VOLUMNE 3 TH E OFFICIA L NEWSLETTER of FLORIDA FEDERATION OF ALPHA C HA PTE RS
HE AIN’T HEAVY, HE’S MY BROTHER BROTHER SPOTLIGHT • FOOD FOR THE SOUL & HIGHLIGHTS AROUND THE DISTRICT
www.FLFEDERATION.org • @FFAC1906
FLFEDERATION.ORG @FFAC1906
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FROM THE DISTRICT DIRECTOR Brothers of the Florida District, Welcome to Spring 2014 edition of The TORCH, the official newsletter of the Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters! I congratulate our District Editorial team for doing a remarkable job putting it together and we are excited to bring it to you! The focus on advocacy throughout this edition is significant not only in the history of Alpha Phi Alpha but to the Civil Rights movement and the ongoing fight to improve of our community as a whole. In the Spring of 1963, Bro. Dr. King composed one of his most inspiring works, “Letter from Brother Bradford in the study of Bro. Dr. a Birmingham Jail.” His letter defended the strategy of Martin Luther King home in Montgomery, AL nonviolent resistance to racism while arguing that people have a moral responsibility to break unjust laws. This passionate text also reaffirmed Bro. Dr. King’s assertion that we must be advocates for change and that we are, indeed, our Brother’s Keeper. Improved communication remains invaluable to the overall success of the District and The TORCH is one vehicle we will continue using to keep you informed. There is positive work taking place within the District, of which many Brothers are unaware. The TORCH will continue to highlight the accomplishments of Brothers, Chapters, and Areas in an effort to show the positive impact we are making in our respective communities. We hope you enjoy the Spring 2014 edition of The TORCH!
THE TORCH STAFF
Fraternally,
Matthew S. Bradford
Brother Matthew S. Bradford District Director • Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
District Director
FROM THE SOUTHERN REGION VICE PRESIDENT Brothers, I greet you in the name of our Seven Jewel whose legacy we share and upon whose shoulders we so humbly stand.
Leslie Elus
Dante’ D. Fillyau Art Director
ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS
On March 20 – 23, 2014, one thousand five hundred and seventy-six (1,576) Brothers from across the Southern Region met in Chattanooga, Tennessee for the 83rd Southern Region Convention. I would like to thank the Brothers of Florida who journeyed to Chattanooga to meet, exchange greetings and conduct the business of Alpha. Congratulation to the Spring 2014 initiates of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The initiation which is the easy part of being an Alpha, is now behind you. The hard part of being an Alpha is upholding the aims, image and values of this most august fraternity. From this day forward, you must focus your efforts on remaining financially activity and living up to the hopes, dreams and aspirations of our Jewels. As we approach the end of the fraternal year, I would like to remind you that as required by the constitution of Alpha Phi Alpha, all College Chapter must hold their election of officers in April and all Alumni Chapter must hold their election of officers in May. Within 30 days of conducting your chapter elections, you must update AlphaNet with the 2015 Chapter Directory. We need 100% compliance with this mandate. SAVE THE DATE: • The 2015 Southern Region Convention will be held March 19 – 22, 2015 at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel and Spa located at 1900 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830. The Brothers of Alpha South are looking forward to an outstanding convention in the State of Florida. • The 109th Anniversary Convention is schedule for August 5 – 9, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Pre-registration information will be sent to you in September 2014.
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Executive Director
Editor to the Torch
On April 11, 2014, the Brothers of the Florida Federation converged on the state capitol in Tallahassee for Alpha Day on the Hill and to support the Dream Defenders efforts to change Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law. I would like to congratulate Bro. Matthew Bradford, Brother Carl Sharpe and the Brothers of Florida Federation for continuing to be the voice for the voiceless and advocates for what is right.
Fraternally, Brother Ronald M. Natson, Sr. 26th Southern Region Vice President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
Robert S. Whittinham
Beta Beta Lambda
Epsilon Mu Lambda Eta Delta Gamma Mu Lambda Iota Delta Iota Epsilon Lambda Mu Zeta Lambda Iota Pi Lambda Mu Zeta Lambda Uplison Lambda Xi Iota Zeta Alpha Lambda
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA FEDERATION OF ALPHA CHAPTERS - VOLUME 3
NEWS AROUND THE DISTRICT South Area Chapters host Fraternity’s General President General President Brother Mark S. Tillman with various Brother(s) including District Director Brother Matthew S. Bradford.
