The Sphinx Magazine - Winter 2008 part 2

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The handsome collectors’ edition highlights legendary and pioneering athletes who shattered records while capturing titles in domestic and international competitions.

To order this official Alpha Phi Alpha 2009 calendar, visit the AlphaNet online via the Fraternity website at www.apa1906.net; or tear out this perforated sheet and mail or fax the order form on the reverse side, using the information supplied.

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OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST BROTHER JESSE OWENS

ALPHA ATHLETES AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

2009 CALENDAR

2009 CALENDAR ORDER FORM TEAR OUT THE PERFORATED PAGE AND MAIL OR FAX THIS FORM TO THE FRATERNITY HEADQUARTERS, USING THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED BELOW; OR ORDER FROM THE ONLINE ALPHASHOP VIA THE FRATERNITY WEBSITE AT WWW.APA1906.NET

ALPHA ATHLETES AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

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ALPHA ATHLETE: ALL AMERICAN PENN STATE TRIPLE JUMPER COMPETED IN BEIJING GAMES OLYMPIC TRIALS

B

rother Clarence Smith III is an All American triple jumper in track and field who competed in the trials for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Alpha Athlete won the Big Ten Indoor Triple Jump Championship with a jump of 51-feet, 5-inches and placed second at the Outdoor Big Ten Triple Jump Championship with a jump of 52-feet, 8-inches.

Brother Smith was named NCAA Track and Field All American during the Spring 2008 National Championships. The prestigious title acknowledges the top eight American athletes in their respective events. He continues to train in hopes of competing in the NCAA Championships for the triple jump event and to again win the All American title this year.

A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brother Smith is a Fall 2007 initiate of the Fraternity through Gamma Nu Chapter at The Pennsylvania State University. He is a graduate of Coatesville Area Senior High School in Philadelphia and currently is a senior at Penn State where he is majoring in Material Science and Engineering. Brother Smith serves as the Chaplain and Sergeant-atArms for Gamma Nu Chapter.

He also is very involved with organizations on the Penn State campus and is active with numerous community groups. He is a member of the Materials Advantage Club, A.C.E.N.D., and remains a devoted member of New Life Baptist Church. Athletes Surmounting Challenges Eliminating Negative Decisions (A.S.C.E.N.D.) is a student organization co-founded by Brother Clarence Smith and a member of the Penn State football team. The group is composed of athletes whose goal is betterment of reputation, awareness and the success of minority athletes outside the realm of their sport.

Also excelling in the classroom, Brother Smith has a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 in one the top Materials and Science

Brother Clarence George Smith III at 2008 NCAA Championships.

and Engineering programs in the country. His academic excellence allowed him the opportunity to intern with the Boeing Company in Summer 2008. As a result of his positive evaluations from the summer internship, Brother Smith was offered an opportunity to return to the Boeing Company as a full time employee following his graduation in Spring 2009.

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA AND THE OLYMPIC GAMES: POLITICALLY-CHARGED GLOBAL-PROVING GROUND FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS As the black American began his road back from the reverses suffered in the 19th century the world of international sports became his first global proving ground. In this arena, professional boxing and Olympic track and field events became a rallying force for racial pride and inspiration. During its period of greatest challenges, Alphamen led the way in achieving competitive glory for the nation as well as racial pride for black America.

—Brother Harold Rudolph Sims

By Michael J. Myers II

B

rother Harold Sims, former National Urban League Deputy Executive Director, articulated the above sentiment in his 1996 Sphinx article, entitled “Triumph at Atlanta: The Legacy of Alpha Phi Alpha and the Modern Olympic Games,” while examining the role of athletes and the African American community at the turn of the 20th century.

History illustrates that whenever African Americans are given an equal opportunity to succeed, we thrive and excel; and when we look back at some of the obstacles that had to be overcome in the struggle for freedom and equality, Alpha Brothers were in the forefront. This is exemplified by Brother W.E.B. Du Bois spearheading the need for education and self-determination; by Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. leading the Civil Rights Movement; and by Brothers Charles Hamilton Houston and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall dismantling the doctrine of “separate but equal.”

This impulse to lead also extends to science where Brother Herman Branson was the co-discoverer of the Alpha helix; and to military service where Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy was the first black American to pass the military commissioning exam and Brother Samuel L. Gravely was the first African American to command a U.S. Navy ship. It also extends to countless Alpha musicians and Brothers elected to serve in government.

History also highlights a parallel between African American successes in the sports arena and Alpha Phi Alpha’s leadership in athletics. Early African Americans excelled as jockeys when introduced to horse racing; became celebrated champions after entering the boxing ring and putting on the gloves; and excelled in baseball when introduced to “America’s favorite sports pastime.” Added to those sports accomplishments is the fact that many of the pio-

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neering athletes who won Olympic medals for the United States in the early 20th century were members of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Although a complete list of all the Fraternity’s members who participated in the Olympic Games is not available, this article cites some of Alpha Phi Alpha’s most noted Olympic medalists—who often scored victories in politically-charged climates that surrounded the competitions.

Early Olympic Athletes The first Olympic competition in which an Alpha Phi Alpha Brother is known to have competed was the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. The choice of the French capital as host of the Games was not a smooth affair. The memory of the debacle at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris prevented many International Olympic Committee members from initially submitting their full support, opting instead for either Los Angeles or Amsterdam. It was in this atmosphere that Brother Edward “Ned” Orval Gourdin competed in the Games.

After completing his exams at Harvard University Law School, Brother Gourdin traveled to Paris for the Olympics as a favorite in the broad jump competition. He captured the silver medal in the event. Although Brother Gourdin had previously cleared 25 feet, his long jump at the Olympics was only 23 feet, 10 inches, giving him second place. In an ironic twist, Brother Gourdin accomplished a long jump of 25 feet, 8 inches at an exhibition the day after the Olympic final; however, it never counted as a world record because the jump occurred at a non-sanctioned event.

The 1928 Summer Olympic Games took place in tranquil Amsterdam, The Netherlands, a region that would not again experience this state of being for another 20 to 25 years following wars

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Above: Brothers Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalfe in 100meter sprint at the 1934 AAU National Track & Field Championships. Photo courtesy of Department of Special Collections and University Archives, Marquette University Libraries.

Below: Brother Eddie Tolan.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Archives photo.

Above: Brother John Woodruff. Photo courtesy of the University of Pittsburg Archives.

Above: Brother Andrew Stanfield. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Archives photo.

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and economic downfalls. It was here, however, that Brother Dr. Phillip Edwards, who later became a successful physician and an expert on tropical diseases, won a bronze medal in the 4x400 meter relay. Brother Edwards, a Canadian, would go on to participate in two more summer Olympic Games. In 1932, he won bronze medals in the 800 meter, 1500 meter and the 4x400 meter relay; and in 1936, he won a bronze medal in the 800 meter relay.

The 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles were not as tranquil as the one that preceded it, having occurred at the height of the Great Depression. Yet, several Alpha Brothers overcame the odds and won medals for their country. In addition to Brother Edwards, Brothers Thomas “Eddie” Tolan and Ralph Metcalfe also competed in those Games. Brother Tolan set two Olympic records while winning gold medals in both the 100 meter and the 200 meter races. Brother Metcalfe—who later served as a U.S. Congressman in the House of Representatives from 1971 to 1978 and was a cofounder of the Congressional Black Caucus—won a silver medal in the 100 meter and a bronze medal in the 200 meter races. Brother Metcalfe competed again in the 1936 Summer Olympics where he won a gold medal in the 4x400 meter relay race and a silver medal in the 100 meter dash.

The Berlin Olympics Adolph Hitler’s military advances on the European continent around the time of the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany set the climate for what many later referred to as the “Hitler Olympics”. In spite of the arduous circumstances, a number of Alpha Brothers who participated in the Games preserved and represented their country with dignity, intensity and tenacity.

Joining Brother Metcalfe at the 1936 Olympic Games was Brother Frederick “Fritz” Pollard, Jr.—the son of Brother Frederick Douglass “Fritz” Pollard, Sr., the first African American head coach in the NFL—who earned a bronze medal in the 110 meter hurdles. Brother Cornelius Johnson won a gold medal in the 1936 Olympics high jump competition and Brother Dave Albritton won a silver medal in the high jump. Further, Brother Archibald “Archie” Williams earned a gold medal in the 400 meter race and Brother John Woodruff won a gold medal in the 800 meter race.

Perhaps the most noted Alpha Olympian of all times, Brother Jesse Owens, won four gold medals during the Berlin Games—winning medals in the 100 meter dash, 200 meter race, 4x100 meter relay and the long jump.

It has often been stated that Brother Owens’ gold medal wins humiliated Hitler by proving to the world that Nazi claims of Aryan superiority was a lie and as a result the German leader snubbed Jesse Owens at the 1936 Games. However, Jesse Owens’ reception

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by the German public and spectators in the Olympic stadium was warm. The German audience’s cheers of “Yesseh Oh-vens” (“Jesse Owens”) or simply “Oh-vens” (“Owens”) were overwhelming.

Brother Owens was a true celebrity in Berlin where he was mobbed by autograph seekers. He later claimed that his reception in Berlin was greater than any other he had ever experienced.

Hitler did shun an African American athlete at the Berlin Games; however, it was not Jesse Owens. On the opening day of the Olympics—just before Brother Cornelius Johnson won the first gold medal for the U.S. that day and was to receive his award— Hitler left the stadium early. Prior to his departure, Hitler had received a number of winners. Olympic officials later informed the German leader that in the future he must receive all of the winners or none at all. After the first day, he opted to acknowledge none of the athletes.

Ironically, the real snub of Jesse Owens came from his own President who never publicly acknowledged Brother Owens’ achievements. Almost two decades passed before an American President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, honored Brother Owens by naming him “Ambassador of Sports”—in 1955. More recently, the Adidas athletic footwear company has honored Brother Owens’ tremendous accomplishments by giving him a running shoe.

Brother Owens was wearing track shoes made by a German company from which Adidas and Puma later evolved at the time of his Olympic feats.

Generations of Olympic Success London, England played host to the 1948 Summer Olympics.

Because of World War II, these were the first Olympic Games since 1936. In spite of the causalities that America had suffered, the U.S. won more gold medals that year than any other country. One U.S. gold medalist was Brother Don Barksdale who was the first black American to be named a consensus All-American and the first African American to play with the men’s Olympic basketball team.

Subsequently, he became the first African American basketball player to win a gold medal in the Summer Olympics. Brother Barksdale also became the first African American radio disk jockey and television host in the San Francisco Bay area. In 1951, at age 28, he signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Bullets, becoming the first African American player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In 1953, he became the first African American selected to play in an NBA All-Star game.

The 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland marked the first time that both Israel and the Soviet Union participated in the Summer Games. The world watched as an Alpha Brother won two gold medals. Brother Andrew Stanfield, winner of six AAU champi-

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onships while attending Seton Hall University, won gold medals in both the 200 meter dash and the 4x100 meter relay. He also won a silver medal in the 200 meter race in the 1956 Summer Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia.

At the same time that Brother Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was spearheading the Civil Rights Movement in this country, several Alpha Brothers were abroad representing the U.S. in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy as the struggle for their equal rights back home continued. Brother Walt Bellamy earned a starting role on the American basketball team. He and his teammates (most notably Jerry West and Oscar Robinson) helped the U.S. win a gold medal in the event. Brother Bellamy would later go on to earn NBA Rookie of the Year honors, averaging 31.6 points and 19.0 rebounds per game. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994. Brother Otis Davis was also a member of the 1960 Olympic team and is the current president and co-founder for the Tri-States Olympic Alumni Association. He set a world record and won a gold medal in the 400 meter race, becoming the first man to break the 45-second barrier in the event. He also ran the anchor leg for the winning 4x400 meter relay team.

In October 1968, Brother G. Larry James won gold and silver medals in the racially charged Olympic Games in Mexico City, which were best remembered for an awards ceremony blackpower demonstration by his fellow African American teammates Tommie Smith and John Carlos. Nicknamed “The Mighty Burner”, Brother James won the silver medal in the 400 meters race with his time of 43.97 seconds a the 1968 Olympics, bettering the existing world record but placing him second behind teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Lee Evans (43.86). He added a gold medal at the Mexico City Games by running the third leg on the U.S. 4x400 meter relay team, which set a world record of 2:56.16 seconds, which lasted until 1992. Brother James also set world records and won NCAA titles during his track career.

Just as impressive as some of the earlier records is that of Brother Quinn Buckner. Brother Buckner—former ESPN, NBC and CBS Sports broadcaster, as well as Dallas Mavericks head coach— won a gold medal with the U.S. basketball team in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada. In so doing, he became one of only three basketball players to have won titles at the high school, NBA and Olympic levels. The other two athletes to do so are Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Jerry Lucas.

Continuing this incredible display of athleticism, long jumper Brother Michael Powell competed in both the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea and the 1992 Games in Barcelona, Spain, winning silver medals in both competitions. While competing at the 1991 World Championships in Athletics, he broke a 23-year-old

long jump world record. Brother Powell’s record still stands.

Another record that still remains is Brother Kevin Young’s world record in the 400 meter hurdles. Brother Young, who won a gold medal in the 1992 Summer Olympic Games, is the only person to ever run the 400 meter hurdles in less than 47 seconds.

Brother Lenny Wilkens holds the record for compiling more victories than any other head coach in NBA history. Twice inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame—once as a player and again as a coach—Brother Wilkens was the assistant coach for the 1992 U.S. Olympic basketball team, commonly referred to as the “Dream Team”, which won a gold medal. He also was the head coach for the 1996 U.S. Olympic basketball team, which again won a gold medal in the event, held in Atlanta.

In addition to those named above, a number of other athletes who are members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s have competed in the Olympic Games—many of them little known contenders who did not win medals at the Games. The Fraternity and its members— as shown in these brief examples—have had a leadership role in every arena of American life, as African Americans fought for freedom and equality. Dating back to a time when the proving ground for African Americans was the sports arena and during the community’s period of greatest challenges, as Brother Harold Sims has so eloquently stated, “…Alphamen led the way in achieving competitive glory for the nation as well as racial pride for black America.”

Alpha Phi Alpha’s Olympic athletes listed in this article, along with those other Alpha Olympians whose names were not mentioned, exemplify the meaning of the Fraternity’s motto: “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All”.

Brother Michael J. Myers II is from Buffalo, New York and was initiated into the Fraternity through Iota Theta Lambda Chapter in the spring 2008. Brother Myers currently is a graduate student at Binghamton University in Binghamton, NY where he is working towards his Masters degree in Public Administration and is planning to graduate in May 2009. His research interests include education policy, finance policy, and economic development policy. His aims are to ameliorate the obstacles that African Americans must overcome in order to attain an equitable public education. Brother Myers graduated Cum Laude from Buffalo State College in Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Religious Studies.

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CHAPTER

CHAPTER NEWS

EASTERN REGION Community Service are: James Harrison Jr., a graduate of Springfield Central High School, attending Springfield Technical Community College; and Lance Hamilton, a graduate of the High School of Commerce, attending American International College. The Frank Buntin Scholarship for Civic Engagement and Social Justice recipients are: Remy FernandezO’Brien, a graduate of Amherst Regional High School, attending Brown University; and Cameron Cox, a graduate of Springfield Central High School, attending the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The Clifford Flint Scholarship for Academic Achievement recipients are: Gordon Burnett, a graduate of Northfield Mount Herman School, attending the College of the Holy Cross; and Shayne Williams, a graduate of Springfield Central High School, attending the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

For more information about Theta Iota Lambda Chapter programming, visit www.springfieldalphas.com.

Theta Iota Lambda scholarship award recipients are pictured.

THETA IOTA LAMBDA Springfield, MA

Theta Iota Lambda Chapter Awards Scholarships to Six Springfield-Area Graduates Theta Iota Lambda Brothers have been successful in fundraising efforts this year—raising monies through their Three-in-One Scholarship Gala and monthly After-Work First Fridays programs—and have awarded a total $6,000 in scholarships to African American and Latino males in the community. The Chapter recently awarded individual scholarships of $1,000 each to six young men from the Greater Springfield area. The Lee B. Revels Scholarship and Mentoring Foundation enacted a revamped scholarship format, which now includes three scholarships in the name of past and present Alpha men from the City of Springfield. The Clifford Flint Scholarship for Academic Achievement recognizes students who have demonstrated dedication in the classroom as well as in the community. The Frank Buntin Scholarship for Civic Engagement and Social Justice honors students who have made improvements in the quality of life for others, as well as serving as a voice against injustices in their communities. Finally, the Marvin P. Lyon Jr. Scholarship for Leadership and Community Service recognizes students who have made a meaningful impact in the lives of others, while also showing themselves as positive influences to their peers. Each scholarship was awarded to two male high school seniors who are pursuing higher education. The scholarships were presented during graduation Sunday at St. John’s Congregational Church. The presentations were followed by a reception for the recipients and their families at the Springfield Holiday Inn. This year’s recipients of the Marvin P. Lyon Jr. Scholarship for Leadership and

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Gamma Nu Chapter Brothers.

GAMMA NU

Pennsylvania State University

Gamma Nu Brothers Recognized for Leadership at Penn State Brothers at Gamma Nu Chapter have taken what they have learned from their advisor, Brother Chris Thomas, and made it imperative to pushing toward bettering the community around them. The Chapter’s seven neophyte Brothers are Eric Charity, Kyle Godwin, Hector Omoigui, Keith Agyeman, Clarence Smith, Michael Harris and Omar Marshall. Along with prophyte Brothers Sheffield Marcus and Marcus Kellam, the undergraduate Chapter has accomplished a number of community service events in the past year. Gamma Nu Brothers have visited the local senior

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CHAPTER NEWS

citizens home, known as Brookline, where they helped the staff and interacted with many of the home’s permanent residents. Their activities range from reading to the elderly, to playing BINGO, or simply talking with them. Other community service activities they have performed include passing out food in Harlem, New York during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays; cleaning up another senior citizens home called House of Care; and many of the Brothers take it upon themselves to tutor students at local high schools and middle schools. This past school year, Gamma Nu Brothers won the Chapter of Excellence, Highest GPA for entering Neophytes; Chapter Advisor of the Year; Chapter Programs; and Programming of the Year awards at the 2007 Hyperachos Awards—a Greek Awards ceremony, which includes all Greek Councils on the Penn State Campus. Further, the Brothers won the 2008 Penn State Step Show, demonstrating their ability to multitask and be well-rounded.

Individually, the Brothers also have succeeded. Gamma Nu Brothers are not allowed to participate in Chapter activities unless they obtain an internship for the summer. The reason behind the rule is to encourage and push Brothers. As a result, the internships for summer 2008 included: Eric Charity working with the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security; Kyle Godwin working with ESPN Sports Network; Hector Omoigui securing a co-op in the fall semester with Unilever Company; Clarence Smith working with The Boeing Company; Keith Agyeman interning under a physical therapist; Michael Harris interning with Six Flags; Omar Marshall working with Kraft Foods; Sheffield Marcus working with InRoads; and Marcus Kellam working with PNC Bank. In addition to obtaining Chapter awards and prestigious internships, Gamma Nu Brothers also had some great individual accomplishments.

Eric Charity received his internship through a program called The Institute of Responsible Citizenship, which only accepts 24 minority students across the entire country and is a two-year summer commitment.

