The SPHINX | Summer/Fall 2009 | Volume 00 | Number 1 200900001

The

KING MEMORIAL

Closer to

Reality

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 0 9 H VO LU M E 9 4 H N O . 2

SPECIAL REPORT

Saving this Old House Why brothers must preserve their history and restore the“House of Alpha”

The Legacy of John Hope Franklin

Brothers of the Year: Dan Sims and Mario Carroll are honored at 2009 New Orleans National Convention

IN 2010 ALPHA WILL BE

Celebrating our roots

BEGINNING IN 2010 Alpha Phi Alpha members will have the unique opportunity to trace their roots with African Ancestry, Inc. (AA). Using DNA testing, brothers will be able to learn more about their family tree than ever before. It is a new partnership with AA to help celebrate the ancestries of the fraternity and its phenomenal members through connecting them with, and documenting, their ancestral family history.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Brothers will be able to get a discounted DNA testing kit from AA, to test their DNA to possibly determine their African heritage. The regular price for the test is $500, but financially-active brothers will get a discount at the cost of $299.

PROOF POSITIVE. All participating regional vice presidents and assistant vice presidents will take the swab test and will reveal their African matches at the regional conventions and at the national leadership conference in Phoenix. Brothers can also look to see the past general presidents and General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. lead by example. Each participating general president will take the test and reveal their African matches in Phoenix.

We are also releasing the Jewels Family Tree on our Web site and will identify their male descendants to test their lineage as well.

For more information, go to www.apa1906.net.

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Brother Alex Haley and a young Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr.

CONTENTS THE SPHINX® H SUMMER/FALL 2009 H VOLUME 94 H NO. 2

6 King Memorial Closer to Reality

The long dream of a memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. is one more step closer to reality. At a signing ceremony in the nation’s capital, Oct. 29, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar formally executed the documentation that permits the building and construction of a memorial to the slain civil rights leader on the National Mall.

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15 Brother Edward Brooke Earns Gold Medal

At 90, former Sen. Edward W. Brooke III, R-Mass., the fifth-oldest living U.S. senator, had already earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom, when in October he garnered the congressional equivalent—the Congressional Gold Medal.

18 Two Alphas Make General

America has come a long way since President Harry Truman ordered the desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces. The recent presidential appointments and promotions of Army generals Gracus Dunn and Mark McAlister continue to diversify America’s military leadership at its highest ranks.

36 On the Cover

It is not every day one can reclaim a major part of his physical history when it is nearly a century or more old. But on the anniversary of Alpha Phi Alpha’s founding, Dec. 4, 2009, the fraternity launched a massive effort to do just that.

36

47 Symposium Puts New Focus on Racial Justice

The first installment of the Andrew Young Racial Justice Symposium provides an examination of school discipline and expulsion and its correlative impact on the school-to-prison pipeline.

50

50 The Rx for Healthcare in America With the healthcare debate at the forefront of American politics and reaching into every household, a question for many underserved communities and black communities is what can be done to curb the ever-growing health disparities. Alpha Phi Alpha’s Health and Wellness Committee delivers a dose of strong medicine on the issue.

64 2009 Convention: Rekindling the Esprit de Fraternité After four days in New Orleans, La., with intense dialogue, thought-provoking motivational speeches and staunch rededication to the fraternity’s principles, Alpha Phi Alpha men left the 89th General/103rd Anniversary Convention with a renewed spirit to take on the major issues facing their communities across the country and abroad.

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IN EVERY ISSUE

The

3 EDITOR’S DESK 4 CONTRIBUTORS 5 GENERAL PRESIDENT’S LETTER 6 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S LETTER 7 NEWS 25 REGIONAL ROUNDUP 28 CHAPTER NEWS 42 INITIATIVES 57 BROTHERS ON THE MOVE 84 BOOKSHELF 85 OMEGA CHAPTER 92 LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Since the founding of The Sphinx in 1914, the African-American community has looked to the publication for its profound insight on issues of the day. The Sphinx is the second-oldest continuously-published African-American magazine in existence and is preserved in libraries and archives across the country as an historical record of community occurrences.

Those interested in writing articles for The Sphinx are encouraged to read the writer’s guidelines on www.alphaphialpha.net, or write the editorial office for a printed copy of the guidelines at The Sphinx; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; 2313 St. Paul Street; Baltimore, MD 21218-5211.

You may also request guidelines and instructions via direct e-mail at sphinx@apa1906.net.

The deadline for submissions for the Winter 2010 issue is Monday, Feb. 1, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

The Sphinx® is printed in the United States of America

Organizing Editor RAYMOND W. CANNON (1892-1992) Organizing General President HENRY LAKE DICKASON (1886-1957) THE SPHINX® Official Organ of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.® Summer/Fall 2009 H Volume 94, No. 2 www.alphaphialpha.net EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RICK BLALOCK rlblalock@aol.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. ASSOCIATE EDITORS Renard Mobley Michael D. Rachal Julian Smart CONTRIBUTING EDITORS William Douglass Lyle Don Weston COPY EDITOR K. Thomas Oglesby SENIOR WRITERS Ellis Albright Bryan J.A. Kelly Derrick Alexander Pope F. Carl Walton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mark Barnes, James Crumel, Aaron Crutison, Rashid Darden Horace G. Dawson, Jr., Nicholas Fletcher, Ira L. Foster, Esq. Justin Harlow, Lee Jackson, Ronald C. Jackson, M. Cole Jones Michael John Myers II, Quincy O’Neal, Ron Peters Michael A. Smith, M.D., Roderick L. Smothers, Mark Tillman Norman E.W. Towels, Perrye Turner, Ronnie Versher, Jr. Marques Wilkes, Sacoby Wilson CONTRIBUTORS Hyacinth C. Ahuruonye, Kenneth Avery, Joseph Keys Byrd Mario Jay Carroll, Rodney Cash, Milton C. Davis, Eric E. Elmore Carlton L. Haithcox, Sr., James Ford, Michael Jenkins, Francys Johnson William Clayton Lawrence, Jon Pack, Andre Prospere, John Purnell Thomas Pawley, Julius Rainey Jr., Oz Roberts, John Carl Shelby Dan A. Smith, Henry Stewart, Henry Stovall, Michael Street Rickey Thigpen, Philip Trott, Marvin Turner, Zollie Stevenson ART DIRECTION THE O’NEAL GROUP Toni O’Neal Mosley Michelle Glennon PHOTOGRAPHERS Rickey Brown Larry Crider Jarvis Harris Bryan J.A. Kelly Jeff Lewis Jason Lewis Philip McCollum Cory Thompson Jamal Wiggins Evelyn Wright ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., General President William Douglass Lyle, Executive Director James W. Ward, Chairman, Committee on Publications FOUNDERS Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy The Sphinx Editorial Offices Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul St. Baltimore, MD 21218-5211 (410) 554-0040 (410) 554-0054 FAX www.alphaphialpha.net Advertising and Sales Contact sphinx@apa1906.net

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© 2009 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. All rights reserved.

How

time flies! It seems only yesterday that we were producing the spring issue of The Sphinx, reporting on the new U.S. president and the new Alpha Phi Alpha president. It is hard to fathom that it has been more than a year since that historic November Election Day in 2008, and so much has occurred since then. In this issue of The Sphinx we cover some of those major events and issues.

Editor’s Desk

The long-sought permit to begin construction of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall was finally executed; a protracted fight over various healthcare bills on Capitol Hill began in the heat of summer; the economy remained flat while some said the recession was over; the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continue to prove to be dangerous and deadly; and a president who was so phenomenally popular at home a year ago saw his job-approval drop while winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

The year 2009 also had its share of shockers: Michael Jackson’s death at 50—probably the greatest shocker of all. We lost one of our own in Alpha this year unexpectedly too. Best-selling author Brother E. Lynn Harris, only 54, died in Los Angeles of a heart attack. There were others who lived long lives who died too: cancer took the liberal lion of the Senate, Ted Kennedy. Brother John Hope Franklin, arguably, the world’s greatest historian on African and African-American affairs, died at 94.

Through it all, here at The Sphinx we have tried to provide a broad scope of history on the following pages so the record is clear, concise and accurate; so these publications will continue to provide generations to come, the material in print (and in electronic format) they need to research what the times were like in our day. What was said. What events moved a nation, perhaps a world. Who the people were who initiated the movement.

Rick Blalock

Of course we cover our initiatives as well, including the new ‘Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Goes Green‘ program; a health-and-wellness section; and an indepth look at racial justice in America. The cover story for this issue is about saving an old house in the birthplace of Alpha at 421 North Albany Street in Ithaca, N.Y., and the historic undertaking to claim a part of the physical history of the fraternity. We also spend a great deal of our magazine revisiting the 103rd Anniversary Convention in New Orleans, where members not only partied heartily, but also conducted a health fair in the city that is still, several years after the fact, trying to recover from the devastation of a storm called Katrina.

is a two-time Emmy® winner and editor of The Sphinx. sphinx@apa1906.net

For the first time, we are producing the magazine online via the fraternity’s website and electronic mail-server. It’s our way of helping Alpha go green, by saving trees, and our environment. There will be a limited number of copies printed for those who do not have Internet access, or simply have to have the real physical magazine for their archives.

Enjoy this issue and have a safe and happy 2010! H

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CONTRIBUTORS MARK BARNES, a resident of Abington, Pa., is a member of Zeta Omicron Lambda Chapter and president and director of the Pennsylvania Association of Alpha Chapters. Initiated at Zeta Psi Chapter in 1990, he is an alumnus of West Chester and Temple Universities and has forthcoming book reviews and articles on metropolitan inequality and climate change vulnerability. Along with Sacoby Wilson, he writes about “Going Green” in this issue of The Sphinx.

RASHID DARDEN earned his bachelor’s in English at Georgetown University in 2001. He became an Alpha at Mu Lambda Chapter in 2003. He is the first chairman of the fraternity’s National Arts and Humanities Advisory Council. Professionally, he is an author and the director of development and communications at Damien Ministries, a Washington, D.C., faithbased HIV/AIDS-relief organization. Darden writes on the effort to “renew treasured traditions” from the stages in New York to the back lots in Hollywood.

NICHOLAS B. FLETCHER, a member of Beta Lambda Chapter in Kansas City, Mo., is a native Philadelphian who earned a bachelor’s degree at Morehouse College. He is pursuing an executive M.B.A. degree at the Kellogg School at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. In Alpha, he chairs the College Life to Corporate Life program. He writes on two success stories of the program.

IRA L. FOSTER, ESQ. is a public-service attorney in Macon, Ga., who has represented more than 100 students.

He joined Alpha in 1983 at Gamma Zeta Chapter at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Ga., and holds a Juris Doctor degree from North Carolina Central University. In INITIATIVES, Foster and Michael John Myers II explore the question: “Are we losing a generation of black males?”

JUSTIN HARLOW, the fraternity’s Southern Region assistant vice president, is a pre-dental senior and 2010 Bachelor of Science degree candidate at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. Harlow is a native of metro Atlanta and was initiated at Mu Alpha Chapter at Emory in spring, 2007. In his story on the 20th anniversary of the Alpha House on fraternity row at historically white Emory University, Harlow recalls the trials, tribulations and triumph of integrating the campus’ Greek life two decades ago.

RONALD C. JACKSON, the dean of students at the Community College of Philadelphia, earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. A 1992 initiate at Epsilon Chapter, Jackson also holds a Master of Arts degree in higher education administration from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He co-chaired Epsilon’s 100th anniversary celebration in April 2009, and writes about the “E” chapter centennial in CHAPTER NEWS.

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MICHAEL JOHN MYERS II recently graduated from Binghamton University in Binghamton, N.Y., with a master’s in public administration. Earlier, he earned his bachelor’s from his hometown’s Buffalo State College in Buffalo, N.Y. Myers was initiated into Alpha at Iota Theta Lambda Chapter in Spring 2008. Along with Ira Foster, in their feature story this issue, he helps the fraternity put a new focus on racial justice by asking the allimportant question: “Are we losing a generation of black males?”

QUINCY O’NEAL, a native of Clayton, N.C., is a spring 2008 initiate at Zeta Chapter at Yale University, in New Haven, Conn. He is a May 2010, candidate for the Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American Studies and has plans to pursue an acting career. On these pages he recalls the fellowship of the brothers upon the centennial celebration of Zeta Chapter, founded in 1909.

MICHAEL A. SMITH, a member of Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Silver Spring, Md., chairs the Alpha Phi Alpha Special Committee on Health and Wellness. A Duke University alumnus, with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Smith earned the Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1985. Smith is the chief of the ultrasound section in the Department of Radiology at Washington (D.C.) Hospital Center. He joined Alpha Phi Alpha in Spring 1978, at Kappa Omicron Chapter. For The Sphinx, Smith reports on Alpha’s new health initiative and delivers a dose of “strong medicine.”

NORMAN E.W. TOWELS is chairman of the Alpha Phi Alpha Historical Commission and a past regional vice president from the Western Region and national board member. Towels holds a bachelor’s, two master’s, and a Ph.D. degree in human behavior and educational administration. A member of Eta Pi Lambda Chapter, Towels was initiated in 1968 at Beta Sigma Chapter at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. A resident of Riverside, Calif., he is an assistant superintendent and principal. He writes about the fraternity’s history coming to life during the 103rd Anniversary Convention in New Orleans this past summer.

SACOBY WILSON, vice chairman of the ‘Alpha Phi Alpha Goes Green Initiative,’ is research assistant professor at the University of South Carolina. He holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in environmental health sciences from the University of North Carolina. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Alabama A&M University, and has also conducted research at the University of Michigan. Wilson’s research focuses on environmental justice, for which he was recently awarded a $1.2 million federal grant. For The Sphinx, Wilson along with Mark Barnes, pens an indepth feature on “Going Green.”

The

leaves have fallen from the trees, the crisp cool fall days are behind us, and winter has already packed a punch across much of the nation as we end 2009 and start a year.

We are reminded that the beloved founders of our fraternity laid the foundation for this organization during the late fall of 1906. What an honor, privilege and responsibility it is for me to serve this illustrious and noble body of men as the general president some 103 years later. What an exhilarating time it has been! We have attempted to do much in a very short period of time to reinvigorate the “true spirit of fraternity” and restore the soul to the bonds of brotherhood. We have had great successes and have learned from our mistakes. Every day I am reminded of Jewel Henry Arthur Callis’s prophetic words, “Our task is endless.”

FROM THE

General President

Since my initiation in 1982, I have been inspired by the great stalwart men on whose shoulders I stand—those including Brother Andrew J. Lewis, the long time chairman of the Committee on Rules and Credentials, who was initiated at Alpha Rho Chapter at Morehouse College in 1932. Known by most as “Generalissimo,” Brother Lewis knew all of the Jewels and loved Alpha to the core. Many of my early days in the fraternity were spent at his side, listening to his stories about the fraternity. I encourage our young brothers to find a seasoned, financially-active brother and simply listen. You will learn a lot.

In this season of thanks and giving, let me thank the chapters and individual brothers who continue to carry out the fraternity’s programs and initiatives. It is because of your work and commitment to our causes that the world views our dear fraternity in a positive light.

It is your work that every day provides evidence and answers to the questions about our relevancy. I also want to personally thank you for your words of support and encouragement; they carry me throughout this journey.

I would imagine that Jewel Charles Henry Chapman spoke eloquently on the subject of “loyalty” in his address at the first initiation banquet. My Founders Day message resonates that same tone, and I ask that each brother be loyal and true to the aims and ideals of A Phi A—and to your own ideas. Remember, actions speak louder than words. Let our work represent our loyalty to our magnificent seven and their dreams for this great “House of Alpha.”

Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. is the 33rd general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. president@alpha1906.net

I believe as long as we continue to “believe in the 7” there is nothing that we cannot accomplish for the betterment of this world, our community—and our young African-American boys, who are depending on us to lead them from the high chair to higher education.

Brothers Andrew J. Lewis and Mason in 1983.

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FROM THE

Executive Director

If

you visit “the Hill” in Washington, D.C., you will often come across a sign that displays the national-debt number with a phrase that states, “your share is ...”

To parallel the national-debt number, 51,194 is our national debt in Alpha—that is, the number of Alpha men who could be, but are not active. This debt reflects the void in mentors to young men, possibly future Alpha men. It reflects the lives that could be saved by participating in a simple “walk” for babies. It reflects the void of advocacy for our community.

This number does not identify your individual share in Alpha’s debt; however, the math is simple. Your debt is equal to those with whom you were initiated—when you crossed—who are inactive.

I was once told that it does not matter how much you make but how much you keep. How many are we keeping in Alpha Phi Alpha?

We have tremendous plans and expectations for 2010—most of which focus on developing our members; but we cannot develop them if they are not in the “House.”

The aim is to change the environment of Alpha; to strengthen the brand and image; and to create a positive external and internal energy about our organization, so that our communities can truly thrive. The vision of our new leadership team is tremendous. We want the great work that our members are doing on the inside to manifest itself on the outside. But it all must be correct on the inside first.

William Douglass Lyle is executive director and chief operating officer of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. executivedirector@apa1906.net

Brothers, life flows out of you, not into you. Your imagination is a preview of your life’s future. Where do you see Alpha in seven years?

My pastor recently stated, “Sometimes we cannot walk by what we see, but more by what we believe.”

I believe that you can at least reach and reclaim one brother.

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NEWS

Building Permit Issued for King Memorial Alpha Phi Alpha Dream of 20 Years Ago Soon to be Reality THE LONG DREAM of a memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. is another step close to reality. At a signing ceremony in the nation’s capital Oct. 29, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar formally executed the documentation that permits the building and construction of a memorial to the slain civil-rights leader, on the National Mall.

“I am excited to move forward with construction,” said Harry E. Johnson, Sr., president of the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation.

“We are in the home stretch of the fundraising campaign to build this national memorial to Brother King, and I call on all Americans to participate in our ‘Build the Dream: Countdown to Completion’ phase of the fundraising campaign by donating $1 or more to become a part of history,” said Johnson, also the 31st general president of Alpha.

By October more than $110 million had been raised for the construction. Approximately $120 million is needed for completion. Members of Alpha Phi Alpha, King’s fraternity, have contributed more than $1 million to the effort.

Now that Salazar has signed a construction permit, the foundation may proceed with construction of the new memorial.

It will be situated adjacent to the Roosevelt Memorial and in a direct line between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream Speech” at the Lincoln Memorial in August, 1963.

“It is amazing to think that it was four members of our fraternity, who sat around a kitchen table 20 years ago and thought of a way to honor one of our greatest brothers,” said Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., general president of Alpha Phi Alpha.

“I wish they were here to see their dream come true.”

Congress passed Joint Resolutions in 1996, authorizing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to establish a memorial honoring King, to be built in Washington, D.C. The ceremonial groundbreaking took place Nov. 13, 2006, and construction is slated to be completed in 2011.

The design of the four-acre memorial includes the use of water, stone and trees to symbolize King’s call to America for justice, opportunity and hope for all people.

In addition to the general public, also on hand for the signing ceremony, were Christine King Farris, King’s sister and the matriarch of the King Family, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and several members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.H

Brother Harry E. Johnson Sr. looks on as Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar signs and executes the permit to build the King Memorial on the National Mall.

Fraternity leaders, King Foundation and government officials pose with Christine King Farris (third from left) at permit signing.

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N EWS PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION WEEKEND

NFL Players Give King Memorial $1M Boost Foundation Also Honors Senators Edward Brooke and Edward Kennedy

Brother Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League and former mayor of New Orleans, autographs a commemorative poster at the MLK Memorial Luncheon.

King Memorial gets donation, and two pioneers are honored.

Pictured from left: Guy Vickers, President, Tommy Hilfiger Foundation and vice chairman of the MLK Memorial Foundation; Harry E. Johnson, Sr., CEO of the MLK Memorial Foundation and Alpha’s 31st general president; U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I.; Rod Gillum, board chairman of the MLK Memorial Foundation; and Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. Alpha Phi Alpha general president.

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IF BUILDING A MEMORIAL honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was akin to a football game, you could say that NFL players have scored a touchdown. The NFL Players Association has agreed to raise and donate $1 million toward the construction of the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial.

The memorial was conceived by Alpha Phi Alpha, and the fundraising for the $120 million project is led by the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. The players association announced the pledge at the foundation’s Congressional Black Caucus Leadership Luncheon, during the annual CBC activities in the nation’s capital Sept.

23-26, 2009. The donation marked the first major contribution by professional athletes and brought the foundation fundraising total to $107 million in September.

“The players of the National Football League are thrilled to support this important project. Martin Luther King was an inspiration to me personally and to many of our players–past present and future,” said DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association.

“The players through their actions–off the field–are showing their true commitment to honoring the legacy of one of the world’s greatest citizens,” said Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., general president of Alpha.

The foundation also honored two famous U.S. senators from Massachusetts for their support of the project. Former Republican Sen. Edward W. Brooke III, a member of the fraternity, and the late Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy received the Defender of Democracy Award.

“I am pleased to join our own Brother Harry E. Johnson, Sr., CEO of the memorial foundation and Alpha’s 31st general president, in honoring two giant humanitarians in the name of Senators Brooke and Kennedy,” said Mason. “Both were friends and supporters of the work of Brother King and have assisted in the moving this memorial project forward with their financial support and personal resources.”

The general president also noted that several key players on Capitol Hill have helped pave the way for the memorial. Mason thanked the efforts of Reps. Shelia Jackson Lee, D-Texas, Barbara Lee, D-Calif. and John Lewis, D-Ga., all of whom he said continue to work untiringly on behalf of all African-Americans.

Kennedy’s award was presented posthumously and accepted by his son, U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I. Brother Horace G. Dawson, Jr., a former U.S. ambassador, accepted the award on Brooke’s behalf.

Other foundation representatives and Alpha brothers at the program included U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel, D-NY; Rod Gillum, president of the GM Foundation and board chairmen of the memorial foundation; Past General Presidents Milton C. Davis, 29th; Henry Ponder, 28th and Charles C. Teamer Sr., 27th. Brother Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League and former mayor of New Orleans, delivered the keynote address. H –Bryan J.A. Kelly with Rick Blalock

NEWS

Kids from across the country join fraternity and King Memorial Foundation officials and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on the 46th anniversary of the historic March on Washington.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Marks 46th Anniversary of March on Washington “Kids for King” Kick-off Highlights Commemoration in Nation’s Capital SCORES OF AMERICA’S EDUCATORS and young people came from around the country to the National Mall Aug. 25, joining Harry E. Johnson, Sr., president and CEO of the foundation and 31st general president of Alpha, Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., general president of the fraternity and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to kick off the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation’s “Kids for King Initiative.”

The new program was announced upon the occasion of the 46th anniversary of the historic March on Washington during which King delivered his famous “I Have A Dream Speech” at the U.S. Capitol.

The initiative is one of the latest efforts of the Washington, D.C.-based foundation that is spearheading the construction of a national memorial to the slain civil-rights leader. Students from across the country are being invited to write an essay, create a work of art, or produce a short video expressing what they have learned about King’s ideals of democracy, justice, love and hope, as well as how they plan to carry the legacy forward.

Students whose work is selected will be recognized on a trip to Washington, D.C., fall 2010.

“Our brother Martin Luther King Jr., helped to balance the scales of justice for those who only knew injustice,” said Mason.

“He helped spur action to those who had been static, and he helped make a fairer educational system for all the children participating in the ‘Kids for King Initiative.’ ” The memorial-construction and the Memorial Project Foundation is the brainchild of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and by September the foundation had raised more than $107 million of the $120 million needed to complete the project. Mason surprised the crowd with a $30,000 donation presented on behalf of the Prince Hall Shriners, another fraternal organization headed by Oliver Washington of Montgomery, Ala. Washington is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. So far King’s fraternity brothers have raised more than one million dollars toward the project.

Also on hand for the commemoration were Brian W. MacLean, president and COO of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (which is sponsoring the Kids for King program); Byron V. Garrett, CEO of the National Parent Teacher Association; Dennis Van Roekel, president of the National Education Association and Women’s National Basketball Association legend Kym Hampton. H Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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NEWS

Alpha Brother Edward Brooke Receives Congressional Gold Medal Obama, Congress Praise Efforts in Capitol Hill Ceremony

By Rick Blalock and Bryan J.A. Kelly

FORMER U.S. SEN. BROTHER Edward W. Brooke III, R-Mass. made an historic trip back to the U.S. Capitol Oct. 29.

He joined his former colleagues and President Barack Obama to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. Brooke, 90, is a life member of the fraternity and the nation’s fifth-oldest U.S. senator.

Dignitaries, members of Congress, military officials, fraternity brothers and family members filled the rotunda of the Capitol building to witness the presentation of the medal. The Congressional Gold Medal, along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, is the highest honor given to civilians in the United States. Brooke also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in 2004.

Mr. Obama spoke about the trail that Brooke blazed for politicians like him.

“He ran for office, as he put it, to bring people together who had never been together before,” Obama said.

“He didn’t care whether a bill was popular or politically expedient, Democratic or Republican–he cared about whether it helped people, whether it made a difference in their daily lives.”

Brooke became the first African American elected to the Senate by popular vote, 43 years ago. He was also the first black person to hold statewide office in Massachusetts when, in 1962, he was elected attorney general, at the same time becoming the first African-American state attorney general in the U.S.

The medal is bestowed by an official act of Congress after the legislation is signed by the president. Due to the nature of the honor, and per committee rules, legislation bestowing a Congressional Gold Medal upon a recipient must be cosponsored by two-thirds of the membership of both the House of Representatives and the Senate before their respective committees will consider it.

After receiving his medal, Brooke took the opportunity to directly address both Republican and Democratic congressional leaders and to speak out on the current partisan bickering that has plagued Washington of late.

“You’ve got to get together. We have no alternative. There’s nothing left. It’s time for politics to be put aside on the back burner,” Brooke said.

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The former senator also said the day would have been perfect, except for the absence of longtime friend and colleague Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., who died of brain cancer in August.

Brooke was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Dec. 4, 1937, at Beta Chapter at Howard University. While a member of the Senate, he was a leading advocate against discrimination in housing and coauthored the 1968 Fair Housing Act. In 1996, he became the first chairman of the Alpha Phi Alpha World Policy Council, the fraternity’s “think tank.” H,

Alpha general presidents salute Sen. Edward W. Brooke III. From left: 31st General President Harry E. Johnson, Sr., 29th General President Milton C. Davis, Brother Brooke, General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., and Immediate Past (32nd) General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.

Young Brother Brooke (right) meets with Annie Singleton (center), known as the Mother of Alpha Phi Alpha, and 16th General President Belford V. Lawson. (Circa 1947).

NEWS

Dunn Earns Promotion to Brigadier General

By K. Thomas Oglesby

GRACUS K. DUNN was recently promoted from colonel to brigadier general in the U.S. Army. Dunn was celebrated in a standing-room-only promotion ceremony held at the Pentagon Auditorium in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 11, 2009.

Brother Dunn assumed the position of deputy commander, 377th Theater Sustainment Command, in February 2009. Previously, he served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff as the principal assistant to the director of operations-J3 for reserve operations at the Pentagon.

Commissioned as a transportation officer, he entered active-duty service in 1982.

Since beginning his military career, Dunn has served the United States abroad in Somalia, Panama, Egypt, Honduras, Bosnia-Herzegovia and Kuwait. He has also been stationed in Germany, and he has commanded U.S. troops in both the United States and Korea.

Dunn is a native of Little Rock, Ark. He is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Ark., where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and was initiated into the fraternity’s Nu Alpha Alpha Chapter.

He and his wife Patricia have two children, daughter Grachaun (Carlos) Correa and son Jonathan, and one granddaughter Kharlyn. The family resides in Springfield, Va. H

McAlister Becomes Flag Officer in U.S. Army MARK MCALISTER, commander of the U.S. Army Soldier Support Institute at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C, earned his first star becoming a brigadier general during an Oct. 16, promotion ceremony.

Brother McAlister, a 1981 graduate of Hampton Institute, now Hampton University, and Indiåana University, took command of the Soldier Support Institute in July.

McAlister said he was honored and humbled by the promotion and said the credit belongs to his family, particularly his wife Beverly, and the soldiers he commands.

Prior to his current position, McAlister, an Iraq War veteran, was assigned to the Pentagon as executive officer to the assistant secretary of the Army (Finance Management and Comptroller) and chief of Plans, Programs and Budget Integration.

McAlister was previously assigned as

commander of the 18th Soldier Support Group (Airborne), chief of the Defense Integrated Military Human Resource System program and commander of the 8th Finance Battalion.

“I’ve always been proud to be a soldier. I’ve always been proud to wear

At right: Brig. Gen. Brother Gracus K. Dunn takes the oath of office, moving him into the flag-officer’s club of the U.S. Army. Lt. Gen. Dennis L. Via administered the oath.

the uniform,” McAlister said during his promotion ceremony at the Fort Jackson Officers’ Club.

In his previous assignment at the Pentagon, he was responsible for managing hundreds of millions of dollars for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. H

At right: Brig. Gen. Brother Mark McAlister takes the oath of office during his promotion ceremony. Lt. Gen. Edgar Stanton administered the oath.

Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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NEWS

White House Names Alpha Man Ambassador Michael Battle to “Build Bridges” as Top Diplomat to African Union WHEN AMERICA NEEDS a leader it can count on, Alpha Phi Alpha seems to be the organization the White House turns to. Earlier this year President Obama appointed Alpha brother the Rev. Michael A. Battle to serve as U.S. representative to the African Union. The post carries the rank of ambassador.

After testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a vote of confirmation by the full Senate, Battle took the oath of office Aug. 21, in the Treaty Room at the Department of State building.

Battle, who was the president of the Atlanta-based Interdenominational Theological Center, is now America’s point man to the African Union. The Union represents the interests of 53 Brother Michael A. Battle, African nations and is based in Addis U.S. representative to the Ababa, Ethiopia.

African Union

Battle provided a prepared statement to the Foreign Relations Committee in which he noted the importance of “building bridges to Africa and building bridges among people and communities, including faith communities.”

“My highest priority will be to build greater understanding and cooperation between Africa’s premier regional organization and the government and people of the United States,” Battle told the Committee.

Battle joins a growing list of Alphas who have been appointed by the president including Michael Blake as associate director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Ron Sims as deputy secretary of the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development and B.J. Penn as acting secretary of the Navy.

Battle, 59, who was joined by his wife and family members for the swearing-in ceremony, was a chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserves for 20 years, and retired with military honors at the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1997. A native of St. Louis, Mo., Battle earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College, a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University, and holds a Doctor of Ministry from Howard University. H

Brother Ron Sims takes oath of office.

Sims Appointed Deputy Secretary of HUD THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION added another Alpha man to its team when it appointed Brother Ron Sims deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Sims was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 6, 2009. As the second-most-senior official at HUD, Sims is charged with managing the Department’s day-to-day operations, a nearly $39 billion annual operating budget, and the agency’s 8,500 employees.

Formerly the chief executive of King County, Wash., Sims was a member of Zeta Pi Lambda Chapter in Seattle. He is a graduate of Central Washington University. H

12 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

Brother B.J. Penn Chosen to Fill in as Acting Secretary of the Navy IN YET ANOTHER MILESTONE for America and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Brother B.J. Penn was appointed acting secretary of the United States Navy earlier this year while President Obama decided on a permanent Navy secretary. Penn held the post until the presidential appointment was confirmed and then he returned to his post as assistant secretary, a position he has held since 2005. H

NEWS

5 Simple Ways TO GO GREEN

1 Change a Light Bulb Men of Old Gold and Black Go Green Join Country in National Day of Service

By Bryan J.A. Kelly and Rick Blalock

THOUSANDS OF MEMBERS of mitigate greenhouse gas emissions; Alpha Phi Alpha went green the month development of weatherization projects; of September. Brothers from across environmental-risk-reduction efforts and the country joined together as part of creation of sustainable-development and President Barack Obama’s “United We environmental justice campaigns.

Serve Campaign,” which kicked off Altogether the hope is that the the “Green the Block” National Day of initiative will help end pollution in and Service on Sept. 11, 2009. around economically marginalized During the events, brothers and neighborhoods to make them healthy. chapters in the United States and abroad “What we wish to convey is our were encouraged commitment to to take part in the the land and to Alpha Brothers and chapters in growing movement the health of to reduce the United States and abroad our people,” said environmental were encouraged to take part Sacoby Wilson, risks in low- to in the growing movement to vice chairman moderate-income of the Alpha reduce environmental risks communities, Phi Alpha Goes in lowto moderate-income help improve Green Initiative communities, help improve Committee. energy efficiency, energy efficiency, and increase and increase Committee sustainability. members include sustainability.

The initiative Brothers Mark was conceived Barnes, DuShawn

by General President Herman “Skip” King, Marc Littlejohn, Jonathan Jones, Mason, Jr., and launched at the 2009 and JaMarcus Brewer. Brothers are asked national convention in New Orleans. to document their activities addressing The aim of the “Alpha Phi Alpha environmental issues from the National Goes Green Initiative” is to highlight the Day of Service–and any activities that capital and moral investments that Alpha occur beyond–and send materials to brothers make in their public and private Alpha Phi Alpha Communications lives toward natural-disaster-relief efforts. Director Bryan J.A.Kelly at bjakelly@ It also will highlight brothers working to apa1906.net. H

aFor more on the Alpha Phi Alpha Goes Green Initiative, go to page 42.

Changing an old incandescent light bulb for a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) is the quickest, easiest way to save energy and money. CFLs convert most of the energy they use into light rather than heat.

2 Recycle your Electronics

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says Americans toss out more than five billion pounds of electronics—TVs, phones and computers— each year. The result? Millions of pounds of chemicals and heavy metals end up in the ground even though it is easier than ever to recycle electronics.

3 Put on a Sweater

That way you can turn down your thermostat this winter.

Adjust it by just one degree for eight hours a day, and you could save one percent on your monthly heating bill. Do it for 24 hours and save 3 percent.

4 Fix that Leak

Experts estimate that more than 36 states are expected to face water shortages in the next several years. Stemming the flow is as easy as fixing a leaky faucet or toilet; a dripping faucet can waste up to 2,000 gallons a year, a leaking toilet even more.

5 Choose the Star

When it’s time to replace a household appliance, choose a product with an Energy Star label.

Sponsored by the EPA and the Department of Energy, the Energy Star program rates products from light bulbs to kitchen appliances. Energy Star labels guarantee that products are energy-efficient, and you may even be eligible for a tax credit.

Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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NEWS NEWS

“He who would be the greatest amongst us, must be a servant.

Herman “Skip” Mason is such a servant.

And we know he will be used in the future as he has been used in the past to provide the kind of leadership that is needed, whenever and wherever it’s needed in our chapters, our universities, in our nation and the affairs of the world in which we live.”

—Andrew Young, former U.S. Ambassador to the UN

The crowd packs the NEA building for the annual Alpha Phi Alpha Congressional Black Caucus reception.

Alpha Phi Alpha and NEA Hold Successful CBC Reception Fraternity Honors Three Trailblazers at 16th Annual Event Many of America’s best and brightest came to the nation’s capital to meet with members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the National Education Association, (NEA) during the 39th Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Alpha partnered with the NEA to host a reception during the four-day event, Sept. 23-26, to discuss the important issues facing African Americans, specifically the education of America’s young black boys. The effort is part of the fraternity’s

14 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

new educational initiative “From the High Chair to Higher Education.”

The annual fraternity reception was held at the NEA’s Washington, D.C. headquarters, Thursday, Sept. 24., marking the 16th year Alpha Phi Alpha has played a major role at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s conference.

Tracee Wilkins, general assignment reporter at WRC-TV (NBC4) served as emcee. Among those who brought greetings to the crowd were Cynthia Swann, NEA director of governance and policy; Rebecca Pringle, secretary-treasurer of the NEA; Dennis Van Roekel, president of the NEA; and Brother Michael Blake, deputy associate director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

“I am grateful for the wonderful partnership with the NEA and its commitment to addressing educational disparities

NEWS

“I am grateful for the wonderful partnership with the NEA and its commitment to addressing educational disparities particularly among AfricanAmerican boys.”

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson addresses the crowd.

U.S. Sen. Brother Roland Burris greets the crowd at the Alpha-NEA CBC reception.

— General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr.

particularly among African-American boys,” said Alpha General President Herman “Skip”Mason, Jr. “Both Alpha and NEA are joined at the hip in addressing critical issues and creating solutions to the growing educational gap in our communities.”

A highlight of the program was the bestowing of three Alpha Presidential Citations by Mason. Receiving awards from the fraternity were Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Perez Jackson, Assistant Secretary of the Navy B. J. Penn and civil rights activist the Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker.

Jackson is the first African-American to serve as EPA administrator.

Penn, a member of the fraternity, is responsible for formulating policies, plans and procedures for the effective management of Navy and Marine Corps real property, housing, and other facilities. Earlier this year, while President Barack Obama sought a new secretary of the Navy, he appointed Penn acting secretary of the Navy.

Walker, a noted civil-rights leader, theologian and cultural historian is also a member of Alpha. Brother Walker is often referred to as the “architect of the Civil Rights Movement.” He was a key lieutenant of Martin Luther King Jr., serving as King’s chief of staff, and was an early board member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

He helped found the Congress for Racial Equality in 1958.

Other notable attendees were members of Congress including Sen. Brother Roland Burris, D-Ill., Reps. John Lewis, D-Ga.; Brother Bobby Scott, D-Va.; Greg Meeks, D-N.Y; the Right Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie, bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the Right Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry, bishop of the 8th Episcopal District of the AME Church; former Judge Glenda Hatchett; and Ron Sims, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. H

The Rev. Brother Wyatt T. Walker accepts a presidential citation from the general president.

Rep. Brother Bobby Scott

Rep. John Lewis

Dennis Van Roekel, president of the NEA welcomes Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. to the NEA. Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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NEWS

Marking 100 Years of Alpha Plaque Unveiled at Howard University

Pictured above from left: Robert Harris, historian of Alpha Phi Alpha; Harry E. Johnson, Sr., 31st general president; Milton C. Davis 29th general president and chairman of the 2006 Centennial Convention; Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., general president; Charles C. Teamer, Sr., 27th general president; Henry Ponder, 28th general president; and Aaron Crutison, Western Region vice president.

ALPHA PHI ALPHA Fraternity put a permanent mark on the nation’s capital this year, honoring its century of leadership and service.

As part of its 16th Annual Congressional Black Caucus (Legislative Conference) festivities, members of Alpha Phi Alpha unveiled a black and gold centennial plaque on the historic campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., Sept. 23, 2009. The unveiling event formally recognized what thousands of Alpha men did in 2006 in the capital when they convened for their 2006 (centennial) national convention to acknowledge their 100th anniversary.

The plaque tells a brief history of Alpha accomplishments on Howard’s campus, including: Alpha’s establishing its second chapter there; Alpha’s first General Convention, held Dec. 28-30, 1908; the fraternity’s archives established at the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, on Jan. 26, 1996; the inaugural meeting of the Alpha World Policy Council, held Jan. 26, 1996, and the Centennial Convention in July, 2006.

The plaque is hung in the Armour J. Blackburn University Center, a central location for students, faculty and staff at the university. Along with past general presidents and other dignitaries, General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. officially unveiled the marker as a representation of the achievement of Alpha and its members since 1906.

As part of the formal remarks, 29th General President Milton C. Davis pointed out the significance of the location of the commemorative plaque.

16 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

“This plaque lets everyone know the role both Howard and Alpha played in the development of young people over the years; and we as Alpha men are particularly honored that Howard University through the years has been a part of our living history and will be a part of our future too,” said Davis, chairman of the 2006 Alpha Centennial Convention.

Alpha, founded in December, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York began its expansion when the seven Jewel founders of the organization established the second chapter, Beta, at Howard on Dec. 20, 1907.

“You don’t get where we are today, without honoring how we got here, and our first steps of expansion came on this campus.

That is a fact that makes our organization proud,” said Mason.

The brothers acknowledged and thanked Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau and the Howard family for allowing the fraternity to display the plaque in the Blackburn Center.

Brother Horace G. Dawson, Jr., former U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Botswana, who now directs Howard’s Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center, presided over the ceremony and was the Brother Horace G. Dawson, Jr. fraternity’s liaison who coordinated the unveiling with university staff.

Others present for the unveiling included Past General Presidents Henry Ponder, 28th; Charles C. Teamer, Sr., 27th; Harry E. Johnson, Sr., 31st; Robert Harris, Cornell University professor and historian of Alpha Phi Alpha; Aaron Crutison, the fraternity’s Western Region vice president; Richard English, former Howard University provost; the Rev. Matthew Watley; and Alvin Thornton, interim provost and chief academic officer of Howard; and a host of students, faculty and staff. H

NEWS

New Initiative Needed President Obama Urged to Create White House Council on Men and Boys

IN SOUNDING THE ALARM on the precarious condition of America’s young African-American males, Alpha Phi Alpha asked President Barack Obama to create a White House Council on Men and Boys.

Earlier this year, Alpha sent the president a letter, encouraging him to create the council after Obama formally established the White House Council on Women and Girls.

“Mr. President, we are keenly aware of the challenges that face women and girls. However, we believe a focus must also be placed on men and boys,” wrote General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. in the letter.

“As a father of a six-year old son and an eight-year old daughter, like you, I want to make sure that there are well-educated, responsible and community-oriented men for them to look up to as they grow and develop.”

According to a 2006 report by the Schott Foundation for Public Education, only 35 percent of black male students graduated from high school in Chicago and only 26 percent in New York City. Only a few black boys who finish high school actually attend college, and of those who enter college, nationally, only 22 percent finish with a degree. : ote wr On the education front, Alpha has for years provided Columnist Lionel Tiger t President Obama tha is se Hou ite scholarships to deserving young men. The fraternity expanded Wh the The story from

he ers lett of nds usa tho of the that effort in 2008 with the new Alpha Phi Alpha Charitable has asked that each day 10 ntion. With this atte his to t ugh bro Foundation, thanks in part to a startup grant from former and receives are selected his how , can he t tha nt exte to the Massachusetts Senator and Alpha brother Edward W. Brooke III. device he wants to know, One letter he is ion. trat inis adm And this year, Alpha Phi Alpha is implementing a new initiative, his ard correspondents reg d, is rea n stio que out with uld sho ‘From the High Chair to Higher Education.’ Its primary focus is sure to read, or at any rate n “Skip” Mason, ma Her by ed sign to provide boys, at the youngest age possible, the best opportunity and 9, dated April 17, 200 ity. … tern Fra ha Alp Phi ha Alp of the to successfully make it through high school and college. who is general president the kind of group of er mb me rter The fraternity has offered to partner with the White House to cha a Since he is not

issue the d tan ers und y ma nt side make the new council a reality. The following critical needs should that sent the letter, the pre n Michelle Obama tha l wel less s res be addressed by the council: Health promotion and preventive add to he is being asked r teve wha of s, girl and en wom initiatives for men and boys; academic and social-development could intuit the needs of blem in one of the pro e ssiv ma a is initiatives; manhood- and fatherhood-accountability initiatives. this But color and origin. sonal per en tak has nt side pre the

So striking is this concern that it caught the attention communities within which ponse to this letter, res nal ctio fun His of Forbes magazine. Lionel Tiger, a weekly columnist at Forbes, on. and communal acti , will be rce sou s uou virt and e eccabl picked up on Mason’s letter and wrote a review and opinion which came from an imp column in the April 29 issue. H significant.

To read Mason’s letter to the president in its entirety go to www.alphaphialpha.net.

Spring 2009 H THE SPHINX

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NEWS

Alpha Fights Domestic Violence in Nationwide Effort Fraternity Men Take Up Cause of Battered Women and Girls

By Rick Blalock and Bryan J.A. Kelly

IN OCTOBER, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity —with more than 100,000 members across the country and around the globe—joined women and others around the country to recognize “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” by participating in programs and donating money and time to promote antidomestic violence initiatives.

“Black and old gold are clearly our favorite colors, but for the month of October, we wore purple,” said Wayne Watkins, of Gamma Lambda Chapter in Detroit. Purple is the international color for the observance of domestic-violence awareness.

Domestic violence in America is rising, and behind every statistic is a human face.

For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on average, more than three women a day are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the United States. In 2005, 1,181 women were murdered by an intimate partner.

“We have always taken the lead on critical issues facing our communities,” said General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr.., “we expect that every member in our chapters will lead by example on this concern too.”

The fraternity’s leadership called on members to—both individually and collectively—bring attention to the issue by conducting at least one project in October that brought awareness to the issue of domestic violence.

Brother Kevin Powell, a member of Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter in New York City, headed up the fraternity’s month-long participation. Powell is an activist and author of the book Open Letters to America, which includes the essay, “Open Letter to An American Woman.”

As part of the observance, brothers participated in a live Web stream of an important anti-domestic violence lecture and workshop on Oct. 1, led by Powell.

Ahuruonye Elected First African-born Member and CPA in National Post

Brothers elected him during the fraternity’s 103rd Anniversary Convention in New Orleans, La., July 15-19. As Alpha’s chief monetary officer, Ahuruonye, (pronounced ah-RUN-yeh), is charged with the proper safeguard of all monies, funds and securities of the organization.

“This is truly an honor,” said Ahuruonye. “To be the first ever Africanborn member to hold national office in this organization is ground-breaking, yet humbling. With this, Alpha Phi Alpha has truly gone global.”

His four-year term began on July 20, at the post-convention Board of Directors meeting in New Orleans.

Ahuruonye, 47, campaigned on a platform of more fiscal transparency, enhanced accountability and capacitybuilding. He vowed to assist in the

By Ronnie Versher Jr.

FOR HYACINTH C. AHURUONYE, Oct. 27 marked the 100th day in office as general treasurer of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. But the San Franciscobased certified public Bro. Hyacinth Ahuruonye accountant had little time to bask in how he and his organization made history this year.

In more than 102 years, the world’s oldest and most influential organization of collegiate men of color has never had an African-born member as a national officer until now.

18 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

The chapters and members in the East and Midwest made donations to the Witney Lights fund, a domestic violence awareness group named after the late Dr. Witney Holland Brother Kevin Powell Rose, a University of Maryland psychiatrist who was murdered in 2003 by her ex-boyfriend.

In the Southern, Southwest and Western states, brothers made donations to Men Stopping Violence, an Atlanta-based social change organization dedicated to ending men’s violence against women.

“This is our small way of making a big difference,” said Mason. “If men don’t stand up for stopping violence against women and girls, who will?” H DONATE ONLINE: Witney Lights Fund: www.witneyslights.com/donate.html Men Stopping Violence: www.menstoppingviolence.org/ getinvolved/donate/donate.php

implementation of that platform while in office, in collaboration with staff, volunteers and other members of the board. He says that during his first 100 days in office he was busy preparing a sound financial enhancement plan.

Ahuruonye is the principal and founder of HCA & Co., one of the nation’s leading management consulting and CPA firms. In 2002, he was invited to the White House to brief President George W. Bush’s senior staff on the state of the economy and small businesses.

Born in Nigeria, Ahuruonye is a naturalized U.S. citizen. He joined Alpha Phi Alpha in March of 1985, while a student at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Ala. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and graduated with great honors in 1987. He and his wife Terri have two children and reside in San Francisco. H

NEWS

Jewel Tandy Gets “His” Mark in Kentucky Dedication

By Lee Jackson

THE DESIGNER OF the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity pin made his mark on Alpha a century ago, and now he has a mark of honor in his own right.

On Sept. 19, 2009, an historical highway marker was placed in honor of Jewel Founder Vertner Woodson Tandy in Lexington, Ky. The highway marker was commissioned at 642 West Main St. The location represents the beginning of an extraordinary individual’s humble journey. Jewel Tandy’s father, Henry Tandy studied architecture at the Tuskegee Institute. This gave Jewel Tandy a first-person view of hard work and the fortitude for educational success during very tumultuous times.

Brother Lee A. Jackson, along with his chapter Alpha Beta Lambda, spearheaded the process for approval for the highway marker in 2008 and won approval for the marker in December of that year.

The ceremony was held this fall so the chapter and the local community could honor Tandy during the month-long Roots

Marking a jewel on the highway. Pictured with the brothers from Alpha Beta Lambda Chapter are General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., Midwestern Vice President Mark Tillman, Midwestern Assistant Vice President Thomas Flynn and Jim Gray vice mayor of Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

and Heritage Festival. “We see this as another fitting tribute to one of the men who set the very foundation we live and operate upon today,” said Jackson, chairman of the Alpha Beta Lambda Chapter Education Foundation.

“Alpha is about what happens not just in the fraternity, but how we can impact our communities outside of the fraternity,” said General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. “By honoring Jewel Tandy with our participation in this festival as the backdrop, we again achieve

our mission to be about service to the community.”

The marker sits in front of the house Tandy’s grandparents bought in 1853. The house is now the office of the Kentucky chapter of the Nature Conservancy.

More than 100 people, including brothers from across the District of Kentucky, attended the dedication ceremony.

A reception at the Sovereign Grace Chapel of the Main Street Baptist Church followed the dedication ceremony. H

Brothers Honor Jewel Chapman In a solemn visit to his grave site, members of Alpha Phi Alpha join General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. and Southern Regional Vice President James Crumel in paying respect to Jewel Founder Charles Henry Chapman at his final resting place in Tallahassee, Fla.

Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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NEWS

Partnering with an American Icon Alpha and Harley-Davidson Riding Together for the Future

By Mark S. Tillman

Brothers of the Western Region “put their money where their feet are” and march to raise awareness and dollars for the March of Dimes organization during the annual fund drive.

Every Dime Counts When Marching for Babies An Update on the March of Dimes-APA Partnership Members of Alpha Phi Alpha across the country continue their mission to help promote safe and healthy babies by walking for pledges and donations.

Alpha has long been a partner with the organization.

An example of the leadership Alpha has taken was displayed by the participation of brothers in Portland, Oregon, in April. Along with more than 5,000 walkers, Alpha men helped raise more than $615,000 for the cause. Brothers from various states in Alpha’s Western Region joined General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. and then Western Region Vice President Wilbur Jackson for the festive march.

The brothers did not stop there.

As part of the Western Regional Convention, members collected monies during the first business session and made an additional donation to the March of Dimes organization.

“It’s the ground work like this that makes the difference,” said Jackson.

“The March of Dimes is the leading health organization committed to the fight against premature birth, and protecting the health of babies and families, and we are delighted to be a strategic partner with this organization,” said Mason.

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HAVE YOU EVER DRIVEN on a clear sunny day, only to come to a stop and glance out the window? Beside you is this two-wheeled machine–freshly washed, chrome glistening, and this distinctive sound. You look at the rider with this sense of anticipation that he is going to enjoy the road ahead. And when he passes you, the iconic insignia of Harley-Davidson and the crest of Alpha Phi Alpha are clearly on display for all to see.

That’s a site you will see thanks to the new partnership between the motorcycle company and the fraternity. The partnership announcement was made by General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. and John Comissiong, director of outreach and marketing at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, during the 103rd Anniversary Convention in New Orleans.

This partnership is designed to increase relevance among African-American consumers by overcoming product, brand and cultural barriers and convey Harley-Davidson’s and Alpha Phi Alpha’s commitment to nurturing the educational success of African-American boys. This opportunity will connect the sport and camaraderie of motorcycling with tenants in Alpha’s mission statement of promoting brotherhood and providing service and advocacy for our communities.

Most know Harley-Davidson as a producer of heavyweight custom, touring and cruiser motorcycles. But Harley-Davidson is also committed to the African-American community by supporting education thru initiatives like providing funding support for the Black College Tour and Black Achievers Program, and personal involvement through Big Brothers/Big Sisters (another national partner of the fraternity).

Harley-Davidson was also a sponsor at recent Alpha Phi Alpha events, including the national convention and the 100th Anniversary celebration of Epsilon Chapter at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

The Harley-Davidson-Alpha Phi Alpha partnership will include development of programs designed to attract and encourage individuals with a love for the open road and to provide support for key Alpha Phi Alpha initiatives, including the new From the High Chair to Higher Education initiative to support African-American boys.

Details on how to participate in this endeavor will be communicated to the brothers who love to ride, and to those who aspire to take to the open road on a bike. Members can look for more information on the fraternity website at www.alphaphialpha.net and in upcoming issues of The Sphinx.

This is a great opportunity to expose how Harley-Davidson and Alpha Phi Alpha can make a difference within the communities that they serve. So the next time you come to a stop, someone else will be admiring you on your “Harley” John Comissiong, director of outreach and marketing, Harley-Davidson Motor Company with enjoying the road ahead.

Harley owner Brother George Reaves (on bike) and Midwestern Vice President Mark Tillman (right).

Ride on! H

NEWS

PLEASE VISIT

www.blackbarbershop.org to see all participating barbershop locations.

Alpha Partners with Barbershops to Provide Health Screenings Effort Aims to Detect Hypertension and Diabetes ALPHA PHI ALPHA recently announced a partnership with the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program in over 100 barbershops in Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles-area chapters of the fraternity will offer manpower, logistics as well as medical assistance to the outreach program. The nationally recognized program is sponsored by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and offers free health screenings for detection of diabetes and hypertension to AfricanAmerican men throughout the country. The program also provides education about healthy lifestyle alternatives.

“The need to address health care disparities in AfricanAmerican men is paramount in light of the fact that they have the lowest life expectancy of any group in the U.S.,” said Brother Dr. Bill J. Releford, founder of the Diabetic Amputation Prevention (DAP) Foundation.

“For decades, the black barbershop has served as a centralized gathering place where African-American men feel comfortable discussing the most important issues that impact their lives— politics, social trends, family and finances. Now, we are introducing an important discussion of health and the critical need for healthawareness,” Releford said.

This barbershop effort comes on the heels of the fraternity’s launching a comprehensive health-and-wellness initiative, in July, at its national convention in New Orleans.

According to Dr. Michael A. Smith, chairman of the fraternity’s Health and Wellness Committee, the partnership allows the fraternity to identify opportunities to serve and provide outreach to minority communities.

The Los Angeles initiative will include more than 100 barbershops hoping to screen more than 2,500 men a day, with an ultimate goal of screening more than 500,000 African-American men by 2012. H

APA Partners with the FBI Pact Seen as Bureau’s New Path to Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity

By Perrye Turner

TWO OF THE WORLD’S most renowned organizations took the opportunity to forge a unique partnership at the 2009 Alpha Phi Alpha national convention. Alpha and the Federal Bureau of Investigation joined forces in pursuit of three common goals: to inform communities, increase diversity within the fields of national security and law enforcement, and to provide fraternity members direct access to career opportunities within the FBI. An agreement was developed by the FBI Human Resources Division, FBI Office of Public Affairs, and the fraternity.

Through this partnership, the FBI will be working with Alpha to develop programs that are tailored to the community on both local and national levels. Both sides are excited about the opportunity to work with organizations with such a long history and public notoriety. The FBI is making great strides to broaden its reach into the African-American community, and it looked to the largest and most esteemed black Greek-lettered organization as a way to help. This effort was spearheaded by more than 60 Alpha brothers who currently serve as special agents and professional support employees with the FBI. The FBI prides itself as being an organization comprised of dedicated individuals who share a common mission: to fight crime, to protect America’s security, to contribute to the nation’s intelligence community, and to make the world a safer place.

The FBI is an equal opportunity employer. For additional information, visit: www.fbijobs.gov/alpha. H

The Alpha men in the FBI meet with the general president. From left: Brothers Cornell Lynch; Perrye Turner, assistant special agent in charge of the Memphis, Tenn. Field Office; Gerald Jackson, supervisory special agent, Training Division, New Agent Training Unit; Mr. John Miller, FBI assistant director of the Office of Public Affairs; General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr.; Brothers Paul Geiger, supervisory special agent of the Community Relations Unit; A. Brett Hovington, unit chief of the Community Relations Unit and Douglas Shipley, supervisory special agent of the Training Division, Africa Unit.

Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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SPECIAL REPORT

Why brothers must preserve their history and restore the House of Alpha

This Old Saving House

By Rick Blalock

General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. in front of 421 North Albany Street

22 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

IT IS NOT EVERY DAY one can reclaim a major part of his physical history when it is nearly a century or more old. But on the anniversary of Alpha Phi Alpha’s founding, Dec. 4, 2009, the fraternity launched a massive effort to do just that.

The effort is to acquire, restore, retain and rejuvenate as many properties and artifacts of the fraternity as possible, including documents, personal and real properties such as the old house at 421 North Albany Street in Ithaca, N.Y. General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. is calling the effort the Campaign to “Save 421 North Albany” because of that structure’s and other landmarks’ significance to the history of the fraternity in Ithaca, near Cornell University.

“We know that this home is where the Seven Jewels frequented and studied and where C. C. Poindexter–Alpha’s precursor–lived as a Cornell graduate student. Ithaca and the Cornell University campus are sacred places for Alpha Phi Alpha,” Mason said. “We plan to do everything we can to bring our physical history back into the House of Alpha in this city, so we can be active players in the

FEATURE

Top: Committee Chairman E. Eric Elmore and Bro. Julian Wilson, grandson of Jewel Robert Harold Ogle greet each other in Ithaca, N.Y. For more information, write Brother Elmore at erex3@aol.com.

Left: Alpha Phi Alpha Precursor C.C. Poindexter; Top: Florence Newton Poindexter and her son John.

vibrancy of the surrounding community.”

The house was constructed in 1900, and purchased by Edward Newton. It was a place where the fraternity’s seven founders would spend many a weekend celebrating, studying, and ultimately planning the creation of the first-ever AfricanAmerican collegiate fraternity. Newton was seen as a father figure to the seven students, who are reverently called the “Jewels” of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Newton lived in the home with his wife Lula and their three children Edward Jr., Florence (who married C. C. Poindexter) and Norman. Upon Norman Newton’s death, the house was bequeathed to its current owner.

Earlier in the fall, Mason formed a special committee charged with several tasks, including acquisition of documents, equipment and other personal and real property; fundraising; historical-preservation and architectural; marketing and communications; and development of an entity to oversee the entire initiative.

“Preservation of our history and continuous enhancement of our influence should be a noble mandate for all Alpha men, and I encourage every brother to come on board to help preserve our history,” said Hyacinth Ahuruonye, general treasurer of Alpha Phi Alpha and a member of the committee.

“This is a wonderful and historic initiative. We are working very diligently and strategically, from a financial standpoint, to bring the historical-preservation initiatives to practical reality.”

Mason appointed attorney Brother E. Eric Elmore of

Silver Spring, Md., a 1983 Alpha Chapter initiate as chairman of the special committee. Elmore’s committee has held weekly meetings and is working to support the overall project through strategic subcommittees. The first phase of the project involves discussions with key stakeholders in Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca, such as school officials, community activists, faith-based leaders, government officials, residents and current owners of historic properties.

The second phase will involve engaging the support of the fraternity members across the country to provide special artifacts, letters, documents, clothing and other items that pertain to the history of Alpha Phi Alpha. Fraternity historian Robert Harris, a Cornell professor, will serve as the committee’s liaison to the various stakeholders.

A tentative goal for the project is to raise funds for acquisition, renovation, and an endowment to maintain all artifacts and properties throughout New York state and elsewhere that may aid in recapturing the aura of the early years of Alpha fraternal life.

The fraternity is hoping to complete its mission to save its physical history by 2012.

The special committee is seeking ideas from brothers for innovative ways to raise money for this and other historicalpreservation initiatives. Donations will be tax-deductible, and brothers will not be assessed a fee as part of their annual grand taxes.

“Our hope is that every Alpha man who has the true spirit of fraternity in his heart will put his money where his heart is,” said Elmore. H Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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REGIONALROUNDUP

Midwestern Region leadership meeting.

pMIDWESTERN REGION

qSOUTHERN REGION

By Mark Tillman, Midwestern Region Vice President

By James Crumel, Southern Region Vice President

Brothers of the mighty Midwest Region came to the birthplace of Aviation and the hometown of Paul Lawrence Dunbar to hold their annual Leadership Summit Oct. 2-3, 2009 in Dayton, Ohio. The summit was held at the Dayton Marriott, which will be the host hotel for the (2010) 78th Midwestern Regional Convention.

The two-day meeting was attended by regional staff members and field staff leaders, including district directors, area directors, Alpha advisors and key chapter officers, such as presidents and intake coordinators. Overall, more than 200 brothers were on hand for the summit.

Workshop sessions focused on the duties and responsibilities of officers and chapter leaders. Particularly, brothers focused on the fundamentals of chapter- and officer-development for presidents and intake coordinators. There was also a comprehensive review of the membership-intake process, the consequences of disciplinary matters, and items related to protecting the fraternity. The brothers also highlighted the tools for academic-readiness, and the necessary leadership traits to produce outstanding results.

The weekend also included an unexpected visit from members of the Tuskegee Airmen—including three who are Alphas—who were honored at a separate reception. The summit met all expected goals with members excited and rejuvenated to continue the work of Alpha. H

The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Southern Region Board of Directors held its Fall Board Meeting in Jackson, Miss., Sept. 18-20, at the Downtown Jackson Marriott, which will be the host hotel for the upcoming Southern Region Convention in the spring of 2010.

Southern hospitality was evident from the moment brothers arrived, including a special welcome and greeting by Jackson Mayor Brother Harvey Johnson.

Highlights of the board meeting included discussions on the financial health of the Southern Region, establishment of leadership expectations and accountability, and board-development activities aimed at developing cohesiveness of the board as an entity along with the establishment of target metrics to measure success for this fraternal year.

The board also had the opportunity to hear from the General Office.

Brother Cory Anderson, the fraternity’s director of membership shared his thoughts on the roles and responsibilities of the Membership Department and the district field staff to ensure a successful intake process.

The brothers also were pleased that members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation joined the weekend meeting to discuss in greater detail the fraternity’s new partnership with the FBI, so the brothers will be better able to engage in and take advantage of this unique partnership.

The gathering ended with an opportunity to fellowship with the local brothers and sorors of the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, including their attending the Jackson State University vs. Grambling State University football game on Saturday, Sept. 19. The Grambling Tigers beat the home team by 10 points, 27-17 was the final. H

Southern Region leadership meeting.

Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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REGIONALROUNDUP

Southwestern Region leadership meeting.

pSOUTHWESTERN REGION

By Brother Roderick L. Smothers, Southwestern Region Vice President On Oct. 23-24, 2009, brothers of the Southwestern Region participated in the regional Board Meeting and Leadership Summit, held in conjunction with its College Brothers’ Retreat. A highlight of the gathering was the unveiling of the new regional vice president’s vision for the region. Roderick L. Smothers assumed his position upon taking the oath of office at the General Convention in New Orleans last summer.

With nearly 150 brothers present, Brother Smothers told the group he planned on exceeding their expectations the next four years. Aside from that assurance, he presented a wealth of information on regional and national changes and expectations.

To help with this task, presenters from the General Office were on hand, including fraternity Executive Director William Lyle and Corey Anderson,

26 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

director of membership services. Both informed the participants about a range of updates including the new membership fees and an overview of the new brandmanagement strategies. Brother Zollie Stevenson, chairman of the fraternity’s Special Committee on Organizational

Effectiveness, also conducted the official regional board orientation.

Training and development of the area directors and chapter advisors were an integral part of the weekend’s success. With the notion that a “strong” advisor makes a “strong” chapter, each chapter advisor was required to attend and participate in sessions dedicated to chapter management, fiscal responsibility, handling disciplinary concerns and much more.

Additionally, the annual College Brother’s Retreat, led by the Southwestern Region Assistant Vice President Charles Phipps, was full of inspiring lectures and interactive workshops that reinvigorated the young men of the Southwestern Region. Brothers rededicated themselves to the core principles of the fraternity and left the venue inspired.

The hope is that the fire of enthusiasm kindled here will enhance the fervor of the Southwestern Region and the coming regional convention in spring, 2010. H

REGIONALROUNDUP

qWESTERN REGION

By Brother Aaron Crutison, Western Region Vice President On Oct. 9-11, 2009 the ranks of leadership within the Western Region of Alpha Phi Alpha gathered for a weekend of empowerment, enrichment and excitement at the Hilton Hotel in Long Beach, Calif., the host site for the 62nd Western Region Convention in 2010.

More than 100 brothers from across the West convened during the Western Region Leadership Academy, during which brothers examined and redefined their commitment to excellence. In turn, empowerment sessions within the Academy challenged all levels of leadership to make a shift in paradigm from “good to great,” to lead from the front and consistently exhibit the attributes of a servant leader. Moreover,

these stellar leadership principles were made practical by guest facilitators that equipped all attendees with the tools,

tips and techniques to better serve the brotherhood and the greater community at large. The Western Region was excited to have General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. as the keynote speaker. The brothers enjoyed a rare “fireside chat” with the 33rd general president of the fraternity.

Brother Zollie Stevenson, chairman of the Special Committee on Organizational Effectiveness and Brother Cory Anderson, director of membership services, provided outstanding facilitation on organizational effectiveness and membership development. Brothers also commended the regional facilitators for as one brother put it “simply providing exceptional presentations.”

A special presentation included the unveiling of the new Western Region Web site at www.alpha-west.org. H

Western Region leadership meeting.

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CHAPTER NEWS

EPSILON AND U OF M Celebrate 100 years of Alpha in Ann Arbor

By Ronald C. Jackson

ON APRIL 10, 2009, Epsilon Chapter celebrated its centennial anniversary. The “E” chapter, as brothers affectionately call it, was chartered on the campus of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor making it the fifth chapter established by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

The “Mother of the Midwest” brought back its sons—from as far back as the 1950s—to celebrate the milestone.

Themed “100 Years of Unquestionable Excellence: Looking Back, But Moving Ever Forward,” the celebration included: a screening of ‘Pharaoh Jones,’ a movie short produced

by Epsilon Chapter initiate Rod Gailes.

A centennial historical exhibit of the chapter’s evolution was hosted at and cosponsored by the University of Michigan Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library, with

keynote speaker Brother Rick Blalock, a former U-M student (Pi Upsilon ’87) and editor of The Sphinx.

A community-service project and program was sponsored by the Alpha wives, benefiting children in the fostercare system, with State Rep. Jimmy Womack as master of ceremonies, and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy as the guest speaker.

In addition to recognizing outstanding organizations that support the fostercare system, brothers and their wives donated book bags, luggage and shoes to the children.

Their stories touched many hearts and souls of those in attendance.

In the true spirit of fraternity, Midwest Regional Vice President Mark Tillman hosted a brotherhood forum to encourage brothers to continue to dedicate themselves to the aims of the fraternity. This was followed by an openair step show in the center of campus by current chapter brothers led by Chapter President Brandon Littlejohn. Epsilon

Chapter also announced its “Drive for Five” campaign, an initiative embarked upon by chapter initiates to secure a permanent fraternity house in the city of Ann Arbor within the next five years.

The highlight of the weekend was the Epsilon Centennial Gala Saturday, April 11. In addition to keynote speaker General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. the gala featured various proclamation- and resolutionpresentations from the State of Michigan, the Governor, Washtenaw County, and the City of Ann Arbor.

The brothers of Epsilon also unveiled their Centennial Video highlighting the past, present, and future of the chapter.

“With the support of major sponsors such as Harley-Davidson Motor Company and National City Bank, the Epsilon Centennial Planning Committee hosted an event truly to be remembered,” said Reggie Armstrong, a 1970 Epsilon initiate, who with Ronald C. Jackson, (Epsilon ‘92), co-chaired the centennial celebration. H

Brothers from around the U.S. celebrate “E” Chapter’s 100th anniversary at the Campus Inn in Ann Arbor, Mich., April 2009.

28 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

CHAPTER NEWS

ZETA AT YALE MARKS 100 YEARS Weekend Celebration Brings Together Old and New

By Quincy O’Neal

IMBUED WITH MEMORIES fond, the recollections of college days quickly returned to alumni brothers of Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity as they descended upon Yale University’s campus this past April to commemorate their 100-year anniversary.

This was an historic moment for the chapter at Yale, solidifying its place as the oldest organization founded specifically for African Americans at the University.

In the true spirit of the fraternity, the weekend began with service. The brothers traveled to New Beginnings Family Academy in Bridgeport, Conn., to reach out to local youth, and conducted a Project Alpha session, the fraternity’s teen pregnancyprevention program.

Later, alumni brothers offered some wisdom and insight during a panel discussion titled “College’s Not Forever.”

Panelists offered current students their particular purview into their various fields of work and study.

In the evening, Zeta brothers welcomed General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. to the campus.

Brother Mason acknowledged the work and legacy provided to the fraternity from the men of Zeta Chapter—both past and present—and exhorted the brothers to stay the course in doing the work of Alpha.

The weekend continued with a symposium on ‘The (Re) Emerging Black Male on the American Landscape.’ The symposium provided a forum to discuss the status of black men today, with particular focus on the arts.

The weekend celebration also included the Hartford Step-Off Classic, in which brothers were able to share in the thrill of one of the biggest step shows in Connecticut.

At the banquet tales were told of the Zeta Chapter lore and John Montgomery, a Tuskegee Airman, delivered the keynote address.

The Centennial Celebration was a successful weekend as brothers were able to relive college days.

The brothers also began plans for a project to render the chapter’s legacy on the Yale campus. Zeta Chapter was founded on April 10, 1909, and reactivated on March 29, 1913, by 12 enthusiastic brothers. These brothers were A.J. Allen, J.W. Anderson, Charles H. Wesley, E.E. Caple, John M. Ross, Beale Elliott, Nimrod All, William N. Bishop, Frank Adams, John H. Lewis, Aiken A. Pope and Charles W. Burton.

The war years encountered an intermittent period of inactivity. It was not until 1966 that a group of trailblazing men re-ignited the Zeta flame and maintained an active group responsible for many of the programs supporting ethnic diversity at Yale University. Many of these brothers were responsible for the establishment of the Black Student Alliance at Yale, Yale’s Afro-American Cultural Center (the oldest and largest in the East), and one of the finest and most prestigious African-American studies programs in the nation.

With Zeta in mind, Alpha in spirit, and service in our hearts, the brothers continue the tradition! H

Brothers gather with the general president for the centennial celebration of Zeta Chapter at Yale University in New Haven, Conn.

Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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CHAPTER NEWS

MU ALPHA Under One Roof for 20 Years

By Justin Harlow

THIS YEAR MARKED A MILESTONE for Alpha Phi Alpha on the campus of Emory University and for the fight for equal rights.

In the spring of 1989, Mu Alpha Chapter–chartered March 27, 1976– was not even 10 years old. It was a time of still-existing racial tension in parts of Atlanta and at Emory.

However, the southern status quo was challenged and on March 5, 1989, Emory’s board of trustees approved a $250,000 grant to finance the integration of Emory’s well-known fraternity row, now known as Eagle Row. “The Row” is adorned with white fraternity houses, resembling plantation homes. Since 2007, it has

also provided housing to 11 sorority chapters. Alpha changed all that on April 11, 1989, when Mu Alpha Chapter broke ground on its own house.

For 20 years, the house has accommodated eight brothers, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a chapter room and a basement. Since its construction, Mu Alpha House has been the venue for various programs, retreats, and district, regional and national events.

On April 26, 2009, the chapter celebrated 20 years of racial breakthroughs and Greek-lifeintegration efforts at Emory.

Alumni and current chapter members gathered at the house for a brotherhood cookout to share memories of sweet days of old.

Today, after Mu Alpha

led the way 33 years ago, Emory is home to chapter charters for eight of the nine historically black Greeklettered organizations. From 1976 to 1989 to 2009, Mu Alpha prides itself on being a chapter of distinction that produces men of excellence who stand in the forefront of all social, political and economic change. And even though the burden is heavy and the struggle continues, the members there “… hold ever aloft, noble ideals and aims, carrying out earths and heaven’s grand command.” For more information about Alphas at Emory University, go to www.students.emory. edu/APA. H

Left: Mu Alpha Chapter brothers salute their house on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.

Above: Emory University’s student newspaper, April 1989, headlines the historic Mu Alpha House groundbreaking.

30 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

CHAPTER NEWS

MU OMICRON LAMBDA Marion, Ark.

THETA PI LAMBDA Las Vegas, Nev. BROTHERS IN VEGAS, say they are a “light in the valley.”

In the first four months of Theta Pi Lambda Chapter’s new administration, led by Brother Jason Beasley, the chapter completed five national programs/ partnerships, hosted four brotherhood events, and contributed to the Las Vegas community in numerous ways.

In November, the chapter provided Thanksgiving baskets to dozens of needy families in the Las Vegas valley. Brothers Vontoba Terry and Julius Davis appeared on the local CBS television affiliate station, discussing the chapter’s programs.

Brothers DJ Todd, Travis Buchanan, Julius Davis, Colin Seale, James Graves, Floyd Scotton, Fred Haron and Paul Cooks provided valuable contributions in the pickup and distribution of the Thanksgiving meals.

Chapter brothers also donated toys to inner-city students at Booker Elementary.

The annual Alpha Toys for Kids event has become a highlight of the chapter’s annual schedule. The chapter also held its annual Founders Day dinner, during which new officers were sworn in by the Honorable Brother Michael Douglass. Brother Colin Seale, pictured above, earned the Edgar G. Davis Outstanding Brother of the Year Award. H

THE BROTHERS OF Mu Omicron Lambda in Blytheville, Jonesboro and Marion, Ark. recently spent time helping people in the surrounding communities after experiencing storms in the Mississippi County area. The brothers called it providing a “healing hand.”

The recent storms destroyed homes and even claimed a couple of lives due to falling tree limbs and debris. The brothers went to several homes in the areas– especially the elderly who were unable help move sticks, limbs and other debris.

Brothers said they were excited to be able to assist those in need, because many of the victims were former teachers, deacons and past political figures in the city. The Alpha men said they considered it a great honor to assist the individuals, even if they were strangers. The brothers rolled up their sleeves and helped several Blytheville residents in need as well.

The project helped to build an even greater bond between the brothers of Mu Omicron Lambda, and helped to solidify the men as being true “servants of all.” H

THETA UPSILON Arkansas State University THETA UPSILON–along with affiliated alumni chapter Mu Omicron Lambda and chapters from Blytheville, Marion and Jonesboro, Ark. –conducted another successful Project Alpha program this year.

Last year Mu Omicron Lambda hosted the event in Turrell, Ark. This year the event was held at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

The Project Alpha program topics included the importance of abstinence and how it is beneficial to wait until marriage before one commits to sexual partners. Brothers discussed various sexually transmitted diseases that can be contracted through unprotected sex. They also talked about the dire consequences of fathering a child before one is ready.

Young men who attended the event came from surrounding areas, including Forrest City, West Memphis and Marion, Ark. Attendees’ ages ranged from 14 to 17. H

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CHAPTER NEWS

Brothers join the general president, regional and state officials at the chartering ceremony for Tau Zeta Chapter at Kennesaw State University in Cobb County, Ga., on Oct. 25, 2009.

TAU ZETA CHARTS A NEW FUTURE FOR ALPHA IN GEORGIA 11 “Pearls” Establish Fraternity’s Newest Chapter

By Rick Blalock

WHILE MANY CHAPTERS are now on course to celebrate their 100th birthday in Alpha Phi Alpha, some are just beginning. The latest chapter to be chartered, Tau Zeta, is at the campus of Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga. The historic occasion, Oct. 25, took place in the student-union building of the sprawling campus, which sits 20 miles north of the more well-known chapters at the historic black colleges at the Atlanta University Center in the heart of that city.

The Tau Zeta Chapter founders are: Samson Adewale, Gray Akoegbe, Stephan Black, Jonathan Hekmatnejad, Justin Hills, John Macon, Shane Moore, Mark Pilgrim, Darius Robinson, Julian Smart and Jiovan Thompson.

A chartering ceremony is

32 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

special because many brothers may want a chapter, but it takes work to establish one. In this instance, for example, these young men not only met the academic requirements, but also the community-service component.

In April, the brothers teamed up with their local alumni chapter, Omicron Mu Lambda, to participate in the March of Dimes Walk for Babies at Marietta Middle School, where their volunteer efforts were greatly appreciated.

In June, they collaborated with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapter at Kennesaw State to volunteer for a Nutrition Awareness Campaign for Kids in Woodstock, Ga., with the Aetna Foundation. In May, the chapter brothers volunteered for the Student Georgia Association of Educators Friday Reading Program at a local elementary school to read to third- and fourth-graders.

On hand for the chartering ceremony were Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s general president,

regional vice president, regional assistant vice president, state and area officials and a host of community and civic leaders and members from the other black Greek-lettered organizations. KSU President Daniel Papp gave remarks and welcomed the fraternity to the campus. Papp pledged full support of the school to help keep Alpha alive on the campus.

Brother David Hankerson, the county manager, brought greetings on behalf Cobb County citizens and he also offered his full support of the new chapter.

In his remarks, General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. noted that this was the first chartering ceremony he attended as general president, and that the founders have an important role to play, as they carry a distinction similar to that of the fraternity’s seven founders. They are refereed to as the “Seven Jewels,” while chapter founders are known as pearls.

To read the general president’s entire remarks, visit the fraternity’s website at www.alphaphialpha.net. H

CHAPTER NEWS

EPSILON TAU LAMBDA Prairie View, Texas

Brothers of Eta Iota Lambda Chapter who served as sponsors for the Journeymen/Rites of Passage program. Rear from left: Travis Kelly, Billy Yarbrough, Travis Martin and Benjamin Lett. Front from left: Jonathon Lawrence, Cory Thornton and Joseph Greene.

ETA IOTA LAMBDA Athens, Ga. ETA IOTA LAMBDA chapter sponsored its first Rites of Passage program in 2008, and the program continues to prove vital in the local community of Athens, Ga. The program, called “Journeymen,” is designed for young males of African descent who are between the ages of 13 and 16.

The process lasts one year and culminates with a culturally relevant “Rites of Passage” ceremony.

The program, through mentorship, tackles themes such as education, slavery, civil rights, career, health, responsible manhood, family and community.

Brothers and participants engage in a series of meetings, activities, and outings to accomplish the aims of the program. Chapter brothers act as mentors.

Part of the program also involves the group’s attending seminars on topics aimed at developing the young men and getting them on the track to manhood. The group also participated in activities such as voter-registration drives, career-planning sessions, and communitycleanups in and around the Athens area.

There was an enormous amount of support from the Athens residents, to which the brothers of Eta Iota Lambda attribute the achievements of the program in its first year. The 10 candidates initiated into manhood through the program are Rashaan Amir Blasingame, Martavious Trendel Booker, Nicholas Alexander Chavis, Tevockus Quintez Cooper, Donta Tyrique Eberhardt, Jacob Linton Harris, Anthony Joseph Lamar Quimby, Exavier Marquez Terrell, Brandon Jamal Whitehead, and Hakeem Mareesio Williams.

For more information go to www.journeymenrop.org. H

EPSILON TAU LAMBDA Chapter in Prairie View, Texas, recently conducted three seminars for teenagers enrolled in the Zenith Alternative Program in the Waller (Texas) Independent School District.

The seminars, resulting from a partnership with the Waller County Juvenile Probation Officer, Brother Charleston Hardy, were held at Waller Middle School.

The aims of the seminars were to give young people encouragement, motivation and a positive outlook on life, and to make them aware that education should be a priority in their lives.

In addition, presenters emphasized the importance of making the right decisions, completing a high school education, and the advantages of attending college.

Each speaker shared life lessons derived from their own personal experiences. In subsequent meetings the brothers discussed the dangers of unprotected sex and its consequences, as well as the danger of making uninformed decisions.

The teenagers appeared attentive to the speakers’ message being presented. Brothers who participated in the seminars included Gregory Rose, Cecil Dorsett, Shawn Granger, Jerry Kellum, Quinntan Kellum, James Kirkwood and Frederick Roberts.

For more information about the program in Walker, Tex., go to the chater's website at www.epsilontaulambda.org. H

Teenagers participate in the Epsilon Tau Lambda seminars in Waller, Texas.

Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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CHAPTER NEWS

ZETA PHI Mississippi Valley State University ZETA PHI CHAPTER CELEBRATES 40 YEARS ON DEC. 12, 1969, Alpha Phi Alpha was charted on the campus of Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). Ten scholarly students known as “Uno Grande,” along with their faculty advisors Arvid Mukes and Lawrence “Big Daddy” Sutton Sr., laid the groundwork to bring a chapter of Alpha to the Mississippi Delta.

In March 2009, almost 40 years later, a steering committee was organized, representing each decade of the chapter’s existence. Brothers made plans for the chapter’s 40th Celebrating 40 Years of Alpha, seated anniversary and there was no way to begin talking about Zeta Phi Chapter without from left: Brothers Lawrence Sutton, referencing the legacy of “Big Daddy,” the founding and still active fraternity advisor for the Sr., founding advisor of Zeta Phi Chapter; Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., chapter. general president. Standing from During the weekend of Oct. 2-4, “College days swiftly pass, imbued with memories left: Rickey Thigpen, Mississippi District executive director; Herman fond” became much more than a lyrical line of Alpha’s hymn. The words were brought to life Porter Sr., district deputy director; during the homecoming on the MVSU campus, when more than 100 of the more than 300 and Kelsey Rushing, district director of Mississippi. men initiated into the fraternity’s Mississippi Valley chapter would make their way back to the campus. In addition to winning the campus step show contest, the brothers also participated in a Go-To-High School, Go-To-College program, a multifaceted program designed to motivate, encourage and assist students with their preparation for and success in college. The program was a local version of the fraternity’s national Go-to-High School, Go-to-College program, launched by the fraternity in 1922. Through the educational initiative, young men receive information and learn strategies that facilitate success. Alpha men provide youth participants with excellent role models to emulate. A highlight of the weekend anniversary was the establishment of a new scholarship fund to help needy students. H Zeta Phi college and alumni brothers conduct a Go-To-High School, Go-ToCollege” program at Amanda Elzy High School.

XI NU LAMBDA Baton Rouge, La. IN APRIL, the Alpha Light Foundation and the men of the Xi Nu Lambda Chapter held the 10th Annual Beautillion Culminating Banquet at Southern University.

The culminating event, held in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Cotillion Ballroom, served as the formal debut of the young African-American males who participated in the Beautillion Mentoring Program. The Beautillion is a mentoring and scholarship program designed to foster leadership, promote social-, educational-, and professional-development, and give outstanding young men the opportunity to be formally presented to society.

The Beautillion program participants included Mr. Beautillion 2009 Kolby Handy, Langston Griffin, Erik Parker,

34 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

Harith Razaa and Eddie Perkins.

Through the Beautillion program, the foundation and the fraternity have awarded $23,200 in scholarship funds to at least 30 young African-American high school male juniors and seniors.

For more information about the program, e-mail David Grisby at dwgrisby@yahoo.com. H

Beautillion participants from left: Harith Razaa, Eric Parker, David Grisby, Kolby Handy, Chrisdelin Kelly, Eddie Perkins and Langston Griffin.

CHAPTER NEWS

ALPHA GAMMA LAMBDA New York, N.Y. ALPHA GAMMA LAMBDA celebrated its 10th anniversary of its Young Achievers Mentoring and Leadership Program this year. The program began in 1998 as part of its Go-To-High School, Go-To-College program.

The program is a mentoring and leadership academy aimed at young African-American males. It is run collectively with the Metro-Manhattan Chapter of The Links, Inc. Its goal is to address the needs and to help attack the issues challenging high school-aged black males in the Harlem area.

The program usually operates between September and June, and the participants come from several high schools in and around Harlem-neighborhood area. It works by equipping these young men with effective life skills through a series of meetings, workshops and seminars with the ultimate purpose of helping them with their goal of going to college. The highlights of the program include but are not limited to a college night, a college tour, an etiquette dinner, a senior-appreciation celebration, and community-service projects. The Young Achievers also participate in an oratorical contest during which they speak timely subjects, and cash prizes are awarded.

To fund the program, the brothers raised more than $7,000 for the 2008-2009 fraternal year. In the past 10 years of the program, 90 percent of the participants have enrolled in college, with more than 70 percent graduating.H

Alpha Gamma Lambda brothers with Young Achievers.

Brothers attend the Great Northwest District meeting at Washington State University.

GREAT NORTHWEST DISTRICT Pullman, Wash.

ONE YEAR HAS PASSED and brothers are still raving about the meeting in September 2008, when 44 brothers, sons and significant others of the Great Northwest District traveled to Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman, Washington.

The district was invited by Brother Elson S. Floyd, president of WSU. Brothers from Iota Tau, Iota Mu Lambda, Zeta Pi Lambda, and Nu Epsilon Lambda chapters attended. Activities included a tailgate party, the Oregon versus WSU football game, and an Alpha reception at the president’s home.

The purpose of the events was to support the college brothers of Iota Tau Chapter and build a financial foundation to ensure the Alpha legacy on the WSU campus. H Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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CHAPTER NEWS

IOTA ALPHA LAMBDA Aberdeen, Md.

Brothers of Delta Iota Lambda at Peachtree Mall Health Screening in Columbus, Ga.

DELTA IOTA LAMBDA Columbus, Ga. DELTA IOTA LAMBDA CHAPTER of Columbus, Ga., held the Fourth Annual “Dr. M. Delmar Edwards Men’s Health Awareness Day” at Peachtree Mall on Aug. 29, 2009. The event kicked off with a two-mile Health Walk inside the mall, with approximately 50 walkers participating. Nearly 1,000 people participated in the event in various ways.

The event focused specifically on men’s health, giving the public the opportunity to gain knowledge from physicians within the fraternity and local health experts about keeping themselves healthy. Staff from Columbus Regional Healthcare and the West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition conducted various screenings, including blood pressure, body mass, stroke-assessment, and prostate. The event was free to the public made possible by the support of Aflac and other sponsors.

The late Brother Dr. Delmar Edwards was a trailblazer in the Columbus community—he was the first AfricanAmerican surgeon in the city. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha for more than 50 years. Edwards entered Omega Chapter on Sept. 11, 2009 at age 83. H

IN AN EFFORT to recognize and promote excellence and uphold the importance of scholarship, the brothers of Iota Alpha Lambda Chapter recently hosted the 32nd Annual Donald J. Waldon Memorial Scholarship Banquet.

The Donald J. Waldon Bro. Keith E. Haynes, Esq. Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Brother Waldon, a charter member of the chapter. The banquet is a fund-raiser to provide scholarships for financially eligible students entering or matriculating at Harford Community College (HCC) or Cecil College in Maryland. The scholarship covers tuition, course textbooks, complete registration and lab-related fees. This year’s recipient was Micah Torbert, who is an HCC student who aspires to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Maryland-College Park.

During the banquet, the brotherhood also announced its recipient of the 2009 Salute of Excellence Award. This year’s award was presented posthumously to the late Dr. Jacquelyn C. Haas, former superintendent of Harford County Public Schools.

The climax of the banquet was the keynote speech

by Brother Keith E. Haynes, Esq., a delegate in the Maryland General Assembly from the 44th District in Baltimore. H

Next year’s banquet is set for March 14, 2010.

ZETA OMICRON LAMBDA Philadelphia, Pa. THE BROTHERS OF Zeta Omicron Lambda Chapter decided that in 2009, it was more than appropriate to honor and celebrate its legacy by honoring 18 senior brothers who were age 60 and older. So, in the month of March—at no expense to them—brothers provide a Senior Brothers Luncheon” at a local Houlihan’s restaurant.

Attending the event this year were 26 brothers, including five past chapter presidents. Brother Claude Mickle was the primary organizer of the event. Brother Charles Rainey Jr. was the master of ceremony. Chapter President Brother James Harris gave words of welcome and recognition to the honorees, and Brother Gus Tolson asked blessings for the meal and gave words of appreciation. The “Good Ole Alpha Spirit” was alive. H

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DELTA BETA LAMBDA Hampton, Va. THE 2008-2009 PROGRAM year proved to be both challenging and rewarding for Delta Beta Lambda Chapter. Under the new leadership of retired Army Lt. Col. Don Moses, the chapter executed a full menu of programs and activities while undertaking some promising initiatives.

The chapter earned the state Chapter of the Year award at the Virginia state convention in March 2009. Delta Beta Lambda’s standard programs and activities merit discussion, as they represent hard work that is yielding fruitful outputs. For two consecutive years, the chapter has sponsored a golf tournament, and the event was profitable and produced needed cash flow at a critical time. In October, the chapter hosted over 30 youths on the campus of

Hampton University for a Project Alpha seminar, which focused on avoiding risky and destructive behavior.

In November, Delta Beta Lambda provided complete Thanksgiving dinner baskets to 20 needy families in the Hampton community. The month of December found the chapter joining with Zeta Lambda, seated in Newport News, Va., celebrating Founders Day with a Reclamation Breakfast and banquet.

In January, Delta Beta Lambda, through its educational arm, the Virginia Peninsula Education Foundation, hosted its 24th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast, which drew nearly 1,000 participants. The guest speaker was the Right Rev. Adam J. Richardson Jr., presiding bishop of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. H

Brothers of Delta Beta Lambda Chapter in Hampton, Va.

XI TAU LAMBDA Dallas, Texas ALPHA MEN HELPING THE BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS’ CAUSE IN NORTH TEXAS BIG BROTHER REG WILLIS and his “little” Darius Prowell are a part of the growing number of mentoring matches being made in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Brother Willis of Xi Tau Lambda Chapter has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) for over two years.

Willis and Darius meet at least twice a month and enjoy such activities as basketball, pool, video games, and watching action movies. Darius’ mother says, “Since he has joined the program I’ve seen a marked improvement in his school work, reading, self-esteem and interaction with others. He really looks forward to his Big Brother coming to pick him up.”

Willis says the time he has spent with the BBBS has opened his eyes to the growing need for African-American men to stand up and help direct young boys from the negative influences that exist in the community.

To join or learn more about BBBS, visit www.bbbs.org. H

ALPHA SIGMA LAMBDA Dallas, Texas BROTHERS H. B. BELL and Hollis Brashear of Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter were inducted into the African-American Educators Hall of Fame on Oct. 26, at the African American Museum in Dallas, Texas.

Inductees into the AfricanAmerican Educators Hall of Fame include former educators and others who have had a significant impact on education for black people in Dallas County.

The museum’s archivesand-history program collects and stores documents, visual images and artifacts in a repository to guarantee a permanent record of the African-American educational experience in Dallas County. The program’s research components include oral history, the archives, and the Hall of Fame.

In other news of note, the Texas District, Area I, and Alpha Sigma Lambda honored 18 collegebrother graduates during its annual “Senior Appreciation Luncheon” held on May 7, 2009.

The Chapter was also recognized for being a leader in raising funds for the 2009 March of Dimes’ March for Babies campaign as well as in raising funds for the Washington D.C. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project. H

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BETA NU LAMBDA Charlotte, NC

Beta Tau Lambda members and the young men presented to society at the chapter’s annual Alpha Beautillion. Photo by Visions

by Design.

BETA TAU LAMBDA Forth Worth, Texas THE MEN OF Beta Tau Lambda Chapter hosted their Fifth Annual Alpha Beautillion on March 28, 2009, at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni Center on the campus of Texas Christian University.

In traditional, formal-ball fashion, the Beautillion was the culminating event of a mentoring program that recognizes male high school seniors from the Fort Worth-metropolitan area for their academic achievements and community service.

The 2009 Beaux presented were: Richard Olden Allen, a senior at Everman Joe C. Bean High School, accompanied by Natalie Rene’ Allen, a sophomore at Bean High; Joseph Von Humphrey Bradley, a senior at Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School, accompanied by Ronalsha Nichole McDade, also a Dunbar senior; Blake Anthony McQueen, a senior at Dunbar, accompanied by Ronica Denise Spratt, also a senior there; and Garrean Lynard Speed, a senior at Southwest High School, accompanied by Earlisha Danielle Perrimore, a senior at Oscar Dean Wyatt High School.

After the presentation the following awards were given: • Mr. Beautillion 2009 – Blake Anthony McQueen ($1,000 scholarship) • Mr. Beautillion 1st Runner-up – Garrean Lynard Speed ($500 scholarship) • Highest G.P.A. Award – Blake Anthony McQueen (3.9 grade-point average) • Participation Award – Joseph VonHumphrey Bradley • Mr. Light Award – Richard Olden Allen H

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THE BROTHERS IN CHARLOTTE recently took time to honor a fellow brother who has made strides in many disciplines—Hill Harper, an initiate of Kappa Phi Lambda, in Columbia, Md. The chapter honored the actor, activist and best-selling author in February for his service to the African-American community.

Chapter President Brian George and Vice President Daniel Grisham presented Harper with an award while he was in the “Queen City” for the UNCF “Historically Black Colleges and Universities Empower Me Tour with Hill Harper.”

During the “Empower Me Tour” event, held at University Park Baptist Church, Beta Nu Lambda’s Alpha Academy and Alpha Beautillion Program students participated in various workshops. During ‘A Conversation with Hill Harper,’ Harper–who portrays coroner Dr. Sheldon Hawkes on the CBS television drama series ‘CSI: New York’–offered students advice on how to save and invest money, volunteer their time, talents and resources, and play active roles in their communities.

In addition to participating in workshops and Harper’s talk, students had a chance to visit the Empower Me Tour Zone–an interactive experience for middle school, high school and college students. Beta Nu Lambda’s Alpha Academy program consists of high school males in grades nine through 12, and it is designed to enhance and enrich the lives of minority males in the Charlotte area.

The program’s mission is to assist young men in achieving academic excellence, social-refinement and cultural-awareness, while preparing them for college. H

Beta Nu Lambda Chapter members, students and Brother Hill Harper (third from right).

CHAPTER NEWS

Brothers of Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter in Columbus, Ohio.

ALPHA RHO LAMBDA Columbus, Ohio THE MEN OF Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter in Columbus, Ohio marked 103 years of A Phi A, in similar fashion as they did the 2008 celebration. In the program, hosted by the chapter’s Education

Foundation, the Community Achievement Luncheon attracted more than 355 guests to celebrate brothers who received awards in the name of the Seven Jewels.

A gubernatorial resolution was issued for the event. The Founders Day Toast and Alpha Sunday celebrations were also held over the weekend.

The chapter hosted the Ohio District’s first-ever cluster session.

District Director Mataryun Wright, a member of Alpha Rho Lambda, presided over the event, during which over 80 men participated in the induction phase, 13 of whom were sponsored by Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter. H

ALPHA RHO Morehouse College IN KEEPING WITH the fraternity’s tradition of service, Alpha Rho Chapter at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga., stepped up and answered the call of the general president to combat domestic violence.

In the fall brothers conducted a successful anti-domestic-violence forum on the campus.

The event was moderated by the chapter’s Miss Black & Gold winner and involved students and others discussing the issue and coming up with solutions to the problem.

The A Rho brothers continue to show Alpha leadership and service on campus in other ways too, including one brother serving as the senior student member on the Morehouse Board of Trustees, and for Thanksgiving the chapter provided hot meals for needy families. H

Brothers of Alpha Rho Chapter on the campus of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga.

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BETA OMICRON Tennessee State University Hundreds of brothers and friends gathered at Tennessee State University in Nashville the weekend of Nov. 6-8, during the annual homecoming, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Beta Omicron Chapter.

University president Brother Melvin N. Johnson and members of the planning committee played host to family, friends, Alpha men and other guests from around the country. Also on hand for the celebration were brothers Fred Humphries, a former TSU president, General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. and Southern Region Vice President James L. Crumel.

The weekend included a 75th Anniversary Gala and Dinner where Mason recounted the storied history of Beta Omicron and reminded the audience that a year after its establishment the chapter helped host the 25th Anniversary Convention at the TSU campus.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the unveiling of a granite marker on a prime corner on the main campus to celebrate the chapter’s legacy and founding in 1934. The marker project was initiated five years ago and the fraternity brothers raised more than $100,000 to erect what is one of the finest monuments honoring the fraternity’s legacy on any college campus.

Following the dedication, the current brothers of Beta Omicron hosted a program and reception, and highlighted their continued great work and service to the college campus and surrounding community. H

EPSILON LAMBDA St. Louis, Mo. ON OCT. 10, 2009, the Epsilon Lambda Chapter team participated in the annual American Diabetes Association’s National ‘Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes’ at the Creve Coeur Lake in Creve Coeur Park, and raised more than $1,500 for the ADA. Epsilon Lambda Chapter supports the ADA by raising money that the ADA will use to help fund research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; deliver services; promote diabetes-awareness to people in the community. Currently, nearly 24 million Americans are living with diabetes and approximately one-third of

40 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

Top: Current members of Beta Omicron Chapter, the general president, TSU President Johnson, along with the chapter’s Miss Black and Gold, at the post-dedication reception.

Right: TSU President Brother Melvin Johnson with the general president at the historic Beta Omicron marker.

those individuals do not know that they are diabetic.

The theme for this year’s walk, in which more than 1,000 people participated, was “Together We Can Stop Diabetes, One Step at a Time.”

Epsilon Lambda, in its 11th year of participation with the ADA annual walk and fundraiser, stresses walking as a great way to get active and stay healthy.

The chapter encourages members—especially those with diabetes—to walk and engage in other forms of exercise in order to control their blood-glucose levels and improve their overall quality of life.

Members who participated in the walk were Brothers Darryl Jones, Eddie Davis, Kevin Maxwell, David Koon, and walk captain Arthur Visor. H

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For more information, go online at www.alphaphialpha.net

“The Toxic Wastes and Race at Twenty� report provides statistical evidence concerning the disproportionate number of hazardous waste sites, landfills, refineries, petrochemical plants, industrial facilities, and highway traffic which expose our communities to dangerous levels of pollution.

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Alpha Phi Alpha Goes Green Initiative New effort aims to save environment and promote healthier communities

By Sacoby Wilson and Mark Barnes

What is the Alpha Phi Alpha Goes Green Initiative?

Through the “Alpha Phi Alpha Goes Green

Initiative,” brothers of Alpha have answered the call to assist the fraternity in implementing an innovative and comprehensive national program aimed at raising awareness about how to build more livable neighborhoods and improve their energy efficiency through practical and policy-driven efforts.

The initiative ensures that members play pivotal roles in championing the environmental rights of marginalized people and places in society.

Historically, the communities Alpha has served, for more than a century, are often overburdened by natural and technological hazards and harmful industrial activities.

These same areas are underserved when it comes to having health-promoting infrastructure such as parks, open space, healthy food outlets, safe housing, health care facilities and other life-preserving amenities.

The Toxic Wastes and Race at Twenty report provides statistical evidence concerning the disproportionate number of hazardous waste sites, landfills, refineries, petrochemical plants, industrial facilities and highway traffic which expose our communities to dangerous levels of pollution.

Nationally, people of color are revealed by the report to be approximately three times more likely to live in neighborhoods that host a commercial hazardous-waste facility than white populations.

The study also found greater numbers of African Americans, Hispanics and Asians in host neighborhoods than non-host neighborhoods in metropolitan areas.

Similarly, a greater number of poor people lived in host neighborhoods than non-host neighborhoods in metropolitan areas.

Many of the fraternity’s members either grew up in, reside, or have family living in the sorts of neighborhoods described above which also display severe health disparities. This is just the tip of the iceberg so to speak.

The onset of global environmental change presents a peculiar challenge to Alpha Phi Alpha in addressing inequalities which are spurred by the environment as new climate regimes such as warmer temperatures, extreme precipitation events and sea level rise change the natural as well as the social and economic order of the places we know and love.

The commonly held belief is that climate change will produce winners and losers, a forecast that has dire consequences for many in the African-American community according to A Climate of Change: African Americans, Global Warming and a Just Climate Policy for the U.S.

The “Alpha Phi Alpha Goes Green Initiative” will provide leadership on the full spectrum of environmental issues from climate change to sustainability development to bring about positive transformations to environmental conditions, neighborhood quality and health, and economic development for Alpha men, their family members, neighbors and friends.

The fraternity’s organizational infrastructure of regions, districts, chapters and members will be depended on to help educate and guide local populations, develop and deliver action-oriented green programming, and implement regional and local-level solutions with the aid of resources and tools the initiative will supply.

A major focus will be to ensure that the present economy becomes a green economy that is inclusive, equitable, and fair and provides opportunities for all Americans particularly economically and socially-disadvantaged populations.

There is a history of uneven economic development, disinvestment, deindustrialization, and high levels of poverty and social disadvantage in a great majority of the communities in which Alpha serves. Diminishing educational and occupational opportunities as a result of global as well as regional and local economic crises makes the fraternity’s job on the environmental front seven times more difficult. As these realities are addressed through our continued national programs, the Alpha Phi Alpha Goes Green Initiative will act as the conduit, purveyor, and champion for green jobs, environmental risk and vulnerability reduction, and energy alternatives. H Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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Alpha Puts New Focus on Racial Justice

By Derrick Alexander Pope

Welcome

to the Andrew Young Racial Justice Symposium. As chairman of the fraternity’s Commission on Racial Justice, I am proud to inform you that beginning with this edition of The Sphinx, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Commission on Racial Justice will bring to you informative, insightful and thoughtprovoking articles, highlighting critical issues affecting racial justice.

In this most historic of times, with the election of the first African-American president, many may wonder about the continued propriety of emphasizing racial justice. Some may even question whether Alpha is living in the past by having such a commission among its structure.

It is important that we bear in mind that the making of history does not mean that history is suspended. In his remarks to the 50th Anniversary Convention, Jewel Henry Arthur Callis noted, “the maintenance of freedom requires vigilance, sacrifice, and cooperation quite as much as the birth of liberty compels struggle.”

Alpha Phi Alpha, like no other organization, is uniquely suited to provide the vigilance and cooperation that freedom requires. This effort is born from that spirit. And always mindful of those noble persons whose efforts are directly responsible for the freedoms we enjoy, we are proud to pay homage to our brother Andrew Young and name this undertaking in his honor.

The Commission has identified the finest minds in and out of Alphadom, and on these pages, you will be treated to their viewpoints on a variety of issues, including voting rights, economic justice, and the appropriate advocacy role of black, Greek-lettered organizations, just to name a few. In the tradition of rigorous scholarship and intellectual advancement, each article will feature one scholar arguing the “pros” of the issue, and another writing from an opposite perspective. The conversation will continue online on the fraternity website.

We begin with an examination of school-discipline and -expulsion and its correlative impact on the schoolto-prison pipeline. Commission members Ira L. Foster, Esq., who has advocated for the legal rights of young black men in education-discipline and tribunal cases, and Michael John Myers II, who recently earned his Master of Public Administration degree from Binghamton University, with a concentration in education policy, have diligently researched this matter. Although future articles will be presented in the point-counterpoint format, Foster and Myers will make the case for the Alpha position in this most critical of concerns without debate.

This symposium will be an overture to the House of Alpha to respond to the urgent needs composed by the times. I am happy to have the opportunity to serve as the “conductor” of this “symphony of ideas.”

Enjoy the music!

“The maintenance of freedom requires vigilance, sacrifice, and cooperation Are We Losing A Generation Of Black Males? quite as much

By Ira L. Foster, Esq. and Michael John Myers II as the birth of In 2003, researchers from Harvard University conducted a study of the dropout rate for black males and liberty compels subsequent time spent in prison. To say the least, their findings were staggering. The research showed that there appeared to be a direct correlation between suspensions and expulsions and an increase in the dropout rates for struggle.”

–Jewel Henry Arthur Callis

black males. More importantly, the study found that the more black male students were suspended or expelled from school, the more likely many were not going to return.

According to the study, schools were increasingly suspending and expelling a significant number of black male students because of stricter enforcement of zero-tolerance policies that involved the police being contacted in minor incidents. This law-enforcement involvement often led to arrests, juvenile-detention referrals and even criminal charges and incarceration.1 Similar studies have found the same pattern across the country, especially in large cities.

For example, in the city of New York, between 2000 and 2005, suspensions increased a whopping 76 percent per year, going from 8,567 to 15,090, with only a five percent increase in overall school population during that

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same five-year period. A major factor contributing to this increase was the New York City Impact Schools Initiative, a joint program between the New York Police Department, Department of Education and the mayor’s office, that targeted schools with high levels of crime by increasing zerotolerance policies.

In the first year of the initiative, the average number of suspensions increased by 22 percent. Conversely, schools that were not targeted under the joint program saw only a three percent increase in suspensions.2 In 2001, 95 percent of youths entering juvenile detention in New York City were black or Latino, although they comprised less than two thirds of all of New York City’s school youths. These numbers seem to indicate that once these children drop out of school, the next step for them was juvenile-detention centers or prisons. Other cities seem to fare no differently.

Once black males drop out of school, their chances of becoming a productive citizen diminish dramatically. According to a study by the New York Times, six out of 10 black men who have dropped out of school had, by their mid-thirties, spent time in prison.3 Additionally, in that same age group, 30 percent of black men with only a high school diploma had served time in prison.

Among black male dropouts in their late-twenties, more are in prison than are gainfully employed. Thirty-four percent of black dropouts in their late-twenties are in prison as compared to about 30 percent that are working according to an analysis of 2000 census data. Black male youths that are incarcerated have a very difficult time being successful after completing their sentences.

For example, in 2000, 65 percent of black male high-school dropouts in their twenties were jobless, unable to find work, not seeking a job or incarcerated. By 2004, that number had grown to 72 percent.4

One of the most common characteristics exhibited by prison inmates is the lack of a high-school diploma. Approximately 68 percent of state prison inmates in 1997 had not completed high school. A total of 75 percent of youths under the age of 18 who have been sentenced to adult prisons have not passed the tenth grade. An estimated 70 percent of the juvenile-justice population suffers from learning disabilities and 33 percent read below the fourth grade level.5

According to the Juvenile Justice Policy Institute, there were almost a third more African-American men in prison and jail than on college and university campuses at the end of the century. In fact, there were more than 791,600 African-American men in jail and prison in 2000, compared to only 603,000 black men enrolled in institutions of higher learning. While the number of African-American males incarcerated each year increases, the number of African-American male graduates from colleges is relatively low. Fewer than 40,000 black males graduate from college each year.6

Research shows a clear, but grim, pattern regarding the future prospects for a black male suspended or expelled from school. That child is likely to be retained in a grade, commit a crime, drop out of school, and end up incarcerated as a juvenile or adult. The evidence is clear in documenting the systematic, oppressive and abysmal educational trends that plague young black men. Equally clear is the

challenge of Alpha men. We must spearhead the eradication of unjust practices and policies that threaten the future of our communities.

Jewel Brother Vertner Woodson Tandy put it best when he said, “We must fight until hell freezes over, and then fight on the ice.”

Losing undeserving black boys to the criminal-justice system is a frozen hell like no other, with the ice getting thicker day by day. Now is the time to fight in the tradition of our beloved fraternity’s mission of providing service and advocacy to our communities. We have the tools at our disposal and within our communities. Our challenge is the targeted efforts of these programs.

Our ground forces include local Big Brothers Big Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Clubs. As parental involvement is crucial to the vitality of education, our beachheads include a more active role within a local school, the parent-teacher-association and other similar programs within the community. Similarly, because research illustrates the profound effects of both the school-to-prison pipeline and the blackwhite educational-achievement gap as it relates to a child’s vocabulary and rate of literacy, our paratroopers’ involvement in children’s bookreading clubs through the local library is important.

Whenever possible, relationships should be forged with the local police and school officials to educate all stakeholders about the unintended consequences of zero-tolerance policies.

On a broad level, our efforts should correspond with our national programs such as Project Alpha, which could provide our ground forces with aerial cover on the feasibility of forming coalitions to adopt local schools. Moreover, until the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is significantly restructured (Title 1 and the funding of schools, so they are no longer monetarily rewarded for dropouts), more research should be done at the state level to determine how we can work within the confines of NCLB. Correspondingly, state- and federal-funding laws and zero-tolerance policies must be challenged to ensure equity, and the current state of each must be lobbied appropriately in our towns, cities, states, and on Capitol Hill.

As we were told by past general president, the late Ernest “Dutch” Morial, “the test demands vigorous leadership, courage and vision. It requires imagination as well as greater understanding; but most of all, it calls for dedication–the dedication exemplified by the founding Jewels of Alpha Phi Alpha.”

If Alpha Phi Alpha is concerned about educational justice, then without a doubt, one aim must be to reverse the trends of the schoolto-prison pipeline.

Tell us your thoughts. To follow the discussion and for more information, go to the fraternity web site at www.alphaphialpha.net .H 1 Johanna Wald and Daniel Losen. “Defining and Redirecting a School-to Prison Pipeline.” The Civil Rights Project at Harvard University.

2 New York Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union. (2007) School-to Prison Pipeline Fact Sheet 3 Erik Eckholm, Plight Deepens for Black Men, Studies Warn, New York Times, March 20, 2006 4 Id., at p. 2 5 Wald and Losen, supra note 1, at p. 11 6 Murray, Mona, (2005), The Cradle to Prison Pipeline Crisis, Poverty and Race, Vol. 14, No. 4

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New Arts Committee Hopes to Renew Treasured Traditions

By Rashid Darden

In 2009 the fraternity established the National Arts and Humanities Advisory Council–the first among AfricanAmerican Greek-lettered organizations. Conceived by Brother Rashid Darden, the committee seeks to enrich the lives of Alpha brothers and the communities in which they serve.

The objectives of the AHAC are: to encourage the promotion of the arts and humanities on every level of the fraternity; to provide organic networking and mentoring opportunities among collegians and alumni engaged in artistic professions; and to foster the ongoing discussion of the usefulness of the arts as a vehicle for social change.

“It is an honor to serve the fraternity in this capacity,” Darden said. “I am really appreciative that our general president believes in the importance of engaging brothers of various talents at every level of the fraternity.”

One way the fraternity has included brothers in the arts is through the “Alphas in Hollywood Symposium,” held during the General Convention in New Orleans last July. A number of brothers in the arts and entertainment industry participated in the symposium.

Brother Lawrence C. Ross, author of the best-selling book The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities, said during the symposium, “…this is a prime example of how to make expertise accessible within Alpha. …

I hope we were able to show brothers that whether they’re an information-technology expert or an entrepreneur, there’s a potential place for them in either the film, television or music industry.”

The AHAC will work on several initiatives in the coming months and years, which it says will engage and benefit the entire Actor Brother Darryl Bell listens as the brothers discuss the state of the arts and entertainment industry during the “Alphas in Hollywood Symposium.”

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Author Brother Lawrence Ross makes a point during the symposium.

brotherhood, for example: • The Alpha Song Project will collect fraternity songs from across the nation and publish them–along with the sheet music–in a songbook available to all brothers, with the hope of recording many of them in MP3 format. This will be the first significant update to the fraternity’s national songbook since 1948.

• The Alpha Anthology, led by Brother Detrick Hughes, will be a collection of fiction, poetry and essays written by established and emerging Alpha authors.

• Convention Activities will aim to include events and activities related to the arts–both for arts professionals as well as spectators.

• An Arts Implementation Guide and Directory for chapters wishing to expand their programming to include more artistic endeavors will be created as a resource for chapters seeking new programming ideas.

• The Renaissance Retreat, led by Brother Parker Burton, will serve as a planning and organizing conference for members of the AHAC and all brothers are already in or are interested in careers in the arts.

All brothers are welcome to assist with the Arts and Humanities Advisory Council, and may contact Brother Don Weston, chief of staff at chief-of-staff@apa1906.net. H

INITIATIVES

Alpha men hold the year 1906

in high regard, especially Brothers Armon McWell and Desmond Diggs. Six years after the turn of the century was not only the founding year of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, but also the Kellogg Company. The two institutions share many of the same values and aims, and Diggs and McWell are now apart of both entities thanks to the fraternity’s new College Life To Corporate Life Program (C2C).

Diggs, from Richmond, Va. is a senior majoring in English at Morehouse College. He joined Alpha in spring, 2007, at Alpha Rho Chapter. As a participant in the C2C Program this past summer he was a beneficiary of the Snack Sales Internship position with the Kellogg Company in Washington D.C. He was tasked to acclimate to the inner workings of the sales and distributions of Kellogg’s Snack Division as well as to identify potential opportunities for growth within his market.

College Life to Corporate Life: Two Brothers Turn Opportunity Into Gold in Corporate America

By Nicholas Fletcher

Desmond Diggs

Diggs says from start to finish the internship was a rewarding experience that truly displayed the spirit of fraternity and the character of the wonderful people at Kellogg. He says what he enjoyed most was seeing the complexities and array of job functions that were necessary to bring the products to market.

“I highly recommend the program to any brother who is interested in making a life for themselves in corporate America, or the corporate world,” said Diggs. “As a result of the C2C program I met people who were truly invested in my personal success in the company.”

Brother McWell, a spring 1999 initiate of Alpha Eta Chapter in metro St. Louis, Mo., matriculated at Lindenwood University. After finding his sales opportunity with Kellogg through C2C in February 2009, he is currently working as a territory service representative with Kellogg in the Indianapolis area.

“This is quite frankly an awesome opportunity to advance my career path,” said McWell. “I’ve enjoyed the wealth of knowledge bestowed upon me during this tenure at Kellogg.”

Brother McWell’s philosophy is simply to make a mark and exceed all goals. He credits his aptitude and skills, in part, to his membership in Alpha Phi Alpha.

McWell and Diggs join the tradition of leadership and excellence of brothers Darryl Riley, Torrance Beard, Nicholas Fletcher, Daniel Taylor and Tennyson Smith as Alpha men employed with the Kellogg Company.

“In these difficult economic times, with record unemployment and seemingly less vocational and professional opportunities, brothers are encouraged to exhaust all benefits of opportunities like the C2C program,” said Brother Nicholas Fletcher, chairman of the Special Committee on College Life to Corporate Life.

Every major employment publication encourages job seekers to leverage the strength of networking in their job-seeking pursuits. Alpha’s C2C program is a testament to how effective these social networks can be.

College brothers should contact their chapter advisors, chapter presidents, or the General Office in Baltimore to get more information. H

Armon McWell

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STRONG MEDICINE A Phi A’s Health Initiative: Just What the Doctor Ordered

By Michael A. Smith, M.D.

In the realm of health and wellness, Alpha Phi Alpha has chosen to focus on strategies designed to address and decrease the health disparities that exist in the African-American community.

Members have also decided that the fraternity should empower and improve the lives and health status of our brothers, the African-American male in general and the communities we serve through education, screening, collaboration, coalition building and promotion of healthy lifestyles. Furthermore, we seek to increase the representation of qualified Alpha brothers and other African Americans in the health professions.

To that end, the fraternity formally established the Dr. Henry Arthur Callis African-American Male Health Initiative.

“Historically, the men of Alpha Phi Alpha have always played a major role in health issues concerning the AfricanAmerican community,” said Brother Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., general president of the fraternity.

The Callis health initiative’s goal is to make a conscious and deliberate effort to address the many health disparities plaguing the African-American community through the fraternity’s signature programs and strategic partnerships with the American Heart Association/American

48 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

Stroke Association, the American Cancer Society, the State Farm 50 Million Pound Challenge, the American Diabetes Association and Aetna.

Disease processes to be addressed include cardiovascular disease, HIV/ AIDS, obesity, diabetes with its multisystem manifestations, and certain cancers prevalent among African-American males.

The initiative’s branding slogan is “LIVE WELL – O SIX” which stands for OOpt for healthy lifestyle choices; S-Seek opportunities to learn more about health; I-Identify health issues in our communities; X-eXtinguish health disparities.

The fraternity’s efforts in the health arena include, but are not limited to: Project Alpha – One of the fraternity’s oldest national programs. For more than 20 years, brother have coordinated Project Alpha activities in collaboration with the March of Dimes organization to help young men make responsible decisions concerning HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases and teen-aged pregnancy prevention. It also provides education on sexually transmitted diseases.

American Cancer Society® – A national partnership where chapters through collaboration with the ACS stress the importance of education and screening, particularly for prostate and colon cancers which disproportionately affect African Americans. The goals of the partnership center on three areas: prevention and wellness promotion, engaging college chapters in the ACS’ College Against Cancer Campaign and advocacy, where the “ACS CAN” Web site is utilized by Alpha chapters and educational workshops conducted at regional and national conventions.

American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association – A national collaboration where brothers and their chapters stress the importance of lifestyle changes, education and screenings to reduce the risks of heart related illness in

our communities. Brothers register to become “Power Ambassadors” to help educate the public on signs and symptoms and risk factors associated with strokes and hypertension. Also, through a series of AHA-sponsored workshops, brothers can learn CPR and be prepared to actually save the lives of people in their communities.

All members of Alpha Phi Alpha are asked to help fight against strokes by becoming a “Power Ambassador.”

Go to www.powertoendstroke.org and join now. The life you save may be your own.

State Farm’s “The 50 Million Pound Challenge” – A national collaboration where brothers actively participate in the challenge, bringing with them family, friends, and associates to participate as well. The project is designed to modify lifestyle choices to combat the obesity epidemic in America and thus close the disparity in minority communities for diseases affected by obesity such as heart

disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers. All brothers are encouraged to join the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity National Team.

Links to the team can be found via the fraternity Web site www.apa1906.net.

HIV/AIDS Awareness – Alpha has developed a “call-to-action” to decrease the number of new cases of HIV /AIDS surfacing in some urban communities in endemic proportions. Recognizing that African Americans account for half of the estimated 1.2 million HIV-positive Americans, and the fact that the black community has much work remaining to combat the spread of HIV, the fraternity’s national Special Committee on Health and Wellness has established the HIV/AIDS Subcommittee to address HIV/AIDS in the African-American community.

Within the next four years, Alpha Phi Alpha will engage in collective programming commitments with national, state and local entities to: disseminate HIV-health-education

materials to the community, facilitate HIV testing and linkages to care, host educational events, advocate for the expansion of comprehensive AIDSprevention efforts and call for a massive effort to address the disproportionate impact this epidemic is having on African-Americans–especially the youth.

In addition, Alpha’s general presidents will participate in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “Heightened National Response to the HIV/AIDS Crisis among African Americans” aimed at increasing awareness and participation of AfricanAmerican organizations in combating HIV/AIDS. March of Dimes – A national partnership where Alpha Phi Alpha members coordinate and participate in raising awareness and funding for the March of Dimes to combat problems associated with premature deliveries, low-birth-weight babies and birth defects. For the past two years the CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Left: Fraternity members exercise at General Convention during “The 50 Million Pound Challenge” workout session; Top: Brothers sign up to participate in “The 50 Million Pound Challenge.”

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INITIATIVES fraternity has led the way, being ranked number one in fundraising in the category of fraternal/social-based organizations.

Specific objectives for the fraternity’s new health initiative are outlined here. Through the support of valued partners and affiliates, the

manpower and enormous intellect of Alpha Phi Alpha and targeted outreach to our communities, meeting these objectives will create a lasting foundation to dismantle the health disparities facing the centers of black population throughout the country. H

For more information please contact Michael A. Smith, M.D., chairman of the Special Committee on Health and Wellness, via e-mail at mas1906@aol.com.

Dr. Henry Arthur Callis African-American Male Health Initiative OBJECTIVES • Facilitated a health symposium at the national convention featuring prominent African Americans in the medical field along with health and medical officers from Alpha’s partner organizations. The symposium will focus on the disparities in health issues among African Americans, educate the brotherhood and the community on what can be done to decreased these disparities, highlight the resources and tools of partner organizations while providing a visible platform for rolling out the Dr. Henry Arthur Callis AfricanAmerican Male Health Initiative and the fraternity’s health mentoring program.

• Sponsor community-wide health fairs at national conventions and other meetings. Topics such as HIV, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and an array of preventive measures shall be discussed. Free screenings for glaucoma, blood count, dental and prostate disease will be provided while seminars on telemedicine, medicine compliance, and CPR will also be conducted.

• Asking brothers in the health sciences to mentor a college or alumni brother. This can be initiated at symposiums and through subsequent e-mail communication. Mentors and mentees will be matched by interest and geography.

Forward contact information, including areas of interest to Brother Dr. Michael Smith at mas1906@aol.com. Also, all brothers in the allied health fields are asked to update their information in AlphaNet. • Working to establish a scholars program for brothers who are striving for professional schools in the health fields.

Also, increase the representation of qualified Alpha brothers and other African-American health professionals by working with the fraternity’s General Office to develop an Alpha health-professions network of alumni members.

• Host receptions at non-fraternal meetings (an Alpha reception) where the fraternity can introduce its initiative to brothers who may not attend an Alpha convention, but go to other professional meetings. The charge to them is to

50 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

mentor college brothers and utilize the tools provided by our sponsors.

• Shape policy discussions on health issues important for African Americans. With President Barack Obama’s administration keying in on healthcare reform, Alpha Phi Alpha must lend its voice to policy discussions centering on universal health care, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Creation of a “Health Policy” think tank galvanizing and focusing on these policy discussions will benefit the community and our partner organizations.

Through Web-based communication such as blogs, information can be provided to the brotherhood as well as other groups. Our partner organizations’ information will be highlighted in the communications with specific calls to action for the brotherhood. Also this medium will provide feedback from the brothers which will be a valuable metric for Alpha and our partners.

Have every chapter create an active health committee and align itself with a local hospital or health center with a community outreach program to easily facilitate health programs and also provide the outreach to the communities needed by our partner organizations.

• Participation in a pilot study funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focusing on determining communitybased risk factors that lead to childhood obesity.

Address health and medical issues that impact the brotherhood and communities that Alpha serve by preparing the Fraternity’s response to these issues and policies as they arise for consideration by the fraternity’s Board of Directors, the general president and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. World Policy Council.

• Participating in the “Tom Joyner Morning Show’s” Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day. Alpha chapters will assist in transporting individuals to health screenings, set up in various cities across the country which are identified by the “Tom Joyner Morning Show.” The event occurs annually and is embraced by the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

INITIATIVES

Updating the Eduational Initiative:

FROM THE HIGH CHAIR TO HIGHER EDUCATION

By Ron Peters Illustration by Michael Jenkins

Many academic and health-education interventions focusing on proximal determinants, such as attitudes, knowledge and skills have shown meager impact on behavior.1 Many of the current programs have been developed and evaluated for mixed gender or female-only priority populations.

The lack of addressing African-American norms and beliefs in academic and social intervention methodology has led to a gap in the understanding of effective ways to reduce at-risk behaviors among African-Americans, especially inner-city males.2

Background According to Jewel Brother Henry Arthur Callis, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was organized “to bring together our college-trained men

across the country to stimulate the youngsters and to work with public officials and to stage public meetings where problems of the period could be discussed and placed before those of us who had to work for their solution.”3 The impetus for the development of the “High Chair to Higher Education” initiative was the alarming data reported in the literature about the academic, social, and health disparities facing young African-American males.

We find that there are variations in academic and social behaviors among youth based on their backgrounds. More specifically, variations are seen amongst youth that are living at or near poverty levels, in families with no health insurance, and may or may not have the knowledge or academic opportunity to practice intellectually-promoting behaviors.4

The panelists of the ‘High Chair to Higher Education’ symposium meet the general president: From left: Brothers Ivory Toldson, Bobby Scott, Kevin Powell, Roland Martin, moderator, Mr. Derek Watkins a.k.a. “Fonzworth Bentley,” General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., Brother Ron Peters, Mr. Mario Van Peebles, Brothers Michael Blake and Naim Akbar.

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INITIATIVES

When members of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. looked at the data for African-Americans, especially males, we found it disconcerting that some of the health-related or social-culture problems that are prevalent can be prevented.5

Based on this data, at the 103rd Anniversary Convention, General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. called for a symposium with experts in African-American male academic and social development who provided information on a myriad of disciplines.

The discussion was facilitated by CNN political analyst Brother Roland Martin.

Guest panelists included: Brothers Naim Akbar, professor and lecturer; Michael Blake, White House deputy associate director of intergovernmental affairs; Hill Harper, actor/author; Ronald Peters, University of Texas associate professor; Kevin Powell, community activist; U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va.; Ivory Toldson, Howard University assistant professor; Mr. Alex Ellis, founder of the “Tied to Greatness” program; Mr. Derrick Watkins, a.k.a.

“Fonzworth Bentley,” fashion designer and entertainer; and Mr. Mario Van Peebles, actor/activist.

Some of the central themes that emerged from the discussion were academic development, female devaluation, fatherhood/family absenteeism, substance abuse, child abuse, substance use and abuse, youth sexual abuse, and television illiteracy. The following is a review some of the central topics.

Academic Development According to Cohen6 in the United States white-American fourth-grade youth (41 percent) are reading at a grade level much higher than their AfricanAmerican (13 percent) counterparts. In fact, African-American twelfth-grade youth are at the same level of testing for

During the symposium, actor Mario Van Peebles makes a point flanked by brothers Hill Harper (left) and Ron Peters (right).

reading and math as white-American eighth grade youth.7 Although societal constraints such as restricted economic opportunity, relegation of cultural identity, and macro-level legislative policies and practices have been well argued as causal factors of the academic disparity between African-American and white-American youth, meager discussion has been conducted on the impact of culturally sensitive education and maladjusted modeling on the academic process of male youth.

Female Devaluation There exist trends of “chronic female devaluation” among African-American youth. Disgraceful terms for men who physically and sexually abuse women, such as pimp, have been normalized to have a quasi-cool usage in mainstream American society.8 While this salacious trend has emerged, terms to describe women, especially African-American women, who sell sex for money (e.g., whore, pronounced hoe) have been normalized to depict women as a group, especially among urban youth.9 Sadly, as the devaluation of women increases, women are more likely to be affected

by relatively poor health outcomes.10 This normalization of female sexual devaluation can also be seen through popular movies and documentaries of African-American culture diffused by major television and motion picture companies: HBO’s “Pimps up, Hoes Down;” Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s “American Pimp;” and Paramount’s “Hustle and Flow. ”

Fatherhood/Family Absenteeism Research indicates that children are at risk for delinquency if they live in a single-parent family and if they live in areas with high levels of family disruption.11 According to Bramlett and Mosher12, national data in 1995 revealed only 25 percent of African-American women were currently married. This prevalence rate is alarming compared to the marital status of their Latino (47 percent) and white (54 percent) counterparts.

The same data set revealed that 52 percent of African-American females have never been married compared to 33 percent of Latino- and 29 percent of white women. Although societal CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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INITIATIVES

constraints such as restricted economic opportunity, relegation of cultural identity, macro legislative policies and practices13 have been well argued as causal factors of martial stress, meager research has been conducted on impact trust as a predictor of African-American marital quality.14

Because of the high prevalence of unwed African-American mothers, many do not have the privilege of simply mothering.

In fact, many take on non-traditional disciplinary roles which our data suggest create conflict and victim blaming among their male children (Peters, in Press).

Substance Use and Abuse Substance use and abuse was a major concern voiced by key stakeholders in the African-American community. The Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) revealed that in 2005, African-Americans were more likely to have crack-cocainerelated treatment admissions (53 percent) compared to whites (38 percent) and Hispanics (8 percent).15 The prevalence of cocaine use is cause for concern because of its association with increased sexual risktaking behavior. Because of the powerful euphoric and sexually-stimulating effect cocaine has on the body, several studies have linked stimulant abuse with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).16

Child Sexual Abuse Youth sexual abuse is a widespread problem in the United States and an underreported taboo in African-American communities. In a study by Cohen and colleagues17 which consisted of 65 percent African-American women, childhood sexual abuse was strongly associated with a lifetime history of high-risk behaviors, including using drugs, having more than 10 male sexual partners, having male partners at risk for HIV infection, and exchanging sex for drugs, money, or shelter.

In a study of African-American college students by Amos, Peters, Williams,

54 THE SPHINX H Summer/Fall 2009

Johnson, Martin, and Yacoubian,18 10 percent of participants reported being sexually abused in or around campus within the last year. In addition, males who reported past sexual abuse in or around campus were significantly more likely than non-sexually abused males to have used tobacco (41 percent v.19 percent), alcohol (82 percent v. 49 percent), marijuana (59 percent v. 30 percent) and cocaine (18 percent v. 2 percent) in the 30 days preceding the interview.

Television Literacy Socialization of youth about ‘‘appropriate’’ gender roles in dating situations and risky sexual behaviors may come from a number of different sources including peers, family, and significant others.19 Television is one source of information with its enticing characters, storylines, and situations that often focus on the topics of sex and relationships. Today, almost every household in the United States has a television set.

While television can be a source of news, entertainment, and education, it can also encourage behaviors that promote sexual risk taking behavior among adolescents who do not have media literacy.

African-American children spend more time in front of a television set than any other race of youth.20 Because many adolescents are modeling the risky sexual behaviors depicted on television, especially in music videos, its negative influences may be starting to outweigh its benefits to society. Top-rated shows such as the “Newlywed Game” that many adults watched as youth have been replaced with top-rated sexual “train-wreck” shows that often depict young adults in bizarre multiple relationships.

Conclusion Through this symposium the fraternity and New Orleans community was provided with quality information that will help us tailor a holistic national plan of

action to prevent and reduce academic failure and overall maladjusted social behavior among African-American males. According to Kreuter and colleagues21 “tailoring is defined as any combination of information or change strategies intended to reach one specific person based on characteristics that are unique to that person, related to the outcome of interest, and have been derived from an individual assessment.” However, targeting involves a single intervention approach for a defined population.

While most education programs target youth, through case management, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s “High Chair to Higher Education” initiative will be one of the only initiative tailored to meet the needs of black boys at their individualized stage of academic and social behavior. H 1 (Bell, et al., 2007; Gaydos, Hsieh, Galbraith, Barnes, Waterfield, & Stanton, 2008; Kourtis, et al. 2006; Thomas, 1999; Tortolero, et al. 2005) 2 (Peters, 2009).

3 (Wesley, 1977) 4 (Rew, 2005) 5 (Taylor, Seaton & Rodriquez, 2002) 6 Cohen, R (1991).To Prisons or Hospitals: Race and Referrals in Juvenile Justice.

Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved 2(2), 248-250.

7 Cass, J. (2005). Dismantling the Cradle to Prison Pipeline, Washington, DC: Children’s Defense Fund, xv.

8 (Bastiaens, 2007; Check, 2007; Keeley, 2007) 9 (Mossman, 1999; Peterson, Wingood, DiClemente, Harrington, & Davies, 2007) 10 (Wingood & DiClemente, 2000) 11 (Anderson, 2002) 12 (2002) 13 (Pinderhughes, 2002) 14 (Kelly & Floyd, 2006) 15 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2007) 16 (Miquez, Page & Baum, 1997; Shoptow, Reback & Rawson, 1998) 17 (2000) 18 (2008) 19 (Rivadeneyra & Lebo, 2008; Bandura, 1986) 20 (Martin, 2008) 21 (1999)

I N I T I AT I V E S

History Comes Alive in Alpha Phi Alpha

By Norman E.W. Towels

The 103rd Anniversary Convention held in New Orleans, La., was one to rival the ages, from concept to content you had to be there to experience history in the making. From the outstanding workshops to the superb Public Program, to the awe-inspiring tributes to the Daughters of Alpha men, it was truly a historical moment.

Members of the fraternity’s Historical Commission in attendance were pleased to present for the first time an on-going historical exhibit that featured the Historical Commission members being available throughout the convention to provide insight and explanations to both the brothers and the public.

Many thanks and appreciation goes to Brothers Richard James, Ricky Boyland, Jerome Offered, Ray McDonald and Wilburt Mays, for their untiring assistance in making the historical display a success.

General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. contributed his historical banners from the Centennial Exhibit, and the commission chairman Norman Towels created an “ode” to Mason’s Skip’s Historical Moments through the production of two limited-edition compilations. A comprehensive display; featuring the first 10 chapters complemented the banners and featured many rare books, autographed items, magazines, pamphlets, and primary source material representing those first 10 chapters.

Highlights of the display included books written–and in some cases signed–by past general presidents and past fraternity Historian Charles H. Wesley, a Florida A&M University yearbook featuring Jewel Henry Arthur Callis, along with one of his poems. The display also included history books from all nine panhellenic groups as well as a book on the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Boule) history.

In addition to documents signed by Brother W.E.B. DuBois, the display was rounded out with books by Alpha members Andrew Young, Paul Robeson Jr., Christopher Darden, Adam Clayton Powell, John H. Johnson, Dick Gregory and Jesse Owens.

One of the goals of the Historical Commission is to make history “come alive.” The commission achieved the goal at the New Orleans convention in several ways. For example, a video interview on the first editor of The Sphinx titled “Evening with Brother Raymond Cannon” was shown.

The video was produced 25 years ago, and is one of the few remaining video presentations of Cannon, who also served as 12th general president, the first director of education and was a charter member of Mu Chapter at the University of Minnesota.

Brother Richard James, a member of the commission, who is a poet in his own right, converted the videotape interview to DVD format, so it can be more easily accessible to the brothers.

The video may also be viewed on the fraternity website at www.alphaphialpha.net. H

Centennial Book of Essays and Letters

The Sphinx, December, 1969

The Sphinx, Fall, 1987

The Jayhawker, 1920, Page 168

E Street, Cornell University, Dec. 13,1906

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Web stream on www.alphaphialpha.net sponsored by Abercrombie & Fitch.

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JERMAINE BURRELL

Some in the world of politics may have called him a “newcomer,” but when Brother Jermaine Burrell, 33, won a seat on the Mobile, Ala., city council this fall, it was hardly anything new to local Alpha Phi Alpha members.

Burrell had been trained years ago, while a college student, when he ran for and won the fraternity position of Southern Region assistant vice president. He matriculated at Alabama A&M University and is an information technology and services professional.

Ironically, Burrell defeated a fellow Alpha member—sixterm incumbent Brother Clinton Johnson—in the October runoff election, taking the District 3 seat.

