Our Future: “Our Boys, Our Responsibility, From the high chair to higher education.”
103 RD A NNIVERSARY C ONVENTION N EW O RLEANS , L OUISIANA J ULY 15-19, 2009
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TABLE
Table of Contents Executive Director of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
5
The Governor of Louisianna
6
The Mayor of New Orleans
7
Southwestern Region Vice President
8
Southwestern Region Assistant Vice President
9
Southwestern Region Executive Director
10
Sigma Lambda Host Chapter President
11
Co-Area Directors
12
Convention Co-Chairmen
13
Local Ladies Convention Chairwomen
14
About Alpha Phi Alpha
15
General Organization Leadership Team
17
Cabinet Appointed Positions
Convention Directory
18 (Should images be included?)
to come
Convention Floor Plan
Okay
General Convention Guidelines
Okay
Convention Workshop Description
Okay
Regional Convention Winners
Okay
General Convention Activity Schedule
Oaky
National Pan Hellenic Council
Okay
Former Ms. Black & Gold
CONTENTS
3
OF
General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
Okay (Can Jamerson-Holmes be Shortened?)
Alpha Award of Honor & Merit history & previous recipients
Okay
Alpha Award of Honor & Merit recipient biography
Okay
Sponsor Thanks Page
Okay
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
1
Every child can learn, but not all children learn at the same pace and in the same way. Children need individual attention based on their specific needs. One size does not fit all. The 3.2 million members of the National Education Association work to ensure qualified and caring teachers in every classroom, smaller class sizes, greater parental involvement and programs, such as Head Start, that are designed to help all students succeed in school and in life. Parents, teachers, education support professionals and leaders from minority communities across the nation are working side by side to ensure the basic right of all children to attend great public schools. To learn more about activities and programs to address education concerns for minority communities, visit www.nea.org/mco.
DENNIS VAN ROEKEL PRESIDENT NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ® Corporate Headquarters 2313 Saint Paul Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218-5211 www.APA1906.net Phone: 410.554.0040 • Fax: 410.554.0054
William Lyle Executive Director
May I be one of the first to welcome you to the 103rd Anniversary Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is a very special convention for me as I return to the site of my very first convention in Alpha Phi Alpha in 1983. There was a magic at that convention and it solidified my dedication and commitment to this fraternity’s causes. I was inspired to offer myself for greater service upon leaving New Orleans. I have not missed a convention since that time. There will be plenty of inspirational moments for you.
ALPHA PHI ALPHA
Dear Brothers,
OF
Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. General President
THE GENERAL PRESIDENT
The General President of Alpha Phi Alpha
For the next few days, it is my desire to recreate some of that magic of the fraternal experience. The convention planning team, the local committee and the corporate office staff have worked extremely hard to carry out my vision of producing a convention that will enlighten, educate, engage and entertain you. More importantly, we will leave with marching orders on what we must continue to do to move our young African-American boys from the “high chair to higher education.” Having recently returned from a visit with President Obama at the White House, I am very clear that we must use every resource that we have to effectively eradicate the widening gap that prevents our young boys from succeeding. Our letter to President Obama was read! Now the work continues. Let me echo how excited I am about the various symposiums that have been assembled to address a variety of issues. We will address Alpha’s energy and green initiative as well as the “Alphas in Hollywood” symposium that will feature many of our talented brothers in the music and film industry. We are also delighted to celebrate the rebuilding of New Orleans in a post Katrina era. and are grateful to all of the local citizens (including our brothers) who have worked very hard to help in the rebuilding process. However, there is still much work to do. This convention will focus on health and wellness for African-American men. The fraternity will host a health fair at Xavier University as a part of our effort to reach outside of the walls of the fraternity. In addition, we are pleased to offer a job fair for both members of the fraternity and members of the community. During the Public Program, this convention will honor some dynamic individuals and will observe the phenomenal musical legacy of Motown records as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary. We are honored to have five of the giants of Motown to receive Alpha’s highest award to non members. Lastly, this convention will celebrate a rejuvenation of the “true spirit of fraternity.” In these challenging economic times, there is nothing more solid than this brotherhood. It was needed 103 years ago on the campus of Cornell, it is still needed today. By the time you leave New Orleans you will be totally exhausted and that is the plan. Have a safe time and remember to believe in the 7 and believe in Alpha!
Fraternally, Brother Skip Mason General President FO U N D ER S Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ® Corporate Headquarters 2313 Saint Paul Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218-5211 www.APA1906.net Phone: 410.554.0040 • Fax: 410.554.0054
William Lyle Executive Director
On behalf of our visionary General President, Bro. Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., and our hardworking staff at our Corporate Headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland, I extend to you heartfelt greetings and salutations from our “home on St. Paul Street.” As Executive Director of our great Fraternity, it is a unique challenge and awesome responsibility to accept the call of service to Alpha Phi Alpha and its demanding and diverse brotherhood.
ALPHA PHI ALPHA
Greetings Brothers and Friends of Alpha Phi Alpha,
OF
Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. General President
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Executive Director of Alpha Phi Alpha
Furthermore, it is equally a privilege to participate in this, our 103rd Anniversary Convention. As you know, under the direction of our General President, our Fraternity’s Corporate Headquarters, Convention planning team, and our awesome planning team has worked diligently and effectively throughout the past fraternal year to coordinate a world-class event that will more than meet your expectations. As a corporate entity, we encourage you to stop by and visit us during the convention to share with us your valuable insight on how we may better serve you. Until then, I encourage you to sit back, relax and enjoy this opportunity to fellowship with our Brothers and friends here in New Orleans! May the true spirit of fraternity, rule our hearts, guide our thoughts, and control our lives… Fraternally,
W. Douglass Lyle Executive Director
FO U N D ER S Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
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THE GOVERNOR
The Governor of Louisiana
OF
LOUISIANA 6
103 Anniversary Convention
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New Orleans, Louisiana
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July 15 –19, 2009
THE MAYOR
The Mayor of New Orleans
OF
NEW ORLEANS
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
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REPORT
Southwestern Region Vice President
OF THE
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ®
TITLE COMMITTEE TITLE
SOUTHWESTERN REGION 1124 Peyton St. Little Rock, AR 72204 www.AlphaSouthwest.net Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. General President
Arthur McDade, III Southwestern Region Vice President
William Lyle Executive Director
Andre’ J. Wagner Southwestern Region Assistant Vice President
Dear Brothers and Guests, Welcome back to New Orleans!! This is a great city with endless opportunities and resilience like none other. Over the past 5 years New Orleans and its great people have endured some of the greatest tragedies this country has ever experienced. The hurricanes of 2005 dealt a severe and everlasting blow to the community. However, this resilient community stood like the epic poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Hensley, where its states, “My head is bloody, yet unbowed.” The flood waters swept away the lifestyle that many had known and unfortunately some actual lives as well. However, the determination to rebuild this city was and is strong. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has always had a special relationship with New Orleans. Two Alpha Men, Bro.’s Ernest and Marc Morial (father and son) have served as its Mayor during some of its most prosperous times. Many other Brothers such as Former General President Charles C. Teamer, stands out today as one of New Orleans finest community leaders. Some of our most successful General Conventions have been held right here in New Orleans. We expect this one to top all previous conventions. And New Orleans serves as a return for our current General President as this was the site of his first General Convention. The Southwestern Region is proud to hosts all who are in attendance at this convention. We are as resilient as the city that host us. During the aftermath of those terrible storms the Brothers of the Southwestern Region supported each other financially, in spirit and with numerous other resources. We changed our scheduled convention to allow the city to rebuild and rebuild it did. Last spring we returned to New Orleans with our Southwestern Regional Convention. It was one of our finest ever. New Orleans is Back! Alpha Phi Alpha is Back in New Orleans! So, as the locals say, as you complete your business and enjoy the city, “Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez, AGAIN!!” . Let the Good Times Roll, AGAIN!! Fraternally Submitted,
Bro. Arthur “Box” McDade, III Vice President Southwestern Region FO U N D ER S Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy
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103 Anniversary Convention
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New Orleans, Louisiana
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July 15 –19, 2009
Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. General President
Arthur McDade, III Southwestern Region Vice President
William Lyle Executive Director
Andre’ J. Wagner Southwestern Region Assistant Vice President
Brothers, Friends, & Guests:
TITLE COMMITTEE TITLE
SOUTHWESTERN REGION 1124 Peyton St. Little Rock, AR 72204 www.AlphaSouthwest.net
OF THE
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ®
REPORT
Southwestern Region Assistant Vice President
On behalf of the Brothers of the great Southwest Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I welcome all of you to the 103rd Anniversary convention here in the city where the party never ends- New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans was the first convention city for Bro. Herman “Skip” Mason. As he now returns as General President, providence must be noted. As I travel down the road we all must walk from a college brother to an alumni brother, our theme must be remembered, “Guiding our boys from the High Chair to Higher Education.” Being living proof of its validity, Alpha men surrounded me from a very young age. I am proud as always to walk beside you once more. It is an honor to be amongst you. I look forward to the work yet to be done; and embracing a phrase I strive for, “I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell me the way.” We all say we leave a Legacy, the question is what will truly be said of it? Fraternally yours,
Andre J. Wagner Assistant Vice President Southwestern Region Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
FO U N D ER S Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
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SOUTHWESTERN REGION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Southwestern Region Executive Director ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ® SOUTHWESTERN REGION 1124 Peyton St. Little Rock, AR 72204 www.AlphaSouthwest.net Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. General President
Arthur McDade, III Southwestern Region Vice President
William Lyle Executive Director
Andre’ J. Wagner Southwestern Region Assistant Vice President
Dear Brothers and Guests: Welcome to the Crescent City! New Orleans has been a long time favorite city for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. its friends and family members. The Great Southwestern Region is always pleased to greet each of you with our famous southern hospitality and regional luxuries. As you enjoy our region please be assured that each Brother and his family are very pleased that you are here and stand ready to assist you in any way possible to make your visit most enjoyable. Louisiana alone is the home of Former General Presidents Morial, Teamer and Wallace. Every District in the Southwestern Region has produced a General President of our great fraternity. No other region in Alpha can make such a historic and prolific claim. Several other notable Alpha’s from the District of Louisiana and the Southwestern Region are cornerstones to the leadership that has grown from our region, however ALL Southwestern Region Brothers are great men who stand ready to help make your visit a great one. As your current Regional Executive Director I have had the honor of working with these Brothers over the last four years preparing for your arrival. I too join them in welcoming you to New Orleans. If I can be of any assistance during your visit stop me, tell me, and I will assist. I am here to assure you of a safe, informative, and enjoying visit to our region. New Orleans is famous for saying, “Let the Good Times Roll.” We ask that you not stop until you have fulfilled your part in keeping this saying true. Again, Welcome to New Orleans. Charles King, Jr. Southwest Region Executive Director
FO U N D ERS Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy
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103 Anniversary Convention
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New Orleans, Louisiana
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July 15 –19, 2009
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ® Corporate Headquarters 2313 Saint Paul Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218-5211 www.APA1906.net Phone: 410.554.0040 • Fax: 410.554.0054
Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. General President
William Lyle Executive Director
HOST CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Host Chapter President
Brothers, Bienvenue New Orleans. On behalf of the Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, I would like to welcome you to our home. The historic culture and unique atmosphere of the Big Easy will surely make your Convention experience memorable. Almost four years ago, the world watched as our beloved City was devastated. Today, New Orleans is one the fastest growing cities in the United States. Many Alpha Men have been at the forefront of this renaissance. I applaud the Fraternity for returning to New Orleans and being a part of our rebuilding process. As we come together to celebrate our 103rd Anniversary Convention, I invite you to take the time to explore the essence of New Orleans. After the Convention we hope that you don’t want to leave but if you must, return back to your communities with a renewed sense of commitment to leadership and service to all mankind. I thank you all and appreciate you for making this Anniversary Convention a memorable one. Fraternally Yours, Brother Gilbert A. Jones, President Sigma Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 9701 Lake Forest New Orleans, LA 70127
FO U N D ER S Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
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CO -AREA DIRECTORS
Co-Area Directors ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ® Corporate Headquarters 2313 Saint Paul Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218-5211 www.APA1906.net Phone: 410.554.0040 • Fax: 410.554.0054
Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. General President
William Lyle Executive Director
Brothers, We bring greetings from The Louisiana Area I here in New Orleans. We hope that the historic culture and unique atmosphere of the Big Easy will surely make your Convention experience memorable. While you are here in New Orleans, when the business meetings are not in session, we invite you to take advantage of all that the city has to offer during your stay. We are very happy the Fraternity has returned to New Orleans and being a part of our rebuilding process. After the Convention we hope that you don’t want to leave but if you must, return back to your communities with a renewed sense of commitment to leadership and service to all mankind. I thank you all and appreciate you for making this Anniversary Convention a memorable one. Enjoy the Convention brothers and a great day in Alpha. Fraternally Yours, Brother Gilbert A. Jones Brother Joseph K. Byrd Co-Area Directors Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Louisiana Area I New Orleans, LA 70127
FO U N D ER S Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy
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103 Anniversary Convention
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New Orleans, Louisiana
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July 15 –19, 2009
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ® Corporate Headquarters 2313 Saint Paul Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218-5211 www.APA1906.net Phone: 410.554.0040 • Fax: 410.554.0054
Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. General President
William Lyle Executive Director
CONVENTION CO-CHAIRMEN
Convention Co-Chairmen
General President Mason, Past General Presidents, Board of Directors, Brothers, Families and Friends, it is with a spirit of brotherhood that we welcome you to New Orleans as we celebrate our 103rd Anniversary of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Brothers and families have chosen New Orleans as its host city in 1937, 1973, 1983, 1993, 1996 (Wesley Lecture Weekend) 2001 and 2009 and we know why. There is no city in America with the history and ambiance like New Orleans. From our great architecture, to our cuisine, the French Quarter to our educational institutions, New Orleans is a great place to conduct Alpha business, and salute our honorees as we lay foundation for an even greater future. The brothers and chapters in the greater New Orleans area have worked tirelessly to prepare for your arrival. We are confident that you will enjoy every phase of our gathering, because New Orleans is synonymous with Alpha. After all, it was in New Orleans that Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy stated “I will fight for Alpha until hell freezes over and then fight on the ice.” It was at that same convention, Life Membership in Alpha was born. New Orleans has given us stallworths like Bro. Ernest “Dutch” Morial 23rd General President, Bro. Charles C. Teamer, Sr. 27th General President, Bro. Adrian Wallace 30th General President, and Bro Harry E. Johnson, Sr. 31st General President. Brothers such as E.W. Bashful, Norman C. Francis, Ivan Lemelle all call New Orleans home. Less than four years after Hurricane Katrina, the city of New Orleans is ready, willing and able to host the greatest brotherhood known to mankind, Alpha Phi Alpha. Brothers and guests, work hard and then have fun, because the “Big Easy”, is the “City that care forgot,” but the city did not forget to care. You will love New Orleans and New Orleans will love you back. Welcome! Brother Joshua Williams, Jr. – Co-Chairman Brother Joseph K. Byrd, - Co-Chairman FO U N D ER S Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
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LADIES CHARIWOMEN
Local Ladies Convention Chairperson ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ® Corporate Headquarters 2313 Saint Paul Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218-5211 www.APA1906.net Phone: 410.554.0040 • Fax: 410.554.0054
Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. General President
William Lyle Executive Director
Greetings and Welcome to the 103rd Anniversary Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.. The ladies of New Orleans are delighted to have you visit The Big Easy, The City That Care Forgot! It is our hope that while here, you will forget your cares and enjoy all that this great city has to offer—the food, fun, music, history, and culture. No doubt this is not your first time in the Crescent City, but we hope that this will be your best time here, and the experience will generate many great memories and develop a yearning to return time and time again. Encore, Bienvenue!! Laissez les bons temps rouler!!! Again, Welcome!!
Let the Good Times Roll!!!
Gwendolyn Muse Charles Local Ladies Convention Chairperson Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
FO U N D ER S Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy
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103 Anniversary Convention
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New Orleans, Louisiana
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July 15 –19, 2009
FRATERNITY MISSION STATEMENT Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.
FRATERNITY VISION STATEMENT The objectives of this Fraternity shall be: to stimulate the ambition of its members; to prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual; to encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood; and to aid down-trodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic and intellectuals status
THE ALPHA PHI ALPHA LEGACY: A BRIEF HISTORY Since it’s founding on December 4, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African-Americans and people of color around the world. Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-Americans, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The visionary founders, known as the “Jewels” of the Fraternity, are Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy. The Fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. The Jewel founders and early leaders of the Fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity. Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were established at other colleges and universities, many of them historically black institutions, soon after the founding at Cornell. The first Alumni Chapter was established in 1911. While continuing to stress academic excellence among its members, Alpha also recognized the need to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices faced by African-Americans. Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community's fight for civil rights through leaders such as: W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul
Robeson, and many others. True to its form as the “first of firsts,” Alpha Phi Alpha has been interracial since 1945.
ALPHA PHI ALPHA TODAY Alpha Phi Alpha today continues its commitment to members of the Fraternity and the African-American community through Alpha University. It is through the groundbreaking Alpha University training program, the Fraternity has rededicated itself to fostering a spirit of Brotherhood within the ranks of the Fraternity, preparing a new generation of leaders and bringing consistency to chapter operation and to the implementation of the Fraternity's national programs.
ABOUT ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.
About Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
NATIONAL PROGRAMS The Fraternity’s National Programs are community outreach mentoring initiatives that have been adopted by the organization’s governing body and mandated for implementation by all of its chapters. The organization’s National Programs include: Go–To–High School, Go–To–College The “Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College” program, established in 1920, concentrates on the importance of completing secondary and collegiate education as a road to advancement. Statistics prove the value of this extra impetus in making the difference in the success of young African-American men, given that school completion is the single best predictor of future economic success. Through the Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College educational initiative, young men receive information and learn strategies that facilitate success. Alpha men provide youth participants with excellent role models to emulate. Project Alpha Project Alpha is a collaborative effort between the March of Dimes Foundation and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. This program was developed to increase the knowledge of the African-American male of the consequences of teenage pregnancy from the male perspective. This program seeks to assist young men in developing an understanding of their role in preventing untimely pregnancies through responsible attitudes and behaviors.
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
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ABOUT ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.
The goals of Project Alpha are to: Reduce the rate of adolescent sex and pregnancy; stress the concept of abstinence as a personal choice while promoting the use of contraceptives to those that choose to be sexually active; increase the knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body and the awareness of sexually transmitted diseases; clarify and emphasize the roles and responsibilities of fatherhood; and reduce the rate of sexual abuse and violence among AfricanAmerican teens.
preserve, and protect the infrastructure of our community. The Foundation has developed a unique approach to effect positive change." The Alpha Village represents a project built and purchased by Alpha men and a forward step towards an economic development movement. The Alpha Phi Alpha Economic Development Foundation, Inc. The purpose of the Alpha Phi Alpha National Community Economic Development Foundation is to “promote and encourage economic development in minority and disadvantaged communities by expanding the opportunities for the residents of those communities to enter into, own, manage, operate and/or be employed in business enterprises which are based upon the substantial participation of the low income community.” Additionally, the Foundation’s aim is to promote a dynamic business environment in underserved communities through franchise opportunities, family financial planning and an aggressive Wealth Building Initiative.
A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People” was initiated as a National Program of Alpha during the 1930's when many African-Americans had the right to vote but were prevented from voting because of poll taxes, threats of reprisal, and lack of education about the voting process. Voter education and registration has remained a dominant focus of this outreach activity for over 65 years. In the 1990's, the focus has shifted to include political awareness and empowerment. Special Projects Alpha Phi Alpha’s Special Projects are programs and activities that are sustained through collaborative efforts, memoranda of understanding, and/or outside financial assistance, which Chapters are encouraged to implement. Current Special Projects include: (1) Big Brothers / Big Sisters mentoring partnership— implemented in 1991, Alpha Phi Alpha and BB/BS assist each other in mentoring African-American boys and young men. (2) Boy Scouts of America—through this alliance, Alpha Phi Alpha focuses on mentoring through the Scouting program. (3) Leadership Development Institutes—the program prepares outstanding high school students in the vital skills of leadership, college preperation and effective group interaction.
Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. Established to oversee the development of the memorial project, the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc is a non - profit fundraising arm of the fraternity. The foundations mission is “to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by leading a collaborative funding, design and construction process in the creation of a memorial to honor his national and international contributions to world peace through non- violent social change.” World Policy Council The Fraternity formed its much heralded World Policy Council in 1996 to address United States national and foreign policy issues. At its inception, Former U.S. Senator Bro. Edward W. Brooke of Massachusetts, the first AfricanAmerican to serve in the Senate in the 20th century, was named chairman of the council. Senator Brooke succeeded by Bro. Dr. Horace G. Dawson, Jr., director of Howard University’s Patricia Roberts Harris Public Affairs Program and former Ambassador to Botswana.
ALPHA PHI ALPHA’S FOUNDATIONS The Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc. The Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc. is the non-profit charitable arm of the Fraternity, which focuses on scholarship, programs, and training and development of the membership. Education Foundation encompasses the implementation of Go-toHigh School, Go-to-College, Project Alpha, voter Education / Registration efforts, The Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest, the Collegiate Scholars Bowl, Leadership Development Institutes, and the professional and personal development thrusts of the FraternityAlpha University.
The Council’s formation reflects two realities in America: 1.) The U.S. government’s national agenda has become more closely linked to world affairs and non-governmental organizations are part of the network of influential voices in foreign affairs. 2) Alpha Phi Alpha’s legacy of activities in civil rights and education has broadened to include foreign policy. The Fraternity’s leadership has been careful to stress that Alpha Phi Alpha’s new foreign policy interest will not diminish the organization’s involvement with domestic issues. Current Council Members include: Senator Edward W. Brooke, Founding Chairman Emeritus; Ambassador Horace G. Dawson Jr., Chairman; Dr. Henry Ponder, Vice Chairman; The Right Reverend Vinton R. Anderson; Dr. Bobby W. Austin; The Honorable Ron Dellums; Ambassador Kenton Keith Huel Perkins; The Honorable Charles Rangel; Dr. Cornel Wes.
The Alpha Phi Alpha Building Foundation, Inc. The Alpha Phi Alpha Building Foundation was established as an "economic development corporation to promote,
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103 Anniversary Convention
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New Orleans, Louisiana
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July 15 –19, 2009
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
Executive Director and COO William Douglass Lyle
Director of Communications Bryan Joseph Anthony Kelly
College Life to Corporate Life(C2C) Liaison / Project Manager Cornell A. Lynch
Communications Intern John W. Roberson, III
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES DEPARTMENT Admin Assistant Aisha Coffey
Director of Membership Services Cory J. Anderson
Office Manager and Admin. Assistant Sherelle Torrence Receptionist Natalie Highsmith
Membership Coordinator Anthony Roberson Membership Coordinator Delores Diggs
Executive Director Intern Robbie Stokes, Jr.
Membership Coordinator Kirk D. Carrington II
GENERAL ORGANIZATION LEADERSHIP TEAM
General Organization Leadership Team
ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT Chief Financial Officer Carla N. Gaskins
Membership Services Intern Chaz Dawson
EDUCATION FOUNDATION, INC. Accounting Manager Bernice Meadows
Director of Education Jodie A. James
Accounting Intern Matthew Thompson
Pictured: (Standing) Delores Diggs, Jodie A. James, John W. Roberson, III, Matthew Thompson, Cornell A. Lynch, Kirk D. Carrington, II, Anthony Roberson, Robbie Stokes, Jr., Chaz Dawson, Natalie Highsmith, Bernice Meadows (Sitting) Sherelle Torrence, Bryan J. A. Kelly, William D. Lyle, Cory J. Anderson, Carla N. Gaskins (Not Pictured) Aisha Coffey
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
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CABINET APPOINTED POSITIONS
Appointed Positions CABINET APPOINTED POSITIONS Chief of Staff Deputy Chief of Staff
Bro. Don R. Weston
Senior Advisor to GP
Bro. Jim Wright
Bro. Keith Harris
Special Advisor to GP
Bro. Charles King
General Counsel
Bro. Keith A. Bishop, Esq.
Special Advisor to GP
Bro. Dr. Cal McNeil
Chief Parliamentarian
Bro. Anderson Eldridge, III
Special Advisor to GP
Bro. Elvin Dowling
Bro. Dr. Robert L. Harris
Special Advisor to GP
Bro. L. Sidney Gleaton
Bro. Dr. William E. Flippin, Sr.
Special Advisor to GP
Bro. Dr. Joseph E. Heyward
Bro. Jamil Omar Buie
Historian Chaplain Corp Chair
STANDING COMMITTEE & OTHER COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Committee on Constitution
Bro. Ricky L. Blalock
Intellectual Properties
Committee on Budget & Finance
Bro. Frank Humphrey
Internal Auditing
Committee on Endowment and Capital Formation Committee on Elections Committee on Membership, Standards and Extension Historical Commission Committee on Publications National Archivist Committee on Public Policy Committee on Human Resources Commission on College Brothers Affairs
International Affairs
Bro. Andre A. Moss
Leadership Development
Bro. David C. Atkins
Bro. Tom Phillips
MIS/Technology
Bro. Wendell D. Ferguson
March of Dimes
Bro. Wilbert L. Brown
Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Internal Fundraising
Bro. Frank Russell, Jr.
Bro. Melvin M. Stroble, Sr. Bro. Dr. Norman E. W. Towels TBA Bro. Jerome Offord, Jr.
Media Relations
Edward L. Marshall
Mediation & Arbitration
Bro. Ed Givens, Esq
Bro. Dr. Tyson D. King-Meadows
Military Brothers
Bro. Antonio I. M. Johnson, Esq
Organizational Effectiveness
Bro. Maurice Gipson
Commission on Racial Justice
Bro. Derrick Pope, Esq
Commission on Business and Economic Development
Bro. Cecil Howard, Esq
Committee on Life Membership
Bro. Dr. Zollie J. A. Stevenson, Jr.
BVL Oratorical
Bro. Gregory L. Bailey
Political Action
Bro. Dr. F. Carl Walton
Project Alpha
Bro. Byron D. Gautier
Reclamation
Bro. Bradley Thompson
Rituals and Ceremonies
Bro. Dr. Charles P. Loeb, III
Bro. Dr. Langston Smith
Bro. Russell E. Flye
Awards & Achievements
Bro. Dr. Clifton Johnson
Rules & Credentials
Bro. Desmond M. Ables
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Bro. Dale H. Long
Senior Alpha Affairs
Bro. Dr. Sylvester L. Shannon
Miss Black and Gold Boy Scouts Housing College 2 Corporate Life Educational Foundation Grievance and Discipline
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Bro. Dr. Bob Wright
Bro. Hyacinth Ahuruonye
Time and Place Committee
Bro. Dr. Verdree Lockhart
Training and Development
Bro. Jerryl E. Bennett
World Policy Council
Bro. Darryl A. Peal
New Fraternal Program Initiatives
Bro. Dr. Ralph E. Johnson
Alphas in the Academy
Bro. Hervery B. O. Young, Esq
Health and Wellness
Bro. Dr. Michael A. Smith
Building Foundations
Bro. R. Leandras Jones, II
103 Anniversary Convention
Scholars Bowl
Bro. Andre Prospre
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New Orleans, Louisiana
Alpha Goes Green Initiative
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July 15 –19, 2009
TBA Bro. Maurice Jenkins Bro. Dr. Audrey L. Mackey Bro. Dr. Horace Dawson Bro. Dr. Ronald J. Peters, Jr. Bro. Dr. M. Christopher Brown Bro. Dr. Samuel Thornton
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
CONVENTION DIRECTORY
Convention Directory
19
REPORT OF THE
TITLE COMMITTEE TITLE 20
103 Anniversary Convention
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New Orleans, Louisiana
■
July 15 –19, 2009
STREET LEVEL
RIVERSIDE BUILDING & CONFERENCE CENTER
HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE FLOOR PLANS
Hilton New Orleans Riverside Floor Plans
SECOND FLOOR MAIN BUILDING
THIRD FLOOR
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
21
GENERAL CONVENTION GUIDELINES
General Convention Guidelines
We are pleased to submit the report of the Committee on Rules and Credentials outlining the procedures governing the conduct of this 89th General Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., to wit: 1. The printed program presented by the General Organization shall be the Official Program of the Convention once adopted by the delegates.
15. There shall be at least two (2) Sergeants-at-arms at the entrance to the assembly hall to facilitate admission and to maintain order.
2. A Brother registering for the Convention must present a current Pass Card, Life Membership Plate or Special Pass Card signed by the appropriate convention officer.
16. Entrance and exit to the assembly shall be through the main door(s) designated by the Sergeant at Arms. 17. No Brother may be admitted to a Convention Business Session without the Convention Badge.
3. Delegates shall present their credentials to the Committee on Rules and Credentials to be certified. The credentials required are, the Convention Badge, Current Pass Card, Life Membership Plate, or Special Pass Card.
18. There shall be no verbal reports of General Officers or Committee/Commission Chairmen—except The General President, Budget and Finance Committee, and essential “working committees” of the General Convention, who may provide preliminary updates on their areas.
4. All chapter financial obligations to the General Office must be paid, and the completion of a Chapter Directory must be verified prior to certification of any of the Chapters’ Delegates.
19. General Officers and Committee/Commission Chairmen shall be allowed no more than five (5) minutes for emphasis, summaries and recommendations of their reports.
5. Delegates shall be seated in the section of the assembly hall “designated for delegates” by the Chief Sergeant-at-arms and shall be identified by a Convention Badge bearing their name and the “DELEGATE over-print certification stamp” applied by the Committee on Rules and Credentials.
20. The Convention shall not entertain for discussion, at the time of its presentation, any matter which in the course of Convention procedures can be considered by an existing or established Committee/Commission.
6. There shall be an easily identifiable space between the seating areas for delegates and other brothers in general attendance.
21. A Brother recognized by the Presiding Officer shall give his Name, Chapter, City and State before being allowed to address the assembly.
7. Other Brothers shall be seated in other specified sections of the assembly hall. 8. All registered Brothers shall have the same rights and privileges of Delegates, except the right to vote on agenda items and in the election.
22. Nominating speeches are limited to three (3) minutes. Seconding speeches shall be limited to two (2) minutes. There shall be only one (1) nominating speech and two (2) seconding speeches.
9. At the opening of each business session, the Committee on Rules and Credentials shall give a status report to the assembly on all Certified Delegates at the convention.
23. Campaigning, including distribution or posting of candidates’ literature or speech making is restricted from the designated polling area for voting as posted on the day of the election.
10. A record of eligible voters certified by the Rules and Credentials Committee shall constitute the Official Voting strength of the Convention.
24. During elections, delegates must present their Convention Badge and one other form of ID if an identity question arises.
11. In a scheduled assembly, the necessity of “a quorum” shall apply to the sessions’ conduct of business and organic legislation.
25. The General President shall be an “Ex-Officio” member of all committees. 26. Roberts Rules of Order (newly revised) shall govern the Convention, except that in the matter of debate each speaker shall be limited to not more than two (2) minutes. Additional time may be granted at the discretion of the General President or Presiding Officer.
12. One-fourth of the registered delegates shall constitute “a quorum”, as provided in the Constitution and By-laws of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. [Article II-Section 6)]. 13. Past General Presidents, General Officers and Committee Chairmen who are not seated on the dais shall be seated on the first and/or second rows of the section designated for delegates.
27. Smoking is not permitted in the General Business Sessions.
14. The Parliamentarian shall be seated on the dais next to the presiding officer, who will normally be seated to the right of the podium.
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103 Anniversary Convention
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New Orleans, Louisiana
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July 15 –19, 2009
A SUCCESSFUL LIFESTYLE Navigating Your Professional Journey: The Unwritten Rules to Success
Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors Program, a component of the Fulbright Program created by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and coordinated by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars.
C2C (Workshop #1) Attendance Recommended: Collegian Chapter Representatives Presented By: Tamesha Harper, Regional Program Manager-Southeast Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) College Brothers, are you ready to get the job you have always wanted after graduation? This workshop will educate college brothers on: How to Prepare Yourself Professionally for the Working World; Obtaining and Accurately Utilizing Industry Knowledge; Personal and Professional Brand Management; Effectively Identifying and Using Your Resources—essentially everything you will need to be successful in beginning you career is in this workshop!
Leadership Fundamentals C2C (Workshop #2) Attendance Recommended: Collegian Chapter Representatives Sponsored By: University of Phoenix Presented By: Dr. Victoria E. Jones What does it take to be an effective leader? Knowledge? Ambition? Well Brothers, here is the work shop that will answer that question once and for all. Come learn the key principles related to successful leadership through the use of visual aids and hands-on training experiences that will provide knowledge and skill development related to leadership development. This workshop will also include interactive learning team exercises in additional to skill practice.
The Fulbright Experience: Funding to Teach, Live, and Learn Abroad” C2C (Workshop #3) Sponsored By: Fulbright Scholarship Program Presented By: Dr. Tyson King-Meadows, Fulbright Alumni Ambassador and 2003-2005 Fulbright to Ghana Always wanted to teach and learn abroad, but unsure how to pay for it? Well, get the information from someone who knows firsthand what it is like to teach, live and learn in another country! This workshop, featuring Fullbright Alumni Ambassador Dr. Tyson King-Meadows, will provide information about the numerous opportunities provided by the Fulbright Scholars Program. This program provides funding for faculty members and administrators from US campuses to conduct research and/or lecture in foreign countries and provides funding to bring foreign faculty and administrators to US campuses for the same purposes. The workshop is sponsored by the
A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE High Blood Pressure in Men and the Effects on Lifestyle (Health Fair Workshop #1) Attendance Recommended: Chapter Representatives; District and Regional Members Sponsored By: The American Cancer Society Sex life not going as planned? Well there may be more to it than you originally thought. This workshop will be a discussion based seminar detailing what hypertension is and the effects it has on the blood vessels focusing on the effects of the smaller blood vessels that assist with sexual performance. The session will also review the importance of taking blood pressure medication as instructed by a physician, and will address some of the concerns and/or issues that are associated with it. Brothers don’t worry; a Q&A period will conclude the session so that you can get individual attention on this important matter.
What you should know about oral cancer (Health Fair Workshop #2) Attendance Recommended: Chapter Representatives; District and Regional Leaders Presented By: Stephanie, MPH Smoking doesn’t just cause lung cancer; it can also cause oral cancer. Come find the out the truth about the effects of smoking and other unhealthy habits that deal specifically with oral cancer, and what you can do to prevent this terrible disease.
The Brother’s Keepers Series: Reducing Disparities through Emergency Cardiac Care with CPR anytime Training” (Health Fair Workshop #3)
evant information on the state of health disparities in Emergency Cardiac Care, discuss practical solutions at the Chapter level and receive free CPR Anytime Training with Kits for home use. CPR Anytime is a tool that can help increase survival rates in communities across the country. People who receive the CPR Anytime kits are able to share life saving skills with their loved ones by using the kit to train their entire family. The CPR Anytime line of self-directed learning products was developed to increase CPR knowledge and awareness among the general public.
Is the Progressive Wellness CCRC Lifestyle right for your retirement future? (Health Fair Workshop #4) Attendance Recommended: Chapter Representatives, District and Regional Leaders Presented By: Brother Michael V. Smith, MD; Mr. Alwyn V. Powell What is the best way for you to live out your twilight years? This seminar is an interactive dialogue about retirement housing and lifestyle options as one expects and plans to live to ages 80 and older. We will explore the pros and cons of several options -stay in own home and arrange for support services, move in with children and depend on this for support services, move to a rental apartment and as needs change move again to other facility that matches your support needs such as assisted living, nursing care, or Alzheimer’s unit, or move into a continuing care retirement community where all potential support services are located on the same campus. Discussion will include cost comparisons and evaluation of the potential needs for health, financial, and physical security and how these options address those needs. Get the answers you need to make the best choices possible.
Proper Ways to Research the internet for Better Health- the National Library of Medicine (Health Fair Workshop #5) Attendance Recommended: Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Women
Attendance Recommended: Chapter Representatives, District and Regional Leaders
Sponsored By: The National Library of Medicine and Health Initiative
Sponsored By: The American Heart and American Stroke Association
Better health via the internet! This presentation will provide attendees with information about the consumer health resources available free over the internet from the National Library of Medicine.
Brothers, don’t be caught unprepared. This seminar is sponsored by the American Heart and American Stroke Association in collaboration with Henry Arthur Callis Health and Wellness Initiative, a major platform of General President Skip Mason. Brothers will receive rel-
CONVENTION WORKSHOP
Convention Workshops
Presented By: Ms. Cassandra Allen, MLS
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
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CONVENTION WORKSHOP
NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS/ INITIATIVES Maximizing the Partnership with March of Dimes through Project Alpha & March of Dimes
FINANCIAL SUCCESS Thy Will Be Done: The Importance of Estate Planning (Convention Workshop #2)
(Alpha University Workshop #1)
Attendance Recommended: Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Attendance Recommended: Chapters Representatives; Regional & District Coordinators
Presented By: Brother Derrick Alexander Pope, J.D. (Professor of Law)
Presented By: Wilbert Brown and Byron Gautier Running a Project Alpha & March of Dimes can be difficult, but this workshop will revisit the Project Alpha Curriculum by presenting the latest totals and best practices for March for Babies and March of Dimes Partnerships.
