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In Blue At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), the color blue represents our tradition of excellence and our focus on the personal and professional development of our employees. Our business is based on the pride in what we do, and that philosophy has made BCBSM a progressive and rewarding place to work. As Michigan's leading non-profit health care corporation, we're continuing to grow in new and exciting ways. If you can picture yourself in BLUE, then consider joining our diverse and highly motivated team as we position ourselves for the future. We are currently seeking individuals with supervisory and managerial experience in the following areas:
Accounting/Finance Actuarial Science Auditing Health Care Research and Development Industrial/Operations Engineering Information Systems Math/Statistics Production Management If you are a business professional with a dedication to excellence, we would like to hear from you. Submit a resume including salary requirement to: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, 600 East Lafayette, Mail Code 0109-WLT, Detroit, Ml 48226; Fax: (313) 225-5629; E-mail: recruiting@bcbsm.com Visit our Web site at: www.bcbsm.com Equal Opportunity Employer BCBSM is proud to support the goals and accomplishments of ALPHA PHI ALPHA Fraternity and its mem-
Blue Cross速 Blue Shield of Michigan Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
VISION 2000: TH€ LIGHT OF A N€UI DAY SC€N€S FROM TH€ 93RD RNNIV€RSRRV CONVCNTION
The SPHINX® (USPS 510-440) is published quarterly for $40 a year by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.®, 2313 St. Paul Street. Baltimore, MD 212185234. Periodical postage paid at Baltimore, MD. Postmaster: serid address changes to TheSPHUW'. 2313 St. Paul Street, Baltimore. MD 21218-5234. The SPHINX® is the official magazine of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.® Send all editorial mail and changes of address to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ® The Fraternity assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or art. Opinions expressed in columns and articles do not necessarily reflect the views and policies ofAlpha 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 of The SPHINX®, and is never done knowingly Copyright 1999 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Inc. 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.
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EDITORS LETTER READERS' LETTERS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S LETTER STATE OF THE FRATERNITY ADDRESS General President Adrian L. Wallace addresses the 93rd Anniversary Convention RENOWNED A<M College Brother of the Year Is Coming From the Heart By Brother F. Romall Smalls
Alumni Brother of the Year is Non-Stop For Alpha By Brother foseph T. Durham
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COLLEGE DAYS College Perspective: East Meets West By Brother Will Henry
College Chapter Leadership Academy Draws Bakers' Dozen
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By Brother Ralph Johnson ALPHA FORUM
Above: General President Adrian L Wallace (center) is pictured with heads of other NPHC member organizations. See story on Page 42 for more details. Below Eta Tau Lambda Chapter Brothers make another MLK, Jr. donation.
Project Alpha Week 2000 By Brothers Ronald Peters, Jr. and Wilbur L. Jackson
Project Alpha Introduces Culturally Sensitive Materials By Brothers Ronald Peters, Jr. and Wilbur L Jackson
Fraternity WalkAmerica Teams Score Big By Brother Oatice M. Thomas
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AFRICANA REPORT Standardized Tests and College Admissions
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VISION 2000: MLK MEMORIAL PROJECT General President Adrian L. Wallace Addresses the Question: Why We Must Build the MLK, Jr. Memorial? VISION 2000: ALPHA UNIVERSITY AU Launched at General Convention
By Brother Robert L. Harris, Jr.
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By Brother Zollie Stevenson, Jr.
37 VISION 2000: 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION 42 45 51 53
General Convention in Dallas Sets Stage for New Century VISION 2000: CBC RECEPTION FEATURE ARTICLES FEATURE STORY Beta Iota Lambda Reaches Out to the Underserved ALPHA ON THE MOVE ESPN's Brother Stuart Scott Delivers in Face of Critics By Brother Rob Lewis
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ALPHA ATHLETES Negro League Baseball Takes Its Place In American History By Brother Jerry Bembry
Jackie Robinson and Alpha Phi Alpha By Brother Wallace L. Walker
61 BOOK REVIEW Black College Football, 1892-1992 By Brother Harry B. Dunbar
63 CHAPTER NEWS 74 79
OMEGA CHAPTER CORPORATE DIRECTORY
O N THE COVER: College Brother of the Year Quentin Slate and Alumni Brother of the Year Robert "Bobby" McDonald are pictured after winning the awards at the 93rd Anniversary Convention in Dallas, Texas. Cover design by: Brian A. Colella
Raymond W. Cannon Organizing
Editor
Henry Lake Dickason Organizing
General
President
UPCOMING IN THE SPHINX速, Official Organ of trie
Alpha Pki Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
S e a t o n J. W h i t e , I I I Editor-in-Chief T h o m a s D . Pawley, III Contributing Columnist R o b e r t L. H a r r i s , Jr. Contributing Columnist Harry B. Dunbar Contributing Columnist
Latifa H owara Editorial Assistant B r i a n A . Colella Grapbic Design and Layout Berve Power Convention Pbotograpber
Deadlines for editorial submissions are as follows: Spring Issue - December 1 Summer Issue - March 1 Fall Issue - June 1 Winter Issue - September 1 For advertisement display rates and otber ad information contact: Editor of The SPHINX* Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2 3 1 3 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218-5234
Ph one: (410) 554-0040 Fax: (410) 554-0054 Alpha Phi Alpha Web Page Address http://www.apal906.org
DISTINGUISHED COLLEGIANS BROTHERS WHO SERVE AS CAMPUS LEADERS DURING THE 1999-2000 SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE FEATURED IN THE SUMMER 2000 EDITION OF THE SPHINX8. UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE FEATURE CAN FIND DETAILS ON ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS ON PAGE 8.
THE SPHINX* PALI 199
EDITO
EDITOR S LETTER
BACK IN THE DAY WHEN GAMMA SIGMA BROTHERS WERE RUNNING THINGS It had been a few years since I was last on the campus at Delaware State University and a lot had changed since my college days there. The historically-black school had experienced a construction boom. The newly-landscaped campus with its many new buildings was beautiful. Following the homecoming football game, I took a walking tour of the campus, getting a closer look at the new structures while also visiting the old landmarks. The new Luna I. Mishoe Science Center, named for the former DSU president and founder of the campus' Gamma Sigma Chapter, was magnificent. So were the new dormitories, library, humanities center, administration and business administration buildings. Several other buildings were under construction. Historic Lockerman Hall, where slaves passed through as part of the underground railroad, old William C. Jason Hall, where classes first were held at the land-grant institution, and Harriet Tubman Hall had also undergone renovation. The Alpha Phi Alpha Shield at the steps of the school cafeteria, where Brothers spent so much time, was still there. By the time I reached the front of Medgar Evers Hall, Gamma Sigma Brothers had set-up their reception for returning Alpha Brothers and guests. We shared experiences, going back in the day when Alpha Brothers held every major position in both the school administration and among the student population. The campus Brothers also had a story to tell. Today's HBCU's were not the same as they used to be. Brothers said there are new elements that students today have to deal with. Brother Will Henry, a member of Delta Theta Chapter at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, helps us understand more about today's campus in his "College Perspective" column for this issue of The Sphinx*. In the column that begins on page 19, Brother Henry shares the experiences of a group of College Brothers at this year's General Convention in Dallas. The "College Perspective" column is planned as a regular feature in the magazine where each issue different Brothers report on college life. "Africana Report," a regular column by Fraternity Historian Robert L. Harris, Jr., Ph.D., is another new feature being introduced in this edition of the magazine. Brother Harris, who is assistant professor of African-American history at Cornell University's Africana Studies and Research Center, will look at issues effecting our community in the column. Former Historian Thomas D. Pawley, Ill's "Historical Moments" column will return in the next issue of The Sphinx* as Brother Pawley continues to research and share the rich history of the Fraternity with readers. One such historical moment for the Fraternity occurred during the College Brothers Luncheon at the 93rd Anniversary Convention when the five-living former Editors-in-Chief of The Sphinx* gathered to receive the newly-created Raymond W Cannon Editors' Award. Brothers C. Anderson Davis, George M. Daniels, J. Herbert King, Charles F. Robinson, III and John J. Johnson, III were all on hand to receive the award as the Fraternity celebrated the 85th Anniversary of The Sphinx*. As I talked with Brothers at Delaware State's Homecoming, reflecting on my days as Chapter President and remembering the great impact The Sphinx* had on my college years, I also remembered Brother Michael J. Price whose 16-year Sphinx* editorship spanned more than any other Editor-in-Chief. I remembered receiving his issues while at school and meeting and talking with him later at General and Regional Conventions. I still feel his influence today as I look back over the magazines and other publications he produced.
SEATONJ. WHITE, III Editor-in-Chief 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
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FALL 1999 VOLUME 84 ¥ NUMBER 3
GENERAL OFFICERS A d r i a n L. Wall ace General President
Milton C. Davis Immediate Past General President R o n a l d L. A n d e r s o n Executive Director G e o r g e N . R eaves General Treasurer Frank A . Jenkins, III Comptroller H a r r y E . J o h n s o n , Sr. General Counsel
READERS LETTERS WORK ON AFRICAN-AMERICAN ACADEMIES TO CONTINUE I am honored that you have published two of my articles in the Spring and Summer issues, respectively, of The Sphinx9 magazine. With respect to the article on "Alpha men and African-American Academies," I am continuing my research on the academies, which existed in the South between 1865 and 1945. If there are Brothers who are graduates of any of these schools or who know persons (family members, for example) who are graduates, I would appreciate receiving their names and addresses. I plan to interview a number of graduates of African-American academies in preparation for a book on the academies in general, and specifically on Boggs Academy, a Presbyterian school that was located in Keysville, Georgia. This information can be sent to me at my institutional address. Fraternally, Brother Joseph T. Durham, Ed.D. Coppin State College 2500 West North Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21216
A l F. Rutherford Director-General Conventions Kenneth Jordan Parliamentarian FOUNDERS Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Natn aniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2 3 1 3 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 2 1 2 1 8 - 5 2 3 4 Phone: (410) 5 5 4 - 0 0 4 0 Fax: (410) 5 5 4 - 0 0 5 4 To change a mailing address: Send both the new and old address to: Membership Department Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2 3 1 3 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 2 1 2 1 8 - 5 2 3 4
HORRORS! FRONT COVER OF MAGAZINE DESTROYED The Spring 1999 issue of The Sphinx9, Volume 84, Number 1, is by far one of the very best historical issues of the magazine I have ever read. I am sure I am not the only Brother who was disappointed, however, that the special offer for Ebony magazine was placed on the back of the front cover. Horrors! I had to cut Duke Ellington's, Martin Luther King's and Jesse Owens' images in half and completely loose Paul Robeson and Whitney Young after cutting out the subscription card. I would appreciate your future consideration in placing special offer "cut out" cards so that our front cover will be preserved and the fine photographic images of our distinguished Brothers are not destroyed. You and your staff put a lot of extraordinary effort into this particular issue and the contents speak volumes about Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Fraternally yours, Brother Samuel B. Florence, Sr. Eta Lambda Chapter
EDITORS COMMENT: Thank you for your favorable comments, concerning the Spring 199 issue of The Sphinx®. Concerning the Ebony magazine advertisement on the inside front cove of the issue, many Brothers chose to photocopy the page and mail the photocopied subscriptio to Ebony as opposed to clipping the front cover of the magazine.
Alpha Phi Alpha Web Page Address: http: //www. apa 1906.org PHINT' FALL 1999
EXEC GENERAL CONVENTION IN DALLAS DRAWS GREATEST NUMBERS YET Dear Brothers and Friends: I bring you greetings from the Corporate Headquarters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I am pleased to say that the 93rd Anniversary Convention in Dallas, Texas was a great success. We had more registered Brothers in attendance than we had at the 91st Anniversary Convention in Washington, D.C., which until now had been the largest on record. The pages of this issue of The Sphinx速 highlight the addresses presented by Brother Charles W Turnbull, Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Brother Joe Rogers, Lieutenant Governor of Colorado. Our National Alumni and College Brothers of the Year also are featured in The Sphinx速 edition as is an article on the unveiling of Alpha University, our training and development arm of the Fraternity. Dallas was hot! Thanks to the Brothers from the local chapters, the National General Convention team, and the Corporate Headquarters staff for all of their efforts behind the scene to make the 1999 General Convention successful. We went from the General Convention in August to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Reception at the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference in September. Though remnants of Hurricane Floyd flooded many of the streets in the Washington, D.C. area, Brothers, members of Congress and their staffs, and friends from other organizations flocked to our reception at the Grand Hyatt. Congresswoman Connie Morella (R-MD) and Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) received awards for their leadership and support of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Washington, D.C. National Memorial Project. Samuel Johnson from Census 2000 provided literature on the importance of our participation in the census as we kicked off our campaign to support this cause. Finally, we have received great news regarding Alpha Phi Alpha's participation in WalkAmerica. We nearly doubled last year's fundraising effort and raised the fourth largest amount of all organizations and clubs supporting WalkAmerica. Alpha Phi Alpha raised the largest amount of all traditionally African-American, Greek-letter organizations that participated in the Walk. In addition, the Fraternity finished fourth in total number of walkers for all groups who took part in WalkAmerica. Thanks to all of the Brothers, their families and friends that participated in WalkAmerica during 1999.1 especially thank Brother Oatice Thomas, our National Team Captain for WalkAmerica, for the leadership he has provided over the last two years. Both Brother Thomas and I challenge the Brothers of Alpha to raise even more funds during the 2000 WalkAmerica drive. An article by Brother Thomas also is featured in this issue of the magazine as are articles focusing on Project Alpha and Project Alpha Week 2000 (October 7-14, 2000) prepared by Brothers Ronald Peters and Wilbur Jackson. Meanwhile, the Corporate Headquarters is saying goodbye to two dear members of the staff. Ms. Londa Sanders, who worked in the Accounting Department, and Ms. Tori Bracey, who was employed in the Membership Department, have accepted other positions after many years of dedicated service at the Headquarters. We wish them much success. Brothers and friends, we end 1999 on a positive note. We have accomplished much during the last years of the decade. There is much more to do. As we look to the year 2000 and beyond, let us rededicate ourselves to our fraternal objectives. Fraternally,
f r ^ J ^ A - ^(\J^yUA^^ RONALD L. ANDERSON Executive Director
93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
CONTRIBUTORS BASEBALLS JACKIE ROBINSON TOPIC OF SPORTS FEATURE Some of the most exceptional writers in the Fraternity have lent their talents to this Fall 1999 edition of The Sphinx9. Contributing writer Brother F. Romall Smalls' interview with the College Brother of the Year takes us into the mind of this year's winner at the very moment he won the award. The talented writer also helps us understand the road the College Brother traveled to receive the award. Brother Smalls recently was appointed Director of Public Relations for the City of Mount Vernon, in Westchester County, New York. He won the New York Association of Black Journalists' 1st Place Award for Outstanding Excellence in Feature News Writing in 1998. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Communications Arts/Broadcast Journalism from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Brother Dr. Joseph T. Durham, whose previous articles for The Sphinx* include writings on Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity 11th General President S.S. Booker and on African-American Academies, gives us insight into what it takes to be named Outstanding Br. F. Romall Smalls Alumni Brother of the Year with his feature on this year's winner. Brother Durham is President Emeritus of the Community College of Baltimore. He has served as professor and assistant professor on the faculties of Morgan State University, Coppin State College, Howard University, Albany State College, Southern University and Virginia Seminary & College. Our special look at Alpha Athletes in this Sphinx® edition begins with Brother Jerry Bembry's article about Negro League Baseball. Brother Bembry captures the mood of the era in the historical feature about some of the outstanding players and teams of the time. In the article, he talks with an Alpha Brother James Robinson who currently resides in New York City. Brother Bembry is a sports writer for The Baltimore Sun newspaper and host of a television sports show that airs on the NBC network affiliate television station in Baltimore. Brother Wallace L. Walker, in his look at some of the first African-Americans to play college sports at majority schools, takes us back to the beginning of the rivalry between UCLA and USC. Brother Walker tells us that the Alpha Brothers who played on the • Dr. Joseph Durham squads notably strengthened the teams. He also tells us about baseball great Jackie Robinson's connection with the Fraternity. Brother Walker heads a private law practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Brother Dr. Harry B. Dunbar's column for this issue of the magazine looks at 100 years of Black College Football and the Alpha Athletes who are featured in that history. He also tells us about Alumni Brother of the Year Bobby McDonald's role in getting the book published. Brother Dunbar is Professor Emeritus of Humanities at New York City Technical College of the City University of New York. Our feature interview with Brother Stuart Scott of ESPN's Sports Center was written by Brother Rob Lewis of ABC News. A Senior Operations Producer for "Good Morning America" in New York, he is a logistics and telecommunications expert who has worked for ABC News since 1988. Brother Lewis received his Bachelor of Science degree from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University in 1984. He has previously co-produced a documentary feature for the Arts & Entertainment Brother Rob Lewis Network in addition to his current work on a live news & entertainment show. He is head coach and president of the Freeport, New York Travel (Youth) Soccer Program and also plays for an "Over-Thirty" Club soccer team. Brother Lewis is president of Eta Theta Lambda Alumni Chapter on Long Island, New York.
DISTINGUISHED COLLEGIANS 2000 The Summer 2000 edition of The Sphinx® will feature university and college students who serve as campus leaders during the 1999-2000 school year. College Brothers elected to serve as heads of campus student organizations during the 1999-2000 term are invited to send their photograph and a biographical sketch with information about their campus activities to The Sphinx® magazine. Send information to: Distinguished Collegians 1999-2000; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; 2313 St. Paul Street; Baltimore, MD 21218-5234. To be featured as a Distinguished Collegian, the Brother being considered must be an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. who is enrolled in school during the 1999-2000 school year and working toward a baccalaureate degree. Materials and information submitted for the feature should be received in the Fraternity's Corporate Headquarters no later than March 15, 2000 to be considered for inclusion in the Distinguished Collegians section. Those submitting materials are encouraged to send their information now to avoid missing the March 15, 2000 deadline. Photo prints should be sent for the feature. Xerox copies of photographs, laser proofs, pictures clipped from magazines or newspapers, and poor quality photos will not be used. Photographs sent to The Sphinx® cannot be returned. Those sending photos are encouraged to make duplicate copies of their pictures before sending them.
THESPHINF FALL 1999
VISI
STATE OF THE FRATERNITY ADDRESS
Editor's Note: The following address was delivered by General President Adrian L Wallace at the 93rd Anniversary Convention of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Dallas, Texas. (Editedfor publication).
To our illustrious past General Presidents, to our distinguished members of the Board of Directors, esteemed Committee Chairmen, and to each of you who make it possible—to you, the erudite, to you, the sagacious, to you, the bodacious, to you, the connoisseurs of fine wines, to you, the judges of most beautiful women, to you, the original men in black, to you, the assembled General President Adrian L Wallace:7 men of the House of Alpha—welam most pleased to report to you that come. the ship ofAlpha is solid and the house is General Conventions afford in order." us an opportunity to assemble ourselves from the far corners of the world into one gathering—a gathering of eagles who soar high and see far. There is a renewing and a refreshing of the spirit in gatherings such as this. I want to stop for a moment and ask all Brothers who have been members of this illustrious Fraternity for 50 or more years to please stand where you are. Thank you. Will all Brothers who have been initiated since January 1998 please stand where you are? I would that the rest of you would please extend a special hand of welcome and Brotherhood to those Brothers who are new to the fold of Alpha Phi Alpha. Will all Brothers who are attending a General Convention for the very first time, or if you have been away for a long time, please stand so we might recognize you? I would that we would all seek them out and let them understand that the boundaries of Alpha are not confined to the geographic location of wherever their chapter may be. This is a tremendous organization and it is at these kinds of settings that we understand dimly the magnitude of what Alpha is. We are blessed to have in attendance with us all except one of our Past General Presidents and I think that is significant. I would that you give our Past General Presidents another round of applause for their continuous support. Our 21st General President, Brother T Winston Cole, is not in attendance. He is getting a little along in years. He is doing fine but I would ask that you keep him in your prayers in a very special way. And remember him very kindly.
State of the Fraternity We gather here in Dallas in thoughtful deliberation, assessing from whence we have come, where we are and whither we shall go.
93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
Our past is a springboard, not a hammock. Once you reach the mountaintop, it is then that you realize how high is the sky. I am most pleased to report to you that the ship of Alpha is solid and the house is in order. The new millennium is upon us. Alpha is well prepared and positioned. Our fiscal operations are sound. Our programs are refined for a new generation. Our profile within the corporate and political arenas continues to draw favorable attention. The story is told of the mom, who as part of the recipe that has been handed down to her, would always cut the ends off a ham before she cooked it. And so one day her daughter came and asked her, she said, "Mother, why do you always cut the ends off the ham before you cook it?" The mother said, "I don't know. This is just what I was taught by my mother." So the young girl, being inquisitive, went to her grandmother and said, "Grandmother, why did you teach my mama to always cut the ends off of a ham before she cooks it?" The grandmother said, "Dear, that's a wonderful question, but my mother taught me that." So the daughter went to her great grandmother and asked her the same question, "Why is it as part of the recipe that you cut both ends off the ham before you cook it?" Her great grandmother looked at her and said, "The answer is simple. I didn't have a pot big enough to put it in."
National Programs/Special Projects We are not resting on our laurels. We are preserving the fundamental tenets of our fraternal body and those unique traditions, which make us who we are. With visionary zeal, we view ourselves as did our predecessors as trail blazers, bravely charting new territory; exercising a questioning mind and searching out the best solutions for old challenges. Continuous quality improvement is our mantra. And based on extensive analysis and feedback from you, the membership, via the survey that was underwritten by the Bank of America, our national programs have been completely revised and revamped. Also, building on the work of others who had gone before us—most recently Past National Program Chair Brother Leroy Lowrey and Immediate Past National Chair Brother Ronnie Jenkins—our programs are stronger than ever before thanks in no small measure to the work of Brothers Ron Peters, the current National Program Chair; Brother Zollie Stevenson, the Educational Director housed in the Headquarters; Brother Richard Smith, Chairman of Special Projects; and Brother John L Colbert, Project Alpha Coordinator. The aforementioned surveys and focus groups—and you can find a brief synopsis in the Executive Director's Report of the feed-
STATE OF THE FRATERNITY ADDRESS back that we have gotten from the membership—you told us what programs you were supporting and which programs we should place emphasis upon and areas that you felt needed improvement. These have all been incorporated into those revised documents, which are available here at this Convention for every chapter. The end result is three totally revised and updated National Programs, complete with leader's guides, curriculum and other pertinent support materials. In the case of Project Alpha, it also includes two newly-created videos. These are available at no charge to each chapter. Our national programs are Go-to-High School, Go-to-College, an educational empowerment program; A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People, a political empowerment program; and Project Alpha, our male teen pregnancy prevention program which also has a strong emphasis on health and well-being. These are our only national programs. Everything else falls under the category of special projects. And with all of these resources in place and the training support, every chapter is expected to actively implement some phase of each of our national programs. All support materials and documentation and training are now in place. As we proceed into the year 2000, we have already scheduled two national initiatives. One is Project Alpha Week, which we have information on via this brochure available for you, in collaboration again with the March of Dimes. The week of October 7-14 of the year 2000 is declared Project Alpha Week. In the historic tradition of Education for Citizenship, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. again embarks on a nationwide initiative. October 2000 will mark a joint collaboration with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the March of Dimes as both organizations simultaneously execute the newly revised Project Alpha Program. This will be supported through media and other support materials with the March of Dimes—a national initiative where every chapter during that period will implement Project Alpha, further garnering national attention to your programs and what we are doing. Also, in the year 2000, we will launch yet again our voter registration program, A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People. In the year 2000, it will be "Vote 2000." As you now know, major elections will be decided in the next year. We will mobilize this Fraternity and others to register people for the vote, to educate them on the value of the vote, and to get them out to vote in the year 2000. Too many times in critical elections we are simply treated as mind over matter. They don't mind because we don't matter. Well, in the year 2000, we will change their minds.
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Corporate Support The chapter reports have provided invaluable information in constructing an organizational profile of Alpha Phi Alpha. With nearly half of our chapters reporting, we can now quantify statements such as "Our chapters contributed, conservatively, over half a million dollars to charitable causes." We know that that is a very conservative figure. But it is that kind of information that we need to create an organizational profile of who we are. We now have a better idea based on the data of our professional composition. This information, Brothers, is vital in marketing the Fraternity to corporate entities. Corporations see the word "Fraternity" at the end of our name and immediately draw erroneous conclusions about who we are. So we must educate them, in terms of who we are, by understanding and being able to quantify what our composition is. Our membership is comprised of many professionals and businessmen and academicians and those in the political arena and et cetera. And further, corporations must understand clearly that we control significant amounts of disposable income and that our members and our respective professional and business capacities wield considerable influences and authority on decisions about how capital is allocated and dispensed. Corporations need to understand and come to us because of who we are and the economic clout that we represent. And I encourage each of you to make a special effort to visit our corporate sponsors in the Exhibit Hall. We have many corporations supporting and visiting us for the very first time at this Convention, such as Abbott Laboratories, GTE, Aerospace, Hewlett Packard, Merck and others. GTE, for example, is sponsoring a step contest on Saturday night. They are providing a $1,000 cash prize to the second-place winner and a $2,000 cash prize to the first-place winner. Ford Motor Company is providing the automobiles you see on display. Is Brother Jim Moore in the house? Brother James Moore? Stand up, Brother Moore. They need to see you. Brother Moore— Ford Motor Company provided that beautiful black Jaguar that I would not mind driving for a little while, which is over there in the Convention Center. And the automobiles that you will see some of us riding around in, Brother Moore—through Ford Motor Company-provided those for our use. Bank of America, formerly NationsBank, is a platinum sponsor and the official sponsor for this Convention and is underwriting a considerable portion of the Convention. I do not know if Brother Walter Davis or Brother Ed Dolby are here yet, but they will be with us shortly if they are not here now. Brothers Christopher Womack and Iva Williams—are they in the house yet per chance? Well, let me tell you again, I know you have heard this before. Brother Christopher Womack—with Alabama Power, part of the Southern Companies, a huge utility company—has totally underwritten our reception for the Congressional Black Caucus for
THE SPHINX® FALL 1
STATE OF THE FRATERNITY ADDRESS at least seven years now. And let me tell you, that now is such a gala affair, we do not have to send out invitations anymore. People know that on Thursday evening, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C., Alpha Phi Alpha will be in session. And everybody shows up. So Brothers Christopher Womack and Iva Williams have made that possible for Alpha Phi Alpha.
The Alpha Shop While you are in the Exhibit Hall, stop by also and visit your Alpha Shop. At this Convention, we are unveiling what we call the '06 Collection. The '06 Collection consists of specialty items, such as jewelry and clothing that are available exclusively through the Alpha Shop and nowhere else. So I invite you and encourage you to take a walk out there and shop your Alpha Shop and put money back into our coffers and see the '06 Collection. Bring some money. Bring a good little bit because we know you want quality and you know what that means. Additional items will continuously be added to this '06 Collection. So shop early and shop often. I might also add that we have engaged the services of Affinity Marketing to target and put on notice manufacturers who produce our paraphernalia and sell it and violate our intellectual property rights. Brothers, there is money being made off us that we do not even control. We have identified a firm that does this kind of thing and that will identify manufacturers, put them on formal notice so that we can reap some of the benefits of our name and our logos. So we ask you as you shop—every vendor here is certified— but as you shop at your other professional Conventions and meetings where they sell Alpha paraphernalia and everything else, if they do not have a license issued from the Corporate Headquarters do not spend your money with them. It is as simple as that. If we do not support what we are trying to do, how can we expect anyone else to do it?
MLK Jr. National Memorial I have not lived a very long time, but I have lived long enough to remember being colored, to remember being Negro, to remember being Afro-American, to remember being black, to remember being African-American and some other things that I will not even mention. We live in a time where the police can brutally and maliciously shoot a man down in the streets of New York City or where racial profiling results in the arrest of a prominent black Broadway star in the lobby of a hotel and he is jailed and strip searched unjustly. We have seen the rise of Proposition 209 in California and that is one major reason we have not looked at California as a General Convention site. We have seen the rise of Proposition 200 in Washington State. We see the Confederate flag flying defiantly over the State Capital of South Carolina. We send troops to Kosovo and diplomatic overtures to the Middle East, yet the African continent is wracked with genocide. And less we forget, much of the turmoil in Africa is a direct result of the Western nations' colonization as they stripped that continent of its resources. 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that there are those who are less than enthusiastic about the MLK Memorial. It does not dismay me that the road is long and fraught with difficulty. We knew full well the enormity of the task ahead of us. It took the Vietnam Memorial nearly four years to obtain site approval. We are attempting to do it in less than two years. But understand very clearly, we have drawn a line in the sand. We will not permit this memorial to become marginalized or shunted to some obscure corner of the Mall. We will not settle for a plaque near or on the Lincoln Memorial, nor will we settle for a minimalist memorial with so many construction constraints that it will be virtually indistinguishable from the foliage. The ML King Memorial has five very broad strategies: Strategy #1—is to keep informed and continuously nurture the relationship with the King family. That is ongoing and that has been enormously successful. I have met personally with Coretta Scott King and Dexter King and they are continuously apprised of every move we make. And Coretta told us personally that if anyone can build this memorial, it is the Alpha men. She has that much confidence in what you are doing. Strategy #2—continue networking and cultivating political relationships with congressional members, staff and agencies. That has been vitally important because this is a highly political process. Make no mistake about it. We have gotten the approval of nearly every agency, except one, for site approval. But we have rallied our congressional supporters. They are bringing in additional people to help us change some votes and that will happen. Strategy #3—develop a comprehensive external funding and public relations plan. This is in place. You will hear more about this later on today. Brother John Carter and Brother Vic Carter and their team have done a wonderful job. Strategy #4—establish a top-notch design team for site analysis and design selection. Dr. Ed Jackson and his team of designers, sculptors and artists have done a simply magnificent job in providing us with the kind of technical and professional expertise that we need to have. This project team, headed by Brother John Carter, has held meetings on the hill with staff and the other agencies to work through all of this, to guide us through this morass, and thus far, we have not made a major faux pas. We have learned from the experiences of many other memorials that have gone through this process. The comments that we hear from many of these agencies and staff is that, and I quote, "They have never seen a more professional and a better prepared group of men come before them to make a memorial presentation." So this project team deserves every
STATE OF THE FRATERNITY ADDRESS accolade you can give them. Strategy #5—develop a tightly structured internal fundraising program with full accountabilities. Brothers, this is not our typical fund-raiser. We have to account to the United States Treasury for every single penny that we raise. And we will do that. Our fiscal officers have put those kinds of financial controls in place. The funds are segregated. They go into a lock box. And we do now have a 501(c)(3) for the MLK Memorial Foundation. It is not where you are in life that matters. It is the direction in which you are moving. Sometimes we sail with the wind and sometimes we sail against the wind. But sail we must, and not drift, nor lie in anchor. The MLK Luncheon later today will provide you with much more detailed information. And then immediately following that luncheon we will have a hearing of the MLK Project Team where you can go in and ask more specific questions and learn more information about what is going on in the MLK Memorial Project. We do not want any Brother to leave this Convention not clearly understanding where we are, what has been done, and what our plans are. We also invite your input on other things that we might be able to do.
