The TORCH - March 2019 by Mu Lambda's The TORCH

MARCH 2019

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

WELCOME TO THE 111TH HOUSE OF ALPHA

The Mu Lambda Torch January 2019

“ M E N , U N A C Q U A I N T E D, E N T E R , SHAKE HANDS, EXCHANGE G R E E T I N G S , A N D D E PA R T BROTHERS”

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER | 2405 FIRST STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001| MULAMBDA.ORG

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

BROTHER

MALCOLM CARTER 6-B-87

OWNER & FRANCHISEE Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s

MARCH 2019

6426 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD 301-449-3030 2950 Donnell Drive, District Heights, MD 301-568-8883 6254 Central Avenue, Seat Pleasant, MD 301-333-5900 4269 Branch Avenue #54, Temple Hills, MD 301-839-0330 9509 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD 301-248-3030 10367 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk, MD 410-286-0700 14606 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 301-952-1133 9546 Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, MD 301-599-4100

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In this Issue 1 Domino’s 2 In this Issue Charter Members Past Presidents 3 Executive Board The Presidents’ Message 4 Committee Chairs 6 The Vice Presidents’ Message, Message from the Sergeant At Arms 7 Bus Trip to Albany, New York Esprit De Fraternite 8 Men Who Cook 2019 9 Mu Lambda Juneteenth Celebration 10 Message From The Mu Lambda Communication Team March For Babies 11 Community Service Adopt-A-Block Mu Lambda’s Health and Wellness Committee Tai Chi Health & Wellness Events Young Men’s Empowerment Summit 17 Birthday & Alphaversary 18 Message from the Membership and Reclamation Chair 20 Reprints from Sphinx 1932 22 Welcome Brother Christopher Butts 23 Welcome Brother Albert A. Williams Jr. GPC Brother Aaron Crutison Visit 24 Message From The Chaplain, Message From The DC National Pan-Hellenic Council Delegate 25 Omega Chapter 26 The Sazerac, Kung Pao Chicken Zoodles, Easy Pecan Pie Bread Pudding 27 Why Market Timing Doesn’t Work Financial Planning Needs 28 The Jewel Lounge 29 Brother’s Keeper 30 Do You Recognize These Brothers 31 Reprints from Sphinx 1932 33 Are We Living in 1930 or 2019? 34 General President Candidates 36 Rethink Our Focus 38 Chicago Will Elect First Black Female Mayor 39 Delaware State University To Probe Alleged Hazing 40 The KKK to “Night Ride Again“ USA Today 41 Blackface, KKK hoods and Mock Lynchings 47 The Corp is Investigating Alleged black Video involving Marines 48 Chicago’s Top Cop Visibly Angry 50 Marijuana legalization 2019 54 Maryland Lawmaker Apologizes for Calling Majority-Black County A “N****r District” 55 The Crone Esquivel Group AkStar Apparel Store 56 Advertise with us 57 Message from the Editor 58 Support Your Foundation 59 Upcoming Events

MARCH 2019

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Charter Members Arthur Curtis Merrill H. Curtis Victor R. Daly Eugene L. C. Davidson Arnold Donawa Walter Garvin William L. Hansberry Charles H. Houston Edward Howard Joseph R. Jones R. Frank Jones J Edward Lowery Clarence H. Mills Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray Norman L. McGhee Jewel Robert Harold Ogle Louis H. Russell James N. Saunders Emory B. Smith Harold C. Stratton J.H.N. Waring Charles H. Wesley

CHARTERED ON MONDAY OCTOBER 1, 1923 WASHINGTON, D.C.

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Past Presidents Harold Stratton Howard H. Long Charles H. Wesley Frank Adams R. Frank Jones James B. Browning Jewel Henry Arthur Callis U. Simpson Tate C.C. House Verdie L. Robinson Walter M. Booker Jack Bind Millard R. Dean Frank Davis Clifton Hardy Herman Johnson Howard Jenkins C.C. House William F. Nelson Aubrey E. Robinson Joseph Waddy Edward J. Austin Elgy Johnson George H. Windsor James T. Speight Harold Sims Eddie Madison Wilbur Sewell Charles Thomas Theodore Taylor Elmer Moore William E. Calbert Osmond Brown Vernon Gill LeRoy Lowery, III Morris Hawkins C.C. Jones Vincent Orange Melvin White LeRoy Lowery, III James Haynes Rudolph Harris Edwin Norwood James McDonald Timothy Fitzgerald Kwame Ulmer LeRoy Lowery, III Eddie Neal LeRoy Lowery, III Joel Grey Eddie Neal - Current

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Executive Board

The Presidents’ Message

President Bro. Eddie Neal

Greetings Brothers,

Vice President Bro. Mikael E. LaRoche Recording Secretary Bro. Jason Jefferson Corresponding Secretary Bro. Timothy Fitzgerald Financial Secretary Bro. Chatman Young Treasurer Bro. Michael Young Chaplain Bro. William “Tony” Hawkins Historian Bro. Silas J Woods Intake Coordinator Bro. Andre Lucas Assoc. Editor/Sphinx Bro. Garrett Miller Dir. Ed. Activities Bro. Charvis Campbell Sergeant-at-Arms Bro. Frank King Parliamentarian Bro. Byron L. Williams

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MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

This month’s President’s message is a personal call to action. Last month you read about the Masters’, Juris Doctorates, and Doctorate degrees of the brothers in Mu Lambda. We raved about the number of brothers reclaimed by the chapter. Everything we discussed last month is worthy of praise, but what about those we are supposed to be helping. Our young children are being killed at record numbers. One death is too many, but too many of our youth fell in 2018. The number of juvenile homicides in D.C. has nearly doubled in 2018 from the last two years combined. We cannot always wait for someone else to solve our problems. Last month we boasted about Mu Lambda having some of the greatest minds in Alpha – individually we might accomplish somethings, but collectively, we can deliver a mighty blow. Brothers we are not asking you to pay dues or affiliate so Mu Lambda will become the biggest or wealthiest chapter. We are pushing reclamation because the data shows us this is a time for a true call to action. We need to reclaim every brother to help us with the fight to keep our youth alive. ”There are young people in our community who are waiting for Alpha men to be Alpha men. To Stand up, Man Up, and then Follow Up! That’s what Alpha men do. That’s what leaders do.” – Darryl R. Matthews Sr., 32nd General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Drastic times require drastic measures. All of us have money, talent and/or time. If you don’t have the money to give, lend your talent. Lending your talent can be as simple as directing us in a more efficient way of helping the youth. Lend your time – it can be as simple as helping to reclaim another brother, calling a senior brother or just showing at one mentoring session. Suppose every brother initiated through or ever affiliated with Mu Lambda paid his dues – think of the impact we can have with the youth. Report: Homicides in DC surge in 2018 as shootings become more fatal By Jonathan Franklin/ABC7 Thursday, January 3rd 2019 (Photo: ABC7)

Web Master Bro. Mark Jones Editor of the Torch Bro. Kenneth A. Williams Member at Large Bro. LeRoy Lowery III General Counsel Bro. Brent Radcliff

continued on next page MARCH 2019

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Committee Chairs Auditing Bro. Mark Ross Brother’s Keeper Bro. Carlos DeBose Budget and Finance Bro. Chapman Young Communication and Technology Bro. Mark Jones Constitution Bro. Byron Williams DC National Pan Hellenic Council Bro. Derrick Butts Fundraising Bro. Matthew Aaron Golf Tournament Bro. Frank King Health & Wellness Bro. Derrick Butts Membership Bro. Timothy Fitzgerald

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WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Homicides in the District surged in 2018 -- as the total number for the year concluded with 160 reported incidents across DC, according to police. According to The Washington Post, the number of homicides reported in 2018 was driven by what police say are the more frequent use of guns in crimes and more fatal outcomes when a shooting occurs. The record number of homicides increased by 40 percent over the previous year’s 116 total, as DC Police report to the Post that “petty disputes between people who know each other and who are armed” account for many of the killings across the District. Day #DC recorded 1st homicide/year (& final total): 2012: 2013: 2014: 2015: 2016: 2017: 2018: 2019:

12/31/11* (86) 1/10 (105) 1/3 (107) 1/3 (162) 1/8 (137) 1/7 (116) 12/9/16** (160) Jan. 1 (TBD)

* Occurred after 2011 stats closed ** Victim shot in 2016; succumbed in 2018 In the beginning of the year, 14-year-old Steven Slaughter of Southeast DC was fatally shot in a crossfire in Southeast while walking home from the nearby store in his neighborhood. In July, 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson was getting ice cream when gunmen started shooting into a crowd and she was hit and killed in Northeast Washington.

Men Who Cook Bro. Garrett Miller Mu Lambda Chapter History Book Bro. Silas Woods III Nominating Bro. Frank King Programs Bro. Joseph Gibbs Public Policy Bro. Kelvin Brown Social Bro. Mikael LaRoche

The number of juvenile homicides in D.C. has nearly doubled in 2018 for the last 2 years combined (via @ABC&annalysa): https://wjla.com/news/local/dc-leaders-juvenile-homicides-nearly-doubles-2018.

I will not end with a simple call to action. I know there are questions, comments and criticism – I would expect no less. continued on next page MARCH 2019

THE TORCH -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Brother President: I like your idea, but brothers left the fraternity for a reason and don’t want to be reclaimed. Answer: I know there are a lot of disenchanted brothers, but I would hope brothers can put their differences aside and recognize the urgency of the situation. The youth are our future, if we don’t step up now – then when? Traditionally, we have spent months talking to candidates we did not know, but we refuse to spend five minutes talking to a brother we have known for years. Tell the brothers about all of the good work we are doing in Mu Lambda. Share past issues of the Torch with the brothers so they can see what we are doing. If all else fails, give his number to Brother Fitzgerald and let Brother Fitzgerald give him a call. Each and every one of us are goodwill ambassadors for the chapter. I am sure we all have different reasons for remaining a member and our reasons will probably resonate with the brothers we are trying to reclaim. Brother President: what is Mu Lambda doing now to help? Answer: Mu Lambda has learned from its mistakes. It has shifted its priorities from focusing its time and resources on intake to addressing internal issues. The shift has allowed more time to focus on serving Mu Lambda brothers and the community. Brother President: what does serve the brothers mean? Answer: Mu Lambda has stepped up its Brother’s Keeper program. Every brother should have received a recent call checking on the status of him and his family. Those brothers who notified the chapter they did not receive a call were added. Mu Lambda was one of the first to offer interest free loan assistance to brothers impacted by the furlough. Mu Lambda has gone above and beyond to ensure every brother’s grand tax payment is properly credited with the General Organization. Mu Lambda has worked overtime to ensure brothers are informed. There are no secret or hidden agendas. Brothers are made aware of the good, bad and ugly. You get it straight and uncut. Brother President: what is Mu Lambda doing to serve the community? Answer: Brothers contributed to the House of Ruth last month. We mentor the youth at Hart Middle School and Ballou High School. We are working with the Mu Lambda Foundation. The foundation outlined its scholarship plan. The foundation is preparing for grants and other sources to assist the populations the chapter services. Brother President: Mu Lambda is not a social services agency.

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the best and brightest problem solvers within its ranks. It can work with those who have the social services expertise. Brother President: I pay my dues and attend chapter meetings, isn’t that enough? Answer: That is just the beginning. Your dues and attendance at chapter meetings are greatly appreciated. As stated previously drastic times require drastic measures. We don’t want to overstretch any brother, but every brother in Mu Lambda is capable of reclaiming at least one other brother. The more resources we have at our disposal, the more we can do. I hope I am not misquoting one of the rappers who states, “All we do is win win win, no matter what.” I think Mu Lambda’s definition of winning is serving our brothers and serving our community to the best of our ability. Brother President: It sounds like no matter what we say, you have your mind made up and you are going to push your agenda. Answer: I would not call it my agenda. I think we all know the words, we shall transcend all. The definition of transcend is to rise above or go beyond the range of limits of something. I remain flexible but vigilant. I was elected to lead and not be complacent. We are seated in the District of Columbia and the current circumstances dictate our call to action. Brother President: we can’t be everything for everybody. Answer: That is a true statement, but if not us then who. If not now, then when. Let us put our collective minds and resources together and identify the who and when in the event we are not the proper party to get involved. Brother President: There are two other alumni chapters in the District of Columbia, why can’t we partner with them and accomplish this. Answer: That is a very valid point, but we have to get started and we can speak with the other chapters to identify their interest. Brother President: where do we start? Answer: We just started. When the mindset shifted from why we can’t to how do we. That was the biggest step. Fraternally, Brother Eddie Neal President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

Answer: You are correct, but Mu Lambda has some of MARCH 2019

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The Vice Presidents’ Message Message from the Sergeant At Arms Calling ALL Brothers to the Floor,

February Marked the 28 day long celebration of Black History Month across the United States. It goes without saying that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated has been an important contributor to this celebration over the past 113 years. Alpha Leadership has been highlighted by chapters, brothers and on social platforms near and far. But I want to address my brothers, not by not leaning too heavily on the past! Instead I&#39;d like us to continue pressing forward into the future, creating more of these exemplars and noteworthy names right here in Washington DC. Mu Lambda has been a valued contributor to Black History Month, but the buck must not stop here. As Vice President, I insist that we support each brother as we take strides to produce future senators, statesmen, doctors, lawyers, professionals and LEADERS. I would like to honor brothers here in our presence as they continue to lift the light of Alpha high. The chapter is moving in the right direction. ONWARD and UPWARD. In this period of reconciliation, I would like to continue to urge each brother to take a stance and work toward moving us forward. This is OUR HOUSE and as such we must move to PROTECT OUR HOUSE. There are several committees within the chapter. EVERY Mu Lambda Man should serve on at least ONE committee and work toward making a HISTORICAL impact in Washington DC. Next year we need to have a month that celebrates our Black History! Our impact on the community. But this work cannot be done without YOU. My brothers. If you are not signed up for a committee, contact a chair directly and express your interest to serve. Thank you all in advance. Have a blessed March. Fraternally, Brother Mikael E. LaRoche Vice President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

Greetings Brothers, Last month the Sergeant at Arms’ team implemented a few minor changes. 1. We have to ensure the house is secure at all times. 2. We ordered walkie talkies for the Sergeant at Arms team so we can stay in constant communication. 3. We will have someone on the door of the meeting room so no one enters without signing in and all visitors show their pass card or we verify their information. 4. There are four doors to the house. The upper front, kitchen, rear meeting room and side meeting room. We will lock the front and kitchen doors once the meeting starts. We are down stairs and can’t hear. Someone can walk in and do anything without our knowledge. If someone needs entry after the meeting starts, they can come to the side door and knock. 5. Once the meeting starts, all brothers must use the rap of admission and password to enter the meeting room. If they don’t know the password, we will leave them outside the room, verify they are a brother and then have someone teach them the rap and password. 6. No sitting on the counter tops. All brothers should be seated in chairs. Brothers will identity empty seats and everyone takes a seat. 7. The Sgt at Arms will be positioned at the back of the room near the door. 8. A financial roster will be available to expedite things. Brothers on that roster just need to verify their information and initial. Visitors and brothers who are not financial will sign on a different sheet. 9. Brother Bell reviewed the ritual with the chapter in December and January. Every Mu Lambda brother should be familiar with the official challenge. If a brother we don’t know comes to the meeting, we will challenge the brother. Not to embarrass him, but to get him accustom to the official challenge. We will still check the brother’s passcard and look him up in AlphaNet. 10. We also need to keep the kitchen clear. Brothers will be asked to fix their drinks and migrate out of the kitchen so others can come and go. It will also help to get the food out in a timely manner. 11. We will periodically challenge Mu Lambda brothers we know. We need to get accustomed to it. 12. Brother Bell will repeat the challenge, password and rap of admission at every meeting for the remainder of the fraternal year. 13. If you have invited a brother to the meeting, notify me in advance so I can verify his official membership prior to the meeting and expedite things. 14. Mu Lambda’s official meeting attire was Alpha Attire. The Executive Board recognizes that brothers are coming from work to the meeting and voted that the attire is business casual.

