America own up to what it says it stands for." Brother Wesley's legacy, Brother Brooke reasoned, was our inheritance. "Our duty today is to pick up from where he left off and to stay on course into the next century and the next millennium." There would be challenges, Brooke allowed, "major challenges." But amid the challenges were opportunities, and he challenged the Brothers and their friends attending the Memorial Lecture to "find inspiration in the many beacons of hope in the world and in our country." The 19th and 20th centuries served up national and international atrocities â&#x20AC;&#x201D;all of which have not been completely or satisfactorily eliminated, Senator Brooke observed, and he predicted that the 21st century "will serve up horrors of its own." And while he was confident that capable men and women would "rise up to grapple with them (the challenges of the 21st century)," Brother Brooke noted: ..."we can afford to be neither complacent nor mentally unprepared. "We must be ready for the world." And in being ready for the world, he called for "principles, if

not a plan, to guide us." The precepts and principles of the plan Senator Brooke called for could be found, he said, in the precepts and principles of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Brother Brooke characterized the challenges facing America as those he said were "traceable to and best addressed by" individuals, private industry, and governments. He included among the problems attributable to individuals in their personal, family and commu-

READY FOR THE WORLD" / /

Charles Harris Wesley Memorial Lecture

nity lives: child abuse, the misuse of alcohol and drugs, domestic and gang violence, "the epidemic of teen pregnancy or premature parenthood, prejudice and discrimination, 'and among others,' the regrettable and ominous mixture of apathy, cynicism and disrespect for law, government and politics." iting the number one problem facing private industry, Brother chided the "violent images and antisocial ideas disseminated so broadly by the media and the entertainment industry." He did not advocate more regulation now, Brother Brooke said, but challenged

the entertainment industry to "show allegiance to some moral principle other than 'give them whatever they want, so long as it sells.'" rother Brooke also cited the private sector for its varying performance with respect to equal employment and affirmative action for women and underrepresented minorities; the insensitivity of some corporations to the needs and deserts of their employees and communities; and the failure of some corporations to respect the ecological systems of the world. Brother Brooke called on government to do a better job of educating young people, of providing health care, insuring employment and decent and affordable housing, providing safe neighborhoods for all, taking responsibility for and preserving the natural environment, and simply doing a better job of governing. "Too often, governments and the people who run them conduct themselves in ways that are highly deficient when it comes to honor, morality and integrity," Brooke noted. "They should be on notice that their people's patience has its limits and that they should either conform, reform or perform, or else expect to be informed that their time in office has expired." All Americans should play a role in developing the plan to address the challenges of the 21st century, Brooke noted. They did not have to be a politician, diplomat, general, admiral, scholar or preacher to do so. "All you have to be is someone who cares about his family, his community, his environment and his fellow human beings." Full text of the lecture follows on page 25.

Fall 1996 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ 23

Alpha Renaissance Executive Director Danyl R. Matthews, Sr. (from left), New Orleans Mayor Brother Marc Mortal, Brother Christopher Womack, chairman of the Education Foundation; Senator Edward W. Brooke, the Memorial Lecturer; General President Milton Davis. Members of the Education Foundation (rear) are: Brothers James Carter, Kermit Boston, James Ward, Keener A. Tippin, and James Gillespie.

Alpha World Policy Council members (front row, from left): Brothers Huel Perkins, Horace G. Dawson, Jr., and Chuck Stone. Back row, from left: Xavier University President Brother Norman Francis, and Alpha Merit Award recipients Brother Dr. Thomas Pawley, III and Brother James R. Williams.

24 A The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 1996

Alpha Renaissance THE INAUGURAL CHARLES HARRIS WESLEY MEMORIAL LECTURE //

READY FOR THE WORLD"

Brother Edward \ \ . Brooke lairman, Alpha Phi Alpha World Policy Council Member, United States Senate (Republican, Massachusetts), 1967 - 1979 at the ''

FIRST ALPHA PHI ALPHA SCHOLARSHIP FORUM New Orleans, Louisiana July 13, 1996 Wesley's Example and Legacy Dear Brothers and guests, I cannot tell you how privileged, honored and humbled I feel to have been chosen by our General President, Brother Milton C. Davis, to deliver this First Charles H . Wesley Memorial Lecture. When I was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha nearly six decades ago, Dr. Wesley was our General President. I came to love him and admire him. H e was my brother, my leader, my teacher, and my friend. I have never stopped trying to follow his example and, God willing, I never shall. Let me take a few minutes to remind all of you just who Brother Dr. Charles H. Wesley was and why his is a name, and why his was a life, that you should always remember. Brother Dr. Wesley was born nearly 105 years ago and lived some 95 years. He graduated from Fisk, where he had been a star student, athlete and singer, and entered graduate school at Yale at age 19. H e was the fourth African-American to earn a Ph.D. at Harvard. He traveled and studied in Europe. He taught history at Howard University and rose through the ranks to become Dean of Liberal Arts and Dean of the Graduate School. As a scholar, he published 12 books and 125 articles. He served as president of Wilberforce College and of Central State University in Ohio. He was an ordained

minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He wrote the history of our Fraternity and served as its General President for nine critical years between 1931 and 1940. He served as president of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History for 15 years. But, in his own words, he gave his best to Alpha. And we should be thankful that he did. There is more to know about Brother Wesley, however. First, he was a loving and caring husband and father. Second, despite his considerable talents and accomplishments, there was no arrogance about him. If at times he was first of all, he was, nevertheless, always a servant of all. "One's attainments," he said, "can serve as object lessons for others. There is no need to draw attention to them." Third, he believed, correctly, that notions of racial superiority and inferiority explain very little, if anything, in human history. Fourth, instead of talking about what America owed black people, he talked about what America owes itself and all of its people, and about what black people owe themselves. Fifth, his interests and his horizons were never limited by the waters which separate North America from the rest of

the world. His concern and his love were for all mankind. Sixth, he made the nurturing of young people an integral part of his life. And, to his everlasting credit, he never turned a deaf ear to any call to duty. So perhaps you can understand why I feel compelled to say today that Brother Dr. Charles H. Wesley - scholar, athlete, teacher, musician, historian, preacher and Alpha man - was as American as they come. He knew the truth of that, even if most Americans didn't. And instead of giving up on, or giving in to, Americans who would deny his American-ness, he stood up for America and worked as hard as he could to make America own up to what it says it stands for. With the kindness and courtesy of Dr. Wesley's accomplished daughter, Mrs. Charlotte Wesley Holloman, who together with her daughter, another Charlotte, grace our meeting today, I have been privileged to read some of Brother Wesley's papers and original drafts of speeches. In the one which he delivered in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1977- the 201st year of American independence and the 71st year of Alpha history - I found a message which gives meaningful insight into Charles H. Wesley, the man and philosopher. And I want you to hear his thoughts and bis words as he delivered them to Alpha men there assembled. He said: "It has become very necessary that

Fall 1996 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx A 25

thinking should be used in all our individual endeavors, for it is one of the powerful forces operating in our lives. America was built by its thinkers both in 1776 and subsequendy as a great nation in 1976, and the method of this achievement and our own have been indicated very cogently in this familiar statement: Back of the hammers beating, By which the steel is wrought Back of the workshop's clamor T h e seeker may find the thought. T h e thought that ever is master Of iron, of steam and steel T h a t rises above disaster and tramples it under its heel. Back Back Back Back

of of of of

the the die the

motor's humming cranes that swing hammers drumming belts that sing.

There is an eye that scans them Watching through stress and through strain There is a mind that plans them Back of the brawn the brain. "In the long run," Brother Wesley continued, "whether it is in 1776 or 1976, die world is in the keeping of its diinkers and its idealists ....It is in the hands of men and women who with revolutionary impatience walk the lanes of the villages, with their feet on the ground opposing unjust laws with a song on their lips and with their hearts in the stars....Such a one is never defeated until he gives up within...." This is Brother Wesley's legacy and our inheritance. Our duty today is to pick up where he left off and to stay the course into the next century and the next millennium.

T h e Moment There could hardly be a more appropriate moment than this one â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with the dusk of die twentieth century descending upon die global village and the dawn of the Third Millennium hovering somewhere just beyond the horizon - to pause and consider the state of this world and our place and our possi-

26 A The Sphinx T Fall 1996

bilities in it. Regrettably, both the world and our place in it are, in many respects, in a perilous state. Ours is called a new age. T h e Cold War is over. T h e Soviet Union no longer exists. Totalitarianism, Marxism, and socialism are in full retreat. Capitalism, democracy and freedom are everywhere the rage. Freedom is something about which we African-Americans know a great deal. We know what it's like to be deprived of it, to hunger and thirst for it, to fight and die for it, even though the Creator never intended for men and women to be either slaves or masters. As the 18th century English poet William Cowper wrote They found them slaves: But who that title gave? T h e God of Nature never formed a slave! Though pride or force may acquire a master's name Nature and justice must remain the same; Nature imparts upon whate'er we see T h a t has a heart and life in it - be free! And so, here in the age of freedom and democracy, we ought - all things being equal - to be dancing in the streets and on the crumbling walls of political, economic and cultural oppression. But, for many, things seem to have gone terribly awry; everything new seems old again. In so many places and situations, we and many of our brothers and sisters in the human race find ourselves in an all-too-familiar situation: marginalizedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;excluded from the fun if not the games; victimized by poverty, politics, disease, famine, war, corruption, indifference, malign neglect and outright bigotry. Major challenges confront us. But, as we know, challenges offer opportunities. And so diere are today, even in our relatively small sector of this world, abundant opportunities for us to demonstrate not just our loyalty and devotion to our country but also, as Alphas are sworn, our love for all

mankind. So let us not fail to find inspiration in the many beacons of hope in the world and in our country. In South Africa, President Mandela and the African National Congress have not only taken command of the ship of state; they have skillfully guided it toward the open seas where the economic and social possibilities seem limitless. Even in poor Haiti hope is alive. And here in the United States, a million black men, including many Alpha Brothers, marched in support of individual and parental responsibility. N o r should we fail to recognize our dear sister, the highly motivated Marian Wright Edelman, who only recently led her own march on Washington on behalf of this nation's children, and who has made it clear that she will never stop fighting for our young people - black, brown, yellow, red or white - who are, after all, our most precious natural resource and the link between our past and our future.

America's Missions Of course, the United States has its troubles; but it is still a special and sometimes wondrous place. Over the centuries many people have believed, and many still believe today, that Almighty God provided for the establishment of the United States - a new nation in a new world - to give man and woman an opportunity nearly unique in history to experience, and on the basis of that experience to cherish: peace, freedom, justice and brotherhood on Earth. So far, that vision - whether it is God's or man's, whether it is legitimate or not - has not been fully realized. America has not yet lived up to its promise. But if we take the long view of history, we can see that the United States has served for more than two centuries as a shining example to many millions of people around the world, and has grappled successfully with certain enormous challenges both at home and abroad. In the 19th century, for example, Americans had no choice but to decide

once and for all whether human slavery had a legitimate place in the Republic. In 1858, Abraham Lincoln said, "A house divided against itself cannot endure permanently, half slave and half free...I expect it will cease to be divided. It will," he said, "become all one thing, or all the other." And after a terribly bloody and destructive civil war, the United States emerged as a country in which slavery had no place - even if, tragically, de jure as well as de facto racism did. Freed from die albatross of slavery, the United States enjoyed in the last quarter of the 19th century rapid economic growth and political as well as economic expansion into the larger world. And before long it became impossible for America's leaders to continue to heed George Washington's advice to avoid foreign entanglements. Indeed, by 1916, the midpoint of the First World War, it could no longer be argued that American security and freedom were somehow separate from Western Europe's. As he dispatched American forces to the war "over there," President Woodrow Wilson spoke of the imperative to make the world, not just the United States, safe from would-be global emperors. At no time since then has this country been able to remain aloof from international politics without exposing itself, not to mention its brothers, cousins and friends, to powerful and sometimes ruthless antagonists who wish them, and us, ill. This reality became indisputable when, during our isolationist period, would-be emperors of the world came into power in Germany, Italy and Japan and undertook to conquer, subjugate or intimidate those who dared to resist them. Only massive and sustained, if somewhat belated, intervention by the United States prevented these tyrants from achieving most if not all of their aims. After the Second World War, yet another imperial threat emerged in the form of our former ally against the Axis powers, namely Josef Stalin's Soviet Union. I need not recount here today the details of the half-century-long Cold War fought by American presidents from Truman to Reagan. But I must say that prevailing in that struggle, as well as the Second and First World Wars, was indeed an essential component of America' s mis-

sion in the 20th century. And to all those - and I am proud to be one of them whose efforts and sacrifices made it possible for us to live in a world over which no would-be emperor's shadow falls, we should be thankful. As you recall, there was another tyrant who was overthrown during this century. He went by the name of Jim Crow. And under his authority millions of African-Americans, and many white Americans, were deprived of their most basic civil and human rights. But since 1954 segregation has been illegal in America. And to all those whose efforts and sacrifices made it possible for us to live in a land in which no "whites only" sign can legally be erected, we should be thankful. Now, I do not want to give the impression that I believe for a moment that all of the national and international atrocities served up by the 19th and 20th centuries have been completely or even satisfactorily eliminated. I do not, and you should not. However, some of the most horrendous of them have been, and for that we should be thankful. We know, of course, that the 21st century will serve up horrors of its own; and although we are confident that good and capable men and women will rise up to grapple with them, we can afford to be neither complacent nor mentally unprepared. Quite the contrary; we should, and must, be alert; we must be ready for the world. And that means having principles, if not a plan, to guide us. I believe we need look no further for ideals upon which to base our actions than the precepts of our Fraternity and the examples set by Brother Wesley and so many other distinguished Alpha men over these last ninety years. I refer specifically to manly deeds, scholarship and, especially, love for all mankind, with special emphasis on "all." It was Brother Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream that one day this nation would rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed...'that all men are created equal.' And, lest we be tempted to reserve our love only for those who are easy to love, let us not forget that Jesus Christ said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