Brother Charity had to go through a rigorous application process, which consisted of essays, letters of recommendation and interviews. The average GPA of the 2008 Institute cohort is 3.65. Eric Charity also received the honor of becoming Mr. Black Penn State 2008, which has not been won by an Alpha Brother in more than 15 years. Clarence Smith won the Big Ten Indoor Triple Jump Championship with a jump of 51 feet, 5 inches and came in second at the Outdoor Big Ten Triple Jump Championship with a jump of 52 feet, 8 inches. He is still training and hopes to make it to the NCAA championships for the triple jump and become an AllAmerican this year. Kyle Godwin will be graduating this summer and Omar Marshall will be graduating in December. Both Brothers will be completing college in four and a half years. Similarly, Sheffield Marcus, Marcus Kellam and Clarence Smith plan to graduate in the spring semester—graduating in four years time.

AOL Chapter Brothers display sample Pennsylvania state A_A license plates.

ALPHA OMICRON LAMBDA Pittsburgh, PA

Pennsylvania Now Among States that Issue Alpha Phi Alpha Specialty License Plates After more than three years of groundwork, Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter Brothers have been successful in getting the state of Pennsylvania to issue the first-ever government approved Alpha Phi Alpha license plate.

Chapter President John Ayers spearheaded the project. Following a few redesigns and numerous design discussions by Chapter members, a plate design was unveiled, voted on and unanimously approved, making it the final model for the project. Since receiving the state’s approval, congratulations have come to the Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter from General Presidents Darryl R. Matthews and Harry E. Johnson; Brother Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY); National Urban League President and CEO Brother Marc Morial; and many other noble Brothers. Some of the proceeds received from Brothers who purchase plates are used for the Chapter’s scholarship fund and youth programs. Plate tag numbers from 00001 to 99999 are being issued and Brothers are being given their number based on the order received by the Chapter. According to law, a vehicle assigned a license plate must be registered in the state of Pennsylvania. Brother Ayers is the contact for the license plate purchases and he will continue to head the Chapter’s License Plate Committee after his term as president ends. Brothers living in Pennsylvania who are interested in getting more information should email their inquiries to: JOAYERS@STATE.PA.US OR JAYERS06@AOL.COM with “ALPHA PLATE” in the subject line.

— LOVE FOR ALL MANKIND —

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CHAPTER NEWS

ALPHA KAPPA LAMBDA Roanoke, VA

Roanoke, Virginia Chapters Recognized for Outreach Programs Brother Jonathan Gaines, Director of Educational Activities for Alpha Kappa Lambda Chapter, received two awards on behalf of the Chapter for its outreach programs. The National Pan Hellenic Council gave AKL an award for Best National Program at Virginia Tech and the Chapter also received the Outstanding Program from Greek Life at Virginia Tech Award for their Addison Mentoring Program (AMP). The outreach program, which is located in Roanoke, Virginia, has a major impact on African American males in the New River Valley area. The program is made possible because of the time invested by members of both the Theta Iota Chapter and Alpha Kappa Lambda Chapter Brothers. On a bi-monthly basis, members of the Chapters travel to Lucy Addison Middle School in Roanoke to mentor to numerous young men about how to be successful in their lives. The 11- to 13-year-olds are instructed using the principles of the Fraternity’s Go-to-High School, Go-to-College program, which underscores the possibilities and potential that are inert within every young man. AMP is viewed by the chapters as a way for these students to realize their potential. The AMP program was created to be proactive in teaching young African American men in the New River Valley the benefits of building their self worth, developing their interpersonal skills and attaining higher education. In addition to the lessons taught, confidence and leadership are principles that are emphasized in each lesson. The modules of the program are: (1) Goal Setting; (2) Violence/Conflict Prevention; (3) Oral Communication; (4) Self Esteem; (5) Historical Perspectives of African American People—Education; (6) Historical Perspectives of African American People—Ancient Kingdom; (7) What it Means to be an African American Man; (8) Current Events; (9) Leisure Activities; (10) Leadership Training/Entrepreneurship; (11) Mental and Physical Health; and (12) Rites of Passage. Theta Iota Chapter and Alpha Kappa Lambda Chapter take seriously the task of educating African American young men. Many of the lessons that are taught within the AMP program are a result of lessons learned in other programs that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has undertaken in the course of the Go-to-High School, Go-to-College program.

A VOTELESS PEOPLE IS A HOPELESS PEOPLE Voter Registration Campaign Since 1937

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(L-r) Xi Alpha Lambda Chapter Alpha Academy Coordinator Richmond Hill; Potomac Middle School Principal Dr. Benita Stephens; and Chapter President Christopher Washington.

XI ALPHA LAMBDA Prince William County, VA

Xi Alpha Lambda Brothers Continue to “Make a Difference” Xi Alpha Lambda Brothers are hard at work in Prince William County, Virginia increasing Alpha’s impact on the community and making a difference in the lives of its residents. Recently, eight Brothers kicked off the 2008-09 mentoring season at the Alexandria Detention Home, a temporary home for at-risk teenagers. Xi Alpha Lambda’s involvement with The New Beginnings programs is designed to offer positive images of African American men and tools for the youth to use in making positive life choices. Brothers opened the kickoff session with an ice breaker game designed for participants to get to know each other. That was followed by an exciting game of golf-basketball. Additionally, the Chapter donated a computer to the detention home for use by youths in the program and gave each of them a personal journal and assigned them a list of journal ideas to begin their journey of self discovery. In another project, nearly 30 Brothers converged on the Hopkins House in Alexandria to support Xi Alpha Lambda’s observance of Make a Difference Day. The Hopkins House is a child and family development center that provides first-class service to low income families. Brothers organized into teams and undertook several projects to help Hopkins House. One group, led by Brother Lawrence Shorten, installed a containment barrier around the youths’ playground and filled the playground area with mulch. Another group, led by Brothers Reggie Williams and Jimmy Jordan, assembled and painted benches and planters for the Children’s Environmental Discovery Room. Another group, led by several Brothers and two aspirants, landscaped the entrance to the center. Brothers pulled weeds, planted flowers and placed bulbs along the rotary. A final group led by Brothers Chauncey Pointe and Derrick Nunn, leveled the grounds and completely assembled a storage shed. Following their work, Brothers and other volunteers were rewarded with a barbeque dinner prepared by the Parents’ Association. The barbeque was followed by a recognition ceremony where Chapter President Chris Washington

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CHAPTER NEWS gave remarks and presented certificates of appreciation to the youth participants in MADD 2008. Finally, Xi Alpha Lambda made a cash donation to the Parents’ Association to help with field trips for the children, living up to the theme of the day: Making a Difference. Also, the Chapter recently held its kickoff session of the Alpha Academy. Under the leadership of Brother Steven Ward, Xi Alpha Lambda Director of Educational Activities, Alpha Academy is a mentoring and enrichment program for middle school-age male students in partnership with the faculty of Potomac Middle School in Dumfries, Virginia. This year’s theme is modeled after the book The Pact by George Jenkins, Sampson Davis and Rameck Hunt. It is the story of three young men from Newark, New Jersey who made a promise to each other that they would choose to surmount the obstacles that they encountered in their neighborhoods and would choose to excel and not merely survive. The Alpha Academy program is the vehicle by which the Chapter executes its Go-to-High School, Go-to-College program as well as Project Alpha. The program runs from November to May, culminating in an awards ceremony for the young men who successfully complete the agenda.

Beta Gamma Lambda Black & Gold Ball.

BETA GAMMA LAMBDA Richmond, VA

Richmond Brothers Collaborate with Area Groups for Mentoring Programs

Zeta Theta Lambda Brothers at book signing.

ZETA THETA LAMBDA Harrisburg, PA

ZTL Brother Authors Book on Leadership Imperatives Zeta Theta Lambda Brothers came out in force to support newly elected Chapter Vice President Joseph Robinson, Jr. at his book signing at Borders Book store in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. The book, released in March 2008, was published by Judson Press and is entitled, 7 Leadership Imperatives from a Wild Man. It offers the reader seven distinct leadership imperatives: (1) be sure; (2) be focused; (3) be humble; (4) be discerning; (5) be complementary; (6) be uncompromising; and (7) be encouraged. The book also looks at the characteristics in today’s leaders, ranging from Mother Teresa to Michael Jordan and from Pastor Tony Evans to Coach Tony Dongy, as well as characters from movies such as Mr. Holland Opus, In the Heat of the Night and Coming to America. The book was given to the Chapter’s scholarship recipients at the 19th Annual Andrew M. Bradley Scholarship Luncheon as a gift. To learn more about the book, visit www.josephrobinsonjr.com.

For the past two fraternal years, Beta Gamma Lambda Brothers have successfully collaborated with the ladies of Pi Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Chesterfield, Virginia and the Commonwealth Chapter of the Links, Inc. to perform various activities with young African American males. The programs have included: Male Responsibility; Preparing for Financial Aid and College/University Applications; Peer Pressure; Being a Young African American Male in College; Standards of Learning (SOL) Test techniques; and Leadership Skills. Last November, Beta Gamma Lambda Chapter President Tony T. Moss was elected president of the National Pan Hellenic Council of Metropolitan Richmond. Also, Beta Gamma Lambda held a successful Black & Gold Ball last winter at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Richmond. Numerous Alpha and community leaders attended the Ball, including Eastern Regional Vice President Dennis Kemp, Sr.; VACAPAF President and District VII Director/Eastern Region William O. Wade; Immediate Past VACAPAF President and District VII Director Larry O. Townsend; Xi Delta Lambda Chapter (Henrico, VA) President Darryl Coker; and Rho Iota Lambda Chapter (Chesterfield, VA) President Fred Scott. Also attending were Pi Rho Omega Chapter of AKA Sorority Basileus Charmayne Vincent and Richmond City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jewell Sherman. Beta Gamma Lambda had 12 young men to participate in their Leadership Development Institute during the year. The youth were recognized at Beta Gamma Lambda’s Awards Banquet in May. Gamma President Michael Moore was the keynote speaker and he provided inspirational words to the awardees. Beta Gamma Lambda awarded their end of the fraternal year Chapter awards to the following Brothers: Dr. Robert Bracey III, Patriarch of the Year; William L. White, Jr., Neophyte of the Year; Sterling Matthews, Jr. and Jerryl Bennett, President’s Award; and Cornealius “Max” Williams, Beta Gamma Lambda’s Outstanding Brother of the Year.

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CHAPTER NEWS MIDWESTERN REGION

DAL Brothers (l-r) Vice President Lateef Saffore, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., Andrew A. Venable, Jr., Myron F. Robinson and President Hilton O. Smith.

Robinson’s strategic guidance, the Urban League of Greater Cleveland purchased and renovated its current headquarters, making it the first African American service-based organization to own real estate in Cleveland, Ohio. Honoree Brother Andrew A. Venable, Jr. retired as the Director of the Cleveland Public Library, the third-largest public research library in America. Brother Venable received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Virginia State University in 1968.

He earned a Master of Science degree in Library Science from Case Western Reserve University in 1978. In addition, he completed the program for senior executives in state and local government at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2001. The Ohio Library Council named Brother Venable the Librarian of the Year for 2001. During his leadership, the Cleveland Public Library has become known as “The People’s University,” providing community access to people of all ages. Brother Venable, along with the Delta Alpha Lambda Chapter, hosted annual MLK celebrations at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch of the Cleveland Library.

DELTA ALPHA LAMBDA Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Brothers Honor Distinguished Retiring Leaders Delta Alpha Lambda Chapter honored three distinguished and influential Alpha Brothers that have retired after providing local, regional and national leadership in their respective fields. Brothers Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., Myron F. Robinson and Andrew A. Venable, Jr. were honored during a program attended by more than 100 Brothers. Delta Alpha Lambda Chapter President Hilton O. Smith presented each honoree with a plaque, cap and medal while saluting their decades of tireless and purposeful service on behalf of the Fraternity, community and nation. Honoree Brother Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. retired as senior pastor of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church—one of Cleveland’s most influential congregations. Brother Moss was called to ministry at age 17 while a student at Morehouse College. He completed his education with mentors such as Dr. Benjamin E. Mays and friends such as the late Brother Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Morehouse School of Religion, Interdenominational Theological Center; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary. An orator of national stature, Brother Moss is the chairman of the Morehouse College Board of Trustees and life member of the Fraternity.

Honoree Brother Myron F. Robinson retired as the president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland. His 40 years of experience with the Urban League began shortly after his graduation with a degree in sociology from Youngstown State University. In addition, he completed the National Urban League Executive Development program at Harvard University and has performed graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Wisconsin. In 2004, under Brother

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Epsilon Lambda Brothers at “Call to Oneness Rally.”

EPSILON LAMBDA St. Louis, MO

St. Louis Brothers Seize Opportunity to Promote Project Alpha Program Epsilon Lambda Chapter President Darryl T. Jones called St. Louis-area Brothers to join a group of 20,000 black men participating in the “Call to Oneness” (CTO) neighborhood march and rally to end violence.

Brother Rev. F. James Clark, pastor of Shalom City of Peace Church there and Executive Director of CTO, served as organizer for the march and rally. Brother Clark called on civic, religious, business and political leaders to parade collectively through St. Louis city streets in the march to end community violence. His vision is to improve the fabric of the St.

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CHAPTER NEWS Louis community. The mission of CTO is to bring together African American males from all walks of life, including professionals, blue-collar workers, the unemployed, the disenfranchised and the forgotten. CTO is a long-term collaborative effort with three key areas: (1) presence; (2) partnership; and (3) programs. The goal is to leverage the resources of many local organizations (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Urban

League of Metropolitan St. Louis; local NAACP; 100 Black Men; and other organizations) to gain strength from numbers. Brother Michael Anderson, Epsilon Lambda’s Project Alpha Coordinator, and Brother John Owens seized the opportunity to promote the Fraternity’s national initiative with the March of Dimes by giving out Project Alpha t-shirts. The program stresses safe sex and the role of responsible men

SOUTHERN REGION

DELTA KAPPA LAMBDA Florence, SC

Delta Kappa Lambda Brothers Present Scholarships to Six H.S. Seniors during Beautillion ’08 Delta Kappa Lambda Chapter Brothers earlier this year sponsored Beautillion ‘08, their annual scholarship event. The program, held in the Richard Chapman Auditorium of the McNair Science Building on the campus of Francis Marion University, employed the theme “Voting Today to Define Tomorrow.” Six young men, high school seniors, were introduced to society and awarded scholarships for their upcoming college education. The participants in Beautillion 2008 were recommended by their high school guidance counselors. Each participant was required to be a high school senior with an academic average of “B” or above; of good character; possessing leadership abilities; and being active in at least one organization. The young men were involved in character development workshops. The workshops included public speaking, resume preparation, time management, grooming and etiquette, interviewing tips and college preparation. The youth who participated in Beautillion 2008 were: Andrew C. Brown of South Florence High School who plans to become a lawyer; Justin S. Brown of Hannah-Pamplico High School who plans to obtain a degree in sports entertainment and event management; William K. Cobia of Darlington High School who plans to obtain a degree in Biology Pre-med; Demetrious A. Cooper of Wilson High School who plans to obtain a degree in architecture; Justin J. Lewis of Johnsonville High School who plans to obtain a graduate degree in business; and Jeffrey

DKL Beautillion ’08 participants pictured (l-r) are Jeffrey Williams, Justin Brown, William Cobia, Justin Lewis, Demetrious Cooper and Andrew Brown.

T. Williams of Lake City High School who plans to become an orthodontist.

Demetrious Cooper was awarded the title of Mr. Beautillion 2008 at the event. Justin Brown and Justin Lewis were co-winners of the Oratorical Contest. Brother William Spears is president of Delta Kappa Lambda Chapter and Brother Dr. Joseph E. Heyward served as chairman for Beautillion ‘08. In recent years, the Chapter has awarded scholarships totaling more than $30,000.00.

FIRST OF ALL, SERVANTS OF ALL, WE SHALL TRANSCEND ALL

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CHAPTER NEWS contribution nationally for March of Babies. This past year, Pi Alpha held a fundraiser involving a week of events to raise money for March for Babies.

Collectively, the Chapter was able to solicit over $2,000. They have increased their goal each year. Their participation in the MLK Commemorative Service activities allows each Chapter Brother to give back to the community through various activities such as a day of service; a school sponsored trip; a poster; essay and oratorical contests for local youth; and a variety of other programs for the campus and community, ranging from Education Olympics to an annual food drive held at a local grocery store. Community Service has been a priority for Pi Alpha Chapter for more than 25 years. With over 200 recorded hours of service to the community during the past year, each member of Pi Alpha takes pride and joy in giving back to those less fortunate.

Pi Alpha Brothers.

PI ALPHA Clemson University Clemson, SC

Pi Alpha Brothers Make Community Service Their Priority Pi Alpha Brothers have performed a number of community service activities to help improve the area. During its Project Alpha presentation, Pi Alpha collaborated with Gamma Gamma Lambda Chapter in Greenville, South Carolina for their program at West Oak Baptist Church in the city.

More than 75 youth, between ages 14 and 17, attended the program, which helped the participants better understand the dangers that arise from sexual promiscuity, drugs and gang involvement. The program also taught the importance of proper hygiene and the significance of education. Pi Alpha Brothers engaged with the youth one-on-one to ensure the experience was beneficial to each person present. Also, as part of the Chapter’s Go-to-High School, Go-to-College program, Pi Alpha Brothers participate every week in an after school program held at Kellet Elementary in Seneca, South Carolina and a tutoring program at New Holy Light Baptist Church, located in Pendleton, South Carolina. Both programs provided a positive outlet for middle school students, a majority of whom are underprivileged and come from single-parent homes. In addition, they take pride in annually hosting their A Voteless People is a Hopeless People program. This year, Pi Alpha held a forum which focused on the candidates in the U.S. Presidential Election. The Chapter sought representatives from each candidate’s party and provided them with an opportunity to tell the public what their candidate stood for. Pi Alpha also set up a display board and provided non-registered students with voter registration forms, enabling more than 50 students to become registered voters. In conjunction with those three national programs, Pi Alpha Chapter also participates in March for Babies; the Adopt-a-Highway program; the annual Clemson University Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service; and numerous other service events throughout the year. In 2007, Pi Alpha made the highest financial contribution in the District of South Carolina; and the second highest financial

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OIL Chapter Beautillion participants.

OMICRON IOTA LAMBDA Columbia, SC

Beautillion Participants Discuss the Importance of the African American Vote Omicron Iota Lambda Brothers held their Annual Beautillion Program this past summer at Seawell’s Banquet Center. The 2008 Beautillion theme was “Building Stronger Character; Building Stronger Men.” Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity General President-elect Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. was guest speaker for the program where ten outstanding high school seniors were presented to society. The young men had been involved in the program since October 2007. The Beautillion program was designed to inspire and stimulate further growth, academic excellence, community service and leadership development. Additionally, the participants met once or twice a month for a seminar conducted on various topics and/or community service events were held. The seminars covered topics such as filling out college applications, teen pregnancy, financial aid and etiquette. Also, each youth was paired with a member of the Chapter who served mentor. The mentors were chosen based on similar interest and/or careers. An oratorical contest was held in March where the participants spoke on the topic “The Importance of the African American Vote in the 2008 Presidential Election.”

Brother Arthur L. Pinckney served as the Beautillion Chairman and Brother Wendell Jumper served as Director of Educational Activities. Wayne Gilbert is the Chapter President.