Burrell’s campaign theme was “Lead, change, grow.”

His four-year term began in November.

REGINALD A. CRENSHAW Joining fellow Alpha man Levon Charles Manzie on the local school board in Mobile County, Ala., Brother Reginald A. Crenshaw celebrated the one-year anniversary of his election this November too.

A member of Beta Omicron Lambda Chapter and initiated at Alpha Rho Chapter at Morehouse College in 1977, Crenshaw was elected to a six-year term as commissioner

on the Mobile County School Board during the November 2008 general election in Mobile, Alabama.

The school system has an annual operating budget of more than $800 million, with 63,000 students enrolled, and approximately 8,500 employees.

Crenshaw received a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of South Alabama in 1984, and a doctorate in higher education administration degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2003.

JUSTIN DAVIS October 16 was a memorable day for Brother Justin Davis, who was initiated at Mu Lambda Chapter in Washington, D.C. That was the day he was formally appointed a U.S. diplomat in the State Department.

Davis, a 2007 graduate of Cornell University, is a native of Atlanta and earned his Master of Public Policy degree from Georgetown University in 2009, where he was a Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellow. His thesis is titled A Proxy for Success: Assessing Black Student Graduation Rates Across the Nation and the Barriers Facing Black Student Graduation Rates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Davis also spent time at The University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, at Duke University, and he was an economic officer at the U.S.

Embassy in Ghana during the summer of 2009, where he organized logistics for President Barack Obama’s visit.

HORACE G. DAWSON JR. Brother Horace G. Dawson Jr. was honored by the University of Iowa (UI) in Iowa City earlier this year. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award for Achievement. A member of Mu Lambda Chapter in Washington, D.C., Dawson received a doctorate from UI in 1961.

An educator and diplomat, Dawson’s accomplishments in education and the U.S. Foreign Service were cited

by UI President Sally Mason during the presentation of the prestigious award.

Two other Alpha men, Brother Leonard H. Dawson (Dawson’s brother), president emeritus of Voorhees College, and Brother James Donaldson, dean of Howard University’s College of Arts and Sciences, were among family and friends who attended the ceremony.

In diplomatic service Dawson held assignments in Uganda, Nigeria, Liberia, Washington, D.C., and the Philippines prior to his appointment as ambassador to the Republic of Botswana by former President Jimmy Carter in 1979.

RICARDO DEVEAUX May 9, 2009, was an historic day for Brother Ricardo Deveaux. It was the day he returned to his alma mater, Bethune-Cookman University, to deliver the 2009 spring-commencement address.

Deveaux delivered his message to a crowd of 8,000 people—450 of whom were graduates—who packed the Daytona Beach Ocean Center.

His message: Despite the doom and gloom being predicted, the future is bright and the possibilities are endless—if one is willing to dream big dreams

STUART J. FLEMISTER His favorite colors really are old gold and black, but Brother Stuart “Stu James” Flemister is making a living and a name for himself with “The Color Purple.”

The Alpha Rho initiate and 1989 graduate of Morehouse College recently reprised the role of “Harpo” in the stage musical and is on the national tour. He has also performed on Broadway as “Benny” in “Rent.”

Flemister’s movie credits include Bill Condon’s “Dreamgirls,” “Downtown A Street Tale,” “House of Grim,” and the D.K. Holmes feature “Burning Sands.”

Television audiences know him from roles on “General Hospital,” “All My Children,” and “Barbershop.”

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and work hard at achieving those dreams.

Deveaux received another honor when he was appointed president of the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Foundation in September.

A 1990 B-CU honors graduate, Deveaux joined Alpha at Delta Beta Chapter in 1988, and he is active with Iota Epsilon Lambda Chapter in Nassau, Bahamas.

ANTOINE M. GARIBALDI Mu Lambda Brother Antoine M. Garibaldi, president of Gannon University in Erie, Pa., was recently appointed to leadership positions with three national organizations.

In June, he began serving a three-year term with the National Review Board. The appointment was made by Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Garibaldi is also serving a term on the Council of Presidents for the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.

He also was appointed to the Executive Steering Committee of the Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI). The American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ MLI is a leadership-development program; it provides individuals who are traditionally underrepresented in the highest ranks of higher education with the opportunity to develop skills and to build the network needed

to advance their careers.

Garibaldi has served as president of Gannon University since 2001.

MICHAEL GERMAN Like every federal employee, Brother Michael German wakes up each morning with a job to do. In German’s case, that job requires he work to create state and local partnerships to help reduce homelessness.

Based in the Atlanta Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, German, along with other regional homeless coordinators, recently helped create more than 850 state and local collaborations that contributed to a 30 percent reduction in long-term chronic homeless throughout the country.

For his efforts German received a “Sammie” award this fall. The award is one of the most prestigious recognitions for federal service. The Partnership for Public Service awarded German its Citizens Services Medal for his contribution to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, a federal coordinating body that works closely with state and local leaders to reduce homelessness, particularly among those living with a chronic condition.

DAVID HANKERSON Brother David Hankerson, county manager of Cobb County, Ga., had to fight back tears as county commissioners informed him during a ribbon-cutting ceremony this summer that the new, state-of-the-art safety village in Marietta, Ga. would be named the David Hankerson Safety Village.

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LAMARCUS J. HALL A strong sense of community and personal commitment is what author Brother LaMarcus J. Hall said was his motivation to write his recently released first book, I Refuse to Let YOU Give Up: To My Teens Who Feel All Hope is Gone.

Following his initiation into Alpha, at the Xi Tau Chapter in 2003, Hall said he felt it his duty to encourage troubled teens by telling his personal story of struggle and triumph. Currently, Hall is the resident life coordinator for Augusta State University in Augusta, Ga. Hall took to heart the financial challenge of his commitment to youths by helping to establish the Hall Hardman Baker Jones HHBJ Scholarship with friends from his community in Elberton, Ga.; its namesake consists of childhood friends, including Alpha Brother Lamar Hardman, who created a scholarship for local teens. Members of the HHBJ team contributed their own funds to launch the scholarship; however, tax-deductible donations may be made via HHBJ Scholarship’s official Web site at www. hhbjscholars.org.

Hall’s book is available through online booksellers, including Amazon.com, BooksAMillion.com and Borders. com. He speaks to youths by appointment and may be reached at lamarcusjhall@gmail.com.

Brother Hankerson, a member of Omicron Mu Lambda Chapter, was largely responsible for bringing the safety-training facility to fruition. The purpose of the safety village is to provide an innovative way to teach school children about public safety. It is the first of its kind in Georgia.

The 27,500-square-foot facility includes four classrooms for children, two adult classrooms, a multipurpose room, office space, and a 127seat theater. A main fixture inside the building is Sparky’s House, an interactive house with a living room, kitchen and bedroom.

The groundbreaking for the $5 million safety facility was held in February 2008. Hankerson

initially conceived the idea about 10 years ago. After years of research and planning, the Cobb County Commission approved the project in 2007.

TERRY HAZZARD Not only is he a mentor for students, but Brother Terry Hazzard, dean of students at Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Ala., has released his sophomore CD, titled “Father’s Love.”

In 2008, Hazzard performed at Festival of Hope ’08, an international festival of gospel music, held in Liverpool, England. Prior to the festival, Hazzard was among several artists who were invited to perform at Liverpool Cathedral,

BROTHERS ON THE MOVE

the Anglican cathedral in the city.

Hazzard’s first CD, titled “A Love Tapestry with Terry Hazzard and Friends,” was released in 2004.

CRAIG LOCKHART Joining a host of educators from the past, Brother Craig Lockhart recently received the Outstanding Educator Award for Elementary School Principals at the annual summer conference of the Georgia Association for Educational Leaders. Under his leadership, Lockhart advanced Taylor County Upper Elementary School from Needs Improvement Year Six status in 2006 to Title I Distinguished School status in 2009.

During Lockhart’s tenure as principal, the Student Support Team Association for Georgia Educators—an organization that analyzes student support practices in schools—awarded the school with the inaugural first-place best-practices award for providing academic- and behavioral-intervention services to elementary students in 2009.

Lockhart, a 1995 initiate of Gamma Zeta Chapter at Fort Valley State University, is currently a member of Gamma Sigma Lambda in Fort ValleyWarner Robins, Ga., where he was recognized as “Brother of the Year” in January 2009.

LEVON CHARLES MANZIE This November was the one year anniversary of Brother Levon Charles Manzie’s election to the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners.

Manzie, a minister, was initiated in 2006 and is a member of Theta Delta Chapter. His election in November 2008 put him on the board for a six-year term as a commissioner.

The Mobile County School Board is the largest school system in the State of Alabama; and at age 25, Manzie made history as the youngest person ever elected to the school board there, receiving 66 percent of the vote in his district.

Manzie is assistant pastor of the St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church of Whistler, Ala.

LOPEZ D. MATTHEWS JR. After maintaining a 4.0 average for 10 consecutive semesters at Howard University, Brother Lopez D. Matthews Jr. achieved a personal milestone on May 9, 2009—he earned a doctorate in history.

A Baltimore native and graduate of the Milford Mill Academy (Randallstown, Md.), Matthews is member of Delta Lambda Chapter, in Baltimore and earned his undergraduate degree at Coppin State University in 2004.

Matthews says he always knew he wanted a doctorate, and that the achievement puts him closer to his goal of becoming an historian and having a meaningful impact in the field of African-American and U.S. history.

Other affiliations include the Executive Council of the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History and the Golden Key International Honour Society.

JONATHAN MCCOY Brother Jonathan McCoy is now a member of the professional workforce in Washington, D.C. as a consultant with McLean, Va.-based Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. But before he got to that post, he finished his senior year at North Carolina A&T University with splendor.

A mechanical engineering major from Columbia, Md. McCoy was the 2009 valedictorian, with a grade point average of 4.0. The 2007 Beta Epsilon Chapter initiate did much during his tenure at

A&T—joining Alpha and studying abroad in Ghana, Thailand, Cambodia, England and Italy.

He was honored in Who’s Who Among College Students, and he is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Golden Key International Honour Society, Tau Beta Pi engineering society, Pi Tau Sigma engineering society, and the NC A&T’s university honors program.

JACK PACKER Add another Alpha man to the rank of author— Brother Jack Packer of Oldsmar, Fla., has published his

WES MOORE Earlier this year, Brother Wes Moore, second from right, joined a panel of veterans in testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the topic “Soldiers’ Stories From The Afghan War.” Moore served 10 months with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan. There, he helped revise a program to win over Taliban fighters, boosting its enrollment from six when he arrived to 500 by the time he left—and earning a promotion to captain.

Moore has come a long way from getting kicked out of school and shipped off to military academy at age 12. In a decade’s time he turned it all around, graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Johns Hopkins, winning a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford, completing a tour of duty in Afghanistan, and working in investment banking, before winning a White House Fellowship.

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new action-adventure novel, The

Human Factor.

Synopsis: It is the year 2057 and the earth is dying from man’s abuse. Catastrophic events—tsunamis, earthquakes, regional dust bowls, etc.—have become commonplace. The answer is Earth II, another planet so much like Earth the world of nations prepares to move all of humanity there for a new start.

Packer is a native of Panama City, Fla. He earned a master’s degree in history from the University of California, Los Angeles. A U.S. Army ranger officer, he served 22 years in uniform, with assignments that included stops at West Point Military Academy and the Pentagon.

CHARLES PRICE Donning the black robe for 26 years now, Brother Charles Price is

used to seeing his name on the door of his Alabama courtroom chambers. But now he’ll see his name on the building itself.

Earlier this year, the Montgomery County (Ala.) Commission approved the courthouse being renamed the Montgomery County Courthouse, Phelps-Price Justice Center. It honors Brother Price and the late Judge Joseph Phelps.

The county wanted to honor Price for creating numerous creative programs that are “designed to improve the administration of justice,” according to a resolution passed by the commission. Those programs include drug court, mental health court and a progressive restorative justice program.

Price, a former U.S. Army Green Beret, is the current presiding judge of the Montgomery County Circuit bench. He has won other major honors, including the Raymond Pace Alexander Award for Lifetime Contributions to

FRED PERPALL In 1995, when Brother Fred Perpall, a student from Nassau, Bahamas, was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha’s Zeta Chi Chapter at the University of Texas at Arlington, little did he know he would one day receive an appointment by a U.S. president.

Perpall is the managing principal in the Atlanta office of the Beck Group, an international architecture, development and construction company based in Dallas, Texas. Perpall was recently appointed to serve a three-year term on the Board of Councilors of The Carter Center.

The Carter Center, a not-for-profit organization advancing peace and health worldwide, recently appointed 18 new members to the Board of Councilors, bringing its total membership to 188 individuals.

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Judicial Advocacy. He also received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 1997 because of his ruling that required former Circuit Judge Roy Moore to either remove a Ten Commandments plaque from his courtroom or put other historical documents around it.

In 1998, the National Education Association presented him with its Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award.

RALEIGH RAWLS It is not everyday one makes 61 years in Alpha Phi Alpha. But that is what Brother Raleigh Rawls—who joined Beta Chapter on June 1, 1949—did this year.

Rawls, a member of Zeta Alpha Lambda Chapter in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is celebrating the one-year anniversary of his 60th year as a member of the fraternity. Over the last 50 years, he has served South Florida as

a public defender. He is also a founding member of the T.J. Reddick Bar Association, a founding member of the Urban League, and a founding member of the Sistrunk Festival.

Rawls has also held board membership in the local-area Boys and Girls Clubs, the Robert Bethel Post 220, American Legion, the local-area YMCA branch; and he has served on the boards of Old Dillard Museum and Dillard High School’s Taskforce for Quality Education.

He is a lifetime member of the National Bar Association, the Florida Bar Association, and the NAACP.

SYLVESTER LORENZO SHANNON Brothers from Duke University (DU) are marking the one-year anniversary of one of their own this fall—Brother Sylvester Lorenzo Shannon’s receiving the Duke University Divinity School’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Shannon was bestowed the

The Board of Councilors is a leadership advisory group that promotes understanding of The Carter Center and its activities among opinion leaders and the broader community.

Former President Jimmy Carter, former first lady Rosalynn Carter and staff provide updates on Center activities to board members throughout the year.

“The Board of Councilors features some of Atlanta’s most dynamic business leaders,” President Carter said. “When we founded The Carter Center, Rosalynn and I envisioned a Board of Councilors that would help to create an intimate link between the Center, the city of Atlanta, and the state of Georgia. These new members will continue to promote the work of Brother Fred Perpall and President Jimmy Carter. the Center in their communities.”

BROTHERS ON THE MOVE

BILL RELEFORD, D.P.M. Brother Bill Releford, a podiatric surgeon and diabetes-prevention crusader, is the founder of the “Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program” and recently participated in a journal study that finds that black people die prematurely from preventable diseases.

Releford supports the findings of the recent study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, that concludes that African Americans die prematurely from stroke, hypertension, diabetes and other diseases in disproportionate numbers compared to Caucasians. He says that in his 20-year practice as a diabetic podiatric surgeon, he has put a “face to the findings.” However, through diet and the grassroots “Black

honor in October 2008 for his contributions to education and ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from DU in 1966 and a master’s in theology there in 1993.

Shannon served with the U.S. Army Chaplain Service from 1966 to 1981, retiring with the rank of colonel. He was the first African-American chaplain to graduate from the Command and General Staff College, and was the first African American to serve as senior pastor of the Pentagon pulpit. He conducted preaching missions all over the world and received the U.S. Army Legion of Merit Award for service in South Vietnam.

Shannon has served on several national committees of the fraternity and was a one-time candidate for general president of Alpha. He is a past chaplain of the fraternity.

LAWRENCE SCOTT Can you say 61 years and counting?

Brother Lawrence

Scott, a member of Epsilon Mu Lambda Chapter in Pensacola, Fla., celebrated 61 years in Alpha in November.

Scott was initiated at Delta Beta Chapter on Nov. 15, 1948, at Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) in Daytona Beach, Fla.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree from B-CU, and a master’s in education at Loyola University in New Orleans, La. Scott is retired and has 36 years of distinguished service as an educator in the state of Florida to his merit.

RODNEY TAYLOR While in Alpha he is simply known as “Brother” Rodney Taylor, to his many students in his French classes, he is “Monsieur” Rodney Gérard Taylor.

Taylor teaches both French and Spanish at Bala Cynwyd Middle School just outside Philadelphia. He was

Barbershop Health Outreach Program” that screens AfricanAmerican men for diabetes and hypertension, he says, African Americans can reverse this trend.

Releford is reversing the trend by treating these devastating and life-altering disorders through treatment, counsel and a diet program that is captured in his new book, 5 Colors A Day to Better Health. He says that African Americans’ diets consist of fast foods and other fat-filled, non-nutritious items that attack the organs and feed the diseases that lead to early death. While he notes that many inner-city communities have few produce stores where fruits and vegetables can be purchased, he says that to save life and limb, African Americans must invest the time in their health by buying and eating foods that represent the five colors articulated in his book.

honored with the national 2009 Dorothy S. Ludwig Excellence in Teaching Award by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), the largest organization of French teachers in the world.

The Delaware County resident says he is glad to be able to serve his community and help expand the global and cultural perspectives of students. Taylor is a member of Rho Chapter in Philadelphia.

He was honored in July at the AATF Awards banquet in San Jose, Calf., where he received a cash prize, complimentary membership in the association and a subscription to Le Français dans le Monde magazine.

Taylor holds master’s degrees from the University of Mississippi and Universidad de Salamanca in Spain, and a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University.

A.C. WHARTON The people of Memphis, Tenn., went to the polls this fall, and spoke loudly by voting for

Brother A.C. Wharton as mayor.

In June 2009, Wharton, who had previously served as the mayor of Shelby County, announced his intentions to run for mayor of Memphis in a special election to replace the sitting mayor, who vacated the office in the middle of his fifth term. The special election was held Oct. 15, 2009. Based on unofficial returns, Wharton won the election with 60 percent of the vote in a field of some 25 candidates

Wharton, an initiate of Beta Omicron Chapter at Tennessee State University, was sworn into office on Oct. 26, 2009.

R. SETH WILLIAMS In the “City of Brotherly Love,” the people have put an Alpha in charge of the prosecutor’s office. Brother R. Seth Williams, was elected the first African-American district

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attorney in Philadelphia, in the November 3rd general election.

Williams earned a Juris Doctor degree at Georgetown University Law Center in 1992 and a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1989. He holds membership in the Association of Inspectors General, is a certified inspector general, a member of the

Boards of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and is a judge advocate general with the rank of major in the Army Reserve.

ROBERT L. WRIGHT In September, Columbus, Ga., resident and entrepreneur Brother Robert L. Wright Jr. was recognized by the city

council with a proclamation proclaiming the week of September 14-18, 2009, “Dr. Robert L. Wright, Jr. Week” in Columbus.

The week culminated with a scholarship golf tournament in his honor. Wright was recognized by the mayor and council members for his tenacity and determination in

the pursuit of higher education.

Wright, a native of Columbus is a graduate of The Ohio State University and is a former city council member. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed Wright to head the United States Small Business Administration’s Minority Business Program.

LIONEL RICHIE RECEIVES UNCF AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Grammy®-award winner Brother Lionel Richie added another Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson high honor to his mantle of awards. UNCF has honored Richie and Patti LaBelle. with its “Award of Excellence.”

Richie, matriculated at Tuskegee University, and was later

Bro. Richie’s honor was given at the filming of UNCF’s initiated into the fraternity at Alpha Nu Lambda (Alumni) “An Evening of Stars” Tribute to Lionel Richie held in Chapter in 1996.

Pasadena, Calif. in September, 2009. Since his early days

UNCF’s “An Evening of Stars” Tribute to Lionel Richie studying music in high school and college, Richie has been will broadcast nationally January 23 and 24, 2010 on BET a mainstay in music since the 1970s when the group The and WGN. Check your local listings for local air dates and Commodores signed with Motown. times. For more details, go to www.aneveningofstars.org.

As a solo act he went on to achieve many accolades and awards as a singer, songwriter and record producer. UNCF chose Bro. Richie for his undying and heralded efforts for advancing the cause of accessibility to education for minority students.

“Bro. Richie, has not left behind his fellow man; he has truly demonstrated the fundamental belief that everyone has a chance to succeed through education,” said Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

“Lionel through his efforts has provided for the forgotten and neglected so they can succeed in college and life.”

Bro. Richie joined an elite group of individuals who have won the high honor including Lou Rawls, Brother Lionel Richie (center) celebrates his latest honor, from UNCF, with fellow Alpha brothers.

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AD

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WELCOME RECEPTION

Over the next pages, enjoy the highlights from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s convention in New Orleans last July.

103rd Anniversary

General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. and his family greet the attendees from their float during the Mardi Gras-styled parade at the opening reception.

Photos by Rickey Brown, Larry Crider, Jarvis Harris, Jeff Lewis, Jason Lewis and Jamal Wiggins

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Convention

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OPENING SESSION

STATE OF OPENING FRATERNITY SESSION ADDRESS

General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr.

Bro. Wayne Woods, La. District Director

Brother Arthur McDade, Southwestern Vice President

Brother Joshua Williams, Convention Co-chairman

Brother Joseph Byrd, Convention Co-chairman

Longtime member Emmett Bashful is recognized.

General President Mason and Past Midwestern Vice President Brother Darryl Peal.

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PUBLIC PROGRAM

The general presidents arrive. 30th General President Adrian C. Wallace leads the way.

Entertainer Clifton Davis sings a tribute in honor of Michael Jackson.

Cynthia M.A. Butler McIntyre National President Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Sheryl Underwood International Grand Basileus Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

Larry Frasier, Esq. International Grand Polaris Iota Phi Theta Fraternity

Dwayne M. Murray, Esq. Grand Polemarch Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

Paul Griffin International President Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity

Warren G. Lee, Jr. Grand Basileus Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

Brother James E. Huger

Alpha Award of Merit

Brother Roger Youmans Brother Robert Wright Alpha Award of Merit Alpha Award of Merit

Alpha celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Motown, and bestowed the “Alpha Award of Honor” upon Smokey Robinson and the Temptations’ Otis Williams.

General President Mason and Award of Honor recipient Mary Wilson of the Supremes.

Martha Reeves Mary Hughes Annie Singleton Award Alpha Award of Honor

Calvin Peete Alpha Award of Honor

Xernona Clayton Presidential Citation

Christine King Farris Presidential Citation

The Rev. Jesse Jackson Presidential Citation

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SYMPOSIUM ON ALPHAS IN HOLLYWOOD

Top: Panelists of the Alphas in Hollywood Symposium; Left: FIlm producer William Packer, center, makes a point; Middle: Joel Hart addresses the panel; Right: Rob Hardy, film director/writer, speaks about the industry; Bottom: Panelists of the Go Green Symposium discuss ways to save the planet.

More information, see page 46.

ALPHA GOES GREEN SYMPOSIUM

More information, see page 42.

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COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR

Left: Citizens from New Orleans and convention attendees received free medical and dental screenings at the fraternity’s community health fair at Xavier University during the convention; Right: Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Brother Louis Sullivan addressed the health symposium.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS SYMPOSIUM

Brother Francys Johnson, vice president, American Heart Association

Brother Dr. Michael A. Smith, Alpha Phi Alpha Health and Wellness Committee Chairman

Twin brothers Doctors Vince and Vance Moss.

Brother Dr. Wayne J. Riley, president of Meharry Medical College

Dr. Robert D. Matheney, board president, American Heart Association | American Stroke Association of Marrero, La.

More information, see page 48.

Dr. Durado Brooks of the American Cancer Society and Brother Dr. Bill Releford of Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program listen to the discussion.

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LADIES EVENTS

Ladies stand in unison at the symposium, while Alpha wife Evelyn Wright captures the moment on camera.

The ladies of Alpha Phi Alpha enjoyed several events during the 103rd Anniversary Convention including the Ladies Luncheon, a symposium on ‘Women of the Civil Rights Movement,’ a fashion show and a tour of New Orleans. The events provided opportunities for women to share stories, network, and offer solutions to current problems facing women.

Christine King Farris

Edith G. Jones

Alpha First Lady Harmel Mason

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Judge Terri Love

Hazel O’Leary, former U.S. Sec. of Health and Human Services

New Orleans’ own Kristina Marshall, a daughter of Alpha, performs for the ladies.

Former Alpha First Lady Sybil Morial and daughter Julie Morial Cruz

FROM THE HIGH CHAIR TO HIGHER EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM

‘From the High Chair to Higher Education’ is the new initiative of Alpha Phi Alpha designed to save America’s young black boys.

The symposium brought together experts in various fields to begin the dialogue on the issues and problems facing young AfricanAmerican men and how to solve them.

More information, see page 52.

Left: Past Alpha Midwest AVP Michael Blake, now deputy associate director of the White House Intergovernmental Affairs Office, makes a point; Right: Actor Mario Van Peebles and a member of the Boys and Girls Club listen to the discussion; Bottom: Part of the program involved teaching young boys how to tie a tie. Alpha members gave their ties to the boys in the audience to show them the correct method.

TIED TO GREATNESS CEREMONY

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COLLEGE BROTHERS LUNCHEON

Former assistant vice presidents are celebrated at the luncheon.

U.S. Sen. Brother Roland Burris (left), luncheon speaker, receives his 50-year pin. Former secret service agent Brother Abraham Bolden (right) is also recognized.

Brothers Rob Hardy (left) and William Packer receive special recognition for their work as filmmakers.

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FRATERNAL LUNCHEON

Top left: Representatives of Big Brothers Big Sisters from left: Brother Dale Long, Mr. Mark Scott, Judy Vredenburgh, former CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr.; Top right: Brother Warren Isenhour (left) introduces the keynote speaker, the fraternity’s second white member, Brother Roger Youmans (right); Left: General President Mason accepts a contribution from State Farm, a partner of Alpha Phi Alpha in promoting healthy lifestyles; Middle middle: Dr. Ian Smith, spokesman for State Farm’s “The 50 Million Pound Challenge” makes a house call; Middle right: Cynthia Swann, director of minority community outreach at the National Education Association addresses the brotherhood.

Brothers in the FBI pose with the general president and FBI officials after announcing the new strategic partnership between the two organizations.

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EDUCATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

The 2009 Alpha Phi Alpha scholars are presented. At far left is Brother Waldo Johnson, chairman of the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation. At far right is Brother Jodie James, director of education.

BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL CONTESTANTS Left to right: Stevie Walker-Webb, Eta Epsilon, Southwest Region: Brandon White Theta Sigma Southern Region, [Winner]; Terrace “Terry” Hamilton Jr., Theta Tau, Midwestern Region; Brian L. Bailey, Mu Chi Chapter, Western Region; Alexander Smith-Johnson, Epsilon Pi Chapter, Eastern Region

STEP SHOW COMPETITION

The winner: Delta Xi Chapter at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio; Right: Entertainer Fonzworth Bentley, emcee; Far right: the other regional winners in the 2009 National Step Show Competition.

