The Vice-Presidents’ Message

The Vice President’s Message

May we all stand and continue to give ourselves and the brothers active in leadership within the. chapter a well deserved round of applause. The course of this year was nothing short of a challenge but we all stepped up to the plate to hold our magnificent chapter together. As we embark on continuity with an upcoming election, I want to publicly thank brothers for serving in their respective duties of service to the chapter. Without them, Mu Lambda would be in a different place, so because of them - I give praise.

Brother Kenneth Williams, continues to diligently serve as our Editor of the Torch, Documenting In color, the monthly occurrences of the chapter listing birthdays, Alpha-versaries, Businesses within the chapter, history. A true gem, I want to continue to thank my brother for the work he selflessly does every month to showcase the value of our chapter. This is met as a tool to support our Historian, Brother Silas Woods - a young Howard Alumnus and Beta Chapter initiate - who continues to work under the watchful eye of our Archivist, Bro James Harmon, also a former chapter Historian and Archivist, his prophyte in Beta and an active Beta Advisor. Our Correspondence and Communications, documenting from Chapter Meeting minutes to messages via email, phone call or text have grown into a more efficient process and for it I continue to thank brothers such as Bros. Armstrong, Bro. Jefferson for ensuring brothers receive information in a timely fashion

Brother Sean Perkins, his dedication to the education activity within the chapter in underserved communities, stepping up with My line brother, Karl Bruce - who has taken the bull by the horns and worked hand in hand to give a purpose to the investments we make in the field. Our internal investment is only matched with the powerhouse of a reclamation effort made by brother Kobina Yankah, as we have surpassed our goals of active and reclaimed brothers over the past 7 years to achieve one of the most well outfitted chapters in the DC area. I cannot be happier with both of their efforts.

All of the respective Chairs - From Health and Wellness to 100th Anniversary! From the initiatives built to service our community through election and pandemic. Brothers Reeves and Butts have been amazing assets to this chapter. Their tireless work changes the minds of most every month as they single handedly carry information about men’s health to all who attend. Brother Miller has stepped up to continue our chapters History lesson every week with brothers signing in from across the world and region.

Our Financial Team has maintained a solid grip on the inner workings of accountability for the chapter. Brothers Young, Oakes and King have worked to give our chapter more accurate account on the monies passing through the coffers, and with the sale of the property adjacent, will allow for the chapter to create new strategies for our finances in the upcoming years hopefully to allow us to bolster our scholarships, education efforts and other noteworthy moves in the DC area. The board took care of a huge financial elephant in the middle of this pandemic, and the sigh of relief can still be heard echoing down bryant st.

I continue to beg for grace as brother Hawkins prayer echos through the speakers monthly for our chapter, covering us as we conduct the business of ALPHA. We cannot forget this blessing as we squabble monthly with our favorites like bro. Albert Williams or brother Lucas but we are thankful for the service and candor we share in each exchange. As I mention brother Lucas, I must extend his praise as he brought in 8 great brothers to the fold - Please continue to reach out to each of them to learn how we can get them acclimated to the inner workings of the chapter.

I would lastly like to thank Bro. John “Tony” Wilson, for his continued guidance and strong leadership through this time. We have had multiple meetings, zoom calls, telephone chats, and I can say his calm demeanour and strong voice brings a character to our chapter’s presidency that allowed us to achieve more than expected. We know we have some ways to go though as the journey is everlasting.

In true Alpha Spirit, as a chapter we have allowed ourselves the grace to heal from the blows of this pandemic, gained the power to build our community and brotherhood, maintained the ability to hold our families together through tough times. I know I must have missed a few names of important brothers who have stepped up over the last year, like brother DeBose, Bro Mc Neal, etc. But each brother knows that their stories are all to be told in the work they selflessly do for this chapter. I honestly love and respect each and every one of you brothers.

I am proud to serve as the Vice President with these men and all the members of this chapter. I want to encourage new members to serve, learn, become a part of the inner workings of Mu Lambda to allow yourself the opportunity to create the changes you believe in. We are stronger and better together brothers. Thank you all for being a part of this College of Friendship, University of Brotherly Love, and school for the better making of MEN..... We are Mu Lambda.

Fraternally,

Brother Mikael LaRoche, Vice-President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter