The SPHINX | Spring 1997 | Volume 82 | Number 1 199708201

Page 1

TM

VISION 2000: THE LIGHT OF A NEW DAY n his Inaugural Address delivered on January 11, 1997 in New Orleans, Louisiana, 30th General President Adrian L. Wallace unveiled his vision for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. • General President Wallace announced plans to implement programs that will leverage the financial clout of African-Americans and enable the community to create wealth. The General President declared a new push by the Fraternity to aggressively utilize information systems in the technological age and also affirmed Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's commitment to erect a memorial honoring Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington, D.C. In the unifying address to Alpha Phi Alpha and fellow Greek-letter organizations, Brother Wallace promised to continue the fight to remove racism and intolerance from the society. The complete text from the Inaugural Address and coverage of the 1997 Leadership Seminar and Inaugural begins on page 19. 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. Periodical postage paid at Baltimore, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to The SPHINX™, 2313 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.

The SPHINX/Spring

1997

The SPHINX1'" is the official magazine of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.® Send all editorial mail and changes 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 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.® 1997. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Reproduction, or use without permission, of the editorial or pictorial content of the magazine in any manner is prohibited. The S P H I N X " has been published continuously since 1914. Organizing Editor: Brother Raymond W. Cannon. Organizing General President: Brother Henry Lake Dickason.


CONTENTS 3 5 7

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S LETTER EDITOR'S LETTER SPECIAL REPORT The CIA and the Los Angeles Drug Epidemic By Brother John W. Mack

10

ALPHA FORUM Combating Reckless Sexual Behavior in the African-American community By Brother Ronald Peters, Jr.

13

COLLEGE DAYS Nu Psi tells why they are College Chapter of the Year

16 New Orleans Mayor Marc H. Morial Receives his life membership pin and certificate at the Inaugural. Story on page 23.

RENOWNED AOA Eta Gamma Lambda named best of the Alumni

19

VISION 2000 30th General President takes Oath of Office Adrian L. Wallace Inaugural Address Leadership Seminar and Inaugural

30

SPECIAL FEATURE Martin Luther King, Jr. and Chicago Gangs By Brother Eric Gerard Pearman

33

FEATURE Who Will Take His Place? By Brother Archie L. Blanson Dedication of Fraternity Executive Directors' Gallery

36

HISTORICAL MOMENT The Alpha Phi Alpha Hymn By Brother Thomas D. Pawley III

NFL Receiver Michael Jackson is an Alpha Athlete. Story on page 44.

39

FEATURE Darryl Matthews Honored by Boy Scouts High School Named for Civil Rights Pioneer Jesse Bethel The Brotherhood: A Crucial Resource for African-American and Latino Youth

44

ALPHA ATHLETES The NFL's Michael Jackson By Brother Clarence Brown

Beta Kappa Chapter recognizes African-American cowboys and cowgirls. Story on page 50.

46 54 59

CHAPTER NEWS OMEGA CHAPTER CORPORATE DIRECTORY WORLD POUCY COUNCIL REPORT The SPHINX/Spring 1997


EXECUTIVE VISION 2000: THE LIGHT OF A NEW DAY bring you greetings from the Office of the Executive Director and the Corporate Headquarters of our beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In March, I assumed the responsibilities of the Executive Director of the General Organization. It is indeed one of the most humbling opportunities I have ever been afforded. The shoulders on which I and all Brothers rest are strong and mighty. Our individual and collective charge to be "First of All, Servants of All" and to "Transcend All" provides our organization with the unique challenge of continuing to cultivate the honor, respect and dignity that has served Alpha Phi Alpha since its inception. We must continue to provide leadership and service in our communities. "If not Alpha, then who? If not now, then when?" ^^^

which, if brought to the table can be harnessed to serve our Fraternity, our community, our nation and the

world. We are in a global economy. The social issues of our past are today joined by economic issues that require our collective strength to overcome. The building of wealth in our community is a goal that must stand as a ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ light house in a stormy sea. We must involve ourselves in supporting new

e are in a global economy. 1 he social issues our past are today joined by economic issues that

opportunities. I pledge to work *ff*pto fine ^ n e,the째P e r a t t i o n s

of the Corporate Headquarters tc or the Corporate Headquarters to require OUr Collective Strength tO overcome. better support the many existing programs of the Fraternity. The r Corporate Headquarters staff will embrace new initiatives as they are must stand as a light house in a storn set before us. Your continued support and guidance is respectfully requested. Our collective client base demands What better theme to embrace the next superior performance. We acknowledge and millennium... "Vision: 2000: The Light of a embrace the opportunity to serve. New Day" stands as our call to action. I applaud those countless thousands of Brothers who have relentlessly served the mission of Alpha Phi Alpha. Fraternally, I respectfully demand those who have patiently stood on the sideline to reacquaint themselves with our struggle. The world has drastically changed since our founding in 1906. The general body of Hebrew L. Dixon Alpha is more diverse today than it has ever been. Executive Director We are made up of diverse generations. We have diverse backgrounds and experiences. All of The SPHINX/Sprmg 1997


Thi

TM

spwnx Official Organ of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Raymond W. Cannon Organizing Editor Henry Lake Dickason Organizing General President

COMING IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE SPHINX"

Seaton J. White III Editor-in-Chief Thomas D. Pawley III Contributing Writer Marcus Reginald Carson Contributing Copy Editor Derrick N. Terry Contributing Copy Editor Berve Power Convention Photographer

DISTINGUISHED COLLEGIANS OF

Adrian L. Wallace General President Hebrew L. Dixon III Executive Director Editorial Office: The SPHINX™ Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218 Phone: (410) 554-0040 Fax: (410) 554-0054

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

Deadlines for editorial submissions to The SPHINX™ are as follows: Spring Issue Summer Issue Fall Issue Winter Issue

February 1 May 1 August 1 November 1

For advertisement display rates and other aa information contact: Editor of The SPHINX™ Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, M D 21218 Phone: (410) 554-0040 Fax: (410) 554-0054

THE POPULAR FEATURE RETURNS IN THE SUMMER 1997 EDITION OF THE SPHINX™ WITH A LOOK AT 1996-97 CAMPUS LEADERS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE UPCOMING FEATURE OR FOR DETAILS ON ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS, SEE PAGE 40. The SPHINX/Spring 1997


EDITOR' THE WORD ON THE STREET ABOUT THE OJ. SIMPSON VERDICT he morning after the verdict in the O J . Simpson Civil Trial, Los Angeles Urban League President John W. Mack was in his office fielding reporters' questions about the Santa Monica, California jury's guilty verdict and what effect it might have on the racially tense city. Brother Mack had just hung up with a reporter from the New York Times when he spoke with me about how Los Angeles residents were handling the verdict. "Things are quiet. It is calm," the Los Angeles Urban League President said. There was a sigh of relief in his voice and hope that the calm would remain. "The feeling seems to be that this was pay-back time for white America," Brother Mack continued. "The 'Juice' won the first time and he's got his freedom. People are saying that now 'we have to get on with our lives'. That's the word on the street." As president of the city's Urban League, Brother Mack has had his finger on the pulse of the Los Angeles community for almost 30 years. He has been at the forefront of the minority community's fight for dignity throughout the tumultuous experiences of the city. In this issue of The SPHINX™, Brother Mack gives us a special report on the charges of CIA involvement in Los Angeles drug trafficking. This inside view of the situation makes real the anger, horror and pain of the community as they confront the CIA with the charges. This edition of the magazine-featuring the Inauguration of 30th General President Adrian L. Wallace and introducing newly appointed Executive Director Hebrew L. Dixonalso brings back the Alpha Athletes feature that in past years highlighted Brothers who excel in sports. We are pleased to re-introduce the feature with Brother Michael Jackson, a wide-receiver with the NFLs Baltimore Ravens. The SPHINX/Spring 1997

We also catch up with Brother Jackson in another section of the magazine where he's off the field, devoting time to the Boy Scouts. He has much to say about giving back to the community. Since the passage of congressional legislation authorizing Alpha Phi Alpha to erect a memorial to Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington, D.C., we have received numerous inquiries from Brothers, the media and the public, asking how can they can assist in construction of the project. Inside you will find information on how to contribute to the memorial fund along with a special feature on Brother King. The SPHINX™ will keep readers updated on the progress of the project. In the next issue of The SPHINX™, another popular feature returns-Distinguished Collegians. The issue looks at campus student government leaders. Brothers who serve as president of their campus student government are invited to send their photograph and information in now to be included in the edition. Stay tuned for many more exciting stories and features from the Brotherhood.

S^o4 U/tec

Seaton White Editor-in-Chief


Alpha Internatio A Member of DMS Travel Group

The power of corporate trave

Colin Hall, President

low airfares 1

instant ticket delivery

The pleasure of personal service ' rail, hotel, limousine and car rental

reservations

• 24-hour reservations, 365 days a year The power of corporate travel » 24-hour worldwide toll-free hotline

The pleasure of personal service

For all your personal and business travel needs call Brother Colin Hall at: 1-800-425-7427 or 1-800-4-ALPHA-7

mi

ALPHA INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, INC. 317 Madison Avenue, Suite 8 1 1 * New York, NY 10017 Fax:(212)986-7579 E-Mail: COLINH.@DMStravel.com

Official Travel Agent for the <rs Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Corporate Headquarters New

York • Washington, DC • Pittsburgh, PA


SPECIAI THE CIA AND CRACK COCAINE IN SOUTH CENTRAL LOS ANGELES Editor's Note: A three-part series by the San Jose Mercury News in August 1996 on the possible role played by the CIA in the influx of crack cocaine into South Central Los Angeles drew outcry from the African-American community and calls for Congressional investigations by elected officials, including Rep. Maxine Waters and Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer-all California Democrats. U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno ordered a Justice Department probe while the CIA is conducting an internal investigation of the charges. Los Angeles Urban League President Brother John W. Mack gives us his first-hand assessment of the situation in South Central Los Angeles in this Special Report to The SPHINX™.

By Brother John W. Mack ^ H H

OS ANGELES, CA-Los Angeles, for the past five years, has been on a collision course leading to racial, cultural and class disaster. Problems here have been fueled by a series of high-profile events that threaten to transform the City of Angels into America's Bosnia instead of the municipal model of diversity and democracy intended for the city. Since the police beating of Rodney King in February 1991, African-Americans here have been confronted with a series of "earthquakes"-both natural and man made. Most of the man-made earthquakes have involved the criminal justice system and the government-with African-Americans receiving the short end of the justice stick. (The O.J. Simpson criminal trial stands as an exception). There has been flagrant abuse of authority by government agencies. The breach of authority I I I I |

The SPHINX/Spring 1997

has caused tremendous distrust of government and the dangerous erosion of law-enforcement agency credibility. Examples of blatant injustice faced by African-Americans in Los Angeles include: the not-guilty verdict in the first trial for Los Angeles policemen involved in the brutal beating of Rodney King; and the shooting death of 17-year-old Latasha Harlin by a Korean-American grocer. Latasha Harlin was shot in the back. The community was insulted when Joyce Karlins, a white judge in Los Angeles, allowed the Korean grocer to go free after a jury found the woman guilty of second-degree murder. If these incidents of double-standard justice were not outrageous enough, information also was being leaked onto the streets about CIA involvement with crack cocaine in South Central Los Angeles. Predictably, the charge of CIA involvement with L.A.'s drug problem was vehemently denied by local law enforcement officials, political leaders and spokespersons for

the CIA. The news media wrote the reports off as paranoia in the African-American community. Political leaders confronted with the allegationsincluding Congressional and White House officials-also ignored the reports. The charges against the CIA gained momentum within the African-American community when a well known and respected, grass-roots community leader from Watts, named "Sweet" Alice Harris, held a press conference along with other community activists to make the accusations public. The leaders expressed outrage and concern about CIA involvement in drugs that are destroying the minds of our youth and threatening our future 7


SPECIAL REPORT generations. They produced devastating statisticsreceived from African-American doctors, nurses, administrators, other health-care professionals and hospital volunteers-that showed alarming increases in the number of "crack babies" being delivered at the area's Martin Luther King, Jr. Hospital. The outrage of community leaders was largely dismissed and ignored until the San Jose Mercury newspaper in August 1996 printed an in-depth series reporting on CIA ties to drugs and the drug epidemic in Los Angeles. The series brought national attention to the plight. The San Jose Mercury charged the CIA with allowing Latin American cocaine dealers to smuggle crack cocaine into Los Angeles and into the African-American community. The newspaper charged the CIA with supporting the operation. The series reported that a Nicaraguan drug network with ties to the CIA-backed Contra Rebels had established cocaine pipelines to African-American neighborhoods in Los Angeles. In November 1996, a Wall Street Journal article reported that a Miami grand jury indicted Venezuelan General Ramon Guillen, a narcotics officer with CIA connections. Guillen was charged with smuggling cocaine into the United States. The Venezuelan general said he acted with the approval of the CIA-a charge the CIA, of course, denied. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Congresswoman Maxine Waters, a principle advocate for the community in its charge against the CIA, at a news conference released documents that showed a connection between the CIA, the Nicaraguan drug network and Los Angeles' African-American neighborhoods. The information came from a 1986 Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department raid. A deputy sheriff's affidavit was used as one of the supporting documents. The raid and investigation focused on Danilo Blandon who the document described as "a well-known Nicaraguan drug dealer." A deputy sheriff wrote in the affidavit that "informants reported that money and arms were supplied to the Contras through Blandon's drug sales." It also was stated that one of Blandon's dealers sold the cocaine "mainly to (African-Americans) living in the South Central Los Angeles area."

I

Congresswoman Juanita MillenderMcDonald, another advocate for the AfricanAmerican community, convened two unprecedented meetings with CIA Director John Deutch. The first meeting with the CIA director was limited to a select group of African-American leaders. The second was a town hall meeting attended by more than 800 community residents. (Brother John W Mack was present at both meetings). Both meetings were forthright with the community and leaders demanding direct and honest answers. Those present were outraged that the CIA could be even remotely linked to Los Angeles drug activity. The town meeting was volatile with participants showing anger, frustration and suspicion of the CIA. The sentiment of the community was that CIA operatives were involved in spreading money through the community and promoting drugs in the neighborhoods. The community demanded that independent, comprehensive and objective investigations be conducted into charges against the CIA. They demanded that the investigation be led by institutions and agencies outside the CIA. CIA Director John Deutch stated that an investigation currently was underway, conducted by the CIA's Inspector General. He said that the probe would be fair and impartial. However, the ClA director was unable to convince the community that the agency was not involved in Los Angeles drug activity or that the CIA would conduct a fair investigation of itself. Deutch's comments drew negative responses. One thing evident that came from the meeting was that a CIA investigation of itself would not be sufficient for Los Angeles's African-Americans. The community charged that this was a case of "the fox guarding the hen house." Charges were

"If these incidents of double-standard justice were not outrageous enough, information also was being leaked onto the streets about CIA involvement with crack cocaine in South Central Los Angeles." made that any potentially damaging evidence linking the CIA to the Contras and Los Angeles crack cocaine probably had already been destroyed by the The SPHINX/Spring 1997


SPECIAL REPORT agency. The community's charges, it was stated, were based on the agency's history of espionage activity in foreign governments and its past practice of covering up and destroying evidence. Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald and Congressman Julian Dixon have since announced that several other investigations into allegations of CIA drug activity are underway. Investigations are currently being conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice; a special African-American Congressional Committee spearheaded by Congresswomen Maxine Waters and Juanita Millender-McDonald; and the House Committee On Intelligence of which Congressman Julian Dixon is a member. Several major protest demonstrations and rallies have been held by Los Angeles' African-American communities over the past several months. The protests have drawn large turnouts and attracted local and national media. The community is determined to keep the pressure on until all available facts and the truth are revealed and corrective action has been taken. The Los Angeles Urban League has been an active participant in many of the events. The organization represents a broad cross section of the community-both middle class and poor, professional and grass roots. The Los Angeles African-American community has shouted a resounding "No" to drugs and an equally resounding "No" to the CIA and its direct, or indirect, encouragement, financing and promoting of drugs in our community and among our youth. The community has shouted a resounding "No" to the CIA's presence in South Central Los Angeles and other predominantly African-American, inner-city areas throughout the county. The drug epidemic must be eliminated before it destroys our people and our nation. The CIA, instead of encouraging drug traffic, should be attempting to cut off illegal narcotics in Nicaragua, Venezuela and other foreign nations that produce and export the poisonous substance. Looking to the future, African-Americans in Los Angeles and throughout the nation will face numerous and enormous challenges in our attempt to create a level playing field with equal opportunity

and fairness in education, employment, business ownership and legal justice. This system of equality and fairness is particularly needed in Los Angelesan increasingly diverse society where too often

"One thing evident that came from meeting was that a CIA investigation itself would not be sufficient for Los Angeles's African-Americans"

TheSPHINX/Spn,iK 1997

minorities engage in divisive and self-destructing conflicts, fighting over crumbs like crabs in a barrel. We must encourage our youth to pursue excellence and achievement as they prepare for the 21st century and the journey on the information superhighway. They must aim high and get high off of academic achievement rather than crack cocaine and other drugs.

Brother John W. Mack has served as president of the Los Angeles Urban League since 1969. He is a highly respected advocate for equal opportunity in education, law enforcement and economic empowerment for all minorities. He received the Fraternity's Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Award in 1992.

Brother John W. Mack

9


ALPHA PROJECT ALPHA: COMBATING RECKLESS SEXUAL BEHAVIOR By Brother Ronald Peters, Jr.

B

espite many African American men being well informed about how pregnancies occur and HIV and STD infections are contracted, reports show that mortality and morbidity rates due to these health problems continue to rise in this segment of the population. Today it is estimated that one of 50 African-American men are infected with the HIV/AIDS virus (Rosenberg, 1995). Recent reports further estimate that 32 to 40 percent of African-American men may be infected with the Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (Siegel et al, 1994; Corey, 1994). Regardless of our Brother Ron Peters addresses youth during Project Alpha Program held at the Ramada socio-demographic backgrounds, Hotel-Houston Astrodome. More than 150 young men were educated on adolescent in some capacity we are all sex abstention. affected by the hardships these The following are some of the primary influences health problems place on our community. of reckless sexual behavior which are distinctive to Consequently, it is essential for us as Alpha men to African-American adolescent males: practice safe sex and to expand our Project Alpha * Movies-Many African-American movies programs to our children. glorify sexual abuse and the use of sexually explicit In order to initiate an effective Project language that many impressionable children imitate Alpha program, it is imperative to understand the (e.g. A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Waiting causal influence of reckless sexual behavior among to Exhale, What's Love Got to Do With It). African-American male adolescents. Hundreds of * Music-Since the inception of slavery, studies have been conducted to analyze the causal African-Americans have created different forms of factors associated with reckless sexual activity music to communicate our community's problems among adolescents. However, meager research has and concerns. Hip-hop music is an art form that been conducted that has sensitively addressed the was created by MC Here in the Bronx, New York causal influence specific to African-American males.

10

The SPHINX/Spring

1997


ALPHA FORUM for inner-city youth to share their thoughts and experiences. However, the emergence of "fantasy rap" and its modeled messages of reckless sexual behavior and violence are starting to outweigh its assets to society (e.g. Biggie Smalls, Snoop Doggy Dog, Botany Boys, AMG & etc.). * Television-Television, in many instances, teaches our children how to commit sexual crimes, find loopholes in the law and engage in other immoral activities. During an American youth's childhood and adolescent years, he will witness about 180,000 robberies, murders and sexual assaults while watching television (Strasburger, 1989). * Stress Management-When an individual is placed in a low socio-economic environment which is plagued with hopelessness, many may use reckless sexual activity as a temporary release of stress, anger, aggression or anxiety. * Different Standards for Adolescent Men than Women-The most direct influences on an individual's behavior are the social reinforcements they receive from others. Many African-American men receive high social approval from peers for having multiple intimate relationships and/or conducting reckless sexual behavior.

* Lack of Parental Guidance-Parental attitude is ranked as the second-most influential factor affecting adolescents. Many AfricanAmerican adolescent males, however, come from fatherless homes and receive indecorous information and guidance about sexual behavior from the streets. * Hopelessness About the Future-Because of constant social and economic obstacles, many young men feel hopeless about their future. Those who have little hope for their future may believe it makes little difference how they behave. * Lack of Self-Confidence-Self confidence plays an important role in teen sexual behavior. A young man with low self-confidence may find it difficult to say "No" to pressure from a girlfriend. * Non-traditional Families-Three-fifths of African-American children are born out of wedlock and two-thirds of these children live in poverty (Rexroat, 1993). In many cases, these conditions perpetuate the cycle of at-risk conditions and behavior in children-low education attainment, early parenthood and unstable martial relationships in later life (Widom, 1989; McLanahan, 1985). "Alcohol and Drug Abuse-Adolescent reckless sexual behavior is highly correlated with other maladjusted behavior: alcoholism, drugs abuse and violence. Therefore, a successful sexual activity abstention program must entail a multidisciplinary plan. The majority of the representatives of our government fail to understand these fundamental causes and consequences of teenage sexual activity. House Speaker Newt Gingrich told students in his televised college course that "Men are basically little piglets who are biologically driven to go out and

Brother Howell L. Davis, Co-Chairman of National Programs for Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter, conducts role-playing with Houston youth. The behavioral modification technique addresses knowledge and skills tor proper sexual behavior. The SPHINX/Spring

1997

Jlunt

gjraffes D

wn

ile


ALPHA FORUM females have biological problems staying in a ditch for 30 days because they get infections, and they don't have upper-body strength," (Washington Post, Jan. 18, 1996). A new welfare law was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton on Aug. 22, 1996. The law, in effect, slashes assistance for children and families in a variety of support programs which amount to approximately $54 billion. This figure includes a $27.7 billion decrease from the Food Stamp Program and a $3 billion decrease from child nutrition programs over the next six years (Children's Defense Fund, 1996). Most Americans would agree that the political philosophy regarding adolescent pregnancy prevention is that "talk is cheap while Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) programs are expensive." If we as a society continue to allow insensitive policy makers to cut socioeconomic supports and to not address the causal factors of teenage pregnancy, we will pay excessively more in the future. The appropriate method of compressing reckless sexual behavior is to provide realistic alternatives to the behavior. African-American adolescent males are not likely to "Just Say No" to sexual activity, unless they have opportunities to say "Yes" to something else. This is why it is imperative that we as Alpha men accelerate our national community service efforts. When implementing our National Programs, emphasis must be placed on attitudinal change and skills training directed at specific conduct related to reckless sexual behavior. We must seek to identify and resolve problematic situations for adolescent males, the main goal being to set norms of personal conduct and skills training for self-management. One effective way to employ Project Alpha programs is through role modeling intervention. This includes structured group role playing to teach African-American adolescent males to practice self-control and communication skills. Also, it includes planned dialogue for persuasion of resistant attitudes about sexual abstinence until adulthood. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Need, sex is one of man's most powerful drives. Therefore, no man sits in an ivory tower. We as men are in a constant fight to do what God commands us to do. Consequently, it is imperative for us to listen to the opinions of those we mentor and then explain to them ways we have redirected our sexual drives

into careers, educational opportunities and community service. WORKS CITED: Children's Defense Fund (1996). Fact Sheet. Washington, D.C. Corey, L. (1994). The Current Trend in Genital Herpes. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 21, 39-44. Levinson, R., Jaccard, J., & Beamer, L. (1995). Older Adolescents' Engagement in Casual Sex: Impact of Risk Perception and Psychosocial Motivations. Journal of Youth and Adolescence. 24, 349-364. McLanahan, S. (1985). Family Structure and the Reproduction of Poverty. American Journal of Sociology. 90, 873-901. Rexcoat, C. (1993). The Declining Economic Status of Black Children: Examining the Change. Joint Center for Political Studies: Washington, D.C. Rosenberg, P. (1995). Scope of the AIDS epidemic in the United States. Science. 270, 1372-1375. Siegel, D., Golden, E., Washington, E., Morse, S., Fuflilove, M., Catania, J., Marin, B., & Hulley, S. Prevalence and Correlates of Herpes Simplex Infections. Journal of the American Medical Association. 268, 1702-1708. Strasburger, V. (1989). Does Television Affect Learning and School Performance. Pediatrician, 13, 141-147. Widom, C. (1989). The cycle of violence. Science. 244, 160-165.

Brother Ronald Peters, Jr. is Chairman of the National Programs Committee; Doctoral Candidate, University of Texas School of Public Health; and Adjunct Professor, Texas Southern University, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. For more information about the above article, Brother Peters can be reached by E-Mail at: SPH1263@UTSHP.SPH. UTH. TMC.EDU

The SPHINX/Spring 1997


NU PSI SETTING THE PACE AT LSU, NAMED COLLEGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR

Nu Psi Chapter

B

hey have compiled an enviable list of

accomplishments. Given the number of campus and community activities in which they are involved, you would not think they are enrolled in ofschool. The SPHINX/Spring Chapter are they doing In are-and fact, so 1997 well the they Brothers they arewere doing named Nu well. PsiBut the

Fraternity's 1996 College Chapter of the Year.

Currently, the chapter is under the leadership of Brother Damon Hewit. The Chapter of the Year honor, however, was earned with Brother Roderick Smothers asNew president. major since received from Brother his Hewit Orleans. undergraduate is a Brother senior political degree Smothers and science has is


COLLEGE DAYS completing requirements for a master's degree in chemistry before going to medical school. A native of Vidalia, Louisiana, Brother Smothers also is Assistant Vice President of the Southwestern Region. Nu Psi Chapter's goal at Louisiana State University, Brother Smothers says, is "Continuing the Legacy. Our challenge has been living up to and surpassing the standards set before us." He is confident Nu Psi has surpassed the standards set for the chapter. It is difficult to disagree with him. The Legacy that Nu Psi can rightly proclaim is filled with service and more service. D.R.E.A.M.S., Inc., for instance, is a year-round enrichment project for youth in the University-Terrace area of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Positive results, through improved academic performance and constructive attitudes, are being demonstrated by young male program participants whose residential environments put them "at-risk." When the young men participated in the Southern University Homecoming Parade, Nu Psi was right there to support them with a generous donation for uniforms. D.R.E.A.M.S., Inc. is the brainchild of Brother Victor Vandell, a Ph.D. candidate at LSU. The children of VOA Makera House enjoyed activities planned by Nu Psi. The Brothers also brought cheer to the homeless and needy residents of Scott-Gilchrist Quality of Life Center; the "special kids" at Greenwell Springs Hospital were embraced by Nu Psi; and the children of VOA Parker House were the Halloween party guests of Nu Psi. "We're known for our work with youth around the city," Brother Hewit says. The chapter "gets calls out of the blue" for Nu Psi to take the leadership in community service. "We like to do these things," he says. Hewit wants to see new Brothers be more aggressive about community service. New Brothers are initially "a little shy," says Brother Hewit. When more than 20 campus organizations convene at LSU, Nu Psi Brothers are at the table-playing leadership roles with the NAACP, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Men Against Violence, LSU and SU Students United Against Violence, the National Association of Black Journalists, (Student) Union Governing 14

Board, LSU Leadership, the Student Government Association, Student Leadership Cabinet, the National Society of Black Engineers and many others.

Brother Delton Brown is president of the Residence Hall Association, Brother Roderick Hawkins is chairman of the LSU Martin Luther King Committee, Brother David Brannon is vice president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Brother Hewit is on the African-American Cultural Center Board of Directors, Brother Smothers served on the Chancellor's Student Advisory Committee and the legacy continues with Alpha Phi Alpha leadership at LSU. Hewit was president of the campus chapter of the NAACP last school year. He believes the NAACP played a major role in the "resolution of the conflict" which revolved around scholarships. Student leaders discovered that scholarships designated for minority students were being shared with white students, Hewit says. The NAACP helped resolve the situation and kept the community informed of developments. By the time the controversy was resolved, the school official administering the scholarships had resigned along with an LSU chancellor and more minority students were being given scholarships than ever before, Brother Hewit says. Brother Hewit is currently, and perhaps not incidentally, the director of minority affairs for the Student Government Association. Like their Brothers at other colleges and universities, Nu Psi members are involved in Go to High School, Go to College, A Voteless People is a Hopeless People, Project Alpha and Boy Scouts of America. And there is the impressive and unique Camp Alpha Project, a modified version of what the Chapter formerly called "Heritage House." The SPHINX/Spring 1997


COLLEGE DAYS The two-week Camp Alpha Project involves young men, ages 14-16, who normally come from single parent homes and are thought to be at-risk. Churches and public school principals make the recommendations. The young men live on campus in the Alpha House. They take courses on campus that can count toward their high school matriculation. Brother Smothers says the project leaders try to target young men who need special help with English and math. In addition to the academic emphasis of the project, Brother Smothers also notes the considerable attention devoted to counseling and to advising. Indeed, Brother Smothers sees Nu Psi Chapter's Camp Alpha as the Fraternity's National Programs presented under one umbrella. "It is a good feeling to know that we are making a difference," Brother Smothers says. The Brothers derive special gratification from the "personal relationships you develop with 15 guys over two weeks," he says. In addition to the classes they take and the counseling they receive, the young men in Camp Alpha also have jobs on campus. And of course the project is at no expense to the participants. Local businesses and LSU contribute to the project. Budget support also comes from Fraternity fund-raisers. In May 1997, Brother Hewit will graduate and move on to law school. He envisions an expansion of the Camp Alpha Project this summer and the next. It concerns and disappoints him that Nu Psi has to turn away so many young men who want and need the benefits of the project. Camp Alpha is unique, he says, because of the age group it serves-ages 14 to 16. "(The young men may) seem like a burden to some but to us it is an opportunity to interact with young men who will someday be leaders like us," Brother Hewit says. Nu Psi Chapter advisor Alvin Cavalier says the project is "an opportunity for these at-risk young men to be subjected to a positive influencea positive that can have a great impact on their goals and aspirations for the future." Brother Cavalier is an audit supervisor for the State of Louisiana Department of Social Services. The participants get a chance, Cavalier continues, "to experience first-hand the reality of young Black role models doing something positive." Camp Alpha "creates a college-like atmosphere at a crucial time in their development The SPHINX/Spring 1997

years, especially for those who don't have aspirations for college," Brother Cavalier maintains. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. made its debut at LSU less than 20 years ago when on August 18, 1978, five graduate Brothers founded Nu Psi Chapter. This is the third time the Chapter has won the College Chapter of the Year Award. Two of the most popular annual events at LSU are sponsored by Nu Psi, the Thurgood Marshall Education Fund Talent Show and the Miss Black & Gold Talent Show. Both showcase grace with talent and both emphasize scholarship. Not secondarily, Nu Psi is housed on "Fraternity Row" at LSU, a first for an AfricanAmerican Greek-letter organization. Smothers called the Alpha House "a monument that is appreciated by all." The House is a gathering place, not only for Alpha men but for the AfricanAmerican community at LSU. The house that Brothers lease at LSU did not come without "some heat on the University," Brother Hewit recalls. He remembers being told that six and a half years ago the chapter had adequate resources to support a similar lease but the University was not cooperative. Still "the Brothers were persistent and professional in handling our business as Alphas always do," he said. Brothers residing in the Alpha House experience what Hewit calls "real life situations. We interact on a regular basis. We don't have to wait for a meeting to get things rolling." While residents of other Fraternity Houses have cooks and maids, Alphas cook their own food and do their own cleaning. "Sure, it's not always easy living under the same roof with so many men," Brother Hewit says. And yet, he insists that there are more advantages than disadvantages to their living together. Brothers living in the Alpha House agree more than they disagree, he says.

15


RENOWNED COMMUNITY SERVICE MAKES ETA GAMMA LAMBDA ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR ince being named the Fraternity's Alumni Chapter of the Year last summer, the Brothers at Eta Gamma Lambda have been bombarded with requests from individuals and groups in the Lafayette, Louisiana area to present seminars and programs as a service to the community. The invitations are welcomed by the Chapter which looks to surpass its 1996 performance when more than 30 community service projects were performed. "The community recognizes the value and impact Eta Gamma Lambda Chapter of the Fraternity's National Programs and is eager to have the adopting two schools in Lafayette. They Chapter work with them," says Chapter Secretary adopted Immaculate Heart of Mary and Holy Richard Travers. Family, both kindergarten through 8th grade Eta Gamma Lambda's community Catholic schools. The Brothers serve as substitute involvement is no doubt the leading factor in teachers and resource professionals for the school. their being recognized as the Fraternity's most Several members of the Chapter also serve on the outstanding Alumni Chapter in 1996. The Chapter's schools' boards. In addition, a mentoring group community involvement ranges from hosting a Fire for young men, entitled "Boys to Men," was Prevention Week to its Food for Families, Walk started at the schools. Once the students graduate America, Black History Month, Angel (Christmas) from the school and go on to high school, they Tree, and Meals on Wheels programs. become part of the Chapter's high school The Chapter is active with the Big mentoring program, entitled "Men of Tomorrow." Brothers/Big Sisters of America program and helps Each November, Eta Gamma Lambda the organization put on its "Bowling for Kids Sake" and radio station KFXZ-FM join together for a program each year. Eta Gamma Lambda also 12-hour radio-a-thon to raise money for the sponsors a barbecue every spring for the Big predominantly African-American schools. The Brothers/Big Sisters picnic. fund-raiser began five years ago when one of the Eta Gamma Lambda recently was local Brothers served as station manage of KFXZ. recognized by the Chamber of Commerce for Radio listeners are invited to bring their pledges to 16

The SPHINX/Spring

19') 7


RENOWNED A<DA the station or to two other locations where Brothers receive the monies and are able to call the station and let listeners know how much money they are giving. Chapter members also man the radio station phones during the radio-a-thon. Between $20,000 and $50,000 is raised annually from the radio-a-thon and each school receives 50 percent of the raised funds. Another popular Chapter project is their annual hosting of the St. Anthony's Church Drug and Youth Rally. Project Alpha, drug seminars and a jobs fair are presented as part of the event. Between 200 and 350 middle and high school youth from the church parish and surrounding area participate in the program that is held in July on the St. Anthony's Church grounds. Counselors from the local drug counseling center and D.A.R.E. program are invited to talk with youth about drugs. Also dogs trained to sniff out drugs are brought in to give demonstrations. Youth participants in the program receive T-shirts with the church's and Fraternity's name on them and are entertained by a step show performed by the College Brothers at nearby Zeta Xi Chapter, University of Southwestern Louisiana. Like almost every community in the country, Lafayette has its share of drug problems. "We tend to take the prevention route as opposed to waiting until they get on drugs, then trying to ^^^^^^^ cure the problem," says Brother rrT7 Tr avers. ilOe St. Anthony's Church and Chapter members Marcus Bruno, impact Vincent Pierre and Samuel Pierre were instrumental in getting Eta and is Gamma Lambda involved with the program and serve as the project's coordinator. Brother Bruno is Substance Abuse Coordinator for the parish (county) and provides information and literature for the youth. Brother Samuel Pierre is Fire Inspector for Lafayette and counsels youth on related dangers while his nephew, Brother Vincent Pierre, is District Manager of the Louisiana Lottery. Each year the Louisiana Lottery gives $3,000 to the Chapter as part of their Miss Black and Gold Pageant. The money is awarded to the contest participants. The pageant has become a major entertainment event for Lafayette Parish and draws participants and guests from eight surrounding parishes. The SPl11NX/Spring 1997

In addition, Eta Gamma Lambda each year awards scholarships of $1,500 to three deserving young men preparing to leave high school and enter college. The scholarships are given at the area-wide Pan-Hellenic Council program, held the first Sunday in May. Monies for the scholarship are raised from Chapter activities. The money largely comes from the annual New Year's Eve bash and the annual Spring Fishing Tournament which is sponsored by Coca Cola. Also twice a year the Chapter works at the St. Joseph's Men's Shelter and Food Kitchen. They donate money and food to the shelter and kitchen as well as cook and clean the facility. In February, the Chapter was recognized by the Eta Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for their many accomplishments in the community. They were given an award as Outstanding Community Service Organization of the Year. The award will go alongside the many they have already received from organizations, agencies, schools and government offices in Lafayette. Eta Gamma Lambda was selected as Louisiana Alumni Chapter of the Region in 1994, 1995 and 1996. They represented the Southwestern Region twice before winning the Alumni Chapter of the Year award in 1996. About winning in

community recognizes the value and of the Fraternity's National Programs eager to have (Eta Gamma Lambda) Chapter work with them." 1996, Brother Travers says, "It was not really a surprise because we had worked very very hard over the last three years in terms of working in the community. Last year, we just decided that failure was not an option. We were going to win," he said. "And we increased our number of service projects and we diversified some of the ones we were doing all along."

