The SPHINX | Fall 1997 | Volume 82 | Number 3 199708203

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VISION 2 0 0 0 : T H E LIGHT OF A NEW DAY

M A R T I N LUTHER KING, J R .

NATIONAL MEMORIAL PROJECT BRICK ORDER FORM: "I HAVE A DREAM" INSCRIBED BRICK Description

Quantity

*A<DA R.M.L. KING. JR. MEMORIAL

Price

Brick-College Brother

$52.00

Brick-Alumni Brother

$152.00

Brick College Chapter

$552.00

Brick: Alumni Chapter

$1,552.00

(Shipping and Handling Charges)

Total

$5.95

;

Order Total

BRICK ORDER FORM: "I HAVE A DREAM" INSCRIBED BRICK Description

Quantity

HAVE DREAM

Price

King Memorial Brick

Total

$29.00

(Shipping and Handling Charges)

Order Iota1

Method Of Payment Cash Check Money Order Credit Card • Visa Master Card American Express Discover

Card Number:

f.xpiration Date: Card Holder Name:

Name

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Area Code) Phone Number:

Chapter Key Number: • • • • •

Address: State:

Zip:

Mail Order To: lartin L. King. Jr. National Memorial Project Department 211 Washington,DC.20055 0211 Card Holder Signature:

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COVER

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ON THE COVER Pictured are some of the featured guests and participants at the 1997 General Convention. (Center photo) College and Alumni Brothers of the Year Charles T. Walls and Earl H. Duval display their honors. Other participants (clockwise from top left) include: General President Adrian L. Wallace, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, U.S. Ambassador to South Africa James A. Joseph, jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, New Orleans Mayor Marc H. Morial, 21 st General President T. Winston Cole, model from the Ladies' Fashion Show, National Council of Negro Women President Dorothy Height, pianist Lillette Jenkins-Wisner, 1997-98 Miss Black & Gold Tara Vvette Rawls, former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young and U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Alexis Herman.

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VISION 2000: 91ST ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION

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reeks of every order were represented at Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's 91st Anniversary Convention in Washington, D.C. Included in the below scenes are photos of the National Pan-Hellenic Council President along with the heads and representatives of the other Pan-Hellenic Council member organizations who spoke at the Convention's Public Program. More photos and coverage of the 1997 General Convention begins on page 23 with General President Adrian L. Wallace's State of the Fraternity Address.

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CONTENTS 3

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S LETTER

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EDITOR'S LETTER

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READERS' LETTER

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ALPHA FORUM Sankofa Project Prepares Male Youth Through African-Centered Concepts

By Brother Zollie Stevenson, Jr.

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RENOWNED A O A Brother Earl Henry Duval, Jr., Ph.D., Named Alumni Brother Of The Year Beta Lambda Continues Its Winning Ways With Fifth National Alumni Chapter Award

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VISION 2000: GENERAL

Chapter, Vows To Return

By Brother John M. Williams The Legacy of 19th General President, A. Maceo Smith 51

FROM THE ARCHIVES

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LITERARY FEATURE Lives of the "Seven Jewels" Chronicled in Newly Released Publication

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ART FEATURE Alpha Brother Reaches Out To Youth Through Performing Arts

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CHAPTER NEWS

State of the Fraternity Address

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OMEGA CHAPTER

VISION 2000: 91 ST ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION

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CORPORATE DIRECTORY

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

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1997 General Convention Draws Record Number Community Service Project Features Sankofa Training Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Fundraising Kicks Off 39

VISION 2000: CBC RECEPTION Alpha Phi Alpha Convenes at CBC Annual Legislative Conference

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VISION 2000: PUBLIC PROGRAM ADDRESS The African Renaissance: Myth Or Reality

By Brother James A. Joseph

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FEATURE ARTICLES Alpha Phi Alpha Sweetheart Song

By Brother Huel D. Perkins Western Regional Vice President Visits Pacific

By Brother Terence M. Goree 23

ALPHAS ON THE MOVE Chicago's Danny K. Davis Is Newest Brother To Join Ranks Of Congress Former General Counsel's Law Firm Reputed To Be Among Best In The Southeast

COLLEGE DAYS College Brother of the Year Award Back Home to Delta Gamma College Chapter of the Year Continues Legacy Of Campus Leadership

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T\ie SPHINX'" (USPS 510-440) is published quarterly for $10 a year by Alpha Phi AlphaFraternity, Inc.®, 2313 St. PaulStreet, Baltimore, MD21218-5234. Periodical postage paid at Baltimore, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to The SPHINX™, 2313 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218. rte5m/MTMistheofficialmagazineoftheAlphaPhiAlphaFraternity,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 an.

Opinions expressed in columns and attidesdonot necessarily reflect the vietvs and policies of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.®. Use of any person's name in fiction, semi-fiction, articles or humorous features is to be regarded as a coincidence and not as the responsibility ofThe SPHINX™, and is never done knowingly. Copyright AlphaPhiAlphaFraternity,Inc.l997.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Reproduction, or use without permission, of the editorial or pictorial content of the magazine in any manner is prohibited. The SPHINX™ has been published continuously since 1914.

Organizing Editor: Brother Raymond W. Cannon. Organizing General President.

Brother Henry Lake Dickason.

The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

tXECUTIVE DI R E C T O R ' S

LETTER

RECLAMATION

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lpha Phi Alpha's impact on this country and abroad is directly in proportion to the number of Brothers who are financial with the General Organization. Active Brothers are essential to the continued development of our great Fraternity. Selective recruiting, aggressive reclaiming, and retaining of our current membership base must be at the forefront of our work. Alpha must focus internally in preparation for the batde of the next millennium.

Across this nation and abroad, people continue to benefit from the work of the members of this organization. Alpha's greatest interest lies outside itself. This awareness enables our organization to rally to the benefit of the communities we serve. The alliances we have cultivated, and are continuing to create, help the Brothers of this Fraternity in their efforts to serve society and reinvest in their respective communities.

The men ofAlpha share the passion to be "First ofAll, Servants ofAll" while also "Transcending All." Alpha men are individuals who share the same thoughts, ideals, concepts and goals. The concept of reclamation will equip our more than 700 Chapters with the human and fiscal resources that fuel the desire to assist others, to have an impact, and to continue to make a difference to all mankind.

For more than 90 years, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has supported issues of importance to our people. The establishment of an official National Programs Department through our partnership with the Kellogg Foundation has increased our capacity to serve.

A renewed investment in Project Alpha by the March of Dimes (MOD) supported the establishment of a newstrategic alliance between MOD and the Fraternity. This alliance enables our membership to better serve by providing new communication and educational materials. The General Organization's focus on Business and Economic Development will provide increased opportunities for Brothers to become involved.

Now is the time to reinvest in Alpha! Our Brothers possess skills that must be harnessed in support of our mission. The restructuring of historical support systems—the changing of the family structure—affords men ofAlpha the chance to provide more leadership and direction now than ever before.

It is these things and others that offer Alpha men the opportunity to make a difference. Having initiated hundreds of thousands of men since our founding, now is the time for all good Alpha The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

Men to come home.

We as men of the "Black and Old Gold" have historically served as a pacesetter for other organizations.

Being an organization that promotes leadership, scholarship and service, it is expected that our members serve. Alpha needs good men to align themselves with die organization, thereby providing the Fraternity the opportunity to increase its support of the organization's many programs and services—but more importandy, to have a larger impact on humanity.

Today Alpha men are offered opportunities to invest their time and resources in more ways than ever. There can be no better investment of oneself than investment in the goals and objectives of this organization. Alpha offers Brothers a complete menu of services. With the increased amount of diversity in our own ranks, clearly the menu of services must be expanded.

We need the men of this organization to return home to provide leadership; to cultivate ouryounger members and to share the passion of helping others, thereby enabling the Fraternity to have a much broader effect on those we serve.

General President Adrian L. Wallace has stated very distinctly that VISION 2000: LIGHT OF THE NEW DAY is a call to action to rally all Brothers of the "Black and Old Gold." It is a call for Brothers to reinvest in the Fraternity and themselves.

We anticipate that record numbers of Brothers will realign themselves with the mission of this Fraternity. It offers hope. It offers guidance. It offers Brotherhood. Most importantly, it offers love to its members and to the community as a whole. Come with us, men of Alpha, as we strive toward that LIGHT OF A NEW DAY... toward the next millennium and beyond.

HEBREW L. DLXON, III, Executive Director '

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COMING IN THE SUMMER ISSUE OF THE SPHINX™

Fall/Winter 1997 - Volume 82 Number 3 GENERAL OFFICERS Adrian L. Wallace General President Milton C. Davis Immediate Past General President Hebrew L. Dixon III Executive Director George N. Reaves General Treasurer Frank A. Jenkins III Comptroller Harry E. Johnson, Sr. General Counsel Al F. Rutherford Director-General Conventions Kenneth Jordan Parliamentarian FOUNDERS Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218-5234 Phone: (410) 554-0040 Fax: (410) 554-0054 To change a mailing address, send both the new and old address to: Membership Department Alpha Phi Alpha Fratetnity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218-5234 Alpha Phi Alpha's Web Site: h t t p : / / w w w . a p a 1 9 0 6 . org

DISTINGUISHED COLLEGIANS OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. THE SUMMER1998 EDITION OF THE SPHINX™ TAKES ANOTHER LOOK AT FRATERNITY BROTHERS WHO SERVE AS CAMPUS LEADERS COLLEGE BROTHERS WHO HEAD CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS DURING THE 1997-98 SCHOOL YEARARE INVITED TO BE A PART OF THE FEATURE For d e t a i l s o n a r t i c l e s u b m i s s i o n s , see p a s e 55

I hDITORS CALL FOR JUSTICE FALLS HEAVILY ON THE EARS OF FELLOW LEGISLATORS

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his issue of The SPHINX™ -while featuring Alpha Phi Alpha's 91st Anniversary Convention in Washington, D.C.— also continues our look at the Fraternity's impact on the U.S. political system.

Our last edition of the magazine looked at some of the Alpha Brothers who currently serve in the United States Congress.

Included among the featured Congressmen was Brother Ronald V. Dellums of California's 9th Congressional District.

Brother Dellums has since announced plans to retire from the Congress in February 1998, relinquishing die post he has held since 1970.

The Legislative Branch of government will be much less off without the tireless efforts of this great Alpha Brother whose call for completion of the agenda of the Civil Rights Movement and adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment for women did not fall softly on the ears of colleagues.

Illinois Congressman Danny K. Davis, the newest Alpha Brother elected to the legislature, takes his turn as a featured subject of The Sphinx™. In this continuing look at Alpha Phi Alpha legislators, we learn something about Brother Davis' views concerning education, job training and the health care system.

Meanwhile, our coverage of the 1997 General Convention presents features on the Outstanding College and Alumni Brothers of the Year which clearly show why the Brothers won the distinguished honors. Also, the lyrics and historical background of the National Sweetheart Song chosen at the General Convention are presented by the song's audior, Brother Huel D. Perkins.

Other Convention coverage looks at the kickoff of fundraising for the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project and Sankofa Project training administered as part of the Community Service Project. The full text of General President Adrian L. Wallace's

The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

State of the Fraternity Address and U.S. Ambassador to South Africa James A. Joseph's Public Program address also are featured.

The summer issue of The SPHINX™ again will look at outstanding college Brothers who serve as leaders on their campuses. Brothers elected to serve as head of campus organizations are invited to send in a photograph and information about themselves for the Distinguished Collegians section of the magazine. Some of the bright young leaders of tomorrow will no doubt surface in the upcoming issue.

Details on how to submit information and materials for the feature, and the deadline for article submissions can be found on page 55 of this issue.

In Tribute While workins on this edition of The SPHINX™, the best friend that I will ever have on this earth went home to be with the Lord. That does not stop the love I have for him. I will always cherish the love of my dad.

SEATONJ. WHITE III Editor-in-Chief

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^sphinx Official Organ of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Raymond W. Cannon Organizing Editor Henry Lake Dickason Organizing General President SeatonJ. White III Editor-in- Chief Thomas D. Pawley III Contributing Columnist Berve Power Convention Photographer Ronald G. Baker Convention Photographer Latifa Howard Editorial Assistant Eric S. Harrison Design & Layout Editorial Office: The SPHINX™ Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218 Phone:(410)554-0040 Fax: (410) 554-0054 Deadlines for editorial submissions to The SPHINX™are as follows: Spring Issue - January 1 Summer Issue - April 1 Fall Issue - July 1 Winter Issue - October 1 For advertisement display rates and other ad information contact: Editor of The SPHINX™ Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218-5234 Phone: (410) 554-0040 Fax: (410) 554-0054 Alpha Phi Alphas Web Site: h t t p : / / w w w . a p a 1 906.org

READERS' LETTERS

The Campaign For A Centennial Stamp Honoring Brother Paul Robeson April 8,1998, will mark the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Paul Robeson. A scholar, athlete, singer, actor, civil rights leader and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Paul Robeson graduated from Rutgers University as a Phi Beta Kappa scholar and for two-consecutive years was an AU-American football player. He was the second African-American to graduate from Columbia University Law School. Paul Robeson was renowned for his vocal renditions of "Old Man River" and other spirituals. His portrayal of "Othello" on Broadway received universal acclaim.

More than his keen mind, resonant voice and athletic prowess, Paul Robeson was deeply committed to the struggle for peace and against racism. Like many great leaders, he paid dearly for the courage of his convictions. During the 1950s, when any stance against U.S. political policy was interpreted as an allegance to Communism, Paul Robeson found himself the target of an investigation by the House Un-American Activities Committee. He later was denied a U.S. passport and driven into virtual exile.

Many people across the country would like to correct the historical wrong done to Paul Robeson and have begun a campaign for a Paul Robeson Centennial Stamp to be issued in 1998. The Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee will not honor this request unless they receive thousands of signed letters very soon.

We need you, and those you know, to write a brief letter of support to: Dr. Virginia Noelke Chair, Citizens' Advisory Stamp Committee 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW-Room 4474 Washington, D.C. 20260-2437 Irving Kessler, Ph.D. Coordinator

Brother Steven J. Allen speaks at the 1997 General Convention about the importance of sisning petitions supportins the stamp for Brother Paul Robeson. He ursed Brothers to send the petitions to the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee in Washinston, D.C. Also pictured are General President Adrian L. Wallace and Jackson, Mississippi Mayor Brother Harvey Johnson, Jr.

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SANKOFA PROJECT PREPARES MALE YOUTH THROUGH AFRICAN-CENTERED CONCEPTS

By Brother Zollie Stevenson, Jr.

in the future. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has provided funds to the Fraternity for administration ofthe project and to partially n recognition of a need to reclaim boys and young men in our fund implementation efforts. communities and to re-emphasize our African-rooted cultural The Sankofa Project is a male-mentoring/Rites of Passage spevalues, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the W. K. Kellogg cial project ofAlpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., established through Foundation have joined forces to establish the Alpha "Sankofa the support ofthe W.K. Kellogg Foundation in 15 cities across die Project," as a special project ofthe Fraternity. Sankofa is a word United States. Lead chapters in the 15 cities include: Rho in the Akan language family spoken by the ethnic groups in Ghana, (Philadelphia); Gamma Lambda (Detroit); Delta Lambda (Baltimore); Eta Lambda (Atlanta); Sigma Lambda (New Orleans); Eta Gamma Lambda (Lafayette, LA); Alpha Epsilon Lambda (Jackson, MS); Alpha Nu Lambda (Tuskegee, AL); Xi Tau Lambda (Dallas); Gamma Chi Lambda (San Francisco); Delta Alpha Lambda (Cleveland); Beta Beta Lambda (Miami); Mu Mu Lambda (Oak Park, IL); Omicron Eta Lambda (Washington); and Pi Rho Lambda (Hollywood, CA).

The Sankofa Project provides mentoring, tutoring, social/economic/cultural enrichment, and longterm interaction with young males participating in the project. The Sankofa Project identifies boys, ages 3 to 18, to participate in project activities. Some chapters focus on a specific age group while others extend their involvement with boys across die age span.

Most ofthe young males participating in the project are from single-parent homes or are being raised by guardians such as grandparents. Though mosdy from homes with limited income, die academic abilities and performance of me boys varies widely.

Sankofa Project participants look on with excitement

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as Alpha Epsilon Lambda Chapter Secretary, Dexter Robinson prepares to move the Chapter's trolley into the Martin Luther Kins, Jr. Parade West Africa. Its meaning is to "return to the past in order to succeed in the present and go forward into the future." The word Sankofa is symbolized by a bird looking back over its shoulder, gazing at what has sustained it in die past so that it and its progeny can thrive

SERVICE AS MENTORS A N D TUTORS TO MALE YOUTH

Brothers participating in the Sankofa Project make the commitment to serve as mentors and role models to selected youth for a period of at least five years. The time commitment provides each boy the support and direction that is needed to navigate the variThe SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ ~ Fall/Winter 1997

ALPHA F O R U M ous developmental changes that they will experience as they approach manhood.

Participating chapters serve as mentors and tutors to the boys.

Mentoring includes involvement in activities, such as: fireside chats, one-on-one conversations, working on community projects, participation in the Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts, serving summer internships at Brother's worksites, and participation in collective entrepreneurial activities. Mentors maintain weekly contact with the youth or youths assigned to them.

The principles of Nguzu Saba (Umoja = unity; Kujichagulia = self-determination; Ujima = collective work and responsibility; Ujamaa = cooperative economics; Nia = purpose; Kuumba = creativity; and Imani = faith) are emphasized in mentoring relationships. These principles are the same as the names of the celebration days of Kwanza. Visits are paid to schools and talks conducted with the boys around issues that motivate them to improve their academic performance, keep them focused and avoid activity that will get them in trouble. Emphasis is placed on selfesteem building, educational preparation, and planning for the fu ture.

Tutoring is provided using group and/or individualized approaches. Group tutoring focuses on using school district texts and materials to provide academic support to the boys in general areas such as reading and mathematics. Groups range in size from five to 25 students. Individual tutoring is provided to boys requiring specific instructional support and guidance and for students with special educational needs. There is not one specific model that is used to provide tutoring, but all tutors undergo training specific to their locale and the needs of the youth that are served. Brothers follow-up with the local school to assess if the tutoring services have resulted in any performance and attitudinal improvements on the part of participating boys. Mentors undergo screening before being assigned to work with the mentoring programs. Various agencies in your community can assist with this screening process (e.g., Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, Concerned Black Men, the local police department).

ciples of Nguzu Saba often serve as a vehicle to focus the exposure to enrichment activities. For example, during the Christmas season a Kwanza celebration is held which emphasizes all of the seven principles of Nguzu Saba, including the libation ceremony. In addition, Brothers focusing on the cooperative economic principle (Ujamaa) have set up a bicycle repair service in which the boys have learned to repair bikes and manage the finances of the enterprise. In another city, Brothers and boys have established an agreement with one of the professional stadiums to serve as workers at vending stations during games. Car washes, grass cutting, etc. are examples of simple entrepreneurial activities that boys could engage in to generate funds for an activity, uniforms, T-shirts, etc. as a part of the Sankofa Project. Brothers should also expose the boys to thefinearts and museums wherever possible to provide the cultural context for our civilization. The latter could be an example of the principle of Kuumba (creativity) and/or Ujima (collective work and responsibility). Field trips to museums, colleges and universities, historic landmarks, and businesses are encouraged.

INTEGRATION OF NATIONAL PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS The National Programs and Special Projects of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. provide some quality activities and experiences from which the boys can benefit. Our National Programs (Go-to-High-

FOCUS ON SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL ENRICHMENT Brothers are encouraged to expose the youth to a Alpha Epsilon Lambda Chapter members and Sankofa Project broad range ofsocial and cultural activities during their participants from Rowan Middle School pause for p h o t o participation in the Sankofa Project. The sevenprin- after participating in the local Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade.

The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

ALPHA F O R U M School, Go-to-College, Project Alpha and A Voteless People is a Hopeless People) and our Special Projects (Boy Scouts, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Leadership Development Institute, Alpha HeadStart Male Initiative, etc.) are integrated into the implementation plan developed by each chapter for the Sankofa Project. The idea is to use Sankofa as the framework to integrate the delivery of all of die programs and projects provided by Alpha to our communities.

INVOLVEMENT OF A SIGNIFICANT MALE FAMILY MEMBER Every effort is made to include in the project a significant male family member of each of the boys participating in the project. The significant male may be the father (who may or may not be in the home), male guardian (e.g., foster father, grandfather, uncle, etc.), male friend of the family, etc. Care is taken to establish me social dynamics between me male family member, me boy and me mother to avoid any potential problems or issues.

ticularly well equipped to anchor their programmatic implementation under the umbrella of the Sankofa Project. Detailed information is available from me Project Coordinator, Brother ZoUie Stevenson, Jr., Ph.D. The following items are essential elements of Alpha's Sankofa Project for chapters contemplating implemention.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE SANKOFA PROJECT The following items are essential elements of Alpha's Sankofa Project: 1. A preliminary orientation program for mentors, with a strong emphasis on African and African-American history and cultural values, before assignment of youth.

2. A preliminary orientation program for boys and their immediate families, with emphasis on the Sankofa Project's expectations of and for the youth.

RITES OF PASSAGE Historically, our African ancestors have celebrated me passage of dieir children into more responsible roles and adulthood. We have lost this tradition, to some extent, over the past decades. The Sankofa Project incorporates a "Rites of Passage" activity into the project as a means of marking me transition mat a boy has made from his entry into the project up to me point of commencement from the project. This passage is marked by a series of activities mat test the mettle of the young males in relationship to the principles of Nguzu Saba which have been emphasized during me project. Activities marking the commencement pose no threat to the physical or mental well being of the boys.