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CHAPTER NEWS

NU MU LAMBDA Decatur, GA

Mentoring Program Guides Youth Through Post-Secondary Education Nu Mu Lambda Brothers have initiated a mentoring program, entitled Young Men of Excellence, which has 24 youth in the 4th and 5th grades at Panola Way Elementary School in Decatur, Georgia. The program’s objective is to guide the youth through the completion of their post-secondary school careers. As part of the program, the youth participate in a weekly forum that enables them to interact with positive role models from the Nu Mu Lambda Chapter who encourage them to better themselves in and out of the classroom. They are mentored on topics such as conflict resolution, leadership and study skills that they can use in their everyday lives. They have also participated in field trips designed to broaden their horizon and show them culture outside of their own environments. In addition, they work side-by-side with Chapter members during community service projects to that teach them to love and to give back to those less fortunate. The YME program will expand as the stu-

NML Brothers Reynaldo Green, Ramon Rogers and Andre Prospere are pictured with the Young Men of Excellence.

dents go on to middle and high school and the Nu Mu Lambda Brothers will continue mentoring the youth.

SOUTHWESTERN REGION

XI KAPPA LAMBDA Missouri City, TX

Missouri City Chapter Celebrates Silver Anniversary The year 2008 marks an important milestone for Xi Kappa Lambda Chapter.

In grand Alpha fashion, the Chapter celebrated its first 25 years of leadership and service to the Greater Southwest Missouri City and Houston, Texas areas.

The celebration commenced on a Friday with Happy Hour at Grooves Bar and Restaurant in Houston. The following day, the celebration continued with a Louisiana-style barbeque at the home of Brother and Mrs. Jason G. Jones. The 25th Anniversary Black Tie Gala Celebration was held at Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas the following Sunday evening. More than 250 Alpha Brothers and guests were in attendance. Guests and dignitaries included the Honorable Brother Sylvester Turner, State of Texas House Representative–District 139; Brother Dr. Willie J. Edwards, the Fraternity’s Texas District Director; and Honorable Brother Ronald C. Green, Council Member At-Large, City of Houston. Brother Stephen K. Brown, II served as the Master of Ceremonies for the celebratory event. The Fraternity’s Seven Jewels were recognized with the customary lighting of seven candles. Xi Kappa Lambda Brother Jimmy Coleman enlightened guests and Brothers on the historical perspective of the Chapter and Foundation. Guests marveled at the Chapter’s achievements, especially its $30,000 contribution to the MLK National Memorial Project. They were elated to know that for the past 15 years, Xi Kappa Lambda Brothers have awarded over 60 scholarships to stu-

Xi Kappa Lambda Brothers.

dents who have attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities. An inspiring keynote address was delivered by Brother Sylvester Turner. He expounded on how his life has been positively impacted by Alpha Phi Alpha and his obligation to give back to the Fraternity. Brother Turner congratulated Xi Kappa Lambda on 25 years of leadership and the impact it has had on our community. He further challenged the Chapter to reach higher goals within the Fraternity and community in the next 25 years. The gala ended with a most notable toast by Brother Charles Washington who reflected on ideals personified by Alpha Phi Alpha’s Founders over 102 years ago. The glasses of all the gala attendees were raised to receive the toast given, marking the Chapter’s achievements and successes.

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CHAPTER NEWS

Brother Frank Breedlove is sworn in as Rotary Club President.

Picnic Weekend, in conjunction with the African American Museum of Dallas “Music Under the Dome” event. Both events included a Voters’ Registration Drive, which involved Greek fraternities and sororities from at least five different states. Later during the month, ASL partnered with the Texas Council of Alpha Chapters in holding a mentor drive for Big Brothers Big Sisters and to host a Centennial Reception for the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Finally, the Brothers gave out new and slightly used clothing to the elderly male residents of the South Dallas Nursing Home during its yearly Father’s Day event. All of the events were successful and helped to build on the legacy of Alpha throughout the state of Texas and the Region. Also, ASL held its Annual Project Alpha event in October at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Dallas. The U.T. Southwest Medical Center of Dallas, Texas sponsored the keynote speaker and the U.S. Military provided gift bags for each participant. ASL Brothers provided mentorship, camaraderie and refreshments during the event. Following the program, Brothers challenged the participants to a game of full court basketball where they out scored the young men, with a winning score of 29 to 27.

ALPHA SIGMA LAMBDA Dallas, TX

ASL Brother Blazes Trail as Newly Elected Rotary Club President Alpha Sigma Lambda Brother Frank Breedlove blazed a new trail by being the first African American installed president of the Rotary Club of Dallas, Texas. He was installed on June 25, 2008 as the organization’s 98th president. Brother Breedlove and his wife, Rotary Club First Lady Dr. Donnie Breedlove, have been Rotarians for 29 and 20 years, respectively. Mr. Paul Harris founded Rotary International in 1905 in Chicago, Illinois. Rotary International now has 1.2 million members in 32,000 clubs in 200 countries throughout the world. The objective of the Rotary is to encourage and to foster the ideal of “Service” as a basis of worthy enterprise. Service above self is the motto. One of Brother Breedlove’s goals for the Rotary Club of Dallas is to increase the club’s membership and diversity. In addition, the month of June was filled with partnerships and events for ASL. The Chapter kicked off the month with its first Dallas Greek

Xi Tau Lambda Brothers are pictured following a Barbershop Recruitment Initiative.

XI TAU LAMBDA North Dallas, TX

Xi Tau Lambda Answers Call to Community Service

ASL Brothers and Project Alpha participants are pictured following basketball game.

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Xi Tau Lambda Chapter has taken the call for Alpha mentors to heart with more than 40 percent of their active members now serving as “Bigs” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Chapter Brother Dale Long serves as National Big Brothers Big Sisters Coordinator; Brothers sit on three area BBBS Boards—in Collin County, Dallas County and Denton County; and the Chapter participates in the local Bowl for Kids Sake fundraising event every year and this year raised over $1,200. Also, Xi Tau Lambda Brothers started their Barbershop Recruitment Initiative in 2005 at three Dallas-area barbershops. The effort, which continues to grow each year, has been responsible for the recruitment of 95 new Bigs. In October, the initiative was extended to five barbershops in the cities of Plano, Dallas, Lewisville and Ft Worth. Three Chapters participated in the initiative—Xi Tau Lambda, Eta Epsilon and Beta Tau Lambda. The Barbershop Recruitment Imitative resulted in an article in

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CHAPTER NEWS the Dallas Morning News and feature segments and interviews on two local television stations. Xi Tau Lambda Brothers have taken recruitment and support of BBBS to their jobs as well. Brother Undrea Allen led an initiative at Frito-Lay, Inc. to raise over $25,000 for Bowl for Kids Sake with an August PepsiCo only Bowl for Kids Sake Event. In addition, Brother Allen has partnered with his company’s Black Professionals Association to lead several internal recruitment events. Brother Joel Winful has partnered with the JL Turner Legal Society to lead an internal recruitment effort. Brother Dale Long has partnered with the Hamilton Park United Methodist Church to lead an internal recruitment effort. Also, during the NBA Playoffs, the Chapter partnered with the local BBBS agency to sponsor an NBA Playoffs Recruitment Party, which yielded 15 new Bigs. The efforts have resulted in Xi Tau Lambda Chapter being named North Texas Recruitment Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year; Chapter Brother Vince Jackson being named North Texas School-Based Big Brother of the Year; Chapter Brother Dale Long being named National Big Brother Big Sisters Board Member of the Year.

TAU TAU

Texas Lutheran University Seguin, TX

Texas Lutheran University Brothers Take Leadership Role in Local U.S. Presidential Election Process Tau Tau Brothers have taken the Chapter’s A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People campaign to a new level. After voicing the need for students, faculty and staff at Texas Lutheran University to become involved in the historic election

campaign, they voted and then returned to their precincts to lend support.

Also, during the primary election process, two of Tau Tau’s Brothers were selected as delegates for their precinct and the County Convention where they took leadership roles. One elderly gentleman there, after observing the Tau Tau Brothers, asked if they were part of an organization—to which the Brothers responded that they were a part of Alpha Phi Alpha. The elderly gentleman in turn stated: “I knew it.”

PI THETA LAMBDA / DELTA RHO LAMBDA San Antonio, TX

San Antonio Chapters Encourage Political Awareness during U.S. Presidential Campaign Pi Theta Lambda and Delta Rho Lambda Brothers have taken political action and awareness steps by voting in the historic primary and general elections for the U.S. President and encouraging others to be aware of the issues and to attend Presidential candidate forums. Brother William Johnson, Sr. serves as the Chair for the Fraternity’s Political Action Committee and keeps Brothers informed about local and national political activities. This year, he and other Brothers were responsible for raising awareness about what came to be known as the “Texas Two Step” and the significance of voting and caucusing for the respective Presidential candidates. In addition, Brothers from both Pi Theta Lambda and Delta Rho Lambda Chapters joined as One Alpha and sent out reminders about Presidential forums in San Antonio. In addition, the Brothers brought their wives, children and in some cases grandchildren to the forums.

WESTERN REGION

THETA PI LAMBDA Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas Chapter has Winning Fraternal Year Theta Pi Lambda Brothers closed the 2007-2008 fraternal year with a number of successful events and activities. In April 2008, more than 30 Chapter members and youth participants walked in the March of Dimes’ March for Babies event and made significant financial contributions to the cause.

Following the event, Brothers fellowshipped on the UNLV campus and networked with local vendors, discussing possible future collaborations.

Capitalizing on five weeks of basketball practice, the TPL Brothers fielded its first team for the Black Greek Basketball Challenge in May 2008. The team was coached by Brother Floyd Scotton; and several inactive TPL Brothers were reclaimed during the season. Reclamation was a major initiative for Theta Pi Lambda during the month of May. The Chapter held a Memorial Day weekend reclamation barbecue at Centennial Hills Park, which drew dozens of Alpha Brothers from around the valley. Later that evening, the Chapter held

Theta Pi Lambda Brothers.

a mixer at a local resort where Brothers again were able to socialize.

Brothers Colin Seale, Vontoba Terry, Jason Beasley, Julius Davis and Troy

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CHAPTER NEWS Thomas were instrumental in making the events successful. The contact information compiled during the events will be used to increase membership and involvement in Chapter activities. In addition, the Chapter utilized the summer break to plan for a successful 2008-2009 fraternal year where they will hold their first bowling team competing in the Big Brothers Big Sisters “Bowl for Kids Sake” and A Voteless People is a Hopeless People campaign.

OMICRON TAU

ETA PI LAMBDA

Omicron Tau Brothers held the Chapter’s “50 Black Men” program in October as part of their Alpha Week celebration. The 50 Black Men program was designed to create a connection amongst African American men on the predominately white University of Northern Colorado campus. Concerning campus interaction, Chapter President and senior student Adrian Green said, “There would be as many as ten black men in your major and you would only know the names of two or three of them, which is completely unacceptable.”

The program’s goal was to get 50 black men together in the same room— something that has never happened on the school’s campus—and to network, get to know one another, and have discussions. The program attracted 32 African American male students, which was short of the intended goal; however, the overall success was more than Omicron Tau Brothers expected. After everyone had arrived and had eaten, the participants were asked to introduce themselves to at least two other men who they did not know. After about ten minutes of talking with each other, the men were asked to introduce one of the other men present, whom they had not known. The Chapter then showed a YouTube video entitled, “Obama vs. Curtis”, which is a ten minute video about black men being classified as falling under two categories—being like Barack Obama and or 50 Cent. The short film sparked a dynamic discussion that lasted for about two hours. OT Brothers were able to create an environment that established a bond between the men. At the conclusion of the scheduled time for the event, the participants continued dialoguing and the next day there was nothing but exemplary comments from those who attended and from others who heard about the program. OT Brothers plan to continue the program and expand it with programs such as their “100 Men of Color” and “50 Black Men & 50 Black Women” offerings. The program filled a void that is desperately needed by African American men in Boulder.

Pasadena, CA

EPL Brothers Take Project Alpha to Largest At-Risk Population in California Under the leadership of Brother Grant Doster, Project Alpha Chair for Eta Pi Lambda, Chapter Brothers visited the Boys Republic in Chino Hills—one of the largest group homes for at-risk male youths in the state of California. More than 80 percent of the male population are men of color. EPL Chapter makes a special effort to educate and support the young men—who are just one step away from the state penal system. Eta Pi Lambda Brothers have made a special effort to direct their Project Alpha efforts away from the traditional target groups and to expose inner-city at-risk youth to the educational workshops. During the Chapter’s most recent Project Alpha presentation, they mentored and educated more than 115 young men of color. Also, in the spirit of Brother Charles H. Wesley, EPL Brothers worked in collaboration with the Iota Psi Chapter to assure that the inner-city youth had young mentors close to their own age. The activities presented during the visit included educational workshops, interactive discussions, great food and a joint Alumni-College Brother step presentation. In addition, Eta Pi Lambda has teamed up with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services—the world’s largest group home and foster care network—in its provision of community services. The partnership is recognized as a huge step forward for the county because a reported 60 percent of the Department’s caseload ends up in the penal system. Through the efforts of Eta Pi Lambda and Iota Psi Chapters perhaps they have helped to build and possibly save the lives of these young men of color.

University of Northern Colorado Boulder, CO

Omicron Tau Brothers Open Lines of Communication for African American Men in Boulder

ESPRIT DE FRATERNITE An Alpha Phi Alpha man’s attitude should not be: “How much can I derive from the Fraternity?” but “How much can I do for the Fraternity?” In proportion to what he does for his chapter and for Alpha Phi Alpha, will a member receive lasting benefit from the Fraternity to himself in the way of self development by duty well done and by the respect of Brothers well served.

A member’s duties should be: 1. Prompt payment of all financial obligations, the prime requisite of successful fraternal life; 2. The doing of good scholastic work in his chosen vocation, thereby accomplishing the real end of a college course; 3. The reasonable endeavor to participate in general college activities and social service and to excel therein; 4. The proper consideration of all things with appropriate attention to the high moral standard of Alpha Phi Alpha.

— Charles H. Garvin Fourth General President 1912-1914

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FRATERNITY’S FIRST CAUCASIAN BROTHER LEAVES LEGACY AFTER FOUR-DECADE CAREER AT USC

B

rother Bernard Levin, a prosthodontics pioneer who taught at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry for more than 40 years and who was the first Caucasian Brother inducted into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, entered Omega Chapter on May 28, 2008. He was age 84.

Brother Levin was a 1947 graduate of the University of Illinois School of Dentistry and practiced in Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Interested in specializing, he went to the USC School of Dentistry in 1962 to enroll in Frank Lott’s two-year program in prosthodontics.

Following graduation, he returned to his practice in New Mexico but his stay there was brief. In early 1966, he received an unexpected call from the dean at USC, stating that Frank Lott was preparing to retire and inquiring if Brother Levin would be interested in returning to USC to teach. Brother Levin said, “Yes,” and fol-

lowed in his mentor’s footsteps as chair of Removable Prosthodontics, which took him through a remarkable four-decade educational journey that helped shape the lives and professional careers of countless students and faculty.

As a member of the faculty, Brother Levin thrived on helping develop and improve techniques for dentures and other dental prosthetics. He published three books, four teaching manuals and more than 50 articles. He won numerous teaching awards. In 1997, the restorative dentistry faculty created the Bernard Levin Removable Prosthodontics Award in his honor. The award is given to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in partial and complete removable prosthodontics. He retired from full-time teaching in 1997 but stayed on part time through 2007.

Brother Levin was a 22-year-old Chicagoan studying dentistry at the University of Illinois when he was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity through Theta Chapter in 1946. The history-making initiation marked the first time that a white member was initiated into any of America’s black Greek-letter organizations.

However, the initiation of Brother Levin into Alpha Phi Alpha was no smooth procedure. First a change in the national Constitution had to be made. This was accomplished at the Fraternity’s National Convention held the prior December in Chicago when delegates voted to remove the word “Negro” from the clause defining eligibility. Prior to his initiation, Brother Levin had done wide reading on the racial problem in America and had formed strong convictions. He believed the racial problem could only be solved through a “close association between white people and Negro people, particularly on the social plane.”

Brother Levin is survived by his wife Kinuyo Levin, two children and two grandchildren.

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General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. PHOTO BY JEFF LEWIS

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Editor’s Note: Thirty-second General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. delivered the following 2008 State of the Fraternity Address at the organization’s 102nd Anniversary Convention, held in Kansas City, Missouri.

The address, which was edited for publication, was delivered on July 19, 2008.

BUILDING ON THE LEGACY OF THOSE WHO PRECEDED SALUTATION

M

y Dear Brothers, I always am overwhelmed at the enthusiasm with which you greet your General President. I always feel the love and the brotherhood for which this Fraternity is known. Thank you for your continuous support of me and of your Fraternity.

If we look at our world right now—it appears that the problems we see overshadow the good things in life. The nation is in an economic crisis. The costs of everyday necessities have skyrocketed with no sign of going back down. Violence is pervasive. The fear and reality of war abroad and at home looms. The loss of life in Iraq and Afghanistan continues to grow. Our belief in leadership in our governments is eroding and we fear for the future of those best described as “the least of these.”

But I am told that “joy comes in the morning…” I am also told about a group of men who know what it is like to endure hard times. I’ve been told these men are equal to the task. That they fear not when times are bad, but instead, embrace the moment and steady themselves for challenges—no matter what they are and how they come.

I am told that this group of men represents the best that the nation has to offer. That they are college educated. That they contribute to their communities, their time and their talents and their gifts. That they have a love for mankind and have pledged to be of service—wherever and whenever it is required. That they have a firm and abiding belief that if they stick together they can weather any storm. I am told that when things get hot, these men get cold— Ice Cold!

Further, I am told that these men have a history that extends way back—some 102 years. I am told that these men have two favorite colors—both of them rich in hue—black and old gold.

That when I say “ONE…NINE!” they say “OHHHHH…SIX!” There must be some Alphas in the room!

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA BRAND My Brothers, it becomes my task at this moment to inform you of the State of the Fraternity. In the very beginning of my administration, one of the things that I said would be a hallmark of my administration would be what I call “transparency”. I pledged to demystify the workings of the Fraternity and its national headquarters.

In keeping with that thought, I have to be honest with you and say that there are two pictures of Alpha Phi Alpha. One of them is framed in the reality of the day—that we, like every other organization in America, are operating in some tough times. Times are tough economically. I think you would be hard pressed to find a non-profit organization that has not witnessed that reality.

At the same time, our picture is framed with more good news than most organizations. We have experienced some incredible moments amid some difficult times.

The synopsis of it all is that you should be assured that we are a solid, well-run organization that enjoys a positive reputation from the halls of government to the neighborhood streets. From the elementary schools to the Ivy League, from the storefront churches to the greatest cathedrals in our land, Alpha Phi Alpha maintains an image and a brand second to none.

Let me say that again—“Alpha Phi Alpha maintains an image and a brand second to none.”

But now a word of caution—for us to maintain that reputation we have to continue to adhere to sound policies based on the fundamentals of good practice for any business. I had a Brother ask me: “Are we a Fraternity or a business?” The answer to his question is that we are a Fraternity that is a business.

As many of you know when I took the helm of Alpha, I was determined to establish a workable plan for the future of this organization. The leadership met for some days and developed a strategic plan—the structure of which we have been following and will enhance. The cornerstone of this plan is our mission statement: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

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 national office and our paid public relations firm.