Implementing the American Cancer Society Initiative Programs” (Alpha University Workshop #2)
Sponsored By: The American Cancer Society Presented By: Brother Anton Bizzell, Joseph Hill and other American Cancer Society Staff Is your chapter ready to step up to the plate and hit a home run for cancer patients and their families? The workshop is designed to provide chapter, district and regional leaders with implementation ideas to promote the Alpha American Cancer Society Initiative and its programs. Alpha wins, when Brothers help bring initiatives, like this one, into fruition.
Presented By: Mr. Jonathan Jones
PERSONAL CONSEQUENCES
(Convention Workshop #3) Attendance Recommended: Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
In these bleak economic times, solid advice is need now more than ever. In this fiscal workshop each attendee will receive a Life Folio Kit (A Lifetime Financial Organizer) and learn practical steps to establish life time financial security, build wealth, and achieve financial freedom. This workshop is designed for all ages and financial status. The vision is to empower our members with the ability to leave a legacy of wealth rather debt. Come map out your future!
Attendance Recommended: Chapters Representatives; Regional & District Coordinators Presented By: Mu Mu Lambda ChapterBrother David A. Lewis, President Planning and implementing an effective Beautillion isn’t as hard as it looks. Sure there are some daunting challenges, but think of the young lives you could change forever in the process! Come find out how to initiate this event, and learn what happens after a young man has participated in this extravagant and worthwhile event.
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Attendance Recommended: Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Blueprint for Financial Success: Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom
(Convention Workshop #1)
103 Anniversary Convention
(Convention Workshop #4)
This workshop will provide an outline of the components necessary in developing communities that will be sustainable into the midpoint of the 21st century utilizing well-defined principles and “best practices”.
Beautillion - The Right Way
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Developing Sustainable Communities Utilizing Smart Growth and FullSpectrum Housing Principles
Build a house on solid ground and not shifting sands, Brothers. This workshop will provide a general introduction to the concept and benefits of sound family estate planning, family business planning, and charitable contributions.
Presented By: Mr. Daniel Craddock, MPH, IMBA, Financial Services Representative
Attendance Recommended: Chapter Representatives, District and Regional Leaders
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
New Orleans, Louisiana
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July 15 –19, 2009
Protecting and Valuing Your Fraternal Experience (Convention Workshop #5) Attendance Recommended: Chapters Representatives; Regional & District Coordinators Presented By: Brothers Walter Kimbrough and Ellis Albright What does it mean to be a part of this Fraternity? If you have asked yourself this question and you seem to be at a loss for words, or you just want to get a general perspective on what other Brothers feel and think about our dear Fraternity, join us at this workshop, which is guaranteed to be fraternally enriching.
2009 ALUMNI BROTHERS OF THE YEAR Christopher Watkins Nicklaus A. Shoultz Dan Sims Don M. Thanars Cladius Wright
Eastern Region Midwestern Region Southern Region Southwestern Region Western Region
COLLEGE BROTHER WITH THE HIGHEST GPA Jarren Baldwin TBA Philip Anthony Gavin Galen Sanchez
Midwestern Region Southern Region Southwestern Region Western Region
COLLEGE CHAPTER WITH THE HIGHEST GPA
2009 COLLEGE BROTHERS OF THE YEAR Alpha Mu (Northwestern University) Andrew J. Oliver Robert Brown Curtis Chandler Larry Wesley Weston Mario Carrol
Eastern Region Midwestern Region Southern Region Southwestern Region Western Region
2008 ALUMNI CHAPTERS OF THE YEAR Epsilon Theta Lambda (Hamilton, Bermuda) Delta Epsilon Lambda (East St. Louis Illinois) Nu Mu Lambda (Decatur, GA) Alpha Sigma Lambda (Dallas, TX) Zeta Beta Lambda (Sacramento, CA)
Eastern Region Midwestern Region Southern Region
Theta Tau (Ketterington University) Gamma Upsilon (Tougaloo College) TBA Gamma Xi Chapter (University of California, Los Angeles)
Southern Region
Theta Alpha (Jarvis Christian College) Southwestern Region Gamma Xi Chapter (University of California, Los Angeles)
Western Region
BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL Alex Smith-Johnson
Eastern Region
Terrace Hamilton, Jr.
Midwestern Region
Brandon White Stevie C. Walker-Webb Brian Bailey
Southern Region Southwestern Region Western Region
MISS BLACK & GOLD Southwestern Region Western Region
Michelle Mbekeani
Eastern Region
Miss Jasmine Lee
MidwesternRegion
Vanessa Douyen
2009 COLLEGE CHAPTERS OF THE YEAR Theta Iota (Virginia Tech / Radford Universities)
Delta Alpha (Claflin University)
Midwestern Region
REGIONAL CONVENTION WINNERS
Regional Convention Winners
Eastern Region
Tiffany Charmise Larkin Miss. Joya Moore
Southern Region Southwestern Region Western Region
COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS BOWL Midwestern Region Southern Region Southwestern Region Western Region
CHARLES H. WESLEY AWARD
Nu (Lincoln University (PA)) Alpha Mu (Northwestern University) Kappa Theta Chapter (Vanderbilt Univ.) Texas Team (Epsilon Rho- Lamar Univ. and Tau Alpha - Baylor Univ.) Alpha Xi Chapter (University of Washington)
Eastern Region Midwestern Region Southern Region Southwestern Region
Western Region
STEP SHOW COMPETITION Zeta Lambda/Kappa Pi Epsilon Upsilon Lambda/Theta Tau Gamma Gamma Lambda/ Pi Alpha Epsilon Tau Lambda/ Eta Gamma
Eastern Region Midwestern Region Southern Region
Epsilon Pi (Norfolk State University) Delta Xi (Central State University) Alpha Phi (Clark Atlanta University)
Southwestern Region
Eta Mu (University of Houston) Iota Psi Chapter (Cal Poly Pomona)
Eta Pi Lambda/Iota Psi
Eastern Region Midwestern Region Southern Region Southwestern Region Western Region
Western Region
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
25
GENERAL CONVENTION ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
General Convention Activity Schedule WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2009 8:00 am-3:00 pm
Golf Outing
Offsite (Stonebridge)
8:00 am-8:20 am
Ribbon CuttingE. W. Bashful Lounge
9:00 am-3:00 pm
Board Of Directors Meeting
10:00 am-9:00 pm
Convention Registration
10:00 am-9:00 pm
Delegate Certification
South 1st Floor Registration
10:00 am-9:00 pm
E. W. Bashful Senior Brothers Lounge/Registration
Marlborough B
Welcome To New Orleans Reception
7:00 pm-Midnight
Awards Display Room Setup
Marlborough B
Xavier University
Hilton Riverside Health Fitness Center
Cambridge/Eglinton Winton
7:00 am-8:00 am
50 Million Pound Challenge State Farm® Fitness Morning Workout
3rd Floor Breezeway
7:30 am - 8:00 am
Devotional
^8:00 am-9:00 am
Morning Refreshments (Youth)
Windsor
*8:00 am-9:15 am
Morning Refreshments (Ladies)
Versailles
^8:00 am-5:00 pm
Youth Activities
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Convention Registration Open
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Delegate Certification
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Historic Display
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Awards Display Room
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Vendor Expo, C2C Career Fair Open
8:00 am-7:00 pm
E. W. Bashful Senior Brothers Lounge/Registration
8:00 am-8:30 am
Opening Plenary Session
Belle Chasse
Committee Meetings Training/Development Committee
South 1st Floor Registration
Grand Salon 6
National Arts & Humanities Advisory Council
Chequers/Prince Of Wales
Ascot
*1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Ladies Hospitality Room Open
^1:00 pm-6:00 pm
Youth Registration
1:00 pm-7:00 pm
Historic Display
1:00 pm-7:00 pm
Vendor Expo Hall Open
2:45 pm-4:15 pm
Inside Buffalo Documentary
Grand Salon 3
Military Processional/Posting Of Colors
2:45 pm-4:15 pm
Training Newly Appointed Regional Executive Directors
Grand Salon 6
Call To Order
2:45 pm-4:15 pm
Navigating Your Professional Journey
Grand Salon 9
Presiding Officer Greetings Southwestern Region Vice President
2:45 pm-4:15 pm
Training/Development Committee
Grand Salon 12
3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Eugene K. Jones Tennis Tournament
3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Committtee Meetings
Cambridge/ Eglinton Winton
Versailles
Hec B-C
Hilton Riverside Health Fitness Center
Art & Humanities Committee 3:00 pm-9:00 pm
Greivance & Discipline Committee
4:00 pm-6:00 pm
Committee Meetings
Brother Arthur Mcdade, III
Brother William Douglass Lyle Executive Director
Brother Andre Wagner Southwestern Region Assistant Vice President Brother Wayne Woods Louisiana District Director
Grand Salon 15
Brother Joshua Williams, Jr. Local Co-Chair
Grand Salon 7
Boy Scouts of America
Grand Salon 13
Adoption Of Agenda For 103rd Anniversary Convention
Election Committee
Grand Salon 18
Rules & Credentials Committee Report
Parent/Guardian Orientation (Youth Activities)
Grand Ballroom
Brother Reverend Dr. William E. Flippin, Sr.
