MARCH 2021
THE TORCH FIRST OF ALL, SERVANTS OF ALL, WE SHALL TRANSCEND ALL
THE OFFICIAL NEWS SOURCE OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC, MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
HONORING OUR MU LAMBDA BROTHER
Fred Valentine MU LAMBDA CHAPTER | 2405 FIRST STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001| MULAMBDA.ORG
Picture by Names 1. Rudolph Harris 2. Curtis Hunigan 3. Fred Valentine 4. Horace Dawson, Jr. 5. Paul Cotton 6. A. Gilbert Douglas 7. Ryland Harris 8. Mark Jones 9. Andre Lucas 10. Kenneth Hobart 11. Derrick Butts 12. John Mark-Williams
13. Jeremy Triplett 14. Mikael LaRoche 15. Joseph Housey, III 16. Jason Clark 17. Mark Ross 18. Louis Ford 19. James Heck 20. Eddie Neal 21. Gerard Williams 22. Garrett Miller 23. Adrian James 24. O. Jackson Cole, Jr.
25. Albert Williams 26. Lucius Brown 27. Marcel Desroches 28. Kellen Moore 29. Jamison Taylor, Jr. 30. Mathew Aaron, Jr. 31. Sean Perkins 32. James Harmon 33. Larry Ware 34. Frank King 35. Antonio King 36. Rudolph McGann, Jr.
37. Alvin Reaves, III 38. Ryle Bell 39. Drew Love 40. Colin Campbell 41. Bryant Young 42. Arthur King 43. Charvis Campbell 44. LeRoy Lowery, III 45. Joseph Paul 46. Timothy Fitzgerald 47. Jason Jefferson 48. Samuel Armstrong
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TWO JEWELS & TWENTY MEN OF ALPHA OUR CHAPTER Mu Lambda is Alpha's eleventh alumni chapter, chartered October 1, 1923, in Washington D.C. The chapter was established, in part, in response to the desire of graduate brothers, many whom were initiated into Beta Chapter at Howard University, to give aid to the undergraduate brothers and continue the work of Alpha. Chartered by 22 distingushed men of Alpha which included Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray and Jewel Robert Harold Ogle.
CHAPTER LEGACY There has been six members who served as the General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and two whom served as the Eastern Region Vice President. Mu Lambda is equally proud of our current brothers making their mark in the Washington D.C. community and beyond. Our chapter has many entrepreneurs, activists, political leaders, philanthropists, academicians, ministers and so much more. Our diverse brotherhood age range is between the ages of 25 and 98. We all work together to maximize the brotherhood of Alpha by following the Objective, Mission and AIMS of our Fraternity.
FIRST OFFICERS The officers elected at the first meeting were Brother Harold Stratton-President, Brother John Lowery-Vice President, Brother Victor Daly-Secretary, Brother Daniel W. Edmonds-Treasurer, and Brother Nathaniel Allison Murray (Jewel)-Chaplain. Mu Lambda was thus established and was on its way into history!
www.mulambda.org
In this Issue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47
Cover Front Cover Picture by Names In this Issue Executive Board, Committee Chairs, Charter Members, Past Presidents The Presidents’ Message The Vice-Presidents’ Message Did You Know? Black History Facts Living HBCU Baseball History with The Legends – Fred Valentine of Tennessee A&I Calling All Interested Brothers Message from the Health and Wellness Committee Prostate Cancer Awareness Alliance Birthday and Alphaversary Women’s History Month Renee Montgomery Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill To Make JUNETEENTH National Holiday Mu Lambda Black History 365 Days National Society of Black CPAS Hires CEO to Increase Diversity in Accounting The SPHINX, Winter 1980 - Brother Rayford W. Logan Receives The NAACP’s Highest Honor The SPHINX, Fall 1998 Ambassador Horace G. Dawson Appointed to Alpha Phi Alpha World Council Memoriam for Jewel Henry Arthur Callis The SPHINX, Spring 1999 - Alpha Phi Alpha and the Founding of African-American Civil Rights Groups House of Ruth DC The Jewel Lounge Literary Society Food of the month Dessert of the month Drink of the Month Advertise with us Domino’s Everything Co-op Radio Show AKSTAR Apparel East State Street Band Exit Realty: Brother Albert A. Williams Financial Planning Needs Prostate Cancer a Family Affair The New Mu Lambda Chapter App is Here Chapter App by Publicall Telecommunications Message from the Editor Esprit de Fraternite
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Executive Board
Committee Chairs
Charter Members
Past Presidents
President John “Tony” Wilson
Auditing Vacant
Vice President Mikael LaRoche
Brother’s Keeper Carlos DeBose
Recording Secretary Jason Jefferson
Budget and Finance Vernon Oakes
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
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-
Corresponding Secretary Samuel Armstrong Financial Secretary Vernon Oakes Treasurer Michael Young
Communication and Technology Albert Williams Constitution Gilbert Douglas
Chaplain William “Tony” Hawkins
DC National Pan Hellenic Council Vacant
Historian Silas J Woods
Fundraising Vacant
Archivist James Harmon
Golf Tournament Vacant
Intake Coordinator Andre Lucas Assoc. Editor/Sphinx Kenneth A. Williams Dir. Ed. Activities Sean Perkins Sergeant-at-Arms Malcolm Carter Parliamentarian Gilbert Douglass Web Master Albert Williams
Health & Wellness Alvin L. Reaves, III Membership Kobina Yanka Men Who Cook Garrett Miller Mu Lambda Chapter History Book Silas Woods III Nominating Vacant
Editor of the Torch Kenneth A. Williams
Programs Karl Bruce
Member at Large LeRoy Lowery III
Public Policy Rudolph McGann
Risk Management Officer Mikael E. LaRoche
Social Joseph Gibbs
Immediate Past President Eddie Neal
Community Service Samuel Armstrong Marketing/Promotion Committee Vacant Social Media Committee Vacant
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
* Omega Chapter Brothers Footnote (FN) MU LAMBDA TORCH 2021
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The President’s Message Greetings Brothers, Springtime represents new beginnings with the blossom of new flowers, warmer weather and people re-energized. And hopefully the beginning of the end of the global pandemic where we can see the nation and the world blossom again, never forgetting the damage that has been wrought, but taking the steps toward smarter norms. For us in Mu Lambda this spring brings to us new Brothers who will have completed IMDP. As we welcome these new Brothers let’s all dedicate ourselves, (younger Brothers and not so young Brothers), to mentoring the new Brothers as they navigate their entry into Alpha Phi Alpha. I truly believe we all have something to offer these new Brothers and in the process they to us. It would be kind of like that re-energizing that the springtime brings to all. Brother John “Tony” Wilson, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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The Vice President’s Message
February has blown by us quickly as it does every year, blessing us with only 28 days to celebrate Black History Month! We are blessed to see another year - 2021 and it’s an honor to say that Mu Lambda continues to make efforts in marking its name in the books of History. Our beloved chapter is currently pioneering an area effort to create a Hybrid format for Initial Membership Development Process. A leap of faith into the future! With online lectures being a taylor made well structured experience, after participating in two days of sessions, I can attest to the time value of hosting this Hybrid Model! IT IS EFFICIENT. In the world of history and leadership initiatives, we also can claim the fame of being one of the only/or maybe few chapters to have a Apple/Android Application, where members can chat, look at the chapter’s calendar of events, make payments and review monthly submissions of the torch. This is ALPHA HISTORY! We also have the blessings of our brothers in the chapter making their own BLACK HISTORY, from serving under the current administration, to becoming doctors and making noteworthy achievements in all fields of Business, Science, Technology, Law, and Leadership across the metropolitan region. For each of you I am proud to make acquaintance, I am happy to call you all my BROTHERS, you are BLACK HISTORY, But this month of March marks a new page in the annual monthly celebrations. It is WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, so, I would like to ask us all to continue to give heartily to our efforts to bind and protect the greater causes of womanhood - included our monthly participation in the Feeding of those in variant circumstances at the house of ruth in North East, Washington D.C. This monthly project has helped multiple women to receive a well prepared meal on a saturday on behalf of our chapter. If you are interested in participating in this effort for Women’s history month, please contact myself or brother president to ensure we do something GRAND for the month of March! Continue the momentum shift we have in place brothers- CONTINUE MAKING HISTORY! Fraternally, Brother Mikael LaRoche, Vice-President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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Did You Know? Black History Facts Sara Guthrie Senior Vice President Clark Construction Group Feb 19, 2021 1:11 PM Robert - Thanks for starting this thread and to everyone else that has contributed! I wanted to add a person whose contributions span multiple facets baseball, our industry, our community, and our company - Fred Valentine! After a career in Major League Baseball, where he played for both the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Senators, Fred Valentine joined Clark in 1971 as the company’s Equal Employment Opportunity Officer. Over his 30+ year career at Clark, Fred was instrumental in developing programs to maximize opportunities for minority and women owned small businesses and was involved in MBE/WBE efforts for almost every
project Clark delivered, including L’Enfant Plaza, McCormick Place, FedEx Field, and the Washington Convention Center. His efforts over the years earned him many industry awards including 1984 Cardoza Community Hall of Fame for Exemplary and Dedicated Support Award, 1993 Majority Contractor of the Year from the Black Contractors Union, 2000 White House Millennium Council Community Service Award and an induction into the National Minority Contractors Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2004, he was inducted into The Washington, D. C. Hall of Fame Society. Even after he retired as vice president of community relations, Fred remained connected to Clark and our work, playing a role in bringing baseball back to the District of Columbia as one one of the founding members and current vice chair of the Major League Baseball Alumni Association. Clark delivered Nationals Park for the Washington Nationals in 2008. I personally am honored to have had the opportunity to meet and work with Fred during my first few years at Clark!