17


She has a dream. A Big Sister has helped her set goals and look forward to her future. Now she has a dream . . .

. . . a dream of college, of a career, of having a good life. And one day, she'll dream of someone she can share that future with, someone with a dream of his own.

There are many young men out there who need a positive African American role model and mentor — a Big Brother.

Alpha Phi Alpha encourages you to call your local Big Brothers/Big Sisters agency to volunteer. Help us help our children — pass it on.

Big Brothers Big Sisters OF

AMERICA


VISION O A T H

O F

2000

O F F I C

o the concept of Brotherhood and service as epitomized by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, I do pledge. To courageous leadership in addressing and redressing the issues of racism, human rights and human dignity, I do pledge. To securing the advances of the past and attainment of new freedoms, new levels of human dignity and new horizons in the experience of living, loving and learning, free from the eroding effects of racism and poverty, I do pledge. To the day when there will be no double standards in housing and education and in the use of public facilities, I do pledge. To the day when the old and the infirm will not suffer pain due to the lack of good medical care, nor experience hunger because of inadequate income, I do pledge. To the day when little black boys and little black girls will not continue to have their legitimate hopes and aspirations dosed with the bone-chilling waters of inopportunity, I do pledge. To the day when every man, every woman and every child will receive a full share of dignity in recognition of their creation in the image of God, I do pledge. With the Fraternity's living General Presidents* standing behind him as a signal of solidarity, the Oath of Office was administered to 30th General President Adrian L. Wallace by Ozell Sutton, 26th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. *21st General President T. Winston Cole, Sr. is not pictured.

The SPHINX/Spring 1997

L9


V I S I O N 2000 I N A U G U R A L

A D D R E S S

Editor's Note: The following address was delivered by Brother Adrian L. Wallace on the occasion of his inauguration as 30th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The address was delivered at the Inaugural ConvocationLuncheon held January 11, 1997 at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana.

B

he number "7" has had an almost mystical quality associated with it. Seven-the number of perfection. The ancients counted seven wonders of the world. The Japanese counted seven gods of happiness. Medieval Christians enumerated seven deadly sins. There are seven days in the week; and Rome was set on seven hills. In 1906, seven visionary young men created a movement that they called Alpha Phi Alpha. Ninety years ago Alpha Phi Alpha was born. Three years before the NAACP and five years before the National Urban League, Alpha men were providing leadership and service to their communities and society. In 1916, General President Howard H. Long stated, and I quote, "each year becomes more important because it brings greater vision, carries us higher in the hierarchy of accomplishment and entails tasks of a different order and content." James Champy, Reengineering Management, said "nothing is simple anymore. Nothing is stable. Now whatever we do is not enough. Incremental change is what we are used to-the kind we could manage gradually with careful planning, broad consensus building and controlled execution. Now we must not only manage change, we must create change-big change and fast. If we stop for a leisurely consideration of the issues, the situation will alter in front of our eyes and our careful judgments will not apply."

20

The future is a rapidly moving target. The future is a work in progress. The future challenges our way of thinking. The future offers new opportunities. The future is now. Welcome to the future. ood afternoon ladies and gentlemen. The weather nationwide has certainly made things interesting for many of you to get here today. And we are very appreciative of the efforts you made and put forth to be here. I extend my personal thanks and appreciation to our distinguished guests and visitors for sharing with us in this auspicious occasion. To our corporate friends from Anheuser-Busch, American Airlines, Dryades Savings Bank, First National Bank of Commerce and Hallmark Corporation-your support has been invaluable. To the Inaugural Committee, Sigma Lambda Chapter, to the Over and Above G r o u p that I got acquainted with on last night-all the unsung persons that played an intricate role in making this happen, it is good to see many, many friends from Lake Charles (LA) who traveled here today. This is a very special day. But it is also a day that is tinged with just a bit of melancholy. There are two people who are not here today.

G

The SPHINX/Spring 1997


INAUGURAL ADDRESS On the back inside page of your program you will find two names. The first, Adrian L. Wallace, my father, a most remarkable man. He possessed an uncompromising love and unshakable faith and his vision enabled him to see things not as they are but as they could be. The second name is that of Brother Warren H. Combre, Sr., a charter member of Zeta Psi Lambda Chapter in Lake Charles. Warren many years ago told me that I would be General President. Warren was a Brother's Brother-always seeking to bring and keep Brothers within the fold of the Fraternity. So I'm very pleased to have with us today to share with me on this occasion his wife, Mrs. Gloria Combre, and their daughter Susan. One of our Founders, as we affectionately refer to as Jewels, Henry Arthur Callis, said we believe ourselves to be the first group of men in college, of African descent, bound together as brethren with the purpose of advancing the lot of all people of African descent. The chief significance, he says, of Alpha Phi Alpha lies in its purpose to stimulate, develop and submit an intelligent, trained leadership in the unending fight for freedom, equality and justice. Our task, he goes on to say, is endless. Our activity is limited only by our courage and our capacities. Our field, he says in conclusion, is the world of social institutions. The signature theme of this administration is "VISION 2000: The Light Of A New Day". What is this Light Of A New Day. What does it mean. I'm glad you asked. It denotes a way of thinking. It recognizes that the only thing that is constant is change itself. The story is told of a young student-and I've told this various times before-who is sitting in class and is visibly drawing something. And the teacher walks up to him and asks "Sammy, what are you doing?" He says "I'm drawing a picture of God." And she says "Sammy, nobody knows what God looks like." He says "they will in a minute." It is that way of looking at things through new eyes and seeing new things that we mean when we say "The Light Of A New Day". We are firmly rooted in the basic tendency of scholarship, excellence and leadership. The Light Of A New Day-achieving but not making achievement our goal. Giving freely of ourselves but not grudgingly

nor of necessity. The Light Of A New Day-serving all mankind and counting it a privilege and not a task. The Light Of A New Day-accepting praise but remaining mindful of our failures too. The Light Of A New Day-striving to fulfill the dream, not just keep it alive-but to fulfill the dream by deeds and not hollow words. The Light Of A New Day-extending a helping hand to friend or foe alike and expecting nothing in return and never remind them of the deed. Our only weapon against lies shall be an uncompromising truth. Our only defense against malicious assaults shall be an unshakable faith. This is part and parcel of The Light Of A New Day. Lerone Bennett, Jr. in his book, Have We Overcome, tells the following story: there were a group of men who sought a great prize that was across a deep river, up a steep mountain and on

"Our only weapon against lies shall be uncompromising truth. Our only defense against malicious assaults shall he an unshakable faith. This is part and parcel of The Light Of A New Day."

The SPH1 NX/Spring 1997

the far side of an uncharted sea. The task before them was almost impossible. But they were a brave people. History had given them big hearts. They embarked in the dark of night and reached the middle of the river where a great storm arose. The storm lashed their little boat and washed many of them overboard. But they managed somehow to reach the other side, loosing many of their friends along the way. When the boat touched dry land, they held a meeting of sorts and a select group went to the captain and said "we did a great thing in crossing that river and we believe that we will just dig in and rest for a while in this new place." The captain said "this thing that you did in crossing the river was splendidly done and deserves praise but there is no rest for us nor safety short of the grail of freedom. So sing and shout and dance tonight for tomorrow the journey continues. We've crossed the river but now we must cross the sea." This is The Light Of A New Day. Despite all the technological advancements that we have seen-when computers become outdated in six months time and we see so many inventions coming 21


INAUGURAL ADDRESS on the horizon, still we find ourselves confronted with some of the same issues. Intolerance. Racism. Patricia Russell says-she has a favorite quote of mine-she says "racism is like rain. When it is not falling it is off somewhere gathering." So we continue to fight this battle. "We used to believe like Socrates that evil and wrongdoing were based on ignorance; that men fought wars because they didn't know any better; that racial prejudice was based on a lack of knowledge; that man exploited man because he needed to be enlightened. But we know now that knowledge is not enough; that man can know the truth and deliberately lie; can see the good and deliberately choose evil; can see the light and deliberately walk in the darkness; can see the high road beckoning to him and deliberately choose the low road." To my fellow Greeks, we may wear different colors and we may sing different songs but we are still one people-one people bound together by a common heritage; one people who must work together for a common purpose; one people who have survived incalculable odds to arrive at this moment in time; one people with a special destiny to fill. We control our own destiny. Our fate and that of our community rests in our own hands. Dr. Benjamin Mays said the tragedy of life is often not in our failure but rather in our complacency; not in our doing too much but rather in our doing too little; not in our living above our ability but rather in our living below our capacities. Whatever one touches, he says, his aim should always be to leave that which he touches better than he found it. I read this on the plane coming over and I share it with you. It's called "The Essence of Survival." Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up. It knows that it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up in Africa. It knows that it must run faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or gazelle, when the sun comes up you'd better be running. The Light Of A New Day. As many of you have no doubt heard, Alpha Phi Alpha has been authorized by Congress to solicit funds for the express purpose of building a memorial to commemorate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Federal Land near the Capitol. We are only one of a few select groups that have ever gotten such an opportunity. We will make this happen.

On the economic front, African-Americans earn $350 billion in annual income. By the year 2000 it is estimated that we will earn as a people $900 billion. We spend $225 billion a year on goods and services. Our problem is not a lack of money. It is what we choose to do with the money we have. These figures are the equivalent of the gross national product of Canada or Australia-two of the ten largest nations in the free world. Alpha Phi Alpha will begin implementing programs to leverage the financial clout of African-Americans to enable us to achieve economic independence and to allow us to become creators of wealth. On the technological front, we are moving aggressively to utilize information systems to facilitate interactive learning, reclamation, communications, professional networking and much, much more. All of this is a mere sampling of The Light Of A New Day. People often ask me why do you do what you do? Why do you run so? Why did you leave the confides of corporate America to pursue your own business? They just don't understand. I'm on a mission and this vision just won't let me rest. But "I don't feel no ways tired." I have seen the future. We have many perils awaiting us. However with the love of our mothers who nurtured us, with the faith of our fathers who brought us into manhood, we shall cut the cords of conflict. We shall plant the seeds of promise. We shall cultivate the spirit of potential. We shall supremely scale the mountain of adversity. We shall masterfully navigate the seas of change. We shall boldly and defiantly walk through the valley of despair. Time itself shall stand still to mark our course. Are you ready for The Light Of A New Day? Walk with me and choose to be committed rather than comfortable-This Light Of A New Day. Walk with me my friends and together we may lift up the least, the lost and the left out. This is The Light Of A New Day. Walk with me and let's lead the pack and not run with the herd. Walk with me and dare to choose the road less traveled. Walk with me in this Light Of A New Day and stand in the gap between the centuries at the dawn of the new day. Walk with me and I do believe that we can fly. Walk with me-with Alpha-into the glorious Light Of A New Day. Thank you.

The SPHINX/Spring 1997


LEADERSHIP SEMINAR A N D INAUGURAL

D

rom the opening gavel that began the Board of Directors meeting until the final note of the last song at the General President's Inaugural Ball, the 1997 Leadership Seminar and Inaugural was a fraternal event of historic proportions. Brothers came to New Orleans, Louisiana from around the world to witness the installation of Adrian L. Wallace as 30th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at the Inaugural Convocation-Luncheon General President Wallace addresses Board of Directors held at the New Orleans Marriott. The Fraternity's leadership from each of its five regions was on hand to participate in the event. Representatives from fellow Greekletter organizations came to pay tribute; political and corporate leaders from around the country came in support; the Mayor of New Orleans came with the Key to the City; and family and friends of the new General President were there in large numbers. The living General Presidents of Alpha Phi Alpha also were there to raise Brother Wallace

General Presidents pictured (left to right) are: Brothers Henry Ponder, Walter Washington, Milton C. Davis, Adrian L. Wallace, Charles C. Teamer, Sr., James R. Williams and Ozell Sutton.

Board pauses for official photograph during January 1997 meeting.

The SPHINX/Spring 1997

up to the "exquisite and awesome high place" of leadership to which he was elected. "Today, we raise him up in triumph to our Fraternity and to the world as our leader," Immediate Past General President Milton C. Davis proclaimed in his introduction of General President Wallace. "Our Brother deals with the science which merges the proper elements in the correct amounts, with precision, to obtain a correct result," Brother 23


VISION 2000 MPANIES

NITY, iieral

Davis continued. "..And it is ever so true that to govern this vast international organization, a General President must know the right formula and have the right chemistry with the Brothers." Brother Wallace-a chemist, scholar, entrepreneur, businessman, servant and leader-was described as being well prepared to handled Alpha Phi Alpha's substantial holdings and investments across the country. He also was said to be well prepared for great service to our community and nation. One by one the political, corporate, organization, community and Fraternity leaders came forward to salute General President Wallace at the Convocation-Luncheon presided over by 27th General President Charles C. Teamer, Sr. Among those who brought salutations were National Pan-Hellenic Council President Daisy D. Wood; Marquetta Glass, Director of Diversity at Hallmark Cards, Inc.; and Louisiana State Senator Charles D. Jones, who was initiated

I

with Brother Wallace. Some of the Fraternity leaders who brought salutations included: Louisiana District Director Richard D. Smith; Southwestern Vice President Harry E. Johnson, Sr.; Southwestern Assistant Vice President Roderick Smothers; and Sigma Lambda Chapter President Joshua Williams. Twenty-sixth General President Ozell Sutton came forward to administer the Oath of Office and pronounce, "Now Brother General President, I declare you are officially installed as

the 30th General President of the great Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. May He who is above us all, who sustains us all and who keeps us all, keep you in the palm of His mighty hand as you give us great leadership."

Historic Gallier Hall served as the site for the "A Taste of New Orleans" welcome reception. Brother Wallace is pictured with former General President Davis, Southwestern Vice President Harry Johnson, four of the Assistant Vice Presidents, host Brothers and others at the event. A hearty array of New Orleans cuisine made the evening complete. 24

The SPHINX/Spring 1997


Brother Donzell Lee served as Inaugural Musician. Musical selections were rendered by Mrs. Lillette Jenkins-Wisner and Brother Darnell Prejean. Rev. Brother Jerome Washington offered blessings at the program. Brother Wallace is the sixth General President of Alpha Phi Alpha to come from the Southwestern Region. The others were: 17th General President A. Maceo Smith, 20th General President William H. Hale, 21st General President T. Winston Cole, Sr., 23 rd General President Ernest N. Morial and 27th General President Charles C. Teamer, Sr. (Brother Hale originally came out of the Southwestern Region but was not living in the Region when he served as General President). The official start of the 1997 Leadership Seminar and Inaugural came at the Board of Directors meeting where the Fraternity leadership from each of its five regions gathered to conduct the business of the organization. "A Taste of New Orleans" reception to welcome Brothers and guests to the city followed at the downtown Gallier Hall. The historic Gallier Hall, normally reserved for Mayoral functions and galas, was a perfect setting for the affair which attracted dignitary from around the state. The event was hosted by the Brothers of Sigma Lambda Chapter in New Orleans. Sigma Lambda and Anheuser-Busch Companies were the major sponsors of the event. Other sponsors of weekend activities included: In the top photo: Brother Wallace looks on as Brother Teamer presides over the Inaugural-Convocation Luncheon; a large number offamily and friends traveled from around the country to be with Brother Wallace at the Inaugural. In the above photo: Brother Wallace is joined by his wife, Alice, his mother, Muriel Wallace, and children, Adrian M., Andre, Alicia and Angela; in next photo: the Wallace family and relatives (Mrs. Alice Wallace, center) gathers for a photo after the luncheon; Sinclair Davis, Brother Wallace's uncle, is pictured presenting him with a plaque from his former high school instructor; Inaugural Coordinator and Sigma Lambda President Joshua Williams presents Brother Wallace with plaque featuring Jet magazine's announcement of his election. The SPHINX/Spring 7997


VISION 2000 the City of New Orleans, Dryades Savings Bank, First National Bank of Commerce and the Hallmark Corporation. The next day's activities began with a Leadership Breakfast hosted by Brother Wallace. The Leadership Seminar and Inaugural continued with workshops presented in two Plenary Sessions. Plenary Session I featured a Training & Development workshop that helped provide structured and uniform training for the membership in fraternal operations and administration. The Management Information Systems workshop which discussed on-line , capabilities and access for networking the fraternity for enhanced communication effectiveness also was part of Plenary Session I.

