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THE
FIRST OF ALL, SERVANTS OF ALL, WE SHALL TRANSCEND ALL
THE OFFICIAL NEWS SOURCE OF ------
TORCH
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
BLACK LIVES MATTER D.C. MAYOR BOWSER PAINTS A CLEAR PICTURE FOR THE DISTRICT
The Mu Lambda Torch January 2019 MU LAMBDA CHAPTER | 2405 FIRST STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001| MULAMBDA.ORG
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
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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
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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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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
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In this Issue
Charter Members Past Presidents
Cover 1 Front Cover Picture by Names 2 In this Issue, Charter Members, Past Presidents 3 Executive Board, The Presidents’ Message 4 Committee Chairs & The Vice Presidents’ Message 5 Alpha Phi Alpha Way 7 Bloomingdale Civic Association 9 Advisory Neighborhood Commission 14 Omicron Eta Lambda Letter of Support 15 Omicron Lambda Alpha Letter of Support 16 Historical Justification for the renaming of the 2400 Block of First St. 22 Vincent Orange: DC’s Universal Paid Leave system 25 Message from House of Ruth Committee 26 Message from the Chaplain 27 Juneteenth: Freedom Day Highlights 29 Father Day’s Highlights 31 Message from the DC NPHC 32 Alphaversary and Birthday Parliamentarian Corner Congratulations to Mu Lambda’s Newest Bro Steven Burnette 33 Council Unanimously Passes Emergency Police and Justice Reform Measure 35 Message from the Alpha Wives 37 LDI 38 The Jewel Lounge 39 Literary Society 40 Food, Dessert and Drink of the Month 41 Frat Facts Part 3 43 Advertise with us 44 Domino’s 45 Vincent Orange steps down as DC Chamber President and CEO 47 Everything Co-op Radio Show 48 AKSTAR Apparel 49 East State Street Band 50 Exit Realty: Brother Albert A. Williams 51 Financial Planning Needs Prostate Cancer a Family Affair 52 The New Mu Lambda Chapter App is Here 53 Chapter App by Publicall Telecommunications 54 Message from the Editor 55 Esprit de Fraternite
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* FN4 Jewel Robert Harold Ogle* Louis H. Russell* James N. Saunders* Emory B. Smith* Harold C. Stratton* J.H.N. Waring* Charles H. Wesley* FN3
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CHARTERED ON MONDAY OCTOBER 1, 1923 WASHINGTON, D.C. FN1 6th General President 1915-1916 FN2 General Secretary 1915-1916 7th General President 1916-1917 FN3 14th General President 1931-1940 FN4 General Secretary 1920-1926 FN5 8th Eastern Regional Vice-President 1950-1953 FN6 23rd Eastern Regional Vice-President 2000-2001 Executive Director MLK Memorial
1. Harold Stratton* 1923-1924 2. Howard H. Long* FN2 3. Charles H. Wesley* 1926-1928 4. Frank Adams* 5. R. Frank Jones* 6. James B. Browning* 7. Jewel Henry Arthur Callis* FN1 8. U. Simpson Tate* 9. Claude Ferebee* 10. George O. Butler* 11. C.C. House* 1938-1940 12. Verdie L. Robinson* 13. Walter M. Booker* FN5 14. Jack Bond* 15. Millard R. Dean* 16. Frank Davis* 17. Clifton Hardy* 18. Herman Johnson* 19. Howard Jenkins* 20. C.C. House* 1952-1954 21. William F. Nelson* 22. Aubrey E. Robinson* 23. Joseph Waddy* 24. Edward J. Austin* 25. Elgy Johnson* 1964-1965 26. George H. Windsor* 1965-1967 27. James T. Speight* 1967-1969 28. Harold Sims* 1969-1970 29. Eddie L. Madison* 1970-1972 30. Wilbur Sewell* 1972-1974 31. Charles Walker Thomas* 1974-1976 32. Theodore Taylor* 1976-1978 33. Elmer Moore* 1978-1981 34. William E. Calbert* 1981-1983 35. Osmond Brown* 1983-1986 36. Vernon Gill 1986-1988 37. LeRoy Lowery, III 1988-1990 38. Morris Hawkins* 1990-1992 39. C.C. Jones 1992-1995 40. Vincent Orange 1995-1997 41. Melvin White 1997-1999 42. LeRoy Lowery, III FN6 1999-2001 43. James Haynes 2001-2002 44. Rudolph Harris* 2002-2004 45. Edwin Norwood 2004-2006 46. James McDonald 2006-2008 47. Timothy Fitzgerald 2008-2010 48. Kwame Ulmer 2010-2011 49. LeRoy Lowery, III 2011-2013 50. Eddie Neal 2013-2015 51. LeRoy Lowery, III 2015-2017 52. Joel Grey 2017-2018 53. Eddie Neal 2018-2020 54. John “Tony” Wilson 2020-
* Omega Chapter Brothers Footnote (FN)
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Executive Board President John “Tony” Wilson Vice President Mikael LaRoche Recording Secretary Jason Jefferson Corresponding Secretary Samuel Armstrong Financial Secretary Vernon Oakes Treasurer Michael Young Chaplain William “Tony” Hawkins Historian Silas J Woods Archivist James Harmon Intake Coordinator Andre Lucas Assoc. Editor/Sphinx Kenneth A. Williams Dir. Ed. Activities Sean Perkins Sergeant-at-Arms Malcolm Carter Parliamentarian Gilbert Douglass
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
The President’s Message Greetings Brothers As I sit here trying to compose the words that would will make up my first written President’s Message to the Mu Lambda chapter I cannot help but be reflective of the events of 2020. In just six months we have experienced and continue to experience events both tragic and inspirational -individually and collectively. Use of terms such as “we are living in unpresented times” seem cliché and does not seem to do service to the realities and challenges that we face and will continue to face in the year to come. I am honored and humbled to be your President for the upcoming fraternal year. The 2020-2021 fraternal year will be like no other year we have experienced as a chapter, fraternity, city, country or world. I am thankful for the guidance provided to me by our Immediate Past President Brother Eddie Neal and I am hopeful for a continued smooth transition. One word comes to mind - Intensity. I expect it of myself and I expect if from each of you. I can think of no other way for how a real man of Alpha to operate. I expect us to maintain and build on our level of Intensity in spite of the obstacles that are arrayed in front of us. I expect us to do the work of Alpha in the community as there has been and continues to be a need for our talents to make for a better world. It does not matter that we will have to apply our talents in ways that are different than the norm. I expect us to continue to support our chapter and fraternity financially. I expect us to operate Brotherly with each other and to take care of each other. I write these words not as some part of a rousing speech or slogan but looking out at the landscape that is before us. Fraternally, Brother John “Tony” Wilson, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
Web Master Albert Williams Editor of the Torch Kenneth A. Williams Member at Large LeRoy Lowery III Risk Management Officer Mikael E. LaRoche Immediate Past President Eddie Neal
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
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Committee Chairs
The Vice President’s Message
Auditing Vacant
Brothers of Mu Lambda,
Brother’s Keeper Carlos DeBose Budget and Finance Vernon Oakes Communication and Technology Albert Williams Constitution Gilbert Douglas DC National Pan Hellenic Council Vacant Fundraising Vacant Golf Tournament Vacant Health & Wellness Alvin L. Reaves, III Membership Kobina Yanka Men Who Cook Garrett Miller Mu Lambda Chapter History Book Silas Woods III Nominating Vacant Programs Joseph Gibbs Public Policy Rudolph McGann Social Joseph Gibbs Community Service Samuel Armstrong Marketing/Promotion Committee Vacant
