The Shinx Magazine - 2005 Special Edition part 1 by Darryl R. Matthews Sr

The Sphinx • Special 2005 Edition

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. 2313 ST. PAUL STREET BALTIMORE, MD 21218-5211

THIS SPECIAL 2005 EDITION OF THE SPHINX IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF

BROTHER JOHN H. JOHNSON

SPECIAL 2005 EDITION

Volume 90 · Numbers 1–4

CHOSEN FOR THE

CENTENNIAL ERA DARRYL R. MATTHEWS, SR. INSTALLED AS 32ND GENERAL PRESIDENT

2005 GENERAL CONVENTION THE CENTENNIAL PILGRIMAGE TRIBUTE TO JOHN H. JOHNSON PUBLISHING PIONEER AND GIANT

POSTMASTER PLEASE SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:

THE SPHINX® ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. 2313 ST. PAUL STREET BALTIMORE, MD 21218-5211

Volume 90, Numbers 1–4

PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID

EXECUTIVE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S LETTER

SEIZING THE HISTORICAL MOMENTS My Brothers Beloved,

reetings from your Corporate Headquarters. As I mentioned in my report and remarks to the Brothers assembled at the Fraternity’s 99th Anniversary Convention in Houston, it is with an awesome sense of understanding of who we are as Alpha Men and as Brothers in this “NOBLE HOUSE” that I come before you with both pride and humility at the honor of representing you as your Executive Director. I want to take this opportunity to personally and publicly thank our General President and the members of the Board of Directors for the faith they have shown in me by choosing me to serve as the 25th Executive Director of our Beloved Fraternity. I thank each of you for your past, current and future support. I am Blessed and Humbled! These are critical times that we find ourselves in. We faced monumental tragedies with many of our Brothers, their families, chapters, cities and communities being devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and the other day-to-day issues that Alpha men must continually work to transcend. I believe it is at these moments that we must remember that: “ALPHA MEN ARE CALLED TO DO GREAT THINGS.” As we move forward into our Centennial Year of Celebration, we must never forget that it is both the HISTORY OF THOSE WHO HAVE COME BEFORE US AND THE DEEDS WE DO TODAY that are to be recognized and celebrated. Every incident of hazing and other forms of non-Alpha like behavior diminishes those moments. WHAT WILL YOUR HISTORICAL MOMENT ADD TO THE LEGACY THAT IS ALPHA PHI ALPHA? This has been a magnificent year in our history, as this edition of The Sphinx reflects: we inaugurated Brother Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., as our 32nd General President; we convened the 86th General Convention, which was a fraternal and financial success. During the Spring, our collective efforts to assist the March of Dimes resulted in fundraising of a little over $142,000.00—an increase of 51 percent over the previous year (thanks to Brother Wilbert Brown—National Walk America Coordinator; our Regional Coordinators; and to Brother Wilbur Jackson, Director of March of Dimes Partnership Activities). We held the 13th Annual Alpha Reception during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Conference where General President Matthews and two of our Brothers—Congressman Charlie Rangle and Congressman Robert “Bobby” Scott—addressed the hundreds of attendees and emphasized the outstanding community service work being done around the world by hundreds of Alpha Brothers. We raised over $28,000.00 to help Alpha Brothers and their families who suffered losses during the hurricanes in the Southwestern Region. We raised $326,257.00 as the 2005 contribution to the Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation (Our Project). Thank you, Brother Frank Russell, for leading this internal fundraising effort. As some Brothers continue to say that we ask you to give too often, the “Good Strong Brothers” keep doing the right thing—Thank You. We registered 676 Brothers for the Cornell Pilgrimage and hundreds more came! Were you a part of this Historic Moment? Brothers, we have great challenges and opportunities ahead of us. Too often the membership intake program remains a challenge to implement correctly and we damage our very core; too often some follow when they should step up and lead; young boys go without mentors in too many communities where Alphas live in great numbers; babies die prematurely because we haven’t stepped up to save them. Will you seize these historic opportunities and make them the truly Great Historic Moment of Your Alpha Legacy? My Brothers, thank you again for this opportunity to serve! I look forward to seeing each of you at some point soon, hopefully, in Washington D.C. for the Centennial Convention. In closing, as our General President has “Charged Us and Reminds Us” WE ARE ONE ALPHA! There is only One Alpha Agenda! First of All, Servants of All, We shall Transcend All. In the Truest Spirit of Fraternity,

WILLARD C. HALL, JR. Executive Director

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

PUBLISHER’S

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

SALUTING A PIONEER— THE GREATEST WE HAVE SEEN IN THIS LIFETIME

e are especially pleased to bring you this edition of The Sphinx, which highlights some of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s major events and involvements during 2005. Beginning with the January inauguration of General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. in Atlanta, Georgia, the magazine takes readers from the “Peach State”, to the 2005 General Convention in Houston, Texas, to our 13th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Reception in Washington, D.C., to the historic Centennial Pilgrimage in Ithaca, New York where at Cornell University, we walked the same paths taken by the Founders 100 years earlier. Also, we look at the efforts of Alpha Phi Alpha to assist those in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region whose lives were torn apart by the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina; and we offer policies to improve government response to such disasters. In response to your numerous requests, we have republished the article by Brother Tony Brown, entitled “Why Blacks Call Themselves Greeks,” which first appeared in The Sphinx Summer 1986 edition. The article is accompanied by a reprint of Brother Huel Perkins’ popular article, entitled “What Does It Mean To Be Greek.” This Special 2005 Edition Sphinx also gives us an opportunity to say “Thank You” and pay tribute to a publishing pioneer and giant who was a faithful son of Alpha Phi Alpha. While we were at the 2005 General Convention, we received word from the Johnson Publishing Company that Brother John H. Johnson had transitioned to the ranks of Omega Chapter. I look back fondly on my interactions with Brother Johnson. It was at a General Convention in Chicago in the 1980s that I first met him. The founder and publisher of Ebony and Jet Magazines was hosting the Fraternity’s Welcome Reception at the publishing company’s headquarters in downtown Chicago. I remember entering the huge ballroom where the reception was being held and encountering a long line, which stretched the full length of the room. There, Brothers waited patiently in line to greet John H. Johnson. I was employed in my first position out of college—working as a reporter for the Hearst Newspapers in Baltimore—and was excited about the opportunity to meet Brother Johnson, who I admired as a trailblazer in my chosen journalism profession. At the reception, Brother Johnson stood—with then General President Ozell Sutton at his side—greeting Brothers, talking with other dignitary around him, and somehow keeping the long line moving. When I reached the publisher, I could not contain my excitement and everything I was feeling sprang forth. There was no mistaking the fact that I was pleased to meet him. I let him know about my position with the large metropolitan newspaper and how I was the first and only African American reporter on the staff. I spoke about the media being a powerful instrument in our society and how we had an important job to do in helping uplift our community. In a matter of seconds, I was on the way to forming an alliance with the publishing giant. Then, suddenly—in the middle of speech, I paused—recognizing my over-enthusiasm and seeing Brother Johnson’s reaction to my words. He had stopped his exchange with the others around him and turned his full attention to me, giving me a hard look and inspection. “Oops!” I thought to myself. “What was I thinking? This is John H. Johnson and you should not be suggesting that you two are teamed for anything.” Continued on next page