What You Can D o and Where You Can Start Just as we do not have to look any farther than to our beloved and renowned Alpha to find precepts and principles on which to base our actions, neither, unfortunately, do we have to look any farther than down the street or across town to find tragic conditions that cry out for human attention, ingenuity and love. But on top of that, television and the other mass media bring into our homes on a daily basis stories of untold suffering and dehumanization- much of it done to, and even by, people of color. These stories tug at our heartstrings and, too, cry out for human attention, ingenuity and love. Caught between the local and the global, between what's happening over there and what's happening over here, we may be tempted to focus on one and ignore the other, or simply to pretend to see neither. But I believe, and I pray that you will come to share my belief- if you don't already - that there is only one race, only one place, and only one God who made them both. I pray, too, that if you do come to share my belief, then you will accept, if you have not already accepted, some measure of responsibility, no matter how small, for bringing to bear, on the afflictions which burden humankind and our planetary home, whatever attention, ingenuity and love you can muster. Now, some of you may be wondering what you can do and where you can start. T h e best answer is that you should do whatever you feel you reasonably can, given your talents and resources; and you should start wherever your interests and your concern lead you. Allow me, if you will, to share with you some of my thoughts about some of the issues that the American people and our government, among others around the world, should be thinking about and acting on. It seems to me that we face three kinds of problems: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Those that are traceable to, and best addressed by, individuals in their personal, family and community lives; â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Those that are traceable to, and best addressed by, private industry; and

Fall 1996 T The Sphinx A 27

— Those that are traceable to, and best addressed by, governments. Concerning problems which I think of as being attributable and amenable mainly to the action or the inaction of individuals in their personal, family and community lives, "Ten Deadly Sins", as I have labeled them, come to mind. First, there is child abuse in all its forms, including neglect and physical, psychological and sexual abuse; Second, there is the abuse and misuse of alcohol and other drugs, both legal and illegal; Third, there is domestic violence, which takes place behind the closed doors of too many homes; Fourth, there is gang violence, often related to the marketing of illegal drugs. Let me say that I include in my definition of gang violence the illegal hazing of young men who are pledges of our Fraternity and quite a few others in the United States. Fifth, there is the epidemic of teen pregnancy or premature parenthood, which obviously involves young men as well as young girls and young women; Sixth, there is prejudice and discrimination, often accompanied by hate crimes against our fellow men and women because of their race, creed, color, national origin or sexual orientation. In this regard, we must condemn unequivocally the cowardly and dastardly burning of African-American and other churches. We must condemn hate crimes against Jewish people, their places of worship and their cemeteries. We must condemn hate crimes against homosexuals, which include assault, battery and even murder. And we must condemn the tendency of white America to blame either black men or people of Middle Eastern heritage for nearly every criminal or terrorist event in this country; Seventh, and along the same line, there is the unforgivably unfair and costly tradition of subordinating the welfare of women and girls to that of men and boys. This is unacceptable in all its aspects, though especially so when girls' minds are neglected or their bodies mutilated, and when women are prohibited by government from exercising their right to terminate legally, safely and affordably an unwanted or health and life-threatening

28 A The Sphinx • Fall 1996

pregnancy; Eighth, there are the many unhealthy behaviors in which so many of us engage. I refer specifically to smoking, chewing tobacco, the overconsumption of food especially foods with high fat, salt and calorie content. And perhaps most important in this age of AIDS, the highly irresponsible practice of unsafe sex by adults and teenagers who know, or ought to know, better; Ninth, there is the regrettable and ominous mixture of apathy, cynicism and disrespect for law, government and politics; And tenth, there is the stifling isolationism which has overtaken so many individuals, families and communities. I refer to our growing lack of interest in people, places and issues with whom and with which we may not have everyday contact. It is right to be worried about the average American's lack of interest, and even hostility, toward foreign people and places. But we should be downright alarmed about average Americans' lack of interest in, and interaction with, their neighbors and fellow citizens. Next, let us consider problems which are traceable mainly to, and best addressed by the private sector in this country and in others. But before I focus on troubling aspects of contemporary private enterprise, let me make at least two things clear: First, the private sector is not an enemy of whom we should wish to be rid; in fact, because the private sector is the principal source of employment, innovation, growth and progress, we should, and do, want it to grow and prosper. Second, many companies, large and small, are models of corporate social responsibility. You don't have to be a Republican or a conservative to acknowledge this fact and give credit where it's due. T h e President did it a few weeks ago when he invited some of the more praiseworthy companies to send representatives to Washington and tell their stories to the country and the world. Now, concerning private sector problems to be addressed, I have five in mind. One — and for me the most important one today — is the problem of the violent images and antisocial ideas disseminated so broadly by the media and the entertainment industry, especially through movies, television shows and certain kinds of music. I don't necessarily

advocate more regulation at this time, but the entertainment industry has to show allegiance to some moral principle other than 'give them whatever they want, so long as it sells.' A second problem, similar to the first, is the lack of corporate social responsibility demonstrated by companies and industries which target advertising for alcohol, tobacco and games of chance at the most vulnerable segments of society, namely children and poor people. A third problem is the widely varying performance of companies and industries, especially in the United States, with respect to equal employment and affirmative action for women and underrepresented minorities. It is unacceptable that a person is subject to harassment or denial of a job or promotion because of physical traits or beliefs. A fourth is the insensitivity of some large corporations to the genuine human needs and just deserts of their employees and communities. It doesn't seem unreasonable that a corporation can be compassionate and commercially viable at the same time. But it does seem unreasonable that a corporation can be in a community but not of it. And, fifth is the problem of corporate respect for this planet and for its wondrous ecological systems. One would expect business people to know that there is a relationship between nature and the economy, even if, sadly, their knowledge is based solely on pragmatism. T h e overfishing of our oceans, for example, isn't just a crime against Mother Earth; it puts thousands of people out of work. I come now to my third set of concerns, namely problems which are traceable to, or at least best addressed by, governments around the world. Our federal government, and other national governments, face both inward and outward as they strive, we hope, to promote the general welfare, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense and help secure, for anyone who hungers for them, the same blessings of liberty and justice that we ourselves seek and sometimes enjoy. Even if some Americans don't think so, there still are some things that our federal government, and national governments in developed and developing countries, ought to be doing, or doing better,

Alpha Renaissance to improve conditions in their own societies. Several things come to mind. First, government can do a much better job of educating young people. N o nation that fails to educate its children will have much of a present or future. Second, government can do a much better job of insuring that as many people as possible, especially children, have the best health care that a society can reasonably provide. Third, government can do a much better job of insuring employment and decent and affordable housing for low and moderate income people. Fourth, government can do a much better job of making our streets, neighborhoods and commercial districts safe for everyone, not just the wealthy and the politically influential. Fifth, government can do a much better job of taking responsibility for protecting our natural environment and preserving it for future generations as a cultural and economic resource. Let me elaborate just a bit. When I say environment I don't mean just protecting the ecology from destructive people; I also mean protecting people from environments that are unhealthy because the air is dirty, toxic wastes have been dumped there, or the water is unsafe for human consumption. Sixth, governments can do a much better job of governing. Too often governments and the people who run them conduct themselves in ways that are highly deficient when it comes to honor, morality and integrity. They should be on notice that their people's patience has its limits and that they should either conform, reform or perform, or else expect to be informed that their time in office has expired. Now, as I said earlier, governments face not only inward but outward, toward other governments. And there are some things that outward-looking and forward-looking governments ought to be doing or doing better. I label these, "Ten Expressions of Love for Humankind." One is to take effective steps to head off interstate and intrastate armed conflict. A second is to take effective steps to stop any fighting or killing if prevention should fail. A third is to prohibit, in law and in

fact, ethnic cleansing, or anything that resembles it. A fourth is to come to the aid of people displaced by conflict or natural disasters. A fifth is to find ways to make war — if it is inevitable, and I pray that it isn't — less lethal, especially for innocent civilians during and after violent episodes. One of the great tragedies of our time is the killing and maiming of unsuspecting children, mothers and fathers by landmines encountered in their perfectly legitimate and innocent daily life. A sixth thing that government ought to be doing better is coming to the aid of people and nations who have overthrown, or want to overthrow, tyranny and are likely to choose the path of democracy, freedom and tolerance. A seventh is to treat the international AIDS epidemic more seriously. N o person of any ethnicity should be indifferent to the fact that African-American men have been harder hit by the virus than other groups of Americans, or that HIV and AIDS infection rates in Africa, where some 14 million men, women and children have contracted the virus, are the highest in the world and still rising. N o r should anyone fail to be greatly concerned that the AIDS epidemic has become established in the Caribbean and especially in Asia, where its explosive infection rate will soon overtake Africa's. An eighth is to work harder to insure that the world economy operates fairly and justly for all nations, not just a fortunate few. As we race ahead toward the high-tech information economy of the 21st century, let us consider how we might bring up to 20th century living standards the three billion or so of the world's people left behind in 18th and 19th century conditions. A ninth is to build on the work begun four summers ago at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development by following through on national and international commitments and agreements to address critical environmental problems. And the tenth is to work harder to make the United Nations the place where all nations meet not just to talk — which is valuable, of course — but also to resolve conflicts peacefully and work together to eliminate the problems which threaten all, many or some of our fellow human beings.

Conclusion Brothers, three years ago, when I spoke to many of you here in New Orleans at the 87th Anniversary General Convention, I said: "We have, and will always have, a further contribution to make, a place to fill, a work to perform." I suspect that the litany of concerns which I have just summarized — most of them not only serious but painfully complex as well — will serve to confirm the continuing truth of that statement. And although this reality is in many ways a sad commentary on the state of the nation and the world, it should also serve as a reminder of why we as men of Alpha Phi Alpha are needed more and more in the community, in the nation, and the world. My Brothers, I call on each of you — as Americans, as Americans of African heritage, and as children of God, sent by Him to dwell temporarily on this Earth — to do whatever you can to improve the quality of life on this planet. You don't have to be a politician; you don't have to be a diplomat; you don't have to be a general or an admiral; Nor a scholar or a preacher. All you have to be is someone who cares about his family, his community, his environment and his fellow human beings, wherever they may be, whatever their language, whatever their religion, and whatever the color of their skin. I think the great 19th century American philosopher and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, put it best: So near is grandeur to our dust So near is God to man When duty whispers low "thou must" T h e Youth replies, "I can!" My dear Brothers in Alpha, that is the message I bring to you today. That is the message I thank you for listening to. And that is the message in the spirit of Charles Harris Wesley that I ask you to accept and respond to as men worthy of being Alphas.

Good luck and godspeed.

Fall 1996 T The Sphinx A 29

Alpha Renaissance

t was billed as a Scholarship Forum. Not a convention but a forum - a two-day focus on one of the elements so inextricably tied to the reason for being of Alpha Phi Alpha SCHOLARSHIP. The Scholarship Forum was but another seminal initiative of the Alpha Renaissance. Scholarship, the diligent pursuit of knowledge and development of talent, ought to be highlighted, if not flaunted. If not flaunted, it ought to be confidendy showcased. Growth and development achieved through scholarship should be used for the enrichment of society. And so the July 1 2 - 1 3 gathering of Alpha men in

ANOTHER ALPHA RENAISSANCE INITIATIVE.... SCHOLARSHIP FORUM WAS BRILLIANT Performing Arts Concert participants (from left): Vocalist Christine Y. Fanuel, Conductor Brother Alfred Duckett, Pianist Lillette JenkinsWisner, Cellist Patrice Jackson, Saxophonist Brother Joseph Heyward, Jr., Pianist Brother Kevin Harris, Violinist Rachel Jordan, Vocalists Bobra Bright and Brother James Edwards, and Organist David Oliver.

30 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 1996

New Orleans - to showcase scholarship. The Inaugural Charles Harris Wesley Memorial Lecture, the Belford Lawson Oratorical Contest, the Collegiate Scholars Bowl, and then the Performing Arts Concert. The Scholarship Forum can be characterized in many different ways, but it is sufficient to call it "brilliant." Brother Senator Edward Brooke's thoughtful lecture was prepared and presented in appropriate homage to Brother Charles Harris Wesley. Steeped with challenging ideas, BrotJier Brooke's lecture set die tone for pronouncements yet to come from die Alpha World Policy Council which he co-chairs with Brother Horace G. Dawson Jr. and a distinguished panel of Alpha Brothers. The Oratorical Contest participants, all eloquent in their presentations, defy notions that the African-American male is declining. Some perhaps, but not most. The contest participants had some interesting challenges for those African-American males who are not living up to their family responsibilities. The College Brothers represented the Fraternity, the Regions, the Districts and themselves well. There was also evidence of diligence in the preparedness of the Collegiate Scholars Bowl teams. Their quick responses, even when they were not always on target, could only have stemmed from SCHOLARSHIP.

Alpha Renaissance And the Performing Arts Concert! Wow! Simply put: outstanding. "Literally, something else." With the benefit of only one afternoon rehearsal, Brother Alfred Duckett conducted the String Chamber Orchestra with the grace of the seasoned maestro he is. "Holberg Suite," "Concerto for Organ and Strings" and "Lyric for Strings." A Fulbright Scholar, Brother Duckett has been Music Director/Conductor of the Belleville (Illinois) Philharmonic

Organist Brother David Oliver

Orchestra and Professor of Music at Southern Illinois and Syracuse Universities. His experience showed. here was no disappointment with the performances of Brother David Oliver and the dazzling Lillette Jenkins-Wisner. Only more of the same majesty at organ and piano. Both have performed at Alpha General Conventions. Brother Oliver is an Artist-in-Residence at Morehouse and preparing his second compact disc. Ms. Jenkins-Wisner is a classical pianist, organist, vocalist, actress, teacher and composer who performed at Carnegie Hall for many years. rother Kevin Harris provided some insight into the level of musical scholarship he is sure to attain.

His "Jazz Set" on piano was remarkable. And during intermission, he teamed with Brother Joseph Heyward, Jr. on saxophone for more of the same. Brother Harris was pianist for the prestigious 1996 Kentucky All-State Intercollegiate Jazz Band, and is a senior music major at Morehead State (KY) University. Thirteen-year-old Patrice Jackson almost missed the concert. Late in arriving, she found her way from the airport to the Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts, walked on stage, patiently tuned her cello and performed flawlessly. An accomplished cellist, she attended the internationally-renowed "Quartet Program" this summer. Brother James Edwards, a principal in the Charleston, SC, public schools, teamed with the talented Bobra Collins

The String Chamber Orchestra conducted by Brother Alfred Duckett was composed of independent performing artists in New Orleans.

Fall 1996 T The Sphinx A 31

Alpha Renaissance And we can't forget the invigorating operatic voice of Christine Y. Fanuel and the superb violin concerto with string orchestra performed by Rachel Jordan. An Austin, TX, native and music major at Huston-Tillotson College, Ms. Fanuel's soprano voice engulfed the Mahalia Jackson Theatre with Quando du Jour. Ms. Jordan, meanwhile, plays with the Louisiana Symphony Orchestra. She is a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of Music. he emcee? You're right: Brother Peter Felder, himself a tenor soloist, music clinician, choral director, and the National Director of Music for the Alpha Renaissance. Special guests for the concert were some 7 5 - 8 0 members of Ameri-Can, a New Orleans mentoring program. Alpha presented a stipend to the Ameri-Can student designated as the "most improved." rother Marc Morial, New " â&#x20AC;˘ Orleans mayor, hosted a sumptuous reception prior to the Performing Arts Concert, and past General President Charles Teamer, Sr., was just

New Orleans Mayor Brother Marc Morial hosted a reception prior to the Performing Arts Concert.

Bright for selections from "Porgy and Bess" - "Street Cries," "My Man's Gone Now," "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin," and "Bess, You is My Woman Now." Ms. Bright's performances span some 40 years.

Bobra Bright and Brother James Edwards teamed for music from "Porgy and Bess".

32 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx T Fall 1996

Alpha Renaissance as gracious in the reception he hosted at the New Orleans Dryades Savings bank he co-founded and serves as Chairman of the Board. The bank in which Brother Teamer is an owner has in two years grown to some eight branches. As a result of the Scholarship Forum, the Fraternity's Education Foundation is some $40,000 richer. In addition to showcasing scholarship, the July 12-13 weekend was also designed as a fundraiser to enhance the Foundation. Individuals, Fraternity chapters, and corporate friends responded to General President Milton Davis' call for support. And that support is continuing. The Education Foundation is chaired by Brother Christopher Womack who also played a leading role in securing corporate support for the Scholarship Forum and Education Foundation.

At the reception prior to the Performing Arts Concert in the Mahalia Jackson Theatre of The Performing Arts: Brother Dr. Thomas Pawley, Brother Senator Edward Brooke, Mrs. Ann Brooke, Mrs. Charlotte Wesley Holloman (daughter of Brother Charles H. Wesley), Mrs. Myrtle G. Davis, wife of the General President, and Brother Davis.

During Scholarship Forum Awards Banquet are (from left): Brothers Joseph Byrd, Awards Committee Chair; Herbrew Dixon, Housing Foundation chair; Charlie E. Hardy, administrative assistant to the General President; Robert Willis, former Southern Region Vice President; Bob Jones and Herman "Skip" Mason.

Fall 1996 T The Sphinx A 33

Alpha Renaissance Alpha Brothers from Langston University honored former General President Henry Ponder during the Belford V. Lawson

Oratorical

Contest. Brother Dr. Ponder, recently retired as President of Fisk University, is currently president

the

National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO). Brother "It was a joy to hear the programs set out by the

Ponder was initiated at Langston.

Fraternity. They are on target. History repeats itself. Hopefully we are prepared to meet it." Brother Dr. Norman Francis, President Xavier University

1996 Scholarship Forum

With General President Milton C. Davis are (from left): Brother Judge James R. Williams, 25th General President; Brother Charles C. Teamer, Sr., 27th General President; and Brother Ozell Sutton, 26th General President.

Brothers

Henry Ponder, 28th General President and Brother Dr. Walter Washington, 24th General President, also attended the Scholarship Forum.

The Davis Family - A special thank you to Mrs. Myrtle G. Davis and sons, Warren and Christopher, for sharing the General President during his many hours away from home. Mrs. Davis practices medicine in Montgomery, AL, where the Davis Family resides. Warren and Christopher are honor students in the Montgomery, AL, public schools.

34 A The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘

Fall 1996

Alpha Renaissance Brother Christopher C. Womack is chairman of the Alpha Educational Foundation and played a leading role in attracting sponsors to support the Scholarship Forum. Brother Womack presided at the Charles H. Wesley Memorial Lecture during the Scholarship Forum. Proceeds from the weekend exceeded $40,000.

Brother Herman "Skip" Mason, Fraternity Archivist, received high marks for the extraordinary Charles H. Wesley Exhibit he organized in connection with the scholarship Forum. Brother Mason's scholarship was also evidenced through the special exhibit he prepared in honor of Brother John Hope Franklin during the General Convention in Orlando. In New Orleans for the First Annual Scholarship Forum, Brother Mason is shown at the Wesley Exhibit with Mrs. Charlotte Holloman Wesley, daughter of Or. Wesley

Congratulations to the 30th General President-Elecf, Brother Adrian L. Wallace.

Executive Director Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., administered the oath of office to Assistant Vice Presidents (from left); Ian M. Coleman, Western Region; Roderick L. Smothers, Southwestern Region; Quinton G. Washington, Southern Region; Torrance T. Smith, Midwestern Region; Elvin J. Dowling, Eastern Region.

Members of the Alpha Renaissance Leadership Team were cited for the various roles they played as: General Counsel, Comptroller, Director of General Conventions, General Treasurer, Personnel Committee Chairman, Administrative Assistant, International Affairs Advisor, Chairman of the Alpha Building Foundation, and Editor of the Sphinx.

Fall 1996 T The Sphinx A 35

"Since your graduation from Virginia State College and subsequently earning the master's and doctorate degrees from the University of Iowa, you have been stimulating the intellect with pen and paper. . . .Your writing over the years has almost always caught the attention of your colleagues as manifested by your receiving the: Winner Shields - Howard Creative Writing Award, the National Theatre Conference Fellowship, first prize in the Jamestown, Virginia Corporation Playwriting Contest, and the Purple Masque from the University of Iowa. "Some 50 years of your life were devoted to nurturing young minds at Lincoln University in Missouri. The Board of Curators at Lincoln University recognized your distinguished record of ^^^^^^^^^ service by naming you the Curator's Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Speech and Theatre. "You have worn the badge of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for more than 60 years - since your initiation in 1934 at Virginia State College. And not only have you worn the Alpha badge, you have been an active Alpha Man - delegate at several General Conventions, Chapter Man of the Year, General Convention workshop leader, Central Missouri Regional Director, Chairman of the Education Foundation, Midwestern Vice President, and National Historian."

"It was through your leadership, Brother Williams, that Eta Tau Lambda set an enviable record of constructing more than 1,500 units of houses for low and moderate income families. What an example of leadership and "love for all mankind." You are the founder and chairman of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc., in Akron, Ohio, a testament to our vision of public service. "Strong and progressive organizations build on the legacies established by their legends. They take special note of and profit from the wisdom of their legends. They seek the sage counsel of seniors. It was the value you placed on the experiences of our seniors, Brother Williams, that led you to launched the highly successful and popular "Alpha Smoker" - in effect the 'night before call-to-order' of our General Conventions which allowed Brotfrers to share an evening with the Charles Wesleys, Raymond Cannons, and Sidney Jones of our Fraternity. "Civic-minded citizens in Akron, Ohio, will remember you as "the man who killed the Saturday Night Special," a reference to your determination and ultimate success in passing a gun control ordinance during your tenure as an Akron City Councilman - a position to which you were elected for four terms."

THEY HAVE LIVED BY 'THE LIGHT'

from the Citation: Alpha Award of Merit Brother Dr. Thomas D. Pawley, III 1996 Alpha Scholarship Forum July 13, 1996 New Orleans, LA

Alpha Award of Merit

from the Citation: Alpha Award of Merit Brother James R. Williams 1996 Alpha Scholarship Forum July 13, 1996 New Orleans, LA

36 A The Sphinx T Fall 1996

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OFFICER Fall! 996 T The Sphinx A 37

Alpha Renaissance

CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS RECEPTION KEEPS GETTING BETTER

Interim Executive Director Dr. Ralph Johnson, (from left), former General President James R. Williams, General President-Elect Adrian Wallace, General President Milton C. Davis, and former General Presidents Henry Ponder and Ozell Sutton are shown here with Florida Congresswoman Corrine Brown (center).