The "Rites of Passage" models incorporate the principles of Nguzu Saba. A token of recognition is provided to each boy as a token of me Sankofa experience and as a reminder ofwhat has been learned and how the learning can be used in the future.

EXPANSION OF THE SANKOFA PROJECT Fraternity chapters across the country have expressed an interest in implementing the Sankofa Project. This interest is encouraged.

The Sankofa Project can be implemented using existing funds and resources available within chapters. Chapters implementing the National Programs and some of the Special Projects are par-

3. Mentor's agreement to maintain weekly contact with the boy assigned to him and to personally meet with him at least once every other week.

4. Strong effort to involve an older male member ofthe boy's immediate or extended family as a co-partner of the Alpha mentor.

5. Ongoing communication to the young males concerning the Sankofa Project's expectations of them and recognition and celebration of their accomplishments.

6. Mentor's and co-partner's review of report cards and also visitation with the boys' teachers during "parents' night."

7. Mentors' assistance to male youth in the areas of self-esteem building and educational planning and development as well as career planning and development for older boys.

8. Periodic focus sessions and field trips involving groups of boys and their mentors and co-partners that reinforce the goals of the Sankofa Project.

The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

ALPHA F O R U M 9. Identification of opportunities to integrate existing fraternal National Programs (Go-to-High-School, Go-toCollege, Project Alpha and A Voteless People is a Hopeless People) and Special Projects (Boy Scouts, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, HeadStart Male Partnership Initiative, Leadership Development Institute) as well as other Alpha or locally developed programs.

10. In addition to the mentoring component, establishment ofa Male-Mentoring/Rites of Passage Program (MMRP) appropriate for boys age 11 and above. Elements of the MMRP program should include education on: - Physical development through proper diet and exercise.

- Mental development by acquiring knowledge and skills useful in the survival of the African-American family.

- Consciousness development by attaining self-awareness (identity) and self-control (discipline).

- Social relationships developed based on the seven principles of Nguzu Saba. Practical application efforts should be developed in each area.

- Appropriate preliminary MMRP activities for boys under age 11.

11. Access to local community resources with expertise in both mentoring and MMRP programs for AfricanAmerican boys and young men.

12. A speedy replacement process should male youtii or mentors drop out of the Sankofa Project and documentation of the reason for the dropout.

Brother Zollie Stevenson, Jr., Ph.D., is the National Programs Directorfor Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is the Immediate Past PresidentofOmicron Eta LambdaChapter (Washington, D.C) and is the Director-q)^EducationalActivitiesfor the Eastern Region.

Brothers Tony Gaylor, Audwin Fletcher and Rickey Thigpen pose with a local Jackson, Mississippi Boy Scout troop after participating in the District Boy Scout Project Alpha workshop. T-shirts were awarded to participancts.

The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - FalUWinter 1997

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COLLEGE COLLEGE BROTHEROF THE YEAR BRINGS AWARD BACK HOME TO DELTA GAMMA CHAPTER When no one was around, we loved to practice the Alpha train."

Brother Walls said his expectations about the Fraternity were met after he enrolled at Alabama A&M University in Fall 1993 and witnessed me campus involvement of Delta Gamma Chapter Brothers.

He was anxious to join their ranks.

Since his initiation into the Fraternity in Spring 1995, Brother Walls has made his presence felt at all levels of the organization. The business education major was a 1996 recipient ofan Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation scholarship; served as a delegate to the 91st Anniversary Convention; submitted Chapter news articles to The Sphinx™ magazine; and has been a delegate to all three Southern Regional Conventions held since his initiation.

In addition to being named College Brother of the Year at the 1997 Southern Regional Convention, Brother Walls received the College Brother Award for Scholarship. He had a cumulative GPA of 397 and an impressive list of academic accomplishments.

On the District level, he received the Individual Scholastic Award from the Alabama District for two-consecutive years while maintaining a 4.0 GPA each of the years. He served as a delegate for the last two years and worked as a member of the Planning Brother Charles T. Walls Committee for the 1996 Alabama District Conference, held in Huntsville, Alabama. rother Charles T. Walls, the 1997 National "I do not want to feel like I am not being a valued contribuCollege Brother of the Year, said he left tor to the future of our beloved Fraternity," says Brother Walls. "I Thornton Township High School in Harvey, constantly ask myself how much have I done to further Alpha's cause."

Illinois, knowing that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Brother Walls has done quite abit, havingfounded and chaired w o u l d be a significant part of his future. several Delta Gamma Chapter programs. During the past year, he served as vice president and Associate Editor-to-7?x? Sphinx™ As a high school senior, Brother Walls and some of his friends for the Chapter. He previously served as Chapter Historian and started a group they called Intelligent Black Men (I.B.M.). "We Director ofEducational Activities. Brother Walls also chaired Delta viewed ourselves as Alphas on the high school level," Brother Walls Gamma programs, such as: Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, A said. "We all had good grades, were active in school and commuVoteless People Is A Hopeless People, March of Dimes, Operation nity events, were well respected by our peers, and even claimed Jump-Start, Delta Gamma Cinema, and the Miss Black & Gold black and gold as our colors.

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The SPHINX™ ~ Fall/Winter 1997

C O L L E G E DAYS In 1997, he initiated two new programs: Alpha On Self Defense and the Distinguished Student Scholarship Fund. "There was a need for a self defense course since one was not offered by the University—and the schools in Huntsville are too expensive for many of the students and citizens in the nearby community," he said. Brother Walls solicited the help of fellow students who were certified self-defense instructors. They agreed to help and the class was started.

Another area of interest for the 1997 College Brother of the Year is financial aid. Recalling his own experiences, Brother Walls said, "Myfirstyearofcollege, I had to pay for a big portion of my expenses. I did not receive a full-tuition, room and board scholarship until after I had maintained a 4.0 for two semesters. Some students cannot finish school because of financial matters."

With Brother Walls leading the way, Delta Gamma became the first student organization to establish a scholarship fund for undergraduate students at Alabama A&M. Brother Walls headed a committee which appropriated $500 peryear for students enrolled at AAMU. "Something of this magnitude was long overdue and I wanted Alpha men to set the example," he said.

In addition to the programs he initiated as a member of Delta Gamma, Brother Walls has been active with organizations, such as: the American Red Cross, the North Alabama Sickle Cell Foundation, Coalition On At-Risk Minority Males, the NAACP, Boy Scouts of America, and he is a registered Bone Marrow Donor.

He tutors at the Harris Home for Children in Huntsville, Alabama and returns to his former high school every year to mentor youth. In addition to attending summer school, Brother Walls spent his summer working with the North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence Upward Bound Program. He was a computer service instructor with the program and the only undergraduate employed as a teacher.

His academic excellence extends beyond his classrooms. In 1997, Brother Walls was one of only two students enrolled at historically black colleges and universities—and one of only 55 such students in the nation—to receive the State Farm Companies Foundation Exceptional Student Fellowship. In the same year, he was nominated by Alabama A&M University professors to be named to the USA TODAY All-USA Academic Team.

During the past year, he served as president of Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society; was the Outstanding Scholar for the School of Business; received an award for the highest GPA in Business Education; received his third President's Cup (4.0 GPA); served as second-vice president of AAMU's student chapter of the

The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

Alabama Education Association; and was named to Outstanding Young Americans for his scholastic achievements and community service.

Brother Wall's receiving of the 1997 College Brother ofthe Year award marked thefirsttime in more than 20 years that the national award has gone to a member of Delta Gamma Chapter. In addition to receiving the award, Brother Walls also had the highest GPA among Brothers from the Fraternity'sfiveregions who competed for the honor. Along with the national award, he received a Fraternity Life Membership and a $2,000 scholarshipfromthe Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation. After completing his student teaching this fall, Brother Walls said he hopes to land a high school teaching position with a school system in close proximity to a major university—that would allow him to pursue graduate studies.

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13

C O L L E G E DAYS

Kappa Alpha Chapter

1997 COLLEGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR CONTINUES LEGACY OF CAMPUS LEADERSHIP

K

appa Alpha Chapter's, already rich 22-year legacy, has grown even richer following the awarding of 1997 Outstanding College Chapter of the Year honors to Brothers there. The award was presented to Chapter members at the 91st Anniversary Convention in Washington, D.C. Brothers at Kappa Alpha, located at the University ofAlabama, chose "The Legacy" as their theme for this year's Outstanding College Chapter competition because of their numerous achievements during the Chapters relatively short existence.

The accomplishments include having won Chapter of the Year 17 times at the District level in Alabama. The Chapter also has won Chapter of the Year honors seven times at the highly com-

14

petitive Southern Regional level. They already had been named National Outstanding College Chapter of the Year three times prior to winning the award again this year.

Under the leadership of the current Chapter President Brother Warren Young and former Chapter President Brother Tobyjennings, Kappa Alpha was able to bring the award home for a fourth time.

Brother Young is a senior secondary education major with a concentration in comprehensive social sciences. Since this summer's General Convention, Brother Jennings has graduated from the university with an undergraduate degree in accounting.

Another member of this year's leadership team for Kappa Alpha was Brother Derius Daniels who served the chapter as parliamentarian and the state of Alabama as Assistant District Director.

Brother Daniels graduated in May 1997 with a degree in Business Administration from the University's College of Commerce and Business Administration.

Leadership has been a major part of Kappa Alpha's legacy.

Chapter Brothers served as organization leaders both on and off the campus during the past year.

The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

C O L L E G E DAYS Brother Daniels served as vice president ofthe campus National Pan-Hellenic Council and Brother Alton Flowers served as treasurer of the organization. Brother Flowers also was president of the African-American Leadership Alliance during the past school year.

The president's title is not something new to BrotherJennings.

He is past president of die NAACP and led the way for Brother Young to become vice president of die organization. Also, when Brother Young's term as vice president of the Inter-Fraternity Council ended in March 1997, Brother Gerald Brooks was elected unanimously as new vice president of the IFC. Brother Brooks is die current vice president of Kappa Alpha. Also in a leadership position is Brother James Mathews, a senior member of Kappa Alpha who sits on the Board of Directors for the Community Service Center.

The 28 active Brothers of Kappa Alpha Chapter are involved in most of the University's more than 250 student organizations.

Some of those organizations include the Student Recruitment Team, Student Alumni Association, African-American Association, Homecoming Committee, Corolla Yearbook Staff, Crimson White Campus Newspaper, Residential Hall Association, Circle Kand others. Brothers are required to be active with at least two organizations outside of die Fraternity.

At the Chapter's formal business meetings, members are required to give reports on their respective organizations. Kappa Alpha Brothers understand me importance of campus involvement and leadership in the development of a well-rounded and socially- aware individual.

In addition to leadership and campus involvement, Kappa Alpha members also believe that scholarship must be maintained to uphold the ideals ofAlpha Phi Alpha. From Spring 1996 to Spring 1997, the academic activities of Brothers Daniels, Jennings, Young, Brooks and David Brown were followed by an exclusive campus organization that uses scholarship as the focal point for membership. The organization, Jason's Senior Men's Honorary, selects only 35 men each school year from the more than 20,000 students on the campus. Some of those selected in the past have included: former Alabama governors, businessmen and professionals.

Another academic achievement for Kappa Alpha was the initiation of Brother Brown and Brother Derek Cunningham into to the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society.

The Chapter promotes scholarship in several ways, including sponsorship of the Fraternity's National Programs. The Goto-High School, Go-to-College program is performed at Central High School in Tuscaloosa each year. Kappa Alpha, along with the staff of die Center for Teaching and Learning, conducts a Study Skills The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

Seminar each semester for students at the University. New test-taking strategies and time-management skills are presented at die seminars.

Also Chapter Brothers are encouraged to succeed in their scholastic endeavors through the Promoting Alpha Through Our Excellence (PAT.O.E.) program. The program involves scholastic competition. A Brodier must have spelled PAT.O.E. more dian any odier Brother to win the competition. To earn letters on die PAT.O.E. board, a Brother must have scored at least an A or B on 10% of his class work. The winner of P.A.T.O.E. is rewarded for his academic excellence by Chapter sponsorship of his dues for the upcoming semester. Brother Charles James, recipient of last year's award, also served as the captain of the Chapter's Scholars Bowl teamâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which won at the District level and placed at die Southern Regional Convention in Tampa, Florida.

Other scholarship activities for the Chapter include: tutoring at the Tuscaloosa Boys and Girls Club, adopting classrooms at a local elementary school, and weekly tutoring sessions at the alternative school. Tuscaloosa Center of Technology. The Chapter service chairman, Brother Kevin Jones and die school's principal developed a project entitled, Program Future, from the weekly tutoring sessions.

Program Future participants are students from the 6th-to-8th grades who have been retained for two or more years. Each Brother is responsible for tutoring and mentoring a student. Through the joint effort of Kappa Alpha Brothers and the school's faculty and staff, a large percentage of the students were able to graduate from the alternative school and be placed in regular local high schools.

Scholarship is important in the life of Alpha Men and Kappa Alpha Brodiers believe scholarship should be stressed at early ages.

Kappa Alpha along with Epsilon Nu and Delta Phi Lambda chapters adopted Stafford Global Studies Center this past year. The adoption came about dirough the help of the Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce and the hard work of Brother Shawn Aric Haywood.

Brother Haywood was responsible for the planning and organization of the activity.

Brothers from each of the three chapters were responsible for adopting classrooms, assisting teachers, and raising money for the school PTA through spaghetti dinners, and participation in other school activities. Stafford is a magnet school, meaning students there apply for admission from diroughout the city. Since die 91st Anniversary Convention, all three chapters were recognized by die Chamber of Commerce as Adopters of the Year.

IS

C O L L E G E DAYS Kappa Alpha Brothers strongly believe that service must be rendered to our fellow man. Following are some of Kappa Alpha's service projects performed during the past school year: a canned food drive with the Community Center entided Wasted Food Day; a forum entitled Sex in the 90's; a vigil with Theta Sigma Chapter ofAlpha Kappa Alpha honoring Rev. Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; co-sponsorship of a forum with me Capstone Student Business League entitled Surviving the Financial Crunch; voter registration drives both on and off campus; a forum about the legalization of drugs in the United States; a gospel concert to raise money for the West Alabama Sickle Cell Foundation; and more than 15 other service projects in die Tuscaloosa-Birmingham area.

Socially, the Brothers of Kappa Alpha are well known and respected. Under the direction of step team coordinator Brother Cedric Sparks, the ICE DREAM step team took home the first runner-up position at me 1997 General Convention. The ICE DREAM step team has toured college campuses diroughout the Southeast.

ICE DREAM performs step teases and traditional, 10-15 minutes complex step shows throughout the year. A majority of the proceeds from the step shows benefit local charities. Step shows, parties and socials are all part of the Chapter's prestige. In the Spring of each year, the Chapter hosts its annual Alpha Week. During this time, alumni and friends of me Fraternity are invited to a week of celebration activities.

Many of the Chapter's activities are held at Kappa Alpha Chapter's home, located on the University ofAlabama's prestigious Fraternity Row. Fifteen Brothers currently reside in the eight-bedroom house. Since Kappa Alpha's inception in 1974, Brothers have had a fraternity house.

Kappa Alpha's senior advisor and area coordinator, Brother Johnny Kirk, arranges many of the Chapter's activities and Brother Stephan Bridges, another Chapter advisor, ensures that Kappa Alpha moves to new heights. Brother Bridges was named Advisor of the year during the Order of Omega Banquet this year at the North River Yacht Club. Brother Bridges left Tuscaloosa this year and now resides in Homewood, Alabama. Brother Ocie Fulford and Brother Shawn Aric Haywood are both Kappa Alpha alumni who have helped the Chapter this year. Brother Fulford is a secondyear law student and current advisor, while Brother Haywood is in his second year of a master's program in chemical engineering. The two Brothers, along with many others, help Kappa Alpha hold true to the Fraternity Motto: "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All."

16

Educational and Economic Development Forum Planned For The Bahamas

G

eneral President Adrian L. Wallace announced that the Fraternity's Educational and Economic Development Forum will be held July 30 through August 2,1998 in Nassau, the Bahamas.

Brothers, ladies and guests are encouraged to begin making plans now to attend the Forum, which will focus on training and development of the membership in areas not necessarily Fraternity related, and the economic empowerment and development of members.

Instead of looking at Chapter Administration, rituals, Membership Intake and other Fraternity-specific issues, emphasis will be on leadership skills, interpersonal skills and the kinds of things that an individual member can use in his personal and professional life, General President Wallace said.

The other aspect of the Forum is to focus on economic empowerment and development, he said. "The Fraternity has excellent programs-political development, social development and educational development. We have not perhaps placed as much emphasis on things relating to economic development and economic empowerment.

Economic empowerment of our community is the missing piece for African-Americans, said Brother Wallace. "IfAfricanAmericans are truly going to be competitive in this society, we must have economic empowerment as well as political strength," he said.

Economic enhancement and development seminars and workshops are planned for the Forum, including sessions such as: how to construct a business plan andfinancialplanning.

Under die auspices of die Fraternity's Education Foundation, plans are to have die seminars and workshops certified and accredited so those attending can receive Continuing Educational Units.

All activities will be open to registered ladies and guests.

Registration costs will be the same for everyone.

For information about advertising in the Educational and Economic Development Forum Souvenir Journal, see page 40.

The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

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She has a dream.

A Big Sister has helped her set goals and look forward to her future. Noiv 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a Bis Brother.

Alpha Phi Alpha encourages you to call your local Big Brothers/Big Sisters agency to volunteer. Help us help our children â&#x20AC;&#x201D; pass it on.

BROTHER EARL HENRY DUVAL, JR, PH.D, NAMED ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR

B

uilding a legacy for others to follow and emulate has been a steadfast principle in

Brother Earl Henry Duval, Jr.'s life. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies at Central State University in Ohio, Brother Duval was awarded

a graduate

assistantship at The

Pennsylvania State University. While attending Penn State, he served as coach of the freshman men's basketball team.

Interested in the academic success of students, he tutored athletes in the area of mathematics. In August 1971, Brother Duval received his Masters of Education degree in the area of Physical Education Administration. Loyal to making a difference in the lives of others, he returned to his Alma Mater to serve as an instructor and intramural director in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. In Fall 1973, Brother Earl returned to his New York hometown to work as the intramural director and physical education instructor at Bronx Community College of B r o t h e r Earl H. D u v a l , Jr. the City University of New York. His tenure at the college was three Intercollegiate Athletic Association and its Influence on the years.

Development of Black Intercollegiate Athletics: 1912-1984." Its Giving back has always been a primary goal in Brother Earl distinction as being thefirstAfrican-American sports Duval's life. Over time, he came to a recognition that research to identify socio-historical events, which deGiving back he could help more, and do more, if he returned to veloped higher education—black higher education— school not as the leader of the classroom experience, has always and intercollegiate athletics made this analysis an but as an active participant. As a graduate assistant at been a outstanding forerunner in African-American sports hisKent State in Ohio, Brother Duval began his doctortory. primary goal al study in 1976 in the area of History and Philosophy Dr. Duval's professional career as an educator of Physical Education and Sports. In 1985, he was conin Brother spans over 25 years. With each position, he has risen ferred the terminal degree, Doctor of Philosophy. His Earl Duval's to the challenge of high moral character and integridissertation drew great attention, being thefirstof ty while inculcating in his students a desire for life long its kind, "A Historical Analysis of the Central The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

RENOWNED AOA learning. As the director of the aquatics program at Howard University, 1979-1984, he spearheaded a unique program that trained the most distinguished group of Red Cross certifying instructors in die tri-state area of Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.

In addition to his activities in die aquatics program, Brodier Duval also taught die martial art of judo and several other physical education courses while serving also as an instructor/lecturer.

Because of his noteworthy work, he was offered the position of Athletic Director and Chairperson in the Physical Education Department at Florida Memorial College, Miami, Florida. He successfully implemented his programs and management procedures there in intercollegiate athletics and physical education. In 1990, he was appointed to the position of Chairperson for the Division of Education and Humanities. His duties included supervision of 18 faculty members and several support staff personnel. Inclusive of the programs in teacher education, modern languages, religion and music, he also had the responsibility of the college Teacher Certification program.

Currently, Brother Duval is the Academic Manager for the Miami Job Corps and supervises a staff of more than 15. He sees this as another opportunity to raise the level of performance of each person he comes in contact with.

His continuous pursuit of challenges and in making changes in the lives of others is not limited to his professional career. His training and expertise have influenced significant changes within die Fraternity—specifically the Beta Beta Lambda chapter. While chapter president of Beta Beta Lambda, in Miami, Florida, Brother Duval established die chapter's Education Foundation as well as helped qualify the chapter for 501c3 status. Currently, serving as the Foundation's

Florida. The ultimate plan is to have Boy Scout Troop 1906 throughout the country sponsored by Fraternity chapters.

Brother Duval has always remained loyal to die principles of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was inducted into the Sphinx Club in 1965 at Delta Xi Chapter, Central State University, and initiated the followingyear at Eta Chapter, Columbia University. He held the office of Dean of Pledges from 1967-1968. As a graduate Brother, he continued to work with the undergraduates as a chapter advisor at Delta Psi, Florida Memorial College (1986-89); Beta Chapter, HowardUniversity(1979-1983), Epsilon Delta Chapter, Kent State University (1976-1979); Delta Xi Chapter, Central State University (1973-1976); and GammaNu, Pennsylvania State University (19691971). Demonstrating leadership within the chapters he has affiliated widi over the years, Brother Duval has served in die elected positions of president, vice president, and dean of pledges. On the national, regional and district levels, Brother Earl has held various committee positions spanning a period often years.