Presentation Of Board Of Directors
Welcome
Marlborough B
Brother Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. General President
Invocation Convention Chaplain
Business/Economic Grand Salon 10 Development Committee Meeting
Windsor
Adoption Of Previous Convention & Board Minutes
Windsor
Close Session
Brother William Douglass Lyle
Brother Desmond M. Ables Committee Chairman Brother William Douglass Lyle
Brother Arthur Mcdade, III ■=Youth Events
26
103 Anniversary Convention
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Hec B - C
Windsor Chequers/Prince Of Wales
^6:00 pm-10:45 pm Youth Activities
Hec A
Grand Salon 12
Public Policy Committee
^5:00 pm-6:00 pm
Grand Ballroom
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2009
Hec A
^11:00 am-3:00 pm Youth Tennis Clinic
1:00 pm-2:30 pm
7:00 pm-10:00 pm
New Orleans, Louisiana
■
July 15 –19, 2009
▲Ladies Events
Presiding Officer
12:45 pm- 1:45 pm Committee Meetings
Brother Wilbur E. Jackson, Jr. Western Region Vice President
Presentation Of The General President State Of The Fraternity Address
Life Membership Committee
Burgundy
Intellectual Property Committee
Newberry
Membership Standards & Extenstions
Magnolia
Brother Darryl A. Peal Brother Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. General President
Close Session *9:30 am-11:00 am
Grand Ballroom
Brother Wilbur E. Jackson. Jr. Ladies Symposium Women Of The Civil Rights Movement
Internal Auditing Committee
Melrose
2:00 pm- 3:30 pm
Symposium“Alphas In Hollywood”
Grand Ballroom
*3:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Ladies SymposiumWomen In Higher Education
Jefferson
3:45 pm-5:00 pm
Second Business Session
Grand Salon
Jefferson
11:00 am-12:30 pm Committee Meetings Alpha Clergy Caucus
Burgundy
Reclamation Committee
Rosedown
Presiding Officer
Site Selection Committee
Suite
Health & Wellness Committee
Grand Salon 3
Organizational Effectiveness Committee
Marlborough A
Brother Mark S. Tillman Midwestern Region Vice President
Executive Director Report
Brother William Douglass Lyle Executive Director
Election Committee Report
Brother Thomas A. Phillips Committee Chairman
Nominations International Affairs Committee
Melrose
GENERAL CONVENTION ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
8:45 am - 10:30 am First Business Session
Candidate Speeches 11:00 am-12:30 pm Workshops Committee Reports Business/Economic Development
Committee Chairs (As Time Allows)
Belle Chasse
Developing Sustainable Communities
Elmwood
General Treasurer Candidate Forum
Leadership Fundamentals (C2C)
Grand Salon 4
Close Session
Beautillion The Right Way
Grand Salon 6
7:00 pm-10:00 pm
Public Program
10:00 pm-Until
New Orleans HospitalityMotown Review
Protecting And Valuing Your Fraternity Experience Sba Certification (C2C) 11:00 am-12:30pm
Inside Buffalo Documentary
11:00am-1:45 pm
Collegiate Scholars BowlPreliminary
*11:30 am-12:00 pm Ladies-Book Signing
Newberry
Grand Ballroom Sportsvue (Offsite )
Ascot
FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2009
Jasperwood Oak Alley
7:00 am-8:00 am
50 Million Pound ChallengeState Farm® Fitness Morning Workout
3rd Floor Breezeway
7:00 am-8:15 am
O. Wilson Winters Life Membership Breakfast
7:15 am-8:15 am
Budget and Finance Committee Meeting
7:30 am-6:00 pm
Convention Registration Open
7:30 am-6:00 pm
Delegate Certification
South 1st Floor Registration
7:30 am-6:00 pm
E. W. Bashful Senior Brothers Lounge/Registration
Marlborough B
7:30 am-8:30 am
Committee Meetings
Napoleon Foyer
*12:00 pm-2:30 pm Ladies Luncheon
Napoleon
12:30 pm-1:45pm
Versailles
Whitehouse Inititaive Luncheon
Brother Mark S. Tillman
Grand Salon A
Nepoleon
12:45 pm- 1:45 pm Convention Workshops What You Should Know About Oral Cancer Maximizing The Partnership With March Of Dimes
Grand Salon 3
Leadership Development
Belle Chasse
University Of Phoenix
Jasperwood Alpha’s In The Academy
Blueprint For Financial Success
Grand Salon 6
Elmwood Ascot
Building Foundation Abercrombie & Fitch (C2C)
Grand Salon 4
High Blood Pressure In Men
Grand Salon 6
Thy Will Be Done
Hec A
Rosedown
College Brothers Affairs
Newberry
American Cancer Society Initiatives
Magnolia
Ascot Oratorical Committee ■=Youth Events
Grand Salon 4 ▲Ladies Events
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ■ 2009 Report of the Officers & Committees
27
GENERAL CONVENTION ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
Historical Commission Committee
Versaille
Human Resources Committee
10:25 am-11:55 am Committee Meetings
Rosedown
Military Affairs Committee
Housing Committee Meeting
Jasperwood
National Archives Committee
Commission On Racial Justice
Melrose
Rituals And Ceremonies Committee
Elmwood
Senior Alpha Affairs Committee
Napoleon
8:00 am- 8:30 am
Devotional
^8:00 am-9:00 am
Morning Refreshments(Youth)
Windsor
*8:00 am-9:00 am
Morning Refreshments (Ladies)
Versaille
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Historic Display
Chequers/Prince Of Wales
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Awards Display
Cambridge/Eglinton Winton
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Vendor Expo, C2C Career Fair Open
Hec B-C
8:30 am -10:15 am Third Business Session
Grand Ballroom
Ascot
10:25 am-11:55 am General Presidents Book Signing
Newberry
Grand Ballroom Foyer
12:00 pm-1:45pm
Fraternal Luncheon
Grand Salon
1:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Voting Polls (Open)
Warwick
2:00 pm-3:30 pm
SymposiumAlphas’ Health & Wellness
3:45 pm-5:00 pm
SymposiumGrand Ballroom Alpha/Exxon Mobile Energy Panel
4:00pm- 5:00 pm
Collegiate Scholars Bowl Finals
5:00 pm-6:00 pm
Regional Caucuses
Belle Chasse
Presiding Officer
Eastern Region Caucus
Grand Ballroom
Jefferson
Grand Salons 13-18
Midwestern Region Caucus
Brother Dennis G. Kemp, Sr. Eastern Region Vice President
Southern Region Caucus
Grand Salons 7-12 Grand Salons 1-6
Southwestern Region Caucus Grand Salons 21-24 General Comptroller Report
Brother Frank A. Jenkins General Comptroller
General Treasurer Report
Western Region Caucus
Brother George N. Reaves General Treasurer
Budget & Finance Committee Report Committee Chairman
7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Brother Frank Humphrey
Miss Black & Gold Pageant & Napoleon Ballroom, Reunion of Former Queens Melrose
10:00 pm-12:00 am National Step Show Competition 12:00 am-2:00 am
Internal Auditing Committee Report
Jefferson
After Party
Grand Ballroom Grand Salon B -C
Brother Hyacinth C. Ahuruonye Committee Chairman
Close Session
Brother Dennis G. Kemp, Jr.
^9:00 am-5:00 pm
Youth Activities
*9:00 am-5:00 pm
Ladies Activities
New Orleans Sites Offsite
10:25 am-11:55 am Convention Workshops Research The Web For Health Implementing The ACS Initiative Programs (AU)
Rosedown Magnolia
National Partnership Initiatives (AU)
Belle Chasse
Employment Opportunities with The FBI (C2C)
Jasperwood
Abercrombie & Fitch (C2C)
Elmwood
Navigating Your Professional Journey (AU)
Napoleon
The Fulbright Experience The Brother’s Keeper Series
Melrose Grand Salon 6
College Brother Caucuses
Versailles
Is The Progressive Wellness CCRC Lifestyle Right For You
Oak Alley
■=Youth Events
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103 Anniversary Convention
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New Orleans, Louisiana
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July 15 –19, 2009
▲Ladies Events
7:00 am-8:00 am
50 Million Pound ChallengeState Farm® Fitness Morning Workout
3rd Floor Breezeway
7:30 am-8:00 am
Devotional
Belle Chasse
*8:00 am-9:15 am
Morning Refreshments (Ladies)
Versaille
^8:00 am-9:15 am
Morning Refreshments (Youth)
Windsor
8:00 am-10:00 am
Symposium“From The High Chair To Higher Education”
Grand Ballroom
8:00 am-4:30 pm
E. W. Bashful Senior Brothers Lounge/Registration
Marlborough B
8:00 am-4:30 pm
Convention Registration Open
Hec A
8:00 am-4:30 pm
Delegate Certification
Committee Report
Committee Chairman
Ritual & Ceremonies Committee Report
Brother Russell Flye Committee Chairman
National Commission On Racial Justice
Alexander Pope Committee Chairman
Senior Alpha Affairs Committee Report
Brother Sylvester L. Shannon Committee Chairman
Site Selection Committee Report
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Historic Display
Chequers/Prince Of Wales
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Awards Display
Cambridge/Eglinton Winton
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Vendor Expo, C2C Career Fair Open
9:00 pm-11:00 pm
Brother Everett B. Ward Black & Gold Gala Dinner
Grand Salon
Black & Gold Gala Dinner (Overflow)
Napoleon Ballroom
Daughters Of Alpha
8:30 am-10:30 am
Ecumenical Service
Grand Ballroom
12:30 pm-5:00 pm
Board Meeting
Alpha Community Health Fair
Xavier University
12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Vendor
10:00 am-10:45 am BVL Oratorical Holding Room
Burgundy
12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Historic Exhibit
10:00 am-4:00 pm
11:00 am-11:45 am BVL Oratorical Competition College Brothers Luncheon
12:00 pm-2:00pm
Student Luncheon/Workshop
2:00 pm-2:45 pm
Omega Services
2:45 pm-5:00 pm
Final Business Session
Rules & Credentials Committee Update
Awards & Achievement Committee Report
Grand Salon
Brother Everett B. Ward Southern Region Vice President Brother Desmond M. Ables Committee Chairman Brother Clifton Johnson Committee Chairman
Norman Towels Committee Chairman
Life Membership
Charles P. Loeb, III Committee Chairman
Membership Standards & Extensions Committee Report
Chequers/Prince Of Wales
Grand Salon
Historical Commission
MLK Foundation & Internal Fundraising Committee Report
Hec B-C
Versaille
Antonio Johnson Committee Chairman
Grievance & Discipline Committee Report
Belle Chasse
Grand Salon
Human Resources
Education Foundation Report
Grand Ballroom
Grand Ballroom
12:00 pm-1:45 pm
Presiding Officer
Grand Ballroom
SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2009
Hec B-C
10:00 am-10:45 am Tied To Greatness Ceremony
Brother Maurice Jenkins Committee Chairman
Close Session 6:30 pm- 8:45 pm
South 1st Floor Registration
Brother Zollie Stevenson
GENERAL CONVENTION ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
Organizational Effectiveness
SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2009
Brother Ralph Johnson Foundation Chairman Brother Hervery B. O. Young, Esq. Committee Chairman Brother Frank Russell Committee Chairman Brother Melvin M. Stroble, Sr. Committee Chairman ■=Youth Events
▲Ladies Events
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ■ 2009 Report of the Officers & Committees
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NATIONAL PAN HELLENIC COUNCIL
National Pan Hellenic Council
Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. Thirty-Third General President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc 1906
Barbara A. Mckinzie * Centennial International President Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 1908
Dwayne M. Murray, Esq Grand Polemarch Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc 1911
Warren G. Lee, Jr. ** Grand Basileus Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. 1911
Cynthia M.A. Butler-Mcintyre 24th National President Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 1913
Paul L. Griffin, Jr. International President Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 1914
Sheryl Underwood 23rd International President Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated 1920
Joann G. Loveless International Grand Basileus Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. 1922
Larry D. Frasier 19th International Grand Polaris Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. 1963
*Chair, Nphc Council Of Presidents ** Vice Chair, Nphc Council Of Presidents
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DENISE SMITH (1976) As a child, Denise became aware that her inherent worth and dignity were rooted in a divine nature. As a student, she learned that seeds of greatness only grow in souls cultivated to receive them. As an educator, she encourages her students to: • rise to their highest potential • use critical thinking along with compassion • develop confidence in their ability to learn and grow • enjoy dreaming • play games, work, and laugh Denise is a retired teacher from the Atlanta Public School System where she taught grades K through 4, and taught in the Early Intervention Program. Currently, she is studying Intercultural Communications at Kennesaw State University. Whether exploring ethnic foods, volunteering, writing, choreographing, listening to music. or studying philosophy, Denise has been described as perceptive, expressive, insightful, thoughtful, supportive, and imaginative.
CHERYL PEARSON-MCNEIL (1982) With more than two decades of corporate, nonprofit, television, communityand government-relations experience – Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is a dynamic communications strategist who has helped build brand awareness and managed business reputations with award-winning results. As adept in community environments as she is in corporate America, Cheryl has worked with local and national political figures, media executives, and other decisionmakers – and has a reputation for not only leading diverse teams, and serving as a corporate spokesperson but achieving sustainable results. In 2009, Cheryl became senior vice president of public affairs /government relations at The Nielsen Company. Her responsibilities include widening the scope and improving the effectiveness of Nielsen’s government, community and corporate-responsibility programs and initiatives. Cheryl joined The Nielsen Company, the world’s leading market research organization, in 2004. Previously, she was director of station relations for NBC’s Chicago affiliate WMAQ-TV and press secretary for former Chicago city treasurer Miriam Santos. Cheryl helped establish marketing/PR departments for multimillion-dollar nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area,
including the Girl Scouts, YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. She is a much-sought after speaker, has won numerous industry awards, featured in several national, regional and local magazines, was named one of America’s 25 Influential Black Women by The Network Journal; and is also profiled in Who’s Who in Black Chicago. Cheryl earned her BA in public relations at Purdue University, and her MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management.
VERNITA FERGUSON DORE (1983)
FORMER MS. BLACK AND GOLD
Former Ms. Black and Gold
A native of Beaufort, South Carolina, Vernita Ferguson Dore is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, Columbia where earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in Journalism. She began her employment with the federal government in 1984 as a Presidential Career Intern with the Department of Army where she worked as a Management Analyst. In 1987, she accepted a position with the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and progressed in her career from Assistant County Supervisor to the top field position. Now serving as Area Director, she oversees multi-million dollar portfolios for Business and Industry, Rural Utilities, Community Facilities, Multi-Family and Single Family Housing direct and guaranteed loan and grant programs. Ms. Dore is the daughter of Mr. John Ferguson, Sr. and the late Martha J. Ferguson of Beaufort, and is married to Louis O. Dore. They have two daughters, Angela, a sophomore at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and Candace, a freshman at Beaufort High School. She is actively involved in her community and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the BeaufortJasper Higher Education Commission, South Carolina Women’s Connection and BNCC Society of Christian Women. She is a member of the National Association of Credit Specialists and the Nu Delta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her lifelong passion is to work with and help young people in rural America with limited resources to access education for self improvement.