Fraternally, Brother Frank King, Sergeant at Arms Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter MARCH 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Bus Trip to Albany, New York It is time to pay your $150 for the round-trip bus trip to Albany, New York. We will depart Washington, DC the morning of Thursday, April 25th and arrive in Albany. We will depart Albany, New York, Sunday April 28th and head to Ithaca, New York to see the historic sites of Alpha Phi Alpha. We will return to Washington, DC from Ithaca, New York on Sunday, April 28th.

Registration Link: ercbusride.eventbrite.com

Esprit de Fraternite Chapter Dues Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda and the citizens of Washington, DC need you. Please remember to pay your chapter dues and Grand Tax to remain financial. Some brothers have paid their chapter dues but neglected to pay their Grand Tax. Please log into AlphaNet and pay your Grand Tax. Please bring your money to the chapter meeting or mail it to: Financial Team Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter 2405 First Street, NW Washington, DC 20001

You can also pay your dues online. Go to www.mulambda.org, scroll to “Membership Payment” at the bottom of the home page and make your payment. MARCH 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

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Mu Lambda March Madness/Men Who Cook 2019 If you are interesting in participating in the Spades tournament that will be hosted by Bro. Housey (202) 704-3554 feel free to contact him. The Spades tournament and NCAA watch party will be hosted in the basement. There is a link located below the flyer that will direct you to the eventbrite site to purchase your ticket(s). POC: Bro. Miller (202) 450-7311 Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mulambda-march-madness-men-whocook-2019-tickets-56141231936

MARCH 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

SAVE THE DATE OF SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 MU LAMBDA’S JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AT

THE THURGOOD MARSHALL CENTER

1816 12TH ST. NW, WASHINGTON, D.C. THE HISTORICAL CONNECTION TO THE MOVIE, “THE GREEN BOOK”

2019 OSCAR WINNER FOR BEST PICTURE

MARCH 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

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Message from the Mu Lambda It’s time to sign-up Communications Team for MARCH FOR BABIES 2019! Brothers, Mu Lambda communicates with you by various methods: • • • • • •

Email Text Phone Mail The Torch Face-to-Face

America has been dealing with some stressful times such as the government shutdown. Alpha Phi Alpha is not immune to problems plaguing others. We are trying to make a concerted effort to keep you apprised of what is happening in Alpha and Mu Lambda. Starting February 1st, every brother received a call on the first and the 15th of the month. Your caller ID might show the call coming from 410.202.2715. That is the number associated with our system. The recorder will ask two questions – Brother if you and your family are fine, press “1.” If you or your family would like someone from Mu Lambda to call you, press “2’. If you elect to receive a call, the call will be returned by Mu Lambda’s Chaplain or a member of the Brother’s Keeper Committee. We recognize that most of you are fine, but sometimes we go through things in life and just want to know someone cares. This is Mu Lambda’s way of checking on you a minimum of twice a month. We know we will see you at the chapter meeting, but we want to make sure things are okay before and after the meeting. We are also in the process of updating the membership directory. If you did not update via the Google Form sent via email, please provide me a hard copy of your current information and we will manually update your information. Because Mu Lambda is a large chapter, we will also be taking head shots for the membership directory. Brother Derrick Butts will probably start taking the pictures at the March chapter meeting. If you are not receiving chapter emails, please let me know. We assume all financial brothers are receiving the communication and will not know unless you make the disclosure. Fraternally, Brother Garrett Miller Communications Team Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter MARCH 2019

Here are a few simple steps on how to do that. In support of one our fraternity’s national partners, the March of Dimes, It’s time to start preparing for the March for Babies Walk. To sign-up as a team walker, fundraiser, or combination, see the instructions shown below. Our team goal for this year is $2,500. • Go to www.marchforbabies.org/team/Alpha Phi Alpha Mu Lambda • Click “Join This Team”. • Fill in your information and submit. You’re done! Once logged in you can edit your personal page and personal fundraising goal. Fundraise! You are now a member of this team and you can edit your personal page further to reflect why you participate!! Send emails to your family and friends encouraging them to support you in your fundraising efforts. No amount is too small when it comes to helping babies. As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact your March of Dimes representative, Brother Samuel Armstrong samuel.i.armstrong@gmail.com. Washington DC March for Babies Saturday, May 4th, 2019 Nationals Stadium (Free parking in garage) Registration Opens at 8:30 a.m. Walk Starts at 10:00 a.m.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE

Brothers, this is a synopsis of what we are doing to help the community. Mu Lambda is touching lives and have been serving the District of Columbia since 1923 because of you. House of Ruth Last month, we collected money and items for the families at the House of Ruth Washington, DC. I am pleased to announce that the partnership will continue. Mu Lambda has agreed to contribute $1,000 to assist with the building of their child development center. We also agreed to serve the women no less than once per month.

Mu Lambda will assemble a group of 5-15 volunteers to cook dinner, breakfast or lunch at their Capitol Hill shelter for single women. Times are Friday and Saturday evenings, or Saturday and Sunday mornings. Dinner is served at 4:30 p.m., and breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. (lunch is at 12:30). They ask that meals be ready before this time—other than these restrictions, the menu and preparation is up to us. Mu Lambda will serve the ladies of the House of Ruth dinner on Saturday, March 16, 2019. Other details plan for 25 guests; there may be 20-30, but 25 is a safe bet. They have a complete kitchen with a gas stove and oven—you can bring your own prepared food, bring raw food and prepare it, or have the meal catered. They have pots, pans, dishes, silverware, and cups. My preference is that we have volunteers, setting up tables and serving meals as a nice touch. The women also appreciate being served cafeteria style--- the choice is ours. Brothers and members of the Alpha Wives can assist, but no children can help with the preparation or serving of dinner. There can be absolutely no photos taken or distributed of the event – we must protect their clients’ privacy! I will announce the location at a later date – many of the women are at the shelter hiding their whereabouts from their mates. Those who want to participate will have the necessary information far in advance. In addition, Brother Derrick Butts is coordinating with them to teach fitness and self-defense classes. Henry Arthur Callis Academy Mu Lambda hosts the Henry Arthur Callis Academy, a college and career readiness program for high school males at Ballou High School, once per month on Wednesdays. Ballou is located at 3401 4th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20032 in Ward 8 of the city. Mentoring takes place at 3:30 – 5:00 pm. In addition to the mentoring, we (or a very modest member of Mu MARCH 2019

Lambda) ensure the young men are fed a meal at every session. This might not sound significant, but for some, this might be the last meal they receive of the day. The young men will be graduating next year and moving on to college and/or life beyond high school. To support the young men and show we care, Mu Lambda is seeking to raise funds to rent/purchase their cap and gowns, year books, senior pictures, and tuxedos for the prom. You still have time to get out and interact with the young men. The remaining sessions are: March 20th, April 17th and May 15th. Project Alpha Mu Lambda hosts Project Alpha at Hart Middle School twice per month on Tuesdays. Hart is located at 601 Mississippi Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20032 in Ward 8 of the city. Mentoring is 3:30 – 5:00 pm. In addition to the mentoring, we (or a very modest member of Mu Lambda) ensure the young men are fed a meal at every session. This might not sound significant, but for some, this might be the last meal they receive of the day. The young men will be graduating and moving on to high school. To support the young men and show we care, Mu Lambda is seeking to raise funds to rent/purchase their cap and gowns, year books, and school supplies for their ninth-grade year. The following 8th graders participated with the Project Alpha Male Mentoring program from their 6th grade year until now: Anthony Austin Christian Harrison D’hani Rispus Jamari Martin Marcel Williams Mykel Woodbury Vincent Wingfield Trevonne Joyner You still have time to get out and interact with the young men. The remaining dates are: March 5th, March 19th, April 2nd, April 30th, and May 14th. Population Demographics for Ward 8, Washington DC in 2019, 2018 In Ward 8, for example, the median family income dropped nearly 17 percent between ¬2006-2010 and 2010-2015, from $28,979 to $24,096. By comparison, the median family income in Ward 2 jumped nearly 65 percent, from $114,752 to $189,324. continued on next page 11

THE TORCH -----------------------------------------------------------------------------See Ward 8 demographics below

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Emancipation Day is a holiday in Washington, DC to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act, which president Abraham Lincoln signed on April 16, 1862. March For Babies May 4th, Mu Lambda will be participating in the March For Babies walk. Brother Armstrong, the chair of the committee, has set the fundraising goal at $2,500. Juneteenth June 15th, Mu Lambda will be hosting a Juneteenth event. Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is a day that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African American throughout the former Confederate States of America.

Early Childhood In December, Mu Lambda, in conjunction with the Alpha Wives, donated over 100 books to Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Center. Elementary School In January, Mu Lambda, along with chapters in the MAAC, donated money so Templeton Elementary School, Riverdale, Maryland in Prince George’s County could purchase headphones for the computer laboratory. The rationale was that very often kids are unable to hear the information from their computer because of excessive noise in their environment. Hunger Also, during January, Mu Lambda marched in the freezing cold During the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade. Many don’t realize another purpose of the parade was to raise awareness of “Feed Our People.” High School In February, Mu Lambda, joined Area VI brothers to participate in a Young Men’s Empowerment Summit at KIPP DC. College March 5th, Mu Lambda, in conjunction with Beta, will host a self-defense workshop on the campus of Howard University for college students. Expungement March 23rd, Mu Lambda will lend its expertise to Brothers of Beta to expunge criminal records for the public. Dental March 23rd, Mu Lambda will lend its expertise to Brothers of Beta to offer dental services to the public during its Annual Brother 2 Brother Conference. Emancipation Day April 13th, Mu Lambda will be participating in the District of Columbia Emancipation Day Parade. MARCH 2019

Clean the Block Mu Lambda has adopted two blocks. We have the area across from the Anacostia Metro and the block in front of our house. As soon as the weather breaks, we will be out cleaning the block in full force on a regular basis. Congressional Black Caucus In September, Mu Lambda, in conjunction with the Mu Lambda Foundation, will host it CBC reception. We traditionally have 6,000 registered, but this will be the largest ever. We anticipate having more members of the caucus in attendance and potentially a few candidates vying to be the next president of the United States of America. Holiday Giving Mu Lambda will continue to assist Child and Family Services Agency with its annual toy drive. Holiday Baskets Although Mu Lambda has committed to feeding the women at House of Ruth once or more per month, we will continue to issue holiday baskets to support the efforts of the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency. Wreath Laying Ceremony December 7th, Mu Lambda will have wreath laying ceremonies for two of its charter members, Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray and Jewel Robert Harold Ogle. Brother Ogle’s ceremony will take place in Landover, Maryland immediately following the MAAC Founders Day Breakfast, while Brother Murray’s will take place the same day in California. Later that night, Mu Lambda is going back to its roots, hosting its annual banquet during Founders Day weekend. Brother Eddie Neal, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter 12

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Adopt-A-Block

Keeping our city clean and green Residents, businesses, and the government all play a role in keeping DC clean, safe, and healthy. Only by involving all residents and each community can we create a District as beautiful as we know it can be. Success begins with one neighbor and one community deciding to make a difference. Anyone can participate: individuals, families, churches, businesses, schools and other groups and organizations.

Adopting a block in the District of Columbia has many benefits:

Martin Luther King, Jr Avenue and Howard Road SE

• Improved quality of life in your neighborhood. The appearance of our community contributes to the quality of life we all share. • Signs with your group's name letting people know you are committed to making a difference. • Meet your neighbors, strengthen your community connections, and build leadership skills. Become a role model to youth. • Litter-free, more active communities help discourage rodents and unwanted and illegal activity. • Increased economic development. An attractive, clean community is a great asset in attracting new businesses, jobs, and customers. First Street and Bryant Street NW MARCH 2019

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Mu Lambda’s Health and Wellness Committee Mu Lambda Brothers,

Welcome to March which is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and National Kidney Month. The health topics we share from the MLHWC are to provide in-sight and knowledge about what are family, friends, and love-ones may be going through. Below are articles of interest addressing the months subject matters. Please go to links below or cut and paste into your browser to read entire articles. AFRICAN AMERICANS AND KIDNEY DISEASE Due to high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, Blacks and African Americans have an increased risk of developing kidney failure. Blacks and African Americans need to be aware of these risk factors and visit their doctor or clinic regularly to check their blood sugar, blood pressure, urine protein and kidney function. • •

•

Blacks and African Americans suffer from kidney failure at a significantly higher rate than Caucasians - more than 3 times higher. African Americans constitute more than 35% of all patients in the U.S. receiving dialysis for kidney failure, but only represent 13.2% of the overall U.S. population. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in African Americans. African Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as Caucasians. Approximately 4.9 million African Americans over 20 years of age are living with either diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. The most common type of diabetes in African Americans is type 2 diabetes. The risk factors for this type of diabetes include: family history, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes during pregnancy, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, obesity and physical inactivity. African Americans with diabetes are more likely to develop complications of diabetes and to have greater disability from these complications than Caucasians. African Americans are also more likely to develop serious complications such as heart disease and strokes. High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure among African Americans, and remains the leading cause of death due to its link with heart attacks and strokes.

country join together to spread colorectal cancer awareness by wearing blue, holding fundraising and education events, talking to friends and family about screening and so much more. Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. As the drawing shows, the colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best. Per the American College of Gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening for African-Americans should begin at the age of 45 years old, 5 years sooner that screening for Caucasians, as we have greater disease burden and death due to colon cancer. Fast Facts • If you are age 50 to 75 years old, you should get screened for colorectal cancer. • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening beginning at age 50. Some groups recommend starting earlier, at age 45. • The vast majority of new cases of colorectal cancer (about 90%) occur in people who are 50 or older. • Millions of people in the United States are not getting screened as recommended. They are missing the chance to prevent colorectal cancer or find it early, when treatment often leads to a cure. • If you think you may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer, learn your family health history and ask your doctor if you should begin screening before age 50.

Link: https://www.kidney.org/sites/default/files/NKM_ Infographic_Flyer4-page-001_0.jpg Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month In February 2000, President Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Since then, it has grown to be a rallying point for the colon cancer community where thousands of patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates throughout the MARCH 2019

https://www.ccalliance.org/about/awareness-month MLHWC continued on next page 14

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Last Month’s Events On Feb. 28th Mu Lambda offered Introductory Tai Chi – Yang Style at the Mu Lambda House. We had 15 participants to learn and participate in Tai Chi led by Master Instructor Bro. Derrick A. Butts. Several of the slow movements had participants sweating. Mu Lambda’s Brother who attended: Derrick Butts, Instructor; Ryle Bell; A. Gilbert Douglass; James Heck; LeRoy Lowery, III; Kelvin McClinton; and Kobina Yanka. Photos by Mikael LaRoche & Diane Butts

MARCH 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Health & Wellness Events Mar. 30th – 9:00-11:00am - Cherry Blossom Ride – Start the Carter Baron Parking Lot and ride down Rock Creek Park to the Haines Point (HP) Tidal Basin Park – 7.4 miles at a leisure pace or Brothers and family member can meet at Haines Point Tennis Courts Parking lot – Bring your own bike. (There will be a great deal of car traffic on the roads this weekend and the best way to get around will be on a bike.) at 9:45 am to walk or Ride from there around HP – 3.3 mi loop (Actual Date depends on Peak of Cherry Blossoms) Support Request - Need 5-8 Brothers to Support April 20th – 9:00-11:00am - Alpha Move at Carter Baron Park NW - (Planning). Support Request - Need 9-11 Brothers to Support May 18th – 10:00am-1:00 pm - Alpha Active Joint Health and Wellness Event – (Planning) Support Request - Need 10 - 15 Brothers to Support Next MLHWC Meeting – Mar. 21, 2019 Meeting Dates: 3rd Thursday of every Month Locations: Virtual Conf. Call - https://truthinitiative.zoom. us/j/763166546 or 1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Time: 7:00 – 7:45pm Bring: Ideas for healthy activities and service projects. Initial Topics: Addressing Brothers questions on Health topics – 1st 10 mins For more information on MLHWC activities, please contact Bro. Derrick Butts dabutts@mac.com. Thank you for your participation and support of MLHWC Events!

Mu Lambda’s Brothers Tony Wilson and Kobina Yanka attending the February 9th KIPP Young Men Empowerment Summit event.

MARCH 2019

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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 MARCH 2019

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

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

Larry Ware 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

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

March 21st March 21st March 21st March 21st March 22nd March 23rd March 23rd March 23rd March 23rd March 23rd March 23rd March 23rd March 23rd March 23rd March 23rd March 23rd March 23rd March 23rd March 23rd March 25th March 25th March 26th March 27th March 29th March 30th

Birthday Charvis Campbell Darnell Ray Kellen Moore Anthony Moore Gamal Awad Curtis Hunigan 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 14th March 18th March 18th March 18th March 21st March 26th March 28th March 29th March 30th

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Message from the Membership and Reclamation Chair Brother Albert Williams receiving his Mu Lambda certificate and chapter pin

Greeting Brothers, I want you to get to know Mu Lambdaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new and/or reclaimed brothers below. Brother Samuel Armstrong John Barnett Kelvin Brown Christopher Butts Aaron Cheese Lawrence Clark Jamaal A. Crone Carlos DeBose, Sr. Kevin Dixon Jeffery Fleming Jimmy Floyd Eric Herndon Jabari Hawkins Paul Hoggard Brett Hood Rawn James Eric Johnson Alvin Reaves, III Jamison Taylor, Jr. Eric Washington Albert Williams, Jr. Kenneth Williams

Chapter of Initiation Mu Lambda Delta Beta Upsilon Xi Iota Theta Zeta Mu Lambda Sigma PI Gamma Lambda Mu Lambda Mu Lambda Mu Lambda Mu Lambda Zeta Rho Lambda Mu Lambda Theta Rho Lambda Zeta Theta Rho Delta Zeta Lambda Alpha Mu Mu Lambda Phi Eta Eta Lambda

Initiation Date March 15, 2003 September 15, 1978 March 23, 2002 November 13, 1999 November 5, 2016 March 23, 2013 November 30, 2001 November 29, 2014 March 23, 2013 April 9, 1995 March 5, 2005 November 16, 2002 November 9, 2014 January 4, 1990 December 13, 1997 December 10, 1995 March 25, 1978 March 1, 2003 May 22, 1986 March 23, 2013 May 22, 1982 March 16, 2014

Brother Christopher Butts receiving his Mu Lambda certificate and chapter pin

Brother Jeffery Fleming receiving his Mu Lambda certificate and chapter pin

Fraternally, Brother Timothy Fitzgerald, Chair, Membership and Reclamation Committee Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

Brothers Jeremy Triplett and Antonio King receiving their shingle, fraternity pin and history book

MARCH 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

ou are listed with the fraternity as a former member of Mu Lambda who has not renewed your membership. If it is just an oversight, I can help facilitate your payment. If there is another reason, please let me know so I can be of assistance.

As Membership and Reclamation Chair of Mu Lambda Chapter, I would like to bring greetings to you and extend an invitation for you to return to the chapter. I am proud to be a member of this chapter as Mu Lambda celebrates 95 years of serving Washington, DC since 1923. Since our charter, Mu Lambda Chapter has been an innovator, a builder, and a molder of men making a difference in the lives of many in the Washington Metropolitan area. Mu Lambda Chapter is working diligently to ensure that our programs and social activities continue to impact the community in a positive way by being a catalyst of change. Today, Mu Lambda stands as a beacon of light to the community and a strong source of leadership. Through our Henry Arthur Callis Academy, we continue to facilitate the growth of young males so they understand that leadership is not a burden but a responsibility. Staying true to Alpha’s core: we implement successfully the fraternity’s National Programs: Go-to-High School Go-to-School, A Voteless People is a Hopeless People, Project Alpha and Brothers’ Keeper. These four programmatic efforts are implemented through “out-of-the-box” formats to ensure that Mu Lambda Chapter is reaching the target audience. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Mu Lambda in not a monolithic chapter. It is rich in history, diversity and ready to serve. The youngest member of the chapter is 22, born in 1996, while the oldest is 98, born in 1920. Salaries range from $30,000 to $1,000,000 per annum. The membership is comprised of brothers initiated in 117 different chapters. Fifty-five life members. The lowest life member number is 691, while the highest in the chapter is 13910. Brothers list their race as African American, Afro-Hispanic, Caucasian, Multi-Racial, and West Indian/Caribbean. All brothers have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree. Two have Dental Degrees. Three have Medical Degrees. Nine have MBA Degrees. Twenty-four have Doctorate Degrees. Twenty-five have Law Degrees. Twenty-eight have Masters’ Degrees as their highest level of education.

I challenge you to reflect and rekindle the fraternal spirit. Our chapter meetings are every first Thursday at the Mu Lambda Community House, located at 2405 First Street NW, Washington, DC at 7:06 pm and the repast starts @ 6:30 pm. Please visit https://issuu.com/mulambdatorch to see what Mu Lambda has been doing. If you have any questions please call me @ 301-332-7507 or email me at timfitz06@comcast.net. Fraternally, Bro. Tim Fitzgerald Membership and Reclamation Chair Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

MARCH 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Printed in the February 1932 Edition

MARCH 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Printed in the February 1932 Edition

MARCH 2019

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Welcome to the House Brother Christopher Butts

s a 10-year-old boy growing up in Florida, I was introduced to the idea of race when I developed a crush on a fifth-grade girl of African-American descent. This was a “big deal” since I was a White kid attending a predominantly White elementary school with very few Black students. My exploration of race and racial identity continued as I changed schools after re-zoning and found myself attending a predominantly Black middle school. Since my two older sisters had already finished middle school at a different middle school, my mother wished for me to attend this other school as well, likely due to familiarity and the homogeneous student body. Though slightly intimidated, due to a new middle school and few friends, I began 6th grade, and my middle school years proved to be full of great experiences. My racial identity was mixed, and I am glad I had the experiences I did while attending this middle school.

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MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

fraternities consisted of men who were always studying and walking fast on campus, and they always had what I thought were the best functions, step shows, and parties. I learned that this same fraternity had the highest-grade point average on campus within all the Black Greek letter organizations and the third highest of all fraternities; and that this particular fraternity was stereotyped, members being known as the “business” men who made really high grades. In meeting some of the members, I believed that we had similar interests, academic goals, and similar outlooks on life. After learning all of this, I only had the desire to join Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

When I moved on to high school, I attended what was then a predominantly White high school but the rezoning that took place years ago had begun to diversify the student body. I was a bit of an outcast during my high school years. I was the White guy who people thought acted Black, and my only close friends were those I had met in middle school and happened to be Black. As a result, and as I began to consider college and fraternity membership, it never crossed my mind to join a historically White fraternity. My thoughts of fraternities were always those of the historically Black fraternities, because I believed I would be most comfortable as a member of a Black organization. As I began my college years and considered the alternatives, I thought that two of the five historically Black fraternities at my university might be a good fit for me. After further observation I noticed one of the

I became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha in the Fall of 1999 as an undergraduate and have continued as a life member. I was not immediately accepted by everyone in the Black Greek community, but I never had a problem gaining respect and building a reputation of good character. My time as an undergraduate member gave me my best college memories as I led many programs, held officer positions, and networked within the community. After graduation I attended graduate school at the same university as my undergraduate degree, allowing me to maintain my social network and continue to expand my professional network with Alpha Phi Alpha. Fraternally Brother Christopher C. Butts Xi Iota Fall - November 13, 1999

MARCH 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Welcome to the House Brother Albert A. Williams Jr.,

lease join me in welcoming Brother Albert A. Williams Jr. to Mu Lambda Chapter. Brother Williams is a native Washingtonian and Life Member (#12153) of Alpha Phi Alpha. Brother Williams is an initiate of PHI Chapter, Spring Class, May 22, 1982, where he is affectionately known as Big Brother Cool (#8). Brother Williams is also an active member with Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter (OHL). Academically, Brother Williams is graduate of Eastern Senior High School, Washington, DC, where he was a member and captain on two (2) Championship teams his junior and senior years. Brother Williams holds a bachelors’ degree, in Business Administration, from Ohio University, Athens Ohio, where he majored in Business Management and Pre-Law. In addition, Brother Williams has a Masters, in Administration from the University of Maryland University College. Brother Williams also holds the following certifications – Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Senior Human Resources Professional (SPHR), Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), and is currently preparing to sit for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam in the spring. Professionally, Brother Williams has worked in the Human Resources Profession for over 18 years; most recently, heading up the talent acquisition function for DC Water & Sewer Authority. He is also a licensed Realtor in the District of Columbia and state of Maryland. In addition, Brother Williams serves on the Board of Senators Satchel Paige Little League and the Executive Board of Two Rivers Parents Student Association. Personally, Brother Williams is the proud father of three boys; Aaron, Brandon, and Jehrel; and grandfather of Leo (9 months) and Amun Ra (18 months). In his downtime, he enjoys coaching his son Aaron’s little league baseball team, playing chess, watching sports, eating out, going to movies, volunteering, working out, traveling, and spending time with family, friends, and his beloved Fraternity Brothers. Lastly, Brother Williams humbly requests your support in his bid for Secretary-Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Chapters (MAAC).

Brother Aaron Crutison discussing his platform February 10th at the Mu Lambda house. Brother Crutison’s visit to the Mu Lambda’s house is not an endorsement for or against Brother Crutison’s campaign to be Alpha’s next General President.

MARCH 2019

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Message from the Chaplain Dear Brothers, Thanks to all of the Brothers who represented at Brother William Ridley Randolph’s Omega Service. I am sure the family appreciated our Ritual as did the congregation that completely filled the sanctuary at Union Temple Baptist Church. The Bible and Proclamation presented by Brother President Eddie Neal will help to comfort the family in this time of sorrow. I would like to take this opportunity to share some basic information with you in the event you or a brother you know transitions to Omega Chapter: • • • •

•

Call (410.202.2715) or email eneal@ mulambdafoundation.org. Every brother is entitled to an Omega service, financial or not. The request should come from the family, not the chapter forcing it upon the family. Part of any brother’s estate planning should be the designation of an Alpha brother to receive his paraphernalia or instructions for his loved ones to contact Mu Lambda for disposition. Official fraternity pins (e.g., official badge, life member pin, twentyfive-year pin, fifty-year pin, etc.) should be given to another brother, the chapter (Mu Lambda) or the General Organization to prevent it from getting into the hands of a nonmember. Notify your family to give Mu Lambda and fraternal documents to Mu Lambda.

I hope you never need the above information, just in case, please share the information with your family so we can honor you in the event of your untimely passing. Fraternally, Brother William A. (Tony) Hawkins Chaplain Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

MARCH 2019

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

Message from the DC National PanHellenic Council Delegate Hosted by Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated - Beta Omega Chapter. WMATA Community Room, 4729 14th St. NW, Washington, DC Brothers Derrick and Christopher Butts attended. • DC NPHC needs a Web Developer ASAP! Site is need of some work. • Social Media Status - 10% Increase on people viewing DC NPHC Social media platforms. • There are Two FB Pages 1. One by DC NPHC 2. One hosted by an Unknown 3. Looking to change to make the 4. Official DC NPHC Group 5. The POC that owns the 2nd FB page used to be part of the Pan Hell and currently lives overseas • Reporter and Newsletter 1. Please send at least two (2) pictures from ML events. And two sentences. 2. dcnphcreporter@gmail.com by the 3rd Tues. monthly. 3. The newsletter will list all Greek events. 4. Send all correspondence for the VP to dcnphc1930@gmail.com 5. There has been a problem with the DC NPHC Reporter receiving photos from Mu Lambda, Brother Derrick Butts will forward photo link to Reporters personal email address 6. 1st DC NPHC Newsletter will be released in March 2019 • Greek Giveback Campaign 1. Mr. Washington will attend the March 2019 Mtg • Leadership Institute Conference in Oct. 2019 1. Looking for presenters 2. Must make presenter submissions by 022819. 3. Let President - Tami know by Wed., Feb. 27th • ZPB local Chapter - Celebrating 25years in March 2019.

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

• Undergrad Relations 1. Looking for more committee members 2. Working with Fund Raising to establish an Escape Room Party Info TBD 3. Children’s Hosp Event (TBD) 4. HBCU Walk and Run - June 2019 5. Future Leadership Award is for college Freshman, Sophomores and Junior 6. $500 Scholarship and NO ONE Applied last year • Budget and Finance 1. Operating at full Budget 2. Received all remaining Holiday Party Revenue 3. Need to ID Charitable Orgs to donate funds too. 4. Some Charitable orgs were Discussed during the summer eBoard mtg and additional Orgs may be discussed for consideration • ByLaws 1. Review of Governing Docs 2. Quick guide to Parliamentarian Procedure to running meetings • Fundraising 1. Holiday Party - Collected over 200 Toys 2. Raised over $1500 3. Not enough Base to put down a deposit. 4. Planning Jazz Reception - May 2019 5. Planning Fathers’ Day 6. Skate Party - Crystal Skate Rink Need to vote on at the eBoard to Approve. - End-March 28, 2019. 9pm - Midnight. 7. - Working w/Frater Burton on the Awards Ceremony. • Scholarship Event 1. Thurs., Feb. 28th at Buffalo Wild Wings - 1220 Half Street SE. - From 5 - 9 pm Divine Nine Scholarship • Audit 1. Have had a hard time getting all the receipt to fully close out the FY2018 year. 2. Received all outstanding docs and will audit all materials before the March 2019 meeting. Next Meeting Host - March 26, 2019 – Hosted by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated at 6:30pm

Committee Reports

Fraternally,

• Programs 1. Jan. 19th and 21st - were Global Day of Services 2. Spring PROJ. - TBD

Bro. Derrick A. Butts DC NPHC Delegate Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Omega Chapter

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter The funeral service for Rev. Evans E. Crawford, Ph.D. will be held Friday, March 8, 2019, in the Cramton Auditorium, Howard University at 2455 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC. Visitation will be from 10:00am to 12:00 noon. Omega Service will be at 11am. Brothers are asked to assemble at 10:30 am Funeral will begin at 12 noon. Brother Evans E. Crawford Chapter of Initiation: Alpha Gamma Date of Initiation: Friday, May 1, 1942 Date of Birth: July 2, 1923 Omega Chapter: February 16, 2019

Mu Lambda expresses its sincere condolences on the passing of theologian, minister, scholar, academic administrator, and former dean of the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, Rev. Evans E. Crawford, Jr, Ph.D. Following the University of Chicago and Princeton, Howard became the third university in the United States to designate a Dean of Chapel. Such an appointment signified a commitment to organized religious life on campus. A total of four deans have served the Chapel, Dean Crawford was the third. Religion was always essential to Dean Crawford’s family— he was called to the ministry at the age of eleven. In 1939, Crawford graduated from Dunbar High School in Washington D.C. where his extracurricular activities were devoted to speech and oratory competitions. In 1943, Crawford received his B.S. degree from Huston College (now Huston-Tillotson College). He continued his education at the Boston University School of Divinity, earning his bachelor’s degree in sacred theology in 1946 MARCH 2019

and his Th.D. degree in 1957. In 1949 Crawford married his wife, Elizabeth. Crawford spent his professional career at Howard University where he began in 1958 as a theology instructor and acting dean of the University Chapel. For nearly fifty years, Dean Crawford served in many posts at Howard, including dean of Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, assistant professor, acting associate dean of the school of Divinity and interim vice president for University Advancement. He retired in 1991 as professor emeritus of social ethics but continued to teach courses on preaching and social ethics as an adjunct professor at the Howard University School of Divinity.