Dr. Duval's professional

Building from this legacy, Brother Duval is career as an educator a well rounded Alpha Man. He is married to Evelyn Santiago Duval, a registered nurse with the spans over 25 years.

Veterans Administration. Brother Duval has two With each position, he daughters, Janet and Meisha. Meisha currently is a junior at Purdue University on a track scholhas risen to the arship. Brother Duval is the oldest of four brothchallenge of high moral ers. character and integrity Recognizing his contributions to society while inculcating in his through his professional and personal life, Brother Duval was honored by being inducted students a desire for into the Central State University Donald K. life long learning Anthony Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame in 1995.

When asked why it is important for him to Executive Director, he founded the Alpha/Dade Youth Sports serve mankind, through manly deeds and scholarship, Brother Program. The program was established to benefit inner city youth, Earl's reply is simply that "people are remembered for a number ages 10 to 16. It incorporates team sports into personal enrichment of things—the money they give, yet if there is no monument in their activities and life skills. The program functions under the aushonor they are forgotten; some are remembered for the speechpices of Beta Beta Lambda Chapter's Education Foundation. Also, es they make, yet if there is no record of the speech it is forgotthe program is well acclaimed by parents and other youth orgaten; and there are some, like me, who want to be remembered nizations of Dade County. by touching lives. Because a life that lives on is never forgotten. It is a monument within itself and is a living record. For if I live by A man for all seasons, Brother Duval initiated sponsorship the principles of Alpha Phi Alpha I have made contributions that of a Boy Scout Troop as one of the chapter's projects. Troop 1906's name was coined by Brother Duval. Although Troop 1906 has only will last a lifetime." Bromer Duval's motto learned from many years of fraternal involvement breaks down into a common phrase: "You been functioning for two years, it has grown to include over 25 boys. Their travels include weekend camp-outs as far as Inverness, Can't Do Much By Yourself."

The SPHINX™ ~ Fall/Winter 1997

BETA LAMBDA CONTINUES ITS WINNING WAYS WITH FIFTH NATIONAL ALUMNI CHAPTER AWARD

By Brother Terence M. Goree

B

eta Lambda Chapter in Kansas City, Missouri—named Alumni Chapter of the Year at the 91st Anniversary Convention in Washington, D.C.—in the tradition ofAlpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, strives to supply leadership, voice and vision to die community.

Founded injanuary 1919, Beta Lambda is the Fraternity's first Chapter established west of the Mississippi River and die organization's second-oldest Alumni Chapter.

Beta Lambda's legacy of service to the Fraternity began in 1920 when it became the first Alumni Chapter to host the Fraternity's General Convention. Since men, die Chapter has hosted me 1940, 1950 and 1988 General Conventions. Beta Lambda also has hosted me I960 and 1975 Midwestern Regional Conventions.

This year's National Alumni Chapter of the Year award is the second for Beta Lambda. The Chapter also received the award in 1964 at me St. Louis General Convention.

Beta Lambda also is holder of the McGee Memorial Cup. Established in 1930, the McGee Cup was awarded each year to the Outstanding Graduate Chapter of the Fraternity during the Awards Banquet at National Conventions. The award was retired in 1947 after Beta Lambda Chapter won for three consecutive years-1945,1946 and 1947.

Beta Lambda has been active, with members serving as role models and the Chapter awarding scholarships and donating to worthy civic causes. The Chapter has established die Beta Lambda Educational Foundation to carry out its philanthropic and charitable interests. Beta Lambda's programs include: • Education/Scholarship: the Go-to-High, School-Go-to-College national program, initiated in 1929 to counsel youth on the importance of a post-secondary education. Beta Lambda's Educational Foundation and the Beta Lambda Chapter provide a vigorous scholarship program by awarding four $ 1,000 scholarships annually. In addition, a $ 1,000 scholarship is given

The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

•

•

•

•

•

•

annually to a deserving Fine Arts student. The award has been named, die Beltron L. Orme Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship, in honor of me late Brother Beltron L. Orme. Book scholarships also are awarded annually.

Scouting: Scouting, Alpha Phi Alpha and Beta Lambda are a natural alliance. Beta Lambda has established Buffalo Pack #78, honoring the Buffalo Soldiers. The program helps develop future leaders for our community.

Spring College Tour, during die past year, 43 high school students participated in a 3,000 mile tour of 14 Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Among the schools toured were: Meharry Medical College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Fisk University, Morehouse University, Morris Brown College, Talladega College, Alabama A&M University, Lane College, Tennessee State University, Knoxville College, Spelman, ClarkAtlanta University, Tuskegee University, Oakwood College and Lincoln University (Missouri).

Voter Registration: the slogan 'A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People," initiated by die Fraternity in the 1930s, continues as die battie cry for Beta Lambda's ongoing voter registration drives. Over 1,500 people were registered to vote by die Chapter during the past year.

ProjectAlpha: Beta Lambda has actively participated in Project Alpha which explores die problems of teen pregnancy from the male perspective. The unique educational program helps young men learn about their role in preventing untimely pregnancies. The Chapter's programs are conducted with school, church and odieryoudi groups.

YouthDiversion: members ofBeta Lambda Chapter offer themselves as role models to "At-Risk" groups. We provide oneon-one mentoring as well as workshops on family values, self esteem and scholarship/academic achievement. For the past diree years, students from the Hilltop Co-Educational Treatment Center have participated in the program.

Hand to Hand Food &ClothingDrive: this is an effort by mem-

RENOWNED AOA

•

bers of Beta Lambda Chapter to collect food and clothing, and raise awareness of poverty in the community. This year, over 500 articles of clothing, many of diem coats, and more tJian one-half ton of food were donated through the program.

Chapter Awards: each year, Beta Lambda Chapter recognizes Outstanding Achievers, from both the Chapter and the outside community. The recognition is held at the Chapter's Annual Awards Program. Award categories include; Outstanding Educator of the Year, Outstanding Woman of me Year, Outstanding Business Person ofdie Year, Outstanding College Brother of the Year and Beta Lambda's Chapter Man of the Year.

Proceeds from its fund-raisers support the Chapter's and Foundation's many programs. The annual fund-raisers include: a New Year's Eve affair, an "Oldies But Goodies" dance, and the Celebrity Golf Tournament. In addition to its ongoing programs,

Beta Lambda frequently joins with other non-profit groups to implement special projects. The Chapter's current active membership totals 79 Brothers, including 50 Life Members. Beta Lambda's current officers are: Brothers Dr. Hargest Shumate, president; Thomas Lowe, vice president; Donald Roberson, corresponding secretary; Herbert Thompson, financial secretary; Ivan Smith, recording secretary and Samuel McMormick, treasurer.

Beta Lambda's journey has covered many miles since 1919.

The Chapter is prepared to face the challenges which lie ahead— with continued participation in the Fraternity's national, state and local programs—guided by the Fraternity's Motto: "FIRST OF ALL, SERVANTS OF ALL, WE SHALL TRANSCEND ALL."

Brother Terence M. Goree is a member of Beta Lambda Chapter. He was initiatedin 1979 at Beta Sigma Chapter, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Beta Lambda Chapter 22

The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

VISION:

2000

STATE OF T H E F R A T E R N I T Y A D D R E S S

ership, and remaining true to the principles membership. The response times for corthat we hold so dear. respondence and returning of phone calls are often too long, and unacceptable.

Salutations Problem resolution, of membership or To our illustrious Past General Chapter issues can be frustrating at best. The Presidents, to the distinguished members two departments most acutely impacted are of the Board of Directors, to our treasured se- the Communications and Membership denior Alphas, to our newest neophytes, to the partments. Nevertheless, in spite of a shortmen of the black and old gold, I bid you fra- age of personnel and resources, we have ternal felicitations and tidings of Brotherly produced a variety of publications and inilove. May good will continue to rule uncon- tiatives. tested as the absolute monarch of this house.

Benchmarking has been done with Good morning, my Brothers. The last Johns Hopkins University on application seven mondis were marked with swift tran- processing so that we can learn and glean sitions. After the retirement of Brother Darryl new ideas of how to better process our adAdrian L. Wallace Matthews, who made it all look so easy, mittances . A time-work study and cost analyGeneral President Brother Ralph Johnson quickly stepped in sis have been performed on the Editor's Note: Thefollowing address was and ably guided our Corporate Headquarters administrative portion of the Membership delivered by General President Adrian L. as Interim Executive Director. Alpha is never Intake processing. Each segment was anaWallace at the91stAnniversary Conventionat a loss for capable leadership. And in March lyzed for, among other things, the time inof Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., of this year, Brother Hebrew Dixon, III, as- volved and associated cost of each function, Washington, B.C. (Editedfor publication).sumed command of our Corporate such as: the handling of each piece of paper, Headquarters and has proven himself a telephone calls, etc. The entire administraquick-study wiuh fresh approaches. tive portion wasflow-chartedand the results his is a very special and humbling exof the study were most revealing. We now perience that you have afforded me are able to effectively cut processing time by The Corporate Headquarters the privilege, and it is a privilege and Our General Office, often the convenient approximately one week. Each of these sava very distinct honor, to serve as your General whipping boy and alleged source of all our ings, and even with the savings, we have President. I want to say, just briefly, before ills, can only be as strong and as capable, as learned that the $ 100 administrative fee we I get into the text of my State of the Fraternity modern and as efficient, as we the member- charge to process membership applications Address, mat I appreciate so much the calls ship, are prepared to make it. The Corporate just barely covers our cost. We are going to and the letters that I have received from many Headquarters organizational chart—and it is continue to do those kinds of quality imof you on the issues that are of concern to in the Executive Director's Report—details provements to learn more about our operyou. Because ifthey are of concern to you, 21 positions that have been carefully studied ations so we can operate more efficiently and they also are of concern to me. And your and that are needed for an effective and ef- more effectively. voice, although it may be one, is often times ficient operation. We have operated for years We now have in place a disaster recovrepresentative of many others who feel sim- with less than 15 staff people in the ery plan—which in the event of a catastroilarly. One thing that I have always tried to Headquarters. Currently, only 12 of the re- phe that results in inaccessibility to our do in my endeavors and service to mis great quired 21 positions arefilled—andthree of Headquarters, or if our data becomes seFraternity is to do what is in the best inter- uhose are filled with temporary employees. verely compromised—Alpha Phi Alpha's est of Alpha Phi Alpha—not a particular Clearly and candidly, we recognize there is Corporate Headquarters will continue to Chapter, not a particular Region, or any par- considerable, considerable room for im- provide services. Our interactive software alticular ideology other than service and lead- provement in services rendered to you, the ready is developed and aspirants, as part of

T

The SPHINX™ - FalUWinter 1997

2}

STATE OF T H E F R A T E R N I T Y A D D R E S S their material package, receive a diskette or CD which contains all of our history. We now have a fully-functional home page on the Internet. Now when you dial in, there is something there. Some of these features include on-line registration for the General Convention and the capability of Brothers to locate other Brothers via the Internet. We encourage you to visit our on-site multimedia room here at this convention to experience first-hand our home page and our interactive courseware. In the near future, we expect to be able to purchase goods online from our Alpha Shop, to update your addresses on-line, to pay your Grand tax and Chapter tax on-line. Thatis coming. Ourfiscal officers have electronic access to our database in the General Office, and in addition to what was previously available, we now also have the capability to actually process financial remittances, that is, checks, etc., thus eliminating the need to Federal Express packages all over the country for signatures.

We have produced new issues of The Sphinx™ magazine. There is a new issue now prepared for release. That makes two issues in the last seven months. There also is a new edition of the classic, out-of-print Henry Arthur Callis: Life and Legacy. If you have not read this book which has been out of print for some 20 years, you willfinda wealth of information and history about this Fraternity. It is on sale at your Alpha Shop.

Go buy it. Visit the Alpha Shop.

The Alpha Spirit, highlighting this Convention, has been issued and is out and available to you. We have completely revised the Risk Management process, including the test. Those 20-odd questions that had nothing to do with our current process have been eliminated. We revised it and updated it. It will be available to you here at this Convention. We have the newly revised Chapter Administration Guide that has all the basic information you need as a Chapter official or officer. It has forms that you can 24

copy, information is in it about almost everything that you need to know, including: basic Chapter operations, communications and publications, your required Chapter officers and their responsibilities, reactivation forms and Chapter Directory forms.

I want to showyou this because some of you obviously don't know what this is. This Chapter Directory form is what you are supposed tofillout to let us know where your Chapter is—even if you have not physically moved your address. I was telling the Regional Vice Presidents, just look at the Executive Director's Report and there is a complete statistical analysis of the status of our membership and it is appalling. It is simply appalling. We only have one region that has more than 50 percent of its members and its Chapters in good standing. That is patently unacceptable. Part of it is because some 30 percent of them have not filed a Chapter Directory. And yet, we will hear again that they do not get communications. Well, if we do not know where you are, how can we communicate with you? We know where you are supposed to be, but Brothers, please help us serve you by doing the basic things that are required. Pickup this Chapter Administration Guide. It is three-hole punched so you can put it in a binder. The pages are perforated so that when we have updates you can just tear one page out and put another in the binder. A new Membership Handbook also has been produced. Not a Membership Intake handbook, but a Membership Handbook, that contains basic information— the old songs that we used to sing, the poems, and basic information that any Alpha man ought to be familiar with. All of the above are available here and now at this General Convention. And all of that has been done in just seven months. Now, just imagine what we could do if we had a full staff.

ly impacted by two things. One, insufficient funds to hire a full complement of staff, and two, inadequate compensation levels to attract the skill sets that we need to serve you.

If we only pay low-end wages, then we will receive low-end services. Brothers, it is no different than on your job. If you hire minimum- wage people, you will get minimumwage service. You are not going to attract the best and the brightest by paying that kind of money. We had a young lady just yesterday—hired, been on the job about a month, came here and started dealing with us and said: "Oh no, you all don't pay me enough money for this." Quit. She said, "No, no, no.

This is a lot more than what I was contracted to do!" So she left. And there is another one gone.

Brothers, we will continue to do the very best that we can with what we have. But give us the resources. Give us the resources we need to give you the services that you deserve. Thefiscalofficers have conducted an extensive analysis of ourfiscalhealth and it is not a pretty picture. And they are going to come before you later and give you some information and some details on that. And as you no doubt know by now, there are several proposed amendments to the Constitution that deal with raising fees. Let me assure you that one of the last things I wanted to do at myfirstGeneral Convention was to come before you and ask you for fee increases. That is not the way I wanted to start this thing off. But the reality is that I must tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. And I would be derelict in my duty if I did not tell you that with the advent of Biennial General Conventions—which means we lose significant revenue in the off year— and with the advent of having to defend ourselves against legal actions—even when we win—it costs money to defend ourselves.

Budget Concerns We have spent between $30,000 and General Office operations are negative- $40,000 already this year, which is over and The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

STATE OF T H E F R A T E R N I T Y A D D R E S above what we budgeted and more than we spent all last year defending ourselves and responding to things. In spite ofwhat we do, and what we say, and what we preach, and what we cry about, Brothers are still out there doing things that put us at risk. So it costs money. We understand that. It costs money.

1 instructed the fiscal officers to not just present numbers. Bring some rationale. Bring some documentation. Cost out these things.

How much does it cost to service a Life Member? How much do we lose to our bottom line and overhead by Brothers who are Life Members? How much does it cost to operate our office? And they have spent many hours—I know they were in Baltimore about two weeks ago because I called up there at 2 o'clock in the morning and they were still there and I was wondering what was going on. And it was 5 o'clock before they left. So what I'm saying to you is listen very carefully to what is going to be presented because a tremendous amount ofwork and thought has gone into it. And if you disagree with it, that isfine.But I want you to hear and understand where we are.

Training and Development Training and development—our Preamble to the Constitution in part reads: "To aid in and insist upon the personal progress of its members." And I pose the question, how can we aid or insist if we do not provide training and development opportunities? Therefore, I have inaugurated and appointed a Training and Development Committee, headed by Brother Philip Jackson of New Jersey. Their objectives are to produce a well-trained membership in fraternal, personal and professional areas; to codify our training, where appropriate, in manuals, booklets and written or electronic media; and assist in staff development, for we understand that learning is a life-long process. TheJewels understood that ifAlpha Phi Alpha was to be all that it could, then each The SPHINX1" - Fall/Winter 1997

member must be all that he can be. These seminars and workshops will change of necessity from Convention to Convention.

Some ofthe ones that are being offered at this convention includefinancial,tax and estate planning; leadership training; life skills management; corporate grooming; and dress for success. And as I look out on the audience, there are a few of us that need to pay particular attention to that. We are trying to bring things to the Convention that do not necessarily deal just with Fraternity training. When you come to a General Convention, you should be able to take away value-added service that is not necessarily and exclusively about Alpha Phi Alpha. You should be able to take away something that you can use in your personal life, in your professional life, to make you a well-rounded individual. Because part of our fraternal mission is to aid and assist downtrodden humanity. Well, how can we aid and assist anybody if we are not fully trained? We have made a concerted effort through some of the publications I have mentioned and others, to codify, document and give you material that you can take back and actually use. Over the years, we have gradually become an oral Fraternity. We stopped writing things down. We just assumed everybody knewwhat they needed to know. So we are making a concerted effort to give you materials and documents that you can have and refer to. As you know, when you leave the Convention and go back home, all sorts of messages go out and they are not always consistent with what has happened here, so you need this kind of information.

The Intake Process With Brother John Carter as facilitator, a working group of between 12 and 14 Alumni and College Brothers assembled in Atlanta, Georgia on May 27th and May 28th to brainstorm and implement solutions to problems in our current Membership Intake process. The group was given two parame-

ters. First, do not reinvent the process. We have a process. So do not reinvent the process. Secondly, make no changes which would materially increase our legal exposure. This group consisted of four Assistant Regional Vice Presidents, both the present and incoming General Councils, three members of the Corporate Staff, a newly initiated Brother and several seasoned Brothers.

Based on feedback from Regional Conventions, Regional and District officers, and individual Brothers concerning problems in executing the process, we have what we now believe is a second-generation process.

We have not retreated, but rather have moved forward with the next logical steps, based on lessons learned. Some of the changes are: two of the three letters of recommendation must now come from members of the Chapter to which an individual is applying. The significance—I want you to hear me clearly on this because I know this is going to be picked up wrong—the significance of the mystery of the Sphinx is included. No, we do not have a Sphinx Pledge Club; there are no Sphinxmen; but we are recapturing the mystery and the essence of what the Sphinx is about. There is a greater emphasis on Chapter history. Changes were made to the brochure and application to provide easier processing. And more information is being given to the Brothers and the aspirants. A standardized Intake Manual has been created containing all procedures, tests, and letters needed to implement the process. We have provided you with the resources that you need to be able to execute the program. So we have not retreated. We have simply enhanced the process, using information we have learned through previous implementation of the program. As we go through this generation, we will learn more. This is the same concept we will use with every program and process we have.

It is used throughout corporate America—

STATE OF T H E F R A T E R N I T Y A D D R E S S continuous quality improvement. That is port, guide and nurture them. what it is. And that is what we are simply trying to accomplish.

Martin Luther Kins, Jr. National Brothers, we cannot retreat because Memorial Project Alphas never take a backwards step. In reNehemiah 4:6 says, "So we built the wall, turning to this mythical old school we sound and all me wall was joined together, the half the death keel of mis Fraternity. I say to you thereof, for the people had a mind to work." that if me old pledge program and process- In October 1996, Congress passed a Martin es were so good, askyourself two questions: Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bill. OnNovember how many of your line Brothers are finan- 12,1996, President William Jefferson Clinton ciallyactive? HowmanyofthosebigBrothers signed the bill into law. Passage of this comthat gave you so much hell—that you talk memorative act specifically gives Alpha Phi about now—how many of them are active? Alpha Fraternity, Inc. the exclusive right to Following this session, there will be a full pre- solicit funds to erect a memorial honoring sentation on the Membership Intake process Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Let's pause for just because we want you to understand what a moment and give special recognition to it is. We have a process. We have not changed three Brothers who were the driving force the process. We have tried to learn from it, behind mis legislation, who persevered for improve it and make it executable. over 12 years, Brothers George Sealey, Alfred My dear College Brothers, the life blood Bailey and Oscar Little. Are they here? We will of this Fraternity lies with our College see them again later in this convention.

Brothers. College Brothers, you often challenge our conventional thinking. College Brothers, without you this Fraternity would be diminished. College Brothers, one day you will lead this Fraternity. And yet my Brothers assembled, howwilltheyknowunless we teach them? How can they lead unless we train them? As you will see, College Brothers are intricately involved in the workings of this Convention. The chairman of College Brothers Affairs, Brother Barton Taylor, is a College Brother. The oratorical contest now is a public event. It displays the oratorical skills of our talented College Brothers. To offset some of the expenses involved in attending a General Convention, we are providing free lodging to six College Brothers to work during the General Convention as administrative staff support.