T’KEYAH CRYSTAL KEYMÁH (1984) An accomplished performer, writer, director and producer. She has starred as a series regular in six television shows including In Living Color, Waynehead, Cosby, and That’s So Raven. In a handful of films and more than fifty the-
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
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and design at an early age of 6, which are vital skills in her designing endeavors. “Learning garment construction, etiquette, table settings, food preparation, traveling and the art of get up and go were everyday activities in our family,” Rachelle says.
atrical productions, Keymáh has also performed on three continents and throughout the US. Her TV appearances can be seen worldwide. Behind the camera, she has directed for stage and television, produced three independent films and currently has a music project and two films in development. She enjoys public speaking especially to young audiences, supports many charitable organizations and has active lifetime memberships with the NAACP and Delta Sigma Theta Public Service Sorority, Inc. A vegetarian for more than twenty years, she is also an activist for civil rights and the environment. Keymáh is the author of the book version of her award winning theatrical show, Some of My Best Friends, and the popular coffee table book on natural hairstyles, Natural Woman / Natural Hair. In addition to being crowned (Beta Nu, Florida, Alpha South and) National Ms. Black & Gold 1984, she also holds the titles of Miss Black Illinois and 1st Runner-Up to Miss Black America 1985. For more information on T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh, check out her website, www.tkeyah.com
Rachelle also listens to many stories from her uncles and aunts about growing up at a time when African Americans had many hurdles to overcome. “I don’t see bitterness or anger. I see a family that is strong, proud, works well together and is full of faith which enables us to continue to strive for and conquer the best,” she said. Rachelle said that despite the odds, all of her family members still became successful. By witnessing that, she quickly eliminated words such as “no” and “can’t” from her vocabulary. “ Whatever I’m passionate about I strive to give my all,” Rachelle said. Today, she seeks to encourage others through her motivational speaking. Rachelle is often invited to speak to entrepreneur forums, students, business classes, women’s groups, and conferences.
RACHELLE JAMERSON-HOLMES (1986) In 1992, fashion designer, Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes decided to bring a relaxing and exotic boutique to Orangeburg. She purchased the yellow house in the heart of downtown on the corner of Middleton and Fischer Streets and named it Rachelle’s Island. Rachelle’s Island began out of a desire to create a boutique with a unique island atmosphere.
She approaches everything with a smile and an attitude that negative things can always improve. “There is so much negative in the world. I concentrate on the positive. If I can brighten the day of those around me, my heart is gladdened,” she says. Rachelle takes pride in giving people an escape from their daily lives, whether it’s at her boutique or by fulfilling a much-needed mini or dream vacation anywhere in the world.
Now that her vision has materialized and expanded into a brick and mortar travel agency, Island Cruises and Tours and a beautiful bed and breakfast, Thee Matriarch, Rachelle continues to raise the bar.
She said giving people “renewed energy and relaxation” is far more rewarding than working a conventional job where efforts are traditionally unappreciated and underpaid.
She wants her businesses to play an eminent role in the downtown Orangeburg’s resurgence.
She continues to work hard and move forward with plans for new and exciting ventures.
In 2001 she purchased the two houses adjacent to Rachelle’s Island on Fischer St with the expectation of renovating them into additional avenues of revitalizing the downtown area.
Currently, Rachelle’s Island is having a clearance sale to give the boutique a face-lift and create a new online shopping experience.
“Ambience is very important to me and the old homes have a story to tell,” she said.
Every third Tuesday of the month, she hosts a fun community event at Thee Matriarch called “Top Chef Tuesdays”. A plethora of entertainment for both the palate and the mind, Top Chef Tuesdays features chefs, pastry chefs, authors, artists, entertainers, and various vendors that showcase their work. This monthly chef show-down allows the community to sample savory bites of great food, desserts, and beverages prepared by the featured chefs and the community votes at the end of the year for the chef and pastry chef to be crowned “Top Chef Tuesday Chef of The Year”.
She opened Thee Matriarch Bed and Breakfast in September 2007. Her future plans are to renovate the house between Rachelle’s Island and Thee Matriarch. The inspiration for her business savvy came from her family. Rachelle said “My family taught me through their daily lives and strong work ethics that you can do anything you want if you work hard and work smart.” She used to accompany her grandmother, Lillie J. Limehouse, on many trips. Mrs. Limehouse, a home economist with the 1890 Extension Service at South Carolina State University, taught Rachelle how to sew
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Rachelle has also launched “Events for Causes”, an initiative that highlights awareness and raises revenue to assist the needs of individuals and entities in the commu-
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Her love for travel fueled Rachelle’s decision to open her travel agency, Island Cruises and Tours, Inc. She is a certified international travel agent as well as a certified Sandals specialist with the ultra all-inclusive Sandals and Beaches resorts. Island Cruises and Tours arranges travel for businesses, groups, churches and individuals for every facet of travel. Thee Matriarch is renovated century-old home previously owned by Ross Ayers. Rachelle, utilizing her first love of fashion and designing, created a gorgeous rental facility and 3 relaxing accommodations in which she uniquely named, designed and themed each room. Prior to opening her businesses here in Orangeburg, Rachelle lived in New York where she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and won numerous awards there. In 1990 she was named Hennessy Cognac Designer of the Year and later captured the National Council of Negro Women Service Award. Among many other honors, in 1999 Rachelle was named the National Female Entrepreneur of the Year by the Department of Commerce in Washington D.C. and in the same year won the BB&T Trailblazer Award. During her time in New York, Rachelle produced a show titled, “The Hottest Show Off Broadway.” “I brought the show home to Orangeburg for three years and after the 1992 show, I opened the store for 90 days so clients could purchase my designs and I’ve been here since….” An Orangeburg native Rachelle graduated from Orangeburg Wilkinson High School in 1984. From there, she took her education to Winthrop University and obtained a Bachelors degree in fashion design and merchandising in only three years. Back in Orangeburg, Rachelle’s penchant for capturing accolades and honors continues. In August 2007, she was featured in Success from Home magazine and in October 2008 she was featured in Your Business at Home magazine. She is also a past president of the Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association. Rachelle married her husband, Fred in Zimbabwe, Africa in 2005. She says there is just something special about having a vision and watching it come to life. It’s a philosophy that Rachelle happily passes to others with a smile, of course. “I believe the world is yours….Explore it,” she says.
SEMORA T. JOHNS-SMITH (1988) Once having held the title of Miss Black & Gold 1988, she currently holds the title of Mrs. Semora T. Johns-Smith – wife of Mr. Joseph L. Smith, Jr. and mother of two beautiful daughters, D’Jenne and Demi. Since wearing the distinguished crown, she has held several titles including two additional national titles: “Miss World” (National Elks Assoc.), and “Miss Black Collegiate Alumni Hall of Fame.” These titles and others granted her the opportunity to perform with many renowned celebrities: Jo Marie Payton (Family Matters), Janet’ DuBois’ (Good Times), Kim Fields (Living Single), and Marla Gibbs (227) to name a few. She also performed in the Aquarius Theatre (Home of the Original Star Search) in Los Angeles, CA.
FORMER MS. BLACK AND GOLD
nity. During the holiday season, Events for Causes hosted events to benefit both CASA/Family Systems and The Orangeburg Attention Home for boys and girls.
Semora, a Georgia native, has received two state medals from the Georgia Music Education Association and she received a Bachelors’ Degree in Music from Albany State University. She has performed across the country exuberating class, style, skill, and energy – all in “one stop.” Her exciting vocal style brings a mixture of smooth R&B, contemporary jazz and pure soul. For nearly 10 years she choreographed dance performances for the university dance line and from 1992-94 she performed as a “Nets Girl” NBA Cheerleader for the New Jersey Nets. She is currently a manager in the Office of Strategic Planning and Evaluation with the American Chemical Society of Washington, D.C. She is the Program Chair of the Staff Council and V. P. of Public Relations for the MStreet Toastmasters International Club. She is a member of the People’s Community Baptist Church of Silver Spring where she is the Director of the Young Voices of Praise. She attends DeVry University where she is studying for a Masters of Project Management. She is the visionary of Sunny Dee’s Talent Services, a music unit providing professional music services for corporate and political engagements in the metro-DC community.
DONYA SARTOR (1990) A native of Ft. Benning Georgia, is the past 1990 Miss National Black and Gold. Her reign began as Miss Black and Gold for Mu Alpha Chapter at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Donya received her Bachelor’s degree from Emory University and went onto to receive her Masters and Teaching Certification in Special Education from Clark Atlanta University. After working in classroom for more than 12 years, Donya completed her Doctorate in Education from Georgia State University. Currently, Donya works as an Assistant Coordinator for Federal Programs with The Clayton County Public School Systems. In addition, she owns a training and consulting
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firm, Sovereign Training Solutions. She provides educational training and professional development in the field of education throughout the countryShe is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She resides in Jonesboro, Georgia with her 15 year old son, Jordan. She enjoys cooking, traveling, and gardening.
NATHALIE (NIKKI) GODFREY (1999) A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Godfrey is a summa cum laude graduate of Southern University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications in 2000. She then was awarded a post-graduate fellowship and went on to receive a Master of Science degree with honors in broadcast journalism from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University.
ERICA DAVIS (1992) 1992 Miss Black and Gold, 1993 Miss Black Texas, Graduate of Texas A&M University BA in Journalism, Inaugural NFL Houston Texans Cheerleader, Served as Dance Director for the WNBA’S Houston Comets, Worked successfully in radio sales for 10 years with Clear Channel Radio and Cox Radio…currently Top Producer in Real Estate selling new construction in Houston for Ryland Homes. Spends time sharing her experiences with young women through motivational and inspirational speaking, loves to minister Praise through Dance Ministry and served as Praise Dance Director for Grace Restoration Church, Mother of 1 son, Evan. My experience as Miss Black and Gold and later as a Miss Black and Gold pageant coordinator and trainer was a treasured and highly valuable experience that helped prepare me and propel me on towards fantastic opportunities, great memories and lasting friendships.
Following her tenure at Syracuse, Godfrey began her accomplished career at ESPN. Nikki has grown from her start as an intern to be named one of the first AfricanAmerican female Executive Directors of a major collegiate sporting event. Her responsibilities include managing an HBCU football event, overseeing operations for an NCAA bowl game and supervising two collegiate basketball events that feature NCAA tournament teams. In addition, Godfrey’s work on various projects, including numerous Heisman Trophy presentations and several NFL Drafts, has been nationally recognized. Nikki is honored that she is able to touch the community through her work and most proud of her outreach efforts across the country that include high school educational seminars, health fairs and career expos. A sought after speaker, Godfrey, a resident of Tampa Bay, Florida, is the proud mother of a two-year-old son. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Women in Cable and Telecommunications, the National Association of Multiethinicities in Cable and Golden Key National Honor Society. Nikki is also a proud graduate of the much sought after St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Leadership St. Petersburg program.
KIMBERLY CAMPBELL (BUCK) (1993) Legislative Experience: 2008-present Education: Mississippi State University, B.A. Auburn University, M.A. University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D.
As a pioneering woman in the sports industry, Godfrey is the owner of Miracles in Motion Special Events, a boutique charity management and event firm. In her spare time, Godfrey, who was a professional cheerleader, enjoys modern and liturgical dancing and volunteering.
Occupation: Attorney and Adjunct Professor Committee Membership: · Local and Private Legislation - Vice-Chair · Conservation and Water Resources · Education · Judiciary B · Judiciary En Banc · Municipalities · Universities and Colleges
KHALIA JELKS-GRAY (2000) Los Angeles-born, New York-groomed, Miami-tested and a current resident of Atlanta, Khalia Jelks-Gray continues to command the spotlight. From the hallowed halls of Florida Memorial University (B.S. Business Administration) and Nova Southeastern University (MBA, International Business); to the glimmering stages of various beauty pageants, Khalia has been successful in every endeavor. Currently, she is a Managing Partner of CKG Talent, Inc., a full service business consulting firm in Atlanta, GA; and the Founder / Artistic Director of Trinity Praise Dance Company based in Miami, FL. Khalia has also recently launched her own clothing line – Jannique Apparel, and continues to find
Representative Buck is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, and Junior League of Jackson. Born January 13, 1972 in Jackson, Mississippi. Representative Buck is married to State Representative Kelvin Buck and is of the Methodist faith.
