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of All, Servants of

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“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.”

Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 32nd General President

– Mission Statement of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Message from the General President From the hundreds of thousands of Alpha men throughout history, only 33 have been elevated to the position of General President. Four years ago you reached down and chose one of your contemporaries and elevated him to that position. You raised him up and placed him among the ranks of Alpha’s great leaders and admonished him to hold high the name.

When you placed your confidence in me to serve as the 32nd General President of this great Fraternity, you gave me an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime. It was the privilege to give back to an organization that has given so much to me. You gave me the honor to represent the Fraternity at a time when important milestones – the Centennial Anniversary and the groundbreaking of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial – thrust Alpha Phi Alpha into the national spotlight.

Key to the successes of my administration was the opportunity to serve in various capacities in the administrations of Brothers James R. Williams, Ozell Sutton, Charles C. Teamer, Sr., Henry Ponder, Milton C. Davis, Adrian L. Wallace, and in numerous activities with Brother Harry E. Johnson. Each of these Brothers upheld our motto – “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All” – with a record of accomplishment and a legacy of developing leaders. As I came to office, I sought not to start new initiatives, but rather to strengthen the programs and services created by previous administrations. Most importantly, I sought to shore up the organization’s infrastructure and financial picture and implement best practices in our day-to-day operations to ensure that we continue to render the highest level of service to you, our valued and revered members.

With the dedication and commitment of our Board of Directors, Foundations, Committees, Executive Director and staff, I was able to deliver on the promises in every area of my platform, which included organizational development, economic self-sufficiency, college Brother development, social activism, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project, and health/healthcare awareness. The accomplishments are outlined in this report, titled “A Solid Foundation for the New Era of Alpha.”

Perhaps my proudest accomplishments are enhanced fiscal management, the re-alignment of our Constitution and the development of our first-ever organization-wide Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan includes our new mission statement – “Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.”

I am especially pleased that the Brotherhood has embraced the Strategic Plan as an essential tool for charting the organization’s course in the next century.

In reflection, I count the following as the top three events that highlight the four years of my administration:

• The Centennial Celebration – It was a special honor to preside over Alpha Phi Alpha during the centennial year when world attention was increasingly focused on the Fraternity. I re-emphasized: that the history of Alpha Phi Alpha is the history of African Americans in college; that the development of Alpha and the black Greek-letter movement today coincided with African Americans who were able to take advantage of high-level education; and that the celebration of Alpha Phi Alpha is a celebration of the black family in America, with an emphasis on black male achievement. Most importantly, I wanted to bring honor to our Seven Jewels who birthed our great Fraternity out of hopes, dreams and a vision to uplift black males and the black community through education and social activism.

• The Ceremonial Groundbreaking of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial – I savored the opportunity to be at the helm of Alpha Phi Alpha to ensure that our commitment did not waver, as we honored Brother Martin Luther King, Jr. with a memorial – the first to an African American – which will sit in its rightful place on the National Mall among the memorials honoring U.S. presidents and the nation’s wars.

• The Election of Barack Obama – I believe that through the tireless efforts of Alpha Brothers across the nation and around the world, the echoes of the Alpha Phi Alpha mantra – “A Vote-less People is a Hopeless People” – somehow reached the ears and hearts of every American who felt that it was time for transformative change and that Barack Obama, our first African American President, was who we needed to begin to bring about change.

Thank you, Brothers, for giving me the opportunity to be a leader of a group of extraordinary men. It has been a humbling experience.

Sincerely,

32nd General President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

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Contents

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Introduction

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Reflections

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Honoring Our Past

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Centennial Pilgrimage

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Centennial Celebration

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Martin Luther King Memorial Project Groundbreaking

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Organizational Development

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Social Activism

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College Brother Development

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Photo Collage

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Health/Healthcare Awareness

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Brother Matthews Honored

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Economic Self-Sufficiency

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Financial Summary

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Membership Statistics

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2005-2008 Alpha Phi Alpha Awards of Merit and Honor

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2005-2008 Alpha Phi Alpha Leadership

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2005-2008 State of the Fraternity Addresses

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2008 Black and Gold Banquet Address

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Introduction Founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., was established out of the need for support among young black scholars who were pursuing their higher education in a segregated environment. Committed to freedom, scholarship, manly deeds and love for all mankind, Alpha Phi Alpha has evolved as an organization of leaders who have individually and collectively achieved outstanding accomplishments in the fight for equality in education, housing, employment, and civil rights for African Americans and people of color around the globe.

In January 2005, Brother Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., became the 32nd General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. His leadership spanned a pivotal point in the organization’s existence, as the Fraternity marked its centennial year in 2006.

With a long history of service to Alpha – that began as a college student and has included serving on the Board of Directors, as Director of Marketing, Director of Membership Services, and as Executive Director – Brother Matthews took the helm, ushering in the era of the centennial, with a commitment to preserving the legacy and history of Alpha Phi Alpha, to sustaining and building on the programs and initiatives of previous administrations, and to establishing and strengthening principles of good management, fiscal responsibility, shareholder respect, brotherly service, and vision.

In recognition of the magnitude and significance of the Fraternity’s 100th anniversary, General President Matthews, Sr., in his inaugural address, said: “We will face the challenges, we will conquer the challenges and we will do so together with One Voice – One Alpha.”

Under the leadership of General President Matthews, the 32nd Administration of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., was proud to oversee high-profile and historic Fraternity events, including the November 2005 Centennial Pilgrimage at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; the Centennial Celebration at the General Convention in Washington, D.C. in July 2006; and the Ceremonial Groundbreaking for the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C. in November 2006.

President Matthews also set about making good on his platform promises to the Brotherhood, addressing key areas that included:

• Organizational Development – improving corporate governance, board development and strategic planning • Economic Self-Sufficiency – fiscal management with 100 percent transparency and professionalism, revenue diversification, building endowment and entrepreneurship

• College Brother Development – leadership training, professional and personal development and mentoring • Social Activism – community service, social and legal justice, public policy and advocacy • Martin Luther King Project – corporate fundraising, partnership and coalition formation, operations and project management

• Health/Healthcare Awareness – health maintenance and awareness and health care access Thus, the Quadrennial Report of Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 32nd General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – “A Solid Foundation for the New Era of Alpha” – first reviews the historic events that took place under the leadership of General President Matthews, followed by Alpha Phi Alpha accomplishments in each of the aforementioned campaign platform areas, and a summary of the organization’s finances over four years. It also includes the General President’s “State of the Fraternity” addresses for the four years of his administration and the 2008 Black and Gold Banquet address.

Harry E. Johnson, Sr. passes the baton to Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.

Brother Charles Teamer swears in 32nd General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.

Allison Paige Matthews and Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.

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The Right Man at the Right Time Reflections on the Matthews Administration

By Elaine W. Smith

Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 32nd General President

Brother Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., sought to become the 32nd General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity out of a commitment to the Fraternity and to society at large, and with a determination to strengthen what he calls “a great institution.” He was able to deliver on his key campaign promises relating to improving organizational development and creating financial transparency not only because of his excellent organizational management skills, but due to a deep understanding of the history and purpose of the Fraternity and a commitment to protecting its legacy.

Brother Matthews took office during the historical era of the Fraternity’s centennial. He said that he reflects on the Fraternity’s history as he compares his term in office to the year 1914, a time in the Fraternity’s history that is described in the History of Alpha Phi Alpha as “The Leaven of SelfExamination.” According to the History: The leading desire during this period was internal development. . . . A small group insisted that the fraternity was not measuring aims with its possibilities.

They would have the fraternity examine itself. Whither are we drifting? Some goal must be established or we would end only in making pleasure the summum bonum of fraternity life. This small group of thinkers became the leaven which ultimately leavened the whole. . . .

The Treasurer, Brother H. H. Long, was aware that the practical purposes of the fraternity could not be maintained without the payment of dues. On one occasion, he wrote, “doubtless you have had visions of the future of Alpha Phi Alpha as well as knowledge of 4

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its present greatness. It is almost useless to suggest that its present greatness cannot be maintained nor its future provided for, unless there is proper financial support.”

Brother Dickason, the General President, was quite active in pushing forward the interests of the fraternity along all lines. Said he, “Think Alpha Phi Alpha, talk Alpha Phi Alpha, promote Alpha Phi Alpha, and labor for the broad principles of idealism for which Alpha Phi Alpha was created, so that humanity shall look on us as a body worthwhile.”

Brother Matthews came into office with a sense of Alpha history, as well as his own history of nearly 33 years as a member of the Fraternity. As a member of the Alpha’s Board of Directors and as a member of the staff, including a stint as Executive Director, he had worked under six administrations.

“I took copious notes as to what was needed. What I saw was that in each administration, while there were a number of accomplishments, there were some things that were left on the drawing board. I felt that I was a person who could fill the gaps,” said Brother Matthews. “I believed that Alpha, for all of its potential, was still operating from an old business model, and that we had to re-tool our organization to bring it in line with the current best practices of effective organizations. We are a good organization, but I wanted to see a much stronger and vibrant organization.”

In order to help Alpha maintain its role as the premier Fraternity for men seeking excellence in their personal endeavors, Brother Matthews focused on the realignment of

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Alpha’s Constitution, developed and implemented a Strategic Plan, and put in place financial controls and policies and procedures to help ensure greater fiscal transparency. He was able to do this with the support and input from Executive Director Willard C. Hall, Jr., the Board of Directors, leadership team, and General Office staff. All believe that the Fraternity now is in a better position because of the leadership of Brother Matthews.

Adrian L. Wallace, the Fraternity’s 30th General President said, “General President Matthews had the persistence of vision to conduct, adopt and implement an outstanding and far reaching fraternal Strategic Plan which is something that was long overdue. I trust that the fundamental framework of the grand strategy will be continued for succeeding administrations. He also insisted on a robust financial system with full accountabilities, clear transparency and full disclosure. These are two of many of Brother Matthews’s accomplishments that will bode well for strengthening of our fraternal infrastructure.”

As the Fraternity’s Executive Director, Brother Willard C. Hall, Jr., saw that past experience with the Fraternity provided a unique opportunity for Brother Matthews to make an impact. “Brother Matthews became General President with a 33-year history as a member of the Fraternity, so his contributions started early on. This gave him the opportunity to gain insight into the workings and structure of the organization. He came in with a laser-like focus on what needed to be done, including organizational development and effectiveness, fiscal accountability, and the vital reorganization of the Constitution,” said Brother Hall. “Brother Matthews believed that we are a Brotherhood, but we have to be concerned about the business of the Brotherhood.”

Past General Presidents Brothers Ponder and Davis also praised the accomplishments of Brother Matthews in the areas of organizational development and fiscal accountability, but perhaps Brother George Reaves, the Fraternity’s Treasurer, Brother Chase Patterson, Assistant Vice President and a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, and Brother Lloyd Givens, Chairman of the Constitution Committee, said it best. “It is really quite simple. He was made for the job at this time. We needed fiscal transparency. We needed fiscal responsibility at this time in our history and he came with the skills, the vision, and the willingness to stick to his campaign pledges,” said Brother Reaves. “He was adamant about memorializing those things that had been mere tradition and practices into written policies and procedures.

It helps to be able to point to those things when you are questioned or challenged as to whether or not what you are doing is appropriate. This is my final term on the Board. I am more than happy to have had the opportunity to work with him for four years.”

Brother Patterson said, we were fortunate to have in Darryl

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Matthews a solid and sound business leader as well as a ground-level eye-to-eye brother. He was someone who understood the large picture, but at the same time, did not believe he was larger than that picture.”

Senior Advisor Brother Robert A. Willis

Brother Givens said, “The Matthews administration was one of the most progressive and forward-looking administrations that Alpha has ever known. The realignment of the Constitution and the development of the Strategic Plan are the most outstanding efforts of an Alpha General President that I have ever seen.”

Both the 25th and 26th General Presidents Judge James Williams and Ozell Sutton, who consider Brother Matthews a son of Alpha, are proud of his accomplishments. Brother Judge Williams acknowledged that Brother Matthews “inherited some weaknesses in the finances,” but he said, “He quickly turned that around and leaves the treasury in outstanding shape. He placed a great emphasis on transparency, working closely with the Board and membership.”

“What Darryl Matthews has done for the Fraternity has been excellent. He has brought a great deal of creativity and involvement and has utilized the Brotherhood very well – individually and collectively,” said Brother Sutton. “He had the sensibility to bring the Brotherhood together on things.

He organizes well, he presents well, and he represents the Fraternity among other organizations with great skill.”

Senior Advisor Robert A. Willis, said, “The most important accomplishment of Brother Matthews was to put the Fraternity on sound financial footing, which is very crucial for the future of the organization. Thanks to Darryl, we are better off financially than we have been in 15 years.” *** Alpha leaders also reflected on the importance of the Centennial Celebration, the Fraternity’s impact on society and the African American community, and opportunities in the new era of Alpha Phi Alpha. “By virtue of its birth, Alpha Phi Alpha is considered by many to be the most prestigious because it is the first to survive this long,” said Brother

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Adrian Wallace. “If you look at our mission statement, our job is to develop leaders, stimulate their ambition and send them out into the world to tackle the world’s problems. We’ve been doing it for over 100 years.”

Brother Davis expressed similar sentiments. “I think that when you look at the history of Alpha, what you are looking at is the progress of the African American race in America,” he said. “Truly there have been efforts and starts and stops, but the progress, the momentum and the continuous progress as a people did not occur until we had an educated class at the college level. . . . The founders were black men who aspired to higher education by binding themselves together to inspire a collective movement.”

a Brother. We must place service above self! We must truly understand and embrace the concept of Servant-Leadership.

The Ritual makes us members, but it is unconditional love for all mankind and each other that makes us Brothers.

We are at risk of losing this vital distinction that makes us unique from other organizations,” Brother Wallace said.

“Alpha must continue to be in the forefront of the relevant issues of the day, or risk becoming a footnote in history.

Our focus can never be wholly internal. We must serve as agents of change and thought leaders in our communities, organizations and places of business.”

Brother Hall said, “The stage was already set for Alpha Phi Alpha to be at the forefront of attention during the Centennial Celebration. . . . We as a Fraternity have been in the national spotlight on social justice and public policy issues. The Centennial Celebration was the culmination of our successes, and it is a tremendous accomplishment because we are the first African-American intercollegiate fraternity to reach 100 years.”

26th General President Ozell Sutton

Executive Director Brother Willard C. Hall, Jr.

Brother Wallace said that historically, Alpha Phi Alpha has occupied the enviable position of being viewed as a “first mover” or the “go to” organization, particularly in matters of social justice, education, and leadership. “Alpha is more than merely an organization. It is a way of life.

The principles espoused by Alpha Phi Alpha that permeate the core of the organization are principles that provide unwavering guidance in conducting ourselves as men of distinction, men of honor and men of character. These principles imbue our personal and professional lives by providing standards of conduct and of excellence. . . .

Alpha men, more often than not, are at the nexus of key decision points in many arenas.”

With respect to challenges for the future, Brother Wallace said that Alpha must rekindle into a blazing fire the true meaning of what it means to be an Alpha Brother. “There is a distinct difference between being a member and being 6

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Brother Hall said that the Fraternity must look at and take advantage of opportunities. “Our reputation for being successful means that more people will come to us with opportunities. More people will also want our services and will want to join our cause and work with us on our causes. This will make it easier for us to find strategic alliance partners. As we go across the country and around the world mentoring young men, one of the first things that they want to do is join our ranks. So, we can take a vision that was started 100 years ago, born out of adversity and take advantage of tremendous opportunities as we move forward.”

Brother Davis feels that it is important to maintain a focus on community. “We need to keep the cohesiveness and focus of community. Our success has been in advancing our community. If you are going to be a true Alpha, you are going to be actively involved in community leadership. It is also important to give our children a sense of history. When we lose our history, and don’t teach them how we have come this far, then they are lost.”

Matthews said it has been a privilege to “offer leadership to a group of extraordinary men. . . . I’ve learned that every time I think I have gauged the breadth and depth of Alpha’s impact on the world, I am continually amazed that it is bigger than I can imagine. Every time you turn around another Alpha Brother is doing extraordinary things.”

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Honoring Our Past

Centennial Memorial was dedicated Nov. 19, 2005, at Cornell University

Centennial Pilgrimage More than 700 Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha convened at Cornell University November 19, 2005, for the Centennial Pilgrimage. The city of Ithaca, N.Y., proclaimed the day “Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Day” in honor of the occasion, and the event served as the kick-off of the Fraternity’s Centennial Celebration.

The Centennial Pilgrimage was the second mass return to Cornell in the history of Alpha Phi Alpha; the first commemorated the Fraternity’s 50th anniversary in 1956.

“What developed on this campus was an ideal, a way of life,” said General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. “We are a Fraternity committed to people. Today you are living and making history. You stand here on hallowed ground.”

The day began with registration, display and inspection of historic Alpha documents and a luncheon, followed by a silent march to the site of the Centennial Memorial, designed by Brother Dr. Ed Jackson, Jr. The memorial sits on Ho Plaza at Central Avenue, and is a retaining stone wall in the shape of a “J,” symbolic of the seven Founding Jewels, with a brass plate inscribed with their names.

C. Teamer Sr., 27th General President. “We are confronted by challenges and opportunities; let us move forward and take advantage of the opportunities.”

After the dedication ceremony, the Brothers gathered in Sage Chapel for an academic convocation, where they were greeted by Carolyn (Biddy) Martin, Cornell University Provost and Carolyn K. Peterson, Ithaca Mayor. Brother Dr. Robert L. Harris Jr., Cornell University’s Vice President for Diversity and Faculty Development, delivered the Charles Harris Wesley Memorial Scholarship lecture, which traced the problems blacks faced from the time of Brother W.E.B. DuBois to the present.

“The idea of who was white and who was black in the United States has undergone many changes over time,” Brother Harris said. “It wasn’t until the 20th century that the distinction between who was black and who was white became very rigid in the United States.”

Brother Harris went on to describe the current problem as being more class-based than race-based, but was careful to point out that the problem of discrimination is far from being solved. Jim Crow, Brother Harris said, has become

“[The memorial] has a very poetic and important place on this hallowed ground,” Brother Jackson said. “It is just off the main promenade and it has the attention of all the students and faculty who will pass and on the capstone, it has the motto of the fraternity. And, it will always have a special place of meaning.”

“The founders not only created a movement which led to the creation of Alpha Phi Alpha, but their bold vision and active creative genius led to a series of related transactions, which brought about the movement on the campuses of colleges and universities throughout this land,” said Brother Charles

(l-r foreground) General Presidents Adrian Wallace, Harry Johnson, Milton Davis, Darryl Matthews, Historian Robert Harris and GP Henry Ponder. (Far r-background) GP Ozell Sutton.

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The Celebration opened on Tuesday, July 25, 2006, with a special observance at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial site, with 100 Alpha men, General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., Past General Presidents, Board of Directors, and noted Alpha members former Ambassador Andrew Young and National Urban League President Marc Morial. The observance culminated with a special wreath being placed at the National Memorial site honoring the life and work of one of Alpha’s highly recognized members – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. General President Matthews cuts the ribbon for the exhibit opening as Brothers Marc Morial, Milton Davis, Henry Ponder, Herman “Skip” Mason, Jim Wallace and Mrs. Helen Ogle Atkins, the 98-year-old daughter of Jewel Robert Harold Ogle look on.

“James Crow III, who advertises as an equal opportunity lender or employer, but still practices racial discrimination, just with a smile.”

During the academic convocation the Fraternity presented scholarships to 10 Cornell students.

“Alpha Phi Alpha stands here as a testament to education,” said Brother Matthews in his closing remarks. “We are a beacon of hope to the misguided. We are here, we are dedicated, we are determined, we are educated and we are informed. And it’s all because seven young black men planted their feet and said, ‘We shall not be moved.’ My brothers, tell the story, spread the news, keep Alpha alive, vibrant and useful.”

All eight of the Fraternity’s living General Presidents assembled for the signing of the Centennial Book of Essays and Letters, which was prepared especially for the 100th Anniversary Convention.

Centennial Celebration Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.’s Centennial Celebration included many memorable activities and events and was held in conjunction with the organization’s General Convention, July 25-30, 2006, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. and at the Washington Convention Center. More than 5,000 members registered to attend the formal activities, and there were thousands of additional Brothers, guests and friends in attendance.

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On July 25, 2006, the U. S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution in recognition of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s accomplishments, with General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., and other executive members present on the Senate floor. The bill was sponsored

by Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) along with 44 House members, including Fraternity members Congressmen Bobby Scott (D-VA), Charles Rangel (D-NY), David Scott (D-GA), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Danny Davis (D-IL), Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Al Green (D-TX), who – along with Fraternity Brother former U.S. Senator Edward Brooke – were on hand for the ceremony.

Members of Alpha Phi Alpha were once again at the forefront of the civil rights movement, as one of the most important pieces of legislation for African Americans was passed into law during the week of the Centennial. Several past General Presidents and Fraternity members, including Ozell Sutton, 26th General President; Henry Ponder, 28th General President; John Williams, National Parliamentarian; and Alpha member and television personality Vic Carter, witnessed President George W. Bush sign the renewal of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in a ceremony at the White House on Thursday, July 27. The ceremony was particularly significant to Sutton, a civil rights activist who was in the hotel room adjacent to King when he was slain in Memphis, TN. Grammy-Award winning singer and Alpha Brother Lionel Richie gave a spectacular performance at the Centennial Concert Gala sponsored by the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc. on Friday, July 28, 2006, at the John F. Kennedy Center.

A two-day symposium, “The Future of African-American Men: The Mind, The Body and The Soul in the 21st Century,” addressed the state of the African-American male through a series of thought-provoking discussions with several well-known speakers such as Alpha Brothers Hugh Price and Ambassador Andrew Young and guests, Lou Gossett, Jr., and Captain Bill Pinkney. Brothers walked away with relevant strategies critical to improving the lives of African-American men in their respective communities.

In his centennial address, General President Matthews said, “In celebration of our greatness, it becomes our task to

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honestly look at the state of Alpha and plan for its next 100 years.” He called upon the Brotherhood to re-examine the House of Alpha. “What better time is there than now – as we celebrate a milestone in American history – to re-examine our house, inspect it, look at its usefulness and update it for the times ahead?” He discussed the Fraternity’s strategic planning process, and said that over the next five years, “We will plan our work and work our plan…. And, I assure you that the latter temple shall be greater than the former.”

U.S. Congressional Resolution Honoring Alpha Phi Alpha 100th Anniversary The 109th Congress unanimously approved the following resolution honoring the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Whereas the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was founded on December 4, 1906, by seven young men, respectfully known as the Seven Jewels, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; Whereas Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Verner Woodson Tandy, the founders of the Fraternity, recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country; Whereas the aims of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity are manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind; Whereas for 100 years the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has played a fundamental role in the positive development of the character and education of more than 175,000 men; Whereas the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha have shared countless friendships and a common belief in the founding ideals of the fraternity; Whereas alumni from Alpha Phi Alpha include many noteworthy leaders in the areas of government, business, entertainment, science, and higher education; Whereas the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has 350 college campus chapters and 350 alumni chapters in 44 States, the District of Columbia, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe; and Whereas the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity continues to enrich the lives of its members who, in turn, carry out in their communities a commitment to service and the uplifting of humanity: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), that Congress – Recognizes and honors the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; Commends all Alpha Phi Alpha Brothers, past and present, for their bond of friendship, common ideals and beliefs, and service to community; and Expresses its best wishes for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s continued success and growth.

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PBS Airs History of Alpha A history of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, produced by Rubicon Productions – a nonprofit film and video company dedicated to telling stories of historical significance – aired on Public Broadcasting Service stations before the Centennial Celebration. The documentary chronicled achievements by the Fraternity and some its most noted members, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, Retired Senator Edward Brooke and Cornell West, among others. The PBS production showed how Alpha Phi Alpha’s history closely paralleled the history of the civil rights movement in the United States.

General President Matthews Appears on C-SPAN Prior to the Annual Centennial Convention in Washington, General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., was interviewed

by C-SPAN CEO Brian Lamb on “Q&A”. The following edited transcript provides a flavor of what people across the country learned about Alpha Phi Alpha. C-SPAN employee, Brother Paul Brown, who chairs the Fraternity’s Public Relations Committee, arranged the interview.

BRIAN LAMB, C-SPAN: Darryl Matthews, Senior, what is Alpha Phi Alpha?

DARRYL MATTHEWS, 32ND GENERAL PRESIDENT, ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY: Alpha Phi Alpha is a Brotherhood, an organization of men committed to academic excellence. Our mission statement says that we develop leaders and that we’re committed to academic excellence and brotherhood and services and leadership for our community. . . . It has the distinction of being the first African-American fraternity founded on a college campus. It removed the restrictions in 1945 to allow men of any race to join and it’s considered the first fraternity to do so.

LAMB: How many total members have you had over these hundred years?

MATTHEWS: We have over 150,000 men worldwide who have become members of this illustrious fraternity.

LAMB: And how many of those are not African American?

MATTHEWS: We don’t keep statistics, but if you come to our convention, people are surprised at the number of non-AfricanAmerican members we have. And we’re proud of the fact that we practice the diversity that we preach.

LAMB: Who else today – names that people recognize – belong to this fraternity?

MATTHEWS: Today eight of the members of the 109th Congressional Caucus are members: Congressman Bobby Scott, Charlie Rangel, Danny Davis, Chaka Fattah, Emanuel Cleaver, Gregory Meeks. I know I’m leaving somebody out, Al Green from Houston [and David Scott]. We just recently lost John H. Johnson, the publishing magnate, a staunch, very proud member of the fraternity. And the list goes on. Lionel Richie will be here to perform at our convention, a staunch member of the Fraternity whose father also was a member.

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toward excellence there you will find Alpha Phi Alpha at the front of the pack.

LAMB: What’s your politics?

MATTHEWS: We have both sides of the aisle in the organization. William Coleman, who was a former Secretary of Transportation, Secretary Sam Pierce – now these were good Republican Alpha members. So our agenda is not a Democratic or Republican agenda, it is an Alpha agenda, which is dedicated toward academic excellence.

LAMB: I understand your Alpha Phi Alpha centennial meeting is … sold out?

MATTHEWS: Yes. We’re expecting 10,000.

LAMB: The statistics on the black male in this country aren’t very good when it comes to the number of black men that go to jail.

[Why] is it [that] out of the two million people in jail today, half of them are African American?

MATTHEWS: Some people are prone to say that there are more African-American men in jail than in college, but there are also more African-American men in college then any time before. We are looking sometimes at the half-empty glass instead of the half-full glass.

This past academic year, Morehouse College down in Atlanta had 50 African-American young men who were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Now I’m proud that of those 50, seven of them were members of Alpha Phi Alpha. And no other comparable Greek organization on the campus had that kind of representation. There are young men out here who are doing extraordinary things and our responsibility is to give them a leg up, to make sure that they’re prepared to rapidly ascend in their careers.

Now we will not be able to solve all of the world’s problems and we certainly can’t be all things to all people. In our Big Brothers Big Sisters project we are trying to match our members with the children of incarcerated parents because if there is no intervening force, those children are going to in a very short time join their parents in that institution. Big Brothers and Big Sisters has a program called the Amachi Program which is run out of Philadelphia. Reverend Wilson Goode, who is the former mayor of Philadelphia – and not a member of Alpha but a member of another proud AfricanAmerican fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi – heads these programs for

Brother Lionel Ritchie speaks at public program at the Centennial Convention.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters, but we’ve adopted them as a national program. And they have recognized us. This year, the Big Brother of the Year is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha by the name of Sylvester Fulton. Fifteen years ago the Big Brother of the Year was a young man by the name of Dale Long who heads up our alliance with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

There is – there is no magic wand and an organization can’t just say OK we support Big Brothers Big Sisters and expect to make a difference. We need individual accountability. It’s going to be a one-on-one effort.

I’m on the steering committee of a group of African-American organizations that mentor 100 black men of America in all of the other fraternities. We’re saying that over the course of the next few years we want to mentor two million young men. Well two million is a rather hefty number for Alpha Phi Alpha, but we can mentor 10,000 immediately in addition to those that we’re already mentoring.

LAMB: Alpha Phi Alpha did what for the Martin Luther King Memorial?

MATTHEWS: Well, six of our members from Silver Spring, Maryland, sitting around the kitchen table one day decided there should be a memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King on the federal Mall in Washington, D.C. I was working in the headquarters at the time. But it was not an official program then. It was these brothers coming to convention talking about it, promoting it, and other brothers saying, well, you know, we’re doing all these other things when are we going to have time to do that? And to be quite honest, the authorizing legislation was signed in 1996 by President William Clinton.

LAMB: Was Alpha Phi Alpha responsible for the legislation?

MATTHEWS: We took the legislation to Capitol Hill. We promoted it; the legislation authorizes Alpha Phi Alpha to raise the money to erect this memorial.

LAMB: Where is most of the money coming from?

MATTHEWS: It’s coming from individuals, it’s coming from our friends in corporate America, it’s coming from churches, it’s coming from the other African-American fraternities and sororities. We created the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation Project as the instrument to actually raise the money and build this memorial. This is not the Alpha’s memorial to Dr. King, it’s the people’s memorial and we’re asking the people whose lives have been improved, whose lives have been made better because of the selfless acts of this great servant that we build this memorial in commemoration to him.

LAMB: What’s the message in the memorial itself?

MATTHEWS: Well, there is the stone of hope that Dr. King is walking out of. The message is that the non-violent movement that he created, the struggle for equality, we should never forget.

LAMB: Let me read to you an article by Austin Kilgore, editor in chief, and I guess it’s from SMU. Raymond Lee was sentenced to 10 years probation, $10,000, 180 days in jail after being found guilty of aggravated assault for forcing Brayland Curry to drink gallons of water in an Alpha Phi Alpha initiation rite

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known as water night. The ritual led to Curry collapsing and having seizures and nearly drowning in his vomit. Curry spent 10 days in the hospital.” It’s not just Alpha Phi Alpha. The hazing has been criticized across the board on all fraternities.

Why can’t you stop hazing?

MATTHEWS: We can no more stop hazing than society can stop crime. There are some individuals who are committed to doing dastardly acts. Ten years probation is not enough to make a statement. I support the justice system dealing with criminals.

That was criminal behavior. There’s no room in Alpha Phi Alpha for criminals. I am making it very clear during my administration that there’s zero tolerance.

LAMB: What do your members do in their alumni chapters besides the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs and the Boy Scouts? Are there other things that you do directly in a community?

MATTHEWS: Yes. Well, primarily they are mandated to do our strategic focus areas. But there are other needs in their communities. We have chapters that go out and they help paint the homes of the elderly or “Christmas in April” to help clean up, rehabilitate, repair roofs for elderly people – the Habitat for Humanity. There are a number of community programs and we encourage our chapters and our members to be involved individually and through a chapter. But you must do the national programs so that we can measure our effectiveness and meet our goals and objectives. All too often organizations do not have a strategic focus. Their mission is to boil the ocean. And so while we recognize all of these other wonderful things that our chapters are doing, these are our agreed upon focus areas and these are the things that we will be best known for.

LAMB: If Martin Luther King were back this year speaking to your group, what do you think he’d say about the state of America?

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MATTHEWS: That’s a very good question because I have a speech that I’ve given over the past year for Martin Luther King celebration observances – birthday observances, called “What Would Martin Think?” I think Martin would want us to expand our focus from civil rights to silver rights. He would want us to become more financially literate and economically empowered. There was a time for marching and for taking to the streets and protesting, but now is the time for building equity in our communities, for building personal worth.

Not talking about greed, not talking about trading Master Charlie for MasterCard. You know, we’re talking about full empowerment.

I think that he would be dismayed at the number of young people who refuse or are unable to take advantage of an educational system that their grandparents were locked out of.

I think he would be just utterly amazed and disappointed that as hard as he fought to open up public accommodations and facilities, many of us take them for granted or don’t invest in our communities the way we should.

LAMB: What is the overall slogan for Alpha Phi Alpha?

MATTHEWS: Our motto is, “First of all, servants of all, we shall transcend all.” And that speaks to the fact that we are about service.

LAMB: And I read that you’re dedicated to manly deeds, scholarship and love.

MATTHEWS: Love for all mankind. That is a stanza in our hymn. So there are many sound bytes and collections of clever sayings that you could apply to the Fraternity, but we develop leaders and promote academic excellence and brotherhood, while servicing our communities through programs and dedicated service.

Centennial Chair Milton C. Davis, Honorary Centennial Chair Edward W. Brooke and General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Project

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Supporters of the MLK National Memorial prepare to turn the earth.

Ceremonial Groundbreaking The ceremonial groundbreaking for the Martin Luther King Jr., National Memorial – presented by the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation on November 13, 2006 – attracted a crowd of thousands, including United States presidents, cabinet members, senators, congressmen, other government leaders, leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, celebrities and Americans affected by the movement, the family of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Fraternity Board of Directors, all living Fraternity past General Presidents, and hundreds of Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The Memorial will be the first tribute on the National Mall to an African American and will sit among the monuments honoring presidents and the nation’s wars.

The ceremony was held at The King National Memorial site, a four-acre plot on the northeast corner of the Tidal Basin within the precinct of the Jefferson Memorial and north of the memorial to President Roosevelt.

Speakers at the historic ceremonial groundbreaking event included President Bush, former President Bill Clinton – who signed the 1996 legislation authorizing construction of the memorial; Brother Harry E. Johnson, Sr., president of the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr., National 1 2

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Memorial Project Foundation and former Fraternity General President; General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., who serves as vice chairman of the Memorial Foundation’s Board; Yolanda Denise King, Martin Luther King, III, and Rev. Bernice Albertine King, Dr. King’s children; then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama; talk show host Oprah Winfrey; poet Dr. Maya Angelou, designer Tommy Hilfiger, U.S Ambassador Andrew Young, civil rights activist Rev. Jesse L. Jackson; U.S. Rep. John Lewis; among many others.

At the conclusion of the formal ceremony, members of the King Memorial Foundation, Fraternity leaders and other community dignitaries took their places behind shovels that were set in soil taken from the memorial’s Tidal Basin area, to demonstrate solidarity in efforts to build this historic monument. This significant act was captured and shown to millions on the covers of major print media outlets.

The groundbreaking event was a highlight among other activities celebrating the King Memorial, including an opening reception by the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial Project Foundation, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Groundbreaking Reception, and the National Dream Dinner, a $1,000-a-plate celebrity fundraiser.

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Report of Contributions $1 Million and More General Motors

$10,000,000

Fannie Mae Corporation

$1,000,000

Federal Appropriation

$9,852,876

$1,000,000

In-Kind (Promotions and Marketing)

$3,900,000

Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation

$5,000,000

FedEx Corporation Ann and Joel Horowitz Family Foundation

$1,000,000

NBA

$3,000,000

Sheila C. Johnson

$1,000,000

Procter & Gamble

$2,600,000

Lehman Brothers

$1,000,000

The Walt Disney Company

$2,750,000

George Lucas

$1,000,000

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

$2,636,366

MacFarlane Partners

$1,000,000

Coca-Cola Foundation

$2,000,000

The J.Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation

$1,000,000

The Ford Motor Fund

$2,000,000

McDonald’s Corporation

$1,000,000

Toyota

$2,000,000

National Association of Realtors (NAR)

$1,000,000

Verizon Foundation

$2,000,000

National Education Association (NEA)

$1,000,000

GE

$1,200,000

PepsiCo Foundation

$1,000,000

AARP

$1,000,000

Pew Charitable Trusts

$1,000,000

AFLAC

$1,000,000

Prudential Financial, Inc.