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 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.

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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.

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

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“” I am told that this group of men represents the best that the nation has to offer.

That they are college educated. That they contribute to their communities,

their time and their talents and their gifts. That they have a love for mankind and have pledged to be of service—wherever and whenever it is required.

That they have a firm and abiding belief that if they stick together they can weather any storm.

I am told that when things get hot, these men get cold—Ice Cold!

GENERAL PRESIDENT DARRYL R. MATTHEWS, SR.

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 mentor and Wells Fargo will make sure the interns have an executive company mentor. This internship is open to all majors where students

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have a 2.5 grade point average and above. The program is designed to be replicated across the country. Initially the agreement has a five year commitment, running through the year 2012. If we find another corporate partner willing to participate in this program at the same level, Wells Fargo Financial will invest an additional $25,000 to help grow the program. We need to aggressively seek additional corporate partners. More partnerships equates to more internships and more revenue.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF AMERICA: Brothers, you have heard me continuously convey the urgency of answering the call to service by becoming mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. You have seen and visited their booths and kiosks at our regional and national conventions. You have read articles, received emails and phone calls, and viewed TV commercials during the Super Bowl or during March Madness asking you to become Big Brothers. You have been bombarded with appeals from your leadership.

During my State of the Fraternity Address at our Centennial Convention, I invited 10,000 Alpha men to stand up and enroll as Big Brothers. There were a number of you who heard the call— and who answered the call—in our enduring crusade to touch and influence the lives of young people. Many of these youngsters are facing a dismal abyss and have to make a choice between the contentious forces that are fighting for their very souls.

There is an expression that is used by today’s youth. It is “Man Up”. The definition, according to urbandictionary.com, is: “to fulfill your responsibilities as a man, to work through impediments and obstacles without whining”.

There are young people in our community who are waiting for Alpha men to be Alpha men—To Stand Up, Man Up and then Follow Up! That’s what Alpha men do. That’s what leaders do.

The goal of recruiting 10,000 Alpha Brothers has not yet been met. We are not there Brothers but we are well on our way. There has been a definite boost in both enrollment and services rendered

by Alpha men.

Many more have come forward but we still need more Brothers to stand up. I’ll tell you some success stories in a minute.

Some of you who are part time Alpha men—those of you who claim to be Alpha men when it is convenient—chose to challenge the legitimacy of the mandate. Some of you said it was “ridiculous to set a goal that high. The goal never should have been set that high.”

I say to you that leaders Stand Up, Man Up and then they Follow Up! Visionary leaders set big, hairy, audacious goals. It’s called vision, a quality that all Alpha men should possess, especially anyone who desires to be become a leader in this great

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Fraternity. Leadership is about setting goals—big goals and then attaining those goals.

Hundreds of Brothers have responded to my summons in significant ways. For example, 100 percent of the Brothers in Beta Gamma Chapter at Virginia State University are mentoring as Big Brothers. Eta Epsilon Chapter at the University of North Texas has 80 percent of its Chapter matched with a Little; and Brother Robert Daniels, a graduating senior and a registered Big Brother, was recently hired as an on campus recruiter. They have founded an organization on campus to recruit other students.

NFL player and San Diego Charger Brother Roman Oben is making such an impact mentoring as a Big Brother, a donor and an advocate that he was designated The Big Man of the Year for the San Diego BBBS affiliate. That’s what Alpha men do!

I defy you to show me any man in this room that can’t commit just four hours a month to make a difference in a child’s life.

We must Stand Up, Man Up and then Follow Up! When people see us they say: “There goes an Alpha man.” Our brand implies: “There goes a man to help uplift the lives of wholesome youth.”

MARCH OF DIMES: You know about our partnership with the March of Dimes – Walk for Babies initiative, formerly known as WalkAmerica. That’s how we raise the money that funds our Project Alpha programs. During the years 2001-2004, we annually raised an average of $74,000 nationally for WalkAmerica.

In 2004, our best year over that four-year period, Alpha Phi Alpha raised $89,125. We didn’t have a goal. We told Brothers to “Just do it.”

In 2005, my first year as General President, I met with the Brothers who made up our MOD team at the March of Dimes headquarters in White Plains, New York. We attended a two-day volunteer training. At that time, I set a goal of $200,000. It was a stretch but I knew we were capable of doing much better than we had previously.

Once again the part time Alphas started saying it was “ridiculous to set a goal that high. That goal never should have been set that high”.

That year we raised $134,754. We were shy of our goal— never-the-less it was a significant increase over our previous efforts.

In 2006, we achieved an all time high of $181,105, yet 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.”

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“” 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 national headquarters.

GENERAL PRESIDENT DARRYL R. MATTHEWS, SR.

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 national 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.

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102 ND A NNIVERSARY

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11 1 (L-r) Fraternity Executive Directors Ralph Johnson, Zollie Stevenson, Willard Hall, Greg Phillips, Seaton White and Hebrew Dixon display their newly designed Executive Director pins.

2 G.P. Darryl Matthews arrives before presenting State of Fraternity Address.

3 Miss Black and Gold Rivonne Collins (center) is pictured with contestants from the Fraternity’s four other regions.

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12 4 (L-r) Brothers Kevin Powell, Randal Pinkett, Ms. Soledad O’Brien, Brother Darryl Matthews and Mr. Mike B. Rollen participated in a panel discussion following the Convention screening of CNN Presents: Black in America.

5 Baltimore television station anchor Brother Vic Carter moderated the A Hopeless People is a Hopeless People Town Hall Forum.

6 Congressman Brother Bobby Scott appears at special reception in his honor during Convention.

7 BBBS President and CEO Judy Vredenburgh brought greetings during the Public Program.

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CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

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14 8 Brother Jonathan White comments from floor during business session.

9 College Brothers talk with students during Convention Project Alpha presentation.

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13 Southwest Region Scholarship Bowl team confers about question during final competition. The Southwest Region team finished second to the Southern Region in the contestx.

10 (L-r) Past General Presidents Ozell Sutton and Henry Ponder salute outgoing G.P. Darryl Matthews.

14 March of Dimes COO Jane Massey made comments at the Public Program.

11 Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest Winner Osai Robinson displays award.

15 Midwestern Region’s Rivonne Collins is crowned 2008-09 National Miss Black & Gold.

12 Innovative steps and choreography were presented at the 2008 Step Show Competition.

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102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION ATTRACTS OVER 5,000 PARTICIPANTS; GENERATES NEARLY $5 MILLION FOR KANSAS CITY ECONOMY Ballots Tallied; Skip Mason Elected as General President Convention Photos by Jeff Lewis and Rickey Brown

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lpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s 102nd Anniversary/88th General Convention—themed Developing Leaders for Service and Advocacy— was held July 17-21, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Fraternity hosted the five-day event at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown and the Kansas City Convention Center.

The Convention attracted more than 5,000 participants— with more than 15,000 people passing through the venues. The Convention’s economic impact on Kansas City and the metropolitan area was nearly $5 million.

Ballots for the 2008 General Presidential campaign were tallied at the Convention and Brother Herman “Skip” Mason was announced as the 33rd General President-elect. Brother Mason’s term of office will run from January 2009 through December 2012. Skip Mason is Chairman of the Fraternity’s Historical Commission and former president of Eta Lambda Chapter in Atlanta. He serves as the Interim Vice President of Student Services at Morehouse College and lives in Ellenwood, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, with his wife and three children.

Participants and award recipients at the 2008 Convention included Brothers Dr. Randal Pinkett, season four winner of

CNN’s Soledad O’Brien (c) is pictured with General Presidents (l-r) Adrian Wallace, Milton Davis, Ozell Sutton, Harry Johnson, Darryl Matthews, Charles Teamer, James Williams and Henry Ponder.

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Alpha First Ladies and General Presidential guests pictured are: (seated l-r) Eunice Ponder and Jewell Cardwell; (standing l-r) Joanna Sutton, Allison Matthews and Karen Johnson.

102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION NBC’s The Apprentice; Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA); Honorary Convention Chair Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (DMO); congressional candidate Kevin Powell; and CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien.

The Convention featured several major community service initiatives, focusing on national and local issues and addressing some of today’s most relevant issues for African Americans, as well as some of the most controversial topics of the day. Issues addressed included politics and voting, fair housing policies, banned use of the N-word, efforts to raise money and awareness for the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C., and health issues pertinent to the African American community. Numerous workshops and business sessions also were held.

Housing Development Mini-Conference Linking Alpha Phi Alpha to its housing legacy, the Convention kicked off on Thursday, July 17 with a Housing Development Mini-Conference to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Kim Kendrick, Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development delivered the keynote address for the Mini-Conference, which focused on community and housing development.

Alpha Phi Alpha has long been a voice for fair housing in the U.S. and in 1968, Fraternity Brother Senator Edward W. Brooke coauthored the Fair Housing Act, which President Johnson signed into law a week after the assassination of Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dissatisfied with the weakened enforcement provisions that emerged from the legislative process, Brother Brooke pushed for stronger provisions during his Senate career. In 1969, Congress

Alpha Award of Honor recipient Soledad O’Brien (2nd left) appears with Alpha’s First Family (from left) Darryl, Jr.; Allison; Darryl, Sr.; and Blake Matthews.

enacted the “Brooke Amendment” to the federal publicly-assisted housing program which limited the tenants’ out-of-pocket rent expenditure to 25 percent of their income.

Health Fair and C2C The Convention Health Fair and College Life to Corporate Life (C2C) Career Fair opened the following morning, Friday, July 18, at the Kansas City Convention Center.

Through the Health and Wellness Committee, the Fraternity presented health awareness, education, advocacy, networking and mentoring seminars and opportunities to Alpha Brothers and the community. The Health Fair helped expound on the Fraternity’s health initiatives, which are being realized through partnerships with national organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the National Kidney Disease Education Program Family Reunion Initiative, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on HIV/AIDS Policy.

Meanwhile, college Brothers, along with young and seasoned professionals armed with resumes began meeting with corporations, organizations and agencies seeking bright candidates for their businesses.

Town Hall Forums Various Town Hall Forums were held during the Convention to address the topics of Intake and voting. The Fraternity hosted its A Voteless People is a Hopeless People Town Hall Forum at 10 a.m. Friday, July 18 in the Kansas City Convention Center where a variety of political issues, such as voter education, voter registration and basic civic participation were discussed. Baltimore

Brothers listen to State of Fraternity Address.

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102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION television news anchor Brother Vic Carter served as the forum’s moderator. Congressional candidate Brother Kevin Powell, Brother Michael A. Blake and Mr. David Hardwick served as panelists. The A Voteless People is a Hopeless People campaign originated as a Fraternity national initiative in the 1930s when African Americans had the right to vote but many were prevented from doing so.

Education Foundation Luncheon Also on Friday, July 18 the Education Foundation hosted its luncheon where the Fraternity’s 2008 scholarship recipients and Distinguished Collegians were recognized and initiatives, which the Foundation plans to launch, were announced. The attendance of College Brothers was especially encouraged at the luncheon and Alumni Brothers were asked to attend and/or donate tickets to the younger Brothers. A portion of the $60 tickets were tax deductible and proceeds from the event benefited the Education Foundation and its scholarship program.

Ladies Fashion Show/Step Competition The Ladies Fashion Show and Luncheon was held at noon Friday, July 18 in the Imperial Ballroom of the Kansas City Marriott Muehlebach Tower. Other ladies activities included Ladies Seminars—with a special Line-Dancing demonstration; Ladies Wine Tasting; Ladies shopping; and Ladies City Tour and Lunch. A variety of children’s activities also were available.

College Brothers displayed the latest steps at the Step Show and After Party, held Friday evening, July 18 in the Grand Ballroom at the Kansas City Convention Center. Alpha Phi Chapter at Clark Atlanta University in the Southern Region took first place honors in

this year’s competition. Second place went to Epsilon Chi Chapter at the University of Kentucky in the Midwestern Region.

Oratorical Contest/Scholars Bowl/Pageant The College Brothers Luncheon & Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest was held midday Saturday, July 19. On the heels of the Fraternity’s announced stance on use of the N-word, participants in the competition addressed the controversial topic during the annual Belford V. Lawson National Oratorical Contest, which is named in honor of the organization’s 16th General President.

College Brothers representing each of the Fraternity’s five regions tackled the important question: “Is the N-word really buried?” Osai Robinson of Theta Tau Chapter, Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, Midwestern Region, won the competition with his insightful and electrifying address.

On Saturday evening, July 19 the finalists from schools in the Fraternity’s five regions competed in the Collegiate Scholars Bowl Finals. As usual, all of the college Brothers displayed remarkable intellect but in the end the team from Clark Atlanta University in the Southern Region prevailed as the winner of the 2008 competition.

Later that evening, Ms. Rivonne Collins, representing Zeta Delta Chapter at Michigan State University in Lansing, Midwestern Region, was crowned the 2008-09 National Miss Black & Gold after competing with ladies from schools in the Fraternity’s four other regions. Ms. Collins, a music education/voice major at Michigan State showed off her beautiful soprano voice while competing for the title. Ms. Courtney McCellan, who represented Gamma Iota Chapter at Hampton University in the Eastern Region was named as the 1st Runner-up in the pageant.

Life Membership Luncheon speaker Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (left) receives Centennial Book of Essays and Letters from Brother Matthews.

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Ecumenical Worship Service Preacher Brother Wallace S. Hartsfield.

102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION Ecumenical Worship Service Alpha Brothers, wives and guests filled the Kansas City Convention Grand Ballroom Sunday morning, July 20 for the Ecumenical Worship Service. Rev. Brother Wallace S. Hartsfield, pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Kansas City was the Ecumenical Service keynote speaker. Brother Hartsfield is vice president-at-large and chairman of the Economic Development Commission of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. He also is a board member and past chairman of The Congress of National Black Churches and serves as chairman of the Congress’ Economic Development Program. Brother Hartsfield also served on the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and minor degrees in religion and psychology from Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia. He also holds a Bachelor and Master of Divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta.

Public Program

G.P. Darryl Matthews addresses the Ladies Fashion Show Luncheon.

Brothers marched in academic regalia at the start of the Public Program.

The 102nd Anniversary Convention Public Program, held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 20 began with a processional of Brothers marching in academic regalia. This year’s Public Program recognized nearly 20 African American male high school students in the greater Kansas City area for outstanding achievement and community participation. The honorees received a certificate of academic achievement and their names were printed in the Public Program booklet. Also, all Brothers who received degrees within the past year were acknowledged collectively during the program.

Brother Dr. Randal Pinkett delivered the keynote address at the Public Program, using the topic: “Everyone Leaves a Legacy: Is Success

Brother William T. McDaniel, Jr. directs the Public Program orchestra.

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102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION BROTHER SKIP MASON ELECTED 33RD GENERAL PRESIDENT AT 2008 CONVENTION IN KANSAS CITY

By Rick Blalock

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t the Fraternity’s 102nd Anniversary tion of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Convention, held July 17-21, 2008 Memorial. The Fraternity has spearheadin Kansas City, Missouri, the eleced the memorial project to honor Brother tion of Reverend Brother Herman “Skip” Dr. King.

Mason, Jr. as the organization’s General Brother Skip Mason—who was President was announced. named National Alumni Brother of the Brother Mason officially becomes Year in 1989 and is past president of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s 33rd General Atlanta’s Eta Lambda Chapter—was electPresident when he takes the oath of office ed for a four-year term. He succeeds the weekend of January 23-25, 2009. The General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. Inaugural Celebration for Brother Mason Initiated into the Fraternity in 1982 will take place at downtown Atlanta’s while at Morris Brown College, Brother Marriott Marquis Hotel and on the campus Mason received his Bachelor’s degree of Morehouse College. Former U.S. from Morris Brown and holds a Master of Ambassador to the United Nations Brother Arts degree in Library and Information Andrew Young; Atlanta Mayor Shirley Science from Clark Atlanta University. He Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. Franklin; Retired U.S. Justice Department is Interim Vice President of Student Community Relations Director and 26th Services at Morehouse College. He also is General President Ozell Sutton; and Congressman Brother a noted historian, author and documentary producer. Brother David Scott are honorary co-chairs of the Inaugural. Vice Mason was nominated for the office of General President at the President of the United Negro College Fund Brother Maurice Fraternity’s Orlando Convention in August 2007, along with Jenkins was appointed chairman of the Inaugural Celebration.

Brother Darryl Peal of Columbus, Ohio.

“Alpha Phi Alpha has always led on the great issues of the Brother Mason is married to Harmel Codi Mason. They are day—in America and around the world,” Brother Mason said the parents of three children and reside in Ellenwood, Georgia, after release of the election results. “My election as General just outside of Atlanta.

President will provide a unique opportunity to further that part Brother Rick Blalock is a news anchor for CBS Radio, book of our work and I look forward to the challenge.” author and regular contributor to The Daily Voice and the In 2010, Brother Mason will lead a delegation of thouAtlanta Tribune newspapers sands of Alpha members to Washington, D.C. for the dedica-

the Standard, or is Greatness the Goal?” Brother Pinkett stated, “To me, success reflects what you accomplish for yourself, whereas greatness reflects what you accomplish for others. Success is making a difference in your life; while greatness is making a difference in other lives.”

During the Public Program, CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien was presented with the Alpha Award of Honor—the highest recognition bestowed upon a non-member—

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for her tremendous work in covering issues affecting the African American community.

In accepting the honor, Ms. O'Brien said, “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for bestowing this award upon me during this year’s Convention. Being a part of the advanced “Black in America” screening was as rewarding as it was enlightening. Seeing the

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102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION

Brother Dr. Randal Pinkett was a panelist for the CNN Presents: Black in America discussion and delivered the Public Program’s keynote address.

G.P. Darryl Matthews greets G.P.-elect Herman “Skip” Mason.

audience’s reaction to the film and absorbing the panel discussion afterward was incredibly meaningful for me—and further reinforced my belief that the dialogue on race must continue in order for there to be progress.”

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, along with local Radio One Station, Magic 107.3 FM, hosted a special screening of the highly anticipated series, “CNN Presents: Black in America,” that is reported by Ms. O'Brien. The Fraternity was the only African American Greek-letter organization to host a special viewing of the year-long investigation on the current state of black Americans, revealing the successes and setbacks of the community. The Fraternity held a post-screening panel discussion featuring General President Matthews, Soledad O’Brien, Randal Pinkett, Kevin Powell, and radio personality Mike B. Rollen.

Brothers Dr. Joseph Heyward and Dr. Sylvester Shannon received the Alpha Award of Merit, the highest recognition bestowed upon an Alpha Brother, during the Public Program.

Brothers Heyward and Shannon have served the Fraternity in various official capacities for several decades.

Former Lincoln University professor Dr. Thomas D. Pawley III was recognized with an award at the Public Program after having earlier been named Historian Emeritus. Dr. Pawley, who taught at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri for nearly five decades, served as National Historian for the Fraternity from 1993 to 1996. As National Historian, he published numerous essays in The Sphinx. He also developed a study guide for aspirants to review the Fraternity’s history and wrote and narrated a 30-minute video lecture that explained the origin and early development of the Fraternity.

Former General President James R. Williams (right) administers Oath of Office to incoming Western Region VP and five Regional AVPs.