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CELESTE ALEXANDER (2002) Celeste Alexander is a mathematics teacher in the Delta region of Arkansas. She believes education is the key to success and encourages her students to adopt this philosophy. She motivates other students in Arkansas through her STAR Student Workshops. Celeste graduated with honors from Pine Bluff High School earning the distinction of class salutatorian. As a National Merit Semi-finalist, she matriculated to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock as a Donaghey Scholar and continued academic excellence by graduating summa cum laude with dual degrees in Mathematics and Radio/TV/Film. She was honored to be the valedictorian of UALR's 2003 graduating class becoming the recipient of UALR's Whitbeck Memorial Award. Celeste continued her education at the University of Arkansas at Monticello where she earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching. Currently, Celeste is a doctoral candidate at Pepperdine University pursuing a degree in educational technology. Celeste enjoys many hobbies including singing, dancing, acting, modeling, and playing classical piano. She loves to perform and can often be seen on stages throughout central Arkansas.
SHANNEN COLEMAN (2003) Shannen Coleman was the 2003 National Miss Black and Gold, representing Alpha Delta Chapter and the Western Region. She attended the University of Southern California and majored in Communication. While an undergrad, Shannen was committed to gaining new experiences; she joined the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Inc. Iota Beta chapter, studied abroad, and participated in USC President Steven Sample's leadership class. Upon graduating Cum Laude from USC, Shannen had the honor of participating and representing the brothers of Alpha Delta, the Western region, and all of the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha as the National Miss Black and Gold. During the pageant, Shannen promised to commit her professional career to urban education. She upheld her promise by joining Teach for America and working as a second grade teacher in Baltimore, MD. While teaching, she earned her master's degree in Education. She then created a pilot curriculum for all 2nd grade teachers in Baltimore City, worked as an Academic Coach to support teachers and was nominated for the national Teacher of the Year Award for Teach for America.
She remains committed to educating and impacting youth as the current Academic Director of Child First Authority and BUILD (Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development). Here, she oversees the academic curriculum development and implementation throughout school sites in Baltimore City. With BUILD, a community organizing organization, Shannen helps lead education organizing on local and state levels. Her latest success has been leading the curriculum development for Child First after school programs and Baltimore City Schools with the Orioles. She also leads the Baltimore Education Coalition that brings together Baltimore organizations and businesses to advocate and act for Baltimore students, which most recently solidified $35 million from the state's budget to Baltimore schools. She would like to thank the distinguished gentleman of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for honoring her and including her in their 103rd Anniversary Convention.
FORMER MS. BLACK AND GOLD
ways to empower women toward excellence in beauty and business.
SHAVONNE JOHNSON (2004) Shavonne Johnson, originally from Oklahoma City, OK, served as the 2004-2005 National Miss Black and Gold of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Ms. Johnson is currently an Associate in the Private Equity Funds Group in Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s investment banking division, where she has served in various capacities in both the New York and London offices. In accordance with her professional, philanthropic, and personal goals, Ms. Johnson is an avid runner and fundraiser for the National Aids Foundation and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In conjunction with these efforts, Ms. Johnson recently completed her sixth marathon at a personal best of 3 hours and 45 minutes at the New York Marathon and has raised $10,000 in total running marathons for charitable causes. A graduate of the University of Southern California, Ms. Johnson majored in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. As a valedictorian of her high school class, she received USC’s full tuition Trustee’s Scholarship and gained early entrance into the Marshall School of Business as a Business Scholar.
ABEO JACKSON (2005) Abeo Jackson Has been involved in the performing arts from the tender age of 3. Her love affair with ‘stage’ began as she made her ‘toddler debut’ with the Les Enfants Dance Company based in San Fernando, Trinidad, of which she has remained a member and supporter for the last 22 years. Her journey as an artist has been colored by the diverse rhythms of her twin island birth place Trinidad and Tobago, the jazz of New Orleans while attending Dillard University and the bohemianism of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia while attending Dickinson College from
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which she has since graduated with a BA in Theatre Arts, concentration in Acting/ Directing and Minor Emphases in Dance and Mass Communications.
involved herself with organizations such as the Counseling Club and the Lambda Nu chapter of the National Counseling Honors Society, Chi Sigma Iota and received the John Dewey Van Buren Endowment Scholarship for the 2005-2006 academic year.
Abeo is now based in Trinidad and is working feverishly as an actor, choreographer, dancer and teacher. She is presently doing main stage productions with some of the most renowned directors and artists in Trinidad and Tobago. Most recently, she concluded work on choreography for a local staging of the Wizard Of Oz as well as for the Gala Opening of the Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week. She now gets ready to start on The Little Mermaid premiering in Trinidad at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain this coming August, while also working on the launch of a new cable series: TEMPO Premiers happening in Trinidad, mid June.
It was during her graduate program that Rachelle found support, service, and confidence in the Black and Gold Pageant. In 2006, Rachelle became Miss Black and Gold for the Xi Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Throughout the 2006-2007 year, Rachelle became Miss NYACOA, Miss Alpha East, and with great honor, the 2007-2008 National Miss Black and gold for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Towards the end of her reign, she was awarded the 2007 Xi Psi Chapter Woman of the Year.
RACHELLE R. VALLON (2007)
In 2007, Rachelle received a Masters of Science in Education with a specialization in School Counseling. That same year, she began her career as a High School Counselor in a charter School in the Bronx, NY where she continues to work. For two years, Rachelle has provided counseling services to the special needs and at risk populations, coordinated the first annual college awareness day, became internship supervisor, co-advisor for the Student Advisory Council, and teacher of dance for sophomore physical education.
Rachelle Regine Vallon was born and raised in New York City. After graduating high school from The Calhoun School in 2001, Rachelle went on to study psychology at Hofstra University in Long Island, NY. Although she only minored in dance, Rachelle realized her passion of dance along with the desire to support minority adolescents through counseling. While participating in Faculty Dance Concerts, Rachelle also received recognition on the Deans’ List for the 2004 and 2005 Spring Semesters.
Currently, Rachelle lives in Chestnut Ridge, NY. She is currently applying to several local universities to begin a Ph.D. program in School-Community Psychology this upcoming academic year. In September 2009, she will participate in the Big Brother Big Sister Race for the Kids and looks forwards to nourishing her additional passion, dance, through continued choreography opportunities and dance classes.
In May 2005, Rachelle graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Immediately following, she entered the Masters of Science in Education program at Hofstra University. During her graduate studies, Rachelle
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1970 Hon. A. Leon Higginbotham
1952 Bro. Thurgood Marshall Bro. Eugene Kinckle Jones Garrett Morgan
1971 Muhammed Ali Bro. Roscoe Cartwright
1953 Bro. Archibald J. Carey Dr. Rufus Clement
Bro. Samuel Gravely
1954 Dr. Marry McLeod Bethune (merit) Bro. Rayford W. Logan 1955 Dr. T. R. M. Howard (merit) Bro. John H. Johnson 1956 Bro. Martin Luther King, Jr. Arthur Shores 1957 Roy Wilkins Austin T. Walden 1958 Sidney Jones Ms. Marion Anderson 1959 President William V. S. Tubman (honor) Bro. James W. Parker (merit- consistently active for 50yrs) John Howard Morrow 1960 Bro. Adam Clayton Powell (honor) Bro. Dr. Aaron Brown(merit) 1961 Bro Lester B Granger Hon. W. M. G Halm
1972 Bro. Eddie Robinson Damon Keith Robert Brown
1975 Bro. Lowell Perry Bro. Maynard Jackson
1997 Bro. Andrew Young Bro. Dr. Thomas Winston Cole
1976 Hon. William Tolbert Franklyn Williams
1998 Bro. Henry H. Brown Bro. Huel D. Perkins
1977 Bro. William T. Coleman Henry “Hank” Aaron
1999 Bro. Emmett W. Bashful Bro. Frank A. Dee Bro. Hobart Sidney Jarrett
1978 Hon. Constance Baker Motley 1979 Bro. Lionel H. Newsome 1980 Bro. Richard Arrington Albert T. Holland, Jr. Hon. Parren Mitchell 1981 Bro. Albert T. Holland, Jr.
1963 Bro. Edward Brooke (honor) Franklyn Williams
1983 Bro. T. J. Jemison Roland Burris
1964 Bro Floyd McKissick Pres. John F. Kennedy
1984 Bro. Julian Dixon 1985 Bro. William H. Gray III
1968 Bro. Wyatt Tee Walker Henry G. Parks 1969 Bro. Theodore Berry Hon. Barbara Jordan
1995 Bro. Charles Teamer Bro. John Hope Franklin 1996 Bro. Dr. Thomas Pawley, III Bro. James R. Williams
1982 Bro. Malvin R. Goode Hon. Tom Bradley
1966 Thurgood Marshall
1994 Bro. Ozell Sutton Bro. Dennis Archer Ms. Alexis M. Herman
1973 Bro. Robert W. Harrison (merit) Bro. Eugene D. Jackson (honor)
1962 Bro. Whitney M Young (honor) Bro. Harry W. Richardson
1965 Pepsi Cola Company Bro. Charles H. Wesley
1993 Bro. Edward Brooke Bro. Eddie Robinson Lionel B. Ritchie, Jr.
1986 Bro. Ernest N. Morial Randall Robinson
2000 Bro. Lee P. Brown Bro. Milton C. Davis Bro. Maynard Jackson Bro. Marc H. Morial Bro. Henry Ponder 2001 Bro. Norman C. Francis Bro. Roderick D. Gillum Bro. Joe Samuel Ratliff 2003 Bro. Adrian L. Wallace Bro. James “Tiny” Blanton Bro. William F. Pickard 2005 Bro. Horace Dawson Bro. Ernest L. Holloway Bro. Robert “Bob” Willis
1989 Bro. Louis Sullivan
2007 Bro. Alfred C. Bailey Bro. Harry E. Johnson Harris Rosen Bro. Dr. Joseph E. Heyward
1992 Bro. Rev. Cecil L. Murray Bro. Augustus M. Witherspoon
2008 Bro. Sylvester Lorenzo Shannon, Ph.D Soledad O’Brien
1987 Bro. Walter Washington
HONOR AND MERIT
ALPHA AWARD MERIT & HONOR AWARD RECIPIENTS
OF
On account of the difficulty of appraising the full value of leadership and attainment in a democracy, and in order to determine some standards of selection, the following conditions, in general, for these awards must be met. The recipients and successful candidates shall have (a.) The courage, vision, wisdom and independence of thought and action which characterizes the best leadership in American life; (b.) They shall be representative of the intellectual and spiritual attainments and loyalties to the high ideals of liberal culture for which loyalty Alpha Phi Alpha has stood through the years; (c.)They shall have attained a distinctive place in productive scholarship and professional activity in their chosen field; (d.) They shall have carried in their heart and life the welfare of the descendants of Africa; and have made life for them fuller of opportunity and richer with dignity and inspiration through their ideas, ideals, and work.
THE ALPHA AWARD
QUALIFICATIONS
OF
In 1952 the General Convention established The Alpha Award of Honor and The Alpha Award of Merit. (History-334) these have become by tradition and practice our greatest awards. Initially the awardees were chosen by a committee headed by the venerable brother Taliaferro (Tolly) Harris. At some point in our history the selection became a function of the office of the General President. In recent years The Award of Honor has been presented to nonmembers and The Award of Merit to members.
HISTORY
History of The Alpha Award of Honor and Merit
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
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THE ALPHA AWARD
The Alpha Award of Honor and Merit Winners
OF
HONOR AND MERIT WINNERS
Roger Youmans As a Summerfield Scholar and varsity tennis player at the University of Kansas, Brother Roger did more than his part for integration years before the Civil Rights movement gained momentum when he was initiated into Upsilon chapter in 1953. The youngest of six children, he grew up in Kansas City, Kansas with the dream of becoming a medical doctor. He graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School in 1958, and before completing his surgical residency, took a leave of absence to direct a mission bush hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1961-62. He went on to study French and tropical medicine in Belgium, and then returned with his wife and children to Congo. He worked 18 months as the only doctor (and the only foreign family) in the Wembo Nyama Hospital in the heart of Congo. After serving as an assistant professor of surgery and director of the emergency service at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 1967. Three years later, he returned to Congo as the Chief of Staff of the 2,000-bed Kinshasa General Hospital, later renamed the Mama Yemo Hospital in honor of President Mobutu's mother. Over the next 20 years, he worked as a surgeon in California, an associate professor of surgery in medical schools in Oklahoma, rural hospitals and health centers in Ghana, and visiting professor of surgery in the medical schools in Nigeria.