Alpha University The preamble of our Constitution states in part "To aid in and insist upon the personal progress of its members." Our fraternal objectives, one and two, are defined in our Constitution as "To stimulate the ambition of its members," and "To prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom and dignity of the individual." In fulfillment of these objectives, Alpha University was conceived. Alpha University—the college of Brotherly love and the school for the better making of men. As Jewel Henry Arthur Callis is quoted as saying, "Let no one deceive you about our origin. We were formed for the express purpose of providing leadership." Brothers, I want you to just walk with me for a moment here. And using your mind's eye—your third eye—I want you to envision the potential and the possibilities. Brothers, envision, if you will, a concept that trains formally our membership in a variety of capacities—such things as learning tracks for newly initiated members. I have said before that I do not care how long you pledged, intaked, or whatever, you did not learn everything you need to learn about Alpha. Too often we bring them into the door and we leave them there. It is a continuous process. We are offering learning tracks formally designed for our field staff, district directors, area directors and Alpha advisors so that everyone on the staff knows
precisely what their roles are and have the resource material to be able to execute it. Learning tracks for chapter officers, learning tracks for our Board of Directors—we will have a formal orientation for the new Board of Directors right here at this Convention. Too many times we assume that because someone has the office they understand fully what their responsibilities are. We are offering a learning track on understanding what the ritual really is, a learning track for national officer training—even if you are not a national officer, perhaps you desire or think you might desire at some point to become one. We are offering training that will be provided for not only Brothers but nonmembers also. We will pull from a broad spectrum of people, teaching effective communication, presentation and leadership skills. Now lest we become too provincial in our vision, understand the full potential of the vision. Alpha Phi Alpha can through Alpha University create a center for leadership development of AfricanAmericans, not just Alpha men. Too many times we hear from corporations that they cannot find certain kinds of quality AfricanAmericans. Alpha University also can be structured in such a fashion that we can reach out beyond our bounds and bring in a variety of people and train them in a formal fashion and elevate this concept to such a level that it will surpass anything else that is out there. Black enterprise has its Entrepreneurs' Conference and there are other such vehicles. This can rival that—a center for leadership training and development. Walk with me on this. The concept is so powerful that Alpha University could become an annual event on its own, sponsored by corporations. They are hungry for this kind of thing. Many corporations are already developing their own university concepts. From some of the preliminary discussion we have had with corporations we have been in contact with, they want to know more, much, much more. Alpha University could become so powerful that corporations and other organizations and other nonprofits will seek us out to learn how we do what we do. They will seek us out and send their people to us to become formally trained. Farfetched? Hardly. The Alpha University is housed under the auspices of our Education Foundation. Potentially, training and registration could—I emphasize could—be tax-deductible to the attendees. The concept has so much power and potential. There is a tremendous amount of literature you will receive at this Convention about Alpha University.
Insurance Coverage Risk management requires that every chapter carry insurance for all activities. We know from our survey information that conservatively only about 10 percent of our chapters carry liability insurance. That is potentially a walking time bomb. Safeguarding the Fraternity's assets and well being is vital for this organization's survival. Frequently, the question is asked, "If the national organization had a blanket insurance policy would that cover chapters?" Until THESPMNT FALL 1999
STATE OF THE FRATERNITY ADDRESS recently, the answer was "No." After considerable investigation and research, I want to commend Brother Lynwood Bell, an insurance executive—I won't name the firm, Brother Bell, just yet— but he was instrumental in researching the policy that was presented to us, bringing in the kind of expertise that we needed to be certain that the policy was all that we thought it was; and it is. We now have a blanket insurance policy that is available to all chapters. It contains what we believe is a very affordable cost, compared to what you would have to pay on your own. This policy will provide coverage for all chapter activities—your annual dances, your balls, your Founders' Day celebrations, your youth programs, your service projects, your district meetings, your regional conventions, and our field staff—our Alpha advisors—will all be covered under this policy. This is a major step forward in protecting the future existence of our Fraternity. The cost is approximately $350 per chapter. Those of you who have researched and tried to find insurance just for event coverage know that this is a bargain. It is the cost of doing business. It is the cost of staying in business. Brothers, I strongly, in the strongest way possible, urge this Convention—the Board has already adopted it—they brought it to you for the final word—I strongly, strongly urge this Convention to formally adopt this insurance policy to safeguard our assets as we move forward and to preserve all that we hold dear.
Following the Word Brothers, the story is told of a newly elected pastor who delivered a magnificent sermon on his first Sunday in the pulpit—a magnificent sermon and the congregation just raved about it. They went throughout the city and told all the others that they needed to come hear his message. So on the following Sunday there was an even larger turnout at the church, a larger congregation came to hear. The minister got up and delivered the very same sermon again. The people said, "Well, it was a good message and perhaps we needed to hear it again." So on the third Sunday, they came back. And yes, the minister delivered the same message again. And so finally, on the fourth Sunday when he delivered the same message some of them went and said to him, "Now, that was a good message, but when are you going to preach a different sermon?" The minister told them, he said, "When the congregation starts doing what I have been preaching, then I will change my sermon. There's no need to change the sermon if you're not doing what I've already been preaching." So I want to share with us as I come to a close, the Book of Judges tells us the story of Gideon, a mighty man of valor. You know the story. Gideon was preparing for war against the Midianites. There is a whole other story we can talk about here—the Midianites and who they were because they played a significant role as many of you know with Israel. It was the Midianites who guided them through the wilderness. Jethro was a Midianite priest. As you know, Moses married Jethro's daughter, Zipporah. And the Midianites, in case you didn't know, are people of color. Well, so Gideon was preparing for battle and he had in excess of 30,000 men. But the Lord spoke to him and said, "You've got too many people. Send them through this." And you know the story. They went through this and they lost over half of their numbers. Gideon wound up with about 10,000 men. The Lord said, "You still have too many. Send them down to the river and have them do this." And so Gideon did that and he wound up, as you know, with about 300 men. He went into battle and prevailed—a stunning victory.
vtMi^;"-
Education Foundation Funding Alpha is blessed to have Brothers in wide-ranging capacities. I have already shared some of them with you, Brother Moore, Brother Womack, and others. One of these other Brothers is Brother Walter Bauldrick, out of the Chicago area. Is Brother Bauldrick in the house yet? Is he here with us? Brother Bauldrick, and Brother Bauldrick's company, decided to donate an R&D facility to some nonprofit organization. Brother Bauldrick suggested to them that they consider the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation. There is a write-up in the Executive Director's Report about this also. As a result of Brother Bauldrick's influence, Alpha Phi Alpha's Education Foundation took possession of this property. Subsequently, the property was sold. We did not intend to hold onto it. It was sold to investors. The sale resulted in the Education Foundation doubling its financial assets. We have gone from an Education Foundation of approximately a quarter-of-a million dollars to an Education Foundation that now has over half-a-million dollars. We now are beginning to have money to do things such as funding Alpha University and providing serious scholarships for our members and others—thanks to Brothers such as Brother Walter Bauldrick who made that possible. 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
A Few Good Men I want to share with you, as I close, some thoughts on a few good men. I have shared much of this with you before at the regionals, but I want to tell you again, because there is no point in changing the sermon until we get it right. So I want to share with you about a few good men. Alpha—I have got to say this again and again—has never been concerned about being the largest. We are satisfied with being the best. There is nothing magical about having the numbers. They
STATE OF THE FRATERNITY ADDRESS look good, but what are they worth. Too many times we are concentrating on getting the numbers in and forgetting about getting the quality. We have become satisfied with good enough. Good enough for an Alpha man is never good enough. There is something special and unique about Alpha and you ought to feel it. There is an undeniable style and class that is exclusively Alpha's. It not only sets us apart, but it sets us above. And yes, I will say it—Alpha is not for everyone. Alpha is a way of life. You do not pick it up once a month when you go to meetings. It is a way of life. You walk it. You talk it. You breathe it. And we have got to stop accepting mediocrity and just saying, "Well, he did all right." No, he did not do good enough. A few good men—just give me a few good men and we can change the world. There was a time when an Alpha man entered a room and he would take his hat off when he came into a building. Now, I see you everywhere, walking into buildings, with your hat on just like you are on the outside—sitting in a meeting with your hat on. It is a little thing, but it is an important thing because it defines who we are. Just because something is conventional does not mean it is right. There was a time when an Alpha man was concerned about his attire and his personal grooming. He did not dress up any kind of way. He understood the power of the visual eye. An Alpha man understands the value of cultivating his mind. When was the last time you read a book on anything? An Alpha man's demeanor distinguishes him in a special kind of way. There was a time when an Alpha man understood that a gentleman allows a lady to exit an elevator first. You did not beat her down trying to get out of the elevator. Little things that make people take notice—there is something special about him that makes people say, "He must be an Alpha." And they understand what that means. But too often now you cannot tell us from the rest. I said it before and I will say it again. There were more than seven AfricanAmerican men on the campus of Cornell University in 1906 when the Fraternity was founded. The Jewels did not initiate everybody. Just give me a few good men. That is all we need—a few good men. Sometimes it is the little things. I cringe when I hear Brothers say, "I'm going to regionals"—plural. Or, "I'm going to call nationals"—plural. Unless you are going to multiple regional conventions or you are going to a track meet, it is "regional." I know some of you think we have got a lot of folk up there or more than one Headquarters. We have one Headquarters so I do not know how many you are calling when you call "nationals." It is the little things that creep into our vernacular and become part of
our lexicon. And then when new members come in, they pick it up and they think that is I the way it ought to be. \ Stop the foolishness. Be careful of your speech and what you are saying. If you were arrested for being an Alpha, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Just give me a few good men! And let us understand that you are a part of something special. You are part of such a rich and tremendous heritage and I am simply humbled by what we stand on. It is an awesome responsibility that each of you has. I tell newly initiated members all the time that the hardest part about being an Alpha comes after you get in the organization because now and forevermore you will be identified as an Alpha. They may not know your name but they will say, "You know him. He's that Alpha." So let your report be a good one. Just give me a few good men. Understand the value of quality and excellence and not settle for this mediocrity that we have allowed to creep in. We spend a lot of energy talking about intake. We may need to consider a process to outtake some of these people. I travel all over this wonderful land and I run into Brothers— you would be amazed how many. You all are out there everywhere. You just cannot turn around without bumping into someone saying, "Oh, I'm an Alpha." When I ask, "What chapter are you a member of?" I frequently get the response, "Oh, I haven't been active for a while." But you see them driving around the highway with those A-Phi-A license plates on. They have their paraphernalia. They have this and they have that. And they have not been active with anyone for a long time. They have every excuse in the world. I suggest to you and to them that if you are out of business, you ought to take your sign down! We do not need a lot of folk. We need a few good men that are committed to the purpose of Alpha Phi Alpha. Personal and professional development! The Jewels understood very clearly that if this Fraternity was going to be all that it could be, we had to be all that we could be. And it was not for self-aggrandizement. It was so we could be of positive use to someone else. Brothers, a few good men is what we need. Alpha now. Alpha in the future. Alpha for life and Alpha forever.
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1999 COLLEGE BROTHER OF THE YEAR SAYS HIS HARD WORK COMES FROM THE HEART By Brother F. Romall Smalls
fter seemingly a lifetime of preparation and countless hours aspiring for this moment, Brother Quentin M. Slate rose amid an audience of more than 2,000 Brothers and guests at the Fraternity's 93rd Anniversary Convention closing banquet to accept one of the most prestigious awards bestowed by thisâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the nation's largest and oldest historically AfricanAmerican fraternity. To understand the significance of the event and the 1999 College Brother of the Year Award, which Brother Slate won in Dallas, Texas this past summer, one would have to look beyond the hundreds of flashing cameras and the glaring spotlight that illuminated that moment in the Brother Quentin palatial Chantilly Ballroom of the Wyndham Anatole Hotel. Since the early 1970s, Alpha Phi Alpha has sponsored the "College Brother of the Year" competition (the Fraternity awarded the Balfour and McGee Cups to outstanding Brothers and chapters for nearly 50 years before the establishment of the College and Alumni Brother and Chapter of the Year awards). This unique national contest is aimed at encouraging the Fraternity's college members to pursue the highest levels of excellence in both realms of academia and community service. Throughout the academic year, College Brothers affiliated with one of the Fraternity's more than 350 college chapters, have the opportunity to compete for achievement awards at all levels of this international Brotherhood. Young men compete for honorariums at their local chapters, state/districts and regions (five geographic groupings: Eastern, Midwestern, Southern, Southwestern and Western). Often times winning these types of awards leads to competing at the larger and more competitive regional and national levels. Each of the Fraternity's five regions, during their annual Regional Conventions, selects from a field of College Brother of the Year candidates, one regional representative each to compete for the national title during the Fraternity's General Convention. This year's College Brother of the Year Award winner is not only familiar with keen academic competition and community service, he also is the first College Brother from the Western Region to win this coveted title in the recent history of this 93-year-old organization with more than 150,000 members. Brother Slate, 23, is a senior at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) and a member of Sigma Psi Chapter. He has previously competed for
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Fraternity accolades at the district (GA) and regional (Western) levels. Born in Stone Mountain, Georgia, outside of Atlanta, Brother Slate won the Western Region College Brother of the Year Award at the Western Region's Convention in Santa Clara, California this past spring. When looking at Brother Quentin Slate's background it is apparent that this promising young man has been in training for leadership and coveted awards all his life. As a senior at Redan High School in suburban Atlanta, Brother Slate was voted by his classmates as the student "Most Likely to Succeed." In addition to volunteering and serving in almost every student organization offered, Brother Slate graduated from high school in 1994 with a 3-9 grade point average and a full academic scholarship. During every summer break in high school, Brother Slate was enrolled in an impressive variety of enrichment and preparatory programs in the arts and sciences. The programs were held at college campuses like, ClarkAtlanta University and Georgia Tech. His first taste of competition came at the age of eight when he began competing in Youth Bowling Leagues and taking honors classes in middle school, while contending in two athletic sportsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;track & field and football. "Playing sports gave me discipline and time management and organizational skills. I was competitive," says the affable Brother Slate who has a dual major of math and electrical engineering. "That taught me to want to be the best in everything that I do," he added. Brother Slate is the youngest of three siblings. One of the most memorable summer programs he attended in high school was the Georgia Governor's Honors Program, which was a 12-week residential academic enrichment program offered to the state's top students in several academic subjects. After receiving a $500 book award from a local Alpha Phi Alpha Alumni Chapter, Brother Slate later joined the Fraternity because he felt the organization's emphases on "scholarship and service" correlated with his longterm interests. The full scholarship that Brother Slate earned in high school is called the Cooperative Development Energy Program Scholarship (CDEPS), which is a unique full academic scholarship (including room and board and book expenses) and internship program administered by Fort Valley State University in
RENOWNED AOA Georgia, and UNLV. Through the highly competitive program, Brother Slate will earn both a B.S. degree in mathematics from Fort Valley State, where he was initiated into Gamma Zeta Chapter in 1995, and a B.S.E. in electrical engineering from UNLV. The CDEPS program requires scholarship recipients to spend three years of study at the historically African-American Fort Valley State University and the remaining two years at UNLV. Participants are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA and are placed in challenging summer internships at major corporations and scientific laboratories around the country. According to Brother Slate who has served as chapter president at both Gamma Zeta and Sigma Psi chapters, Brothers in the CDEPS program from Fort Valley State and UNLV have developed a symbiotic relationship over the past decade. Four Alpha Brothers have gone through the CDEPS program in recent years. As one would probably imagine, competition for a national award within an organization like Alpha Phi Alpha, whose motto is, "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All," is of the highest degree. Some of our nation's top male students of color can be found within the Fraternity's ranks, and it is not unusual to find them competing for national titles in the Fraternity's Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest, Collegiate Scholarship Bowl or College Brother of the Year competition. The young men competing for College Brother of the Year are judged in six categories that include: (1) contributions to Alpha (participation and involvement in chapter, state/district, regional and national activities, i.e. serving as a delegate to conventions, offices held, etc.); (2) contributions to the university/college community (involvement in Pan-Hellenic/Inter-Fraternity Council, and other campus activities); (3) contributions to the community outside the college campus (civic associations, city, county, or state boards/commissions, social service to schools, nursing homes and/or political involvement); (4) academic standing and awards of achievement (GPA, list of awards and achievement with documentation); (5) personal progress in implementing Fraternity programs (i.e. Project Alpha, Boy Scouts, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project and years of active service); (6) national display and interview (presentation and style). Brother Slate flew into Dallas a day before the General Convention began to set up his College Brother of the Year candidate display. It took him a week to create the three-dimensional pyramid shaped display that highlighted the countless hours of community service for AIDS awareness, projects with the Boy Scouts, and various chapter functions at UNLV. Brother Slate stated that his display—which also included scrapbooks of photos and testimonial letters from college professors, Fraternity officials and community service participants— "Was simple, direct and not flashy." He said that it took him the entire summer to gather all of the necessary materials for the dis-
play. "You are basically on your own in making your display," he said. "But Alumni Brothers from my region helped with my display, and they told me what I had to have and what guide lines I had to follow." The interviews of the five regional candidates for College Brother of the Year are held throughout the Convention weekend, and are conducted by the Fraternity's 11-member Awards and Achievement Committee. The judges consist of five College and Alumni Brothers from each region along with the Committee's Chairman. Brother Russel Flye, the Fraternity's District Director for Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico, said he believed Brother Slate was able to win the College Brother of the Year title because, "His whole package was great—with him being an engineering major, and considering all the things he has done and his leadership qualities, all gave him an excellent chance. This award is an excellent way for College Brothers to compete on a global level. Brother Slate will be an asset to this Fraternity for the rest of his life." After reflecting on the excruciating 48 hours of waiting before hearing the results of his historic accomplishments this summer, Brother Slate commented that he felt like a celebrity when his name was called and he walked amid a sea of flashing lights to receive the distinguished plaque for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 1999 College Brother of the Year. "Once you become an Alpha, people expect a lot of things from you," Brother Slate said. "Brothers compete for these awards because they have a lot of pride and emotion for the things they do in the Fraternity. I didn't do it for the glory. You work hard throughout the year and you want to show some of the things you worked so hard to accomplish. I did it from the heart." Brother Slate also was awarded a $ 1,500 scholarship from the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Educational Foundation at the General Convention. He will be graduating this spring and hopes to land a job in his field of electrical engineering.
Brother F Romall Smalls is Director ofPublic Relationsfor the City ofMoun Vernon in Westchester County, New York. He is a contributing writer for t New York Times newspaper and Black Enterprise magazine and is a member ofEta Zeta Lambda Chapter.
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1999 ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR BOBBY MAC IS NON-STOP WHEN IT COMES TO ALPHA By Brother Joseph T. Durham
enjamin Franklin once observed, "...The promotional exploits have led him to found the most acceptable service of God is the doing of Orange County Sports Hall of Fame, which celegood for man." brated the 75th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues In our honored Fraternity, service is not just a and the 50th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson's word; it is a way of life. For Brother Robert Vernon break-through to the Brooklyn Dodgers. He has McDonald of the Western Region, service is a way of been involved in a salute to Jackie Robinson with life. For those who know and work with "Bobby the Anaheim Angels and a Salute to Black College Mac," as he is known, his designation at the Football in February 1999. General Convention in Dallas as the Fraternity's Through these promotional activities, Brother 1999 Alumni Brother of the Year was a justifiable McDonald met Michael Hurd and co-authored a award. The national honor is a fitting capstone of book, Black College Football, 100 Years of History, his multi-faceted career as salesman, marketer, Education, and Pride. The book is reviewed by promoter, author, Alpha man, husband and father. Brother Harry B. Dunbar in this current issue of The During a career that stretches over more than Sphinx速. two decades, the Western Region Alpha man has While Brother McDonald is an avid sports parworked in a number of different venues and has Brother Bobby McDonald ticipant and promoter, he also believes that sports made significant contributions in each of them. His friends and activity must be kept in proper perspective. He urges college stuassociates call him "The Pizza Man" because he delivers. dents to use both athletics and academics to advance their personThe Los Angeles, California native is president of the Black al agenda. In the real world, he notes, "they both go hand in Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, president of the Nu Tau hand." Lambda Chapter in Santa Ana, a member of 100 Black Men of Brother McDonald often is asked to serve as Master of Orange County, and chair of the Sheriff's Citizens Advisory Ceremonies and to participate in various civic and public proCommittee in his county. grams. The U.S. Postal Service selected him twice, once to unveil With a major in physical education from California State the Malcom X stamp and again for the unveiling of the Kwanzaa University at Fullerton, Brother Bobby McDonald was an assistant stamp in Orange County. He was the featured speaker at a marketbasketball coach at his Alma Mater from 1973-75. Before receiving ing conference sponsored by the sorors of Beta Pi Sigma and his undergraduate degree at Cal State, he was enrolled at the Los Brothers of the Iota Zeta Lambda and Eta Pi Lambda chapters Angeles Habor College, where he was elected as the president of the heard him as the keynote speaker at their annual Father of the student body and was a member of the league championship basYear Luncheon held in Los Angeles. ketball team. When it comes to the activities of Alpha Phi Alpha, Brother Brother McDonald served his country on two tours of duty in McDonald is said to work "nonstop." He has served his chapter, Nu Vietnam as a member of the United States Navy, stationed aboard Tau Lambda, as secretary and vice president and now is the chapthe USS Tripoli, where his main duty was the launching and landter president. As president, he has led a drive to increase membering of helicopters. ship. New recruits and reclamation have resulted. He has been parIn addition to playing sports, Brother McDonald has been ticularly effective in attracting recently graduated Brothers to the active in sports promotion and marketing. He was Uniroyal-Keds Chapter. Under his leadership, Nu Tau Lambda hosted the District and ProKeds National Sales Contest Achiever for three years, Adidas Conference this year at the Edison International Field in Anaheim, Sales Achiever, and Micro United Sales Success Award Winner. He and for the first time in its 18-year history, the Chapter was selectattributes his success in sales and promotions to "believing in ed as the Association of Southern California Alpha Chapter of the one's self, practice, integrity, discipline, sincerity, attention to year. Through his fund-raising activity, Brother McDonald made it detail, and the ability to adapt to the needs of clients." possible for his chapter to secure a bus for the Southern California Brother McDonald's love of sports and his vision of what is College Brothers' trip to the Western Regional Convention. possible have led him to launch and promote the 50th Anniversary An Alpha Brother once said, "Brother McDonald embodies Celebration for Coach Eddie Robinson, formerly of Grambling activism." His activism in Fraternity affairs and community affairs University, and to create the Eddie Robinson Foundation. Other spills over to include the celebration of the achievements of other
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RENOWNED AOA deserving individuals. In connection with the annual awards banquet of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, which Brother McDonald founded, he took the occasion to honor community contributors and fellow Alpha men. Among them were Brother Hilton Smith of Cleveland, Ohio; Brother Charles Watkins of Wittnauer Watches; and Brother R.L. Stockard, who Brother McDonald says served as role model for him. The program, entitled "A Black College Experience," was attended by more than 500 persons. It is clear that sports and sports-related activities play a major role in Bobby McDonald's life. He mentions that as a result of the research he did in writing his book on the history of AfricanAmerican football that historical research has emerged "as a new twist in my life." Recently, Brother McDonald was made an "Honorary Buffalo Soldier" by the Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter of the 9th and 10th Buffalo Soldiers. Bobby McDonald now is seriously contemplating the building of a Black Culture Center sometime in the future. He has pledged to work with the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project as a merchandising coordinator and developer. In the capacity, he will contact major manufacturers who will sell their merchandise with a portion of the proceeds going to build and maintain the MLK Memorial, which will be built in the nation's capital. Despite the myriad of activities in which the 1999 Alumni Brother is involved, he places a high value on personal contact and the strength and support of his immediate and extended family. Brother McDonald is married to Linda, his wife of 18 years, who is an art historian and a native Califomian. A graduate of Long Beach State University, Mrs. McDonald has been a volunteer curator for the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, specializing in American and African history and art. The McDonalds have three children: Christine Marie, a senior in high school who excels at water polo and had a berth on the Junior
Olympic team; Michelle LeAnne, a high-achieving junior high school student, with aspirations of being a volleyball player; and, Robert, Jr., a second grader, who is a soccer and baseball enthusiast. Their proud father says, "There is constant movement at the McDonald household." Bobby McDonald also gives credit to his extended family. He says that his parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts were shining examples for him. Reflecting on the lessons he learned from them, he said, "Their impact on me is alive and well." Then there were other role models that influenced Brother McDonald. He credits Jackie Robinson; Coach Eddie Robinson; Dr. Jewel Plummer Cobb, the first African-American woman president of California State University at Fullerton, whose father, Frank, was an early initiate into the Fraternity; and R.L. Stockard, the first African-American to have a column in a daily newspaper, the Nashville Globe, as significant influences in his life. Brother McDonald rounds out his life (When does he have time?) with varied hobbies. He still plays tennis and reached the Senior Finals last year. He enjoys music from Bach to the blues, and his newfound interest—history. There is no doubt that Brother Robert Vernon McDonald leads a life of dedicated service to his family, his community, his church, and to his Fraternity. As a servant of all, he transcended all. Looking back at his stellar record of service, he mused, "There are three kinds of people in the world: those who make things happen; those who watch things happen; and, those who wonder what happened." There should be no doubt as to which group Brother McDonald belongs. Brother Joseph T. Durham is President Emeritus of the Baltimore City Community College. He is a member of Delta Lambda Chapter in Baltimore, MD and the Fraternity's Historical Commission.
• EDITORS of THE SPHINX9 Raymond W. Cannon 1914 L.L. McGee 1915
W.A. Pollard 1916 V.D. Johnson 1917 (Interim) Carl J. Murphy 1918-1922 Oscar C. Brown 1923-1929 P. Bernard Young, Jr. 1930-1933 Arnett G. Lindsay 1934-1935
^ewis o. owing I , 1936-1943
Meredith G. Ferguson 1943-1944 (Interim) Reid E. Jackson 1945 Lewis O. Swingler 1946-1947 Arnett G. Lindsay 1948 Lewis O. Swing ler 1949-1950 W. Barton Beatty, Jr. 1951-1961 C. Anderson Davis 1962-1965
•
George M. Daniels 1966-1968 J. Herbert King 1969-1972 Laurence T. Young, Sr. 1973 (Interim) J. Herbert King 1973-1974 Michael J. Price 1974-1990 Charles F. Robinson, III 1991-1992 John J. Johnson, III 1993-1996 Seaton J. White, III 1997-
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THE SPHINX® FALL 1999
COLLEGE ©
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COLLEGE PERSPECTIVE: EAST MEETS WEST WHEN COLLEGE AND ALUMNI BROTHERS RAP THE SAME LANGUAGE By Brother Will Henry lile the important business of the Fraternity was being discussed in legislative session during the morning and afternoon by chapter delegates and other registered Brothers at the 93rd Anniversary Convention, the evening hours were devoted to Brothers taking • the time to fraternize outside of the conference rooms. Brother Will Henry In recent years, there has been a much-needed bridging of the gap between College and Alumni Brothers. What better place could there be for such an event to take place than the 1999 General Convention? As the evening drew near and Brothers took to the hotel lobby and hallways, several members of the Delta Theta and Theta Mu Chapters, including myself, stopped by to visit the suite of Brother Ronald Peters. Thinking this would be yet another routine visit before making our final preparations for a party-filled Saturday night in Dallas, the Brothers all were in good spirits to socialize. Upon entering the room, we spotted three Alumni Brothers and two College Brothers talking with Brother Peters. As we joined the group, our conversation turned to topics that involved our individual Alpha experiences. A sense of unity developed, as we had expected. However, there was something unique about the bond that occurred between this group of Brothers of different regional, economic and social origins. As the conversation continued, we, the Brothers of Delta Theta and Theta Mu began to feel as if we had entered the "Frat" all over again—this time with several new line Brothers. We began to discuss issues that mattered to each of us personally. We discovered that the two sides often shared the same concerns and hopes about the direction of the Fraternity.
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93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
There was a late arrival to the rap session—Brother Ivar Brown, the District Director of Virginia. It did not take him long to enter the discussion. The Brotherhood session was not completely devoted to issues of concern. There were tons of jokes exchanged as well as free-style rap competitions between Brother Rodney Cox, of Delta Theta who represented the College Brothers, and Brother Ron Peters, of Alpha Eta Lambda who represented the Alumni Brothers. As much as it troubles me to report this, the victory belonged to Brother Peters and the Alumni Brothers. The Brothers of Delta Theta decided to perform a necessary Chapter ritual. We decided to make the Alumni Brothers Honorary Delta Theta members. It was a great show of respect and recognition of an extraordinary bond that developed in a few short hours. Who would have ever thought that we could have spent five hours on a Saturday in one room, socializing with a bunch of Alumni Brothers? Well it happened and now we have unofficially expanded our Chapter base with the honorary edition of four new Brothers. To Delta Theta Brothers everywhere and to Brother Ivar Brown (VACAPAF), Brother Ron Peters (National Programs Chairman), Brother James Gillespie (Education Foundation member), and Brother Gregory French (Western Region Vice President), we had a great time in Dallas and we are proud to have you as a part of our Chapter. Brother Will Henry is a member of Delta Theta Chapter. The College Report is planned as a regular Sphinx® magazinefeature.
Pictured (left to right) are Brothers James Gillespie, Will Henry and Willie Cooper.
COLLEGE DAYS
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SECOND COLLEGE CHAPTER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY DRAWS A BAKER S DOZEN By Brother Ralph Johnson
Academy participants pause for photo on steps of the Capitol.
tudent leaders representing a dozen campuses nationwide came together to explore the Alpha Experience as part of the Fraternity's second College Chapter Leadership Academy. The Academy, sponsored by Alpha University and the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, was held this summer in Baltimore. Johns Hopkins University served as host for the summit. Like last year, the 1999 Academy was based on student development theory. Participants were immersed in a five-day, intense milieu in which they were challenged to explore the philosophical and pragmatic aspects of the Alpha experience. Moreover, the Academy sessions provoked analysis of where principle and function split and forge. The summit was designed for participants to experience growth and development in all dimensions of their lives. The text for the academy was Servants of the People: The 1960s Legacy of African American Leadership by Lea Williams. The powerful book looked at the profiles of six historical AfricanAmerican leaders and how they impacted the Civil Rights Movement. The book also provided a great theoretical and practical framework to discuss the many issues associated with the characteristics of a good leader. The second (Beta) class of the Academy consisted of 13 Brothers. They were: Richard Adzei, Psi Chapter—University of Pennsylvania; Sheldon Clark, Eta Zeta Chapter—Bowie State University; Ronelle DeShazer, Pi Sigma Chapter—Aurora
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University; Jerry Dorris, Pi Kappa Chapter—California State University, Northridge; Oscar Griffin, Theta Chapter—University of Illinois; Jamar Johnson, Alpha Eta Chapter—Washington University; Narcisse Mondesir, Rho Alpha Chapter—SUNY Brockport; Wayne Myles, Delta Sigma Chapter—Grambling State University; Dejuan Patrick, Rho Delta Chapter—Central Michigan University; Michael Smith, Iota Psi Chapter —Cal Poly; James Washington, Iota Psi Chapter—Cal Poly; Andre Williams, Epsilon Alpha Chapter—University of Toledo; and Konata Williams, Delta Zeta Chapter—Syracuse University.
Goals The goals of the Academy were twofold. First, the Academy was designed as an intensive leadership training session for College Brothers who hold positions in their chapters, districts and regions. The Academy focused on leadership/student development theory as well as provided experiential learning opportunities. This was augmented with instruction on the workings and organization of the Fraternity, so that the student leaders could better understand the corporate structure of the organization. The second aspect was to provide training that Brothers may use as Alumni members in their local chapters, and in their professional lives. The Academy included sessions designed to enhance their knowledge and skill in managerial as well as organizational leadership.