$1,000,000

BP America, Inc.

$1,000,000

Shell Oil Company

$1,000,000

CIGNA

$1,000,000

State Farm Insurance

$1,000,000

DuPont

$1,000,000

Viacom; BET; MTV

$1,000,000

ExxonMobil Foundation

$1,000,000

Wal-Mart

$1,000,000

McKissack of Washington, D.C., is the oldest AfricanAmerican architecture and construction management firm and will have executive oversight of the project. General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., Vice Chairman of the MLK Memorial Foundation Board was present for the announcement.

External Fundraising

MLK Memorial Project officials and design-build team members: Hilton O. Smith, Senior Vice President, Turner Construction Company; Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., Alpha General President and Vice Chairman of the MLK National Memorial Project Foundation Board; Deryl McKissack, President and CEO, McKissack & McKissack; Harry E. Johnson, Sr., President and CEO, MLK National Memorial Project Foundation; and Henry Gilford, President and CEO, Gilford Corporation.

Builder Named The Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation named the firms of McKissack & McKissack, Turner Construction Company, Gilford Corporation and Tomkins Builders, Inc. as the design-build team for the memorial. McKissack &

As of December 2007, external fundraising for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial totaled $87,288,090 toward the $100 million goal. General President Darryl R. Mathews, Sr., was directly responsible for a contribution from Sony of $650,000. The chart above indicates those who have contributed $1 million or more.

Internal Fundraising Donations from Alpha brothers, chapters, districts and regions totaled more than $3.4 million over the past four years, making Alpha Phi Alpha the third largest donor to the MLK Memorial Project. “Brothers, through their donations, have expressed a passion to build this memorial,” said Brother Frank Russell, who led internal fundraising efforts for the Fraternity during the Matthews administration.

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Organizational Development “We must run our business – the business of Alpha – the business of brotherhood, with principles of good management, fiscal responsibility, shareholder respect, brotherly service, and vision.”

– Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 32nd General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Alpha Phi Alpha Strategic Plan As the Fraternity approached its centennial celebration, General President Matthews convened a cross section of 50 members of the Alpha Phi Alpha leadership and staff to develop and outline a process under which the organization would continue to develop tomorrow’s leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, and community advocacy. To ensure that Alpha continues to be the premier organization for “the better making of men,” the foundation for the Strategic Plan was developed during a retreat May 5-6, 2006.

In his opening remarks at the retreat, Brother Matthews said, “As Alpha men, we must recognize that we’re living in a time when many of the comfortable operational mechanisms of yesterday are no longer adequate to meet today’s challenges, much less those of the future.

Doing well what we’re doing now is not the prescription for success in the 21st century. With creative vision, tenacity, and resolve, we will spark the development of new paradigms as we endeavor to remain the premier fraternity of choice for men pursuing excellence in their academic and professional lives. . . . To meet the challenges of our day with the same unbridled ambition, vision and courage as the Jewels did 100 years ago – and

Members of the Strategic Planning Committee.

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to demonstrate that Alpha’s relevance is as vital today as it was when we were founded – we must develop a strategic plan that will set a successful foundation for Alpha men yet unborn. We must run our business, the business that is Alpha, the business of brotherhood, leadership, and service, with the guiding principles of good management, and fiscal responsibility.”

The retreat sessions were facilitated by Brother Dr. Zollie Stevenson, Jr., chair of the Organization Effectiveness Committee, Brother Dr. John Carter, Brother Willard C. Hall, Jr., Executive Director, and Robin Hindsman, Director of Consulting and Contract Training Services, Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations. Key components of the strategic planning process were initial surveys and assessments conducted by Ms. Hindsman.

In attendance at the retreat were Past General Presidents Wallace, Ponder and Williams, the 2006 Board members, past members of the Board, several committee chairmen, regional executive directors, assistant vice presidents, foundation chairmen and General Office staff.

“It was exciting for me to be chosen by the General President to serve as a co-chair of the Strategic Planning Committee,”

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said Chase Patterson, an Assistant Vice President. “It was even more important for the General President as well as the Board of Directors to recognize the importance of having a plan to direct the organization over the next several years.”

“Being in the room where we created the mission statement of the Fraternity and the Strategic Plan has had a lasting effect on me,” said Brother Emmanuel Brown, an Assistant Vice President. “The experience that I had on the Alpha Board prepared me for the next move that I would make, which was to become a trustee at my school. Darryl and Willard were both very intuitive about the feeling of college men, made us feel welcome on the Board, and that our opinions mattered.”

The official Strategic Plan sets forth the Motto, Mission, Vision and Goals as follows: Motto “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All” Mission Statement Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

Vision Statement The objectives of this Fraternity shall be: To stimulate the ambition of its members; to prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual; to encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood; and to aid down-trodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status.

Goals Goal #1: Operations Management – To develop a set of operating policies and procedures to govern all aspects of Fraternity operations.

Goal #2: Communications/Public Relations and Brand Management – To develop a comprehensive plan to address internal communications, public relations and the overall brand ,management of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Goal #3: Leadership Management – To effectively and efficiently manage membership intake, retention, training and development, and chapter operations.

Goal #4: Fiscal Management – To develop a financial infrastructure that clearly defines processes for proper fiscal accounting and management, preserves organizational integrity, and promotes strategic revenue generation.

Goal #5: Program Management – Be the leader in providing effective programs for the Fraternity and the community.

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Process The Strategic Plan sets forth the process for accomplishing each of the goals of the Strategic Plan, which is to be updated annually, under the leadership of the appropriate organization committees.

“In addition to developing operations plans aligned to the strategic plan for each Fraternity committee, commission and region, we also instituted chapter operations plans that are aligned to the Strategic Plan,” stated Brother Stevenson.

“In the past, Fraternity strategic planning had been focused at the national level.”

Brother Mark Tilman, Midwestern Region Vice President and a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, said, “It was a great experience to help set manageable direction and attainable goals for the Fraternity through the development of the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan makes it easy for the Fraternity to digest goals in order to show progress and movement.”

Strategic Plan Accomplishments General President Matthews began implementation of the Strategic Plan, making significant accomplishments in each goal area, as follows: Operations Management

• Realigned the Alpha Phi Alpha Constitution to separate administrative functions from policy, producing three new documents – the Constitution, the Bylaws, and the Alpha Regulations (policies and procedures) – and obviating the need for annual constitutional amendments

• Revised the employee personnel handbook • Convened a second strategic planning session to update the Strategic Plan Fiscal Management

• Created a chief financial officer staff position • Developed an accounting policy and procedures manual • Created online, password-protected access to the organization’s financial statements for the financial team “Darryl Matthews did an excellent job in creating financial transparency and standardizing processes. If presidents that follow him stick to the Strategic Plan, the organization will be able to last another hundred years,” stated Brother Dennis Kemp, a Regional Vice President and member of the Strategic Planning Committee.

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• Updated the Ritual, and revised the Omega Service and Chapter Chartering Ceremonies

brand, including its symbols, colors, and the name, to ensure that the Fraternity is portrayed appropriately.

With respect to updating the Ritual, Ritual Committee Chairman Russell Flye said, “Darryl gave me the latitude to appoint important people who have been involved in the Fraternity for years, including Brothers Willis, Pawley and others. From them, we were able to obtain a lot of information, history, and thought patterns that were essential to modernizing the Ritual.”

General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. is interviewed by Tavis Smiley.

Communications/Public Relations and Brand Management • Retained the services of Monica Wood Public Relations, Inc. (MWPR, Inc.) to convey the Fraternity’s public statements on national issues and events to established media outlets. Since retaining the firm, the Fraternity has had continuous media coverage nationally, regionally and locally, including the nationally televised one-hour interview of General President Matthews on C-SPAN, as well as a presence in Ebony, JET, The Washington Post and numerous other television, radio and print interviews.

• Developed a crisis management plan and trained members of the Fraternity on the plan during Board of Directors meetings and the 2007 and 2008 National Conventions.

Created a crisis management team, consisting of the executive staff, General Counsel, MWPR, Inc., and other Alpha members, to manage all crisis issues that directly impact the Alpha brand.

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• Alpha Phi Alpha continued monitoring the use of its

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“Unlike any other president in the history of the fraternity, Brother Matthews has been faced with a number of positive events and some tragic and controversial events that have occurred under his watch, yet he dealt with all of them with an even, methodical approach. He relied heavily on his advisors, and we were a good team because we could come to a consensus,” said Brother Vic Carter, Alpha Broadcast Media Liaison. “A goal of the crisis management plan is transparent internal communication. When there is a problem within the Fraternity, we alert our members by posting information on the Web site. We have also made ourselves available in times of national crisis, including the Jenna Six, the hazing incidents, etc, and responded appropriately.”

“Darryl had a comprehensive understanding of the history of the Fraternity that helped him to form his vision of what needed to be done in order for the Fraternity to stay relevant in the new millennium,” said Brother Michael D. Pegues, Alpha General Counsel. “He implemented that historical vision in realigning the Constitution, protecting and promoting our brand, establishing the Alpha Phi Alpha Charitable Foundation, and developing the Strategic Plan.”

Alpha Phi Alpha Chief of Staff Brother Al Rutherford said, “Realignment of the Constitution and implementation of the Strategic plan are things that takes the Fraternity from an individually-driven organization. The Constitution has to be a document that provides a framework from which reasonable and intelligent people can make intelligent decisions.”

The Sphinx Magazine Alpha Phi Alpha resumed publication of The Sphinx, which is considered part of the communications lifeblood of the brotherhood. Brother Matthews appointed Brother Seaton White as the publication’s publisher and editor in chief. It was determined that the magazine should not only highlight Alpha brothers and their respective chapters, but should also include relevant information to help brothers in all aspects of their lives, with coverage of health, finance, education, and current events.

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The 2005 special edition of The Sphinx was dedicated to the memory of Brother John H. Johnson, founder and the John H. Johnson publishing empire and a committed member of the Fraternity. Brother Johnson died on August 8, 2005.

The Spring/Summer 2006 issue included a special feature on Coretta Scott King, who died January 30, 2006. Mrs. King was a strong supporter of the Fraternity’s efforts to build the national memorial to Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Alpha members serving in the 110th Congress were the subject of an article titled “Heirs of a Leadership Legacy” in the Spring/Summer 2007 issue.

Meeting of the Facility Management Committee.

Insurance and Risk Management Under the leadership of General President Matthews, the management of Executive Director Hall, and the approval of the Board of Directors, the Fraternity insurance coverage was moved to HRH/Kirklin & Co, LLC (now Willis/HRH) in the fall of 2005. This was done in order to improve the basic coverage provided and to expand the total options.

Alpha Phi Alpha implemented the first-ever coverage for Directors and Officers, then expanded that coverage beyond the General Office staff and Board of Directors to include coverage for Regional, District and Chapter officers.

We created a Membership Accident Protection Program which provides coverage to all of our collegiate members and potential members. As our “partners,” not merely our insurance providers, Willis/HRH works hand-inhand with the Executive Director and General Counsel to manage Alpha’s litigation efforts. They have assisted in the development of a comprehensive insurance policy manual and have traveled to our Regional and General Conventions to provide training that has strengthened our overall risk management education program.

Alpha Phi Alpha has been able to contain its insurance costs because of reduced claims against its policies. The following graph depicts the profitability of Alpha Phi Alpha Liability Insurance Program since 2004 due to reduced claims.

Alpha Phi Alpha General Headquarters Under the direction of the Facility Management Committee, chaired by Brother Ola O. Aluko, Executive Director Willard C. Hall, Jr. began a phased extensive maintenance program for the general headquarters building, which included an air and environmental impact study; parking lot repairs; repair, removal and replacement of several sections of piping in the basement; removal of asbestos in the basement; repair and overhaul of the boiler and heating system; dry wall repair in several rooms in the basement and second floor; replacement of several window panes; and a major exterior wall tuck pointing to prevent continued water damage. The facility was also decorated with proclamations, awards, and photos of the founders and general presidents. These upgrades were undertaken to bring the facility to a minimally acceptable standard of safety and comfort for staff and guests.

In 2007, the Fraternity received a grant of $100,000 from the state of Maryland to assist in further building renovation efforts.

A special meeting of the Facility Management Committee Chair, the Building Foundation Chair, and other Alpha members and staff was convened by Brothers Matthews and Hall to thoroughly review all aspects of a long-term renovation project, to consider a time-line for the project, and to discuss funding strategies.

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Social Activism “As the world becomes less kind, we must continue to be that beacon for those in the storm of life.

We must continue to enhance our service agenda and promote love for all mankind.”

– Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 32nd General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Under the guidance of Brother Wilbur Jackson, Director of the March of Dimes Partnership for the Fraternity, the organization accomplished the following:

• Initiated the Project Alpha quarterly Partnership for Life newsletter featuring the accomplishments of chapters and news about the National Program.

• Brother Joseph C. Phillips became the national spokesperson for Project Alpha.

• For the first time, the Fraternity collected and presented March of Dimes Senior Vice President Harry Capell (second from right) and Brothers Wilbert Brown, Wilbur Jackson and Francis Kuhlor displaying MOD gift presented to the Fraternity.

Project Alpha Alpha Phi Alpha’s partnership with the March of Dimes began in the 1980s with the introduction of Project Alpha – a unique approach to preventing teen pregnancy by focusing on teen boys and the role they play in this problem. Under Project Alpha, thousands of teens have learned the importance of boys’ responsibility in preventing teen pregnancy. General President Matthews placed special emphasis on the partnership with the March of Dimes and urged all chapters to participate in March for Babies (formerly WalkAmerica), coordinate longitudinal Project Alpha programs that mentor young men to be more responsible, support the Prematurity Campaign and provide volunteer leadership.

data regarding the quantitative impact of Project Alpha for 2007 – 22,851 boys reached and 71% of chapters participated and reported results.

• For two of the past four years, Alpha Phi Alpha was the number one fundraiser for the March of Dimes March for Babies among clubs and organizations. The Fraternity placed second in 2005 and third in 2006. The following chart indicates the amount raised each year.

Alpha Phi Alpha March of Dimes March for Babies Fundraising 2005

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2007

2008

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(Third Place)

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$134,754

$181,105

$237,427

$240,190

During the 2005 General Convention, the Texas Prematurity Summit was conducted. Leaders from across the state participated in a day-long workshop to identify strategies to address the severe impact of premature births in the AfricanAmerican community. A Project Alpha outreach program trained approximately 100 youth from across Houston.

During the Centennial Convention in Washington, the March of Dimes recognized the Fraternity with a special gift for its 100 years of service to the community, the corporate partnership, and the $181,105 that they raised in support of the 2006 Walk America campaign to save babies.

The March of Dimes gift was a specially designed framed graphic depicting the Fraternity’s 25 years of activities and accomplishments with the organization. General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., accepted the gift on behalf of the Fraternity.

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Alpha Brothers receive high honors from BBBS. Pictured (l-r) are: Brothers Pettis Perry, Darryl Matthews, Dale Long (Clifford P. Norman Award receipient), BBBS President and CEO Judy Vredenburgh, Brothers Lowell Perry, Jr. (CEO of the Year Award recipient), Willard Hall and Daryl Love.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of America General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., in 2006 appealed to the Brotherhood to answer the call to service by becoming mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

He urged 10,000 Alpha men to enroll in mentoring future leaders. The Brothers took this initiative seriously and to date are still responding to the call.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO of Year: Brother Lowell Perry received the CEO of the Year Award in 2007 for his turnaround of the BBBSA agency in Nashville. Brother Perry is also leading the nationwide movement to mobilize our people as the change agents who will contribute to the improvement of the state of the safety, education and health of the African-American community.

Transforming the Big Brothers Big Sisters Movement: The leadership of Brothers Long and Perry plus that all of the General Presidents since Brother Ponder and several Brothers building careers in Big Brothers Big Sisters or leading boards are contributing to the transformation of BBBSA into a force that, collaboratively, can change what it means for a child to grow up in America.

National Pan-Hellenic Council Mentoring Movement: General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., has provided the vision of how all nine fraternities and sororities can, together, build a movement of change in our communities.

2006 Big Brother of the Year Sylvester Fulton and his Little Brother Jeremy Moore.

Big Brother of the Year: Brother Sylvester Fulton was named the 2006 National Big Brother of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America during the BBBSA conference in Indianapolis. He was honored in a private meeting in the Oval Office with President George W. Bush after receiving the award.

Clifford P. Norman Award: Brother Dale Long has provided nationwide leadership for Alpha Phi Alpha to drive mentoring forward. His leadership was recognized by the award of the 2007 Clifford P. Norman Award for outstanding board service in the BBBSA’s network. Brother Long was the Big Brother of the Year in 1989. He is the only man in the 104 years of BBBSA to receive two top awards for leadership and service. One innovation created and promoted by Brother Long is the Alpha Phi Alpha Big Brothers in Barbershops recruitment drive.

Leadership from the Top: General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., and Executive Director Willard C. Hall, Jr., both serve as members of the BBBSA National African American Task Force.

Little Brothers: All the work of the staff, the leadership of the Board and contributions of the donors are focused on the Little Brothers who will grow into men able to be part of the nation’s economy and provide love and care to their families.

Moreover, a recent scholarly report indicated that only 4.6% of students currently enrolled in colleges and universities are African American males. This sends a very poignant message that Alpha Phi Alpha’s success in mentoring may just have a direct correlation to our future existence as a Fraternity.

“It was an honor to serve the Matthews administration as National Coordinator of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity/ Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Partnership,” said Brother Dale Long, Chairman of the Alpha Phi Alpha Big Brothers, Big Sisters Partnership. “As a seasoned Big Brother and long-time advocate, I fully recognize the value that the one-to-one mentoring concept provides for young boys and I am sure many Alpha men who have become Big Brothers will echo my sentiment. As Alpha men, we are changing the way our young boys grow up in America. However, we still have a long way to go, for the need continues to increase. Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, other caretakers, incarcerated parents and even boys themselves continue to reach out to us for leadership and service. It is my hope and desire that we continue to extend our reach in giving of time, talent and treasure to assure bright futures for our young boys. In order to be men, our young boys must see men, Alpha men.”

BBBSA team members with BBBS of North Texas Board Member Dale Long, General President Darryl R. Matthews and Executive Director Willard Hall.

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Boy Scouts of America General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., sought to strengthen the Fraternity’s alliance with the Boy Scouts of America, calling for members to provide money and manpower to aspiring Eagle Scouts, and for each Alumni Chapter to produce seven Eagle Scouts a year. To emphasize Alpha’s alliance with scouting, the Fraternity held gatherings of Eagle Scouts at its conventions. These events, coordinated

by Brother David Tyson, brought together Eagle Scouts who were still in college with Eagle Scouts who could have been their grandfathers. During the events, General President Matthews challenged attendees to go home and encourage more boys to become Eagle Scouts.

Tied to Greatness Alpha Phi Alpha helped launch the national initiative “Tied to Greatness,” which teaches teen boys how to tie a necktie, a rite of passage that many have never experienced. General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. was a featured speaker at the national launch, held in February 2008 at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City, where 250 male volunteers instructed about 500 teens from surrounding schools the art of tying a necktie. The initiative, which is headed by Alex O. Ellis, custom clothier and award-winning author of Restoring the Male Image, was presented in major cities across the country in 2008. Brother Matthews encouraged Alpha brothers to attend the events and help mentor the teens.

Alpha Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Local Fraternity relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims were under way less than 24 hours after the storm hit New Orleans. Initial efforts included treating students at Dillard University who were stranded at a shelter, to pizzas and

Adult role models teach teen males to tie neckties.

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Black Greek-Letter organizations sign Covenant With Black America. From left: Richard Lee Snow, Executive Director and Samuel Hamilton, Grand Polemarch, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; Brother Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; Norman Jenkins, President, National Association of Black Accountants and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

movies and the delivery of two truckloads of relief supplies in Houston, Texas by 100 area Brothers, including local council member Brother Ronald Green. The Fraternity ultimately created the Alpha Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund to solicit donations from Fraternity Brothers for continuing assistance to members and families who lost their livelihoods as a result of the hurricane.

Covenant With Black America General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., joined with dozens of other influential African-American leaders in signing the Covenant with Black America. The Covenant with Black America is a national plan of action developed

by Tavis Smiley to address primary concerns of African Americans, including health, education, criminal justice system, the digital divide, and economic empowerment.

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Alpha Phi Alpha Formally Denounces “N” Word General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., announced a policy to formally denounce the use of the N-word. “Whether used as a noun, verb, or adjective, it strengthened the stereotype of the lazy, stupid, dirty, worthless nobody. . . . No other ethnic group allows others to use denigrating and derogatory terms when referring to their community, nor do they empower others to think they can use it without repercussion,” Brother Matthews said in his 2007 State of the Fraternity Address at the 101st General Convention. Brother Matthews reminded Alpha brothers that the Fraternity has been as symbol of hope, equality, positive expectancy, and civil rights for more than 100 years, and that Alpha members fought against the use of the derogatory word as well as the thoughts and intent behind it. Matthews served as an honorary pallbearer at the 2007 NAACP nationally televised funeral to bury the N-word, during the organization’s General Convention in Detroit.

At the Alpha Phi Alpha 2008 General Convention, the N-word was the subject of the annual Belford V. Lawson National Oratorical Contest.

Alpha Congressmen at CBC Reception, from left: Brothers Gregory Meeks, D-NY), Robert Scott (D-VA), David Scott (D-GA), Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., Brother Charles Rangel (D-NY), 29th General President Milton C. Davis, Brother Chakka Fattah (D-PA)

World Policy Council The World Policy Council (WPC) examined the response to Hurricane Katrina and examined other global issues in a report issued in 2006. As Alpha Phi Alpha turned 100, the WPC discussed the relevancy of Black College fraternities and concluded that these organizations have made an impact and continue to have positive social impact in African American life. The WPC also examined the Millennium Challenge and terrorism, among other issues.

Legislative Influence Alpha Phi Alpha continued its influence in Washington, D.C. through activities such as its annual Congressional Black Caucus Reception, which attracts high-ranking government leaders and policy makers, as well as participation in other

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Legislative Week activities. Alpha Phi Alpha’s 13th Annual Reception at the 35th Annual Legislative Conference highlighted the Fraternity’s various efforts, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. At the 15th Annual Reception, Alpha Phi Alpha honored the Brothers serving in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

National Pan-Hellenic Council As chairman of the Council of Presidents (COP), General President Matthews reviewed the status of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and led the convening of a strategic planning session to restructure it. The NPHC is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American fraternities and sororities that promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.

The COP agreed to the following actions:

• Support of the original NPHC mission statement – “Unanimity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of Greek letter collegiate fraternities and sororities and to consider problems of mutual interest to its member organizations.”

• Discontinue the insurance, life membership and other current fund development programs, unless authorized by the Council of Presidents • Change the name of the NPHC Board to the Executive Committee, with all members of the committee appointed by the COP rather than elected by NPHC members • The COP will meet twice a year with meetings in May and September • The COP will have a chair, vice chair, recording secretary (the paid executive director of the NPHC) and a treasurer.

Housing Development Mini-Conference In conjunction with the 2008 General Convention in Kansas City, and in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., hosted its inaugural Housing Development Mini-Conference in honor of Brother Senator Edward Brooke – “Community Development 101: The Nuts and Bolts to Getting Started.”

The conference offered Alpha Brothers, mixed income housing developers, the Kansas City community and faithbased organizations tools to find success in the current housing crisis. The conference included a keynote address

by Kim Kendrick, Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and six workshops. The conference was directed by Brother Thomas Tatum, Chairman of the Housing Activities Committee.

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College Brother Development “The future is now. The future of this organization, the future of our people walks among us and across most college campuses. We must invest in the development of our college brothers, to prepare them for the challenge they will face in this world.” – Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 32nd General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. College Life to Corporate life The College Life to Corporate Life (C2C) Initiative develops the human resources of Alpha Phi Alpha and cultivates mutually beneficial relationships with corporate partners resulting in rewarding career opportunities for members of Alpha Phi Alpha and increased critical mass of diverse talent.

Under the leadership of General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., Alpha Phi Alpha forged independent strategic alliances with Wells Fargo and General Electric.

Through the “Champions of Change” Internship Program, a national internship program geared toward providing career opportunities in financial services for minority men and women, Wells Fargo Financial will provide summer internships each year to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity collegiate members as well as to other women and men within participating markets. The program is directed by Brother Desmund Adams, National Chairman of C2C and will help bridge the gap in corporate development and career opportunities within corporate America.

Leadership Alpha, created by Alpha Phi Alpha and General Electric, will focus on building and enhancing strong leadership skills, developing career paths, preparation to enter the workplace and applying leadership skills in professional, fraternity and community efforts. It plays a vital role in preparing members to move to the top of the ladder in the workforce and build leadership skills. Under the program, General Electric will make a number of internship and permanent positions available to Leadership Alpha participants. Alpha Phi Alpha will provide training during the Leadership Conference that focuses on resume writing, interviewing skills and networking.

Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc. After more than a decade, the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc., experienced a paradigm shift in its internal operations and in its relationship to the Fraternity during this administration. It has clarified and redefined its commitment to and support of the Fraternity’s national programs, special projects and other initiatives.

Originally known as the Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation, which was established during the 26th Anniversary Convention in December 1933; the foundation is a 501 C (3) public charity and focuses on scholarship, educational programs, and the training/development of Fraternity members and others.

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Although a self-governing organization with its own Board of Directors, elements of the foundation’s accomplishments over the last four years are included in this report because of the historic interdependent relationship between the two entities.

“During the Matthews administration, our goal was to ensure that the foundation operates within the best practices of nonprofit organizations and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing nonprofits, in order to be able to withstand the scrutiny of the IRS as well as our donors,” said Brother Ralph Johnson, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board. “We are now in the position to raise funds to become self-sufficient and to support the Fraternity’s national programs, special projects, and scholastic initiatives.”

In addition to coordinating the myriad initiatives, Alpha University, Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest, Alpha College Chapter Leadership Academy and the Collegiate Scholars Bowl to name a few; the Education Foundation annually awards scholarships to deserving students. The number of scholarships dispensed per region and the amounts vary from year to year, depending on available resources. The scholarship application is made available early each spring and is due by May 1 of each year.

Accomplishments of the Education Foundation during the last four years include the following:

• Held the first foundation membership meeting in more than 10 years in November 2006. Held subsequent membership meetings during the fraternity’s General Conventions.

• Sponsored the Centennial Convention Symposium.

• Sponsored the Centennial Concert at the Kennedy Center featuring Brother Lionel Richie.

• Petitioned the fraternity to eliminate the $300.000 + debt, which had been incorrectly assigned to the Foundation.

This was approved by the Board and the debt was removed in January 2007.

• In partnership with the Fraternity, led the effort to commission and donate a bronze plaque to the W.E. DuBois Centre in Accra, Ghana to commemorate the Fraternity’s Centennial and the 50th Anniversary of Ghana’s independence. Also contributed $2,500 toward the $5,000 contribution to the Center by both the foundation and the Fraternity.

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• Registered the foundation in the state of Maryland.

• Sponsored two Education Foundation luncheons, which were held at the 2007 and 2008 General Conventions.

The Distinguished Collegians and Scholarship recipients were officially recognized during these lunches.

• Drafted and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the working relationship between the foundation and the Fraternity particularly as it relates to office space for the foundation and financial support to help fund the salary of the Director of Educational Activities.

• Hired Brother Jodie Ansel James as Director of Educational Activities, who began work December 17, 2007.

• Approved the position of Associate General Counsel, and appointed Brother Charles Synor, Esq. to that role.

• As of December 24, 2008, the foundation has been approved to solicit in 25 states and anticipates receiving approval from the remaining applicable states in early 2009.

• Continued work with fundraising initiatives under the leadership of Brother Karl Bell.

• Continued work with the K-12 Initiatives under the leadership of Brother Wilbur Parker.

• Conducted the eleventh annual (Lambda Class) College Chapter Leadership Academy, which was held June 7 – 13, 2008 at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Thirty-eight college brothers successfully completed the week-long training academy.

• Sponsored the fourth annual leadership Academy Alumni reception, which was held on Friday August 10, 2008 during the General Convention in Kansas City, Kansas.

• Conducted fund raising activities during the General Convention in Kansas City. Solicitation envelopes were printed and distributed at the Education Luncheon, the Ecumenical Service and the Public Program. Approximately $7,000.00 was raised through this effort.

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• Held the first academic processional at the 2008 General Convention in Kansas City. Approximately 75 brothers participated by processing in their academic regalia.

• Continued work on the Education Foundation Strategic Plan which includes an assessment of all national programs, special projects and scholastic initiatives.

Brother Jerome Farquharson Chairman of the strategic planning committee facilitated this extensive process.

• Amended and ratified the Bylaws of the Education Foundation, Inc. “Our goal was to ensure that the Foundation operates within the best practices of nonprofit organizations and in compliance with the all applicable regulations governing nonprofits, in order to be able to withstand the scrutiny of the IRS as well as our donors, “ said Brother Johnson.

“We are now in the position to raise funds to become selfsufficient and to support the Fraternity’s national programs, special projects, and scholastic initiatives.”

Alpha Phi Alpha Charitable Foundation Alpha Phi Alpha created a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization to raise money for education programs, and to support programs that support members’ efforts to provide service in their communities. The foundation has received donations totaling close to $800,000.

On November 22, 2008, Alpha Brother Senator Edward Brooke donated $100,000 to the foundation to be used to provide resources, including scholarships, for young African American males who seek to pursue a career in education, specifically teaching – an area that Senator Brooke holds dear. “African American male teachers in public schools are needed in order to curtail the imbalance between the number of African American males currently in jail rather than in college,” said Senator Brooke during a private luncheon held in his honor.

Brother Senator Edward Brooke Donates $100,000 to Alpha Charitable Foundation. From left: General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., Anne Brooke, Senator Brooke, Brother Milton C. Davis and Brother Ambassador Horace Dawson

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General President G Gen Darryl Dar R. Matthews, Sr., Sr., with House Speaker Nancy Nan Pelosi.

Then-Senator Barack Obama at the Congressional Leadership Awards Luncheon on September 23, 2005, where he accepted the award on behalf of Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV).

Western Region WalkAmerica Coordinator Brother Cash Sutton; MOD National Director of Volunteer Initiatives Gwen Carmon; General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.; and Las Vegas City Council candidate Brother Ricky Barlow in front of the March of Dimes display at the 2007 Western Region Convention.

President George Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice andPresident Bill Clinton meet before the program.

Brothers Willard C. Hall, Jr. and Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., at the Centennial Memorial at Cornell University.

General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.; Bermuda Premier the Honorable Dr. Ewart F. Brown, J.P., M.P.; Executive Director Willard C. Hall, Jr. and Epsilon Theta Lamda Chaper President Diallo V. Rabain.

Cedric Ced C dri ric i the th he Entertainer Ente Ent ntert rtaiine rta in r aand iner nd d Gen G General nera eral r l Pr P President resid res ident ide d nt Darryl D l R. R M Matthews, h SSr., at D Dream C Concert

General President Darryl R. Matthews and Executive Director Willard C. Hall, Jr. in Jena, Louisiana at the historic protest rally.

The King family stands in support of MLK National Memorial as Martin Luther King III speaks at the Ceremonial Groundbreaking.

Actor Lawrence Fishbourne and General President Matthews at the 2006 Ceremonial Groundbreaking for the MLK National Memorial.

Former Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. and human rights activist Dr. Dorothy I. Height.

Rev. Jese Jackson and MLK Memorial Co-Chair Andrew Young at the Ceremonial Groundbreaking for the MLK National Memorial.

General President Darryl R. Matthews with Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.

General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., Stevie Wonder and Executive Director Willard C. Hall, Jr. at Dream Concert.

John Legend and General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. at Dream Concert.

General Presidents Henry Ponder, James Williams, Darryl Matthews and Harry Johnson at the 14th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Reception.

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Health/Healthcare Awareness “The ravages of disease have taken a heavy toll on our people. Various epidemics and different forms of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and HIV plague our people here and throughout the world. It is only through creating access to quality care and fostering awareness that we can combat these problems.”

– Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 32nd General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Alpha members participate in AIDS walk in Washington, D.C.

Under the leadership of Brother Anton C. Bizzell, M.D., the Fraternity addressed the objective of General President Matthews to foster an awareness of the diseases that disproportionately plague the African American community, including cancer and AIDS. A first step was to change the name of the committee that is charged with overseeing health issues – the Medical Advisory Board – to the Health and Wellness Committee. In addition, Brother Bizzell extended the reach of the committee by having a chair in every region to cover health.

Accomplishments in health/healthcare awareness focused on cancer, AIDS, and other areas.

Partnership with the National Cancer Society During the 2008 General Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., announced a new collaboration with the American Cancer Society and the Society’s advocacy partner, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Formalized during a July 19, 2008 signing ceremony, both organizations are collaborating and implementing specific programs designed to increase cancer awareness amongst Alpha men, their families, and the communities served, and encourage them to get involved with the fight against cancer. The 2 6

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organizations will initially focus on promoting cancer prevention and early detection in communities of color as well as advocacy work on the federal and state levels.

“Cancer disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved communities,” said Brother Matthews. “Through the efforts of our Health and Wellness Committee, we will provide each Brother with information designed to educate them on ways to screen for and prevent cancers as well as how to become involved with legislative activities in our fight against cancer. Alpha will work with the ACS’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy partner, ACS CAN, on legislative issues related to colorectal cancer (commonly known as colon cancer) and other national, state, and local interests to the fraternity and African American communities.

Alpha and ACS CAN will also engage in a number of grassroots activities in support of legislation that will help improve access to colon cancer tests and treatment for minorities and other medically underserved men and women disproportionately affected by the disease. Planned activities include developing a co-branded Web site, email alerts, trainings and communications materials for Alpha undergraduate and graduate chapters.

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Undergraduate chapters will have the opportunity to become involved in the American Cancer Society Colleges Against Cancer, a program that brings Society programs and services to college communities nationwide.

Actions in Addressing HIV/AIDS Alpha Phi Alpha has been highly committed to reducing the disparities that exist among African Americans and believes that an urgent and collaborative response among Fraternity members, other Black Greek Letter Organizations, community members, and influential leaders is necessary to decrease HIV/AIDS among African Americans.

Through the work of our Health and Wellness Committee and the General Office, Alpha has devised a plan to ensure that the Fraternity’s response will begin to make an impact in decreasing the number of African Americans contracting HIV. Alpha’s plan includes the following:

• Building links with other organizations that provide related social and health services to African Americans.

For example, Alpha Phi Alpha is working with The Center for Disease Control through their Heightened National Response to intensify prevention efforts nationally and to create linkages among African American serving organizations. Also, Alpha actively participates in the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors African American Partners Board to foster collaboration and coordination between health departments, community-based organizations and the African American community.

• Increasing access to HIV testing and treatment services by offering opportunities for testing or partnering with community organizations that offer testing or treatment services. During the General Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, Alpha began a partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of HIV AIDS Policy, directed by Brother Christopher Bates

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to educate our members on the National HIV Testing Mobilization Campaign which is mobilizing communities to encourage their members to get tested for HIV. The campaign will send speakers and materials to events across the U.S. about the need for sexually active Americans to get tested for HIV.

• Offering opportunities to break the silence and increase awareness of HIV/AIDS among fraternity members, friends, family, co-workers, and others within our reach within African American communities.