38 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 1996

t just keeps getting better and better each year. The crowd continues to increase and the fellowship is extensive. The refreshments? They can't get any better nor more plentiful. And the music wasn't bad either. The 1996 Alpha Phi Alpha Congressional Black Caucus Reception received high marks. "We are here for a celebration but our celebration also has a purpose," General President Milton C. Davis told the festive gathering. The reception was not only an opportunity for networking and fellowship, but there was "business" to be considered, President Davis added. Brothers attending the reception agreed that there was plenty of "business" to be considered. And among the business they included: voting, the so-called "D.C. Problem," racial discrimination in employment, environmental issues, affirmative action, and welfare reform. Detroit Mayor Brother Dennis Archer called the November elections "life or death for the black community." Everybody should not only be registered, but should not fail to vote, Brother Archer insisted. General President Davis took a similar position. The Fraternity coined the phrase, "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People." " We should not

let it (the phrase) become a reality," General President Davis said. He charged the Brothers to leave the reception "inspired to let others know that 'A Voteless People is a Hopeless People'." There is considerable strength amongst Alpha men, President Davis allowed. But as Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., had observed, this strength should be transferred into compelling power. "Make sure we transfer our strength into compelling power," Brother Davis told die Brotherhood. Pennsylvania Congressman Brother Chaka Fatah applauded Alpha for "taking the (Black Caucus) weekend seriously." The occasion is a "central opportunity for us to network," he added. T h e 30th General President-Elect, Brother Adrian Wallace, Washington, DC, Mayor Brother Marion Barry, White House Liaison Alexis Herman, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, Virginia Congressman Brother Robert "Bobby" Scott, former General Presidents James R. Williams, Henry Ponder and Ozell Sutton, Deborah Harper of Browning-Ferris Industries, and retired Ambassadors Terence A. Todman and Horace G. Dawson, Jr., were among the many guests and Brothers attending the reception. Brother Wallace, who takes office in January 1997, looked forward to the reception "for many more years to come." The inauguration for Brother Wallace will be held January 1 0 - 1 1 , 1997, in New Orleans, LA. Brother Franklin DeLaine of Mu Lambda Chapter, Washington, DC, said the Fraternity should encourage an investigation of charges that the federal

Alpha Renaissance government, through the CIA, may have been involved in the distribution of drugs to African-American communities in Los Angeles. "It would be a great feather in the cap of Alpha for us to take a position," Brother DeLaine noted. "We need to be at the forefront of this issue." The reception was "an informal way of sharing ideas," said Brother Charles Stewart. He wants Alpha to "deal with the D.C. problem" which he also calls "an Alpha problem." He has some specific concerns about the amount of taxes the largely African-American community in Washington, DC, pays and the disproportionate amount the federal government invests in services for the local residents. rother Stewart believes the federal government collects as much as $1.6 billion in federal taxes but only invests some $.6 billion in the nation's capital which he says is "used as an excuse to control us." Owner of a real estate business, Brother Stewart also wants Maryland and Virginia residents who work in the District of Columbia to pay a local tax. Brother Eugene Austin of Delta Lambda said the reception lets the Black Caucus know that "we are embracing them." He is concerned about the

racially discriminating way, even if subtly, AfricanAmericans are treated in seeking employment. "They (whites) will select a nonqualified white over a black anytime," he lamented. But Brother Austin says he maintains a resume file of African-American professionals which he makes available to employers who say they can't find qualified African-Americans. The Black Caucus should devote some attention to environmental matters, Brother Mustafa Ali maintained. He particularly cited the need for national legislation that would monitor the location of hazardous waste sites and their impact on minority communities. Brother Ali is affiliated with Pi Mu Chapter at West Virginia University. Brother Jelani Johnson noted the considerable achievement among Alpha men, accomplishments which he found

Washington, DC, Mayor Brother Marion Barry attended the Alpha Reception.

Joining Detroit Mayor Brother Dennis Archer (third left) at the reception: Pennsylvania Congressman Brother Chaka Fatah, General President Davis, Brother Randall Hardy, Brother Charlie E. Hardy, and General President-Elect Wallace.

Fall 1996 T The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ 39

Alpha Renaissance Brother Samuel Pierce, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education (from left), Ambassador (Ret.) Terence A. Todman, General President Davis, Mel Blackwell, Black Caucus Foundation vice chair, and President-Elect Wallace.

Assistant to President Clinton and Director of White House Public Liaison, Alexis Herman (fifth from left)

and Corrine

Green,

Immediate Past Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (second right) shown here with Congressman Brother Earl Hilliard, Interim Executive Director Brother Dr. Ralph Johnson, Brother Darryl Matthews, Sr., General PresidentElect Wallace, General President Davis, and General Conventions Director Brother Al Rutherford.

40 A The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 1996

inspirational. Affiliated with Omicron Chapter at the University of the District of Columbia, Brother Johnson used die reception as an opportunity to "meet some of the older Brothers, learn about their aspirations when they were in college and see where they are now." T h e Congressional Black Caucus, with the support of Alphas, should give more attention to affirmative action and also "see if they can dampen the effect" of recently passed welfare reform, according to Brother P. Ernest Parker, Jr. of Mu Lambda Chapter. Affirmative action decisions in Congress have special implications on employment, minority contractors, and college and university admissions, he says.

Certified Public Accountant, Brother Parker noted that recently passed welfare reform

legislation would wipe away billions of dollars and have the greatest impact on programs that serve the lower income levels. He expects African- Americans to be hardest hit by the likely program and budget cutbacks. It was the 26th Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus and the 1996 theme was "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow." Drawing on the lessons of yesterday, the Congressional Black Caucus was in search of what its chairman, New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne, called "creative, humanitarian and imaginative solutions to problems that plague its people." The Alpha Phi Alpha Congressional Black Caucus Reception has the special support of the Alabama Power Company and the leadership of Brother Christopher Womack, chairman of the Fraternity's Education Foundation and an Alabama Power vice president. The many friends and Brothers attending the Alpha-Congressional Black Caucus reception also included: Corrine Green, Immediate Past Grand Basifeus, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority; Brother Dr. Randall C. Morgan, Jr., president-elect, the National Medical Association; Dr. Barbara West Carpenter, International Grand Basileus, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Mel Blackwell, vice chair, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation; Henry H. Brown of Anheuser Busch, and Hilton Smith of Turner Construction.

Alpha Renaissance

Xavier HISTORIC OCCASION AND SETTING

ile in New Orleans, LA, for the Scholarship Forum, the Fraternity's Board of Directors convened at Xavier University. Brotiier Dr. Norman Francis, president of Xavier, joined die Board at its meeting and tlien hosted them for lunch. A special board room in the University's ultramodern, six-story library was the setting for the meeting, but die photograph was taken in front of die historic administration building. The majestic Indiana Limestone structure was dedicated on October 12, 1932, one of die first buildings constructed on the Xavier

University campus. Today it houses administrative offices, classrooms, a first-floor chapel and a small post office. Alphas convened in diis building for their 1937 General Convention during the presidency of Brodier Dr. Charles H. Wesley. The Scholarship Forum featured the Inaugural Charles Harris Wesley Lecture. One of the initiatives of General President Milton Davis' Alpha Renaissance administration was to convene Board meetings and odier gadierings on college campuses. During the last four years, die Board convened on die campuses of

Dillard University, Tuskegee University, Howard University, Clark Adanta University, and Xavier University. Xavier produces more AfricanAmerican medical students dian any odier university.

Fall 1996 T The Sphinx A 41

Preckwinkle and former Editor-to-theSphinx Brother J. Herbert King. Neighbors came out of their houses while passing motorists stopped to take note of the development. "We are here to say that Alpha Phi Alpha is back. We are back with the same quality with which we began in 1953," General President Milton C. Davis told the gathering, making reference to the date the corporate headquarters was established in Chicago. "Our Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for whom this street is named, stated that our nettlesome task is to learn how to transform our strength into compelling

ALPHA RETURNS TO BRONZEVILLE = ? ...4432 SOUTH M.L. KING, JR. DRIVE SStSSff Brother Kings state-

Alpha Phi Alpha renewed its commitment to the city of Chicago and the historic Bronzeville community during the dedication of its new housing development on the site that was for nearly 40 years home to the Fraternity's headquarters. Fraternity leadership and Building Foundation members returned to 4432 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Chicago to celebrate the first construction in Phase I of the Alpha Village Project. Alpha Brothers from throughout the area along with elected officials and other dignitaries gathered on the mild September afternoon to witness the dedication, filling the rows of chairs lining the building site. Among them were: Cook County Circuit Court Supervisory Judge Brother Sidney P. Jones III, 4th District Alderman Toni

42 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx T Fall 1996

to pool with thetheir trustresources and commitment to each other necessary to accomplish this task. Alpha Village is an example of how to transform the African-American community's strength into a compelling power, Brother Davis said. "We hope that it shall inspire others." "Let us mark this day as a day when Alpha Phi Alpha renewed its commitment to 4432 M. L. King Drive, renewed its commitment to this community of Chicago and renewed its commitment to the nation and to the world to be a Brotherhood of builders. We build character. We build spirit. We build hope. We build Fraternity. That is our purpose and that is what we celebrate today." Alpha Phi Alpha was applauded for its commitment to the rebuilding of the Bronzeville community, the cultural and social center for African-Americans in the country's midwest during the first half of the century. John H. Stroger, Jr., president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, in a proclamation to the Fraternity read by General Treasurer George N. Reaves, commended "the great works and dedication

Alpha Renaissance of the members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc." and proclaimed the day as Alpha Phi Alpha Day throughout Cook County. Alderman Preckwinkle, in whose ward the Alpha Village sits, later expressed her delight over the Fraternity's decision to construct housing there. The housing project is in proximity to several boarded up houses and vacant lots. Alderman Preckwinkle expressed interest in the Fraternity becoming involved in the development of those properties. The first building constructed as part of Alpha Village Phase I was given the same address as the former Fraternity headquarters. Brother Llevelyn Rhone, the first to purchase one of the Alpha Village houses, said that the address was a large factor in his decision to buy the property. "After seeing the plans, seeing the site and also understanding the potential and the historical significance of what the Alpha Renaissance represents, it was a fairly easy decision," he said. The opportunity to purchase the house was a chance for him to make a statement of impact in the Bronzeville community. With well-timed humor, he told those waiting for a tour of the new construction to "come into my house which is always going to be known as the House of Alpha." He joined Alpha, Brother Rhone explained, because of the Fraternity's legacy of participation and its uplifting of people of African descent. He called Alpha Village a living lega-

cy to the Seven Jewels and their vision to promote, preserve and protect our nation's neighborhoods. "It is my pleasure to stand here as a representative some years later of their dreams, their hopes and their visions because it's a long way from the small town in Greensboro, AL, to 4432 S. King Drive." Alpha Village is being constructed in two phases with homes on the former Fraternity headquarters site comprising the first phase. The three-story houses â&#x20AC;&#x201D; each with 2,266 square feet â&#x20AC;&#x201D; will sell for $185,000 each. The second phase potentially involves the large-scale construction of low-income rental and for-sale houses on Chicago's south side. Building Foundation Chairman Hebrew L. Dixon III told those attending the dedication that the Foundation is currently involved in developing a National Community and Economic Development Corporation. The Corporation will become a business unit to address issues such as decayed housing in African-American communities, Brother Dixon said. "Being the first new development in Bronzeville, we are proud to be back home," the Foundation Chairman said.

Brother Llevelyn Rhone purchased the first house constructed in Phase I of Alpha Village.

Building Foundation Chairman Brother Hebrew Dixon, III acknowledges the service of Brother Darryl Matthews, Sr.

Fall 1996 T The Sphinx A 43

Historical Moment Brother Thomas P. Pawley, III rior to the General Convention of 1950 there was an increasing demand especially among college Brothers for an emblem which could be placed on jewelry, clothing, gifts, etc. This demand was the result of the strict prohibitions concerning the use of the Shield, the Badge, and the Sphinx head. The latter was the emblem of the Pledge Club. The â&#x20AC;˘^ Badge could be m [lOCIflH worn only by " ^ ** ** ' j j â&#x20AC;˘ ' Brothers, and the Shield was used only on official documents of the Fraternity. Brothers were even denied the right to pin their fiancees when they became engaged as was customary in the traditional fraternities (although some did secretly), and it could be worn only when one was wearing a jacket and tie. (The implications of this are known only to the initiated.) By 1950attheurgings of the brothers, Brother John W. Fleming, chairman of the Ritual Committee, was asked to investigate the possibility of creating an additional emblem. When Brother Fleming presented his recommendation of a heraldic design to the General Convention it prompted a great deal of discussion and strong opposition from some Brothers. It was challenged vigorously by Brother Charles Wesley who argued that it would make the emblem on his shingle obsolete and that it represented a tradition that he despised. (I remember my surprise at the intensity of Brother Wesley's opposition). Brother Fleming attempted to answer the objections to no avail. He agreed, however, to meet with Brother

The Fraternal

Note: In the last issue of The Sphinx, Brother Pawley traced the historic evolution of the Shield. Here he traces the historic evolution of the Fraternal Design.