My name is Mikael E. LaRoche, and it is with distinct pleasure that I address you today as the Vice President for the Fraternal year 2020 - 2021. It has been a very humbling experience, and I would like to thank every brother for believing in me to continue the charge of leading Mu Lambda FORWARD! To the outgoing office, I would like to extend my gratitude for the foundation you have laid. We walk on firm ground because of you - Eboard of 2019-2020. The work you have done has proven to be effective in the sustainable growth and continuity of Mu Lambda. It is the duty of the leadership of the chapter to fine-tune and continue this legacy as we move into unchartered territories. 2020 has been an eye-opener for the world. With the onset of COVID-19, technology has taken a front seat in our rollercoaster ride. Zoom meetings have become a “new-normal” for the chapter and fraternity, Facebook Groups, Video Conferences and even Omega Services have all been conducted virtually to preserve the essence of our brotherhood. Kudos to all of the brothers who continue to participate in virtual meetings and even Regional Conventions. to conduct the important business of ALPHA! It is a testament that the coronavirus has not taken the life breath out of our bond! I encourage all brothers to remain abreast of General Headquarters updates and events, as they adapt in communications toward the changing tide. The political climate has taken a familiar face for us this year as well. With the insensitive killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Amhad Aubrey sparking a series of “Black Lives Matters” protests across the globe, my charge as Vice President is to ensure that brothers exercise their freedoms and interest to protest these injustices safely. We are battling several fires at the same time. Mu Lambda has to continue to ensure we are FIRST OF ALL and SERVANTS OF ALL as we discuss the strategic mission of the chapter in the heart of Washington DC. Needless to say, we are only half way through one of the milestone years in the history of our lifetime. From a “Pandemic to Protest” and more so from a “Problem to Plans”, my charge is to continue to ask our network of intelligencia, “What is MU LAMBDA going to do?”. How can we band together to make a difference. This body of brothers needs to be ready to respond to this moment in history - As leaders, as change agents, as forward thinkers. The discussion begins NOW! I again would like to thank each brother for believing in my ability to lead this chapter in a direction that is destined for amazing achievements. There are many open opportunities for brothers in the chapter to serve as Chairs for committees. I would encourage brothers to reach out to me directly with their interests and skill sets so we can MOVE MU LAMBDA ONWARD and UPWARD, into our 97th year of Service and Excellence to the Washington DC and surrounding communities. Yours Fraternally, Brother Mikael LaRoche, Vice-President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
Social Media Committee Vacant JULY 2020
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Coming October 1, 2020: Alpha Phi Alpha Way
Proposed: Alpha Phi Alpha Way JULY 2020
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ® Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter PO Box 1844 Washington, District of Columbia 20013 www.ohlalpha1906.com
General President, Everett B. Ward, Ph.D. Regional Vice President – East, Lucien J. Metellus
Keithlyn Warner, Chapter President
Friday, June 12, 2020 To whom it may concern: In the District of Columbia, we have established a solid reputation for our respective chapters but first and foremost our Fraternity. Our brotherhood has been instrumental in United States history such as ensuring the passing of civil rights laws, education, fighting for inalienable and equitable rights. Our mission statement includes “providing service and advocacy for our communities” and this has guided us to this point of further solidifying our presence in the District of Columbia. As a brotherhood we have committed to the lofty, and achievable, ideals espoused by our founders and that has continued to light our path. Our dear fraternity has a momentous opportunity before us to be recognized for our dedication to service by having First Street NW between Bryant Street NW and Michigan Avenue NW ceremoniously named “Alpha Phi Alpha Way.” As Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek Letter fraternity established for African American men, we understand the immense power of community service, a vigorous brotherhood, and a collective mindset towards building a meaningful legacy and building up those around us. During our April 2020 Chapter meeting, as part of the A Voteless People is a Hopeless People Committee Report, this initiative was presented and accepted in principle by the Chapter. To that end we extend our support in moving forward to have this ceremonious renaming. This is one more visible way we display that we are part of our community, our District, our world.
___________________________ Keithlyn Warner, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter
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THE TORCH -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Bro. Giani Clarkson President
Bro. Victor Lee Historian
Bro. Shallum Atkinson Vice President
Bro. Quantral Fletcher, Jr. Dean of Membership Intake
Bro. Quantral Fletcher Recording Secretary
Bro. James Wright Jr. Associate Editor of the Sphinx
Bro. Emmanuel Pressley Corresponding Secretary
Bro. Cedrik Pickett Sergeant-at-Arms
Bro. Kirk Mensah Treasurer
Bro. Stanley Ray Immediate Past President
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.
Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter P.O. Box 77422 Washington, DC 20013
June 2020 To whom it may concern: In the District of Columbia, we have established a solid reputation for our respective chapters but first and foremost our Fraternity. Our brotherhood has been instrumental in United States history such as ensuring the passing of civil rights laws, education, fighting for inalienable and equitable rights. Our mission statement includes “providing service and advocacy for our communities” and this has guided us to this point of further solidifying our presence in the District of Columbia. As a brotherhood we have committed to the lofty, and achievable, ideals espoused by our founders and that has continued to light our path. Our dear Fraternity has a momentous opportunity before us to be recognized for our dedication to service by having First Street NW between Bryant Street NW and Michigan Avenue NW ceremoniously named “Alpha Phi Alpha Way.” As Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek Letter fraternity established for African American men, we understand the immense power of community service, a vigorous brotherhood, and a collective mindset towards building a meaningful legacy and building up those around us. We, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter, extend our support in moving forward to have this ceremonial renaming. This is one more visible way we display we are part of our community, our District, our world.
Giani Clarkson, M.Ed President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter
Shallum Atkinson, M.Ed Vice President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
“ALPHA PHI ALPHA WAY”
Historical Justification For The Renaming Of The 2400 Block Of First Street Research Compiled By: Silas Woods III – Historian, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Mu Lambda Chapter [6/2020]
Summary Since the inception of the Bloomingdale neighborhood and its history as it relates to the Black community of Washington DC, the members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity have played an integral role in progressing the causes of civil rights, fair housing, and racial equity in the Bloomingdale and along the historically significant First Street corridor. Originally established as an all-white community, the first black homeowner in Bloomingdale, civil engineer Francis Desales Smith, purchased a residence on First Street in 1907. White residents of Bloomingdale successfully sued to remove him from this home, and by the 1920’s had established legally binding covenants to exclude Black buyers from purchasing homes in the area. First Street became the dividing line between the all-white and integrated communities of Bloomingdale. The East side of the street was restricted to all-white residents while the west side could be integrated.
Senator Edward Brooke, the first African American U.S. Senator and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., was among the first black residents of First Street in the 1920’s living in the West (African American) side of the racial barrier.
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was still a nascent organization itself during the original formation of the all-white Bloomingdale community. Yet in the ensuing decades, coalesced by the repeated assaults on Black Homes in the Bloomingdale community and other racial inequities, members of the fraternity, and specifically Mu Lambda Chapter, played an indispensable role as an overt forces for change, an underlying support system for a Black community demanding fair housing opportunities and the continued growth of this community.
Attorney Charles Hamilton Houston, Howard University law professor, Alpha Phi Alpha member, and founding member of Mu Lambda chapter, represented black families in several Bloomingdale housing discrimination cases throughout the 1940’s, including the famous Hurd V Hodges case argued before the U.S. Supreme Court with his former student, Alpha Phi Alpha and Mu Lambda Chapter member, and future Supreme Court justice, Thurgood Marshall.
Former DC Mayor Marion Barry, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Mu Lambda chapter, launched the DC chapter of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in the heart of Bloomingdale in 1965, spearheading multiple civil rights initiatives.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s has a decades long legacy in the fight for fair housing. Its renown fraternity members with ties to First Street and who helped wage this battle made a big impact on not only on the community of Bloomingdale, but America. Coupled with the current strong community presence of the Mu Lambda chapter headquartered there, there is no place more befitting than First Street to bear the name “Alpha Phi Alpha Way”.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Washington D.C. has experienced over a century of Alpha Phi Alpha presence, service, and advocacy. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Founded December 4 th,1906 In Ithaca, New York. According to the fraternity’s mission statement, “Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.” [Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Viewed 2020]
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Beta Chapter, Chartered December 20 th, 1907 In Washington D.C. Alpha Phi Alpha’s presence in the Washington DC area began shortly after the establishment of the Bloomingdale community when its second chapter was chartered at the nearby Howard University. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Mu Lambda Chapter Chartered October 19 th, 1923 In Washington D.C. The Mu Lambda graduate chapter of the fraternity has served the Washington, DC NW community since its inception in 1923. While the chapter has occupied various houses throughout Northwest DC since its inception, the chapter paid homage to the decades long legacy in the fight for fair housing, when it purchased property for the establishment of its chapter headquarters on the historic First Street in the community of Bloomingdale.
The Bloomingdale Neighborhood THE BORDERS OF THE BLOOMINGDALE NEIGHBORHOOD The Streets Demarcating The Borders Of The Bloomingdale Community Are Second Street NW, North Capital, Florida Avenue NW, Bryant And Channing Places. According to The Washington Post, “Tucked between Shaw and Eckington on the border of the District’s northwest quadrant, Bloomingdale stretches from Second Street NW to North Capitol, bordered by Florida Avenue NW to the south and Bryant and Channing places NW to the north.” [Washington Post, 8/12/16]
FIRST STREET First Street Is A Historic Corridor Of The Bloomingdale Community. According to The DC Preservation League, “The houses along this block were among the first to be built in Bloomingdale, and defined First Street as the neighborhood’s premier architectural corridor.” [DC Preservation League, Viewed 6/12/20] First Street is also a key corridor of the neighborhood as it related to the African American history of the area. In the 1920’s when the white homeowners of Bloomington established legally binding covenants meant to exclude black occupants, First Street became the dividing line between the all-white and integrated communities of Bloomingdale. The East side of the street was restricted to all-white residents while the west side could be integrated. According to The DC Preservation League, “The court’s enforcement of the covenant set a precedent in DC for upholding deed restrictions barring black residents. In Bloomingdale, the continued enforcement of covenants along the neighborhood’s unit blocks made First Street a barrier to black settlement to the east.” [DC Preservation League, Viewed 6/11/02]
Alpha Phi Alpha’s Ties To Bloomingdale And First Street The Bloomingdale Neighborhood Remained All White Until 1907 When Its First Black Resident Was Sued And Forced To Evacuate The Community 1907: Civil Engineer Francis Desales Smith Became The First Black Resident Of First St And Was Sued By His Neighbors Who Claimed His Presence Would “‘Do Irreparable Injury To The Residents And Depreciate The Value Of The Adjacent Properties.’ According to The DC Preservation League, “Deed covenants restricted the block to white residents, but in 1907 black civil engineer Francis DeSales Smith bought 2206 First Street. A neighbor sued, alleging the sale would ‘do irreparable injury to the residents and depreciate the value of the adjacent properties,’ reported the Washington Post. The Washington Times declared that Harrison v. Smith would be ‘the first case brought before the local courts in which the citizenship of a whole community had banded together to prevent a colored person from occupying a residence among them.’” [DC Preservation League, Viewed 6/10/20]
The Residents Of Bloomingdale Implemented Strict Rules To Prevent The Sale Of Homes To NonWhites
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[DC Preservation League, Viewed 6/10/20] In 1920s The Residents Of First Street And The Larger Bloomingdale Community Organized To Restrict The Sale Of Homes In The Community Exclusively To White People. According to The DC Preservation League, “In the 1920s, white residents of this block and throughout much of Bloomingdale circulated agreements obligating signers and future owners to sell or rent only to white people. This form of covenant covered properties that had not been restricted when first developed, or in some cases reinforced existing covenants, and became legally binding when filed with DC’s Recorder of Deeds. In 1924, white residents also launched the North Capitol Citizen, a newspaper ‘devoted to antinegro propaganda,’ according to the Washington Post. In its first issue, the paper announced the availability of ‘For White Occupants’ signs to residents selling houses.” [DC Preservation League, Viewed 6/10/20]
Covenants implemented via legally binding, petition-like agreements, blanketed Bloomingdale by the late 1920s.
Mu Lambda Foundation House First Street
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[DC Preservation League, Viewed 6/10/20]
FIRST STREET BECAME THE DIVIDING BARRIER BETWEEN THE INTEGRATED AND ALL WHITE BLOOMINGDALE COMMUNITIES 1925: The DC Circuit Court Decision In Torrey V. Wolfes Upheld The DC Precedent Largely Barring Black Home Buyers From Certain Purchases And Established First Street As A Barrier Restricting Black Residents From Purchasing Homes In The Eastern Portion Of The Bloomingdale Community. According to The DC Preservation League, “Despite the fact that African Americans already lived within a block of here, neighbors successfully sued the white owners of 40 Randolph Street—the Torreys—for breaking the covenant. When the Torreys challenged the ruling, the appellate court maintained that all the homeowners had agreed to subject themselves to the developers’ covenant with the assurance that the other houses would be similarly protected. The D.C. Court of Appeals ruled in Torrey v. Wolfes that, regardless of their willingness to pay a $2,000 penalty for violating the covenant, as required by a clause in the deed, the Torreys could not sell their house to a black buyer. The court’s enforcement of the covenant set a precedent in DC for upholding deed restrictions barring black residents. In Bloomingdale, the continued enforcement of covenants along the neighborhood’s unit blocks made First Street a barrier to black settlement to the east.” [DC Preservation League, Viewed 6/11/02]
1920s: Senator Edward Brooke, A Member of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Mu Lambda Chapter, Was Among The First Black Residents Of First Street Senator Edward Brooke, The First African American U.S. Senator And Member Of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Was Among The First Black Residents Of First Street In The 1920’s. According to The DC Preservation League, “In the late 1920s, young Edward Brooke moved with his family to 1730 First Street, on the west (African American) side of the First Street racial barrier. He graduated from Dunbar High School in 1936, then earned a B.S. in sociology at nearby Howard University. In 1966 he became the first African American elected to the U.S. Senate in the 20th century. Sen. Brooke (R-Mass.) co-authored the 1968 Fair Housing Act and, the next year, pushed through legislation limiting rent for public housing to 25 percent of a tenant’s income. After leaving the Senate in 1979, Brooke was named honorary chairman of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.” [DC Preservation League, Viewed 6/11/02]
RACIST ATTACKS AND COMMUNITY TENSION FORECAST THE END OF THE FIRST STREET RACIAL DIVIDE 1923: Over 500 White Bloomingdale Residents Marched To Three Houses Of Black Residents Demanding They Leave The Community. According to The DC Preservation League, “Two decades earlier, in November 1923, more than 500 white Bloomingdale residents gathered here at First and U for a march to the nearby homes of three black families. Although none of these houses were subject to racial covenants, the marchers told the owners, in a letter, that they had ‘invested all we have in our property, and … will not sit quietly by while all we have is threatened.’ They also stoned at least one of the houses, prompting DC’s district attorney to warn that ‘Washington is likely to have another riot unless police are active in suppressing attacks on colored homes,’ according to the Afro-American. At least two of the families who were threatened refused to leave.” [DC Preservation League, 6/11/02] 1942: The Community East Of Bloomingdale Remained White Only Until Two Lawsuits Failed In Their Attempts To Block The Residency Of The McCray And Matthews Families. According to The DC Preservation League, “First Street remained the eastern limit of black settlement until 1942, when two lawsuits to uphold racially restrictive covenants on this block of T Street were unsuccessful. Duffy v. McCray and Duffy v. Matthews attempted to prevent black families from living at numbers 37 and 21 T Street, respectively. The latter case targeted newspaper editor Ralph Matthews and his wife Selma Sampson Matthews, who produced ‘musical extravaganzas’ at the nearby Howard Theatre to raise funds for charitable organizations, according to her Washington Post obituary.” [DC Preservation League, Viewed 6/11/20]
1947: Mu Lambda Hosted Ralph Matthews As Editor Of The Afro-American Newspaper To Speak For A Program On Current Events
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1947: Mu Lambda Hosted Ralph Matthews To Speak At A Program On Current Events. According to The SPHINX, “‘We are very proud of the wonderful work of our program committee, the chairman of which is the affable Brother George H. Windsor. The committee presented Ralph H. Windsor, Editor of the Washington Afro American Newspaper.’” [SPHINX, Volume 33, 5/1947]
1941: ALPHA PHI ALPHA’S CHARLES HAMILTON HOUSTON REPRESENTED BLACK FAMILIES IN BLOOMINGDALE HOUSING DISCRIMINATION CASES Alpha Phi Alpha Member And Founding Member Of Mu Lambda Charles Hamilton Houston Represented Several Black Families In Housing Discrimination Cases. According to The DC Preservation League, “In 1941-42, civil rights attorney Charles Hamilton Houston represented several clients here in an effort to persuade the courts that racial covenants no longer served their intended purpose of keeping the neighborhood white. He also argued that black buyers, who faced a severe housing shortage, were willing to pay a premium to live here, while white demand had declined. Houston partnered with anti-covenant real estate agent and lawyer Raphael Urciolo, who was sued for selling several racially restricted houses to black clients with the help of broker Romeo Horad. Urciolo represented himself in court, while Houston represented the homebuyers. Although the court upheld the covenants here, the evidence Houston collected would soon prove useful for another case” [DC Preservation League, 6/12/02]
Houston’s Earlier Housing Discrimination Cases Laid The Foundation For His Appearance Before The Supreme Court To Argue The Case Of Hurd V. Hodges 1947: Houston Argued The Case Of James And Mary Hurd Against Their Bloomingdale Neighbors, Filing Repeat Appeals. Ultimately The Supreme Court Agreed To Hear This And Similar Cases For Which Houston Was Joined By Fellow Alpha Phi Alpha And Mu Lambda Member, Thurgood Marshall, Who Would Go On To Become A Supreme Court Justice Himself. According to The DC Preservation League, “When James and Mary Hurd bought 116 Bryant Street in 1944, neighbors sued. Neighbors also sued the Hurds’ real estate agent, Raphael Urciolo, who had subsequently sold three more houses on the block to African Americans. All four properties had restrictive covenants. Charles Hamilton Houston represented the Hurds in court, while Urciolo defended himself. Houston called expert witnesses to testify that race had no scientific basis, that covenants were having deleterious effects on American neighborhoods and society, that housing was extremely scarce for African Americans, and that covenants were no longer keeping the neighborhood white. Houston’s innovative strategy in Hurd v. Hodge did not sway the DC and federal appeals courts, which upheld the Bryant Street covenants. However, the strategy represented a critical turning point in the legal campaign to dismantle segregation, and Appellate Judge Henry Edgerton’s lengthy dissent would also prove influential. In 1947 the Supreme Court agreed to hear Hurd v. Hodge as a companion to a St. Louis case, Shelley v. Kraemer, and a Detroit case, McGhee v. Sipes. The latter would be argued by Houston’s former student, Thurgood Marshall.” [DC Preservation League, 6/12/02] 1948: The Supreme Court Found The Court Enforcement Of Covenants Unconstitutional, DC’s Enforcement Of Discriminatory Covenants In Violation Of The Civil Rights Act Of 1866, And Racial Covenants Against The Public Policy Of The United States. According to The DC Preservation League, “With assistance from the NAACP, Howard University Law School, and other academic and legal experts, Houston compiled the most thorough brief of any he had ever prepared for the Supreme Court. The U.S. Department of Justice and numerous advocacy groups supported the appeal, and in May 1948 the decision came down: enforcement of covenants by the courts violated the 14th Amendment, which requires states to treat citizens equally. In DC, which is not a state, enforcing covenants violated the Civil Rights Act of 1866. Racial covenants also ran contrary to the public policy of the U.S., the Court said.” [DC Preservation League, 6/12/02]
1965: ALPHA PHI ALPHA’S MARION BARRY LAUNCHED THE DC STUDENT NONVIOLENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE (SNCC) IN BLOOMINGDALE 1965: Former DC Mayor Marion Barry, A Member of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Mu Lambda Chapter, Launched The DC Chapter Of The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee In The Heart Of Bloomingdale. According to The DC Preservation League, “In 1965, Marion Barry moved to DC to open a branch of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) here. Soon after his arrival, Barry helped launch a successful city bus boycott to protest a fare increase; initiated a boycott of businesses that did not support home rule for DC residents; and founded Pride, Inc., which trained and employed mostly young black men in a variety of public works projects. Barry was elected to the school board in 1971 and, three years later, to the City Council. He would go on to serve four terms as the city’s mayor.” [DC Preservation League, Viewed 6/11/20] JULY 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
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Other Potentially Notable Residents of First Street SAMUEL GOMPERS Samuel Gompers House Located At 2122 First Street NW Was Added To The National Registration Of Historic Places. [National Register of Historic Places, 6/12/20] American Federation Of Labor President Samuel Gompers, A First Street Resident, Contributed To The Fund Organized To Sue First Street’s First Black Home Owner. According to The DC Preservation League, “The Washington Times declared that Harrison v. Smith would be ‘the first case brought before the local courts in which the citizenship of a whole community had banded together to prevent a colored person from occupying a residence among them.’ The contributors to a fund supporting legal action against Smith included American Federation of Labor President Samuel Gompers, who lived down the street. Smith apparently succumbed to the pressure. By 1910, he and his family had moved out of the neighborhood to 1216 Girard Street NW and a white government clerk and his family had replaced them at this address.” [DC Preservation League, 6/12/02]
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Message from the House of Ruth Committee Greetings Brothers, Mu Lambda sponsored the meal for the ladies at the House of Ruth on Saturday, June 6, 2020. We practiced social distancing and ordered meals from Boston Market. Brothers Ed Hill, Joseph Housey, Frank King, Kelvin McClinton, Tim Fitzgerald and I delivered the order to the front door. We also had the assistance of Summer Quinn. The menu was rotisserie chicken, carved turkey, sweet potato casserole, mix vegetables, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, corn bread, cookies, lemonade and water. The next meal is Saturday, July 11th to be sponsored by the chapter. Brothers voted for the chapter to sponsor the dinners during the odd months (July 11th, September 5th, and November 7th). Teams of brothers will sponsor the even months (August 1st (Tony Wilson’s team), October 10th Tim Fitzgerald’s team), and December 6th (Alvin Reave’s team) Fraternally, Brother Garrett Miller Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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Omega Service Saturday, June 13, 2020,
Farewell dear
Brother Initiated Date: April 4, 1987 Initiated Chapter: Eta Alpha Chapter
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Photos by Brothers Derrick A. Butts
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Photos by Brothers Derrick A. Butts
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Message from the DC NPHC
Mu Lambda Brothers, Please join me in congratulating the newly elected DC NPHC Administration for the 2020--2022 years. Just a reminder that during our General Council meeting, on June 23rd evening, they concluded with the Installation Ceremony for the new officers. Your new Administration is: President-Soror Valerie E Robinson 1st Vice President-Frater Marvin Burton 2nd Vice President-Soror Unique Williams Recording Secretary-Soror Juanita Morris Treasurer-Soror Lisa Thompson Financial Secretary-Soror Shanelle Swinton Correspondence Secretary-- Soror Kellee Jamerson Member At Large-Soror Zillah Jackson Wesley Audit Committee Chair-Frater J.R. Smith Mu Lambda Brothers Call to Action for DC NPHC Support! - Brothers please note, this is the 1st year where an Alpha Brother, from any DC chapter, was not included or elected to the DC NPHC Executive board. :-( Please plan to attend the meetings beginning - last Tuesday of Sept. 2020 to get involved so we will have a voice from Mu Lambda and for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity - IMPORTANT! I have been serving on the DC NPHC Audit Committee and as a Delegate for Mu Lambda for the past four-years and will not continue to be a delegate in the Fall. It has been a pleasure to serve and I will support any Brother who would like to transition into the delegate roll. Bro. Derrick A. Butts DC NPHC Delegate Mu Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
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Parliamentarian Corner Highlights of our newly revised June 4, 2020, constitution All Executive Board members must be financial with the chapter by the first meeting in September or they will be removed from their position. The constitution addresses situations for holding chapter meetings virtually. Members must be financial with the chapter a minimum of two years before seeking the office of President or Vice President.
Curtis A. Hunigan
July 28th
The election dates were changed to allow brothers an opportunity to campaign for office. All newly elected officers will take office effective July 1st of the year of election. First year brothers graduating from college get a substantial reduction in dues with a sliding scale for two additional years.Brothers attending graduate school get a reduction in dues for two years of their enrollment. The chapter is prorating dues for newly reclaimed or brothers previously affiliated with the chapter and absent from the chapter for two years. Fraternally, Brother A. Gilbert Douglass Parliamentarian Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
Happy Birthday Samuel I. Armstrong Rudolph Scipio Chesley R. Richardson Albert A. Williams, Jr. Robert E. Richardson Sulaiman B. Almaroof Clinton C. Jones, III Mr. Jabari Hawkins
July July July July July July July July
1 2 2 5 16 20 20 27
Lawrence M. Clark Jason J. Clark
July 30 July 31
Brothers, I would like to introduce you to Mu Lambdaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest member, Brother Steven Burnette. Brother Burnette is a Spring 2019, Beta Epsilon initiate. He graduated with honors from North Carolina A&T State University last month. He will be leaving to go to FLETC in July/August and will be in training for six months. Brother Kobina Yanka Reclaimation Chair ___________________________________________
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Council News & Dates
Council Unanimously Passes Emergency Police and Justice Reform Measure Under its Home Rule Charter, the Council has two main ways of passing legislation—a fast way, and a more lengthy way. It appears that both methods will be brought to bear in regards to emergency police and justice reform legislation in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and the national movement around police reform.
At its most recent Legislative Meeting, the Council unanimously passed an emergency police and justice reform bill, the details of which will be discussed below. Emergency bills--which are used to tackle items that are time-sensitive—do not require that a hearing be held, must pass by a super-majority, remain effective for 90 days and become effective immediately once signed by the Mayor, and without the need for Congressional review. Permanent legislation, on the other hand, moves slowly by design. Such bills are subject to a hearing to receive public input, a committee discussion and vote, and approval by the full Council at not one but two Legislative Meetings. In regards to the police and justice reform legislation passed at the most recent Legislative Meeting, both the emergency and permanent legislative processes will seemingly be invoked, and the benefits of each scenario will be maximized. Given the urgent need, and intense public demand for action, emergency legislation was the appropriate first step. The absence
of a hearing on the topic was mitigated by the fact that most if not all of the reforms included in the bill had either previously been discussed at length in the past on the Judiciary Committee level, and/or they were best practices borrowed from other municipalities. Regardless, when the permanent legislation comes up for consideration, there will be extensive opportunity for all those concerned, from the police to the public, to speak out on all details of the bill. Regarding the bill's content, as passed, the measure: • bans chokeholds and neck restraints by police and special police • requires the release, within 72 hours, of body-worn camera footage after any officer-involved death or serious use of force, requires release of footage from past shootings, and bans officers from reviewing it prior to drafting crime reports • prohibits use of tear gas, pepper spray, riot gear, rubber bullets and stun grenades by MPD (or federal police while on non-federal land) in response to First Amendment protests • bans the hiring of officers fired for (or who resigned facing charges of) police misconduct or other serious disciplinary measures • modifies the composition of the Police Complaints Board, moving from a five-member board with one Metropolitan Police Department representative, to a nine-member board with one member from each Ward, plus an at-large member, and no police representatives • repeals the District's mask ban legislation • creates a 20-member Police Reform Commission Council News & Dates continued on next page
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Council News & Dates continued • requires that all MPD personnel working at a First Amendment protest wear identification indicating they are with local (as opposed to federal) law enforcement • ensures the right to a jury trial in cases where assaulting a police officer is alleged • limits and details what constitutes unlawful police use of force, and how it will be dealt with • bans MPD from purchasing military equipment from the federal government • requires the Department of Corrections to provide voter registration forms, voter guides, and absentee ballots to everyone in the Department's care • requires the Department of Corrections to conduct a weekly review of all those in its care to determine who might be ready to transition to home confinement • clarifies that collective bargaining agreements cannot be used to shield employees from accountability and discipline • requires additional training of officers on topics including racism and white supremacy Bridging the gap between rapid-but-short-lived emergency legislation and long-lasting permanent legislation is what's called “temporary legislation.” It requires two votes, and is in effect for 225 days. Like permanent legislation, it must passively lay over before Congress. A few proposed amendments to the emergency police and justice reform legislation needed further review and refinement prior to possible inclusion in a final bill. If the details on these amendments can be worked out, the changes could be incorporated in the bill prior to the second vote on the temporary version of the bill, and/or in the permanent bill. Questions regarding the size of the police force, and potential budget cuts or transfers to further emphasize the Council's past support for viewing crime prevention and violence interruption as public health measures, were largely postponed until they could be addressed as part of the ongoing budget process, which will culminate in final votes in late July. Among the many things that COVID has taken a terrible toll on is the District’s budget. With $700+ million in cuts needed to be made in both the remainder of this budget year (ending September 30) and in the budget year to come (beginning October 1), there will be many financial challenges.
can participate in different elements of the process) can be found in two documents located here (https:// dccouncil.us/2019-2020-performance-oversight-fy2021-budget-schedules/).
July Calendar _____________________________________ July 7 First Council vote on Local Budget Act and Budget Support Act July 21 Second Council vote on Local Budget Act, Vote on Federal Portion Budget Request Act July 28 Second Council vote on Budget Support Act
The budget process for Fiscal Year 2021 is well underway, and will last through late July. Key dates are listed below, but full details (including how the public JULY 2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
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Message from the Alpha Wives Greetings and congratulations to the brothers of Mu Lambda Chapter on a successful fraternal year. Mu Lambda Chapter continues to serve as a model for providing meaningful and effective change in the very communities that you serve. As we end our program year, we are still in the midst of a pandemic that has changed the world we all knew. Like others, we have had to readjust and find meaningful ways of continuing our work in the community in a virtual environment. In June 2020, the Alpha Wives announced its 2020 scholarship recipients. As part of that process, we are pleased to announce the first recipient of the “Dr. Rudolph Harris Book Scholarship” in the amount of $500 to Jashawn Evans of Ballou High School. The Alpha Wives will highlight Mr. Evans, along with two other recipients, at its virtual scholarship program that will launch on October 15, 2020. Also, in lieu of the Annual Scholarship Luncheon Game and Card Party, which serves as the primary fundraiser for the next-year’s scholarships, the Alpha Wives present the “Support Our Scholarship Campaign”. During the period of July 1, 2020 to September 15, 2020, you can help by donating to this campaign, which will provide funding for next year’s scholars. The donation categories are $50, $25, and other, and you can donate at: https://support-our-scholarship-campaign.eventbrite.com If paying by check, please make payable to the Alpha Wives of Washington, DC, Inc., and mail to the attention of Treasurer, 5061 MacArthur Blvd, NW Washington, DC 20016. Please include in the memo section “Scholarship Campaign”. The Alpha Wives will highlight all donors in its virtual program that goes live on October 15th along with our 2020 scholarship recipients. Even during a pandemic, the Alpha Wives will continue its more than 50-year legacy of providing scholarships to minority students in the District of Columbia and welcome and appreciate your continued support. Have an enjoyable and safe summer. Sincerely, Claudia J. Postell, Esq. President Alpha Wives of Washington, D.C. Inc.
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For questions, contact alphawivesdc@gmail.com
The Alpha Wives of Washington, DC, Inc. Presents
“Support Our Scholarship Campaign”
Even during a pandemic, the Alpha Wives of Washington, DC, Inc. will continue the more than 50-year legacy of providing scholarships to minority students in the District of Columbia. This campaign is in lieu of the annual Card Party, the primary fundraising activity for youth scholarships.
You can help by donating to this campaign that extends from:
July 1, 2020 to September 15, 2020 The donation categories are below:
$50
$25
Other
To make your donation, please click the following link: https://support-our-scholarship-campaign.eventbrite.com In the alternative, you may mail your check to: Treasurer, Alpha Wives of Washington, DC, Inc., 5061 MacArthur Blvd, NW Washington, DC 20016. Please include in the memo section “Scholarship Campaign”. The Alpha Wives will highlight all donors in a virtual event that goes live on October 15, 2020 along with our 2020 scholarship recipients.
Donate Today You can still make a difference in the lives of our youth.
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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
Lesson
The 2019-2020 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 Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter
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 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
Since Tuesday, April 21st, Mu Lambda has hosted the Mu Lambda Literary Society, every week at 7:00 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 facilitated by a different brother each week. Brothers can participate via Zoom. 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.
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII XIV XV XVI XVII XVIII XIX XX
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, Volume II Jr. our National Historian and author of Volume II is Chapter I participating in the sessions. Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV Chapter V Chapter VI Chapter VII Chapter VIII
Date Apr 21 Apr 28 Apr 28 May 5 May 5 May 12 May 19 May 26 Jun 2 Jun 9 Jun 16 Jun 23 Jun 30 Jul 7 Jul 14 Jul 21 Jul 28 Aug 4 Aug 11 Aug 11
Lesson
Date
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
Aug 18 Aug 25 Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29 Oct 6
Fraternally, John Wilson, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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Grilled Chicken with Peach Crisp Coconut-Lime Slaw
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Transfer the simple syrup to a heatproof bowl and let cool. Step 2 In a food processor or blender, puree the watermelon in batches until smooth. Strain the puree into a large bowl or pitcher. Stir in the simple syrup, tequila, lime slices, 3 mint sprigs and 1/2 cup of water.
Shake up your chicken routine with this easy weeknight dinner that will be on the table in just 20 minutes.
Step 3 To serve, pour the watermelon agua fresca into ice-filled glasses, leaving 1 inch at the top. Top off the drinks with Prosecco and garnish with mint leaves.
INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp. olive oil, divided • 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced • 1 1/2 c. quinoa • 4 c. baby spinach (about 5 oz) • 2 small pork tenderloins (about ¾ lb each), cut into 4 equal pieces • Kosher salt and pepper • 2 tbsp. white wine vinegar • 2 tbsp. orange marmalade • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard • 1/2 c. pomegranate seeds DIRECTIONS 1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in medium saucepan on medium. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until toasted, about 2 minutes. Add quinoa and cook per package directions. Fluff with a fork and fold in spinach. 2. While quinoa cooks, heat a skillet on medium. Add remaining tablespoon oil, season pork with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides and an instant-read thermometer registers 145°F, 12 to 14 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk together vinegar, marmalade, and mustard. Transfer pork to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes. Discard any oil left in pan. Add mustard mixture to skillet and simmer until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Brush on pork. 4. Slice pork, serve over quinoa, and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Brother Derrick A. Butts
INGREDIENTS • ½ cup quick cooking oats • ½ cup honey-sweetened granola • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour • ½ cup packed brown sugar • ¼ cup butter • 5 cups fresh peaches - peeled, pitted, and sliced • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice • ¼ cup chopped pecans DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 2. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, granola, 3 tablespoons flour, and brown sugar. Cut in the 1/4 cup butter until crumbly. 3. Place peach slices in an 8-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon flour. Scatter the oat mixture over the peaches. Sprinkle top with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and pecans. 4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Brother Garrett Miller
Tequila-Watermelon Aguas Frescas with Prosecco
The strained watermelon juice can be refrigerated overnight. INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup water • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 chilled seedless watermelon (15 pounds), rind discarded and watermelon cubed (20 cups) • 3/4 cup tequila blanco • 6 limes, thinly sliced • 3 mint sprigs, plus mint leaves for garnish • Ice • 1 bottle chilled Prosecco Link: https://www.foodandwine.com/ recipes/tequila-watermelon-aguasfrescas-prosecco In Memory of Brother Drew Love
How to Make It Step 1 In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring just to a boil,
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FRAT FUN PART 3 THE BROTHERS OF MU LAMBDA CHAPTER Brother Robert Warren was from Jacksonville, Florida. He was a brother’s brother, a true Alpha man if ever I saw one. As the Assistant Dean of Pledgees for my line, I can attest to his honesty, integrity and concern for those of us who endured such a process. Bob, as we knew him, attended every Alpha meeting be it area wide, district wide or regional. He also encouraged all of us neophytes to do the same if we were going to truly understand the workings of Alpha. Truer words were never spoken. Bob would drive his black and gold speckled Toyota to meetings proximal to Washington, DC but never usually on long trips. Later, I came to discover why. On one trip to an Eastern region convention In Pittsburgh, one famous for the Klu Klux Klan marching in downtown Pittsburgh while we were there, Bob was driving with another Brother of OHL, Scott Dantley in the back seat. This was necessary because he always kept lots of stuff on his car seats and Scott had opted to sit in the back rather than move all the stuff off the front seat. On the Pennsylvania turnpike, he and Brother Dantley were engaged in conversation. Apparently Scott asked Bob a question. In his quest to make sure that Scott heard his response, he turned around in the driver’s seat and began talking to him. At this time, the highway curved to the right and construction crews had laid down orange pylons to close the lane in which Bob was driving, thus narrowing the road to one operative lane with the concomitant and obvious traffic back up occurring. Needless to say, with his face turned to the back seat he could not observe this sudden development. The vehicle, however, continued at the same pace, albeit unpiloted! Scot started yelling, waving his hands pointing wildly to acquaint Bob with the new situation. Finally, sensing Scot’s urgency, he turned around, got a grasp of the impending peril, applied his brakes rapidly and pulled to the shoulder but not before mowing down several of the properly placed pylons placed by the highway employees of the State of Pennsylvania. The first thing that Scot did as the vehicle came to a stop was to verify that he had not soiled himself. He then took over the driving responsibility! After that we saw to it that Bob limited his driving to Wash, DC. This brought him to me because I had purchased a
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Plymouth Voyager van that seated seven and after the vaunted Pittsburgh outing, he and Scott joined the brothers who often traveled with me on our trips. Those trips in themselves are stories yet to be told! Bob was a French teacher at Banneker Charter School in Washington, DC. One of the things that amazed me about him was that he stuttered when he spoke English but not when he spoke French! I guess that the image of a southern black gentleman stuttering as he spoke French was too much for God! My French at best was rudimentary as I had studied Spanish in high school and French in college. It was common for me to communicate with him thusly. In so doing, I would throw in a few Spanish words and phrases into the French idiom when we spoke as I often conflated the two! He would always shake his head and wag his forefinger at me while saying “No monsieur, Ce n’est pas le francais!” As he informed me that what I had just said was not French! When Bob began riding with us, we would always meet at a shopping center parking lot or a metro station where he parked his car so I didn’t have to detour into DC to pick him up. He always packed his luggage in a brown colored portmanteau or steamer trunk for the mal-informed! Whatever you want to call it, it was a large suitcase. He would haul it off his back seat, lock his car and yank the suit case with his right arm and strut purposefully towards us, setting it down on the ground near the van. Foolishly some elder brother tried to help Bob place it on the luggage rack on top of the van. His effort elicited an eerie scream that went to the heavens as he grabbed his back and surreptitiously examined his underwear for spillage! After that we would always send a husky young brother who had never helped Bob before to put the suitcase on the luggage rack on top of the van because there was no way that it would fit inside! The helpful young brother would cavalierly grab the suitcase once Bob had set it down and try to lift it. His first attempt would usually end with him bending over, clutching at his scrotum to see if his intestines were now abiding therein. He would then signal for another young brother to help. The two of them together would probably move the suitcase about a foot before it fell to the ground. We would be roaring with laughter and then send a third brother to help and most of the time the three together could negotiate the arduous task. Getting it up and on top of the van required other brothers to assist as we tied it in place with bungee cords. There is another story related to his suitcase and the bungee cords that one day I will tell. The young brothers who had opted to drive with us would then sit in awed silence, realizing that Bob had brought the suitcase alone from his car to the curb! What they were unaware of was that Bob competed in the senior Olympics as a swimmer annually and won Continued on the next page
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FRAT FUN PART 3 continued several gold medals. His arms were exceedingly strong, particularly the right one! I can personally testify to that as a recipient of an impression advanced by him. Many a valet ruptured himself or dislocated his arm and or vertebra in attempting to transfer it to a luggage cart, until we started warning them of the preponderance of avoirdupois dwelling within the proferred suitcase! Some, to their detriment, still ignored us! I finally found out why Bob’s suitcase was so heavy. He never packed for trips as normal humans do, but would throw and I mean throw every piece of clothing that he owned, shoes, slacks and socks, underwear, ties and other miscellaneous potpourris into the offending piece of luggage! This meant that none of the clothes could be worn without ironing. He added a heavy old electric iron and an ironing board that fit into the suitcase for that purpose. Finally there was always a half gallon bottle of dark Bacardi rum wrapped up within the mess of clothing to prevent possible breakage! This was a mandatory stipulation because he required all of his friends to come to whatever room he occupied at a convention to have an obligatory drink or two or three as the occasion demanded! On the odd time or two, he, like many of the senior brothers, may have indulged a little too deeply in corn squeezings and missed a session or two. There is nothing like a conversation with a stutterer fortified with more than the Alpha spirit! His untimely demise left a void in all of our lives. I will always remember his kindness, his stuttering explanations of things that I needed to know, even somethings that I didn’t need to know, and his uncommonly large heart! I was made in Omicron Lambda Alpha in 1977. Brother Thomas Reliford was our Dean of Pledgees and Brother Robert Warren was our Assistant Dean. Two men of impeccable credentials and integrity except for the banquet! At that time OLA was a lot like Mu Lambda is now; not as large but with a similarly wide age range of brothers. One of the highlights of the brothers’ welcome to the chapter for the impending ingress of new brothers was a banquet! I believe that it was conceived by a miscreant brother named Hubert Michel. He used to wait tables in college and so gave birth to the concept of a sumptuous meal laid on for prospective brothers. It was a lavish seven course affair! We were all sat upon the ground in a circle and informed that the feast, labored on by big brothers, was extremely nourishing and beneficial to our development though not necessarily evoking gustatory titillation and as such, expectoration of said meal or portions thereof, be it voluntary or involuntary, would
not be tolerated. Out of the goodness of their hearts they informed us that should the expectoration be sudden, the exudate should be directed to the inner lining of our t-shirts and not on the floor. Needless to say, there was no expectoration from any of us, voluntary or otherwise. The brothers would dress in black tuxedos, black bow ties and white shirts with a white napkin draped over their forearms. A splendid sight indeed! The first course consisted of a single fig newton served with elan and flair. Remembering that lady fingers was a part of the original meal, visions of broiled lamb chops, wild apple jelly and Neapolitan ice cream flashed before my eyes. The second course was a rude awakening and removed all such images from my retinas. It was a plate of parboiled macaroni dyed an emetic green, roughly slapped on to a plate, steaming like horse manure in the streets on a hot summer’s day. I knew then that I was in for a long evening! Once all had ingested this “lovely pasta,” the third course was served! It was steak tartare! Raw ground beef with a raw egg located strategically in the middle thereof. This is where the stomachs began to roil. Frequent admonitions were heard about the consequences of us showing less that great pleasure at the effort that our big brothers had taken in the preparation of such a repast. Smacking of lips was encouraged and even superiorly directed gastric eructions, though nether ones were severely frowned upon! This course necessitated fortitude! The fourth course was usually a dollop of spaghetti liberally laced with Dante’s Hell’s level seven hot sauce! By the time that the course was consumed, hissing sounds were prevalent as efforts were made to attenuate the oral conflagration that had ensued by creating an airflow to cool conflagrated tongues. Kindly big brothers offered us one sip of water that served to do nothing more that enhance the fire within. The fifth course was a dessert. It was the Alpha apple, a gargantuan Vidalia, crusted in half-baked dough that would gum up one’s intestinal tract for weeks after. The sixth course was an after dinner of a bottle of citrate of magnesia. The seventh was a small pill to cleanse the palate. The last two were touted as cleansing agents. We were then dismissed with a rousing benediction. Needless to say all of us were enthroned in a few hours and greeted by blue urine the following morning as a result of ingesting the pill. Our next observations will be directed beyond the walls of the Mu Lambda chapter. Stand by with baited breath for next month’s analysis!
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Contact us at ads@mulambda.org
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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
Pizza-2950 Donnell Drive, District Heights, 20747 - 301-568-8883. Pizza-6254 Central Avenue, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743 - 301-333-5900. Pizza-4269 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD - 301-839-0330. Pizza-6426 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD - 301-449-3030. Pizza-9509 Livingston Road, Ft. Washington, MD - 301-248-3030. Pizza-10367 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk, MD - 410-286-0700. Pizza-14604 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD - 301-952-1133. Pizza-9546 Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, MD - 301-599-4100.
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Vincent Orange steps down as DC Chamber President and CEO
Dear DC Board of Directors, Staff and Members: Today, June 30, 2020, marks the last day of my tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer of our 82 year old prestigious organization, the District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for allowing me to serve in this position for four years. Our accomplishments together have been tremendous, overwhelming and outstanding. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very proud to have worked with you to bring in nearly 475 new members to the DC Chamber. With a staff of seven workers, we were able to overcome significant challenges, barriers and obstacles and rise from the fourth rank Chamber in the region to the ranking of second as reported by the Washington Business Journal in the 2020 Book of List. Upon filing the DC Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2019 Form 990, due July 15, 2020, indicating gross revenue in excess of three million dollars, will more likely than not, propel the DC Chamber to the number one ranking. We achieved this gross revenue goal of $3 million a year ahead of schedule. See background information below. Together we secured a new state of the art 7,154 square foot headquarters, avoided utilization of our line of credit for 3 1/2 years, and maintained a healthy monthly spending capacity. Moreover, we were able to stay true to and enhance our mission to advocate, connect and educate. We achieved the reduction in the corporate franchise tax rate from 9.75% to 8.25%, increased the DC Estate tax exemption from $2 million to $5 million, secured government commitment to paying off the bonds on NATS ballpark ten years early (although recently COVID-19 put this initiative on hold), tabled the False Claims Amendment Act and defeated a $600 million carbon
emissions tax. Our three state of the business reports have been legendary and widely quoted. We led extremely successful trade missions to Spain, Bahamas, Israel and Ethiopia, and established working memorandum of understandings (MOUs) in three of the countries. Our educational initiatives through seminars, policy forums, morning fixes, summits and publications have served the DC Chamber, community and government well. The overall performance at the DC Chamber also afforded me the opportunity to be recognized in the class of Power 100 recognition by the Washington Business Journal in 2017 and 2018, being appointed to the United States Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 Chief Executive Officers, a Boardmember of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, a member of the Metro Cities Council and a 2018 induction into the Washington, DC Hall of Fame Society, Inc. As widely publicized, I am now pursuing a run to become an independent progressive democrat on the Council of the District of Columbia. I end my tenure as President and CEO today while simultaneously becoming a new member, the Law Office of Vincent Orange , of the DC Chamber of Commerce. Thank you so much for the unique opportunity to serve the District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce. I now look forward to a great DC Chamber member experience. Sincerely,
VINCENT BERNARD ORANGE SR.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION 1. One Year In At DC Chamber https://twitter.com/orangevo40/status/1273378853008936962?s=21 2. Orange reaches $3 Million Gross Revenue for DC Chamber earlier then predicted by one year— WBJ in its Book of List presents DC Chamber ranked #2 in the Region of 25 Chambers. When Orange started it was ranked #4. When DC Chamber files it’s Form 990 on July 15, 2020 indicating Gross Revenue of $3 Million, it will more likely than not become the #1 Chamber in the Region. https://twitter.com/orangevo40/status/1273377716289638401?s=21 3. DC Chamber Chairman Madan confirms Orange leaves DC Chamber in strong financial position In WBJ article, DC Chamber Ajay Madan states the following: But Madan said he is "bullish" on the chamber's financial prospects, and said that the nonprofit is "a little ahead of where we expected to be" as business returns to some form of normalcy as the Covid-19 lockdown eases. "The chamber is in a good place, and it's not in any bad place," Madan said. The Orange tenure at the DC Chamber of Commerce commenced on August 16, 2016 and will end on June 30, 2020. This period represents the accurate period of review of Vincent Orange’s performance.
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Everything Co-op, is a radio show that airs on WOL, Radio One’s premiere talk show station out of Washington, DC. The show features people who have influenced or participated in the advancement of the cooperative business model to change lives.
Hosted by Brother Vernon Oakes Listen every Thursday on WOL 1450AM or our website at http://everything.coop from 10:30am - 11am
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THE BORN ORIGINAL BRAND WWW.AKSTARAPPAREL.COM
Join the family and get 10% off A Mu Lambda Face Scarf Cover Us the code: JOIN Purchase Link: https://www.akstarapparel.com/Mu-Lambda-Face-Scarf-Cover-p203836125
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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
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MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
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 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. • • • • • • •
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.
Prostate Cancer a Family Affair Many of you are aware that I am a prostate cancer survivor. I know some of you have also traveled the journey. I was diagnosed and treated in 2016 and remain cancerfree. Thankfully my doctors caught it early before it had the opportunity to spread. I was vigilant well before my diagnosis with regular checkups mainly because my dad and uncle had previously been diagnosed. As men, and as black men in particular, we tend to wait much longer than we should to see the doctor. We all know brothers who have health challenges but put off making a call to the doctor. But cancer doesn’t wait.
My dad and I share our journey in our new book, Survivors’ Stories, Prostate Cancer, A Family Affair. Get more information on our journey and purchase the book at www.derrickbutts.com and then let’s talk. Speaking Engagements – I would be more than happy to schedule time to talk with your church, Men’s/Health group, and/or organization about being proactive with your prostate health and to share my journey. Please have them email me at info@derrickbutts. com to begin the discussion. Thank you Brothers for your support! Brother Derrick Butts
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
The New Mu Lambda Chapter App is Here This official Mu Lambda Chapter App is for members of the chapter to find out about our events, chat with Chapter members, View Chapter Documents, View Chapter Directory, View our monthly magazine (The Torch) Pay Chapter Dues and much more. The ability to effectively communicate with Chapter members will help us continue to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our community.
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MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Message from the Editor A father said to his son: You graduated with honors, here is a car that I acquired many years ago ... it is several years old. But before I give it to you, take it to the used car lot downtown and tell them I want to sell it and see how much they offer you. The son went to the used car lot, returned to his father and said, "They offered me $ 1,000 because it looks very worn out." The father said, "Take it to the pawn shop." The son went to the pawn shop, returned to his father and said, "The pawn shop offered $100 because it was a very old car."
BRO. KENNETH A. WILLIAMS EDITOR OF THE TORCH torch@mulambda.org 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, 5th General President
The father asked his son to go to a car club and show them the car. The son took the car to the club, returned and told his father: “Some people in the club offered $ 100,000 for it, since it is a Nissan Skyline R34, iconic car and sought after by many. The father said to his son, "I wanted you to know that the right place values you the right way." ...
If you are not valued, do not be angry, it means that you are in the wrong place. Those who know your value are those who appreciate you, and never stay in a place where no one sees your value.
GOOD WILL IS THE MONARCH OF THIS HOUSE 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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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Esprit de Fraternite Brothers, It is that time of year again. The fraternity’s fraternal year runs January 1st to December 31st. Mu Lambda’s 2019-2020 fraternal year runs September 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. The chapter does not meet during July and August. It is now time to pay your 2020-2021 dues which will cover you from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Ways to make payment: 1. 2. 3. 4.
You can pay your dues on mulambda.org by clicking the dues tab at the bottom left of every web page. Bring a check to the chapter meeting. You can pay on the Mu Lambda App Mail it to: Financial Team Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter 2405 First Street, NW Washington, DC 20001
Alpha
is a life long commitment
An Alpha Phi Alpha man’s attitude should not be “how much can I derive from the Fraternity” but “how much can I do for the Fraternity?” In proportion to what he does for his Chapter and for Alpha Phi Alpha will a member receive lasting benefits from the Fraternity to himself in the way of self-development by duty well done, and the respect of the Brothers well served. A member’s duties should be: 1. Prompt payment of all financial obligations, the prime requisite for successful fraternal life. 2. The doing of good scholastic work in his chosen vocation, thereby accomplishing the real end of a college course. 3. The reasonable endeavor to participate in general college activities and social service and to excel therein. 4. The proper consideration of all things with appropriate attention to the high moral standard of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.