And for the first time, a summer internship has been established in the General Office and Brother Elvin Dowling is serving in that capacity as our summer intern in the Headquarters. Just as we are quick to castigate them, we must be equally quick to sup26

Brothers, the enormity and scope of this project staggers the mind. If ever there was a project tailor-made for Alpha, this is it. No one else could or would dare to seek such a mammoth undertaking. The responsibility of giving just tribute and due recognition to a man who transcends all boundaries of race, politics and nationality; a man whose life and legacy have placed him in the company ofAbraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther of the Protestant Reformation, and many others; a man who belongs to the ages. Therefore, this must be a memorial for the ages. On tomorrow you will hear a report from the Martin Luther King Memorial Project team chaired by Brother John Carter. The legislation is passed. It is now law. Nowwe move to erect the project.

around the country were assembled, each having specific talents, professional backgrounds and resources that make them invaluable to the project. Others will be added as necessary. As we move forward, individuals from a variety of walks of life and races will become involved. At the first meeting of the MLK project team in March in Washington, D.C., I gave the team a formal charge which in part reads: 'Alpha Phi Alpha has a unique opportunity and an awesome responsibility to build a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—a memorial of more than just mere mortar and stone. We are given an opportunity to build a testament to the life and dream of our fraternal Bromer, a cosmopolite, a citizen of the world. This memorial must befit a man of Dr. King's stature. It must rival the splendors of the grandest memorials, yet find its elegance in simplicity. Our memorial must capture his deep and abiding compassion but reveal his inner strength. Our memorial must reflect Brother King's color blind love for humanity. My Brothers, this work we do is not only a good thing, but it is also the right thing. Our work shall be representative and inclusive of the world community. We will seek to involve persons from all walks of life, irrespective oftheir race, color, creed, gender or national origin. Thefinalproduct must give the viewer a sense of command of his life, his love for all mankind, and his belief that one day his dream would become a reality. Our task is daunting. We are elevated to a new level of visibility and public scrutiny. Our every action [break in tape] Icharge the committee on three points: One, accept or set no limits. Two, think creatively. Three, failure is not an option.

As previously announced, Brother Andrew Young has agreed to serve as Chairman of Fundraising. Bromer Young accepted. But he told us to admonish the Brothers, and I quote, "Don't leave me out there alone." A core group of Brothers from

We have taken special care to keep the King family completely informed of our plans, progress and intentions. I am very pleased to announce that the King family has stated clearly and unequivocally that they are in full support of this project, and we have The SPHINX™ ~ Fall/Winter 1997

STATE OF T H E F R A T E R N I T Y A D D R E S S written confirmation of this from diem. On Tuesday, when Project ManagerJohn Carter met with one of the many agencies we had to deal with, the King family CEO, the nephew of Martin Luther King, flew at the family's own expense to attend that session and to let the agencies know that the King family is in support of this project.

My Brothers, I know full well that there are many among you that have already expressed doubt about the potential cost and our ability to raise die necessary capital. I understand very clearly that the spirit of C.C. Poindexter is alive and well in Alpha Phi Alpha. Poindexter and his progeny are easily identifiable. They are the ones who tell you all of die reasons why someming will not work. They will tell you we have never raised that much money before. Is he cra2y? And they will say the Brothers will not contribute to that. What they are really saying is that they are not going to contribute to it. They will point to the experiences with the Million Dollar Fund drive and the Headquarters Building Campaign, and let me tell you, Poindexter and his offspring are in your Chapter and I have got several in my Chapter.

Sometimestfieyhold positions of leadership.

Sometimes they even sit on the Board of Directors. Where would Alpha Phi Alpha be today if the Jewels had listened to C.C. Poindexter? Every member of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project team believes we can do this. I know they believe it because I told them. And if they do not believe it, I also told them that I would replace them with somebody who does. Ifwe do not believe we can accomplish this, then let us admit that C.C. Poindexter was right. That we are not ready. If we do not have the strength of will to do this, then let us stop posturing about how great we are. Ifwe cannot totally and unreservedly support this project, then my God, what will we support?

Ifwe are unwilling, then let us acknowledge

The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

that we are pretenders to the throne and abdicate our position to its rightful owners. If we will not do this, dien let us sing the Hymn and go home. Let us adjourn die meeting, retire to the lounge and talk about how great we used to be.

Mediocrity is insidious. It does not come upon you suddenly, but rather gradually.

Little by little, we become accepting of pretty good, nearlygood or simply good enough.

Mediocrity encourages us to live widiin well defined boundaries and not push our limits.

Mediocrity reminds us of our past mistakes and failures and says why try. Mediocrity makes us feel satisfied with our successes.

Mediocrity is antithetical to excellence.

Mediocrity is incongruent with transcending all. Mediocrity has no place in Alpha Phi Alpha.

The project team has developed a comprehensive work plan and is in ongoing dialogue with the various governmental agencies which are involved in projects of this nature. We are seeking approval for Area One, which comprises among other things: the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, die Reflecting Pond—that whole area. Once we are approved for area one, then likely sites will be identified. Our architects have told us repeatedly that only after a site is determined—and we see die location and how much real estate we're talking about, and the surroundings and environmental impact studies and all that—only then can a design cost be estimated. I am confident that we will secure approval for Area One. I am equally confident that we will secure a prime location in Area One. Brothers, this is exclusive and expensive real estate. They will not let us put a $5 million memorial in that neighborhood. It simply is not going to happen. Many ofyou hear diat die World War II Memorial—which is pegged at some $ 100 million—that the design was rejected. There are several agencies we must interact with

in this process. If any of diem puts diumbs down, we go back to the drawing board.

Experience has taught us that the longer it takes to raise funds, die morerisingcosts and inflation proportionately increase the project costs. This is one of those immutable laws of the universe, I suppose.

Expectations for die memorial are extremely high. Dr. King was not just anyone, but our Brother whose name we lift up at every opportunity. Dr. King symbolizes so many great and inspirational things to so many people. Mrs. King and the King family are placing their trust and faith in Alpha Phi Alpha, in you and in me, to erect a memorial that will symbolize the man, the mission and the message. We must listen beyond hearing. We must see beyond sight. We must believe beyond knowing. In 1852, Victor Hugo wrote, and I quote: "An invasion of armies can be resisted but not an idea whose time has come." I firmly believe in divine providence. The divine appointment of certaintilingsto certain people at certain times.

And I believe that Alpha Phi Alpha was chosen to build a memorial which people from around the globe will flock to visit. The memorial must reflect die man, die mission, and die message. I know that I am askingyou to do that which you have never done. I know that it will not be easy. If it were easy some one else would be doing it and it is precisely for those reasons that Alpha Phi Alpha must and will succeed. The House of Alpha is called into action. The House of Alpha is given a charge. The House of Alpha eagerly accepts this charge. And upon this House we will build a memorial and so we build the wall. And the wall was joined together unto the half thereof. For the people and the Brothers had a mind to work.

Thank you.

27

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VISION: THE 91ST A N N I V E R S A R Y

2000 CONVENTION

1997 GENERAL CONVENTION DRAWS RECORD NUMBER

A

lpha Phi Alpha's 91st Anniversary Convention drew a record number of Brothers to the Sheraton Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C. this summer, makingdie 1997 General Convention the Fraternity's largest documented convention to date.

The General Convention, held July 31 through August 4,1997, kicked-off official fundraising for the Fraternity's Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project to establish a shrine in Washington, D.C. to Brother Dr. King.

United States Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa Brother James A. Joseph, California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, New Orleans Mayor Marc H.MorialJackson, Mississippi Mayor Brother Harvey Johnson, Jr. and U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman suspended her labor negotiations just long enough to appear at the Alpha Academic AllStar Tournament. Dr. Dorothy I. Height, president of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. also was in attendance.

Brother Dr. Joseph Samuel Ratliff served as the messenger for die Fraternity's Ecumenical Worship Service while Pulitzer Prizewinning jazz musician Wynton Marsalis appeared at the Fraternity's Public Program to receive the Alpha Award of Honor.

Former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Youns receives the Alpha Award of Merit from Brother Wallace The 1997 Convention also addressed issues involving: AfricanAmerican partnerships with African countries, African-American and African political and economic empowerment, homelessness, drugs, violence and gang warfare.

Some of the noted speakers invited to address the topics included: former United Nations Ambassador Brother Andrew Young, The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

Speakers and Prosrams Brother Cole (second from left) is consratulated

by Brother Teamer after receivins the Alpha Award of Merit.

29

VISION: 2000 Brother Warren M. Thompson, president and chairman of Thompson Hospitality, L.P., served as the keynote speaker for the Fraternity's Business and Economic Development Breakfast.

Representing the country's second largest minority-owned franchise, Brother Thompson urged Brothers not to overlook business opportunities in the private sector.

The Saturday morning address by Brother Thompson was followed by newly-electedJackson, Mississippi Mayor HarveyJohnson, Jr.'s address at the College Brothers Luncheon. The theme for the College Brothers Luncheon was appropriately entitled, "From the College Campus to Corporate America: Building the Bridge of Economic Development." The luncheon featured an Economic Development Roundtable Discussion led by three College Brothers.

Special music for the luncheon was provided by St. John's C.O.G.I.C. Gospel Choir.

Brother William Decker Clarke's inspirational address at the Life Membership Breakfast energized Brothers to continue their roles of leadership in the Fraternity, community and nation.

New Orleans, Louisiana Mayor Brother Marc H. Morial returned to the 91st Anniversary Convention this year as the keynote speaker for the Fraternal Luncheon. Brother Morial has previously attended the General Convention as a feature speaker at the Fraternity's Public Policy Forum. Brother Mortal's message proved to be a favorite with both College and Alumni Brothers.

The 91st Anniversary Convention also featured a series ofworkshops and seminars designed to help Brothers in their personal and professional development. Perhaps the most popular of the seminars and workshops were those dealing with the Fraternity's national programs and special projects. National Programs Committee Chairman Brother RonaldJ. Peters, Special Projects Committee Chairman Brother Richard D. Smith, Jr., M.D., Project Alpha Coordinator Brotherjohn L. Colbert and National Programs Director Brother Dr. Zollie Stevenson, Jr. facilitated and presented at two workshops during the General Convention.

Ecumenical Worship Service Brother Dr. Joseph Samuel Ratliff, pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, delivered a sermon entided "Unfinished Business'' at the Fraternity's Sunday morning Ecumenical Worship Service. The Associate Convention Chaplain reminded Brothers that of life's many demands, there were some things that would remain unfinished. Brother Ratliff's preaching power left little wonder why his church grewfroma 500-member congregation to its current more than 9,000-member status. Brother Ratliff serves as the Moderator of the Union Baptist Association in Houston—a 30

Brother Wallace presents award to Public Program featured speaker Ambassador Brother Joseph

250,000-member group represented by 500 churches and missions in Harris County, Texas. He was the first African-American pastor to lead the nation's largest urban Southern Baptist body.

The Alpha Chorus, under the musical direction of Brother Ronald Johnson and organist/accompanist Brother David Oliver, provided music for the Ecumenical Worship Service. The Alpha Chorus performed renditions o^Sheep May Safely Graze" "SoonAh Will Be Done," and "Ain't-A That GoodNews" during the service.

Public Program U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa James A. Joseph served as keynote speaker for Sunday's Public Program. Brother Joseph told those at the Public Program, "It is time for us to purge our minds of the stereotypes and biases that we have been fed about Africa."

He told listeners that a new partnership with Africa will be of mutual benefit and urged that we expand the constituency for Africa and begin to make the case for increased engagement with the continent. Former U.S. Ambassador to Botswana Brother Horace G. Dawson, Jr. introduced Brother Joseph at the Public Program.

The Ambassador to South Africa and former Ambassador to Botswana were joined at the Public Program by former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Brother Andrew Young who received the Alpha Award of Merit. Brother Young—named Chairman of the Capital Fundraising Committee for the Fraternity's The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

VISION: 2000 Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project—echoed Brother Joseph's call for a strengthened partnership with Africa, saying we must "Build Bridges to Africa."

Also present to receive the Alpha Award of Merit was 21st General President ofAlpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Brother Dr. Thomas Winston Cole, Sr. California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, was present to receive the Alpha Award of Honor—the highest award given to a non-member of the Fraternity. Congresswoman Waters spoke about her work to un-

Salutations from representatives of National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations were led by NPHC President Daisy D. Wood.

Greetings were brought by Peter Adams, president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; Dr. Barbara Carpenter, Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority; John Slade, co-founder of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity; Wilma Holmes-Tottle, a Regional Director ofAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Francis Flippin of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Anthony B. Hill of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; and Evelyn Hood of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.

A memorable moment in the program came when Congresswoman Maxine Waters—honoring Congressional rules which prohibit the accepting of gifts—directed that the gold watch which was to have been presented to her

by Wittnauer International be given to National Council of Negro Women President Dr. Dorothy Height. Wittnauer International donated more than $50,000 worth ofwatches to 1997 General Convention participants.

Mrs. Lillettejenkins-Wisner combined a classical tune

by George & Ira Gershwin with a popular hymn, when performing "Rhapsody in Blue/Great Is Thy Faithfulness." The Alpha Chorus, again under the direction of Brother Ronald D.Johnson, performed "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Oratorical Contest-Collegiate Scholars Bowl The Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest and Scholars Bowl were presented in a joint forum entided the Alpha Academic All-Star Tournament. The Southwest Region won the Scholars Bowl for the third-consecutive competition.

Brother Rawn M. James Jr. of Zeta Chapter at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut was selected as the Gold watch award originally presented to Congresswoman winner of the 1997 Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest.

The senior student and political science major also will Maxine Waters (left) is graciously offered to National serve as Eastern Regional Assistant Vice President for the Council of Negro Women President Dr. Dorothy Height. coming year.

Selected as the second-place finisher in the competition was cover CIA involvement in the sale of drugs in Los Angeles and other Brother Victor A. Stephens, Jr. of Beta Kappa Chapter at Langston cities around the country. She also addressed problems of crime, University. The Western Region's David M. Zaid of Mu Chi Chapter gangviolence and homelessness faced in California and other parts at California State University-Long Beach was selected as the thirdof the nation. place finisher. Brother Zaid is a psychology major with a minor in Renowned classical trumpeter Wynton Marsalis appeared at black studies. the Public Program to also receive the Alpha Award of Honor.

Wynton Marsalis—who won the Pulitzer Prize for his epic jazz opera Brother F. Willis Johnson, Jr. of Sigma Phi Chapter at Butier Blood on the Fields, about the tragedy of slavery in America—told University and Brother Tavares N. Stephens of Zeta Pi Chapter at Brothers he was honored to come to the Convention to share his the University of Georgia also competed in the contest. story of struggle and triumph in the music industry.

Miss Black & Gold Pagaent The SPHINX'" - Fall/Winter 1997

31

VISION: 2000 Miss Tara Yvette Rawls, representing Clark-Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, was crowned 199798 Miss Black & Gold at this year's pageant.

Representing the Southern Region, Tara also was selected as Miss Congeniality and won the talent segment of the competition. She performed a drama/liturgical dance combination entided "The Baptism" which represented the day in which she was baptized. The original poem-combination presentation was written by Tara. The pageant winner now is in graduate school at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois.

Miss Stephanie L. Coleman of the University of Houston in Houston, Texas was 1st Runner-up in the contest. Stephanie represented the Southwestern Region.

The 2nd Runner-up for the Miss Black & Gold tide was Miss Antriece Simms of Northern KentuckyUniversity in Highland Heights, Kentucky. Antriece competed in the national contest after earlier winThe Southern Region's Tara Yvette Rawls (center) won the ning the Midwestern Regional Miss Black & Gold 1997-98 Miss Black & Gold title. title.

The other contestants were Miss Shaune McKinney of California State University in Northridge, California who represented the Western Region and Miss Yvette Wilson of Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia representing the Eastern Region.

Jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis receives the Alpha Award of Honor from Brother Wallace as Brother Dixon looks on.

32

The SPHINX" - Fall/Winter 1997

1997 GENERAL CONVENTION AWARD WINNERS Outstandins Collese Brother Of The Year Brother Charles T.Walls of Delta Gamma Chapter atAlabamaA&M University was named Outstandins Collese Brother of the Year. Other Brothers who competed fortheCollese Brother oftheYearaward included: Jame'l Rashad Hodses of Beta Gamma Chapter, Virsinia State University in the Eastern Resion; James Edward Pase, Jr. of Purdue University in the Midwestern Resion; Resinald D. Williams of Beta Kappa Chapter at Lansston University in the Southwestern Resion,- and Charles D. Smith of California State University-Lons Beach in the Western Resion.

Outstandins Collese Chapter Of The Year Kappa Alpha Chapter at the University of Alabama won in the Outstandins Collese Chapter of the Year catesory. Other Resional representatives for the award included: Beta Gamma Chapter, Virsinia State University in the Eastern Resion,- Pi Sisma Chapter, Aurora University in the Midwestern Resion,and Beta Kappa Chapter, Lansston University in the Southwestern Resion.

Outstandins A l u m n i Brother of the Year Brother Earl Duval of Beta Beta Lambda Chapter in Miami, Florida was named Outstandins Alumni Brother of the Year. Others who competed forthe award included: Brothers Georse O. Walker, III, of lota Upsilon Lambda Chapter, Eastern Resion,- Jeff C. Woods of Alpha lota Lambda, Midwestern Resion,Gres Payne of Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapter in the Southwestern Resion,and Loran Smith of lota Omicron Lambda Chapter, Western Resion.

Outstandins Alumni Chapter of the Year Beta Lambda Chapter in Kansas City, Missouri was named Outstandins Alumni Chapter of the Year. Other Chapters com petins forthe award included: Zeta Lambda Chapter in Newport News, Virsinia,-Eta Lambda Chapter in Atlanta, Georsia,- Sisma Lambda Chapter in New Orleans, Louisiana,- and Pi Rho Lambda Chapter in Los Anseles, California.

Other Winners Brother Rawn M. James, Jr. of Zeta Chapter at Yale University in the Eastern Resion won top honors in the Belford V Lawson Oratorical Contest. The team represents the Southwestern Resion won first place in the National Scholars Bowl. Brother Charles T. Walls, with a 3.92 GPA, was selected as the Brother with the Hishest Grade Point Averase. Epsilon Mu Chapter at San Jose State University was named as the Collese Chapter with the Most Resistered Brothers. Eta Lambda Chapter in Atlanta, Georsia was named as the Alumni Chapter with the Most Resistered Brothers. Brother Kenneth Jones, Life Member #129, who was initiated at Alpha Zeta Chapter in 1933 was named the Oldest Resistered Brother. Brother Kevin Wallace of Mu Phi Lambda Chapter in Souel, Korea represented the Furthest Traveled Chapter. Brother Richard Thompson was named the Golf Tournament Champion. Brother Donald Sivels of Pi lota Lambda Chapter was named the Tennis Tournament Champion.

The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

VISION: 2000 P h o t o Gal l e r y

The SPHINX

- Fall/Winter 1997

VISION: 2000 P h o t o Gal l e r y

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The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

35

VISION: 2000 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT FEATURES SANKOFATRAINING

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n Monday morning of the General Convention, following the Life Membership Breakfast, four bus-loads of Brothers traveled from the Washington Sheraton Convention Headquarters Hotel, through the Adams-Morgan community ofWashington, D.C, to Garrison Elementary School—a site of the W.K. Kellogg-funded Sankofa Project. Brothers were able to learn on-site and observe first hand die Sankofa Project and how young men and boys are served by die project.

Brodier Preston James, of Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter and Coordinator for die Sankofa Project in Washington, D.C., provided an overview of the project. His overview focused on die model being implemented in die nation's capital. Washington, D.C. chapters—Omicron Eta Lambda, Omicron Lambda Alpha and Mu Lambda—provide mentoring, tutoring, field-trips, and Saturday Academies for 80 thirdand fourth-grade boys at Garrison, Seton and Whittier Elementary Schools in Washington, D.C. The Saturday Academies focus on the principles of Nguzu Saba, which are represented by die seven days of Kwanzaa. The boys and their families participate in activities each mondi diat highlight a principle. Brodiers from the diree D.C. Alumni Chapters will maintain dieir connections witii the boys for at least five years which will culminate widi a Rites of Passage activity.

National Programs Director Brodier Dr. Zollie Stevenson introduced Garrison's Assistant Principal, Dr. Bennie C. Mundy, a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, who lauded the Brodiers of Alpha for implementing the Sankofa Project at her school. Brother Stevenson shared information on the origins of die Sankofa Project.

Funded for three years by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Fraternity has 15 Sankofa Project pilot sites across die United States.

Pilot sites are in: Adanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Cleveland, OH; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; Hollywood, CA; Jackson, MS; Lafayette, LA; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; Oak Park, IL; Philadelphia, PA; San Francisco, CA; Tuskegee, AL; and Washington, DC. General President Adrian L. Wallace gave remarks and was presented with a Sankofa Project T-shirt by one of the participating

36

boys. Testimonials were presented by several of die boys in die project, a parent, and Brothers who have helped with the project.

Chapters assisting with the community outreach activity included Mu Lambda, Omicron Lambda Alpha, Omicron Eta Lambda, and Pi Upsilon Lambda (Largo, Maryland).

After the General President's remarks and the testimonials, Brothers walked through the area and observed the boys making collages from old magazines. They were assisted by their mentorsBrothers from die four Chapters.

The session closed with a photo opportu nity which took place on die steps at die entrance to Garrison and included die boys, parents, and Alpha Brothers.

Brothers and Sankofa Project participants gather for group photo outside Garrison Elementary School.

Brother Wallace helps Sankofa Project participants.

The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

VISION: 2000

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL MEMORIAL PROJECT FUND RAISING KICKS OFF

Each Regional Vice President is to name a MLKJr. Project Chair.

Project Chairs will raise funds at their State and Regional Conventions. All fundraising efforts associated with the project should be approved by the MLKJr. Project Internal Fundraising Chairman, Huel Perkins at (504) 357-3751.