THE SPHINX® FALL 1999
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Participants in College Chapter Leadership Academy visit with Congressman Brother Robert C. Scott of Virginia during visit to the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
The group participated in team-building activities designed to build trust and a sense of community. Once the team-building activities were completed, the participants experienced two types of sessions. The first type was Fraternity specific and included a visit to the Corporate Headquarters, and sessions on Fraternity structure, policy and philosophy, Fraternity operations and management, and membership intake. The Corporate Headquarters staff conducted instruction in all areas. The second-type sessions were broader leadership development exercises, most centered around experiential activities rather than lectures. These areas included effective chapter operations, parliamentary procedures, goal setting, visioning, and service learning. Between the activities and during the opening and closing programs, the participants met Fraternity leaders to learn about leadership from a practical perspective. The participants also visited Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. where they had the opportunity to meet and dialogue with The Honorable Brother Bobby Scott, member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia.
Academy Faculty Several Brothers, trained and credentialed in student development and who work with a college population on a daily basis, volunteered to lead the student development segment. Additionally, Alumni Brothers from other professional areas conducted educational sessions. The willingness of the Brothers to volunteer their time and absorb a portion of the expenses helps to make the Academy possible. Those who led sessions included: Brothers Dr. Walter Kimbrough, Academy Assistant Director/Director of Student Activities and Leadership, Old Dominion University, Hampton,
93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
Virginia; Phillip L. Jackson, Alpha University Chief Learning Officer and Chairman of the Fraternity's Training and Development Committee; Robert Bedford, Director of MultiCultural Student Affairs, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana; Renardo Hall, Director of Housing and Residence Life, Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland; Leon Buck, House Judiciary Committee, Washington, D.C; The Reverend Dr. William Calhoun, Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church, Baltimore, Maryland; Dr. Ryle Bell, Professor of Dentistry, Howard University, Washington, D.C; Brother Steven King, Loyola College, Baltimore. Several other individuals helped with the Academy by judging the Academy case-study competition. They included Dr. Jason DeSousa, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at Morgan State University; Mr. Michael Little, Coordinator of Greek Affairs, Johns Hopkins University; and Brother James Hightower, Admissions Counselor, Johns Hopkins University. Mr. Little also coordinated the participants' community service activity. Plans currently are under way for the third College Chapter Leadership Academy, which is tentatively scheduled for June 1016, 2000 at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. To express interest in attending or to receive more information, contact Brother Ralph Johnson, Program Director, at (410) 516-4939-day, (410) 997-7906-eve or by E-mail: rjohnson@jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu.
Brother Ralph Johnson, Ph.D., is Director of the College Chapter Leadership Academy. He is a member of Delta Lambda Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland and is former Interim Executive Director of the Fraternity.
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OUTSTANDING SOUTHWESTERN LOUISIANA GRADUATE SELECTED TO CONDUCT RESEARCH AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH |he University of Southwestern Louisiana Alumni Association named i h Paul John Rochon as the Brother institution's Outstanding Graduate at this year's commencement exercises. He was selected from nine Outstanding Graduates, representing each of the USL's academic colleges. The finalists were judged on leadership, scholarship and service. Brother Rochon, a graduate Brother Paul J. Rochon in the College of Sciences, completed the requirements for two separate undergraduate degreesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the honors Bachelor of Science in microbiology and the Bachelor of Science in chemistry. He has been the recipient of numerous scholarships. Most recently Brother Rochon was one of 14 students selected from a national pool of 260 to receive the prestigious National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds. He will receive up to $20,000 per academic year for tuition and educational and living expenses in return for a 20-week paid summer laboratory experience at NIH and a year of NIH research service after graduation.
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In 1998, Brother Rochon conducted research that was funded by the American Society for Microbiology/National Institute of General Medicine Science Minority Undergraduate Research Fellowship. The Fellowship provides an opportunity to participate in a research project at selected institutions and gain experience in presenting results. Fellowship members received a $2,500 stipend, a one-year membership and travel support to present their research at the ASM general meeting. He was one of 12 students selected out of 49 applicants awarded fellowships. Brother Rochon also participated in the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program. Despite his busy schedule, he manages to stay active in a number of community organizations, such as the Lafayette Community Healthcare Clinic, St. Peter's Catholic Church Eucharistic Lay Ministry, Amelia Manor Nursing Home, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the American Cancer Society. Some of the honor societies where Brother Rochon is a member, include Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society and Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society. He is an active member of Zeta Xi Chapter at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he served as president and service chairman.
UNIVERSITY JUNIOR TAKES HIS TURN AS EDITOR OF GEORGIA NEWSPAPER rother Mark Anthony Thomas this summer served as the first African-American Editor-in-Chief in the 106-year history of The Red & Black, an independent student-run newspaper. In preparation for the position, Brother Thomas wrote a ten-page proposal outlining his plans and vision for the newspaper as well as interviewed for the position. He served in the capacity for three months and is currently serving as the recruitment editor where his job is to search for new talent for the newspaper. The Red & Black has the 10th largest daily newspaper readership in the state of Georgia. Housed on the campus of the University of Georgia, The Red & Black funds its publication through advertisements. "We report on issues that are related to and effect students on the campus, in the community and around the world," says Brother Thomas. Brother Thomas began working with The Red & Black in September 1997 and since that time he has written more than 200 stories and columns, writing controversial articles such as "University Lacks Racial Diversity," "University Should Limit Enrollment Growth" and "The Miseducation of our Society." In addition, he has written a book, As I Look, a collection of more
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than 180 poems that will soon be published. All of this he has done while still only a 20-year-old junior marketing major at the University of Georgia. Brother Thomas has been involved with the Black Theatrical Ensemble, University Leadership Roundtable, LeaderShape Institute, Upward Bound Program and the National Association of Black Journalists. He also is a member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Panel and the University of Georgia's Arch Society where he serves as an official ambassador to the University community and alumni. Brother Thomas is an active member of Zeta Pi Chapter at the University of Georgia in Athens where he serves as Membership Intake Coordinator and New Member Educator. Last year, Brother Thomas served as the Chapter's historian and chaired the Chapter's 30th Anniversary Week. He received the 1999 President's Award for the most dedication and commitment within the Chapter. A scholar and a writer, Brother Thomas has been the recipient of numerous awards, including being named the 1997 Atlanta Braves English Scholar, CD. Moody Construction Foundation Scholar and the Hope Scholar.
THE SPHINX" FALL 1999
ALPHA FOB
ALPHA FORUM
PROJECT ALPHA WEEK: BUILDING ON OUR FOUNDATION AND PURPOSE By Brothers Ronald Peters, Jr. and Wilbur L. Jackson rewel Brother Henry Arthur Callis says in | Henry Arthur Callis: ife and Legacy that the Fraternity was organized "to bring together our college-trained men across the country to stimulate the youngsters, and to work with public officials and to stage public meetings National where problems of the
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Brother Ronald Peters, Jr., Programs Committee Chairman, is pictured period could be diswith youth during Project Alpha mentoring cussed and placed session at the General Convention. before those of US who
had to work for their solution." Under the foresight of the Jewel Brothers' fraternal wisdom, our great Fraternity for nearly a century has served as a guiding force in the academic, political and public health pursuits of our times. Historically, there has been a parallel between the Fraternity's National Programs focus and the major needs of African-American people at specific periods in time. In the period from the 1920s through the 1930s, our fraternal Commission of Graduate Work and Public Affairs initiated a movement with the purpose of influencing African-American students across the country to "go to high school and to college." To extend this initiative, in 1920 our forefathers set aside the first week of June for all chapters throughout the country to conduct our "Go-to-High School, Go-to-College" educational campaign. General President L.L. McGee sent letters to all chapters, urging each chapter to function in this movement. He stated, "In this effort, we must not shoot in the air, but accomplish results. No feeble effort will be effective, but each chapter must do its part of the program over with interest and drive." The early 1930s marked our Fraternity's "Education for Citizenship" movement which carried the slogan "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People." In this critical period for AfricanAmerican civil justice, the Fraternity's chapters were in the forefront of America's civil rights empowerment campaigns and were very instrumental in increasing national voter participation and abolishing poll tax laws. Today, the major social, economic and health problems of our time are related to the malignant trends of teenage pregnancies and HIV/STDs. Consequently, since the early 1980s, we have 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
collectively implemented our Project Alpha national program in which we have taught thousands of young men, from a male prospective, about the consequences of teenage pregnancy and HIV/STDs. During the second week of October 2000 (October 7 through 14) we will follow our forefathers' national intervention strategies and collectively implement the Fraternity's Project Alpha program on a national level. All chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha, working in cooperation with local chapters of the March of Dimes, will conduct Project Alpha. The purpose of this approach is to bring the long-deserved national attention to Alpha Phi Alpha's unique and effective program that is designed to prevent teenage pregnancy through male responsibility. Thousands of teen males across America will review the medical, legal and socio-economic issues surrounding teen preganancy and HIV/STD infection while learning about male responsibility. For over 20 years, the men of Alpha have been working with the staff and volunteers of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation to take Project Alpha to hundreds of communities and thousands of teen males. The March of Dimes helped to provide the new curriculum and educational materials for the Project Alpha program. In addition, their national team is an integral part of the planning effort for Project Alpha Week. Detailed plans for National Project Alpha Week were reviewed at the Dallas General Convention. All chapters were urged to start their planning now to ensure that the program has the appropriate national impact. In addition, a list of programmatic guidelines were presented to the general body for each chapter to meet during Project Alpha Week: 1. Each chapter will plan an event for their local community during the target week.
Brother Richard Smith, Jr. (standing), Special Projects Chairman, talks with youth during mentoring session.
ALPHA FORUM
Members ofAlpha Phi Alpha and the March of Dimes pause for photo during Project Alpha/Stork's Nest faculty training in White Plains, New York. 2. At least 50 teenage male students who attend middle school should be targeted for intervention in each chapter's respective community. 3. College and Alumni Chapters should work together to maximize the impact wherever possible. 4. Chapters should contact their local media coverage to spread the Project Alpha message. 5. Every participant should wear the national T-shirt which can be ordered through the Fraternity's Corporate Headquarters. 6. Chapters should invite their local government officials to participate. This participation could be in the form of a letter of support, a proclamation, a personal appearance or whatever is deemed appropriate for the community leadership. Using the new Project Alpha materials, the impact will be unprecedented as the entire nation will pause to reflect on the importance of preventing teenage pregnancy and the value of Project Alpha. The national committee will focus on the national media and federal government officials, including the Office of the President of the United States. This will be a historic event with lasting impact on our community. General President Adrian L. Wallace, commenting on Project Alpha Week, said, "In the historic tradition of 'Education for Citizenship', Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. again embarks on a nationwide initiative. October 2000 will mark a joint collaboration with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the March of Dimes, as both organizations simultaneously execute the newly revised Project Alpha Program. "Alpha chapters around the country are called upon to enthusiastically embrace the national effort. Alpha's coordinated programmatic thrust, along with the March of Dimes, shall result in a synergistic effect on our communities."
National Project Alpha Week will be a world-class event placing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and its partner, the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, at the forefront of the struggle to improve the problem of male sexual-risk taking behavior among our nation's youth. Join your local chapter's committee to plan and execute this historic event. For information on this project or to volunteer your services in support of planning this project, Brothers should contact: Brothers Wilbur E. Jackson, Jr., Chairman of the National Project Alpha Week Committee, Internet: wjackson@us.ibm.com; John L Colbert, National Project Alpha Coordinator, Internet: jcolbert@HESl.nwsc.kl2.ar.us; Ronald J. Peters, Dr.PH, Chairman of National Programs, Internet: RPeters@sph.uth.tmc.edu REFERENCE Charles H. Wesley, Henry Arthur Callis: Life and Legacy, The Foundation Publishers, Chicago IL, 1977.
Brother Ronald "Pepper" Peters, Jr., Dr.PH, M.S., is Chairman of the National Programs Committee. Brother Peters is a Post Doctoral Fellow at the University of Texas School of Public Health, Adjunct Assistant Professor, at Texas Southern University, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Houston, College of Education, Department of Health and Human Performance. Brother Wilbur L. Jackson is National Chairman of Project Alpha Week and a Senior Programmer with IBM.
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PROJECT ALPHA INTRODUCES CULTURALLY SENSmVE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FOR YOUTH By Brothers Ronald Peters, Jr. and Wilbur L. Jackson ue to the alarming I trends of pregnancy, 'HIV/AIDS and STDs among teenagers, there have been numerous educational I materials and curriculia „ *L, | developed to delay sexual risk-taking behavior among youth. Although these programs are helpful to many children, most abstinencebased sex-education materials were not tailored to meet the cultural needs and experiences of African— ir Jackson, chairman of American youth. In addition,
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Project Alpha Week 2000. displays some most of the programs have of the new materials being used for been developed for mixed-
Project Alpha.
g e n c j e r 0 r female-only target
populations and have not thoroughly addressed the malignant problems from a male prospective. Under the leadership of Brother John L Colbert, National Coordinator of Project Alpha, over the past three years we have placed major focus on solidifying the Fraternity's partnership agreement with the March of Dimes Foundation. As a result of the new relationship, the March of Dimes provided the Fraternity with $250,000 for its Project Alpha educational materials. The indirect funds were used for the design, production and distribution of the Project Alpha implementation guide, curriculum, Brotherhood training video and program intervention video. To ensure the culturality sensitivity of these materials to African-American male youth, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the March of Dimes commissioned MEE Inc. to conduct a series of focus groups with African-American teenage males throughout the country. The objectives of the focus group research were to: 1. Examine the attitudes, motivations and perceptions of African-American male youth with regard to intimate relationships. 2. Understand the dynamics of male youth culture that allows, supports and encourages sexual interactions. 3. Determine what young males define as responsible behavior in relationships. 4. Understand the amount of factual information young males have on their own physical development, contraceptives, and the 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
consequences of at-risk sexual behaviors. 5. Explore the attitudes of young males on teen pregnancy, fatherhood, violence in society and intimate relationships. 6. Assess the most appealing video format to address sexuality issues for young males. From the research we pinpointed the key issues affecting AfricanAmerican young men. Consequently, with the help of MEE Inc., we constructed our Project Alpha implementation guide and curriculum to meet the needs of our children. Using the new curriculum, the workshop facilitator can lead a discussion of the key issues clearly dramatized in the video to educate the participants on the key issues. The video is entitled STATS. - "Sex, Teens, AIDS: Take 'Em Serious." Through education, Project Alpha achieves goals of affecting behavioral change that will reduce teenage pregnancy, minimize drug abuse, eliminate abusive behavior in relationships and generally create a community of responsible youth focused on achieving their higher goals in life. It is well documented that a participative approach to education results in better retention of the taught material. The participative approach of building their knowledge and challenging the teens to carry the message back to their communities will change behavior for the better. The curriculum guide and the video are perfectly synchronized so that the facilitator can focus on each learning point after the scenes that dramatize the learning point. After a young teen girl tells one of the teen males that she is HIV positive comes a perfect time to discuss sexually transmitted diseases and how to protect against contracting them. The emotional impact of the dramatization helps to fuel discussion while imprinting the significance of the issue's indelibility in the participants' minds. The components of the curriculum, which are synchronized with the video dramatization are: • • • • • • •
Responsibility and the Role of Males in Relationships Adolescent Pregnancy and Fatherhood Protecting Yourself and Your Partner Sexually Transmitted Diseases Intimate Violence in Relationships Socio-economic Impact of Teenage Pregnacy Peer Pressure Resistance Skills
The new curriculum, when used with the S.T.A.T.S. video, forms a powerful tool for the men of Alpha Phi Alpha in taking Project Alpha into the 21st century. In addition to the curriculum and S.T.A.T.S video for the
ALPHA FORUM
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Group photo from Community Service Project at 1999 General Convention. youth, we created a Project Alpha Implementation Guide and train-the-trainers video for the Brotherhood. The guide takes 20 years of experience and lessons learned and presents them in an easy to follow guideline for planning and executing Project Alpha. The guide systematically takes you through the stepwise progression to a successful Project Alpha Program by: • Explaining the background, the reason for the focus on male attitudes concerning sexuality and the guide works • Showing the importance of being a leader and effectively communicating with/and mentoring youth • Giving an overview of the program event • Detailing the implementation tasks - planning, recruiting, publicizing, and evaluating the program • Providing national contacts for further information and assistance • Defining important resources and references • Delivering important forms, lists and samples
The experience with the new tools is critical to the success of National Project Alpha Week which is October 7 through 14,2000. The National Project Alpha Faculty has been appointed and trained to assist chapters in every region:
East
Internet Address
Phillip Jackson, Jr. Zollie Stevenson, Jr. Keith Wilson
pljquest@msn.com zstevenson@aol.com jkeith.wilson@gte.net
South Curtis Kimbro Curtis Richardson
PlanOnUs@aol.com cabaide@aol.com
Midwest Ovester Armstrong Jim Christian
jchristian@lear.com
Southwest In addition, the train-the-trainers video entitled "Implementing Project Alpha in Your Chapter" will quickly focus the chapter on the importance of the program and how to begin the planning process. It also serves as a good motivational tool to get Brothers and other volunteers committed to help with the program. Project Alpha, invented in the late 1970s by the Alpha men of Iota Omicron Lambda Chapter in Chicago, has served the community well and influenced tens of thousands of young men to act more responsibly. The new tools described in this article have been delivered to every chapter in Alpha Phi Alpha's domain. With the firm commitment of every Alpha Brother, we will make a difference. Every chapter has a mandate to implement the new Project Alpha program before October 2000.
John L. Colbert Ron Peters, Jr. Richard Smith, Jr.
johnl_colbert@hotmail.com RPeters@sph..uth.tmc.edu rdsjr2@colla.com
West Wilbur Jackson Charlie Walker
wjackson@us.ibm.com
Do not hesitate to involve the national faculty if you need assistance. In addition, do not forget to involve the local chapter of March of Dimes, the Fraternity's partner in Project Alpha and in planning our chapters' Project Alpha Program.
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FRATERNITY SCORES BIG IN FIRST ENTRY AS NATIONAL MARCH OF DIMES WALK TEAM By Brother Oatice M. Thomas and served food, setup and lpha Phi Alpha broke down tents and tables, Fraternity, Inc., as part of provided directions and even its agreement with the March of Dimes (MOD), has picked up trash. pledged to support Brothers attribute the WalkAmericaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the charity's increased participation in annual fund-raiser. To help WalkAmerica to greater fulfill its pledge, the awareness of the mission of Fraternity formed a National the March of Dimes and the Walk Team. Forming a role they play in the lives of National Walk Team meant African-American babies. getting chapters at the college The March of Dimes misand alumni levels to commit The Fraternity's National WalkAmerica team in New York Cityfile photo sion is to prevent infant to the project. The Brothers leads walkers in campaign to fight birth defects. mortality and birth defects. rose to the task. African-Americans have the highest rates of infant mortality and The Fraternity's first outing in 1998 was a resounding sucbirth defects in the nation. cess. Alpha Brothers across the country showed their support for Alpha Chapters are reporting a number of positive occurthe National Project. Working with local March of Dimes chapters, rences as a result of their WalkAmerica participation. Alpha Phi Brothers stepped forward in their communities. In 1999, the Alpha's participation in WalkAmerica has caught the attention of Fraternity continued to build upon the success. We more than the media, giving the Fraternity positive news coverage as opposed doubled the number of Brothers participating and almost doubled to the negative reporting many fraternal organizations experience. the amount of funds raised the previous year. As a result, the WalkAmerica also provides another avenue for reclamation and Fraternity was among the top ten national walk teams in the Clubs socializing among family and friends. and Organizations Category for 1998 and 1999In tune with the national exposure, the Corporate Leading in fundraising for both years were the Brothers of Headquarters sanctioned a contest to design a T-shirt for the the New Jersey Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters (NJAAPAC). Fraternity's National Walk Team. Brother Ramon Peralta, District Led by District Director Brother George Y. Wyatt, NJAAPAC raised Director of the Organization of New England Chapters of Alpha, over $10,000 in 1998. NJAAPAC vowed to exceed the amount in turned in the winning design. Data Solutions & Technology 1999 and welcomed all challengers. In the true Spirit of Alpha, Incorporated (DST) donated the prize for the contest. DST's NJAAPAC exceeded their 1998 fundraising amount and for the secPresident, Deborah Scott Thomas, presented Brother Peralta with ond year in a row, NJAAPAC is Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's top a $300 check for his winning design. Mrs. Thomas is the wife of fundraiser in support of the March of Dimes. NJAAPAC continues to Brother Oatice Thomas. Both are long-time and avid supporters of welcome challengers for the upcoming WalkAmerica 2000. Then the March of Dimes. Eastern Regional Vice President Samuel G. Wilson and General President Adrian L. Wallace recognized the New Jersey Brothers at The Fraternity expresses its thanks to Brothers for their supthe 1999 Regional and National Conventions. port and contributions thus far, and looks forward to your increased efforts for WalkAmerica 2000. While only in our second year as a National Walk Team, Alpha Phi Alpha has grown tremendously in our WalkAmerica For information about the upcoming WalkAmerica 2000, support. Brothers continue to call the Corporate Headquarters, contact Brother Oatice M. Thomas at: phone: (301) 883-2883 or asking how to contact local March of Dimes Chapters to form walk (301) 249-7775; fax: (301) 883-2889; e-mail: teams. Brothers from chapters in The Bahamas and Germany oatice.thomas@dstincorporated.com have inquired as to how they can be counted in our efforts. Brothers who are unable to walk for a variety of reasons have Brother Oatice M. Thomas is the Fraternity's National Team found other ways to get involved. Working behind the scenes, these Captain for WalkAmerica. Brothers: made phone calls, posted signs, marked routes, prepared
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CONVENTION EDITION
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THE SPHINX速 FALL 1999
AFRICANA l ÂŤ
! AFRICANA REPORT
STANDARDIZED TESTS: LONG-TERM STRATEGIES FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION AND SCHOLARSHIPS By Brother Robert L Harris, Jr. tandardized tests have been much in the news lately and will probably cause even more discussion with the College Board's announcement of its "strivers index" and publication of Nicholas Lemann's The Big Test: The Secret of the American Meritocracy (New York: Knopf, 1999)- The Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT, the subject of Lemann's book, was introduced in the 1920s at the urging of James Conant, President of Harvard University. Conant hoped that the standardized test for college admission would create more opportunity for talented students and not just the privileged few who attended prep schools. Unfortunately, SAT scores have corresponded by and large to secondary school quality, parental educational background, and household income. It has not been a good means to discover talented students from less privileged backgrounds. Because of the direct correlation between family education, income, and residence in central cities or suburbs, the College Board which administers the SAT developed a "strivers score" to identify those students who have scored above the predicted level for their socio-economic background and/or for their race and ethnicity. Given the backlash against affirmative action, in which race and ethnicity are the major variables in college admissions, socioeconomic background is quickly becoming a means to identify deserving but underrepresented students for selective colleges and universities. A major assumption behind this shift for supporters of affirmative action is that African-Americans are more likely to be represented in the lower socio-economic rungs and will therefore benefit from the new criteria as much as from the category of race and ethnicity. This change, if broadly implemented, will have significant consequences for the children and grandchildren of Brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha. As the progeny of college educated families, they will not have many of the advantages of the "strivers score." We therefore need to focus on strategies that will make our children more competitive for college admission and scholarships. The strategy for successful college admission begins very early in a child's life. It involves intellectual stimulation from the cradle through preschool. It requires active participation in our youngsters' education so that they and their teachers know our expectations for them. Not every child will be an academic star, but we should provide the nurture and support for them to achieve academically to the best of their ability. We should be sensitive to the things that they are good at and strive for excellence in those areas in particular. Parents and grandparents should encourage students' interests. A good way to promote reading at an early age is to provide
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93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
children with books about things that interest them, that peak their curiosity. It does not matter whether the subject is animals, folktales, outer space, or sports. The key is to develop the habit and discipline of reading. Computers are fine if used to advance knowledge rather than to play games. We should remember that the computer is a tool, a means to an end rather than an end itself. Parents and grandparents should try to schedule vacations around their children's' interests, together with activities that will stretch their imaginations. A visit to the House of the Seven Gables, Colonial Williamsburg, Gettysburg, Tuskegee, Beale Street, and the museums on the Mall in Washington, D.C., for example, will help to bring literature, music, and history alive for them. Visits to sites that students read about in school or in their recreational reading helps to reinforce knowledge. It allows youngsters to expand their horizons and to think more broadly and deeply. It also is important for parents and grandparents to work with their children on projects, to give them a sense of empowerment. Think of building a dollhouse rather than buying one. The time spent in selecting plans, purchasing supplies, and putting together a dollhouse or a boat or an airplane provides invaluable lessons as well as pride in creating something of one's own. Children also learn that they can shape their world. Moreover, the eye and hand coordination involved in building things strengthens the brain and reinforces spatial ability that is important for mathematics and art. Mathematics, in particular, is an area in which AfricanAmerican youth should achieve at a much higher level than is currently the case, given our musical genius, and the correlation between reading and playing music and mathematical skill. Black music is the rage not just in the United States but around the world. Unfortunately, we have not translated our proclivity for music into proficiency in mathematics. On the most recent SAT math test, African-Americans scored lower than the average for every other racial and ethnic group. Our average mathematics score was about 90 points lower than the norm for all groups. Although there might be some cultural bias in the verbal section of the test, the mathematics section is basically neutral. Given the importance of mathematics to the digital age of the 21st century,
AFRICANA REPORT this is an area in which we should concentrate more of our efforts. And it can be done. Jaime Escalante in California has demonstrated that with appropriate instruction and high expectations that inner city Chicano students can excel in mathematics, and Robert P. Moses has done the same for African-American students in New York City. For the SAT as a whole, it is basically a matter of preparationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a long-term strategy, that begins well before time to take the exam in the student's senior year of high school. Although African-Americans average about 72 points below the norm on the verbal section of the exam, it is possible with preparation to score well above the norm. Several years ago, a black high school teacher in inner-city Baltimore was determined to show that his students were just as capable of doing well on the verbal section of the SAT as any other students. He ignored the prescribed curriculum and concentrated on the exam. His students were from impoverished homes, and most of them had not even considered going to college. But under his guidance and preparation, they scored well above the norm. In fact, they had some of the highest scores in the state of Maryland. It can be done. Aside from encouraging reading and planning enrichment activities, parents and grandparents must help to increase their children's vocabulary. When our children were in school, we subscribed to Reader's Digest, so that they could take the "word power" test in the magazine each month. Since 1979, the Institute for the Academic Advancement of Youth located at John Hopkins University in Baltimore has identified academically talented youth and provided summer enrichment courses through the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) programs on college and university campuses across the country. To qualify for the CTY program, students must take the SAT in the sixth grade and score in the top two percent of their age group. Although very competitive, students in these programs gain the confidence and skill before high school to excel in their studies. The programs also provide financial aid on a needs basis for students who can not afford the tuition and fees. For those parents whose children qualify for the programs, participation in them is a very sound investment. We must think of preparation for college as a long-term strategy and as a financial investment. Although CTY programs bring together some of the most talented students from across the country and around the world, there are other opportunities also available during the summer. Many of my students enter college already fluent in a foreign language, which means they have one less requirement to fulfill and more time to devote to accumulating a high grade point aver-
age. There are numerous exchange programs for high school students to learn another language and culture. Courses at community colleges can enhance students' language skills. Similarly, students can take courses at community colleges while still in high school to increase their competence in many subjects. Because admission to many competitive colleges and qualification for many merit-based scholarships are based in large measure on SAT or American College Testing (ACT) scores, it is important to begin preparation for the exam. Just think of the confidence level for a student who has taken the SAT in sixth grade. The exam is not a mystery to them. Moreover, many students and parents often overlook the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT). Students usually take the test in their sophomore and junior year as practice for the SAT. Scores from the junior year, however, are used in selection for many scholarships such as the National Merit Scholarship and the National Achievement Scholarship. Many college and universities identify students to recruit and to award scholarships from the PSAT. Strategically, students should take the PSAT at the beginning of the sophomore year and again at the beginning of the junior year. Because early scores on the exam correspond very closely to later scores, this would be a good time to determine if a student should take a preparation course prior to taking the PSAT at the beginning of the junior year. Remember that this is the critical exam, especially for scholarship support. Brothers might encourage African-American students as part of our Go-to-High School, Go-to-College program to take the PSAT at the beginning of their sophomore year. It costs only about $9 for the test. Brothers could provide counseling and even test preparation based on students' scores to position them for taking the test at the beginning of their junior year. I once asked one of my advisees, a Korean American student who scored very big on the SAT, how he prepared for the exam. He explained that he took a practice test at Korean Saturday School each week for about a year. If we offered our youth a similar experience, we could quickly close the gap in test scores and make them more competitive for college admission and scholarship awards.
Brother Robert L. Harris, Jr., Ph.D., is the National Historian for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He is Associate Professor of African American History at the Africana Studies and Research Center at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
THESPHINT FALL 1999
VISIO
MLK, JR. MEMORIAL PROJECT
WHY THE MLK, JR. MEMORIAL? BROTHER WALLACE SUPPLIES AN ANSWER IN HIS FRATERNAL LUNCHEON ADDRESS Editor's Note: The address printed below was delivered by General President Adrian L. Wallace at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Fraternal Luncheon at the 93rd Anniversary Convention in Dallas, Texas. (Editedfor publication).
into law, which gave Alpha Phi Alpha the authority to raise funds and to build the memorial, the real work began. In a year's time, our Project Team met with commissions that control all construction in Washington, D.C. We met with the National Park Service, historians, artists, the Commission on Fine L s I stand here before you this afternoon and I Arts, and the National Capital Planning A look across this magnificent ballroom at the Commission—to name a few. It was tough work l l p e o p l e seated before me, I can feel nothing but but comparatively speaking, it was smooth sailing. pride. As I look into your eyes, I realize the depth and Again—largely in part to the seriousness of the breadth of this organization—its membership, its people on the Project Team...they supplied inforpurpose and its mission. mation to each of these commissions and offered Tell me, if you will, what other organization testimony before each meeting—again, the memcould have done what we have accomplished with bers of the commissions were impressed and supregard to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National General President Adrian L portive of our idea. Memorial. When I first approached you about this Wallace delivers MLK, Jr. Fraternal That brings us now to the site—where our project, I made one statement that has served as a Luncheon address. greatest challenge to date remains. On Thursday, mantle for the mission. I said: "Failure is not an July 1,1999, the National Capital Planing Commission rejected the option." Many of you took that one statement to heart. You have Tidal Basin as a potential site. Our plan was for me to stand before contributed your funds. You have donated your time and you have you right now and say that we are now in the design and fund-raisbeen there with us on the cutting edge of history. ing phase of this project. But it was not to be. You, the Brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha, took the concept of We had every hope and indication that this site would be building a memorial to our beloved Brother. You translated this approved in advance of the Commission vote. We even compiled a mission into words. You conveyed its urgency to members of task force of people, including a representative from each of the Congress and in no time our legislative members of the project commissions involved. The 8-to-4 negative vote was more than disteam had rallied enough support to have a bill sponsored by appointing. It was a cruel blow. It was unexpected and it was the Democrats and Republicans alike. antithesis of what we were led to believe would happen. The fact that this was a mission of Alpha Phi Alpha played an For a fleeting moment, our spirits were low. But our strength important role on Capitol Hill—so much so that this concept went has been renewed. For we are keenly aware that without struggle from bill introduction to Presidential approval in a little more than there is no progress. The Project Team rallied on a conference call a year. and we have come up with a plan to essentially fight back. No other memorial in the history of America can report that We have come this far and we are not about to turn our backs kind of success. In a two-day period, we received support from not over this latest vote. I have instructed our legislative branch to puronly the President of the United States but also from the Vice sue a course of action that puts this memorial on the Tidal Basin President as well. In fact, in Atlanta, Georgia, Al Gore talked about site by any means necessary. We have a plan, which is already in you and this project when he appeared before the NAACP's National action. Through our contacts on Capitol Hill, we have managed to Convention. have this site brought back before the NCPC. So, why this memorial? Why us? The answer is simple. We will make another presentation at the Commission's When members of Congress asked who was running the show for August meeting, a week from now. But we will not enter this meetus, we rolled out our list of experts—many of whom are members ing alone. We will go with the blessings of a number of key people of Alpha Phi Alpha. The makeup of our Project Team rivals the in Washington—some of whom I am not at liberty to disclose. boardrooms of many Fortune 500 companies. They have done an I have contacted Mrs. Coretta Scott King, and she too has excellent job and they deserve your applause. voiced her disappointment in the NCPC decision. She is formulatBut it does not end there. Once the President signed the bill ing a statement, which is forthcoming. I also plan to contact the 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
MLK, JR. MEMORIAL PROJECT White House to ask both the President and Vice President to join us in voicing displeasure over the NCPC action and to support the Tidal Basin as the site for Dr. King's legacy to live on in American history in a tangible form. So Brothers, I stand before you as the MLK Jr. Project Chairman John H. Carter General President of this presents brick to Brother Guillermo Hysaw. External Fund Development Committee great organization and I Chairman for the Project tell you that the chips are down. We are embarking on a course that goes only one way. Right now is not the time for us to be divided. It is instead a time for us to be unified. It is a time for us to speak with one voice-a voice that is unwavering and clear. That voice must say that this memorial to this man is a mandate to this nation. We have the approval, yes, and the authorization of the Congress and the President of the United States. We have chosen a site that puts Brother Dr. King in a rightful place—in a visual line of leaders. We do not want our Brother sandwiched in between memorials dedicated to war. We do not want this memorial to be merely a spot that rests in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial. If the truth be told, the speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial represents just a moment in history—a time frozen and remembered by the haunting words of "Free at last...free at last...thank God almighty, we're free at last..." Dr. King was more than a man who stood in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial. He is one who stood tall but cast shadows on no one. He deserves to be remembered in a place of peace, a place of tranquillity, a place of his own. Now is the time, Brothers, to rally with your Fraternity. If you are with me then say "A-Phi." I didn't hear you Brothers. If you are ready to join us in this quest then say "A-Phi" and if you are willing to make repeated
contributions to this cause, then say "A-Phi." We always lose a few on that note. Many of you have made significant contributions—and we will recognize you in just a moment—but that is not enough. This is a project of this Fraternity and it needs the support of every member. I have heard the rumblings in our membership. Some of you think this project is dead. It is not. Some of you think that this project team has not done a good job. That is untrue and I want those comments to stop. Some of you have been making your own assumptions but have not lifted a finger to help. Now is your chance to prove your dedication to this Fraternity and to this project. I can say this in no plainer terms. What we are doing is making history. More important than that—we are preserving history. Long after you and I have gone on to glory, there will be a memorial standing to a man and a movement that changed the course of a nation and affected people around the world. Now is your time to claim your rightful place in history. I want these words to be heard not just in this hallowed hall but across the nation. Take the message back to your chapter and share it with Brothers who are not here so that there is no mistake in what I am saying. I have made available copies of this text, which you can refer to when delivering Brother William C Calhoun presided overprogram. this message. As your servant and as your leader, I command that this memorial move forward under our hand. It is moving forward because that is the direction we are facing. I command that this memorial be reflective of the ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha. It will illuminate the man, the movement, and the message. But most of all, it will be a place for all people, of all backgrounds, and from all walks of life, from all around the world. We are moving and we are moving in the right direction. We are walking toward a goal— much like Martin walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. We are walking—like Martin in the streets of Selma and Birmingham and Washington, D.C. So let's walk together children and don't you get weary. Walk together children, don't you get weary. Walk.
Former General President James R. Williams and members of Eta Tau Lambda Chapter in Akron. Ohio bring their MLK, Jr. Memorial Project contribution total to $45.000 with their third consecutive $15.000 donation.
THESPHINF FALL 1999
W A S H I N G T O N , D C M A R T I N L U T H E R KING, J R . NATIONAL M E M O R I A L P R O J E C T FOUNDATION, INC. BRICK O R D E R F O R M : A O A Quantity
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I HAVE A DREAM
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VISION
ALPHA UNIVERSITY
ALPHA UNIVERSITY LAUNCHED AT GENERAL CONVENTION IN DALLAS By Brother Zollie Stevenson, Jr. lpha University introduced its first 14 workshops and seminars at the Fraternity's 93rd Anniversary Convention in Dallas, Texas. The sessions met with much fanfare and accolades. Focusing on personal and professional development, sessions ranged from effective communications and resume writing to workshops focused on how to start your own business. The sessions also focused on field staff, chapter and officer development as well as a hands-on activity on how to use the new Project Alpha materials. Alpha University seminars and workshops provided information that could be used by every Brother of Alpha. Several of the sessions, "The Meaning of the Ritual" and "The Business/ Entrepreneurship" seminars, drew standing-room only crowds of Brothers. Over 200 Brothers were in attendance at the ritual workshop with a slightly smaller crowd attending the business/entrepreneurial seminar. Other popular sessions included the "Field Staff," "Chapter and Officer Development," and "Project Alpha Outreach" seminars. The Field Staff session began as a group activity that involved District Directors, Assistant District Directors, Area Directors, Assistant Area Directors and Alpha Advisors. An overview was provided to field staff on the meaning of Brotherhood, membership intake, chapter operations, national programs, etc. The last hourand-a-half was spent with each of the groups meeting separately to discuss operational guidelines specific to each role. A field stafftraining manual was provided to participants so that each could develop a deeper understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Brother Earl Glenn from Beta Beta Lambda Chapter in Miami attended the Alpha Advisors breakout workshop and indicated that he was interested in serving as an advisor now that he knew what serving as an Alpha Advisor entailed. One of the more innovative workshops was the Project Alpha Community Outreach session conducted by Brother John L Colbert, Project Alpha Coordinator and Project Alpha National Faculty members Brothers Jimmy Christian, Gamma Lambda Chapter; Wilbur Jackson, Eta Sigma Lambda Chapter; Ronald Peters, Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter; Richard D. Smith, Jr., Eta Delta Lambda Chapter; and J. Keith Wilson, Pi Upsilon Lambda Chapter. Thirty boys from the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department summer program participated in the Project Alpha workshop implemented by members of the Project Alpha National Faculty. The 70 Brothers in attendance had the opportunity to observe how the new Project Alpha materials should be used in implementing the program. Before the arrival of the boys, Brothers received an overview of Project Alpha and had a chance to observe the new program videotape S.T.A.T.S. Just as the question/answer session ended, the 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
A
Brother Wilbur Jackson, Chairman of Project Alpha Week 2000, helps administer the program during Alpha University workshop at the General Convention.
boys arrived and the Brothers observed how to put the new materials to good use. Each of the five new Project Alpha modules was presented and the boys and Brothers rotated among the various sessions. The boys received Project Alpha T-shirts and lunch as part of their participation. One of the outstanding presenters, according to participants, was Brother Andra R. Ward (Khafre) of Cincinnati, Ohio. Brother Ward created a living stage as the arena for the workshop on parliamentary procedure. Brothers became active participants in the workshop, which they clearly enjoyed. Other presenters who drew favorable comments were Brother Phillip Jackson, Alpha University's Chief Learning Officer (CLO), whose presentation focused on being our Brothers' keepers and the meaning of Fraternity; Brother Ed Squires, of Indianapolis, who gave a presentation on resume writing; and the business/entrepreneurial trio of Brothers Gregory French, Harold Patrick and Robert Pearce. Iris Williams, from the University of Alabama, presented a well-received workshop on effective communications; while Dennis Rogers, from the National Coalition on Black Voter Participation, shared strategies and materials for engaging our communities in voter registration and participation. Some of the most popular materials from the workshops and seminars were the training notebooks for field staff and chapters/officer development, which were developed by Brother Dr. Bruce Crawford, Dean of the College of Chapter and Officer Development. Approximately 150 copies of each notebook were distributed at the workshops. Brothers who learned about the field staff and chapter/officer development notebooks, but who were not in attendance at the workshops, requested all of the remaining copies of the shrink-wrapped materials available at the General Convention. Another popular item was the CD-ROM shared by Brother Andre' Watkins' during his workshop on "Establishing Your Chapter's Knowledge Base." Brother Watkins serves as the Dean of
ALPHA ON THE MOVE the College of Business Entrepreneurship and Technology. During the College Brothers ^A ^ k ^ ^ K ^ ^ f l k ^ ^ I Luncheon, Brothers were I welcomed to their seats by pennants embossed with the Alpha University logo. Brother Phillip L.Jackson, CLO for Alpha University, gave brief remarks on the National Programs Committee member. Brother Keith Wilson, leads mentoring session as part of origin, purpose and goals the Alpha University. of Alpha University. Brother Zollie Stevenson, Associate CLO, introduced the Deans and Associate Deans of Alpha University, and Brother Juan A. Harris, outgoing Associate Dean of the College of Personal and Professional Development, spoke on the future plans for Alpha University. Participants in the seminars and workshops received Alpha University lapel pins designed by Brother Walter Cooper of Denver, Colorado. Participants also completed evaluation forms that will be
used to plan Alpha University workshop and seminar offerings at the Fraternity's 2000 General Convention in Atlanta. A summary of ratings for each indicated that Brothers considered the sessions to range from "Excellent" to "Very Good" in terms of overall content, presenter(s) knowledge, presentation effectiveness, handouts and materials, and relevance/usefulness of the sessions. Written comments included positive statements regarding the printed materials, the knowledge of the presenters and the quality of the discussions. Among the suggested changes were the need for multiple workshops or seminar sessions on the same topics over several days of the Convention to accommodate Brothers who could not attend on Friday or Monday. Brothers also suggested that for some workshops and seminars, additional time was needed to cover the volume of information that was shared. Brothers interested in training, facilitating or sharing materials for Alpha University should contact Brother Phillip Jackson at; PLJQuest@msn.com or contact Brother Zollie Stevenson, Jr. at: Zstevenson @ msn .com Brother Zollie Stevenson, Jr., Ph.D., is National Director of Educational Activities for the Fraternity and Associate Chief Learning Officer for the Alpha University.
ALPHA UNIVERSITY MANAGERS A N D DEANS Brother Phillip L. Jackson, Jr., Chief Learning Officer Alpha University Brother Dr. Ryle A. Bell, Dean College of Brotherhood Alpha University Brother Percy E. Pollard, Sr, Dean College of Leadership Alpha University
Brother Dr. Zollie Stevenson, Jr., Associate Chief Learning Officer Alpha University Brother Malcolm Darrell, Associate Dean College of Brotherhood Alpha University Brother J. Paulson Tuffet, Associate Dean College of Leadership Alpha University
Robert E. Bedford, Dean College of Personal and Professional Development Alpha University Brother Dr. Bruce Crawford, Dean College of Chapter & Officer Development Alpha University
Brother Trevor Y. Beaufort, Associate Dean College of Personal and Professional Development Alpha University Brother Micah Smith, Associate Dean College of Chapter & Officer Development Alpha University Brother Dr. Richard D. Smith, Jr., Associate Dean College of National Programs and Special Projects Alpha University Brother Mark S. Tillman, Associate Dean College of Business and Technology Alpha University Brother Ronelle DeShazer, Associate Dean College of Effective Implementation Alpha University
Brother Dr. Ronald J. Peters, Jr., Dean College of National Programs and Special Projects Alpha University Brother Andre R. Watkins^ Dean College of Business and Technology Alpha University Brother Dr. Norman E.W Towels, Dean College of Effective Implementation Alpha University
THESPHINT FALL 1999
VISIÂŽ
93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
FRATERNITY CHALLENGED AT 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION TO FIND SOLUTIONS TO SOCIETAL ILLS lplpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was AAdchallenged to help find solurVti.ions to some of the discord in
today's society by government, corporate and community leaders who came from around the nation and abroad to address the 93rd Anniversary Convention in Dallas, Texas. U.S. Virgin Island Governor Charles Wesley Turnbull told those attending the Public Program that at the dawning of the 19th century, U.S. Virgin Island Governor the Fraternity's seven foundersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Charles W Tumbull who were men of vision, courage and faith-could not have fully foreseen the greatness that the organization they created would attain in less than 100 years. Alpha men have served at all levels of local, state and federal government, Brother Tumbull said. "We have served and excelled in the military, the foreign service, in business and professions, in the arts and sciences, in humanities, sports, religious and charitable organizations and wherever else there is to serve," he said. "However, as we and the rest of creation stand at the threshold of not only a new century, but a new millennium, the tasks ahead are becoming even greater than ever." Human needs are becoming greater and more difficult to fulfill, the Public Program speaker said. Hatreds of all kind, injustices that seem endless and an ever-increasing degree of social ills confront us every day, he said. There also is an imperative to create an educational system relevant to the needs of a rapidly changing society. "The dawning of a new century and a new millennium calls for even greater vision, stronger courage, and firmer faith than that required of our beloved Jewels nearly 100 years ago," Brother Tumbull said. The U.S. Virgin Islands Governor said Alpha Phi Alpha members must strengthen our bond of unity, continuity and service. Unity essential for the survival of the Fraternity into the Brother Wallace (left) presents award to n e x j cen {ury he said h Colorado It. Governor joe Rogers. 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
Fraternity initiatives such as the Go-to-High School, Go-to-College, A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People, Project Alpha and other programs must continue, he added. Brother Turnbull said "Alpha men from Frederick Douglass to Martin Luther King, Jr. to Andrew Young and others, including our beloved Jewels, our Past General Presidents have been in the forefront of service to our people, especially in the area of civil rights and progress." "Unfortunately, the struggle is not over. Our detractors have now taken to the boardroom and the courtroom to roll back the progress of the past years. They have also forged alliances with some individuals within the African-American community and are fanning the flames of reverse discrimination and chanting the refrain that affirmative action is discriminatory," he said. "Our struggle is also on the streets of our nation where there's a constant battle to save our young black men from ignorance, drugs and violent crime." Alpha Phi Alpha must demand that our community continue to be exposed to the technological age and other advances and opportunities that are available. We also Brother Bishop Vinton R. Anderson (leftJ must see that affordable and greets General President Adrian. L Wallace. quality health care is provided for the poor and the working poor. AIDS, diabetes, hypertension and Sickle Cell Anemia are diseases that unfortunately are too prevalent among us, he said. "It is our responsibility as a people, as a church, as a community, as a government and as a Fraternity to address these challenges."
Ecumenical Message Echoing a similar message, Brother Bishop Vinton R. Anderson, messenger for the Ecumenical Worship Service, invited the Fraternity to find solutions to the upward spiral of violence in our society. Brother Anderson said violence in our society is no longer a phenomenon of Friday or Saturday night brawls in the ghettos or the barrio. He pointed to recent issues of violence, including the Atlanta Gunman who killed nine people before shooting himself to death, the case involving New York City police who used a bathroom plunger on an immigrant, the shooting deaths of 13 people and wounding of 23 others at a high school in Littleton, Colorado, the truck-dragging death of a black man in Texas, Dr. Kovorkian's
93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION method of euthanasia, and domestic violence in our households. "The beat goes on, but the rhythm is distorted," Bishop Anderson said. "Is there anything Alpha men can do to correct this disDavid E. Hall (left) of Hallmark Cards receives cord in society?" Presidential Citation award from General President The U.S. has been Wallace slow to respond to the ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and have failed to intervene in tribal warfare throughout Africa. There is a systematic elimination of Africans by starvation and the AIDS disease, which represents a violence of omission, he said. "International incidents only flag for us the reality that violence has no boundaries. It is a global problem. It is a local problem. It is a domestic problem," he said. "In the end, my Brothers, it is our living and our doing that must model the more excellent way, affirming that the Ten Commandments are still relevant and central to Godly living. We must believe our own testimony, "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All," Brother Anderson said.
The Youngest Lt. Governor Brother Joe Rogers, who at age 34 is the youngest Lieutenant Governor in the nation, in receiving the Fraternity's Distinguished Leadership Award, told those attending the College Brothers Luncheon also to prepare for the challenges ahead in the next century and new millennium. Alpha Phi Alpha must continue to supply our community with leadership and ensure that we keep abreast of technological advances, he said. Brother Charles D. Watkins was honored at the Economic Development Luncheon where he received the John H. Johnson Entrepreneurial Excellence Award for Brother Robert L. Coleman and himself, the co-owners of the Wittnauer watch and jewelry firm. He urged Brothers to not forget the entrepreneurial path to success, saying that part of our work in the next century will be to help others find new opportunities. "Alpha Phi Alpha has proven to be a successful leader in developing strategies for economic empowerment across the country as well as taking steps to establish a competitive and diversified economy," Brother Edward C. Dolby, President of the Bank of Brother Charles Watkins
America Carolinas, said in his Economic Development Luncheon keynote address. There is much talk about an overall booming economy, but in some markets that the bank serves, the economic gap between African-Americans and whites is actually increasing, Brother Dolby said. It will continue to widen if we do not increase economic opportunity, he said. "Bank of America must continue to build private sector participation in order to be successful. One of the best ways this can be achieved is through the power of partnerships with organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha, that are equally committed to achieving results and that recognize that if economic empowerment is to be successful, it must be sustainable," Brother Dolby said. Twenty-fourth General President Walter Washington, who served 25 years as president of Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, was keynote speaker for the Life Membership Breakfast. Brother Washington said the Fraternity's life members must serve as a light for the Fraternity as we move into the 21st century and new millennium.
Award Recipients During Sunday's Public Program, Brothers Emmett W Bashful, Chancellor Emeritus of Southern University at New Orleans; Frank A. Dee, long-time Sergeant-at-Arms for the Fraternity; and Hobart Sidney Jarrett, Professor Emeritus at Brooklyn College in New York, received the Fraternity's highest honor given to membersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the Alpha Award of Merit. Mrs. Jane Massey The President of the National Executive Dir. of March of Dimes Pan-Hellenic Council and representatives of the other NPHC organizations were in attendance at the Public Program to bring greetings from their respective fraternities and sororities. The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation and Hallmark Cards, Inc. were chosen to receive this year's Presidential Citation award at the Public Program because of their leadership and commitment to community service. Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes, spoke to the assembly via large-screen video prompter about Project Alpha and the partnership between Alpha Phi Alpha and the March of Dimes. Mrs. Jane Massey, Executive Director of the March of Dimes, was there to accept the award on behalf of the organization. Mr. David E. Hall, Director of Subsidiary Integration-Inter Art at Hallmark Cards, Inc. and grandson of the company's founder, was on hand to receive the Presidential Citation on behalf of Hallmark Cards. In accepting the award, Mr. Hall spoke about the need for corporations and organizations to give back to the community and recognized Alpha Phi Alpha for its leadership role. THESPHINT FALL 1999
93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION The Editors The Raymond W. Cannon Editors' Award was presented to the five living former Editors-inChief of The Sphinx9 during the College Brothers Luncheon. Brothers C. Anderson Davis, who served as Editor from 1962 to 1965; George M. Daniels, who served from 1966 to 1968; J. Herbert King, who served from 1969 to 1972; Charles F. Brother Dr. Walter Washington delivered Robinson, III, who served from the Life Membership Breakfast Address 1991 to 1993; and John J. Johnson, III, who served from 1993 to 1996, were presented with the honor. The Editors, whose columns were featured in the 85th Anniversary Edition of The Sphinx速, spoke of the events in the Fraternity and nation that occurred during their period of editorship. They looked at the publication's different stages of development and spoke about the role of the magazine and the Fraternity in the next century and millennium.
Convention Winners General Counsel Harry E. Johnson, Sr. and Convention Chaplain Sylvester L. Shannon were selected as candidates for 31st General President during Convention balloting. Brother Frank A. Jenkins, III, who was unopposed, was re-elected as Comptroller. ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ _ Brother Dr. Henry ^ m ^ . I Ponder, 28th General
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I President, presented the World Policy Council's 1999 Report, which addressed national and international issues that effect African-Americans. The report was issued to Brothers at the General Convention and released to the media and the general Brother Edward C. Dolby (right) served as keynote speaker for the Economic Development Luncheon.public. Eta Tau Lambda Chapter in Akron, Ohio, for the third-consecutive year, presented a check in the amount of $15,000 to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project. The amount increases the Chapter's total contribution to the project to $45,000. Brother Quentin M. Slate, representing Sigma Psi Chapter at UNLV, was named College Brother of the Year and Brother Robert V. "Bobby" McDonald of Nu Tau Lambda Chapter in Santa Ana, 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
California was named Alumni Brother of the Year. Outstanding College Chapter of the Year honors were given to Mu Alpha Chapter, Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and Outstanding Alumni Chapter of the Year honors were given to Theta Delta Lambda Chapter in El Paso, Texas. Brother Kesner Bienvena, a Sociology major and member of Theta Zeta Chapter at Dartmouth College, was the first place winner for the Belford V. Lawson Brother Dr. Henry Ponder presented the World Policy Council Report. Oratorical Contest. Brother Bienvenu won the oratorical contest, speaking on the topic: "Black Wealth, Self Help: Past, Present and Future." The theme for the 2000 contest is: "The Millennium: Our Future, Focusing on the Black Perspective." Brother Harold Timberlake, III of the Southern Region placed second in the 1999 contest and Brother Steven Hill of the Western Region placed third. The other participants in the oratorical contest were Brothers Eric Gray of the Southwestern Region and Brother Johnny D. Pryor of the Midwestern Region. Epsilon Pi Chapter at Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia won the Collegiate Scholars Bowl Competition. The Charles H. Wesley Award was presented to Theta Nu Chapter at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina and Omicron Iota Lambda Chapter, also in Columbia, South Carolina. Two teams tied for first place in the Step Contest. The winning teams were Beta Gamma Chapter of Virginia State University and Xi Lambda Chapter of Chicago, Illinois. Miss Nathalie N. Godfrey, representing Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana was crowned Miss Black & Gold 1999-2000.
The Editors-in-Chief of The Sphinx'" gather for photo during the Convention. Pictured left to right are: Brothers SeatonJ. White, III, John J. Johnson, III, C Anderson Davis, f. Herbert King, George M. Daniels, and Charles F. Robinson, III
93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
BROTHERS BASHFUL, DEE AND JARRETT RECEIVE FRATERNITY S HIGHEST HONOR Brothers Dr. Emmett W. Bashful, Chancellor Emeritus of Southern University at New Orleans; Frank A. Dee, long-time Sergeant-at-Arms for the Fraternity; and Dr. Hobart Sidney Jarrett, Professor Emeritus at Brooklyn College in New York, received the Alpha Award of Merit during the 93rd Anniversary Convention's Public Program. Established at the General Convention of 1952, the Alpha Award of Merit is the Fraternity's highest award designated for members of the organization. A champion of higher education in Louisiana, Brother Bashful began at Southern University at New Orleans as the school's first Dean and CEO. In accepting his award, Brother Bashful stated that it was during his youth in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and at Southern University that the men of Alpha Phi Alpha inspired him to commit his life to service. Brother Dee is the Fraternity's Life Member No. 30. He Brother Hobart S. Jarrett (at microphone) received the Alpha Award of Merit. was recognized earlier in the Convention as one of the Fraternity's 50-year Brothers. A performer on Broadway and in Hollywood in his early career, Brother Dee is a founder of the National Association of Market Developers and is Past Grand Traveling Deputy in the Imperial Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World. In accepting his award, the long-time Sergeant-at-Arms encouraged Brothers and the nation to wholeheartedly support the Martin Luther King, Jr. Project. Brother Dee said he used to visit Brother King in Montgomery, Alabama after going to Tuskegee for March of Dimes training. "I was very inspired by this Brother and he was not making a speech. He was telling us some of the things that he had hoped to see happen before he died," Brother Dee said. In receiving his award, Brother Dr. Hobart Jarrett said that after 50 Brother Frank A. Dee years of teaching literature, one of the most beautiful portions of poetry he has ever come across is found in the Alpha Phi Alpha Hymn: "College days swiftly pass, imbued with mem'ries fond..." Alpha Brothers, he said, call to the attention of young men how important it is that they go to collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and in college, they learn how important it is that they form bonds and help see each other through. Brother Jarrett is a fervent champion of both civil rights and higher education. In the late 1950s, he was influential in equal-rights negotiations with southern restaurants and department stores. Brother Jarrett is author of The History of Sigma Pi Phi, Volume II.
Brother Emmett W. Bashful (right) receives honor from General President
MISS BLACK & GOLD 1999-2000 SEEKS TO BE A POSITIVE IMPACT
Nathalie N. Godfrey Miss Black & Gold 1999-2000
Miss Nathalie N. Godfrey, representing Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was crowned the Fraternity's Miss Black & Gold 1999-2000 at this year's pageant. The 21-year-old Baton Rouge, Louisiana native is the Public Relations Director for her school's Student Government Association. She also serves as a dancer/choregrapher for His Royal Court, a dance-ministry at Shiloh Baptist Church. She is an active member of Beta Psi Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and maintains a 3-97 grade point average in her major of broadcast journalism. Miss Zuharah Scott of the University of California was the First Runner-up. The Second Runner-up for the Miss Black & Gold title was Miss Marian Appiah-Kubi of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. The other contestants were Miss Shandra Allencia Harvey of Hampton University and Miss Leslia Miller of Middle Tennessee State University.
THE SPHINXÂŽ FALL 1999
SCENES FROM THE SEVENTH ANNUAL CBC RECEPTK
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FRATERNITY'S SEVENTH ANNUAL CBC RECEPTION HONORS SPONSORS OF MLK MEMORIAL BILL onstruction of a national memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is important to generations of people to come say members of Congress who attended Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's Seventh Annual Congressional Black Caucus Reception. The reception, held in September at the Grand General President Adrian L Wallace Hyatt Hotel in downtown welcomes Brothers and guests. Washington, D.C. as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.'s 29th Annual Legislative Conference, recognized the members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives who sponsored legislation authorizing Alpha Phi Alpha to build the national memorial. The bi-partisan legislation, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton in November 1996, was co-sponsored in the House by Congresswoman Connie Morella, R-Maryland, and Congressman Brother Julian Dixon, D-California. Senators Paul Sarbanes, D-Maryland, and John Warner, R-Virginia, co-sponsored the bill in the Senate. Despite hurricane conditions in the nation's capital, members of Alpha Phi Alpha and other Pan-Hellenic Council member organizations, the corporate community and representatives of Washington government crowded into t h e Constitution Ballrooms at the Grand Pictured (left toright)are Senator Sarbanes, General President Hyatt where Wallace, Congresswoman Connie Morella and Congressmanthe reception Brother Earl Hilliard. was held. General President Adrian L. Wallace along with Brother George Sealey, Jr., who led the Fraternity's effort to get the legislation passed, led Alpha Brothers in recognizing the bill's sponsors.
Congresswoman Morella, in accepting her recognition, said, "I cannot think of anything more significant for the young people of our country than to be able to have a monument in recognition of the work Martin Luther King has done in this country." Drawing on a quote by Brother King that states "through our scientific genius, we have made the world a neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and now through our moral and spiritual development, we must make the world a brotherhood," the Congresswoman said the MLK memorial itself will help us to become a brotherhood and sisterhood. Senator Paul Sarbanes recalled being a young man in the John F. Kennedy Administration in 1963 when Brother King led the March on Washington. He remembered marching to the Lincoln Memorial to hear Dr. King deliver the "I Have A Dream" speech. The Senator told the reception that it took far too long for legislation to pass authorizing Alpha Phi Alpha to build the memorial to Dr. King. "The lesson that the King Memorial will help to perpetuate and teach each generation to come is enormously important. It reflects the very basic and core values of American democracy," Senator Sarbanes said. The Senator recognized the U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes of Maryland work of several other members of says the King Memorial will teach genera Alpha Phi Alpha, including tions to come. Brothers Edward Brooke, Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young and William Gray, saying, "We look to the Fraternity for its leadership. You have been a dynamic force on the American scene." He also recognized the work of the Alpha Phi Alpha World Policy Council, commending the organization for its stance in the Council's recently released report. Congressmen Brothers Earl F. Hilliard, of Alabama, and Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, of Virginia, and Florida Congresswoman Corrine Brown were among the other legislators who attended the event. Former General Presidents Judge James R. Williams, Ozell Sutton and Henry Ponder also were in attendance at the event, which was sponsored for the seventh-consecutive year by the Alabama Power Company. Brother Iva Williams, representing Alabama Power, gave the opening welcome during the reception's program. Alabama power has sponsored the CBC Reception for the past seven years Brother Christopher Womack, who heads the company's delegation at the reception, was in Europe and unable THE SPHINX* FALL 1999
CBC RECEPTION to participate in this year's reception. Executive Director Ronald L. Anderson served as master of ceremonies for the program. National Pan-Hellenic Council President Cassandra Black and former NPHC President Daisy Wood were in attendance along with heads of other NPHC member organizations, including Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Grand Basileus Dr. Barbara West Carpenter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Grand Basileus Lloyd Jordan and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Past Grand Polemarch Robert Harris. The day following the Fraternity's CBC Reception, General President Wallace chaired a meeting of the NPHC's Council of Presidents that was held at the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority National Headquarters in Washington. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.'s Annual Legislative Conference is a five-day event that includes a series of issue forums, workshops and congressional brain trusts. For nearly 30 years, the annual conference has helped bring together influential leaders in the nation to examine strategies and solutions to issues facing the African-American community.
General Presidents (left to right) James R. Williams, Henry Ponder, Adrian L Wallace and Ozell Sutton are pictured with MIX design -competition poster.
Congresswomm Conine Broun of Florida (left) has been a strong supporter of the MIXMemorial
93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
The heads of three NPHC member organizations and the NPHC president pause for a photo at the CBC reception. Pictured (left to right) are Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Basileus Dr. Barbara West Carpenter, General President Wallace, NPHC President Cassandra Black and Omega Psi Fraternity Grand Basileus LloydJordan.