44 A The Sphinx T Fall 1996

Wesley during the Convention to see if they could work out their differences. As a delegate I can remember thinking that Brother Wesley misunderstood the proposal. The differences were ultimately reconciled and Brothers Wesley and Fleming submitted the following Joint Statement which was adopted by the General Convention: "In compliance with the dictates of the General Convention, the Historian and Chairman of the Ritual Committee recommended (sic) that the design approved by the convention for use on rings, sweetheart pins, and other small jewelry, sweaters, fraternity house equipment, and so forth, be designated "the Fraternal Design" of The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity - The Shield is to continue to be used as the official emblem of the Fraternity. "Shields, coats-of-arms, ensigns, and heraldic symbols have been used for centuries by families and organizations, and their strength and value have depended upon their long time use as established insignia - Change seemed not only to weaken their historical worth but also to reduce esteem through frequent use. (italics mine) This point of view was readily recognized by the convention. "This was another indication of the fraternity's loyalty to the tradition of its Shield which had been adopted in 1911 as an official design and of its willingness to adjust to the need for a design for general use." (History-323) The term "Fraternal Design" was the result of a compromise although in fact it is a coat-of-arms which complies with standards and tradition of the "Science of Armorial Bearings" and is in fact a heraldic device which can be interpreted by those knowledgeable of this science. That is why a full explanation was published in The Sphinx Magazine by Executive Secretary Lawrence T Young and perhaps why it is not described in the Ritual. What follows is the text of the original article for the most part unedited. "For many years, the General Office has been deluged with requests for an explanation of the COAT OF ARMS or commonly known as the FRATERNAL DESIGN. So that the Masonry6 of a coat-of-arms

described in the correct heraldic terminology may readily be understood by anyone not thoroughly conversant with the institution of heraldry, it is necessary to elaborate considerably on the terms employed. The background of heraldic achievements is particularly interesting inasmuch as the terms are of old Norman French origin. The following is an interpretation in detail of the FRATERNAL DESIGN of Alpha Phi Alpha armorial bearings, and the explanations follow in the same order as given in the blazonry at the beginning of this description: ESCUTCHEON: Per pale or and sable between a fess embattled three Sphinx head proper all counter charged. (IR EST: On an esquire's helmet and a wreath of the colors two torches or flamed gules saltire wise. MANTLING: Or double sable. MOTTO: Alpha Phi Alpha in upper case Greek letters. PALE in heraldry is a broad vertical band in the center of the shield and occupies about one third the area of the shield. The word itself is derived from the same root as our English words "paling" and "palisade" and is interpreted in heraldry as something worthy of being defended. PER PALE means that the shield is divided by a thin line in the manner of a pale but not clearly - or nearly as broad as an actual pale itself. In this coat-of-arms it can be easily interpreted as the sillingness (sic) to defend the principles on which Alpha Phi Alpha is founded. OR is the heraldic term for gold, which is one of the colors of Alpha Phi Alpha. As is the coat-of-arms, light heraldic and noble (sic) in purpose. The lasting and enduring qualities this precious metal is indicative of the lasting qualities of friendships formed within the bond of Alpha Phi Alpha and at the same time it represents the desire for knowledge and a higher degree of scholarship shared by all its members. SABLE is the heraldic term for black. It is the color of night and secrecy. Consequently it denotes that the fraternity is a secret organization. FESS (FESS) in heraldry is a broad band across the center of a shield placed in a horizontal manner and occupies about

one third the area of the shield. Actually, the word means belt or waist, and such a term is applied to that particular area of the shield which defended the waits (sic) of the bearer of the shield when in actual combat. This particular FESS is embattled, or the upper line of it is drawn in such a way so as to indicate turrets of a tower. These are seven in number indicating the seven founders7 of Alpha Phi Alpha. The interpretation of its FESS embattled is indicative of the fact that Alpha Phi Alpha is made up of men united in a common purpose, and the willingness of the members to defend and to do everything within their power to further the interest of the fraternity. A SPHINX HEAD is an emblem of secrecy. Three Sphinx heads have been used to indicate the three principles on which the fraternity is founded, or possibly the three ideals which all of its member hope to attain. These Sphinx heads are proper, or are represented in a colored drawing of the coat-of-arms as being in their natural color, which would be the color of sandstone. All are COUNTERCHARGED which means the colors of the fraternity alternate, or and sable (gold and black). The dexter side, which is the left side of the shield when one is looking at the shield but is the right side to the person who is bearing the shield or is behind it, is gold. The opposite half, or the sinister side, is black. One half of the Fees (sic) is black and the other half is gold. The Sphinx at the top of the dexter side, the Sphinx at the top of the sinister side, and the Sphinx at the bottom should all be the color of sandstone. AN ESQUIRES'S HELMET is used in this design. An esquire was the lowest order of fighting man in the days of chivalry. It might be said he corresponded to the Ensign of our Navy, or the First Lieutenant of the Army.8 The helmet of any esquire when used in heraldry always faces to the dexter side (to the left of the person looking at the coat-of-arms). The visor is always closed. The fact that the helmet is that used by the lowest order of chivalry is indicative of democracy, and the fact that the visor is closed, or down, suggests the idea of secrecy or readiness to defend the principles of the Fraternity.

T H E \VREATH OF COLORS (or TORSE) is a twisted rope-like effect which appears directly above die helmet. It is what is left of the conventionalized wreath that was presented to die knight by his lady sponsor when he entered the lists." It is also suggestive of the laurel wreath placed upon the brow of the victor in combat.1" It has been conventionalized to six divisions." The first of these is the metal used in die shield — in diis case, GOLD: — and the second and prominent color used in the shield — in this case, BLACK. One metal and one color is all that is ever used in die wreath, or torse, and diey always alternate widi die metal being die first one at the left. T H E CREST in this design is two torches, die handles of die torches being OR (gold) and the flame part of the torches being BLUES (sic) (red). Torches have been used for centuries to indicate freedom and liberty. GULES, which is die heraldic term for red, is die natural way of showing the flames of lighted torches, but GULES itself is die color used to indicate valor and courage. The torches are placed saltire wise, or is (sic) die form of a cross, dius denoting die willingness of die members not only to carry die torch of freedom and enlightenment, but also the willingness to sacrifice for these principles whenever necessary. T H E MANTLING is the lacy, fluttering design at the side (sic) of the shield and emanating from the back of die helmet. It is the conventionalized representation of the mande or the cloak which the warrior wore in order to protect himself when in full armor from the rays of the sun or from the extreme cold. It also served to protect the armor which he wore and which was extremely valuable and difficult to replace. In this case die outside of the mande worn would be gold and die inside black, die two colors of the Fraternity. MOTTO: Direcdy underneath die shield appears a ribbon and on diis ribbon "Alpha Phi Alpha" is spelled out in upper case Greek letters. The motto as used on a coat-of-arms is more or less shrouded in mystery. It is thought diat it represented a sort of secret call of the esquire to his aides, or it may have been the war cry of a clan. When chivalry as an active institution

passed out of existence, die motto became significant of some cherished family ambition or ideal (sic). Since die name of the Fraternity has been used in diis case, die manner in which it is to be interpreted is no doubt a simple matter for any member of the Fraternity. The various elements of the coat-of-arms can be more readily understood if one will bear in mind diat the shield protected the body of the wearer, the helmet, die head, and die cresti: which was worn on the helmet was the distinguishing feature of the particular warrior. It was quite difficult to distinguish one man from anodier when all were armed, so nearly alike unless there was adornment of some kind on the helmet, thus ALPHA PHI ALPHA. {Sphinx, 22-23) Alpha Phi Alpha is unique among Greek letter organizations in having two beautiful heraldic emblems, one which is reserved for use on official documents, the odier for the personal use of the brotherhood. Works Cited Charles H. Wesley, The Histoiy ofAlpha Phi Alpha, A Development in College Life, 12th Edition, Chicago, Illinois, The Foundation Publishers. Cited as History. Laurence T Young, "Alpha Workshop" in The Sphinx, Winter 1972, Volume 58 Number 4. Cited as Sphinx. End Notes 6 Blazonry is the heraldic description of a coat-of-arms. 7 i.e. The Jewel founders known as the Jewels. 8 Second Lieutenant is die lowest rank of a commissioned officer in the United States Army. 9 The jousting field where the competition between knights took place. 10 The laurel wreath was an ancient Grecian symbol. 11 i.e. composed of six parts in alternating colors. 12 A crest is die identifying symbol of die knight.

Leisure tion - leading to an "underplaying of She was refreshing to watch and "E.J. and Eric were friends... Do emotions." This was particularly seen should become a wonderful actress if you think I should have friends?" in the mother (Cheryl Carter) played she decides to stay with theatre. Other These are the last lines of Ron Milner's play Urban Transitions: Loose by Peghee Calvin. However, when performers who met and succeeded in Blossoms. They are spoken by the actors did take risks to reveal the their acting challenges were Ron O.J. youngest character Sherrie Carter as emotional side of their characters Parson and Ameer Harper. she reflects on the tragedy drugs can they tended to "overplay" their roles. The second act of the play was cause between two friends - E. J., a A. C. Smith, as Earl Carter and the more technically balanced. Many of young, bright, and academically father, was the most obvious. He the actors seemingly were more promising adolescent; and Eric, an often appeared clownish just to gain a focused and less disconnected emoenergetic and eager youth with a laugh; and when the action of the play tionally. An outstanding performance strong motivation to survive. shifts to the deaths of the two boys, it came from Ron O. J. Parson. As Lt. VJ.lg 111UU is difficult to believe and follow the Bert Childs, he was captivating and Vhe tragedy that befalls E.J. tand Eric is one of the many father's behavior. interesting with both his characterization and delivery. He displayed his Actors often anticipated dialogue surprises found in this s ability to move on emotional levels and appeared to have learned it withtwo-act drama. It is about a and demonstrated the technimiddle-class African- American cal skill required of actors in an family living more of the effort to make his character American nightmare than the believable. He was relaxed and American dream. The family powerful. When he confronts battle economic deterioration E.J. about his involvement (after the father acquires a back with drugs, the audience is injury) and wear a "false face" to / / treated to one of the few powhide the reality of moral decay erful moments of the play. and soul-destroying lure of the The play was visually excitdrug culture. The play shows ing. The lights and set that no one is exempt from the designed by Jim Burwinkel temptation of the drug world were excellent for the intimacy and answers are not as simple as, "Just say no." A Review of Urban Transitions: Loose Blossoms of the Grandel Square Theatre. Reggie Ray's cosThe play begins with a by Ron Milner tumes were complimentary wholesome and cheerful celeand appropriate; and finally, bration of Christmas by the Presented at the St. Louis Repertory Company Amy Pomeroy's excellent Carter family in their comfortSt. Louis, Missouri properties and set dressing able middle-class two-story were approbatory to Friday, June 14, 1996 home. Then, via several scenes Burwinkel's set. cleverly interwoven into a two fban Transitions surand a half hour production by out giving thought to intellectualizing. veys the problems director Ron Himes, the plot of the They seem to have spoken words of drugs and points play crumbles to the lower depths without realizing what those words to the tragedy that they bring, but when E.J. and Eric are both killed. meant. There were several instances falls short in providing answers. As the play moves to its ending, in which actors appeared not to be part While there are elements of "good the action is abruptly halted to give of scenes. They did not react to the acting" found in this production, it rise to self-explanatory monologues action choosing rather to be obliviseems as if the director failed to provided by each character to inform ous to what was happening around retrieve from most of his actors the the audience of information already them. Also, sometimes the pace of the technique necessary to make this play provided by the dramatic scenes. The action was slow making the first act enjoyable and meaningful to the audiproblem with these monologues is of the play long and laborious. ence. Therefore, it really misses the that they offer nothing new for the mark in comparison to some of the A notable exception to the probaudience. more exciting works that the Black lems found in the first act was Stevie Other problems with the play are Rep has presented. Coleman. As Sherrie Carter and mostly related to actors' technical younger sister of E.J., this 7 year old skill. Several actors seemingly lacked making her debut with the Black Rep Brother James Edwards is a emotional connection to their characshowed that she had a full understandprofessor at Southern Illinois ters. Dialogue was often spoken ing of her motives and was extremely University at Edwardsville and without thinking about the characrealistic in the delivery of her dialogue. writes regularly for The Sphinx. ters' underlining feelings and motiva-

Urban Transitions

Misses the Mark

Fall 1996 T The Sphinx A 47

Leisure Brother George E. Allen In the Winter 1995 issue of The Sphinx, I recommended Wynton Marsalis' book, Sweet Swing Blues on the Road as stimulating reading for Alpha Brothers, the wisdom of which should be passed on to peers and students.

ering the fact that they have performed and have been innovators of the music of America from its beginning. Many institutions of higher learning, black and white, do not include this important contribution to America's culture in their curricula. For example, a jazz studies degree is offered at only seven percent of our uni-

Is Your Record Collection of African-American Music Complete? I write now about your record collection. Is it complete? Duke Ellington said that there are only two types of music - "good or bad." Good music is the balance of the musical elements in a composition: rhythm, melody, harmony, and form. Any collection should have a wide genre of music by African-Americans consid-