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102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION THE ALPHA AWARDS OF MERIT AND HONOR The Alpha Award of Merit is the Fraternity’s highest award bestowed upon a member and the Alpha Award of Honor is the highest award given to a non-member of the organization

various other chapter, district and regional capacities and was instrumental in chartering Kappa Chi Chapter at Francis Marion University. He was initiated into the Fraternity through Gamma Iota Chapter while a student at Hampton University and later joined Delta Kappa Lambda Chapter in Florence, SC where he has been an active member since 1967. Professionally, Brother Heyward has taught mathematics and physics and served as assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent for the Florence, SC School District. He retired from Francis Marion University as Senior Vice President for Student Affairs in June 2006 after having served there in several positions, including Interim Provost and Director of the University Center.

Dr. Joseph E. Heyward

Sylvester Lorenzo Shannon, Ph.D.

Alpha Award of Merit Recipient

Alpha Award of Merit Recipient

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n the Fraternity’s national level, Brother Joseph Heyward served as part of the Constitution Committee during the administration of 25th General President James R. Williams; chaired the Publications Committee during the administration of 26th General President Ozell Sutton; and was appointed as Administrative Assistant to the General President by 27th General President Charles C. Teamer, Sr. He has held that position for 28th General President Henry Ponder, 29th General President Milton C. Davis, 30th General President Adrian Wallace, 31st General President Harry E. Johnson, Sr. and 32nd General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. Brother Heyward has served in

Brother Pawley was presented with the Alpha Award of Merit at the organization’s 90th Anniversary Convention in New Orleans in 1996. For the Centennial Convention, held July 2006 in Washington, D.C., Dr. Pawley wrote the words for “Hymn to the Founders,” which encapsulated the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha as part of the legacy of the African American struggle for freedom.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s corporate partner organizations were represented by Big Brothers Big Sisters President and CEO Judy Vredenburgh and March of Dimes COO Jane

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or over 55 years, Brother Shannon has served Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at the chapter, district, regional and national levels. He was initiated into the Fraternity through Beta Nu Chapter at Florida A&M University in 1952 and became involved on the Fraternity’s national level during the administration of General President A. Maceo Smith. In 1979, Eastern Region Vice President Gray Gilliam and General President James R. Williams invited Brother Shannon to serve as Fraternity Chaplain. He has lifted our spirits through prayers and inspirational meditations ever since. When Brother Shannon graduated from Divinity School in 1966, he was equipped and ready to serve. He entered the U.S.

Massey who brought comments at the Public Program.

Project Alpha Project Alpha was held at 8 a.m. Monday, July 21 at a local school. Nearly 50 children from the Afrikan Centered Education Collegiums Campus attended the Project Alpha service initiative. A collaborative effort between the March of Dimes Foundation and the Fraternity, the youth-oriented initiative was designed to increase knowledge about teenage sex and pregnancy among young males.

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102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION

Soledad O’Brien

Army Chaplain Service, serving from 1966-1981, retiring with the rank of colonel. He was the first African American chaplain to graduate from the Command and General Staff College and the first African American to serve as senior pastor of the Pentagon Pulpit.

He conducted preaching missions all over the world and received the U.S. Army Legion of Merit Award for Service in South Vietnam.

Upon retiring from the Army, he served as a pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), with pastorates in North Carolina, Virginia, Kansas, the District of Columbia and New York. In 1990, he became pastor of the historic Siloam Presbyterian Church, the largest predominately black congregation in his denomination.

Brother Shannon is committed to education and received his B.A. and B.S. degrees in psychology and education from Florida A&M University in 1955, a Bachelor of Divinity from Duke in 1966, a Master’s in counseling psychology from the University of Colorado in 1970, a Ph.D. in human relations and speech communications from the University of Kansas in 1974, a Th.M. from Duke Divinity School in 1993, and a D. Min from McCormick Theology Seminary in 2000. Dr. Shannon is an Eagle Scout and an ambassador for the Boy Scouts of America

Alpha Award of Honor Recipient

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overing political news, Soledad O’Brien is an anchor and special correspondent for CNN’s Special Investigation Unit, reporting hour-long documentaries throughout the year and filing in-depth series on important, ongoing and breaking-news stories for all major CNN programs. Soledad O’Brien joined CNN in July 2003 as co-anchor of the network’s flagship morning program, American Morning. Her efforts following Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in Phuket, Thailand have earned her numerous awards and critical acclaim. She came to CNN from NBC News where she had anchored the network’s Weekend Today since July 1999. Before Weekend Today, she anchored MSNBC’s award-winning technology program, The Site. Soledad O’Brien joined NBC News in 1991 and was based in New York as a field producer for Nightly News and Today. Before that, she served three years as a local reporter and bureau chief for the NBC affiliate KRON in San Francisco. She began her career as an associate producer and news writer at the then NBC affiliate, WBZ-TV in Boston.

This was the first year that the Fraternity expanded the program’s reach to include teenage females. Brothers also performed renovations at the school at the conclusion of the event.

Life Membership Luncheon Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO) served as the keynote speaker for the Life Membership Luncheon on Monday, July 21. Brother Cleaver is a second-term Congressman in the House of Representatives and sits on the Financial Services Committee and

the Select Committee on Global Warming. Brother Cleaver also serves as a Regional Whip of the Democratic Caucus and Second Vice-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Having grown up in public housing, Congressman Cleaver has dedicated his career in public service to economic development and social concerns.

Black & Gold Reception and Banquet The 102nd Anniversary Convention’s closing events began at 7 p.m. Monday, July 21 with the Black & Gold Reception, held in the

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102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION 102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION AWARD WINNERS The award winners at the 88th General Convention, held July 17-21, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri are as follows:

2008 CONVENTION AWARDS COLLEGE BROTHER OF THE YEAR: Matthew McClellan; Tau Eta; The College of Charleston—Southern Region ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR: Densel Fleming; Beta Nu Lambda; Charlotte, NC—Southern Region COLLEGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR: Beta Nu; Florida A&M University—Southern Region ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR: Epsilon Theta Lambda; Hamilton, Bermuda— Eastern Region COLLEGE SCHOLARS BOWL: Winner: Alpha Phi; Clark Atlanta University—Southern Region Runner-up: Eta Gamma; Prairie View A&M University—Southwestern Region BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL: Winner: Osai Robinson; Theta Tau; Flint Area Chapters—Midwestern Region Runner-up: Stevie Walker-Webb; Eta Epsilon University of North Texas— Southwestern Region STEP SHOW COMPETITION: 1st Place: Alpha Phi; Clark Atlanta University; Atlanta, GA—Southern Region 2nd Place: Epsilon Chi; University of Kentucky—Midwestern Region MISS BLACK & GOLD: Winner: Rivonne Collins; Zeta Delta; Michigan State University; Lansing, MI— Midwestern Region 1st Runner-up: Courtney McCellan; Gamma Iota; Hampton University; Hampton, VA—Eastern Region

2008 SPIRIT AWARDS HIGHEST GPA: College Brother: Phillip Gavin; Theta Alpha; Jarvis Christian College—Southwest Region Jeremy Ticey; Gamma Iota; Hampton University—Eastern Region Anthony Roberts; Alpha Rho; Morehouse College—Southern Region College Chapter: Delta Alpha; Claflin College—Southern Region (3.64) Theta Alpha; Jarvis Christian College—Southwest Region (3.375) GREATEST DISTANCE TRAVELED: College Chapter: Alpha Xi; University of Washington; Seattle, WA—Western Region Alumni Chapter: Theta Theta Lambda; Frankfurt, Germany—Eastern Region (1,842 miles)

Foyer of the Kansas City Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom. The Black & Gold Banquet followed at 8 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom.

Individual Brothers and Chapters were recognized for their academic and service achievements. Awards presented included Outstanding College and Alumni Brother of the Year awards; Outstanding College and Alumni Chapter of the Year awards, the Alpha Spirit Awards and this year the March of Dimes Awards

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MOST REGISTERED BROTHERS (OUTSIDE HOST REGION): College Chapter: Zeta Zeta; University of Oklahoma; Southwest Region—10 Registered Brothers Alumni Chapter: Eta Lambda; Atlanta, GA; Southern Region—26 Registered Brothers MOST REGISTERED BROTHERS (WITHIN HOST REGION): College Chapter: Nu Rho; IL Institute of Tech/DePaul University; Midwestern Region—7 Registered Brothers Alumni Chapter: Xi Lambda; Chicago, IL; Midwestern Region—7 Registered Brothers OLDEST REGISTERED BROTHER AT CONVENTION: Registered Brother: Robert Short; Beta Lambda; Kansas City, MO; Midwestern Region—96 years old REGISTERED BROTHER W/LONGEST MEMBERSHIP IN ALPHA: Registered Brother: Robert Short; Beta Lambda; Kansas City, MO; Midwestern Region—Initiated 79 years ago CHARLES H. WESLEY BROTHERHOOD: Award Winners: Kappa Pi, College of Wm. & Mary; and Zeta Lambda, Newport News, VA—Eastern Region TENNIS TOURNAMENT WINNERS: Champion: Donald Silvels; Upsilon Lambda; Jacksonville, FL—Southern Region

2008 MARCH OF DIMES AWARDS WALKAMERICA: Alumni Brother of the Year: Thomas A. Tatum; Eta Tau Lambda; Akron, Ohio— Midwestern Region Alumni Chapter of the Year: Delta Theta Lambda; Huntsville, AL—Southern Region PROJECT ALPHA: College Chapter of the Year: Omicron Rho, Otterbein College; Columbus, OH— Midwestern Region Alumni Chapter of the Year: Zeta Beta Lambda; Sacramento, CA—Western Region PARTNERSHIP AWARD: Brother of the Year: Densel Fleming; Beta Nu Lambda; Charlotte, NC— Southern Region

were included as part of the banquet presentations. Brother Donald Silvels of Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Jacksonville, Florida in the Southern Region again won the Fraternity Tennis Tournament. Brothers involved with the Alpha Tennis Tournament are currently attempting to have the competition named after Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones, an early administrator of the tournament as well as a 1920 doubles champion.

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GOING WHERE WE SHOULD BE Editor’s Note: Thirty-second General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. delivered the following address on July 20, 2008 during the Black & Gold Banquet, closing the Fraternity’s 102nd Anniversary Convention, held in Kansas City, Missouri. The address was edited for publication.

Salutations and Acknowledgements My Brothers, there are no words to describe this sight. For just a moment, I want to look around the room and look at the men here assembled. For just a moment, I want 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, academicians and scholars, preachers and scientists, architects, engineers, elected officials, officers of the law and students? Where in America can you find that?

This powerful moment is one worth remembering. I am honored that at this moment you have allowed me to be your leader. I shall savor this moment and will cherish it for all time. * * * To the Past General Presidents—Brothers Williams, Sutton, Teamer, Ponder, Davis, Wallace and Johnson—and to General President-elect Herman “Skip” Mason; to the memory of former Midwestern Regional Vice President Jimmie Buford; to the Brothers of Beta Lambda and Delta Rho Chapters of Kansas City, the hosts Chapters for this 102nd Anniversary Convention; and to Upsilon, Zeta Gamma and the many other Chapters in the great Midwestern Region, I extend to you a fraternal salute.

I also would like to recognize just a few of the many Alpha Brothers whose hard work, time, effort and dedication have been essential to the success of this administration. Those individuals include Brothers Zollie Stevenson, John Carter, Bob Willis, Al Rutherford, Michael Pegues, Vic Carter, Reggie Riddle Young, Joseph Heyward and David Brown among the many, many others. I also would like to recognize Brother Willard Hall and the General Office staff for the outstanding work they perform in service to the Fraternity. And my heartfelt gratitude, thanks and love goes out to my mother, Wilma Matthews, who is here with us today.

In a few short months, I will earn another title. 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 also. I think the only person who may enjoy my acquisition of the Past General President title more than me will be my wife, Allison.

Throughout my term as General President, Allison has been my rock and strength. Every Alpha man should be as fortunate as me to have a mate who understands your love for the Fraternity and your dedication to its work. Allison, please accept these flowers as a token of my admiration, and appreciation and love for you.

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

The first is about leadership. The ideal comes from a woman, who like Allison, was a pillar of strength to her husband. Former First Lady Roslyn Carter said this about leaders—she said, “A leader take 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 they had to 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 also about the bond to do good and the good you have done.

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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 conducted throughout the country. We also need to be mindful of those candidates—some of whom are Alpha men—who are running for offices, ranging from local school boards 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 concerned about leadership.

In every period throughout the history of this great Fraternity, we have been labeled as an organization that produces leaders.

That is why companies come to us and ask for our advice, 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. That is why non-profit organizations turn to us in their quest to help those in need, to help those who need a male mentor, to help those who desire to be Scouts and to 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 American turn to Alpha? It is 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 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 man, there is a sermon that will turn lives around. Somewhere in the mind of an Alpha man, there is the key to unlocking minds assembled in a classroom, so that the neurons in the heads of students will rapidly fire and explore and discover and create and they will 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 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 day-to-day operations. We may be focused on our daily work, and focused on

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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 the organization. Is the organization better off when you leave than when you took control?

I will have to be honest and say that when I leave office, in many respects Alpha will be better than when I took control—and not just because of me—but because of you. You made it better. You solved problems. You steadied the ship and you keep her on course.

Because of you, the public appearance of Alpha Phi Alpha has been increased. 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 concerning the use of the “N” word and it took my entire staff of advisors to keep me quiet three days ago when Jesse (Jackson’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 you there wearing your black and your old gold. Alpha’s voice was heard at the passing of John H. Johnson, our beloved Brother in Chicago. Alpha’s voice was heard when Mrs. 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, Jr. 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.

Embrace the Chaos 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 likely will tell him is to embrace the chaos.

Now, I do not mean this in a negative sense—because if you talk with some of our Brothers who have studied and are involved with the sciences, they will tell you that there is such a thing as positive chaos where you have a flurry of activity with little or no traceable pattern.

In our case, the chaos is that if you were to step back and look at Alpha, you will see men running in a number of different directions—all seeming 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.

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What scientists will also tell you is the phenomenon that is common to various kinds of chaos is due to a “sensitive dependence on conditions,” which is better known simply as “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 to 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 have to come in with a big old 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 chaos.

My Brothers, I have led you where you wanted to go. I have taken you to places where 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 and we also 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.

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MOD AWARDS BROTHERS AND CHAPTERS FOR SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION’S MISSION Recognitions Presented during 102nd Anniversary Convention

By Wilbur Jackson

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orged more than 26 years ago under the leadership of Brother Erwin France and March of Dimes Program Manager Beryl Battle, the partnership between the March of Dimes and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has reached new heights with promises of more to come.

In 2008, the collaboration between the organizations reached a new level of excellence. Highlights of this past year’s successes include: • March for Babies fundraising continued to grow, reaching over $239,000; • The first edition of the Partnership for Life quarterly newsletter was introduced; • 71% of Chapters reported reaching over 22,000 youth with Project Alpha; • Innovations made in support for the Prematurity Campaign; • Annual March of Dimes Awards recognizes Fraternity’s excellence in execution.

MOD AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE The Annual March of Dimes Awards for Excellence in Execution were presented during the Black & Gold Banquet at the 102nd Anniversary Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Each category for presentation has criteria that must be met by Brothers and Chapters to be considered for the award. Alpha Brothers and Chapters around the world demonstrated outstanding support for the partnership during the past fraternal year, which culminated in the MOD awards being presented in the following areas: • March for Babies – Excellence in Fundraising: College Chapter of the Year; College Brother of the Year; Alumni Chapter of the Year; Alumni Brother of the Year.

• Project Alpha – Excellence in Programming, Innovation, and Best Practices: College Chapter of the Year; Alumni Chapter of the Year.

• Partnership Award – Individual Excellence in Partnership Support including Fundraising, Programming and Volunteer Leadership: College Brother of the Year; Alumni Brother of the Year.

AWARD WINNERS:

March for Babies Brother of the Year Thomas Tatum (right) accepts MOD award from (l-r) Brothers Wilbur Jackson, Darryl Matthews and MOD’s Gwen Carmon.

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Alumni Chapter of the Year, March for Babies – Delta Theta Lambda, Huntsville, AL: Delta Theta Lambda donated over $25,000 in attaining their sixth straight honor as the Fraternity’s top team. They ranked with other corporate teams like Kmart, Publix, Farmer’s Insurance, and FedEx. The Chapter demonstrated leadership by speaking at the March of Babies Kick-Off events to inspire other teams. They provided set-up and take-down logistical support for the event. Their innovative school campaign, led by Brother Wilbert Brown, member of the March of Dimes’ Mountain Lake Division

(L-r) Brothers Willard Hall, Wilbur Jackson, Darryl Matthews, MOD’s Gwen Carmon appear with Brothers Ben Long, DTL Chapter Pres.; Wilbert Brown, National March for Babies Coordinator; Dr. Bruce Crawford, Immediate Past District Director-AL; Christopher Evans, District Director-AL; Delta Theta Lambda Chapter-Alumni Chapter of the Year, March for Babies.

Board, was applauded by the March of Dimes Division Director Benita Hopkins.

Alumni Brother of the Year, March for Babies – Thomas A. Tatum, Eta Tau Lambda, Akron, OH: Brother Tatum demonstrated leadership in many facets while serving as Midwest Region Coordinator, Ohio District Coordinator, Captain of the Akron Alumni Chapter team, and Akron Area Event Chairman. In each leadership role, he exceeded past fundraising levels and provided a great public image for each campaign. The Akron Area Event corporate sponsorships increased from $23,000 to over $33,000; and $243,000 overall has been raised to date. The Ohio District of Chapters fundraising increased from $11,000 to $20,000; and the Midwest Region of Chapters increased from $24,000 to over $42,000. Brother Tatum personally raised $4,500 and was credited with over $11,000 through foundation, company, and Alpha Chapter donations.

College Chapter of the Year, Project Alpha – Omicron Rho, Columbus, OH: Omicron Rho conducted an outstanding Project Alpha program featuring Brother Joseph Phillips, the program’s national spokesperson. Their work, in collaboration with Alpha Rho Lambda, demonstrated the strength of Alpha Phi Alpha men working together to improve the lives of others. Sixty participants benefited from this outstanding program. One participant said, “I liked when we were able to discuss about being a man”. The Chapter also supported the annual March for Babies initiative.

Alumni Chapter of the Year, Project Alpha – Zeta Beta Lambda, Sacramento, CA: Zeta Beta Lambda delivered a yearlong longitudinal program that was highlighted with the integration of various project elements into their monthly Alpha Academy as well as a special event during Prematurity month in November.

During the programming year, more than 150 youth were educated and mentored. The program is designed for students to continue in the academy for multiple years and for parents to get involved as well. In keeping the students involved monthly and conducting multiple sessions, they were able to comprehensively cover all elements of the program. They also raised over $5,500 for March for Babies.

Brother of the Year, Partnership Award – Densel Fleming, Beta Nu Lambda, Charlotte, NC: Brother Fleming exhibited the intent of this new award with his comprehensive support of the March of Dimes mission. He was a presenter and participant at Project Alpha; served as a spokesperson for the March of Dimes at numerous public events; led his Chapter to the No. 1 NC District March for Babies team; served on Bank of America’s Steering Planning Committee to support March for Babies; supported other events (i.e., Signature Chefs, Golf Tournament, etc.); and recruited volunteers for March for Babies. His daughter was born at 26 weeks of gestation, so he shares his personal story broadly supporting the mission. Bank of America donated $70,000 under his leadership; his Chapter raised $3000; and he is a member of the March of Dimes’ President’s Society.

Brother Wilbur Jackson is the Western Regional Vice President and Director of the March of Dimes Partnership.

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BOOK REVIEW

The Road to MegaSuccess: Simple Strategies for Enriching the Bottom Line

By Brother Louis G. Hutt, Jr. Brother Joseph T. Durham

Columbia, Maryland: Joy Publishers, 2008 (258 pages). $24.95 Reviewed by Dr. Joseph T. Durham

T

he bottom line in any business is the financial bottom line. Proficiency in financial management separates successful businesses from unsuccessful businesses. The Road to MegaSuccess is written to help entrepreneurs understand how to make, measure and maximize money from operating a business venture. Companies that are progressing financially emphasize planning and growth control and implement a well-conceived and delicately synchronized business plan. The financial components of the plan are integral to success.

The Road to MegaSuccess has 13 chapters, a glossary and end-notes. It would have been helpful if the author had included an index, as there are business concepts and jargon that may be hard for the uninitiated to understand.

The book uses a case study approach. Each chapter begins with “The Journey” and features two fictional characters, BJ Armstrong of Matrix, Inc., and Taylor Made, of Potomac, LLC. These two entrepreneurs met in college and later decided

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to work together. BJ Armstrong’s company, Matrix Corporation, distributes housekeeping, cleaning and maintenance supplies. Potomac, LLC, provides software development and IT consulting and technical oversight to business and government agencies.

The aim of The Road to MegaSuccess is to make entrepreneurs more confident and knowledgeable about profitably managing the bottom line. Managing profit requires a well-defined financial strategy and a strong support system. The survival of a business hinges on how well resources are invested, managed and monitored. A precursor to success is a clear financial strategy. Every CEO must possess the ability to navigate the numbers. He must be able to authorize purchases of equipment, approve funding for bonuses and sign for the acquisition of real estate. In a sports perspective, the CEO would be the coach. He must be able to exhibit thorough planning, keen judgment and systematic control in supervising the game from beginning to the end.

In Chapter 2, the entrepreneur is urged to evade the fault line and avoid

the classic pitfalls. Taylor’s company peaked with its annual volume at $5 million but has been flat for the past two years. She seeks advice from BJ. For new businesses, the highest risk of failure comes in the first four years of operation. For established businesses, the risk of failure can go well into maturity. For companies that reach puberty and beyond, the greatest hurdle is to produce a profit on a consistent basis. Regardless of age or seniority, in order to enrich the bottom line, the CEO must work through various layers of financial, operational and other strategies as well as sales and marketing sectors of the company.

Managing the financial affairs of a business requires a systematic approach that both measures and manages the flow of resources. A good business has a monitoring system that provides an accurate read on the flow of money. Cash in the bank is no sign of profitability or viability. An entrepreneur must have a variety of financial support systems, including having access to financial information. This will allow a business to bypass the fault line and steer it into a positive direction.

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Entrepreneurs should avoid a crisis style of management. Such a style results when a company finds itself racing to borrow money in time to meet payroll or to refinance overdue accounts owed by key suppliers. Management should resist accepting real time decisions as a matter of practice.

The author deals with early-warning signs to determine if a company is in danger of failing. Among these signs are: profits are decreasing although sales are increasing; the company is operating in the red despite having achieved sales goals; and incomplete financial documentation detracts from otherwise accurate, reliable and complete information. One should avoid these pitfalls.

Chapter 3 focuses on effective cash flow management techniques and solutions. A merchant’s worst nightmare is running out of cash.

Adequate operating cash is a matter of business survival. An insolvent business is unable to meet its obligations.

Despite the value of assets on their books, cash-strapped businesses struggle to support their day-to-day

BOOK REVIEW

need for cash. The first test of financial vitality is a company’s ability to convert non-cash assets into hard cash.

Managing cash flow is extremely challenging and stressful. The filing of a bankruptcy by a major customer can cause cash flow to hemorrhage; also events such as equipment breakdowns, a major customer dispute or an interest increase on a bank loan can cause difficulties in cash flow.

The effects of cash flow deficiency can be quite serious. Sometimes Draconian measures must be used such as selling off equipment, eliminating staff or cutting back in other areas. Aside from securing cash from the outside, the only way to avoid such dire consequences is to realign cash flow. This takes a thorough understanding of the techniques for measuring, forecasting, and managing cash resources and uses.

Businesses must hunt for ways to accelerate cash flow from operation.

Tweaking financial policies and practices offers a way to achieve tight cash flow alignment. For instance, one could bill customers bi-monthly rather than weekly. Likewise, a com-

pany can delay inventory and supply purchases nearer to actual usage.

These procedures will tighten the operating cycle. For emerging and growing businesses, Cash is King!

In business, profit is important. A business should be able to make a profit on virtually every sale. One should be able to make a profit from every widget that is sold.

A critical threshold for sale of products and services is the breakeven point, which occurs when sales match expenses. Financially speaking, a business should not sell a product or service below cost, except for promotional reasons. Calculating the breakeven point is a major milestone towards increasing profitability.

The breakeven calculation provides the building blocks for a profitable operation. Different types of companies calculate breakeven differently.

For example, a product and merchandising company expresses it in sales dollars. Healthcare services measure breakeven in terms of patient visits.

Throughout the book, Brother Hutt cites 12 principles, which he calls the Mantra. One such mantra is

“Perform a Reality Check. Examine your Financials.” In discussing this mantra, Brother Hutt relates that Taylor Made was being considered for the awarding of several large contracts. In preparation, she decided to talk with her banker about short-term financing. However, she was anxious about meeting with her banker without having her accountant present.

She needed to know more about her company’s financial statements.

Financial statements usually contain three ledger sheets: Income Statement; Cash Flow Statement; and a Balance Sheet. Financial statements represent a periodic report card and serve as a handy guide for making financial decisions. Using financial statements can supply answers raised by management as well as external parties.

To ensure universal comparability, conventional financial statements use certain basic accounting standards and methods referred to as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). CPAs are required to use these guidelines when preparing financial statements and when rendering financial opinions about them.

Frequent reporting of financial statements is very desirable. When financial statements over a period of time are compared, one can get a good sense of the financial condition of a business.

Financial oversight and monitoring should be an every day function. As valuable as a financial statement is, rarely will a banker or financier rely exclusively on them. Financial statements are designed for a general audience. Financiers want a more detailed account of the DNA of a business.

Usually when a large amount of

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funding is being requested, no stone is left unturned. Credit standing of the principal owners will be examined, and even documents relating to valuable property such as licenses, leases, and royalties will be examined.

It may be helpful to have a second opinion regarding a company’s financial health. An outside perspective serves as another type of internal control over the accounting and financial reporting process.

Companies can shop for money to finance a business. One way to acquire capital is to use other people’s money but this method requires jumping through hoops as well as an ability to deliver a return on investment.

Securing capital requires strategic planning and attention to detail. A CEO seeking capital must have a creditable business plan that outlines clearly his financial needs and requirements.

One lesson a CEO learns is that it is difficult for a newly formed business to attract capital. A start-up company may begin with the owner tapping his personal savings. They may be able also to get family and friends to chip in financial support.

Funds provided to a business at a specific rate of interest with a definite schedule for repayment is referred to as “debt”. Money obtained by a business with a more flexible repayment schedule is referred to as “equity”.

Equity is thought of as “patient money” because future repayment is tied to future earnings. Equity funding is usually the preferred method of raising a relative large amount of capital.

In contrast to equity, debt capital fixes certain repayment obligations.

Debt financial requires amortization— that is regular payment of principal and interest until the balance is fully repaid.

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BOOK REVIEW When seeking a loan, the CEO should be familiar with types and practices of different financiers. Among the different financiers are: Commercial Banks, Leasing Companies, Factors, Venture Capital Funds, Investment Banks, and Public and Governmental Financing Programs.

A financial dossier should be prepared. It should contain pertinent information about the business and the resumes of owners and key managers, and company financial statements for the most recent three years.

Keeping an eye on so-called X factors is a pre-requisite for maximizing financial returns. X factors are those activities that are subject to change and stifle efficiency.

CEOs must keep abreast of operating and administrative costs known as “financial drivers.” The CEO or the chief financial officer must identify key activities and assign an impact ranking to each one. To keep performance in a high range, the management team must evaluate and reassess financial drivers.

Many times, new businesses are started without an adequate legal structure. Being saddled with legal ability in excess of insurance is serious. A judgment creditor will look first to be paid by insurance, then turn to business assets and still if not fully compensated, to the personal assets of the business owner.

Limited legal liability provides asset protection to principal owners and outside investors. There are a number of ways to structure a business to provide limited legal liability. It is relatively simple for businesses of all sizes to incorporate as a limited liability company or corporation. Even a sole owner should not rule out incorporating. When numerous investors

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are involved, incorporation can also be used. The operating procedures of the corporation are proscribed by law.

One should monitor the limited liability company. If a business fails to renew a business license or pay annual state and local taxes, the status of the company is forfeited. When this happens, by law a business may revert back to sole proprietorship with no protection.

Regardless of personal confidence in colleagues, it is wise to draw a buy-sell agreement in the Operating Agreement. If death occurs or a company is offered for sale, the buy-sell agreement details how the assets of the company will be dealt with.

Once a business has been established, the CEO should turn to how to avoid risking a loss of investment. It would be naïve to ignore the possibility of risks. Foremost among the ways to deal with risks is the matter of insurance, especially health insurance.

Other types of insurance are: disability, long-term care, and loss of life.

Personal financial planners recommend at least three months of insurance money. Also, assets of the company should be evaluated. The portfolio of the company should be regularly evaluated. This includes intellectual property such as customized software, patents, copyrights and licenses.

Exit planning is critical in case the sale or transfer of a privately owned company is necessitated by illness, disability or premature death. In such cases, a well formulated exit strategy will be invaluable.

Disaster planning is also critical.

Whether disaster occurs because of the “Acts of God” or are man-made, prudent measures must be taken to restore the business.

Strategic planning is necessary if a business is to grow. Seed money is needed by virtually every business. Seed money is needed to explore new markets and product development opportunities. The world’s population is growing and emerging markets provide a wealth of new opportunities for growth.

Reinvesting dollars back into the company is wise. Companies in virtually every industry should consider the idea of setting aside some funds for replacement of equipment. The key is to set aside funds long before visible signs of financial deterioration set in.

Then, there are so-called “pop-up” cases when financial obligations appear at seemingly inopportune times. For example, operating equipment under lease provides for a buyout option at the end. This is an example of a pop-up item that requires advanced funding. If the option price is a significant payment, it may cause a harmful effect on cash flow.

One must provide payment for investors. A way must be provided to compensate investors without draining earnings and profits. In public companies, a board of trustees is empowered to set dividend policy and payment to investors.

A business may establish a debt sinking fund to acquire sufficient funds to retire debt obligations such as mortgages, commercial term loans and investor buyouts. A debt sinking also enables a business to accelerate repayment of debt ahead of schedule.

Every CEO is faced with the tasks of maintaining profitable growth.

Profitable growth represents new business and contributes financially to the bottom line. A certain level of annual growth in sales is needed but there must be a critical mass in sales

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revenue. Critical mass is the point on the scale where a company can exercise influence gain more favorably with suppliers.

Devising a profitable growth strategy does not mean planning to bring in all forms of new business. The quality of the business is important. A good way to plan business development is by the acquisition of another company that has the right stuff.

Growth does not automatically translate into a greater financial return. Sound planning and oversight are important for consistent growth.

During a peak growth cycle, one must be on guard for financial deterioration in the form of late payments to key vendors and build up of accounts receivable. Managing growth also requires upgrading the business structure. Preparing an updated business plan is recommended as well as making technology upgrades. Similarly, personnel recruitment, training, and development will be necessitated.

The Road to MegaSuccess aims to help CEOs and business people redesign and improve their financial management. Brother Hutt discusses all aspects of business, including insurance and legal procedures. He emphasizes that the bottom line in a profitable business is the financial line.

The Road to MegaSuccess is a guide for both new and seasoned business people. In its pages, one will find practical advice for starting, growing and maintaining a profitable business.

Brother Dr. Joseph T. Durham is Book Review Editor of Negro Educational Review, Inc.; President Emeritus of the Baltimore City Community College; and a member of Delta Lambda Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland

BOOK REVIEW

Success by Instinct: What Animals Already Know to Boost Your Career

By William E. Boswell Brother Joseph T. Durham

Dallas, Texas: Brown Book Publishing Company, 2006 (225 pages).

Reviewed by Dr. Joseph T. Durham

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an man—Homo sapiens— learn anything from animals? William Boswell, an Alpha Brother and a long-time executive with major companies, thinks so. In his book, Success By Instinct, Brother Boswell lists 14 animals from which humans can learn. He is on good scriptural ground. Proverbs 6:6 of Holy Writ says: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard, and learn from her ways.” Ants are among the animals that Brother Boswell lists. He says “Ants’ actions have often been described as resembling human civilization. Their daily activities rank extremely high on the scale of intelligence” (p. 32). He says that ants identify, organize themselves and diligently pursue the accomplishment of their goals. Humans should take a lesson from ants and establish goals and work diligently to achieve them. The ant is tenacious in achieving its goals. Human beings must be just as focused in the achievement of their goals.

The other animals that humans should observe, according to Brother Boswell, are: elephants, chameleons,

peregrine falcons, beavers, dolphins, hornbills and mongooses, geese, white-tailed deer, crocodiles, whales, dogs, alpha wolves, and prairie dogs.

In this short book, Brother Boswell examines the behavior of the animal and makes application to human endeavor. He does not supply any justification for why these particular animals were chosen; and one has to wonder why they were chosen while others were left out. For example, why not the horse; or the bear; or the lion—the king of the jungle?

Success By Instinct discusses 14 principles that the author has gleaned from his study of animals. These principles are not unique but Brother Boswell shows how each principle applies to human behavior in the business world. The first principle, “Know Yourself,” has been widely written about but Brother Boswell takes this principle and makes it interesting by describing the behavior of elephants.

For one thing, elephants recognize and accept their physical attributes and potential for dominance but they avoid using these characteristics for that purpose.

Brother Boswell admits that he had a tremendous fear of speaking in public but he overcame this fear once he realized that it was keeping him from reaching his goal in the professional world. He enrolled in Toastmasters International and took courses at Dale Carnegie and overcame his fear. He says, “Recognizing and accepting your personal weakness is necessary; however, developing a purpose to remove it is essential” (p.

8). Brother Boswell further states that elephants “practice activities such as recognitions, awareness and acceptance of their environment” (p. l6).

Self-knowledge, self-acceptance, selfimprovement, and self-fulfillment are all important if an individual desires to fulfill his goals.

A study of chameleons furnishes the second principle of success.

Chameleons use their natural color to hide or blend into their surroundings.

To accomplish one’s goals, you must be as adaptable as chameleons. The process of adapting to a new environment is called the acculturation process. It is a survival skill for chameleons and for humans. The

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degree to which we adapt to a new environment will determine the level of success we achieve in a professional organization. He cites an individual who failed to adapt to the environment of an agency in which he worked. In spite of repeated counseling sessions, he could never make the adjustments necessary and so, he finally left the organization.

Like chameleons, even though one may excel in an academic environment, one must make the paradigm shift and adapt to the new environment of the professional world, or one will fail.

Peregrine falcons are cited because of their tremendous speed but less is known about the huge preparation they undergo to search for food to sustain life. Brother Boswell says that we “must demonstrate the same level of dedication and commitment to self-development as the falcons” (p. 48). Such investment is the key to success. Just as peregrine falcons do, he asserts, we must learn other skills based on environmental and other considerations.

“Busy as a beaver” is an often quoted saying. The unyielding determi-

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nation and persistent performance of the beaver make them different from other animals. They are small but they use their powerful tails to pack material in place. Just as beavers have developed disciplined work skills, one must develop a persistent work ethic that distinguishes one from those around them. Brother Boswell uses himself as an example of this. He had finished his undergraduate degree but he realized

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that he needed additional preparation.

Consequently, he obtained a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and then went on to attain the Master of Business (MBA) degree. This preparation proved to be well-timed and enhanced his career possibilities.

Persistence also is important. He cites Abraham Lincoln as a model of persistence. Lincoln had seven major set backs in his life; however in l860, he was

elected as the President of the United States. “Never give up on your dreams,” asserts Brother Boswell. “If you maintain the same level of perseverance as Abraham Lincoln and continuously stay focused on your goals, there is no question that success will be yours” (p. 75).

Dolphins are interesting creatures. They are famous for their sociability and trust of humans.

However, in the wild, these animals are noted for their ability to fend off predators while living in a hostile environment. The dolphin has a positive attitude regardless of environmental concerns. We must never underestimate the importance or the impact of a positive attitude on success or failure. A positive attitude is essential for success.

We should follow the example of dolphins and avoid negativism that affects our attitude. The author cites an instance when a senior executive who reported to him sought a meeting with the chief executive of the organization to lodge a personal complaint against him. Brother Boswell says

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even though he was disappointed with his subordinate’s behavior, he did not allow the incident to dampen his attitude; he did not succumb to negativism. As for the individual, even though he appeared to be contrite, it was the epitome of betrayal. His influence in the organization was diminished and he subsequently left the organization. Brother Boswell maintained his positive attitude and did not let the incident dampen his spirit.

The African hornbill (a bird) and the dwarf mongoose (a mammal) work together to find food. They team up to accomplish their objective. The lesson to be obtained from this relationship is to ignore individual differences and build networks to accomplish personal goals. Networking is important. However, to advance one’s career, one cannot rely on networking alone. One must also focus on preparation and performance.

Recognize that teamwork is essential to accomplishing personal, professional and organizational goals.

We learn this lesson from geese that fly in “V” formation. The formation adds uplift, reduces resistance, and increases the flying range of the entire flock. We learn from geese the importance of teamwork.

Although team work is important, never assume responsibility for the other members’ failures. The effectiveness of the team is more important than the comfort of individual members. Sometimes individual accomplishment or personal goals must be sacrificed for the overall benefit of the team. There is no “I” in team.

Relationships built on trust are necessary for satisfactory team work. Wild geese honk encouragement while in formation. It is important for team

BOOK REVIEW members to be supportive of other team members and help them in their difficulties. Since teams are required for success in all endeavors, we must develop the skills needed, as the geese do, to be effective in our environment.

Another animal from which we can learn is the white-tailed deer— the number one big game mammal in the United States. White-tailed deer spend a lot of time maintaining awareness of their surroundings. Because they are color-blind, they focus on the slightest movement. “For them, environmental awareness is critical for survival and is a life-or-death issue. We should be just as diligent in observing our environment….,” Brother Boswell says (p. l46).

Brother Boswell had a foreign assignment in which he had to change company financial reporting practices.

In the assignment, he had to recognize cultural differences and adjust to them.

“Aggressive patience” is what we learn from crocodiles. They lie motionless for most of the day; however, when it becomes necessary to pursue a prey, they can be aggressive.

So humans must learn to maintain a level of aggressiveness on some specific issues and positive patience on other issues. We should be aggressive in advocating ourselves but also be patient and recognize that success may not occur as quickly as one would like.

