JULY 2019
THE
THE OFFICIAL NEWS SOURCE OF ------
FIRST OF ALL, SERVANTS OF ALL, WE SHALL TRANSCEND ALL
TORCH
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Happy Independence Day
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER | 2405 FIRST STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001| MULAMBDA.ORG
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Front Cover Picture by Names 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Rudolph Harris Curtis Hunigan Fred Valentine Horace Dawson, Jr. Paul Cotton A. Gilbert Douglas Ryland Harris Mark Jones Andre Lucas Kenneth Hobart Derrick Butts John Mark-Williams Jeremy Triplett Mikael LaRoche Joseph Housey, III Jason Clark
17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.
Mark Ross Louis Ford James Heck Eddie Neal Gerard Williams Garrett Miller Adrian James O. Jackson Cole, Jr. Albert Williams Lucius Brown Marcel Desroches Kellen Moore Jamison Taylor, Jr. Mathew Aaron, Jr. Sean Perkins James Harmon
33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48.
Larry Ware Frank King Antonio King Rudolph McGann, Jr. Alvin Reaves, III Ryle Bell Drew Love Colin Campbell Bryant Young Arthur King Charvis Campbell LeRoy Lowery, III Joseph Paul Timothy Fitzgerald Jason Jefferson Samuel Armstrong
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In this Issue 1 Front Cover Picture by Names 2 In this Issue Charter Members Past Presidents 3 Alphaversary, Birthday and Roster 4 Brother Attending the General Convention 5 Executive Board The Presidents’ Message 7 Committee Chairs The Vice Presidents’ Message 8 Executive Board Awards 9 Congrats Newly Elected Officers 10 Reclamation Letter
11 Message from the Membership and Reclamation Chair 12 Welcome Brother George D. McNeal 13 Welcome Brother Sean L. Jones 14 Brothers Meet with Brother Roderick Smothers 15 Congressional Black Caucus Reception 16 Battle of the Brothers Funds Challenge 18 Founders’ Day Gala 19 88th Eastern Region Convention 20 President’s Volunteer Service Award Welcome Letter 21 Message from House of Ruth Committee 22 DC Public Schools Letter 23 Brothers answered the call to assist CHMS and Beta Chapter 24 Project Alpha - June 20th & 21st 26 Alphaeast Leadership Development Institute (LDI) South 2019 28 Juneteenth Celebration Highlights 29 HBCU 5K Run/2K Walk 30 Brothers paticipating in KIPP Voters Registration 31 Fathers Day Event 2019 @ Martha’s Table 32 Adopt A Block 33 Food, Dessert and Drink of the Month 34 Message from the Sergeant At Arms Message From The Communication Team 35 Message From The Brothers Keeper Committee 36 Message From The Chaplain, Omega Chapter 38 Mu Lambda’s Health and Wellness Committee 39 The Importance of Good Oral Health 40 The Jewel Lounge 41 Mu Lambda Literary Society 43 Domino’s 44 AKStar Apparel Ad 45 East State Street Band 46 Beta Chapter Homecoming Golf Classic 47 Exit Realty - Brother Albert A. Williams 48 Financial Planning Needs The Crone Esquivel Group 49 Advertise with us 50 Message from the Editor 51 Support Our Foundation 52 AmazonSmile 53 Mu Lambda Foundation Report 54 Expungement 56 Upcoming Events
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Charter Members Past Presidents Arthur Curtis* Merrill H. Curtis* Victor R. Daly* Eugene L. C. Davidson* Arnold Donawa* Walter Garvin* William L. Hansberry* Charles H. Houston* Edward Howard* Joseph R. Jones* R. Frank Jones* J Edward Lowery* Clarence H. Mills* Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray* Norman L. McGhee* Jewel Robert Harold Ogle* Louis H. Russell* James N. Saunders* Emory B. Smith* Harold C. Stratton* J.H.N. Waring* Charles H. Wesley*
CHARTERED ON MONDAY OCTOBER 1, 1923 WASHINGTON, D.C.
Harold Stratton* Howard H. Long* Charles H. Wesley* Frank Adams* R. Frank Jones* James B. Browning* Jewel Henry Arthur Callis* U. Simpson Tate* C.C. House* Verdie L. Robinson* Walter M. Booker* Jack Bind* Millard R. Dean* Frank Davis* Clifton Hardy* Herman Johnson* Howard Jenkins* C.C. House* William F. Nelson* Aubrey E. Robinson* Joseph Waddy* Edward J. Austin* Elgy Johnson* George H. Windsor* James T. Speight* Harold Sims* Eddie Madison* Wilbur Sewell* Charles Thomas* Theodore Taylor* Elmer Moore* William E. Calbert* Osmond Brown* Vernon Gill LeRoy Lowery, III Morris Hawkins* C.C. Jones Vincent Orange Melvin White LeRoy Lowery, III James Haynes Rudolph Harris* Edwin Norwood James McDonald Timothy Fitzgerald Kwame Ulmer LeRoy Lowery, III Eddie Neal LeRoy Lowery, III Joel Grey Eddie Neal - Current
* Omega Chapter Brothers JULY 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Happy Birthday
Curtis A. Hunigan
July 28th
Samuel I. Armstrong Rudolph Scipio Chesley R. Richardson
July 1 July 2 July 2
Albert A. Williams, Jr. Robert E. Richardson Sulaiman B. Almaroof Clinton C. Jones, III Mr. Jabari Hawkins Lawrence M. Clark Jason J. Clark
July July July July July July July
5 16 20 20 27 30 31
Mu Lambda Brothers 2018-2019 Matthew Aaron, Jr. Sulaiman B. Almaroof Samuel I. Armstrong John Barnett Justen Baskerville Kent A. Benjamin Ryle Bell Clyde Blassengale Sylvester C. Booker Wiley E. Bowling, Jr. Arlester Brown Lucius L. Brown, Jr. Kelvin E. Brown Karl W. Bruce, Jr. Derrick A. Butts Christopher C. Butts Colin H. Campbell Malcolm Carter Darrell Chase Albert C. Cheek, Jr. Aaron W. Cheese Lawrence M. Clark O. J. Cole, Jr. Michael E. Collins Louis Cook, III DeAngelo M. Copeland Paul A. Cotton Jamaal A. Crone Horace G. Dawson, Jr.
Carlos R. DeBose, Sr. Marcel J. Desroches, Jr. James A. Donaldson A. G. Douglas Joshua J. DuBoise Guy Durant Timothy L. Fitzgerald Jeffery S. Fleming Ronald S. Flowers Jimmy L. Floyd Louis A. Ford David N. Gaston Joseph Gibbs Eathen Gums Rudolph Harris William A. Hawkins, Jr. Jabari Hawkins Richmond E. Hayes James R. Haynes James R. Heck, IV Eric D. Herndon Kenneth F. Holbert Brett M. Hood Joseph Housey, III Curtis A. Hunigan Malcolm D. Jackson Adrian V. James Rawn James Jason Jefferson
Eric S. Johnson Clinton C. Jones, III Mark K. Jones Sean L. Jones Frank C. King, Jr. Antonio King Arthur E. King Mikael E. LaRoche Coy A. Lindsay Drew M. Love LeRoy Lowery, III Andre R. Lucas Rhett R. Lucas John Mabry Patrick J. Major James F. McDonald Rudolph M. Mcgann, Jr. Lloyd T. McGriff George D. McNeal Garrett J. Miller Anthony T. Moore Kellen Moore Eddie Neal Vincent B. Orange, Sr. Sean M. Perkins Sean Plater Juan H. Powell Alexander C. Pullen Brent M. Radcliff
Alvin L. Reaves, III Robert E. Richardson Talmadge Roberts Mark A. Ross Rudolph Scipio Lavert C. Seabron Mario T. Simpson Charles T. Smith, II Jamison B. Taylor, Jr. William D. Thomas Rick Thurmond Jeremy Triplett Lee A. Tyler Fred L. Valentine Eric A. Washington Walter Whitley Albert A. Williams, Jr. Byron L. Williams Gerard K. Williams John-Mark Williams Kenneth A. Williams James O. Wilson John A. Wilson Garnett Wood Silas Woods P. Kobina N. Yankah Bryant M. Young Chatman K. Young, II
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
MU LAMBDA BROTHERS REGISTERED 113th Anniversary Convention July 24-28, 2019
Armstrong, Samuel I. Bell, Ryle Bruce, Jr., Karl W. Butts, Christopher C. Carter, Malcolm DeBose, Carlos R. Desroches, Jr., Marcel J. Durant, Guy F. Fitzgerald, Timothy L. Floyd, Jimmy L. Gibbs, Joseph Housey, III, Joseph Jackson, Malcolm D. Jefferson, Jason Johnson, Eric S. Jones, III, Clinton C. Jones, Mark K. King, Antonio
LaRoche, Mikael E. Lucas, Andre R. Major, Patrick J. McDonald, James F. Mc Neal, George Miller, Garrett J. Neal, Eddie Orange, Vincent Perkins, Sean M. Reaves, III, Alvin L. Ross, Mark A. Thurmond, RIck Triplett, Jeremy Williams, Jr., Albert A. Williams, Byron L. Williams, Gerard K. Williams, Kenneth A. Wilson, John A.
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Executive Board
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
The Presidents’ Message
President Eddie Neal Vice President Garrett Miller Recording Secretary Jason Jefferson Corresponding Secretary Timothy Fitzgerald Financial Secretary Chatman Young Treasurer Michael Young Chaplain William “Tony” Hawkins Historian Silas J Woods Archivist Jeremy Triplett Intake Coordinator Andre Lucas Assoc. Editor/Sphinx Antonio King Dir. Ed. Activities Sean Perkins Sergeant-at-Arms Frank King Parliamentarian Byron L. Williams Web Master Mark Jones Editor of the Torch Kenneth A. Williams Member at Large LeRoy Lowery III General Counsel Brent Radcliff Chief Fundraising Officer George Mc Neal Special Assistant to President Mikeal LaRoche
Greetings brothers, This is a unique summer. We typically do not issue the Torch during July and August. Because of the convention and the proposed amendments that will forever impact our fraternity, it is necessary to issue the Torch and keep you informed during the summer. We installed our 2019-2020 Executive Board at the June chapter meeting. The Executive Board will be working to provide you superior service this fraternal year. As a quick reminder, Mu Lambda does not hold chapter meetings during the months of July and August. The next chapter meeting will be in September. Some say presidential messages are supposed to be positive and uplifting. I agree but feel the president’s message must also be honest and direct. I recognize we cannot please everyone. This fraternal year has shown that no matter how progressive or how much we do, there are some amongst us who will criticize and spread false inuendo. To them, I wish them well and hope they find peace and happiness within. For the majority of us who overshadow the negative few, we will collectively achieve great things. With 72% of all living Alpha brothers inactive, Mu Lambda is obligated to try something different. Mu Lambda must stick to its core values (brotherhood, community service, high standard of excellence, and customer service to our brothers). It is time for a shift in attitudes and brothers must understand, Mu Lambda and Alpha extends beyond the wants and needs of one individual. We cannot be everything to everybody. When something does not go our way, we can no longer pout and walk away. We agreed to educate and escalate our communities. We are too educated and mature to focus on the negative when Mu Lambda is doing so many positive things. While I wish all brothers will return for 2019-2020, I say to those who see darkness even when the sun is shining bright, we will continue to work on you. It saddens me to think about the young family in Arizona where guns were drawn for the theft of a four-dollar doll. The police tried to rip an infant from the arms of the pregnant mother, demanding the mother place the bare foot infant on the steaming hot ground. Compare that to the positive work we are doing with the young men at Hart and Ballou in ward 8 of the city. We are changing lives one young man at a time. We are helping the women at the House of Ruth – showing them that not all men are abusive or disrespectful towards women. We are showing our college brothers that we are there to lead and support them. Brothers, we do not have time to stroke the ego of a grown man of Alpha. It is time for us to rise as a brotherhood and exhibit the greatness the founders imagined we would achieve. As we travel to Las Vegas, I hope and pray we deliberate with the best interest of the fraternity at the forefront. Operating a fraternity on the backs of 28% of our living membership is not a sustainable business model. We cannot idly sit and blame the leadership – Mu Lambda is a chapter 95 years strong. Mu Lambda’s membership consists of some of the best and brightest in the fraternity and their respective fields. We must lend our ideas and talent. We must strategize and offer suggestions to help the situation. We must assist with solving the problem because anyone can find a complaint. Presidents’ Message coninue on next page
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
We are moving in the right direction. The Torch is second to none. Our retention and reclamation numbers far exceeded our expectations. We have apparently 40 brothers attending the General Convention. We have a newly created position of Chief Fundraising Officer. Brother George Mc Neal will serve as Mu Lambda’s first Chief Fundraising Officer. He will be working with Brothers Jason Jefferson, Gilbert Douglass and Kent Benjamin to draft high dollar grants. Our community needs financial support and we do not want to do it all on the backs of our brothers – if you have talent that will help our Chief Fundraising Officer, let it be known. We will be launching our new Mu Lambda website. We will be launching our new Mu Lambda app which will allow us to check you into meetings, allow you to vote electronically, and allow you to access the chapter directory. Young men needed help and Mu Lambda brothers answered the call to help. We are developing our members - Mu Lambda’s 2018-2019 Constitution Committee was comprised of brothers initiated through Mu Lambda in 2017 and 2018 (Joshua DuBoise, Kellen Moore and Byron L. Williams (Chairman). The 2019-2020 Executive Board has four members initiated through Mu Lambda in 2017 and 2018 (Jason Jefferson, Recording Secretary; Antonio King, Associate Editor/ Sphinx; Jeremy Triplett, Archivist; and Byron L. Williams, Parliamentarian). There is a leader for every season – this is the season where Mu Lambda is going to reach out and bring brothers who have strayed from the fold. Statistics show intake is not the solution to the fraternity’s problem. Look at the record number of brothers who have been initiated and yet 72% of all living Alphas are inactive. It is my desire that every active brother in Mu Lambda reclaim one inactive brother. Together we can solve one of the biggest problems facing our fraternity – reclaiming our inactive brothers. Fraternally, Brother Eddie Neal, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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Committee Chairs Auditing Mark Ross Brother’s Keeper Carlos DeBose Budget and Finance Chapman Young Communication and Technology Mark Jones Constitution Byron Williams DC National Pan Hellenic Council Derrick Butts Fundraising Matthew Aaron Golf Tournament Frank King Health & Wellness Derrick Butts Membership Timothy Fitzgerald Men Who Cook Garrett Miller Mu Lambda Chapter History Book Silas Woods III Nominating Frank King Programs Joseph Gibbs Public Policy Kelvin Brown Social Mikael LaRoche
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
The Vice Presidents’ Message Greetings Brothers, First, I would like to start my message by thanking you for thinking enough of me to put your trust in me to aid in leading this extraordinary chapter. I am humbled and sometimes in disbelief, but most capable of doing the work of Alpha. I’m excited to begin this chapter of Alpha in my life and continue to work with the brothers of Mu Lambda to ensure the chapter continues moving forward. When I came into this great fraternity through Mu Lambda, I never imagined in a million years that the path I was on would lead me to where I am today. I often think back to pre-Alpha when I was aspiring to become a member of this great fraternity, I met a senior gentleman at that time, who I wasn’t sure if he was just a grumpy mean man or a very wise one. As I got to know this senior brother and discovered that we were walking distance from each other, I began to spend more time with him at his home. During the intake process, I recall this brother saying several times, that there were some impostures among the brothers. At the time, I dared not ask what he meant since he was speaking to me and my LBs. After crossing those burning sands and during one of my visits to his home, I asked, “brother what did you mean when you stated there were some impostures in the house?” He began to explain in his own way by saying, “brother, I mean there are those brothers that come in to the fraternity and the chapter that want to wear the letters, throw up the sign and sit their BLEEP down! Those are the impostures I’m referring to Brother Miller, they talk the talk but do not walk the walk.” I thanked him for clarifying. It was at that time the brother told me that when Alpha calls, you must answer the call. He said every time he received the call from Alpha he answered. We continued to have excellent conversations and great times whenever he would call me to come take a look at his computer and to show him how to manipulate a program. Afterwards, we would talk more about the fraternity, share a few laughs and I would depart by saying, there goes an alpha man and we shared another laugh. Brothers, I share that story with you because when I received the call to be on the ballet for vice president of Mu Lambda, it was not something that I ever dreamed of nor was at forefront of my mind. The first thing that came to my mind was the conversation I had with the senior brother about answering the call of Alpha. And so, I did. Sometimes in life we set out on a path that we think is the one leading us to where we think we want to go, but as we all know, those paths change. I’m thankful for having a friend and a brother like Brother Brice. So, I say to you my brothers, I’m here to do the work and I look forward to doing the work alongside my good brothers. With that said, enjoy your summer, rest up and keep an eye out for information about our chapter retreat that will be held at the chapter house on August 31. More information will be forthcoming soon. Fraternally, Brother Garrett Miller, Vice-President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
2018-2019
Executive Board Awards
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Congratulation
to the Newly Elected 2019-2020 Mu Lambda Officers
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Y
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
ou are listed with the fraternity as a former member of Mu Lambda who has not renewed your membership. If it is just an oversight, I can help facilitate your payment. If there is another reason, please let me know so I can be of assistance.
As Membership and Reclamation Chair of Mu Lambda Chapter, I would like to bring greetings to you and extend an invitation for you to return to the chapter. I am proud to be a member of this chapter as Mu Lambda celebrates 95 years of serving Washington, DC since 1923. Since our charter, Mu Lambda Chapter has been an innovator, a builder, and a molder of men making a difference in the lives of many in the Washington Metropolitan area. Mu Lambda Chapter is working diligently to ensure that our programs and social activities continue to impact the community in a positive way by being a catalyst of change. Today, Mu Lambda stands as a beacon of light to the community and a strong source of leadership. Through our Henry Arthur Callis Academy, we continue to facilitate the growth of young males so they understand that leadership is not a burden but a responsibility. Staying true to Alpha’s core: we implement successfully the fraternity’s National Programs: Go-to-High School Go-to-School, A Voteless People is a Hopeless People, Project Alpha and Brothers’ Keeper. These four programmatic efforts are implemented through “out-of-the-box” formats to ensure that Mu Lambda Chapter is reaching the target audience. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Mu Lambda in not a monolithic chapter. It is rich in history, diversity and ready to serve. The youngest member of the chapter is 22, born in 1996, while the oldest is 98, born in 1920. Salaries range from $30,000 to $1,000,000 per annum. The membership is comprised of brothers initiated in 117 different chapters. Fifty-five life members. The lowest life member number is 691, while the highest in the chapter is 13910. Brothers list their race as African American, Afro-Hispanic, Caucasian, Multi-Racial, and West Indian/Caribbean. All brothers have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree. Two have Dental Degrees. Three have Medical Degrees. Eleven have MBA Degrees. Twenty-six have Doctorate Degrees. Twenty-six have Law Degrees. Twenty-eight have Masters’ Degrees as their highest level of education.
I challenge you to reflect and rekindle the fraternal spirit. Our chapter meetings are every first Thursday at the Mu Lambda Community House, located at 2405 First Street NW, Washington, DC at 7:06 pm and the repast starts @ 6:30 pm. Please visit https://issuu.com/mulambdatorch to see what Mu Lambda has been doing. If you have any questions please call me @ 301-332-7507 or email me at timfitz06@comcast.net. Fraternally, Bro. Tim Fitzgerald Membership and Reclamation Chair Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Message from the Membership and Reclamation Chair Greeting Brothers, I want you to get to know Mu Lambda’s new and/or reclaimed brothers below.
BROTHER
Samuel Armstrong John Barnett Justin Baskerville Kent Benjamin Kelvin Brown Christopher Butts Aaron Cheese Lawrence Clark Jamaal A. Crone Carlos DeBose, Sr. Kevin Dixon Guy Durant Jeffery Fleming Jimmy Floyd Eric Herndon Jabari Hawkins Paul Hoggard Brett Hood Rawn James Eric Johnson Sean Jones George Mc Neal Alvin Reaves, III Jamison Taylor, Jr. Eric Washington Albert Williams, Jr. Kenneth Williams Darrell Chase
CHAPTER OF INITIATION
INITIATION DATE
Mu Lambda Delta Sigma Delta Sigma Beta Upsilon Xi Iota Theta Zeta Mu Lambda Sigma PI Gamma Lambda Mu Lambda Alpha Beta Mu Lambda Mu Lambda Mu Lambda Zeta Rho Lambda Mu Lambda Theta Rho Lambda Zeta Theta Rho Pi Alpha Gamma Omicron Delta Zeta Lambda Alpha Mu Mu Lambda Phi Eta Eta Lambda Mu Lambda
March 15, 2003 September 15, 1978 March 30, 2002 April 12, 1985 March 23, 2002 November 13, 1999 November 5, 2016 March 23, 2013 November 30, 2001 November 29, 2014 March 23, 2013 November 15, 1986 April 9, 1995 March 5, 2005 November 16, 2002 November 9, 2014 January 4, 1990 December 13, 1997 December 10, 1995 March 25, 1978 April 15,1989 May 22, 1971 March 1, 2003 May 22, 1986 March 23, 2013 May 22, 1982 March 16, 2014 March 5, 2005
Fraternally, Brother Timothy Fitzgerald, Chair, Membership and Reclamation Committee Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter JULY 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Greetings Brothers of Mu Lambda, Brother President requested that I write a letter to the Chapter to introduce myself. I am Brother George D. Mc Neal (G.D.), a native of Birmingham, Alabama. I currently reside in Annapolis, Maryland with my wife (Angie) of 40 years. We have a daughter, son, and three grandchildren. My academic background is in mathematics. I am a graduate of Knoxville College with a B.S. in Mathematics. My graduate studies included an M.S. in Numerical Analysis, The John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. I earned a second M.S. degree in Mathematical Statistics, The American University. My Ph.D. in Mathematics was earned at Howard University. In 2009 I retired from the Naval Research Laboratory as a Research Mathematician. From 2009 to 2018 I was employed as a full-time Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at Howard University. I was initiated in spring ’71 through the Gamma Omicron Chapter Knoxville College, Knoxville, Tennessee. Presently, I am a brother transferring from the Eta Eta Lambda Chapter in Annapolis, Maryland. I have served the fraternity at the chapter level as parliamentarian for three administrations. At the regional level, I am currently the Eastern Region Parliamentarian and a member of the Regional Constitution Committee. During the past regional administration, I also served as the parliamentarian and Regional Constitution Committee chairman. Appointed positions with the General Organization include: • Eastern Regional Representative General • Committee on Constitution 2013 – 2016, and Eastern Regional Member-at-Large General • Committee on Constitution 2017 – Present. • I look forward to meeting you and getting to know each other. Brotherly, Brother G. D. Mc Neal Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Greetings Brothers of Mu Lambda, My name is Dr. Sean L. Jones. I am the Deputy Division Director for the Division of Materials research. Before being appointed the Deputy, I co-managed the National Facilities portfolio in the Division of Materials Research of the National Science Foundation (NSF), with primary programmatic responsibility for the newly developed Materials Innovation Platform (MIP) program. Also, I co-managed the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) facility, the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) facility, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Center for High-Resolution Neutron Scattering (CHRNS), and the Division’s Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program. Before my assignment in the National Facilities and Instrumentation portfolio, I led the Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC) and Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) programs for 5 years. Additional NSF duties include comanaging the sustainable chemistry and materials (SusChEM) initiative, representing the Division and Directorate on Diversity and Broadening Participation working groups, serving as an NSF instructor for the Program Director Academy, and participating as the Directorate’s representative for the NSF-wide NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) and the Innovation Corps (I-Corps) programs. I have also served on a 14-month detail as the Assistant Director for Physical Sciences and Engineering for the White House Office of Science and Technology (OSTP). His OSTP portfolio included graduate education reform, grant reform, aquaculture, plant genomics, and broadening participation of underrepresented groups in STEM. Before joining NSF, I served as the Director of Engineering for Applied Plasmonics, Chair, and Professor for both the optical and electronic engineering departments at Norfolk State University, and as Technical Manager and Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at Bell Laboratories of Lucent Technologies. I am an author of numerous publications, awarded 9 U.S. patents and considered an industry-recognized expert in luminescent materials and the fabrication of optical waveguides. A co-inventor of high bandwidth multimode optical fibers used in today’s Fiber-To-The-X (FTTX) applications such as FiOS cable television and Fiber-to-the-Home applications. My work has led to the IEEE standards for 10G multimode optical fiber as well as the lasers and detectors employed in these systems. I received my B.S. in Ceramic Engineering (now Materials Science and Engineering) from Clemson University and his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Florida. Fraternally, Brother Sean L. Jones Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
BROTHERS MEETING WITH BROTHER RODERICK SMOTHERS TO DISCUSS HIS PLATFORM June 15TH, 2019
*Brother Smothers visit is not a endorsement for General President JULY 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Some of the biggest names in politics are being invited JULY 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
KICKOFF SEPTEMBER 2019 MULAMBDA.ORG | MULAMBDAFOUNDATION.ORG
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
MU LAMBDA’S “BATTLE OF THE BROTHERS” FUNDS CHALLENGE
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Greetings Brothers, Welcome to the first Annual Mu Lambda “BATTLE OF THE BROTHERS FUNDS CHALLENGE!” On behalf of our Chapter President, we are excited about your participation in this event and look forward to crowning the winning team. In an effort to provide support, this brotherly competition will help raise funds for our Mu Lambda Foundation. Brothers will build teams embarking on a four-month challenge to raise a minimum goal of $5,000 per team. The team raising the most money will win the Funds Challenge Championship. Teams We will have twelve teams vying to be crowned “FUNDS CHALLENGE CHAMPION!” • • • • •
Each team will have a team captain, a max of ten brothers (including the team captain and bonus member), with a minimum of seven brothers. Each team will select a bonus team member from the Foundation and that member will be responsible for raising a minimum of $1,000. The $1,000 will count towards your team’s goal. Each member will be selected in order by the team captain. Team captains will select in the order determined by a lottery. Since this is about brotherhood, fundraising and fun, team captains can trade with another team captain.
Rules We must protect the chapter and foundation’s brand, so a set of rules will be established for the challenge. •
The only rule at this time is the fundraising must be legal and in good taste.
LET THE FUNDRAISING BEGIN! JULY 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter
Gala
SAVE THE DATE MORE INFORMATION COMING!
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
2nd through 5th
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Dear Eddie Neal, Congratulations! We are pleased to let you know that you have been approved as an official Certifying Organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award. The ability to bestow Presidential recognition to your volunteers is a tremendous honor. Recognizing the great work and commitment of your volunteers can deliver a powerful message, one that encourages others to take action. To get started, follow the simple steps below: • Create account with your username (president@ mulambda.org) by clicking the button below. • Once you enter your account, please review all of your profile information to confirm everything is accurate and correct. The information provided here will be our primary means of contacting you with important information and updates. • Once you have confirmed the information in your profile is accurate and up-to-date, you are set to begin recognizing your volunteers! If you’re looking for more information, click here to download the Participating Organization User Guide, or visit the 'Resources' tab under your profile for this guide that will explain your role and help you get the most out of our website. We applaud your commitment to volunteer service and are here to help you along the way. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us utilizing the 'Contact Us' link below. Yours in service, The PVSA support team
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Message from the House of Ruth Committee Greetings Brothers, Brothers Ryle Bell, Jason Jefferson, LeRoy Lowery, Eddie Neal, John-Mark Williams, and Tony Wilson served the ladies of the House of Ruth on Saturday, June 1st. We arrived at 3:30 pm to set the table and deliver the meal promptly at the scheduled time of 4:30 pm. The ladies requested an outdoor meal served on the grill and we accommodated the request. The menu was hotdogs (beef and chicken), hamburgers (beef and turkey), sausage, tossed salad, macaroni salad, baked beans, juice, ginger ale, ice tea, and ice cream sundaes. Brothers had an opportunity to mingle with the ladies. Again, we do not know the story behind any individual woman, but they each expressed their appreciation to the brothers of Mu Lambda. The brothers allowed the ladies to select their rose of choice while offering a friendly smile. Many thanks are extended to Brother Ryle Bell and the East State Jazz Band for serenading the ladies. We are looking for meals for July 20th and August 10th. Brothers, if you can cook, the ladies would appreciate your favorite dish. If you are unable to attend and serve the dish, arrangements will be made to serve the dish. We will arrive at 3:30 and serve dinner promptly at 4:30 pm. In addition, the Health and Wellness Committee will be hosting another self-defense workshop for the ladies. Fraternally, Brother Garrett Miller Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
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Dear LeRoy Lowery III, Congratulations! District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) has reviewed your re-vetting application and has re-approved your organization, Alpha Education Initiative, to serve as a School Program Provider. Your vetting status lasts for three years. Your organization will not need to reapply until the Spring of 2022. DCPS reserves the right, however, to require providers to submit annual year-end reports and program attendance data, conduct site visits and provide support to improve programming opportunities for DCPS students. Please keep your profile updated to ensure that DCPS schools and central office have updated information about your program, including the best contact information for sharing important updates and announcements. To access your profile: 1. Go to bitly.com/SchoolProgramProvider 2. Scroll down and enter your Partner ID number Your approval allows you to continue working with schools to provide programs in a DCPS facility or to recruit DCPS students to participate in an off-site program. NOTE: • •
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Memoranda of Agreement (MOA)– Please remember to keep your MOA with DCPS up-to-date. MOAs last 3 school years and outline the terms and defines the terms of your partnership with DCPS. MOAs must be signed by the Chancellor. To enter into or renew your MOA with DCPS, email dcps.partnerships@dc.gov. Out of School Time Programs—If your program is an out of school time program, operating before school, afterschool, during the summer, or during school holidays, there are additional requirements you must fulfill before you can provide services to DCPS schools/students. Please visit https://dcps.dc.gov/node/1140122 for a list of additional requirements and begin work on these requirements immediately. Physical & Mental Health, Expectant/Parenting Programs—This approval status as a School Program Provider does not approve your organization to provide health services or screenings to DCPS schools and/ or students. This includes physical health, mental health, and programming for expectant or parenting students. Given the unique requirements for these services, organizations providing these services or screenings must complete a separate application process through the DCPS Student Wellness Division.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at (202) 442-5020. We greatly appreciate your interest in DC Public Schools and are excited to continue working with your organization to provide DCPS students with the highest quality programming. Sincerely, Thomasin Franken Manager, Out of School Time Partnerships School Partnerships Division Phone: (202) 442-5020 Email: Thomasin.franken@k12.dc.gov
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Mu Lambda Develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities. Brothers answered the call to assist the students of Charles Hart Middle School Thanks to the generous donations of the brothers listed below, the young men of Charles Hart Middle School Alpha Academy Program were able to secure clothing for graduation and prom as well as pay the necessary fees to participate in the graduation ceremony. Matthew Aaron Ryle Bell Clyde Blassengale Derrick Butts Lucius Brown Malcolm Carter O. Jackson Cole Horace Dawson Jabari Hawkins Eric Johnson Arthur King
Kelvin McClinton Garrett Miller Eddie Neal Sean Perkins Robert Richardson Walter Robinson Mark Ross Mario Simpson Albert Williams Byron L. Williams Gerard Williams
The young men attended the prom Thursday, June 20th on the Spirit of Washington and graduated Friday, June 21st in Ballou Senior High School’s auditorium. • • • • • • • • • • • •
Anthony Austin Nathan Bacchus Jalonnie Hawkins DeAndre Jackson Kamari King Savion Lomax – Won the award for never missing a day of school for 6th, 7th or 8th grade Denahi McNeil Nasir Prince Amoree Richards – Won the Charles Hart award Andrew Thomas – Won the award for most improvement over the school year Arman Thornton Mykel Woodbury
Brothers answered the call to assist the Beta Chapter In addition to assisting the young men of Charles Hart, some brothers also contributed towards assisting the brothers of Beta with attending the General Convention in Las Vegas. To those who assisted our college brothers, your donations help more than you know. I was on a call with the Eastern Region Vice President who stated that only 10% of the college chapters in Alpha are registered for the convention. It is worth reporting that Beta was able to register its full delegate strength of four and will be in attendance to vote as well as voice their opinion on amendments that severely impact young brothers. Due to your generosity, Beta Brothers Jahzhseed Hancock, Fabien Holder, Nile Hodges and Jonothan Willard will be in attendance at the convention and fully participating. Fraternally, Eddie Neal, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter JULY 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
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Message from the Education Chair
PROJECT ALPHA June 20, 2019
Brother James Isreal and Project Alpha participant Savion Lomax
Hart Middle School’s Savion Lomax at prom
Boys at Hart Middle School’s prom
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Project Alpha June 21, 2019
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Alphaeast Leadership Development Institute (LDI) South 2019 Alphaeast Leadership Development Institute (LDI) South 2019 was held on the campus of America Unversity in Washington DC June 20- 23. A total of 39 young men (Ambassadors) from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC were fully engaged all weekend. The Ambassadors participated in various workshops such as Leadership, Campus Life and Security, Social Media-Protesting Your Brand, Lessons on Leadership, College Choices, Scholarship & Financial Aid, Dining Etiquette, and Project Alpha. The Ambassadors also participated in a campus tour, team building, cultural excursion, and a team project. LDI concluded with an Ecumenical and Awards program with Lucien Metellus, Eastern Region Vice President as the Guest Speaker Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated (Alpha Phi Alpha) has been the hallmark of leadership development, providing our nation and the world with leaders whose talents have contributed immeasurable value to humanity and civilization. The Leadership Development Institute (LDI) was chartered in the Eastern Region in 1983 and is housed within the William Ross Education Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization. LDI reaches out to the best and brightest to instill qualities that will assist them in becoming tomorrow’s leaders. Except for its first year, LDI was held continuously on the campus of Howard University, located in Washington, D.C., under the auspices of the Mu Lambda Chapter. Since then it has branched into various buildings and facilities on the campuses of George Mason University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Hampton University, Morgan State University, Towson University, Coppin State University, and St. John’s University. LDI has expanded its program and is now also hosted at the Eastern Region Convention, first held in Bermuda and LDI North in New York.
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Alphaeast Leadership Development Institute Continued
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Brothers participating in the
HBCU 5K run/2K walk
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Brothers paticipating in KIPP Voters Registration Mu Lambda Brothers pictured: Brother Bryon Williams, Samuel Armstrong Albert Williams
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Fathers Day Event 2019 @ Martha’s Table Bro Albert Williams (Mu Lambda) at Martha’s Table “Fathers To The Front” Fathers Day Celebration. Friday, June 14, 2019. Alongside Bro Michael Taylor in gray (OLA) and Bro D’Mario Hill, OHL, in forefront in red with beard
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Adopt-A-Block
Keeping our city clean and green Residents, businesses, and the government all play a role in keeping DC clean, safe, and healthy. Only by involving all residents and each community can we create a District as beautiful as we know it can be. Success begins with one neighbor and one community deciding to make a difference. Anyone can participate: individuals, families, churches, businesses, schools and other groups and organizations.
Adopting a block in the District of Columbia has many benefits:
Martin Luther King, Jr Avenue and Howard Road SE
• Improved quality of life in your neighborhood. The appearance of our community contributes to the quality of life we all share. • Signs with your group's name letting people know you are committed to making a difference. • Meet your neighbors, strengthen your community connections, and build leadership skills. Become a role model to youth. • Litter-free, more active communities help discourage rodents and unwanted and illegal activity. • Increased economic development. An attractive, clean community is a great asset in attracting new businesses, jobs, and customers. First Street and Bryant Street NW JULY 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32
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PALEO POT PIE FOR TWO
Prep Time 60 mins, Cook Time 15 mins, Total Time1 hr 15 mins, Serves 2 This paleo pot pie for two recipe is a mini spin on the classic concept with rich chunks of chicken, savory vegetables and a firm, low-carb crust made of almond flour. INGREDIENTS • Filling • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 2 carrots • 2 celery stalks • 2 cloves of garlic • 1 onion • 1 tbsp coconut oil, divided • 1 tsp salt-free poultry seasoning • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 cup chicken broth* • 2 tbsp arrowroot flour • Crust • 1 cup almond flour • 3 tbsp coconut flour • 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted • 1/4 tsp salt • 1 egg DIRECTIONS 1. Chop the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, and brown the chicken, stirring occasionally, until cooked (approximately 10 minutes). 2. Roughly chop the carrots, celery, onion and peel the garlic. Pulse the vegetables in a food processor until roughly shredded. Heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet and cook the vegetables until soft and translucent. Transfer the cooked chicken into the vegetables, remove from the heat and stir in the poultry seasoning, salt, and arrowroot flour. Taste and adjust the seasoning and salt to your preferences. Set the filling aside to cool. 3. Preheat the oven to 350° F. To make the crust, combine the almond flour,
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coconut flour and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in the coconut oil and egg until thoroughly mixed and a firm dough has formed. 4. To assemble the pot pies, spoon the filling into 6-oz ramekin bowls, packing it in firmly and leveling the top. Roll out the dough between two sheets of wax paper to approximately ¼” thick. Transfer the dough onto the top of a filled ramekin bowl, then trim off the excess and press the edges closed with the tip of a fork. Roll the dough out again and repeat with the remaining ramekin. Roll out the dough a third time and cut leaves for decoration if desired, arranging them gently on top of the caps of crust. 5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the edges of the crust are browned and the filling is heated. Serve warm.
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
peaches, then sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top. Set aside. Mix flour, white sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir the oil into the beaten eggs, then stir the egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Spoon the batter over the peaches, then sprinkle cinnamon on top. 3. Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is lightly browned, about 45 minutes. Top with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. *** For a lighter version, reduce butter and reduce oil to 1/2 cup. Also, you can reduce sugar by 12 cup (White/Brown) Brother Garrett Miller THE GIMLET
Recipe Notes *If you use unsalted broth, you may need to add additional salt. Taste the filling before spooning into the ramekins and adjust to your preferences. Brother Derrick Butts
COOKIE-CRUSTED PEACH COBBLER
PREP 20MCOOK45MREADYIN1H5M INGREDIENTS • 8 fresh peaches - peeled, pitted, and sliced • 1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 cups white sugar • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 eggs, lightly beaten • 1 cup vegetable oil • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Directions 1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. 2. Arrange the peaches in the prepared pan. Scatter the butter over the
It’s Summer BrothersThe gimlet is ideal as the weather warms. The quintessential Gimlet is a mixture of Gin, Lime and Sugar. Think of it as a gin limeade. In this case we use fresh squeezed lime juice not the original Rose’s Lime Juice cordial. It’s what the mojito want’s to be when it grows up; the perfect sophisticated Summer beverage to enjoy around your pool with friends, fraters and family. Recipe: • 2 oz of Hendricks Gin • 1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice • 1/2 oz simple syrup • 2 lime eighths (1/4 lime sectioned in halves) In a shaker muddle the lime wedges with the simple syrup. Add gin, lime juice and fill with ice. Shake 8-10 seconds, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel. Mixologist note: I like to infuse the simple syrup with loquats to steep when crafting this cocktail. It adds a nice complimentary balanced citrus note to the cocktail. This cocktail scales well and is equally successful as a nonalcoholic mock-tail. Cheers Brothers, Brother Drew Love
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Message from the Sergeant At Arms
Message from the Communications Team
Greetings Brothers,
Brothers,
The Sergeant at Arms’ team has implemented some minor changes.
Mu Lambda communicates with you by various methods:
1. We have to ensure the house is secure at all times. 2. We ordered walkie talkies for the Sergeant at Arms team so we can stay in constant communication. 3. We will have someone on the door of the meeting room so no one enters without signing in and all visitors show their pass card or we verify their information. 4. There are four doors to the house. The upper front, kitchen, rear meeting room and side meeting room. We will lock the front and kitchen doors once the meeting starts. We are down stairs and can’t hear. Someone can walk in and do anything without our knowledge. If someone needs entry after the meeting starts, they can come to the side door and knock. 5. Once the meeting starts, all brothers must use the rap of admission and password to enter the meeting room. If they don’t know the password, we will leave them outside the room, verify they are a brother and then have someone teach them the rap and password. 6. No sitting on the counter tops. All brothers should be seated in chairs. Brothers will identity empty seats and everyone takes a seat. 7. The Sgt at Arms will be positioned at the back of the room near the door. 8. A financial roster will be available to expedite things. Brothers on that roster just need to verify their information and initial. Visitors and brothers who are not financial will sign on a different sheet. 9. Every Mu Lambda brother should be familiar with the official challenge. If a brother we don’t know comes to the meeting, we will challenge the brother. Not to embarrass him, but to get him accustom to the official challenge. We will still check the brother’s passcard and look him up in AlphaNet. 10. We also need to keep the kitchen clear. Brothers will be asked to fix their drinks and migrate out of the kitchen so others can come and go. It will also help to get the food out in a timely manner. 11. We will periodically challenge Mu Lambda brothers we know. We need to get accustomed to it. 12. Brother Bell will repeat the challenge, password and rap of admission at every meeting for the remainder of the fraternal year. 13. If you have invited a brother to the meeting, notify me in advance so I can verify his official membership prior to the meeting and expedite things. 14. Mu Lambda’s official meeting attire is business casual.
• • • • • •
Email Text Phone Mail The Torch Face-to-Face
America has been dealing with some stressful times. Alpha Phi Alpha is not immune to problems plaguing others. We are trying to make a concerted effort to keep you apprised of what is happening in Alpha and Mu Lambda. Every brother receives a call on the first and the 15th of the month. Your caller ID might show the call coming from 410.202.2715. That is the number associated with our system. The recorder will ask two questions – Brother if you and your family are fine, press “1.” If you or your family would like someone from Mu Lambda to call you, press “2’. If you elect to receive a call, the call will be returned by Mu Lambda’s Chaplain or a member of the Brother’s Keeper Committee. We recognize that most of you are fine, but sometimes we go through things in life and just want to know someone cares. This is Mu Lambda’s way of checking on you a minimum of twice a month. Will see you at the chapter meeting, but we want to make sure things are okay before and after the meeting. If you are not receiving chapter emails, please let me know. We assume all financial brothers are receiving the communication. Fraternally, Brother Garrett Miller Communications Team Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
Fraternally, Brother Frank King, Sergeant at Arms Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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Message from the Brother’s Keeper Program Greetings Brothers, The Brother’s Keeper Program is a service program developed with the mission of advocating for and improving the quality of life for disabled, mature and ailing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated brother’s, their spouses, widows, and community members. Goals of the Chapter Brother’s Keeper Program: The goal of the Chapter Brother’s Keeper Program is to promote dignity and independence among retired and mature brothers, spouses, and widows. Program Objectives: Our objectives for the Chapter Brother’s Keeper Program will be to ASSIST, PROVIDE, and ENSURE the following seven areas of concern to the Brothers of Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and their members: 1. Assist in maintaining living environments that are compatible with program participants’ level of functioning. 2. Assist with property maintenance. 3. Assist with health care decision making. 4. Provide companionship. 5. Provide legal services. 6. Provide transportation. 7. Ensure adequate supplies of food, water, shelter, and clothing, with special emphasis on disaster management and recovery. Criteria for Inclusion: Include a brother and/or his spouse who are 60 or older, retired, and/or having a chronic health problem and insufficient resources (e.g., money, family, social support system) to meet basic needs. Mu Lambda initiated a five-tier approach to enhance the Brother’s Keeper program First tier – Communications: the Membership and Reclamation Committee mailed Approximately 300 letters in January to brothers to check on their well-being. The Communications Team started an automated calling system to reach out to the brothers, spouses, and widows to identify anyone who needs assistance. Second tier – Training: The Chapter Brother’s Keeper Program is based on seven important
initiatives in order to properly facilitate the program in accordance with the National guidelines. Our goal for the program is to have formal training in each of the seven areas of concern, in order to have a more robust and cohesive program. Third tier – Collaboration/Volunteerism: Collaboration/Volunteerism is the heart of the Chapter Brother Keeper’s Program. As a chapter we must continue to seek ways to reach out to the brother’s, their spouse, and widows to help identify any of the program seven areas of concern. Collaboration begins in our own house; this is where we reach out to different auxiliary such the Alpha Wives, Health agencies, etc. Volunteerism is the key to having a successful program, we are asking all brother’s throughout the Chapter to consider being a part of the Chapter Brother’s Keeper Program Committee. Fourth tier – Companionship: The Chapter Brother’s Keeper Committee is currently developing a combined list of brothers throughout the Chapter who are 60 years or older. The goal for this tier, is to assign those volunteer brothers on the Brother Keepers Committee a certain number of brothers from the list of 60 year or older to help generate information and companion for the brother, spouse, and widows in the program. Fifth Tier- Event Planning: The Chapter Brother’s Keeper Committee believes in generating events for all ages, our main concern however is to generate social gathering and events to help generate the brotherhood and companion that Brother A. Charles Haston spoke about during the conception of this program. This involves reaching out and connecting with our senior brothers, their spouse, and widows by having social events and gathering that caters to their social environment. If you are a brother in need or know a brother in need, call 410.202.2715 or 313.573.3649. Brother Carlos DeBose Brothers Keeper Committe Chair Alpha phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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Message from the Chaplain
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Farewell dear Brothers Omega Service of Brother Ronald Dellums
Dear Brothers, As usual, I would like to take this opportunity to share some basic information with you in the event you or a brother you know transitions to Omega Chapter: • • • •
•
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Call (410.202.2715) or email eneal@mulambdafoundation.org. Every brother is entitled to an Omega service, financial or not. The request should come from the family, not the chapter forcing it upon the family. Part of any brother’s estate planning should be the designation of an Alpha brother to receive his paraphernalia or instructions for his loved ones to contact Mu Lambda for disposition. Official fraternity pins (e.g., official badge, life member pin, twenty-five-year pin, fifty-year pin, etc.) should be given to another brother, the chapter (Mu Lambda) or the General Organization to prevent it from getting into the hands of a nonmember. Notify your family to give Mu Lambda and fraternal documents to Mu Lambda.
I hope you never need the above information, just in case, please share the information with your family so we can honor you in the event of your untimely passing. Fraternally, Brother William A. (Tony) Hawkins Chaplain Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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Omega Service for Brother Thomas Russell Green, Jr. Brother Thomas Russell Green, Jr.. Initiated Chapter: Epsilon Theta Chapter, Bowling Green State University Initiated Year: 1963 Omega Chapter: May 21, 2019. Brother Green's son, Thomas Russell Green III, is a Beta Chapter 2000 initiate. The Omega Service took place Saturday, June 22nd at 5 pm, Smith Public Trust, 3514 12th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017. Brother Ryle Bell officiated in the absence of our Chaplain, Brother William "Tony" Hawkins.
Omega Service for Brother Tyrone Mitchell The date of the memorial service was June 29th, 11am to 2pm at NALC Hall, 4200 Elysian Fields Avenue, New Orleans, Lousiana 70122. Cards and condolences were sent to 4525 Chantilly Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126. Brother Jonathan Stewart, president and his fellow brothers of Sigma Lambda Chapter located in New Orleans were gracious enough to facilitate the Omega Service. Mu Lambda brother, Sean Jones, provided the words of tribute.
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Mu Lambda’s Health and Wellness Committee REPORT: June - No activities planned for June UPCOMING EVENTS: • •
July 9th or 16th – Conduct 2nd Self Defense Workshop at House of Ruth (Planning) Sept. 14th – Alpha Active Move Event – Location (TBD) (Planning)
REQUESTS: More Brothers to support the planning of ML HWC Events. Sincerely, Bro. Alvin Reaves III Health and Wellness Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD ORAL HEALTH Most individuals do not make any connection between oral health and total health and that is an error that can be quite costly. In addition, most physicians are not thoroughly trained to diagnose oral conditions and thus they tend to look past the mouth into the pharynx or throat. This is one of the reasons that regular visits to your dentist are of paramount importance. Today’s dentist doesn’t just “pull” teeth. He or she is committed to preserving the oral environment as well as being aware of the early signs of oral cancer and systemic diseases which often are detectable in the mouth. The full complement of teeth for an adult is thirty two. It is not unusual for an adult not to develop third molars or “wisdom teeth” as they are sometimes called and lateral incisors. This means that sometimes adults may have less than thirty two teeth, a fact that can be observed on oral x-rays. Human beings usually have two sets of teeth. Twenty as a child, all of which exfoliate and thirty two as an adult. The first adult tooth usually appears about six years of age and is often mistaken for a child’s tooth but the loss of that tooth, the first molar, will not result in replacement as the child’s teeth or deciduous dentition will. Loss of that six year molar means that the adult will be missing a tooth. Improper cleaning of teeth results in the build-up of debris in the mouth and is the major cause of tooth decay and loss! This debris is called dental plaque. It is responsible for decay and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the destruction of the bone and fibers that anchor the teeth. Such destruction can cause an individual to lose a tooth that has no decay or cavity but has become very loose. This will occur when plaque and calculus, the hardening of the plaque, occurs below the gum line and is left untreated. This is one reason why regular visits to the dentist are important. Your dentist can observe the formation of plaque and calculus and treat them especially below the gum line where a tooth brush cannot reach! With poor oral health, individuals will develop nutritional and digestive problems not to mention esthetic ones. Presently the jury is still out as to whether or not periodontal disease leads to coronary disease but the same bacteria found in the diseased mouth are often found on the valves and arteries of patients suffering from coronary artery disease, so there is some connection. Systemic diseases such as diabetes, some auto immune diseases such as HIV have oral symptoms recognizable sometimes before the disease manifests itself systemically. A good dentist will recognize these signs and suggest follow-up by a physician. Hypertension is another disease often diagnosed by dentists and many lives are saved by appropriate referral as hypertensions usually has no symptoms and may result in a stroke or a heart attack. Good oral health contributes to overall good health. Without it the latter is impossible. If one views the mouth as the gateway to the body it become easier to conceptualize the effect that poor oral health will have on overall health. The two go hand in hand. Brother Ryle A. Bell, DDS, MS, FACD *Please submit and questions that you have about dental care to the Editor and they will be addressed in future articles. JULY 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39
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The Jewels’ Lounge Mu Lambda Chapter Jewels’ Lounge Welcome to the Jewels’ Lounge where brothers gather, sit amongst the Jewels and reflect upon life in Alpha.
Jewel Callis
Jewel Jones
Jewel Murray
It is a place that allow brothers the opportunity to relax, read The Torch, Sphinx, history book and/or engage in that good ole ALPHA SPIRIT. Brother Silas Woods, III, Historian Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
Jewel Kelley
Jewel Tandy
Jewel Chapman
Jewel Ogle
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Greeting Brothers,
Volume I
The 2018-2019 fraternal year has been dedicated to rediscovering our brotherhood. We serve the community, but we have been neglecting our bond of brotherhood.
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter
I II III IV V VI
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter
VII VIII IX X XI
Starting Tuesday, May 7th, Mu Lambda will be rolling out and hosting the Mu Lambda Literary Society, every week at 7:06 pm. The Mu Lambda Literary Society is a Mu Lambda initiative, where we come together as brothers and discuss the two volume Alpha history book over a period of months. It will be a potluck affair facilitated by a different brother each week. Brothers can participate in person or via conference call. We will start with volume 1, chapter 1 of the twenty second printing of the history book and conclude with volume 2, chapter 8. There are twenty chapters in volume 1 and eight chapters in volume 2. This is totally voluntary. If you are interested, participate for the weeks that you can. You are not required to purchase the new history book. Brother Robert L. Harris, Jr. our National Historian and author of Volume II has expressed an interest in participating in some of the sessions.
Chapter XII Chapter XIII Chapter XIV
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Lesson The Origin of Alpha Phi Alpha The Period of Consolidation The First Steps in Expansion Local and National Strivings Permanent Foundations Expansion and Internal Development The Leaven of Self-Examination The War Interlude A Definite Program The Crowning Years Advancement in Spite of the Depression The Widening Social Program Education and War A Militant Liberalism
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Date May 7 May 14 May 21 May 28 June 4 June 11 June 18 June 25 July 2 July 9 July 16 July 23 July 30 August 6
Volume II
Lesson
Date
Chapter XV Chapter XVI Chapter XVII
The Concept of Progress The Golden Anniversary Shaping the Future on the Basis of the Past The Continuing Challenge New Goals for Old Social Purpose and Social Action Back to Basics Achieving Tomorrow: An Agenda for the 80’s Strengthening Internal Capacity for Greater Service Facing Our Future with a Future The Alpha Renaissance: Rekindling the Spirit of Leadership and Community Service Vision 2000: The Light of a New Day Alpha Attitude: A Forward Step‌ Into the Future A Solid Foundation for the New Era of Alpha
August 13 August 20
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter
XVIII XIX XX I II
Chapter III Chapter IV Chapter V Chapter VI Chapter VII Chapter VIII
August 27 September 3 September 10 September 17 September 24 October 1 October 8 October 15 October 22 October 29 November 5 November 12
Fraternally, Eddie Neal, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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Literary Society continued
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BROTHER
MALCOLM CARTER 6-B-87
OWNER & FRANCHISEE Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s
6426 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD 301-449-3030 2950 Donnell Drive, District Heights, MD 301-568-8883 6254 Central Avenue, Seat Pleasant, MD 301-333-5900 4269 Branch Avenue #54, Temple Hills, MD 301-839-0330 9509 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD 301-248-3030 10367 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk, MD 410-286-0700 14606 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 301-952-1133 9546 Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, MD 301-599-4100
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AKSTAR APPAREL STORE WWW.AKSTARAPPAREL.COM Shop Online Today and get 10% off your next purchase by using discount code RepTheAK!
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THE EAST STATE JAZZ BAND The East State Jazz band comprises entirely of brothers from the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity who reside in the Washington, DC , metropolitan area. It developed from a 2012 request by the Chair of the event for entertainment at a breakfast celebrating the Fraternity’s founders.
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2017, IUL brother Darryl Parker, a Delta Kappa chapter initiate was added to the group’s percussion section. In 2019, Brother Emerson departed the band to pursue a personal musical career and Brother James Huntley returned as the keyboard player. At present, the ninepiece ensemble specializes in playing the music of the jazz greats such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Brother Duke Ellington, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk, Herbie Hancock and others. The band has also extended its repertoire to include jazz renditions of James Brown’s music, as well as other R&B/Soul artists.
Brother Ryle Bell, a saxophone player and a chapter’s representative to the Founder’s Day Breakfast Committee volunteered to acquire the talent to fulfill this request. Despite a rather short lead time, he contacted keyboardist and fellow Omicron Eta Lambda brother Milton Costen, and with Bro. Bell on alto saxophone they decided to perform for the occasion. On the morning of the breakfast, another Alpha Brother, Everett Martin, a Gamma Iota initiate and member of the Omicron Lambda chapter and trumpet player, asked to participate with Brothers Bell and Costen after remembering that he had his instrument in the trunk of his car. His offer was accepted and the three brothers provided the entertainment for that occasion. Mu Lambda chapter and alto/baritone saxophonist Brother James Heck, IV, who was present at the breakfast, indicated an interest in joining the group after the performance and was accepted. He became the fourth brother to join the group. With the addition of Brother Heck, Brother Bell switched to playing the tenor saxophone. After that performance, several other DC area Brothers attending the breakfast, indicated their interest in joining the group and they began to meet and rehearse formally. By 2013, the group would add drummer/percussionist John Harris III, an Eta Zeta initiate affiliated with Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Silver Spring, MD, his fellow IUL brother and alto saxophonist Eric Elmore (Alpha Chapter), electric bass player and member-at-large Brother Harry Jackson, III (Gamma Sigma), OHL Brother and keyboardist James Huntley, (who replaced Brother Costen due to outside obligations) and trumpeter Brother Charles Hines, Jr. of Pi Upsilon Lambda, Prince George’s County, MD. These additions rounded out the septet. In tribute to our fraternity’s meeting place at 411 East State Street, Ithaca, New York, the group named itself the “East State Jazz Band.” In early 2015 as obligations caused Brother Huntley (who Pastors a church in Prince George’s County) to step away from the band he was replaced on keyboards by Kappa Epsilon Lambda brother Anthony Emerson. The band was on its way and began performing regularly in the Washington DC metropolitan area. In
East State Jazz has performed at the Alpha Phi Alpha 2016 Eastern Region Conventions in Baltimore and Albany, as well as functions for many Alpha chapters in the region, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Virginia Chapter in Quantico and various events around the Greater Washington DC metropolitan area. Other performances include the 2018 Howard University College of Dentistry Black History month program, The Four Seasons Historic Virginia Clubhouse African American Heritage series in Dumfries, Va. , Omicron Eta Lambda chapter’s 2018 Scholarship brunch, the Darryl Haley Bed and Breakfast jazz celebration in Luray, Va., and the U.S. recreation Departments Music series at the Lincoln Memorial. Recent performances include the 2019 Eastern Region convention in Albany, New York, the Takoma Station Jazz Club in Washington, DC. in May 2019 and the House of Ruth, a home for battered women. The band has a Facebook site where photos and musical clips are available. Requests for band performances may be directed to eaststatejazz@aol.com, to Brother Ryle Bell at cool1b@aol.com or Brother Everett Martin at evmart@aol.com. The East State Jazz band continues in good Alpha fashion, moving onward and upward towards the light!
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Beta Chapter Alumni Association 2019 Howard University Homecoming Golf Classic!! Friday October 11, 2019 Mitchellville MD @ Country Club at Woodmore. Includes green fees, cart and catered lunch. Prizes and awards presentations immediately following round, during lunch. 100% of the proceeds from the Golf Classic will be donated to the Beta Chapter Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund at Howard University. This is a great opportunity for you and your organization to receive exposure and help to support Howard University students. Ticket and Sponsorship Information Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bcaa-2019howard-homecoming-golf-classic-tickets-60909905166 JULY 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46
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Albert A. Williams
Realtor - D.C. & Maryland
EXIT First Realty 2139 Espey Court, Suite 1, Crofton, MD 21114 Bus: 301-352-8100 | Fax: 301-352-0700 | Cell: 202-210-1539 Email: aaaaAAwilliams@exitfirst.com
www.exitfirstrealty.com JULY 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47
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Please Contact Brother Matt Aaron for Your Financial Planning Needs Matt Aaron, CFP® Aaron Financial 908-548-2745 Matthew.aaron.jr@nm.com Website: Aaronfinancial.nm.com
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Matt is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and the founder of Aaron Financial. Matt and his team provide a comprehensive financial planning experience to a diverse set of clients across the country.
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V • Budgeting • Insurance Planning • Investment Planning and Wealth Management • Retirement Planning • Education Planning • Estate Planning • Business & Employee Benefits Matt holds a BBA from Howard University and has earned both a certificate in financial planning from Georgetown University and the prestigious CFP ® designation. Matt is a national spokesperson for the Certified Financial Planning Board.
The Crone Esquivel Group, LLC The vision of The Crone Esquivel Group, LLC is to connect, care, and be compassionate to all seeking wellness. Understanding relationship is foundational to improved clinical outcomes, the Crone Esquivel Group, LLC strives to support clients through connectedness, care, and compassion, while coaching and counseling to create “effective new emotional paradigms” leading to wellness. Our approach to therapy is a modern and unique approach that allows individuals, couples and families focus on long-term relationships, sustainable mental health and overall wellness. Our areas of expertise include working in various settings ranging from community mental health, College Counseling Center, as well as private practice with transition-age youth, working professionals, LGBTQ+, First Generation Immigration and families
www.croneesquivelgroupllc.com
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Visit the “Contact Us” tab to schedule a 15 minute consultation. JULY 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48
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Contact us at ads@mulambda.org
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Message from the Editor Greeting Brothers, Summer is here and Mu Lambda is currently on CHILL! I hope that each of you are enjoying this time off with your family and friends. Cookouts, vacations or just time away is always good but let’s not get too relax. We are a few weeks away from Vegas and we have important business to work on. What we do as delegates or just brothers in Vegas represents not only Mu Lambda but the Fraternity as a hold. As I said before, Let show them how Mu Lambda handle business. Have an awesome summer and I will see you all in September ready to work! BRO. KENNETH A. WILLIAMS EDITOR OF THE TORCH torch@mulambda.org
The Alpha Train is coming to Vegas!!!!!
ALPHA QUOTE TO SERVE BY... “THINK Alpha Phi Alpha, TALK Alpha Phi Alpha, PROMOTE Alpha Phi Alpha, and LABOR for the broad principles of idealism for which Alpha Phi Alpha was created, so that humanity shall look on us as a body worthwhile.” Brother Henry L. Dickason, 6th General President
COMMITTEES SHOULD SUBMIT ALL ARTICLES AND PICTURES TO THE TORCH EDITOR 5 DAYS AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF YOUR EVENT. BROTHERS SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND ADVERTISEMENTS SHOULD SUBMIT EVERYTHING BETWEEN THE 15TH AND 31ST OF THE MONTH. ARTICLES MUST BE SUBMITTED IN A WORD DOCUMENT FORMAT. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ARTICLES SUBMITTED ARE SUBJECT TO EDITING BY THE EDITOR. PLEASE ADHERE TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION TO TORCH@MULAMBDA.ORG
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Support Our Foundation. The mission of the Mu Lambda Foundation, Incorporated, a non-profit 501c(3) organization, is service to mankind, the promotion of scholarship, and the enhancement of knowledge and achievement of males of all ages. Leading this mission is Mu Lambda Foundation’s vision to create an environment and opportunities for males to reach their full potential while discharging their responsiblities to their families, friends, and the global/civic society. This is done while upholding the highest moral, legal, and ethical standards of manhood.
MU LAMBDA FOUNDATION BOARD LeRoy Lowery, III President Juan H. Powell Vice President Chatman Young Treasurer John Barnett Ryle Bell, D.D.S. Malcolm Carter Albert Cheek, D.D.S. Hon. Horace G. Dawson, Jr., Ph.D. Marcel Desroches A. Gilbert Douglass, Esq. William A. Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D. Kenneth F. Holbert, Esq. John A. Wilson Alvin Reaves, III, MD
www.mulambdafoundation.org 2405 First Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 JULY 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 51
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ANOTHER WAY TO SUPPORT YOUR FOUNDATION What is AmazonSmile? AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from over one million organizations to support. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. From time to time, we may offer special, limited time promotions that increase the donation amount on one or more products or services or provide for additional donations to charitable organizations. Special terms and restrictions may apply. Please see the relevant promotion for complete details. Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile? Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same. On 1. 2. 3.
your computer: launch your internet browser and go to smile.amazon.com. Log into with your Amazon account information. Select Mu Lambda Foundation as your charitable choice. Everytime you make a eligible purchase a portion will go to the Foundation.
On your cellphone 1. If you have the Amazon App installed you should remove it. To do this, tap and hold the app icon until it starts to jiggle. Tap the cross at the top left of the icon and confirm that you want to delete it. Don’t worry, this will not delete your Amazon account or any of your settings. 2. Now from your cellphone internet browser go to smile.amazon.com. 3. Once there Tap the ‘share’ button at the bottom of the screen. 4. Tap the ‘Add to Home Screen’ icon. You may need to swipe to the left on iPhone to see this or scroll down on Android. 5. You will now have an Amazon Smile icon on your home screen which will replace your previous Amazon App.
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MU LAMBDA FOUNDATION
PROLOGUE • • • •
Beta-Mu Lambda Corporation - precursor Henry Arthur Callis Fund – charitable arm Mu Lambda Foundation, Inc – 501(c)3, 1994 Past activities include – Black and Gold Ball, Beautillion, Henry Arthur Callis Academy, Project Alpha, DC Food Bank, etc. • Current BOD – 13 members • Scholarships provided ~ $310,000
PROSPECTIVE • • • • • •
Broker scholarship awards – ten-fold increase Expand H. A. Callis Academy and Project Alpha to additional schools Serve House of Ruth Increase income from CFC, MWC, CBC, grants Develop property Ask Brothers to reclaim others /pay dues/ support fundraisers
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Expungement
I received a call from a family friend inquiring if his son would ever be able to get a job because of something on his record. This is neither legal advice nor to be construed as providing legal advice. It is meant to be thought provoking for the brothers to consider whether we should be doing more for our community. Each year the brothers of Mu Lambda works with the brothers of Beta on an annual expungement fair. According to Brother Fitzgerald’s statistics, Mu Lambda has 26 members with law degrees. My question is should Mu Lambda do more to help our community more than once per year. In no way am I advocating for Mu Lambda to become a public interest law firm, yet there are ways we can help partner those we serve with agencies capable of doing the actual legal work. There are different ways to expunge or seal a criminal record in the District of Columbia. Eligibility depends on several factors - first, what was the nature of the charge? For example, was the charge a felony or misdemeanor? Were you charged as an adult or juvenile? Second, what happened with the case? For example, was the charge no-papered or dismissed? Did the case result in a conviction? If so, on what charges? One way to have an arrest record sealed in the District of Columbia is to file a motion to seal on the grounds of actual innocence. D.C. Code § 16-802. In order to prevail under this type of motion, the person filing the motion must convince the judge either that the offense for which the person was arrested did not occur or that the offense did occur but that it was someone else who committed it. The standard of review for the motion is a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) if filed within four years of the date the prosecution was terminated. If the motion is filed beyond four years of this date, the evidence must be clear and convincing; that is, evidence that is highly probable or reasonably certain. Any type of offense – felony or misdemeanor – is eligible for relief under this type of motion. And this type of motion can be filed immediately after termination of the prosecution. The effect of a judge granting this motion is to restore the person to the status he or she occupied before being arrested or charged. In other words, if ever asked by anyone for any purpose whether or not he/she has ever been arrested or charged with a crime, the person can honestly and legally say no. D.C. Code § 16-802. For people who are not able to assert actual innocence, another way is to wait two years for eligible misdemeanors, three years for ineligible misdemeanors that were never papered, and four years for every other offense before filing the motion. Any open cases or any convictions after the arrest for which relief is sought render a person ineligible for such relief. A person who has been convicted of an eligible misdemeanor or felony violation under the Bail Reform Act must wait eight years after completion of sentence before filing a motion to seal the conviction. Any open charges or prior convictions would render the person ineligible for relief. The burden is on the person filing the motion to establish by clear and convincing evidence that it is in the interest of justice for the judge to grant relief. D.C. statute provides a special provision for people arrested for fake ID/misrepresentation of age. People arrested JULY 2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54
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Expungement continued for this offense may file a motion to seal/expunge all records associated with the arrest six months following the date of either a conviction or dismissal of the charges or, if the charge was no-papered, six months after the arrest. The effect of an expungement under D.C. Code § 25-1002 is to restore the person to the position he/she occupied before the arrest. A person who has been the subject of juvenile proceedings in D.C. can also file a motion to have all records associated with the case sealed. The person needs to wait until two years after the person has been released from court supervision. In addition, the person cannot have been subsequently convicted of a crime or adjudicated delinquent/in need of supervision. Upon entry of the order, the proceedings will be treated as if they never occurred. D.C. Code § 16-2335. A person who has been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of a criminal offense that was later decriminalized or legalized may file a motion to seal the record at any time. For example, now that possession of a small amount of marijuana is now legal in D.C., people who were arrested or convicted for unlawful possession of marijuana might be eligible for expunging their criminal record under this provision. The effect of expunging the record is to restore the person to the position he/she occupied before the arrest. D.C. Code § 16-803.02. The Youth Rehabilitation Act in D.C. allows the court to set aside a conviction for a person who was under the age of 25 at the time the offense occurred after the person has successfully served his/her sentence. It does not matter how old the person is today or whether or not the Youth Act was even in effect at the time of the offense. In other words, the Act’s provisions are retroactive. The set aside has the same effect as sealing the record. The set aside only applies to the conviction. To seal records of the arrest, the person must still file a motion under D.C. Code § 16-803. There are ways to seal/expunge records of a drug offense in D.C. The first way is to seal a misdemeanor drug arrest or conviction under the Criminal Records Sealing Act. The second and better way, if available – would be to expunge the record under a provision of the Controlled Substances Act: § 48-904.01(e). Applying only to people who have never been convicted of a drug offense before, either in D.C. or elsewhere, treatment under this provision requires the court to determine that the defendant is eligible at the time of the guilty plea or verdict. Instead of entering the guilty judgment into the record and sentencing the defendant, the court puts the defendant on a period of probation for up to a year. If the court finds during this period that the defendant has violated the terms of this probation, the court will enter the guilty judgment and convict the defendant. If, however, the court finds that the defendant has completed the probation successfully, it can discharge the defendant from probation and dismiss the case. The defendant can then file a motion to expunge his or her record. One benefit of treatment under this provision is that it applies to both felony and misdemeanor drug cases. Brother Eddie Neal, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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Upcoming Events Tuesday, July 2nd Thursday, July 4th Tuesday, July 9th Tuesday, July 16th Wednesday, July 17th Thursday, July 18th Saturday, July 20th Wednesday, July 24-28th
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Literary Society Fourth of July Self Defense at House of Ruth Self Defense at House of Ruth Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Dinner at House of Ruth General Convention
Dinner at House of Ruth Literary Society Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Nathaniel Allison Murray Brotherhood Brunch Executive Board meeting Chapter retreat Literary Society Chapter meeting Dinner at House of Ruth Literary Society Congressional Black Caucus Social at “The Park” Alpha Wives meeting Alpha Move at Carter Barron Park Literary Society Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Literary Society DC PanHellenic Council meeting Clean the Block Eastern Region Staff meeting Mu Lambda turns 96 Mu Lambda Brotherhood Smoke and Literary Society Chapter meeting Charter Day Brunch Literary Society Alpha Wives meeting Dinner at House of Ruth Literary Society Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Literary Society DC PanHellenic Council meeting Literary Society
Saturday, November 2nd Tuesday, November 5th Thursday, November 7th Saturday, November 9th Monday, November 11th Tuesday, November 12th Wednesday, November 20th Thursday, November 21st Saturday, November 23rd Tuesday, November 26th Thursday, November 28th Wednesday, December 4th Thursday, December 5th Saturday, December 7th Saturday, December 14th Wednesday, December 18th Thursday, December 19th Friday, December 20th Saturday, December 21st Tuesday, December 24th Wednesday, December 25th
MAAC Conference Literary Society Chapter meeting Alpha Wives meeting Veterans Day Literary Society Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Dinner at House of Ruth DC PanHellenic Council meeting Happy Thanksgiving Alpha Phi Alpha turns 113 Chapter meeting MAAC Breakfast Wreath Laying Ceremony for Brother Nathaniel A. Murray Wreath Laying Ceremony for Brother Robert H. Ogle Mu Lambda’s 96th Anniversary Founders Day banquet Alpha Wives meeting Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Deliver holiday baskets to families Dinner at House of Ruth DC PanHellenic Council meeting Merry Christmas