^

H*M

IP

•KI

v f* > >

lb

Mrs. Lillette Jenkins-Wisner (top left) performed a medley from Porgy and Bess and the Warsaw Concerto; Brother Darnell Prejean is pictured singing an Andrae Crouch selection, "My Tribute"; also pictured is Hallmark Cards Director of Diversity Marquetta Glass presenting Brother Wallace with a corporate gift; in other photos, members ofZeta Psi Lambda in hake Charles join chapter member Brother Wallace for pictures following his swearing in and Brother Huel Perkins leads Brothers in singing of "The Alpha Phi Alpha Hymn".

The SPHINX/'Spring 1997


VISION 2000 Plenary Session II featured a National Programs workshop to establish specific criteria for adoption requirements for proposed "National Programs and Special Projects". Also featured as part of the plenary session was an Economic Empowerment & Entrepreneurial Development workshop which set as its goal to identified opportunities to further enhance the financial stability of the Fraternity, generate additional revenue and provide information and training for the membership in business development and entrepreneurship. The Strategic Planning workshop also was featured as part of Plenary Session II. The workshop's goal was to identify the Fraternity's organizational purpose, reason for being, as well as, examine how the Fraternity measures its progress and how the organization reaches its goals

General President and Mrs. Wallace are pictured above receiving guests at the VIP Mayor's Reception and Inaugural Ball. Among the distinguished guests pictured are: Brother New Orleans Mayor Marc H. Morial, NPHC President Daisy D. Wood and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority National President Marsha Fudge and former General Presidents ]ames R. Williams and Charles C. Teamer, Sr. The SPHINX/Spnng 1997

21


VISION 2000 Ladies' activities at the Leadership Seminar and Inaugural included a Ladies' Shopping Spree at Canal Place in New Orleans and a Parenting Seminar with Dr. Arnold James as presenter. New Orleans Mayor Marc H. Morial's VIP Reception and Black & Gold Inaugural Gala held in the Mardi Gras Ballroom at the Marriott closed the event's formal activities. At the event, Brother Morial proclaimed the day "Adrian L. Wallace Day" in New Orleans and presented General President Wallace with the Keys to the City, saying jokingly that the keys opened the symbolic gates to the city but not the city treasury. Brother Wallace presented Brother Morial with his life membership certificate and pinned the life membership pin on the Mayor. In a heartfelt speech, Brother Morial thanked the Brothers and credited Alpha Phi Alpha with giving him the leadership skills that have helped him succeed as an elected official. Brother Morial also presented greetings on behalf of former Atlanta Mayor Brother Maynard Jackson. Other dignitaries who brought greetings at the Inaugural Ball included Delta Sigma Theta Sorority National President Marsha Fudge, American Airlines Executive Greg Blackley who donated two first-class, roundtrip airfares to Washington, D.C. and N P H C President Daisy Woods presented other N P H C officers. Then after all the dignitaries had been introduced and all the presentations had been made, General President Wallace gave the familiar New Orleans decree, "Laissez les bon temps rouler (Let the good times roll)." The ATM Band, featuring lead vocalists Cookie Gabriel and Lynn Harrison, led the gala into the early morning. Highlights of the Leadership Seminar and Inaugural are pictured, including Brother Morial receiving his Life Membership certificate and pin; and Marquetta Glass bringing greetings from Hallmark Cards.

Photos By Berve Power The SPHINX/Spring 1997


an es Alpha Phi Alpha to rat help establish the memori ms to:

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL FUND P.O. BOX 631075 BALTIMORE, MD 21263-1075

ALPHA PHI Founded De Q j rinell ni

TER


MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. A N D CHICAGO'S GANGS By Brother Eric Gerard Pearman

H

or years, I have searched the literature for a religious personality who possessed an excellent method of communication with African-American street gangs. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has produced such a religious personality in the person of Brother Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King., Jr. This article will explore three methods of communication used by Brother King in dealing with African-American street gangs during his 1966 Chicago campaign. It is my belief that Brother King's pragmatic servitude provides an eschatological model for contemporary AfricanAmerican religious leadership in communicating with African-American street gangs. In other words, Brother King makes pragmatic the social mandate of Jesus in Luke 4:18-19, which serves as a biblical mandate for addressing street gang activity within our community and society. When Brother King and his staff from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) arrived in Chicago on January 26, 1966, they were confronted with slum housing conditions, segregated public schools and local street gang activity that plagued the AfricanAmerican community. Subsequently, Brother King rented an apartment on Chicago's West Side where he began communicating with local street gangs in the Lawndale community. The nature of Brother King's relationship with Chicago street gangs was one of compassion, understanding, warmth, honesty, openness, and direct accessibility in listening and talking with them. He never preached a "fire-and-brimstone" theology that condemned African-American street gang members. According to James R. Ralph, Jr., whose book Northern Protest explored Brother King's 1966 Chicago campaign, "If the gangs could be persuaded to channel their power constructively,

50

they would become much-needed allies in the quest to end slums." Brother King's relationship involved three methods of communication with Chicago street gangs. The first is the Method of Physical Identification. A key example of this method was Brother King's decision to move into a slum apartment on Chicago's West Side in order to experience the adverse living conditions that The SPHINX/Spring 1997


SPECIAL FEATURE affected community residents and local street gang members. For example, the Vice Lords street gang visited him and expressed their appreciation that an individual of his prominence would move into their community. They spent hours dialoguing about community issues and subsequently provided Brother King and his staff with a tour of their neighborhood. On his walking tour of the Lawndale community, Brother King braved freezing temperatures in order to meet his new neighbors. Reporters were everywhere snapping pictures and seeking an interview with Brother King. According to one reporter, "The afternoon weather hovered around the zero mark, but windows were shoved open and left open as long as King and his entourage remained in view." Residents were excited that America's most famous moral leader, who happened to be African-American, was living in their community as an attempt to draw public awareness to their dilapidated living conditions. Brother King thanked members of the Vice Lords for taking him on a tour of the community and recognized their powerful influence among neighborhood youth. The second aspect is a doubled-phase Method of Private and Public Verbalization. Using this method, Brother King conducted a series of private meetings with gang members in his apartment and used public negotiations with city officials to address their socioeconomic plight. According to Bob Lucas, president of the Chicago chapter of CORE-Congress of Racial Equality, Brother King "spent most Friday nights negotiating with leaders of street gangs to help keep the peace." 6 During these sessions, Brother King and his aides would spend countless hours listening to members of the "Roman Saints, the Cobras, and a group that with considerable pride called itself the Vice Lords." 7 Many complained about corrupt politicians, apathetic preachers and the way in which the system mistreated them. Some complained about their desire to end the violence while others complained about the lack of employment opportunities within their city. Nevertheless, Brother King listened to their grievances. Several gang members wanted to leave the gang structure, but realized the significance of membership because "it was dangerous to be seen in the territory of one gang unless one belonged to it or another equally feared group." Yet, Brother King continued to meet with them in an attempt to The SPHINX/Spring 1997

assist them in the transformation of lives. In a closed-door meeting with (the late) Mayor Richard J. Daley, Brother King used a rare opportunity to emphasize the concerns of AfricanAmerican street gangs. However, Brother King reported on the results of the meeting in this way: "the Mayor's refusal to accept a sweeping civil rights program was 'only inviting social disaster'." 9 Brother King informed the mayor that gang members were not looking for city officials to take care of them, but to help them in their efforts to achieve socioeconomic opportunity. This message was conveyed after Richard (Peanut) Tidwell, a leader of the Roman Saints street gang, told Brother King "all we need is a little cooperation and we can make it on our own." Daley frowned on Brother King's decision to embrace these gang members and refused to acknowledge them as productive citizens within society. Such arrogance only added fuel to a social smolder. One day later, on a hot July afternoon, a riot broke loose. The riot was caused when a white Chicago police officer attempted to close a water hydrant that African-American youth opened in an attempt to cool off after five consecutive days of temperatures soaring in the high 90s. Subsequently, this police officer was accused of assaulting an 11-year-old African-American child. As a result, gang members began shooting at police, throwing Molotov cocktails at police cars, and looting neighborhood stores. During these riots, Brother King conducted a series of public forums organized by community leaders that allowed gang members to express their grievances before city officials. For example, Brother King conducted a public forum at the Faith Community Church in the Lawndale community. At this meeting, tempers flared as gang members expressed their concerns to Police Superintendent Orlando W. Wilson that police officers provoked Tuesday's riot. When the police superintendent denied police brutality, a gang member stood up and verbally challenged Wilson. According to the Chicago Defender, the gang member stated: "the police ain't gonna mess with me tonight. I am not about to take nothin'. My jive is ready, man, and if a cop comes at me I'll give him some of what he dishes out." 11 The third aspect is the Method of Pragmatic Servitude. Through this method, Brother King and his aides engaged in offering practical solutions to a series of riots that pitted African-American street gang members against Chicago police officers in J]


SPECIAL FEATURE July 1966. For nearly a week, riots erupted throughout Chicago's West Side after receiving its initial spark over the closing of a water hydrant and the alleged physical assault of an African-American child by a white police officer. Brother King's desperate attempt to acquire several mobile swimming pools for these teenagers proved fruitless as white suburban youth continued to enjoy backyard pools to relieve the sweltering heat, while AfricanAmerican youth relieved their sultry conditions via the cool waters flowing from neighborhood hydrants. Riots are not without their share of casualties. Time Magazine stated: "Surprisingly, there were only two gunshot deaths: a 14-year-old Negro girl, who had been watching the rioting and a 28-year-old Negro man found in an alley; at least 83 other civilians were wounded and 403 arrested by week's end." It was within this scenario of urban chaos that Brother King placed his life in jeopardy. Brother King did not entertain the idea of personal injury. His concern was for teenage gang members who were exposing themselves to death and violence because they were upset with the manner in which the police continued to disrespect their person and community. Brother King was having dinner clear across the city with his wife and famed gospel singer Mahalia Jackson when he learned of another riot. He immediately dropped his fork and drove to the heart of the riots, along with members of his staff, and entered the West Side streets to assist police in dispersing the angry mob. David Janson, of The New York Times, stated: "Dr. King and his aides were in the streets 'til 4 a.m. ... seeking to calm the crowds and preach nonviolence." Brother King's worry with settling the situation caused his aides to fear for his safety. Therefore, "(Bernard) Lee and (Brother Andrew) Young bundled King into a car for his own safety, assuring him that the staff could 'take care of things'." Through his unselfish actions, Brother King won much praise and respect from Chicago's AfricanAmerican street gangs. Brother King's method of pragmatic servitude set him apart from numerous clergy who supported his social activism. James Cone, professor of systematic theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, stated: "King placed (service) at the center of his ministry, and thereby acquired the character of humility and self-sacrifice for others which set him apart from

his peers." Through efforts to live among the streetgang element; to conduct private meetings in his apartment and public forums that provided gang members an opportunity to share their grievances with city officials; and to place his life at risk during a volatile riot, Brother King's example serves as an eschatological model for contemporary AfricanAmerican religious leadership who are sincere in curbing the gang problem affecting our community and society. In other words, the key to pragmatic solutions is dialogue rather than monologue.

WORKS CITED Brother King was initiated on June 22, 1952 into Boston's Sigma Chapter. He received his Ph.D. degree in philosophical theology from Boston University on June 5, 1955. ~David Levering Lewis, King: A Biography, 2nd ed., Blacks in the New World Series, ed. August Meier (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1978), 315. James R. Ralph, Jr., Northern Protest: Martin Luther King, jr., Chicago, and the Civil Rights Movement (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1993), 93. Betty Washington, "Vice Lords See SCLC Chief," Chicago Defender, 29 January-4 February 1966, 1. 'ibid. Henry Hampton and Steve Fayer, Voices of Freedom: An Oral History of the Civil rights Movement From the 1950s Through the 1980s (New York: Bantam Books, 1990), 311. ' Ralph David Abernathy, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down (New York: Harper and Row, Publishers, 1989), 377. Alfred Friendly, "Chicago Officials Voice Concern Over Apparent Gang Alliance With Rights Leaders," The New York Times, 20 July 1996, 23(L). Austin C. Wehrwein, "Negroes in Chicago Clash With Police; 2 Hurt by Gunfire," The New York Times, 14 July 1966, 23(L). Alfred Friendly, "Chicago's West Side: Youths Rebel," The New York Times, 16 July 1966, 8(L). Betty Washington, "Weekend Rioting Expected," Chicago Defender, 16-22 July 1966, 2. ""The Races: Battle of Roosevelt Road," Time Magazine, 22 July 1966, 18. Donald Janson, "Troops Restoring Order in Chicago Ghetto; 2 Dead, 57 Hurt in Rioting," The New York Times, 16 July 1966, 8(L). Adam Fairclough, To Redeem the Soul of America: The Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Martin Luther King, Jr. (Athens: The University of Georgia Press, 1987), 295. James H. Cone, Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1991), 32.

Brother Rev. Eric Gerard Pearman was initiated in 1988 through Xi Lambda Chapter in Chicago, IL. He is a doctoral candidate in the Joint Ph.D. Program at the Iliff School of Theology/University of Denver and received the Master of Divinity degree from Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. The SPHINX/Spring

1997


WHO WILL TAKE HIS PLACE? WHO WILL FILL HIS SHOES? By Brother Archie L. Blanson

s I approach my 20th anniversary as an Alpha, there is a thought that increasingly enters my mind: "Who will take his place? Who will fill his shoes?" I am talking about the "Brother" who I've seen for the last 19 years at Fraternity meetings, public service projects, social affairs, State Conventions, Regional Conventions, National Conventions, etc. I am talking about the Brother who takes an active role in all levels of Alpha Business. This Brother has been a Chapter office holder and has served in many other capacities, including on the Regional and National levels. During the last few years, I have noticed that this Brother's face appears a little tired. But he still is working just as diligently as he did 19 years ago when I first met him. I have talked to this Brother over the years and he has told me stories about meeting Henry Arthur Callis and of initiations 20, 30, 40, 50 and more than 60 years ago. He has told me stories about segregation and serving in the armed forces. He also has told me about being the first AfricanAmerican to accomplish many professional goals. The many personal and professional accomplishments were never his pride and joy. He felt he should not have been the first African-American to perform the tasks, there should have been others before him. It is a disgrace that in these times we are still "the first" of our race to reach certain goals, he says. As he reflects on the civil rights movement in which he was actively involved, he also lifts his head back a little to prevent the water that settles in his eyes from running down his face. You cannot stop your eyes from filling with water also as he talks about the injustice and inhumanity African-Americans have had to face. Then he talks about Alpha Phi Alpha and

f\

The SPHINX/Spnng 1997

you see that this Brother's pride is noble and his heart's desire is to serve others. Over the years, he has given us advice on many issues. He has served the Fraternity long and well. It now is time for someone to take his place, to fill his shoes. The Brother is tired. Someone needs to volunteer to chair or co-chair the committees he sits on-to volunteer to be a delegate, to do risk management training, etc. Someone needs to let the Brother take a rest and to carry the torch he has moved forward for so many years. You ask, who is this Brother? You all know him. He is in your Chapter. Look around to see who is working hard and you will know who I am talking about. The next time you see him tell him you appreciate the work that he has done for Alpha. Tell him you would like to work with him on his next project.

Brother Archie L. Blanson is a member of Xi Kappa Lambda Chapter in Missouri City, Texas.