In addition, the director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of HIV AIDS Policy spoke to the Alpha membership on HIV AIDS in the AfricanAmerican community. A representative of Alpha Phi Alpha was invited to serve on the Alliance of National State and Territorial AIDS Directors. In 2008, Alpha Phi Alpha participated in World AIDS Day activities sponsored by the Whitman Walker Clinic in Washington, D.C.

Other Health Concerns In addressing other health issues, Alpha Phi Alpha was the first Black Greek Letter Organization to sign on to State Farm’s and Dr. Ian Smith’s “50 Million Pound Challenge” as a Challenge Champion The Fraternity also created a brochure on kidney disease in the African-American community, and has participated in initiatives relating to promoting organ transplants among minorities, and research on African Americans and alcohol.

Brother Bizell and the Health and Wellness Committee believe that all levels of the Fraternity should participate and/or coordinate health-related activities that uplift the brotherhood and communities served by promoting good health practices. “Each brother is asked to commit himself to a healthier life by improving his lifestyle and getting all necessary preventive and screening exams as recommended by the medical community,” said Brother Bizell.

In response to the the goal of General President Matthews to foster health care awareness, Delta Iota Lamda Chapter sponsors Health Fair to encourage African-American men to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

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Matthews Honored

Ebony “Power 150” General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., was among the most recognized and prominent African-American leaders highlighted in Ebony magazine for each year of his administration. Other Alpha Phi Alpha members on the Ebony Power 150 list are as follows: Emanuel Cleaver II, U.S. Representative, Missouri Danny K. Davis, U.S. Representative, Illinois Albert E. Dotson, Jr., Chairman, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Ralph B. Everett, President and CEO, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Chaka Fattah, U.S. Representative, Pennsylvania John Hope Franklin, Professor Emeritus of History, Duke University William H. Graves, CEO of the CME Church Al Green, U.S. Representative, Texas Roland S. Martin, syndicated columnist/author/ commentator/talk show host Gregory Meeks, U.S. Representative, New York Marc H. Morial, President, National Urban League Charles Rangel, U.S. Representative, New York Johnathan Rodgers, CEO and President, TV One

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Robert C. Scott, U.S. Representative, Virginia

Brother Matthews was among the speakers at the 100th anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., America’s first African-American Greek-letter sorority, founded in 1908 by African-American college women. “Historically considered your brother organization, please know that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., not only supports what you are doing, but also pledges to be of service to you.

Continue to be of service to all mankind,” Brother Matthews told the 25,000 women attending the convention. “You . . . represent the best that the world has to offer. Through your presence, you give us hope and courage. You give us strength and sustenance. You give us voice and vision. . . .

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity welcomes Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to the centennial club.”

Eugene Upshaw, Executive Director, NFL Players Association Cornel West, Professor of Religion, Princeton University McKinley Young, General Board President, AME Church

Man of Influence Urban Influence Magazine’s 2006 “Men of Influence” issue included General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. among the 12 African American men. He is the first leader of an African-American Greek-letter fraternity to be featured.

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In the two-page spread, Brother Matthews discussed his accomplishments while leading the Fraternity during the centennial year.

David Scott, U.S. Representative, Georgia

Don Thompson, President, McDonald’s USA

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Darryl Matthews, Sr., 32nd General President

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General President Matthews Honored at African American Empowerment Weekend

Jr., Brother Matthews reflected on Martin Luther King in an official statement, titled “What Would Martin Think?”

General President Matthews was among a host of national business experts who shared their experiences and advice during the 2006 African American Empowerment Weekend, held at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Virginia. Brother Matthews received the Legacy Brotherhood Award during the event’s African Americans of Distinction Dinner. Other honorees included Earl Graves, Sr., Black Enterprise; John Crump, Executive Director, National Bar Association; Deborah Peyton and Cynthia Sligh, Founders of Divas-on-the-Go; Randall Pinkett, President and CEO of BCT Partners and season four winner of NBC’s The Apprentice; and Kwame Jackson, Chairman, CEO and Founder of Legacy Holdings, LLC, and season one finalist of NBC’s The Apprentice.

Medgar Evers College Honor

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In October 2008, Brother Matthews was inducted into Pi Eta Kappa, Inc. at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York. Pi Eta Kappa is an honor society for men dedicated to promoting cultural growth and academic excellence in scholarship. This prestigious honor is only bestowed on a few men. Matthews shared this honor with Earl Graves, Founder of Black Enterprise Magazine, Milton Nathaniel Barnes, Ambassador of Liberia to the United States and Grammy Award winner Hezekiah Walker.

Remarks of Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., Included in MLK Book Voices: Reflections on an American Icon Through Words and Song, which includes what prominent people thought about Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the civil rights movement, includes reflections from Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., and others such as Rev. Marcus Garvey Wood, pastor of Baltimore’s Providence Baptist Church, who was a classmate of King’s at Crozer Theological Seminary; as well as Julian Bond, Dorothy Height and Nikki Giovanni. On the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King,

General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., with other award recipients at the African-American Empowerment Weekend.

Award Recipients at the African-American Empowerment Weekend: NBC’s The Apprentice season four winner Brother Randall Pinkett; General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.; NBC’s The Apprentice season one finalist Kwame Jackson; and John Crump, Executive Director of the National Bar Association.

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Economic Self-Sufficiency “We can not expect others to fund our existence. We must be economically self-sufficient. We must be proactive in finding future revenue sources and growing our endowments to fund our initiatives.”

– Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 32nd General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Alphi Phi Alpha’s financial team – including the General Treasurer, the Comptroller, the Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, the Executive Director, and the Chief Financial Officer – under the direction of Brother Matthews restored the Fraternity’s financial health by creating policies and procedures and instituting internal controls relating to cash receipts, cash reconciliation, inventory reconciliation, purchasing and procurement, travel expenses and accounting data. In addition, the Fraternity completed all audits through 2007, approved budgets for two years, streamlined processes, and instituted online access to financial information. These efforts are key to ensuring economic self-sufficiency.

“The financial team created real-time accounting opportunities. To have online access to the fiscal documents enables the accounting team to provide updated information to the executive director and general president so that appropriate financial decisions can be made. It is essential in the current economic times,” said Executive Director Willard C. Hall, Jr. “Effective internal control implies the organization generates reliable financial reporting and substantially complies with the laws and regulations that apply to it,” said Carla Gaskins, Chief Financial Officer. “We believe that our continued efforts to streamline and improve processes will provide reasonable assurance that the financial records are reported accurately and without material misstatement.”

“Fiscal conservatism, the implementation of and adherence to sound procurement policies, and attention to detail through the timely review of operating results has collectively contributed to recent historical positive operating results,” said Frank A. Jenkins, III, comptroller. “This only happens with strong leadership that is devoted to fiscal as well as program management. To facilitate continued positive operating results the following elements must exist: strong long-term adherence to our strategic plan, concentrated budget planning, concentrated adherence to budgetary controls, comparison of planned operating results to actual results with coherent explanations of variances, and absolute compliance with our procurement process maintained and monitored through external and internal compliance auditing.”

ALPHA’S CASH AND INVESTMENTS Increased from $2.5 million at December 31, 2004 to $5.75 million at December 31, 2007 $7,000,000 $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $4,000,000

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“Fiscal conservatism, the implementation of and adherence to sound procurement policies, and attention to detail through the timely review of operating results has collectively contributed to recent historical positive operating results,” – Frank A. Jenkins, III, Comptroller.

CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME FROM A LOSS IN 2004 TO NET INCOME OF $799,000 IN 2007 $900,000 $800,000 $700,000 $600,000 $500,000 $400,000

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GENERAL FUND OPERATIONS FROM A LOSS OF $379,000 FOR THE YEAR 2004 TO A NET INCOME OF $328,487 FOR 2007 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000

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“We believe that our continued efforts to streamline and improve processes will provide reasonable assurance that the financial records are reported accurately and without material misstatement.”

– Carla Gaskins, Chief Financial Officer

($400,000) ($500,000) ‘05

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Total Assets Total Current Liabilities Total Liabilities and Net Assets Total Revenue Total Expenses Net Assets - End of the Year

2007

2006

2005

$7,135,950

$6,435,387

$6,017,822

$1,391,998

$1,431,429

$1,472, 620

$7,135,590

$6,435,387

$6,017,822

$4,858,905

$6,919,314

$3,614,241

$4,059,395

$6,152,869

$2,970,008

$5,525,321

$4,788,992

$4,307,414

Membership To determine how best to begin to market membership and its benefits, General President Matthews contracted with SB & Company, LLC, a certified public accounting and business advisory firm, to undertake a membership cost study. The purpose of the study was to determine Alpha Phi Alpha costs to service a member, and to determine the Fraternity’s total costs to service a member for their lifetime (lifetime member). Based on the results of the study, Alpha members are getting valued services in relationship to the amount paid for dues.

Based on membership statistics in the chart below, Alpha Phi Alpha continues to face challenges of growing relative to the numbers of new members initiated each year.

ACTIVE MEMBERS Membership Category College Brothers Alumni Brothers General Organization Life Members Total Membership

2005

2006

2007

2008

3,278

3,468

3,450

3,356

4,764

5,298

4,997

5,226

1,263

409

302

321

7,656

7,955

8,039

8,192

16,961

17,130

16,788

17,095

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32nd Administration Award of Merit and Award of Honor Recipients 2005 Alpha Award of Merit Recipients • Horace Dawson • Ernest Holloway • Bob Willis

2006 Centennial Recognition • Former U.S. Senator Edward W. Brooke • John Hope Franklin • John C. Rawls

2007 Alpha Award of Merit Recipients and Alpha Award of Honor Recipient

(Also accepting on behalf of George H. Sealey, Sr; John A. Harvey, Sr.; Oscar V. Little; Harold Navy; and Eddie L. Madison, Jr.; and Hanley Norment) • Harry E. Johnson, Sr. (Alpha Award of Merit) • Harris Rosen (Alpha Award of Honor)

2008 Alpha Award of Merit Recipients and Alpha Award of Honor Recipient • Joseph E. Heyward (Alpha Award of Merit) • Sylvester Lorenzo Shannon (Alpha Award of Merit) • Solodad O’Brien (Alpha Award of Honor)

• Alfred C. Bailey (Alpha Award of Merit) Historian Robert L. Harris, Jr. Chief Parliamentarian John M. Williams

Corporate Directory The Seven Jewels

VICE PRESIDENTS Eastern Dennis G. Kemp, Sr. (2005-2008) Darren Morton (2005)

Henry A. Callis

Charles H. Chapman

Midwestern Darryl A. Peal (2005-2007) Mark S. Tillman (2007-2008)

Eugene K. Jones

Southern Ronnie Jenkins 2005) Everette Ward (2005-2008)

George B. Kelley

Southwestern Tophas Anderson (2005) Arthur McDade, III (2005-2008)

Nathaniel A. Murray

Western Ron Celestine (2005) Ryan Williams (2005-2008) John A. Nelson (2008), Chief Elected Officer Wilbur Jackson (2008)

Robert H. Ogle

Vertner W. Tandy

GENERAL OFFICERS General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. Immediate Past General President Harry E. Johnson, Sr. Executive Director Willard C. Hall, Jr. General Treasurer George N. Reaves Comptroller Frank A. Jenkins, III General Counsel Michael D. Pegues Director of General Conventions A. Brian Parker (2005-2006) Michael Thompson (2007-2008) 3 2

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ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS 2004-2005 Eastern Patrick Gipson Midwestern Michael A. Blake Southern Edwin T. Causey Southwestern LeArtis Lister Western Thewodros Moges 2005 - 2006 Eastern K. Chase Patterson Midwestern Christopher Rembert Southern Leland Ivy Southwestern Tyrone Haynes Western Nnamdi I. Okafor

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Southern John White Southwestern Maurice D. Gipson Western Ronnie Versher 2007-2008 Eastern Mohammed H. Jalloh Midwestern Emmanuel T. Brown Southern Stuart P. Lott Southwestern Maurice D. Gipson Western John A. Nelson 2008-2009 Eastern DaShawn Hickman Midwestern Mark Crain, Jr. Southern Tristan Allen Southwestern Andre Wagner Western Christian Jenkins LIVING PAST GENERAL PRESIDENTS 25th General President James R. Williams 26th General President Ozell Sutton 27th General President Charles C. Teamer 28th General President Henry Ponder 29th General President Milton C. Davis 30th General President Adrian L. Wallace 31st General President Harry E. Johnson, Sr. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT Political Affairs Leon C. Buck, Jr. Development John M. Williams (2005-2007) Liaison to Entertainment and Sports Industries Darrell Miller (2007-2008) Technology and Info Management Lover High, Jr. DEPUTY ASSISTANTS TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT Marketing/Branding John C. Hannah (2005-2007) Organizational Effectiveness Kermit H. Boston College Brother Development Roderick L. Smothers Social Responsibility Dr. John H. Jackson, Esq. Health/Healthcare Awareness Pierre N. Vigilance, M.D. Commerce and Economic Policy Bobby McDonald Liason to the Broadcast Media Victor L. Carter SPECIAL ASSISTANTS TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT Scheduling and Advance Seandell K. Phillips (2005) Logistics Donald Woods Protocol Larry J. Henderson (2005-2006) Aide David Brown Senior Advisor Bob A. Willis Chief of Staff Al F. Rutherford Administrative Assistant Joseph E. Heyward, Sr.

LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY ALPHA PHI ALPHA WORLD POLICY COUNCIL Chairman Horace G. Dawson, Jr. Chairman Emeritus Edward W. Brooke

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Members Charles Rangel Huel D. Perkins Henry Ponder Vinton R. Anderson Chuck S. Stone Bobby Austin, The Village Foundation Cornel West Ron Dellums NATIONAL COMMITTEE/COMMISSION CHAIRMEN Alpha Collegiate Scholars Steven M. Clark Awards & Achievement Clifton Johnson Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Lynwood Randolph Big Brothers & Big Sisters Dale Long Black & Gold Pageant Alvin J. Cavalier Boy Scouts George Randall Building Foundation R. (Bob) Leandras Jones, II Budget and Finance Frank A. Humphrey Business & Economic Development Foundation Steve Sims College Brothers Affairs Commission Mike A. Blake College Life to Corporate Life Donovan Kirkland (20052007) and Desmond Adams (2007-2008) Constitution Lloyd A. Givens Director of General Conventions Michael Thompson Director of Housing Activities Thomas A. Tatum Education Foundation Ralph E. Johnson Elections Russell C. Campbell, Sr. General Headquarters – Facility Management Ola O. Aluko Grievance & Discipline William A. Crutchfield Higher Education Thomas Cole Historical Commission Herman “Skip” Mason Human Resources Chad D. Simmons Internal Auditing Hyacinth Ahuruonye International Brothers: Caribbean Ricardo P. Deveaux Leadership Development Alex Dejarnett Life Membership Roger R. Gregory Management Information Systems Josh O. Williams March of Dimes Liaison Wilbur E. Jackson, Jr. MLK Memorial Project Frank Russell, Jr. Mediation and Arbitration Keith A. Bishop Medical Advisory Board Anton C. Bizzell Membership, Standards & Extensions Leroy Giles Military Brothers Liaison Ralph Harris National Sergeant at Arms Ron Russell Organization Effectiveness Zollie J. Stevenson, Jr. Political Action Kobi Little Publications R. Vann Graves Project Alpha Byron D. Gautier (2008) and Craig Reed (2005-2007) Racial Justice & Public Policy Cleveland E. Beckett, Jr. Reclamation Harry Evans, III Rituals & Ceremonies Russell E. Flye Rules and Credentials Ronald T. James Senior Alpha Affairs Elliott McKinney Training and Development (Alpha University) A. L. Mackey Walk America–March of Dimes Wilbert L. Brown

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2005 State of the Fraternity Address America, Here We Are Delivered at the 86th General Convention and 99th Anniversary Convention, August 4-9, 2005, Houston, Texas To our highly esteemed Past General Presidents Harry E. Johnson, Sr., Adrian Wallace, Milton C. Davis, Henry Ponder, Charles C. Teamer, Sr., Ozell Sutton, and James R. Williams; to the honorable members of the Board of Directors; Brothers on the dais; my Brothers assembled, Good Afternoon.

Callis, Chapman, Jones, Kelley, Murray, Ogle, Tandy: these stalwart men had the audacity to form a fraternity—a secret society dedicated to college-trained black men— decades before the civil rights movement and in a time that was difficult, especially for men of color. In the face of racism, in the shadow of Jim Crow, at a time when lynching and murdering Negro people abounded—Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was formed. And yet, against this backdrop of inequality, these college-educated men sent a message to their college classmates, to their respective communities and to this nation that change was in the wind.

From that moment forward, the lives of black people in this country would be changed, would be influenced, and would be different because of the good works of these Sons of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Men of Faith Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

As a young boy, I heard those words being sung by the choir at my church. Back then, they were just words.

However, today as a man, and moreover as the General President of Alpha Phi Alpha, those words have a new and important meaning to me.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

As we gather in the City of Houston, Texas, thousands of educated men of color, we send a message to this state and to this nation that we are men of faith and that a mighty God has blessed us and brought us to this place and to this time to do His work through our Fraternity.

As I look at you today, I wonder why? Why did you choose Alpha Phi Alpha? During our college days and the days following them, we have so many choices that we can make; and of course, we can choose to do nothing, to join nothing; and yet, we chose Alpha Phi Alpha. Why? Was it the 3 4

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rich history and legacy? Was it the mystery of the Fraternity symbols? Was it because your friends were members? Or do you just love black and gold? I think I know the answer. Just as Alpha Phi Alpha did not choose its mission in this life, you did not choose Alpha—Alpha chose you.

Think with me for just a moment about this great Fraternity and what it has meant to America.

America in all its glory and splendor, in its power and presence and promise.

America, the land of the free and the home of the brave.

America, we hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.

Against the backdrop of bombs bursting in the air, the flag stiffened by the wind, tall buildings and monuments reaching for the sky—all symbols of power, sending a message to the world that this is the land of milk and honey.

But, then enter Alpha Phi Alpha. Boldly stepping onto the scene and declaring that all is not right with this land.

That there are those who are oppressed; there are those who are disenfranchised, those who are forgotten and on whose stooped backs America was built.

Alpha Phi Alpha was born out of crisis, out of turmoil, out of need. Thus, its members were called on— not just to wear the colors and display the shield—but to shout to the rooftops, though the heavens may fall that change is on the way.

This is a Fraternity born out of a need of those who belonged to nothing but who banded together—arms interlocked like the fasces on the shield, a symbol of strength through unity and purpose. So, these men saw wrong and attempted to make it right. Thus, their belonging to the Fraternity was endemic to the needs of the people it served. Herein, lies my theory that you did not choose the Fraternity—the Fraternity chose you.

College Life to Corporate Life Alpha Phi Alpha did not seek nor did it request the burden of educating black people, but it saw the need, and the need chose Alpha to encourage young people to “Goto-High School, Go-to-College.” Now, we also need to encourage them to go to work!

At this convention under the title “College Life to Corporate Life”, we are formalizing the process of preparing our college Brothers and those just entering the work force with the tools and strategies to assimilate successfully in corporate America as they pursue their chosen professions.

We will formalize a relationship with the Inroads organization to ensure more internship opportunities for our college

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Brothers and to mentor other young men already enrolled of its trappings: the colors, the shield, the letters, the image in Inroads—but who just do not get it and who do not fully of manhood, and the allure of leadership. But ultimately, it realize the precious opportunity they have and the need to was Alpha Phi Alpha that chose you, because of what you develop responsible work habits. could offer the Fraternity.

We did not seek nor did we request the responsibility of During the Civil Rights Movement, Alpha men were getting people to exercise their constitutional rights to vote, highly visible in that era. Leaders, far too many to name, but the need chose Alpha Phi Alpha and thus a “Voteless all following in the footsteps and leadership of Brother Dr. People is a Hopeless People” Martin Luther King Jr. and was born. Today, eight of he, like the men of Alpha, our Brothers are members of did not choose the Civil the United States Congress. “There is a fire in Alpha. A deep seeded fire Rights Movement—it Alpha men serve as elected chose him. that burns within you. You cannot keep officials across the country The other day, I was and abroad. watching the news and it to yourself. It is a fire kindled in the We did not seek nor did found myself near tears hearts and minds and the bones of seven watching a story about a we request to be embroiled in the controversy of house fire somewhere in teenaged pregnancy, but the men who in their infinite wisdom created the South. It was not a big need chose Alpha Phi Alpha, house but good people, a framework on which to build, and and led its membership including children lived to address the concerns of that flame ignited a spark in thousands inside. It was the middle the forgotten partner—the of the night and the house of men now scattered around the world. caught fire. Neighbors African-American male. The need chose “Project Alpha.” were awakened by the Generation upon generation passed this stark orange glow of the At the Public Program this year, we will pay special ames and the smell of the torch; it is in our hands now. It is in our flsmoke. tribute to our 25-year partnership with the March bones, and we must not let it be doused....

They leaped from of Dimes. I recently attended their beds and ran into the the national meeting of Big Yes, we have been in, and still are in hard streets. They saw the fire Brothers/Big Sisters. Their and heard the screams of national president and times, but I can assure you it does not lessen the people inside. Instead CEO, Judy Vrendenburgh, standing in awe, two the burn. In fact, it increases the flame.” of pointed to Alpha Phi Alpha men, ran into the fire as the organization that is and were able to rescue doing the most to help link everyone except one child. boys in need to men who can make a difference. At our One of the men was badly burned and he too died. They ran Public Program this year, we will pay special tribute also to into the fire. They ran into the fire. our 15-year partnership with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Alpha Phi Alpha does not want you to sit idly by and organization. look at the flames. Alpha wants you to run into the fire.

Run into the fire of hunger and douse it with food for those who go to bed wanting a morsel of nourishment. Run into The True Measure of a People The true measure of a people’s strength is how they rise the fire of homelessness and build with your hands shelter to master that moment when crisis presents itself. Poets, from the cold. Run into the fire of racism and quench the political thinkers and psychologists have taught us that it thirst for equality. Run into the fire of injustice and balance is not enough to change a person’s condition; you must the scales for our people, and for people everywhere. Let change their consciousness. Moses led the people out of justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty Egyptian bondage and he changed their condition. What stream. Run into the fire of hatred and spread the love of Moses discovered, however was that until they changed God. Run into the fire of violence and offer yourself as an their consciousness, the people would continue to make instrument of His divine and everlasting peace. You did not enslaving choices. They were out of slavery but slavery was choose Alpha Phi Alpha. Alpha chose you.

For 99 years, Alpha Phi Alpha has been running into still in them. Moses led them out of slavery but he could not the fi re, facing challenges head on—all the while holding lead them up from slavery. high the banner of this great Fraternity. We will not stop And every time we think we have measured our capacity running into the fire, we will continue to fight the good to meet a challenge, we are reminded that capacity may well fi ght for people in need. be limitless. You see, you were drawn to the Fraternity by all

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A Burning Fire It seems that so many of our young Brothers can learn life-changing lessons from Brothers who have experienced longevity in the Fraternity and longevity in life. Dr. Charles King, the long-time race-relations expert used to say, that too many of our people do not know what it means to have their feet burned by the fires of racism. Dr. King often was asked why he worked so hard to make people see each other as equals. He said, it is my calling, and it burns, like a fire all shut up in my bones.

The message of Alpha Phi Alpha, and what it means to this nation, must be like that fire. Those of you, who know your scriptures, know that in the Book of Jeremiah, Jeremiah was an anointed prophet of the Lord. He knew from his youth that he was called to speak God’s word to his chosen people. But, Jeremiah was not so sure he wanted that task. So he decided to doubt his calling, and he said in the ninth verse of the 20th chapter: Then I said, I will not mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, but his word was in mine heart as a burning fire, shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

A burning fire, shut up in my bones. He tried to keep it to himself, but the fire burned more deeply. There is a fire in Alpha. A deep seeded fire that burns within you. You cannot keep it to yourself. It is a fire kindled in the hearts and minds and the bones of seven men who in their infinite wisdom created a framework on which to build, and that flame ignited a spark in thousands of men now scattered around the world. Generation upon generation passed this torch; it is in our hands now. It is in our bones, and we must not let it be doused. Alpha Phi Alpha must continue to grow, and it must continue to flourish. It must expand, it must be stable. Yes, we have been in, and still are in hard times, but I can assure you it does not lessen the burn. In fact, it increases the flame.

We shall overcome; we shall harness the faith and the fervor of our past as we forge on to our future. For too long the good works of this Fraternity have been shut up in our

bones. It is time to tell the story. America, here we are. We will not hide in the shadows. Black America is looking for leaders. Well, here we are. Young people are looking for role models. Well, here we are. Our churches, temples and mosques are looking for strong capable God-fearing men, to help reconstruct families and maintain our communities.

Well, here we are.

I pledge to you and to any Alpha under the sound of my voice, it is a new day in Alpha. We will take care of our own house first, and in the days and weeks to come, more people will know our name. Not for show or fashion.

They will know the name of Alpha for its substance its sacrifice for others. They will know of the good work we do. They will know Alpha for building a memorial, for the entire world to see. They will know Alpha for its concern and action to make things right for those who have for so long been neglected and forgotten. They will know that Alpha is synonymous with excellence and achievement. It is our mission, it is our calling, it is our burden, and it burns like a fire all shut up in our bones.

Now is the time for Alpha heroes. We will do what is hard; we will achieve what is great. As we approach our centennial, I submit to you that we must dare to be great.

We must reexamine ourselves and evaluate how we are doing and where we are going—financially, spiritually and morally. Great men have gone on before us. Not one of them sought greatness, it was earned because they put self last and others first. Henry Ward Beecher said this about greatness: Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength.

Alpha, show your strength. Use your strength. Help us to rise up and to raise up those who shall follow. And history will have to record that here lived in that time and era, a cadre of great men with but one thing in common. They sought to do good, and thereby became great. Great is the goodness that brings us here today. Great is the love we have for our fellow man. Great is the love we have for Alpha Phi Alpha. The State of the Fraternity is great because of you!

2006 State of the Fraternity Address –The Latter ‘House of Alpha’ Shall Be Greater Than the Former Delivered at the Centennial Convention, Washington, DC My Brothers, at no other time in the history of this great Fraternity has it been better to be a Brother of Alpha Phi Alpha than right now.

Today, we gather here to demonstrate the leadership that our communities expect of us—the Talented Tenth— as advocates for those who are voiceless. No other African American Inter-collegiate Fraternity has experienced 100

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years of existence. No other group of African American men has ever savored the camaraderie and brotherhood that we enjoy today.

Look about this room. You are the prototype. You are the beginning. You are the Alpha. Let it also be known that in the celebration of our greatness, it becomes our task to honestly look at the state of Alpha and plan for its next 100 years.

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We do so, not in a vacuum, but rather with a deliberate and well reasoned analysis and plan. Far too frequently in our history, we have resorted to knee-jerk reactions to a problem. We have jumped to conclusions, using anecdotal data instead of a fact-based analysis—and with no real solutions in mind. We have not taken proper consideration of all that is involved with the Fraternity before we launch new programs, new initiatives and plans. If we were to be true to ourselves, we would find that on some occasions, we leaped into action with no plan at all.

My Brothers, those days have come to an end. From this day forward, we move with a purpose. We move with a destination. We move with a plan.

The House of Alpha in its original state was nothing short of magnificent. It was modern—for its time. It was useful—for its time. It was cutting edge—for its time.

Throughout its 100-year history, the House of Alpha underwent renovation. It was updated. It was beautified. Its interior was refurbished and its furniture was rearranged.

Some of these renovations worked and have stood the test of time. Others, while well intentioned, did not work and were thus retired.

The history of Alpha Phi Alpha is replete with change, modernization and improvements. However, throughout those years, its structure has remained the same. Its foundation is and always shall be…First of All, Servants of Vision for the Future All, We Shall Transcend All. In May 2006, I assembled your Board of Directors But just as our Lord said, on many occasions in various and other key people within the Fraternity. Together, we texts, that change must and will happen. With each and reviewed our years past with a vision to the future. I will not every request for change, there is a promise: “The latter shall be able to share all the results of that meeting with you right be greater than the former.” now because there simply is not enough time. But allow me, It is no secret that throughout biblical reference, we are if you will, to give you the highlights of our vision for the asked to give up something to make ourselves, our souls, future of Alpha Phi Alpha. and our spirits better to equip us for the battles that lie As with all great plans, ahead and to prepare us for there must be a mission the mission to which we statement. ere must are called.

“This is your Fraternity. This is your heritage. be a clearThdefi nition This residence and of the parameter that this castle that we call This is your history. We are bound by our Credo. brings a desired result. the House of Alpha is We will do what is right. We will work hard The methodology I will placed high on a hill— explain will provide us overlooking all those and we will insure that the latter House of with just that. In the that were constructed past, Alpha Phi Alpha after her and viewing Alpha shall be greater than the former.” has been so much to so those who took the many; and that may be infrastructure of Alpha one of our problems. and rearranged it and We have tried to be too much to too many. gave it a new name, and called it a new fraternity or sorority.

If you look at the greatest of companies—each defines This—the original—will undergo renovations and we will a single goal and works toward that goal with vigor.

For watch as others will once again follow our lead. example, many of you will remember a time when the Ford Motor Company was struggling to secure its rightful place Re-Examining the House Alpha will be modernized. It will be updated. It will in the market. It had suffered from phrases like “Ford” be retooled as we redefine our mission and we prepare for stands for “Fix Or Repair Dailey” or “Found On the Road the battles that lie ahead. It will have at its core the same Dead”. But then a turning point came when Ford redefined framework and the same motto. We are not talking about a itself to its employees and its consumers; and “Fix Or Repair new Alpha Phi Alpha. We are talking about making Alpha Daily” became “At Ford, Quality is Job One!” Home Depot, fighting off competition from Lowes, relevant and useful for its time. And it comes with the decided to empower its employees and its consumers and promise that “The latter shall be greater than the former.” adopted the position: “You Can Do It. We Can Help”.

My Brothers, in this Centennial Year, we have to come Th en, we look at Alpha Phi Alpha. Quite honestly, to grips with the reality of today. The society in which we we suff ered from an identity crisis. We were something work has changed. The demands of the people we serve have diff erent to diff erent groups within the brotherhood and to changed. The structure of this brotherhood has changed. the people we serve.

We have been the civil rights leaders.

The demographics are changing even as we speak.

We have been the Big Brothers, the March of Dimes leaders, So, what better time is there than now—as we the Boy Scout leaders, the developers of housing, and the celebrate a milestone in American history—to re-examine blood drive captains.

We have tried to take on a number our house, inspect it, look at its usefulness and update it of causes—all of them noble, all of them worthy of our for the times ahead?

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efforts. It is time now for us to narrow the scope and to be absolutely excellent at one thing. We put that into words in the form of this, your Mission Statement: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

How did we arrive at this? First, we examined who we are, what we do, and our purpose for being. Let me make it clear that the purpose of this process is not to change the basis of what Alpha is. No one can do that! The purpose here is to clearly define our mission, to further develop our goals and strategies, and lastly, to take the necessary steps that will assure that we fulfill the destiny of this great organization in a deliberate manner.

The Strategic Plan In developing this strategic plan, we had to look honestly at our strengths and our opportunities for improvement.

We are keenly aware that there needs to be better leadership management—this includes Membership Intake, meeting the needs of individual Brothers, better aspirant selection and then, retaining those Brothers.

We must have better management and planning for the Fraternity as a whole and all of the business it conducts, which includes everything from better chapter meetings; better fundraising; development of new policies and procedures; and enforcement of those currently in existence.

We must tell our story better, with an improved public relations program—both internally and externally. We must vigorously defend our brand and we must have a consistent image. Those are just a few of the areas of opportunity we have identified.

The great thing is that there are some tremendous strengths in Alpha Phi Alpha. We have a rich history and legacy on which to build. We have the most audacious brotherhood in America, with professionals that span the spectrum and reach around the globe. We have the

reputation of excellence and we are as diverse as any fortune 500 company. We have access to resources, both financial and human, and we stand behind the Alpha brands of commitment to community; and we enjoy spheres of influence unparalleled in any other non-profit organization.

My Brothers, over the next five years, we will plan our work and work our plan. Let me add, we will also update that plan annually as we work it. And I assure you that the latter temple shall be greater than the former.

We have before us a tremendous opportunity for organizational effectiveness, fiscal management, brand management, and membership management. Those shall be the pillars of our plan with an eye toward honing every little detail.

We do not have all the answers but with the help of a professional management advisory company, we are identifying every aspect of our plan to strengthen the House of Alpha.

This is a plan that will be revisited over time. It will be revised as needed but I can assure you that positive change will be the result. It is designed to let you know the direction in which we are heading.

The greatness of Alpha Phi Alpha lies not in our history.

It lies in our future. If the world was impressed with our last 100 years, just image how it will view us in the next 10…

20…100 years.

In as much as we share the same family name, we will work together as a family and as a brotherhood. We will embrace our diversity. We will call on all Brothers—from those who have been in the Fraternity for a few months to those who have been carrying the shield for more than 50 years.

This is your Fraternity. This is your heritage. This is your history. We are bound by our Credo.

We will do what is right. We will work hard and we will insure that the latter House of Alpha shall be greater than the former. What will you do? How will you claim your place in the history of this House?

2007 State of the Fraternity Address – Leadership for a New Society Delivered at the 87th General Convention and 101st Anniversary Convention, August 9-13, 2007, Orlando, Florida

Salutation My Brothers Assembled… What a pleasure it is to be with you today—to be here in the City of Orlando, Florida, enjoying the city they say was built by a mouse. Enjoying the blessings of good fellowship with the greatest brotherhood known to man; and to be here in this relatively new and luxurious resort built by a man who is an alumnus of Cornell University and who worked his way through college waiting tables in the various fraternity houses on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Does that sound familiar?

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Next year is an election year, both for President of the United States of America and for General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I wish each of the candidates for 33rd General President well.

During these times, we have the chance to see and hear Brothers articulate their vision for a greater day in our dear Fraternity and to show what they have to offer in the way of leadership. Listen to these Brothers; examine their platforms; observe their campaigns; and participate in the process of choosing your next leader.

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Alpha Phi Alpha. This plan identifies and is focused on five The great American entrepreneur and author John C. key areas of fraternal operations: The First Item Is Operations Management: We have Maxwell said that “A leader is one who knows the way, goes focused on strengthening the General Office—analyzing the way, and shows the way.” I would like to modify that job functions and benefits—and produced a model staffing somewhat and say that a leader is one who “Learns the way, plan to operate the General Office, large enough to provide goes the way, and shows the way”. greater effi ciency and the desired level of quality service to I spend many nights in hotels across this country and our Brothers, as well as support for our National Programs. beyond, conducting the business of Alpha Phi Alpha. On I am convinced that we have a dedicated staff but many of those nights, I would retire to my room to catch we have used a lot of stick and very little carrot. We will up on the events of the day and the headlines that make up not attract or retain good people if they are not fairly the news. Quite often, we see stories on Hurricane Katrina, compensated. the Gulf War, the war on drugs and the violence that is This staff works extremely hard for you each and every pervasive on our streets. And having worked at the White day.

They do so for many reasons—the most significant House in Washington, D.C., I am keenly aware of the fact of which is they have a that behind the scenes there vested interest—not only are people who do nothing as Brothers—but because but analyze the events of “Every line in your budget is tied to the their work preserves the the day and provide the history of Alpha. I would President of the United Strategic Plan.