Farewell dear Brother

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Cheers Brothers! It’s Mardi Gras March 5th. What better way to celebrate than with the quintessential New Orleans cocktail.

THE SAZERAC

Ingredients • 1 pony + jigger of 100 proof Rittenhouse Rye • 1 ounce simple syrup • 6 dashes Peychauds bitters • 3 dashes Angostura bitters • Vieux carre Absinthe to rinse glass Lemon peel Gather an old fashioned glass and fill with ice. Set aside to chill. Into a mixing glass filled with ice, add the rye, bitters and simple syrup. Stir briskly to chill. Take the chilled old fashioned glass and rinse with a ounce of vieux carre absinthe. Decant the rye bitters into the absinthe Rinse fold fashioned glass. Prep a lemon peel from a fresh firm lemon and twist over rim of glass. Add the lemon peel to your drink and serve neat. This craft cocktail scales well. Laissez les bon temps rouler! Oui Cher! Bro. Drew Love

Kung Pao Chicken Zoodles for Two

MARCH 2019

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

I swapped the noodles with zucchini noodles and the results were fantastic!! (under 300 calories). Ingredients: • 2 medium zucchini, about 8 oz each, ends trimmed • 1 teaspoon grapeseed or canola oil • 6 oz skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2inch pieces • 1 teaspoon sesame oil • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tsp fresh ground ginger • 2 tbsp crushed dry roasted peanuts • 2 tbsp thinly sliced scallions along diagonal For the Sauce: • 1 1/2 tbsp reduced soy sauce (tamari for gluten free) • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 1 tsp hoisin sauce • 2 1/2 tbsp water • 1/2 tbsp Sambal Oelek Red Chili Paste (or more to taste) • 2 tsp sugar • 2 tsp cornstarch Directions: 1. Using a spiralizer with the thickest noodle blade, or a mandolin fitted with a julienne blade, cut the zucchini into long spaghetti-like strips. If using a spiralizer, use kitchen scissors to cut the strands into pieces that are about 6 to 8 inches long so they’re easier to eat. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, balsamic, hoisin, water, red chili paste, sugar and cornstarch; set aside. 3. Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste. Heat oil in a large, deep nonstick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Set aside. 4. Reduce heat to medium, add sesame oil, garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the bell pepper, stir in soy sauce mixture and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until thickened and bubbling, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in zucchini noodles and cook, mixing for about two minutes until just tender and mixed with the sauce. If it seems dry, don’t worry the zucchini will release moisture which

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

helps create a sauce. Once cooked, mix in chicken and divide between 2 bowls (about 2 cups each) and top with peanuts and scallions. Brother Derrick Butts

EASY PECAN PIE BREAD PUDDING

Ingredients: • 1 loaf day-old French baguette • 5 eggs • 3 1/2 cups whole milk • 1 cup sugar • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract • 1/2 cup butter • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar • 1 1/2 cups shelled pecan halves • Add all ingredients to list Directions: 1. Cut the bread into cubes and let sit out about an hour to dry out a bit. Using day-old bread is perfect; the drier the bread cubes, the more they soak up! 2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 3. In a medium bowl, mix the eggs until they are combined. Add the milk, sugar, and vanilla and stir until combined. 4. Place the bread cubes in a baking pan and pour the milk and egg mixture over them. 5. Melt butter in a small microwaveproof bowl. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved. Stir in the pecans. 6. Pour this mixture over the bread and egg mixture, and gently fold. Don’t mix it in thoroughly, just fold so the yummy pecan mixture forms into clumps throughout the bread pudding. 7. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is slightly brown. The center will still be a little jiggly. 8. Allow to cool at least 20 minutes before serving. The egg mixture will continue to cook, and the bread will soak up more. Brother Garrett Miller

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Why Market Timing Doesn't Work

By Brother Eddie Neal, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter

ecently, I received a letter with interesting information from my financial advisor/planner. We have financial advisors/planners in the chapter, so feel free to consult them for actual financial advice. Timing the Market vs. Time in the Market Research suggests that investors who buy and sell stocks during periods of market volatility may see lower returns than investors who stick with an established investment strategy. For example, imagine you invested $10,000 in the S&P 500 on December 31, 2003, and then took it out on December 31, 2018. Here’s where your assets could be if you: • • •

Left your investment untouched: $30,711 Missed the 10 best performing days: $15,481 Missed the 40 best performing days: $4,943

In other words, missing just a few days over 15 years could mean the difference between losing over $5,000 and gaining more than $20,000. Some data indicates that an investor would need to accurately time the market 74% of the time to earn more than someone who stays in the S&P 500. Considering the same study claims that only 47% of “market timing experts” predictions are correct, timing the market just doesn’t appear to add up. Clearly, for most investors, time in the market is more important than timing the market. Investing with Patience Of course, vitality and declines can be uncomfortable. But corrections are a normal part of market cycles. Consider the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Although the index moves between highs and lows, it has never failed to grow in a 20-year period. In other words, investors who don’t try to time the market may see greater longterm returns. Of course, past performance does not guarantee future results, but the research shows that successful investing may stem from a patient and disciplined strategy.

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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.

Bottom line Trying to predict how markets may act and making emotional investment decisions can leave your portfolio in a vulnerable state. We know that market timing can feel tempting, but it can be virtually impossible to do so accurately. Instead, you may consider a personalized investment strategy that allows for prudent adjustments when warranted. Finding the right approach and sticking with it can leave you in a much better position to pursue your financial goals. MARCH 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

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

MARCH 2019

Jewel Tandy

Jewel Chapman

Jewel Ogle

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A. Charles Haston

Brother’s Keeper

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

There are seven objectives to the program: •

Assist in maintaining living environments that are compatible with participants’ levels of functioning

•

Assist in maintaining the upkeep of participants’ properties

•

Assist with health care decision-making

•

Provide companionship

•

Provide legal services

•

Provide transportation

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Ensure adequate supplies of food, water, and clothing, with special emphasis on disaster management and recovery.

Mu Lambda has initiated a three-tier approach to implementing the Brother’s Keeper program. Approximately 300 letters were mailed by the Membership and Reclamation Committee in January to brothers to check on their well-being. The Communication team scheduled automated calls to brothers to take place on the first and fifteenth of the month.

Nothing helps us build our perspective more than developing compassion for others. Compassion involves two things: intention and action. Intention simply means you remember to open your heart to others. Action is simply what you do about it. You might donate time on a regular basis to a cause near to your heart. It’s easy to get lost and overwhelmed in the chaos, responsibilities and goals of life. Once overwhelmed, it’s tempting to forget about those brothers most near and dear to us. Brother’s Keeper is a service program developed with the mission of advocating and improving the quality of life for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Brothers, their spouses, and widows who are retired, are elders, have disabilities and are ailing.

The calls will help identify brothers in need of assistance. The Brother’s Keeper Committee received a list of brothers age 60 and above in the chapter. The committee will place a personal call to every brother on the list at least once per month. If you are a brother in need or know a brother in need, call (410.202.2715) or email (eneal@mulambdafoundation.org) me. I will notify the Brother’s Keeper Committee. Fraternally, Brother Eddie Neal President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

Upon identification of need, the Brother’s Keeper Program also provides assistance to mature and ailing members of its communities. Limitations caused by advanced age place demands on family members, caregivers, and the larger community to ensure that elders remain independently functional. The goal of the Brother’s Keeper Program is to promote dignity and independence among Alpha family and community members who need help in keeping their lives and homes functional.

MARCH 2019

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Do You Recognize These Brothers?

Charles L. Franklin

J. Leon Langhorne

Alfred E. Simons

Earl V. Root

Earle Jones

Elbert Gadsden

Fred Laney

Jerry E. Hardgrove

John D. Hicks

John Eason

Melvin DeBruhl

Yettekov Wilson

MARCH 2019

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Printed in the February 1932 Edition

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Printed in the February 1932 Edition

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Are We Living in 1930 or 2019?

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Printed in the October 1924 Edition

I need not restate what Jewel N.A. Murray, stated for the Sphinx approximately 77 years ago. He spoke of the machine politics, absentee brothers, and electing the wrong brothers for the wrong reasons. We started with seven candidates for general president, one withdrew, two have visited and one is scheduled to visit. Brothers Gregory Parks and Aaron Crutison visited with the brothers of Mu Lambda, where they presented their platform and fielded questions. Brother Sean McCaskill will be visiting the brothers at the March meeting, where he states he wants the tough questions. Brothers, it is your duty to question every candidate seeking the office of general president. Ask the tough questions, but be brotherly and courteous. Far too often, we elect brothers who assume office and dictate. They don’t listen to the common brother. Any brother can issue an Executive Order placing brothers and chapters on cease and desist. Any brother can create a reason to raise dues. How many of the candidates are equipped to deal with the unpredictable and keep his head while those around him are losing control. We are in 2019 and talking about electing the first African-American female mayor of Chicago; just recognizing that some young men are choosing jobs instead of college; wealthy people are being caught buying sex; fraternities are still being accused of hazing; a newspaper editor hoping for the rise of the KKK; 900 yearbooks with blatant racism; black face and KKK hoods as the norm; confederate flags; a costume as a sleazy pimp at a fraternity’s “Pimps and Whores” party; US marines investigating blackface incidents; an actor allegedly staging anti-gay and racial attacks; former dealers getting assistance to legalize marijuana; and an elected official referring to Prince George’s County Maryland (one of the most affluent majority-black counties in the US) as “nigger district.” Where do our candidates stand on everyday issues facing us as brothers? Who can take what the fraternity has and grow it into something better? Who has the temperament to unite brothers, rather than divide the brothers? Who has the fortitude to go against the status quo? Whose ego will allow him to accept the good things the current general president has implemented and alter only the bad or not so good things? Which candidate has the ability to balance the business of the fraternity without eroding the brotherhood? Which candidate can do most of the aforementioned and still represent Alpha in a positive light before the public? Most important, which candidate wants the position because he wants to help the fraternity, more than his ego or potential personal gain. Finally, far too often, we focus only on the general president while the selection of the Executive Director flies under the radar. I was recently with some brothers who had no idea Alpha has an acting Executive Director and a search committee for a new Executive Director. Will there be an opportunity for the brothers to have input or weigh in on the potential Executive Director before he takes the position? Fraternally, Eddie Neal President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

MARCH 2019

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Candidates for General President

AARON CRUTISON

WILLIS S. LONZER

SEAN L. McCASKILL SR.

Home Region/District: Western/Northern California

Home Region/District: Midwestern/Illinois

Home Region/District: Eastern/Pennsylvania

Current Chapter Affiliation (seat): Gamma Phi Lambda (Berkeley, CA)

Current Chapter Affiliation (seat): Xi Lambda (Chicago, IL)

Chapter of Initiation (seat)/Year Initiated: Alpha Epsilon (University of California, Berkeley)/1983

Chapter of Initiation (seat)/Year Initiated: Gamma Sigma (Delaware State University)/1986

Current Chapter Affiliation (seat): Alpha Omicron Lambda (Pittsburgh, PA)

Educational Experience: MPA, Public Administration, University of San Francisco, 2009 BA Social Science/Health Administration, University of California-Berkeley, 1987 Vision for Alpha Phi Alpha: “My vision for Alpha centers on fortification of our infrastructure and a re-focusing of our external impact in three ways. 1) Elevate and empower our collegiate and alumni membership; 2) Strengthen our fraternal framework to Save Black Boys and families of color through intentional investments; and 3) Advocate and achieve economic, political, and social policy change for the communities we serve. For Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to remain a consciousness for change in our society, we require nothing less than transformational leadership with vision for internal growth and an undeniable presence in external impact.”

More: crutisonforgp.org MARCH 2019

Educational Experience: Fellowship, Physiology and Biophysics, 2000 PhD, Biochemistry, University of Akron, 1998 BS ,Chemistry , Delaware State University, 1990 Vision for Alpha Phi Alpha: “Leadership. Brotherhood. Academic Excellence. Community Impact. Our Jewel Founders believed that each of these elements collectively invoke the “true spirit of fraternity.” Inspired by thirty-two years of service at the chapter, district, regional and general organization levels, and through my professional training and leadership in global corporations, my vision is that we excel on the principles on which Alpha Phi Alpha was founded, advance to be the fraternity of choice, and an intellectual hub, providing solutions to 21st century issues by answering the call to work as Servant-Leaders in our communities, remaining a beacon of hope to humanity.” More: elevatingthealphaspirit.com

Chapter of Initiation (seat)/Year Initiated: Xi Sigma (Indiana University of Pennsylvania)/1990 Educational Experience: MA, Sociology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 1999 BS, Criminology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 1992 Vision for Alpha Phi Alpha: “My vision for Alpha Phi Alpha is to bring the five regions into one house of Alpha. The only way this can be done is to motivate the brotherhood around the most valuable asset; the Brothers within the house. The mission and vision statements are clear. When you motivate the brotherhood under one voice to take action, the possibilities are endless. Alpha Phi Alpha develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our communities.”

More: mccaskillforgp.com 34

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Candidates for General President continued

RONALD M. NATSON

GREGORY S. PARKS

RODERICK L. SMOTHERS, SR

Home Region/District: Southern/Georgia

Home Region/District: Southern/North Carolina

Home Region/District: Southwestern/Arkansas

Current Chapter Affiliation (seat): Eta Lambda (Atlanta, GA)

Current Chapter Affiliation (seat): Alpha Pi Lambda (Winston Salem, NC)

Current Chapter Affiliation (seat): Pi Lambda (Little Rock , AR)

Chapter of Initiation (seat)/Year Initiated: Delta Eta (Savannah State University)/1975 Educational Experience: BS, Business Administration , Savannah State University, 1977 Vision for Alpha Phi Alpha: “Strengthening Alpha Phi Alpha’s Foundation for the Future by focusing on Alpha’s internal operations that includes; Membership Development beyond IMDP; Reclamation and Retention; Implementation of the New Alpha Net Membership database; and enhanced Membership Development that supports chapters’ operations. Increase political involvement by establishing Alpha Political Action Committee (PAC) to support issues and candidate that benefit the communities we serve. Also, we will groom and support Brothers for political office. Support Brothers’ academic, professional and personal development by; establishing the Alpha Business Network; Establish an Investment Trust to encourage entrepreneurship; and assist Brothers with investment strategies that builds generational wealth.” More: elect.ronaldnatson.com MARCH 2019

Chapter of Initiation (seat)/Year Initiated: Mu Lambda (Washington, DC)/1997 Educational Experience: JD, Law , Cornell University, 2008 MS/PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of Kentucky, 2001/2004 MA, Forensic Psychology, City University of New York, 1999 BS, Psychology, Howard University, 1996 Vision for Alpha Phi Alpha: “My vision for Alpha is that every brother reach his God-given potential for himself and for greater service to his family, faith, community, and Fraternity. It’s that each brother, one to the other, deepen his bond across the artificial barriers and misunderstandings that divide us. It’s that our commitment to our communities be amplified and sustained through civic activism, community service, philanthropy, social action, and shaping policy. It’s that we develop the skill and the will to tackle the full range of issues that have bedeviled Alpha for generations in ways that are innovative and finally bring the cultural change we seek.”