33


FEATURE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS' GALLERY DEDICATED

B

he portrait photographs of 20 Alpha Brothers who served as General Secretary, Executive Secretary or Executive Director of the Fraternity were unveiled during a dedication ceremony at the Fraternity Headquarters honoring the organization leaders. Brothers from throughout the BaltimoreWashington area, Maryland, Northern Virginia and Delaware came to the Fraternity Headquarters to witness the dedication and opening of the Executive Directors' Gallery. Former Executive Directors James B. Blanton III and Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. and then Interim Executive Director Ralph E. Johnson were on hand for the unveiling. The photographs, which are matted in traditional black frames with gold ornaments, were collected by Fraternity Archivist Herman "Skip" Mason. The pictures hang Brother Davis gives the keynote in the reception address. Looking on are: Brothers room of the old Wilbur Walker, Douglas Sands and Darryl Matthews Goucher House Mansion. Twenty-ninth General President Milton C. Davis served as keynote speaker for the occasion. In his remarks, Brother Davis recognized the legacy and leadership of the great Alpha men who served in the position that was established in 1908 as the office of the General Secretary. Brother S.S. Booker was the first Fraternity member to hold the position. He served as General Secretary from 1909-1911 and again from 19181919. The office title was changed to Executive Secretary in the late 1960s while Brother Lawrence

J. Young served in the position. The current title of Executive Director was instituted later while Brother Blanton served in the position. Brother Hebrew L. Dixon's photograph will soon be added to the collection.

S.S. Booker, 11th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha, served as the organization's first and eighth General Secretary.

Brothers Johnson, Matthews and Blanton are photographed in front of the Fraternity Headquarters after the dedication. The SPHINX/Spring

1997


FEATURE

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. GENERAL SECRETARIES, EXECUTTVE SECRETARIES AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Brothers Blanton, Matthews and Johnson are photographed in front of their pictures in the Executive Directors Gallery. The SPHINX/Spring

1997

1.

S.S. Booker General Secretary 1909-1911

8.

S.S. Booker General Secretary 1918-1919

15.

Sidney A. Jones Acting General Secretary 1958

2.

Charles H. Garvin General Secretary 1911-1912

9.

NumaP.G. Adams General Secretary 1919-1920

16.

Lawrence J. Young Executive Secretary 1958-1974

3.

Joseph R. Fuget General Secretary 1912-1913

10.

Norman L. McGhee General Secretary 1920-1926

17.

William H. Walker Executive Secretary 1974-1977

4.

Henry L. Dickason General Secretary 1913-1914

11.

Joseph H.B. Evans General Secretary 1926-1946

18.

James B. Blanton III Executive Director 1977-1994

5.

Rosco W.Ross General Secretary 1914-1915

12.

Burt A. Mayberry General Secretary 1946-1948

19.

Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. Executive Director 1994-1996

6.

Howard H. Long General Secretary 1915-1916

13.

Bennie D. Brown General Secretary 1948-1952

20.

Ralph E. Johnson Interim Executive Director 1996-1997

7.

George P. Henton General Secretary 1916-1918

14.

James E. Huger General Secretary 1952-1958

21.

Hebrew L. Dixon III Executive Director 1997-

The dedication ceremony was held beneath the oil portraits of The Seven Jewels. 35


THE NATIONAL HYMN By Brother Thomas D. Pawley III

H

fforts to create a Fraternity song began as early as three years after the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha. Following the "split convention" of 1909 , newly elected General President Roscoe C. Giles of Alpha Chapter called for the composition of "an Alpha song and yell" in a letter addressed to all chapters. Several songs were submitted. Two coming from Alpha Beta Chapter were highly regarded (History of Alpha Phi Alpha, 62-63), however neither was adopted. Songs continued to be submitted over the next decade. The words of two of them written around 1914 were published in the History (History, 100). In 1912, the future composer of our hymn, Abram L. Simpson, was initiated as a charter member of Xi Chapter (History, 81). Subsequently, he was elected General Vice President in 1914 and 1915 (History, 98, 101). A committee to select a Fraternity song was appointed in 1915, but failed to reach a decision. In 1920, a composition by Brother Simpson was referred to the song committee. Presumable it was this song which the General Convention adopted in 1921 as the "National Frat Song" to be sung to the tune "Far Away in the South." 2 It is also referred to as the "Fraternity Song" (History, 137). It is not clear when the Fraternity song was first called "The National Hymn," but by 1929, it was being referred to as the "Alpha Phi Alpha Hymn" (History, 178). It was published in the second edition of the History in 1935 and placed after Chapter 14, which was the concluding chapter of that edition. Individual copies were also printed by Rainer, Dalheim and Company, Music Printers, Chicago. Although a copy in the possession of the writer acquired around 1935 carries the notation

J6

"U.S. and International Copyright Secured," it is probably now in the public domain. Until a change was made in the copyright law in 1977, initial copyrights were for 28 years. Since the designation '15 and '24 following the names of the composers most likely refers to the dates of their graduation from Wilberforce (Brother Simpson was initiated in 1912), Brother Erby probably did not make his The SPHINX/Spring 1997


THE HISTORY

.PHA

arrangement until after the official adoption of Brother Simpson's Song (History, 137). For many years I have wondered to what extend our beautiful hymn was an original composition. Knowing that the country's National Anthem, "America the Beautiful" and "My Country Tis of Thee" as well as the Alma Mater songs of two institutions at which I have worked utilize music previously composed, I suspected that the composers borrowed music in the public domain with few, if any, changes from the original. To clarify the matter, I prevailed upon Brother Dr. John A. Taylor3 to investigate the subject. What follows is Brother Taylor's summary and technical analysis of the composition.

JOTES ON THE UFFICIAL H.YMN OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA When asked by Brother Thomas D. Pawley, III to do some research of the Alpha Phi Alpha Hymn, I was intrigued. Permit me to share some of my findings and observations with you-Brother }ohn A. Taylor. The National Alpha Phi Alpha Hymn appears on pages 211-213, in both the 1981 and 1991 editions of The History of Alpha Phi Alpha: A Development In College Life. As published, this is the official version of the hymn (devoid of individual interpretations given to it by groups of enthusiastic Brothers who sing it all around the world). According to the information appearing in the published history of the Fraternity, several attempts were made in the early years to g = j create an acceptable hymn. In 1909, General President Roscoe C. Giles wrote, "Surely, within the ranks of our organization of educated (AfricanAmerican) college men composed of the best in the number of leading universities in the country, someone may be found to give expression to our ideas in song." Based on references made to a Fraternity hymn in the history book, at least four attempts were made before a national hymn was agreed upon. The version which eventually won acceptance represents the efforts of Brother A.L. Simpson who wrote the words and Brother John J. Erby who arranged the musical setting of the words. Both men were members of Xi Chapter ,

The SPHINX/Spring 1997

!

_

-

>

•

HISTORICAL MOMENT (Wilberforce University). As his musical source for the Alpha Hymn, Brother Simpson made use of the song, "That Old Cabin Home Upon the Hill," which was written by Frank Dumont and published in 1880. Accounts which have suggested that "Far Away in the South" was the reference song actually are in error. In tracking down the musical score, it was determined that the words, "far away in the south," comprise the opening line of the song's lyrics rather than its title. The descriptive title page of "The Old Cabin Home Upon the Hill" is highly suggestive of plantation life of the times. Initial efforts to find copyright information about Dumont's song at the Library of Congress proved to be unsuccessful, but one of its librarians suggested contacting the New York Public Library (NYPL) as it has an enormous collection of folk music in its archives. The suggestion led to positive results as two versions of "That Old Cabin Home Upon the Hill" were located-one for solo voice and piano, and the other for a quartet of male voices. As locating the song was initiated via a telephone search, this researcher did not have the opportunity to view the musical scores in person. However, a NYPL music librarian received the telephone call and was persuaded to listen to a hummed version of the hymn's melody to determine whether there were similarities between the musical scores of "That Old Cabin Home Upon the Hill" (which he had in his possession) and the Alpha Hymn. With some reluctance, the librarian indicated there was the likelihood that the notated melody which he was viewing may have served as the source of the melody which was hummed over the telephone. Copies of both printed versions of "The Old Cabin Home Upon the Hill" were requested but only the solo version was made available because the manuscript of the quartet arrangement was too fragile to be copied. The published solo/piano version of Dumont's song was arranged by James E. Stewart. It was published in 1880, by Oliver Ditson & Company of Boston, Massachusetts. Other versions of the song were published by C.H. Ditson & Company in New York; Lyon & Healy in Chicago; Ludden & Bates in Savannah, Georgia; Otto Sutro in Baltimore; George D. Heshall & Company in Cincinnati; Sherman, Hyde & Company in San Francisco; and J.E. Ditson & Company in Philadelphia. 37


HISTORICAL MOMENT Based on the number of published versions of the song, it is reasonable to assume this musical composition was popular among the masses at the turn of the 20th century. Furthermore, it is safe to assert that the male quartet setting probably influenced Simpson's choice of it as a musical setting for the Fraternity Hymn. The quartet version is contained in Howard D. McKinney's Songs of Rutgers (New York: J. Fisher & Bro., 1920). A comparison of the two songs shows "That Old Cabin Home Upon the Hill" is in strophic song form 4 and is 24 measures in length. The song has three verses of 16 measures each, and an 8-measure refrain. "That Old Cabin Home Upon the Hill" has a diatonic melody (based on notes of the major scale) and a relatively wide melodic range (an 11th). Each measure of the song contains one or more dotted-rhythm patterns (long-short), thus producing a rather lively musical setting. The harmonic progressions are based conventionally on the principal chords (built on the first, forth and fifth notes of the scales). By contrast, the "Alpha Hymn" is 32 measures in length. It too is in strophic form and has three verses and a refrain. While the verse of the song is 16 measures, as was its song source, the form of the verse portion of the "Alpha Hymn" is "aa" (8+8), and its refrain portion is "cd" (8+8). This means that the two phrases of the verse are similar and the refrain is comprised of two phrases of new melodic material. The melody of the "Alpha Hymn" has the range of a 9th and basically is diatonic with occasional chromatic neighboring tones. The rhythm of the "Alpha Hymn" is more reserved and less active as dotted rhythms are replaced in many places by longer note values of equal time duration. Harmonically, the musical setting of the "Alpha Hymn" as done by John Erby contains a considerable amount of chromaticism, especially at phrase endings and is reflective of the barbershop quartet singing style of the late 1800s. Perhaps for the purpose of singing ease, the melody of the "Alpha Hymn" has a narrower range and lower tessitura than does "That Old Cabin Home" melody. Also, the highest pitch in the "Alpha Hymn" is used to extol the words "Alpha Phi Alpha" at the start of the refrain. Over the years the "Alpha Hymn" has taken on an air of sophistication and magnificence which only the Brotherhood can give it. Brothers A.L.

Simpson and John Erby did indeed capture the essence of the Fraternity in their song. In conclusion, what originally was composed as a plantation melody and arranged for both solo and barbershop quartets in the 1880s became the "National Hymn of Alpha Phi Alpha" approximately a half century later. For at least ten decades it has been elevated, enriched and ennobled by the passionate singing of thousands of Alpha men.

WORKS CITED AND REFERENCES Dumont, Frank. That Old Cabin Home Upon the Hill. Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co., 1880. Wesley, Charles H. The History of Alpha Phi Alpha. Chicago: The Foundation Publishers, 1991.

It met in Richmond, Virginia and New York City in December 1909. See the discussion of this title below. Brother Taylor is Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lincoln University (MO). He is a composer, Conductor of the Jefferson City Symphony, and the holder of three degrees in music from Virginia State University and Indiana University. He was initiated at Beta Gamma Chapter in 1958 and is an active member of Beta Zeta Lambda Chapter. That is, it uses the same music for successive verses 5

The general range-the part of the register in which most of the tones of the melody occur.

Brother Thomas D. Pawley III, Ph.D., served as Fraternity National Historian, 1993-1996. Brother Pawley will continue as a regular contributor of articles for The Historical Moment.

'he SPHINX/Sprmg 1997


MATTHEWS RECEIVES "GOOD SCOUT" AWARD

H

ormer Executive Director Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. recently returned to Baltimore to receive the Baltimore Area Council-Boy Scouts of America's Constellation District "Good Scout" Award. Brother Matthews is immediate past chairman of the Boy Scouts Constellation District. He also served on the Boy Scouts Council Executive Board. The recognition is presented to "those who exemplify in their daily lives the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America as expressed by the Scout Oath and Law," Boy Scouts Baltimore Field Director Kevin Bennett, said in presenting the award to Brother Matthews. "Recipients of the award are chosen for their outstanding community service as Brother Darryl Matthews evidenced by the interest and leadership they have given to many worthwhile organizations In accepting the award, Brother Matthews said as well as the respect and esteem in which they are there was an urgent need for men in the Africanheld by their colleagues," Bennett said. American community to involve themselves with programs that develop our youth. He recognized the national partnership that Alpha Phi Alpha has formed with Boy Scouts of America and urged other organizations and individuals to get involved with scouting. "This is not about Darryl Matthews, this is about the boys-and I can guarantee you that if we don't take time to care for them now, we will pay to take care of them later," he said. Brother Matthews served as a board member for Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Central Maryland, Niles Home for Children, Linwood Brothers Michael Jackson, Darryl Matthews and Vic Carter are photographed with Baltimore area Boy Scout leaders.

The SPHINX/Spring 1997


FEATURE

THE SPHINX™

D EADLINF

Baltimore Area Boy Scout officials join in honoring Brother Matthews.

YMCA and is former president of McDade Classical School PTA/LSIC. NFL Baltimore Ravens wide-receiver Brother Michael Jackson and news anchor Brother Vic Carter, of ABC Network affiliate WJZ-TV in Baltimore, served as co-anchors of the program that was held at the Engineer's Society of Baltimore's Garrett-Jacobs Mansion. The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Corporate Headquarters, Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Nations Bank, Inc. and former U.S. Senator Edward W. Brooke were sponsors of the event that pledged to raise $10,000 for Scouting.

he next issue of The SPHINX™ will be published in June/July 1997. The summer edition of the magazine will feature College Brothers who serve as president of their student government during the 1996-97 academic year. Brothers who serve as president of their student government are invited to send a portrait photograph along with information about themselves to The SPHINX™. Information should be received in the Fraternity's Corporate Office no later than June 2, 1997 to be considered for the edition. Student government presidents are encouraged to send their information now to avoid missing the June 2, 1997 deadline. Send materials to: The SPHINX™ Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218-5234.

The Summer 1997 edition of the magazine also will give information on the upcoming Careers Exposition and Jobs Fair at the 91st Anniversary Convention in Washington, D.C. College and Alumni Brothers seeking employment and those desiring to participate in the Careers Exposition and Jobs Fair are invited to forward their resumes now to the Corporate Headquarters so the information can be distributed to corporations participating in the event. Send resumes and job information to: Careers Exposition and Jobs Fair Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218-5234.

Brother Matthews greets NFL Receiver Michael Jackson. Photographs By Darcel Dionofrio & Ronnie Carbin 40

The SPHINX/Spring

1997


CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL BEING BUILT TO HONOR ALPHA BROTHER

B

lthough Brother Jesse M. Bethel, Sr.'s was tortured into confessing to a crime. Brother name may not appear yet in history books Bethel went to the trial and decided he wanted to alongside other civil rights leaders, he has enter the legal field like Thurgood Marshall when broken ground for African-Americans in he went to college. California's Solano County and other He entered college with those plans but locales around the state. after Pearl Harbor was attacked he changed his Brother Bethel was the first Africanmajor to chemistry to help the war effort. Brother American chemist at the Mare Island Naval Bethel volunteered for military service but was Shipyard, the first African-American president of turned down because of his heart condition. the Vallejo School Board and the first African He has vivid memories of discrimination American president of the California School and the Jim Crow laws he faced growing up. He Boards Association. says housing was segregated when he arrived in In recognition of Brother Vallejo. Brother Bethel began Bethel's service to the county working in the schools and comand community, a new technical munity to improve the system school-Jesse M. Bethel High and in 1969-more than 20 years School-is being built in Vallejo after arriving in Vallejo-he was to honor him. The building elected to the Vallejo City Unified which will offer the latest School District Governing Board. in technology will cost an estiRacial tension reached its mated $32 million to construct. peak in Vallejo in the early 1970s The school is scheduled to open and one year after joining the in September 1998. school board-during his first Brother Bethel was inititerm as board president-there ated into the Fraternity in 1942. was a race riot in the Vallejo He was born in New York's Senior High School. Brother Harlem and arrived in Vallejo Bethel was a leading force 53 years ago. He attended in restoring calm to the city integrated schools in Cleveland following the riot. and segregated schools in Brother Bethel says he has Arkansas and Oklahoma. There always worked in a team with were only 48 states in the union other people. "When I was a when Brother Bethel's family school board member, I wasn't moved to Arkansas. At the time, Brother Jesse Bethel and his grandson, just working for black kids. I was Moncell Smith, stand in front of the Arkansas was ranked as next to working for all kids," he says. construction site of the new high school the poorest state in the country. "No one person or small group named in his honor. School was held six months of of people advances civil rights by the year when he first went there. In his second themselves," says Brother Bethel. "But hopefully, year there, school was only held for five months. we've made a difference." His family later moved to Oklahoma where Brother Bethel will be the second Africanhis grandfather, who raised him, worked as a shareAmerican educator in Vallejo to have a school cropper. In Oklahoma, Brother Bethel met his named after him when Jesse M. Bethel Senior High hero-Thurgood Marshall. Brother Marshall, who opens next year. The first school was named after was later named a Supreme Court Justice, came to Grace Patterson who in 1949 became the school Oklahoma to defend an African-American man who system's first African-American teacher. The SPHINX/Spring

1997


FEATURE

THE BROTHERHOOD: A. Crucial Resource for Afrimn-Americmn and Latino

Youth

B

n New York City, where Brother Jason Warwin grew up, and in Providence, Rhode Island, where he attended college, African- Americans and Latinos live side-byside, experiencing similar problems that disable both communities. And yet, the two communities somehow have not realized how to come together to overcome the problems that threaten them, Brother Jason says. "When you look at the incarceration rate, school drop-out rate and teenage pregnancy, you see that these Co-directors and youth of The issues are effecting the African-American and Latino communities in many of the same ways," he says. "Both groups must realize they are individuals who are oppressed and regardless of skin color and regardless of race, they must come together to help each other." In the fall of 1994, while a senior at Brown University, Brother Warwin founded The Brotherhood, a youth organization established to provide the support, guidance, love and resources necessary for African-American and Latino youth to overcome negative pressures and to achieve their highest potential. After graduating the next year and returning home to New York, Brother Warwin incorporated The Brotherhood and established the organization as an independent 501(c)(3). Today, he and his childhood friend, Khary Lazarre-White, serve as co-directors of the non-profit organization with headquarters at Teachers College, Columbia University and four chapters-three in New York City and one in Providence. A satellite program,

42

Brotherhood.

called The Village, operates in Berkeley, California and plans are to set up another Brotherhood chapter in Miami, Florida. The Brotherhood serves youth ages 12 to 18. The organization operates through partnerships established with public schools. Disadvantaged young males and students at risk of dropping out are selected for the program by school faculty. Twice-weekly meetings are facilitated by AfricanAmerican and Latino men who are trained to serve as program coordinators and mentors. Currently, about 60 students participate in the New York City chapters. Initial work with the students involves dispelling some of their myths about each other. "There are a lot of stereotypes that are held not only between African-Americans and Latinos but between light skin and dark skin-the whole hair myth. And in New York, there are problems that exist between Puerto Ricans and Dominicans," says Brother Warwin. "We are trying to bridge The SPHINX/Spring 1997


our differences and we are trying to deal with the issues that each of these groups have within their own ethnicity." The Brotherhood involves the youth in group bonding activities where they are given an opportunity to talk about their prejudices and those of their ethnicity. "We create a safe space where young men can express their different ideologies," he says. The organization also provides youth with information about themselves, teaching them about African-American and Latino history and helping them understand that most Latinos have an African heritage brought about because of the African Diaspora. The brotherhood that Brother Warwin has experienced in Alpha Phi Alpha was the major influence in his establishing the non-profit organization. He had served as Community Service Director of Alpha Gamma Chapter at Brown University. The non-profit organization's goal is to create a similar type brotherhood for youth, he says. "Although I had many male friends in high school, there were only a few I feel I could talk to about issues going on in my life," says Brother Warwin. "When I got to Brown University and I began to find out more about what the Fraternity represented-and I became friends with (Alpha) Brothers and saw the support they gave to each other-I began to see that was something I didn't have and something I wanted." Alpha Gamma Chapter members from Brown University and Johnson and Wales University maintained The Brotherhood program after Brother Warwin and Lazarre-White graduated from Brown. In the two short years since their graduation, The Brotherhood co-directors, now both 23, have moved what began as an internship for Brother Warwin into a non-profit organization with an annual budget of $150,000. The organization soon will produce a book entitled, The Brotherhood Speaks, a collection of the writings of the organization's youth. The book will include essays, poetry, personal statements and hip-hop poetry. The book's purpose "is to provide an outlet for the ideas and emotions of the youth and to allow others to see the world as they see it," says Brother Warwin.

The SPHINX/Spring 1997

46.3% of African-American children and 38.8% of Latino children under age 18 live below the poverty level. U.S. Bureau of the Census Current Population Reports 1992.

29.6% of African-American males and 46.9% of Latino males over age 25 have not completed high school. U.S. Bureau of the Census, U.S. Census of Population, U.S. Summary, and Current Population Reports, 1993.

40.2% of African-American youth and 26.2% of Latino youth age 16-19 are unemployed. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment and Earnings, 1994.


ALPH A A

T

H

L

r

THE NFUS MICHAEL JACKSON IS "GO-TO GUY" FOR THE BALTIMORE RAVENS third season with more than 700 yards and 40 catches. This year, he had over 1,200 yards and 76 catches. "During my first year (in professional football), they didn't expect me to make the team," Jackson said. "I had nothing to lose, so in practice I would go against the best defensive back. He was my competition every day. I figured I would eventually get him." And Brother Jackson did prevail. In fact, he did so well that Cleveland got rid of its number one receiver and made Brother Jackson the team's "go-to guy". "I always thought I was better than the other primary receivers, so I was prepared for the change," he says. Brother Jackson attended Southern Mississippi University where he majored in social work. Southern Mississippi University was the only Brother Michael Jackson

1 1 1

By Brother Clarence Brown

H

11 •

1

1

school that recruited him as a quarterback. He also was a member of the Golden Eagle track team. One year Brother Jackson was the

"I startedConference out as along quarterback jump championat and was a member of the 4-by-100 meters relay team. «T e r b a cBret k at Favre Southern Mississippi, but we had He came in with me and they decided make him their starting quarterback

ou are no doubt familiar with the King of Pop. Now meet the other Michael Jacksona professional football player, entrepreneur and Alpha Man. Drafted in the 6th round (141st overall) by the Cleveland Browns in 1991, Brother Jackson has gone from an obscure reserve to a big play, long-stride, National Football League wide receiver, who 44 Jackson consistently touchdown Last owned every season, caught a 26.7 4.8the Brother touches. yard longhas average ball. Also last and year scored wasa his

Metro

startecl o u t as a quart

The SPHINX/Spring Southern ( n t member Mississippi, of the butGreen we had BayBret Packers Favreand 1997



CHAPTER ALPHA BROTHERS VISIT EGYPT AND THE SPHINX WITH AKA SPOUSES

H

ive Alpha Brothers traveled with their Alpha Kappa Alpha spouses on the Sorority's post-Boule trip to Egypt. The trip took them from New York to Cairo to Luxor, Egypt. Among the sites visited by the Brothers and their wives were: the Karnak and Luxor temples, the Necropolis of Thebes, the Hatshepsut Temple, the temple of god Khnum and goddess Hathor in Esna, the temples of gods Sobek and Horus in Kom-Ombo and the Island of Aswan. They also visited an island of natives in Nubia where they had tea and beverage with the village king. The trip would not have been complete without their visit to Giza, the city of Pyramids and the Sphinx.

Pictured in front of the Sphinx are: (from left) Brothers Clarence Little, Gamma Iota Lambda; Claude Perry, Alpha Alpha Lambda; and Gerald Tootle, Eta Theta Lambda. Also on the trip were: Brothers Paul Bellamy, Jr., Zeta Upsilon Lambda, and Dr. Austin Harton, Mu Mu Lambda, who are not pictured.

ASTERN THETA IOTA

LAMBDA

Springfield, MA ocal businesses and academic professionals discussed their views on the value of a college education with local high school students during Theta Iota Lambda's sixth annual Finish High School-Go to College Forum. Brother Dr. Lewis Randall discussed the importance of pursuing your dreams as part of the Forum. He also shared the story of how he started as a janitor at American International College and

L

46

rose to the ranks of its Board of Trustees. In other events, Brother Arthur Shurn organized the delivery of 30 Thanksgiving baskets to deserving families. Also Theta Iota Lambda President Thomas A. Brown led O.N.E.C.A.'s district-wide Founder's Day program panel discussion which included Brothers initiated in six different decades-dating from the 1930s to the 1990s. Brother Milas Hachet, initiated at Clark College in 1942, discussed how prominent members of Alpha influenced his decision to join the Fraternity. The keynote address was given by Brother James Peters, initiated at Southern University in 1936, who emphasized the importance of fraternal bonding and fellowship.

The SPHINX/Sprmg

1997


CHAPTER NEWS KAPPA EPSILON LAMBDA Landover, MD

K

appa Epsilon Lambda installed its new officers for the next fraternal year at a buffet-breakfast celebration at Bowie State

University. Area Three Director Brother Thaddeus Taylor was the presiding officer for the event. The keynote speaker was KEL's Chaplain, Brother Michael Armstrong, who spoke on the theme: "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People: Back to the Basics." In his address, Brother Armstrong connected today's events to those which occurred at the height of the civil-rights fight in the 1950s and 1960s. Quoting Brother Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Letter From the Birmingham Jail, the speaker affirmed that "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" and said "we need to continue to protest, vote and stand up for justice and what we believe is right." Brother Horace Bouchelion was recognized as the Alpha Man of the Year and Brother James M. Trent received the Alpha Award of Merit at the event. BETA GAMMA LAMBDA Richmond, VA eta Gamma Lambda held its annual Student Recognition Banquet on the campus of Virginia Union University. Brother Rev. Lance Watson, the banquet speaker, challenged the honorees, their parents, Brothers and special guests to strive to be the best

B

they can be. At the banquet, the Chapter paid tribute to 24 high school senior men who were participants in the Chapter's first LeadershipCitizenship Institute. Allen Ross, a senior at John F. Kennedy High School who plans to enroll at Purdue University, was the recipient of the Chapter's 1996 scholarship award. Two students who were nominated as Outstanding Scholar-Athletes by the athletic departments of their respective high schools also were honored. Marcus McFee, a senior at Huguenot High School, received the Thomas H. Henderson Award and Allen Ross received the Christopher J. Foster Award. The awards, given annually in memory of Brothers Henderson and Foster, recognize their contributions to public education and the development of athletic programs in African-American schools during the 1930s and 1940s. ZETA UPSILON LAMBDA Reston-Fairfax, VA eta Upsilon Lambda continued the tradition began by the Chapter's founding members by donating Thanksgiving baskets to needy families in the area. Each basket contained a turkey along with other trimmings to make Thanksgiving dinner complete. Special concern was taken to ensure that the amount of food in the baskets was sufficient for the families receiving the gifts. The generosity of the Brothers was rewarded by the families with sincere expressions of gratitude and thanks.

Z

RHO LAMBDA Buffalo, NY rothers of Rho Lambda, led by Chapter Vice President Antoine Thompson and Treasurer Jonathan Daniels, met at Buffalo's Friends of the Night People for their service project. In addition to their day's labor at the center, they contributed clothing to help the needy through Buffalo's cold winters.

E?g

Beta Gamma Lambda honorees.

The SPHINX/Sprmg 1997

47


CHAPTER NEWS ZETA IOTA LAMBDA Trenton, NJ eta Iota Lambda recently co-sponsored the monthly HIV/AIDS Support Dinner at Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton. The sponsorship involved the Chapter giving the church a monetary gift along with members of Zeta Iota Lambda serving a traditional Christmas meal and interacting with a group of 35 HIV/AIDS clients and their families who were invited to attend the special dinner. The dinner was attended by more than 100 people, including the HIV/AIDS client group, their families and representatives of groups who have sponsored the monthly dinner during the year. Brothers pose with Shiloh Church mission Mrs. Levira coordinator at HIV/AIDS Support Dinner co-sponsored by Zeta Iota Lambda. "Penny" Leftwich serves as coordinator for the Shiloh Church mission. Members of Zeta Iota Lambda who participated at the event were: Brothers Steven Allen, Omar Archer, Timothy Johnson, Duane Malone, Vance McNair, Kemal Nance, Doyal Siddell and Algernon Ward, Jr. Nehemiah Footman of Iota Iota Chapter at the College of New Jersey in Trenton also participated.

Z

MIDWESTERN Community Hero Selected To Carry Olympic Torch

B

rother Eddie Jones II was named a Community Hero and presented with the rare and distinguished honor of carrying the Olympic Torch prior to the start of the summer games in Atlanta. In addition to his strong commitment to the Fraternity, Brother Jones works diligently with other community based organizations.

48

Brother Eddie Jones II carries Olympic Torch.

His nine years of dedicated service to the Chicago Urban League Metropolitan Board, an auxiliary of the Chicago Urban League, lead to his being elected as President of the Board. His association with the Boy Scouts of America Speakers' Program allows him to share his experience with local high school students during career development events and motivational programs. He also serves as head coach for the intermediate basketball team and as assistant coach for the pre-biddy basketball team at the South Central Community Center. He works with the Chicago Youth Centers on a regular basis. Recently, the Elliott Donnell Youth Center recognized him as an "Outstanding Father" for his commitment to mentoring the youth of Chicago. Brother Jones has been a loyal member of Iota Delta Lambda Since 1978, serving as president, athletic director, dean of pledges, director of education and historian. He also spearheaded the Chapter's involvement with establishing a mentoring program for the foster children of Catholic Charities.

The SPHINX/Spring

1997


CHAPTER NEWS IOTA DELTA LAMBDA Chicago, IL ore than 200 African-American males, ages 9-20, and parents participated in Project Alpha 1996. The event was sponsored by Iota Delta Lambda and the Greater Chicago Division of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation. The program marked the highest number of participants since 1986. The theme, "Marching into Manhood," was born out of the positive message from the October 1995 Million Man March in Washington, D.C. The Project Alpha event was held at the Teachers Academy for Mathematics and Science, South State Street in Chicago on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology. In 1980, Iota Delta Lambda and the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation collaborated efforts to form Project Alpha, under the leadership of the late Brother Erwin A. France, Ph.D.

M

BROTHERS AT WEST VIRGINIA STATE COLLEGE MAKE SCHOLARSHIP DONATION lpha Brothers at West Virginia State College presented school President Hazo W. Carter, Jr. with a $500 donation for the Dollars for Scholars scholarship campaign. Earlier the Fraternity gave $575 which was awarded as part of the Miss Black and Gold pageant. The Dollars for Scholars campaign set as their goal to raise $1 million which will be used for scholarships at West Virginia State.

A

SOUTHERN DELTA GAMMA CHAPTER Alabama A&M University

E

elta Gamma's president, Brother Terrence Kirksey, will represent the Chapter in the Belford V Lawson Oratorical Contest this Spring at the Southern Regional Convention in Tampa, Florida. Brother Terrence advances to the Southern Regional competition after placing first at the Alabama District Association Conference held in October in Huntsville. Brother Charles T. Walls of Delta Gamma will go to Tampa as Brother of the Year for the District. Also Brother Walls, for the The SPHINX/Spring 1997

second consecutive year, placed first at the District Conference in the category of Brother With the Highest Grade Point Average. Brother Walls has a cumulative grade point average of 4.0. Service remains a priority for the Brothers of Delta Gamma. The Chapter is working to help others through the Fraternity's national programs: the Boy Scouts Alliance; Go-to-High School, Go-to-College; Project Alpha; and A Voteless People is a Hopeless People. The Chapter's local programs include: Alpha On Self-Defense; In-Step Ministries; the AOA Health Fair; Reading, Running, Start; Nets Over Huntsville; Delta Gamma Cinema; Miss Black and Gold Pageant; Men Only Forum; and the AOA Tutoring Network.

Xi GAMMA LAMBDA Beaufort, SC rothers at Xi Gamma Lambda are busy working on some of the Fraternity's National Programs. During the past year, while continuing their ongoing male mentoring program, they held numerous community service projects, including a bone marrow registration and two voter-registration drives. The bone marrow drive resulted in the registration of more than 200 minority donors. The voter registration drive, conducted in Colleton County, aided in increasing the number of minority registrants able to participate in the primary election. According to the Director of Voter Registration for Colleton County, the eligible minority voters increased by 10 percent over the previous election. This was said to be a direct result of the Fraternity's efforts within the county. Meanwhile, the Chapter's male mentoring program is working with 50 young AfricanAmerican males at two elementary schools and a middle school within Beaufort County.

B

KAPPA ALPHA University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa appa Alpha took 15 Brothers to the National Leadership Conference in New Orleans. The Chapter was named Alabama State Chapter of the Year at the State Convention, making this the 17th time Kappa Alpha has won the honor in its 22-year history. Recently, Kappa Alpha Brothers along with the Brothers of Epsilon Nu at Stillman College and Delta Phi Lambda in Tuscaloosa adopted Stafford Elementary School's students.

K

49


CHAPTER NEWS As part of the adoption, the Brothers helped teachers operate booths at carnivals and serve weekly as tutors for the school's Program Future. The Chapter observed Founder's Day by bringing Brother Dr. Silas Christian of Tuskegee University to campus. Brother Christian's topic was "The Jewel's Vision for the 20th Century." Kappa Alpha also conducted a study skill seminar to help students better understand the educational resources available to them on the campus. Mil ZETA University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill he annual Morrison Sleep-out for the Homeless, started eight years ago by Mu Zeta, was an opportunity for students to reach out to the homeless. The sleep-out kicked off a semester long effort by the Chapter to raise funds for the Inter-Faith Council Community House, an emergency and temporary homeless shelter in the area. The Brothers also collected donations for the shelter on campus. The IFC Community House also serves as an outreach center to help prevent individuals from becoming homeless. It provides meals and shelter for those in crisis situations and has intervention programs to help those who are already homeless deal with problems that caused their homelessness. The house helps more than 1,000 people each year.

T

visited the festival and thanked the Brothers for conducting the service project. Alpha Phi and WVEE registered more than 500 new voters. The Chapter in January celebrated 75 years of service to the Clark-Atlanta community. Mu Pi LAMBDA Brookhaven, MS u Pi Lambda and the Wal-Mart Superstore in Brookhaven combined to provide shoes to needy students returning to school. Thus far, 25 students have been awarded shoes. This is the eighth year in which the Fraternity and Wal-Mart have sponsored the back to school project. More than 200 students have received shoes through the project where Fraternity Brothers give vouchers that enable recipients to purchase shoes from the Wal-Mart Superstore. Plans are being made to expand the project so that more shoes may be given. The shoe project is one of several community service projects that Mu Pi Lambda sponsors. The Chapter also gives Thanksgiving and Christmas fruit baskets, sponsors a Beautillion and holds a leadership workshop each year for high school students. In addition, Mu Pi Lambda offers a series of workshops-each month between October and April-on fashion, etiquette, career choices, etc.

M

SOUTHWESTERN

ALPHA PHI Clark-Atlanta University Atlanta, Georgia rothers at Alpha Phi helped continue a Fraternity legacy established in the 1930s by holding A Voteless People is a Hopeless People Registration Festival. Students enjoyed free food provided by the Aramark Dining Service along with music giveaways from WVEE 103.3 FM at the festival, held on the campus of Clark-Atlanta. Atlanta Mayor

B

Bill C a m p b e l l

50

Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell (center) is pictured with Alpha Phi Brothers.

m jK

^^•^vl [r^- -^Ji TJ ^H

vj I'M

1 V<? ' J ^ K|5* Brother Dr. Ernest L. Holloway, president of Langston University, (far right) is photographed with Beta Kappa Brothers at Langston Centennial Rodeo.

The SPHINX/Spnng 1997


CHAPTER NEWS BETA KAPPA Langston University

B

eta Kappa recognized the AfricanAmerican cowboys and cow-girls who helped tame the wild west by sponsoring the first Langston University Centennial Rodeo. The activity was one of many presented at the school as part of its "A Century of Excellence...From Langston University to the World" celebration. The Beta Kappa event was sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association and the American Cowboy Rodeo Association. The performance at Langston University was one of many stops the rodeo will make on the road to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. The rodeo featured many of today's top AfricanAmerican cowboys and cowgirls. There were 114 contestants in the event, including riders from Brazil, Australia and Mexico. Among those competing were Beta Kappa Chapter President Brother Reginald Williams who rode a bull named The Funeral Wagon. The Brothers of Beta Kappa are credited with bringing a piece of AfricanAmerican history to Langston University.

Xi TAU LAMBDA Dallas, TX nce again, Project Alpha proved to be an invaluable tool for heightening awareness of the male's role in teen pregnancy and related issues. Xi Tau Lambda recently led 20 teenage participants through the Project Alpha initiative. The keynote speakers for the program included Xi Tau Lambda members in the medical professional: Brother Dr. James Mason, urologist, and

educational and role modeling mission of the Fraternity, lends a Brother to a fourth grade math class at Dunbar each Friday during the school year. Xi Tau Lambda's other community outreach efforts include participation in the March of Dimes Walk America, Bowling for Kid's Sake; Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dallas and Boy Scouts. The Chapter also volunteers in support of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. DELTA UPSILON LAMBDA Shreveport, LA

D

elta Upsilon Lambda held its annual Founder's Day program at the Little Union Baptist Church in Shreveport. Brother Gerald Joshua was named Alpha Man of the Year at the program. In accepting the award, Brother Joshua said he lives by the philosophy: "live each day to its fullest." Brother Joshua serves the Fraternity as Budget & Finance chairman for the State Region. He served three years as chairman of the Education/ Scholarship Committee. He also serves as Associate Minister at Calvary Baptist Church in Shreveport.

DELTA THETA Texas Southern University

O

Brother Dr. x ; T a u L a m D d a Brothers with Project V a n c e B r i d g e s , Alpha participants. OB/GYN.

Another key program of the Chapter is its ongoing support of the Paul Lawrence Dunbar Learning Center. The Chapter, in supporting the The SPHINX/Sprmg 1997

Delta Theta Brothers pause for a photo while working on a community project.

elta Theta Brothers made a generous donation to the Texas Gulf Coast Branch of the Sickle Cell Anemia Association in addition to participating in the Sickle Cell Anemia summer camp program held in Waco, Texas. During the summer camp, Brothers served

D


CHAPTER NEWS as mentors for children, ages 9 to 15, while participating in camp activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and swimming. The Chapter also participated in the "Keep 5 Alive Clean Up Project." The program was designed to demonstrate to children the necessity for taking personal responsibility for keeping their communities clean. The program was beneficial to the children involved and showed the community that there is still hope for tomorrow.

Brothers attended the 11:00 a.m. service at Second Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Brothers William Dailey and Joseph Hill are members of the 111year-old church. Brother Hill spoke briefly on the history of Alpha Phi Alpha and presented the church's Pastor William S. Epps with a $511 donation from Beta Psi Lambda. The Brothers next plan to attend the Guidance Church of Religious Science. GAMMA CHI LAMBDA San Francisco, CA

ESTERN ZETA PI LAMBDA Seattle, WA

H

outh and educational outreach dominated Zeta Pi Lambda's programs last year. Brothers Luther Lyle, Tyrone Sheffey and Kenneth Poston continued in-class tutoring at the elementary school and at the Education Enhancement Program, First A.M.E. Church in Seattle. Zeta Pi Lambda Brothers also responded to the call for help from the Renton, Washington Black Parents Association. The Brothers initiated and now staff the area's first Mentorship Alliance Program. At risk and other African-American males are paired with attorneys and educators through MAP. The objective is to enhance the student's social, personal and academic development. Recognizing that funds are an essential element of a college education, Zeta Pi Lambda President Brother Donne Young announced that the Articles of Incorporation for the Chapter's Alpha Education Fund have been filed with the Washington Secretary of State. The AEF will serve as a tax-exempt vehicle by which funds will be raised for the Chapter's C.P Johnson and other scholarship programs.

amma Chi Lambda recently handed out $6,000 in scholarship awards to deserving undergraduate students. The scholarships were given at an awards program hosted by the Chapter and its Scholarship Committee. Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each were given to: Dadrick S. Johnson of Vista Community College, Sean G. Morris of the University of California-Los Angeles, Terrence Gladney of the University of California-Berkeley, Travis Donnel Walker of Santa Clara University, Crystal Polk of the University of California-Santa Barbara and Ibiba Amachree of Howard University. Brother Rev. Dr. Edgar E. Boyd is chairman of the Scholarship Committee. Other members are: Brothers Luke D. Collier, Arthur Brown, Joseph Powell, Christopher D. Webster and James A. Harris.

G

BETA PSI LAMBDA Los Angeles, CA

T 52

he Chapter that prays together, stays together. Realizing this, the Brothers of Beta Psi Lambda organized themselves for a special "Go To Church" worship activity. The

Members of the Scholarship Committee at Gamma Chi Lambda prepare to give scholarships to deserving college students.

The SPHINX/Spring 1997


CHAPTER NEWS

MILTON DAVIS HONORED BY OMICRON LAMBD

H

wenty-ninth General President Milton C. Davis was honored recently at the Omicron Lambda Education Foundation Sixteenth Annual Benefit Ball in Birmingham, Alabama. Some of the dignitaries and special guests who attended the formal ball included: General President Adrian L. Wallace, 27th General President Charles C. Teamer,

ST., former Executive Director Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., former Interim Executive Director Ralph E. Johnson, Endowment & Capital Formation Chairman Christopher Womack, former Personnel Committee Chairman Iva Williams and former General Presidential Assistant Charlie E. Hardy. Omicron Lambda Chapter President Kenneth Coachman presided over the program. The SPHINX/Spring 1997

THERE GOES AN ALPHA MAN

General President Wallace presents one of the many awards given to 29th General President Davis at the event. Brother Coachman looks on as the award is presented.

There goes a man of high impulse Of princely mien and grace There goes a man of humble faith A credit to his race There goes a man of conscience vast with will to reach his goal There goes a man of lordly rank Of heroes' stock and soulThere goes a man of noble caste Whom duty won't forsake There goes a man in cultured verse Who holds a sportsman's creed There goes a man too vigilant To bow to lust or greed There goes a man whose life is spent in service not in scorn There goes a man whose majesty Shines like a May time

In the second photograph: Brothers Hardy, Davis, Wallace, Teamer and Coachman pause for a photo following the formal program. Brothers Womack, Matthews and Williams applaud the honoree in third photo.

There goes a man who is a friend To love and duty truth There goes a man to help uplift The lives of wholesome youth There goes a man with industry and faith at his command. There goes the best man in and out For he is an Alpha Man. 53


OMEGA BROTHER LEONARD PATTON ANDREWS,

BROTHER DR. MASON DOUGLAS CLOYD,

was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was initiated at Alpha Upsilon Chapter in 1941 and was a member of Gamma Lambda Chapter. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he received his bachelor's and master's of education degrees from Wayne University. He received the university's first Specialist in Education certificate in 1961. He served on active duty as Specialist First Class in the United States Navy during World War II and as a naval reserve during the Korean War. He rose from being a janitor at Barstow School in the Detroit Public Schools, to special education teacher at Jacoby School, to assistant principal of Bishop and A.L. Holmes schools, to principal of McKerrow School and McCullough School. Following his retirement he worked part-time as activities director at Carmel Hall, a retirement home, and as director of the Afro-American Museum (now the Museum of African-American History), and executive secretary of the Metropolitan Detroit Alliance of Black School Educators. He was a long-time member of Plymouth Congregational Church.

a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha, was initiated in 1938 at Beta Tau Chapter. He was a member of Iota Omicron Lambda Chapter where he was the chapter's oldest member. Brother Cloyd graduated from Xavier University at age 20 and from Howard University Medical School at age 24. After an internship at St. Mary's Infirmary, he began his medical practice in 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War, Bay of Pigs and Vietnam war. While a Command Surgeon in Denver, Colorado, he received the Outstanding Service to a Civilian Community Award. Before retiring, he achieved the rank of Colonel. He received the World War II Victory Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He was a member of the Chi Delta Mu medical fraternity.

BROTHER ROBERT E D W O O D S BAKER,

was

born in Bay City, Michigan where he attended public schools. He attended the University of Michigan where he obtained his A.B. and master's degrees. He later did post-graduate study at Wayne State University. A life-long educator, Brother Baker began his career at the Russell Elementary School in Detroit. His career was interrupted when he was called to serve in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Camp Lee, serving first as an instructor and then as master teacher. He returned to teaching at the Alger School after being discharged from the Army. He later became an attendance officer, and supervisor of Attendance and Juvenile Court representative for the Detroit Board of Education. He was elected vice president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers and served as a member of the organization's bargaining team. He was a founder and served as vice president and president of the Organization of School Administrators. He was a life member of the NAACP, the Kiwanis Club and the Couples Club. Brother Baker was initiated at Epsilon Chapter and was a member of Gamma Lambda Chapter. 54

B R O T H E R R O B E R T L E E F A I R C H I L D , Sr.,

was

initiated in 1927 at Beta Beta Chapter, University of Nebraska. Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, he was a long-time resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma where he was a member of Alpha Tau Lambda Chapter. He was a school teacher-taking his first job at Langston University of Nebraska-and also worked as a Public Health Assistant, served in the Army during World War II and was employed at the Tulsa City Park Department for a number of years. He as a staunch supporter of the Hutcherson Branch YMCA. Following his retirement, he volunteered with organizations such as the Tulsa Public Schools, Meals on Wheels and the Science Enrichment Program. He served for many years as director of the Boy Scout's Camp Garland. BROTHER ROOSEVELT "FITZ" FITZGERALD, was born in Natchez, Mississippi and was a 25-year resident of Las Vegas, Nevada. He received his bachelor's degree from Jackson State University and a master's degree from the University of Notre Dame where he did additional studies toward his doctorate degree. He was initiated at Delta Pi Chapter at Jackson State before becoming a member of Theta Pi Lambda Chapter in Las Vegas. Brother Fitzgerald was a history professor and director of the Ethnic Studies Program at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas where he taught history to many of the Brothers at Sigma Psi Chapter. He was instrumental in researching and chronicling the history of African-Americans in the The SPHINX/Spring 1997


OMEGA CHAPTER state of Nevada. In addition, he wrote historical columns for the Sentinel Voice newspaper, Nevada's only African-American community newspaper. BROTHER EDWARD LEON GREENE, JR., was a member of Delta Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Shreveport, Louisiana where he formerly served as president and was named "Alpha Man of the Year" in 1980. He attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he received his bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts. He received a Masters of Education Administration degree from Texas Southern in Houston. He did post-graduate studies at West Point Military Academy, Texas Southern University, Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State University and Sacramento State University. In 1970, he was named Educator of the Year by the Shreveport Times. He was a member of Evergreen Baptist Church in Shreveport where he served as a deacon. BROTHER BENNIE JAMES HARRIS, SR., was former Southern Regional Vice President and was an active member of Psi Lambda Chapter in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama and was educated in the Birmingham Public School system. He graduated from Morehouse College and Howard University Law School. He practiced law in Chattanooga and became the first African-American judge there. He retired from the Parker Hannifin Corporation as Corporate Director for Equal Employment. Brother Harris served in the U.S. Navy from May 1944 to May 1946. BROTHER CHARLES PRESTON HOWARD, JR., formerly served as Eastern Regional Vice President of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was a member of Delta Lambda Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland. He was born in Hampton, Virginia and attended North Des Moines High School in Des Moines, Iowa. While still in high school, he and his two brothers founded The Iowa Observer, the first AfricanAmerican neighborhood newspaper which grew into a network of four weekly newspapers in Iowa, Wisconsin and Indiana. Brother Howard began college at Drake University and transferred to Howard University before entering the Army where he wrote for the Army Times, telling the story of black troops fighting for the U.S. He returned to Howard University after serving in the military and became managing editor of the school's Hilltop newspaper. He was initiated into Beta Chapter at Howard and participated in the school's support of the landmark Brown vs. the Board of Education case for the desegregation of schools. He was

The SPHINX/Spring 1997

awarded the LL.B. and the J D degrees in 1954. In 1955, he received the LLM from New York University in International Law. Brother Howard began practicing law in Washington, D.C. in 1955 and later moved to Baltimore. He served as president of the Monumental City Bar Association and helped establish Maryland's first African-American corporate law firm, Howard and Hargrove. He later served as president of Bay College in Baltimore, a school that admitted students even though they lacked a high school diploma. BROTHER NORMAN LEO HUMPHREY, SR., was born in Brunswick County, North Carolina and attended public schools in Brunswick and Bladen counties. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. His professional experience included teaching in Bladen and Randolph counties in North Carolina for more than 30 years. He also taught drivers education in Trinity, North Carolina. Brother Humphrey was initiated at Kappa Lambda Chapter in 1979. He was a member of Providence Baptist Church, the N.C. A&T Alumni Association, the Booster Club and he worked with the local Meals-On-Wheels program. B R O T H E R E D W A R D N . J O N E S , was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha and a member of Delta Beta Lambda Chapter in Hampton, Virginia. He was a native and life-long resident of Hampton and retired as foreman of delivery with the U.S. Postal Service in 1969 after 32 years of service. He served as a teacher in the Hampton School system after leaving the Postal Service. He later served as assistant associate director of student affairs, Men's Division, at Hampton University. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Hampton. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hampton, the National Alumni Association, the Bachelor-Benedict Social and Civic Club, the National Association of Letter Carriers, National Association of Personnel Workers, Senior Golfers of Virginia, the NAACP and the Virginia Society for Black Historical and Genealogical Research.

BROTHER DR. RICHARD B. LOCKETT, was born in Kingsville, Texas and attended Prairie View A&M University of Texas where he was initiated in 1964 at Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter. He was the first of about 10 college students initiated into Alpha Eta Lambda who paved the

55


OMEGA CHAPTER way for the school's Eta Gamma Chapter. While at Prairie View, he was a member of Who's Who Among American College and University Students and the Beta Beta Beta Biological Society. During his senior year, Brother Lockett was president of the Student Government Association. He graduated with honors and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1966. He later graduated from the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio in 1972. H e reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1980. One year later, Brother Lockett started a private practice in obstetrics and gynecology in Oakland, California. BROTHER DR. CLAUD C. MARION, was professor emeritus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland. He was born in Fort Pierce, Florida and educated in the public schools there. He received his bachelor's degree in agricultural education from Florida A&M University and his master's degree from the University of Minnesota. He received a Ph.D. degree from Cornell University and did postdoctoral study at the University of California and Washington State University. Brother Marion's early experiences in education included being principal of Rosenwald Junior High School in Midway, Florida and E.O. Douglas High School in Sebring, Florida. His service to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore spanned 32 years. During the period, he worked as a professor of agricultural education and teacher training, acting head of the Department of Agriculture, administrator of the 1890 Federal Land Grant Extension Program, and associate director of the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service. For several years, he served as guest professor of education in the Graduate Schools of Education at Tennessee State and Florida A&M universities. Brother Marion's memberships include the Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Alpha Tau Alpha Agricultural Education Fraternity, Epsilon Sigma Phi Extension Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Gamma Theta Boule and he was a former member of the Masonic Lodge and Elks Lodge. He was a member of Metropolitan United Methodist Church. Brother Marion was initiated at Alpha Chapter and was a member of Delta Omicron Lambda Chapter.

56

BROTHER MELVIN SANTEE MCCOY, was initiated at Nu Chapter and was a member of Delta Omicron Lambda Chapter in Princess Anne, Maryland. He attended the Baltimore City Public Schools, graduating from Douglass High School in 1942. Following graduation from high school, he served in the U.S. Navy as an electrician's mate and received the Pacific Theater Ribbon, the American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal. H e received his bachelor's degree in English and German from Lincoln University, a law degree from New York University and his master of education degree from Harvard University. After serving in management positions and as an independent consultant for several organizations, Brother McCoy was appointed director of human resources for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. During his tenure, he served as advisor for the Fraternity's Delta Nu Chapter and the Caribbean Club. He also served as a mentor for students from Wicomico County Elementary Schools. He was creator and host of a popular radio program, WESM-FM's "My Favorite Things." BROTHER WALLACE MOBLEY, SR., was a native of Daytona Beach, Florida. He graduated from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee with a bachelor's degree in physical education. Brother Mobley served in the U.S. Army and later was employed for 23 years as Dean of Men at BethuneCookman College in Daytona Beach. He was a member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, the Volusia County Chapter of the NAACP, Lane College Alumni and Beta Delta Lambda Chapter in Daytona Beach. In 1987, Beta Delta Lambda honored him with the Alpha Man of the Year Award for his dedicated leadership and service. BROTHER EDWARD FERGUSON MURRELL, SR., was initiated in 1925 at Kappa Chapter, Ohio State University, and served as chapter president during one of his four years at the school. He was a native of Glasgow, Kentucky and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. During the rise of Nazism in Germany, he attended the University of Berlin and was admitted to medical school there, but was not allowed to enroll. He worked as a red cap at Grand Central Station in New York City after returning to the U.S. He later attended New York University and was certified as a New York State social worker. Brother Murrell served as a probation officer in the The SPHINX/Spring 1997


OMEGA CHAPTER Court of General Sessions in New York City until his retirement at age 62. BROTHER DR. ELMER ALEXANDER PURNELL, received his bachelor's degree from the former Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia. He taught English in Roanoke, Virginia before being enrolled at Meharry Medical College in Tennessee where he received his medical degree. He completed further medical studies at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, Howard University in Washington, D.C., Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts and L'Universite' de Sorbonne in Paris, France. He served briefly in the U.S. Medical Corps during the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of captain. Brother Purnell served in private practice as a physician in the Salisbury area for more than 50 years. He also served on the staff of the former Peninsula General Hospital and was the former physician at Wesley Temple United Methodist Church Daycare and former on-call physician for the Wicomico County Health Department. He also was former co-owner of Green Acres Memorial Park. Brother Purnell was a member of Wesley Temple United Methodist Church. He was initiated at Beta Omicron Chapter and was a member of Delta Omicron Lambda Chapter. BROTHER BOOKER T. SCRUGGS, was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha, actively serving in the Fraternity for 65 years. He was a member of Psi Lambda Chapter in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was born in Chattanooga and graduated from Clark College and Atlanta University (now Clark-Atlanta University). Brother Scruggs was a retired director of the Chattanooga Housing Authority. He was a life-long member of the Hurst United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School for many years. He helped organize the Chattanooga Teacher's Union and was actively involved in obtaining equal pay for minority school teachers. Brother Scruggs was voted Alpha Man of the Year by Psi Lambda in 1969 and Tennessee Alumni Brother of the Year in 1975. BROTHER WALTER SEWARD, JR., was born in Fitzgerald, Georgia and reared in McAlester, Oklahoma where he attended L'Overture High School. He served in the U.S. Navy after graduating from high school and later attended Langston University where he received a bachelor's degree in The SPHINX/Spring 1997

industrial arts. He owned and managed a welding shop in Coffeyville, Kansas before returning to Langston and getting a master's degree in industrial arts. He moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where he worked with the Oklahoma City Public School System as an industrial arts and photography teacher at Frederick Douglass High School, John Kennedy Junior High and Capitol Hill High School. He later joined the faculty at South Oklahoma Junior College where he taught welding. He retired from teaching in May 1981. He was owner and manager of Seward's Welding and Iron Works where he sponsored an apprentice program. Brother Seward was a member of Avery Chapel A.M.E. Church, Acacia Lodge No. 200 of the Prince Hall AF&AM and Leader of Chapter No. 41 of the Order of Eastern Stars. He was a member of Beta Eta Lambda Chapter in Oklahoma City. BROTHER THE REVEREND FATHER CHARLES EDWARD TAYLOR, was born in Boomer, West Virginia. He worked in the coal mines until graduating from Dubois High School in Mt. Hope, West Virginia. He then attended Livingston College. He left the school after one year, moving with his family to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he worked as a redcap at Pennsylvania Station. During this time he also prepared himself for ordination in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church by studying religious education at night at the University of Pittsburgh. He was ordained an AME church deacon in 1932 and church elder in 1934. Brother Taylor left the AME church and was confirmed in the Episcopal Church in 1938. During the time he worked at the Works Progress Administration and attended Wilberforce College where he graduated in 1940. He later attended Bishop Payne Divinity School where he graduated in 1943 and the same year was ordained deacon. He was ordained a priest of the church in 1944. After pastorates in Toledo, Ohio; Gary, Indiana; Dallas, Texas; and Galveston, Texas, he took a job as YMCA program director in Pittsburgh. He then became rector of churches in Portsmouth and Suffolk, Virginia. While in Portsmouth, in response to a parishioner's need, Brother Taylor began studying sign language and ministering to the hearing impaired. In 1956, he was named Rector at St. James Charleston and Chaplain at Canterbury House at West Virginia State College. He later was rector in Omaha, Nebraska; Brooklyn-New York and Yonkers, New 57


OMEGA CHAPTER York. Brother Taylor finished his full-time career as a caseworker for the Department of Social Services and as part-time assistant at St. Martin's in New York City. He then went to Washington, D.C. where he assisted his son at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church where he was a main figure in the Black Episcopal Clergy Association. He traveled to Berkeley, California with his family and taught sign language at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific for two years and served as an informal advisor to students there. In 1985, the Organization of Black Episcopal Seminarians requested that Brother Taylor be their chaplain. He met with seminary students at numerous schools across the country and continued to assist at various churches until he retired again in 1994. In his lifetime, Brother Taylor acquired two degrees (A.B. and M.Div.) learned four languages (German, Greek, Hebrew and sign language) and received four ordinations (AME deacon and elder, and Episcopal deacon and priest). Life Member No. 82, he was initiated in 1937 at Xi Chapter, Wilberforce University, and was active with chapters in Westchester, New York, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco where he was last affiliated with Gamma Chi Lambda. Brother Taylor also served as Regional and National Chaplain of the Fraternity. BROTHER DR. LARRY LAMONT TERRY, was a member of Gamma Chi Lambda Chapter in San Francisco, California. He was born in Yakahama, Japan and spent his formative years in Europe. He attended primary and secondary schools in San Francisco and later attended the University of Oregon, Stanford University and Harvard University. He received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree from Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts in 1978. Brother Terry later opened a dental practice on Union Street in San Francisco. He was a member of the Buchanan YMCAs Mentoring Program and the Mark Twain Independent School. He also was instructor at the University of California, San Francisco's Buchanan Dental Clinic. For a brief period, he held the position of Health Commissioner in the City and County of San Francisco. He was a member of the National Dental Society of the Bay Area and the NAACP BROTHER LEON WILSON TILGHMAN, was a native of Princess Anne, Maryland and attended public schools in Somerset County. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland

Eastern Shore and was a member of the UMES Alumni Association. He served in the US Army, completing a tour of duty in Vietnam. Brother Tilghman was a member of Delta Omicron Lambda Chapter where he was initiated. BROTHER DR. MOSES W. VAUGHN, was a native of Rock Hill, South Carolina where he received his early education. He received his bachelor's degree in general agriculture from West Virginia State College and earned two master's degrees, in general agriculture and food technology, from Michigan State University. He received his Ph.D. in food technology from the University of Massachusetts. His genius as a researcher was reflected in his contributions to the field of food technology through six federally funded research projects, including his major research on the nutritional value of pork by-products, seminar presentations and published manuscripts. In 1969, he was named in the Dictionary of International Biography, 2nd edition, London, England. He served 38 years at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as a teacher and a researcher. He later was named Professor Emeritus at the school. Brother Vaughn also served as a commissioned officer in the Chemical Warfare Service. He was a member of the Blue Lodge of Prince Hall Masons. Initiated at Beta Iota Chapter, Brother Vaughn was a member of Delta Omicron Lambda Chapter. BROTHER LIONEL HUDSON WALLACE, was initiated at Theta Chapter in 1938. He was born in Chicago, Illinois and attended Chicago Public Schools. He did his undergraduate study at the University of Chicago where he received his bachelor's degree in philosophy. He held the honor of being the first African-American man to graduate with an MBA degree from the University of Chicago. Brother Wallace was employed for 35 years with the Board of Education in the Central Office. He taught night school at Chicago Vocational High School, Dunbar High School and Englewood High School. He counseled at the Maranatha Christian Academy. He was a member of the National Black MBA Association and St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran Church. OMEGA LISTINGS Brother Samuel Theodore Culmer Iota Pi Lambda Brother William Thomas Fuller Nu Xi Lambda Brother Harold D. Trawick 째

The SPHINX/Spring 1997


05RP0RAT THE SEVEN JEWELS

Henry A. Callis

illll

Charles H. Chapman Eugene K. Jones

George B. Kelley Nathaniel A. Murray

Robert H. Ogle

Vertner W. Tandy

G E N E R A L OFFICERS General President Immediate Past General President Executive Director General Treasurer Comptroller General Counsel Director-General Conventions Parliamentarian

Adrian L. Wallace, 281 Debra Lane, Lake Charles, LA 70611-9216 Milton C. Davis, P.O. Box 509, Tuskegee, AL, 36083 Hebrew L. Dixon, 2313 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 George N. Reaves, 2933 Balmoral Crescent, Flossmoor, IL 60422 Frank A. Jenkins III, 529 South Perry Street, Suite U, P.O. Box 4246 Montgomery, AL 36104 Tyrone C. Means, P.O. Drawer 5058, Montgomery, AL 36103-5058 Al F. Rutherford, 8585 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 730N, Dallas, TX 75247 Kenneth Jordan, 15366 Kentfield, Detroit, MI 28223

VICE P R E S I D E N T S Eastern Midwestern Southern Southwestern Western

Samuel G. Wilson, 3639 Highwood Drive, SE, Washington, DC 20020 James B. Blanton III, 10625 South Hampton, Chicago, IL 60643 Chester A. Wheeler III, PO Box 6682, Macon, GA 31208 Harry E. Johnson, 8606 Running Bird Lane, Missouri City, TX 77489 Kenneth Venable, 722 West 19th Street, Unit #4, San Pedro, CA 90731

ASSISTANT VICE P R E S I D E N T S Eastern Midwestern Southern Southwestern Western

Elvin J. Dowling, 58 West County Street, Hampton, VA 23669 Torrance T Smith, 7621 North Sheridan Road #2A, Chicago, IL 60626 Quinton G. Washington, 2398 Continental Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32304 Roderick L. Smothers, P.O. Box 17701, Baton Rouge, LA 70893 Ian M. Coleman, 3516 East Ransom Street #306, Long Beach, CA 90804

L I V I N G PAST GENERAL PRESIDENTS 21st 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th

General General General General General General General

President President President President President President President

T. Winston Cole, Sr., 124 SW Twenty-third, Gainesville, FL 32607 Walter Washington, Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS 39096 James R. Williams, 1733 Brookwood Drive, Akron, OH 44313 Ozell Sutton, 1640 Loch Lomond Trail, SW, Atlanta, GA 30331 Charles C. Teamer, Sr., 4619 Owens Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70122 Henry Ponder, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37208 Milton C. Davis, P.O. Box 509, Tuskegee, AL 36083

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS T O THE GENERAL PRESIDENT Special Assistant Assistants A L P H A P H I A L P H A BUILDING F O U N D A T I O N , INC. Chairman Treasurer The SPHINX/Spring 1997

Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 5075 Red Robin Ridge, Alpharetta, GA 30202 Joseph E. Heyward, 3820 Mizell Road, Greensboro, SC 27405 Ronald L. Anderson, 6300 Taliaferro Way, Kingstowne, VA 22315 Joshua Williams, Jr., 9696 Hayne Blvd. #15, New Orleans, LA 70127

Everett Ward, 5002 Avenida Del Sol Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604 George N. Reaves, 2933 Balmoral Crescent, Flossmoor, IL 60422


CORPORATE DIRECTORY Members

Calvin R. Austin, 139 Drexel Drive, Millersville, MD 21108 Samuel D. DeShazior, 911 Mercer Avenue, Akron, OH 44320 Bruce A. Austin, 6202 Crane Street, Houston, TX 77026 Adrian L. Wallace, Ex Officio

ALPHA PHI ALPHA EDUCATION FOUNDATION, INC. Chairman Treasurer Members

James Ward, 9306 Twin Hills Drive, Houston, TX 77031 George N. Reaves, 2933 Balmoral Crescent, Flossmoor, IL 60422 James B. Gillespie, 2300 Emerald Heights Court, Reston, VA 22091-1714 Keener A. Tippin, 3621 Evergreen Lane, Columbia, MO 65201 Joseph K. Byrd, Xavier University, Box 101-C, New Orleans, LA 70125 Kermit H. Boston, 2315 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94115 Adrian L. Wallace, Ex Officio

NATIONAL COMMITTEE/ COMMISSION CHAIRMEN Alpha Collegiate Scholars Archivist Awards & Achievements Budget & Finance Business & E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t Constitution Elections E n d o w m e n t & Capital Formation Grievances & Discipline Headquarters Maintenance Internal Auditing Job Fair Life Membership Management Information Systems Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project Membership/Standards & Extension National Programs Personnel Public Relations Publications Racial Justice & Public Policy Reclamation Subcommittee Recommendations & Resolutions Rules & Credentials Rituals & Ceremonies Senior Alpha Affairs Strategic Planning Commission Time & Place Training and D e v e l o p m e n t PROGRAM/ PROJECT C O O R D I N A T O R S Big Brother/Big Sisters of America Boy Scouts of America Leadership D e v e l o p m e n t & Citizenship Education M i s s Black & G o l d Pageant Oratorical Contest Project Alpha Special Projects

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 60

Willie Ruff, 314 Applegrove Court, Herndon, VA 22071 Herman "Skip" Mason, Jr., 564 Blake Avenue, SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 Steven M. Sims, 2508 Dysart Road, Cleveland, OH 44118 Frank A. Jenkins III, 529 South Perry Street, Suite 16, Montgomery, AL 36104 Harold Patrick, 5959 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 Lloyd Givens, 6050 Canaan Woods Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30331 Russell C. Campbell, 1502 November Circle #201, Silver Spring'MD 20904 Christopher C. Womack, 2109 Christina Cove, Birmingham, AL 35244 Isiah Ward, 303 Waterford, Willowbrook, IL 60521 R.Lcandras Jones II, 1045 Audubon Circle, SW, Atlanta, GA, 30311 David M. Cheri, 5106 Porter Ridge, Houston, TX 77053 Ralph Caro, 6826 Garfield Avenue, Kansas City, MO 66102 George Wayne Watkins, 40983 Oaks Drive #4A, Troy, MI 48098 . Carl T. Moore, P.O. Box 70152, Los Angeles, CA 90070 John H. Carter, 3465 Somerset Trail, Atlanta, GA 30330 Lynwood Bell, 1902 East Pollock Road, Lakeland, FL 33813 Ronald Peters, 1130 M.D. Anderson Blvd., Houston, TX 77030 Sean Woodroff, 705 Summer Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553 Eugene Shelton, 1903 W 80th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90047 Harry Dunbar, 281 Rose Road, West Nyack, NY 10994 Norman Towels, 3243 Arlington Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506 Harold Foster, 5642 Georgia, Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66104 Tophas Anderson III, 14811 Tumbling Falls Court, Houston, TX 77062 John E. Walls, Co-Chairman, 107 Colonial Drive, Vicksburg, MS 39180 Johnny Thomas, Co-chairman, 1414 Mill Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 Darren Morton, Co-chairman, 549 S 7th Avenue, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550 James Ivory, 1241 Oak Hill Road, Downers Grove, IL 60515 Zollie Stevenson, 806 Falls Lake Drive, Mitchellville, MD 20721 Elliot Ferguson, Jr., 3920 Dogwood Farm Road, Savannah, GA 30034 Philip Jackson, 1200 Little Gloucester Road # 1904, Clementon, NJ 08021

Dale Long, 1614 Dorado Street, Garland, TX 75040 Isidore J. Lamothe, P.O. Box 1558, Marshall, TX 75670 Willis E. Baird, P.O. Box 74, Durham, NC 27702 Alvin Cavalier, 413-C Longwood Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 John German, 1124 32nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98144 John L. Colbert, 2140 Loren Circle, Fayetteville, AR 72701 Richard D. Smith, Jr., 3510 Medical Park Drive #7, Monroe, LA 71203

2313 St. Paul Street ' Baltimore, MD 21218-5234 • Phone: (410) 554-0040 1 Fax: (410) 554-0054 Hebrew L. Dixon, Executive Director The SPHINX/Spring

1997


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.