Miramar • Brothers gathered in Miramar, FL for a welcome reception in honor of our 34th General President, Bro. Mark Tillman. Brothers from across the District, representatives from affiliate NPHC organizations and community leaders enjoyed the opportunity to interact with our Fraternity’s national leader during his visit to South Florida. The affair was hosted by City of Miramar Commissioner Brother Wayne Messam, Brother District Director, Matthew Bradford and the Brothers of the Beta Beta Lambda Chapter of Miami, Florida.
FEATURE STORY
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother: MLK Letter from Birmingham Jail In this installation of The Torch we draw inspiration from one of Dr. King’s illustrious works, a Letter from Birmingham Jail, and the Fraternity’s Brother’s Keeper program. Bro. King’s legacy as a civil rights activist provides example to the importance of self sacrifice and lends the model of service before self vested within the Brother’s Keeper initiative. In its biblical context, the idea of being your brother’s keeper serves as the cornerstone in the construction of the family unit. From its origin, it has evolved into an altruistic idea of compassion for thy neighbor. With this expanded meaning, we derive a renewed sense of purpose to not only be caregivers in our immediate families but stewards of goodwill to all mankind. The Brother’s Keeper initiative is our fraternity’s service and advocacy program whose focus is to provide relief to ailing Brothers, their families and windows. Upon identification of need, the Brother’s Keeper Program also branches into the community in the form of humanitarian aid for distressed members in the community. For more information on the Brother’s Keeper Program please contact Bro Kirkland Floyd, our District’s program committee chairman. I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial “outside agitator” idea. www.FLFEDERATION.org • @FFAC1906
For academic resources and review of Dr. King’s letter in its entirety, please follow this link: http://mlk-pp01.stanford.edu/index. php/resources/article/annotated_letter_from_birmingham/ 3
NEWS AROUND THE DISTRICT
Zeta Alpha Lambda Stands on Shoulders of Fraternity Giant
(L to R) are Brothers Derrick Butler, Kirkland Floyd, Robert Whitinham, James Nichols, Howard Jones, Matthew Bradford and Juacane Reynolds. Seated is Brother Rev. Alfred Pugh.
Iota Epsilon Lambda Hosts Donation Drive for Charity
Iota Epsilon Lambda Brothers making a clothing donation to assist with the ongoing efforts of the Great Commission Ministries
Nassau, Bahamas • On February 28, Iota Epsilon Lambda concluded its clothing drive to support the Great Commission Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the homeless and destitute. The chapter received an overwhelming outpour of support from the community. Goods collected were beneficial in offsetting the charities growing demand for clothing and food items. Impart to its recent success, the Brothers are planning another clothing drive for later this year.
Ft. Lauderdale • The Brothers of the Zeta Alpha Lambda Chapter (Ft Lauderdale) delivered fraternal Christmas gifts and fellowshipped with Brother Rev. Alfred L. Pugh, a 1945 initiate of the Nu Chapter at Lincoln University. Brother ‘Pugh from Nu’ recollected and shared his fond memories, to include his interactions with his early mentor, Brother Belford V. Lawson, Jr., Jewel Henry A. Callis, and Brother Thurgood Marshall. Under Brother Rev. Pugh’s ministerial service, he constructed and supported a nutrition center and missionary school for over 500 children in Haiti and has preached or lectured at every college or university in Western Pennsylvania and at over 35 others throughout the United States. Brother Pugh’s love for Alpha has continued for over 69 years with an unwavering dedication and committed to the aims of our dear fraternity.
Gamma Mu Lambda is their Brother’s Keeper Alpha Brothers and Mrs. Parkey in Orange Groves: From Left to Right: Brother Gregory J. Harris, Brother Lawrence Parkey, Brother Leland Hall, Mrs. Parkey, Brother Paul Ford, Brother Raynard Mayberry, Brother Al Dennis.
UCF Alpha Chapter Recognized for Scholarship
Members of the Xi Iota Chapter after UCF’s Greek award presentation ceremony.
Orlando • On February 13, 2014 the Sorority and Fraternity Life Council at the University of Central Florida awarded the Xi Iota Chapter with an award for the highest Grade Point Average for the 2013 fall semester. The Brothers of the Xi Iota Chapter won this award amongst all the fraternities on campus. Currently, the chapter maintains a 3.210 GPA. 4
Tallahassee • On November 9th, the Brothers of the Gamma Mu Lambda Chapter participated in the District-wide My Brother’s Keeper Project, in partnership with the Florida Federation. GML’s brothers had the opportunity to serve two senior brothers that have served the Tallahassee community and Fraternity with distinction. Collegiate and Alumni Brothers in Tallahassee worked together to tidy up the personal orange grove of Bro. Lawrence Parkey, a 1951 initiate of the Beta Omicron Chapter at Tennessee State University. Bro. Parkey proudly served as a principal at Rickards High School. Brothers also visited Bro. C.U. Smith, a 1944 initiate of Alpha Chi at Fisk University, who is living in a local nursing home. During the visit, brothers presented a Florida Federation polo shirt to Bro. Smith who was a supporting figure in the founding of the chapter in 1946. OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA FEDERATION OF ALPHA CHAPTERS - VOLUME 3
NEWS AROUND THE DISTRICT
South Miami Honors IPL throughout Black History Month
Above are Brothers from the Iota Pi Lambda and Eta Delta Chapters, youth participants in the Men of Tomorrow Program, and Mayor Stoddard of the City of South Miami.
Beta Beta Lambda Induct new Knights of Gold Knights of Gold members at Miami Northwestern Senior High School.
Miami • On February 21, 15 young men from Miami Northwestern Senior High School were inducted into the Knights of Gold program at a “come-out” show attended by the entire Miami Northwestern family, the Beta Beta Lambda Chapter, and Brothers from the Delta Psi Chapter at Florida Memorial University. The young men sang, stepped, and recited poetry before a mesmerized crowd. Throughout the school year, the new inductees have participated in a number of service events such as Community Day at Northwestern. The young men even formed a step team at the school garnering huge interests in the program, and putting the Knights of Gold in the position to be role models and mentors for other young men at the school and the greater community. As the cornerstone of the Beta Beta Lambda Chapter’s Education Foundation, the Knights of Gold program teaches teenage boys the importance of service, professionalism, healthy decision-making, and college readiness.
UM Brothers Step in Tribute to African Heritage
(From left to right) Brothers Craig Lewis, Jac Cochran, Te’Quan Taylor, County Commissioner Barbara Jordan, Bro. Kevin Ramseur II, Mayor Oliver Gilbert, and Brothers William Saunders and Will Waldon.
Miami • The Brothers of the Eta Delta Chapter performed at the City of Miami’s first Annual Black Heritage Festival, hosted by Commissioner Barbara Jordan and the City of Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert. Brothers captivated the audience with their fusion routine of precision steps coupled with the latest dance moves of the day. The heritage festival offered a variety of activities that all members of the family could enjoy. Festival vendors included African fashion, literature, food, jewelry business owners and carnival activities. The chapter members also had the opportunity to interact lightheartedly with a number of black politicians from the community throughout the day. www.FLFEDERATION.org • @FFAC1906
Miami • During the month of February, the Iota Pi Lambda Chapter executed the first installation of their Project Alpha Workshop Series at the Coconut Grove Community Center. IPL’s modified Project Alpha curriculum covers topics related to reproductive health, sexual awareness, and domestic violence. Brothers from the Iota Pi Lambda and Eta Delta Chapters conducted the dialogue with members of IPL’s MOT program and youth residents from the South Miami community. During the program, the Mayor of the City of South Miami visited to speak with participants about the government’s role in protecting citizens against sex crimes and domestic violence. In recognition of the chapter’s years of service in the South Miami-Dade community, the City of South Miami awarded a proclamation to Iota Pi Lambda and dedicated the month of February to the organization in honor of the Fraternity’s impact on the community.
Pensacola Alphas Award Scholarships to Young Leaders of Tomorrow
Seated from left to right are Brothers Vernon Lane (Immediate Past Northwest Area Director), Alton “Rob” Houston (Northwest Area Director), and standing Brothers Bynium Jefferson (Chapter President) and Jeff Thomas (Deputy Northwest Area Director) pose for a picture at the Young Leaders of Tomorrow Dinner Dance.