CHAPTER CONTRIBUTIONS College and Alumni Chapter contributions were received eneral President Adrian L. Wallace—drawing on the Old at the 91st Anniversary Convention from the following Chapters: Testament Book of Nehemiah—opened the 91st Anniversary Convention with a charge to Brothers to Pi, Cleveland, OH move forward with building of the memorial honoring Brother Dr. RHO, Philadelphia, PA Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington, D.C. like the people described BETA LAMBDA, Kansas City, MO in Nehemiah 4:6 who "had a mind to work."

GAMMA LAMBDA, Detroit, Ml XI LAMBDA, Chicaso, IL Brother Wallace announced the official internal kickoff of SIGMA LAMBDA, New Orleans, LA fundraising for the project, saying, "This must be a memorial for the ages." It was noted that Brother Andrew Young had agreed to ALPHA SIGMA LAMBDA, Dallas, TX BETA ZETA LAMBDA, Jefferson City, MO serve as Chairman of External Fundraising for the project. Brother BETA XI LAMBDA, Omaha, NE John Carter will serve as the MLK, Jr. National Memorial Project BETA TAU LAMBDA, Fort Worth, TX Committee overall Project Chairman. Brother Huel Perkins has G A M M A OMICRON LAMBDA, Albany, GA been appointed Chairman of Internal Fundraising.

The General President called for Brothers to construct "a ZETA RHO LAMBDA, Dover, DE memorial for the ages" and a shrine that "rivals the splendors of the ETA SIGMA LAMBDA, San Jose, CA grandest memorials" as a testament to the life and dream of Brother ETA TAU LAMBDA, Akron, OH King.

THETA MU LAMBDA, Calumet City, IL The memorial must befit a man who transcends all boundaries IOTA PI LAMBDA, Miami, FL ofrace, politics and nationality—a man whose life and legacy placed IOTA UPSILON LAMBDA, Silver Sprins, MD him in the company of Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, KAPPA THETA LAMBDA, Teaneck, NJ Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther of the Protestant Reformation and MU DELTA LAMBDA, S p r i n s f i e l d , IL other giants in history, he charged.

XI KAPPA LAMBDA, Missouri City, TX XI TAU LAMBDA, North Dallas County, TX Brother Wallace had earlier issued a call for all Brothers and Chapters to come to the General Convention prepared to make a substantial monetary commitment to the MLK Project. The response from Brothers was overwhelming. Brothers—young and old, undergraduate and graduate, financial and non-financial—wholeheartedly supported the effort by providing financial contributions to the project.

Each Brother and Chapter that contributed was presented with a commemorative MLK brick. Each brick is individually numbered and will serve as a valuable reminder to all Brothers of their commitment to make the project a success.

Brothers and Chapters are still able to make contributions by mailing in the envelope attached inside this magazine. Acommemorative brick will be given to each College Brother who contributes $52 or more and each Alumni Brother making a Eta Tau Lambda Chapter, Akron, Ohio receives MLK, Jr. Memorial contribution of $152 or more. brick after donatins $15,000 toward National Project.

G

The SPHINX™ ~ Fall/Winter 1997

37

VISION: CBC

2000

RECEPTION

ALPHA PHI ALPHA CONVENES AT CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

A

lpha Phi Alpha Fraternity—having held its 91st Anniversary Convention one-month earlier in Washington, D.C.—returned to the nation's capital in September for the Fraternity's annual reception at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. 27th Annual Legislative Conference.

The Fraternity's 1997 Congressional Black Caucus Reception, thefifth-annualevent honoring CBC members, again was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, in downtown Washington, D.C. African-American leadersfromthe political, business, labor, community service, industry and government arenas were on hand to meet with the Fraternity's leadership and Brothers to discuss the nation's agenda and issues P5^!^^^B impacting our community. ''•& _ _ ^ 3 General President Adrian L. Wallace and former General Presidentsjames R. Williams and Henry Ponder M • m Ei i headed the list of Fraternity leaders at the reception. lyr^ Some of the elected ofMWimJ^i ficials attending included: Congressman Robert "Bobby" C. Scott oiVirginia, Congresswomen Sheilia Jackson-Lee ofTexas, Julia M. Carson of Indiana and

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Corrine Brown of Florida, and Washington, D.C. Deputy Mayor Michael Rogers. Alpha Phi Alpha World Policy Council Chairman and former U.S. Ambassador to Botswana Dr. Horace G. Dawson, Jr. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project Foundation Chairman John Carter also were on hand.

Brother Thomas Flewellyn of the Walt Disney Corporation, Brother Dan Spikes of BET Soundstage, Mick Lewis of AnheuserBusch, Hilton Smith of the Turner Construction Company and Brother Iva Williams of the Alabama Power Company were there to represent the corporate community. Alabama Power, which

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Executive Director Dixon, Texas Consresswoman Shelia Jackson-Lee and General President Wallace stop for photographs.

Above: Florida Consresswoman Corrine Brown, pictured with General President Adrian L. Wallace, serves as Secretary of the CBC. RiSht: Photosraphed at the reception are: (left to risht) former Exec. Director Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., Exec. Director Hebrew L. Dixon, III, not identified, General President Wallace and Virginia Congressman, Brother Robert "Bobby" Scott.

38

The SPHINX" - Fall/Winter 1997

CBC R E C E P T I O N began underwriting the Fraternity's Congressional Black Caucus Reception in 1993, again sponsored this year's event.

National Pan-Hellenic Council organization leaders attending the event included: Daisy D. Wood, former NPHC President; Dr. Eva L. Evans, Supreme Basileus of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Corine J. Green, former National President of Sigma Gamma Rho SororityJerryO. Pittman, Grand Polaris oflota Phi Theta Fraternity; Arthur Thomas, First Vice President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; Dr. Lawrence E. Miller, Executive Director of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; and Vercilla Brown, Executive Director of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

The CBCF Annual Legislative Conference—with this year's theme "Leadership Dimensions for the New Millennium"—is designed to bring African-American leaders together for several days of organizing and networking.

'As we approach the new millennium, it is paramount that we maintain forums where issues can be seriously presented and thoroughly discussed," CBCF Chairman LeBaron Taylor said in his openingmessage to conference attendees. "Organizations like the CBCF and conferences like the ALC will continue to play a key role in providing an opportunity for such a diverse group ofAfricanAmerican leaders and other distinguished individuals to convene."

The Washington Convention Center served as the headquarters for many of the conference activities, including registration, the National Press Conference, the Exhibits Program, Issue Forums, Braintrusts, the National Prayer Service and the Benefit Concert.

This year's National Town Hall Meeting was held at the University of the District of Columbia. The topic for the Town Hall Meeting was "Race Relations in the New Millennium."

Established in 1971, the Congressional Black Caucus is comprised of African-American members of the U.S. House of Representatives who seek to address the legislative concerns of African-Americans and other underrepresented citizens and to formalize and strengthen the efforts of its members. ^»,

Above: National Pan-Hellenic Council member-organization leaders were on hand for the reception.

Pictured (left to right) are: Brother Dixon,- Corine J. Green, former National President of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority; Daisy D. Wood, former NPHC President,Brother Wallace,- Dr. Eva L. Evans, Supreme Basileus of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,- and former General President Judge James R. Williams.

Vercilla Brown, Executive Director, and Kim Sawyer, National Secretary of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,Jerry O. Pittmen, Grand Polaris of lota Phi Theta Fraternity; and General President Wallace.

Left: General Presidents (left to right) James R. Williams, Adrian L. Wallace and Henry Ponder led the Fraternity in welcoming leaders from across the nation.

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THE AFRICAN RENAISSANCE: MYTH OR REALITY Editor's Note: Brother James A. Joseph, United States Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, deliveredthefollowing address on August 3, 1997 at the Public Program oftheAlphaPhiAlphaFraternity's 91st Anniversary Convention, held in Washington D.C

By Brother James A. Joseph U.S. Ambassador to South Africa I am delighted to have the opportunity to address this national gathering of members and friends of Alpha Phi Alpha. I remember with great nostalgia my early days as a member of the Beta Sigma Chapter on the campus of Southern University in Baton Rouge. It was there Ifirstlearned of the ideals for which this Fraternity stands. Itwas there, along the banks of the Mississippi River, that I pledged to devote my life to the highest standards of scholarship and service. It was there in the midst of Cajun and Creole cultures that I pledged to work for a brave new world that acknowledged differences, but refused to accept them as limits. And so it is that I stand today on the shoulders of not only the great men who founded this Fraternity, but on the shoulders of my Alpha Brothers at Southern who believed in me, challenged me and supported me as I developed the aspirations and shaped the values that have been the corner stone of my professional career.

I come to you from a liberated South Africa, a nation that many ofyou helped to set free. I come from a continent about which more is written but less is understood; so I come with a message that is straight-forward and simple. Like the Apostle Paul on his return from the provinces, I come to bringgood news, but I also come with an appeal foryour support of a new generation of Africans who The SPHINX™ ~ Fall/Winter 1997

have a bold, new futurist vision for their countries and their continent; but who live, for the moment, between two worlds—an old order that is dying but not yet dead and a new order that is conceived but not yet born.

The reports coming out of Africa are often confusing and contradictory: transformation and reconciliation in Southern Africa; conflict and crisis in Central Africa; new leaders with new vision in some areas and old leaders desperately hanging onto the past in others. It is now obvious that one cannot speak of Africa as one continuous stream of ideas and social arrangements providing either cultural unity or political uniformity.

There is much that unites Africans; the new leaders are no longer prepared to be marginalized, for example. But thefirstthing that must be accepted and acknowledged by anyone who dares to write or speak about the new Africa is that what seems self-evident in one area may not be the reality in another. Far too many people who would not dare to speak of a homogeneous Europe or Asia, speak of the more than 50 independent nations of Africa as if the continent was a single undifferentiated entity.

It is indeed difficult for many Americans to grasp either the extraordinary range of cultural, political and economic diversity or the immense size of a continent so large that the whole of China, the continental United States, Europe, Argentina, India, and New Zealand canfitwithin its boundaries. It is even more difficult for Americans to recognize that any idea of a retreat from the African continental the very moment that so many countries are poised for an economic takeoff—would be neither good for Africa, the United States or an interdependent world.

It is good to see a new focus on African policy, for it had become fashionable to den-

igrate Africa—to focus more widely on national disasters than national development. Even some African-American journalists with a thin slice of African experience extrapolate from that experience sweeping negative generalizations abut the entire continent. To speak of an African renaissance, as new leaders like South Africa's Deputy President Thabo Mbeki does, is to speak of renewal and rebirth. It is to recognize that despite recent events in the former Zaire, Congo Brazzaville and Sierra Leone, there are dozens of African countries that are literally reinventing themselves.

Many Americans know about poverty in Africa, but few Americans know that the economies of 30 African countries grew at a rate of more than 5 percent last year and a few at even 10 percent. Many Americans know about crisis and conflict in Somalia and Sudan but few know about the changes that have led to more open societies and stable economies in Botswana, Tanzania, Benin, Uganda, Malawi, Ghana and many other countries.

There are still violent struggles for power and even an occasional overthrow of popularly elected governments, but the real story in Africa is the story of development, reconciliation and nation-building.

The N e w Africa It is a great pity that the press over the last six months focused more on Mobutu than Mandela when it was abundantly clear that Mandela represented the future and Mobutu the past. There is a new breed ofAfrican leaders—embodied not so much by a Mandela who transcends history but by mere mortals who are, nevertheless, pragmatic, aggressively opposed to the old corruption and strongly committed to the rule of law. Some may not have met all the criteria for democracy as they assumed power, but most have come to rec-

PUBLIC PROGRAM ADDRESS ognize the benefits of protecting human rights, promoting a market economy and encouraging civil society.

Speaking both as a son of Africa and Secretary General of the United Nations, Coif Annan, recently described the momentous changes in Africa over the last five decades as part of three waves. "First came de-colonialization and the struggle against apartheid.

Then came a second wave, too often marked by civil wars, the tyranny of military rule, and recent economic stagnation. I believe," he argued, "that a new era is now in prospect, Africa's third wave."

Whether you call it an African renaissance as Thabo Mbeki does or a third wave as Kofi Annan does, there is no question that something new and something different is happening in Africa. But why is it, you may ask, that the picture painted of Africa by so many journalists, and even the conventional wisdom about Africa, continue to be so negative and discouraging. On March 13,1997, sixty-nine of the most experienced and reliable observers of Africa met at Arden House in New York to answer this and other questions. In considering the negative images of Africa to which Americans are exposed, they concluded: 1) that this view ofAfrica is farfrom the reality ofAfrica and 2) the negative images are "far more a testament to the limitation of American media coverage, coupled with the legacy of deep-seated cultural attitudes and stereotypes, than to the far more hopeful current reality of many African states."

Itis timeforus to purge our minds of the stereotypes and biases that we have been fed about Africa. To paraphrase W.E.B. DuBois in The Souls of Black Folks, herein lies the tragedy of the age: Not that some people are poorâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all people know something of poverty; not that some people are wickedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;who is good? Not that some people are ignorantâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; what is truth? Nay, but that we know so little of each other. It is time to put an end to this tragedy in American knowledge ofAfrica. It is time to develop an image that fits the reality. The 21st century may not be the African century in the same way in which the 20th was 42

the American century, but it is most certain to be the century in which many African nations take their place at the table of a global economy that offers economic growth and broadbased development.

Whether we are African-Americans who feel a special affinity with the continent or just plain Americans, black or white, who recognize that a new partnership with Africa will be of mutual benefit, it is time to expand the constituency for Africa and to make the case for increased engagement at the highest levels of public policy and the most influential boardrooms of private enterprise. Many leaders of the corporate business community are among the most enthusiastic proponents for increased engagement with the African continent because they see the potential for a partnership of mutual benefit. In Southern Africa where I am fortunate to live and work, trade with the 11 countries of the region is already roughly equal to U.S. trade with all 15 of the former republics of die Soviet Union.

But to speak of an African renaissance is to begin with the transformations taking place in South Africa. Much has been written about the South African miracle and the Mandela magic, but the renaissance in South Africa is an historical moment that must be cautiously nurtured and continuously supported far into the future, rather than simply celebrated as an event in the nation's past.

What happened in 1994 was the beginning of a process and not the end of a struggle.

In South Africa, national renewal begins with forgiveness and reconciliation. As President Mandela explained to black South Africans, who had accused him of bending over backwards to placate whites, the new South Africa "had to adopt strategies that would prevent whites from being driven into the arms of the right wing. That weapon of reconciliation," he said, "saved the country from bloodshed." The capacityforforgiveness and the commitment to reconciliation have provided stories of hope and healing that future generations will labor long and hard to understand and explain. But while forgiveness and reconciliation are an essential and

remarkable phase in the South African effort to enlarge the concept of community, to embrace a larger segment of humanity, the efforts to extend the boundaries of freedom will be judged in thefinalanalysis by how far they extend the benefits of freedom.

What Pericles described in his famous oration as democracy once meant that the people have the power, but it is increasingly coming to mean that the people have the vote which is not necessarily the same as having the power. There is general agreement among Africa's new leaders that if democracy is to have lasting meaning, political empowerment must be accompanied by economic empowerment. This, along with cultural renewal and reaffirmation, maybe the most fundamental challenge, indeed, the fundamental opportunity, presented by the African renaissance.

Why Africa?

Let me now shift gears and turn to the question some of you are probably asking, why should we be concerned about Africa.

The first answer is economic. President Clinton, in announcing the Africa Initiative last month, alluded to this very important reason when he said, "As these economies grow, America's prosperity and our security will benefit. The United States supplies just 7 percent ofAfrica's imports today, but already that supports 100,000 American jobs."The President could have also pointed out that trade between the United States and Africa, now is in excess of $ 18 billion, is growing at a faster rate than tradeinanyotherregion; that more than 20 percent ofU.S. imports of crude oil is from Africa; and that many of the minerals ofstrategic interest to the United States are to be found in Africa. With a population of more than 600 million and the standard of living rising annually, it is no wonder that Ron Brown warned us two years ago against allowing the emerging markets ofAfrica to fall, without contest, into the hands of the Europeans and others who were among the first to recognize the economic potential of the new Africa.

A second reason for a new partnership The SPHINX'" - Fall/Winter 1997

PUBLIC PROGRAM ADDRES with Africa is political. We share similar national interests and we face similar international threats. I have seen first hand the threat to Southern Africa of drug trafficking, international crime, terrorism and the spread of disease. As the world is discovering Africa, so are the purveyors of all sons of social pathologies that threaten to weaken or destroy the gains now being made. A stronger, stable and prosperous Africa will be better able to address these new threats as well as work in partnership with others to protect and improve the quality of life globally. Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals are all coming to recognize that in deepening our relationship with Africa, we are establishing a partnership of mutual benefit.

The third reason for a new partnership with Africa is humanitarian. There is much talk of the need for an American policy that moves from aid to trade. But for many of the poorer countries that are still struggling with the legacies of what Kofi Annan described as the second wave, there will be a continuing need to empower the poor and the marginalized to be active participants in their own development. This form of participatory development or assisted self-reliance must, for the moment, remain as much a part of our strategy as trade. It not only promotes development and democracy, but it creates future trading partners as well.

A fourth reason for caring about Africa, for establishing a closer relationship with Africa, is moral. Many of the new leaders are demonstrating a commitment to the public values that we have long affirmed, but not always practiced. Many of the new democracies, particularly in Southern Africa, are rainbow nations with the need for a new kind of pluralism. Many of those who are most strongly Africanists are also the ones who most strongly embrace the continent in all its variety. If they succeed, they will be able to demonstrate to a badly fractured world that diversityneed not divide; that pluralism rightly understood andrightlypracticed is a benefit and not a burden.

At a time in which we in the United States

The SPHINX邃｢ - Fall/Winter1997

are engaged in our own conversation about race, there is much to learn from the new Africa about the politics and place of race in an interdependent world. In South Africa, in particular, there is the beginning of a new kind of conversation that emphasized the need to come to grips with the past before there can be any real progress in shaping a new and different future.

with Africa's new leaders who point to clear signs foran African renaissance. The gut feeling maybe partly existential, but the hard facts are economic and political.

Nothing Can Stop Africa Now The message I bring, then, should now be clear. I appeal to the members and friends of Alpha Phi Alpha to join the merging campaign to reverse the image of Africa as a continent in crisis, a place of poverty, a region of failed government and missed opportunity.

A new day is dawning. The window of opportunity for an African renaissance is wide open. Future generations of AfricanAmericans will not look kindly upon us if we permit that window to close without an allout effort to help establish what is essentially a partnership of mutual benefit.

To the economic, political, moral and humanitarian arguments for increased engagement with Africa, I must add, for this audience, one other. It is probably best described as existential. Whether you belong to the ranks of those African-Americans who feel aspecial kinship with Africa or those who dismiss the Afro-connection as romantic nonsense, there is no denying that 12 percent of the American population claim Africa as their ancestral home. It is also the home for hundreds of milAs Reverend Leon Sullivan said just belions ofblack men and women who know first- fore convening the African Summit in hand why W.E.B. DuBois described the Zimbabwe two weeks ago, "The time has problem of the 20th century as the problem come for African-Americans to help Africa with of the color line. Many of them suffered with educational skills, our money and our politius as we endured the pain of billy clubs, water cal power, and to stop just complaining about hoses and the other brutalities of Mississippi what others are not doing for Africa." He and Alabama, just as we suffered with them added, "We have an obligation and a responwhen their children were killed in Soweto and sibility to do so... As black people we are one their brothers and sisters shot down in family, and in this world today, we rise together Sharpeville. It is not, as some charge, that or we fall together."

African-Americans are romanticizing Africa to Let me, thus, conclude with a very direct buttress their identity. It is simply diat for many answer to the question I posed at the beginthere is an historical tie to a place and its peoning about the idea of an African renaissance ple that goes beyond color and culture to proby quoting President Mandela's likely sucvide an enduring sense of connection and cessor in South Africa, Thabo Mbeki. Speaking community. to the South African Constitutional Assembly, he said, "Whatever the setbacks of the moLike me, many of you grew up commitment, nothing can stop Africa now. Whatever ted to two great movements, a civil rights the difficulties, Africa shall be at peace. movement in the United States and a liberaHowever it might sound to skeptics, Africa will tion movement in Southern Africa. Our heprosper. Whoever we may be, whatever our roes were not only Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King, but Albert Luthuli, Oliver immediate interest, however much we carry Tambo and Nelson Mandela as well. We shared baggage from our past, however much we may have been caught by the fashion of cynthe pride of the first wave of African icism and loss of faith in the capacity of the Independence with Kwami Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyatta and Julius Nyerere. We felt the frus- people, let us say today窶馬othing can stop Africa now." tration of the second wave with military coups, ailed states and dysfunctional leaders, and we I agree and I hope you will as well. Thank now share the enthusiasm of the third wave vou.

43

ALPHA CHICAGO'S DANNY K. DAVIS IS NEWEST BROTHERTO JOIN RANKS OF CONGRESS

B

rodier Danny K. Davis was sworn in as a member of the 105th Congress earlier this year, becoming the newest Alpha Brother to be included on the list of distinguished Sons of Alpha who have served in the legislature.

Brother Davis, a close associate of the late Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, was elected as the state of Illinois' 7th

Brother Congressman Danny K. Davis Congressional District Representative. Prior to his election, he served on the Cook County (Illinois) Board of Commissioners from 1990-1996. Previously, he served for 11 years as a member of the Chicago City Council as the Alderman for the 29th Ward.

A native ofArkansas who first came to Chicago in 1961, Brother Davis is a former high school teacher and college instructor. He has worked as a health planner and administrator, has hosted a weekly radio talk show, and has a long history of community involvement in civil rights and housing issues.

44

He co-chaired President Clinton's 1992 campaign in Illinois and was named by Bill Clinton to the board of directors of the National Housing Partnership. He has received hundreds of awards and citations for outstanding work in the areas of health, education, human relations, politics and advocacy.