If there is a request and like for all staff members States with what is known who are here now to please as “spin control”. It happens it is not in our Strategic Plan, we will stand and let us thank you. in the White House; it The second goal is in happens in corporate not arbitrarily commit resources to it. the area of Communications America; it happens in our and Public Relations: This churches; and it happens Nothing will be spent that does not have year alone—I have been in our schools. People try called upon to comment or prior authorization or Board approval. to turn a negative into a participate in no less than positive. They engage in This General President and Board of 20 major events. I have spin control so that the given countless interviews events of the day do not Directors will ensure the fi scal solvency on television, radio, and in hijack the original message. print. We have developed That begs the argument of: of this brotherhood and protect against a media team that on “What is real?” and “How can we tell when the truth unauthorized and extravagant spending.” a moment’s notice can evaluate a media request is being told?” and turn around a response Well today let me share in minutes—or well before some truths about Alpha Phi a writer’s deadline.

Th e results have been nothing short of Alpha—the organization I love so dearly; the organization impressive.

America knows more about Alpha Phi Alpha that is the cradle of my manhood; the organization that is now than ever before because she knows where you stand filled with the men who nurtured me and held me high; and on key issues aff ecting black America. eventually elevated me to this lofty office that we call the To that end, we have not shied away from controversy.

General Presidency.

And rather than saying no comment, we offer a response to In May 2005, the leadership of Alpha Phi Alpha— media—even when the news is damaging. We will not hide. including your current Board and some past Board members, We will speak out when appropriate and we will represent along with the various Foundation chairs and other select you well.

We have hired a public relations company—and Brothers—crafted mission and vision statements for the I hope that those of you who handle P.R. in your local Fraternity and developed a master plan that combines the Chapters will go to the workshop later today conducted by efforts of the various Committees, insures the consistent Monica Wood Public Relations as part of Alpha University. positioning of our brand, and provides guidelines and Also on that topic, Brothers, I know that sometimes resources for established programs and the creation of new you will be asked by the media to make a comment on ones. behalf of Alpha.

We ask that you do not do that until you Each of you should have received—via email or seen have cleared it with the appropriate persons or the General in the last issue of The Sphinx Magazine the Fraternity’s Offi ce.

It is important that as an organization we speak with Strategic Plan. The plan was completed just prior to the one voice and one message.

Centennial Convention. It is the result of great minds coming together with a common goal—the betterment of

Strategic Plan

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The third area of importance is the area of leadership management: Our Strategic Plan calls for action and an evaluative process for measuring everything we do. It calls for evaluation of our current leadership, including not just our Executive Director but key volunteers as well.

We also have to manage and cultivate the development of our future leaders. We must be about the business of succession planning. We should have a formal process putting Brothers in the pipeline of development prepared to lead this great Fraternity at every level.

Fourth and most important is fiscal management: We have for some time been teetering between the red and the black… between solvency and real financial challenges. If we continue with our past fiscal practices—well if we were in a hospital we would be in the intensive care unit.

Right now we are operating on sound financial ground.

We have instituted stringent financial controls in an effort to be better stewards of your money. As always—there is not enough of it. But what little money we have, we are managing to the best of our ability. To that end we have instituted a policy of full transparency.

In other words, we will not spend your money at will without specific budgetary authorization. Every line in your budget is tied to the Strategic Plan. If there is a request and it is not in our Strategic Plan, we will not arbitrarily commit resources to it. Nothing will be spent that does not have prior authorization or Board approval. This General President and Board of Directors will ensure the fiscal solvency of this brotherhood and protect against unauthorized and extravagant spending.

In addition to protecting what we have, we must look for ways to strategically grow our coffers as well. On Thursday, the Board of Directors approved the creation of the Alpha Phi Alpha Charitable Foundation. We are blessed to have received from an anonymous donor, the sum of $500,000 as seed money to start up this venture.

This Charitable Foundation will develop and institute a comprehensive planned giving program to grow an endowment to support the Fraternity’s ongoing viability and programs.

To launch this effort, North Carolina Mutual—the oldest African American-owned financial services company in America—has entered into an agreement with Alpha Phi Alpha—the oldest African American intercollegiate Fraternity in America—to license qualified Alpha Brothers to sell whole life insurance policies to Brothers and supporters of Alpha Phi Alpha. We do this in memory of the late Brother Fred Crier, a former member of Eta Lambda Chapter in Atlanta, Georgia. In the early 1980s, Brother Crier passed away and left a life insurance policy payable to Eta Lambda Chapter and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Brother James Blanton can tell you how this was considered a windfall for the Fraternity at that time. It would be very much welcomed even now; but we spent the money and until this moment I had not heard Brother Criers name mentioned again. I promise you, we will not make those

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mistakes again.

This is the just the first phase of a comprehensive program and effort to leave a lasting and protected legacy for the development of our programs—creating future leaders and scholars. The proceeds from this Foundation are restricted, as allowed by law, to support the Fraternity’s programs, scholarship giving, and our other related Foundations. This money cannot and will not be used for lawsuits, budget deficits, or other frivolous notions.

Brothers this is the vision that I believe Brother O. Wilson Winters had when he became Life Member No. 1; and the vision that Brother John Buckner had when he grew the Life Membership Program to record numbers and dollars raised.

The final pillar of this plan is one that affects you most— the area of program management. Each and every one of you should be involved in one or more of Alpha’s programs.

The greater we are to become, or be perceived, the more compelling the need for you to provide the required services and advocacy for our communities.

You have stepped up to the plate and handled your responsibilities well—including participation in Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boy Scouts of America, the March of Dimes, A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People, and many more programs in our communities.

You are nurturing and you are a caring brotherhood.

However, we must have some controls to ensure that we maximize our efforts and accurately evaluate and document your participation. This will allow us to better seek funding opportunities and insure that our participation is in line with the overall mission of the Fraternity. We cannot be everything to everybody. But we will be a driving force in those issues and programs that are most aligned with Alpha Phi Alpha.

MLK National Memorial As I noted earlier—the higher our profile, the more we are in the public eye, and the more we become the subject of spin doctors attempting to cloud our message. Again, I am here today to speak the truth. You have no doubt seen and heard a number of issues regarding the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. Let me assure you that the Memorial continues to flourish and you will learn more about that in the days to come.

You also have heard about the controversy over the selection of a sculptor from China. The true course of events is that the MLK Memorial Foundation researched artists who have experience with large scale projects like this—using the materials designated by the National Park Service and the various Commissions.

As we always do in Alpha, we sought to get the best and most qualified. All who wished were given the opportunity to compete. Certainly, there were others who were qualified but a choice had to be made and with the assistance of an Artistic Advisory Committee, I believe the right and best one was chosen.

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does not mean you ought to say it. To resist the urge to utter repulsive speech requires good judgment and is deemed appropriate conduct and good manners. Some might even say its plain old fashioned decency.

This is only a first step. We must follow-up and continue to affect minds. We must change the thinking of our people—the young and the old—and drive them to more positive and noble pursuits.

If we lead, others will follow. We must exorcise this language and these caricatures and their evil spirited intent from our souls as we seek to help heal others. We are transcending and according to the Holy Scriptures:

Now a word about uplifting downtrodden humanity: Some of you heard on the Tom Joyner Morning Show a few weeks ago that your General President was an honorary pall bearer at the funeral conducted by the NAACP to bury the “N” word at its General Convention in Detroit, Michigan.

Some Brothers started whispering campaigns, asking “Why is the General President getting involved with that?” Some of you said the same thing regarding my op-ed piece on the lyrics contained in gangsta rap that was printed in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle newspaper.

Brothers, understand the event was symbolic but we must eliminate “We believe in the right of free speech. We (Ephesians 4:29-32, NIV) that language from our vocabulary. Even more do not believe that right should be used to Do not let any unwholesome importantly, we must address the self-inflicted bring harm and ridicule to anyone. Just talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for wounds it signifies and the destructive behaviors because you have the right to say something building others up according to their needs, that it may that are promoted by it. benefit those who listen. does not mean you ought to say it.

To resist Brothers need to be on the And do not grieve the Holy scene standing in places of the urge to utter repulsive speech requires Spirit of God, with whom leadership on these issues. you were sealed for the day Let me remind you why we good judgment and is deemed appropriate of redemption. Get rid of all must stand up and speak bitterness, rage and anger, up. conduct and good manners.

Some might brawling and slander, along Alpha Phi Alpha has been a symbol of even say its plain old fashioned decency.” with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to hope, equality, positive one another, forgiving each expectancy, and civil rights other… for more than 100 years.

Our members have been those who fought against the use of derogatory words and the thoughts and intent behind (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV) them.

Historically, language has been used to define, limit, Therefore encourage one another and build each other up… make fun of, and ridicule all African Americans. Specifically, the N-word was a term of exclusion and derision, a National Partnerships verbal reason for discrimination. It was justification for a We must share this serum of healthy self respect with others demonstrable air of racial superiority. Whether used as a most in need of hope: James Allen authored the book, As a noun, verb, or adjective, it strengthened the stereotype of Man Thinketh, which is a classic in the fields of inspiration the lazy, stupid, dirty, worthless nobody. No other American and spirituality. He writes in the introduction, “This little surname carries as much purposeful cruelty as this word, nor volume is not intended as an exhaustive study on the muchdoes any other ethnic group allow others to use denigrating written-upon subject of the power of thought. It is suggestive and derogatory terms when referring to their community. rather than explanatory, its object being to stimulate men Nor do they empower others to think they can use it without and women to the discovery and perception of the truth repercussion because after all, they say, “They call themselves that they themselves are makers of themselves by virtue of by those names publicly and you hear them use it all of the the thoughts which they choose and encourage.” time—especially in their movies and in their music”.

So it is written … As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.

I understand that you may argue that some of these And that brings me to our partnership with Big Brothers Big terms have evolved from their original meanings and Sisters of America. Over a year ago, in an effort to inspire purpose. However, in the mouths of others they are rarely this brotherhood to respond to the absolutely critical need used as terms of endearment. for African American male mentors, I issued a call for 10,000 We believe in the right of free speech. We do not Alpha men to become a Big Brother to a young boy. And believe that right should be used to bring harm and ridicule what better representative of what a man should be than one to anyone. Just because you have the right to say something who has matriculated at the University of Brotherly Love,

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the School for the Better Making of Men, a nobleman from the House of Alpha? Why then are many of us still on the sidelines?

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has enjoyed a long partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, which is considered to be the premier mentoring organization in the country. Both Alpha Phi Alpha and Big Brothers Big Sisters are over 100 years old and share the distinction of being the “gold standard” in their respective realms. During the past 20 years, our dear Fraternity has demonstrated great leadership in the area of volunteer mentoring by producing two national “Big Brothers of the Year”—Brother Dale Long in 1989 and Brother Sylvester Fulton last year—in 2006. No other group or organization can make that claim.

The urgency to act now is compelling: These facts and statistics provided by BBBSA reveal: • There are 2.4 million children with a parent who is incarcerated.

• At least 7% of all black children have an incarcerated mother or father compared to just 0.8% of white children.

• A past U.S. Senate report stated that children of an incarcerated parent face a 7 in 10 chance of suffering the same fate.

• Following that logic, nearly 1.7 million of those children are at risk of entering the criminal justice system in this country.

• 1 in 8 African American males between the ages of 25 and 29 is incarcerated.

• A Vanderbilt University study compiled by Professor Mark Cohen states that if a child drops out of high school and in fact chooses a life of crime, that child will cost society between $1.3 and $1.5 million dollars.

In some areas of some of our cities, not enough of the black male students graduate from high school or go on to college.

My Brothers, there is not only a moral reason to get involved but a compelling economic sense of urgency as well.

The good news is that there is a proven solution. Mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBSA) has been effective for over 100 years. According to a landmark study done by Public Private Ventures in 1995, kids that have had a mentor through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program are: • 46% less likely to begin using drugs, • 27% less likely to begin using alcohol, • 52% less likely to skip school, • 37% less likely to skip a class, and • 33% less likely to hit someone.

Several other studies document highly positive outcomes that come from serving. So what are you going to do?

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We Are Alpha Phi Alpha There are some things that have surfaced in the past year or so that some Alpha Brothers are involved with that I do not like; I will not tolerate; and I will take action when it gets out of hand. There is this intangible thing about Alpha that we love and cherish. It’s called brotherhood.

Listen, some of the utterances I have seen and heard can be called anything but brotherly. We have Brothers who call each other out in public and in public forums. It is O.K. to disagree but as my mother used to say: “Don’t air family business out in public.” We have Brothers signing on to chat rooms and listservs, calling each other names. These are not secure conveyances and who are you to assert yourself as a self righteous and pompous… well, you fill in the blank.

We have people making accusations about other Brothers in forums that are not secure and easily accessible to people who are not Brothers.

Where have we gone wrong? Why have we bought into hate? Where has the brotherhood gone? We are not thugs.

We are not pimps. We are not purveyors of hate. W  A P A—and we all would do well to remember that.

You wanted your Fraternity to be in the limelight.

Well, you are highly visible, noticed, and admired. Always remember that when you are in the limelight, people are watching—not just for the good but also for the bad. Too many people have worked too hard, and for too long, to build this Fraternity up. I will not let anyone tear it down from the inside. We are powerful beyond measure. We are a beacon to many a lost soul out there.

We are the answer to many a malady that vexes our society. We are the solution to problems that have perplexed the ages. We are the mighty and the strong. W  A P A!

And so my Brothers, as we convene here in Orlando, Florida for the 87th General Convention, let our light shine with a brightness that shall light the way of those young men who shall follow—who at one time thought they would be caught in the vicious cycle of poverty and racism and joblessness and hunger and violence; who now because of you can see another way.

You are the leaders of a new society; the sunshine of a brand new day—the leader who “learns the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” My Brothers, pick up your torch and follow me…for W  A P A

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2008 State of the Fraternity Address – Building on the Legacy of Those Who Preceded Delivered at the 88th General Convention and 102nd Anniversary Convention, July 17-21, 2008, Kansas City, Missouri beginning of my administration, one of the things that I said My Dear Brothers, I always am overwhelmed at the would be a hallmark of my administration would be what I enthusiasm with which you greet your General President. call “transparency”. I pledged to demystify the workings of I always feel the love and the brotherhood for which this the Fraternity and its General Headquarters.

In keeping with that thought, I have to be honest with Fraternity is known. Thank you for your continuous support you and say that there are two pictures of Alpha Phi Alpha. of me and of your Fraternity.

One of them is framed in the reality of the day—that we, If we look at our world right now—it appears that like every other organization in America, are operating in the problems we see overshadow the good things in life. some tough times.

Times are tough economically. I think The nation is in an economic crisis. The costs of everyday you would be hard pressed to find a non-profit organization necessities have skyrocketed with no sign of going back that has not witnessed that reality. down. Violence is pervasive. The fear and reality of war At the same time, our picture is framed with more good abroad and at home looms. The loss of life in Iraq and news than most organizations.

We have experienced some Afghanistan continues to grow. Our belief in leadership in incredible moments amid some diffi cult times. our governments is eroding and we fear for the future of Th e synopsis of it all is that you should be assured that those best described as “the least of these.” we are a solid, well-run But I am told that “joy organization that enjoys a comes in the morning…” I positive reputation from am also told about a group “I say to you that leaders Stand Up, Man the halls of government to of men who know what it the neighborhood streets. is like to endure hard times.

Up and then they Follow Up! Visionary From the elementary I’ve been told these men are equal to the task. That they leaders set big, hairy, audacious goals. It’s schools to the Ivy League, from the storefront fear not when times are churches to the greatest bad, but instead, embrace called vision, a quality that all Alpha men cathedrals in our land, the moment and steady should possess, especially anyone who desires Alpha Phi Alpha maintains themselves for challenges— an image and a brand no matter what they are and to be become a leader in this great Fraternity. second to none. how they come.

Let me say that I am told that this Leadership is about setting goals— big goals again—“Alpha Phi Alpha group of men represents maintains an image and a the best that the nation and then attaining those goals.” brand second to none.” has to offer. That they are But now a word of college educated. That caution—for us to maintain they contribute to their that reputation we have to continue to adhere to sound policies communities, their time and their talents and their gifts. based on the fundamentals of good practice for any business.

That they have a love for mankind and have pledged to be of service—wherever and whenever it is required. That they I had a Brother ask me: “Are we a Fraternity or a business?” have a firm and abiding belief that if they stick together they The answer to his question is that we are a Fraternity that can weather any storm. I am told that when things get hot, is a business.

As many of you know when I took the helm of Alpha, these men get cold—Ice Cold!

I was determined to establish a workable plan for the future Further, I am told that these men have a history that of this organization. The leadership met for some days and extends way back—some 102 years. I am told that these developed a strategic plan—the structure of which we have men have two favorite colors—both of them rich in hue— been following and will enhance. The cornerstone of this black and old gold. That when I say “O…N” they say plan is our mission statement: “O…S” There must be some Alphas in the room!

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service Alpha Phi Alpha Brand My Brothers, it becomes my task at this moment and advocacy for our communities.

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No matter what we do in this organization, we must be sure that our efforts support this theme. This statement should be incorporated into every website and publication whether it stems from a College Chapter or Alumni Chapter.

I am happy to report that we have had tremendous support and compliance with this objective but we have not yet reached 100 percent adherence.

My sincere appreciation is extended to those chapters that have enacted this policy. And for those of you who have not, you may receive a call. So please, Brothers, let’s have a clear level of consistency in this organization as we strive to speak with one voice.

Communications and Public Relations Before I go too far, some of you in the past have said there were elements of the State of the Fraternity that I did not address. If I talked about every area of importance to the Fraternity, we would be here all day. So today, if you will, here are the highlights: Throughout the implementation of the strategic plan, we have sought to place most of the emphasis on the infrastructure. As a result, we have devoted a great deal of time to “operations management”—those operating policies and procedures that govern all aspects of the Fraternity operations.

We have strengthened our communications and public relations and we have established and maintained a brand that truly represents our Fraternity. This brand is based on the national programs for which the Fraternity is known and those we develop that will support out mission statement.

In my tenure, you will notice that we have raised the awareness of Alpha Phi Alpha on the national and international levels with positive stories placed in strategic locations. We also have been a voice on topics of importance to black America, ranging from Jena 6 to the controversy over the “N” word.

We continue to emphasize that-no matter the topic, no matter the request-we as an organization speak with one voice and funnel all media requests through the General Office and our professional public relations firm which we retained to assist Alpha Phi Alpha in communicating with a number of important audiences.

We have strengthened our leadership management, including the management of intake, retention, training, development and chapter operations.

In an area where we need to place more emphasis— grooming of our next group of leaders—chapters must keep a keen eye on its members and groom those in your ranks so that they may be prepared to assume leadership roles in the chapter, the district, the regions and on the national level.

Fiscal Management This has been a personal cornerstone of my administration. We have initiated and maintained some financial controls so that the next administration will not inherit financial woes.

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Again a major part of that is fiscal transparency.

You need to know how we are doing because this is your Fraternity and we must have strong financial management from the local to the national level.

Major financial strides forward have occurred during the past three years of my term as your General President: • The Fraternity’s operating cash account balance on January 1, 2005—my first day as your General President—was $800,000. Our operating cash balance increased over the past three years by $2 million to a balance of almost $3 million as of December 31, 2007.

• Our investments increased by $1.1 million over the past three years to almost $3 million as of December 31, 2007.

• Alpha Phi Alpha’s revenue was $2.3 million in 2004, as compared to $4.8 million in 2007.

• For the year ending December 2004, Alpha Phi Alpha incurred a net loss of $17,000.

• For 2007, the third year of my administration, our net income was $800,000, an increase of $817,000 over three years.

My Brothers, as you can see from the results of the past three years, shining the light of fiscal transparency on our financial affairs has yielded significant benefits.

National Programs The last pillar of this strategic plan is by no means the least—that is the area of program management. We have sought out new programs at the same time we have sought to strengthen existing national programs.

COLLEGE LIFE TO CORPORATE LIFE (C2C): One of the national programs of which I am most proud is our College Life to Corporate Life (C2C) Program, which is coordinated

by Brother Desmund Adams.

When I assumed this office, it was my vision that we would provide our collegiate members with the tools and resources needed to help them maximize their potential to rapidly ascend as leaders in their chosen field of endeavor.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Wells Fargo Financial are launching a national internship program in an effort to provide career opportunities in financial services for minority college men and women. This effort links our College Life to Corporate Life (C2C) Initiative and Wells Fargo Financial’s “Champions of Change” internship program.

Wells Fargo Financial will provide up to 25 summer internships each year to the Fraternity for collegiate members as well as other women and men within the participating markets. Initially, the program will launch in 14 states, including states where Wells Fargo Financial has a presence. They have already provided us with $25,000 as a good faith investment in the partnership. They will pay us an additional $1,000 for each intern we provide. The targets are 25 interns in the first year, 50 the second year, 75 the third year and up to a maximum of 100 by the forth year and every year thereafter.

We must agree to provide the interns with an Alpha

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mentor and Wells Fargo will make sure the interns have I say to you that leaders Stand Up, Man Up and then an executive company mentor. This internship is open to they Follow Up! Visionary leaders set big, hairy, audacious all majors where students have a 2.5 grade point average goals. It’s called vision, a quality that all Alpha men should and above. The program is designed to be replicated across possess, especially anyone who desires to be become a leader the country. Initially the in this great Fraternity. agreement has a five year Leadership is about setting commitment, running goals and then “We must not disappoint ourselves and goals—big through the year 2012. If attaining those goals. we find another corporate Hundreds of Brothers in-turn disappoint America. We must partner willing to participate have responded to my in this program at the same summons in significant continue to grow. We must continue to level, Wells Fargo Financial ways. For example, 100 will invest an additional percent of the Brothers in operate in a sound manner, exercising $25,000 to help grow Beta Gamma Chapter at good practices in our chapters and at our Virginia State University are the program. We need to aggressively seek additional mentoring as Big Brothers. national headquarters.” corporate partners. More Eta Epsilon Chapter at partnerships equates to the University of North more internships and more Texas has 80 percent of its revenue.

Chapter matched with a Little; and Brother Robert Daniels, BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF AMERICA: Brothers, you have a graduating senior and a registered Big Brother, was recently heard me continuously convey the urgency of answering the hired as an on campus recruiter. They have founded an call to service by becoming mentors with Big Brothers Big organization on campus to recruit other students.

Sisters of America. You have seen and visited their booths NFL player and San Diego Charger Brother Roman and kiosks at our regional and national conventions. You Oben is making such an impact mentoring as a Big Brother, have read articles, received emails and phone calls, and a donor and an advocate that he was designated The Big viewed TV commercials during the Super Bowl or during Man of the Year for the San Diego BBBS affiliate. That’s March Madness asking you to become Big Brothers. You what Alpha men do! have been bombarded with appeals from your leadership.

I defy you to show me any man in this room that can’t During my State of the Fraternity Address at our commit just four hours a month to make a difference in a Centennial Convention, I invited 10,000 Alpha men to child’s life. stand up and enroll as Big Brothers. There were a number of We must Stand Up, Man Up and then Follow Up! you who heard the call—and who answered the call—in our When people see us they say: “There goes an Alpha man.” enduring crusade to touch and influence the lives of young Our brand implies: “There goes a man to help uplift the people. Many of these youngsters are facing a dismal abyss lives of wholesome youth.” and have to make a choice between the contentious forces MARCH OF DIMES: You know about our partnership with that are fighting for their very souls. the March of Dimes – Walk for Babies initiative, formerly There is an expression that is used by today’s youth. It known as WalkAmerica. That’s how we raise the money that is “Man Up”. The definition, according to urbandictionary. funds our Project Alpha programs. During the years 2001com, is: “to fulfill your responsibilities as a man, to work 2004, we annually raised an average of $74,000 nationally through impediments and obstacles without whining”. for WalkAmerica.

There are young people in our community who are In 2004, our best year over that four-year period, Alpha waiting for Alpha men to be Alpha men—To Stand Up, Phi Alpha raised $89,125. We didn’t have a goal. We told Man Up and then Follow Up! That’s what Alpha men do. Brothers to “Just do it.”

That’s what leaders do.

In 2005, my first year as General President, I met with The goal of recruiting 10,000 Alpha Brothers has not the Brothers who made up our MOD team at the March yet been met. We are not there Brothers but we are well on of Dimes headquarters in White Plains, New York. We our way. There has been a definite boost in both enrollment attended a two-day volunteer training. At that time, I set and services rendered by Alpha men. a goal of $200,000. It was a stretch but I knew we were Many more have come forward but we still need more capable of doing much better than we had previously. Once Brothers to stand up. I’ll tell you some success stories in a again the part time Alphas started saying it was “ridiculous minute. to set a goal that high. That goal never should have been set Some of you who are part time Alpha men—those of that high”.

That year we raised $134,754. We were shy of our you who claim to be Alpha men when it is convenient— chose to challenge the legitimacy of the mandate. Some of goal—never-the-less it was a significant increase over our you said it was “ridiculous to set a goal that high. The goal previous efforts.

In 2006, we achieved an all time high of $181,105, yet never should have been set that high.”

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we were still second to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in MOD fundraising. Imagine—Alpha Phi Alpha being second to the Zetas. But in 2007, we claimed the number one position amongst the MOD category for clubs and organizations by raising a total of nearly $240,000. There is still a great need for more Brothers to step forward.

I say to you that leaders Stand Up, Man Up and They Follow Up! Alpha men are leaders. Again, “only those who go too far know how far they can go.”

Intake I have heard concerns from some of you about the intake process. I have appointed a task force on intake. It is chaired by Brother Arthur McDade, Southwestern Region Vice President, whose charge is to examine our current process and identify opportunities for improvement, material deficiencies and, if necessary, develop a process that incorporates those elements that you feel are essential— provided they are reasonable and acceptable.

The charge I gave to the task force is three fold: • Understand that pledging, as we know it, is gone and never coming back again; • The modifications to the process have to be acceptable to the colleges and universities where our College Chapters reside; and • The process has to be one that would not increase our liability with regard to risky behaviors.

Frankly, there are underground and unacceptable activities taking place under the aegis of “making them right”.

We have talked about it before. We will not belabor the discussion. If you break the rules, you put everyone at risk, including yourselves, your families, your colleges and

universities, and your Fraternity. We have been here for 102 years. We will not allow anyone to cast us away because of some foolish notion that is illegal in every court of law in the nation.

My Brothers, this is the last time that I will deliver the State of the Fraternity Address. I will continue to serve you through the end of the year.

Please know that during my term, we have had some incredible moments, including the ceremonial groundbreaking at the site of the MLK National Memorial; the recognition of the Fraternity in media outlets across the country on a variety of issues; the celebration of the Fraternity’s centennial in Washington, D.C., and more.

America knows we are here. America knows we are needed. America is now waiting to see what we will do next.

We must not disappoint ourselves and in-turn disappoint America. We must continue to grow. We must continue to operate in a sound manner, exercising good practices in our chapters and at our General Headquarters.

Leadership is about more than the ceremonial events and picture taking. It is hard work. It is endless work. It is necessary work.

I have enjoyed the journey. I have sought to build on the legacy of those who preceded me and I think I have steered this great ship of Alpha through some rough currents and through some memorable adventures. The numbers reflect our success. My work is not yet done.

And I will say as I did when I took the Oath of Office: “Each day when I wake, I will be thinking of you and our great Fraternity—Alpha Phi Alpha.

2008 Black and Gold Banquet Remarks Delivered at the 88th General Convention and 102nd Anniversary Convention, July 17-21, 2008, Kansas City, Missouri My Brothers. There are no words to describe this sight.

For just a moment I want you to look around the room.

Look at the men assembled here. For just a moment, I want you to realize this moment and its significance.

Where else in America – right now – are there this many African-American college-educated men in one place?

Where else in America can we find this many doctors and lawyers and academicians and scholars and preachers and scientists, architects, engineers, elected officials, officers of the law, students…where in America can you find that?

This moment – this powerful moment is one worth remembering.

I am honored that at this moment you have allowed me

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to be your leader. I shall savor this moment and will cherish it for all time.

To the past General Presidents Williams, Sutton, Teamer, Ponder, Wallace, Johnson. General President-Elect Herman Skip Mason.

In a few short months I will earn another title from you. It’s called Past General President, and while I love being your brother and I love being your leader, I have a feeling I will love being your Past General President.

I think the only person who will enjoy the title “Past General President” more than me will be my wife Allison.

Throughout my term as General President, Allison has been my rock and my strength. Every Alpha man should be a s fortunate as me to have a mate who understands our

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love of fraternity, and your dedication to its work. Allison, please accept these flowers as a token of my admiration, and appreciation and love for you.

As I mentioned, tonight will be the last time that I address a General Convention as a General President. So tonight, I would like to leave you with a few thoughts.

The first one is on leadership. The ideal comes from a woman who, like Allison, was a pillar of strength for her husband.

Former First Lady Roslyn Carter said this about leaders: She said: “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”

Any General President of Alpha Phi Alpha can tell you that there have been times when they had to take you where you ought to be. They can tell you that often he had a make decisions for this great ship – in the loneliness that leadership can bring.

We do so not because we want to, we do so because it is our sworn responsibility.

Anyone who has held a leadership position in this Fraternity can attest to that. It is so, because we are not any ordinary organization. We are, in fact, extraordinary.

Because for us, membership in Alpha is not only about the bond of brotherhood, it is about the bond to do good.

And good you have done.

From this lofty place, we have been those who reach down and raise up. We have been those who make a difference – a difference that is not a flash in the pan, but a difference that is lasting and eternal.

On that note, we are in an election season, and we need to be reminded that we have to be a part of the process – through voter registration throughout the country, we also need to be mindful of those candidates – some of whom are Alpha men who are running for office – from the local school board to the Congress of the United States. These brothers need your words of encouragement and they need your financial support. Let them know that you, too, are an Alpha man who is about leadership.

In every period in the history of this great Fraternity, we have been labeled as those who produce leaders. That is why companies come to us and ask our advice and our counsel and our help when it comes to fostering their programs in our neighborhoods and our communities.

That is why companies come to us when they need assistance in reaching particular segments of the community.

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That is why nonprofit organizations turn to us in their quest to help those in need – help those who need a male mentor, help those who desire to be scouts, help those innocent little babies who are born prematurely.

That is why companies come to us, because they are familiar with our resources and our pool of African American men who can get things done.

Why does America turn to Alpha? Because we are like other great leaders. We choose to do that which is hard. We achieve that which is great. And we do so not for greatness sake, but rather because it is our calling.

Somewhere in the mind of an Alpha man, there could be the cure for cancer.

Somewhere in the mind of an Alpha man, there is the greatest literary work.

Somewhere in the mind of an Alpha, there is a sermon that will turn lives around.

Somewhere in the mind of an Alpha man, there is the key to unlocking the minds assembled in a classroom, so that the neurons in those head will rapid fire and explore and discover and create and find themselves in the process.

Somewhere in the mind of an Alpha man, there is an answer to the energy crisis.

Somewhere in the mind of an Alpha man, there is a peaceful solution, so that there will be war no more.

But yet, these minds, these wonderful minds find the time to be brotherly and to pledge themselves to the mandates of their Fraternity.

Sometimes we get caught up in the minutia of our dayto-day operations. We can be focused on our daily work, focused on our elections, and intake, and finances, and somehow we forget these wonderful things that truly define us.

It has been said that good leadership is determined not by what you do in the beginning or even the middle of a term, but rather how you leave an organization. Is it better off when you leave than when you took control?

I would have to be honest with you and say, when I leave office, in many respects, Alpha is better than when I took control. Not because of me, but because of you.

You made it better. You solved problems. You steadied the ship, and you keep her on course.

You have allowed me to be a voice on some of the pressing issues of our time, and you have allowed me to take the lead for our people when there have been injustices in our land. Alpha’s voice was heard over the use of the

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“N” word, and it took my entire staff of advisors to keep me quiet three days ago when Jesse’s revelation was made.

Sometimes it is better just to keep quiet.

Alpha’s voice was heard in Jena, Louisiana, and I saw many of your there wearing your black and gold.

Alpha’s voice was heard at the passing of John H. Johnson, our beloved brother in Chicago.

Alpha’s voice was heard when the great Rosa Parks died.

And, Alpha’s voice was heard when we turned the soil to raise a memorial to our Brother Dr. Martin Luther King.

You have kept me busy, but it has been a joyful time for me. Yes, there have been frustrations, but that can be found in any organization that is doing things. These are the things we must remember as we embark upon new leadership in Alpha.

I have often wondered what advice and how much advice I would give the next General President of Alpha. I am sure that over the next five months, I will have a series of conversations with the 33rd General President Brother Herman Skip Mason. What I will likely tell him is to embrace the chaos. Now, I do not mean this in the negative sense. Because if you talk with some of our brothers who have studied and are involved in the sciences, they will tell you that there is such a thing as positive chaos, where there is a flurry of activity with little or no traceable pattern. In our case, the chaos is the fact that if you were to step back and look at Alpha, you will see men running in a number of different directions – all seeking to reach the same goal.

Each has a different responsibility and each has a different project. But, if you pause long enough – even amid the chaos – patterns emerge, things begin to take shape. And you come to realize that this “good chaos” is simply the nature of things.

What scientists will also tell you is that the phenomenon that is common to various kinds of chaos is that there is

a “sensitive dependence on conditions” – better known as simply the way things are. And science has shown us that sometimes all it takes is a minor adjustment in those conditions, and things begin to change. My advice is embrace the chaos, because it is the way things are. Make adjustments, make changes, but always remember that sometimes all it takes is a small change that can result in big differences.

And to be totally honest, sometimes you gotta come in with a big ol’ Alpha hammer and bust things up.

Do so not in a vacuum, but with the counsel of those closest to you. Know that you have my support and there are those who will be there for you even in the lonely hours, in the dawning of the day and the setting of the sun. This is the great ship of Alpha and you will be a great leader, and you will embrace and understand the chaos.

My brothers, I have led you where you wanted to go, I have taken you to places you may not have wanted to go, but where we needed to be. We went there together, and we blazed new trails, and we made new friends, and our voice has been heard. We do that which is hard. We seek that which is great. We stand on the mountain tops of life, but see clearly in the valleys. We rise up like eagles, but we walk with the common man. We speak with the eloquence of kings, but we forget not to make it plain.

This is the Alpha Phi Alpha I know. This is the Alpha Phi Alpha I lead. I do so not for the sake of greatness, but rather because it is my calling.

I stand on the shoulders of other great Alpha men.

They tilt my face to the stars. And lift me up and point the way to go.

I love you my brothers, and I thank you for giving me the wheel of this great vessel, and for affording me this moment to look at you in your humble greatness.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Leadership

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2313 Saint Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218-5211 www.apa1906.net

Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., General President

Donald Baker Ricky Brown Larry Crider Bryan J. A. Kelly Gedyion Kifle Jeff Lewis John Lewis Amir Mohammed Joshua Prezant Anthony Roberson

The Quadrennial Report of 32nd General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.

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Q U A D R E N N I A L

R E P O R T

“I stand on the shoulders of other great Alpha men. They tilt my face to the stars.

And lift me up and point the way to go. I love you brothers, and I thank you for giving me the wheel of this great vessel, and for affording me this moment to look at you in your humble greatness.”

– Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. 32nd General President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The Quadrennial Report of 32nd General President was produced jointly by the McKenzy Group and EWS and Associates, LLC. Pictured: (l-r) Dr. Henry Ponder, 28th General President www.ewsandassociates.com and Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., General President 1800-996-3348

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