Pensacola • On February 1, the Epsilon Mu Lambda Chapter held its fifth Annual Young Leaders of Tomorrow Dinner Dance at the Crown Plaza Hotel. EML recognized five high school seniors for their commitment to academic excellence, community involvement, and demonstrated leadership ability. During four months, the young men completed workshops on life skills, education, career planning, and culture. In total, the chapter awarded $3,500 in scholarships to the recipients. 5
Jacksonville Alphas Honor Dr. King’s Legacy through Competition
Pictured above is the Upsilon Lambda Chapter and MLK competition contestants.
Jacksonville • The Upsilon Lambda Chapter awarded $5,500 in scholarships to 4 young men who competed in its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Competition on February 9, 2014, at the University of North Florida’s Educational Center. Seven young men competed in this year’s event. The first place winner, Raquise Lee, received the grand prize of $3,000; second, third and fourth place winners were awarded $1,000 and $500 book awards, respectively. The Annual MLK Oratorical Contest is the chapter’s signature event and serves as a platform to award scholarships and to highlight the oratorical skills of African American male high school upperclassmen addressing an issue of importance to the Jacksonville Community.
MZL Encourages Men of Tomorrow to Go to High School, Go to College
Mu Zeta Lambda MOT participants at the University of Florida..
Florida • During spring break in Polk County, the Mu Zeta Lambda Chapter took participants from its Men of Tomorrow program on college tours throughout North Florida. The brothers hoped to encourage their MOTs to graduate high school, pursue a college education, and to take advantage of career training programs. The three-day trip included visits to the University of Florida and Santa Fe College in Gainesville and Florida A&M University, Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College in Tallahassee.
ALPHA BROTHER SPOTLIGHT Alpha Brother Makes City Commission History Commissioner Bro. Keon Hardemon and Judge Orlando Prescott during his oath of office ceremony.
On Wednesday, November 27th, 2013, Bro. Keon Hardemon, was sworn in as Commissioner of Miami’s fifth District. At age 30, he is the youngest elected Commissioner in the history of Miami-Dade County. Bro. Hardemon, a Beta Nu initiate, earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Business Administration from Florida A&M University. After earning a law degree from the University of Miami, he currently works as a public defender. In his new office, he will represent the residents of Liberty City, Little Haiti, and Overtown.
Iota Delta Brothers Breaking Barriers on Campus
Brothers Carl Sharpe and Gerald Law exchanging fraternal greetings after FSU’s Homecoming Court Presentation.
Last year, Bro. Carl Sharpe was dubbed Florida State University’s Homecoming Chief – making him the first African-American to win this title in seven years. Following in his footsteps, Bro. Gerald Law was crowned as FSU’s new Homecoming Chief for the school year. An African American student attaining this title is a milestone on its own but this taking place in two consecutive years is the first in the school’s history. The crowning of Brothers Sharpe and Law are but one example of the chapter’s longstanding tradition of excellence within the university community.
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OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA FEDERATION OF ALPHA CHAPTERS - VOLUME 3
2014 ALPHA DAY ON THE HILL:
FIGHTING ON THE ICE TO PROVIDE A VOICE TO THE VOICELESS
Tallahassee • On Friday, March 11th, over 100 Brothers from Florida and Georgia took part in the Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters’ annual Alpha Day on the Hill event. The day’s activities focused on the theme Voices for the Voiceless: Providing Service & Advocacy for Our Communities. The Brothers held a press conference, attended by local and statewide media outlets, featuring Brothers Senator Christopher Smith, District Director Matthew Bradford, Philip Agnew and Ahmad Abuznai (leaders of the Dream Defenders) and past District Directors. Brother Bradford’s comments touched on the seven values for this year’s event: End Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law; Close the School to Prison Pipeline; Provide Quality Healthcare for all Floridians; Mandate that Florida’s Youth Receive a World Class Education; Fight for Citizenship Rights for our Immigrant Brothers and Sisters; Protect Access to the Ballot Box and Put an End to Voter Suppression Tactics; and Aid Candidates Who Support These Beliefs and Values. The event concluded with Brothers enjoying a meal with remarks from Senator Chris Smith, Bro. Philip Agnew, and Bro. James L. Crumel, Sr., Immediate Past Southern Regional Vice President which inspired them to continue our work towards accomplishing our Alpha Values in our local chapters and communities. www.FLFEDERATION.org • @FFAC1906