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

PUBLISHER’S LETTER Continued from previous page

After a noticeable pause, Brother Johnson came with a smile. And like a guardian of the vocation who had examined me for approval, he gave a nod and told me I could meet the challenge. Then, speaking as a fellow journalist, he wished me every success in my journalistic career. It was a decade later when next I had the opportunity to speak with Brother Johnson. My journalism career had led me to the Fraternity Headquarters where I served as Director of Communications and Editor-in-Chief of The Sphinx. On occasion, I would call Brother Johnson at his office, requesting his participation in an upcoming Fraternity event, or asking for the Johnson Publishing Company’s assistance in a Sphinx project. My phone calls were always received by his secretary and returned by Brother Johnson in a second call. He would greet me like an old friend, saying “Hey, Seaton! What’s going on, man?” Starting with this Special 2005 Edition, I return to The Sphinx Magazine—this time serving in the capacity of Publisher. Working together with Brother William Douglass Lyle, the Editor-in-Chief, you can expect to see great things happening with the magazine. In its regular editions, we will chronicle our journey through this Centennial Era and into our second century. You will continue to hear from some of the greatest minds of our time about the important issues of the day as we preserve their articles, essays and letters in the pages of The Sphinx. Also, we will continue breaking new ground—in editorial, design and production phases—maintaining the magazine’s place as the leading fraternal publication. The remarkable road ahead for me as Publisher of The Sphinx is made even more rewarding because of the encouragement I received from Brother John H. Johnson—a true American hero like none we shall see in this or any soon coming lifetime. On August 8, 2005, Alpha Phi Alpha lost a Brother and friend; and the nation lost a champion. This issue of The Sphinx is respectfully dedicated to that great pioneer John H. Johnson. Fraternally,

SEATON J. WHITE, III Publisher

Brother John H. Johnson

Special 2006 Edition

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Photography by Don Baker

General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.

Special 2006 Edition

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

INAUGURATION ADDRESS EDITOR’S NOTE: The following address was delivered by Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. on the occasion of his inauguration as 32nd General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The address, which was delivered at the Inauguration Luncheon and Installation Ceremony, held January 8, 2005 at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta, Georgia, has been edited for publication.

LET YOUR VOICES BE HEARD WITH

ONE VOICE, ONE ALPHA!

o my Dear Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., allow me to acknowledge Congressman and Brother Bobby Scott, Congressman and Brother Danny Davis and Congressman John Lewis; as well as our dais guests, my family, friends, and honored guests, and my staff present from the National Association of Black Accountants. Let me take this moment also to pay special tribute to my loving wife, Allison. Please accept these flowers as a small token of my appreciation for your permission and support as I sought the office of General President, and let me also acknowledge our three sons, Julian, Darryl, Jr., and Blake. It is with great humility and admiration for you and this august organization that I stand before you as the 32nd General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Even as I say those words aloud, I am filled with hope, honor, reverence, respect, emotion, and pride. Today as I stand and look upon you in all your magnificence, I know that there is a mission ahead for me, but it is not a journey I take alone. For I know that the spirits of those who have gone before me are present here today. I know that as I call upon God Almighty, I am not alone in this quest. They often say that it is lonely at the top. I

am sure that I will experience those moments of loneliness in the days to come, but I know that the spirit of Alpha is one, which never really leaves you alone. I am told that help is always on the way, and I am told, that joy comes in the morning. So now, to Immediate Past General President Harry Johnson, and Past General Presidents Adrian Wallace, Milton Davis, Henry Ponder, Charles Teamer, Ozell Sutton, and James Williams, I want to first of all, thank each of you for your service to this great Fraternity and for being great examples of manhood and leadership for me personally; for this organization; and for black men, both here and around the world. To my Brothers here assembled, would each of you stand and join me in thanking these great leaders. To you, my Brothers in Alpha, I want to thank you! You have taken me as one of your sons; wrapped your arms around me, admonished me, praised me, supported me—and because of you, here I stand. My pledge to you this day is that each and every morning—when God reaches down with a finger of love and touches me as I slumber and sleep, and allows my eyes to open and see one more of His grand days, that at that moment, that waking moment—my mind will be on you. Thank you for coming here to Atlanta, a city rich in African American history and a city rich in Alpha history.

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

ONE VOICE, The Children of Light Today, I beg of you for just a moment, to think with me about one of the greatest Alphas of all time. About two miles from where I stand right now, lies the man whose life was lost in the quest for civil rights for all people. It was here in this city, that the first joint black/white testimonial dinner in Georgia was held for our brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., after he received the Noble Peace Prize. In a littlepublicized speech Brother King gives me inspiration for what will be a recurring theme of my administration. Allow me, for just a moment to recount those words for you, and I quote: Even the most casual observer can see that the South has marvelous possibilities. Yet, in spite of those assets, segregation has placed the whole South—socially, educationally, and economically behind the rest of the nation. Yet, there are in the white South millions of people of goodwill whose voices are yet unheard, whose course is yet unclear, and whose courageous acts are yet unseen. These millions are called upon to gird their courage—to speak out—to offer leadership that is needed. History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the vitriolic words and violent actions of the bad people—but the appalling silence and indifference of the good people. Our generation will have to repent—not only for the words and the actions of the children of darkness … but also for the fears and the apathy of the children of light. You, my Brothers are the Children of Light. But, many of us in this organization have voices that are yet unheard, have courses that are yet unclear, and possess courageous acts that are yet unseen. The theme for this day begs you to make your voices heard. It begs you to make our voices heard. I am talking about One Voice, One Alpha. Say it with me now: One Voice, One Alpha! Once again: One Voice, One Alpha! One Voice, One Alpha! Here we are, the oldest black Greek-lettered intercollegiate Fraternity, and somehow, we regularly confront those same issues that hold so many people of our race back. Brothers, I am excited about the possibilities before us. We have opportunities for improvement; we have the opportunity to substantial-

Special 2006 Edition

ly improve our financial position. We have the opportunity to increase our membership by reclaiming our Brothers who have taken leave while we were getting our house in order. We have the opportunity to create an effective intake program—one that is carefully reasoned so that the cure is not worse than the disease; an intake program that honors our legacy and insures our future. We have the opportunity to strengthen our organization and build the capacity of our infrastructure. We have the opportunity to improve communication throughout our brotherhood. Hear me now. There is no issue that we cannot solve, if we will band together, with One Voice – One Alpha! We are a great Fraternity, but we will be greater. How? With One Voice – One Alpha! We will build a memorial in Washington, D.C. to our brother—Brother King. But, it can only be built, how? With One Voice – One Alpha! In 2006, we will observe our Centennial Celebration in a manner befitting the majesty and dignity of Alpha men, with One Voice – One Alpha! We train the minds of thousands of African American men in this country. We do so in our leadership development program, and we will continue to do so, but only with One Voice – One Alpha! We play a pivotal role in preventing teenaged pregnancies and encouraging male responsibility through Project Alpha. We will continue to do so, but only with One Voice – One Alpha! We will remind those Brothers who are outside the fold that “goodwill” continues to dwell in this house. They are welcome and it is time for them to come home, with One Voice – One Alpha! A Unified Alpha I am calling on each of you here, and each of you who will read this text on our web site, in The Sphinx Magazine and in our other publications, to make your voices heard; to make your course clear; and to make your courageous acts be seen. Some may say that there are some challenges facing this Fraternity, which are insurmountable. I strongly disagree. In fact, I embrace those challenges. You taught me to rise and to face challenges. It is our legacy. It is our history. The history of our race is replete with examples of those who faced a wall, and somehow scaled it with room to spare—challenges faced and challenges conquered. And so, this young man who was a little rough around the edges that you raised and polished to be a fearless Alpha man, and who now stands before you as your 32nd General President, pledges to you that we will face the challenges, we will conquer the challenges and we will do so together with One Voice – One Alpha! When we speak with One Voice, we speak with clarity. We speak with power and promise and prosperity. With One Voice, we speak with integrity. We speak with intelligence. We speak with intuition. We speak with ingenuity. We speak with the full knowledge that there are those who are listening and those who expect results.

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

ONE ALPHA! The 26th General President, Brother Ozell Sutton, often told me— and I bet he told you—“leadership costs.” Leadership costs. Brothers, as I traveled across the country meeting and greeting you, over and over again, you told me, “Brother Matthews, I just love Alpha.” Well Brother, I love my sons, but if I am not willing to demonstrate that love with a financial commitment, I am just a deadbeat dad. We must demonstrate our love in the only way that truly matters. We must demonstrate our dedication to this Fraternity with our time, talent and treasury. We will be a unified Alpha. We will be the Fraternity we were meant to be: One Voice – One Alpha! Getting Our House in Order In the days and months ahead, it will be my challenge and my honor to chart the course that will accomplish our goals. First, we must get our house in order. We must run our business—the business of Alpha, the business of brotherhood—with principles of good management, fiscal responsibility, shareholder respect, brotherly service and vision. We cannot expect others to fund our existence. We must be economically self-sufficient. We must be proactive in finding future revenue sources and growing our endowments to fund our initiatives. We will develop revenue diversification through strategic alliances with entrepreneurs, both within and outside Alpha Phi Alpha. We will provide vital leadership training and make an Alpha model for professional and personal development. We will develop mentors for our brotherhood and for the community we serve. Having said that, Alpha Phi Alpha will remain in the forefront of community service; a champion for social and legal justice and a force for the exploration of public policy and advocacy. We also must improve the health of Alpha men and men throughout our communities. Far too many of our people are dying due to unhealthy lifestyles and unhealthy living conditions. We must meet the issues of cancer and HIV infections head on. We must be about the business of proactive healthcare and prevention. Alpha must be a strong voice in this regard. We must also insure that our communities have access to health care. This sounds like a tall order, and it may seem nearly impossible, but not for Alpha Phi Alpha. There is yet another phrase that rings in my mind right now. “If it was easy, we wouldn’t need Alpha.” We will do this, and much more, but only through One Voice – One Alpha! Spirits of the Founders Before I take my seat Brothers, I once again summon the spirits of those giants on whose shoulders we stand, who cause us to be in this place. I pray now for Alpha Phi Alpha in their voice and in their words that have guided us to this time and place in history. I pray for Alpha Phi Alpha and for you individually, that we will continue to have the intelligence, with the wisdom of a Henry Arthur Callis—that great physician

and professor. But greater than that, I pray that we have knowledge and the verve to put it to work for the greater good of our people—for knowledge unused is no knowledge at all. I pray that we will have the compassion of a Charles Henry Chapman, who truly touched and changed lives through education. I pray that we will not be satisfied with the mere basics of schooling, but that we would seek to expand the knowledge of Alpha men and the people of our communities. I pray that we will have the leadership of a Eugene Kinckle Jones, who not only became our second president, but who also led the National Urban League. This is a man who truly knew that leadership costs—for he is one who challenged us to lead by example; and also gave us the wisdom to know the value of not just being a leader; but also being a follower. He was a soldier who knew of a mission and carried it out because it was for the greater good of the body. I pray that we will have analytical and technical minds. Enough so, that we embrace science and technology in our quest for greatness like George Biddle Kelley. Furthermore, that we will look beyond the technical jargon and see the intended purpose of our discoveries and how humanity will benefit and be elevated through actions. I pray that we will be of service, satisfied with our participation and contribution, though we may not always be the leader, like our beloved Robert Harold Ogle. And, I pray that we will continue to be great builders and designers like Vertner Woodson Tandy, not just of a memorial to Dr. King, but for programs that impact the lives of the people we serve. If we will do these things, and will speak as One Voice – One Alpha, focused on our mission and following our vision, Brothers determined to work together—devoid of pettiness, jealousy and envy, but with compassionate fraternalism—then I can assure you that those who write history will have to record that for the men of Alpha Phi Alpha, in the year 2005, there was a great victory through singleness of purpose. They will have to write that these were men who sought to do good and accomplished much, because their mission was greater than any individual. There will be no repenting, for our generation of Alpha men will be known as those whose voices were heard, whose course was clear, and whose courageous acts were seen. The great ship of Alpha is sailing—sailing with the wind at its back. So let the clarion call to service be heard, by Brothers near and far, to come and get on board. And as this ship sails towards our destiny, let the voices be heard though the thunder roar and the billows roll. One Voice – One Alpha! One Voice – One Alpha! One Voice – One Alpha! And so it is! Thank you.

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

INAUGURATION AND LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

I INAUGURATION DO SOLEM OF THE With the words: “I do solemnly swear to faithfully execute the Office of the General President and to uphold the Constitution and By-Laws of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.,” the baton was placed in the hands of Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. and the transition of power from the 31st to the 32nd General President was accomplished. Photography by Don Baker

The Journey Begins: Ushering in the Centennial Era With all the tradition and observance of a time-honored ceremony, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. inaugurated Brother Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. as the organization’s 32nd General President on January 8, 2005 during an Inaugural Luncheon and Installation Ceremony held at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta, Georgia. The event was the highlight of the organization’s 2005 Inauguration and Leadership Summit where members from around the country came to help develop the Fraternity’s community and corporate leadership strategies.

Special 2006 Edition

All of the Fraternity’s living former General Presidents, along with General Officers, Brothers, countless dignitaries, distinguished guests, well-wishers, and Brother Matthews’ wife and family members were on hand as the 32nd General President was installed. Greetings were offered from numerous Brothers and special guests. Twenty-sixth General President Ozell Sutton, who served as Senior Advisor to the Inaugural Committee, gave the program’s opening welcome and 30th General President Adrian L. Wallace gave the

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

MNLY SWEAR: 32ND GENERAL PRESIDENT

The baton is exchanged.

invocation. Twenty-fifth General President James R. Williams presented the occasion, reflecting on his work with the new General President, which dated back to Brother Matthews’ college days and the period when he served as Midwestern Regional Assistant Vice President. Twenty-eighth General President Henry Ponder introduced Brother Ambassador Andrew Young, the Inaugural Chairman, who gave a special recognition. Twenty-ninth General President Milton C. Davis presented the new General President and 27th General President Charles C. Teamer administered the Oath of Office. Thirty-

first General President Harry E. Johnson, Sr. bestowed the General President’s Pin upon him. The recognitions by the former General Presidents and Inauguration Chairman were followed by greetings from U.S. Congressman John Lewis; Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; Eastern Regional Vice President Darren Morton; Southern Regional Vice President Ronnie Jenkins; and Inaugural Vice Chairmen James Smith and Herman “Skip” Mason. Brothers Smith and Mason represented the inauguration co-sponsoring Chapters Kappa Phi Lambda, in Columbia, Maryland, and Eta Lambda, in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

Adrian Wallace and Darryl Matthews

James R. Williams presents the occasion.

Charles Teamer conducts Swearing In.

The Plan for Alpha Phi Alpha Among all that was said about Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. on that day—and since he was elected to become the Fraternity’s 32nd General President at the organization’s Constitutional Convention, held 2004 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—perhaps the most perfect insight into the upcoming administration was revealed during the look at Brother Matthews’ biography. The new General President currently serves as the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for the National Association of Black Accounts—the premier organization for African Americans in the finance and accounting profession. At NABA, he has raised the

Special 2006 Edition

millions of dollars in funds necessary to support the organization’s various operations, community development and mentoring projects; and forged relationships with senior executives in corporate America and with political officials. The recognized leader in association management brings his wealth of experience in leading membership-based organizations to the Fraternity. Organization development is the primary strategic focus for the 32nd General President, ensuring that the Fraternity—the Board of Directors and corporate governance system—uses the best practices of today’s well-run and managed nonprofit organizations.

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Brothers Andrew Young and Darryl Matthews

General President and Mrs. Matthews with Inauguration Team members.

Brother Matthews also is focused on economic self-sufficiency—making sure the organization continues to build its endowments; strengthens its fiscal management systems; explores and provides entrepreneurial opportunities for those who are looking to establish businesses; and assisting those with existing businesses and helping them to grow. Another focus is to ensure that the Fraternity’s young members—specifically college Brothers— are well versed in financial literacy. In doing so, financial-literacy initiatives are being established to assist college Brothers, entry-level Brothers and others in need of better understanding the management of money.

His community focuses include the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project, where he currently serves as vice chair, and making sure that Dr. King’s contribution to society and the world is realized. Other community concerns include addressing the challenge of teen pregnancy through Project Alpha; engaging with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America; engaging in voter education and registration through the organization’s A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People Campaign; and encouraging youth not only to go and finish high school, but also go and complete college. Further, the effort is being expanded so that beyond college, youth are prepared to go to work.

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

29th General President Milton C. Davis

General President Darryl and Mrs. Allison Matthews

Inaugural Ceremony closes with singing of Fraternity Hymn.

Special 2006 Edition

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

General President Matthews and the Inauguration Team

Ambassador Andrew Young with Brother and Mrs. Al Rutherford

26th General President Ozell Sutton

Brother Matthews with NABA staff members

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

Leadership Summit closes with Fraternity Hymn

Robert Willis

Fraternity Hymn is sung

Brother Matthews is greeted by well-wishers

Other goals of his administration involve community-development corporations and working with chapters who are involved in building houses and developing communities. Also, he is interested in getting the Fraternity involved with enhancing community development, such as assisting Brothers who are individually acquiring and building hotels and creating more small business in the African American community to employ residents who have been displaced by closing factories and the overseas outsourcing of jobs. Before joining NABA, Darryl Matthews was a Consultant for the White House Presidential Advance Office, where he produced events on behalf of the President of the United States. He also formerly served as the Fraternity’s Executive Director, Deputy Executive

Director, Assistant Executive Secretary and Director of Membership Services during his more than 30 years of membership in Alpha Phi Alpha. He was initiated into the Fraternity while an undergraduate student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and served on the Fraternity’s National Board of Directors as the Midwestern Region Assistant Vice President.

Special 2006 Edition

Inaugural and Leadership Summit Events The 2005 Inauguration and Leadership Summit events began the day prior to the General President’s installation, beginning with the National Board Meeting, registration, ladies’ events, a special presentation and an Atlanta Welcome Reception. The following day a Fraternity Leadership

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

(above) Officers and Brothers process to MLK burial site. (right) Brother Matthews leads dedication ceremony.

Breakfast; Ladies Breakfast; and day-long Leadership Sessions for Brothers were held. The first session offered leadership development workshops that discussed Financial and Accounting Policies and Procedures; Leadership Imperatives for Managing Organizational Change; Alpha Etiquette and Decorum; and How to Market Yourself. The second session presented workshops on Non-profit Board Participation; National Programs Implementation; Chapter and Officer Development; and Understanding Parliamentary Procedures. The third session offered seminars concerning Dealing with the Media and Congressional Alpha Leaders: Confronting issues facing the African American Male. The ladies activities on the second day of the Summit included a First Ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tea & Fashion Show, hosted by Allison Paige Matthews. An

Ambassadorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inaugural Reception and Inaugural Ball were held that evening. On the closing day of the event, the official morning worship service was held at Friendship Baptist Church in Atlanta where Brother William Guy is the pastor. In addition to Brothers Young, Sutton, Smith and Mason, the other members of the Inaugural Committee included Kermit Boston, David Brown, John Davis, John German, Willard C. Hall, Jr., Lover High, Jr., Maurice Jenkins, John Mims, A. Brian Parker, Tom Phillips, Al Rutherford, LaRence Snowden, Iva Williams, Robert Willis and Chris Womack. Brother Peter Felder served as musical director for the Inauguration Ceremony. The 2005 Inauguration and Leadership Summit was sponsored by Southern Companies.

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

In the above photos, the newly installed General President is greeted by well-wishers following the Inauguration and Installation Ceremony.

Special 2006 Edition

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

GENERATION UPON GENERATION PASSED THIS TORCH. IT IS IN OUR HANDS NOW. IT IS IN OUR BONES, AND WE MUST NOT LET IT BE DOUSED Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. State of the Fraternity Address

Summer 2005 路 Volume 90 路 Number 2

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following State of the Fraternity Address, delivered by 32nd General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. at the 86th General Convention and 99th Anniversary Convention, held in Houston, Texas, was edited for publication.

AMERICA, HERE WE ARE “Then I said, I will not mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, but his word was in mine heart as a burning fire, shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay” BOOK OF JEREMIAH, NINTH VERSE OF THE 20TH CHAPTER

Photography by Jeff Lewis and Ricky Brown

Special 2006 Edition

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.

STATE OF THE FRATERNITY ADDRESS

o our highly esteemed Past General Presidents Harry E. Johnson, Sr., Adrian Wallace, Milton C. Davis, Henry Ponder, Charles C. Teamer, Sr., Ozell Sutton, and James R. Williams; to the honorable members of the Board of Directors; Brothers on the dais; my Brothers assembled, Good Afternoon. Callis, Chapman, Jones, Kelley, Murray, Ogle, Tandy: these stalwart men had the audacity to form a fraternity—a secret society dedicated to college-trained black men—decades before the civil rights movement and in a time that was difficult, especially for men of color. In the face of racism, in the shadow of Jim Crow, at a time when lynching and murdering Negro people abounded—Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was formed. And yet, against this backdrop of inequality, these college-educated men sent a message to their college classmates, to their respective communities and to this nation that change was in the wind. From that moment forward, the lives of black people in this country would be changed, would be influenced, and would be different because of the good works of these Sons of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Men of Faith Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be. As a young boy, I heard those words being sung by the choir at my church. Back then, they were just words. However, today as a man, and moreover as the General President of Alpha Phi Alpha, those words have a new and important meaning to me. Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be. As we gather in the City of Houston, Texas, thousands of educated men of color, we send a message to this state and to this nation that we are men of faith and that a mighty God has blessed us and brought us to this place and to this time to do His work through our Fraternity. As I look at you today, I wonder why? Why did you choose Alpha Phi Alpha? During our college days and the days following them, we have so many choices that we can make; and of course, we can choose to do nothing, to join nothing; and yet, we chose Alpha Phi Alpha. Why? Was it the rich history and legacy? Was it the mystery of

the Fraternity symbols? Was it because your friends were members? Or do you just love black and gold? I think I know the answer. Just as Alpha Phi Alpha did not choose its mission in this life, you did not choose Alpha—Alpha chose you. Think with me for just a moment about this great Fraternity and what it has meant to America. America in all its glory and splendor, in its power and presence and promise. America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. America, we hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal. Against the backdrop of bombs bursting in the air, the flag stiffened by the wind, tall buildings and monuments reaching for the sky—all symbols of power, sending a message to the world that this is the land of milk and honey. But, then enter Alpha Phi Alpha. Boldly stepping onto the scene and declaring that all is not right with this land. That there are those who are oppressed; there are those who are disenfranchised, those who are forgotten and on whose stooped backs America was built. Alpha Phi Alpha was born out of crisis, out of turmoil, out of need. Thus, its members were called on—not just to wear the colors and display the shield—but to shout to the rooftops, though the heavens may fall that change is on the way. This is a Fraternity born out of a need of those who belonged to nothing but who banded together—arms interlocked like the fasces on the shield, a symbol of strength through unity and purpose. So, these men saw wrong and attempted to make it right. Thus, their belonging to the Fraternity was endemic to the needs of the people it served. Herein, lies my theory that you did not choose the Fraternity—the Fraternity chose you. College Life to Corporate Life Alpha Phi Alpha did not seek nor did it request the burden of educating black people, but it saw the need, and the need chose Alpha to encourage young people to “Go-to-High School, Go-toCollege.” Now, we also need to encourage them to go to work! At this convention under the title “College Life to Corporate Life”, we are formalizing the process of preparing our college Brothers and those just entering the work force with the tools and strategies to assimilate successfully in corporate America as they pursue their chosen professions. We will formalize a relationship with the Inroads organization to ensure more internship opportunities for our college Brothers and to mentor other young men already enrolled in Inroads—but who just do not get it and who do not fully realize the

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

precious opportunity they have and the need to develop responsible work habits. We did not seek nor did we request the responsibility of getting people to exercise their constitutional rights to vote, but the need chose Alpha Phi Alpha and thus a “Voteless People is a Hopeless People” was born. Today, eight of our Brothers are members of the United States Congress. Alpha men serve as elected officials across the country and abroad. We did not seek nor did we request to be embroiled in the controversy of teenaged pregnancy, but the need chose Alpha Phi Alpha, and led its membership to address the concerns of the forgotten partner—the African-American male. The need chose “Project Alpha.” At the Public Program this year, we will pay special tribute to our 25-year partnership with the March of Dimes. I recently attended the national meeting of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Their national president and CEO, Judy Vrendenburgh, pointed to Alpha Phi Alpha as the organization that is doing the most to help link boys in need to men who can make a difference. At our Public Program this year, we will pay special tribute also to our 15-year partnership with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization. The True Measure of a People The true measure of a people’s strength is how they rise to master that moment when crisis presents itself. Poets, political thinkers and psychologists have taught us that it is not enough to change a person's condition; you must change their consciousness. Moses led the people out of Egyptian bondage and he changed their condition. What Moses discovered, however was that until they changed their consciousness, the people would continue to make enslaving choices. They were out of slavery but slavery was still in them. Moses led them out of slavery but he could not lead them up from slavery. And every time we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we are reminded that capacity may well be limitless. You see, you were drawn to the Fraternity by all of its trappings: the colors, the shield, the letters, the image of manhood, and the allure of leadership. But ultimately, it was Alpha Phi Alpha that chose you, because of what you could offer the Fraternity. During the Civil Rights Movement, Alpha men were highly visible in that era. Leaders, far too many to name, all following in the footsteps and leadership of Brother Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and he, like the men of Alpha, did not choose the Civil Rights Movement—it chose him. The other day, I was watching the news and found myself near tears watching a story about a house fire somewhere in the South. It was not a big house but good people, including children lived inside.

Special 2006 Edition

It was the middle of the night and the house caught fire. Neighbors were awakened by the stark orange glow of the flames and the smell of the smoke. They leaped from their beds and ran into the streets. They saw the fire and heard the screams of the people inside. Instead of standing in awe, two men, ran into the fire and were able to rescue everyone except one child. One of the men was badly burned and he too died. They ran into the fire. They ran into the fire. Alpha Phi Alpha does not want you to sit idly by and look at the flames. Alpha wants you to run into the fire. Run into the fire of hunger and douse it with food for those who go to bed wanting a morsel of nourishment. Run into the fire of homelessness and build with your hands shelter from the cold. Run into the fire of racism and quench the thirst for equality. Run into the fire of injustice and balance the scales for our people, and for people everywhere. Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. Run into the fire of hatred and spread the love of God. Run into the fire of violence and offer yourself as an instrument of His divine and everlasting peace. You did not choose Alpha Phi Alpha. Alpha chose you. For 99 years, Alpha Phi Alpha has been running into the fire, facing challenges head on—all the while holding high the banner of this great Fraternity. We will not stop running into the fire, we will continue to fight the good fight for people in need. A Burning Fire It seems that so many of our young Brothers can learn lifechanging lessons from Brothers who have experienced longevity in the Fraternity and longevity in life. Dr. Charles King, the long-time race-relations expert used to say, that too many of our people do not know what it means to have their feet burned by the fires of racism. Dr. King often was asked why he worked so hard to make people see each other as equals. He said, it is my calling, and it burns, like a fire all shut up in my bones. The message of Alpha Phi Alpha, and what it means to this nation, must be like that fire. Those of you, who know your scriptures, know that in the Book of Jeremiah, Jeremiah was an anointed prophet of the Lord. He knew from his youth that he was called to speak God’s word to his chosen people. But, Jeremiah was not so sure he wanted that task. So he decided to doubt his calling, and he said in the ninth verse of the 20th chapter:

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Then I said, I will not mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, but his word was in mine heart as a burning fire, shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.

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

this Fraternity have been shut up in our bones. It is time to tell the story. America, here we are. We will not hide in the shadows. Black America is looking for leaders. Well, here we are. Young people are looking for role models. Well, here we are. Our churches, temples and mosques are looking for strong capable God-fearing men, to help reconstruct families and maintain our communities. Well, here we are. I pledge to you and to any Alpha under the sound of my voice, it is a new day in Alpha. We will take care of our own house first, and in the days and weeks to come, more people will know our name. Not for show or fashion. They will know the name of Alpha for its substance its sacrifice for others. They will know of the good work we do. They will know Alpha for building a memorial, for the entire world to see. They will know Alpha for its concern and action to make things right for those who have for so long been neglected and forgotten. They will know that Alpha is synonymous with excellence and achievement. It is our mission, it is our calling, it is our burden, and it burns like a fire all shut up in our bones. Now is the time for Alpha heroes. We will do what is hard; we will achieve what is great. As we approach our centennial, I submit to you that we must dare to be great. We must reexamine ourselves and evaluate how we are doing and where we are goingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;financially, spiritually and morally. Great men have gone on before us. Not one of them sought greatness, it was earned because they put self last and others first. Henry Ward Beecher said this about greatness: Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength. Alpha, show your strength. Use your strength. Help us to rise up and to raise up those who shall follow. And history will have to record that here lived in that time and era, a cadre of great men with but one thing in common. They sought to do good, and thereby became great. Great is the goodness that brings us here today. Great is the love we have for our fellow man. Great is the love we have for Alpha Phi Alpha. The State of the Fraternity is great because of you!

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

(above) Oldest Brother to attend Convention is pictured with Brothers Willard Hall and Darryl Matthews. (below) Brother Sylvester Shannon pronounces the benediction.

Special 2006 Edition

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

86th GENERAL CONVENTION • 99th ANNIVERASRY CONVENTION

HOUSTON CONVENTION SERVES AS GATEWAY TO CENTENNIAL EVENT A

lpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s 99th Anniversary Convention/86th General Convention was held August 4-8, 2005 at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston, Texas. The 2005 convention, entitled “The Gateway to 100” served as a precursor to the following year’s event when the organization celebrates its 100th Anniversary. The Fraternity’s Centennial Committee convened at the Convention to finalize plans for its kick-off event—the Centennial Pilgrimage to Cornell University—and to announce other highlights of the 100th Anniversary Celebration. Following its Board Meeting, other opening day meetings and registration, the events portion of the Houston Convention began with a gala Welcome Reception, held at the Toyota Center in Houston and hosted by the local chapters. The Fraternity was greeted at the reception by the Houston professional sports teams’ cheerleaders who made the Brothers feel very welcome. The Convention’s Golf Tournament was one of the first events to be held as part of the conference. Some of the other major Convention activities included the Fraternal Luncheon and Oratorical Contest, Life Membership Luncheon, Step Show, Miss Black & Gold Pageant, Inspirational Brunch, Public Program, Awards Banquet and Business Sessions. The ladies activities included The First Lady’s Fashion Show, Houston shopping extravaganzas, spa visits and receptions. Child care services were offered and the youth schedule included trips to area amusements parks, movie screenings and pizza parties. Alpha University Through the Fraternity’s Alpha University, the convention offered training to its undergraduate, young professional and seasoned members desiring to improve their skills. A popular workshop for under-

graduates was entitled Resume Writing, Job Search and Interviewing Skills. The workshop offered an in-depth lesson on how to write an appealing resume, orchestrate a successful job search and productively market oneself through the interview process. Another popular workshop for college and university students, entitled C2C, discussed the skills necessary to guarantee a successful transition from College to Corporate Life. Workshops geared to professionals included the Friendraise Instead of Fundraise seminar, which offered a crash course in learning how to build and maintain long-term relationships with donors. Other workshops presented training exercises that looked at Brother communications, attitude and interactions; and an orientation on usage, features, and capabilities of the Fraternity’s new membership management system was offered. The Retirement Planning and Estate Management workshop, geared toward the Fraternity’s young professional and seasoned members alike, focused on assisting participants to build a good retirement portfolio and ensuring that their estate management plan was sound. The Balanced Score Card workshop presented a management tool to measure progress and develop an effective and efficient organization; while the Leadership Imperatives workshop presented a guide on how to effectively cope with organizational change. Also, a Business and Economic Development workshop introduced the key elements in launching successful business ventures and developing a sound economic base. The Financial Literacy workshop presented a finance management lesson on how to manage, budget, and allocate wealth responsibly. Other workshops looked at Fraternity procedures and officer responsibilities. Since its founding in 1999, the Alpha University has sought to expand its members’ training beyond the tradition classroom offerings.

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

Brother Horace Dawson receives Alpha Merit Award.

Merit Award Recipient Brother Ernest Holloway

Alpha Award of Merit Recipients The Fraternity’s highest award bestowed upon a member of the organization was presented to three of its distinguished Brothers during the Convention’s Public Program. In addition to Alpha Phi Alpha Brothers, the Public Program attracted the heads, leaders and members of each of the other eight Pan Hellenic Council member organizations. Alpha Award of Merit honors were presented to Brothers Ambassador Dr. Horace G. Dawson, Jr., Dr. Ernest Holloway and Robert Willis. Brother Horace Dawson serves as Chairman of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity World Policy Council. As a diplomat, he rose through the ranks as a Cultural Affairs Officer in Uganda and Nigeria and as Public Affairs Officer in Liberia. In 1970, he was selected to attend the Senior Seminar in Foreign Policy in Washington, D.C. From 1973-76, he was in charge of all U.S. information and cultural programs in Africa. In 1976, he became Counselor of Embassy for Public Affairs

in the Philippines until 1979 when President Jimmy Carter named him U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Botswana. As Ambassador, Dr. Dawson was involved with the independence of Zimbabwe and leading to the end of apartheid in South Africa and ultimately its independence. He retired as a diplomatic servant in 1989 and the same year joined the faculty of the School of Communications at Howard University as Director of Public Affairs. He wrote a proposal which resulted in a $3 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to fund an international affairs center at Howard, which he established in 1993 and led as its first Interim Director. In 1997, he was appointed Director of the International Affairs Center, which by then had been named in honor of Dr. Ralph Bunche. Brother Ernest Holloway’s primary focus is on Langston University and its students. He has served as President of the university since being elected to the post on October 10, 1979. He is the recipient of more than 200 awards and citations; and with member-

Special 2006 Edition

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Fraternity Officers pictured at Awards Banquet

Merit Award Recipient Brother Bob Willis

ships in professional and civic organizations on the local, state, national, and international levels. Dr. Holloway was inducted into the Oklahoma Afro-American Hall of Fame in 1987; and the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame in 1996. In 1997, he was commemorated by former classmates with a star named in his honor. The E.L. Holloway Centennial President star is located in the constellation Ophiuchus. Dr. Holloway was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2002, he was honored with the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund Education Leadership Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a sitting president of a public historically black college or university by the Board of Directors of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund. In 2003, he was presented with the University of Oklahoma College of Education’s Career Achievement Award. Most recently, Brother Holloway was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

Brother Bob Willis is a former Southern Regional Vice President and he served as Assistant Midwestern Regional Vice President while a student at Kentucky State University. He also served two separate terms as President of the Eta Lambda Chapter in Atlanta, Georgia. He currently serves as Senior Advisor to the District Director of Georgia, Advisor to the Southern Regional Vice President, Senior Advisor to the 32nd General President. He served on the Executive Director Search Committee and the Transition Team for the 32nd General President. Brother Willis’ fraternal appointments and services include: Life Membership Chairman, Interim Intake Director, Chairman for the Executive Director Search Committee, Investigator and spokesperson in the Alpha Rho Chapter crisis under the appointment of General President Henry Ponder, and Special Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Advisor and Confidant to General Presidents. He also has served in the administrations of past General Presidents Ozell Sutton, Henry Ponder, Charles Teamer, Milton Davis, Adrian Wallace and

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

Harry Johnson. In addition, Brother Willis boasts an outstanding record of community service. He has been a Board Member and Advisor for the Gerontology Society, Inc. Also, he has served with the following organizations: United Way of Metro Atlanta, Georgia Consortium for African American Aging, Executive Council of AARP, Selective Service Draft Board and the NAACP. Brother Willis serves as Deputy Voter Registrar for Fulton County in Georgia, is a member of the Fraternityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eta Lambda Chapter, is a Life Member of the organization and is a 50-year Brother.

Convention Award Winners The 2005 General Convention award winners were as follows: College Brother of the Year: Jared Loadholt, Alpha Rho Chapter, Morehouse College College Chapter of the Year: Theta Chapter, University of Illinois-Chicago, Midwest Alumni Brother of the Year: Jarvis Harris, Kappa Lambda Chapter, Greensboro, NC Alumni Chapter of the Year: Kappa Lambda, Greensboro, NC, Southern Charles Wesley Brotherhood Award: Theta Mu Lambda & Nu Delta, Illinois, Midwest Miss Black & Gold: Miss Abeo Jackson, Southwestern Collegiate Scholars Bowl: Alpha Mu, Midwest Step Show: Eta Omicron, NC State University, Southern Belford V. Lawson Oratorical: Marcus Willis, Southwestern

B.V. Lawson Oratorical Contest winner Marcus Willis receives award from Brothers Hall and Matthews.

Spirit Awards: College Brother with Highest GPA: Michael Coleman, Eta Gamma, Southwestern, 3.96 College Chapter with Highest GPA: Gamma XI, UCLA, Western, 3.4 Oldest Registered Brother: John B. Howell, 93, Alpha Tau Lambda, Southwestern Traveled Greatest Distance: College: Rho Nu, MIT/Harvard/Tufts, Cambridge, MA Alumni: Mu Phi Lambda, Seoul, Korea Theta Chapter Brothers win College Chapter of the Year

Special 2006 Edition

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Alpha Rho Chapterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jared Loadholt (center) wins College Brother of the Year honors.

Jarvis Harris (center), Alumni Brother of the Year, is joined by Kappa Lambda Chapter Brothers who were named Alumni Chapter of the Year.

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

HOUSTON CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

Brothers take care of business. Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professional sports cheerleaders welcome Brothers.

Scene from the Fraternal Luncheon and Oratorical Contest.

Special 2006 Edition

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

HOUSTON CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

Centennial Committee plans Cornell Pilgrimage.

Mrs. Allison Paige Matthews (center) hosts the Ladies Fashion Show.

Alpha step teams take the floor.

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

HOUSTON CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS Brother Matthews honors Life Member.

March of Dimes Executive Director Jane Massey and Brother Matthews at Public Program.

Newly crowned Miss Black & Gold, Abeo Jackson, is congratulated by Brothers.

Special 2006 Edition

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

HOUSTON CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

Ladies Fashion show models.

Golf Tournament winners.

Alpha Singers perform at Inspirational Brunch.

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Editor’s Note: During the 2005 General Convention in Houston, Texas, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity received word from the Johnson Publishing Company that one of its favorite sons, Brother John H. Johnson, founder, publisher and chairman of the publishing empire had died. It was the solemn duty of General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. to deliver the news to the assembled members. This issue of The Sphinx Magazine is respectfully dedicated to our dear Brother who through the years has been a loyal member, faithful friend and great supporter of the Fraternity.

PUBLISHING EMPIRE FOUNDER AND FAVORITE SON JOHN H. JOHNSON DIES

rother John H. Johnson rose from poverty to create an unparalleled international media and cosmetics empire. The founder and publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines and chairman of Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. and Fashion Fair Cosmetics died August 8, 2005 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He was 87. Brother Johnson was initiated into the Fraternity through Theta Chapter, Chicago’s citywide undergraduate chapter, on March 1, 1938. He was a member of Xi Lambda Chapter in Chicago. The story has often been told of how Brother Johnson borrowed $500 on his mother’s furniture and created a publishing and cosmetics empire. He is recognized as one of the nation’s major trailblazers and is acknowledged as the founder of the African American consumer market. Under his visionary leadership and for 60 straight years, Ebony has been the largest black-owned magazine in the world—every consecutive year since its founding in 1945.

Brother Johnson was born in poverty on January 19, 1918 in Arkansas City, Arkansas to Leroy Johnson and Gertrude Jenkins Johnson and rose in one generation from the welfare rolls to the rolls of Forbes 400 richest Americans. His father was killed in a sawmill accident when he was 8-yearsold, and his mother, who later married James Williams, became the dominant force in his life. There was no African American high school in Arkansas City at that time so Gertrude Johnson Williams decided to take her son to Chicago where he could get a good education. The mother and son left Arkansas City in July 1933 and were later joined in Chicago by his stepfather. Fifty-three years later, when Brother Johnson returned to Arkansas City for the first time since his leaving, every major public official, both African American and white, turned out to greet him. Also, schoolchildren, both African American and white, lined up to honor the most distinguished individual that Arkansas City and Desha

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

County had produced. On May 21, 2005, the John H. Johnson Cultural and Educational Museum, a joint project of Arkansas City and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, was dedicated to his honor at the Desha County Courthouse. Brother Johnson and his mother moved to Chicago at the height of The Great Depression and were on the welfare rolls for a short period. But they got off welfare as soon as possible and moved to better times and better jobs, he said in his autobiography. Brother Johnson graduated from DuSable High School in 1936 and worked at the Supreme Liberty Life Insurance Company, the largest African American-owned business in the North, while studying part-time at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. One of his duties at Supreme Liberty Life was to prepare a digest for company President Harry H. Pace, which concerned African American and black-oriented stories in the mainstream press. This

gave Brother Johnson the idea for his first magazine, Negro Digest; however, banks and financial institutions refused to give him a loan. Undeterred, he financed the first magazine issue by borrowing $500 on his mother’s furniture. The Negro Digest magazine published for the first time in November 1942 and was an instant success; and led to the founding of Ebony magazine in 1945 at the end of World War II. Later, the first issue of Ebony sold 25,000 copies, making it the largest circulated African American-owned magazine. Sixty years later, the magazine has a circulation of 1,600,000 and today is still the largest circulated black-owned magazine in the world. There had been African American magazines before; however, none had attracted enough advertising to make them commercially viable. Brother Johnson solved the problem by telling advertisers it was in their self-interest to use black models to appeal directly

John H. Johnson Chronology of Achievement Brother Johnson's speech that he offered him a job and a scholarship to attend college part-time. In the late 30s, he dropped his studies at the University of Chicago. 1939 – At age 21, he becomes editor of Harry Pace's in-house magazine. Collecting articles culled from national publications, Brother Johnson realizes he has struck gold. 1941 – Married Eunice Walker and assumed a full-time position at Supreme Liberty Life.

Young John H. Johnson

1933 – Moves with his mother to Chicago, part of African America's Great Migration, and enrolled in DuSable High School. 1936 – Upon graduation, invited to speak at a dinner held by the Urban League. President of the Supreme Liberty Life Insurance Company, Harry Pace was so impressed with

Special 2006 Edition

1942 – In November, he borrowed $500 against his mother's furniture and started the Johnson Publishing Company. He received the idea for Negro Digest, the forerunner of Ebony Magazine, while selecting articles for Harry Pace to keep abreast of current events of interest to African Americans. 1942 – Launched the Negro Digest, which took a serious look at racial issues and fea-

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

tured articles from prominent African American and white writers. Office of the Johnson Publishing Co. was located on the second floor of Chicago's Supreme Life Insurance Co. building, in a room in the private law office of Earl B. Dickerson. 1942 – In June, he circulated 50,000 of Negro Digest, modeled on Reader’s Digest but aimed at African Americans. 1943 – In October, readership of the Negro Digest soared to 100,000 when one of his regular contributor columns, "If I was a Negro," was penned by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. 1943 – The publisher bought the company's first building, to house Ebony and its sister publication Negro Digest, at 5619 South State Street in Chicago. 1945 – Launched Ebony, a breakthrough vehicle for national advertisers to target African American middle-class markets.

to African American consumers, who constituted a larger consumer market than foreign countries like Canada and Australia. In November 1951, Brother Johnson founded Jet Magazine, which became the No. 1 African American newsweekly. Brother Johnson also published books, bought radio stations, and produced TV shows. Another winning venture for the company was the Ebony Fashion Fair, which is produced and directed by Brother Johnson’s wife, Eunice Walker Johnson. Since 1958, Ebony Fashion Fair has raised more than $51 million for UNCF and other community scholarship groups and has made it possible for hundreds of students to attend college. The media entrepreneur, in 1973, diversified further and created a cosmetics division, Fashion Fair Cosmetics, which offered a line of beauty products for a wide variety of skin tones and fragrances for men and women. Brother Johnson, during this period, became one of the pioneer African American directors of major American corporations and

served on the boards of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, The Dial Corporation, Chrysler, Zenith, Conrail, Bell & Howell, Continental Bank, Dillard Department Stores and other corporations. Also, he became chairman of the board of Supreme Life Insurance Company, where he started his career as an office boy. Brother Johnson served as a trustee of the Art Institute of Chicago, the United Negro College Fund, and the National Conference of Christians and Jews and was on the Advisory Board of the Harvard Business School. The publisher also advised civil rights leaders and presidents. Brother Johnson accompanied Vice President Richard Nixon on a goodwill tour of Africa and served as a Special United States Ambassador for both President John F. Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson. He was a personal friend and supporter of Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders, and Ebony, Jet, and Black World, played key roles in the Freedom Movement and

1949 – Opened first major building, a converted funeral parlor at 1820 South Michigan Avenue, which remained the company headquarters for 23 years.

political arena, entertainment, business, and the sports world. Jet currently has a readership of over eight million.

1951 – Created Jet, a pocket-sized weekly publication that highlighted news of African Americans in the social limelight,

1955 – Received Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Award of Merit, the highest honor bestowed upon a member of the Fraternity. 1957 – Accompanied Vice President Richard M. Nixon on a special goodwill tour to nine African countries. 1959 – Accompanied Vice President Nixon to Russia and Poland. 1961 – Appointed by President John F. Kennedy as Special U.S. Ambassador to the Independence Ceremonies of the Ivory Coast.

Publisher’s more recent official portrait photo.

1963 – Appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson as Special United States Ambassador to the Independence Ceremonies of Kenya.

John H. Johnson with his wife and daughter.

1965 – Received NAACP's coveted Spingarn Medal for the highest and most achievements by an African American. 1966 – Appointed by President Johnson to the National Selective Service Commission. 1969 – Received the Horatio Alger Award and the USC Journalism Alumni Association's Distinguished Achievement Award.

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition

were pioneers in popularizing African American history and culture. Brother Johnson was the most honored of all publishers and throughout his career, he received prestigious awards and the highest civilian honors, including The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Magazine Publisher’s Association Publisher of the Year Award, the Advertising Hall of Fame Award, the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame Award, the National Business Hall of Fame Award, the Greatest Minority Entrepreneur Award, the Horatio Alger Award, the NAACP Spingarn Award, the highest honor given by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center and, in 1955, he received the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Award of Merit, the highest award given to a member of the organization. In 2003, Howard University in Washington, D.C. established the John H. Johnson School of Communications in his honor. Brother Johnson received several honorary doctoral degrees from universi-

1970 – Appointed by President Nixon as a member of the President's Commission for the Observance of the 25th Anniversary of the United Nations. 1971 – Moved Johnson Publishing Company to its new 11-story headquarters on Chicago's Michigan Avenue, becoming the

ties, including Harvard University, the University of Southern California, Northwestern University, Howard University and Morehouse College. He was a member of the Publishing Hall of Fame, the National Business Hall of Fame, the Advertising Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame. Brother Johnson and his wife, Eunice W. Johnson, who is secretary-treasurer of the Johnson Publishing Company, were married in 1941. In 2002, Johnson stepped down as president and CEO and named his daughter, Linda Johnson Rice, to the positions; however, he remained chairman and publisher until his death. Brother and Mrs. Johnson’s family included a son, John Harold Johnson, Jr., a photographer, who died in 1981. Brother Johnson is survived by his wife, Eunice W. Johnson; his daughter Linda Johnson Rice; and his granddaughter, Alexa Rice.

first African Americanowned business to be located in the Loop. 1982 – Named as the first African American to the Forbes' list of the 400 wealthiest Americans. 1987 – Received Black Journalists' Lifetime Achievement Award. 1990 – Estimated personal wealth set at $150 million.

Bill Clinton bestows Presidential Medal of Freedom.

1993 – Received The Wall Street Journal / Dow Jones Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. 1996 – Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor the nation can bestow on a citizen, from President Bill Clinton. Brother Johnson addresses Brotherhood.

Special 2006 Edition

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

2001 – Received the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame Award sponsored through the Sam M. Walton College of Business of the University of Arkansas. 2002 – Received the Vanguard Award and The Trumpet Award.

CAREER OVERVIEW JOHN H. JOHNSON Founder Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. 1918-2005

PERSONAL DATA Born in Arkansas City, Arkansas, January 19, 1918, John H. Johnson was best known as a publisher, businessman and humanitarian. Brother Johnson made his home in Chicago with his wife, Eunice, and occasionally resided in Palm Springs, California. Brother Johnson graduated with honors from DuSable High School and attended the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.

HONORARY DOCTORAL DEGREES American University, Benedict College, Carnegie-Mellon Institute, Central State College, Chicago State University, Clark Atlanta University, DePaul University, Eastern Michigan University, Hamilton College, Harvard University, Howard University, Lincoln University, Malcolm X College, Morehouse College, New York University, North Carolina College, North Carolina A&T State University, Northeastern University, Northwestern University, Pratt Institute, Roosevelt University, Shaw University, Syracuse University, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of the District of Columbia, University of Illinois, University of Southern California, Upper Iowa College, Wayne State University and Wilberforce University.

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL John H. Johnson began his publishing career in November 1942 as editor and publisher of Negro Digest, later Black World. The company, founded by Brother Johnson, publishes Ebony, which has remained the No.1 African American magazine in the world every consecutive year since its founding in 1945, and Jet, the world's No.1 African American newsweekly magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;founded in 1951. Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. has been the largest African American-owned publishing company in the world for 60 years. Johnson Publishing Company also publishes books exclusively by African American authors and owns Fashion Fair Cosmetics, the largest African American-owned cosmetics company and produces television specials. Brother Johnson became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Supreme Life Insurance Company, where he began his career as an office boy.

BOARD MEMBERSHIPS OF BUSINESS CORPORATIONS Arthur D. Little Bell & Howell Chrysler Corporation Conrail Continental Bank Dillard Department Stores, Inc. Supreme Life Insurance Company Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation VIAD Corporation Zenith Electronics Corporation

PHILANTHROPIC, CIVIC AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Industries Advisory Committee, The Advertising Council, Inc. Trustee, The Art Institute of Chicago Advisory Council, Harvard Graduate School of Business Director, National Conference of Christians & Jews Trustee, United Negro College Fund

The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

Special 2006 Edition