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Living HBCU Baseball History with The Legends – Fred Valentine of Tennessee A&I Written by Douglas Malan • July 19, 2019 As a multi-sport athlete growing up in Memphis, Fred Valentine always found a field or court to play on. But while Mr. Valentine, who was born in Mississippi, juggled sports, he paid as much or more attention to his academics. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Mr. Valentine became a twosport star at Tennessee A&I (now Tennessee State University), with his quarterback play on the football team earning him more national attention than baseball. He teamed with George Altman on the baseball club before turning pro in the sport. After his seven-year MLB career with the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Senators from 1959 to 1968, Mr. Valentine entered the corporate world and went back to school earn his master’s degree at George Washington University and his law degree from what is now the University of the District of Columbia. Black College Nines feature writer Douglas Malan recently caught up with Mr. Valentine, who makes his home in the Washington, D.C., area. How did you get into sports as a kid? I grew up in Memphis and I really got involved in organized sports in the eighth grade, going into high school. I got on the boxing team and ended up boxing paperweight – that’s what they called it. We weighed 100 pounds. Seemed like at that age the gloves weighed more than the kids! And we had headgear on and everything else. It was a good experience. I ended up boxing in eighth grade and I won my bout in a big auditorium there in Memphis. And they wanted to know if I was still gonna box and I said I don’t know. (laughing) Because after that first fight, I woke up and
my eyes were swollen, I was sore, even though I won. The coaches at the high school wanted to know more about my athletic abilities and I told them I played community baseball, community basketball, touch football, we played everything. We had eight big, strong black high schools in Memphis and a lot of good athletes coming out of there. They encouraged me to come out for the baseball team in high school. And I attempted to go out for the football team, but I was underweight, about 115 or 120 pounds. They told me I better go back and put on some more weight. And sure enough, I went in and got on the baseball team and that was just God’s gift right there. I got on the baseball team as a freshman. Got on the basketball team. Never made the varsity but played junior varsity. Then because of that, I went out to practice with the track team because I was gifted with speed I didn’t even know I had. And sure enough, that worked out fine. So my sophomore year, I put on a few more pounds. The baseball coach happened to be a football coach. And lo and behold, he said, “Why don’t you just come out for the football team?” And I said, “I did! You told me I was too small.” But I had put on a few more pounds and he realized I had a good, strong arm. He encouraged me to go out for quarterback because I could run and I could throw and he thought I could fill in and play on the third team. Sure enough, I tried out and made the practice squad. We were halfway through the season and I was able to run the ball, throw the ball and everything else and the coach could see that. I was ambidextrous and I didn’t even know. They had designed some plays where you flip the ball out with your right hand and your left hand. The other quarterback had a problem doing it, but I didn’t have a problem so I won that part of the competition. I ended up starting my junior year, first-string quarterback. I was still playing baseball. I was still playing football. And I was running track. The amazing thing about the track team, we had two guys and the best runner was named McGee. He was running the 100 in 9.7 and 9.8 and they’d compete with each other. And I was running sometimes a 9.9 and averaged about a 10. And I thought I was slow! (laughing) I was compared to them! And it didn’t bother me. I just thought well, they’re faster than I am. I didn’t realize how much speed I had ‘til I got off to college. You played a lot of baseball growing up and all through high school. When did people outside Memphis start to notice you? My senior year, that’s when the scouts started coming around. I wanted to go to college and I had gotten on a sandlot baseball team there in Memphis. They didn’t have any leagues set up for blacks in Memphis during Continued on the next page
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------that time. They saw me playing in high school and they encouraged me to join up with them. Now, these are men. Every weekend they would play a team on a big lot somewhere and they would bet. It was nothing professional, but they’d all get together and put up money for a pot. What you put in is what you get out. If you don’t win, you don’t get nothing out. They wouldn’t let me put anything in the pot. They said if we won, I’d get a hot dog or a hamburger or this that and the other. I got with them and was doing well. We were up into the season and the scouts came around just observing sandlot baseball. A scout from St. Louis, I never will forget it, a black scout came there and picked me out to go to a tryout camp in Memphis. I was a senior in high school at that time. I didn’t know what a tryout camp was. We were just playing our little organized ball and that was it. What was tryout camp like? At tryout camp, in July or August, it was 150 guys who showed up. I was first in the running and ran in the 60 in 4-something. I didn’t know if that was good or bad. Throwing-wise, they had everyone line up in center field and throw it to second base and then to home plate. That eliminated a whole lot of them. I had no problem and threw the ball all the way home in the air. With the arm strength, they wanted me to see about pitching. I said, “I’ve never pitched” and they said, “Don’t worry about it. You can’t walk anybody. You throw four balls, you’re gonna start over again.” And I was switch hitting growing up and didn’t know the advantages of it. I’d just go to the other side and hit all kind of balls. They said to report back to St. Louis and work out with their big club. I told my dad and mom about it and they were excited. And I told the guys I played with and they were all excited I was gonna get that opportunity to work out with the big club. It was the weekend and St. Louis was home. I went up on Thursday and worked out with the team on Friday, Saturday and prior to the game Sunday. They were really impressed with my abilities, being in high school.
of college.” They said they’d have to talk about. And I said, “Well if you don’t, I have four years of football scholarships to black colleges. I’m going to college. And if I don’t go in baseball, I’ll go in football.” They told me if I go out there in football, I might get hurt and not get to play baseball. And I told them I might get hurt in baseball and if I do, they’ll just let me go and I’m out there on my own. With football, I have four years of guaranteed scholarships. I’m gonna go to school. I got on the plane to go back home. And before I got home, they had already called my dad, trying to convince him to convince me to accept the offer. He told them point blank that whatever I decide to do, he’s gonna go along with it. The sad thing about it was it was this black scout and he was trying to promote himself by signing players out of Memphis. I couldn’t say I felt sorry for him because he was looking out for himself and I was looking out for myself. They called me and said they could increase the bonus they were going to give me, but they couldn’t guarantee four years of college. And during that time in the black schools, college was only $1,000 a year for everything! So I turned down the offer and took the scholarship. I had four offers from black colleges – Kentucky State, Alabama State, Tennessee State and Knoxville – and I told them I’m gonna take one of them for football and continue playing baseball. I accepted the offer from Tennessee State, as a quarterback. You arrive in Nashville ready to start a new phase of life. When I got there, they had already scouted me and knew I had played baseball in high school. The quarterback coach at college turned out to be the baseball coach – Raymond Whitman – so that fell right in. God is good and sure enough it worked out.
What kind of deal did they offer?
I got there and I still only weighed about 160 pounds. I got there for early arrival and the players thought I was the trainer. I had to tell them who I was and where I was coming from.
They came to me and said they wanted to offer me a contract on their B-level farm team with a bonus of $500. I said, “Well, it sounds good, but how about you do this? I’ll be glad to sign your contract and go to B ball but you keep the $500 and just offer me a fouryear guarantee so I can get four years of college.”