2014 ALPHA DAY ON THE HILL ALPHA VALUES • END FLORIDA’S STAND YOUR GROUND LAW • CLOSE THE SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE • PROVIDE QUALITY HEALTHCARE FOR ALL FLORIDIANS • MANDATE THAT FLORIDA’S YOUTH RECEIVE A WORLD CLASS EDUCATION • FIGHT FOR CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS FOR OUR IMMIGRANT BROTHERS AND SISTERS • PROTECT ACCESS TO THE BALLOT BOX AND PUT AN END TO VOTER SUPPRESSION TACTICS • AID CANDIDATES WHO SUPPORT THESE BELIEFS AND VALUES 7
DISTRICT OFFICERS Matthew S. Bradford District Director
Eric Baynes Virgin Islands Area Director
John D. Ellis, Jr. Esq. Immediate Past District Director
Karl Harmon Sr. Treasurer
Carl Sharpe Assistant District Director A. Shawn Collins Deputy District Director Robert S. Whittinham Executive Director Dante’ D. Fillyau Deputy Executive Director Trever Wade, Sr. Chief of Staff Robert Houston Northwest Area Director Raynard Mayberry North Area Director Rodney Rackley East Area Director Barry Cole West Area Director Maurice Hurry South Area Director Dayan Bourne Bahamas Area Director
Andre McAden Financial Secretary Desmond Haygood Secretary David H. Jackson, Jr. Historian Anthony Jackson Parliamentarian
FROM YOUR DISTRICT CHAPLAIN Isaiah 6:8 Says: Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me[The Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters] Matthew 22:14 Says: Many are called, but few are chosen; The Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters, We are the Chosen. In the spirit of My Brothers Keeper, the question has to be asked: Am I My Brother’s Keeper? The Only answer is YES I AM. To my Brothers of the Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters, don’t just be your Brother’s Keeper when the light is shining bright; be his light in the darkness when he really needs you the most.
Charles Gillette District Counsel
WINNERS FROM 2014 REGIONAL CONFERENCE
Rev. John T. Warren Chaplain
Miss Black and Gold Ms. Nakia Daniel • Georgia
Terence Hood District Chief Dean
Bedford Lawson Oratorical Brother Jordan Taylor - Eta Phi • UT- Chattanooga
Gregory J. Harris Director of Alpha University
Step Show Mu Xi • Mississippi
Leslie Elus Editor to The Torch
Charles W. Greene Brother Ernest Davis • Alabama
Shontae White Director of Conventions
Augustus Witherspoon Brother Percy Mack • South Carolina
Vincent Jones Director of Technology
Charles H Wesley Brotherhood Award Omicron Mu Lambda - Tau Zeta • Georgia College Brother of the Year Brother Abdulrahman Mohamed Hamid - Nu Upsilon • Mississippi
CONTENT SUBMISSIONS! The Torch Newsletter is the official organ of the Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters. Its purpose is to highlight the activities of Alpha chapters and their members across our state. The submission requirements are as follows: 1. Chapter article submissions may be no longer than one paragraph at length. 2. College and graduate brother feature stories may be no longer than one page long. 3. All articles should be written in third person. 4. Submissions should clearly detail what took place at the event - date, location, event overview, purpose of the activity, and any significant strides or achievements made at or by the activity. 5. All submissions must be sent as a word document and accompanied by a high resolution photo with a caption detailing who is in the picture and what is taking place. To submit your articles or for general inquiries, please contact the editor via email at thetorch@flfederation.org. Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation. 8
FOOD FOR THE SOUL
College Chapter of the Year Alpha Rho • Georgia Alumni Brother of the Year Brother Cassius Rudolph - Gamma Upsilon • Mississippi Alumni Brother of the Year Brother Darrell Smith - Pi Gamma Lambda • Mississippi Alumni Chapter of the Year Rho Xi Lambda - Mississippi
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monthly Prayer Call
Every first Monday of the Month at 7:06am
2014 FFAC Alpha University September 13, 2014*
2014 FFAC District Conference October 17 - 19, 2014 *TENTATIVE
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA FEDERATION OF ALPHA CHAPTERS - VOLUME 3