More: thealpharevolution1906.com

Chapter of Initiation (seat)/Year Initiated: Nu Psi (Louisiana State University)/1995 Educational Experience: PhD, Ed. Leadership/Research, Louisiana State University, 2003 MPA, Public Administration, Louisiana State University, 1997 BS, Psychology/Chemistry, Louisiana State University, 1995 Vision for Alpha Phi Alpha: “In 1936, Jewel Robert Harold Ogle stated “It is of vital importance that we seriously consider the contribution that every brother may make for the good of our Fraternity. Never were the demands for constructive effort and intelligent devotion as great as today. Never before was it as incumbent upon every member to restate loyalty and exemplify fraternal obligation by consistent life and unimpeachable character. But these must be reinforced by a growing consciousness of the responsibilities that Alpha Phi Alpha faces in the world today, where if ever the problems which beset us are to be solved by a way of deliverance discovered, it must be by the application of those principles upon which we were founded.” More: rodericksmothers.com 35

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DO WE NEED TO

RETHINK OUR FOCUS?

WHAT IS OUR PLAN TO HELP YOUNG MEN WHO ARE NOT PLANNING TO ATTENDING COLLEGE AND ARE CHOOSING JOBS INSTEAD? 'Signing Day' recognizes high school seniors starting jobs, not college MARY JO DILONARDO | January 15, 2019, 11:41 a.m.

he familiar high school rituals take place every spring. Athletes sign letters of intent to play for college programs as their coaches beam with pride, the photographs splashed across social media. Other high school seniors wave college acceptance letters as their names are announced at school assemblies.

But one school system in Virginia wanted to celebrate a different life-changing moment for the seniors who were starting careers right after graduation. In Henrico County, public school administrators held a ceremony in late March called “Career and Technical Letter-of-Intent Signing Day.” “This is a celebration of students who are entering the workforce or post-secondary training with a plan,” said Mac Beaton, director of Henrico Schools’ Department of Career and Technical Education, in a Facebook post. “They’ve chosen to maximize their high school opportunities for career training and industry certifications, with an eye on becoming successful and financially secure much earlier in life.” The students met with representatives from their future places of employment and both signed letters outlining what they would do before and during employment, as well as what training and compensatory benefits MARCH 2019

the employer would provide, and an estimate of the position’s overall value. “Signing Day is a way of recognizing their hard work and the value of the careerpreparation training they’ve received through Henrico Schools’ Career and Technical Education program,” Beaton said. The impetus for the idea

Family members watch proudly as students meet with their future employers. (Photo: Henrico County Public Schools)

More than 5,000 students earn industry-based certifications in Henrico County each year, and that often means a job immediately upon graduation. For this first event, a dozen students were recognized as they signed letters of intent to work as apprentices or machinists for local and national companies. Beaton said the idea for the recognition ceremony was rooted in a constant battle to show the importance of this kind of training. “We’re always trying to figure out how to address the skills gap when the general mentality of parents is ‘I want my child to go to college,’” Beaton told Today Parents. “Signing Day” continued on next page

THE TORCH -----------------------------------------------------------------------------“One way to do this is to help them see the value of career and technical education,” he said. “When you start talking data that affects parents’ pocketbooks, that gets their attention.”

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‘About time they got recognized’

During the event, families and members of the media watched as students signed letters of intent. Just like athletes don caps representing their future teams, these students put on hats and other clothing representing the companies they would soon work for.

Lots of support

At Construction Careers Academy in San Antonio, students signed commitment letters with their new employers. (Photo: Construction Careers Academy)

That’s likely what happened in San Antonio where Construction Careers Academy added a similar event to its annual “Academy Awards” ceremony in the spring. The magnet school prepares students for careers in the construction industry with a focus on one of six areas: architecture, construction management, engineering, carpentry, electrical/HVAC or plumbing/pipefitting/ welding. It may not get the same media attention, but Henrico County’s approach puts the focus on needed skills. (Photo: Henrico County Public Schools)

The event was a huge hit on social media, with fans praising the celebration. “This is the best thing I’ve seen in years,” wrote Catherine DeAngelis. “It’s about time we celebrate the skilled workforce. We need to do that here, people need to see how important these students really are.” Tricia Molloy agreed. “This is fabulous!! The world runs because of our tradesman and women. It’s wonderful to honor and celebrate those who join the trades.”

The school’s Program Coordinator Audrey Ethridge organized a signing event for graduating students after several people told her that it had been done at another school — likely Henrico County in Virginia, which has inspired many to do the same. Students who earned jobs after a spring career fair took part in the signing ceremony with their new employers. The employers brought hats, T-shirts and other items and all the students signed commitment letters at the same time while parents and administrators watched.

“College isn’t for everyone, so this is a wonderful way to support those who train vocationally for the workforce,” wrote Jean Mayo Campbell. “Maybe other districts will embrace this.”

“Employers were really excited to take part and very happy to have these students come work for them,” Ethridge tells MNN. Students were smiling broadly as they sat behind long tables with their employers behind them and their proud parents in the crowd, happy that their students were being recognized.

Even “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe shared the school system’s post on his own Facebook page, commenting, “This is the way forward. No attempt to close the skills gap will ever succeed, until or unless we celebrate those who are willing to learn a skill that’s in demand.

“Most schools will do some character awards, academic awards, did-you-show-up-for-school and athletic signing awards and nobody does anything for career and tech kids and it’s about time they got recognized.”

This is not just a terrific idea, it’s a model for every other technical school in the country ... Here’s hoping others will follow Henrico’s lead.”

Link: https://www.mnn.com/money/green-workplace/ stories/signing-day-recognizes-high-school-seniorsstarting-jobs-not-college

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Chicago will elect first black female mayor; Lightfoot and Preckwinkle advance to runoff Aamer Madhani, USA TODAY Published 2:58 p.m. ET Feb. 26, 2019 | Updated 9:27 a.m. ET Feb. 27, 2019

ormer federal prosecutor Lori Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle are headed to an April 2 runoff to decide who will become the nation’s third-largest city’s next mayor, topping a crowded field of 14 candidates. The winner will become the first female black mayor in Chicago’s 181-year history. If Lightfoot prevails, it would also mark the city electing its first out LGBT mayor. Lightfoot had 17.5 percent of the vote, while Preckwinkle received 16 percent with votes from 96 percent of precincts counted. Since no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote, the runoff was triggered. Former U.S. Commerce Secretary Bill Daley, who had 14.8 percent of the vote, conceded late Tuesday and congratulated Lightfoot and Preckwinkle.

Mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot

“This is what change looks like,” said Lightfoot, who grew up in Ohio and moved to Chicago to attend the University of Chicago law school. “It’s true that not every day, a little black girl in a low-income family from a segregated steel town makes the runoff to be the mayor of the third-largest city in the country.” Preckwinkle, a former alderman and head of the Cook County Democratic Party, has long been a force in Chicago politics. As she celebrated MARCH 2019

moving on to a runoff, she aimed to tie Lightfoot to the administrations of current Mayor Rahm Emanuel and former Mayor Richard M. Daley. Emanuel had appointed her to the Chicago Police Board and the city’s Police Accountability Task Force. Daley had named her in 2002 as chief administrator of the Office of Professional Standards, a since abolished disciplinary arm of the Chicago Police Department.

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brother, Richard M. Daley, served a combined 43 years.

Lightfoot has raised about $1.64 million for the campaign. Her war chest was significantly smaller than Preckwinkle, who raised $4.6 million, and Daley, who brought in $8.7 million. The 14 candidates and independent groups raised nearly $30 million to besiege Chicagoans with an inescapable loop of television and digital advertising, campaign calls and mailers. Also on the ballot were races for city council, clerk and treasurer. Preckwinkle cast her ballot at an elementary school in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood. “This is a historic moment for the city,” she said. “I am proud of the work of my campaign and feel Mayoral candidate Toni Preckwinkle optimistic as we head into tonight.” Preckwinkle also jabbed at Lightfoot Election officials said turnout was for never previously holding political low. Only a third of the city’s 1.58 office. “It’s not enough to stand at million registered voters had cast a a podium and talk about what you ballot. want to see happen,” Preckwinkle Most of the field, including said. “You have to come to this job Preckwinkle, entered the race with the capacity and capability to after Emanuel announced in make your vision a reality.” Polls September he would not seek a leading up to the vote Tuesday showed at least six candidates with third term. Only four of the 14 have held elected office. Lightfoot a serious shot at finishing in the top two, but none coming close to a announced her candidacy before Emanuel announced he wouldn’t majority. run and has boasted during the The top contenders going into campaign that she did not fear Tuesday included Preckwinkle, taking on “Goliath.” Emanuel, a Lightfoot, Daley, Illinois Comptroller former congressman, White House Susana Mendoza, former Chicago chief of staff to President Barack school board president Gery Chico Obama and cabinet secretary under and businessman Willie Wilson. President Bill Clinton, is a prodigious Within three hours of polls closing, fundraiser who amassed $10 Daley, Chico and Mendoza conceded. million in campaign contributions “Tonight’s results were not what before announcing he wouldn’t we hoped. But we cannot dwell on seek reelection. He had become a what could have been,” Daley told polarizing figure in the city. supporters. “We must look forward to how we can help shape our city’s The Chicago Teachers Union called future. Chicago is a part of me. It a 7-day strike in 2012, the first work always will be. While I may not be its stoppage in the school district in 25 next mayor, I won’t stop fighting to years. Emanuel drew criticism for move our city forward.” closing 50 Chicago Public Schools during his first term, the vast A victory by Daley, the son and majority impacting black and Latino brother of mayors, would have children. meant the return of one of the nation’s most famous political clans Link: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/ nation/2019/02/26/chicago-mayor-electionto the fifth floor of City Hall. His 2019-toni-preckwinkle-lori-lightfoot-billfather, Richard J. Daley, and his daley/2991807002/ 38

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Hollywood Madam: Rich men have dingy massage parlor sex for same reasons they eat burgers

pleasure but to temples. Prostitution was condoned by many religions. But as soon as religion became anti-sexuality and pro-chastity, prostitution became a sin rather than a service. The point is, there is a cultural disagreement on whether prostitution is sacred or sinful. The more we repress something as hy would a wealthy and a culture, the more it comes out powerful man like Robert sideways in individuals. Kraft allegedly pay for sex from women at a Florida strip-mall massage parlor? Don’t overthink it. They do it because it’s sex. They do it because it’s convenient. They do it because it’s fast. They do it because it’s hassleATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: CEO of the New England Patriots free. At least, until you’re caught. Robert Kraft attends the Super Bowl LIII Pregame at Mercedes-

Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by

Ever since New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was charged last week with two counts of solicitation of prostitution after the police obtained video evidence of him allegedly engaging in sex acts at a strip-mall massage parlor in Florida, people have been scratching their heads and wondering: Why would a man with wealth, power and prestige, who likely has women throwing themselves at him on a daily basis, go to a massage parlor? If he wanted sex, shouldn’t he have a madam — like me — or a number of beautiful women at his disposal? People are overthinking it. Kraft, 77, allegedly went to a massage parlor because it was uncomplicated. The only problems are: • • •

It happens to be illegal. The women there were reportedly victims of sex trafficking. The two points above are closely linked.

There’s a problem that has led to this problem. We are a society tied in knots around sexuality and sexual pleasure. We all love it, but we have such specific, archaic rules around where and when we are allowed to feel it. If we had the same rules around happiness, there would be a revolution. Prostitution is illegal — but at what cost? For much of human history, men went not to illicit massage parlors for sexual MARCH 2019

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that the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity is prohibited from conducting gatherings, programs or recruitment activities at the school during the investigation. The national director of the fraternity didn’t immediately return a telephone message left at the group’s headquarters in Philadelphia. The family of 23-year-old Marlon Jackson says the senior at Delaware State University is being kept alive by a breathing device after the violent collision. “He’s physically on a ventilator. He doesn’t have any response. They’re telling us he’s brain dead,” his stepmother Courtney Jackson said. Delaware State Police say Jackson was driving a Chevy Impala with three passengers when the vehicle crossed the median, spun into the northbound lanes and was hit by a pickup truck. His mother says he fell asleep at the wheel because the fraternity he’s pledging was keeping him up. She says she begged him to get some sleep just hours before the crash.

However, when it comes to sexual trafficking, we are all in agreement: It is morally reprehensible and a violation of basic human rights to force an unwilling person into sex. Given that there always has been and always will be a demand for sexual services, we need to decide: At what cost are we making transactional sex illegal? When you make something that is in demand illegal, you create an opportunity for people who live outside the code of law to make money out of it. Some choose to do this by subjugating others. Jackson, who previously served time in the Air Force, was pledging Link: https://www.usatoday.com/ story/opinion/voices/2019/02/27/ the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, robert-kraft-affidavit-details-threesomeaccording to his family. His family sandwich-indictment-police-reportsays he was being sent on trips, column/2982383002/ known as missions at all hours by fraternity members, and his girlfriend claims he was being hazed. “He would get hit with paddles, canes. They would give him body shots, make him eat raw onions. I had to scrub hot candle wax off his back,” said Jackson’s girlfriend Kyarie Burt. The car’s front passenger was also critically injured. The two rear passengers DOVER, Del. (FOX 29) were hospitalized in stable condition after the crash. No further details fficials at Delaware have been released at this time. State University are investigating alleged Link: http://www.fox29.com/news/localhazing after a crash that news/delaware-university-to-probe-allegedhazing-after-4-students-injured-in-violentseriously injured four students. crash University officials said Tuesday

Delaware State University to probe alleged hazing after 4 students injured in violent crash

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The KKK to "night ride again." USA TODAY

labama newspaper editor has made it mainstream after posting an editorial that calls for the KKK to “night ride again.” USA TODAY. The editor of a small-town Alabama newspaper published an editorial calling for "the Ku Klux Klan to night ride again" against "Democrats in the Republican Party and Democrats [who] are plotting to raise taxes in Alabama." Goodloe Sutton, who is the publisher of the DemocratReporter newspaper in Linden, Alabama, confirmed to the Montgomery Advertiser on Monday that he authored the Feb. 14 editorial calling for the return of a white supremacist hate group. "If we could get the Klan to go up there and clean out D.C., we'd all been better off," Sutton said. Asked to elaborate what he meant by "cleaning up D.C.," Sutton suggested lynching. "We'll get the hemp ropes out, loop them over a tall limb and hang all of them," Sutton said.

The editor and publisher of a small-town Alabama newspaper last week called for the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan to "clean up D.C." (Photo11: Yawn, Andrew)

Sutton said he didn't know any Klan remaining in the area, stating most died out after the 1960s. The editor said he welcomed people to call him, write him a letter or boycott him.