Brother Davis supports increasing federal aid to education and the AmeriCorps community volunteer program. He also has called for summer jobs programs for youth, funding to schools for local anti-violence programs, and efforts to fight drugs in schools. He supports abortion rights, a single-payer national health care system, and legislation to prevent discrimination against gays and lesbians in the military, housing and employment.

He opposes term limits and taxpayer-financed vouchers to allow students to attend private or religious schools. He supports the Equal Rights Amendment, wants to increase job training for welfare recipients and has proposed making federal elected officials subject to sexual harassment laws. Brother Davis says he will work to protect the environment and ward off cuts to Medicare, the federal health insurance program for the elderly and disabled.

In the 105th Congress, Brother Davis sits on the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight and its Subcommittee on Postal Service and the Subcommittee on Govern-ment Management, Infor-mation and Technology. He also sits on the Committee on Small Business and its Subcommittee on Empowerment and the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Paperwork Reduction.

He also is the Regional Whip for the Midwest Region of the Democratic Caucus. He is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Progressive Caucus, the India Caucus, the Steel Caucus and die Hellenic Caucus.

Brother Davis was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha at Mu Mu Lambda Chapter in Chicago in 1984. His election brings the number of Fraternity Brothers serving in die current Congress to seven.

Other Brothers serving in the 105th Congress include: Congressmen Ronald V. Dellums, Julian C. Dixon, Chaka Fattah, Earl F. Hilliard, Charles B. Rangel and Robert C. "Bobby" Scott.

The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

ALPHA ON T H E M O V E FORMERGENERAL COUNSEL'S LAW FIRM REPUTED TO BE AMONG BEST IN THE SOUTHEAST

T

he Fraternity's Immediate Past General Counsel Tyrone C. Means—even while successfully fighting Alpha Phi Alpha's legal battles—led his law firm in a series astounding verdicts and settlements that won multi-millions for his clients.

Brother Means, whose trial practice seeks to help the severely injured and families of individuals killed through the negligence of others, has stepped into another legal arena for the Fraternity, now providing legal expertise for the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project.

The former General Counsel was nominated as Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice Foundation following his law firm's unprecedented $ 150 million product-liability jury verdict against auto-giant General Motors. The verdict was secured in June 1996 in favor of a young man who was paralyzed in an accident due to an infamously substandard and defective door latch. Brother Means has teamed with the some of the best trial lawyers in the country and gone toe-totoe with some of the best legal minds defendants could recruit and emerged highly victorious.

A Morehouse graduate, Brother Means is the managing partner at Thomas, Means & Gillis, P.C.—a leading lawfirm in Alabama which has offices in Montgomery and Birmingham and is planning to expand to Atlanta. The firm is reputed to be one of the best in the state of Alabama and in the Southeast.

The 11-attorneyfirmof Thomas, Means & Gillis was founded in 1981. Thefirmspecializes in civil litigation, including personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, employment law, fraud and insurance cases. The firm's institutional clients include the City of Montgomery, the City of Birmingham, the Birmingham Board of Education and Alabama State University. Thefirmalso has served as counsel for Alabama's Brother Mayor Richard Arlington, Governor Jim Folsom, Jr. and Attorney General James Evans.

Brother Means was recently appointed by the Justices of the The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

Supreme Court ofAlabama to the prestigious Alabama Patternjury Instructions Committee. He also was selected to join the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, whose membership includes the country's best and most prominent attorneys—those who have secured sevenfiguresetdements and verdicts. He serves as a board member and officer of the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation, a charitable organization that awards grants to programs that serve needy and under-served children and their families. He is third in line to become president of the Alabama Trial Lawyers Association.

Brother Means and his firm have earned the prestigious 'AV" rating, the highest criteria of excellence an attorney orfirmcan be assigned by the nationally recognized legal directory, MartindaleHubbell. In 1984, he was appointed by GovernorGeorge C.Wallace as thefirstAfrican-American to serve on the board ofJacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. He also was hired by the Montgomery County Commission to serve as itsfirstAfricanAmerican County Attorney for Montgomery.

A native of Chicago, the former General Counsel was initiated at Delta Eta Lambda Chapter in Topeka, Kansas where he attended law school at the University of Kansas. He was age 16 when he entered college and graduated at age 19 with a degree in mathematics. Hefinishedlaw school in two years, earning his degree at age 21. While in Chicago, he worked for former Mayor Richard Daley in the Budgetary Division.

Brother Means currently is a member of the Alpha Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Montgomery, Alabama and was a recipient of the Charlie Greene Award in 1994. He has been a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha since 1984.

Commenting on one of the major cases he fought while General Counsel, Brother Means said, "the lawsuit resulting from the tragic Morehouse incident could have easily destroyed our Fraternity. Fortunately, the leadership was in place to allow me to effectively resolve the matter." Attorney Means recently was appointed to serve as thefirstGeneral Counsel to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project. In the position, he oversees all legal action connected with erecting of the memorial in Washington, D.C. to Brother Dr. King.

Although he works the arduous hours typical of an attorney, Brother Means stillfindsquality time to spend with his two children, Jerry and Tiffany. He also lends his time and legal services to his church, Lilly Baptist. As Finance Chairman for the YMCA's Father-Son Banquet, he has helped raise more than $ 1 million since 1986. His lawfirm has given many qualified and ambitious AfricanAmerican attorneys the opportunity to sharpen and prove their talents. In addition, he encourages thefirm'sattorneys to vigorously participate in community-oriented activities.

FEATURE A

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA SWEETHEART SONG: ORIGINAL COMPOSITION SELECTED AT 91ST ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION

By Brother Huel D. Perkins

F

oryears it was a concern of mine that Alpha Phi Alpha did not have an original sweetheart song. There is no doubt that our Fraternity has the most beautiful of hymns. Other fraternities readily admit that the Alpha Phi Alpha Hymn is the prettiest of all Greek songs. But we had no National Sweetheart Song.

Several versions abounded. Some Brothers saluted our sweethearts by substituting words to the tune of "My Buddy", another song was made up using the tune of 'Til Be Loving You Always", and yet another was sung to the tune of "Sweet Genevieve". But none of these songs was our song alone. They were sung to words that we had written-but not to an original tune.

So-the idea of a sweetheart song that was written expressly for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity began to ruminate in my mind.

Many Brothers expressed to me that we needed a sweetheart song which was our own and belonged to no one else. The late General President, Lionel H. Newsom, formed a committee to compose such a sweetheart song. On the committee was the late Brother Wendell Whalum who directed the Morehouse Glee Club. We corresponded a number of times but could not come up with anything definitive.

Beta Iota Lambda Chapter in Baton Rouge holds its Sweetheart Ball each year in February. The Brothers gather in a circle and sing a song to their sweethearts. Again, the Brothers were never comfortable singing a salute in the tune of another song. The Omegas had their "Dear Omega Girl" and the Kappas had their "Kappa Alpha Psi Sweetheart", but the Alphas were singing a song to the tune of "Sweet Genevieve". Something had to be done.

I began to sit at die piano one day and just let a number of tunes run through my mind. It had to be a tune which could be easily sung under the windows of the girls' dormitories as the Brothers serenaded their sweethearts. It had to be a song that could be sung when a Brother wished to announce his engagement to a young

46

lady through the Fraternity tradition of giving a rose, or the giving of a pin. It had to be a tune that never before existed. It had to be our very own Alpha Phi Alpha Sweetheart Song.

Thus-I began with the words: "You're the Sweetheart ofAlpha Phi Alpha". I particularly wanted to state the words 'Alpha Phi Alpha".

This would establish who we were in the veryfirstline. The rest of the words came easily. Some had already been around for some time and some were newly penned to fit the melody. One such line is this: "You're dear to all who wear the pin", and another, "We'll dream ofyou the whole night long-Agirl so rare, so true". The idea of the Brothers actually loving the sweetheart is repeated in the refrain:s "We love you, yes we love you-far more than words can say, and forever and a day". The upward climb of the melody dictated the words: "We '11 raise our voices loud and strong, To the darling, dream-girl, Sweetheart of A Phi A'.

The idea of a national song that is sung by every chapter is a necessary ingredient to binding our Fraternity into one body. We now can all sing the same sweetheart song just as we all sing the same Alpha Hymn. A Brother from any chapter can join in the songs wherever he comes from. We need this kind of consistency in our Sweetheart Song, just as we have it in our Hymn. The Sweetheart Song selected at the Fraternity's 91st Anniversary Convention has been sung by Beta Iota Lambda Chapter each year since it was copyrighted in 1974.

It will take some time for the song to become known by all the Brothers. It should be taught to those who join our Fraternity.

It should be sung often so that it becomes second nature to us when we wish to serenade our wives, our sweethearts, our significant others.

Perhaps the greatest compliment concerning this song was paid to me by a member of Delta Sigma Theta. After hearing the song, she said to me, "It is simply not fair for the Alphas to have the prettiest National Hymn and now the prettiest Sweetheart Song."

The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ ~ Fall/Winter 1997

FEATURE A R T I C L E S Alpha Phi Alpha Sweetheart Sons

Brothers, sing on. You will grow to like this song.

But most importantly-it is our own. It is an original.

It does not utilize the tune of any other song in existence. It is ours. It is the 'Alpha Phi Alpha Sweetheart r r f ^ Song."

Words & Music by Brother Huel Perkins J-—~ You're

Brother Huel D. Perkins, Ph.D., is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity World Policy I i Council and is head of internalfundraisingfor the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial - A i S 5 Project.

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" 47

FEATURE ARTICLES WESTERN REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT VISITS PACIFIC CHAPTER VOWS TO RETURN

By Brother John M. Williams SEOUL, KOREA—It had been about ten years since a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's Board of Directors visited the Chapter in Seoul, South Korea. Brodiers tliere were more than ready for another visit from the Fraternity's leadership. General President Charles C. Teamer, Sr. had visited them in the 1980s. Their sights this time were set on bringing Western Regional Vice President Kenneth Venable to South Korea.

Mu Phi Lambda Brothers are photographed with new Chapter Brothers following initiation ceremony "Going to Seoul, (Soutii) Korea was a promise I made to my Brothers there when I was elected Vice President," said Brother Venable who visited Mu Phi Lambda Chapter in Seoul this Fall.

The visit also showed Brother Venable's gratitude for Mu Phi Lambda's attendance at the 1997 General Convention in Washington. "I had to fulfill that commitment," Brother Venable said.

Western Vice President Ken Venable and Southern California District DirectorJohn M. Williams left Los Angeles bound for Seoul on September 25. The visit was purposed to "uplift the morale" and "create an excitement level which would reactivate Brothers,"

Brothers (left to right) David Woods, president of Mu Phi Lambda Chapter, Kenneth Venable, Captain Kenneth Briscoe, and John M. Williams, are all smiles after leaving Manchester Custom Tailoring Brother Venable said. Plans also were to initiate six new members into die organization during die visit.

Brothers Venable and Williams were met at the Kimpo Airport in Seoul by Mu Phi Lambda Brothers and escorted to the Hotel Capitol where they met other Chapter members. The feeling of Alpha Pride was in the air and it was contagious. "We experienced a level of Brotherhood that I had not seen for a while," Brother Venable said.

The Western Vice President and Southern California District Director visited with the six aspirants at die Soudi Post in Yongsan, Korea and had dinner while at the post.

Hearing that the Fraternity leaders were dining on the military base, Brothers from throughout the region began traveling there to meet them. "To be eating dinner and a Brodier gets off his post, catches a bus and rides two hours in military gear to meet you— and can only stay an hour before he has to catch a bus to go back to his post—is Alpha Pride and dedication," Brother Venable said.

Brothers Venable and Williams gathered with Brothers and aspirants in an official meeting to discuss Fraternity occurrences. The discussion also focused on ways Brothers might help the Fraternity while also enhancing their future.

During the visit, Brothers Venable and Williams met with die ladies of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority who were holding a retreat. They met again with Alpha Kappa Alpha members during a Sunday brunch before the Chapter's 'Alphas Go To Church Day" at South Post Chapel in Yongsan, South Korea.

The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

FEATURE A R T I C L E S Brother Venable promised to make sure lines of communications remain strong between the Fraternity Headquarters and U.S. military bases around the world where Brothers are stationed.

"This will not be my last visit to Seoul. I'll see you in May (1998) at your Annual Black & Gold Ball," he said.

BrotherJohnM. Williams is Southern California District Director.

He was initiated into the Fraternity in 1985 atAlpha Rho Chapter, Morehouse College.

Newly initiated Brother E. Sean Lanier pre-checks his Black Hawk helicopter before embarkins on a four-hour assisnment.

The visit also involved a trip to the shopping area in Yongsan to purchase men's clothing. The Brothers then returned to the duty of initiating die new members.

Before leaving Seoul, Brother Venable told the Brothers, "We in Alpha do not know the extent of stress and tension that you face on a daily basis, protecting those that are less fortunate. I promise I will make sure that your voice is heard throughout the halls of Alphaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that you have said to tell the Brotherhood not to forget about the only true 'hot spot' left in the worldrightnow."

Brother Kenneth Venable talks to aspirants about the Fraternity history.

Brothers John M. Williams (far left) and Kenneth Venable (far risht) are pictured with newly initiated Brothers.

The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ ~ FalUWinter 1997

49

THE LEGACY OF 19TH GENERAL PRESIDENT, A. MACEO SMITH

B

rother A. Maceo Smith, 19th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha, spent his

entire career unselfishly w o r k i n g for the b e t t e r m e n t of African-Americans in Dallas and the nation. His legacy of greatness will not be f o r g o t t e n .

A native of Texarkana, Texas, Brother Smith graduated from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee and received his Master's degree in Business Administration from New York University.

From the time Brother Smith arrived in Dallas, Texas in 1932, the community there felt his impact. For most of the 45 remaining years of his life, he led the area's major movements that bettered the lives of African-Americans in Dallas and the Southwest.

He organized the Western Mutual Life Insurance Company in Dallas in 1933. With the help of Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter and New Hope Baptist Church in Dallas, he persuaded area residents to organize the city's Progressive Voters League. The organization began running African-American candidates in local elections in the 1930s and 1940s. Brother Smith also helped organize NAACP branches in Dallas and throughout Texas and helped organize the city's Black Chamber of Commerce.

Brother A. Maceo Smith—working with his coalition of organizations—persuaded an African-American, Dallas school teacher tofilesuit for the equalization of salaries. The teacher won the case. The coalition also fought for the repeal of the poll tax and the hiring of African-Americans by the local Post Office.

He also helped establish a Dallas Human Relations Commission which successfully integrated the city's schools and restaurants. He was a personal friend and confidante of Brother Thurgood Marshall. The two worked together to win the legal case which resulted in the admission of

50

Brother Herman Sweatt to the University of Texas Law School.

Brother Smith was the catalyst for the filing of hundreds of law suits by the NAACP in Texas and the Southwest in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Also in the 1960s, he led the effort to bring the Urban League to Dallas.

The former General President was a career officer with the Federal Housing Authority, later known as the Office of Housing and Urban Development. He traveled throughout the nation promoting fair and equal housing opportunity for all.

He remained the consummate Alpha man—never too busy for his local Chapter. Brother Smith served as Western Regional Vice President in the 1940s and was elected General President of Alpha Phi Alpha in the 1950s. During his General Presidency, the Fraternity's Corporate Headquarters was set up in Chicago. The Alpha Phi Alpha Building Foundation and Education Foundation also were established under his administration.

The Annual Fund Raiser for the Dallas African-American Museum bears Brother Smith's name because he helped promote the idea before he died. The City of Dallas has honored him by naming a local high school and one of its federal buildings in his honor.

Brother A. Maceo Smith remains an example for others to follow.

A. Maceo Smith High School - dedicated in 1985 The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

FROM T H E A R C H I V E S

Legendary Brothers Front row (left to risht): "Jewels" Eusene Kinckle Jones and Georse Biddle Kelley are photosraphed with Brother W.E.B. DuBois and General President Raymond W. Cannon at the 17th General Convention in New York in 1924.

The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

51

LITERARY LIVES OF THE "SEVEN JEWELS" CHRONICLED IN NEWLY RELEASED PUBLICATION

T

he lives of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's "Seven Jewels" were chronicled in a recently-released publication by Fraternity

Archivist Herman "Skip" Mason. Researched and w r i t t e n by Brother Mason, the 110-pase b o o k , The Talented

Tenth: Biographical

Sketches

the Seven Jewels of Alpha Phi Alpha

of

Fraternity,

Inc., was d i s t r i b u t e d for the first time at the 91st Anniversary Convention.

Brother Herman "Skip" Mason Archivist and author o f " The Talented Tenth"

S2

The Talented Tenth is filled with information about the Jewels' family histories, professional careers, anecdotal statements, photographs and excerpts from their letters, articles and speeches.

In the 91-year history of the Fraternity, this is the first publication to document the lives of all the Jewels both before and after tfrey attended Cornell University. In developing the book, Brother Mason states that efforts were made to identify descendants of the founders.

Research for the publication was done at die Moorland-Spingarn Research Center (which houses the Fraternity's archives); the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History in Adanta; and the Schomburg Center in Harlem, New York.

Brother Mason said his journey to uncover materials on the Jewels began widi a simple desire to learn more about die personal backgrounds of the seven Cornell University students.

Who were these men? What happened to them after 1906?

Those are some of die questions he attempted to answer during his several years of research of the project. In 1983, Brother Mason—then a College Brother at Iota Chapter, Morris Brown College in Atlanta—had the opportunity to meet Fraternity Historian and Past General President Charles Harris Wesley. It was that meeting that inspired Brother Mason to learn more about Alpha Phi Alpha's history.

Brother Mason said his hope is that The Talented Tenth book will create an interest for continuing research on the founders. His plans are to continue updating the publication with newly discovered information. "It is my hope that every Alpha... and every man desiring to become a member of die Fraternity will be inspired to learn why these men were the prototype ofwhat Brodier W.E.B. DuBois referred to as the "Talented Tenth," Brodier Mason said.

Brotlier Skip Mason holds master's degrees in AfricanAmerican Studies and Library and Information Sciences. He teaches history at Morehouse College in Adanta and is Founder/CEO of the Digging It Up African-American Research and Consulting Firm.

The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

LITERARY FEATURE An ordained minister, Brodier Mason also is pastor of St. James C.M.E. Church in Washington, Georgia. He has authored several other publications, including: GoingAgainst The Wind: APictorial History of African-Americans in Atlanta (Longstreet Press); Hidden Treasures: African-American Photographers in Atlanta; The History of Alpha South; Alpha In Atlanta: A Legacy Remembered (1920-1987). Two soon-to-be- released books, include: AfricanAmerican Life in Jacksonville and Black Atlanta During the Roaring Twenties (both published by Arcadia Press).

For more information about The Talented Tenth, contact Brother Herman "Skip" Mason at: Digginglt Up Press, 564 Blake Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Above: "Jewel" Vertner Woodson Tandy, pictured at the 26th General Convention in New Orleans, Lousianna in 1937, is featured in book on the Fraternity founders.

Left: "Jewel" Nathaniel Allison Murray (with cane) poses with daushters on both sides of him,- "Jewel" Georse Biddle Kelley stands next to his wife, harriet; and "Jewel" Henry Arthur Callis is pictured with wife, Myra, at the 50th Anniversary Convention in Buffalo, New York in 1956.

The Jewels are subjects of Brother Mason's book.

The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

53

ARTS ALPHA BROTHER REACHES OUT TO YOUTH THROUGH PERFORMING ARTS

Brother Thomas L. Pase instructs students at the T.L.P. Performins Arts Center.

B

rother Thomas Lee Page sums up his purpose as an Alpha Brother in the city of Paterson, NewJerseywith

thefollowing phrase: "Wedowhatwehavetoforourchildren and our community.. .and it starts with us. "A member of Delta Mu Lambda Chapter in Paterson, Brother Page has dedicated his life and service to the community by opening the city's and surrounding area's only remaining performing arts center.

The T.L.P. Performing Arts Center started out as a vision.. .a dream which became a reality on Monday, September 13,1993.

The focus of the vision— inspired by Page—is to provide exposure and training in the performing arts (dance, acting, vocal music, 54

instrumental music, and keyboard/theory) for urban youth in Paterson and the surrounding New Jersey area.

"Since becoming an Alpha, it has been my mission and goal to carry out our aim and purpose in the areas of manly deeds, scholarship, education and love for all mankind," says Brother Page. "I have always been taught by my parents and those mentors who educated me that we should build children to their fullest potential and only bring out the best in the child."

It takes more than love to build our youth, he says. "We have to show diem by example and hard work." Brother Page believes he must show young people that if they give their best—and their all—to what they believe in, their rewards will come through their performance and attitude.

Brother Page is an education instructor in the Passaic County Jail in Paterson. The experience has taught him that "when you showyou care and give your all and your best to what you do, it will show through your students."

One of his greatest joys is seeing men and women dedicated to making their lives better by getting their diplomas. He experiences a similar joy through his teaching at the center. "My continued drive at the performing arts center is so that our children and youth will develop an appreciation for the arts," he says. "Many of these young people have natural talents and would like to strengthen their skills in the area of their particular interest.

"Most of these children cannot afford professional lessons because of economic reasons and the makeup of their households (most being headed by single parents)."

Brother Page says he tries to provide the children with an opportunity to get comparable training by bringing in skilled and professional artists who care enough to make a difference in their lives.

Most of Paterson's schools have done away with the arts, taking creativity out of die child and leaving them with no desire to develop themselves as artists. Not all students will become scientists and computer programmers, he points out.