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DELTA LAMBDA CHAPTER AIDS HURRICANE VICTIMS IN THE NATION S OLDEST AFRICAN-AMERICAN TOWNSHIP
Delta Lambda members present Sphinx速 Editor-in-ChiefSeaton White with the Chapter's Brother of the Month Award. Pictured (left to right) are: Brothers Dr. Clayton C. Stansbury, Dr. Russell V. Kelley, Dr. Clifton R. Jones, White. Chapter President Theodore N. Wallace, Dr. Charles Sailers and Stan Chase. urricane victims in the oldest continuous African-American townships in the country have turned to the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for assistance in the wake of the devastation caused there by Hurricane Floyd. Three Alpha Brothers and their families were among the residents of the township of Princeville, North Carolina that was completely destroyed by the Hurricane. After learning of the tragedy, the Brothers of Delta Lambda Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland contacted Epsilon Sigma Lambda Chapter members in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to find out how they could help. Brothers in Rocky Mount put them in touch with the three Alpha victims and residents of the township who asked that Delta Lambda assist them by sending money and cleaning supplies, such as detergent, bleach, paper towels, buckets, brooms, etc. Delta Lambda Brothers collected more than $1,500 from Brothers and their churches. The money was given to the township through the North Carolina Hurricane Relief Fund. In addition, a truckload of cleaning supplies was collected, which Brothers drove to the township and personally delivered to the hurricane victims. Delta Lambda Chapter members have committed themselves to the recovery of the three Alpha Brothers and will continue their drive until the Fraternity members have been restored. Established in Baltimore in 1919, Delta Lambda Chapter was named as the Eastern Region's 1999 Alumni Chapter of the Year. The Chapter was recognized for its outstanding record of service, which they received after years of conducting the Fraternity's national programs and special projects along with Chapter projects. In addition to conducting each of the Fraternity's national programs and special projects, Delta Lambda Chapter members serve on the Steering Committee for the city of Baltimore's March of Dimes WalkAmerica campaign and in 1999 was one of the Fraternity's leading fundraising teams for the Walk. For a second-consecutive year, Delta Lambda Brothers have sponsored Baltimore-area youth to the Black College All-Star Classic tournament, which features top men and women basketball players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The Chapter's work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters has included assisting a 12-year-old African-American honor student on a trip to Mexico as part of his school's Spanish curriculum. Other Delta Lambda service projects include providing food baskets to needy families and partnering with the local chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. to deliver clothes and toys to those families; sponsoring an Annual Lenten Prayer Breakfast; Annual Black & Gold Ball to support youth activities; and Annual Scholarship Crab Feast; Annual Tennis Tournament. The Chapter has adopted a class at Leith Walk Elementary School where they visit once a month to talk about careers. For the pastl3 years, Delta Lambda Chapter has contributed to the Morgan State University Presidential Scholarship Fund, donating more than $7,000 during the period. The Chapter also assists the Maryland Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement pre-college program with its educational programs and activities. General President S.S. Booker was a founding member of Delta Lambda Chapter. Under Simeon S. Booker, the Fraternity launched a concentrated effort to convince young people to stay in school. Brother Carl J. Murphy, another of Delta Lambda's founding members, served as Editor-inChief of The Sphinx9 from 1918 to 1922. Brother Seaton J. White, III, Editor-in-Chief of The Sphinx9 and a member of Delta Lambda Chapter, was recently named the Chapter's Brother of the Month. Delta Lambda Brothers presented him with a plaque that contained his picture and a medallion that also displayed his image during a special presentation made at the Fraternity's Corporate Headquarters.
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93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
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CURRIE BALLARD NAMED FRATERNITY ARCHD7IST rother Currie Ballard has been named by General President Adrian L. Wallace to serve as the Fraternity's Archivist to oversee historical documents and materials of the organization. General President Adrian L. Wallace, in announcing the appointment, said the Fraternity was "very fortunate to have someone of Brother Ballard's experience and stature to serve in the position." Brother Ballard currently serves as historian-in-residence for Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma where he also is the advisor to the campus chapter. Brother Ballard has performed extensive research on slavery and the African-American towns of Oklahoma and on the life of Dr. Inman E. Page, the first president of Langston University and the first African-American graduate of Brown University. He won the Heartland Regional Emmy Award in the documentary/historical category for "The Ebony Chronicles," a recurring feature on OETA's Oklahoma Report. His episode explored the work of Flip Schulke, a white, reclusive still photographer who spent ten years documenting the family life of Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He has served as producer, writer and host of the "Ebony Chronicles Television Feature" and is co-host of the "Open Mike" radio program. A graduate of Langston University, Brother Ballard was initiated into the Fraternity in 1978 at Beta Kappa Chapter on the campus. He is a life member of the Fraternity and currently is a member of Zeta Gamma Lambda Chapter in Langston.
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Brother Currie Ballard
DR. HOBART JARRETT RECED7ES BROOKLYN COLLEGE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL rather Dr. Hobart Sidney Jarrett was awarded the Brooklyn College Presidential Medal, one of the highest honors given by the institution, at the 74th Commencement Exercise of the school.
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The award cited Brother Jarrett for his profound dedication to higher education, his long-standing devotion to Brooklyn College, and his invaluable work for equal rights within and beyond the college community. Born in Arlington, Texas, Brother Jarrett received a Bachelor's degree in English from Wiley College. He earned a Master's degree in English from Syracuse University, pursued further graduate studies in English and philosophy at Harvard University, and received his Ph.D. in English from Syracuse University in 1954. Brother Jarrett began a teaching career that would span half a century, having taught at Langston University, where he eventually became chairman of the English and Modern Language Department. From 1949 to 1961, he taught at Bennett College in North Carolina. Afterward, he was appointed to the faculty of Brooklyn College where he taught for 25 years and was the first African-American scholar to achieve the rank of full professor in the English Department. Brother Jarrett has published or presented many scholarly papers on Shakespeare, 17th century literature and society, African-American authors, and the status of the English language. His latest work was the publication of The History of Sigma Pi Phi Volume II. Volume I of the Fraternity's history was written by preeminent historian Brother Charles H. Wesley. Brother Jarrett is a member of the Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter, Brooklyn-Long Island, New York where he served as president for several years. He has received numerous Fraternity awards, including being named Outstanding Brother of the Eastern Region and of the General Organization.
Brother Dr. Hobart S. Jarrett THESPHINT FALL 1999
FEATURE ARTICLES
KSU SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD PRESENTED TO JAMES R. WILLIAMS
rother Judge James R. Williams, 25th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., recently received the 1999 President's Social Responsibility Award from Kent State University. The award was presented to Brother Williams by Kent State University President Dr. Carol A. Cartwright at the university's 11th Annual Institutional Diversity Scholarship Dinner and Awards Ceremony. A respected member of the Akron community, Brother Williams has served the city and Summit County with distinction-as the senior staff member in the city's Department of Planning and Urban Renewal, a city councilman, an attorney in private practice, a U.S. district attorney, a municipal court judge, and most recently in the Court of Common Pleas. Brother Williams has dedicated his life to the betterment of humankind. He has served as an officer of the Akron NAACP and vice president of the Ohio NAACP. He has been a pioneer in providing housing for moderate-and lowincome families and senior citizens. Brother Williams is Pictured (left to right) are: Dr. Marlene Dorsey, Dean of Continuing Studies; Brot chairman emeritus of the board of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Williams; Dr. Carol A. Cartwright, President of Kent State University; and Mayor J the developer of more than 1,600 units of moderate- and Fender of Kent, Ohio. low-income housing. In 1996, the Fraternity awarded him the National Award of Merit.
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JEFF BALLOU DELIVERS COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS FOR PENN STATE MCKEESPORT rother Jeffrey P. Ballou, Fox Morning News in Washington, D.C. planning editor and former White House producer for CONUS Communications in the nation's capital, was the keynote speaker for Pennsylvania State McKeesport's Class of 1999 Commencement Exercise. The Pennsylvania State alumnus explained what it is like in the "real world" by sharing his experiences and offering pointers he has learned since the early 1990s while working in the broadcast media. Brother Ballou began working at CONUS in 1993 and was named to the White House beat full-time in 1995. As a producer, he has reported on events such as the recent impeachment proceedings, Whitewater, President Clinton's Inaugural and ongoing Middle East peace negotiations. Brother Ballou earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Pennsylvania State University in 1990 and a Master of Arts degree in journalism and public affairs in 1992 from American University in Washington, D.C. After college, he worked as a producer at National Public Radio and reported at WAMU-FM in Washington. In 1990, Brother Ballou became the Hearst Broadcast News Production Fellow-in-Residence at WCVB-TV in Boston, Massachusetts. Since 1990, he has worked at numerous news organizations, including WTOP-FM, WTTG-TV and CSPAN. Brother Ballou, also very active in the community, has served two terms on Pennsylvania State's Brother JeffBallou College of Communications Alumni Advisory Board of Directors and one term on the University's Alumni Council. He served as president of the D.C. chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists and on the D.C chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists where he was named a Taisoff Broadcast Fellow. Brother Ballou is an active member of the Fraternity's Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter in Washington, D.C.
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93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
FEATURE ARTICLES VENABLE APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
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rother Andrew A. Venable, Jr., has been named the new Director of the Cleveland Public Library by its Board of Library Trustees. Brother Venable, who served as the Library's Deputy Director since March 1997, was selected after a nationwide search that began last fallâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;shortly after then library director, Marilyn Gell Mason, announced her intention to resign to spend time writing and teaching. Trustee President Venerine Branham, who headed the search team, said that the process produced a number of quality candidates, demonstrating that the position to lead the Cleveland Public Library is one of the most desirable in the profession. "And we selected the candidate who we believed to be the best," said Ms. Branham. "Andrew Venable has the broad experience in librarianship that is highly desirable. He is a solid professional who also is no stranger to our city, our patrons, their wants and their needs." Brother Venable said being named Director of the Cleveland Public Library was the culmination of a dream. "There are not very many librarians that I know who would not want this position," said Brother Venable. "I began my library career here and it is gratifying to know that the trustees of this great institution have faith in my abilities and preparation to lead it forward into the next millennium. I look forward to working with our fine staff to guide the Library into the next year and the next century." Brother Venable will direct a library system with more than 600 employees, the third-largest public research library in the country, with 28 branches. He began his career as a librarian at the Cleveland Public Library in 1970. At CPL, he served as Assistant Director for Personnel, Director of Finance & Administration, and Head of Community Services before leaving in 1983 to head the East Cleveland Public Library. He then served as Director of the Gary Public Library (1988) and Regional Director of Library Services for the Indiana Vocational Technical College-Northwest Region (1992). In 1993, he was appointed Deputy Director of the District of Columbia Public Library and served in that capacity until named Deputy Director at CPL in 1997. Brother Venable received his Master of Science degree in Library Science in 1978 from Case Western Reserve University and his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Virginia State University. He was an Adjunct Professor at CWRU in 1983 and 1984, and an Instructor at Cuyahoga Community College from 1984 to 1989. He has been a guest lecturer for workshops at Kent State University and a mentor for Library Leadership 2000 (Ohio) in 1993 and 1997. This year, he was elected to the American Library Association (ALA) Council, the governing body of the 57,000-member organization.
FAMU AWARDS HONORARY DOCTORATE TO AUTHOR OF CP/IL RIGHTS GUIDELINES rother Dr. William Edward Dandy was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at Florida A&M University's spring commencement exercise.
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Brother Dandy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from FAMU in 1949 and a Masters of Education in administration and supervision in 1955 from the University of California-Los Angeles. In 1958, he served as Director of Curriculum, Director of Guidance and Dean of Boys at Dillard High School. Later, he became the first and only principal of Deerfield Park Junior High School. As Civil Rights Director, Brother Dandy spent many hours traveling, conducting workshops, and developing faculty desegregation projects. He wrote the civil rights guidelines for Broward County and worked with teachers during the initial integration process. He also conducted a series of workshops designed to make them aware of potential problems and how to handle them. Brother Dandy was the liaison between administrators, teachers, students and parents on racial issues. He oversaw the publication of a 28-page booklet, which cites actual experiences of teachers in four desegregated Broward Schools. Brother Dandy was appointed principal of Everglades Middle School in 1968 and became principal of Dillard High School in 1973 where he remained until he was appointed North Central Area Superintendent. From there he served as Central Area Superintendent where he remained until 1988 when he became the Deputy Superintendent for Broward County Schools. He retired in 1993 and a newly constructed Middle School was named in his honor. Brother Dandy is an active member of Zeta Alpha Lambda Chapter in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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BROTHER CHARLES WALKER SERVED THIRD TERM IN GEORGIA STATE SENATE
rother Senator Charles Walker, a Democrat from Augusta who was first elected to the Georgia Senate in 1990, is now serving his third term, representing the state's 22nd District. Senator Walker is a member of Alpha Chi Lambda Chapter in Augusta and a life member of the Fraternity. He is the first African-American to serve as Senate Majority Leader, making him one of the most powerful African-Americans in Georgia. He was named to the list of the 100 Most Influential Georgians and served as co-chairman of the Committee for the Inauguration of Roy Barnes, the Governor of Georgia. Brother Walker, currently serving his second term as Senate Majority Leader, is also the past chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee. He is secretary of the Appropriations Committee, and a member of the Appropriation panel's influential Continuation Subcommittee. He also chairs the Human Development Subcommittee. He is the Senior member of the powerful three-person Budget Conference Brother Charles Walker is pictured with his wife (left). Sheila, and dau Committee in the Senate, which is responsible for finalizing details of the state budget in preparation for approval by the Senate and House and signing by the Governor. The Senator also serves on the Reapportionment Committee and the Rules Committee and its Audits Subcommittee. He also is a member of the Insurance and Labor Committee. The Augusta lawmaker is a member of the State Commission on Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Service Delivery. He also is a member of the Governor's Commission on Health Care Reform. Senator Walker represents Georgia on both the Human Resources Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) and the Human Services Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). An experienced legislator, Brother Walker served four terms in the state House of Representatives from 1982-90 before his election to the Senate. He successfully sponsored legislation to create and fund a state economic development corporation to assist in the establishment of small and minority businesses. He also sponsored or actively worked for the passage of a number of other bills including legislation to reorganize the Mental Health/Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse delivery system in Georgia (SB 49 and HB 100). A former chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus, Brother Walker drastically expanded the caucus influence in the legislative process. He currently is a member of the Board of Directors of the Black Caucus and was the first black budget conferee in the state's history. The Senator is a graduate of Leadership Georgia. An outstanding orator, Brother Walker was his Chapter's Founders' Day speaker in 1996 and on numerous occasions he has spoken to youth who attended the Chapter's community projects, urging them to strive and reach for their goals. He was the keynote speaker at the Chapter's 2nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast.
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GENERAL PRESIDENTS MA Morrison'
Daniel D. Fowler'
A. Maceo Smith'
James R.Williams
First General President. 1908-1909
Ninth General President, 19191920
Seventeenth General President, 1951-1954
Twenty-fifth General President, 1977-1980
Roscoe C. Giles'
Lucius L. McGee'
Second General President. 1909-1911
Tenth General President, 1920-1921
Twenty-sixth General President, 1981-1984 Twenty-seventh General President. 1985-1988
Frederick H.Miller*
S.S.Booker'
Frank L. Stanley, Jr.' Eighteenth General President, 1955-1957 MylesA.Paige*
Third General President, 1911-1912
Eleventh General President, 1921-1923
Nineteenth General President, 1957-1960
Ozell Sutton Charles C.Teamer.Sr.
Charles H. Garvin'
Raymond W. Cannon'
William H.Hale'
Henry Ponder
Fourth General President, 1912-1914
Twelfth General President, 1924-1928
Twentieth General President, 1960-1962
Twenty-eighth General President. 1989-1992
Henry L Dickason'
B.Andrew Rose'
T.Winston Cole,Sr.
Milton C.Davis
Fifth General President, 1914 1915
Thirteenth General President, 1928-1931
Twenty-first General President. 1963-1964
Twenty-ninth General President. 1993-1996
HenryACallis"
Charles H.Wesley*
Lionel H.Newsom*
Adrian L.Wallace
Sixth General President, 1915-1916
Fourteenth General President, 19311940
Twenty-second General President, 1965-1968
Thirtieth General President, 1997-
Howard H. Long'
Rayford W Logan'
Ernest N. Morial'
Seventh General President, 1916-1917
Fifteenth General President, 1941-1945
Twenty-third General President, 1969-1972
William A. Pollard'
BelfordV.Lawson.Jr.'
Walter Washington
Eighth General President. 1918-1919
Sixteenth General President, 1946-1951
Twenty-fourth General President, 1973-1976
93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
'Omega Chapter
FEATURE ARTICLES
BROTHER ROSCOE MCCORMICK NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR
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rother Roscoe McCormick, an instructional leader and math teacher at Jones Magnet Middle School, is Hampton Public Schools' Teacher of the Year for 1999- Brother McCormick taught algebra and geometry at Lindsey Middle School before moving to Jones Magnet Middle, which opened this year. The school offers accelerated math and English courses that enable students to work at their own pace. A teacher of five years, Brother McCormick credits his accomplishments to his mother who he says instilled in him the importance of education. In addition, Brother McCormick says his wife, Mechele Dickerson, is the inspiration behind his success because she supports everything he does. Brother McCormick retired as a lieutenant colonel from the United States Army after 22 years of service as a key medical planner and hospital administrator. He worked under now-retired General Colin Powell. Brother McCormick was former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former paratrooper with the Army's 82nd Airborne Division in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He once served as a military escort during President Bush's inauguration. Brother McCormick obtained his Bachelor's degree in economics from North Carolina A&T University, a Master of Arts degree in Health-Care Administration from Central Michigan University in 1982 and a Master of Science degree in education from Old Dominion University in 1994. He also serves as an adjunct professor at St. Leo's College, Fort Eustis branch. However, Teacher of the Year is not something new to Brother McCormick. He was selected as Lindsey Middle School's Teacher of the Year in 1998. Brother McCormick was named a winner in the Daily Press' Newspaper in Education Outstanding Teachers program in 1997 and 1998. He was selected three times as an Outstanding Young Man in America. Brother McCormick also participates in a number of community activities, such as a Volunteer for the Peninsula Aids Foundation fund-raiser. He sponsors Hampton's Leadership Development Seminar for high school students; formed a mentorship program for former students needing tutoring help with geometry; donated books to the "Stay Up While You're Out" program for suspended students in Newport News that is sponsored by the Rev. Alfred A. Terrell, pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church; sponsors students to the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast in Hampton; and has helped to secure funds to send students to the W.E.B. DuBois Invitational Conference, a program at Hampton University that is designed to give academically-gifted black students the opportunity to get together and share experiences and exchange ideas. Brother McCormick is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha and an active member of Delta Beta Lambda in Hampton, Virginia where he serves as Associate Editor of The Sphinx16.
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY BESTOWS HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE ON BROTHER HUGH GLOSTER
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rother Hugh M. Gloster, President Emeritus of Morehouse College and member of Eta Lambda Chapter in Atlanta, Georgia, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Hampton University during the school's commencement weekend. In conferring the honorary degree, Hampton University President William R. Harvey highlighted Brother Gloster's contributions as Chairman of the Communications Center, Director of the Summer Session, and Dean of Faculty at Hampton where he served for 21 years before accepting the presidency at Morehouse College in 1967. Brother Gloster previously received honorary doctorates from the University of Haiti, New York University, Wayne State University, Washington University, Morgan State University, Mercer University, Emory University, the Morehouse School of Medicine, Morehouse College, LeMoyne-Owen College, and St. Paul's College. In presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award, National Hampton Alumni Association President Jacqueline L. Antoine said Brother Gloster was "An excellent professor. He always found time to counsel and assist students." Brother Gloster also was recognized for serving as a guest professor at New York University, Hiroshima University in Japan, the University of Warsaw and the University of Kracow in Poland, and the University of Valencia in Spain. He also served on educational missions for federal agencies to China, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia. Brother Gloster served as President of Morehouse College from 1967 to 1987. He constructed 13 new buildings, tripled the school's enrollment and caused the endowment to sextuple while there. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Brother Gloster is a founder of the College Language Association and the Morehouse School of Medicine. He also recommended the name for die National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education and was named by the Exxon Education Foundation in 1987 as one of the 100 Most Effective College Presidents in the nation.
THESPHINT FALL 1999
FEATURE ST«S
FEATURE STORY
BETA IOTA LAMBDA CENTER PROVIDES FOR UNDERSERVED OF THE COMMUNITY By Brother C. Reuben Walker, Brother Willis Jacobs and Vanessa Briggs
ugust 4,1993 marked the beginning of a new era for Beta Iota Lambda Chapter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. On that day, Beta Iota Lambda Brothers assembled in an unused two-story building at 2219 Plank Road in Baton Rouge at the request of Chapter President Donald Caryle Wade. The building had no electricity, water, or gas. Its interior contained cobwebs, dust and falling ceiling tiles. The building had been idle for several years. Brother John Banks told the Chapter President during our inspection of the facility that the building was available for purchase. The first meeting at the site, because there was no electricity, was held before nightfall. Brothers were ambivalent about purchasing the building. Brother Wade, however, saw the old building for what it could become. During the meeting, Brother Med Cullins—a retired general contractor, with a flashlight in hand—performed a detailed inspection of the structure. After nearly an hour of looking at ceilings and floors, beams and sills, nooks and crannies, Brother Cullins returned to the meeting area with his assessment. Brother Cullins stated "the building is as solid as a rock and is in repairable condition." After further discussion by the Brotherhood, Brother Wade said, "In as much as the building is in repairable condition and is of sound structure, I pledge $1,000 toward a fund for the acquisition of the building." He then asked Brothers in attendance to pledge their support for the building purchase (approximately $15,000 each). Slowly Brothers rose to support the endeavor. Today, the two-story structure has undergone a metamorphosis. The building has 5,000 square feet of usable space. The facility now is called, "The Alpha Center." Prior to 1993, Beta Iota Lambda Brothers held their monthly meetings in churches and in a law office conference room. The Brothers who pledged and paid the $1,000 for the building and its initial renovations became known as "The Alpha Center Founders." Those Brothers are: Donald Caryle Wade, Med D. Cullins, Elmo LeBeouf, III, Calvin R. Walker, Duane Jordan, John Banks, Melvin Steele, Frank Williams, Preston Dinkins, Mitchell Albert, Willie Armstrong, Leroy Davis, Norman Toles, Terry Arlington, Willis Jacob, Raymond Floyd, Isaac Greggs, Christopher Hunte, Lewis Jones, Robert Johnson, Charles Moran, Julius Payne, Prince Boston, Bobby R. Phills, Joel Porter, Huel D. Perkins, Leroy Travis, Endas Vincent, Fred Christian, James Prestage, and Howard Quillen.
A
The Mission A lot of sweat and labor has gone into renovation of the Alpha Center. It has become an outreach oasis in a poverty-stricken and economically-depressed area. The Chapter owns three-quarters of the frontage property in the 2200 block of Plank Road. Plans are underway to secure the dilapidated building next to the center. Recently, the 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
A frontal view of the Alpha Center is shown. The purchase of the grayish building on the left is under negotiation.
Alpha Center was gated with an iron frontage fence and a back wooden fence. The renovation work at the center has tested Brotherhood, temperance and goodwill. The mission of the Alpha Center is to stimulate the goodwill of the community while preparing the citizenry for the greatest usefulness in the cause of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual; to encourage the highest and noblest form of adulthood; and to aid the downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economical, and intellectual status. The Alpha Center is open year-around.
Goals and Objectives The Alpha Center's goal is to provide services for youth, senior citizens and adult services. The objectives of the center are to (1) improve the skills of youth in the programs in the areas of math, science, reading, language arts, computer literacy and creative writing (2) provide an array of recreational, economic development and community awareness activities and (3) provide arts and crafts, fellowship and health screening for senior citizens. Poverty-stricken, inner-city residents of East Baton Rouge are targeted for Center programs and activities.
Youth Services Beta Iota Lambda and Beta Sigma conduct some of the Chapters' Go-to-High School, Go-to-College and A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People programs via the Center's youth services component. The youth services program targets inner-city youth in grades K-12 who have the greatest needs and fewest resources and who lack supervision between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Programs in youth services include after-school tutorial, American College Testing (ACT) tutorial, an Alpha Center Summer Youth Academy, teen parenting workshops, computer tutorial labs, LEAP and Exit Remediation Camps (state mandated elementary and secondary exam), financial aid/scholarship workshops, weekly speaker series, basketball, softball teams, male youth mentoring programs, girls dance troupe, bingo, billiards and golf. The program also provides educational enrichment, cultural awareness and extracurricular activities designed to improve the academic achievement of inner-city children while boosting their self-esteem and building character.
ALPHA ON THE MOVE
Students are pictured working on exercises during Alpha Center Summer Learning Academy, Currently, the Alpha Center serves about 155 under-served youth from more than 30 schools in East Baton Rouge Parish. Mondays through Thursdays, an average of 50 students participates in the after-school tutoring sessions. Nearly 65 youths participate in co-ed basketball and an additional 30-35 youths participate in other extracurricular activities. Teen pregnancy is both a teen male and teen female problem. The Center's teen parenting activities is designed to prepare parents and responsible adults to reach out with information that helps teens make smarter and safer decisions about their sexual behavior and their futures. In January 1999, the Alpha Center hosted a teen parenting conference, which was a collaboration between the Louisiana Department of Social Services, local health and psychology professionals, the Governor's Office of Workforce Development, and the Louisiana Council on Child Abuse. The conference addressed issues such as pre- and post-natal medical care, personal hygiene, selfesteem, positive parenting skills, job readiness and training, and welfare reform programs designed to reduce welfare dependency among young families and move them toward self-sufficient employment. Beta Iota Lambda's Alpha Center works to meet the needs of teen crime prevention by providing a safe and clean environment where teenage youth can use their time and talents in a constructive and positive manner. The center provides a safe haven for children during after-school hours and has become a beacon of hope and opportunity in a blighted neighborhood. The youth services program attempts to strike a balance between academics and athletics. The Center provides field trips and extra-curricular excursions, which give added incentive for the students' pursuit of excellence and additional learning. Field trips to museums, libraries, governmental entities, and cultural tours serve a dual role. The field trips serve as a motivational tool to inspire students to go the extra mile in their work. They also expose students to a world beyond their neighborhoods.
Senior Citizens Service Program Alpha Center partners with healthcare professionals, nutrition counselors and other non-profit entities to provide community-based services and opportunities for under-served and disabled seniors. Student nurses provide health screenings and monitor seniors' vital signs once a week. Senior programs and expansion plans include: daily meal service, weekly health screenings, nutrition counseling, computer literacy sessions, arts and crafts, recreational activities, i.e. bingo, billiards, chess, checkers, holiday dinners, socials, and a myriad of fellowship opportunities.
The age eligibility criteria is 60 years and older. The senior citizens' program is in its infant stage. Recently the Alpha Center began collaborating with Camelot Career College of Baton Rouge's student nurses to provide weekly health screenings for seniors. Nearly 15 nurses visited the center and administered blood pressure and other health screenings. The local Association of Retired Persons (ARP) are to provide free tax counseling. Once the physical renovation is complete, EBR Parish Council on Aging will begin providing daily lunches. The program should help the Alpha Center to attract more participants. Our goal is to increase the number of senior citizens that utilize the facility to no less than 75.
Adult Services Program Each month, the Alpha Center coordinates or hosts a community awareness workshop or seminar, which is open to under-served adults in the community. Issues such as healthcare, disease prevention, adult literacy, grant writing, first-time home buying, assistance training, etc. are discussed. The Center meets the need for adequate health care and disease prevention by partnering with healthcare professionals and organizations to provide health fairs, screenings and prevention workshops at the program site. In addition, the Center holds collaborations with business professionals and other non-profit entities to provide an array of services and opportunities. Community awareness workshops include job search/development, business training and entrepreneurship, nutrition education, creditrepair assistance, crime-prevention education and services, arts and culture enrichment, drug/alcohol education, energy-conservation education and neighborhood clean up.