Democrat-Reporter Publisher Goodloe Sutton reviews an article about the paper moving to a new location. (Photo11: Alvin Benn/Special to the Advertiser)

When asked if he felt it was appropriate for the publisher of a newspaper to call for the lynching of Americans, Sutton doubled down on his position. "... It's not calling for the lynchings of Americans. These are socialist-communists we're talking about. Do you know what socialism and communism is?" Sutton said. In the newspaper editorial, Sutton wrote: Democrats in the Republican Party and Democrats are plotting to raise taxes in Alabama. They do not understand how to eliminate expenses when money is needed in other areas. This socialist-communist ideology sounds good to the ignorant, the uneducated, and the simple-minded people. When asked if he recognized the KKK as a racist and violent organization, Sutton disagreed, comparing the Klan to the NAACP. "A violent organization? Well, they didn't kill but a few people," Sutton said. "The Klan wasn't violent until they needed to be." MARCH 2019

In 2015, he ran a headline titled: “Selma black thugs murder Demopolite Saturday night.” At that time, the paper had about 3,000 subscribers. Linden is located about 100 miles due west of Montgomery near the Mississippi border. Chip Brownlee and Mikayla Burns, editor-in-chief and managing editor, respectively, at The Auburn Plainsman, first spotted Sutton's editorial and shared it online Monday. "As a newspaper editor myself it's disturbing to see this type of editorial printed," Brownlee said via email. "Granted, I'm the editor of a student newspaper, but all newspapers should be held to the highest ethical and moral standards. Editorials should be about new ideas, constructive criticism and opinion backed up by facts. To call for the return of domestic terrorism – no matter its form – is counterproductive and wrong. It's important to welcome and encourage differing opinions, but violence is never right." The Advertiser contacted the Alabama Press Association, the state trade association for newspapers in the state, to inquire whether or not Sutton and the DemocratReporter were members. "We do not agree with the opinion," said Felicia Mason, APA executive director. "However, APA is not a policing agency. We simply have no authority over what our member newspapers publish." Link: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/ nation/2019/02/18/alabama-newspaper-editor-kuklux-klan/2911624002/ 40

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Blackface, KKK hoods and mock lynchings: Review of 900 yearbooks finds blatant racism In one of the most extensive searches of college yearbooks ever, we found blackface and Ku Klux Klan photos like Ralph Northam’s far beyond Virginia. Brett Murphy, USA TODAY February 21, 2019

he old yearbook photos capture the lighthearted moments from college worth remembering – smiling faces, pep rallies and cans of cheap beer.

striking images – from the 1981 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign yearbook – a black man is smiling and holding a beer while posing with three people in full KKK regalia.

But tucked in and among those same pages are pictures of students dressed in Ku Klux Klan robes and blackface, nooses and mock lynchings, displays of racism not hidden but memorialized as jokes to laugh about later. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, a stunning number of colleges and university yearbooks published images of blatant racism on campus, the USA TODAY Network found in a review of 900 publications at 120 schools across the country. At Cornell University in New York, three fraternity members are listed in the 1980 yearbook as “Ku,” “Klux” and “Klan.” For their 1971 yearbook picture, a dozen University of Virginia fraternity members, some armed, wore dark cloaks and hoods while peering up at a lynched mannequin in blackface. In one of the most MARCH 2019

continued on next page 41

THE TORCH -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Reporters collected more than 200 examples of offensive or racist material at colleges in 25 states, from large public universities in the South, to Ivy League schools in the Northeast, liberal arts boutiques and Division I powerhouses.

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two people, at a fraternity’s Halloween party, in black makeup as actress Robin Givens and boxer Mike Tyson. Carroll, who was editor of the yearbook in 1989 when the photo ran, expressed regret after learning of the photo.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: How and why we reviewed 900 yearbooks The yearbook photos reflect campus communities that tolerated open displays of racism at the parties they attended, parades they marched in and posters they hung – despite the hard-learned lessons of the civil rights movement they grew up with. In almost every picture, people appear happy. Minority students from that era say the comfort with public behavior that would likely meet swift condemnation today further marginalized minorities on campus. And the choice to publish the images for posterity cut even deeper. Cassandra Thomas, a black student at the University of Texas in the late 1970s, remembers seeing the photograph of someone wearing a KKK costume draped in a Confederate flag in her yearbook. But she felt she had no recourse on a campus where an almost all-white student body and administration decided what was acceptable and what wasn’t. “It was about keeping your head down,” said Thomas, 60. “We were trying to get our degree and get out with the least amount of trouble.” The volume of shocking imagery found in the examination, which was not comprehensive, suggests that there are likely more yearbooks that recorded racism on campuses nationwide – and countless more acts never captured on camera or submitted for publication. The review also gives new perspective to an array of cases that have emerged since reports showed that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s 1984 medical school yearbook page features a person wearing blackface and another in a KKK hood. The image, uncovered in early February, has endangered Northam’s career and galvanized student newspapers and local outlets around the country to dig up other cases of politicians in racist situations. No politicians were identified by USA TODAY Network’s review, which focused on the same time period as Northam’s yearbook, in the era after sweeping civil rights reform. Few images had captions to provide names or context and people’s faces were often hidden behind hoods or blackface. In one yearbook, from Arizona State University, reporters discovered that USA TODAY Editor Nicole Carroll had designed a page that included a photo of MARCH 2019

Images pulled from multiple yearbooks reviewed by USA TODAY. EDITOR’S COLUMN: I became part of our story on racist images. I’m here to apologize for publishing that FROM ARIZONA: More on the yearbook “I was shocked when a colleague told me of my role in publishing a racist and hurtful photo in my college yearbook,” Carroll said in a statement. “I am truly sorry for the harm my ignorance caused then, and the hurt it will cause now, 30 years later.” Experts say that even if school officials don’t have direct oversight over the yearbooks, responsibility rests with the entire institution: A campus culture that fostered racist behavior; yearbook staffs that chose to memorialize it; and administrations that failed to condemn the images when they were published for the world to see. Andre M. Perry, a David M. Rubenstein Fellow in the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution, has studied his alma mater’s yearbooks at the University of Maryland. He said racism in higher education has a way of involving everyone on campus, so he wasn’t surprised to see it documented so regularly. continued on next page

THE TORCH -----------------------------------------------------------------------------“The way to fit in, sadly, is to make fun of black people,” Perry said. “It’s a unifying act. It’s sad but racism pulls people, particularly white people, together.” The yearbooks in the USA TODAY Network examination also show students saluting in Nazi uniforms on Halloween or wearing orange paint and a headdress to depict a stereotype of a Native American on game day. There are “slave sale” fundraisers that auctioned off young women, “plantation parties” and a “sharecroppers ball.” One picture shows a swastika banner hung up on what appears to be a dormitory wall. But the vast majority of the offensive material show racist imagery, such as students in blackface or KKK robes, sometimes just pages away or even alongside images of minority students and university leaders. BLACKFACE: What it means and why it won’t go away Read more: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam slammed for referring to ‘first indentured servants from Africa’ instead of slaves Since the Northam news broke, Steve LaCarter, 64, said he has been waiting for a phone call about the party he and his fraternity friends threw at the University of South Carolina in the 1976 school year. They put shoe polish on their faces, wore matching pink suits and lip synced soul music on stage. Someone took a picture, which he said he keeps in a

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bible at home along with other old photographs. “I don’t feel like I harmed anybody,” he said. “There were no black people in the room watching that.” But he didn’t know the yearbook had published it, which seemed to recalibrate his position. “I can see that, for black people, even in the ‘70s, seeing that in the University of South Carolina yearbook, that’s not right,” he said. “But I didn’t think about that. I didn’t think about it.” Similar scenes are splashed across the yearbooks: There are white people dressed up as Michael Jackson, Tina Turner and Aunt Jemima for skits. A “sleazy pimp” in blackface at a fraternity’s “Pimps and Whores” party. Some students painted their face like 19th-century minstrel shows. Others marched in parades wearing blackface. Groups of friends put on KKK robes for costume parties and Halloween. “If you dress like that for Halloween and you knock on the door of a black family, how would they perceive your costume?” said Mia Moody-Ramirez, a professor at Baylor University who researches depictions of race and gender in the media. “Would you still feel as comfortable if you’re in the company of AfricanAmericans and you’re wearing blackface?” As more offensive images surface from yearbooks, Americans are trying to weigh how to reckon past actions with today’s cultural norms, sharpened by more empowered minorities and social consciousness.

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Experts said this is an opportunity for colleges not only to address the past, but also to focus on the racial inequalities that are still present on campus, just better hidden and more readily cast as separate from the school.

done something wrong. “That’s the bigger problem,” said Shelton. “Ignorant arrogance, which is a very dangerous thing.”

“It’s easy to forbid things when you know they’re going on behind closed doors,” Perry said.

USA TODAY Network reached out to each university and fraternity named in this story where reporters found offensive pictures in yearbooks.

Hilary O. Shelton, director of the NAACP’s Washington Bureau, said there is likely a range of intentions behind all of the photographs. The students in blackface dressing up for Halloween as a favorite black celebrity may have been trying to be funny and were just insensitive or oblivious to the harm they caused. The ones in KKK robes, or those who used blackface in a mocking way, might have worse motivations. “They can argue they were ignorant to it, but it was still racist,” Shelton said. The more meaningful distinction is how those same people respond in retrospect – whether they accept responsibility and apologize or deny having

“How does that get into the yearbook?”

Nearly every president or spokesperson condemned the images as antithetical to school values and said they’ve taken steps over the years to become more

inclusive, distancing themselves from the past while also acknowledging history’s stain on the campus. “Many of these photos are extremely offensive and painful to view,” Jim Ryan, president of the University of Virginia, said in a statement. “But while the photos themselves are shocking, their existence is not.”

Images pulled from multiple yearbooks reviewed by USA TODAY. But experts say schools have a long way to go to solve disparities still entrenched in higher education today. “The patterns of behavior in place in 1975 are not perhaps that different,” said psychologist Beverly Daniel Tatum, a former Spelman College president who graduated from Wesleyan University that year and has since written several books about racism in education. Some universities, including American, Elon and Wake Forest, released findings from their own internal reviews to identify offensive images in past yearbooks. On the New York school’s 150th anniversary in 1979, the Rochester Institute of Technology yearbook published a photo of nine students in KKK robes, one holding a noose. The photo is grainy, which makes it difficult to know for certain, but posing with them is either a white student in blackface or a black student. The school blocked access to its digital archive on the web after receiving inquiries from a reporter.

“We find the photos highly offensive and not reflective of today’s RIT,” spokeswoman Ellen Rosen explained in an email, “so we did not want them easily shared.” Tom Grotta, who now owns and curates a contemporary art gallery with his wife, was the editor of the RIT yearbook in 1979. He said the school was a progressive campus with little racial tension and that he did not remember including the photograph. After viewing the photo, which shares a page with photos from a Halloween party, Grotta suspected that the students had just acted in a play because of the canvas wall behind them. Like the vast majority of the images reviewed by USA TODAY, it has no caption and very little context outside of other photos around it. “I don’t regret the picture,” Grotta said. “I regret not having a caption.” continued on next page

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THE TORCH -----------------------------------------------------------------------------At Cornell, the Sigma Nu fraternity submitted KKK and Nazi references instead of the members’ names for captions in their 1980 yearbook photo. Three former fraternity members at the time, including two who are Jewish, said they hadn’t seen the yearbook page until a USA TODAY reporter emailed it to them. Both said they never felt hostility from peers at the fraternity – even if some were less welcoming than others – but were stunned to learn what had been published.

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Babat, a freshman at the time and now an attorney in New York. “How does that get into the yearbook without somebody flagging it? I don’t understand. This was in the Cornell yearbook?” Sigma Nu spokesman Drew Logsdon denounced the “deeply offensive images” in a statement. After publication, Martha Pollack, the president of Cornell University, denounced the captions. A spokesman for the university had initially declined to comment.

“I lived in the house with all these guys,” said Eric

A Tradition of Racism Though many colleges began prohibiting Confederate flag displays on campus decades ago, Confederate imagery remains a part of the fabric at some schools in the South. For generations, the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity at schools across the South, including the University of South Carolina and Auburn University, maintained traditions of the “Old South” with parades and parties in Confederate clothing and flags, some the size of a basketball court, all recorded in dozens of yearbooks. The fraternity has since banned the display of the flags, and in 2010 prohibited members from wearing Confederate uniforms at events. Kappa Alpha Order spokesman Jesse S. Lyons said in a statement that the racist acts documented at fraternity parties “are not appropriate at any time, do not reflect who we are, and would not be tolerated.” Read More: In blackface controversy, Virginia remains haunted by its Confederate past

roommate freshman year moved out immediately after discovering she had been paired with a black student. She said she could go a whole day without seeing another person of color. “We weren’t trying to change the world then the way we would do it today,” Thomas said. While southern schools may be the crucible for racist customs, the photos captured by the USA TODAY review show they extend to other parts of the country as well. In schools across the Midwest and North, campuses often touted as bastions of liberalism and tolerance, yearbooks chronicle some of the same displays. Until 1969, the University of Vermont celebrated a “Kake Walk” festival that featured white students who dressed in blackface as an homage to minstrel shows. But references to it, including blackface, emerged in the yearbooks in the following decades. Minstrel shows had helped perpetuate negative stereotypes about black people – who weren’t allowed

At the University of Texas, prejudice at the school was so acute and institutionalized that some professors lectured about black inferiority in the classrooms, former student Cassandra Thomas recalled.

to play themselves – before the growing black political and social power of the civil rights movement squashed it from popular culture in the 1960s.

Thomas shared another moment that stung: Her white

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THE TORCH -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Experts say those same sort of displays can show the extreme power structures on campuses today, where the pressure to conform and protect yourself often outweighs your sense of injustice. “People ask, ‘Why are the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria?’” said Beverly Daniel Tatum, the psychologist and author. “It’s because they are protecting themselves from this kind of toxic environment.” Reporters found five examples of black students appearing in or alongside KKK robes, including the 1981 Illinois photograph from a Halloween party. “As a black or brown student, you have to navigate those social relationships: Try to fit in or get punished by that same social structure?” said Andre M. Perry at the Brookings Institution. “Many students just grin and bear it. They know deep down this is wrong; they’re making fun of people like me.” Jeffrey Barkstall, 57, was one of few black students who attended Illinois at the time the yearbook published the picture of a black man, who is not identified, posing with three individuals hidden by KKK outfits. “I’m sure at the time they probably thought that was funny,” said Barkstall, now a realtor in Illinois. He paused for a moment to consider his time at college almost 40 years ago and whether he might have known who was behind the Klan hoods.

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“Who knows?” he said. “There may be senators under those masks.” With contributions from: Elisha Anderson, David Andreatta, Rachel Axon, Clairissa Baker, Dave Bangert, Megan Banta, John Barry, Natasha Blakely, Bonnie Bolden, Giacomo Bologna, Anthony Borrelli, Katie Sullivan Borrelli, Matt Brannon, Mary Chao, Trish Choate, Ellen Ciurczak, Mark Curnutte, Nicole Higgins DeSmet, Michael Diamond, Will DiGravio, Byron Dobson, Bob Dohr, Alana Edgin, Allison Ehrlich, Rilyn Eischens, Kirsten Fiscus, Maggie Gilroy, Jason Gonzales, Emily Havens, Holly Hays, Samantha Hernandez, Brinley Hineman, Brandon Holveck, Tyler Horka, Stephanie Ingersoll, Kyle Jones, Sara Karnes, Monica Kast, Corinne Kennedy, Cameron Knight, Rachel Leingang, Dann Miller, Trevor Mitchell, Justin Murphy, Amanda Oglesby, Tovah Olson, Darrin Peschka, Dan Radel, Gege Reed, Mike Reicher, Gus GarciaRoberts, Peggy Santoro, Jeff Schwaner, Caryn Shaffer, Devi Shastri, Svetlana Shkolnikova, Georgie Silvarole, Mollie Simon, Seth Slabaugh, Nichelle Smith, Zachary Smith, Matt Steecker, Joe Szydlowski, Sarah Taddeo, Jason Truitt, Natasha Vaughn, Rose Velazquez, Katie Wadington, Tom Whitehurst Jr. and Candy Woodall Link: https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/ investigations/2019/02/20/blackface-racist-photosyearbooks-colleges-kkk-lynching-mockery-fraternitiesblack-70-s-80-s/2858921002/

WHAT YEAR ARE WE LIVING IN?