They had a junior and senior quarterback at the time I got there, so I was designated to go to the practice squad. I was always on the team that practiced as the team they were gonna play that week. We had some good freshman and we gave them a hard time. We’d go out and have fun.
Sure enough, that blew their mind. They said, “We’ve never heard of anything like that.” And I said, “You may not have heard of it, but you don’t hear of any Negroes getting big bonuses to pay for their college in the event they need to do that.” The white guys are getting all this money…now, this was ’54, ’53. I said, “We normally don’t get the big bonus. You keep the bonus you’re gonna give me and guarantee me four years
What was your first football game like with Tennessee State? We opened up the season in Memphis and played Lincoln University of Missouri. You may remember the coach at Tennessee State at that time named (Henry) Continued on the next page MU LAMBDA TORCH 2021
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kean. He was one of the top black coaches at that time. And Lincoln University, you might remember the name Leo Lewis. He was one of the top running backs in black colleges. We opened up the season every year with this team. They beat Tennessee State the year before, so Coach Kean was die-hard about putting up a good show and possibly winning the game. We go to Memphis and the senior quarterback started. Before the first quarter was over, he got hurt. Then the second-string quarterback had to be called in…Dave Smith from Washington, North Carolina, never will forget it. He threw one of the most beautiful spirals on the ball you ever could see. He didn’t get through the first quarterback because he was all shook up and he got hurt. And Coach Kean says, “What are we gonna do about a quarterback?” And (Howard) Gentry, he was pretty much second in line for coaches, said, “We have Valentine, the next quarterback in line.” And Coach Kean says, “Who is Valentine?” (laughing) Even the players were laughing about it. Coach Kean was only focused on the first and second strings. So Coach Gentry said, “He’s the one who’s been running our practice squad and beating up on us, so we just gotta go along with it.” God was good. He put me in there and they told me just to do what I did in practices. I had Leon Jamison, he was one of the ends, and Lee Derrick, he was one of the backs, and Roy Kimble, he was another back. I said, “If you guys can just get open, I’ll get the ball to you.” There was no score when I came in and by halftime we were leading 21-6. Coach Kean couldn’t stay still! He said, “We still have a half to go and Leo Lewis is still out there! He’s gonna get him some touchdowns!” So that was the beginning of my whole shot. I went back out in the beginning of the second half. The guys backed me 100% and, sure enough, we ended up beating Lincoln University something like 31-20. Leo Lewis, he got his two touchdowns. I ended up throwing about three touchdown passes and played defense as well as offense, and I ended up getting the most valuable player award for the whole game. Being at home, being a freshman, that kinda put the light on everything for me. How about baseball games? Do any stand out from college? I remember during that time we had a big park there, Haines Park. It didn’t have any walls or anything. To hit a home run, you just hit one over their heads and keep running. They had the Negro Leagues and it was limited to how much playing you could get on the professional level. They set up barnstorming teams and they’d come around and see players to get with them. That was the way to get more experience and make a few extra bucks on the side. There were some great
ballplayers in the Negro Leagues, just never got the opportunity to play. I didn’t realize how good they were until I became a professional myself. It was because of Coach Whitman that we were able to go as far as we went. Same thing today, baseball doesn’t bring in any money to the college. They just have to be supported by other sports. Somehow or another, we were able to have uniforms and travel. We traveled mostly by station wagon. That’s how it was all through the minor leagues, too, until you got to a certain level and started taking buses. When you first start out, it’s just three or four station wagons. You just load up and go town to town and ride all night till the next day. But you’re young and it’s just the thrill of playing. You don’t think about being tired. We got a lot of our sleep in the station wagon and ate a lot of hamburgers. You’d get two-for-a-quarter hamburgers, you’d go in and get you a bag of those and a Pepsi and that was your meal. You earned your degree in 3 ½ years after an AllAmerican football career and great baseball career. What kind of options were out there for you in 1956? The scouts were coming around knowing I was going to graduate and they wanted to know what I’m gonna do. I had been making All-American for black colleges and All-Star teams. Three offers for football came by for the NFL. The scouts said they wanted me to come in as a defensive back. I said, “Yeah, but I made AllAmerican as a quarterback.” But they didn’t have black quarterbacks at that time in the NFL. They didn’t have black centers, they didn’t have black guards…these are all thinking positions. So they didn’t even go out to recruit them. I wasn’t interested in playing defensive back. And I didn’t think I had put as much time into football as I had baseball. My whole background was in baseball, so I let the baseball world know I was coming out. St. Louis came back again with an offer and a tryout. And I had three more tryouts. Baltimore, who used to be the St. Louis Browns, had read the reports the Cardinals had on me and they wanted to make me an offer. Paul Richards, he was one of the bigtime managers at that time, was impressed with my abilities. They gave me an offer right out of college for Triple A baseball. They gave me a salary of $900 a month, I think, and that was the best offer I could get. And the reason I went to Baltimore was because of Bob Boyd. He was a black first baseman. They called him The Rope because he always hit line drives, and he was also from Memphis and played for the Memphis Red Sox in the Negro Leagues. He remembered me playing in the area. When I went in to work out with Baltimore, he talked to Paul Richards about signing me. Continued on the next page MU LAMBDA TORCH 2021
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------You’re going through the minor leagues right out of college, playing in some rough, segregated towns in the Carolina League. But you have a wonderful story from the 1958 season in Wilson and helping break down the color barrier a little bit. That was kind of a big story from my career. In ’58 after spring training, I was supposed to go to Knoxville. But the team has signed a bonus baby and I got sent to Wilson, North Carolina. And I said, “Wilson. Where’s Wilson?” And they said, “You get on (U.S. Route) 301, stay on it and it’ll take you right there.” I got there, nice town with a beautiful stadium, but they didn’t have hotels for blacks there. They just had boarding rooms. It was three of us – pitcher, shortstop and myself. We drove from Florida up to Wilson and it took us all day and we got there at night. We were told to go to Cherry Hotel and they’d be expecting us. I didn’t know what to expect. I went in and there was a clerk sitting behind the desk. When I walked in, he had an idea who I was. Before I could even get to the desk to say anything, he said, “You must be Valentine. I’ve been expecting you.” I said, “Yeah, they told me to come to Cherry Hotel” and he said, “Yeah, but you’re not staying here. We have a place all set up for you.” There was a railroad track. One side was white and the other side was black. We got back in my car and followed this guy back across the track to the black area and we went where they had fixed up an apartment for us. This lady had an apartment and they had convinced her to house us. We went over there and she was waiting for us. It was a nice apartment – three bedrooms, furnished and everything. She told us to go up and check it out. We came back and said it was just fine. The next thing, what is it gonna cost us? This was 1958 and she said, “Well, how about $5 a week from each one of you? It’s yours, as long as you want to stay here.” So we took it. I was fortunate to get off to a good start to the season and people were all excited. They had a (segregated seating) section there off the grandstand, nothing but bleachers. It didn’t even have a tarp on it for the bad weather. It was adequate up until that point. We were getting ready for a game and I was out there warming up. People started coming in right after church, and in droves. Lo and behold, before we could finish our infield practice, there were so many that showed up, the little wooden stands came down. I saw all those people moving about, so I came in to see what was going on. The general manager came out and said, “Fred, we got a problem.” And I said, “Yeah, I can see over there you got a big problem. One thing you can do, all these people are already in and paid, you can just let them go up in the big grandstand because you got plenty of room up there. All these people in this small town know each
other. Just let them sit wherever they want to.” He went back and told everyone they could sit wherever they want in the grandstands. They didn’t have one iota of problems. They all had a great time. And they decided not to rebuild that section that fell down. They opened the grandstand and never did say again that blacks couldn’t sit there. Everybody got along fine. That wasn’t the case throughout the rest of the league, was it? There were eight teams in that Carolina League. And there was a team from Greensboro, which is another place I had a big problem. It was prejudiced there. It was such an issue in that Carolina League, every city I went into. They’d come up with jokes and remarks, trying to get me off key, I guess. Greensboro, the worst thing happened where I was playing center field and we were out taking practice and I was chasing balls. From left centerfield to right centerfield, they had gathered some broomsticks, shaved the heads of them into like spears and had them stuck through the fence in the event I run back to the fence to catch a ball. During practice when I noticed this, I called security and the general manager of Greensboro was shocked. It was unbelievable. It could’ve been disastrous. They had security stay out there in the outfield so nothing like that happened during the game. That general manager from Greensboro came to Wilson at the end of the season to present me with the most valuable player trophy and make a comment about how he felt about me accepting the league. He didn’t have to do that. But I had a great experience in that league. Ended up marrying my wife (Helena), who’s from Wilson. You ended up playing 12 games with Baltimore in 1959 and then spent several more years in the minors. You logged 26 games with the ’63 Orioles and it was time for a change of scenery. In 1963, I was traded over to Gil Hodges and Washington and I left Baltimore. I went from a division leader to the bottom. Washington was a team that was always in the cellar and they thought Gil Hodges would get them out. I was just so happy about playing on the team. Gil Hodges welcomed me and all he asked was 100% effort. We went on in 1964, we had a motto, “Off the floor in ’64.” (laughing) We were gonna get out the cellar! Everybody’s laughing and we said let’s stay with it. And sure enough, at the end of the season, we finished up in Boston. We beat Boston and we had champagne because we got out of the cellar. It was a joyful career, coming up from Memphis all the way to Washington. God was good. I was blessed. Naturally, in sports, you Continued on the next page MU LAMBDA TORCH 2021
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------took advantage of the breaks you get. Some guys got hurt and I fell into that place. I was fortunate to meet a lot of people and work with a lot of people. During all this time you’re playing different sports and even when you went pro, you stayed equally committed to your educational path. That was always an interest I had – to get an education. Even after my first year signing pro, I went back to Tennessee State to start working on my master’s degree. I ended up going back to finish my master’s in human resources and went to (Antioch School of Law to) get another degree in the area I was working in – equal opportunity and affirmative action. That’s when it was really starting to come in. I just wanted to be updated in reference to what I could do and what I couldn’t do. It paid off. I was fortunate to be with what is now Clark Construction Group. I was VP of community relations when I retired after 35 years. What do you like to do in your spare time? I’m still working with kids in different programs and clinics, talking not only about sports but life as a whole. A lot of the teachers really appreciate it. I belong to a few associations in the Washington area. The Kiwanis Club and the Knights of Columbus. Groups like that we still work with the communities and work with kids. It keeps you busy. Once you retire, sometimes you find out you had more time for yourself when you were working because everyone figures you’re retired and you have a lot of free time. It’s been good. Link: https://blackcollegenines.com/living-hbcu-baseball-history-with-the-legends-fred-valentine-of-tennessee-ai/
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Calling All Interested Brothers: Brothers: MU LAMBDA TURNS 100 ON OCTOBER 1, 2023! We are currently seeking brothers to serve on the centennial committee. If you are interested please reach out to Brother Jason Jefferson at jasjeffer@gmail.com or 301-337-9584.
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Message from the Health and Wellness Committee Greetings Brothers, Many of us were excited about Marvel’s release of its movie Black Panther in 2018. It afforded us the opportunity to witness on the big screen a black, an African American, superhero. We were enthralled by the intellectual prowess, the socio-economic strength, technological advances, and black pride of the Wakanda nation. It seemed that those characters could overcome all adversities and odds. However, last August we were shocked to learn of the passing of Black Panther star, Chadwick Boseman, at the young age of 43, from complications related to advanced colon cancer. A few months later, December 2020, 53 years old actress, Natalie Desselle-Reid, also succumbed to complications of colon cancer. For those familiar with the Today Show on NBC, leading morning anchor and co-host Craig Melvin, shared the cancer journey of his brother, Lawrence Meadows. Mr. Meadows, a devoted family man, husband, father, son, brother, preacher, and entrepreneur, died at 43 years. He was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer, stage IV, at the age of 39. March is designated as colorectal cancer awareness month. Sometimes colorectal cancer is simply referred to as colon cancer. This cancer affects the colon (the large intestine) and/or the rectum (the terminal portion of the large intestine). Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States. Per the American Cancer Society, the rate of people being diagnosed with colon cancer has been declining each year since the mid-1980s. This decline has been most evident in older individuals with success being attributed to colon cancer screening and lifestyle modifications to reduce risk. There has been, however, an unexpected increased incidence in colon cancer among younger adults. It is noted that from 2012 to 2016, colon cancer has experienced an upward trend of 2% per annum in people younger than 50 years and by 1% in people between the ages of 50-64 years. It is estimated that the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is approximately 4.3% for men (1 in 23 men) and 4.0%
in women (1 in 25 women). In this same time period, African-American men were 1.2 times more likely than white men, to have new cases of colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommendations for colorectal cancer screening: 1. Begin regular screenings at age 45 years – colonoscopy. 2. Individuals in good health with life expectancy of more than 10 years are advised to continue regular screening through the age 75 years. 3. Individuals between the ages 76-85 years should have screening based on personal preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history. 4. For those over the age of 85 years, regular colorectal cancer screening is not recommended. Risk factors associated with colorectal cancer are: 1. A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of colon polyps. 2. A family history of colorectal cancer. 3. A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. 4. Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes – familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer – HNPCC) 5. History of radiation to the abdomen or pelvis to treat a prior cancer. For additional information about colon cancer, including types of screening procedures, treatments for colon cancer, go to: https://www.cancer.org/ cancer/colon-rectal-cancer.html. Brothers, take time to consider colon cancer screening and incorporate this into your health maintenance as early detection can have significant improvement in reducing disease burden and can save your life. For those Brothers who have gone through the process, relating your experience, if you so choose, with another Brother who may be in doubt, can be the encouraging word that someone else needs to hear. Share your stories and experiences with colorectal cancer screening and/or treatment as word of mouth is a powerful tool. Wakanda Forever! Fraternally submitted, Brother Alvin L. Reaves, III, M.D. Co-Chair Health and Wellness Committee
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Reluctance to Have the Prostate Cancer Talk
As men, we don’t always talk about our health and our ailments. Prostate cancer is one of those topics. But talking about it is just what we need to do because the impact of a prostate cancer discussion can make a big difference in the quality of life after diagnosis. Join us for a discussion with two INOVA Oncologists to understand why it is important to have this discussion and know your options before and after being diagnosed.
Dr. Samir Kanani Radiation Oncologist INOVA Schar Cancer Institute
Dr. Inger Rosner Urologic Oncologist INOVA Schar Cancer Institute
Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Moderator: Derrick A. Butts
President & Cofounder PCAA-DMV
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm EST
Location: Zoom Meeting (Link will be sent to registered attendees, hours before the event) Eventbrite: https://pcaadmv_event_mar2021.eventbrite.com
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------John Williams Walter Bowman Cortni Grange Juan Powell Paul Cotton Kelvin Brown Charles Owens Karl Bruce Lawrence Clark Kevin Dixon Villareal Johnson Mark Jones Mikael LaRoche Sean Plater Brent Radcliff Eric Washington Chatman Young Charvis Campbell Anthony Campbell Eric Johnson Lloyd McGriff Derrick Butts Eathen Gums Justen Baskerville Jacob Walker James Wilson A. Gilbert Douglas Alvin Reaves Kwame Reed Kweku Toure Gerard Williams William Burns Andre Beard Tremell Munford James Harmon Jimmy Floyd Rudolph Mcgann Ronald Allen Gamal Awad Eddie Neal Rhett Lucas Lamar Arnold Gregory Johnson Silas Woods Albert Cheek Charles Smith Matthew Aaron Jeremy Triplett Antonio King P. Kobina Yankah Bryant Young Marvin Brooks Jeffrey Brown Samuel Armstrong L. Michael Zimmerman Andre Lucas LeRoy Lowery III Adrian James Arthur King Kenneth Williams Clinton Jones William Thomas Malcolm Carter Marcell Brown Michael Collins Larry Ware
March 1st March 1st March 1st March 1st March 2nd March 3rd March 5th March 5th March 5th March 5th March 5th March 5th March 5th March 7th March 7th March 7th March 7th March 7th March 7th March 8th March 10th March 11th March 11th March 11th March 11th March 13th March 15th March 15th March 15th March 15th March 15th March 15th March 16th March 16th March 16th March 16th March 19th March 21st March 21st March 21st March 21st March 21st
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Birthday Charvis Campbell Darnell Ray Kellen Moore Anthony Moore Gamal Awad A. Gilbert Douglas Antoine Tyler Edward Hill Karl Bruce Cortni Grange Walter Whitley Kevin Giles Edwin Norwood
March 1st March 1st March 12th March 13th March 14th March 18th March 18th March 18th March 21st March 26th March 28th March 29th March 30th
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MU LAMBDA TAKES JOY IN CELEBRATING
SIGMA’S ZETA’S WIVES DELTA’S ALPHA’S MU LAMBDA TORCH 2021
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LAWMAKERS REINTRODUCE BILL TO MAKE JUNETEENTH NATIONAL HOLIDAY by Derek Major - February 26, 2021 - BlackEnterprize.com