48 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx T Fall 1996

versities and colleges and at only ten percent of our black universities and colleges. (National Association of Schools of Music Directory 1995). Perhaps your record collection reflects this lack of African-American composers and jazz artists - the innovators. The gaps in your collection, assuming there are gaps, are not your fault, as many of us have

been miseducated. The CBS Records Black Composers Series is a recommended reference in starting to establish a complete collection of African-American music. The series includes nine recordings and a 16-page booklet with information on the music and composers from the African diaspora, among them William Grant Still, Ulysses Simpson Kay, George Theophilus Walker, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Jose' Mauricio Nunes-Garcia, and Talib Rasul Hakim. These artists represent only the tip of the iceberg of our contribution to European Classical art music. African-Americans' greatest contributions to art music has been in the genre of African American Classical Music - jazz, and a good record collection should reflect an historical perspective of this genre. I would also suggest a perusal of the Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz (CBS Special Products, 1987). These two references are excellent starting points because they both represent an historical approach to beginning or adding to your collection. Musical taste is based on one's experiential background. I would only now include a list of composers and artists who one should have in a record collection based on a historical perspective without a discography of their recordings. You might also consider consulting a record catalogue to help with selections for your collection. The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD, LP and Cassette by Richard Cook and Brian Morton (1994) is a good source. The Penguin Guide includes musical and biographical details, full line-ups of the artists, and recording information, ratings for each entry, and a full index. Suggesting a list of recordings for a record collection is like asking "Who was the better player, Wilt Chamberlain or Bill Russell?" It does become a personal preference based on experiences

with the music as an art form. These selections of composers and musicians represent only one person's opinion. What is most important is to expand one's listening and to separate out what is "good or bad" music. Listen for a balance of the musical elements. My suggested list of composers and artists includes: William Grant Still, Marian Anderson, Kathleen Battle, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday and Jelly Roll Morton. Also, Max Roach, Sarah Vaughan, Wynton Marsalis, Andre Watts, George Shirley, Count Basie, Bennie Carter, Miles Davis, Ella Fritzgerald, Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Bessie Smith, and B. B. King. Some of the early musicians -Jelly Roll Morton (1890-1941), Bessie Smith (1894- 1937), and Fletcher Henderson (1897-1952) might be unfamiliar, but they are important names in the development of music. Four of my favorites are: "At Newport," Ellington 1956; "Kind of Blue," Davis 1959; "A Love Supreme," Coltrane 1964; and "The Majesty of the Blues," Marsalis 1988. Again, this is a beginning. As you revisit the completeness of your record collection of AfricanAmerican music, you will benefit from reading John Coltrane: A Discography and Musical Biography by Yasuhiro Fujioka with Lewis Porter and Yohichi Hamada (1995), The Scarecrow Press, Inc., Metuchen, NJ. Happy listening - and reading. Brother Allen is a member of Rho Chapter, Philadelphia, Jazz Band Director, Community College of Philadelphia, and Director of Education, Philadelphia Jazz Institute.

Chapter News SOUTHERN REGION T H E T A GAMMA LAMBDA Dothan, AL Saturday was a sunny spring day at Dothan City School's Head Start program, when more than 150 fathers and children attended a special gathering sponsored by Head Start officials and the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The event was designed to bring fathers and children together in a recreational environment, creating a bond in families where such ties sadly often don't exist. Their effort was a tremendous success, drawing more parents to a single event than have participated in previous Head Start activities. And the only thing brighter than the spring sunshine was die happy, beaming faces of dozens of children having fun with the significant father figures in their lives. Head Start workers see the effects of broken homes everyday, and welcomed the active role taken by local members of Alpha Phi Alpha, who received a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, the Fraternity,

RHOXI Saint Leo College, Florida Active on the Saint Leo College campus for the first time since the 1989 - 90 school year, the Brothers of Rho XI chapter came roaring back like a storm. They took little time in instituting Go to High School, Go to College and Project Alpha national programs. Their very active program year included food and clothing drives, volunteer service at the NFL "Air It Out" 4-on-4 football tournament and Boys & Girls Club and the Land O'Lakes recreational complex. And their hard work did not go unnoticed. Rho XI received the "Most Outstanding Greek Organization Award" at the St. Leo College Awards Banquet.

50 A The Sphinx T Fall 1996

ALPHA BETA Talladega College and the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, then put the funds to use in a Male Minority Initiative using programs such as the Alpha Head Start project. Such initiative is commendable, and the enthusiasm of the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha is infectious. We urge die community to support their efforts and help create a better environment for our children. From the (Dothan, AL) Wiregrass Times "We (Alphas) recognize that there is an inheritance and a legacy, and once you recognize the inheritance you have to claim it. We're here to help bring the inheritance into the future by starting early at Head Start." Brother Gay Thornton Griffin is Theta Gamma Lambda Chapter president and Brother Larry Simmons co-chairs the Alpha Head Start Committee.

General President Milton C. Davis was the guest speaker when Alpha Beta celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a black tie banquet. The Anniversary Celebration also marked the inaugural presentation of Alpha Beta Chapter's Hall of Fame which acknowledges the accomplishments of Alpha Beta members. The Hall of Famers included: Brother Attorney Arthur D. Shores, Dr. Richard E. Moore, Brother Tommy Davis, Dr. William Davis, M.D., Dr. Donald Ogletree, M.D., Brother Attorney Julian Mason Davis, and Brother Leonard Smith. Two days after the Alpha Beta Anniversary Celebration, Brother J. Mason Davis delivered the Talladega commencement address and also received an honorary doctorate degree. The graduates included five Alpha Brothers, four with departmental distinction and three with Cum Laude honors - Brothers Keith A. Blanks, Karim A. Ali, and Lee A. Seltzer, Jr.

Chapter News M U ZETA LAMBDA Winter Haven, FL

ALPHA N U LAMBDA Tuskegee, AL One of the new faces at the table when the Macon County, AL, County Commission meets after the November elections is likely to be Brother Miles Robinson. Robinson defeated a field of three candidates for the Commission seat, including die incumbent. The four-member Commission is the governing body for the County of Macon. Brother Robinson is a former president of Alpha Nu Lambda Chapter. A graduate of Tuskegee University with bachelor's and master's degrees, Brother Robinson has considerable experience in business administration, business management and program development. Robinson has been a consultant to the U. S. Department of Commerce and the U. S. and Alabama Departments of Transportation and a contractor for the U. S. Small Business Administration and the U. S. Department of Defense.

YMCA Youth Program volunteer, Brother Robinson is a member of Optimist International and Phi Delta Kappa. His campaign theme: "The road to progress is just one 'Miles' away." Robinson will continue in his capacity at Tuskegee University as a program administrator with the USDA Small Farm Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Project.

A member of the local Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, Brother Robinson is a Macon County Head Start volunteer and plays a leading role in Alpha Nu Lambda's Head Start Partnership. A

Brother Miles Robinson

Brother Donzell Floyd, Life Member #4531 was one of five alumni cited by his alma mater during the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) meeting in Washington, DC. Brother Floyd is a graduate of BethuneCookman College. After 15 years of coaching football, Brother Ernest Joe assumed an administrative position and two years later was promoted to assistant principal at Lake Alfred (FL) Middle School. Mu Zeta Lambda Brothers sponsored two bone marrow drives, one in May and a second in June, before holding their annual Alpha Men of Tomorrow and Achievement Awards Recognition program. The program cited young men in grades 6 through 12. Brother Frank Satchel, principal of Mulberry Middle school and mayor of Mulberry, and Brother Gow Fields, a Lakeland City Commissioner, provided leadership for the Men of Tomorrow Recognition program. And Brother W O. Bunch was the host for Mu Zeta Lambda's final meeting of the year. Recipient of the 50-year pin, Brother Bunch was initiated into Beta Phi chapter at Shaw University in 1937.

O M T C R O N KAPPA L A M B D A Sumter, SC The annual "Kiddies Fun Picnic" sponsored by Omicron Kappa Lambda attracted some 100 young people to Swan Lake in Sumter, SC. In addition to games and the food, the outing included motivational talks on methods of improving personality, attitude, and behavior problems. "We attempt to instill in these youth the importance of good self-esteem, becoming active in the school and church, and setting positive examples for others," says Brother Thomas J. Wilson, Omicron Kappa Lambda youth coordinator. The picnic is part of the chapter's mentoring program and sponsored jointly with the Watertree Community Action Head Start Program.

• • •

SOUTHWESTERN REGION

• • •

OMICRON N U T h e University of Tulsa There are only four members in Omicron Nu Chapter, but you couldn't tell it by their very aggressive program. Alpha Week '96 completed their fraternity year and included: a voter registration drive, banquet keynoted by a local businessman, John Brown, a motivational lecture and annual student body picnic. Service also got appropriate attention from Omicron Nu Brothers. They sponsored a Red Cross-Blood/Bone Marrow Drive, the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, a Go To High School, Go To College program with McLain Career

Academy High School in Tulsa, and food baskets were distributed to the needy during the Thanksgiving season. Omicron Nu Brothers are also leaders in campus life at the University of Tulsa. One Brother holds a seat in the Student Senate and cabinet; two Brothers are starters on the football and soccer teams, and one Brother coordinated Alpha campus activities for the school year. See Omicron Nu on the Web at: http://www.cba.etulsa.edu/webteam/spare/www/onuhtm

Fall 1996 T The Sphinx • 51

Chapter News MIDWESTERN REGION IOTA LAMBDA Indianapolis, I N Iota Lambda was represented by some 18 young men, 1 1 - 1 7 years old, during the Midwestern Regional Youth Leadership Institute at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Iota Lambda will host the 1997 Midwestern Regional Youth Leadership Institute in Indianapolis. Brothers James Wright, Edward Squires, Camileo Bagsby, Jay Bennett, Leslie House and Robert Bedford joined the youth in representing Iota Lambda at trie 1996 Leadership Institute. Iota Lambda also participated in the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, the largest African-American sponsored event of its kind in the United States. Information on Project Alpha, the 1997 Midwestern Regional Youth Leadership Institute, Junior Alpha Men QAM Crew) and the Fraternity in general was distributed during the Expo.

XI A L P H A Morehead State University When Morehead State University organized a public show of force against violence, the Brothers of Xi Alpha were in the forefront of this campus thrust. The Chapter's service agenda also included a voter registration drive which registered over 70 citizens. Individually, Brother Kevin Harris won first place in a talent show sponsored by Mastercard; Brother Delvin Hickerson, Jr., Chapter president, was named to the Cardinal Key Honor Society; and Brother Ronald F. Ortines was cited by the Morehead Office of Minority Affairs for outstanding leadership. Brother Harris, an accomplished jazz musician, was also a participant in the Fraternity's Performing Arts Concert during the Scholarship Forum in New Orleans, LA, this summer.

52 A The Sphinx T Fall 1996

IOTA DELTA LAMBDA Chicago, I L A variety of lectures and workshops were available to the more than 100 young men who took part in Iota Delta Lambda's Marching Into Manhood program. The emphasis was on the male's role in teenage pregnancy. The Chapter's Project Alpha effort has strong corporate support, media coverage, and community involvement. In addition to Project Alpha, Iota Delta Lambda also sponsors an oratorical contest for inner-city youth from Chicago's Southside Public Schools. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students participated in this

year's contest held at the Chicago Urban League. Iota Delta Lambda Brothers lauded the leadership of Brothers Eddie Jones II and Brother Marcus A. Payne. Brother Jones was the only African-American in Illinois designated to carry the Olympic torch, and Brother Payne was sworn in as Alpha District Director. Always a gala and enriching activity, the 5th Annual Scholarship and Awards Program honors collegebound high school graduates, an undergraduate Fraternity Brother, and community leaders.

Chapter News WESTERN REGION I O T A PSI Cal Poly Pomona It has been somewhat of a struggle for Iota Psi at Cal Poly Pomona, but the Chapter has persevered. The oldest black greek-letter organization on the Cal Poly campus, Iota Psi is the only black greek-letter organization to maintain a continuous presence on the campus since its inception 22 years ago. Brother Keith C. Williams gets the credit for carrying the Iota Psi banner single-handedly until six Brothers were initiated last spring. Last school year, Iota Psi Brothers were able to assist the Pomona Valley

Hospital with its Kids Kare Fair, an activity which is responsible for the vaccination of some 500 young people. The Brothers also played a key role in the African-American Student Center's "Welcome Back" activity and hosted a party for the local college community. One of the Chapter's proudest accomplishments, however, was a clothing drive that resulted in 15 bags of clothing for the Pomona Salvation Army. T h e r e was also joy in the Chapter's motivational visit to Crenshaw High School along with members of the

National Society of Black Engineers and students from Cesar Chavez Student Center. Iota Psi's mentoring project for the Compton community involves Eta Pi Lambda and Warner Brothers. Following a spirited noon march in commemoration of Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, King Weekend activities continued with a Unity Dance. Iota Psi joined with other sponsors in the presentation of Black History Month activities and Cal State Fullerton's Welcome Week activities.