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The Corps is investigating alleged blackface video involving Marines from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing By: Shawn Snow Screenshot of alleged blackface video. (screenshot of video posted to Twitter)

In 2017, Military Times ran a poll that found nearly a quarter of service members witnessed issues involving white nationalism within the ranks. The armed forces, and especially the Marine Corps as of late, have been vaulted into the public spotlight following reports of some service members participating in white supremacist activities — most notably, illegal actions coinciding with the deadly 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Several Marines connected to actions taken during that event have since been separated from the Corps. One of those Marines, Lance Cpl. Vasillios G. Pistolis, was alleged to have connections to a neo-Nazi group known as Atomwaffen Division, per reporting by ProPublica. It’s a serious issue that has lawmakers scrambling for information from military leaders to ensure service branches are adequately tracking and keeping extremists and those associated with hate groups out of the armed forces. In February alone, there have been at least three incidents involving service members and allegations of racism, bigotry and ties to white nationalism, or an affinity for Nazi propaganda. All three cases involve a Marine or a former Marine.

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The latest incident now involves two Marines with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based out of Miramar, California, appearing in a short undated video that seems to show the two Marines in blackface.

charcoal and were used for cleaning pores.

The video, originally posted to Snapchat, has since gone viral on Twitter. In the video, one Marine can be heard saying blackface, and

“We had no intention to offend,” he told KPBS.

He told KPBS he didn’t mean to post the images and that it was a “bad mistake.”

Over the weekend, another alleged incident involving racism and a Marine blew up on Twitter. The Twitter handle @Jacobite_ Edward, allegedly run by Lance Cpl. Mason Mead, included scores of Nazi propaganda and even a picture of U.S. military explosives in the shape of a swastika.

another uses what sounds like a slur against African Americans. The 3rd Marine Aircraft, or 3rd MAW, told Marine Corps Times in an emailed statement that an investigation has been launched to “determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the content.” “3rd MAW takes all allegations of discriminatory behavior very seriously as they stand in stark contrast of our core values of honor, courage and commitment and do not reflect the discipline and professionalism of the Marines and Sailors of 3rd MAW,” 3rd MAW said.

Mead is assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Naval Criminal Investigative Service is currently investigating that incident. “Our leaders are committed to maintaining an environment of professionalism, dignity, and respect,” a 3rd MAW spokesperson said. Link: https://www. marinecorpstimes.com/news/ your-marine-corps/2019/02/27/ the-corps-is-investigating-allegedblackface-video-involving-marinesfrom-3rd-marine-aircraft-wing/

One of the Marines in the video told KPBS that the masks were made of 47

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Chicago’s top cop, visibly angry, says Jussie Smollett faked attack because he was ‘dissatisfied with his salary’

Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson speaks at Chicago police headquarters after "Empire" television actor Jussie Smollett turned himself in on Feb. 21, 2019. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Tribune staff | Chicago Tribune | February 21, 2019, 2:00 PM

ctor Jussie Smollett faked a threatening letter and then, a week later, staged a racist, anti-gay attack in downtown Chicago because he was “dissatisfied with his salary” on the “Empire” television show, Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Thursday morning. Smollett paid two brothers he knew $3,500 to fake the attack in the 300 block of East North Water Street around 2 a.m. Jan. 29, Johnson said, striking him a few times and putting a noose around his neck in front of a camera they erroneously thought caught the act. The superintendent called the scheme “shameful” and wondered how an African-American could set up a racist attack for a “publicity stunt.” “First, Smollett attempted to gain attention by sending a false letter that relied on racial, homophobic and political language,” Johnson said. “When that didn’t work, Smollett paid $3,500 to stage this attack and drag Chicago’s reputation through the mud in the process. This stunt was orchestrated by Smollett because he was dissatisfied with his salary. So he concocted a story about being attacked.” When investigators figured out the real motive behind the attack, “quite frankly, it pissed everybody off,” Johnson said. “It’s just despicable,” he said. “It makes you wonder what’s going on in someone’s mind to be able to do MARCH 2019

something like that.… I’m left hanging my head and asking why? Why would anyone, especially an AfricanAmerican man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations? How could someone look at the hatred and suffering associated with that symbol and see an opportunity to manipulate that symbol to further his own public profile?” Johnson began his news conference by looking out at the crowded room of reporters at police headquarters and noting, “I just wish that the families of gun violence in this city got this much attention.” Smollett surrendered to Chicago police around 5 a.m. Thursday on a felony charge of disorderly conduct alleging he made a false police report. Smollett, 36, turned himself in at the Central District police station at 1718 S. State St., flanked by four or five people, according to police spokesman Thomas Ahern, who was present during the surrender. “He was very quiet and didn’t say anything,” Ahern said. “He went with detectives and they booked him.” John Fitzgerald Lyke Jr. set bail at $100,000 when Smollett appeared in court Thursday afternoon. If convicted, he faces up to three years in prison and could be ordered to pay for the cost of the investigation, which involved more than 20 detectives over three weeks. continued on next page

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What led to the arrest Area Central Cmdr. Edward Wodnicki, who led the investigation, said police and private surveillance cameras were critical to tracing the movements of the brothers and giving detectives a break in the case. He said the brothers’ use of a taxi and a ride-share service were also tracked by detectives. Wodnicki said about 50 subpoenas and search warrants were issued, and social media and video were reviewed. Detectives learned the brothers had left for Nigeria after the reported attack and that they were coming back Feb. 13. They were then arrested and the probe began to “spin” in a new direction, he said. The two testified before a Cook County grand jury Wednesday, hours before charges against Smollett were announced. “I’m told they did an excellent job,” Wodnicki said. The brothers’ attorney, Gloria Schmidt, declined to give much detail about the evidence presented to grand jurors. She did say her clients got money from Smollett and that she believes they were in contact with the actor at least once since the attack was reported. The Tribune is not identifying the brothers because they have not been charged with a crime.

Schmidt urged Smollett to come clean. “I think that Jussie’s conscience is probably not letting him sleep right now, so I think that he should unload that conscience and just come out and tell the American people what actually happened,” the attorney said. Smollett’s attorneys released a statement saying that “like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked. Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense.” Smollett is represented by local attorneys Todd Pugh and Victor Henderson as well as high-profile Los Angelesbased lawyer Mark Geragos, who has represented celebrities including pop star Michael Jackson, R&B singer Chris Brown and actress Winona Ryder.

Early doubts Smollett, who is African-American and openly gay, has said he was walking from a Subway sandwich shop to his apartment in the 300 block of East North Water Street around 2 a.m. Jan. 29 when two men walked up, yelled racial and homophobic slurs, hit him and wrapped a noose around his neck. Smollett said they also yelled, “This is MAGA country!” referring to President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan. Chicago police initially launched a hate crime investigation, but as it progressed, some police sources privately expressed doubts after finding little, if any, corroborating evidence or video of a crime. Police did release an image of two men seen in the area of MARCH 2019

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Smollett’s building around the same time, but it was blurry and dark. Smollett said his music manager was on the phone with him at the time and would support his story, but the actor refused to turn over his full phone records, instead handing police redacted records. Police say the case began to close in on Smollett last week when detectives took the two brothers, 25 and 27, into custody after they were captured by surveillance cameras in the area around the time of the incident. The brothers were arrested at O’Hare International Airport, and police raided their North Side town home. Last Friday, police called them “potential suspects” but then released them 12 hours later. The shift in the investigation’s focus came amid often bitter public debate and stinging skepticism on social media — doubts that Smollett addressed in a national TV interview and in a strongly worded statement after the brothers were released. Days after Smollett reported the attack, President Trump told reporters at the White House that he had seen a story about it and “it doesn’t get worse, as far as I’m concerned.” But the day after Smollett was charged with making it up, Trump complained the actor had used his MAGA slogan to cast his attackers as racist. “What about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!?” he tweeted. Meanwhile, there is also a federal investigation into the letter that is still pending, though Johnson indicated the letter was fake too. A week before the alleged attack, Smollett told police he received the threatening letter at work. Witnesses told police a postal worker dropped off the letter at the Chicago studio where “Empire” is filmed. It was postmarked in southwest suburban Bedford Park on Jan. 18 and bore two American flag stamps. The letters “MAGA” were written in the upper-left corner of the envelope. At the end of his news conference, Johnson was asked what justice would mean in this case. “Absolute justice would be an apology to the city he smeared,” the superintendent said. “Now, our city has problems. We know that. But to put the national spotlight on Chicago for something that is both egregious and untrue is simply shameful.” Johnson told reporters Smollett’s actions were Johnson told reporters Smollett’s actions were particularly harmful to legitimate hate crime victims in the city. “The Chicago Police Department will continue to investigate all reports of these type of incidents with the same amount of vigor as we did with this one,” the superintendent said. “My concern is that hate crimes will now be publicly met with a level of skepticism that previously didn’t happen.” 49

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Marijuana legalization 2019: Black, Latino dealers now getting help

ourth-generation Oakland native Tucky Blunt grew up around weed. His grandmother used it. So did his parents and his friends.

Blunt (yes, that's his real last name) started selling to friends in the neighborhood when he was 16. He was usually careful, buying in bulk from a trusted supplier and selling to customers who'd call him to meet up. After nearly a decade of illegal sales, it was $80 worth of pot that got him in trouble. He was found with a handful of baggies stashed in his pants when police officers came for him, tipped off by someone Blunt thought was a friend. "We were out there trying to make money to help support our families at a time when people didn't have a lot money. We didn't think we were hurting anyone," said Blunt, now 39. "I liked weed. I knew people who liked weed. Why not facilitate them getting good weed? That's how I looked at it."

possible. It tore up a lot of families.” The war on drugs has for decades disproportionately devastated minority communities by punishing people like Blunt and creating a cycle of poverty, incarceration and limited employment options, legal and social justice experts say. Now, lawmakers and legalization advocates across the country are demanding not just cannabis legalization but remedies to address decades of demonstrably racist policing, from laws that automatically expunge criminal records for marijuana dealing and possession to policies that would give minority communities assistance in building cannabis businesses. The same year as Blunt’s arrest, Oakland’s voters ordered police officers to make marijuana enforcement their lowest priority, below even jaywalking. But a decade later, the problem was laid bare: Officers were still arresting black men for marijuana crimes at rates staggeringly higher than for whites.

His arrest in 2004 and his conviction left Blunt with a 10-year felony probation, allowing police to stop and search him anytime, for any reason. Meanwhile, all around Oakland, young black men like him were getting arrested while most of the white guys who were selling weed were left alone.

Detail of marijuana flower at the marijuana dispensary, Blunts and Moore. (Photo11: Martin E. Klimek, USA TODAY)

Tucky Blunt was arrested for illegally selling weed in 2003. Fifteen years later, he owns his own marijuana business. USA TODAY

Alphonso “Tucky” Blunt, 39, is photographed at his marijuana dispensary, Blunts and Moore in Oakland, California. (Photo11: Martin E. Klimek, USA TODAY) “It affected everybody in my circle because it was only targeted to us. I knew white people that was selling weed that never went to jail,” Blunt said. “The war on drugs was just about putting as many of us in jail in MARCH 2019

According to the city’s own statistics, 77 percent of the marijuana arrests in Oakland in 2015 were of AfricanAmericans. Whites represented just 4 percent of those arrests, even though the city’s population is about 30 percent white and 30 percent black. Similar data have been reported throughout the U.S. While marijuana legalization has reduced the overall number of marijuana arrests, people of color are still being targeted by police. Even in states with largely white populations, black people using or selling marijuana still face high arrest rates. continued on next page 50

THE TORCH -----------------------------------------------------------------------------In Colorado, which in 2012 became the first state to legalize marijuana, the total number of marijuana arrests decreased by 52 percent between 2012 and 2017, from 12,709 to 6,153, according to state statistics. But at the same time, the marijuana arrest rate for African-Americans – 233 per 100,000 – was nearly double that of whites in 2017, and that’s in a state that’s 84 percent white.

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convictions against people arrested with small amounts of pot. In New Jersey and New York, lawmakers are looking to legalize pot and expunge marijuana records once they do.

In Alaska, of the 17 marijuana arrests in 2016, 29 percent were of African-Americans, even though they represent just 4 percent of the state’s population, making Alaska’s marijuana arrest rate for AfricanAmericans nearly 10 times higher than that of whites. The state made recreational marijuana legal in 2014. And in Washington, D.C., where marijuana is legal, a black person is 11 times more likely than a white person to be arrested for public consumption of marijuana, according to Metropolitan Police Department statistics. Health statistics show that whites and AfricanAmericans use marijuana at roughly equivalent rates, which means the disparity in arrests is driven not by use but by police. Years of ‘discriminatory enforcement’ California has taken the lead in trying to amend years of racist drug policies. In 2016, the state approved legal recreational marijuana in a ballot measure that also allowed people with pot arrests to get their records expunged. So few people took advantage of the opportunity, however, that state lawmakers passed a new law last fall ordering prosecutors to automatically review and potentially reduce or dismiss sentences and records for low-level marijuana offenses. It’s the first statewide law of its kind. Though such efforts have the potential to make a difference, advocates say, it would have been better to include, from the very start, automatic expungement and other provisions to aid minority communities. “Once the train has left the station, it’s hard to attach new boxcars,” said Christine De La Rosa, who owns marijuana businesses in California and Oregon and is lobbying to pass legal recreational pot in New York state. “People are starting to understand and to put the pieces together: This child’s father has been in jail for 16 years on a minor possession charge, and then right across the street at the marijuana convention you have a bunch of white guys in ties getting rich.” Similar debates over social justice reform and marijuana laws are unfolding in cities and states with legal marijuana and those without it. In Seattle, prosecutors have sought to abolish hundreds of MARCH 2019

Interior of Blunts and Moore, a marijuana dispensary in Oakland (Photo11: Martin E. Klimek, USA TODAY)

In Baltimore, State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby argues that police and prosecutor resources are better spent focusing on the city’s extraordinarily high murder rate than on marijuana cases. Last month, Mosby announced that her office would no longer prosecute any marijuana possession cases, regardless of amount or prior criminal record, unless there was demonstrated intent to distribute. And she announced her office would vacate about 5,000 marijuana-related convictions dating back to 2011. Maryland decriminalized possession in 2014, but police still can and do issue citations. In a white paper released by her office, Mosby said that of the 431 marijuana citations issued by Baltimore police in 2017, 95 percent of them went to African-Americans, even though the city is roughly 60 percent black and 30 percent white. And of those citations, more than 40 percent were issued in one majority-black neighborhood. Drug laws have been “disproportionately enforced in communities of color, and that’s creating an erosion of public trust,” Mosby told USA TODAY. “We’re moving toward legalization, and it makes absolutely no sense as the top prosecutor to be complicit in that discriminatory enforcement.” As a prosecutor, Mosby said, she’s all too aware of how a criminal record can hurt someone for decades, continued on next page 51

THE TORCH -----------------------------------------------------------------------------even generations. In Baltimore, even though simple marijuana possession is a civil infraction, someone caught with a little bit of cannabis but without an ID can be arrested and booked, which turns the civil case into a criminal one. “When you think about those collateral consequences, it’s got impacts on housing, employment, adoption, mobility, property rights,” Mosby said. “It’s a greater realization that these failed policies did not work and we need to take a different approach.”

Who gets to sell legal marijuana Kevin Sabet, CEO of the anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, said states should decriminalize marijuana and provide drug treatment rather than punishing users. That could help lots of Americans targeted by the war on drugs. But he doubts it will help people who have been shut out of the legal weed industry because of their records. His group argues that the licensing systems created to sell marijuana are primarily benefiting companies racing to become the next Big Tobacco. “The pot industry is largely rich, white, male, and despite lip service by some legalization advocates, this won’t change anytime soon,” he said. “The pot industry requires major institutional capital, and unless a state is handing out seven-figure checks to certain populations, license preference programs won’t make a dent.”