Four lawmakers have reintroduced the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act which would make Juneteenth a national holiday. Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass), Tina Smith (D-Minn), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Representative Sheila Jackson (D-TX) reintroduced the bill Thursday. Juneteenth, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Major Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No 3 in Galveston, Texas, which announced that all slaves are free. The holiday is currently recognized by 47 states and Washington D.C. Texas was the first state to celebrate the day recognizing it in 1980. “We commemorate Juneteenth as the day that word of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Texas in 1865, but we know the struggle for true Black liberation continues,” Sen. Markey said in a statement. “For too long, we have tried to whitewash our nation’s history instead of confronting the uncomfortable and painful truth. This legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday is but one step we can take to begin to right the wrongs of the past and ensure equal justice in the future.” The bill was introduced last summer at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement amid a summer of protests after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Civil rights organizations including the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, the Leadership
Conference on Civil Human Rights, and the NAACP have all endorsed the legislation. The bill has also been endorsed by the U.S. Travel Association, Spotify, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. A litany of lawmakers co-sponsored the bill including Democrats Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), as well as Republicans Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and independent Bernie Sanders (VT). “Juneteenth honors the end of the years of suffering that African Americans endured under slavery and celebrates the legacy of perseverance that has become the hallmark of the African American experience in the struggle for equality,” Congresswoman Jackson Lee said in a statement. “Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. But it must always remain a reminder to us all that liberty and freedom are the precious birthright of all Americans which must be jealously guarded and preserved for future generations. As it takes on a more national and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all our roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing. This is why we must establish the Juneteenth Independence Day, as a national holiday. Link: https://www.blackenterprise.com/lawmakersreintroduce-bill-to-make-juneteenth-national-holiday/
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NATIONAL SOCIETY OF BLACK CPAS HIRES CEO TO INCREASE DIVERSITY IN ACCOUNTING by Charlene Rhinehart - March 1, 2021, BlackEnterprize.com
(Image Credit: National Society of Certified Public Accountants)
Executive leader Darryl R. Matthews Sr. was selected to serve as the President and CEO of the National Society of Black Certified Public Accountants (NSBCPA). Matthews, a highly respected leader, has experience in association management, federal government operations, and consulting. Founded in June 2020, NSBCPA was created to increase the number of Black CPAs and close the resource gap in the Black community. The organization is leading efforts to increase CPAs by providing exam candidates with the resources and coaching needed to be successful. “My vision is to ensure that through effective programming and mentoring we will be the premier membership society of choice for blacks pursuing certification in public accounting, and excellence in their professional endeavors,” Matthews said in a statement. “I very much
look forward to working alongside our members to ensure that they have the tools and resources needed to maximize their potential and rapidly ascend as leaders in their career pursuits.” Supporting Black CPAs Blacks are by far the most underrepresented group within the CPA profession. The first Black CPA, John Wesley Cromwell Jr., received his license in 1921. It wasn’t until 1943 that the first Black woman, Mary T. Washington Wylie, received her CPA license. In the early 1900s, limited access to job opportunities and mentors presented a barrier for aspiring CPAs. Now, the profession needs to overcome limited visibility. Providing resources that appeal to students and professionals in this ever-evolving digital landscape will be key. Matthews is on the mission. He’s ready to transform past obstacles into future opportunities. With a background in partnerships and business development, Matthews has helped many membership-based organizations achieve their goals. He’s working to expand the vision of NSBCPA’s First 100 Black CPA initiative to bring more awareness to the profession. Matthews’ is also developing strategic partnerships that will allow NSBCPA to reach more students. In December 2020, NSBCPA announced a $1 million pledge from Vista Equity Partners Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Robert F. Smith to support Black accountants. Matthews will play a major role in ensuring that the pledge enables more Black students to sit for and pass the four-part CPA exam. A Reputation of Leadership and Success Matthews joins NSBCPAs with over three decades of leadership experience. Recently, he served as a Partnership Specialist for the 2020 Decennial Census. He was also an Executive Director for the National Medical Association and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Earlier in his career, Matthews served as the Executive Director of the National Association of Black Accountants. Under his leadership, the organization achieved record profits and remarkable growth. “Darryl brings more than 30 years of diversified leadership experience and an extensive global network of resources,” said NSBCPA board chair, Shannon Nash, CPA, Esq in a statement.”He has a track record of increasing an organization’s partnership and donor base while raising millions of dollars. We are excited to have Darry lead us in the next phase of our goals.” Link: https://www.blackenterprise.com/nationalsociety-of-black-cpas-hires-ceo-to-increase-diversity-inaccounting/?fbclid=IwAR3xuwwSCzo9TpO_39cX92BJ5 nSLi3r1AJVAFuisShsf34db7oN7xk8fkwc MU LAMBDA TORCH 2021
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The SPHINX | WINTER 1980
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The SPHINX | WINTER 1980
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The SPHINX | Fall 1998 | Volume 83 | Number 1 199808301
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The SPHINX | Spring 1999 | Volume 84 | Number 1 199908401
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The SPHINX | Spring 1999 | Volume 84 | Number 1 199908401
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The SPHINX | Spring 1999 | Volume 84 | Number 1 199908401
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The SPHINX | Spring 1999 | Volume 84 | Number 1 199908401
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Mission
House of Ruth empowers women, children and families to rebuild their lives and heal from trauma, abuse and homelessness.