Impact The Alpha Center is a non-profit organization of the Beta Iota Lambda Foundation. Witnessing the growth of individuals and helping to foster their learning experiences, particularly those of children and senior citizens, provides a great reward. Beta Iota Lambda and Beta Sigma Brothers and the Alpha Center's staff are committed to supporting this growth. During 1998-99, Beta Iota Lambda Brothers conducted more than 78 projects and activities through the Alpha Center. At least 20 other activities are being planned for the upcoming year. The Chapter has conducted 26 national projects and special programs and 41 chapter projects, ten economic development activities (with the assistance of two grants for $110,000 and $50,000) and eight College/Alumni Brothers activities through the center. The programs conducted by the Chapter since March 1998 have benefited more than 2,500 individuals. More than $12,000 in scholarship funds have been raised for students during the past three years. Beta Iota Lambda Chapter has gone from conducting one project in 1994 to a plethora of activities that cuts across racial, cultural, and economic lines. The Chapter also is donating $1,552 toward the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project. On March 2, 1999, the MLK National Memorial Project Committee recognized Beta Iota Lambda's efforts and because of the Chapter's record of service, it has been nominated for President Bill Clinton's 1999 Presidential Service Award. Currently, the Chapter grant-writing team is focusing on a federal grant proposal that would ensure funding for the center over a long term. THE SPHINX" FALL 1999
ALPHA ON TM
ALPHA ON THE MOVE
ESPN S BROTHER STUART SCOTT DELIVERS SLAM-DUNK HIGHLIGHTS IN THE FACE OF CRITICS By Brother Rob Lewis rother Stuart Scott, popular host of ESPN's SportsCenter, is an Alpha On The Move who balances the rigors of a live-television show with family life, as well as, personal appearances and special projects. In a recent cameo appearance on the HBO series Arliss, Stuart Scott, the actor, delivered his scripted lines with the same humor that has endeared him to millions of sports fans addicted to SportsCenter. At 34 years of age, Brother Scott is enjoying the fruits of 12 years of hard work, but be assured he is not about to rest on his laurels. I recently caught up with Stuart as he prepared for a live broadcast from the ESPN studios in Bristol, Connecticut. After a few minutes of banter about our mutual passion for golf and his recent eagle putt, we got down to business and I got his reflections on a number of hot topics. Q: "What up Stuart?" A: "...What up Kid?" Q: "Everything about you says cool...from your on-air persona, down to your office voice mail...have you always been down, hip, cool, a part of the in-crowd?" A: "I don't think it's cool, I think it's down to earth. I don't consider myself to be cool but I do consider myself down to earth. True cool is really how you carry yourself. Fake cool is trying to be something or somebody you're not. I don't have a traditional style but what I do have is me." Viewers tune in to ESPN's flagship sports broadcast to watch, listen and be entertained by Brother Scott's brash, witty and slightly irreverent style of sports commentary as he punctuates highlights and tape replays sports events with street slang. His commentary over a video clip of a slam-dunk or home run might elicit a schoolyard, trash-talking favorite like "BOO-YAH" or a fan favorite... "Can I get a witness." "It comes out on the air quite naturally-just like it would if we were sitting around at your house or mine watching a game on TV," says Stuart. "I'm going to say the same thingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;liiat's how I flow. Likewise, if I'm playing basketball. If it's football, which I take very seriously, I'm less likely to talk unless I'm being talked to." This is how the Brother talks off camera, unforced and definitely not part of an act. He's just being himself. Brother Scott praises the management of ESPN for giving staffers the opportunity to be themselves. "ESPN is a great environment within which to develop your own style," he says. On the subject of style, Stuart Scott's phrasal technique has drawn some criticism from other sports broadcasters who feel that his "schtick" distracts from the broadcast itself. "Yeah...I hear it," Stuart replies, bristling at the comments and parodies of how others would have him deliver the highlights. "That just wouldn't be me. I can't start using words I don't normally use. I think there are a lot of people who feel like they've got to determine how you're supposed to act
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93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
Brother Stuart Scott
Credit: John Atashian, ESPN, Inc.
whether it be athletics or sportscasting. I don't buy into that." Q: "What are some of your favorite catch phrases?" A: "People have said, 'man you've got so many catch phrases, why don't you pick one and stick with it?' They keep changing because society keeps changing. I don't even think of what I say as catch phrases. I look at what's going on in the world and after that, it's all according to how I flow. I say it on the air because I say it in my life. Great sportscasters are brilliant in their own way because they broadcast in tune with their own personalities. Some of these same journalists would decree that sportscasting should be done the way they do it. What they fail to realize is that they've overstepped the boundaries when they decide that they're going to be the ethical and moral determiner of what's right in our business. There is no such thing." One look at Brother Scott's professional track record reveals a solid journalistic background that is anything but a fluke. He got his start in journalism as an intern at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill radio station then embarked on an odyssey of post-graduate jobs in smaller TV markets like Florence, South Carolina; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Orlando, Florida before signing on with ESPN in 1993. "I did it the right wayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the way that I'm proud of," Stuart comments. Preparation for the nightly broadcast of SportsCenter begins in the early afternoon and involves many hours at his computer, writing and checking the wires for sports news. SportsCenter airs live at 11 p.m. on the East Coast and is then re-broadcast several times overnight and in the early morning. Born in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of four children, Brother Scott credits his parents' dedication to family and their tremendous work ethic as having had a lasting impact on his life. "My brother and I had a recent conversation about the state of our society and talked about our parents and how they got up everyday and trans-
ALPHA ON THE MOVE ported us kids all over the place—practice here, dance recital therearid they both went to work...everyday. You don't realize it as a child but that teaches you something." The quiet manner in which his parents went about balancing work, children and extra curricular activities is the blueprint for how Brother Scott is raising his family. Stuart and his wife, Kim, have been married since 1993 and are the proud parents of a 4 -year-old daughter and are expectant parents of a baby due this fall. Talking about his family brought out the soft side of a tough guy who still finds time in his busy schedule to play full-contact football in a local league. A gifted schoolboy athlete, Stuart recalls nostalgically how a little orange football his father brought back from a business trip ignited a 4-year-old child's love of sports. "I played a lot of sports growing up—played ball in high school, played in a semi-pro club football league while in college at UNC-Chapel Hill. Wideout/D.B. was and is my position!" Athletics came easy to Brother Scott and were it not for a series of eye operations, he might have realized a lifelong dream of starring in the National Football League. Initiated in Fall 1984 through the Fraternity's Mu Zeta Chapter at UNC, Brother Scott was most fraternal when we first met last October at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York. The symbolism of two Alpha Brothers exchanging the Fraternity grip at home plate just prior to the first pitch of the 1998 World Series between the New York Yankees and the San Diego Padres was clouded by an issue that baseball and America continues to struggle with—Racism. Stuart and I were the only two African-Americans in a large group of print and broadcast journalists amassed on the field prior to the game. And not so coincidentally, we were the only two journalists subjected to a random spot check of media credentials. Our badges were already displayed and clearly visible for all to see. Brother Scott was very affable and joked that the Yankee Stadium security officer must have suspected we forged the press passes then both wore black leather jackets in a sea of blue sports coats in order to blend in with the crowd. "Racism is not dead," said Brother Scott. "If anyone takes a look at sports and the racial composition of teams, then looks at the racial composition of the front offices—it's clear that the dynamic is not by accident but by design." Being down to earth and "real" has earned Stuart the respect of many of the players he covers. His experience as a player also has ushered him into the inner sanctum of sports journalism. "(Athletes) respect the fact that I played ball and that I understand there are times when they don't want to be interviewed," he said. "So I back off, then at another time when everyone is clamoring for an interview with that player, the player might remember you cut them some slack
and you might get that exclusive interview. It's all about respect." Just as the public side of Brother Scott is smart, funny and "as cool as the other side of the pillow" the private Stuart Scott might surprise more than a few of his fans with his penchant for Broadway show tunes from West Side Story, the Sound of Music, Camelot and the Wiz. "My musical tastes are fairly broad and I like a lot of the new artists but in my free time there is nothing else I'd rather listen to (than show tunes). That's how I flow." Q: "What is your favorite part of being an Alpha Man?" A: "The best part about being an Alpha is life lessons the Brotherhood teaches. The cohesiveness and togetherness of the Fraternity illustrates that like a chain, we are only as strong as the weakest link. We should be concerned with uplifting the weakest in our communities and making our families strong." Our call and response recitation of the Fraternity Hymn began when I said "College days swiftly pass..." which elicited the desired response "Imbued with mem-'ries fond. And the recollection slowly fades away..." which was quickly followed by "Nah, Bro...I remember it like my initiation was yesterday. I loved the process...I loved stepping and step shows...in fact, my line name was "Step Master" one of "The Twelve Masters of the Mix." Yeah, I loved the whole thing...it was great!" Q: "Success at an early age often breeds complacency. How do you handle your success and how do you continue to motivate yourself to higher heights?" A: Part one of that is easy, I look at my daughter and she could care less that I'm on TV, that keeps me grounded. As far as motivation, I want to keep growing professionally and personally, to diversify, do different things and feed off the energy that comes with newness and change. With a Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) card in his hip (hop) pocket as reward for lending his acting (voice) talents to a Spike Lee joint, as well as, his work on HBO, the sky's the limit for this inspirational Alpha On The Move.
Brother Rob Lewis is a Senior Operations Producer for ABC-TVs Good Morning America. A Spring 1982 initiate at Delta Zeta Chapter at Syracuse University, he currently serves as President of Eta Theta Lambda Chapter in New York.
THESPHINT FALL 1999
The Urban Scholarship Program can make the difference. The streets ot urhm America .ire often ,i dead end tor tho^e who want an education. And to make matters worse, too few scholarships reach out to help them. That's* why Anheuser-Busch m partnership with orgarffiatiotM such as 100 Black Men of America Inc., certain Urhan League Affiliates and selected NAACP chapter- created the new Budweiser Jammin' for Education Urban Scholarship ftogram to benefit students m local communities. The money raised here, Kays here ,.. for them.
CM 999 MMum4uach Compotes Inc
ALPHA ATHLETE SL
ATHLETES
NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL BUYER HELBS BRESERVE AN IMBORTANT BART OF AMERICAN HISTORY By Brother Jerry Bembry I ver since his days as a youngster in New York City, i Brother James Robinson was a passionate baseball fan. In the early 1940s, even before the integration of major league baseball, Brother Robinson had dreams of donning the uniform of his favorite team—the New York Yankees. "I wanted to be a major league player, even before Jackie Brother Jim Robinson, Kansas City Monarchs Robinson," said Brother James Robinson, who is unrelated to Jackie. "My father thought I was crazy, because there were no blacks in the majors. But baseball was my first love, it was a sport that was in my blood." Although Brother Robinson never did realize his dream of playing on the major league level, he did become a professional ball player—spending the better part of five years playing infield in the Negro Leagues. James Robinson, who was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity 15 years ago at Alpha Gamma Lambda Chapter in New York City, broke into the Negro Leagues with the Philadelphia Stars in 1952, and played part of the next season with the barnstorming Indianapolis Clowns. After a brief stint with the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system, Brother Robinson returned to the Negro Leagues in 1956. From there he spent three-full seasons as a second baseman with the Kansas City Monarchs, one of the most storied franchises in the Negro Leagues. "It was a great thrill and an honor to play," said Brother Robinson, a retired employee of the New York City Housing Department who still makes his home in Manhattan. "Playing in Kansas City—that was a household name as far as Negro League baseball was concerned. "And I was thrilled, even though by the time I got there the League was barely holding on," Brother Robinson added. "In the 1950s, the only teams remaining were those in the West." The demise of the Negro Leagues (most teams had dissolved by the early 1950s, although a few barnstorming teams continued into the early 1960s) was the tradeoff of the integration of major league baseball that began when Jackie Robinson signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Jackie Robinson's success nearly resulted in the Dodgers becoming the Dallas Cowboys of their time, or "Black America's" team. The professionalism in which Jackie Robinson handled himself
during some extremely difficult and stressful circumstances paved the way for other Negro League greats to follow. Sam Jethroe (Cleveland Buckeyes) won the 1950 National League Rookie of the Year award with the Boston Braves; Satchel Paige entered the major leagues in 1948 when, at the age of 56, he helped the Cleveland Indians win the World Series. While the success of African-American players in the major leagues denied James Robinson the opportunity to play against some of the game's top talent, he did realize his dream of playing in some of baseball's most hallowed shrines, including Yankee Stadium. "That's a place where I had spent so many years watching games—and there I was playing in Yankee Stadium," Brother Robinson recalled. "It was great because my family had a chance to see me play. "In the heyday of the Negro Leagues, they would draw (anywhere from) 40,000 to 50,000 people to Yankee Stadium," Brother Robinson added. "By the time I played, the crowds were not as large, although there were some places where we were still a good draw." Most of the games Brother Robinson played were in major league stadiums. In all three of his seasons with Kansas City, Brother Robinson was selected to the Negro League All-Star Game. "That, to me, was one of my biggest thrills," said Brother Robinson. "That game was a big event. We used to play it in Chicago at Comisky Park each year." All-star status is pretty good for a guy who carried his dream from Commerce High School in Manhattan (the school was torn down so that Lincoln Center could be built) to North Carolina A&T College in Greensboro, North Carolina. It was while going to college from 1949 to 1953 that Brother Robinson got a full dose of "Southern Hospitality." So the racial encounters he faced while traveling the South as a professional baseball player came as little surprise to him. "State troopers would pull us over on the highway and accuse the driver of disobeying the speed limit. They'd threaten to hold us." Brother Robinson recalled. "Here we were, trying to get somewhere and a trooper was threatening to hold us overnight. Nothing ever happened. It wasn't unusual, just a nuisance." And Brother Robinson encountered more of the same when, after playing two partial seasons with the Indianapolis Clowns and the Philadelphia Stars, he had a brief stint with the St. Louis minor league system. At the time, major league teams—in attempt to stay competitive during the time of change in baseball—were trying to identify and promote talented African-American players. "Now that was bad," Brother Robinson said. "In spring training in Albany, Georgia, the black players had to stay on campus at Albany State. We couldn't stay in the hotels with our white teammates. THESPHINT FALL 1999
ALPHA ATHLETES "Most of the players and coaches were Southerners, and they didn't hide their feelings," he added. "It was an uneasy feeling. I just tried to overcome it." Some of the worst abuse would come later, when he returned to the Negro Leagues to play with the Monarchs. "In some of the towns in the South, a lot of white folks would come to our games," Brother Robinson said. "And we could hear all kinds of stuff from the stands. 'Nigger this, nigger that'. We'd just keep on playing, get on the bus and get the hell out of there." Brother Robinson's baseball career came to an end with the Monarchs at the conclusion of the 1958 season. From there he returned to New York, working with the New York City Housing Department for 28 years. After his retirement, he went back to the South, taking a job at South Carolina State where he taught criminal justice and coached baseball. "A personal friend of mine was the president. He told me to come down and it turned into being a great experience," Brother Robinson said. "Teaching on a college level, and getting a chance to develop a baseball program was fantastic. "What was sad, was that a lot of the players didn't know what the Negro Leagues were," he added. "Very few had any exposure." That's been changing in recent years, as former Negro League players have toured the country, with a group that sells baseball memorabilia. Even major league baseball is doing its share to recognize a talented group that has been long overlooked, honoring former Negro League greats at various events. "This is our history," Brother Robinson said. "If we don't talk about it and promote it people won't learn it, because it's not in our
textbooks. This is an important part of our history and legacy." Brother Robinson is usually on the road three or four times a month helping to promote the Negro Leagues' history. He spends much of his other free time playing golf, although recent knee surgery to correct an old baseball injury has kept him off the links and from some of his baseball travels. In retrospect, Brother Robinson's career in professional baseball was brief. But playing in the Negro Leagues and the travels that he Photo illustration of Kansas makes today to promote that era has City Monarchs player Brother created long-time bonds with some of Jim Robinson his peers. "On some occasions, we get a chance to talk to big league players, and they have been very cordial toward us," Brother Robinson said. "It's important that our players get to participate in some of the big league events, and get treated royally while doing so. "Recognition is long overdue," he added. "But at least it's coming." Brother Jerry Bembry is a sportswriter for The Baltimore Sun newspapers in Baltimore, Maryland.
JACKIE ROBINSON CROSSES PATHS WITH ALPHA PHI ALPHA By Brother Wallace L Walker lpha Phi Alpha's bright light first shone on the Pacific side of the United States Rocky Mountains on February 2, 1921. The Fraternity's dawning in the Western part of the country was completed with the initiation of 15 undergraduate students at the University of Southern California (Southern Cal).1 This initial group of undergraduate Alpha initiates on the "West Coast" set the standard for excellence in the Fraternity's Western Region. Among the first initiates were: Dr. Arthur Prince who became a public school district superintendent and Bert McDonald, the first AfricanAmerican to graduate from the Southern Cal School of Law. Even earlier than the Western founding of the Fraternity's Alpha Delta Chapter at Southern Cal, a nearby fledgling public institution of higher learning, in 1919,2 had opened its doors to the Fraternity. Southern Cal, founded in 1879, is a private university. The new public institution was called the Southern Branch of the University of California and it was considered a part of the University of California at Berkeley. The new University by 1936 moved from its earlier campus on
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North Vermont Street to the developing section of Westwood in West Los Angeles. Its name by then was the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). Between 1921 and 1936, UCLA provided Southern Cal little athletic competition, particularly in football. UCLA, in those days, was hardly the athletic archrival of Southern Cal that it is today. By 1936, Bill Ackerman was the Student Manager (Athletic Director) at UCLA5 He thought that Southern Cal's football dominance over UCLA might be slipping and that Southern Cal had done little to recruit the African-American football athlete. Ackerman saw in this his chance to successfully compete for a standout high school football player that would be a giant step in elevating the UCLA Bruin football program. The athlete's name was Kenneth (Kenny) Washington. In the summer of 1936 he was the most heralded high school football athlete in Los Angeles. As a schoolboy, Kenny Washington excelled at Lincoln High School in East Los Angeles.4 Washington's first choice for college was Notre Dame University because of his
ALPHA ATHLETES closeness to the Catholic Church. Also, by early 1939, Strode and But, 1936 was long before the first Washington were the other's best African-American football athlete friend. After meeting at UCLA, they suited up for the fighting Irish, so, took their friendship one step farNotre Dame was out. Southern Cal ther. Each sufficiently sublimated was his second choice and the his hostility toward Southern Cal Trojans recruited him. But, again, and went across town to become Southern Cal, in those days, had a members of Alpha Phi Alpha reputation of recruiting Africanthrough the Alpha Delta Chapter." American athletes and not playing The recruitment of Robinson and them. The Trojans had this reputaBartlett was intense. The University tion even though its first football of Oregon was considered by All-American was Brice Taylor, an Robinson because his older brother, African-American. Finally, in 1936, Mack, was a former Duck. Mack Charter members ofAlpha Delta Chapter UCLA captured the most highly Robinson was the silver medalist in sought after football player in its history. the 1936 Olympic Games 200-meters. He finished second to Brother Jessie Owens. But, finally, Robinson decided to attend UCLA because In 1934, there was an outstanding high school athlete at of an opportunity to play and because he wanted to stay close to Jefferson High School in Los Angeles. He was named Woodrow home. (Woody) Wilson Woolwine Strode.5 While competing in a National AAU Track Meet in San Diego, Strode caught the eye of a recruiter. Robinson entered UCLA extension in the Spring of 1939'^ Like Even though Strode, like Washington, was a fan of Southern Cal, Strode, he needed to improve his grades before he could be admithe had little desire to attend college there for reasons noted above.6 ted to UCLA as a regular student. Because of his high school grades, Strode could not immediately By the fall of 1939, Robinson and Bartlett were students with enter UCLA.7 He instead enrolled at UCLA's extension program. It two years of collegiate athletic eligibility remaining. UCLA's practice was two years before he qualified as a regular student. But, in the of recruiting and playing African-American football players was fall of 1936, Strode entered UCLA as a 21-year old freshman.8 tested in the Bruin's first game. They opened against Texas Christian University (TCU). UCLA, in that game, started an In the fall of 1937, UCLA was scheduled to play a football unprecedented three African-American players. Washington and game against Southern Cal. It would be the first such game Robinson started in the backfield, Strode at End and Bartlett was a between the two teams since 1930 when Southern Cal beat the backup to Strode. UCLA was playing a team that had won its last 14 Bruins 52-0.' When UCLA played its final football game of the 1937 games and was ranked as high as No. 3 in the nation. The upstart season against Southern Cal, before 80,000 fans, a WashingtonBruins behind the all-star play of Robinson and Washington beat Strode led Bruin squad lost to the Trojans by the respectable score the Horned Frogs 6-2.15 of 19-13.'" By the end of the 1938 football season, Washington and Strode Washington and Robinson led a Bruin team to the Southern led UCLA to football respectability. With Strode at end and Cal game showdown undefeated. In fact, when the two teams played Washington at halfback in the old single wing formation, the in 1939, each was undefeated. During the season, Washington and Bruins were starting to win some football games. UCLA also was Robinson were dubbed the "Goal Dust Twins" by local newspaper becoming known as a place on the West Coast where an Africanwriters because of their exploits on the football field.16 American athlete could go and be given a fair chance to compete But, in 1939, to the chagrin of Bruin fans, Southern Cal won for playing time. Strode and Washington, by the end of the 1938 the showdown. Ackerman, however, was correct. As his first two football season, were clearly the stars of the UCLA football team and African-American football star recruits ended their collegiate each was recognized as a star among all the other star players then careers, Strode was a three-year starter for the Bruins. He was conplaying college football. sidered one of the best offensive and defensive ends in the nation. Washington graduated as an All-America and was considered by Ackerman, meanwhile in early 1939," had his sights set on many to be the best college football player in America. The Bruins two more star African-American football players. During the preended the year ranked No. 10 in the nation.1" ceding football season, Pasadena Community College had featured two-Junior College All-Americas that Ackerman thought would be Before leaving UCLA, Washington and Strode saw Robinson perfect complements to Washington and Strode. Their names were and Bartlett become Sphinxmen in Alpha Phi Alpha.18 Bartlett was Raymond Bartlett and Jackie Robinson. Bartlett and Robinson grew initiated into the Fraternity; Robinson was not." up together in Pasadena (California). They had been friends since The loss of Washington and Strode proved to be catastrophic to grade school.12 the 1940 Bruin football team. Even with Robinson and Bartlett, the THESPHINF FALL 1999
ALPHA ATHLETES Bruins suffered a losing season. Robinson left UCLA in early 1941, one semester short of earning his degree.20 Strode left UCLA in early 1940, one semester short of earning his degree.21 Washington and Bartlett both earned their degrees at UCLA.22 After leaving UCLA, all four of these men distinguished themselves just as they had at UCLA. Robinson became the first AfricanAmerican to play major league baseball.25 He became a member of the baseball Hall of Fame and a successful businessman after his playing days were completed.24 He is the only four-sport letterman (baseball, football, basketball, track and field) in UCLA history.25 He was the 1940 NCAA long-jump champion and he was selected to play in the college all-star game as one of the outstanding 1940 college football players.26 Washington completed his collegiate career as the NCAA total offensive leader for the 1939 season.27 He left UCLA as a consensus Ail-American.28 Many football fans thought he should have won the Heisman Trophy.29 After his football career ended, Washington continued to be a folk hero in the UCLA sports community. He spent his professional life after football as an executive with the Seagrams Company.30 When he died in 1971 at the young age of 53 years, his funeral was attended by numerous dignitaries. He was remembered at his funeral, by telegram, by one of his old fans, President Richard M. Nixon.31 Strode became a well-known motion picture actor, starring in a number of feature films including Sergeant Rutledge.32 He was one of the first-featured African-American wrestlers.33 Strode played Canadian professional football before his days as a motion picture actor.34 In 1946, one year before Robinson became the first AfricanAmerican to play major league baseball, Washington and Strode became the first African-Americans to compete in the National Football League (NFL). They played with the Los Angeles (St. Louis) Rams. Bartlett was the second African-American police officer in Pasadena.35 After his retirement from the Pasadena Police Department, he became an aide to Los Angeles County Supervisor Warren Dorn. He also served as an administrator in the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Today, he continues his life of public service and his active membership in Eta Pi Lambda Chapter (Pasadena). Robinson and Washington are charter members of the UCLA athletic Hall of Fame. Strode is also a member.36 Bartlett and Robinson are members of the Pasadena Community College athletic Hall of Fame.37 The foregoing is but one story of Alpha members being the catalyst for history making events. The present football rivalry between UCLA and Southern Cal is one of the most intense in this country. It was three Alphamen and one aspirant who played a substantial role in beginning that tradition. Because of their character and athletic prowess, UCLA developed a football team equal to Southern Cal's. The Western Region of Alpha, is and has historically been, the smallest region in the Fraternity in terms of membership. Those of 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
us who first saw the light of Alpha West of the Rockies have always been aware of our numbers within the Fraternity. But, as this article indicates, Alpha member achievements in the West, the nation and within the Fraternity are second to none.
FOOTNOTES
Brother Wallace L. Walker heads a private general law practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a life member of the Fraternity and an active member of Omicron Delta Lambda Chapter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Brother Walker was initiated at Alpha Delta Chapter, University of Southern California, and served as Western Assistant Vice President while in undergraduate school.
' See Photo, the 15-initiates, not in order they appear in photo, are: Malcol H. Patton, Bert McDonald, Samuel B. Danleyjr, Thomas A. Greene, Arthur E. Prince, Hayward Johnson, Hugh Bell, John Rout, John Riddle, Bernard Hemdon, Simon Draper, William Pillow, Howard Allen, Clifford Gordon andJames A. McGregor. 2 Phil Schermeister, UCLA, A Pictorial Treasury, Harmony House, Louisv KY, 1989, P. 18. 3 Woody Strode and Sam Young, Goal Dust, Madison Books, New York, New York, 1990, P. 30 'Id. P. 61 5 Id. PI 6 Id. P. 29 1 Id. P. 49 "Id. P. 49 "Id. P. 66 10 Id. P. 69 "Id.P.86 12 Id. P. 84 13 This statement is based on conversations I completed with Raymond Bartlett while we were both members of Eta Pi Lambda Chapter ofAlpha Ph Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Pasadena, California) from 1974-1981. When Strode and Washington were initiated into Alpha, Alpha Delta Chapter, as it wa when I was initiated into the Fraternity while a student at California State University at Los Angles in 1962, served as a "city chapter." UCLA did no get its own chapter (Gamma Xi) until 1947. 14 Strode, P. 86 "ld.P.94 16 Id. P. 94 17 Id. P. 107 " Conversations with Bartlett ÂťId. 20 Arnold Rampersad. Jackie Robinson, A Biography, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1997, P. 82. 21 Strode, P. 107 22 Strode, P. 110; Conversations with Bartlett 23 Robinson, P. 169; See Strode at 142 about Washington and Strode integrating professional sports. 24 Id. P. 303 23 Strode, P. 89 26 Robinson, P. 85 27 Strode, P. 95 28 Id. 95-96 29 Id. 95 30 Id. 244 31 Id. 243 32 Id. P. 197 33 Id. 171 34 Id. 169 35 Conversations with Bartlett 36 UCLA Hall of Fame, Los Angeles, CA 37 Pasadena Community College Hall of Fame, Pasadena, CA
ATHLETES BROTHER DONALD SILVELS THREE-PEATS AT CONVENTION TENNIS TOURNAMENT
"At that point, I began traveling to play tourome 22 Brothers braved the 100 degreenaments and see another dimension of the plus Texas heat to participate in the game," Brother Silvels added. His travels through National Tennis Tournament at the tennis have taken him around the country and to Fraternity's 93rd Anniversary Convention. various locations around the globe. For Brother Donald Silvels it was just The 1999 General Convention Tennis another opportunity to enjoy one of his life's Tournament Champion has participated in the passions—playing tennis. Brother Silvels capAmerican Tennis Association (ATA) tournaments tured his third-consecutive Convention Tennis Brother Donald Silvels that are sponsored around the country. ATA is a Title during play at the Verandah Club of the prime organization for meeting other brothers and sisters who Wyndham Anatole Hotel. Brother Silvels won the championship play and love the game, he says. Past ATA champions have includwith a 6-e, 6-1 victory over Brother Reginald Bibb of Dallas. ed Arthur Ashe, Zina Garrison and Althea Gibson. The road to the title for Brother Silvels included victories over Over the last couple of years, Brother Silvels has played tourBrothers Russell Kelly of Baltimore, Maryland, Sonny Kierulf of naments around the United States and attended many professionChicago, Illinois, and Obie McDaniels of Atlanta, Georgia. Brother al tournaments, including Wimbledon (in London, England), Silvels, who is a life member, won previous titles during General The French Open (in Paris France) and this year he attended the Conventions in Washington, D.C. and Orlando, Florida. U.S. Open Championships in New York for the 14th consecutive Brother Silvels says he has always had a passion for the game year. of tennis, although he started "late" in terms of when he first "Through all my travels, I have been fortunate to meet indipicked up a racquet. "I did not get serious about tennis until high viduals—like some of my Brothers in Alpha—who share a passchool but I knew at that time it was something that I was very sion for the game of tennis, which gives me a greater appreciation intrigued with," he said. for the game," Brother Silvels added. Brother Silvels played tennis throughout high school and Tennis is said to be the "sport of a lifetime" and Brother played some college tennis. It was during that time that Brother Silvels certainly hopes to keep swinging for as long as his passion Silvels took a position as a teaching pro at famed Callaway and enthusiasm for the game "serves" him well! Gardens golf, Water-Ski and Tennis Resort in Pine Mountain, Georgia and his game really began to come together.
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BOOK REVI
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BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL 1892-1992: ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF HISTORY, EDUCATION, AND PRIDE By Michael Hurd. Foreword By Robert V. McDonald. Revised, Expanded Second Edition, 1998. (The Donning Company/Publishers. ISBN 1-57864-048-2) Reviewed by Brother Harry B. Dunbar
his well-written, informative and attractively manufactured book is as much a contribution to the history of black higher education in America as it is to the history of athletics— football in particular—in Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Moreover, it is a testimonial to the commitment, know-how and persistence of Michael Hurd and Robert V. McDonald. Michael Hurd, a Texarkana, Texas native, is a journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He began his newspaper career as a sportswriter for The Houston Post, covering small college sports, including the Southwestern Athletic Conference for that newspaper. He has worked for other newspapers, including USA Today where he was a member of the original staff, and has covered a wide range of sports and news events, including the NBA, the NFL, the NHL and the NCAA. Readers of The Sphinx" will discern indelible marks of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. throughout the book. First our own Brother Robert V. McDonald conceived it and wrote the foreword and the chapter on Grambling. He also secured the funding to underwrite its publication. The beautiful Gold lettering on the Black hard cover of the book is of significance to us as members of Alpha Phi Alpha, as is the motto that heads the chapter on Grambling. It reads, "First of All; Servants of All; We Shall Transcend All." Also in this chapter, Brother McDonald has included a picture of men present when Coach Eddie Robinson received his Alpha Award of Merit at the Alpha Phi Alpha General Convention in New Orleans in 1993. This picture includes Brother Congressman Robert Scott of Virginia; Brother Edward W. Brooke, former U.S. Senator from Massachusetts; legendary singer/songwriter Brother Lionel Richie, Jr.; Brother General President Milton C. Davis; Brother Congressman Earl Hilliard of Alabama and Brother Eddie Robinson. Men of Alpha figure in large numbers elsewhere in the book. A census of the population of the book allows us to identify the following Alpha coaches, players, sportswriters and administrators: Coaches Eddie Robinson and Fred Hobdy of Grambling; Art Shell of Maryland State; Douglas Porter of Fort Valley State; Robert P. Griffin and Ken Riley of Florida A&M; C. Felton "Zip" Gales of Langston; Henry Kean of Kentucky State/Tennessee State; Ulysses Jones and Leonard Barnes of Southern University; and Alva Tabor
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of Tuskegee. Other members of Alpha Phi Alpha mentioned in the book include Sandy Stephens, who did not attend an HBCU but is cited in the book as the first Black All American quarterback and most valuable player in a Rose Bowl game. Brother Russell L. Stockard, Sr. (Tennessee State) the first African-American to have his own Brother Harry B. Dunbar column in a non-black daily newspaper, the Nashville Globe, did valuable research for the book. The contributions of former Fraternity Archivist Brother Herman "Skip" Mason to the research for this book are acknowledged. We also find mentioned and/or pictured, Brother Dr. James Frank, the retired Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and Brother Fred Humphries, the President of Florida A&M University. One of the most precious finds is the citation for one of the quarterbacks on the Milton Roberts All-Time Black College Football Squad. Our own late Brother Charles Wesley (Fisk) was named to the 1900-1910 squad. Brother Andrew Young's and Brother Dr. John Hope Franklin's testimonials to the nurturing influence on them of Howard and Fisk Universities respectively are featured in Black College Football. Prepared as a Centennial Celebration book, it pays tribute to Coach Eddie Robinson, retired football Coach at Grambling State University and to the great coaches Cleve Abbott, Marino Casern, Jake Gaither, John Merritt, Ace Mumford, Billy Nicks and others. The first of the book's twelve chapters is an account of the first black intercollegiate football game held on December 27,1892 between Biddle University and Livingstone College. It was won by Biddle. Succeeding chapters provide profiles of coaches and players, and the history of Grambling football and the outstanding players developed there under Brother Eddie Robinson. There are chapters on Marching Bands, Rivalries and Classics, Professional Football and Small Black Colleges, the Conferences, and the Schools. The pages devoted to the chapter entitled "Significant Events 1892-1997" are destined to become dog-eared as they will be consulted with great frequency by aficionados of black college and
BOOK REVIEW BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL REVISED
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university football. This chapter is replete not only with firsts achieved by black college football players between 1892 and 1997, but with standings of the various teams in their conferences over the period from the 1920s to 1997. For example, it lists won, lost, tied records of the most winning black college coaches: (1) Eddie Robinson, Grambling, 408-165-15; (2) Amett Mumford, Jarvis Christian/Bishop/Texas College/Southern, 235-85-23; (3) John Merritt, Jackson State/Tennessee State, 232-65-11; (4) Fred "Pop" Long, Paul Quinn/Prairie View/Texas College/Wiley, 227-151-31; and (5) Jake Gaither, Florida A&M, 203-36-4. Records of Black College National Champions from 1920 to 1992, National Football League first-round draft picks from black colleges from 1963-1992, and Pittsburgh Courier Black College All-America teams from 1927-1978 are but three of the lists of elite which are in the book. The book sets forth in writing many of the legends which up to now have only been part of the oral tradition recounted by griots now passed from the scene. An example is the anecdote that McDonald includes in the book regarding Ernie Ladd's storied appetite told by Dr. CD. Henry, the late great physical educator, sport historian and raconteur. The chapter entitled "HBCUs: The Future-On and Off the Field" is a most significant one. In it, Hurd looks briefly at future prospects for football programs and for academics in HBCUs. He makes observations regarding the problem faced by the institutions in light of what he calls two major blows dealt to affirmative action programs at white colleges and universities in 1996. The first was the ruling in Hopwood vs. the University of Texas Law School. By virtue of the ruling in the case, the University of Texas
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Law School and eventually all of the state's public institutions are prohibited from considering race as a factor in admitting students. The second blow, dealt by Proposition 209 which California voters approved, forbids race and gender preference in public employment and education policies in California. These events and their perceived message, Hurd says, prompted many African-American high school students to consider historically black colleges for the first time. When we consider some of the favorable impressions that students come away with after visiting many of these colleges, we are convinced that the two blows to affirmative action will be absorbed by Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In the aftermath of the actions, HBCUs find themselves being viewed in a positive light, the likes of which they have not seen since the onset of affirmative action admissions by white colleges and universities. Hurd seems to suggest that HBCUs need to be prepared for the new-found attention which they are getting from AfricanAmerican students. The window of opportunity provided by these two blows may be open only temporarily. The arguments for maintaining these institutions are convincing and compelling.