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DAUGHTERS OF ALPHA CELEBRATION

The Daughters of Alpha were celebrated at the 2009 convention. On the stage, some of the daughters pose with General President Herman “Skip� Mason, Jr., who conceived the idea to honor the women whose fathers are members of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Top left: 25th General President James R. Williams and daughter; Top right: 26th General President Ozell Sutton escorts his daughter, along with 27th General President Charles C. Teamer Sr. with his daughter; Bottom left: 31st General President Harry E. Johnson, Sr., and daughter; Middle middle: Glenda Hatchett; Middle bottom: Singer Layla Hathaway performs; Middle right: Jasmine Guy who directed the production.

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BLACK AND GOLD GALA

Top left: The general presidents are shown with Brother James E. Huger (seated), executive secretary of the fraternity from1952 to 1958; Top left middle: The 20072009 regional vice presidents together one last time; Bottom left middle: Awards Committee Chairman Clifton Johnson announces the award winners; Bottom right middle: General Counsel Keith Bishop and former Western Assistant Vice President John Nelson watch the event from the audience; Bottom left: General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. with U.S. Sen. Brother Roland Burris and Fraternity Historian Robert Harris; Top right: The first formal photograph of the 2009-2010 elected members of the Board of Directors; Bottom right: The new general treasurer, new vice presidents and assistant vice presidents take oath of office administered by 25th General President James R. Williams.

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LIFE MEMBERS BREAKFAST

The 2009-2010 regional vice presidents and assistant vice presidents first formal photograph with general officers of the fraternity. From left: 25th General President James R. Williams, Assistant Vice Presidents Taurean Branch, East; Thomas Flynn, Midwest; Jarvis Givens, West; Justin Harlow, South; Charles Phipps, Southwest; General President Herman “Skip� Mason, Jr.; General Treasurer Hyacinth C. Ahuruonye; Vice Presidents Sean McCaskill, East; Mark Tillman, Midwest; James Crumel, South; Roderick Smothers, Southwest; and Aaron Crutison, West.

Top: Brothers sing the Alpha Phi Alpha Hymn; Middle left: Brother Charles Loeb III, Life Membership Committee chairman; Middle right: Longtime life member Brother John Rawls of Fla.; Bottom left: 27th General President Charles C. Teamer Sr.; Bottom right: Brother William H. Graves, senior bishop, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, delivered the keynote speech.

TENNIS CLASSIC

Tennis anyone? Participants in the Eugene Kinckle Jones Tennis Classic pose for The Sphinx.

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COLLEGE BROTHER OF THE YEAR

Mario Jay Carroll College Brother of the Year winner Mario Carroll, a senior at the University of California at Berkeley and member of Alpha Epsilon Chapter, accepts his award.

Pictured from left: Western Region Vice President Wilbur E. Jackson, Jr.; General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr.; Brother Carroll; and Western Region Assistant Vice President Christian Jenkins.

MARIO JAY CARROLL is a native of Los Angeles who was raised in Sacramento, Calif. One of nine siblings, he is the first to attend college.

Brother Carroll, a standout student on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley, he was in initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha at Alpha Epsilon Chapter in Fall 2007. He enjoys writing poetry, journal and blog entries, and giving speeches. In his spare time he also collects movies and is an avid student of current events and political affairs.

Carroll’s recent accomplishments include: Cal Greeks Mark K. Bingham Fraternity Man of the Year Award for 2009; Order of Omega Honor Society Inductee for 2009; Gamma Sigma Alpha Honor Society Inductee for 2009; and district and regional

Brother Carroll with Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.

College Brother of the Year honors in Alpha Phi Alpha.

Carroll is also a distinguished alumnus of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship, an intensive leadership program which selects 20 of America’s top AfricanAmerican-male undergraduate scholars— those committed to various careers in public service–and enhances them with two summers of internships, networking and developmental experiences in Washington, D.C. Carroll interned at the Office of Sen. Dianne Feinstein in 2008.

He is a candidate for the bachelor’s degree in 2010, majoring in political science and rhetoric. Carroll intends to further his education after UC Berkeley by attending law school and wants to pursue a master’s degree in education.

Carroll proudly showing the colors of A Phi A.

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ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR

Dan A. Sims Alumni Brother of the Year winner Dan Sims, a member of Omicron Phi Lambda Chapter in East Point, Ga., accepts his award, presented by the general president.

General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. and Brother Dan Sims.

Brother Sims works the voter-registration table.

FAITHFUL TO HIS GOD, to family, to fraternity and to community is the motto and way of life that symbolizes the work efforts of Dan A. Sims, the 2009 Alumni Brother of the Year.

Sims, a school principal in metro Atlanta, is married to Traci Elaine Sims, a fellow educator. They have a seven year old son, Jordan, and a four-year old daughter, Kamille. As a brother of Alpha, he serves as the service chairperson for the Omicron Phi Lambda chapter in East Point, Ga. He is also working to add valuable input to the national partnership between the fraternity and the American Cancer Society.

Brother Sims has hosted forums and numerous service activities at his school and in the name of Alpha. In 2008 and 2009, he was named Brother of the Year for the Georgia District. In 2009, he went on to win the regional honor. In January, he served as a facilitator of the symposium “From the High Chair to Higher Education” at the inaugural of General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. Sims giving a speech on service and leadership.

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COLLEGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR

Gamma Upsilon

Brothers from Gamma Upsilon Chapter at Tougaloo College, representing the Southern Region, accept their College Chapter of the Year award, presented by General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr.

“College days swiftly pass...”

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GAMMA UPSILON, the first college chapter of Alpha located in Mississippi, was founded on Feb. 27, 1949. The chapter, with just fewer than 20 members, had a very successful year, not the least of which included being named Chapter of the Year at the state and regional level. Understanding that “a voteless people are a hopeless people,” brothers held numerous voter-registration drives and forums the past two election cycles, including a forum featuring the candidates in the race for U.S. Senate.

The members of Gamma Upsilon also worked with several middle schools and high schools, conducting both ‘Project Alpha’ and ‘Go to High School, Go to College’ workshops. The brothers did not stop there; they also have volunteers who work with a local Boy Scouts troop and who volunteer at a local elementary school as a part of their partnership with the local Big Brothers Big Sisters.

ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR

Epsilon Theta Lambda

Brothers from Epsilon Theta Lambda Chapter in Hamilton, Bermuda, representing the Eastern Region, accept their Alumni Chapter of the Year award, presented by General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr.

EPSILON THETA LAMBDA CHAPTER was founded on Feb. 21, 1950. In 2009, the brothers of this chapter, housed in the Eastern Region, accomplished a rare feat–winning the national Alumni Chapter of the Year award back-to-back.

Winning the second year in a row is not the only accomplishment. The Hamilton, Bermuda, chapter is the only international chapter to have won the high honor.

In 2011, Bermuda brothers will host the Eastern Regional Convention.

Some of the key programs that helped propel the chapter to win chapter-of-the-year honors include ‘Math Attack,’ a mentoring program targeted to middle school students that teaches them to do complex, mathematical problems mentally— without the use of a calculator or pen and paper—and the ‘Alpha Beautillion,’ which is a mentoring program in which students complete a six-month ‘rites of passage’ undertaking while

competing for $14,000 in academic scholarships.

The chapter has also been working with Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2001, and has a unique partnership with a local co-ed facility (similar to a juvenile detention center). The chapter has partnered with the Department of Corrections to conduct a mentoring program at the Co-Ed Facility, Ferry Reach. Once a month, fraternity brothers travel to the facility to meet with the incarcerated young men. The program aims to ultimately encourage better choices, and it provides a sounding board for the young men to express themselves. It is hoped by brothers that by showing an interest by talking and sharing experiences, the rate of recidivism will be reduced.

Epsilon Theta Lambda has also partnered with the Bermuda Youth Library. Once a week, brothers conduct a ‘Reading Period’ at the library to encourage young people to develop reading, comprehension and listening skills. The fraternity also conducts a chess club on Saturday afternoons.

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MISS BLACK AND GOLD PAGEANT

Left: Previous winners were recognized during the pageant. Front row from left: Front Row from Left to Right: Rachelle Jamerson, 1986; Semora Johns Smith,1988; Miss Black and Gold 2009 Michelle Mbekeani; Denise Smith, 1976; Robin Robertson Swilling, 1989; Erica Davis,1992; Back Row from Left to Right: Celeste Alexander, 2002; Donya Sartor, 1990; Nikki Godfrey, 1999; Rachelle Vallon, 2007; and Cheryl Pearson McNeil, 1982; Right: The 2009 Court from left: Miss Alpha Midwest Jasmine Lee; Miss Alpha Southwest Tiffany Larkin; Miss Black & Gold 2009 Michelle Mbekeani of Alpha East; Miss Alpha South Vanessa Douyon, 1st runner-up; and Miss Alpha West Joya Moore.

2009 NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS 2009 REGIONAL AND NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS National winners denoted in bold gold COLLEGE BROTHER OF THE YEAR Andrew J. Oliver, Eastern Region Robert Brown, Midwestern Region Curtis Chandler, Southern Region Larry Wesley, Weston Southwestern Region Mario Carroll, Western Region ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR Christopher Watkins, Eastern Region Nicklaus A. Shultz, Midwestern Region Dan Sims, Southern Region Don M. Thanars, Southwestern Region Cladius Wright, Western Region COLLEGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Theta Iota (Virginia Tech /Radford Universities), Eastern Region Theta Tau (Univ. of Michigan-Flint; Kettering Univ.; Mott Community College; Baker College), Midwestern Region Gamma Upsilon (Tougaloo College), Southern Region Beta Kappa (Langston University), Southwestern Region Gamma Xi Chapter (University of California, Los Angeles), Western Region ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Epsilon Theta Lambda (Hamilton, Bermuda), Eastern Region Delta Epsilon Lambda (East St. Louis, Ill.), Midwestern Region Nu Mu Lambda (Decatur, Ga.), Southern Region Alpha Sigma Lambda (Dallas, Texas), Southwestern Region Zeta Beta Lambda (Sacramento, Calif.), Western Region CHARLES H. WESLEY BROTHERHOOD Zeta Lambda/Kappa Pi, Eastern Region Epsilon Upsilon Lambda/Theta Tau, Midwestern Region Gamma Gamma Lambda/Pi Alpha, Southern Region Epsilon Tau Lambda/ Eta Gamma, Southwestern Region Eta Pi Lambda/Iota Psi, Western Region COLLEGE BROTHER WITH THE HIGHEST GPA Jarren Baldwin, Midwestern Region Jarvis McInnis, (4.0), Southern Region Philip Anthony Gavin (4.0), Southwestern Region Galen Sanchez, Western Region

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COLLEGE CHAPTER WITH THE HIGHEST GPA Alpha Mu (Northwestern Univ.), Midwestern Region Delta Alpha (Claflin Univ.), Southern Region Theta Alpha (Jarvis Christian College), Southwestern Region Gamma Xi (Univ. of California, Los Angeles), Western Region BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL CONTEST Alex Smith-Johnson, Eastern Region Terrace Hamilton, Jr. Midwestern Region Brandon White, Southern Region Stevie C. Walker-Webb Southwestern Region [National Runner-up] Brian Bailey Western Region COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS BOWL Nu (Lincoln Univ., Pa.), Eastern Region Alpha Mu (Northwestern University), Midwestern Region Kappa Theta (Vanderbilt Univ.), Southern Region [National Runner-up] Epsilon Rho (Lamar Univ.) and Tau Alpha (Baylor Univ.), Southwestern Region Alpha Xi (University of Washington), Western Region MISS BLACK & GOLD Michelle Mbekeani, Eastern Region Jasmine Lee, Midwestern Region Vanessa Douyen, Southern Region [National Runner-up] Tiffany Charmise Larkin, Southwestern Region Joya Moore, Western Region STEP SHOW COMPETITION Epsilon Pi (Norfolk State University), Eastern Region Delta Xi (Central State University), Midwestern Region Alpha Phi (Clark Atlanta University), Southern Region Eta Mu (University of Houston), Southwestern Region Iota Psi (California State Polytechnic Univ. Pomona), Western Region [National Runner-up] EUGENE KINCKLE JONES TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP 1st Place - Donald Silvels, Southern Region 2nd Place - Kenneth Martin, Eastern Region 3rd Place - Reginald Bibb, Southwestern Region

OTHER CONVENTION AWARD WINNERS

Oldest Registered Alpha at Convention Basil Goodin, Iota Tau Lambda, Eastern Region Longest Membership In Alpha Basil Goodin, Iota Tau Lambda, Eastern Region Alumni Chapter Traveled Longest Distance Mu Phi Lambda, Seoul, ROK (South Korea), Western Region

Alumni Chapter Most Registered Brothers (Outside Host City) Eta Lambda, Atlanta, Ga., Southern Region College Chapter Most Registered Brothers (Outside Host City) Theta Tau, (Univ. of Michigan-Flint; Kettering Univ.; Mott Community College; Baker College), Flint, Mich., Midwestern Region Alumni Most Registered Brother (Within Host City) Alpha Eta Lambda, Houston, Texas, Southwestern Region College Most Registered Brother (Within Host City) Zeta Xi, (Univ. of Louisiana-Lafayette), Lafayette, La., Southwestern Region March for Babies Brother of the Year Thomas Tatum, Eta Tau Lambda, Akron, Ohio, Midwestern Region March for Babies Chapter of the Year Delta Theta Lambda, Huntsville, Ala., Southern Region Project Alpha Alumni Chapter of the Year Zeta Beta Lambda, Sacramento, Calif., Western Region March of Dimes Partnership Cecil Brookins, Alpha Lambda, Louisville, Ky., Midwestern Region

CONVENTION SUNDAY ECUMENICAL SERVICE

BEHIIND THE SCENES

“Celebrating on Sunday Morning”

Top: The audience, on its feet, celebrates “the word” and songs; Middle: The Right Rev. Vashti M. McKenzie, bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church delivered the message at the Convention Ecumenical Service; Right: Gospel recording artist Byron Cage lifted spirits with his powerful and melodious voice.

Behind the Scenes

WHEN A GREAT CONVENTION has ended, many walk away saying it was a wonderful experience, something magical. But that magic does not just appear like a rabbit popping out of a magician’s hat; it takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work, by many people who the masses will never really know.

Alpha men have a level of expectation unlike any others, which is not always the easiest to satisfy. Brothers demand the finest from their convention—from the souvenirs to plenary sessions and, of course, the social gatherings.

The New Orleans convention presented new opportunities and new challenges. The behind-thescenes work began in January, shortly after the general presidential inauguration. Numerous conference calls, hundreds of e-mail messages, copious notes taken, and lessons learned from previous conventions were the “orders of the day.” Once on site the team went from planning to implementation and execution—from airport arrivals to setting up registration booths to making sure brothers with special needs were attended to properly.

The team of national committee chairmen, the convention co-chairmen, General Office staff and a host of volunteers are the unsung heroes. They are the ones who were up early for morning meetings, conducting walk-throughs, holding debriefings, escorting dignitaries, coordinating affairs and events for women and children, and managing logistics.

The task was to ensure that an attendee’s experience was as memorable as possible–whether it was a neophyte attending his first convention, or a 50-year-plus life member who has never missed a national convention. When the report cards come in, I’m certain, the 103rd Anniversary Convention will get an A+.

–M. Cole Jones

Top: Brother M. Cole Jones, special assistant to the general president (left), and Brother William Douglass Lyle, executive director and COO, working to keep everything on schedule: Middle: Brother Don Weston, assistant to the general president and chief of staff (left) confers with Brother Charles P. Loeb III, Life Membership Committee chairman: Middle Bottom: Brothers join General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. and 26th General President Ozell Sutton (center) for a break between sessions. Two of the Mason’s top aides flank the group: at far left is Brother Keith Harris, assistant to the general president and deputy chief of staff; and at far right is Brother James Wright, assistant to the general president and senior advisor; Bottom: The Alpha children, seen lining up for the next activity, had plenty to keep them occupied.

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BOOKSHELF

Resurrecting Midnight

BY ERIC JEROME DICKEY

Dutton; 464 pages

In his latest New York Times bestseller, Brother Eric Jerome Dickey places readers amidst the exotic and vibrant streets of Miami and Buenos Aires.

Resurrecting Midnight is an action-filled, pulse-pounding thriller about an international assassin named Gideon.

He had spilled blood for the first time when he was seven years old, with a single shot to the head of a man who was attempting to kill the woman Gideon had known as his mother. The victim was none other than his own father, a man of unspeakable evil. This pivotal event shaped Gideon throughout his life, made him who he is, one of the fiercest, most feared hired guns in the world. And one of the most hunted. Dickey is the author of 16 novels, 12 of which have been Times bestsellers.

He has also written a six-issue miniseries of comic books for Marvel, featuring the X-Men’s Storm. Dickey lives on the road when not riding his motorcycle through the streets of Los Angeles and Atlanta.

The Conversation: How Black Men and Women Can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships

BY HILL HARPER Gotham; 288 pages

In his first book for adults, New York Times best-selling author Brother Hill Harper invites you to join the conversation: an honest dialogue about the breakdown of AfricanAmerican relationships.

For generations, African Americans have turned to their families in times of need—but now, this proud and strong legacy is in peril. Black men and women have stopped communicating effectively, and it threatens the very relationships and marriages necessary to sustain the black family. In his moving yet practical book, Harper undertakes a journey both universal and deeply personal, in search of answers to these questions.

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Maynard Jackson: A Biography

BY ROBERT A. HOLMES Barnhardt & Ashe; 214 pages

Root and Branch: Charles Hamilton Houston, Thurgood Marshall, and the Struggle to End Segregation

Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud

BY CORNEL WEST Smiley Books; 288 pages

BY RAWN JAMES, JR. Bloomsbury Press; 288 pages

African Americans in Atlanta saw the 1973 election of Brother Maynard Jackson as the city’s first black mayor as a watershed moment— not only for black Atlanta, but for the entire South.

In Maynard Jackson: A Biography Brother Robert Holmes tells the story of Jackson’s life within the context of the history of the black elite of Atlanta, and the evolution of the city’s black political and economic power structure.

Holmes, who just recently retired as a longtime state representative, writes a compelling story about the three terms of Jackson’s mayoral years. Holmes reveals that Jackson’s first two terms in office resulted in major change in Atlanta.

With an insider’s detailed view, we learn more about several key issues such as affordable housing for lowincome citizens, hiring, police brutality, hiring a new police chief and of course dealing with the often thorny issue of race relations with the white business community.

Brother Rawn James pens the stirring history of the legal fight to end segregation, and the unlikely partnership of legal pioneers—brothers Thurgood Marshall and Charles Hamilton Houston.

Although widely viewed as the beginning of the battle, the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education was the culmination of decades of legal challenges led by a band of lawyers intent on dismantling segregation one statute at a time. Root and Branch is the compelling story of the fiercely committed lawyers that constructed the legal foundation for what we now call the Civil Rights Movement.

Brother Houston laid the groundwork, reinventing the law school at Howard University (where he taught a young, brash Marshall).

Later the two traveled through the hostile South, to dismantle America’s long-systematized racism as part of the NAACP legal team. They made an unlikely pair—but their accomplishments in bringing down Jim Crow made an unforgettable impact on U.S. history.

New York Times­bestselling author Brother Cornel West is one of America’s most provocative and admired public intellectuals. His new book Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud is like its author: brilliant, unapologetic, full of passion yet cool. This poignant memoir traces West’s transformation from a schoolyard Robin Hood into a progressive cultural icon. From his youthful investigation of the “death shudder” to why he embraced his calling of teaching over preaching, from his three marriages and his two precious children to his near-fatal bout with prostate cancer, West illuminates what it means to live as “an aspiring bluesman in a world of ideas and a jazzman in the life of the mind.” Woven together with the fibers of his lifelong commitment to the prophetic Christian tradition that began in Sacramento’s Shiloh Baptist Church, Brother West is a tale of a man courageous enough to be fully human, living and loving out loud.

O M E G A : Chapter of Sweet Rest

By Horace G. Dawson, Jr.

John Hope Franklin

I

t was in the summer of 1954 that I first met Dr. John Hope Franklin, early in my teaching career, in Durham, N.C. It was in one of our casual conversations between us that summer or the next that John Hope, as he was known in this familiar environment, advised me to get to work as soon as possible on a doctorate “if you are going to go anywhere in the field of education.”

Franklin had somehow learned of my affiliation with Alpha Phi Alpha, and what struck me as a great look of satisfaction, he said, “You know I’m in the history book, don’t you?”

Before I could respond, he went on to cite the page on which Brother Dr. Charles Wesley had referred not merely to Franklin but to the fact that the fraternity had made a financial contribution to enable him to publish his first book. It was an important point. Alpha Phi Alpha had recognized the importance of scholarship and even from its meager treasury of the time, had contributed to it.

Without articulating the theme in detail, Brother Franklin made clear that it was this emphasis on scholarship and the development of the intellect, which attracted him to Alpha as a student at Fisk University in the thirties in the first place.

Accordingly, Brother Franklin,

premiere historian, world renowned scholar, a living symbol of progress in the field of civil rights, was forever proud to be known also as an Alpha man. He enjoyed the association with brothers and was generous in sharing his knowledge, fame and celebrity with the organization.

He opened all of his files and memorabilia to enable then fraternity archivist Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. to mount a John Hope Franklin Exhibit at the 1995 General Convention in Orlando, Fla., where Franklin was keynote speaker, and presented the Alpha Award of Merit.

His seminal role as historian in the masterful Centennial documentary properly placed Alpha and many brothers in the center of the struggle for civil rights in the 20th century.

Brother Franklin’s achievements as scholar and teacher have been extensively chronicled, including especially the authoring of some 14 books, including From Slavery to Freedom. That title is now in its eighth edition and has sold over two million copies in English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Portuguese. He chaired the Department of History at Brooklyn College and at the University of Chicago, where he also occupied the John Matthews

Manly Distinguished Service Professor chair from 1969 to 1982. At Duke University he taught history and at the law school, and also occupied the James B. Duke Professor of History chair. He was Pitt Professor of History at St. John’s College, Cambridge University, England.

Brother Franklin served as president of the American Historical Association, the Organization of American Historians, the American Studies Association, and the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa. He earned the Spingarn Medal, the Jefferson Medal, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Kluge Prize, and more than 135 honorary degrees.

He and his wife, Aurelia, were remembered at a special memorial (and Omega Service) on June 11, 2009, in the Gothic chapel on the Duke campus. He was referred to by Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans as “our American royalty . . . our symbol of goodness”;

by Vernon Jordan as “an agent of change”; by former President Bill Clinton as “an angry happy man”; and by General President Mason simply as “an Alpha man.”

Of all of these accolades, especially the last, Brother John Hope Franklin would have been extremely proud. And as he sits in the upper house of Alpha with all those Alpha men who came before him in Omega Chapter, I trust he is still and will forever be proud. H Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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O M E G A : Chapter of Sweet Rest

Eugene Upshaw

B

rother Eugene Upshaw, the longtime executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), won many battles on and off the field during his tenure, and this fall he received a well-deserved honor when the NFLPA named its headquarters building after him.

Along with Upshaw’s family, NFL officials and members of the fraternity were on hand at the dedication September 26, 2009.

Upshaw, a 1981 initiate at Gamma Chi Lambda Chapter in San Francisco, had been the NFLPA chief executive for 25 years. During his tenure he negotiated collective-bargaining agreements that ultimately led to free agency, higher salaries, revenue-sharing and other significant player benefits. He served as the union leader until succumbing to pancreatic cancer. Upshaw entered Omega Chapter, August 20, 2008 at the age of 63.

National Football Hall of Fame member Art Shell, also initiated at Gamma Chi Lambda in 1980, said his friend and fraternity brother was a humble man, noting that Upshaw would have wondered why the building was being named in his honor.

“If he were here, you know what he would say?” Shell asked the crowd. “‘Art, what are they doing? I don’t need this.’ Well, my

E. Lynn Harris

E.

Lynn Harris of Atlanta, Ga., was the black male author who opened the doors of the commercial-fiction publishing industry for 21st-century African-American male writers.

Brother Harris’ string of novels about successful, glamorous and powerful black men with sexualidentity conflicts—and the women and men who love them—made him one of the nation’s most popular writers.

Harris’s leap to fame was an unlikely success story. He was in his mid 30s, making a living as a computer salesman, when he began to write. He self-published his first book, Invisible Life, and sold it out of the trunk of his car, on black-college campuses, in hair salons in black neighborhoods—until it was discovered and published as a trade paperback in 1994 by Doubleday/Anchor Books.

Harris would go on to write 11 other books, including his memoir What Becomes of the Brokenhearted. He had 10 consecutive books on the New York Times best-seller list; more than four million copies of his books are in print; and several of his titles are under consideration for film and television adaptations.

“Brother Harris was the black-male equivalent of Terry

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friend, whether you want it or not, you have earned this honor, and you’ve got it. You see, he didn’t care about recognition and accolades. He truly cared about others, and mainly his family.”

The culmination of the ceremony was the official unveiling of the new building name, “63 Upshaw Place @ 1133 20th Street.” Changes were also made to the lobby and included a display case housing Upshaw’s helmet, and two bronze sculptures—one of Upshaw as a player and one of him as a union leader. H

Pictured from left: Harry E. Johnson, Sr., 31st general president; Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., general president; James R. Williams, 25th general president and Henry Ponder, 28th general president.

McMillan,” says Brother Eric Jerome Dickey, a fellow best-selling author. “He helped push the door open so the rest of us could gain access to—and succeed in—the commercial-fiction marketplace.”

Born in Flint, Mich., on June 20, 1955, Everette Lynn Harris was raised, along with three sisters, in Little Rock, Ark. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he was the school’s first black yearbook editor and the first black, male Razorbacks cheerleader.

In fraternal life, Harris was a leader too. In addition to being a charter member and one of the founders of the fraternity’s Kappa Kappa Chapter at Arkansas, in April, 1975, he served as a mentor to many college brothers who came after him on the campus.

An ardent Razorbacks fan, he spent the last several years of his life teaching at the University and coaching the cheerleading team. Harris was a member of the boards of directors of the Hurston/Wright Foundation and the Evidence Dance Company. He also founded the E. Lynn Harris Better Days Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support to aspiring writers and artists.

Harris entered Omega Chapter at age 54. He died July 23, 2009, in Los Angeles, of heart disease, complicated by a hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure—just two months before the publication of his final novel, Mama Dearest, which also appeared on the New York Times bestseller list. H

O M E G A : Chapter of Sweet Rest

Maurice “Snookey” Reed

M

aurice “Snookey” Reed of Springfield, Ohio, always told young brothers, “You don’t always have to be the king to make a difference; being the kingmaker is just as important.”

For more than 60 years Reed practiced what he preached.