T H F T A PI L A M B D A Las Vegas, Nevada The A. D. Guy unit of the Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas has received $1,000 from Theta Pi Lambda. The Boys & Girls unit is named in honor of Brother and retired Judge Addeliar D. Guy III. Brother Guy was the first African-American to be seated on the bench in the state of Nevada. Brother Guy has been credited with "investing greatly in time and goodwill. His personal passion is to help the youth of Las Vegas become productive citizens and to encourage them to give back to their community." Brother Judge Michael Douglas describes Brother Guy as a "role model for all of us," and Brother Dr. Dexter Morris, Theta Pi Lambda president, noted: "Many children have and will continue to benefit from Judge Guy's personal support of their education through scholarships, the arts, recreation and other organized activities. Present for the check presentation to Brother Guy (seated) were Brothers Dr. Morris, Judge Douglas, Michael Meyer, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas, and Stanley Breland, director of the A D.Guy Unit.

Fall 1996 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ 53

Chapter News ZETA BETA LAMBDA Sacramento, CA He completed the Intake Process on March 16, 1996 and one day later, Brother Dr. Cornel West was the keynote speaker for the Zeta Beta Lambda Annual Founders Day Brunch. Some 850 people were present to hear Brother West, who completed his studies at Harvard in three years, holds master's and doctorate degrees from Princeton University and is currently professor of African-American Studies and Philosophy of Religion at Harvard University. Author of the popular book, Race Matters, Brother Dr. West received a standing ovation for his address - both its substance and the eloquence with which it was presented. Otherwise, the Brothers of Zeta Beta Lambda sponsored their 6th annual North California African-American Young Male Conference and took part in the Thousand Man March in Sacramento. The African-American Young Male Conference attracted some 200 youth, 12 - 18 year olds, who participated in workshops on: "The Information Superhighway and Beyond;" "We Shall Overcome—Abuse;" "African-American Men and Women Relations;" "Living and Dying in the Information Age;" and "Character Building." Brother James Shelby, director of the Sacramento Urban League, was among the four Alpha men who spoke during the Thousand Man March which had as its goal self-determination, self-love, unity, economic, social and political empowerment.

B E T A PSI L A M B D A Los Angeles, CA The Alpha Wives Auxiliary of Beta Psi Lambda Chapter has made a $5,000 investment in the Chapter's Scholarship Endowment Fund which the Brothers report will be initially capitalized at $50,000. The Endowment Fund will stimulate Go To High School, Go To College activities in the Los Angeles area. Brothers C. W Miller and Thomas W Robinson are credited with playing significant roles in the activation and management of the Beta Psi Lambda Endowment program. Present at the luncheon where the Wives Auxiliary made the presentation were (seated from left): Brother Kenneth L. Venable, Western Region Vice President; Dr. Louis Murdock, Education Director; Doris West, Alpha Wives Auxiliary president; and C. W. Miller, III, Endowment Program Chairman. Standing from left: Samuel Brookins, Chapter Vice President; Clinton Minnis, former Western Region Vice President; Henry Thomas, Francis Richardson, Thomas Robinson and Arthur Lewis, Scholarship Selection Committee.

54 • The Sphinx • Fall 1996

Brothers of Beta Psi Lambda Chapter received a $5,000 donationfromAlpha Wives auxiliary for their endowment fund. (Seated, left to right) Kenneth L. Venable, Western Region Vice President; Dr. Louis Murdock, Education Director; Doris West, Presiden Alpha Wives Auxiliary and C.W Miller, III, Chair, Endowment Program. (Standing, left to right) Samuel Brookins, Chapter Vice President; Clinton Minnis, Eomier Western Region Vice President; Henry Thomas; Francis Richardson; Thomas Robinson Co-Chair Endowment Program andAuthur Lewis, Chair, Scholarship Selection.

Chapter News EASTERN REGION D E L T A BETA L A M B D A H a m p t o n , VA The Brothers of Delta Beta Lambda are calling it a "long time coming," a reference to their acquisition of an Alpha House. This "milestone in the life of the Chapter," Housing Committee member Brother Larry Townsend says, "could be an essential attribute that will allow the Chapter to enhance its operational efficiency."

But even without the Alpha House, the Brothers of Delta Beta Lambda have a lot to boast about, including: the 15 Thanksgiving baskets and 25 Christmas toys they distributed to underprivileged families; die annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast, a fundraiser that supports chapter educational and scholarship programs; a Project Alpha Workshop; a Leadership

Development Institute for high school youth; the annual Youth Recognition Banquet; and die five scholarships awarded to college bound young men. Delta Beta Lambda co-hosted the State Convention in Newport News and planned to sponsor six participants at the regional Leadership Development Institute at Howard University.

year, and the Chapter recognized the academic achievements of 14 junior and elementary school students. Christopher Weir and Dominic Yiadom, both Dunbar Senior High School students, received $1,000 and $500 scholarships, respectively.

The junior high and elementary school awards are named in honor of the Fraternity's Jewels and recognize the recipients for: School Service, Athletics, Motivation, Talent, AII-Around Performance, Citizenship, and Academic Achievement.

O M I C R O N ETA LAMBDA Mitchellville, M D Now in its seventh year, Omicron Eta Lambda is continuing its partnership with Edward Paul Junior High School and this year began a partnership with Whittier Elementary School. Two high school seniors received Omicron Eta Lambda scholarships this

Fall 1996 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ 55

Chapter News BETA GAMMA Virginia State

ZETA UPSILON LAMBDA H e r n d o n , VA

ALPHA T H E T A LAMBDA Atlantic City, NJ

Alpha Brothers who are graduates of Virginia State have formed an alumni association, the VSU Alphas. Their promise is to support the University and Beta Gamma Chapter. Brother Ernest Morse of South Hill, VA, was elected president of the group which includes 36 charter members. An October 1 8 - 1 9 Beta Gamma 70th Anniversary Celebration was planned with Brother Dr. Thomas Pawley as keynote speaker. Brother Dr. Pawley is a graduate of Virginia State, "saw the light" through Beta Gamma, and recently received the Fraternity's highest award given to an Alpha Brother, the Alpha Award of Merit. A retired Distinguished Professor from Lincoln University in Mssouri, Dr. Pawley is the Fraternity's national historian and writes regularly for The Sphinx. Brothers who would like additional information about VSU Alpha events should contact Brother Percy E. Pollard, St. Stephens Church, VA, 804-769-2222.

One hundred forty-five students were honored during Zeta Upsilon Lambda's annual Achievement and Awards Program this year. The program recognizes the academic achievement of African-American students in grades 7-12. Honorees receive certificates and plaques. Four students, two young ladies and two young men, received $1,000 scholarships. The scholarship winners who will begin collegiate study this fall are: Josine Jones, Jamie Lanier, Harold Henderson, and John Willingham. Brother Dr. Franklin G. Fisher delivered the program keynote address challenging the young people to "go for the academic gold." Even if they missed the "academicgold," they would still be among the stars, Brother Fisher assured the honorees. Brother Fisher is president and chief executive officer of Applied Systems Technologies (ASYI), Rockville, MD.

Some 600 students from Southern New Jersey attended 20 selective workshops as part of Alpha Theta Lambda's Go To High School, Go l b College program. The program included students in grades 7-12 and introduced them to careers in education, law, medicine, computer technology, and non-traditional careers which require advanced training. Student participants were also exposed to techniques for securing financial aid and preparing for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The opportunity to network with other students and the exposure to positive role models was applauded by tbe student participants. Alpha Theta Lambda has also reported receiving high marks for including intermediate and middle school students among the academic achievers the Chapter honors.

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56 A The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 1996

Synergy, creativity, and the freedom to explore your talents and abilities. That's what building a career with Michigan National Bank is all about. Take your career in a whole new direction by mailing your resume to: Michigan National Bank, Human Resources Dept. - VS, 27777 Inkster Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48333-9065, fax: (810)473-3162. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Omega Chapter Brother Richard B. Lockett, Jr., was a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A product of Prairie View A&M University, Brother Lockett studied at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, Meharry Medical School for one year and received the Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Texas. In addition to practicing medicine in the military, Brother Dr. Lockett operated an OB-GYN clinic in Oakland, CA, for 16 years. He was a Life Member of the NAACP, the National Medical Association, the Sinkler Miller Medical Association in Oakland, and a host of other organizations. Brother George Lee Wright, Sr., was a native of South Hill, VA, and a product of Virginia State University. His professional career started in 1965 with CPC International, Inc. in Argo, IL, where he moved from management trainee to assistant personnel manager - at the North Kansas City, MO, plant and with the Corporate Headquarters in Englewood, NJ. He also held personnel management positions with the National Urban League, the District of Columbia government, Federal City College, D. C. Teacher's College, the District of Columbia Courts and the D. C. Recreation Department. A church leader, Brother Wright was a member of the Ebenezer AME Church, Fort Washington, MD, and also: head of the Family Ministry, Steward to the Adult Ministries, Strengthening Ministry Task Force Chair, a special liaison for Married Couples Ministry and member of the Men's Fellowship. Ebenezer named him 1995 Man of the Year.

Brother Henry Croon was an active member of Iota Mu Lambda Chapter and retired from the U. S. Army after 27 years of service. He was Iota Mu Lambda's Sunshine Chairman for 12 years, taking special care of Chapter family members during sickness and death. A native Mississippian, Brother Croon was a product of Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA. He was initiated into Alpha in 1975. Brother Walter Wilcox, Jr., was a native of Savannah, GA. He retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years of service including tours of duty in Korea, Alaska, Vietnam, and Germany. Following his retirement from the military, Brother Wilcox served as guidance counselor, Education Services Officer, and Education Specialist with the Army from which he retired as a civilian at Fort Sill, OK. A Life Member of Alpha, Brother Wilcox was affiliated with Eta Xi Lambda Chapter. He held degrees from North Carolina A&T University and Boston University. He was an active member of Frontier Chapel at Fort Sill. Brother James R. Abernathy, II, was a founding member of the Howard University School of Law, a member of the 500 Club Endowment Fund, a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, a member of the California Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Arbitration Association. He practiced law in Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, CA, after earning his undergraduate and law degrees from Howard University. A native of Dallas, TX, he attended the Jones Methodist Church in San Francisco.

Brother Aubrey Cooper Aldridge, Sr., was one of the founders of the Phoenix, AZ, alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Tau Lambda. A native o f Prairie View, TX, he was a graduate of Iowa State University, attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, and received the Master of Arts degree from Arizona State University. He served as teacher and principal of Dunbar Elementary School in Phoenix, AZ, for 21 years. He retired as principal of Mary McCloud Bethune Elementary School in 1967. Arizona Governor Jack Williams named Brother Aldridge to several state advisory boards, including the Arizona Advisory Council on Aging and the State Planning Committee for a White House Conference on Aging. Brother Aldridge was a noted public speaker, often making presentations at commencement exercises, building dedications, educational conferences, and local, state and national meetings. Brother Leroy O. Alexander, Sr., was a native of Christiansburg, VA. He attended Virginia State University before being drafted into the military, where he served in the European Theater of Operations and earned five battle stars - in Normandy, Northern France, Adrennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. BrotJier Alexander earned the bachelor's degree from Hampton University where he taught for a year before moving to Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. He later moved to Oklahoma City, OK, where he was active with the American Vocational Education Association, Oklahoma City Classroom Teachers Association, and the NAACP. An active member

Fall 1996 T The Sphinx A 57

Omega Chapter of Beta Eta Lambda chapter, Brother Alexander was also a Sunday School teacher for 35 years. Brother Dr. Curtis O. Greenfield was called a "Man for All Seasons" - educator, administrator, chaplain, minister, world traveler, and civic leader. He was an Alpha man for some 50 years and helped establish Delta Tau Lambda with which he was affiliated when he passed. The Curtis O. Greenfield Junior High School in Phoenix, AZ, is named in his honor. The Rev. Dr. Greenfield was an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for more than 65 years and a U. S. Army Chaplain. His numerous honors included die Scarborough Award in Greek from Payne Theological Seminary at Wilberforce University and the Delta Sigma Theta Jesse Owens Community Service Award for Distinguished Leadership in Education and Public Service. As an educator, Brother Dr. Greenfield was a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent of personnel services. He also taught classes at community colleges in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, Arizona State University and die Graduate School at Southern University, LA. He held degrees from Payne Theological Seminary at Wilberforce University, the University of Louisville, KY, the University of Indiana, Arizona State University, and the doctorate degree from the University of Soudiern California, Los Angeles. Brother Richard D. Tomlin was Beta Eta Lambda Man of the Year in 1983 and 1984. He retired from Tinker Air Force Base as a machinist after 32 years of service. Brother Tomlin, who had full citizenship in

58 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 1996

the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, was a graduate of Central State University where he taught for several years. He was an active and loyal member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. His church honored him for "Outstanding and Dedicated Service" in 1986. Brother Julian M. Baker was a native of Gates County, NC, but a resident of Hampton, VA, for more than 50 years. He retired from the Newport News, VA, public schools. A member of Delta Beta Lambda Chapter, Brother Baker was treasurer of the Queen Street Baptist Church for over 35 years, a trustee, and treasurer of the Queen Street Baptist Church Federal Credit Union. He held degrees from Hampton and Wayne State Universities. Brother Joseph N . Green, Sr., was a native of Monroe, LA, grew up in Little Rock, AK, and spent his professional and adult life in Washington, DC. A Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Brother Green was a product of Tennessee State University where he was initiated into Beta Omicron Chapter. He was a Federal Service employee with the U. S. Department of Commerce, affiliated with the Tennessee State University, Washington, DC, Alumni Chapter, the Asbury United Methodist Church, and Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Brother LeRoy E. Humphries, Sr., was a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha, president of Epsilon Kappa Lambda Chapter, Grambling, LA, and the Grambling State University Symphonic Band.

Brother Humphries joined the Gambling faculty in 1956. His service at Grambling State included vice president and president of the Faculty Senate, vice president of the American Federation of Teachers and editor of the Faculty Voice, die Federation's newsletter. Epsilon Kappa Lambda has established the LeRoy E. Humphries, Sr., Memorial Scholarship Fund which will benefit Grambling freshmen. An accomplished musician, Brother Humphries played widi Gladys Knight and the Pips, Isaac Hayes, The Temptations, Sonny and Cher, Walt Disney on Parade, The Ice Capades, and O. C. Smith. A native of Utley, Texas, Brother Humphries received his bachelor's degree from Texas Southern University, the master's degree from Vandercook College, and the specialist degree from Louisiana Tech University. He did additional graduate work at the University of Iowa. Brother Ernest T. Dixon was the first African-American installed as president of the Texas Conference of Churches. He retired in 1992 after 12 years as bishop of the San Antonio (Texas) Area of the United Methodist Church. Brother Dixon had served as bishop of the Kansas Area for eight years before returning to service in Texas. His San Antonio Area jurisdiction included 110,000 members in the Englishspeaking Southwest Texas Conference and 15,000 in the Spanish-speaking Rio Grande Conference. Brother Dixon was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Samuel Huston College (now Huston-Tillotson College) and also a graduate of Drew Theological Seminary. During his long and distinguished career, the Rev. Brother Dixon was Director of Religious

Omega Chapter Extension Service at Tuskegee Institute (now University), visiting instructor of rural Church Work at Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, president of Philander Smith College, President of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and President of the Board of Trustees, Gulfside Assembly, Mississippi. While in Tuskegee, AL, he was co-organizer and co-pastor of Bowen United Methodist Church. Huston-Tillotson College, Southwestern College (Kansas), Baker University, Westmar College, and Kansas Wesleyan University all cited Brother Dixon with honorary doctorate degrees. Brother Morris "Tom" Langston was a native of Norfolk County, VA. He was a graduate of Southern (LA) University, a veteran of World War II, and retired from the Norfolk Naval Supply Center. Brother Langston was a past Commander of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 27, a charter member of Epsilon Nu Lambda, a member of the Olympics Sports Club and Masonic Lodge Doric 98, the NAACP, the Orton-Roystrer Scholarship Foundation, and served his Mount Hermon Baptist Temple as chairman of the Trustee Board, member of the Men's Fellowship and male usher board. Brother Leonard A. Raymond, Sr., was a native of Xenia, Ohio, and received degrees from Wilberforce University and Indiana University. He retired from the Dayton, Ohio, Board of Education in 1984 after 21 years of service at Residence Park Elementary School. A Life Member in Alpha Phi Alpha, Brother Raymond was a member of Greater Allen AME Church, Dayton.

Brother William F. Parker was an alumnus of Langston (OK) University and Colorado State College. A native of Wewoka, OK, he taught two years in Andarko, OK, public schools, served as teacher, coach and assistant principal for 19 years in Wewoka public schools, and retired after 22 years of service at Langston University. A Life Member of Alpha, Brother Parker was active for 57 years and advisor to Beta Kappa Chapter at Langston University. He was a member of Holy Family Episcopal Church, Lions International and the Langston University National Alumni Association. An Ail-American football player, Brother Parker was recipient of Lion of the Year honors, the Redland CAP Trustee Award, Langston University's Outstanding Alumnus Award, named Outstanding Citizen by Oklahoma City SET Club, and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Langston University Cooperative Extension. Brother Roland Gandy, Jr., was a surgeon, Mercy (Toledo) Hospital Chief of Staff and longtime volunteer team physician for Scott High School and the University of Toledo. He had been affiliated with the Mercy Hospital staff for 37 years when he retired in 1993. He was at one time president of the Academy of Medicine of Toledo and Lucas County. Brother Gandy received his undergraduate degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and his medical degree from Temple University. He was a native of Pennsylvania. After retirement, Brother Gandy worked part-time at the University of Toledo Medical Center and as Medical Director for its Family

Health Plan. Despite his extremely busy medical practice, Brother Gandy is said to have made time for family, bowling, bridge and gardening. Brother William "W. C." Spencer was a native of Chesapeake, Ohio, and living in Parkersburg, WV, when he passed. He had been a teacher in the Mercer and McDowell County School System for 38 years and was a former principal of Genoa High School and Prunty Trade School. Brother Spencer was a graduate of West Virginia State College, the University of Chicago, and New York University. He was a member of the Bethel AME Church in Bluefield, the Bluefield Elk's Club, and Gate City Lodge. Brother Spencer had been affiliated with Alpha Zeta Lambda Chapter since the 1920s and was the Chapter's oldest active member.

Omega Listings

Theta Lambda Brother James Robinson Mu Delta Lambda Brother Alvin L. Rountree Brother Byron J. Shanklin Alpha Chi Brother Stacey Harvey

Fall 1996 â&#x20AC;˘ The Sphinx A 59

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MARTIN

THE SEVEN JEWELS

Iff I ferny A, Callis. M.D.

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mrw

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GENERAL OFFICERS G E N E R A L PRESIDENT—Milton C. Davis, P.O. Box 509, Tuskegee, AL 36083 I M M E D I A T E PAST G E N E R A L PRESIDENT—Henry Ponder, President's Office, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37208 E X E C U T I V E DIRECTOR—Darryl R. Matthews. ST., 2313 St. Paul Street. Baltimore. MD 21218-5234 G E N E R A L TREASURER—George N. Reaves. 2933 Balmoral Crescent. Flossmoor, IL 60422 C O M P T R O L L E R — F r a n k A. Jenkins III, 529 South Perry Street, Suite U, P.O. Box 4246 Montgomery, AL 36104 G E N E R A L COUNSEL—Tyrone C. Means, P.O. Drawer 5058, Montgomery, AL 36103-5058 N A T I O N A L HISTORIAN—Thomas D. Pawley, III, 1014 Lafayette Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101 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 S — A l F. Rutherford, 8585 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 730N. Dallas, TX 75247

VICE PRESIDENTS EASTERN—Samuel G. Wilson, 3639 Highwood Drive SE, Washington D.C. 20020 M I D W E S T E R N James B. Blanton III, 10625 South Hamilton, Chicago, IL 60643 SOUTHERN—Chester A. Wheeler III, P.O. Box 6682, Macon. GA 31208 S O U T H W E S T E R N — H a r r y E. Johnson. 8606 Running Bird Lane. Missouri City, TX 77489 WESTERN—Kenneth Venable. 722 West 19th Street. Unit # 4. San Pedro, CA 90731

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS E A S T E R N R E G I O N — E l v i n J. Dowling M I D W E S T E R N R E G I O N — T o r r a n c e T . Smith S O U T H E R N R E G I O N — Q u i n t o n G. W a s h i n g t o n S O U T H W E S T E R N R E G I O N — R o d e r i c k L. Smothers W E S T E R N R E G I O N — I a n M . Coleman

Administrative Assistants to the General President Charlie E. Hardy. Tuskegee, AL Joseph E. Heyward. Florence, SC Warren W. Sherwood, Montclair, NJ Alpha Phi Alpha Building Foundation, Inc. Hebrew L. Dixon, Chairman 100 Fluor Daniel Drive Greenville. SC 29607 George N. Reaves. Treasurer Casby Harrison III. Assoc. Gen. Counsel Calvin R. Austin Samuel D. DeShazior Everett B. Ward Bruce A. Austin Harold W. Patrick Milton C. Davis, Ex Officio

Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc. Christopher C. Womack, Chairman 2109 Christina Cove Birmingham, AL 35244 George N. Reaves, Treasurer Cecil E. Howard, Assoc. Gen. Counsel James B. Gillespie Keener A. Tippin John H. Carter James W. Ward Kermit H. Boston Milton C. Davis, Ex Officio

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Corporate Office 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218-5234 Telephone: (410) 554-0040 Fax:(410)554-0054 Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., Executive Director

NATIONAL COMMITTEE/COMMISSION CHAIRMEN Alpha Scholarship Bowl Roland Wesley 1159 Quail Run Avenue Bolingbrook. IL 60440

College Brothers Affairs Myles Newborn III 42103 Desert Hill Drive Lancaster. CA 93536

Historical Commission Thomas D. Pawley. Ill 1014 Lafayette Street Jefferson City. MO 65101

Personnel Iva B. Williams 237 Eleventh Avenue. S.W. Birmingham. AL 35211

Rules & Credentials Ronald T. James 1717 Northeast 66lh Street Oklahoma City. OK 73111

Archivist Herman "Skip" Mason, Jr. 564 Blake Avenue. S.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30316

Constitution David E. Pryor 6466 Gunstock Court Reynoldsburg. OH 43068

Job Fair Wilbur E. Jackson. Jr. 6716 Indian Spring Court San Jose. CA 95120

Publications J.J.Johnson. Ill P.O. Box 512 Tuskegee. AL 36087

Senior Alpha Affairs Rufus B. Dewitt 4937 Dafter Drive San Diego. CA 92102

Awards & Achievements Joseph Byrd Xavier University PO. Box I0I-C New Orleans. LA 70125

Elections

Johnson E. Pennywell 15613 Singapore Houston. TX 77040

Life Membership John C Rawls 5808 S.W. 49th Street Gainesville. FL 32608

Public Relations Edward L. Marshall 3816 Lake Bonaparte Drive Harvey. LA 70058

Special Projects John M. Williams 25 Hudson Court Franklin. NJ 08823

Endowment & Capital Formation Robert L. Davis P.O. Box 728 Tuskegee. AL 36083

Membership/Standards & Extension Ronald L. Mangum 54 Bremmer Street Richland. WA 99352

Racial Justice & Public Policy Joe C Thomas 787 Carsten Circle Benicia.CA 94510

Grievances & Discipline Howell L. Davis 333 North Sam Houston Pkwy East Houston. TX 77060

National Programs Ronnie S. Jenkins 3507 Dale Lane. S.W. Atlanta. GA 30331

Budget & Finance

Frank A. Jenkins III 529 South Perry Street. Suite 16 Montgomery. AL 36109 Business & Econ. Development James D. Moore 2115 Steeplechase Drive Ann Arbor. Ml 48103

Time & Place Michael C. Rogers 441 4lh Street NW Suite 1120 Washington. DC 20001

Recommendations Albert H. FairweulliL-r 6210 John Chisum Lane

Austin. TX 78749

THE LIVING PAST GENERAL PRESIDENTS 21" T. Winston Cole, Sr. 124 SW Twenty-Third Gainesville, FL 32607

24" Walter Washington Alcom State University Lorman, MS 39096

25'" James R. Williams 1733 Brookwood Drive Akron, OH 44313

26* Ozell Sutton 1640 Loch Lomond Trail S.W. Atlanta, GA 30331

27" Charles C. Teamer Sr. 4619 Owens Boulevard New Orleans. LA 70122

28'" Henry Ponder Fisk University Nashville. TN 37208

THE

sphinx

ALPHA PHI ALPHI FRATERNITY, INC. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218 Second Class Postage Paid POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to The Sphinx, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218

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Inauguration of the >ral President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, nuary 1097 Marriott Hotel on the Canal New Orleans, Louisiana