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CULTURAL CHANGE
4. The Election Process 6. Brother Parks’ Background Biography - pgs. 6 -7
Parks the Author - pgs. 10 - 13
Parks & Hip Hop - pgs. 14 - 15
17.
Style & Substance
Alpha’s Public Face - pg. 18 - 21
23. The Right Kind of Experience Leadership Experience - pgs. 24 - 26
Leadership & Results - pg. 27 - 28
PROGRESSIVE
31.
The Presidential Platform
What a Park’s presidency means - pg. 32
Park’s Presidential Platform - pg. 34 - 59
RADICAL
63. Park’s Priorities Hazing - How will Alpha Survive - pg. 64 - 69 Attention to the Subunits - pg. 70 - 75
Loving, Listenting and Learning - pg. 77
What we mean by “The Alpha you have been hoping for” - pg. 79
81. Support Brother Parks Vote for Brother Parks - pg. 82 - 83 The photographs in this magazine of persons other than Brother Gregory Parks do not directly imply an endorsement.
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THE ELECTION PROCESS All Brothers who are financial with the General Organization according to the records of the Executive Director, as of the 1st day of September 2023, are eligible to vote in this election. You will be able to vote in this election using ONE of the following methods: • • •
By Mail; By Electronic Ballot (via a web browser); & By Telephone.
You will receive your ballot package by mail, to the mailing address on record with the General Office as of September 1, 2023, from our election vendor, Merriman River Group. To vote by MAIL, follow the instructions included with your mailed ballot package. The returned ballot must be postmarked by December 31, 2023. Your ballot will be sent to a secured location that is not managed by the fraternity until they are retrieved for tabulation. If you have not received your ballot package, please call 877-324-7655 to request a replacement ballot. As part of a new General Election process, ballots will also be distributed electronically. By now, all eligible Brothers were sent an email to the official email address associated to a brother’s membership record. This email came from Merriman River Group with the email address admin@mrgvote.com and subject: Alpha Phi Alpha General Election. Included with that email is your unique PIN and secondary verification number (which is assigned to each member for confidentiality) and instructions that will take you to the electronic ballot. Please check your spam and utilize the search feature in your email if you are unable to locate this email. To vote by ELECTRONIC BALLOT, follow instructions in the email from Merriman River
Group or visit mrgvote.com. You will be required to enter your unique PIN Number, which will be located in both the mailed balloting package and in the instructional email. Follow the instructions as presented. To vote by TELEPHONE, call (Toll-Free) 877-778-5482 and follow the instructions communicated during each voice prompt. NOTE: your unique PIN and secondary verification number will be required to vote by telephone. If you vote by Electronic Ballot or by Telephone, your selection is automatically counted and you are NOT required to return a postmarked ballot (via the postal service). Additionally, if you submit a ballot by mail and it is received after you have voted by Electronic Ballot or by Telephone, the mailed ballot will be rendered invalid and it will NOT be included in the tabulation process. If you vote by Electronic Ballot or by Telephone you will receive a confirmation number that your selection has been recorded. Please notate this number as it is not saved once your vote has been cast. This General Election cycle closes on December 31, 2023. All ballots with be tabulated and certified at an official General Board of Directors meeting in January 2024. The candidate with the most votes will be certified and declared as the General President-Elect and he will assume office as General President on January 1, 2025. Electing a General President is one of the most important processes we have in our fraternity, and the decision to present oneself for leadership is equally as important. The fraternity is dedicated to providing options that increase voter turnout among its members, reducing the manual counting of results, analyzing voting trends for data that can improve future elections, and executing the elections process in a secure and transparent manner. In closing, please be advised that Merriam River Group, our election vendor, only manages the issuance and collection of ballots on behalf of the fraternity. If you have any questions regarding Alpha Phi Alpha’s General Elections Process, please refer your inquiry in writing to elections@apa1906.net for response and resolution.
WHO IS GREGORY PARKS? Behold the captivating chronicle of a bornand-bred Alpha Male, emerging from the glitzy landscapes of The Hamptons, where the echoes of privilege dance with the rhythm of resilience. Raised under the guiding lights of public school educators—his parents, this Alpha Man’s tale is a testament to the love and wisdom woven into the fabric of his familial home. The sanctity of the Baptist church, a sanctuary erected by his carpenter grandfather, where faith and family melded seamlessly. From these roots, Brother Gregory Parks embarked on a journey that reads like a crescendo of triumphs, fueled by an insatiable hunger for knowledge and achievement. The academic tapestry he weaved is nothing short of breathtaking—a Psychology degree from Howard University, a journey into the forensic realms of the City University of New York, and a doctoral saga at the University of Kentucky. As if that weren’t enough, he added a legal symphony to his repertoire, earning a J.D. from the prestigious Cornell University. Brother Parks successfully navigated the corridors of power, clerking for luminaries like Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby and Judge Andre M. Davis. His legal prowess found its stage in the D.C. office of McDermott Will & Emery LLP before fate led him to the serene halls of Wake Forest University School of Law, where he now commands minds as a Professor of Law. Beyond the lecture halls, Brother Park’s influence extends into the administrative echelons of the university. He serves as a Faculty Senate Executive Committee Member, a key figure on the Board of Trustees Finance Committee, and Co-Chair of the Space Planning Group—making waves with the Executive VP & CFO. But the narrative doesn’t stop at academia. Enter the fascinating world of fraternities, where our
Alpha Man has left an indelible mark.
Chapter, Regional, and General Organization levels of Alpha Phi Alpha. His focus? Legal battles, social justice, membership dynamics, and the intricate dance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Yet, his reach extends far beyond the fraternity letters. As a Life Member #10957, he stands tall within Alpha Phi Alpha and the NAACP, a testament to his commitment to justice and equality. Leadership roles in the Winston-Salem Urban League and the National Bar Association Civil Rights Division further underscore his impact. There’s more to this multifaceted Alpha Man! Imagine delving into the world of Freemasonry, PHA, and boardroom meetings combating hazing issues. His influence extends even into the North American Interfraternity Conference Hazing Awareness and Prevention Presidential Commission—a true testament to his commitment beyond the realms of Alpha. Now, envision a literary journey through his mind, where he explores the nuances of law, race, social science, and the intricate dance of fraternal organizations and popular culture. A child of the hip-hop generation, he draws inspiration from the beats of Public Enemy, crafting narratives that dissect how hip-hop lyrics intertwine with the complexities of race, law, and public policy.
FRATERNITY INC. MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
SERVICE & ADVOCACY FOR WASHINGTON D.C. SINCE 1923 www.mulambda.org
But the story doesn’t end there. Enter the realm of martial arts, where this Alpha Man transforms into a disciplined warrior. From a 4th-degree black belt in karate to the finesse of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he’s cultivated a physical and mental prowess that defines his daily routine—a mix of weightlifting, Peloton cardio sessions, and the rhythmic dance of martial arts. Picture the mentorship of his original karate instructor, a federal officer, whose teachings included training with a range of weapons. As a result, firearms training has become an integral part of Brother Park’s recent years, adding yet another layer to the rich tapestry of his life. In the epic tale of this Alpha, each chapter is a vibrant composition, resonating with the beats of resilience, intellect, and an unwavering spirit. This is not just a biography; it’s a symphony of a life well-lived—a narrative that continues to unfold with each beat of the Alpha heart. Brother Parks is far from dull. Take time to get to know the depths of his life, past, present and future. Gregory is a dynamic leader and great brother. I AM GREGORY PARKS
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Brother Gregory S. Parks, J.D., Ph.D. Nominee for Thirty-Seventh General President Background • • • •
Born 5/2/1974 in Southampton, N.Y. Raised: East Hampton, N.Y. Parents: Leon Parks and Queen Parks Siblings: 3 sisters
Faith • •
Raised Baptist in church built by grandfather Deep respect and appreciation for all faiths
Education • • • •
Howard University: B.S. (Psychology) City University of N.Y.: M.S. (Forensic Psychology) University of Kentucky: M.A/Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology) Cornell University: J.D.
Professional • • • • •
Past D.C. Court of Appeals: Law Clerk to Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby Past U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit: Law Clerk to Judge Andre M. Davis Past McDermott Will & Emery LLP: Trial Associate Wake Forest University School of Law: Professor of Law Gregory Parks Solutions LLC: Owner (Expert Witness & Trial Consulting)
Professional Leadership Wake Forest University: o Faculty Senate Executive Committee Member o Board of Trustees Finance Committee Member o Space Planning Group Co-Chair (w/ Executive VP & CFO) Wake Forest University School of Law o Past Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives o Past Associate Dean for Research
Alpha Leadership • •
Life Member #10957 Mu Lambda 1997
o Past Commission on Racial Justice, Chair o Past Initial Membership Development Task Force, Member Regional o Associate Legal Counsel: Midwestern Region o DEI Committee Co-Chair: Western Region o Past Reclamation & Retention Committee Co-Chair: Southern Region Chapter o Past President: Alpha Pi Lambda (Winston-Salem, N.C.) o Past Chapter Advisor: Epsilon Chi (University of Kentucky) o Past Vice President: Alpha Beta Lambda (Lexington, KY) o Associate Editor to The Sphinx: Alpha Pi Lambda (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
Community Engagement • • •
NAACP: Life Member Winston-Salem Urban League, Past Executive Leadership Team National Bar Association, Past Civil Rights Division Officer
Inter-Fraternal Engagement • •
Past Hazing Prevention.Org: Board of Directors, Member Past North American Interfraternity Conference: Hazing Awareness and Prevention Presidential Commission
Freemasonry, PHA • •
The Consistory, 32 Degree Royal Arch Mason
Personal Favorites • • • • • •
Movies: Friday, Training Day, John Wick series Television Shows: The West Wing, The Wire, Chappelle’s Show Music: Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan, Black Coffee Food: Soul Food Trips: Iceland, Morocco, Spain Book: The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley (nonfiction), The Spook Who Sat by the Door by Sam Greenlee (fiction)
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PARKS THE AUTHOR
in Brother Parks’ literary repertoire. Through his books, he dissects the intricacies of political landscapes and legal systems, offering readers a keen understanding of the forces that shape our societies. His scholarly approach to these topics reflects a commitment to fostering informed and empowered citizenry.
In the expansive world of literature, Brother Gregory Parks stands as a beacon of knowledge and wisdom, with a prolific literary career that spans diverse topics. With a remarkable collection of 15 books available on Amazon today, Brother Parks has etched his name into the annals of scholarship, offering readers profound insights into subjects ranging from Fraternity and Sorority Life to Divine Nine History, Hazing, Politics, and Law.
As readers peruse the shelves of Brother Gregory Parks’ literary offerings, they encounter a mosaic of subjects that mirror the complexities of our world. His ability to seamlessly transition between topics showcases not only his versatility as an author but also his dedication to unraveling the layers of knowledge that define our collective experience.
Brother Parks’ literary journey is a testament to his passion for sharing knowledge and contributing to the discourse on crucial societal issues. As an accomplished author and scholar, he has seamlessly woven his expertise into the fabric of each publication, providing readers with a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives. His exploration of Fraternity and Sorority Life delves into the intricacies of these organizations, shedding light on their historical significance, cultural impact, and the evolving role they play in shaping communities. Through his writings, Brother Parks invites readers to embark on a journey through the traditions, challenges, and triumphs of these influential groups. The Divine Nine, a collection of historically Black Greek-letter organizations, finds its narrative illuminated in Brother Parks’ works. His publications meticulously chronicle the history, achievements, and challenges faced by these esteemed organizations, offering a comprehensive understanding of their enduring legacy and contributions to society. Hazing, a complex and pervasive issue, is confronted head-on in Brother Parks’ writings. His insightful exploration of this phenomenon navigates the legal, social, and psychological dimensions, providing readers with a nuanced perspective on the impact and implications of hazing in various contexts. Politics and law emerge as prominent themes
Each publication by Brother Parks is a testament to his commitment to education, enlightenment, and the pursuit of intellectual excellence. His works serve as a guide for those seeking a deeper understanding of the multifaceted issues that shape our communities and societies. In a world thirsting for knowledge, Brother Gregory Parks stands as a literary luminary, offering a reservoir of wisdom through his extensive collection of books. His contributions to the literary landscape continue to inspire and educate, leaving an indelible mark on readers and scholars alike.
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THE PARKS TOP TEN Brother Gregory Parks shares his top ten favorite albums, showcasing a diverse and rich taste in music. These selections provide a glimpse into the daily musical journey that moves him. Here’s a curated list of Bro. Parks’ top ten music albums, in no particular order: 1. “Ready to Die” - The Notorious B.I.G. 2. “The Infamous” - Mobb Deep 3. “All Eyes on Me” - 2Pac 4. “Illmatic” - Nas 5. “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” - Public Enemy 6. “The Blueprint” - Jay-Z 7. “The Chronic” - Dr. Dre 8. “The Low End Theory” - A Tribe Called Quest 9. “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” Wu-Tang Clan 10. “Paid in Full” - Eric B. & Rakim From the iconic works of Jay-Z’s “Blueprint” to the legendary “Illmatic” by Nas, Brother Parks’ album choices showcase a fusion of West Coast and East Coast influences, revealing the depth and variety of his musical palette, some of Brother Park’s scholarship is about popular culture, including hip hop.
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STYLE & SUBSTANCE
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THE RIGHT KIND OF EXPERIENCE
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GREGORY PARKS PRESIDENTIAL PLATFORM THE PLATFORM
Brother Gregory Parks: A Visionary Leader for the Future of Alpha Phi Alpha In the dynamic arena of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Brother Gregory Parks stands poised for his second run for the prestigious position of General Presidency. Far from a mere political endeavor, Brother Parks’ dedication to thoughtprovoking changes underscores a genuine commitment to the betterment of our beloved A-Phi-A. At the core of his candidacy lies one of the most detailed and comprehensive platforms in recent memory, meticulously addressing Advocacy and Service, College Brothers and Alumni Relations, Governance, Fraternity Liabilities and Risk, and various layers that intricately detail the future leadership, accountability, and transparency of his proposed plans. Drawing from his extensive experiences as a decorated lawyer and his substantial investments in the advancement of fraternal life, Brother Parks presents a truly progressive platform. This is not a platform composed of mere words on paper; instead, Brother Parks outlines a strategic series of action plans spanning four years. These plans are designed to create sustainable systems for the growth and development of our brotherhood, steering it toward a future that reflects the ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha. Importantly, Brother Parks’ mandate is not to break the mold constructed by the 36 General Presidents who preceded him. Rather, it is to build and craft a robust series of structures, utilizing the foundational building blocks of our brotherhood. These structures are meant to stand proudly on the history of a firm foundation laid by our past leaders. Brother Parks’ progressive stance extends beyond rhetoric to a tangible commitment to positive change and transformative ideas. His platform places a significant emphasis on accountability in leadership, an element crucial for the continued success and impact of Alpha Phi Alpha. Leveraging his professional background as a seasoned lawyer, Brother Parks brings a wealth of experience to the table, providing a unique perspective on how to navigate the complexities and challenges facing our fraternity. A vote for Brother Parks is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a resounding endorsement of a leader poised to elevate Alpha Phi Alpha onward and upward. The promise of positive change, transformative ideas, and accountability in leadership encapsulates the essence of Brother Parks’ vision. As we stand at this crucial juncture, casting a vote for Parks is an investment in a future where Alpha Phi Alpha not only thrives but continues to set the standard for excellence. Let us unite in support of Brother Gregory Parks, a beacon of progress guiding Alpha Phi Alpha into a future of unprecedented success and impact.
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WHAT IT MEANS TO HAVE A PROGRESSIVE PARKS LEADERSHIP
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PARK’S PRIORITIES
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ATTENTION TO THE SUBUNITS
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