He never sought high elective office in Alpha Phi Alpha, but many general presidents called on him for counsel and advice; he also worked for several general-president-candidate campaigns during his tenure in the fraternity.

Reed diligently served as the fraternity’s parliamentarian under the leadership of 23rd General President Ernest “Dutch” Morial of New Orleans, and then provided guidance and counsel in parliamentary law and rules of procedure to the fraternity, scores of regional vice presidents, state and district directors, and college and alumni chapters and members for more than four decades.

A professional registered parliamentarian, Reed held memberships and certifications in several parliamentarylaw organizations, including the National Association of Parliamentarians.

“Snookey,” as he was known to most brothers, friends and family members, was made a “son of Alpha” in 1948.

Although initiated at Xi Chapter at Wilberforce University, Reed was a student and a 1950 graduate of nearby Central State University, during the period in which Brother Charles

H.

the

Wesley was its president.

Reed was a local disc jockey on radio and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He had two careers after that, working and retiring from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the City of Springfield Police Department.

He remained active with the Central State University Alumni Association most of his post-college life and was an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha for 60-plus years, including being a founder of the Zeta Delta Lambda Chapter in Springfield.

He entered Omega Chapter May 6, 2009, after a long battle with cancer. He was 85.

“Brother Reed was a mentor to me and to so many of us who are now privileged to serve in the leadership of the fraternity he loved so dearly,” said General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr.

“We will never forget him and his spirit shall always be with us every time a General Convention is gaveled into session.”

On a rainy Wednesday, May 13, scores of brothers came from around the country to honor Reed at his Omega Service and funeral at Mount Zion Baptist Church, in Springfield. He was laid to rest at the Ferncliff Cemetery with full military honors. H

Clifford Clemmons, 89, of Las Cruces,

illness.

N.M., was a life member who was initiated in 1948 at Xi Chapter at Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio.

Brother Clemmons served as New York state director for 15 years, and was instrumental in getting a headstone placed at Jewel George Biddle Kelley’s gravesite.

Clemmons also was influential in starting a local Alpha chapter in Las Cruces.

Clemmons spent 37 years with Queens County Probation Department. During that time he held several positions, including probation officer, supervisor of probation and branch chief of probation for the county.

Active civically and in his community, he was one of the founding members of Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of New York; he also served as chairman of the board of directors for the organization.

Clemmons entered Omega chapter on Dec. 24, 2008, following several months’

was a longtime educator and coach.

He was initiated in 1958. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Wiley College, a privately-supported, historically black university located on the west side of Marshall, Texas. In 1962, he earned a master’s in education from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas.

An ardent fraternity member for more than 50 years, Brother Daniels held membership in Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter in Dallas and was a life member.

He also was instrumental in the fundraising efforts for the construction of the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial on the National Mall.

He entered Omega Chapter on July 3, 2009.

Warren G. Davis, 64, of Southlake, Texas, a life member of Alpha, was initiated into

George Daniels Jr. of Dallas, Texas,

the fraternity at Beta Nu Chapter at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Florida A&M) in Tallahassee, Fla., in 1964.

A Southern Region assistant vice president of the fraternity, Brother Davis earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Florida A&M. He briefly taught mathematics in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., before enrolling in a master’s of business administration program at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Davis worked with General Electric’s Aircraft Engine Group in Cincinnati. He later worked at IBM—where he held several jobs over 30-plus years, including systems engineer, marketing representative, systems engineering manager, and national product manager.

Prior to and upon retirement, he spent time in the city of Southlake, Texas, as president of the Southlake Texas Youth Baseball Association. He was elected to Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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O M E G A : Chapter of Sweet Rest the Southlake Carroll Independent School District school board, where he served for three years.

Davis was most active in Delta Gamma Lambda Chapter in Cincinnati, where he held several offices.

He entered Omega Chapter on July 8, 2008.

Herbert A. DeCosta Jr., 85, a life member of Alpha and a member of Beta Kappa Lambda Chapter in Charleston, S.C., spent much of his life leading by example.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in architectural engineering from Iowa State College. Prior to joining the family business in 1947, Brother DeCosta worked as an architectural engineer for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the forerunner of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

A third-generation contractor— following in the footsteps of his father, and his grandfather, who founded H. A. DeCosta Company in 1899—he assumed the presidency of the company in 1960, serving until his retirement in 1989. Under his leadership, the company undertook major renovation projects to preserve the historical landscape of Charleston and other areas. One of his most notable projects was the restoration of the famous Herndon Mansion in Atlanta, Ga.—owned by one of the wealthiest African-American men in America, Alonzo Herndon, founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company.

The H. A. DeCosta Company was named one of the top 100 black businesses in the nation by Black Enterprise magazine in 1979.

DeCosta was the first AfricanAmerican member of the Charleston Trident Chamber of Commerce and the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education. He also served on the city of Charleston’s Zoning Commission and the city’s Board of Architectural Review.

He entered Omega Chapter on Dec. 18, 2008.

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John Dukes Jr. of Gainesville, Fla., a life member of Alpha, had been a member of four chapters of the fraternity—Beta Nu (where he was initiated in 1952), Gamma Mu Lambda, Epsilon Pi Lambda, and Nu Eta Lambda. Dukes had served as president of each chapter and was a charter member of Nu Eta Lambda.

Dukes received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Florida A&M in Tallahassee, Fla.

Dukes taught high school mathematics in Gainesville, and later was a principal there. He added title of deputy superintendent of schools to his portfolio before retiring after 50 years of education service.

He entered Omega Chapter on March 8, 2007.

M. Delmar Edwards, 83, of Columbus, Ga., was known for breaking barriers and being celebrated as the first to do many things.

He attended Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and two years later was inducted into the U.S. Naval Academy.

After serving in the military, he attended Morehouse College in Atlanta; earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio; and earned a master’s degree from Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University).

In 1957, Edwards became the first black male (and third black) to be admitted to the University of Arkansas School of Medicine in Fayetteville, Ark. He became the fifth black student to graduate from the medical school.

Edwards made history in 1964, when he moved to Columbus, Georgia, being the first African-American surgeon in the city.

He was the only black surgeon with specialty training in Columbus, and the only AfricanAmerican physician who was legally allowed to admit patients to the local hospital.

In addition to his work as a surgeon,

Edwards was the first African-American to serve on the board of the Housing Authority of Columbus, Ga., and the second African American to serve on the Muscogee County, Ga., school board. He was also an original member of the board of trustees of the Morehouse School of Medicine.

A longtime member of Delta Iota Lambda Chapter, Edwards entered Omega Chapter on Sept. 11, 2009.

George William Enlow, a life member of Alpha, was initiated into the fraternity on November 22, 1952, at Alpha Psi Chapter at Lincoln University. He was a member of Beta Zeta Lambda Chapter in Jefferson City, Mo.

Enlow earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from Lincoln in 1955.

He also was awarded a Master of Science degree in horticulture from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Enlow served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1959. Over his lifetime as an Alpha, Enlow served as a delegate to regional and General Conventions, and he received several awards for outstanding service to the fraternity. As a college professor in the field of agriculture, Enlow had a 36-year teaching-and-administrative career with Grambling State University and Lincoln University, retiring from Lincoln University in 2000 as a professor emeritus.

He entered Omega Chapter on June 16, 2009.

Donald Fielder, 70, of Forest Hill, Md., was a member of Iota Alpha Lambda Chapter in the suburban-Baltimore town of Aberdeen.

Brother Fielder’s college days were spent in New Orleans, La., on the campus of Dillard University, where he was initiated at Beta Phi Chapter. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry there.

Like many young men of his era, he served two years in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Edgewood Arsenal, Md. After an honorable discharge from the military, Fielder began a civilian career as a research chemist in the Chemical Systems Laboratory at the Edgewood Arsenal. He retired after 35 years of federal service.

Fielder entered Omega Chapter on July 6, 2009. His final resting place is at the

O M E G A : Chapter of Sweet Rest Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery in Owings Mills, Md. Leamon L. Green Sr., 76, of Abingdon, Md., was most-recently affiliated with Iota Alpha Lambda Chapter in Aberdeen, Md. He was initiated at Delta Theta Lambda Chapter in 1978 in Huntsville, Ala. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953, Green completed numerous tours—both stateside and abroad. He served as a supervisor and trainer for the Saudi Arabian Army Ordnance Corps, Al Kohbar, Saudi Arabia. He retired from the Army in 1975, having advancing to the rank of chief warrant officer.

He was a graduate of Alabama A&M

Pascal J. Hall

University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education.

In 1984, Green was recalled to active duty and served until 1994, when he retired a second time as a chief warrant officer. In his later years, he also spent much time as a eal estate agent in Maryland.

He entered Omega Chapter on April 10, 2009.

Kenneth V. Hilton, 67, of New Castle, Del., was a life member and a charter member of Iota Alpha Lambda Chapter in Aberdeen, Md. He graduated from South Carolina State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.

Following graduation, Brother Hilton worked with the Cooper River School District #4 in North Charleston, S.C., and he taught math at his alma mater, Bonds-Wilson High School. He was a mathematician with the U.S. Army, from

which he retired after 34 years of service.

His military efforts were recognized by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C., the Ballistic Research Laboratory and the Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity (Aberdeen Proving Ground in Md.), and the United States Army Materiel Development and Readiness Command in Alexandria, Va.

Hilton was a member of the Delaware State Board of Education and served as president of the National Association of State Boards of Education. He served in various capacities as a member of Simpson United Methodist Church. In addition to pursuing a career in catering, Hilton worked as an HIV/ AIDS advocate with the Beautiful Gate Outreach Center in Wilmington, Del.

He entered Omega Chapter on April 8, 2009.

P

ascal J. Hall, 29, of Willow Run, Mich., and Las Vegas, Nev., became a son of Alpha at Epsilon Chapter while matriculating at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering, graduating in 2002. He then began serving his country in uniform as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Brother Hall, attaining the rank of sergeant, served two tours of duty in Iraq before completing his U.S. Secret Service training in July 2009.

Hall—whom to those who knew him well affectionately called him “Cal”—was assigned to the U.S. Secret Service Uniform Division with duties to protect the president, the White House, the vice president and associated complexes in use by the president.

His desire to serve was cultivated while he was a student and college brother of the fraternity. Hall was the community-service chairman for Epsilon Chapter. He also coordinated chapter volunteers for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chapter of the NAACP tutoring programs for local school students. Hall not only excelled academically, but athletically as well—he was a black belt, winning several international taekwondo competitions.

In April, he joined dozens of brothers of “E” chapter for Epsilon’s Centennial Celebration.

He entered Omega Chapter four months later. His life was cut short when he was struck by a motorist while riding his motorcycle home from an after-work training session in Washington D.C., on Aug. 25. He died the next day.

However, just as he worked to save lives while living, Hall saved five souls in death—as an organ donor.

Family members, friends and brothers of Alpha have established the Pascal J. Hall Memorial Scholarship Fund to aid future Alpha men and underclassmen at The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. The first fund-raiser is a concert to be held Feb. 10, 2010, in Ann Arbor. For more information, contact the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan which is administering the fund, at www.alumni.umich.edu. H Summer/Fall 2009 H THE SPHINX

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O M E G A : Chapter of Sweet Rest Willie Lee Holmes, 83, was initiated into Alpha at Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Jacksonville, Fla., on April 1, 1979. He served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. He earned a business degree from Walker Business College, a Bachelor of Science degree from Edward Waters College, and a master’s degree in education from Florida State University.

Brother Holmes taught in the Duval County Public Schools system in Jacksonville and was a vice principal, retiring after 38 years of service. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he served as an elder, president of the congregation, choir member and usherboard member.

Holmes was affiliated with Maceo Elk Lodge #8, serving as past exalted ruler, district deputy grand exalted ruler, director of education, and commander of Antler Guard Company L.

He entered Omega chapter on March 27, 2009.

Alphonso G. Jones Jr. 74, of Atlanta, Ga., was a stalwart educator and mentor in his community. He joined the fraternity in 1975 at Eta Lambda Chapter in Atlanta, where he later became its president.

In his collegiate life, Jones earned multiple degrees: in 1959, a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University; in 1965, a Master of Arts degree in educational administration from Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University); in 1970, an educational specialist degree from the University of Georgia; and in 1985, a doctorate in philosophy from Georgia State University.

Jones also served his country in the U.S. Army for two years.

Professionally, he began his career in Fitzgerald, Ga., as a high school teacher. He continued his career in metro Atlanta as a teacher and became a principal. He retired

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from Atlanta Public Schools after 35 years of service.

He was a member of the board of advisors at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change; was chairman of the board of Business Men’s Enterprise; and was a member of the Atlanta Kiwanis club.

An active member of Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Jones was a deacon, the church’s school superintendent and also served on the men’s usher board, and the scholarship and personnel committees

He entered Omega Chapter on Dec. 2, 2008.

Earl Kirkland Jr., 49, of Detroit was initiated April 15, 1978, at Epsilon Chapter, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Brother Kirkland was a member of the multitalented membership-intake line known as “Ego One.” Kirkland was one of dozens of brothers of “E” Chapter who came back to the campus to celebrate Epsilon’s 100th anniversary in April.

After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree in 1981, Kirkland embarked on a career with the United States Postal Service. An active member of the National Association of Letter CarriersBranch #1 in Detroit, he was elected to the position of union shop steward at the branch.

Kirkland entered Omega Chapter on Sept. 5, 2009, after a sudden medical complication while in the hospital. He was surrounded by his family and friends.

Robert J. Koonce, 45, of Ann Arbor, Mich., was the much-loved director of undergraduate student affairs at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He was initiated at Pi Pi Chapter while a student at Union College, Schenectady, NY.

Koonce graduated from U-M in 1994 with a Master of Arts degree in higher education administration and began his career at the University in 2004 as a student advisor. He was always a close friend to

many Epsilon Chapter brothers throughout the years and had a major impact on the Ann Arbor campus. He pioneered “MREACH,” a program that connects high school students in Detroit and Ypsilanti, Mich., with the Ross School of Business. He also started the Preparation Initiative, which tutors university students interested in applying to the business school at the end of their freshman year.

To remember him, the University is establishing an endowed scholarship in his name. He entered Omega Chapter on Nov. 1, 2009.

Ellsner F. Marchbanks Jr., 76, was a longtime member and past president of Xi Lambda Chapter in Chicago. He earned his bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and a master’s from Chicago State University. In addition to working 26 years for Oscar Mayer (later Kraft Foods) as a sales representative, he was an educator.

Brother Marchbanks maintained a parallel career in education, teaching for Chicago Public Schools, Chicago State University, City Colleges of Chicago and after retiring from Kraft Foods, he served as director of Washburne Culinary Institute.

He then went to Oakland, Calf., as director of the Skills Institute of Peralta Community College System.

Marchbanks, a college initiate, was a life member of Alpha, a scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts, and member of the Episcopal Church.

He entered Omega Chapter Oct. 26, 2009, after a battle with cancer.

Thornton J. Meacham Jr., Esq., 81, of New York City, is considered one of Harlem’s greatest lawyers for his groundbreaking work and efforts to get African Americans admitted to the New York State Bar.

Brother Meacham was initiated at Beta Pi Chapter at Lane College in1937, where he received a bachelor’s degree. He was the second African American to attend Fordham University School of Law—and the first African American to graduate from it.

Revered for his legal stewardship and trailblazing efforts, Meacham was influential in assisting African Americans’ being admitted to the New York State Bar in 1943. He became the first black attorney to join the legal

O M E G A : Chapter of Sweet Rest staff of the Office of Price Stabilization on Broadway in New York. He was also one of the first black lawyers to argue a case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which allowed him to be featured as the first African American on the cover of The New York Law Journal. Among his many accomplishments, Meacham was admired for his tireless service to the community.

His client list read like a “who’s who,” including his representation of the New York chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); the Carver National Bank in New York; late iconic figures such as Brother Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and entertainers Louis Armstrong, Dorothy Dandridge and Miles Davis.

He entered into Omega Chapter on Oct. 4, 2009.

Walter J. Sapp, 75, of Tuskegee, distinguished himself for years as a professor at Tuskegee University.

He began his career there in 1966 as assistant professor and director of the Electron Microscope Facility.

The appointment reflected his lifelong interest in microscopy.

In addition to his personal research

TO ALL OUR BROTHERS IN OMEGA CHAPTER

efforts, Sapp served the University in various positions, including head of the Biology Department; vice president for student affairs; coordinator of planning for the National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care, and as associate director of the Center after its establishment.

After a tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force, he enrolled in Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology magna cum laude. He earned his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Wisconsin in the areas of cytology and cytogenetics. He was present at the University of Wisconsin at the forefront of the confirmation stages of molecular biology.

Sapp received numerous awards during his remarkable life, including the Wiley College Alumni Award, election to the Wiley College Science Hall of Fame, and the 2008 Tuskegee University George Washington Carver Distinguished Service Award. A life member of Alpha, he active more than 50 years in the fraternity.

He entered Omega Chapter on Feb. 28, 2009.

Tracy Stokes, 37, of Waldorf, Md., was a standout journalist whose coverage of major news events shined a necessary light on issues that impacted the daily lives of people not only in America, but around the world. For the past half-decade Stokes was a producer at Black Entertainment Television (BET), responsible for much of the online content on the BET.com Web site.

He is credited with the exceptional photographic coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and played a vital role in BET’s national political coverage including the historic November 2008 election of President Barack Obama.

He attended Hampton University, eventually transferring to Norfolk State University, where he was a member of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society; he graduated cum laude.

Stokes had long battled kidney problems, which meant steady visits to doctors and specialists; however, he never used his illness as an excuse for giving less than his best.

He entered Omega Chapter Nov. 8, 2009 after dying from complications of kidney failure.

OMEGA CHAPTER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES If you know of any brother who has transitioned to Omega Chapter, please forward the information to your chapter’s associate editor to The Sphinx. Associate editors or other members should e-mail a high-resolution image along with text of no more than 125 words about the brother. Text should include: member’s name, year and chapter of initiation, current chapter, academic and career information, any outstanding achievements and awards, fraternity activity, date of death, cause of death (if published), and where the brother resided.

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Henry Arthur Callis

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. president@apa1906.net Immediate Past General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. drmatthews@apa1906.net General Treasurer Hyacinth Ahuruonye generaltreasurer@apa1906.net Comptroller Frank A. Jenkins, III frankaj@bellsouth.net Regional Vice President - East Sean McCaskill vicepresident@alphaeast.com Regional Vice President - Midwest Mark Tillman marktillman@comcast.net Regional Vice President - South James L. Crumel southvp@apa1906.net Regional Vice President - Southwest Roderick Smothers southwestvp@apa1906.net Regional Vice President - West Aaron Crutison westvp@apa1906.net Regional Assistant Vice President East Taurean Branch eastavp@apa1906.net Regional Assistant Vice President Midwest Thomas Flynn midwestavp@apa1906.net Regional Assistant Vice President South Justin Harlow southavp@apa1906.net Regional Assistant Vice President Southwest Charles Phipps southwestavp@apa1906.net Regional Assistant Vice President West Jarvis Givens westavp@apa1906.net General Counsel Keith A. Bishop keithbishop@keithbishoplaw.com

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Charles Henry Chapman

Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer William Douglass Lyle wdlylel@apa1906.net APPOINTED OFFICERS Historian Robert L. Harris, Jr. rlh10@cornell.edu Director of General Conventions Justin Shamell director.conventions@apa1906.net GENERAL CONVENTION OFFICIALS Parliamentarian Anderson C. Elridge, III aelridge1906@aol.com Chaplain William E. Flippin, Sr. srpastor@pineygrovebapt.org Sergeant of Arms Ron Russell ronstony@hotmail.com GENERAL CONVENTION COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN RULES & CREDENTIALS Desmond M. Ables desmondables@hotmail.com

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Eugene Kinckle Jones

PUBLICATIONS James W. Ward ward_jw@tsu.edu HISTORICAL COMMISSION Norman E.W. Towels betasigma7@msn.com PUBLIC POLICY Tyson King-Meadows kmcgrp@aol.com HUMAN RESOURCES Antonio I. M. Johnson, Esq. ajohnsonesq@gmail.com RACIAL JUSTICE (COMMISSION) Derrick Pope, Esq. dapope@bellsouth.net COLLEGE BROTHERS AFFAIRS (COMMISSION) Maurice D. Gipson mdgipson@gmail.com BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (COMMISSION) Cecil Howard, Esq. cehoward2@comcast.net LIFE MEMBERSHIP Charles P. Loeb, III cploeb@sbcglobal.net SPECIAL COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENT Herman Clifton Johnson jklift@bellsouth.net

ALPHA GOES GREEN INITIATIVE Samuel Thornton samuel.thornton@wdc.usda.gov

GRIEVANCES AND DISCIPLINE Hervery B. O. Young, Esq. pathfinder1906@juno.com

ALPHA LITERACY INITIATIVE Bobby Austin

STANDING COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN CONSTITUTION Ricky L. Blalock rlblalock@aol.com ENDOWMENT & CAPITAL FORMATION Robert Wright BUDGET & FINANCE Frank Humphrey fhumphre@voyager.net ELECTIONS Thomas A. Phillips thomphilli10@aol.com MEMBERSHIP, STANDARDS & EXTENSION Melvin M. Stroble, Sr. mstroble@msn.com

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY Anton C. Bizzell antonbizzell@aol.com ALPHAS IN THE ACADEMY M. Christopher Brown mcb2@unlv.edu BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL Gregory L. Bailey gbailey@literacyaction.org BIG BROTHERS & BIG SISTERS Dale H. Long dale1906@verizon.net BOY SCOUTS Verdree Lockhart verdreel@aol.com BLACK AND GOLD PAGEANT Andre Prospere prosperea@bellsouth.net

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George Biddle Kelley

COLLEGE LIFE TO CORPORATE LIFE Nicholas B. Fletcher Nick.Fletcher@kellogg.com COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS BOWL James “JI” Irvin JIrvin06@nemesispromotions.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH David Raphael raphael1906@cablespeed.com HOUSING Jerryl E. Bennett jbennett91@mindspring.com HEALTH & WELLNESS Michael A. Smith mas1906@aol.com INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES Jamil Omar Buie jamil.buie@gmail.com INTERNAL AUDITING TBA MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL INTERNAL FUNDRAISING Frank Russell, Jr. frj41@bellsouth.net

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Nathaniel Allison Murray

NEW FRATERNAL PROGRAM INITIATIVES Ronald J. Peters rpeters20@comcast.net

Assistant to the General President and Senior Advisor James A. Wright jewright@bellsouth.net

ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS Zollie J. Stevenson, Jr. zstevenson06@gmail.com

SPECIAL ADVISORS TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT

POLITICAL ACTION F. Carl Walton waltonmbc@aol.com RECLAMATION Bradley D. Thomas phdsocialwork@hotmail.com PROJECT ALPHA Byron D. Gautier projectalphacoordinator@apa.1906.net RITUAL & CEREMONIES Russell E. Flye phantom1906@charter.net SENIOR ALPHA AFFAIRS Sylvester L. Shannon slshannon06@aol.com TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Audrey L. Mackey amackey@austincc.edu

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Andre A. Moss aamoss@batelnet.bs

TIME AND PLACE Maurice Jenkins jenkinsmaurice@bellsouth.net

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT David Atkins datkins1@gmu.edu

WALK AMERICA-MARCH OF DIMES Wilbert L. Brown wlb72@aol.com

MEDIA RELATIONS Ed Marshall, Esq. edwrdmrshll@aol.com

WORLD POLICY COUNCIL Horace G. Dawson, Jr. hdawson@howard.edu

MEDIATION & ARBITRATION Edwin D. Givens, Esq. egivens@scsu.edu

FOUNDATIONS CHAIRMEN

MILITARY BROTHERS Langston D. Smith ldsrcdoc@verizon.net MEMBERSHIP INTAKE TASKFORCE Arthur McDade, III mcdadea@usa.redcross.org MIS / TECHNOLOGY Wendell D. Ferguson alpha3bebc@aol.com NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES ADVISORY COUNCIL TBA

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Robert Harold Ogle

EDUCATION FOUNDATION Waldo Johnson wejohnso@uchicago.edu BUILDING FOUNDATION Robert “Bob” Leandras Jones, II leandras2@aol.com GENERAL PRESIDENT’S CABINET OFFICIALS Assistant to the General President and Chief of Staff Don Weston chief-of-staff@apa1906.net Assistant to the General President and Deputy Chief of Staff Keith Harris harriskr1906@gmail.com

Charles King charlesking1906@yahoo.com Calvin McNeill cmcnmd@aol.com Elvin Dowling ejdowling1906@gmail.com L. Sidney Gleaton gleato_s@bellsouth.net Joseph E. Heyward heywardj8@aol.com NATIONAL ARCHIVIST Jerome Offord, Jr. jeromeofford@aol.com DEPUTY ASSISTANTS TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT Governmental & International Affairs Marc Garcia getsmart06@aol.com Chair, Executive Director Search Committee David Raphael raphael1906@cablespeed.com

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Vertner Woodson Tandy

James McFadden mcfadden06@aol.com Solomon Graves solomon.graves@gmail.com Protocol and Logistics Chairman Robbie Stokes rstokes@apa1906.net Protocol and Logistics Chairman Anthony C. Hytche achytche@aol.com Protocol and Logistics Member M. Cole Jones mcolejones@gmail.com PAST GENERAL PRESIDENTS 32nd General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. darrylmatthews@apa1906.net 31st General President Harry E. Johnson, Sr. hej@flash.net 30th General President Adrian L. Wallace alwallacea@aol.com 29th General President Milton C. Davis tuskmcd@aol.com 28th General President Henry Ponder ewilsonp@aol.com

VIP Relations Kevin A. Jenkins kevinaj06@yahoo.com

27th General President Charles C. Teamer, Sr. cteamer@cox.net

SPECIAL ASSISTANTS TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT

26th General President Ozell Sutton 1640 Loch Lomond Trail, SW Atlanta GA 30331 (404) 344-0370

M. Cole Jones mcolejones@gmail.com Kouri Marshall 1906@kourimarshall.com Marques J. Wilkes mjwilkes1906@yahoo.com SPECIAL ADVISORS TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT’S ADVANCE TEAM Chairman Warren Isenhour dub1906@yahoo.com Ian Coleman iancoleman3@gmail.com

25th General President James Williams 1733 Brookwood Drive Akron, OH 44313 (330) 867-7536

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Corporate Office 2313 St. Paul St. Baltimore, MD 21218 (410) 554-0040 (410) 554-0054 Fax www.alphaphialpha.net

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The S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 0 9 I S S U E ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. 2313 ST. PAUL STREET BALTIMORE, MD 21218-5234

www.alphaphialpha.net

The African-American male, our boys, our responsibility, our future: “From the High Chair to Higher Education.”

104th Anniversary Convention and Leadership Conference.

Register online: www.alphaconvention.com