AWARDS OF MERIT Robert Wright Robert Wright, founder and chairman emeritus of Dimensions International, was born on March 17, 1937, in Columbus, Georgia, to a bricklayer and a nurse. After graduating from high school, Wright attended Ohio State University and graduated in 1960 from Ohio State University College of Optometry with his degree in optometry. He returned to Georgia where he began practicing as an optometrist. He was appointed by President Reagan to the position of Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business at the Small Business Administration, where he managed the office of Minority Small Business/Capital Ownership Development. After two years of working with the Reagan Administration, Wright resigned, and in 1985, he founded Dimensions International, Inc. Through Dimensions International, Wright began providing leading-edge technology to the government and private sector in the fields of systems engineering, information technology, and airspace management. A core subsidiary of Dimensions International is Flight Explorer, the leading provider of web-based global flight tracking information. Under Wright's leadership, Dimensions International grew to a multimillion dollar defense contractor, listed amongst Black Enterprise's 100.
AWARDS OF HONOR
James Huger James Huger is a 1939 initiate of the Alpha Zeta Chapter at West Virginia State University. His trail of political accomplishments began in 1965 when he became the first Black member of the Daytona Beach City Commission, serving three terms until 1975. He served on the Volusia County Council from 1973 to 1977 and as chairman in 1975 and 1978. He also was the city's Community Development Director for 18 years until his retirement in 1994. He was instrumental in implementing the first MLK holiday celebration in Daytona Beach in 1986. "When (King) set his mind to something, there was no limit to what he could accomplish," Huger said. Huger’s education spanned from Bethune Cookman College, West Virginia State University, the University of Michigan and Georgia State University. The 94-year-old Huger said he would still be active in his fraternity, if not for time devoted to the care of his wife of 68 years, Phannye.
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103 Anniversary Convention
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New Orleans, Louisiana
Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Hilfiger was born March 24th, 1951 in Elmira, New York. He is best known as the all American fashion mogul with the blue-white-red rectangle logo. This easily recognizable logo on blue jeans and other products made Tommy Hilfiger, “The king of urban fashion" during the 1990s. Starting from a retail business in upstate New York in 1969, he moved to New York and 1982 landed financial backing to start Tommy Hilfiger, Inc. In 1984 he launched his first signature collection of jeans and men's sportswear, and by the mid-1990s had expanded into women's clothing, eyewear, jewelry, fragrances and home products. His simple designs, emphasizing his name as the brand, were not considered high fashion, but Hilfiger's marketing savvy put him at the top of the industry, and by the end of the 1990s his company had revenues of nearly $2 billion a year. In 2004 CBS television announced plans to air a "reality" show in cooperation with Hilfiger, called The Cut, in which contestants would vie for a chance to design their own line of clothing.
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July 15 –19, 2009
HONOR AND MERIT WINNERS
Abdul “Duke” Fakir Abdul “Duke” Fakir is best known as a member of popular Motown act The Four Tops from 1954 to the present day. Fakir, who sings first tenor, is the only surviving original member of the group. Born December 26, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, Abdul "Duke" Fakir is best known as a member of popular Motown act The Four Tops from 1954 to the present day. Fakir, who sings first tenor, is the only surviving original member of the group. He and Levi Stubbs first met Lawrence Payton and Renaldo "Obie" Benson at a friend's birthday party in 1954. The four of them were asked to provide impromptu entertainment. They enjoyed singing together and that evening they decided to start a singing group named The Four Aims which would later be re-named The Four Tops. Among a number of groups who helped define the Motown Sound of the 1960s, including The Miracles, The Marvelettes, Martha and the Vandellas, The Temptations, and The Supremes, the Four Tops were notable for having Stubbs, a baritone, as their lead singer; most groups of the time were fronted by a tenor. The group was the main male vocal group for the songwriting and production team of HollandDozier-Holland, who crafted a stream of hit singles, including two Billboard Hot 100 number-one hits: "I
Martha Reeves Unable to land an audition right away, Martha Reeves parlayed her visit to the Motown offices into a secretarial job in the A&R department. She caught a lucky break when backup singers were needed for Marvin Gaye on his first hit, 1962's "Stubborn Kind of Fellow." One day, Mary Wells failed to show up for a recording session, and musicians' union rules demanded that a lead vocalist be present on the mic -- so secretary Reeves was hastily tapped to sing "I'll Have to Let Him Go." That song went on to become the first single credited to the newly renamed Martha & the Vandellas in 1963; their second single, the ballad "Come and Get These Memories," reached the R&B Top Five. Born in Eufaula, AL, on July 18, 1941, and before she was even a year old, her family moved to Detroit. As a child, she sang in her grandfather's church and in school, and continued her vocal training through high school. After graduating in 1959, she joined a girl group called the Fascinations, and the following year co-founded the Del-Phis, whose membership included the future Vandellas. One night at a nightclub engagement performing as Martha Lavelle, she was noticed by Motown exec William "Mickey" Stevenson, who invited her to stop by the label's offices. Motown's brightest female star after Diana Ross, Martha Reeves was the earthy, gospelinfused counterpart to her rival Ross' uptown sophistication. With her backing group, the Vandellas, Reeves cut some of the brightest, most infectiously danceable R&B of her time.
OF
AWARDS OF HONOR: A SALUTE TO 50 YEARS OF MOTOWN
Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" and "Reach Out I'll Be There". Fakir is now the only surviving founding member of the group.
THE ALPHA AWARD
Calvin Peete Calvin Peete, before the emergence of Tiger Woods, Calvin Peete was the most successful African American on the PGA Tour. In 1971, Peete became a professional golfer. In 1975, he completed the PGA Tour Qualifying School and his first PGA Tour victory came in 1979, winning the Greater Milwaukee Open. He went on to make history by winning 12 major PGA (Professional Golf Association) tournaments between 1979 and 1986. One of the most prolific winners and straightest hitters on the PGA Tour in the 1980s, Peete won the PGA's driving accuracy title for ten consecutive years (1981-1990). Born in Detroit, Michigan on July 18, 1943, Peete was the eighth of nine children born to Irenna (Bridgeford) Peete and Dennis Peete, a Detroit auto factory worker. At age 12, Peete fell from a cherry tree near his grandmother's house in Haiti and broke his left elbow in three places. Surgeons repaired the fractures but the elbow joint remained permanently fused, so Peete could never fully straighten his arm. Some golf swing analysts believe that this condition contributed to Peete's driving accuracy which became his nickname "Mr. Accuracy" by other golfers
Mary Wilson Mary Wilson is a founding member of the world’s most famous female trio that recorded 12 No.1 hits from 1964 to 1969, this legendary singer is now using her fame and flair to promote humanitarian efforts to end hunger, raise AIDS awareness and encourage world peace. Beyond being motivational speaker, businesswoman, and former U.S. Cultural Ambassador, her autobiography “Dreamgirl - My Life as a Supreme” and its sequel, “Supreme Faith - Someday We’ll Be Together”, made her a bestselling author. She is most famous for being a member of the world renounce girl group, the Supremes which inspired the 2006 awardwinning film “Dreamgirls.” She continues to devote her time and talent to assisting a diverse group of non-profit organizations, including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, The Po Leung Kuk schools of Hong Kung, UNICEF, the Cystic Fibrosis
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ■ 2009 Report of the Officers & Committees
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RHE T EPORT ALPHA OF THE AWARD TITLE OF C HOMMITTEE ONOR ANDTM ITLE ERIT W INNERS
Foundation, and Figure Skaters of Harlem, a youth organization committed to helping children realize their dreams of compete in the Olympics.
William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. No single figure in American music epitomized the Motown sound more than William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. Though an iconic figure behind the microphone, he is also known for his talent behind the scenes as a producer, songwriter and talent scout. Led by Robinson, the Miracles were the second act signed by Motown. The group scored more than 20 pop-soul hits between 1960 and 1971, including the classics “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Mickey’s Monkey,” “Going to a Go-Go” and “I Second That Emotion.” The Miracles’ biggest hits, “Ooh Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears” and “The Tears of a Clown,” embodied the classic Motown sound. In addition to singing, Robinson wrote and produced for numerous other Motown artists, including Marvin Gaye (“Ain’t That Peculiar,” “I’ll Be Doggone"), the Temptations ("Get Ready,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “My Girl"), Mary Wells ("My Guy,” “You Beat Me to the Punch") and the Marvelettes ("Don’t Mess With Bill,” “The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game").Smokey Robinson and the Miracles released 15 albums for Motown before parting ways in 1972. On his own, Robinson -- once called America’s “greatest living poet” by singer Bob Dylan -continued recording hit records, including 16 albums for Tamla and Motown. Solo hits such as “Cruisin’” and “Being With You” climbed the charts. He also continued to serve as vice president of Motown until the company’s sale to MCA in 1988. Smokey branched into a new genre of music in 2004 with the release of “Food for the Spirit,” his first gospel album. He and the Miracles were also featured on “My World,” a comprehensive compilation of the group’s work and Robinson’s solo projects. Robinson’s dedication to his craft was rewarded in 1987 with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame with the Miracles.
Otis Williams Born October 30, 1941, to Hazel Louise Williams and Otis Miles in Texarkana, Texas and was raised by paternal Grandmother Gooden, with plenty of involvement by his maternal Grandmother Lucinda Eliga. In 1951, his family moved to Detroit, Michigan to live and he found the music scene exploding with doo-wop groups on every corner. Making his first professional recording "Come On/Always" on Northern Records, Berry Gordy heard the Distants perform after a change in management and name change the Temptations were born. Their single "The Way You Do The Things You Do" (1964) charted at number #11. Next, "My Girl" (recorded in December of 1964) was their first #1 single -- selling a million copies for the first all-male group for Motown. And the rest is history.
Robinson faced struggles, including drug addiction, in the 1980s. He ultimately detailed those struggles in his biography, Inside My Life, published in 1989. He reunited with the Miracles to be honored at the Rhythm and Blues Foundation’s Pioneer Awards in 1997, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 41st annual Grammy Awards in 1999. In 2007, Robinson was honored with the Award of Excellence by the United Negro College Fund during “An Evening of Stars Tribute to Smokey Robinson.” With this award, Robinson joined the company of Lou Rawls, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin.
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103 Anniversary Convention
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New Orleans, Louisiana
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July 15 –19, 2009
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Special Thanks to our Sponsors
OUR
SPONSORS
Integrated Logistics Support
Sponsors for Education Opportunity
“Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the high chair to higher education.”
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The March of Dimes appreciates the support of our national partner Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for their support and service for all babies!
Thank You. As an Alpha Man, you are helping us shape the next generation. For that, we thank you.
Become a Big Brother. To learn more and sign up, go to
www.bbbs.org/alphaphialpha
We want you to know
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Aetna salutes Alpha Phi Alpha for its continued service to the community and its commitment to Manly deeds, Scholarship and Love for all mankind.
For more information regarding our commitment to communities across the country, go to www.CommunityVitality.com.
Š2009 Aetna Inc.
Working
together, we’re getting closer to a world with less cancer and more birthdays – for everyone. The American Cancer Society is proud to join Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to increase cancer awareness among Alpha members, so we can save lives and enable everyone to look forward to more of life’s milestones – like birthdays. Together, we’ll stay well, get well, find cures, and fight back. For more information, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
Funny how attendees never feel tired after a day of meetings here. Of course, it helps to have 18 holes of sun-drenched Sonoran Desert golf waiting. So enjoy the rest of your day – and watch free time turn into tee times.
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Personal. Professional. Possible. University of Phoenix, a proud sponsor of Alpha Phi Alpha, makes quality higher education highly accessible. You study where and when you want, so there is no need to interrupt your busy schedule. Our degree programs are specifically designed for people with work or other lifestyle commitments. You don’t even need to leave home. We offer a range of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in business, finance and accounting that are applicable to the challenges and opportunities you will face in the real world.
To discover more, visit phoenix.edu or call 866-992-6544.
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5 ,2 2- %#2 1+ **#0? 12 02 7 #',% . 02 -$ 1-+#2&',% &3%# The 50 Million Pound ChallengeTM is big. And each day, as more people become aware of it and take part, it’s getting bigger. Which is why Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is asking you to sign up for The Challenge, and to get your friends and family involved. We’ve already lost over two million pounds. But we can do better. Join the Alpha Phi Alpha team and challenge yourself now at 50millionpounds.com. The more each of us loses, the more we all gain.
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