Himself a Paterson native, Brother Page knew what it was like not to be able to afford music lessons. He knows the experience The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

ARTS FEATURE of having a teacher take him under her wing to help him develop his art skills. Like those caring teachers, he would like to increase the children of Paterson's self-esteem and personal development through this program.

"I would do anything that it took to get our children off the streets and into a program that stimulates their imaginations and brings them onto the stage through a production of the arts," he says.

Many rewards have come to Paterson's youdi through the T.L.P. Performing Arts Center. Students there regularly takefirstplace and win other high honors in performance competitions. Two students were crowned winners in the Hal Jackson Talented Teen competition for their counties. Another student was chosen as the firstplace talent during a performance for the Apollo Theatre in New York. She received a standing ovation for her piano and vocal performance. A dance student at the center took a Lawrenceville, New Jersey competition by storm, bringing home thefirstplace trophy. "Not all will come home withfirstplace trophies and honors," Brother Page tells his students. "But the goal is to do the best with what you have, and great things will come to you."

Amore comprehensive performance program is being planned for the center and T.L.P. is looking for any kind of fraternal, financial and spiritual support that may exist, Brother Page says. "I am continuing my outreach in the community to help more children in our community fulfill their goals and dreams."

His discussions with youdi has led him to believe that the primary goal in life for most is to become a famous actor or actressstarring on television, in die movies, singing on stage or dancing, says Brother Page. He is attempting to develop a production design that will allow students to experience a taste of stardomjust in case they do not make it on television or sign a recording contract. The production set up will give youth the opportunity to create shows, perform on stage, sit behind a camera, work on production crews, direct plays and conduct musicals.

"I know that I am only one man, but I do not see myself alone in this outreach effort. I am one of many Alpha men who can help make a difference by giving of themselves," says Brother Page. "I know that I was put on Earth by God to make people happy and minister my gift through the arts."

For more information about the T.L.P. Performing Arts Center, contact: Thomas Lee Page, 21 Market Street - Suite 307, Paterson, New Jersey 07501-1723.

The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

Distinguished Collegians THE SUMMER ISSUE of The SPHINX™ will feature College members of die Fraternity who serve as campus leaders. College Brothers elected to serve as head of student organizations during the 1997-98 school year are invited to send a portrait photograph, a biographical sketch and information about their campus activities to: The SPHINX™ -Distinguished Collegians 1997-98; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; 2313 St. Paul Street; Baltimore, MD 21218-5234.

To be featured as a Distinguished Collegian, those submitting materials must be active members ofAlpha Phi Alpha Fraternity who are presently enrolled in school and working toward a baccalaureate degree.

Materials and information should be received in the Fraternity's Corporate Headquarters no later than April 1, 1998 to be considered for The SPHINX™ Summer edition.

Brodiers are encouraged to send their information now to avoid missing the deadline.

The Sphinx™ Deadline The SPHINX™ is die official organ of die Fraternity. Published quarterly, The SPHINX™ is open to articles about the accomplishments of Brothers and Chapters. Notices of deceased Brothers should be sent for inclusion in the "Omega Chapter" section of the magazine. Materials submitted by the January 15,1998 deadline will be included in Spring 1998 edition of The SPHINX™. Articles not received by the deadline will appear in the following edition of die magazine.

All articles submitted for publication must be keyed or typed in narrative form. It is requested mat articles be submitted on hard copy and computer disk when possible. Microsoft Word and WordPerfect formats are preferred. Disks should be IBM compatible. Color or black & white photo prints are accepted (color is preferred). Photographs sent to The SPHINX™ cannot be returned. Those sending photos should make duplicate copies of the pictures before sending them. Xerox copied photos, computer printouts, pictures clippedfromnewspapers or magazines, and poor quality photographs will not be printed.

Information and materials sent for the Spring 1998 edition of The SPHINX™ should be received in the Fraternity's Corporate Headquarters no later than January 15,1998. You are encouraged to send information now to avoid missing the deadline.

Send materials to: TheSPHINX™ • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; 2313 St. Paul Street; Baltimore, MD 21218-5234.

[CHAPTER EASTERN Gamma Sigma Delaware State University Dover, DE Gamma Sigma Chapter Brothers donated nearly $20,000 to die Delaware State University General Scholarship Fund during the past year. Twice a year Brothers park cars for NASCAR events held at the Dover Downs International Race Track and proceeds from die event are the primary source for the scholarship donations. In May 1996, Brothers donated $4,900 to the scholarship fund. In September 1996, the Chapter donated $5,100 and in September 1997, Brothers donated $9,100. Race track fans are charged $20 to park on DSU's grounds, located directly across me highwayfrom me race track. During the past year, GammaSigma Brothers nearly quadrupled me $5,000 donated to me scholarship fund in 1995. In other community service activities: Gamma Sigma, in conjunction with the Department of Services for Youth, Children and Families, conducts a mentoring program which encourages young males to complete high school and attend college; conducts exhibition step shows and discussions at area schools; and provides fun-filled assistance to children at DSU's early Childhood Center.

Pi Upsi Ion Lambda Brandywine, MD Pi Upsilon Lambda'sfirstGo-to-High School, Go-to-College Basketball Tournament capped yet another successful year of community service for the Chapter. The fund-raising event, to benefit the scholastic endeavors of Prince George's County students, was held at Largo High School. The eight-team competition was won by the Rolling Valley All-Stars who defeated the WHUR-Radio 96ers in the championship game. The PUL All-Stars were narrowly defeated in the tournament by the Metro All-Stars by a score of 3530. Tournament spectators were treated to a performance by the Washington Wizards Dance Team (formerly the Washington Bullettes) as well as a three-point contest and foul shooting contest. PUL plans to expand the event to 16-teams for me 1998 tournament. In other community service, PUL: established a partnership with Largo High and Kettering Middle schools to provide men56

PUL Brothers Loring Millin (left) & Hudson "Rusty" Byrd III, are photographed with members of the Washington Wizards Dance Team. torship and tutorial assistance; gave a $ 1,000 scholarship to Xavier University-bound, Largo High senior Ryane Edmonds; donated four computers to Largo High and plans to establish the PUL/Largo High Computer Learning Center; and provided holiday gift baskets to 14 families last Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Iota A l p h a Lambda Aberdeen, MD Iota Alpha Lambda Brothers recendy sponsored a fund-raising event to support its college scholarship fund. The event was performed in conjunction with the Chapter's Go-to-High School, Go-to-College program. Brothers held a car wash at the local WalMart department store in Aberdeen. The business contributors included Aberdeen Ail-American City who provided the water source. Wal-Mart provided matching funds.

Another community service project performed by the Chapter involved me Maryland state 'Adopt-A-Highway" program. The program allows Iota Alpha Lambda to advertise its name on an attractive The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

C H A P T E R NEWS state sign mounted on the side of the highway. Brothers are responsible for picking up litter four weekends a year along a onemile stretch of Route 40 Highway as part of their program participation. Armed with effervescent vests, caps and trash bags, Brothers have conducted three SWAT team assaults on litter this year. The two-hour operation begins with a Fraternity breakfast at a local restaurant. The breakfast is followed by a safety briefing and forming into two teams. The teams simultaneously attack the litter from both sides of the highway. After working in 100- degree heat this summer, the Brothers unanimously agreed to curtail further operations until more moderate temperatures return.

Beta Sigma Lambda Hartford, CT Beta Sigma Lambda Brothers were successful in sponsoring several community service projects. Claiming a 99-9 percent success rate, Chapter Brothers: held two Bone Marrow Drives; spon-

The year ended with their annual summer picnic.

Zeta U p s i l o n Lambda Reston, VA Zeta Upsilon Lambda Brothers recently held their annual awards ceremony to honor the outstanding academic accomplishments of middle and high school students in the Northern Virginia Area. Meritorious Awards were given to 173 students in grades 7 through 12 who maintained a grade-point average of 3.0 to 3.5 during the 1996-97 school year. Outstanding Student Awards were given to 108 students who maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Four scholarships were presented to senior students who exhibited a high degree of commitment to education and their community.

A l p h a Theta Lambda Atlantic City, NJ Alpha Theta Lambda Brothers continue to recognize excellence in education through the Chapter's student recognition programs. The Chapter's goal is to make a difference in the lives of minority students by celebrating the high academic achievements of students in grades 4 through 12. Gifted and talented area students were recognized with certificates of achievement as an incentive to continue their outstanding performance. Four graduating seniors were awarded scholarships of $500 each.

Epsi Ion lota Lambda Suffolk, VA Epsilon Iota Lambda has established the BooneTurner Scholarship Foundation as a part of its continuing quest to mentor and support area youth. The Chapter's plans are to award 20 scholarships annuBeta Sigma Lambda Brothers at annual Summer Picnic ally. More than 25 high school males attended Epsilon Iota Lambda's recent Go-to-High School, Go-toCollege program. Brother Walter Kimbraugh, Director of Student sored their annual Thanksgiving food drive and gave food basLeadership at Old Dominion University, was guest speaker for kets to needy families in the greater Hartford area; made a generthe program. Two students from local high schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Marcus Artis ous donation to the Boy Scouts of America at one of the local churches; sponsored the Annual Black& Gold Ball; gave two $ 1,000 of Nansemond River and Leonard Wigging of Lakelandâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;were awarded the first Boone-Turner Scholarship during the program. scholarships tolocal high schoolyouth; and sponsored a coat drive.

The SPHINX'" - Fall/Winter 1997

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C H A P T E R NEWS Zeta lota Lambda

Mu Theta Lambda

Trenton, NJ

Providence, RI Mu Theta Lambda Brothers sponsored dieir annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for indigent- and lower-middle class families. Led by retired Internal Revenue Service employee, Brother Howlett Chandler, the program provided assistance to about 300 individuals. It has become the envy of other organizations in the Greater Providence area. Also, the Chapter presented its annual Joseph G. LeCount Scholarship awards to two

Brother C. Kemal Nance and Chester High School Cheerleaders.

Zeta Iota Lambda Brothers continue their collective and individual efforts toward the social betterment of the community.

During the Fraternity's 91st Anniversary Convention in Washington, D.C., Chapter Brother Steven J. Allen coordinated the "Develop A Stamp for Paul Robeson Project" and gave a presentation of the initiative during die College Brother's Luncheon. Brother Allen coordinated a petition-signature drive and obtained more than 600 signatures. Dance artist and educator, Chapter Brother C. Kemal Nance volunteers his time to facilitate the training of cheerleaders at Chester High School in Chester, Pennsylvania. Brother Nance helps the girls enhance their execution of gymnastic stunts and improve the quality of their sideline dance performance. Chapter Brother DeWayne Tolbert is a board member at Anchor House of Trenton, a resource center for young students and an outreach program that provides academic classes, counseling, room, board, and physicals. Brother Tolbert was one of more than 150 individuals who participated in a "bike-a-thon" this summer to raise funds for the House. During a one-week period, the cyclists biked 560 milesfromCanada to Trenton.

ss

Mu Theta Lambda Brothers and participants in the Chapter's Alpha Rites of Passage Program. studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Alfred H. Green, III and Floyd Narcisse, Jr. Green will attend Wentworth Institute in Massachusetts and Narcisse will attend Wilberforce University in Ohio. During the year, die Chapter also sponsored die Alpha Rites of Passage program. Ten young men participated in the weekly workshop-sessions. Widi financial assistance from the United Black and Brown Fund of Rhode Island, a catered Rites of Passage ceremony was held at the King Center.

First Ever F r a t e r n i t y Run Eight Brothers and a registered lady assembled for a fraternal run in Rock Creek Park on Sunday morning during the 1997 General Convention. The course covered the 2.25 milesfromthe Sheraton to the Watergate Hotel and back. The 7-km run began at 7 a.m. In the group were two retired maradion runners. Anomer runner, Brother Alphonse Stewart of Gamma Zeta Lambda, was in training for a marathon. Odiers were recreational joggers. Brodier The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

C H A P T E R NEWS Epsilon

Lambda

St. Louis, Missouri

Runne

jog in Rock Creek Park.

Steven Allen of Zeta Iota Lambda scouted the trail for the runners. Brother Alfred J. Horton and Brother Rufus E. Sadler regularly run a few miles at each General Convention. The sole lady runner, Madeline Wallace of Wesdand, Michigan, set the pace for the Brothers.

With community as the cornerstone of its efforts, Epsilon Lambda set out to make a difference in the lives ofyouth in the greater St. Louis area. The Chapter mentored about 20 males, ages 7 to 17, during its Project Alpha presentation held at the Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center. During the session, Brothers emphasized the need for die youdi to stay in school, to avoid drugs and gangs, set goals and believe in diemselves. Epsilon Lambda also was JkT" able to provide the area's Sandra Mahr family with a happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas last yearthanks to funds from the Chapter's Adopt-a-Family project, their Spring fund-raiser, and donations from their Social Action Committee. Mrs. Mahr is using limited funds to single-handedly raise seven grandchildren. Brothers also participated in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters "For Kids Sake" Bowl-A-Thon and presented scholarships to students during its Scholarship Reception.

Alpha

MIDWESTERN lota

Zeta

West Virginia College Institute, WV

Lambda

Indianapolis, IN Iota Lambda Brothers welcomed about 175 young people and their chaperones to the University of Indianapolis for the 1997 Midwest Region Youui Leadership and Citizenship Institute. The program targets primarilyyoung African-American males between ages 11 and 19. The youth are selected and sponsored by Fraternity chapters across the Midwestern Region. Most of the youth come from various Fraternity mentoring programs, such as the Junior Alpha Men. Several young women also were included in this year's group and special workshops were held to address their needs and interests. This year's program featured elements of Project Alpha (presentations on sexual responsibility) and included traditional topics of leadership development. The program also included a field trip to the world's largest Children's Museum, which housed many hands-on exhibits and a special area devoted to AfricanAmerican storytelling traditions. Nationally-known author and speaker, MychalWynn, gave the keynote address and challenged participants to "soar with eagles," a theme repeated throughout the conference.

TheSPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

Alpha Zeta Brothers presented their outstanding Brother of the Year Award to Brother Jimmie McKnight in recognition of his unselfish contributions to the programs of me local Alumni Chapter, Alpha Iota Lambda, and to the District of West Virginia. The award is named in honor of past District Director Dr. Ervin V. Griffin, Sr.

SOUTHERN T h e t a Nu L a m b d a LaGrange, GA Theta Nu Lambda Brothers have been involved in a number of activities to help the West Georgia area. The George Department of Public Health Family Division awarded the Alpha Multi-purpose Center, where Brothers actively work, a $17,500 grant to help reduce and prevent teen pregnancy. The grant enables Brothers to spend evenings working with about 100 boys and girls. Another grant of $5,000 from the Male Initiative provided funds for the Chapter's Go-to-High School, Go-to-College program. Theta Nu Lambda also served as host of the Georgia District Planning meet59

C H A P T E R NEWS ing where more than 135 Brodiers assembled in LaGrange. Also, as a result of the Chapter's Annual Scholarship Ball, two students were awarded 11,500 each to attend Morehouse College.

Iota Nu University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL Iota Nu Brodiers continue their leadership in campus student organizations. Chapter members currently hold positions in the National Society of Black Engineers, Black Student Awareness Committee, Undergraduate Student Government Association, NAACP, Order of Omega and as Residence Hall assistants. The past five USGA presidents and three consecutive USGA treasurers have all been Iota Nu members. Recendy, Iota Nu Chapter was named as having the highest GPA of all ten of me campus' Greek-letter fraternities. This is die fourth-consecutive year die Chapter has won the honor. Also, the Chapter was awarded the Student Life Excellence Award for die third year.

Iota Delta Florida State University Tallahassee, FL Brothers at Iota Delta participated in the Becoming A Man (BAM) program at die Walker Ford Center. As part of the program, Brodiers tutor, mentor and display positive role models for AfricanAmerican young males in the Tallahassee community. Co-sponsored by the March of Dimes, the Chapter's Project Alpha initiative

lota Delta Chapter

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educates high school males about domestic violence, safe sex and sexually transmitted diseases.

Also, Iota Delta Brothers regularly hold seminars on safe sex, financial responsibility, the new world order and other topics to inform students on die campus. The Chapter hosts an annual minority-freshman oratorical contest as a means of encouraging new students to get involved in campus activities. Brothers also honor the African-American male freshman widi the highest GPA at their annual awards banquet.

The Chapter has die highest GPA among Pan-Greek Fraternities at Florida State University. Iota Delta Brothers also hold leadership positions in campus organizations, including: the NAACP, Progressive Black Men, Student Government, Black Student Union, National Society of Black Engineers and Sigma Chi Iota.

Delta Kappa Lambda Florence, SC Delta Kappa Lambda Brothers spent the past year involved in several programs in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina, addressing die needs of die community. Recendy, Chapter members sponsored afishingtrip with Head Start fathers and sons. More than 30 youth and 25 adults participated in the activity. The event began widi a message from the Chapter president on father/son responsibilities and safety tips from a local deputy sheriff. Chapter members friedfishfor the participants.

The Chapter also sponsored a Black History Program for Head Start famers and sons. An informative message was given by Chapter Vice President and former State Senator Brother Frank Gilbert.

Brothers (left to right) Merritt Graves, Frank Gilbert, Frank Hough and Joseph Heyward prepare Thanksgiving dinner for local homeless shelter.

The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

C H A P T E R NEWS In addition, Delta Kappa Lambda Brothers sponsored a Health Fair for Head Start fathers, sons and significant others. The event was held at a local hospital and a speaker was invited to provide information on health care.

Brothers George Sargent, Frank Gilbert, Greg Mingo, Joseph Heyward, Merrit Graves and Frank Hough provided Thanksgiving dinner for the Florence Homeless Shelter. The Chapter also sponsored a Neighbor-to-Neighbor Can Food Drive. The food was donated to the Amana House, a local establishment for the less fortunate.

Beta Beta Lambda Miami, FL Beta Beta Lambda Brothers presented their Annual Scholarship Assistance to young Hayden Paul Ridore. Hayden has maintained a 4.13 GPAat Miami's Carol City Senior High School. The student's plans are to become a United States Supreme Court Justice. He also is actively involved with athletics, tutoring for elementary school children at his church, community food drives, school clean-up drive and other events. The scholarship recipient is one of 11 children. He has been accepted to attend the University of Miami.

A l p h a Nu Lambda Tuskegee, AL

Zeta Al pha Lambda Ft. Lauderdale, FL Zeta Alpha Lambda Brothers have embarked on a mission to reclaim 100 percent of the area's inactive Brothers. The Chapter's reclamation efforts will be centered around its programs, which include: Men of Tomorrow Scholarship Program, Mentoring Program, Project Alpha, Go-to-High School, Go-toCollege, Area Blood Drive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Service, Black History Month activities, Black & Gold Scholarship Ball, and Teen Pregnancy Prevention program. The Chapter recendy sponsored a 1970s scholarship dance attended by Soudiern Regional Vice President Lynwood Bell. The Chapter also celebrated an evening honoring Astronaut and Physician Mae Jamison, a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and native of Chicago.

Mayor of Tuskesee, Brother Ronald Williams (front, center) and Tuskesee City Attorney, Brother Milton C. Davis (front, second from risht), are pictured with Alpha Nu Lambda Brothers.

After serving in Macon County and Tuskegee, Al, as a public school teacher and principal, a college administrator, and a local business person, Brother Ronald Williams now is Mayor of the City of Tuskegee. The 29th General President, Brother Milton C. Davis, is City Attorney. Brothers Williams and Davis are members of Alpha Nu Lambda Chapter shown above. The 32 active members ofAlpha Nu Lambda Chapter include 21 Life Members.

Astronaut Mae Jamison is pictured with Zeta Alpha Lambda Brothers.

The SPHINX" - Fall/Winter 1997

61

C H A P T E R NEWS SOUTHWESTERN

WESTERN

Beta Tau

ETA PI LAMBDA / IOTA ZETA LAMBDA

Xavier University New Orleans, LA

Long Beach, CA

For more than 60 years, Beta Tau has illuminated the campus of Louisiana'sfirstCollege Chapter. From the Chapter's ranks have come the likes of New Orleans' first African-American Mayor Ernest "Dutch" Morial and Judge Ivan Lemelle. In keeping with its long tradition of character, leadership, scholarship and devotion to the cause, BetaTau initiated its newest Brothers under the lineage: The Nine Nomadic Priests of the Thirteen Nubian Decrescents. Beta Tau claimed among its numbers the Louisiana District Alpha Phi Alpha Brother of die Year, die current and past Student Government Association presidents, the current and past XU NAACP presidents, the current XU NSBE president, the cofounder and current president of Xavier University of Louisiana Theologians, die captain of the XU Quiz Bowl Team, die XU Scholar Athlete, the only male Rousseve Scholar in the class of 1997, die XU Fest Chairman, the campus coordinator of Men on the Move, an Environmental Justice Scholar, the past president of the XU PreAlumni Association, die class of 1999 treasurer, die XU Pan-Hellenic Council treasurer, current and past SGACongresspersons and various University committee chairpersons and members.

OMICRON EPSILON LAMBDA Corpus Christi, TX The Brodiers of Omicron Epsilon Lambda are much too busy mentoring scouts, raising and awarding scholarships, helping teenagers avoid die pitfalls ofteenage sexual misconduct, and teachingyoudi how to get employment to worry about their small numbers. OEL Brothers recently adopted a Job Readiness Assistance Program to teach high-risk youth how tofind,get and keep employment. The Chapter also adopted a predominantly AfricanAmerican Boy Scout Troop widi whom diey mentor, serve as role models, and conduct joint fund-raisers. The Chapter has presented Project Alpha seminars in conjunction with the local YMCA, a church group, a home for juvenile offenders and a college football team. For thefirsttimein south Texas history, Omegas, Kappas, Zetas, Deltas, AKAs and Alphas worked together on a community project when OEL Brothers held a children's toy-drive and Christmas party to benefit underprivileged families.

Eta Pi Lambda and Iota Zeta Lambda Brothers joined together this year for their African-American Father of the Year program.

Eta Pi Lambda, which has sponsored the program since 1993, was joined this year by Iota Zeta Lambda for the first time. The program recognizes die achievements of African-American fathers dirough essays submitted by their middle and high school students. This year, 14 essays were submitted by students from the Los Angeles, Pasadena and Orange County areas. Three finalists were chosen from those who submitted essays. Thefinalistswere given die Frank Nicholson award and certificates. A copy of dieir speeches was given to their fathers along with a savings bond for the students. Western Regional Chaplain Brother Bishop Henry read excerptsfromthe essays, leaving not a dry eye in die room.

PI KAPPA California State University Northridge, CA Pi Kappa Brodiers experienced a very busy and exciting year.

In addition to co-hosting Project Alpha and Go-to-High School, Goto-College programs with other local chapters, Chapter Brothers also held clothes and canned food drives to benefit local homeless shelters. At the 48tii Western Regional Convention, Brother Ryan E. Ballard was first runner-up in the Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest and became the sixth BrotherfromPi Kappa elected as Western Regional Assistant Vice President since formation of the Chapter in 1984. Also, Ms. Shaune McKinney, representing Pi Kappa, won the Miss Black & Gold pageant and represented the Western Region in the national competition in Washington, D.C.

The SPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

Brother Doyle Ernest Banks l,wasamemberofEpsilon Pi Lambda Chapter in Gainesville-Ocala, Florida. He was born in East Lake Weir, Florida where he attended Marion County school.

A"jack-of-all-trades," he worked at an airport in Hollywood, Florida; in a staff position at the Sonesta Beach Hotel in Key Biscayne, Florida; as a television salesman at Grant's Department Store in Ocala; and as an insurance agent in Orlando. At the time of his death, he was a vocational education instructor at Central Florida Community College. He was a veteran of the Korean War and Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at East Lake Weir First Baptist Church.

Brother B o b b i e V. Buck,alife member ofAlphaPhi Alpha, was initiated at Gamma Iota Chapter. Born in Mobile, Alabama, he was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

He was employed as afleetmanager for the United States Postal Service. Brother Buck served as treasurer of Beta Omicron Lambda Chapter for many years.

Brother D o n a l d T. Burton, was initiated in 1956 at Delta Pi Chapter, Cheney University. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Cheney in 1977 and earned his Master of Arts degree in 1980 from Trenton State College. He was an active member of Kappa Iota Lambda Chapter in Burlington County, New Jersey.

Brother J e r o m e O. Guilford, Sr., was initiated in 1950 at Kappa Chapter, Ohio State University. He attended Wilberforce University and Ohio State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1951. He received his Masters of Arts degree in 1954. A life-long educator, Brother Guilford began his career at Ella P. Stewart School where he taught social studies and became principal in 1966. In 1970, he was appointed Director ofTitle 1-E.S.EA He received his Education Specialist degree from The University of Toledo in 1975. After serving 35 years, Brother Guilford retired from the Toledo Public Schools in March 1991.

During his tenure, he received honors for Administrative Leadership, his dedication to Academic Excellence and unusual Support of Parent Involvement. He was a member of The Little Shrimps Club of Toledo, The Young Seniors Bowling League and The Saturnus Club of Youngstown, Ohio. He also served on several boards: the YMCA, the Toledo Teachers Credit Union and the Toledo Federation ofTeachers. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and the Masons, Amazon Lodge #4. Brother Guilford was a memTheSPHINXâ&#x201E;˘ - Fall/Winter 1997

berofWarren A.M.E. Church, Chairman of the Building Committee, and a member of the Trustee and Steward Boards.

Brother J u d g e A d d e l i a r D. Guy 111, was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1948, he joined the U.S. Army where he won a Purple Heart, a Meritorious Award Medal, a Korden Service Medal with two Batde Starts and a Combat Infantryman's Badge. He attended Loyola University School of Law in Chicago and served as a civil and criminal defense attorney in Chicago for seven years.

Brother Guy worked as a research and administrative assistant for former Clark County Nevada District Attorney Ted Marshall. Two years later, he became the state'sfirstAfrican-American deputy district attorney. He served as chief deputy district attorney from 1973 to 1975. He then was appointed to serve as a District Court judge, a position which he held for 20years. He retired in 1996 and served as an alternate justice ofthe Nevada Supreme Court. Brother Guy worked with the Boy Scouts ofAmerica and the Boys' and Girls' Club of Las Vegas whose West Las Vegas facility is named in his honor.

The Clark County School District's new middle schools will be named in his honor and a new Veteran's Administration hospital that opened in Las Vegas inJuly also was named in his honor. Brother Guy sponsored the Addeliar D. Guy Law School Scholarship Fund for aspiring legal students. He was thefirstAfrican-American to serve on the Las Vegas Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.

Brother Guy was an active member of Theta Pi Lambda Chapter.

Brother C l a r e n c e P. H a l s t e a d , Sr., was a life member ofAlpha Phi Alpha. He was a member ofTheta Rho Lambda Chapter where he served as president, treasurer, chairman of several committees and represented the chapter as a delegate at State, Regional and General Conventions. He served on several National Committees and received many commendations and awards from the Brotherhood, including: his Chapter's Man ofThe Year, Patriarch of Virginia, and the Man of Merit award from the Eastern Region.

Brother Halstead received his bachelor's degree from Hampton University, master's degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania and the Advanced Professional Certificate in guidance and counseling from George Washington University. He served as teacher of industrial arts and mathematics at Hoffman-Boston Junior-Senior High School. He served as director of guidance and assistant principal at Stratford Junior High until his retirement in 1977.

63

OMEGA CHAPTER

64

Brother Hanley J a m e s Norment,wasformerpresident of Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Silver Spring, Maryland and formerly served as District 6 Director of the state. Born in Marianna, Arkansas. He received his early education in the Arkansas Public School system. Brother Norment received a bachelor's degree from the University ofArkansas at Pine Bluff (formerly Arkansas AM&N) and a second bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of Washington. He received a master's degree from the University of Michigan where he became a doctoral candidate in political science. Brother Norment served in the U.S. Navy and was professor of political science at Virginia State College. He was director of the Office of Civil Rights and the U.S. Civil Service Commission (Office of Personnel Management). He also was employed as associate director for civilrightswith the U. S. Department of Transportation. Brother Norment was president of the NAACP Montgomery County Chapter, NAACP A.C.T.-So and the Maryland State Conference NAACP branches. He was a trustee at People's Congregational United Church of Christ.

Brother Charles H. Penn, Sr., was a member of Alpha Xi Lambda Chapter in Toledo, Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1944 from South Carolina State College. He worked for Urban Renewal, as director of both the Model Cities and Affirmative Action programs and as a contract compliance officer. He was thefirstAfrican-American appointed as an assistant city manager. He was a life-long member of Third Baptist Church and served as a member and chairman of the deacon board, a Sunday School teacher, church moderator and on the advisory council. He served on both the committee which reestablished the Greater Toledo Urban League and on their Board of Directors.

Brother Penn served as a board member of Compass, Board member and President of EOPA, Vice President of the Christian Business Men's Committee, co-founder of the Dare To Be Different program, member of the Chuck Colson Prison Ministry and on the athletic committee. He was named to the Scott High School Hall of Fame in 1991. The school stadium was renamed Penn-Web Stadium because of his many athletic contributions.

B r o t h e r C h a r l e s E. Lewis, a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha, was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He earned a B.S. degree from George Williams College in 1950 and did graduate work at Chicago Teachers College, DePaul University, Loyola University and Northwestern University. He served as the head football and assistant basketball coach at St. Elizabeth's High School in Chicago.

He taught school and worked as the playground director at Buetner Playground in the Chicago Parks System. Brother Lewis joined R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company as a sales representative in the company's South Chicago Sales Division and was named manager of the East Chicago Division. He later transferred to WinstonSalem, NC to RJR's Corporate Headquarters as National Manager of Special Markets in the Sales Department. He moved to the Public Relations Department as Manager of External Affairs in 1984 and retired from RJR in 1989. He has been listed in Who's Who in Black Corporate America and received many awards and accolades which include induction into the Hall of Fame of the New York Hispanic Athletic Association, National Bowling Association, Dollars and Sense Magazine and most recendy, he was honored by me Business Policy Review Council at their Corporate gala tribute. He was a former member of the Illinois Athletic Commission and also volunteered his services to the North Carolina Arthritis Committee.

He was an active member of Saint Benedict the Moor Catholic Church. He served as a Knight of Columbus, a member of the Parish Council and Men's Club.

Brother Major Richard Charles Pullam.wasamember of the Tuskegee Airmen. As an Air Force pilot, heflewhundreds of missions against the enemy during World War II. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he waslhe city'sfirstaviation cadet when he left in 1943 to join the U.S. Air Force at Tuskegee Institute, Alabama.

Before going to Tuskegee, Brother Pullam graduated from Lincoln University where he took the Civil Pilot Training course and received his pilot's license. He then volunteered to serve in the Air Force and was called to the Tuskegee Army Air School where he graduated as a second lieutenant on December 13,1942. He was among the flyers who went to Selfridge Field, Michigan to make up the 332nd Fighter Group—thefirstunit ofAfrican-American airmen in World War II—which went overseas in December 1943.

Brother Erskine Wi I lard S c o t t , was a member of MuNu Lambda Chapter in Kingsport, Tennessee where he served as Chapter treasurer. He was born in Huntington, West Virginia and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio with his family at an early age. He graduated from Walter Hills Accelerated High School in Cincinnati then attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from the school. He later completed graduate work at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. In 1952, Brother Scott enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving tours of duty at various bases, including the Azores, Okinawa, Japan, England and Italy. He retired as aTechnical Sergeant in March 1973. Brother Scott was a devout Catholic, The SPHINX™ - Fall/Winter 1997

OMEGA CHAPTER converting under Pope John the 23rd in Rome, Italy. As a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Johnson City, he served as usher, choir member and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

director. He worked in the Raleigh Public School System for 24 yeas as attendance counselor until his retirement in 1976. Brother Young was a member of the Garner Road YMCA Board for 16 years. He was a 32nd degree Mason.

Brother Dr. Ronald R. Smith, was borninNew York City and graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in music from Hunter College in I960. He taught music, math and general science courses in the New York Public School system for lOyears. He served as an assistant school principal, conducted two all-city choruses and directed a creative arts program for disadvantaged youth. He continued his studies in music and ethnomusicology at Hunter College, Brooklyn College and the Mannes College of Music. He received an Indiana University fellowship to study ethnomusicology and earned a master's degree in 1971. Brortier Smith continued toward his doctorate with two Ford Foundation fellowships, andspentayear in Panama and Columbiaunder the auspices of a Fulbright-Hays fellowship. He earned a doctorate from Indiana University in 1976. He was an assistant professor of music at Middlebury College and at Bowdoin College. He served Indiana University as an associate dean and as a folklore professor. He directed the Archives of Traditional Music in 1981-82 and the Ethnomusicology Program in 1979-81,1983-84 and 1987-88. He had directed the Committee for Institutional Cooperation Minorities Fellowship Program since 1988. He was a member of the program faculties of Latin American and Caribbean Studies and African Studies. He served as a member and as chairperson of the Ford Foundation Fellowship Selection panels in the areas of music, art, communication, folklore, ethnomusicology. He taught students and faculty how to apply computer-assisted analysis to the study of folk music, literature and material culture, and developed several computer databases that are used in cataloging extensive collections of data in various Indiana University archives.

Omega Listings

Brother R o b e r t T. Young, was a life member of the Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was born in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He graduated from Johnson C. Smith University in 1936 and matriculated to Columbia University in New York City where he received a master's degree in Administration and Supervision. He did post-graduate work at North Carolina State University, Hampton University, University of North Carolina and Columbia where he received a graduate Certificate in Guidance and Counseling. He went into military service and served two-andone-halfyears in France. He taught at the State of Georgia, Southern Pines, North Carolina where he was assistant principal and athletic The SPHINX"" - Fall/Winter 1997

Brother H.J.C. Bowden, Jr. Eta Lambda Brother James Bright Eta Lambda Brother Braddy Cooper Eta Lambda Brother Robert Gaines Eta Lambda Brother Johnny Hill Eta Lambda Brother Theodore Johnson Eta Lambda Brother Elijah Lightfoot lota Eta Brother Cecil McBay Eta Lambda Brother Amos Miles Eta Lambda James A. Simms Omicron Nu Lambda Brother Ronald Sims Omicron Phi Lambda Brother Oscar J. Spooner, Jr. Omicron Eta Lambda Brother David Synder Eta Lambda Brother John E. Thomas, Jr. Rho

65

THE SEVEN JEWELS

Henry A. Callis

Charles H. Chapman

Eugene K. Jones

jrge B. Kelley

Robert H. Ogle

Vertner W. Tandy

GENERAL OFFICERS General President Immediate Past General President Executive Director General Treasurer Comptroller General Counsel Director-General Conventions Parliamentarian VICE PRESIDENTS Eastern Midwestern Southern Southwestern Western ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS Eastern Midwestern Southern Southwestern Western LIVING PAST GENERAL PRESIDENTS (Board Members) 21st General President 24th General President 25th General President 26th General President 27th General President 28th General President 29th General President ADMINISTRATrVE ASSISTANTS T O T H E GENERAL PRESIDENT International Affairs Special Assistant Assistants

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Adrian L. Wallace, 281 Debra Lane, Lake Charles, LA 70611 -9216 Milton C. Davis, P.O. Box 509, Tuskegee, AL, 36083 Hebrew L Dixon III, 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 16, RO. Box 4246, Montgomery, AL 36104 Harry E. Johnson, Sr., 8606 Running Bird Lane, Missouri City, TX 77489 Al F. Rutherford, 8585 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 730N, Dallas, TX 75247 Kenneth Jordan, 15366 Kentfield, Detroit, MI 28223

Samuel G. Wilson, 3639 Highwood Drive, SE, Washington, DC 20020 James B. Blanton III, 10625 South Hamilton, Chicago, IL 60643 Lynwood Bell, 1902 East Pollock Road, Lakeland, FL 33813 Terry German, 827 Sansome Drive, Arlington, TX 76018 Kenneth Venable, 722 West 19th Street, Unit #4, San Pedro, CA 90731

Rawn James, P.O. Box 205266, New Haven, C T 06520 Juan Ballard, 610 Northest St. #207, Indianapolis, IN 46202 Laterrance L. Chatman, 303 Lipona Road, Apt. 8D, Tallahassee, FL 32304 Walter T. Tillman, Jr., 401 Cleveland Street, Indianola, MS 38751 Ryan Ballard, 3620 Fairway Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90043

T Winston Cole, Sr., 124 SWTwenry-third, Gainesville, FL 32607 Walter Washington, Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS 39096 James R. Williams, 1733 Brookwood Drive, Akron, O H 44313 Ozell Sutton, 1640 Loch Lomond Trail, SW, Atlanta, GA 30331 Charles C. Teamer, Sr., 4619 Owens Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70122 Henry Ponder, Black Higher Education Center, Lovejoy Bdg., 400,12th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Milton C. Davis, EO. Box 509, Tuskegee, AL 36083

Horace G.Dawson, Jr., 1601 Kalmia Road, NW, Washington, D C 20012 Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 5075 Red Robin Ridge, Alpharetta, GA 30202 Joseph E. Heyward, RO. Box 384, Florence, SC 29503 Ronald L. Anderson, 6300 Taliaferro Way, Kingstowne, VA 22315 Joshua Williams, Jr., 9696 Hayne Blvd. #15, New Orleans, LA 70127

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1997

CORPORATE DIRECTORY ALPHA PHI ALPHA BUILDING F O U N D A T I O N , INC. Chairman Treasurer Members

ALPHA PHI ALPHA E D U C A T I O N FOUNDATION, INC. Chairman Treasurer Members

NATIONAL C O M M I T T E E / C O M M I S S I O N CHAIRMEN Alpha Collegiate Scholars Archivist Awards & Achievements Budget & Finance Business & Economic Development College Brothers Affairs Constitution Elections Endowment &: Capital Formation Grievances & Discipline Headquarters Maintenance Internal Auditing Jobs Fair Life Membership Management Information Systems Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Project Membership/Standards & Extension National Programs Personnel Publications Racial Justice & Public Policy Reclamation Subcommittee Recommendations &C Resolutions Rules & Credentials Rituals & Ceremonies Senior Alpha Affairs Strategic Planning Time & Place Training & Development PROGRAM/PROJECT C O O R D I N A T O R S Big Brother/Big Sisters of America Leadership Development & Citizen Education Miss Black & Gold Pageant Oratorical Contest Project Alpha Special Project

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1997

Everett Ward, 5002 Avenida Del Sol Drive, Raleigh, N C 27604 George N. Reaves, 2933 Balmoral Crescent, Flossmoor, IL 60422 Calvin R. Austin, 139 Drexel Drive, Millersville, M D 21108 Samuel D. DeShazior, 911 Mercer Avenue, Akron, O H 44320 Bruce A. Austin, 6202 Crane Street, Houston, TX 77026 Adrian L. Wallace, Ex Officio

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

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, O H 44118 Frank A. Jenkins III, 529 South Perry Street, Suite 16, Montgomery, AL 36104 Harold Patrick, 5959 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 Barton J. Taylor, 2117 Flat Shoals Road #4, Atlanta, GA 30316 Llovd Givens, 6050 Canaan Woods Drive, SW, Adanta, 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. Leandras 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, M O 66102 George Wayne Watkins, 40983 Oaks Drive #4A, Troy, MI 48098 Andre Watkins, 803 Falls Lake Drive, Mitchellville, MD 20716 John H. Carter, 3465 Somerset Trail, Adanta, GA 30330 Ronald T.James, 1717 NE 16th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Ronald Peters, 1130 M.D. Anderson Blvd., Houston, TX 77030 Sean Woodroffe, 705 Summer Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553 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, Chairman, 549 S 7th Avenue, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550 James Ivory, 1241 Oak Hill Road, Downers Grove, IL 60515 Chester A. Wheeler III, RO. Box 6682, Macon, GA 31208 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 Willis E. Baird, RO. Box 74, Durham, N C 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

67

CORPORATE DIRECTORY ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

GENERAL PRESIDENTS •Omega Chapter

2 3 1 3 St. Paul Street • Baltimore, M D 21218-5234 Phone: (410) 554-0040 • Fax: (410) 554-0054 Hebrew L. Dixon III, Executive Director-Ext. 115 SeatonJ. White III, Director of Communications - Ext. 101 Zollie Stevenson, Interim Director of Programs - Ext. 137 Keith Johnson, Intake Manager- Ext. 123 Gregory Jackson, Membership Manager-104 Londa N. Sanders, Operations Specialist - Ext. 113 Jame'l Hodges, Intake Specialist - Ext. 121 Alan Johnson, National Programs Assistant - Ext. 138 Teresa Beckett, Executive Assistant - Ext. 116 Latifa Howard, Communications Assistant - Ext. 138 Tori Bracey, Membership Assistant - Ext. 118 Leslie Porter, Membership Assistant - Ext. 117 Ernestine Smith, Membership Assistant - Ext. 122 Sharon Prater, Intake Assistant-Ext. 105 Yolonda Bailey, Intake Assistant - Ext. 120 Gracie Deville, Receptionist - Ext. 100 M.A. Morrison, First General President, 1908-1909* Roscoe C. Giles, Second General President, 1909-1911 * Frederick H. Miller, Third General President, 1911-1912* Charles H. Garvin, Fourth General President, 1912-1914* Henry L. Dickason, Fifth General President, 1914-1915* Henry A. Callis, Sixth General President, 1915-1916* Howard H. Long, Seventh General President, 1916-1917* William A. Pollard, Eighth General President, 1918-1919* Daniel D. Fowler, Ninth General President, 1919-1920* Lucius L. McGee, Tenth General President, 1920-1921 * S.S. Booker, Eleventh General President, 1921-1923* Raymond W.Cannon, Twelfth General President, 1924—1928* B. Andrew Rose, Thirteenth General President, 1928-1931* Charles H. Wesley, Fourteenth General President, 1931-1940* Rayford W Logan, Fifteenth General President, 1941-1945* Belford V. Lawson, Jr., Sixteenth General President, 1946-1951 * A. Maceo Smith, Seventeenth General President, 1951-1954* Frank L. Stanley, Jr., Eighteenth General President, 1955-1957* Myles A. Paige, Nineteenth General President, 1957-1960* William H. Hale, Twentieth General President, 1960-1962* T. Winston Cole, Sr., Twenty-first General President, 1963-1964 Lionel H. Newsom, Twenty-second General President, 1965—1968* Ernest N. Morial, Twenty-third General President, 1969-1972* Walter Washington, Twenty-fourth General President, 1973-1976 James R. Williams, Twenty-fifth General President, 1977-1980 Ozell Sutton, Twenty-sixth General President, 1981-1984 Charles C.Teamer, Sr., Twenty-seventh General President, 1985-1988 Henry Ponder, Twenty-eighth General President, 1989-1992 Milton C. Davis, Twenty-ninth General President, 1993-1996 Adrian L. Wallace, Thirtieth General President, 1997-

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1997

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