Vision: Much More Than Housing
House of Ruth offers comprehensive support for women, children and families. Our continuum of services encompasses enriched housing for families and single women, trauma-informed daycare for children, and free counseling to empower anyone, regardless of gender, who is a survivor of trauma and abuse. Our programs provide individualized support to rebuild safe, independent, and sustainable lives.
https://houseofruth.org MU LAMBDA TORCH 2021
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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 was 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 21, 2020, Mu Lambda 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 was facilitated by a different brother each week. Brothers participated via Zoom. We started 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
It was totally voluntary. You were not required to purchase the new history book. Brother Robert L. Harris, Volume II Jr. our National Historian and author of Volume II participated in the sessions. Chapter I Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter
II III IV 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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Miso-Ginger Roasted Chicken and Pears Here, bone-in chicken breast and wedges of fresh pears are slathered with a sweet-savory miso mixture that’s brightened with fresh ginger. Fresh scallions top it off for a delightful meal that is easy to pull off and full of unexpected flavor. The baking sheet is fairly easy to clean up, after a quick soak. Active: 20 mins Total: 50 mins Servings: 4 Nutritional Facts Calories per serving (without chicken skin): 310 INGREDIENTS • 2 tablespoons mild miso paste (white or yellow) • 1 tablespoon canola oil or other neutral-tasting oil • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar • One 2-inch piece peeled fresh ginger root, minced (1 tablespoon)
• 3 firm ripe pears, each peeled, cored and cut into eighths • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breast halves (about 12 ounces each) • 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts), for garnish DIRECTIONS • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. • Whisk together the miso, oil, honey, vinegar and ginger in a medium bowl. Toss the pears with 1 tablespoon of that miso mixture in a separate bowl, then transfer the coated fruit to a rimmed baking sheet. • Rub the remaining miso mixture all over the chicken and under its skin, then arrange the chicken on the baking sheet next to the pears. • Roast (middle rack) for 15 minutes, then stir the pears, turning them so they cook evenly. Continue to roast for another 15 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through (to an internal temperature of 165 degrees) and the pears have softened and caramelized. If the pears are done before the chicken, remove them from the pan, cover them so they stay warm and return the chicken to the oven. • Serve the chicken (with or without the skin) and pears, sprinkled with the scallions. Brother Derrick A. Butts MU LAMBDA TORCH 2021
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Springtime Hummingbird Cake
INGREDIENTS • Ingredients: • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 2 cups white sugar • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 ½ cups canola oil • 3 eggs • 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained • 2 cups mashed bananas • 1 cup chopped black walnuts • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened • ¼ pound butter, softened • 1 pound confectioners’ sugar • teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. 2. Sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, combine the oil, eggs, pineapple, bananas and nuts. Add flour mixture and mix together by hand. 4. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in center of each pan comes out clean, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and allow to cool on racks. 5. Prepare the frosting by blending together the cream cheese, butter, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Evenly spread frosting on middle, sides and top of cake. Brother Garrett Miller
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INCREDIBLE HULK HULK SMASH DRINK COCKTAIL
HULK ON VACATION COCKTAIL
An Incredible Hulk, also known as Green Eyed Monster, Shrock, or Hip and Hen is an eye-catching greencolored cocktail typically made by mixing equal parts (2 fl oz each) of the fruit liqueur Hpnotiq and Hennessy brand cognac and served with ice.
Ingredients • 2 ounces Malibu rum • 4 ounces pineapple juice • Ice • 1 barspoon blue curaçao • Mango slice for garnish
INCREDIBLE HULK DRINK INGREDIENTS For this cocktail you will need: • Hpnotiq fruit liqueur • Hennessy brand cognac • Ice INCREDIBLE HULK DRINK TASTING NOTES As I mentioned above, the standard ratio for this drink is 1:1 (variation #1). But if you want the bright green color, the ratio becomes 1:2, or even higher, (variation #2) Hennessy to Hpnotiq. Both taste great and will appeal to different tastes.
INGREDIENTS • 10 mint leaves • ½ ounce Midori • ½ ounce lime juice • Ice cubes • Finely crushed ice • 2 ounces whiskey • Mint sprig for garnish INSTRUCTIONS • In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves with the Midori. Add the lime juice and ice cubes and shake. • Pack a rocks glass as full as you can with finely crushed ice. Strain the contents of the cocktail shaker over the top. • Pour in the whiskey and stir. Add more finely crushed ice to fill it completely to the top. • Garnish with a mint sprig.
Instructions • In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka and pineapple juice. Add ice and shake. • Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. • Add the blue curaçao and stir. • Garnish with a mango slice. Happy St Patrick’s Day! Brother Kenneth Williams
COLOR Variation #1 – looks like honey or malty beer, deep golden brown. Variation #2 – bright green, which gets brighter and greener as you add more Hpnotiq.
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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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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 (use the code: JOIN) Purchase Link: https://www.akstarapparel.com/Mu-Lambda-Face-Scarf-Cover-p203836125
Owner: Brother Kenneth Williams
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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 MU LAMBDA TORCH 2021
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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 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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Get the Mu Lambda Chapter App 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.
Available for members only MU LAMBDA TORCH 2021
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Message from the Editor
Alpha cannot just stand
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
on it’s past history... Alpha must continue to make history that changes our communities, those we serve and the world who’s watching!
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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THE TORCH ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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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 2020-2021 fraternal year runs September 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The chapter does not meet during July and August. It is now time to pay your 202-2021 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.