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A first-of-its kind survey by Marijuana Business Daily in 2017 found that whites made up 81 percent of people who had either started a marijuana company or had an ownership stake. New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat, cited those statistics at a hearing this month, suggesting that most marijuana legalization systems were actually compounding the racial wealth gap. “It all comes down to money in the bank, time and community support,” said Adam Powers, who with his twin brother, Andrew, has worked in dispensaries and as cannabis consultants in Washington state. The Powers brothers, who are African-American, say they frequently deal with marijuana store owners looking to launch stores the pair compare to a Starbucks experience: non-threatening, consistent and accessible. And bland. “From a logical standpoint, I can agree with it,” Powers said. “You make the industry super-hard to get into, that only people who are squeaky clean can get into it, because you know all eyes are on you. However, that is the approach always, always, that you take to whitewash things and make it clean. That’s literally what you say before you fire the black people and the minorities.” Powers, 31, said social justice was a clear motivating factor for many voters who supported legalization in Washington; they just didn’t realize that legalizing pot sales wouldn’t immediately right decades of wrongs.

To understand how this situation occurred, you first have to understand not just the laws governing marijuana legalization, but the regulations implementing the stores and licenses.

“My life as a minority is a little bit easier knowing, hoping, that’s one less reason for someone to bug me over something I use medically or recreationally, like alcohol,” he said.

In general, the first states that legalized recreational marijuana made it hard for anyone with a criminal record to enter the marijuana business and gave preference to people already operating medical marijuana businesses, which were in many cases subject to even tougher licensing laws because those stores came first, when regulators were at their wariest.

Fears of being targeted by police – especially federal law enforcement – kept many African-Americans without arrest records from immediately joining the semi-legal cannabis industry in its early days. For them, waiting to see how things shook out just made sense.

And because small-business loans are usually reserved for people without drug convictions, an arrest for simple possession also shut many would-be entrepreneurs out of now-legal cannabis business opportunities. The end result? Tech workers, real estate investors and guys who owned construction companies have been the market leaders for years now, joined increasingly by white politicians like former House Speaker John Boehner, who backed the war on drugs and then, after leaving office, joined the board of a cannabis company in April 2018. MARCH 2019

Actor and pot entrepreneur Whoopi Goldberg took a different approach. A longtime advocate for both racial equality and marijuana legalization, Goldberg, 63, co-founded a medical marijuana company in 2016, counting on her celebrity and age to insulate her from the unfair policing faced by young black men, she said. “When you look at who is in jail for marijuana, it kind of explains it all,” she said. “Black folks with marijuana went to jail a lot more than white folks with marijuana. I think it’s always been guy-oriented, and in particular white guys, because they could get away with it.” continued on next page 52

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Helping drug dealers go legal For many marijuana legalization activists, it’s now up to local governments to diversify the legal pot industry by clearing conviction records and handing out subsidies. If white men have unfairly benefited from marijuana legalization, then it’s only fair that minority communities be given extra help now because they suffered more, the thinking goes. “We actually do have to overcorrect,” said Kassandra Frederique, 32, the New York state director of the Drug Policy Alliance, which is lobbying to legalize marijuana in the Empire State. “People from our communities, black and brown communities, were the one first ones to be criminalized. Why shouldn’t we be the first ones to benefit?” In California, several cities have created cannabis equity programs to help former drug dealers go legal. The programs include business development, loan assistance and mentor relationships. In September 2018, former Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation to partially fund such programs. The bill stated it would help ensure “that persons most harmed by cannabis criminalization and poverty be offered assistance to enter the multibillion-dollar industry as entrepreneurs or as employees with high-quality, well-paying jobs.” In Massachusetts, regulators have also launched an equity program after acknowledging that while the state’s population is 22 percent Latino or AfricanAmerican, that same demographic makes up 75 percent of people imprisoned under mandatory

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minimums for drug crimes. The Bay State’s equity program is specifically reserved for residents with a drug conviction or those who are married to someone with a drug conviction. Years after he was arrested, Blunt is now the first Oakland resident to benefit from the city’s special license preference program. Under the equity program, longtime Oakland residents who were hurt by the war on drugs are getting priority, preference and special assistance to open up marijuana stores so they can sell cannabis legally. Blunt, who got his criminal record cleared once he finished his sentence, actually had to get it temporarily reopened so equity program managers could verify his arrest. Blunt tried to break into the industry on his own a few years back but couldn’t crack into California’s majoritywhite cannabis club scene. The equity program helped him launch his marijuana store, Blunts+Moore, in November. He sees the national push for more equity programs as a key component to easing the damage caused by the war on drugs. “We’re not just budtenders, not just security guards anymore. We’re owners now,” he said. “To be able to sell this legally in my city, literally 10 blocks from where I caught my case, I’m fine – I wasn’t going to let anything stop me. I’m the new kid on the block, and I’m here to change the game.” Link: https://www.usatoday.com/story/ news/2019/02/21/marijuana-legalization-2019-blacklatino-dealers-now-getting-help/2838959002/

The Negro Motorist Green-Book continued on next page MARCH 2019

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Maryland Lawmaker Apologizes For Calling Majority-Black County A ‘N****r District’ Del. Mary Ann Lisanti (D-Harford), who is white, reportedly said “everyone has used” the slur. By Hayley Miller

Maryland lawmaker apologized Tuesday for using a racial slur to describe a majority-black county in suburban Washington. Del. Mary Ann Lisanti (D-Harford), who is white, allegedly told a white colleague late last month at an Annapolis cigar bar that campaigning in Prince George’s County on behalf of another candidate amounted to doorknocking in a “nigger district,” reported The Washington Post. Prince George’s County, with a population that is 65 percent black, is one of the most affluent majority-black counties in the U.S., according to the Census Bureau. Harford is 80 percent white. Lisanti apologized for her “word choice several weeks ago.” “I am sickened that a word that is not in my vocabulary came out of my mouth,” she said in a statement. “It does not represent my belief system, my life’s work or what is my heart.” Lisanti also apologized to the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland on Monday. She said she did not recall using the slur and offered an “inadequate” apology, the caucus said in a statement on Tuesday. “It is clear Delegate Lisanti is unsuited to continue in a position of leadership in the Maryland General Assembly,” the black caucus statement said. “The use of a derogatory term MARCH 2019

exhibits that she does not hold the requisite contrition to be entrusted in a leadership role moving forward.” Lisanti announced Tuesday that she had also apologized to the entire House Democratic Caucus and had agreed to stepped down as chair of the unemployment insurance subcommittee on the House Economic Matters Committee after meeting with House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel). Busch said in a statement Monday that Lisanti must “face the consequences of her behavior.” He did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for further comment. The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland also called on Lisanti to undergo racial sensitivity training, which she said she would attend. “I understand that the use of inappropriate and insensitive language is not acceptable under any circumstance,” she wrote in her statement. “I am sorry for the hurt I have caused and will do everything I can to help heal that pain and regain the trust of my colleagues and constituents. I pray for forgiveness.” The Post questioned Lisanti earlier this month about whether she used the slur, but she claimed she couldn’t “recall much of that evening.” Asked if she believes she’s ever used the word, Lisanti said she was “sure” she had.

“I’m sure everyone has used it,” she told the Post. “I’ve used the f-word. I used the Lord’s name in vain.” Del. Darryl Barnes (D-Prince George’s), who chairs the Black Caucus, applauded Busch for taking swift action against Lisanti. He condemned her use of the racist slur and her comments to the Post that she was “sure” she had used the term in the past, but Barnes stopped short of calling for her resignation. “Racism is just as prevalent today as it was in 1950 -- it’s just a sugarcoated form,” Barnes told HuffPost. “This is not a one-time incident. This is a behavioral pattern -- those are her words,” he said. “She has to take a real close look in the mirror and do a judgment call ... and decide whether she should stay in the General Assembly or if should she move on.” Link: https://www.huffpost.com/ entry/mary-ann-lisanti-racial-slur-ap ology_n_5c757bd4e4b03a10c232 b9c5

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The vision of The Crone Esquivel Group, LLC is to connect, care, and be compassionate to all seeking wellness.

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MARCH 2019

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MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Message from the Editor Greetings Brothers, I hope this message finds each of you in good health, safe and filled with that ALPHA SPIRIT!

BRO. KENNETH A. WILLIAMS EDITOR OF THE TORCH torch@mulambda.org

In the true spirit of BROTHERHOOD, I wanted to reflect on what binds us. We do the work of Alpha and sometimes forget that regardless of our disagreements or debates on issues, we are BROTHERS STANDING TOGETHER FOR ALPHA. It is and should be THE REASON ABOVE ALL REASONS, ALPHA! It never was, nor will it be perfect but nevertheless we are those among many, chosen to fulfill the vision of our Jewels and the needs of the community we serve. It takes special men to set aside their time, talents and our own resources to move this house beyond it’s own understanding and elevate it to it’s highest potential. Among the Jewels, names where called to Alpha and among the Brothers, in this house we call Mu Lambda, your name was called. YOU WERE CHOSEN OVER MANY OTHER NAMES . Have you continued the fight? Have you elevated the house? Have you stayed the course? When the dust settles, will you be there, financial, still committed, tired but still unwavering, side by side with your BROTHERS, on your left or right? I will be there with you and I hope to see you on either side of me.

QUOTE FOR THIS ISSUE!

TO BE AN ALPHAMAN

The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he, who in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who would attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee. - Ezekiel 25:17

By Brother Fred H. Woodruff To be an Alphaman means more than just to wear a pin, It requires intrinsic qualities that are developed deep within, It calls for lasting brotherhood, a word sometimes used in vain, It means an honest devotion, not anticipation of personal gain. Fraternity speaks of brotherly love, that’s something to achieve, It’s more than just a grip of hands, it’s an ideal to conceive. You’re proud to be an Alpha, and share her praises won, Before you inflate yourself with pride, ask yourself, honestly, how much have I done? To realize the wealth of personal satisfaction, from knowing you’ve given your all, To have helped her cause unfalteringly, when you rally to her call. To combine all these qualities, and root them deep within, The product would be an Alphaman, deserving of his pin. So take an honest inventory of your character within, And for every virtue you find missing, try and weave it in. For a man without these virtues isn’t worth a grain of sand. It’s plain to see, it’s more than just a pin, that makes an Alphaman.

Love your Brother the way God loves us all! ALL SUBMISSIONS TO THE TORCH SHOULD BE SENT TO THE TORCH EDITOR 5 DAYS AFTER YOUR EVENT HAS OCCURRED. ARTICLES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BETWEEN THE 15TH AND 31ST OF THE MONTH PRIOR TO THE ISSUING MONTH. ARTICLES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN A WORD DOCUMENT. PLEASE DO NOT PASTED INTO AN EMAIL. SCANNED PDF’S IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE FORMAT. HOWEVER, AN ORIGINAL PDF IS ACCEPTABLE. ALL ARTICLES SUBMITTED MAY AND CAN BE EDITED BY THE EDITOR. PLEASE SEND YOUR ARTICLES TO TORCH@MULAMBDA.ORG MARCH 2019

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MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Support Your Foundation. The mission of the Mu Lambda Foundation, Incorporated, a non-profit 501c(3) organization, is service to mankind, the promotion of scholarship, and the enhancement of knowledge and achievement of males of all ages. Leading this mission is Mu Lambda Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision to create an environment and opportunities for males to reach their full potential while discharging their responsiblities to their families, friends, and the global/civic society. This is done while upholding the highest moral, legal, and ethical standards of manhood.

Foundation Board LeRoy Lowery, III President

Hon. Horace G. Dawson, Jr., Ph.D.

Juan H. Powell Vice President

A. Gilbert Douglass, Esq.

Chatman Young Treasurer

William A. Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D.

Ryle Bell, D.D.S.

Kenneth F. Holbert, Esq.

Malcolm Carter Albert Cheek, D.D.S. O. Jackson Cole, Ph.D.

Rev. Lloyd T. McGriff, D.Min. John A. Wilson

www.mulambdafoundation.org 2405 First Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 MARCH 2019

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Upcoming Events Friday, March 1-2nd Tuesday, March 5th Thursday, March 7th Friday, March 8-10th Saturday, March 9th Saturday, March 16 Tuesday, March 19th Wednesday, March 20th Thursday, March 21st Saturday, March 23rd Tuesday, March 26th Saturday, March 30th

Tuesday, April 2nd Thursday, April 4th Saturday, April 13th Tuesday, April 16th Wednesday, April 17th Thursday, April 18th Saturday, April 20th Tuesday, April 23rd Thursday, April 25-28th Tuesday, April 30th Thursday, May 2nd Saturday, May 4th Saturday, May 11th Tuesday, May 14th Wednesday, May 15th Thursday, May 16th Saturday, May 18th Tuesday, May 28th Thursday, June 6th Saturday, June 8th Saturday, June 15 Wednesday, June 19th Tuesday, June 25th

2nd week of IMDP Area VI Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Self-defense Workshop with Beta Chapter Chapter meeting Last week of IMDP Area VI Alpha Wives meeting Dinner at House of Ruth Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Callis Academy at Ballou High School Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Beta Brother 2 Brother Conference Men Who Cook DC PanHellenic Council meeting MAAC District Conference Spring Staff meeting Cherry Blossom Ride

Wednesday, July 17th Thursday, July 18th

Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Chapter meeting Alpha Wives card party DC Emancipation Day Parade Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Callis Academy at Ballou High School Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Alpha Move at Carter Barron Park DC PanHellenic Council meeting Eastern Region Convention Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Chapter meeting March for Babies Alpha Wives meeting MAAC 5K Run/walk Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Callis Academy at Ballou High School Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Alpha Active Joint Health and Wellness Event DC PanHellenic Council meeting Chapter meeting Alpha Wives meeting Juneteenth Celebration Executive Board meeting DC PanHellenic Council meeting

Thursday, October 3rd Saturday, October 5th Saturday, October 12th Wednesday, October 16th Thursday, October 17th

Wednesday, July 24-28th Thursday, August 15th Wednesday, August 21st Thursday, September 5th Wednesday, September 11th Saturday, September 14th Wednesday, September 18th Thursday, September 19th Tuesday, September 24th Saturday, September 28th Tuesday, October 1st

Tuesday, October 22nd Thursday, November 7th Saturday, November 9th Monday, November 11th Wednesday, November 20th Thursday, November 21st Tuesday, November 26th Thursday, November 28th Wednesday, December 4th Thursday, December 5th Saturday, December 7th Saturday, December 14th Wednesday, December 18th Thursday, December 19th Friday, December 20th Tuesday, December 24th Wednesday, December 25th

Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting General Convention Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Executive Board meeting Chapter meeting Congressional Black Caucus Social at “The Park” Alpha Wives meeting Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting DC PanHellenic Council meeting Clean the Block Mu Lambda turns 96 Mu Lambda Brotherhood Smoke Chapter meeting Charter Day Brunch Alpha Wives meeting Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting DC PanHellenic Council meeting Chapter meeting Alpha Wives meeting Veterans Day Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting DC PanHellenic Council meeting Happy Thanksgiving Alpha Phi Alpha turns 113 Chapter meeting MAAC Breakfast Wreath Laying Ceremony for Brother Nathaniel A. Murray Wreath Laying Ceremony for Brother Robert H. Ogle Mu Lambda’s 96th Anniversary Founders Day banquet Alpha Wives meeting Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Deliver holiday baskets to families DC PanHellenic Council meeting Merry Christmas