Brother Harry B. Dunbar is Chairman of the Publications Committee and a member of the Fraternity's Historical Commission. In addition to his regular book reviews in The Sphinx*, Brother Dunbar is author of the Internet CompuServe column, Dunbar On Black Books, located at http://ummi. lookoutnow. com/blackbooks/about.htm
THE SPHINXÂŽ FALL 1999
CHAPTER NEWS EASTERN BETA ALPHA LAMBDA CHARTER MOVED FROM NEW JERSEY TO MARYLAND
Members of the rechartered Beta Alpha Lambda Chapter are (top row, left to right) Brothers Darrell Thompson, Demitri McDaniel and Mark Branch; (middle row, left to right) Jock Blackwell, Scott Nelson, Frederick Banks; (bottom row, left to right) Joseph Simms, Darnell Rumph and J. Wayman Henry, III. Not pictured are Brothers J. Blaine Somerville, III, Anthony Hill, Art Henry and Melvin Bayne.
eta Alpha Lambda Chapter-originally chartered in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1936-was rechartered on June 27,1999 by 13 Alumni Brothers in Baltimore, Maryland. The rechartering ceremony, marking a new era in the Chapter's history, was attended by Brothers from several graduate chapters and members of several other Greek-letter organizations in the area, as well as, city elected officials and dignitaries. The ceremony was held at the Fraternity's Corporate Headquarters. Baltimore Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke issued a proclamation, designating the Sunday as "Beta Alpha Lambda Day" in the city. The event included presentation of a brief history of Beta Alpha Lambda, which dates back to 1936, and a Seven-Candle Ceremony. Chapter President Demitri McDaniel unveiled Beta Alpha Lambda's plans for community programs and the Chapter's general mission and goals. Beta Alpha Lambda Brothers will serve the greater Baltimore community through national programs such as Go-toHigh School, Go-to-College, A Voteless People is a Hopeless People and a variety of new and innovative programs. Immediately following the ceremony, Chapter Brothers hosted a reception that included a visit from Baltimore City Council President Lawrence Bell. The reception afforded Brothers the opportunity to mix and mingle with friends and supporters from the various sectors of the community.
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Beta Alpha Lambda's first community service program was held on the following month at Morgan State University in Baltimore. Chapter Brothers conducted an informal yet informative panel discussion with incoming freshmen about the challenges of the college experience. Parents and students visiting the campus for freshman orientation attended the panel discussion. Topics discussed included tips for priority setting, time management, and surviving the freshman year. Morgan State University has a special place in the hearts of Beta Alpha Lambda Brothers since twelve of its initial 13 members were initiated into the Fraternity through Morgan's Beta Alpha Chapter while undergraduates at the school. Correspondence to the Chapter can be sent to: P.O. BOX 66036, Baltimore, Marvland 21239-
MU LAMBDA Washington, DC Mu Lambda Chapter recently introduced its "House of Alpha" to Washington, D.C. Brothers. The House is located at First and Bryant Streets, NW, near the campus of Howard University. The structure was built in 1905 and has a glorious history. It once housed the Wesley Foundation, which served as a focal point for Methodism and students attending Howard University. The House is situated on an 8,000-square foot lot in historic LeDroit Park. It is a semi-detached house at the end of a series of attached homes. It also has a large side yard. The three-story tapestry brick structure features a large front porch, stone lintels over the windows, five fireplaces with mantels, three full and one-half bath, five bedrooms, a full basement, wood floors, wood paneling in the foyer and library, and leaded glass windows. The edifice is located across from the McMillan Reservoir. Chapter meetings will take place in the full basement, which is currently unfinished. Restoration, rehabilitation, and renovation designed to return the House to its original state of elegance and Colonial stature is expected to be completed soon. Mu Lambda Chapter, meanwhile, this fall celebrates its 75th Anniversary.
XIZETA Longwood College Farmville, VA Xi Zeta Chapter Brothers performed numerous service projects on the campus and in the Farmville community during the past year, while maintaining the highest grade point average among all other Greek-letter fraternities at the school. The Chapter's programs
CHAPTER NEWS include the Candlelight March honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., involvement with the student chapter NAACP, Adopt-A-Highway program, Student Government, and Xi Zeta Chapter's annual "Black History Quiz Bowl Tournament," which helps promote the Fraternity's Go-to-High School, Go-to-College national program. Xi Zeta's Quiz Bowl brought in students from Farmville-area high schools to participate in the competition and express why college is essential for a good quality education. The Chapter's Brother Blair Lockamy was elected as the 2nd Vice President of VACAPAF.
EPSILON GAMMA LAMBDA Boston, MA Epsilon Gamma Lambda Brothers recently celebrated the Chapter's 50th Anniversary. The wives of Omega Chapter Brothers were treated to a luncheon on Cape Cod as part of the celebration. In honor of one of the Chapter's Founders, a new scholarship was namedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the James T Howard, Jr. Memorial Awardâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which gives $2,000 to recipients. Through the Chapter's Educational Foundation, scholarships now are available to government employees through the Combined Federal Campaign Program, which provides another avenue for raising funds in support of the scholarship effort. EGL Brothers participated in the Massachusetts Pre-Engineering Program, culminating in a statewide model airplane competition and the Melrose Summer Institute "Aviation in the Classroom' workshop. KAPPA EPSDLON LAMBDA Prince George's County, MD Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter Brothers recently held their 15th Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony and Black & Gold Ball. Five Prince George's County students received scholarships as part of the Chapter's Education Foundation program. The college-bound high school scholarship recipients, included: Barrington B. Gayne who received $3,000 and planned to study secondary education at Temple University; Reginald W. Butler who received $1,000 and planned to major in computer science at Florida A&M University; Uchenna R. Onyewu, who received $1,000 and planned to study computer science at the University of Maryland; Keinon K. Samuel, who received $1,500 and planned to become a pre-med at the University of Maryland; and Kamuzu-Ngwazi R. Saunders who received $1,000 and planned to study marketing at Florida A&M. Since its inception, the annual event has provided more than $118,000 in scholarships to deserving college-bound high school graduates.
ETA THETA LAMBDA Wyandanch, NY
Eta Theta Lambda Brothers. Eta Theta Lambda Brothers continue to provide innovative programs for community service, higher education and social uplift. A highlight of the Chapter's 1999 fraternal year includes their nationally-recognized college bus tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The tour was featured on ABC-TV's Good Morning America and in various newspapers. Eta Theta Lambda's 17th Annual edition of the Go-to-High School, Go-to-College program escorted more than 100 high school students on eight days of visitation to 14 colleges from Washington, D.C. to Georgia. Mentoring, leadership development, S.A.T. preparatory workshops and financial aid counseling are other components of the proactive program that is geared at at-risk students. Chapter Brothers also hosted the New York Metro Chapters' Founders' Day program, which featured keynote speaker Brother Ralph Dickerson, president of the United Way of New York City. Earlier in the year, Eta Theta Lambda hosted a spectacular commemorative banquet to honor the life of Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In addition, the Chapter coordinated a coat drive to provide warm winter clothing to needy families at shelters in Brooklyn, New York. Brothers joined area Alpha Chapters in the streets of New York during this year's WalkAmerica campaign. Eta Theta Lambda enthusiastically contributes time to local career day programs, sponsored by area churches and high schools. The effort is part of the Chapter's Alpha outreach program designed to trumpet the value of a high school and college education. The Chapter recently sponsored their First Annual Community Golf Classic. Proceeds from the tournament will go to a worthy charity in the community.
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CHAPTER NEWS DELTA N U LAMBDA Danville, VA Delta Nu Lambda Brothers celebrated the Chapter's 50th year with an anniversary program that recognized the Chapter's founders and their families. Brother Wesley H. Motley is the only surviving founder. A musical tribute was played with symbols and was followed by candle lighting for each founder. Rev. Brother Grady Powell was the keynote anniversary speaker and Brother Terry Moore sang a solo. Fifty-year pins were presented to Brothers Curtis A. Flood, Charles M. Pinchback and William E. Beavers. Also, a Brother of the Year Recognition Award was presented to Brother Kennon Bland for his service to the Chapter and community.
MIDWESTERN
PHI Ohio University Athens, OH Phi Brothers recently celebrated the 80th Anniversary of the Chapter. The weekend included a picnic, golf outings, socials and Brotherhood fellowship. The highlight of the weekend was the 80th Anniversary Banquet, which included live jazz and former Midwestern Region Vice President Roy L. Manley, a 1971 initiate of the Chapter, as the keynote speaker. Chapter Brothers also were honored to have in attendance Brother Charlie Clark, a 1929 initiate of Phi Chapter and Life Member No. 74, and Brother Frank Underwood, who was the first AfricanAmerican athlete at Ohio University to receive a full athletic scholarship. During the banquet, Phi Chapter was awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the Phi Chapter Brothers are pictured at the chapters 80th Anniversary Ohio House of Representatives that was sponsored by Brother Vernon Syk Celebration. Brother Charlie Parker, a 1929 initiate of the Chapter, is pic- Athens City Proclamation from Mayor Richard Abel; a Certif tured in the center. Commendation by Ohio University President Robert Glidden; and were recognized as having the highest GPA of all fraternities and sororities on the campus during the 1999 winter quarter. Phi Brothers presented Ohio District Director Darryl Peal, Brother Cecil Jones and Brother Thomas "Top Gun" Teague, Jr. with the 80th Anniversary Brotherhood Awards for outstanding service to the Chapter.
ALPHA PI University of Louisville Louisville, KY Alpha Phi Brothers recently conducted Project Alpha and Go-to-High School, Go-to-College workshops at the Study Partners Program Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The workshops were implemented within the six-week summer program which targets children from the first to sixth grade who were behind in math and reading. Brothers, along with members of the National Association of Black Engineers, served as tutors to the 25 children three days Alpha Phi Brothers are pictured with the coordinator and students at the a week. Additionally, the Brothers served as facilitators to interactive pro- Study Partners Program Center in Louisville, Kentucky. grams that pointed out the importance of education, graduating from high school and college, negative affects of street life, good conduct and hygiene, contributions of African-Americans, and presentations on Africa. Each day, after the tutoring and programs, the children were fed before their departure. The program ended with a graduation at Community Baptist Church where everyone, including family members, received a free dinner. The children received backpacks that included needed school supplies and other gifts. Other notable events held by the Chapter during the year, included Voter's Registration booths, the "Study Buddy" program, resume writing/interview workshop, 6th Annual Talent Show, and the 4th Annual "King of the Courts" Basketball Tournament. The Chapter also presented three scholarships to the winners of the Miss Black & Gold Pageant, which was attended by a record crowd. Besides remaining busy in their on and off campus communities, the Brothers loyally supported Alpha Phi get togethers and road trips to maintain close bonds with one another and surrounding chapters. 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
CHAPTER NEWS MU MU LAMBDA Glen Ellyn, LL Mu Mu Lambda Chapter recently adopted the Potter's House, Inc., a Christian Charter Development Program located in Maywood, Illinois. The program provides live-in counseling support for approximately 25 young men addicted to crack-cocaine, heroin, alcohol and those involved in gang activity. The facility—founded in November 1993 by Rev. Robert Jackson who remains the spiritual leader and Executive Director—has had approximately 1,000 young men participate in its program. The agency receives no federal or state operational funds and is primarily funded by contributions from local churches, odd jobs performed by the residents and the sale of peanuts on the streets of Maywood. The state of Illinois provides a small mentoring grant. Potter's House has special relevance to the chapter, being that a former Chapter Brother spent eleven months in the program. The Brother has since rejoined his family, relocated, resumed his law practice, bought a home and become a deacon in his church.
EPSILON LAMBDA St. Louis, MO The St. Louis Alpha House, located in the heart of the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, has become the hub of the Chapter's community service. During the past year, Epsilon Lambda Brothers have hosted the Alpha Phi Alpha Gateway Classic Golf Tournament, in conjunction with the Gateway Classic Football game to raise college scholarship money for local high school seniors; raised thousands of scholarship dollars and mailed scholarship applications to the local school districts; raised funds to help the survivors of an arson fire; sponsored community debates, political forums and voter registration drives as part of their Alpha Political Action Committee's effort to bring about a new level of political awareness; participated in the St. Louis WalkAmerica campaign for the March of Dimes; participated in the young African-American male mentoring program— Destination: Manhood; sponsored a quarterly Alpha Power Lunch where Brothers come together to discuss the economic growth of the city and set strategies for the economic future of the African-American community.
SOUTHERN DELTA BETA / TAU GAMMA Bethune-Cookman College Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach, FL To the Brothers of Black and Old Gold in Daytona Beach, A=B2 (Alpha is the product of Business and Brotherhood). The two Chapters, whose campuses are less than five minutes apart, work cooperatively to uphold the light of Alpha Phi Alpha within their community. Brothers of both schools contribute their services at area elementary, junior high and senior high schools, continuing the Fraternity's reputation of mentoring. The Chapters also have conducted numerous events celebrating Black History, including the annual "Remembering King" ceremony held at Embry-Riddle, which celebrates the life and legacy of Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Brothers worked together for a great turnout at Alpha Week '99 at BCC during the spring semester. They are currently enjoying a successful fall semester, which will include Alpha Week at Embry-Riddle.
Bethune-Cookman College / Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach, FL
THESPHINT FALL 1999
CHAPTER NEWS ALPHA UPSILON LAMBDA Montgomery, AL Alpha Upsilon Lambda Chapter Brothers recently celebrated their many community efforts by hosting a Black & Gold Ball at the Maxwell Air Force Base Officers' Club. The Chapter's 99-year-old Alpha House was designated an historical site following the Alabama Black Heritage Council recommendation to the Alabama Historical Commission that the designation be made. The Chapter has since been successful in acquiring funds for renovation of the House. AUL Brothers conducted Project Alpha workshops in conjunction with the Lowndes County Head Start Program. The workshop topics were: teenage pregnancy, legal responsibilities of pregnancy, moral responsibility of fatherhood, and Go-to-High School, Go-to-College. The Chapter also participated in the Montgomery metro area "Christmas in April" program. The program uses volunteers from the community to assist with the physical repair of houses inhabited by families whose income level is not sufficient for them to have the repairs done themselves. In addition, the Chapter sponsored its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast where General Presidential candidate Brother Dr. Sylvester Shannon was the featured speaker. Brother Shannon spoke about the aims and ideals of Alpha. Finally, at Alpha Upsilon Lambda Chapter's Founders' Day program, Immediate Past General President Milton C. Davis gave the keynote address.
DELTA THETA LAMBDA Huntsville, AL
for: the largest contribution, the largest number of participants and the most enthusiastic group.
GAMMA SIGMA LAMBDA Warner Robins/Fort Valley, GA Gamma Sigma Lambda Brothers recently sponsored a weekend Project Alpha Retreat at Camp John Hope in Marehallville, Georgia. There were 15 young males in attendance at this year's retreat. Brother Ronnie Jenkins, District Director for Georgia, was one of the presenters as well as Brother Attorney Ira Foster, Brother Dr. Luther Vance, Jr. and Brother Ike Smith, Jr. This year's weekend retreat not only focused on the medical and legal aspects of sexual activity and parenthood, but also offered career guidance. Brother K.C. Jones, Chapter President, served as the Program Chairperson.
PHI LAMBDA Raleigh, NC Phi Lambda Brothers recently presented their Stars of Tomorrow program, a showcase of talented high school students from Wake and Johnston counties. Proceeds from the event, held at the North Carolina Association of Educators Building, were contributed to the March of Dimes Foundation and the Phi Lambda Education Foundation, which provides scholarships to outstanding high school students desiring to pursue a college education. The evening included a variety of talent from the 14 participating acts, including dance, drama, recitations and vocal and instrumental music. Mr. Anthony Wilson of the ABC-TV Network Affiliate News Channel 11 was the Master of Ceremonies. Brother Harold Timberlake, III, a student at Shaw University and the Southern Region's Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest winner, presented his speech from the 1999 competition. Awards and certificates were presented to seven scholarship applicants and the high school with the highest GPA. The winners of the competition were: Zakiya Alta Lee, first place; the Barbershop Choir, second place; and Danielle Lang, third place. The winners received trophies and cash prizes. DELTA PHI LAMBDA Tuscaloosa, AL
The enthusiastic Brothers of Delta Theta Lambda Chapter walked away with local recognition following the 1999 March of Dimes WalkAmerica.
Delta Theta Lambda Brothers participated in the 1999 March of Dimes WalkAmerica, and after all was said and done, walked away with nearly every local honor that was presented for the event. The Brothers have adopted the March of Dimes as one of their national programs. Delta Theta Lambda Brothers raised more than $1,000 in this year's walk where 22 members of the Chapter participated. During festivities on the campus of the University of AlabamaHuntsville, Delta Theta Lambda Brothers were presented trophies 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
Organized in 1947 and chartered in 1949, Delta Phi Lambda Brothers recently celebrated the Chapter's Golden Anniversary at Stillman College. General President Adrian L. Wallace delivered the anniversary address. The Chapter's only living Chapter Jewel, Brother Dr. Herman B. Smith, Jr., former chancellor of the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, offered greetings and a challenge to all Alpha Brothers present. Brother Wallace and Chapter President Willie J. Allen also presented 50-year life pins to Brother Smith; the first initiate, Brother Ernest Palmore; and Brother Samuel E. Williams. Chapter Brothers noted the founding of Sickle Disease
CHAPTER NEWS Association of West Alabama in 1985 as its most significant contribution of the years. SDAWA provides services for families and individuals effected by sickle cell anemia and other related conditions. In addition, Delta Phi Lambda Brothers and Fraternity members from Epsilon Nu Chapter at Stillman College, Kappa Alpha Chapter at the University of Alabama, and Pi Delta Chapter at the University of West Alabama participated in "Adopt-a-School Week" activities with Stafford Global Studies Center (elementary). Brothers conducted a simultaneous reading to all homerooms, enjoyed a "soul food" lunch with the students, and sponsored ice cream treats to all students. Area Brothers served as motivational speakers at a "You Can Do It SAT" test rally before the school entered testing.
ZETA PI Athens, GA
Zeta Pi Chapter Brothers. After 30 years of Brotherhood, service and uplifting the community, Zeta Pi Brothers at the University of Georgia held their Chapter anniversary celebration, entitled "30 Years at the Arch." During the Alpha Week celebration, the Chapter presented a variety of programs, community service, and social outings for the University community. The programs included "Relevance of Black Greekdom," a 101 course presented by Brother Herman "Skip" Mason. Another program presented by the Brothers, entitled "Things Fall Apart" brought together the social, political, media, and organizational leaders for a campus-wide discussion on diversity, Greek issues and other controversial topics. In addition, the Chapter cleaned up Hanock Drive, adopted Athens Street, and held its annual basketball tournament and cookout. An invitational step show featuring the Kappa Alpha Chapter, the Alpha South 1999 step team winners, was held as part of their alumni reunion observance. A business meeting, Black & Gold Ball, banquet and presentation of the Chapter's Leroy Golden Memorial Scholarship also were held as part of the anniversary celebration.
KAPPA CHAPTER The Ohio State University Columbus, OH
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Kappa Chapter Brothers are picturedfollouing their 16th Annual African-American Homecoming Pageant. Kappa Chapter's 16th Annual African-American Homecoming Pageant has become an official Ohio State University Homecoming Event. The program targets, but is not limited to, African-Americans. Kappa Chapter Brothers also sponsored programs during homecoming to enlighten the community, including the 4th Annual Computer Literacy Workshop; a Pageantry Workshop; 3rd Annual Fitness Workshop; and trips to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, local food pantry. More than 600 students, faculty and staff attended the 16th Annual African-American Homecoming Pageant. Awards were distributed To King, Queen, 1st Runner-up, 2nd Runner-up, top fundraiser and Mr. and Mrs. Congeniality. The King and Queen each received a $1,300 scholarship. The official University Homecoming Dance also was sponsored by Kappa Chapter. Because of their tireless hard work and ambition, Kappa Chapter received Program of the Year and Chapter of the Year honors from the campus Pan-Hellenic Council. They also received the University Vice President's Outstanding Student Organization Award. Individuals in the Chapter also have achieved levels of excellence. Brother Rahim Raham received the Scholar of the Year Award from the PanHellenic Council and the Excellence Scholar Award from the University Minority Engineering Program. Brother Michael Walker received awards as the University's Outstanding Senior, Pan-Hellenic Council Brother of the Year, Industrial Engineering Outstanding Senior Runner-up and Ohio District Brother of the Year.
THESPHINF FALL 1999
CHAPTER NEWS OMICRON PHI Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN
Neophyte members o/Omicron Phi Chapter. "The Smith Brothers," are (left to right) Brothers Earl Smith. Perry Smith and Corey Smith.
Omicron Phi Chapter Brothers have as their motto for the coming year, "Onward and Upward." With its new initiates, the Chapter is revitalized and embarking on several new programs while continuing to perform the Fraternity's national programs. The Chapter's work also includes entries in the Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest, Miss Black & Gold Pageant and Brother of the Year competition.
PSI LAMBDA Chattanooga, TN
Psi Lambda Brothers ended their year with a "Community Celebration" where Fraternity members and friends gathered for a formal affair to say thanks to their supporters. More than 300 Brothers and guests turned out for the evening of merriment and fellowship. Dr. A.J. Garth, past president, announced the scholarship winners for the Go-to-High School, Go-to-College Scholarships and awards were presented to the chapter president, Brother Cecil Flournoy, Sr., and Brother Claude Batts, chairman of the affair. Brother Dr. Edgar Scott, Jr. was presented with a 50-Year Certificate.
93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
ZETA ETA LAMBDA Greenville, NC Zeta Eta Lambda Chapter Brothers have enjoyed a busy year of service projects and activities. The Chapter's on-going voter registration and education continued as Brothers also initiated this year's Go-to-High School, Go-to-College and Project Alpha service projects after school every Tuesday and Wednesday at the Eppes Recreation Center in Greenville. Chapter Brother Tyson King-Meadows facilitated a video showing of "Sankofa" followed by a discussion with students at East Carolina University. The event was held at the Ledonia Wright AfricanAmerican Cultural Center. In addition, two Saturday mornings each month, Brothers engage in mentoring and one-to-one interaction with young African-American males considered at risk. Topics of discussion include, "Influential Black Leaders" and "What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?" which was facilitated by Miss Dalita Bullock, Assistant Director Career Services, East Carolina University. There were also a series of discussions about sex and sexually transmitted diseases. The Brothers also took students to the ECU NPHC Spring Step Show.
DELTA ALPHA Claflin College Orangeburg, SC Delta Alpha Brothers during the past year hosted their annual MLK March, designed to celebrate the strides set by Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A speakers' panel, entitled "Telling the Truth," was presented after the march where special guests talked about their personal experiences and the importance of the march. Also, Chapter Brothers delivered a formal presentation at the Sheridan Elementary After-School Program where Brothers spoke to students about college life and community leadership. The Brothers, along with other organizations, presented historical information about the Fraternity and Alpha Phi Alpha's purpose in the uplifting of mankind. The Brothers also gave a step presentation and included the children in the stepping. Finally, in cooperation with Project Life Positeen, Delta Alpha Brothers participated in a basketball tournament designed to enhance and enlighten students and the community with light hearted exercise and fun games.
CHAPTER NEWS BETA OMICRON LAMBDA Mobile, Alabama Beta Omicron Lambda Chapter Brothers have been involved in several community service activities during the year. Most recently, the Chapter completed its second annual blood drive. Beta Omicron Lambda Brothers set as their goal to acquire 25 pints of blood. As a result, 27 donations were made. Also, the Chapter made award presentations to four eighth-grade students with 4.0 grade point averages at Dunbar Magnet School during their annual honors day program. The Alpha Ensemble recently participated in a musical benefit sponsored by The Salvation Army called "Top Hat and Tails." The Ensemble's participation helped The Salvation Army to raise more than $180,000 in support of its many programs. Also, Beta Omicron Lambda Chapter has been selected to host the Southern Regional Convention in Mobile in the year 2001. Beta Omicron Lambda Brothers are pictured at the Chapter's blood drive.
RHO DELTA LAMBDA Anderson, SC Chartering Services for Rho Delta Lambda Chapter were held at the Ramada Inn in Anderson, South Carolina on March 27, 1999- More than 200 Brothers and guests were in attendance for the chartering ceremony where Greek organizations, the education community, mayors, state and county officials, and others were represented. Southern Region Vice President Brothers are photographed at the chartering service of Rho Delta Lambda Chapter. Lynwood Bell was the guest speaker and chartering officer for the occasion. Brother Bell challenged the Brothers to keep alive the spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha and focus their energy on carrying out the national mandates of the Fraternity. Special recognition was given to Brothers Herman Keith and Daniel W. Grisham, who was elected president of the Chapter, for their persistence and dedication to "making the dream a reality." The widow of the late Brother Charles Battle, Mrs. Lucille Battle, was presented with a monetary gift for the Charles Battle Memorial Scholarship Fund. Brother Battle devoted his life to serving the medical needs of the people of Oconne and Anderson counties. Kappa Zeta Omega Chapter, the local graduate chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., served as hostesses for the occasion. The charter members of Rho Delta Lambda Chapter are; Brothers Charles Addison, Charles Battle (Omega Chapter) Earl Battle, Joseph Brownlee, Winston C. Floyd, Daniel W. Grisham, Jerome A. Hudson, Herman A. Keith, Zachariah J. Keith, Harold J. Mackey, DarrylJ. Mattison, Alphonso Norris, Jr., Joseph Reynolds, Stephen Lamar Rousey, James B. Tisdalejr., and James A. Wakefield.
SOUTHWESTERN El Paso's Theta Delta Lambda THETA DELTA LAMBDA Chapter captured top honors as El Paso, TX Alumni Chapter of the Year at the 53rd'Southwestern RegionalEDITOR'S NOTE: Theta Delta Lambda Chapter was named National Alumni Convention, held in Lafayette, Chapter of the Year this summer at the 93rd Anniversary Convention in Louisiana. The Chapter also Dallas, Texas. The Chapter will be featured as the national award winner in won the honor at the state level the previous year. Brother Jamesthe next edition of The Sphinx速. Ball (left) is pictured receiving the award from Southwestern Theta Delta Lambda Chapter Brothers recently helped underwrite a Family Law Regional Vice President TerrySeminar presented by the El Paso Family Law Association. The Chapter present"Deke"German.
THESPHINT FALL 1999
CHAPTER NEWS ed a check for $750 to the Honorable Brother Don Williams, El Paso Family Law Court Judge who served as Course Director for the event. The funds were used for scholarships for community service organizations such as the YWCA and the El Paso Legal Assistance Society. Chapter Brothers also participated in a joint African-American Greek-letter Organizations Scholarship Awards Reception at the Fort Bliss Officers' Club in El Paso where the organizations awarded more than $15,000 in scholarships. Theta Delta Lambda awarded one Alpha Academy Scholarship, four scholarships for $1,000 each, and one four-year scholarship for $1,000 per year. The Chapter also participated in the Annual Project Celebration Parties sponsored by the local school districts. The all-night post graduation parties are for high school seniors and their guests. The events are designed to provide a wholesome, safe, and controlled environment for the entertaining students and to keep students off the streets and free from drugs and alcohol. The Chapter provides casino-type gaming for fun. Also, Theta Delta Lambda and the El Paso March of Dimes have cosponsored Project Alpha locally for the past nine years. The project was very successful this year with 136 participants taking part.
ALPHA ETA LAMBDA Houston, TX
able moonwalk for the kids. Earlier, the Chapter hosted a reception at the home of Brother Larry Green in honor of Brothers graduating from the University of Houston (Eta Mu) and Texas Southern University (Delta Theta).
ZETAXI University of South Western Louisiana Lafayette, LA Zeta Xi Chapter had another stellar year at USL. The Chapter was named the Outstanding Fraternity On Campus at the annual Greek Awards Banquet where they took awards in ten competitive categories for the second consecutive year. The awards included the highest GPA, most service hours completed, largest charitable contribution, scholarship, membership and pledge education, financial management, chapter management, community service, and Greek Excellence Award. Brother Elbert Guillary, Jr. was named the Outstanding Greek Man On Campus. Brother Paul "PJ" Rochon was presented the Alpha Man of the Year Award. In addition, Brother Rochon was named the outstanding graduate at the spring commencement and the university, graduating magna cum laude with a duel degree in microbiology (Honors Bachelor degree) and chemistry. The Chapter initiated eleven new members during the year and the spring membership intake aspirants, "Dangerous Minds," had the highest GPA of all fraternities during the spring rush.
ETA GAMMA LAMBDA Lafayette, LA
• Urn • m • Alpha Eta Lambda Brothers gathered for photo with Chapter Brother Harry E. Johnson, Sr., General Counsel and General Presidential candidate, at the 93rdAnniversary Convention.
Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter Brothers ascended on the 93rd Anniversary Convention in Dallas, Texas with more than 45 Brothers, including eight delegates. One of their primary goals was to support Brother Harry Johnson in his campaign for General President. Brother Johnson, who currently serves as General Counsel for the Fraternity, is a former president of the Chapter. The Brothers helped man the campaign display, host a reception and distribute literature for the General Presidential candidate. Also, during the 1999 General Convention, Chapter Brother C. Anderson Davis was honored for his years of service and his role as Editor-in-Chief of The Sphinx®, from 1962-65. During the summer, Alpha Eta Lambda Brothers held their annual family cookout, which was attended by more than 200 people. Activities included volleyball, a home-run derby, and an inflat93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
During the past year, Eta Gamma Lambda Brothers have participated in many community service activities, including the Fire Prevention Program for the Elderly, Thanksgiving Basket donations, Angle Tree (Christmas) Project, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Radiothon, Founders Day, Toys for Tots, Voter Registration Drives, Project Alpha, Drug and Youth Rally, Bowling for Kids, Big Brothers/Sisters picnic, MLK Holiday Quiz Bowl, Scholarship Golf Tournament, MOD WalkAmerica, Fishing Tournament, and MLK Street Clean-up. They also awarded three academic scholarships. During Black History Month, the chapter sponsored international pianist, Leon Bates, who appeared in concert for the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana. The Chapter hosted the Southwestern Regional Convention, which broke previous attendance records. During their stay in Lafayette, Brothers and their wives were treated to the Southwest Louisiana style of entertainment, which culminated with a Cochon-de-Lait (roasting of the pig). Also, the Brothers of the Chapter hosted a New Year's Eve dance and held their annual retreat at one of the local state parks.
CHAPTER NEWS DELTA UPSILON LAMBDA Shreveport, LA Delta Upsilon Lambda Chapter Brothers served the community by co-sponsoring the 23rd Annual Sickle Cell Anemia Softball Tournament. The event was a joint collaboration with the Northwest Louisiana Chapter for Sickle Cell Disease Association. More than 150 teams participated in this year's tournament. The event raised money for victims locally who suffer from the disease. A portion of the funds also is donated to the national Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation for research for a cure. The tournament also serves as education to the public as treatment information is shared with those seeking more understanding about sickle cell anemia. In addition, Delta Upsilon Lambda Brothers recently held their Annual Education for Citizenship Awards and Recognition program. The event was spearheaded by Brother Gerald Joshua, who was honored with an award of appreciation for his dedicated service and for serving as keynote speaker at this year's program. Fifteen high school stuBrother Roy Burrell (sitting) and Brother Kenneth Coulee discuss team brackets with Sickle Cell organizers. dents were honored with scholarships and recognized for "standing tall among their peers." XI KAPPA LAMBDA Houston, TX Xi Kappa Lambda Brothers recently celebrated Juneteenth at the first annual Rutherford B. H. Yates Museum's Juneteenth Trolley Tour of Freedman's Town Historic District. The 40-block residential area represents the first settlement of the city's freed blacks. It was once known as "Houston's Harlem" because it supported African-American churches, homes, businesses, clubs and restaurants. Freedman's Town is one of the only communities in the United States still in existence with residents who are descended from the original founders who were former slaves. Texas is soon to bestow upon it a state historical marker and it is already on the National Register of Historic Places. KAPPA PSI University of Arkansas Little Rock, AR Kappa Psi Chapter was named the 1999 Arkansas District Chapter of the Year, exemplifying a year where many of its members were honored for their scholastic and community achievements. Chapter Brother Leroy Harris, Jr. was recognized as University of Arkansas at Little Rock Volunteer of the Year for his dedication and unyielding work with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program. Chapter Brothers Gerald Williams and Arthur Sabb, Jr. were inducted in the Golden Key National Honor Society, which promotes scholastic achievement and excellence in its members. Brother Williams has a 3.48 GPA and Brother Sabb has a 3.59 GPA.
THE SPHINX9 DEADLINE COLOR PHOTOS ARE PREFERRED Color or black & white photo prints are accepted for publication in The SPHINX速. Color pictures are preferred. Photographs sent to the magazine cannot be returned. Those sending photos should make duplicate prints of the pictures before sending them. Xerox copies of photographs, computer printouts, photos clipped from newspapers or magazines, and poor quality pictures will not be printed. Information and materials sent for the next issue of The SPHINX* scheduled for publication should be received at the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Corporate Headquarters no later than December 31,1999- You are encouraged to send information well before that datetoavoid missing the deadline. Send materials to: Editor of The SPHINX"; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; 2313 St. Paul Street; Baltimore, MD 21218-5234. The SPHINX" is the official organ of the 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 December 31,1999 deadline will be included in the next edition. Articles not received by the deadline will appear in the following issue. All articles submitted for publication must be keyed or typed in narrative form. It is requested that articles more than two pages in length be submitted on hard copy, along with an IBM-compatible computer disk when possible. Microsoft Word and WordPerfect formats are preferred. THE SPHINX* FALL 1999
CHAPTER NEWS
WESTERN THETA PI LAMBDA Las Vegas, Nevada Theta Pi Lambda Chapter Brothers recently hosted their third annual Judge A.D. Guy Memorial Golf Tournament. Seventy-five golfers participated in the tournament and about 120 Brothers and guests attended the awards banquet. The event netted more than $12,000 in profit, which the Theta Pi Lambda Foundation will use to fund educational programs and scholars for the 1999-2000 fraternal year. During the awards banquet that followed the tournament, eight $1,000 scholarships were awarded to collegebound high school graduates: Hope C. Chapter President (center). Brother Russell E. Five, poses with 1999 Theta Pi Lambda Scholarship winners and Dansby (UNLV), Alex F. Dixon (Howard Brother District Judge Michael L Douglas (front row, far right) and Councilwoman Lynette Boggs MacDonald n n j uprQ jhA Amm M nrvknn I'MPW (standing, far right) at the Third Annual Judge A.D. Guy Memorial Golf Tournament. <f â&#x201E;˘ ,1 T p ! . T y â&#x20AC;˘ V. , j[3,lG L011626J, KlCn3.ru rrGGcnCK, jr.
(UNLV), TeErra Henderson (Spelman College), Hansel Jones, Jr. (UNLV), Anthony Earl Sewell (UNR), and Makeisha T. Smith (UNR). As consecutive-year winners of the Western Region Alumni Chapter of the Year award, Theta Pi Lambda Chapter is looking forward to another successful year in 1999-2000. The Chapter's planned events include: Greek Night hosted by the Las Vegas Council of the NPHC, a blood drive, Annual Alpha Day at Church, Thanksgiving baskets distribution, joint Founders' Day Celebration with Sigma Psi Chapter, and Christmas Senior Citizen Home visits. The Chapter also will be involved with a mentoring program with youth groups and will implement the Fraternity's national programs and special projects.
MU SIGMA LAMBDA Inglewood, CA Mu Sigma Lambda Chapter Brothers recently sponsored the First Annual Charles S. Mclver, Jr. Scholarship Banquet. Brother Mclver was one of the founding members of Mu Sigma Lambda and over the years served in every office there. The Mistress of Ceremonies for the gala event was Miss Ebonie Smith who has appeared in film and television projects such as "Lethal Weapon" I, II, III, & IV; "The Bold & the Beautiful"; "Living Single" and numerous other projects. Brother Gerald Albright provided entertainment for the program. The funds raised from the banquet will be used to provide scholarship assistance to three local high school seniors who will be attending college in the Fall and one student currently enrolled in college. Ms. Louvreva Watson plans to enroll at California State University, Northridge; Mr. Benjamin Moore will enroll at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia; Mr. Rocky Villavicencio has been accepted and plans to go to California Polytechnic in Pomona and Brother Kevin Campbell is currently enrolled at the University of Southern California. Brother Carl T Moore, Educational Director, was selected as Brother of Year by the members of Mu Sigma Lambda. The scholarship banquet was a tremendous success, thanks to the Chairperson, Damon Hunter, who along with his committee, provided the necessary leadership and direction. Special presentations were presented to Brothers John Williams, Damon Hunter and James Johnson, President of Mu Sigma Lambda. A very special award was presented to Brother Kenneth Venable, Western Region Brother Gerald Albright provided Immediate Past Vice President. entertainment during the banquet. 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
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OMEGA CHAPTER
A CHAPTER
BROTHER WILLIAM MARCELLUS ARMSTRONG, JR. was initiated October 13, 1966 at Beta Alpha Chapter, Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. He was born in Baltimore and received his Bachelor's degree from Morgan State in 1992. In school, Brother Armstrong was an active member of the Pershing Rifles, Morgan Bears, the tennis and swimming teams. Brother Armstrong served in the U.S. Army in the Military Intelligence Division, attaining the rank of captain, before retiring in 1993 after 23 years of service. He was awarded the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal 1st Award, National Defense Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, the Marksman Marksmanship Badge Rifle and the Parachutist Badge. BROTHER WALTER WILLIAM BROWN was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was initiated December 15,1956 at Beta Alpha Chapter, Morgan State University in Baltimore. Brother Brown was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science from then Morgan State College in I960. Brother Brown was a cadet in the ROTC program and earned the Distinguished Military Graduate designation. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Signal Corps. Brother Brown had an active and prestigious military career, which included two tours in the Republic of Vietnam. He attended the Basic and Advanced Signal Officer's Course, the ADP Plans and Operations Course and the Command and General Staff College. He was an active member of Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter in Landover, Maryland. BROTHER JAMES HARRY BULLUCK was initiated October 31, 1980 at Epsilon Sigma Lambda Chapter in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He was born in Burlington, North Carolina. Brother "Pop" Bulluck earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Winston-Salem State University in 1974. He began his career with the North Carolina Division of Youth Services, where he counseled troubled youth. Brother Bulluck helped those in need get vocational skills at Opportunities Industrialization Center and counseled at the Edgecombe County Department of Social Services. He served as a magistrate in Edgecombe County for two years. BROTHER WARREN HEPBURN BURTON was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was initiated March 25,1973 at Rho Chapter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Brother Burton was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from West Chester State Teacher's College in 1934 and a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania in 1939Brother Burton accomplished letterman status in track and football in high school and college as one of the first African-American students to do so. He taught grades seven and eight at the Gay Street School for 23 years. Brother Burton taught mathematics and geography at Cheyney University and served as Director of the Coppin Laboratory School and Director of Student Teaching. He also served as interim football coach and Acting Dean of Academic Affairs. Brother Burton served five years as Director of Admissions and
Placement. He established the Office of Admissions and retired in 1970 as Director of Admissions after 27 years. Brother Burton served as substitute teacher in the Cheyney Graduate School. He was a Boy Scout leader of Troop 66, a member of the Chester County Board of Review and football official of the Central Intercollegiate Agency. Brother Burton was an active member of Bethel AME Church where he served as Sunday School Teacher, Director of the Junior Choir and Director of the Senior Choir. He served as President of the West Chester Community Center Board of Directors and a leader in Family Services of Chester County, United Way. Brother Burton was a member of the National Education Association, Pennsylvania State Education Association, the West Chester University Alumnae Association, the Department of School Administrators, NEA, Department of Higher Education, PSEA, and twice Past President of the Pennsylvania Council of geography Education. BROTHER DR. BENJAMIN I. DYETT, a distinguished physician and humanitarian, was initiated November 14, 1947 at Nu Chapter, Lincoln University in Lincoln, Pennsylvania. He was born in New York City and reared in Bermuda. Brother Dyett earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949 from Lincoln University. He later attended City College of New York and in 1954, he received his doctorate of medicine from Howard University's College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He then moved to White Plains in Westchester County, New York where he began his medical internship. Brother Dyett served in the United States Navy as a medical officer and was honorably discharged in 1957 at the rank of lieutenant commander. He set up his own private medical practice and became the first African-American attending physician at White Plains Hospital and Medical Center. Brother Dyett served as medical director at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. He retired from his community-based medical practice in 1995 after 40 years of service. Brother Dyett was a member of the White Plains Lions Club, the National Medical Society and he was a former Fellow and past president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. In 1997, Brother Dyett received Westchester County's Distinguished Service Award. He was an active member of Eta Zeta Lambda Chapter in West Chester City, New York for more than 40 years and served in various capacities, including as chapter historian. BROTHER THOMAS C. ROY ERVIN was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was initiated November 1, 1959 at Beta Upsilon Chapter, Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. Brother Ervin received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Alabama State University in 1961. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Auburn University in 1975. Brother Ervin was a graduate of Air Command and Staff College of Maxwell Air Force Base. He was awarded the highest civilian award for 38 years of dedicated civil service. Brother Ervin was a member of the Alumni Association of Alabama State University where he served as Vice President. He also was a member of the Alabama State University Foundation and Blacks in Government where he served as THESPHINT FALL 1999
OMEGA CHAPTER Chapter President, Regional Representative and National Representative. He served as an Ambassador for International Officers at Maxwell Air Force Base. Brother Ervin was a founding member of Immanuel Presbyterian Church and an Elder at Calvary Presbyterian Church. He was an active member of Alpha Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Montgomery, Alabama. BROTHER GEORGE EDISON FIELDS was initiated in 1942 at Beta Sigma Chapter, Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He first entered Southern in 1939 and was there until 1941. Brother Field returned to the school in 1946 after World War II and after having spent some time in California. He received his Bachelor's degree from the university in May 1949BROTHER SENATOR FRANK GILBERT was initiated November 15, 1954 at Gamma Pi Chapter, Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. He was born in Greenwood, South Carolina. Brother Gilbert received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from Benedict College in 1957. He earned the Master of Arts degree in Guidance and Student Personnel Administration-Higher Education from Columbia Teachers College in 1964. Brother Gilbert served in the Adjutant General Corps in Germany. He served as Dean of Men and teacher of freshmen guidance at Benedict College from 1959-1964. Brother Gilbert was employed at Wilson High School as a counselor and became known throughout the state for his unique and innovative guidance programs. He served as a consultant to other counselors and schools. Brother Gilbert served on accreditation visiting teams to evaluate and accredit schools in South Carolina for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. He organized a College Bound Club at Wilson High School that was responsible for the present regional organization of colleges and universities providing visiting recruiters for high school "College Day" and "College Night" programs. Brother Gilbert helped organize the first "Upward Bound" program for students who otherwise would not have gone to college. The South Carolina Education Association employed him with teachers and their professional association. Brother Gilbert distinguished himself as a UniServe Representative and served in this capacity for 15 years. He was elected President of the Florence Branch of the NAACP where he obtained single-member districts, which resulted in the election of two African-Americans. Brother Gilbert organized more than 4,000 African-Americans and whites who took to the streets of Florence in protest to the killing of a Florence black and other killings by white police officers throughout the state. He was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. Brother Gilbert became the first African-American ever to be elected from Florence County. He served six years in the House of Representatives. Brother Gilbert also became the first African-American ever to be elected a State Senator from Florence and the only African-American to unseat a Sitting State Senator. He received Benedict College's Distinguished Alumni Award, the President's Citation for Distinguished Alumni from the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education and the Honorary Doctorate of 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
Humane Letters degree. Brother Gilbert represented the State Department of Education on the South Carolina Business Education Partnership for Excellence in Education Blue Ribbon Committee until his death. He served on the Board of Directors of the Florence Boys Club; president, Florence County Education Association; president, Florence District One Classroom Teachers Association; president-elect, South Carolina Classroom Teachers Association; Florence County Department of Social Services Board, Florence County Board of Education; president, Benedict College National Alumni Association; delegate, National Democratic Convention; State Executive Committee, Democratic Party; Benedict College Trustee Board, SC Commission on Higher Education and member, Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church. Brother Gilbert was an active member of Delta Kappa Lambda in Florence, South Carolina where he served as president, national parliamentarian and national awards committee chairperson. BROTHER RALPH STEVENSON GRAHAM was initiated December 10, 1949 at Alpha Rho Chapter, Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He was born in Dayton, Ohio. Brother Graham obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and physics from Morehouse College in 1952 and his Master's degree in mathematics from Ohio State University. He served in the U.S. Army and retired from Wright Patterson Air Force Base in 1993 after 40 years of service. Brother Graham taught at Sinclair Community College for 30 years. He was an active member of Theta Lambda Chapter in Dayton, Ohio. BROTHER DR. ELMER CHARLES JACKSON, SR. was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was initiated December 12,1936 at Beta Kappa Chapter, Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. Brother Jackson was born in McAlester, Oklahoma. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Huston-Tillotson College in 1936 and his medical degree in 1954 from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Brother Jackson completed other advanced degree work at the University of Wisconsin, Denver University and the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Brother Jackson was a practitioner of pediatrics, internal and general medicine and psychiatry. The Missouri Department of Mental Health employed him as a pediatrician and assistant director of the youth center. Brother Jackson also served as associate director of child psychology, director of the Biggs Forensic Center and clinical director and medical director of Fulton State Hospital. He retired in 1989 and became a consultant to the hospital and the Missouri Department of Aging. Brother Jackson was a member of the American Red Cross, American Association of Retired Persons, American Legion, Boy Scouts of America, Special Olympics and the United Investment Club. He was a member and deacon of Second Baptist Church. The Fulton State Hospital named a treatment center for him in December 1989- Brother Jackson was an active member of Beta Zeta Lambda Chapter in Jefferson City, Missouri.
OMEGA C11APTER BROTHER OZELL STANLEY KELLEY, SR. was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was initiated November 30, 1952 at Delta Delta Chapter, Albany University in Albany, Georgia. Brother Kelley earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Albany State College in 1954 and his Master of Science degree in 1958 from Atlanta University. His 37-year career in education began in the Dougherty County School System as a teacher. He also served as the principal of Carver Junior High School and retired as the principal of Southside Middle School in 1991. Brother Kelley was a six-year member of the Dougherty County Board of Education and a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he was chairman of the board of deacons and chairman of the building fund. He was a member of the Albany State University Alumni Association, Criterion Club of Albany, Delta Delta Boule Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, The Twenty-six Club, National Teachers Association, Georgia Retired Teachers Association, Georgia Association of Educators, Outdoor Sportsman Club, and The American Legion. Brother Kelley was an active member of Gamma Omicron Lambda in Albany, Georgia. He was the "Alpha Man of the Year" in 1992. BROTHER HODGE KING was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was initiated March 1,1941 at Iota Chapter, Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. Brother King earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1940 from Morris Brown College and a Master's degree from New York University. He served as principal of Eureka High School in Ashburn, Georgia for 25 years. Brother King was elected to the Turner County Board of Education and served until 1988. He served as vice chairman and chairman of the board. Brother King was chairman of the steward board of the Emmery Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Brother King served as president and vice-president of the South Georgia Chapter of the Morris Brown College Alumni Association, director of the Georgia Teachers and Education Association, executive director of Georgia Interscholastic Association, member of Boy Scouts of America and member of the Turner County Action Committee. He received the Outstanding Citizen's Award for Meritorious Services, Turner County; Special Recognition and Award, American Cancer Society; Purple and Black Service Award, Morris Brown College National Alumni Association; Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award, Turner County Chamber of Commerce; Award of Merit and Silver Beaver Award, Boy Scouts of America. Brother King was an active member of Gamma Omicron Lambda in Albany, Georgia where he served as former president. BROTHER TANZY BARRY LOCKRIDGE was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was initiated December 18,1933 at Beta Kappa Chapter, Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. Brother Lockridge received his Bachelor of Science degree in social studies and business from Langston University in 1936. He earned his Master of Science from Oklahoma State University in 1957. Brother Lockridge accepted a teaching position in Boynton, Oklahoma after graduation from college. He was principal of a school in Taft, Oklahoma and retired as superintendent of Public Schools of
Boynton. Brother Lockridge served as state treasurer for the NAACP, Chairman of the Board of directors for the Boynton Alumni Association, treasurer of the Township of Boynton, member of the Langston Alumni Association and a member of the State Farmers Association. He was a charter member of Beta Chi Lambda in Muskogee, Oklahoma where he served as Associate Editor of The Sphinx速. BROTHER OLIVER T. MACK was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was initiated March 16, 1962 at Beta Pi Chapter, Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. Brother Mack was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He graduated from Lane College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree and he completed his Master of Arts degree in Industrial Technology at Central Michigan University in 1972. Brother Mack joined the Air Force in 1964 and served tours all over the Midwest, Japan and Germany before coming to Sierra Vista in 1985. He retired from Davis-Monthan with more than 25 years of service in 1989. Brother Mack taught mathematics at Cochise College and became a financial counselor at the Sierra Vista Branch of the University of Arizona. He was a member of the NAACP, American Association of University Professors, the Retired Officers association and the Air Force Association. Brother Mack was an active member of Eta Psi Lambda in Tucson, Arizona. BROTHER CHARLES EDWARD MOORE was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was initiated May 27,1989 at Kappa Epsilon Lambda in Landover, Maryland. Brother Moore was born in Huntington, West Virginia. He earned his Associate in Business Administration in 1969, his Bachelor of Commercial Science in 1971 and his Master of Commercial Science in 1975 from Benjamin Franklin University. Brother Moore was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force after tours of duty in Korea and Japan and six years of faithful service. He joined the federal government in 1963 and worked with the Government Printing Office. Brother Moore went to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. He joined the U.S. Treasury Department as an Accountant Intern. From there he rose to Assistant Chief, General Ledger Section; Chief, Ledger Accounts Section; Deputy Manager, General Ledger Branch; and Manager, General Ledger Branch of the Accounting Control Division. Brother Moore moved to the U.S. Department of Transportation where he served as Chief, General Accounting Branch; Chief, Accounting Operations Division; and Chief, Accounting Policy Staff. He was a licensed realtor, a member of the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc., the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, Inc., Shiloh Baptist Church, the Masonic Order of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge and the Charles H. Wesley Lodge #147, where he served in the four principal officer positions. Brother Moore was an active member of Kappa Epsilon Lambda in Landover, Maryland where he served as past treasurer. BROTHER EDWARD MORROW was initiated December 12, 1927 at Zeta Chapter, Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. He was born in Lead, South Dakota. Brother Morrow received the Chick THE SPHINX* BALL 1999
OMEGA CHAPTER Evans Caddy Scholarship and the Sterling Memorial Scholarship to attend Yale University where he received his Bachelor of Philosophy degree in English and history in 1931 â&#x20AC;˘ He worked as a championship caddy for some of the great golfers of the day in St. Paul, Minnesota. Brother Morrow served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1953, attaining the rank of Major. Brother Morrow received a TV-Radio Workshop Certificate in 1955 and a Masters degree in Communications in 1957. Bessye Bearden, New York City Bureau Chief, of the Chicago Defender, hired him to work as her assistant and to help write her column. Brother Morrow lived with the Beardens and tutored young Romare Bearden who became a worldrenowned 20th century artist. He and Romare began working on a book until Romare's death in 1988. Brother Morrow continued the book project with Romare's wife until her untimely death in 1996. Private Tour of the Harlem Renaissance is being edited by Janie Sykes-Kennedy, who is working with the Romare Howard Bearden Foundation, Inc. to complete the project. Brother Morrow worked as a journalist, public relations expert, Army officer and a teacher. He was a member of the Urban League, Post 5298, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Prince Hall Masons. Brother Morrow was an active member of Zeta Zeta Lambda Chapter in St. Albans, New York. BROTHER CLIFTON U. SCOTT was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was initiated May 10, 1939 at Alpha Epsilon Lambda in Jackson, Mississippi. Brother Scott received a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University in 1938. He earned his Master of Science degree in 1964 from Butler University. Brother Scott taught architectural drafting at Crispus Attucks High School and was head of the industrial arts department from I960 to 1965. He also taught aerospace education at the school. Brother Scott organized a Civil Air Patrol at Attucks. He was a life member of the Aerospace Education Association. Brother Scott was an active member of Iota Lambda Chapter in Indianapolis, Indiana. BROTHER LEROY STANSBURY, JR. was initiated May 1,1952 at Delta Nu Chapter, University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland. He was born in Swan Creek, Maryland. Brother Stansbury earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 1952. He worked for the U.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratory for more than 39 years after a two-year stint in the Army Signal Corps in Orleans, France. Brother Stansbury was awarded a double patent for a special work-related design. He served for more than 15 years as an Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor for the Aberdeen Proving Ground area. Brother Stansbury was a member of Union United Methodist Church where he served as treasurer and chairman of the finance committee for more than 20 years. He also served as church clerk and chairman of the Building Committee, chairman of Union's Annual Homecoming Celebration and Union's representative on the Board of Directors of Harford Senior Housing for several years, comptroller of the Harford County chapter of the Maryland Community Action Agency and member of the Aberdeen Voter Qualification Committee. Brother Stansbury was an active member 93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
of Iota Alpha Lambda Chapter in Aberdeen, Maryland where he had served as president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, program chairman and parliamentarian. BROTHER JOHN ORVIL TILTON was initiated December 13, 1930 at Xi Chapter, Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He was born in Ripley, Ohio. Brother Tdton received his Bachelor of Science degree from Wilberforce University and a Master's degree from Miami University. He served in the U.S. Army where he achieved the rank of major. Brother Tilton began his teaching career at the Normal School at Central State University. He became an employee of the Dayton Public School System where he taught industrial arts for many years at the elementary level. Brother Tdton retired from Dayton Public Schools as an administrator. He was a member of the Trinity Presbyterian Church where he served as Sunday school Superintendent, Sunday school Teacher, and Elder. Brother Tdton was a member of the choir, the Elder-Berries and the Men's Council. He was an active member of Theta Lambda Chapter in Dayton, Ohio. BROTHER NELSON 0 . WAYNESBORO was initiated in 1941 at Beta Delta Chapter, South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He was born in Charleston, West Virginia. Brother Waynesboro retired as an investment counselor and licensed stock broker for Transohio Savings. He also worked at the Mayflower Hotel as an Executive Assistant Manager. Brother Waynesboro was a twoterm president of the Akron Board of Trades, Chairman of the Summit County Planning Commission, Vice-Chairman of the Traffic Flow Committee of the Akron Area Regional Development Board, a past board member of the NAACP, board member of the Akron Metropolitan Industrialization Center, past president of All City Kiwanis, and branch manager for Transohio Savings. He also was active in the Retirement Senior Volunteer Program, Akron Parks and Recreation, the Akron Zoo Committee, Crouse Caring Committee, Keep Akron Beautiful, die Child Guidance Center, and a member of the Marion T. Hall Older Adult Council, West Side Neighborhood Development Corporation and the Christmas in April Program.
OMEGA LISTINGS BROTHER JAMES WILLIAM BAILEY, SR. Epsilon Gamma Lambda BROTHER MAURICE H. LEE Kappa Omicron Lambda BROTHER CLIFFORD L. SMITH, SR. Gamma Omicron Lambda
bu began some powerful relationships through joining a fraternity. We hope to do the same with a handshake. You've got some exciting days at the conference ahead of you. Rekindling old bonds. Developing new relationships. And working with your fraternity brothers to discover ways to really make a difference in our communities. Bank of America is proud to be a sponsor of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's 93rd Anniversary Convention. We take great pride in being affiliated with a group of men who have been making things happen for nearly a century. Discover how we can work with you to meet your financial goals. It could be the beginning of one more meaningful relationship. Online Financial Services Mortgages onal and ness Lending .nationsbank.com/paabg
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CORPORATE DIRECTORY THE SEVEN JEWELS
Henry A. Callis
Charles H. Chapman
Eugene K. Jones
i. Kelley
Nathaniel A. Murraj
Robert H.Ogle
Vertner W, Tandy
GENERAL 0 F B General President Past G e n e r a l P r e s i d e n t Executive D i r e c t o r General Treasurer Comptroller f\ General Counsel Director-General C o n v e n t i o n s Parliamentarian
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VICE PRESIDENTS Eastern Midwestern Southern Southwestern / Western
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS Eastern Midwestern Southern Southwestern Western
Adrian L. Wallace, 281 Debra Lane, Lake Charles, LA 70611-9216 Milton C. Davis, P.O. Box 830509, Tuskegee, AL, 36083 Ronald L. Anderson, 2313 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 George N. Reaves, 2933 Balmoral Crescent, Flossmoor, IL 60422 Frank A. Jenkins ID, 529 South Perry Street, Suite 16, 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 Albert E. Lucas, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor Atrium, New Haven, CT 06510 Samuel DeShazior, 911 Mercer Avenue, Akron, OH 44320 Lynwood Bell, 1902 East Pollock Road, Lakeland, FL 33813 Terrv German, 827 Sansome Drive, Arlington, TX 76018 Gregory G. French, 5625 Windsor Way #103, Culver City, CA 9023 J. Paulson Tuffet, 5730 NW 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL 33127 Ronelle DeShazer, 8660 S. 86th Avenue #315, Justis, IL 60458 Y. Trevor Beauford, 318 Pickens Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730 Micah J. Smith, 8710 Scenic Green Drive, Houston, TX 77088 Malcolm Darrell, 554 Liberty Street #4, El Cerrito, CA 94530
IJVING PAST GENERAL PRESIDENTS 21st 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th
General General General General General General General
President President President President President President President
T Winston Cole, Sr., 812 S.W 50th Way, Gainesville, FL 32607 Walter Washington, Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS 39096 James R. Williams, 1733 Brookwood Drive, Akron, OH 44313 Ozell Sutton, 1640 Loch Lomond Trail, SW, Atlanta, GA 30331 Charles C. Teamer, Sr., 4619 Owens Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70122 Henry Ponder, N.A.F.E.O., 8701 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Milton C. Davis, P.O. Box 830509, Tuskegee, AL 36083
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT I n t e r n a t i o n a l Affairs Special Assistant Assistants
93RD ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION EDITION
Horace G. Dawson, Jr., 1601 Kalmia Road, NW, Washington, DC 20012 Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 5075 Red Robin Ridge, Alpharetta, GA 30202 Robert A. Willis, 130 Old Fairburn Close, Atlanta, GA 30331 Joseph E. Heyward, P.O. Box 384, Florence, SC 29503 Joshua Williams, Jr., 9696 Hayne Blvd. #15, New Orleans, LA 70127
CORPORATE DIRECTORY
WORLD POLICY COUNCIL Chairman Horace G. Dawson, Jr., 1601 Kalmia Road, NW, Washington, DC 20037 Chairman Emeritus Edward W Brooke, Suite 301-S, 2500 Virginia Avenue, NW, Wash., DC 20037 Members Charles Rangle, 2354 Rayburn House Office Building, Wash., DC 20515 Huel D. Perkins, 1923—79th Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70807 Henry Ponder, N.A.F.E.O., 8701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910 Vinton R. Anderson, AME Church Finance Office, 1134-11th Street, NW, Wash., DC 2000 Chuck S. Stone, UNC-Chapel Hill, 107 Oxford Hills Place, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Bobby Austin, The Village Foundation, 211 N. Union Street #100, Alexandria, VA 22314 ALPHA PHI ALPHA BUILDING FOUNDATION, INC. Chairman
Everett Ward, 5002 Avenida Del Sol Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604
ALPHA PHI ALPHA EDUCATION FOUNDATION, INC. Chairman James Ward, 9306 Twin Hills Drive, Houston, TX 77031 NATIONAL COMMITTEE/COMMISSION CHAIRMEN Alpha Collegiate Scholars Awards & Achievements Budget & Finance Business & Economic Development 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 Historian National Programs Personnel Publications Racial Justice & Public Policy Reclamation Subcommittee Recommendations & Resolutions Rules & Credentials Rituals & Ceremonies Senior Alpha Affairs Special Projects Strategic Planning Time & Place Training & Development PROGRAM/PROJECT COORDINATORS Big Brother/Big Sisters of America Leadership Development & Citizen Education Miss Black & Gold Pageant Oratorical Contest Project Alpha ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
Willie Ruff, 314 Applegrove Court, Herndon, VA 22071 Steven M. Sims, 2508 Dysart Road, Cleveland, OH 44118 Frank A. Jenkins III, 529 South Perry Street, Suite 16, Montgomery, AL 36104 Harold Patrick, 5959 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 Lloyd Givens, 6050 Canaan Woods Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30331 Russell C. Campbell, Sr., 1504 Delmont Lane, Takoma Park, MD 20912 Christopher C. Womack, 2109 Christina Cove, Birmingham, AL 35244 Isiah Ward, 303 Waterford, Willowbrook, IL 60521 R. Leandras Jones II, 1045 Audubon Circle, SW, Adanta, GA, 30311 David M. Cheri, 5106 Porter Ridge, Houston, TX 77053 Ralph Caro, 6826 Garfield Avenue, Kansas City, MO 66102 George Wayne Watkins, 40983 Oaks Drive #4A, Troy, MI 48098 Eddie Henderson, 4563 Wellspring Way, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 John H. Carter, 3465 Somerset Trail, Atlanta, GA 30330 Ronald T James, 1717 NE 16th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Robert L. Harris, Jr., Cornell University, 310 Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 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 Richard D. Smith, Jr., 3510 Medical Park Drive #7, Monroe, LA 71203 Chester A. Wheeler III, P.O. Box 6682, Macon, GA 31208 Elliot Ferguson, Jr., 2790 DeVinci Blvd.,Decatur, GA 30034 Phillip Jackson, 1200 Utile Gloucester Road #1904, Clementon, NJ 08021 Dale Long, 1614 Dorado Street, Garland, TX 75040 Willis E. Baird, P.O. Box 74, Durham, NC 27702 Alvin Cavalier, 413-C Longwood Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 John German, 1124 32nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98144 John L. Colbert, 2140 Loren Circle, Fayetteville, AR 72701 2313 St. Paul Street • Baltimore, MD 21218-5234 Phone: (410) 554-0040 • Fax: (410) 554-0054 THESPHINT FALL 1999
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