Brother Boswell cites the case of an employee who thought he deserved a promotion. However, Brother Boswell thought the employee was not ready. The employee disagreed and quit the position on the spot. The employee lacked the patience to wait and lost out. Had he practiced more

patience, he could have eventually obtained the promotion.

There are many opportunities for aggression and patience. One has to be discerning to know when to use one or the other. “Crocodiles have perfected the practice of knowing when to be aggressive and when to be patient” (p. l56).

Communication is important and whales are cited as superb communicators. Their repertoire is complex and their range covers as many as seven octaves. Whales also have distinct dialects and their sounds can be detected for many miles.

Often communication is thought of as verbal skills only; however, developing listening skills and mastering nonverbal actions are also necessary.

Communication is absolutely essential for individual success. Many individuals get so involved in their daily activities that they forget about the importance of upward, across and downward communication. We must communicate across all levels of an organization, including upper management, peers and subordinates.

Non-verbal communication is also essential. Facial expressions, body position, and attentiveness all communicate as directly as words. Brother Boswell recommends that a minimum of l8-to-20 inches in personal space around the entire body of the communication partner be observed.

Focusing on verbal skills alone will not ensure effective communication. Like whales, we must employ communication skills that are relevant to our environment.

It has been said that dogs are “man’s best friend”. Dogs love, return love freely and openly display affection, joy, and disappointment. Whether they

have integrity seems debatable; however, they do seem to show many qualities observed in humans, according to Brother Boswell.

In an organizational environment as well as in personal life, integrity is important. It is imperative that we maintain strong ethical behavior and personal integrity at all costs.

Brother Boswell recalls an incidence in which the company he worked for was going to be sold. The employees were naturally upset.

However, the situation changed and the company was not sold. Later a clandestine offer was made to sell the company. Since Brother Boswell had told the employees the company would not be sold, he could not go along with the clandestine offer. He remained loyal to what he had told the employees. He says, “The point to remember is that maintaining your personal integrity is essential for success in your personal and professional career” (p. l85).

Alpha wolves exhibit significant qualities of leadership over the wolf pack. Leadership is important and there are many styles of leadership. A leader must know his leadership style. Among the styles of leadership are these characteristics: being demanding, respected, moral and principled. While effective leaders have different styles, they share similar qualities. These leaders are: (1) communicators; (2) listeners; (3) visionaries; (4) motivators; (5) team players; (6) mountain viewers; (7) self starters; (8) competent; (9) focused; (10) empathetic; (11) responsible; (12) results oriented; (13) strong in character; (14) positive; (15) adaptable/flexible; and (16) committed.

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Concentrating only in developing effective leadership styles can be self-defeating. Instead, a manager or leader must incorporate appropriate leadership style into his persona and focus on individual strengths.

This is the approach alpha wolves practice.

Prairie dogs are social rodents that live in well-organized towns consisting of mounds and earthen fortifications. Yet, they also maintain a balanced social life. If we take a lesson from prairie dogs, we must ensure that all of our time is not spent in pursuing work goals. We should include time for friends, social activities, extra-curricular activities, exercise, travel, and rest.

Like prairie dogs, we should nourish our relationships with others. It is important to maintain healthy lifestyles while pursuing our career goals. We should also include the time to share with others some of what we have been given. We must maintain balance in our lives just as prairie dogs maintain balance in their lives. This balance enhances relationships, provides for personal needs, improves safety, and enables survival of the group. If humans do the same, performance and quality of life will be enhanced.

Brother Boswell has studied 14 animals and draws parallels with the lives of persons in the business world. The book, Success By Instinct, is a guide for persons seeking advice on how to succeed. The principles that the author enunciates will prove to be beneficial rules for success in the business world and personal living.

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AN ORIGINAL FORCE BEHIND MLK MEMORIAL ENTERS OMEGA CHAPTER

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Brother Bailey graduated as valedictorian from Lincoln High rother Alfred “Al” Carver Bailey—one of the last surviving School at age 15. Upon graduation, he attended what was then Alpha Brothers who first presented the vision for a nationHampton Institute (now Hampton University) in Hampton, al memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring Dr. Martin Virginia. His college experience was interrupted by World War II Luther King, Jr.—has transitioned to the Fraternity’s chapter for when he served as a Military Policeman in deceased members. charge of protecting military fighter planes.

In 1985, Brother Al Bailey was among the He received an honorable discharge original Alpha Brothers who convened at a from U.S. Army active duty in 1946 before home outside of the nation’s capital to discuss enlisting in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and a vision for erecting a memorial to Brother becoming a member of the Tuskegee Airman.

King. The Brothers lobbied Congress to enact In the Air Force Reserves, he fulfilled one of a law to build the memorial, making countless his childhood dreams—learning to fly. trips to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers. In Following WWII, he returned to Hampton 1998, the U.S. Senate and House of Institute to complete his studies and earn Representatives unanimously approved legisdegrees in Engineering and Construction. lation to erect a King Memorial on the Mall; On May 1, 1949, Brother Bailey was initiatand in a White House ceremony on March 4, ed into the Fraternity through Gamma Iota 1999, President William Jefferson Clinton Chapter at Hampton where he also met his soul signed the Fraternity bill into law. mate, the late Chastine W. Bailey. After two years Because of his role in conceiving the of courtship, Brother Bailey and Chastine marvision and his continuing efforts to raise Al Bailey ried on August 14, 1954. From the union came funds for the project, Brother Bailey comone daughter. They also had three grandchildren. manded a front-row seat during the Brother Bailey’s early career was spent in Knoxville, Ceremonial Groundbreaking for the MLK National Memorial on Tennessee where he was employed for several years at Knoxville November 13, 2006 when he was seated next to President Bill College as the Director of Facilities Management and Clinton; and participated with the children of Martin and Coretta Engineering. He was responsible for designing several new buildKing and other dignitary in the ceremonial turning of the earth. ings and creating new campus workflows. He later accepted a During the Fraternity’s 2007 General Convention in Orlando, similar position at Howard University where he remained until Florida, Brother Bailey was presented with the Alpha Award of his retirement in 1986.

Merit—the Fraternity’s highest award to a member of the organBrother Bailey transferred his Fraternity membership to Iota ization—because of his vision and work toward building the Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Montgomery County, Maryland shortly memorial. Brother Bailey also accepted the award on behalf of after it was charted in 1970. A life member of the Fraternity and Brothers George H. Sealey, Sr.; John A. Harvey, Sr.; Oscar V. Little; tireless worker, he served as Chapter Historian and Archivist for Harold Navy; Hanley Norment; and Eddie L. Madison, Jr.—other many years. Brother Bailey was a driving force behind the acquisioriginal visionaries of the memorial. tion and restoration of the Smithville School Museum and Son of the late Charles and Edna Bailey, Brother Bailey was Education Center. He also was a mentor to many younger members born in Middlesboro, Kentucky on June 25, 1925. He was the of the Fraternity.. fifth of seven children and the twin brother of Alma Bailey.

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rother Kermit H. Boston, a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha and a lifelong executive, teacher and sage to the public service community, entered Omega Chapter on December 7, 2008. Brother Boston was a senior partner at BKB Associates, Inc. in San Francisco, providing professional development in management leadership and diversity, employee relations and other areas of corporate education.

From 1991 to 1999, Brother Boston was Director of Corporate Education, Computer Curriculum Corporations/Simon and Schuster Technology Group, in Sunnyvale, California. For more than 20 years, he held various top management positions with McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York where he became the first African American Corporate Vice President and General Manager of two revenue divisions. He began his career as a teacher before entering the world of publishing and media. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he grew up in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Germantown and became a member of their Trustee Board in 1964. He moved on from there to the Riverside Church of New York City where he became the Chair of the Board of Deacons. In San Francisco, he became a member of Grace Cathedral where he was a Past Chair of their Board of Trustees and was named Trustee Emeritus.

He was past Chairman of the KQED Board of Directors and served on the Boards of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the vice president of Lay Community of the Association of Public Televisions Stations, as a founder and vice president of the Bay Area Community Development Corporation, the Bishop’s representative, and board member of the Episcopal Senior Communities, Inc. Brother Boston was a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity—the Boulé —and was immediate past sire archon of Beta Upsilon Boulé of San Francisco and was elected Regional Sire Elect for the Pacific Region in October, 2007. He was Chief Learning Officer for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity University; Past President of the Fraternity’s Gamma Chi Lambda Chapter in San Francisco; and former Gamma Chi Lambda Chapter “Man of the Year”. He earned his B.S. degree in Education from Cheyney State University, Cheyney, Pennsylvania and his M.S. degree in Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Among his many awards are the James R. Ball Award from the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD); and Outstanding Alumni of Cheyney University. Brother Boston is survived by his wife, Barbra Ruffin-Boston; a daughter, grandson and granddaughter.

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rother James “Jim” H. Davie, a life member of the Fraternity who was initiated through Iota Lambda Chapter in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1975, entered Omega Chapter on October 4, 2008. Brother Davie was the Executive Director for seven years at United North East Community Development Corporation.

He was a member of St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church for 40 years where he served on the Trustee Board and as financial secretary and Sunday School teacher. He was past president of the Iota Lambda Chapter; president of Kentucky State University Alumni Association; treasurer and past president of the Devon Neighborhood Association; member of the Board of Directors for Crossroads Boy Scouts of America; a member of the school board for Charles Tindley Accelerated School; and treasurer for Kiwanis North Indianapolis. Brother Davie is survived by his wife, Susie, and two children.

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rother Dr. Allen Raye Garrett was born October 24, 1951 in Beaumont, Texas. He graduated in 1970 from Sumner High School in Kansas City where he played football and chess. He entered the University of Kansas in 1970 where he was initiated into the Fraternity through Upsilon Chapter. He met his future wife, Cheryl Smith, while at the University of Kansas. He continued his studies from 1978 to 1982 at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he earned a B.S. degree in chemistry. He later enrolled at the Xavier University School of Pharmacy in New Orleans and went on to the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree. Brother Garrett worked in General and Pediatric Anesthesiology for many years in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

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rother Dr. Joseph Gayles, Jr., who helped create the Morehouse School of Medicine, was initiated into the Fraternity through Beta Phi Chapter on November 1, 1955. He was last a member of Eta Lambda Chapter. He entered Omega Chapter on October 2, 2008 at age 71. As a chemistry professor at Morehouse College in the early 1970s, Brother Gayles led feasibility studies that resulted in $3 million in federal funding to support the start-up of the medical school. Brother Gayles was reared in Birmingham and earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry and mathematics from Dillard University in New Orleans. He then

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earned a Ph.D. degree in chemistry from Brown University. He worked at IBM’s research lab for about three years before going to Morehouse to teach. From 1977 to 1983, he was president of Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama before returning to Morehouse School of Medicine to become vice president of institutional advancement until 1996. Brother Gayles is survived by his daughter, a son and two grandchildren.

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rother Perlesta Arthur Hollingsworth, Sr., a prominent civil rights legal strategist and former state of Arkansas Supreme Court Judge, entered Omega Chapter on May 14, 2007. He was 71. He was a member of Pi Lambda Chapter in Little Rock, Arkansas. Brother Hollingsworth, known as “Les” and “P.A.”, fought for legislation to improve inadequate civil rights laws and was a proponent for equal protection for all citizens, advocating new laws to restrict the effect of discriminatory public policies. During his three-decade political career, he served on the Little Rock City Council as an advisor to then-Governor Winthrop Rockefeller, and as a deputy prosecutor for the state’s sixth judicial district for Jim Guy Tucker, former Arkansas Governor and Lt. Governor. Brother Hollingsworth was educated at Talladega College and graduated with a B.S. degree in Chemistry in 1958. He was a member of the Fraternity’s Alpha Beta Chapter. He served in the U.S. Army where he received a military honor for an article entitled, My Job Protecting America’s Freedom. Following a brief stint as a hematologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, he enrolled in law school at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. After passing the Arkansas bar examination, he became part of the law firm of Walker, Rotenberry, Kaplan, Lavey & Hollingsworth—the first integrated law firm in the state of Arkansas—before establishing the Hollingsworth Law Firm as a solo practitioner. He was elected to the Board of Directors for the city of Little Rock in 1974; and served as assistant mayor in 1975 and 1976. Brother Hollingsworth was a chief contributor to civil rights victories that included the school desegregation litigation with the Little Rock School District, as well as redistricting of congressional and state legislative districts. Then Governor William “Bill” Clinton, future 42nd U.S. President, appointed him to the Arkansas State Supreme Court in 1984. Brother Hollingsworth was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended Capitol Hill Elementary School and graduated from segregated Dunbar Senior High School in 1954, just

OMEGA CHAPTER three years prior to the landmark integration of Little Rock Central High School.

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rother Lieutenant General Edward Honor, Sr. (USA Ret.) was a charter member of the Xi Alpha Lambda Chapter in Prince William County, Virginia. Brother Honor was born March 17, 1933 in Melville, Louisiana. He entered Omega Chapter on September 3, 2008. Brother Honor earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

After graduating, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Transportation Corps and entered active duty in 1954. He attended Basic Courses at the Armor and Transportation Corps schools. He served two combat tours in Vietnam and commanded at all levels during his 35-year career, which culminated with an assignment as the Director, J-4, the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C. He retired from the Army in 1989. After retirement, Lt. General Honor served as President of the National Defense Transportation Association for 13 years. He retired from NDTA in 2002. In 2007, he was honored by the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) with the designation of a special room in his name for his outstanding efforts in the establishment of the command. Brother Honor was a founding member of the ROCKS, Inc., an organization of Army officers that mentors, guides and provides professional direction to cadets and officers in the Army. He was named ROCK of the Year in 1990.

Brother Honor was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, children and grandchildren.

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rother G. Larry James, a two-time medalist at the 1968 Olympic Games and National Track & Field Hall of Famer, entered Omega Chapter on November 6, 2008. It was his 61st birthday. A double medalist at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, Brother James also set world records and won NCAA titles during his track career. He won the silver medal in the 400 meters with his time of 43.97 seconds at the 1968 Olympics, bettering the existing world record but placing him second behind teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Lee Evans (43.86).

Brother James added a gold medal at the Mexico City Games by running the third leg on the U.S. 4x400 meter relay team, which set a world

record of 2:56.16 seconds, which lasted until 1992. He set the 400 meter world record of 44.1 seconds in placing second to Evans at the 1968 Olympic Trials at Echo Summit, California, when Evans’ winning time of 44.0 was disallowed by the IAAF because he wore illegal brush spike shoes. Brother James was a double gold medalist at the 1970 World University Games, winning the 400 meter hurdles and running the anchor leg on Team USA’s 4x400 meter relay team (3:03.33). As a collegian at Villanova under Hall of Fame coach Jumbo Elliott, Brother James won the NCAA 440 yard title in 1970 and NCAA indoor crowns at that distance in 1968, 1969 and 1970.

At the 1968 Penn Relays, his anchor leg of 43.9 was the fastest ever run in the history of the relay carnival and sparked Villanova’s comeback victory over Rice University. He was inducted into the National Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2003. He remained active in the Olympic movement, acting as the men’s head manager for Team USA at the 2003 and 2005 IAAF World Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Brother James also served as the chairman of USATF's Budget and Finance Committee and was Dean of Athletics and Recreational Programs and Services at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

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rother Julius L. McCoy, a former Harlem Globetrotter and member of Zeta Theta Lambda Chapter in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, entered Omega Chapter on April 4, 2008 at age 76. Brother McCoy led his Farrell, Pennsylvania high school to its first state basketball championship in 1952, finishing his three-year varsity career with a combined record of 80-6—including a single season high of 726 points. He was an All-American basketball player at Michigan State University and held the MSU all-time scoring record in 1956. Following graduation, he was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks but was drafted by the U.S. Army that same year. After his Army discharge in 1958, he starred in the Eastern League and the Continental Basketball Association, and also toured with the Harlem Globetrotters. He was employed for 33 years by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as the Director of Equal Opportunity and later the Special Assistant to the Secretary for Minority Affairs. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Betty J. McCoy, who he met on the YMCA basketball court in Harrisburg 49 years ago; two children and four grandchildren.

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rother Elmer James Moore, a former U.S. Ambassador and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s first International Chairman, entered Omega Chapter this past fall.

Brother Moore was a former diplomat, having served as one of the first African American Ambassadors to Liberia. He served in Liberia for over ten years and also served in Morocco and Chad. He was instrumental in helping to establish the Fraternity Chapter in Liberia and arranging the Fraternity’s 1976 trip to Liberia. Brother Moore lead a life of service, having served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II; and as an economist, serving more than 30 years with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of State. Upon his retirement, he served as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He also served on his church’s Board of Trustees and on numerous other boards and committees. For nearly 40 years, Brother Moore was a member of Mu Lambda Chapter in Washington; and was a member of Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter while posted in Monrovia, Liberia with the Department of State. A life member, he was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha through Mu Lambda Chapter in November 1968. In 1977, he was elected Mu Lambda Chapter’s 33rd president; and he has the distinction of serving for three consecutive terms—in the years 1977 to 1980. In December 2006, he was honored by Mu Lambda for his service as past president during the Chapter’s Black & Gold Scholarship Gala. Brother Moore and his wife, Aretta, raised three sons and he had seven grandchildren and four great-grand children. His grandson, Brian, also is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha.

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rother Dr. Hugo A. Owens, Sr., was a life member of the Fraternity who was initiated through Beta Gamma Chapter in 1937. He was a member of Epsilon Nu Lambda Chapter. He attended the Howard University Dental School where he received his Doctor of Dentistry degree. Born Jan. 21, 1916, Brother Owens entered Omega Chapter on July 29, 2008. He was 92. He graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth before enrolling at then Virginia State College where he majored in biochemistry. He taught in Maryland and Portsmouth before he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. He received specialized training, including dentistry, while stationed at Fort Eustis. He later opened a prac-

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OMEGA CHAPTER tice in Portsmouth in 1947 and became involved in the evolving civil rights movement. He filed his first lawsuit in 1950 to integrate the city parks after he had taken his daughter to see the ducks and he and his daughter were run off by a groundskeeper. He and three others sued to gain access to city golf courses, and won. In 1960, Brother Owens helped win a lawsuit to desegregate the city’s libraries. Around 1964, he joined a group of doctors and dentists to desegregate Portsmouth General Hospital. Brother Owens returned to Norfolk County in 1962, the year before the area merged with South Norfolk and formed Chesapeake. In 1970, he became one of the first two African Americans elected to the Chesapeake City Council. During his 10 years on the Council, he served eight as Vice Mayor. Brother Owens retired around 1990 and continued his civic work. In 1996, ODU named its African American Cultural Center in his honor. In 1997, the Hugo A. Owens Middle School opened in Chesapeake. His wife of 66 years, Helen, passed away in April 2008.

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rother Robert Fabian Short, the oldest registered Brother to attend the 2006 and 2008 General Conventions, entered Omega Chapter on September 9, 2008.

He was 96. Brother Short was initiated into the Fraternity on May 1, 1929 through Beta Alpha Chapter at then Morgan State College in Baltimore. He was last a member of Beta Lambda Chapter in Kansas City, Missouri. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Education from then Hampton Institute and received his M.S. degree in Guidance and Counseling from Central Missouri State University. Brother Short was born October 19, 1911 in Charles County, Maryland. He departed this life just months after attending the Fraternity’s 102nd Anniversary Convention in Kansas City, Missouri where he was the oldest registered Brother. Brother Short attended the Baltimore City Public Schools and after college, he pursued a teaching career in the Trades and Industries Department at Langston University, which was interrupted by World War II when he accepted civil service employment at the U.S. Naval Air Force Technical Training School in Chicago. Following service in the U.S. Naval Reserves as a Chief Petty Officer, Brother Short returned to Langston University until he moved to Kansas City in 1947 and began teaching in the Kansas City School District. He

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worked there for 30 years, teaching at R.T. Coles Veteran Training School, Lincoln Senior High School, Lincoln Junior High School, Central Junior High School (as a Guidance Counselor) and Westport Senior High School. He retired in 1977. Brother Short served the Fraternity in numerous capacities during his long membership. He was instrumental in Fraternity affairs and active on several committees. Brother Short was preceded into the next life by his wife of 53 years, Floretta H. Short. He is survived by his son, Brother Dr. Kenneth L. Short.

B

rother Charles Errington Simmons, Jr. was born March 17, 1918 in Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated salutatorian of the class of 1935 at Old Stanton High School and was an Eagle Scout, Troop No. 147 at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville. He later served as Scout Master of the troop. In 1939, he received a B.A. degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania in mathematics and chemistry. In 1941, he earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration in Actuarial Science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was employed as the first actuary-Vice President at the Home Office of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company in Jacksonville; he also served as treasurer and secretary of the company. In addition, Brother Simmons was the first insurance specialist for Duval County Public Schools. He served for 12 years as the Duval County School Board insurance specialist. He was active in the Jacksonville community and was the first African American to serve on the Jacksonville Civil Service Board where he was appointed by Mayor Louis Ritter in 1966— becoming the first African American city official in Jacksonville since Reconstruction. One month after his appointment ended in May 1967, he ran for office in the Core City; and then in the Consolidated City in December of 1967 and was elected each time to the Civil Service Board.

During the Consolidated Government, Brother Simmons served as Chairman of the Civil Service Board. As Actuary and Vice President of the AfroAmerican Life Insurance Company, he represented business on the Civil Service Board. He was a member of the Fraternity’s Upsilon Lambda Chapter. On December 2, 2006, the Chapter presented Brother Simmons with the Lifetime Service Award in recognition of 70 years of membership in the Fraternity. He is survived by his wife, Jolita Watson Simmons.

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B

rother Eugene “Gene” T. Upshaw, Jr., Hall of Fame National Football League guard and head of the NFL Players Union for a quarter century, entered Omega Chapter on August 20, 2008. He was 63. Brother Upshaw was initiated into the Fraternity through Gamma Xi Lambda Chapter in 1981. He received his B.S. degree from Texas A&M Kingsville in 1968. Brother Upshaw’s outstanding 15-season playing career was entirely with the Oakland Raiders and included two Super Bowl wins, seven Pro Bowl appearances and selection as an 11-time All-Pro offensive lineman. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 in his first year of eligibility. He was the only player in NFL history to play in three Super Bowls in three different decades—in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He was the longest-tenured labor leader in sports. In 1983, he became Executive Director of the players’ association and guided the union through the 1987 strike that led to replacement football. By 1989, the players had a limited form of freedom, called Plan B; and in 1993, free agency and a salary cap were instituted. Since then, the players have prospered so much that NFL owners recently opted out of the latest labor contract, which was negotiated two years ago by Upshaw and then-commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Brother Upshaw is survived by his wife, Terri; and three sons.

B

rother Nick Levoter Weatherspoon, a former National Basketball Association player and the 10th-leading scorer in University of Illinois basketball history, entered Omega Chapter on October 17, 2008. He was 58. Born July 20, 1950 in Greenwood, Mississippi, he attended McKinley high school before enrolling at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana where he was initiated into the Fraternity through Tau Chapter in 1971.

Brother Weatherspoon, a 6-foot-7-inch, 195 pound forward, was one of the first 30 former University of Illinois players to have their jerseys hung from the rafters of the school’s Assembly Hall. In three seasons, he scored 1,481 points and left Illinois as the school’s all-time leading scorer, which has since been surpassed. His career average of 20.9 points per game remains an Illinois record, and he contributed 11.4 rebounds per game. In 1973, his senior year, he averaged 25.0 points per game, third highest in Illinois history. A two-time Illinois MVP, Brother Weatherspoon was a first-team AllAmerican by the Helms Foundation and first-team All-Big Ten selection as a senior in 1973. He was named to the 20-player Illinois Basketball All-

OMEGA CHAPTER Century Team in 2005. Brother Weatherspoon was a first-round pick of the Capital Bullets (now Washington Wizards) in 1973. In seven NBA sea-

sons, he averaged 9.0 points and 4.9 rebounds.

He also played for the Seattle SuperSonics, San Diego Clippers and Chicago Bulls. When his

career ended, Brother Weatherspoon fought for insurance benefits and eventually lost an Ohio insurance business he started.

OMEGA LISTINGS Brother Edward T. Addison Beta Kappa / Beta Psi Lambda

Brother James Dooley Xi Lambda / Beta Psi Lambda

Brother James Ford Poole Gamma Pi / Iota Omicron Lambda

Brother Luchan Govan Baker, Sr. Alpha Epsilon / Gamma Phi Lambda

Brother Laquueth Fleming Phi / Eta Nu Lambda

Brother Albert E. Richardson Beta / Zeta Sigma Lambda

Brother Ralph F. Baker Theta / Gamma Phi Lambda

Brother Toy G. Grice Mu Beta Lambda

Brother Phillip Skerett Alpha Upsilon Lambda

Brother Ernest Hardin Kappa Chi Lambda Brother Ray W. Barlett Gamma Xi / Eta Pi Lambda

Brother George Barzey Beta Rho / Zeta Zeta Lambda

Brother Michael Curtis Betts Mu Kappa Brother William W. Black Beta Kappa / Beta Psi Lambda Brother Hamilton Boswell Alpha Sigma / Gamma Phi Lambda

Brother Namon Harris, Jr. Mu Xi / Alpha Epsilon Lambda Brother Joseph E. Jenkins Alpha Psi ‘55 Brother Glendi Johns Delta Lambda

Brother Abel L. Smith II Tau / Rho Zeta Lambda

Brother Charles W. Smith Beta Kappa / Beta Psi Lambda

Brother Willie J. Stewart Alpha Phi / Kappa Chi Lambda

Brother Bruce Miller Zeta Iota Lambda Brother Walter G. West Beta Psi Lambda Brother Cleophus W. Miller III Eta Tau Lambda / Beta Psi Lambda Brother Harold R. White Rho Lambda ’53 / Eta Psi Lambda

Brother Todd Burgh Zeta Zeta Lambda

Brother Dr. Lawrence Reginald Neblett Alpha Chi / Gamma Phi Lambda

Brother David A. Catlett Gamma Phi Lambda

Brother Jerry T. White Theta Upsilon Lambda

Brother Percy H. Payne Kappa Chi Lambda

Brother Frank Henry Whitman Beta Sigma / Gamma Phi Lambda

Brother Huey Lawrence Pearson Alpha Chi Lambda / Theta Upsilon Lambda

Key:

Brother Floyd J. Cawthon, Jr. Pi / Beta Psi Lambda

Brother Dr. Louis L. Davis Delta / Gamma Phi Lambda

= Life Member

CHAPTER REFERENCES: the first chapter that appears in the Omega Chapter listings represents the Brother’s Chapter of Initiation.

If a second chapter is listed, it represents the last chapter with which the Brother was affiliated.

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CORPORATE C O R P O R AT E D I R E C T O RY

The Seven Jewels Henry A. Callis

Charles H. Chapman

Eugene K. Jones

GENERAL OFFICERS General President Immediate Past General President Executive Director General Treasurer Comptroller General Counsel Director of General Conventions Historian Chief Parliamentarian

Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 5075 Red Robin Ridge, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30022 Harry E. Johnson, Sr., 3606 Crow Valley Drive, Missouri City, TX 77459 Willard C. Hall, Jr., 2313 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 George N. Reaves, 1417 Kinross Street, Flossmoor, IL 32312 Frank A. Jenkins, III, 529 South Perry Street, Ste.16, Montgomery, AL 36104 Michael D. Pegues, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 3800; Dallas, TX 75202-2711 Open Robert L. Harris, Jr., 102 Burleigh Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850 John M. Williams, 7075 Colesbrooke Drive, Hudson, OH 44236

VICE PRESIDENTS Eastern Midwestern Southern Southwestern Western

Dennis G. Kemp, Sr., PO Box 3056, Laurel, MD 20709 Mark S. Tillman, 25353 Lindenwood Lane, Southfield, MI 48033 Everette Ward, 3112 Falconhurst Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587 Arthur McDade, III, 1124 Peyton Street, Little Rock, AK 72204 Wilbur E. Jackson, Jr., 5958 Drytown Place, San Jose, CA 95120

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS Eastern Midwestern Southern Southwestern Western

DaShawn Hickman, P.O. Box 203625, New Haven, CT 06520 Mark Crain, Jr., 17145 Cincinnati Detroit, MI 48224 Tristan Allen, 830 Westview Dr., SW, #142851, Atlanta, GA 30314 Andre Wagner, 3100 Cleburne Ave, #1568, Houston, TX 77004 Christian Jenkins, 2345 NE 95th Street, Seattle, WA 98115

LIVING PAST GENERAL PRESIDENTS 25th General President 26th General President 27th General President 28th General President 29th General President 30th General President 31st General President

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James R. Williams, 1733 Brookwood Drive, Akron, OH 44313 Ozell Sutton, 1640 Loch Lomond Trail, SW, Atlanta, GA 30331 Charles C. Teamer, Sr., 32 Fairway Oaks Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131 Henry Ponder, 3 Covington Court, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Milton C. Davis, 304 N. Main Street, Tuskegee, AL 36083 Adrian L. Wallace, 281 Debra Lane, Lake Charles, LA 70611 Harry E. Johnson, Sr., 3606 Crow Valley Drive, Missouri City, TX 77459

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DIRECTORY

C O R P O R AT E D I R E C T O RY

George B. Kelley

Nathaniel A. Murray

Robert H. Ogle

Vertner W. Tandy

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT Political Affairs Development Liaison to Entertainment and Sports Industries Technology and Info Management

Leon C. Buck, Jr., 2704 Accent Court Bowie, MD 20716 Open Darrell Miller, 9720 Wilsher Blvd., Suite 700, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Lover High, Jr., 881 Creekdale Drive, Atlanta, GA 30021

DEPUTY ASSISTANTS TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT Marketing/Branding Organizational Effectiveness College Brother Development Social Responsibility Health/Healthcare Awareness Commerce and Economic Policy Liason to the Broadcast Media

Open Open Roderick L. Smothers, PO Box 17701, Baton Rouge, LA 70893 Dr. John H. Jackson, Esq., 4805 Mount Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215 Pierre N. Vigilance, M.D., 10795 Symphony Wave, Columbia, MD 21045 Bobby McDonald, 6255 Camino Manzano, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807 Victor L. Carter, 8316 Governor Thomas Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21043

SPECIAL ASSISTANTS TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT Logistics Protocol Aide Senior Advisor Chief of Staff Administrative Assistant

Donald Woods, 9045 S. Bennett, Chicago, IL 60617 Open David Brown, 4502 Pageant Way, Orlando, FL 32808 Bob A. Willis, 130 Old Fairburn Close, Atlanta, GA 30331 Al F. Rutherford, 2732 Gull Lake Drive, Plano, TX 75025 Joseph E. Heyward, Sr., PO Box 384, Florence, SC 29503

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111

L E A D E R S H I P D I R E C T O RY ALPHA PHI ALPHA WORLD POLICY COUNCIL

Chairman Horace G. Dawson, Jr., 1601 Kalmia Road, NW, Washington, DC 20037 Chairman Emeritus Edward W. Brooke, 6437 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA 20187 Members Charles Rangel, 2354 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Huel D. Perkins, 1923–79th Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70807 Henry Ponder, 3 Covington Court, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Vinton R. Anderson, AME Church Finance Office, 1134–11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 Chuck S. Stone, UNC-Chapel Hill, 107 Oxford Hills Place, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Bobby Austin, The Village Foundation, 211 N. Union Street #100, Alexandria, VA 22314 Cornel West, 220 Boylston Street, 1010, Boston, MA 02116 Ron Dellums, 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20004

NATIONAL COMMITTEE/COMMISSION CHAIRMEN Alpha Collegiate Scholars Awards & Achievement Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Big Brothers & Big Sisters Black & Gold Pageant Boy Scouts Building Foundation Budget and Finance Business & Economic Development Foundation College Brothers Affairs Commission Constitution Director of General Conventions Director of Housing Activities Education Foundation Elections General Headquarters – Facility Management Grievance & Discipline Higher Education Historical Commission Human Resources Internal Auditing International Brothers: Caribbean Leadership Development Life Membership Management Information Systems March of Dimes Liaison MLK Memorial Project Mediation and Arbitration Medical Advisory Board Membership, Standards & Extensions Military Brothers Liaison National Sergeant at Arms Organization Effectiveness Political Action Publications Project Alpha Racial Justice & Public Policy Reclamation Rituals & Ceremonies Rules and Credentials Senior Alpha Affairs Training and Development (Alpha University) Walk America–March of Dimes

Steven M. Clark, 2898 Bentbrook Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45251 Clifton Johnson, 3559 Fuller Street, Columbus, GA 31907 Lynwood Randolph, 11827 Water Oak Drive, Magnolia, TX 77354 Dale Long, 1614 Dorado Street, Garland, TX 75040 Alvin J. Cavalier, 413-C Longwood Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 George Randall, 8705 Saranac Trail, Fortworth, TX 76118 R. (Bob) Leandras Jones, II, 1045 Audubon Circle, SW, Atlanta, GA 30311 Frank A. Humphrey, 6918 Park Edge Drive, Madison, WI 53719 Steve Sims, 2508 Dysart Road, Cleveland, OH 44118 Mike A. Blake, 405 S. Butler Blvd, Apt. 3, Lansing, MI 48915 Lloyd A. Givens, 6050 Canaan Woods Drive, Atlanta, GA 30331 Open Thomas A. Tatum, 2266 Canterbury Circle, Akron, OH 44319 Ralph E. Johnson, 9241 Sealed Message Road, Columbia, MD 21045 Russell C. Campbell, Sr., 4212 Sugar Pine Court, Burtonsville, MD 20866 Ola O. Aluko, 14951 S.W. 157th CT, Miami, FL 33196 William A. Crutchfield, 631 Spring Street, Herndon, VA 20170 Thomas Cole, 4825 Regency Trace, Atlanta, GA 30331 Herman “Skip” Mason, 4233 Ivy Run, Ellenwood, GA 30294 Chad D. Simmons, 520 East 41st Street, Chicago, IL 60653 Hyacinth Ahuruonye, 595 Market Street #2160, San Francisco, CA 94105 Ricardo P. Deveaux, P.O. Box N-4511, Nassau, Bahamas Alex Dejarnett, 1126 South Horseshoe Road, Durham, NC 27703 Roger R. Gregory, 2516 Carver Street, Durham, NC 27705 Josh O. Williams, 1006 Elmira Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114 Wilbur E. Jackson, Jr., 5958 Drytown Place, San Jose, CA 95120 Frank Russell, Jr., 3314 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30339 Keith A. Bishop, 1802 MLK Jr. Parkway, Suite 105, Durham, NC 27707 Anton C. Bizzell, 821 Braeburn Drive, Fort Washington, MD 20744 Leroy Giles, 7602 NW Wyatt Lake Drive, Lawton, OK 73505 Ralph Harris, 7371 Hunters Oak Court, Springfield, VA 22150 Ron Russell, 700 Cedar Ridge Lane, Richton Park, IL 60471 Zollie J. Stevenson, Jr., 806 Falls Lake Drive, Mitchellville, MD 20721 Kobi Little, Post Office Box 1082, Selma, AL 36701 R. Vann Graves, 206 W. 132nd Street #3F, New York, NY 10027 Byron D. Gautier, 2606 Atlas Drive, Missouri City, TX 77459 Cleveland E. Beckett, Jr., 1849 Sedgwick Avenue, # 10E, Bronx, NY 10453 Harry Evans, III, 7575 Weatherworn Way, Columbia, MD 21046 Russell E. Flye, 6211 Devon Court, Pasco, WA 99301 Ronald T. James, 9317 Autumn Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73151 Elliott McKinney, PO Box 942, E. St. Louis, IL 62203 A. L. Mackey, 6801 Willamette Drive, Austin, TX 78723 Wilbert L. Brown, 6216 Rime Village Drive # 102, Huntsville, AL 35806

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. 2313 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-5211 CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS Phone: (410) 554-0040; Fax: (410) 554-0054

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013R Rope Chain 10K . . $75.00 SS. . . $20.00 GF. . . $20.00

102 Crown Pearl Badge 14K. . . . $120.00 10K. . . . $90.00 GP . . . . $60.00

Snake Chain 10K. . . . $75.00 SS . . . . $20.00 013R Rope Chain 10K . . $75.00 SS. . . $20.00 GF. . . $20.00

7972 Lavaliere with diamond 14K . . $70.00 SS. . . $40.00 (Chain sold separately.)

103 Crown Pearl Badge with onyx stones GP . . . . $65.00

0040 Sweetheart Onyx Pendant with cubic zirconias 14K . . $245.00 (Chain sold separately.)

100 Diamond Badge 14K. . . . $325.00

2724 Crest Lapel Button 14K . . $60.00 10K . . $50.00

101 Diamond Badge 10K. . . . $275.00 (Shown larger than actual size to enhance detail.)

2045 A.T. Cross Pen and Pencil Set GF. . . $75.00

0600 Monogram Recognition Pin 14K . . $40.00 10K . . $20.00 2025 Money Clip GP . . $25.00

L2647 Lavaliere 10K . . $32.00 SS. . . $22.00

0027 Sweetheart Pendant with diamonds 14K . . $1,545.00 0028 Sweetheart Pendant with cubic zirconias 14K . . $325.00 Vermeil $175.00 (Chain sold separately.)

4044 Official Ring 14K . . $390.00 10K . . $328.00

3252 Classic Ring 14K . . $388.00 10K . . $338.00 10KW $338.00

7200 Oval Cufflinks 14K . . $420.00 GF. . . $70.00 1425 Formal Shirt Stud Set 14K . . $296.00 GF. . . $96.00

935 Founders Cufflinks with cubic zirconias GF. . . . . $120.00 933 Founders Pin with cubic zirconias GF. . . . . $30.00 934 Founders Pin with diamonds 10K. . . . $195.00 GF. . . . . $120.00

1146 Signet Ring 14K . . $349.00 10K . . $250.00

7000 Black and Gold Cufflinks 14K . . $410.00 GF. . . $90.00 0050 Centennial Paperweight Bronze $35.00

0336 Black and Gold Lapel Button 14K . . $180.00 10K . . $120.00 GF. . . $40.00

1404 Filigree Border Cufflinks 14K . . $400.00 GF. . . $65.00

3326 Oval Onyx Ring with encrusted letters 14K . . $400.00 10K . . $300.00

To order, visit

www.HJGreek.com or call 1-800-422-4348

NEW ORLEANS COME BACK TO THE BIG EASY ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. 103rd ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION JULY 15-19, 2009 HILTON RIVERSIDE HOTEL NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA