MAY 2022
THE TORCH FIRST OF ALL, SERVANTS OF ALL, WE SHALL TRANSCEND ALL
THE OFFICIAL NEWS SOURCE OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC, MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
MU LAMBDA DID IT AGAIN!
MU LAMBDA CHAPTER | 2405 ALPHA PHI ALPHA WAY, WASHINGTON, DC 20001 | MULAMBDA.ORG
Picture by Names 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Rudolph Harris Curtis Hunigan Fred Valentine Horace Dawson, Jr. Paul Cotton A. Gilbert Douglas Ryland Harris Mark Jones Andre Lucas Kenneth Hobart Derrick Butts John Mark-Williams
13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.
Jeremy Triplett Mikael LaRoche Joseph Housey, III Jason Clark Mark Ross Louis Ford James Heck Eddie Neal Gerard Williams Garrett Miller Adrian James O. Jackson Cole, Jr.
25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36.
Albert Williams Lucius Brown Marcel Desroches Kellen Moore Jamison Taylor, Jr. Mathew Aaron, Jr. Sean Perkins James Harmon Larry Ware Frank King Antonio King Rudolph McGann, Jr.
37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48.
Alvin Reaves, III Ryle Bell Drew Love Colin Campbell Bryant Young Arthur King Charvis Campbell LeRoy Lowery, III Joseph Paul Timothy Fitzgerald Jason Jefferson Samuel Armstrong
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TWO JEWELS & TWENTY MEN OF ALPHA OUR CHAPTER
Mu Lambda is Alpha's eleventh alumni chapter, chartered October 1, 1923, in Washington D.C. The chapter was established, in part, in response to the desire of graduate brothers, many whom were initiated into Beta Chapter at Howard University, to give aid to the undergraduate brothers and continue the work of Alpha. Chartered by 22 distingushed men of Alpha which included Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray and Jewel Robert Harold Ogle.
CHAPTER LEGACY
There has been six members who served as the General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and two whom served as the Eastern Region Vice President. Mu Lambda is equally proud of our current brothers making their mark in the Washington D.C. community and beyond. Our chapter has many entrepreneurs, activists, political leaders, philanthropists, academicians, ministers and so much more. Our diverse brotherhood age range is between the ages of 25 and 98. We all work together to maximize the brotherhood of Alpha by following the Objective, Mission and AIMS of our Fraternity.
FIRST OFFICERS
The officers elected at the first meeting were Brother Harold Stratton-President, Brother John Lowery-Vice President, Brother Victor Daly-Secretary, Brother Daniel W. Edmonds-Treasurer, and Brother Nathaniel Allison Murray (Jewel)Chaplain. Mu Lambda was thus established and was on its way into history!
www.mulambda.org
In this Issue Cover 1 Front Cover Picture by Names 2 In this Issue 3 Executive Board, Committee Chairs, Charter Members, Past Presidents 4 The Presidents’ Message 5 The Vice-Presidents’ Message 6 Brotherhood Garage Sale Auction 7 Alpha Phi Alpha Way Naming Ceremony 8 Birthdays and Alphaversaries 9 Brothers celebrating Brother Arlester Brown’s for his 98th Birthday! 11 Mu Lambda Brothers at the ER90 Convention 12 Mu Lambda Brothers at the ER90 Lunch 13 Mu Lambda Brothers at the ER90 Dinner 14 Alpha East Leadership Development Institute (LDI) 15 Mu Lambda Vice-President Election Campaigns 17 ALPHA MEN, MEN OF DISTINCTION OR EXTINCTION? 19 Brother Malcolm Carter to discuss the challenges of being an Entrepreneur 21 Brother Vincent Orange Event Highlights 22 Message from the Health and Wellness Committee 29 AlphaMove Highlights 35 Message from the Community Service Chair, Service Day Project Highlights 42 March for Babies 43 Annual Brother Fred Valentine Brotherhood Softball Classic 44 Brother Vincent Orange 2022 45 Congraulations Beta Chapter Bethers 47 Mu Lambda Vice-President Election Campaigns 48 For nation’s first Black fraternity, a new home for its founding chapter 51 Emmett Till’s Family Calls on Authorities 53 Message from the Brother’s Keeper Committee, Message from the Technology Committee 54 We Mentor, We Advocate, We Serve, We Lead 55 Mu Lambda Foundation Meeting 56 Alpha Wives of DC 57 House of Ruth DC 58 The Jewel Lounge 59 Literary Society 60 Food of the month 61 Dessert of the month 62 Drink of the Month 63 Alpha Elite App Now Available 64 Calendar of Events 65 Advertise with us 66 Domino’s 67 AKSTAR Apparel 68 Everything Co-op Radio Show 69 East State Street Band 70 Exit Realty: Brother Albert A. Williams 71 Prostate Cancer a Family Affair 72 The New Mu Lambda Chapter App is Here 73 Chapter App by Publicall Telecommunications 74 Message from the Editor 75 Esprit de Fraternite MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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Executive Board
Committee Chairs
Charter Members
Past Presidents
President John “Tony” Wilson
Auditing A.J. Jones
Vice President Mikael LaRoche
Brother’s Keeper Carlos DeBose
Recording Secretary Jason Jefferson
Budget and Finance Vernon Oakes
Arthur Curtis* Merrill H. Curtis* Victor R. Daly* Eugene L. C. Davidson* Arnold Donawa* Walter Garvin* William L. Hansberry* Charles H. Houston* Edward Howard* Joseph R. Jones* R. Frank Jones* J Edward Lowery* Clarence H. Mills* Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray* Norman L. McGhee* FN4 Jewel Robert Harold Ogle* Louis H. Russell* James N. Saunders* Emory B. Smith* Harold C. Stratton* J.H.N. Waring* Charles H. Wesley* FN3
1. Harold Stratton* 1923-1924 2. Howard H. Long* FN2 3. Charles H. Wesley* 1926-1928 4. Frank Adams* 5. R. Frank Jones* 6. James B. Browning* 7. Jewel Henry Arthur Callis* FN1 8. U. Simpson Tate* 9. Claude Ferebee* 10. George O. Butler* 11. C.C. House* 1938-1940 12. Verdie L. Robinson* 13. Walter M. Booker* FN5 14. Jack Bond* 15. Millard R. Dean* 16. Frank Davis* 17. Clifton Hardy* 18. Herman Johnson* 19. Howard Jenkins* 20. C.C. House* 1952-1954 21. William F. Nelson* 22. Aubrey E. Robinson* 23. Joseph Waddy* 24. Edward J. Austin* 25. Elgy Johnson* 1964-1965 26. George H. Windsor* 1965-1967 27. James T. Speight* 1967-1969 28. Harold Sims* 1969-1970 29. Eddie L. Madison* 1970-1972 30. Wilbur Sewell* 1972-1974 31. Charles Walker Thomas* 1974-1976 32. Theodore Taylor* 1976-1978 33. Elmer Moore* 1978-1981 34. William E. Calbert* 1981-1983 35. Osmond Brown* 1983-1986 36. Vernon Gill 1986-1988 37. LeRoy Lowery, III 1988-1990 38. Morris Hawkins* 1990-1992 39. C.C. Jones 1992-1995 40. Vincent Orange 1995-1997 41. Melvin White 1997-1999 42. LeRoy Lowery, III FN6 1999-2001 43. James Haynes 2001-2002 44. Rudolph Harris* 2002-2004 45. Edwin Norwood 2004-2006 46. James McDonald 2006-2008 47. Timothy Fitzgerald 2008-2010 48. Kwame Ulmer 2010-2011 49. LeRoy Lowery, III 2011-2013 50. Eddie Neal 2013-2015 51. LeRoy Lowery, III 2015-2017 52. Joel Grey 2017-2018 53. Eddie Neal 2018-2020 54. John “Tony” Wilson 2020-
Corresponding Secretary Samuel Armstrong Financial Secretary Vernon Oakes Treasurer Michael Young
Communication and Technology Albert Williams Constitution Gilbert Douglas
Chaplain William “Tony” Hawkins
DC National Pan Hellenic Council Vacant
Historian Silas J Woods
Fundraising
Archivist James Harmon
Villareal Johnson Golf Tournament Vacant
Intake Coordinator Andre Lucas Assoc. Editor/Sphinx Kenneth A. Williams Dir. Ed. Activities Sean Perkins Sergeant-at-Arms Tony King Parliamentarian George McNeal Director of Technology Albert Williams
Health & Wellness Derrick Butts Membership Kobina Yanka Men Who Cook Garrett Miller Mu Lambda Chapter History Book Silas Woods III Nominating Jason Jefferson
CHARTERED ON MONDAY OCTOBER 1, 1923 WASHINGTON, D.C. FN1 6th General President 1915-1916 FN2 General Secretary 1915-1916 7th General President 1916-1917
Editor of the Torch Kenneth A. Williams
Programs Karl Bruce
FN3 14th General President 1931-1940
Member at Large Kelvin MCclinton
Public Policy A.J. Jones Social Joseph Gibbs
FN4 General Secretary 1920-1926
Community Service Samuel Armstrong
FN5 8th Eastern Regional Vice-President 1950-1953
Risk Management Officer Mikael E. LaRoche General Council Justin Handford Immediate Past President Eddie Neal
Marketing/Promotion Committee Vacant Social Media Committee Vacant
FN6 23rd Eastern Regional Vice-President 2000-2001 Executive Director MLK Memorial
* Omega Chapter Brothers Footnote (FN)
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The President’s Message Greetings Brothers,
As we head toward the end of the official fraternal year I am very proud and happy to observe that things are going very well for 111th House of Alpha. Although I was not able to participate in person for our first Hybrid meeting it was good see the participation and enthusiasm of the Brothers who were able to attend and the continued active participation of the Brothers who attended virtually. Although not over we have weathered the pandemic and have come out of it stronger, wiser and energized. Overall I think the morale of the Chapter is in a good place and it radiates outward. We have seen the Chapter membership grow adding good new Brothers as well as rekindling the love for Alpha reclaiming more Brothers than we did last year. It is good to see Brothers seeking us out to want to be reclaimed and meaning it. There is positive interest and buzz about Mu Lambda and this is due to the work of Alpha and relationship building that you Brothers have executed. So Brothers keep up the good work, stay engaged, think of ways your talents can be shared with your Brothers and the wider communities we serve where that synergy of collective talents are maximized to do the work of Alpha. Fraternally, Brother John “Tony” Wilson, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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The Vice President’s Message
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BROTHERHOOD
Garage Sale Auction
Mu Lambda invites all of its chapter brothers to the FIRST ANNUAL BROTHERHOOD GARAGE SALE AUCTION. Brothers who are active or inactive with ALPHA items they no longer desire, can’t fit and in good condition can bring these ALPHA items to the Mu Lambda Chapter meeting, and we will auction them off to the highest bidder as long as it is in good condition. All proceeds will go to the MU LAMBDA FOUNDATION. All ALPHA items donated must be yours to be given as a charitable donation to this auction held at every Chapter meeting. There are no exceptions to the rules.
All proceeds go to Mu Lambda Foundation MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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MU LAMBDA CHAPTER’S 2405 ALPHA PHI ALPHA WAY Street Naming Ceremony May 14, 2022 @ 2pm
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Lavert Seabron Aaron Cheese Arthur King Lucius Brown Eathen Gums Eric Johnson Byron Williams Brent Radcliff
May 2nd May 4th May 5th May 5th May 10th May 24th May 30th May 30th
Vincent Orange Talmadge Rober Marcel Desroches Jamison Taylor Albert Williams George D. McNeal
May 6th May 10th May 22nd May 22nd May 22nd May 22nd
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Brothers celebrating Brother Arlester Brown's for his 98th Birthday!
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MU LAMBDA BROTHERS AT THE EASTERN REGIONAL CONVENTION
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MU LAMBDA BROTHERS AT THE EASTERN REGIONAL LUNCH
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MU LAMBDA BROTHERS AT THE EASTERN REGIONAL DINNER
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Alpha East Leadership Development Institute (LDI) Eastern Region Convention (ERC) was held during the 90th Eastern Region Convention 11 local high school students participated in the program. Alpha East LDI ERC was led by Brother WIlliam Mills (CHair),, Brother Steven SKinner (Eastern Region LDI and Alpha East LDI North Chair) , and Samuel Armstrong (Alpha East LDI South Chair). Brother Reginald Salter served as the guest speaker doing the closing program. The young men participated in several workshops that prepared them for higher education and life. They also attended the College Brothers Luncheon/ Oratorical Contest and Black and Gold Gala.. Alpha East LDI South will take 23- 26 June at Temple University.
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ALPHA MEN, MEN OF DISTINCTION OR EXTINCTION?
According to the desires of our Founders, Alpha Phi Alpha man are supposed to be men of “distinction.” What does the word mean? It means that we are supposed to be men who “set ourselves apart” by virtue of our academic excellence, our social graces, our interaction with others, our dress and comportment and all other elements of our lives. We are called to be “distinguished,” not run of the mill but outstanding such that we are recognized as a cut above the average. Unfortunately, of late, my observation has been that we are everything but that. Our code of conduct has deteriorated, our dress, our aspirations and achievement of academic excellence, our relationships with women and our all-round general way of doing things. This is not to say that there are not some who still subscribe to and maintain these lofty aims, but in general, there seems to be diminution of standards in all of these areas. Our Founders mandated that “our greatest interest lies outside of ourselves.” This mandate expects that we as brothers of this great fraternity seek to step out through the doors of the House of Alpha, engage the greater society and uplift them in any way that we can, especially our people! Today some in our brotherhood question why we want to get involved in so many societal issues and champion then as a necessary part of our raison d’etre. They obviously do not understand nor appreciate why we were founded. That is exactly what our Founders required of us.
Our dress and comportment is another cause for concern. Years ago, Alpha dress was defined as a “conservative black suit, white shirt, gold or black and gold tie, knee high black socks and shined black shoes.” Our order of protocol today says, “dark suit, long sleeved dress shirt, gold our black and gold tie, knee high black socks and black shoes.” I am not exactly sure when that change occurred, but one can understand the problems created by calling for a “dark suit.” Is a dark brown suit acceptable? Can it be dark green, dark blue, dark gray, dark purple, indigo, violet anything else but black? Is it ok if I wear a pink dress shirt, a red and white dress shirt, a chartreuse bowtie? Can I wear an Ascot of myriad colors? To add insult to injury some of our leaders refuse to wear black suits at official meetings but wear tan, light gray and other pastel shades with pink bowties and the like! When questioned, some respond that they do not look good in black! Since they knew what Alpha colors were before joining, perhaps they should have chosen Kappa or Omega or Sigma or Iota fraternities with which to affiliate. These same people will criticize some of our young brothers for wearing baggy pants, lanyards hanging from their pockets, bedroom slippers and hair styles reminiscent of tornado ravaged fields! I do not espouse that we look like carbon copies, but I maintain that all that we continued on the next page MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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Many of our brothers have a difficult time deciding how to eat at formal dinners. They don’t know which side their bread is located and what cutlery to use. Instead of seeing how much “wood they can take for the brotherhood,” why are we not teaching them these things which will prepare them for social advancement? It seems to me that instead of preparing our brothers to influence and uplift the greater community, we allow the reverse to occur. The term “bros” is now routine as is the use of “you guys” at formal gatherings. On the other extreme we have Rev. Dr. Brothers in a house where we espouse loss of self! We are now using signs akin to gang signs. The problem is not only the sign, as an older brother commented, but “one day someone will use that sign in the wrong place and get shot.” In addition, there are several different interpretations of the hand sign, so no one really knows what is being depicted! Little by little we are being infiltrated by street symbols and vernacular and in turn we are becoming more and more undistinguished!
I fear that the day when an uninitiated individual can look at a man and say, “Are you an Alpha man?” and when questioned as to why the question is asked, receives the response “because you look like an Alpha man,” are gone, and that is a shame. Perhaps it heralds our extinction as men of distinction! By Brother Ryle Bell wear should be neat, clean, well-coiffed no matter the style, and present to the general public an outstanding looking individual clad in black and gold. Our relationships with ladies have similarly deteriorated. When walking with a lady on the sidewalk, the gentleman usually positions himself closest to the street to try to protect the lady. If your lady cannot appreciate this perhaps you have chosen the wrong lady! If she objects to your opening the door for her, maybe she is the wrong lady? If you humiliate or denigrate her in public maybe you are a not a true man of Alpha because we do not treat our ladies like trash! MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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The TORCH sat down with Brother Malcolm Carter to discuss the challenges of being an Entrepreneur
day and before I go home I’m looking at how we are doing in sales and how we are handling the business. I’m making sure all the monies are getting to the bank, I’m checking out our staffing situation, and I’m communicating with my supervisor on who needs help and are we meeting our daily goals. If it’s a bad day, then how can we do better and learn from our mistakes. What have been your most significant failures, and what did you learn from them? Probably the most significant learning opportunity was developing an understanding of economics, outside of my pizza world. When people lose their job, when the economy falls into a recession and how that affects people’s disposable income. You have to be better prepared financially for a downturn in the economy. Also crucial is having enough funds set aside for the bad times. Paying taxes on time so the penalties and interest doesn’t set you back is also important to stay on top of. The three people you don’t won’t to mess with are the I.R.S. What have you wish you could have done differently?
What do you find most challenging about being an entrepreneur? The most challenging thing about being an entrepreneur is finding qualified people to work with you and for you. I must find employees who have the same passion for the job as I do. They may come from different backgrounds but have the same drive and desire to accomplish the goals I set for them and the company. What are some of your daily habits? I’m a numbers person, so before I start my
I expanded too quickly. I started out with three stores in 2001 then four years later I purchased three more stores. That was fine because I had a 2nd in command that was on the same page I was on. The six stores I had weren’t that difficult to manage. I had good managers and an efficient crew in each location. When I purchased two more challenging stores in 2018 I was “feeling myself”; it was difficult to overcome some of the obstacles we had. The stores’ sales went through the roof, faster than we ever expected. However, more sales came at a price with the other six stores. Although I don’t regret purchasing the last two stores, I probably should have stayed at a more manageable six. continued on the next page MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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What makes an entrepreneur successful? Success can be measured in many ways. I believe I’m succeeding because I enjoy what I do; I’m my own boss. Every day I enjoy going to work and not just because of what I have in the bank but how many lives I’ve tried to impact. My family plays a big part of that; each one of my kids work or have worked for me and they continue to help me. My Customer Service Representatives, Drivers, Food Preparation Staff, Managers, Assistant Managers, and Supervisors all helped me get to this level. I couldn’t do it without them. What do you look for when building a team? I keep my eye out for hard-working, diversethinking, intense, honest people. This environment can change over time. You must understand what’s available out there, as in potential employees. Not everyone is going to have your desire, which is okay. They must understand your goals and how you can accomplish them as a team. “To be a good leader, you must learn to follow.” What advice would you give to someone just starting a business? A significant piece of advice would be to save your money. You need to get as much experience as possible in the business you want to start. Other great ways to get started are to ask questions, have a mentor, and lastly, be patient and pace yourself. Most people see the finished product, but they don’t have an understanding of how you get there. Most important of all is to develop a plan and periodically check it, change it, and make improvements. What do you consider non-negotiable in your business? I absolutely do not tolerate laziness in my stores.
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Brother Vincent Orange Event Highlights
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Message from the Health and Wellness Committee
Know Your Genetic Health History Program Overview and Information Link
One of our areas of focus at Black Health Matters is education about the importance of knowing one’s family health history. Knowing one’s health history is critical because armed with that knowledge, you can proactively take actions to better your own health. Unfortunately, awareness of family health histories in the African American community lags behind that of other groups, and there is much work to be done to improve this. It’s estimated that there are more than 7,000 rare diseases, so why focus on hATTR amyloidosis? Approximately four percent of African Americans carry a specific TTR gene mutation called Val122Ile,1 that puts them at increased risk for developing the disease. Since there are more than 40 million African Americans in this country, the number of people who may have the Val122Ile gene mutation is significant. Our partner, Alnylam, shares our belief in the importance of education to improve health disparities. We’re excited to be expanding our partnership together to educate at-risk communities about hereditary ATTR (hATTR) amyloidosis – a rare, inherited, progressively debilitating, and often fatal disease that disproportionally impacts African Americans. Our primary means of education will be through a series of virtual (ZOOM type) events hosted across the United States. Our objective with this program and through your all’s partnership is to increase patient awareness of genetic testing and hATTR Amyloidosis, improve strategies for the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and management of high-risk patients, and finally to emphasize the importance of genetic health testing and counseling at no cost to qualified participants. For more information about the disease and genetic testing please click the link below: https://www.alnylam.com/patients/amyloidosis/
Contact Info: Octobria Saddler 602-931-9279 octobria@blackhealthmatters.com MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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You are invited to join the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter, Black Health Matters, and Alnylam for an educational presentation on a rare disease called hATTR amyloidosis. REGISTER NOW!
https://bit.ly/BHMvirtualprogram525
Speakers: • • • •
Obinna Mmagu, Cardiologist Nia, Black Health Matters Representative Giselle, Living with hATTR amyloidosis Kathy, Alnylam Patient Education Liaison
Where: •
Virtual Program Link: https://bit.ly/BHMvirtualprogram525
• • When: • • Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 from 7:00pm-8:30pm EST • • ]
Approximately 1 in 25 (4%) of African Americans have a certain genetic variant associated with hATTR amyloidosis
REGISTER NOW! https://bit.ly/BHMvirtualprogram525
© 2021 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. NP-USA-00222-V2
FOR MORE INFORMATION Email: info@blackhealthmatters.com
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! !
hATTR Amyloidosis: Know Your Genetic Health History
! ! ! !!
Virtual Program
!
You are invited to join the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter, Black Health Matters, and Alnylam for an educational presentation on a rare disease called hATTR amyloidosis.
! ! ! !
REGISTER NOW!
!
https://bit.ly/BHMvirtualprogram525
!
SPEAKERS:
! ! !
WHEN
Wednesday, May 25th, ! 2022 ! 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST ! ! !
• • • •
Obinna Mmagu, Cardiologist Nia, Black Health Matters Representative Giselle, Living with hATTR amyloidosis Kathy, Alnylam Patient Education Liaison
WHERE: • Virtual Program Link: https://bit.ly/BHMvirtualprogram525 Approximately 1 in 25 (4%) of African Americans have a certain genetic variant associated with hATTR amyloidosis
© 2021 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. NP-USA-00221-V2
FOR MORE INFORMATION Email: info@blackhealthmatters.com
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Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee (MLHWC) YOUNG BRINGS INCREASED FOCUS ON BLACK MENTAL HEALTH TO ECC
As we continue to celebrate an amazing Black History Month, it is important to amplify the importance of Black mental wellness through education and knowledge. This task is not just my responsibility as a Black mental health professional, but all who truly believe in equitable mental health services. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black Americans are 20 percent more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population. Though Black Americans experience serious mental health problems at a higher rate, they are the most underrepresented in the utilization of mental health services. The discussion around Black mental wellness is often guided by how racial trauma, both historically and present-day, negatively impacts the mental health of Black Americans. These both play a significant role in how mental health services are viewed within Black communities. Though these traumas have and will continue to impact help-seeking behaviors of Black individuals, this is not the only barrier that needs to be overcome to efficiently dismantle the engrained racism within our mental health system and the educational programs that produce mental health providers. Validating and unpacking the Black American experience will always be necessary, but my passion was found after understanding the importance of Black representation of mental health providers within the field and the importance of culturally competent providers. For more information on Black Mental Health, please visit - https://elgin.edu/news-
events/featured-stories/2022/young-brings-increased-focus-on-black-mental-health-to-ecc.php
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Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee (MLHWC) Food Allergy and Asthma: the Burden on the Black Community
Updated January 2022 – Discussions about systemic racial bias have gained prominence in the past few years, and health care important is an important aspect of these conversations. For instance, several studies have raised the striking disparities for the Black community in the field of allergic disease. These inequities must be addressed, and made a priority. Studies and statistics over the past decade show that African Americans, and especially children, are significantly more likely than white Americans to have food allergies or asthma – or both. Food allergies can trigger anaphylaxis, and those with asthma can suffer severe attacks. These are serious diseases that require constant management and healthcare guidance – supports that, research shows, are not equally available to the Black community. Study findings reveal that Black Americans are less likely to have access to an allergist, less likely to use corticosteroid asthma medications or to have an epinephrine auto-injector in case of anaphylaxis. Strikingly, Black children are six times more likely to die of an asthma attack than white children.
For more information on Allergies affecting Black Families – please click the link below. https://www.allergicliving.com/2020/06/15/food-allergy-and-asthma-the-burden-on-the-blackcommunity/
MLHWC – May 2022
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Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee (MLHWC) Evidence-Based Disparities in Stroke Care Metrics and Outcomes in the United States: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Stroke disproportionately affects racial minorities, and the level to which stroke treatment practices differ across races is understudied. Here, we performed a systematic review of disparities in stroke treatment between racial minorities and White patients. A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed to identify studies published from January 1, 2010, to April 5, 2021 that investigated disparities in access to stroke treatment between racial minorities and White patients. A total of 30 studies were included in the systematic review. White patients were estimated to use emergency medical services at a greater rate (59.8%) than African American (55.6%), Asian (54.7%), and Hispanic patients (53.2%). A greater proportion of White patients (37.4%) were estimated to arrive within 3 hours from onset of stroke symptoms than African American (26.0%) and Hispanic (28.9%) patients. A greater proportion of White patients (2.8%) were estimated to receive tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) as compared with African American (2.3%), Hispanic (2.6%), and Asian (2.3%) patients. Rates of utilization of mechanical thrombectomy were also lower in minorities than in the White population. As shown in this review, racial disparities exist at key points along the continuum of stroke care from onset of stroke symptoms to treatment. Beyond patient level factors, these disparities may be attributed to other provider and system level factors within the health care ecosystem. For more information on Strokes in Black American – please click the link below. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.121.036263 For Brothers looking to participate in the Mu Lambda’s Health and Wellness Committee (MLHWC) activities, please contact Bro. Barrington Ross barringtonross26@gmail.com – who will become the committee chair. Thank you for your participation and support of the MLHWC! Bro. Derrick Butts and Bro. Barrington Ross
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The AlphaMove is BACK! We had 84 people registered and over 50 people come out for the event on Saturday, April 23, 2022. AlphaMove2022 is a community event for family and friends to come out for a healthy - 5K Walk, 5K Run, or 10mi/20mi bike ride with others. We began from the Rock Creek Park - Carter Baron Parking lot about 8:15am. This FREE event was OPEN to the DC community. The purpose of this event is to get the community, families, and friends out and moving again after being inside during the COVID-19 pandemic for two years. This event was not a race, but a group health and wellness movement where participants may choose which event they would like to participate in with others who share the same interest - biking, running, or walking. The AlphaMove2022 was led by Mu Lambda Health and Wellness co-chairs – Bro. Barrington Ross and Bro. Derrick A. Butts. Thank you Brothers for your support!
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Message from the Community Service Committee
SERVICE DAY HIGHLIGHTS
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Brothers, March for Babies walk will be on Saturday, May 7, 2022, 9am at Washington National Park. Please support our national programs by walking, raising funds for or contributing funds to the March of Dimes for the annual March for Babies campaign, you can click this link: https:// marchforbabies.org//team/alphaphialphamulambda . Once on the page click “Join this Team” on the right side (to help fundraise and register to walk) or “Donate to Team” on the left side (to contribute to the effort). Once you have set up your page, send it to your network to support you. Fraternally, Brother Samuel I. Armstrong, Community Service Committee Chair
March for Dimes March for Babies Walk Saturday, May 7, 2022 Washington National Ballpark. Walk starts at 930 am Come join the Brothers of the DMV area.
Sign up to walk and/or register to help Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter meet it’s fundraising goal https://www.marchforbabies.org//team/alphaphialphamulambda Click on Join This Team or Donate to Team
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ANNUAL BROTHER FRED VALENTINE
BROTHERHOOD CLASSIC
ALPHA BLACK -VS- ALPHA GOLD SATURDAY, SEPT. 24, 2022
1pm - 5pm | TBD in WASHINGTON, DC Bring your own food and drinks MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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Today, I am in my prime, and the best is yet to come. Join me in providing and giving more for our families, family values and generations to come. Together, we shall address crime, pedestrian safety, education, housing, jobs, homelessness, mental health, economic development, green space, contract and business opportunities. I look forward to winning the Tuesday, June 21, 2022 Democratic Primary for Ward 5 Council Member and continuing to work with the Ward 5 community, and provide you leadership, maturity and results! With your support and vote, we shall continue to achieve the impossible for our beloved Ward 5. In Gods holy name, I pray, Vincent Bernard Orange Sr.
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On Behalf of Bro. James Harmon, Alpha Advisor to Beta, Bro. Mario Beatty, On Campus Advisor to Beta Bro. Dezmond Evans, Assistant Alpha Advisor to Beta, We wanted to take this time to Congratulate the Undergrad Brothers of Beta chapter on another successful year and send out an end of the year update to everyone. Despite only having 6 active brothers in the chapter 20212022, the standard of excellence was still just as high as ever. On the Awards level, in our district the MAAC: • • •
Highest College Chapter GPA, Highest GPA Brother Bro. Nasir Bakare College Brother of the Year Bro. Nasir Bakare College Chapter of the Year
• • BETA BROTHERS GRADUATING
Bro. Cameron Hodges (1-B-20) (BFA, Theater Arts - Cum Laude) will be entering the field of Teaching in the DC area as he prepares to pursue a career in acting full time. Bro. Jon Logan (3-B-20) (BA, TV and Film) will be joining the Moorland-Spingarn Research center at Howard University as they digitize and upgrade their archives. Bro. Nasir Bakare (5-B-20) (BA, History - Summa Cum Laude) after being recently inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, he will be moving to the Chicago Area to start work at McMaster-Carr. •
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Bro. Omar Mbodj (7-B-20)(BS, Sports Medicine) will be entering graduate school at American University pursing his Masters in Healthcare Management. He also has accepted a full-time offer of employment from Global Life Insurance. Bro. Tim McDonald (8-B-20) (BS, Chemical
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Engineering - Magna Cum Laude) will be the DC area preparing for Law School while being employed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office Bro. Jacob Brooks (9-B-22) (BS, Biology Summa Cum Laude) will be preparing to attend Medical School. He’s also currently a Fulbright Scholar Finalist, so depending on the outcome of that he could be in Australia as a Fellowship Researcher or in Connecticut at Yale University as a Fellowship Researcher.
The accumulative GPA of the chapter is: 3.66 In addition to all of this, with just 6 brothers on campus, the chapter found the time bring in an exceptional group of 18 young men in Spring 2022 who will certainly continue to hold the light high. We wanted to thank outgoing Beta President, Bro. Nasir Bakare, on the fantastic job he did this year steering the ship, and to wish good luck, to the new incoming Beta President, Bro. Ryan Hall, as he takes over the presidential duties for the 2022-2023 school year. We also wanted to highlight young Beta Brothers graduating from Graduate school this Spring, as well. • • • • •
Bro. Christopher Shell (14-B-15) Graduating with his Ph.D. in History from Michigan State Bro. Kelechi Ononiwu (13-B-16) Graduated with his Masters in Education Bro. Quinten Stewart (21-B-16) Graduating with his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown Law Bro. Amos Jackson, III (12-B-17) Graduating with his Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard University Bro. Fabien Holder (12-B-19) Graduating with his Masters of Accountancy from George Washington University)
“IN FACT, I AM THE COLLEGE OF FRIENDSHIP; THE UNIVERSITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE; THE SCHOOL FOR THE BETTER MAKING OF MEN” MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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For nation’s first Black fraternity, a new home for its founding chapter
fraternity, and built by the fraternity way back in 1927. The fraternity had run-ins with Cornell authorities over the past decade, which halted their recruitment, and no young members paying rent meant a financially untenable situation. The house was put up for sale in May 2021 and sold for $1.5 million last September.
by Brian Crandall
For that substantial sum of cash, the buyer received in return a 9,000 square-foot, 15-bedroom house with exposed timber beams, slate roofing, custom finishes and more pragmatically, updated fire-alarm systems and commercial-grade kitchen facilities. Beyond the house itself, it sits on a choice property in Cornell Heights, a stone’s throw from the university. For another collegiate communal organization, the property has its appeals.
April 25, 2022
ITHACA, N.Y. — Normally, the Voice doesn’t spend much time talking about the details of college life. Its reader base is substantially different than the patrons who read through the Cornell Daily Sun or The Ithacan. The annals of Greek Life at Cornell generally fall into this category. However, there are exceptions to the rule. For instance, when the nation’s first Black fraternity seeks to own and renovate its own home. The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, founded at Cornell in 1906, has often rented homes in the course of its history, but it’s never truly had a place to call its own, deed in hand and free to do with the property as they wish. But if current plans come to fruition, that will change. They will own and renovate a vacant fraternity house in Cornell Heights. They will have a place to call home. The house in question is 105 Westbourne Lane, which for most of its nearly century-old life was the home of the Tau Kappa Epsilon
The purchase back in September 2021 was difficult to trace for a combination of reasons. As is common with multi-family/communal living purchases, the buyer was “AlphaChapter Holdings, LLC.” Sometimes these are traceable via address to a certain buyer, but unfortunately in this case, it led back to a Florida P.O. Box with no further information available. Information about the future of the house became public earlier this month with a trip to the city of Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC). The house sits in the Cornell Heights Historic District and is a contributing property, and the ownership, which remained vague but is associated with Alpha Phi Alpha, would like to perform renovations to suit the property to its needs and tastes. Initial plans call for renovations to the main entrance, window replacement, enlarged dormers and revised roof pitch on the rear roof façade, exterior siding replacement and new signage. The entrance renovations are for continue d on the next page
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ADA accessibility, while the dormer changes are because a large attic room (likely a party room) will be renovated into bedrooms. The
dormer changes would give more standing room. The exterior would be repainted in Alpha Phi Alpha’s colors, black and old gold.
It should be noted that renovation plans are still in an early stage, and Alpha Phi Alpha’s president met with the ILPC to garner initial feedback on what it was more comfortable with in terms of historically sympathetic renovations. Case in point, a couple of options are being considered for the ADAaccessible front entrance, as well as an interior elevator.
Gibb was a prominent Ithaca architect and former Ithaca mayor in the early 20th century.
“We love the house, the design team working on it as well as the owners love it, love the fact that its a Gibb building, it’s got tremendous significance, he was a prolific architect, and we’d like to feature that and highlight it,” said Frank Wilkinson, a Cornell alumnus of Alpha Phi Alpha and New York City architect representing theowners to the ILPC. Arthur
The ILPC, meanwhile, was unhappy with the proposed front entrance changes, and the fraternity will likely need to submit a different proposal. “We’d be very open to trying to figure out another way to ADA compliance and entry for you, but I think the proposals for remodeling the entrance are pretty much non-starters,” said ILPC Vice-Chair David Kramer. “I have not been persuaded that this is necessary,” added his colleague Katelin Olson. continued on the next page
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“We are open and interested in bringing in whatever elements we can to acknowledge what was there and embrace that,” replied Wilkinson. “As soon as you enter the building, there’s not even a four-foot landing. A handicapped person would have to find a way to get upstairs or downstairs, or just stay right there at the entryway, if they can navigate the exterior step. We’re doing this because it’s a way of getting to a lift (limitedservice elevator) that can let you appreciate the full house, not just the exterior […] those spaces should be experienced. Just so we can get to a lift and treat people with the respect and dignity that they deserve, no matter what their mobility. ” Clearly, there’s some work to do to balance historic preservation with the owner’s needs and wants for a fully-handicap accessible building. The board stressed that their goal was to find reasonable alternatives while still
trying to accommodate handicap accessibility, and felt that interior renovations could happen without the loss of historic materials from the front entrance. The board was supportive of the dormer changes and façade work, and encouraged window repair vs. replacement. While the path forward will have more twists and turns, it seems plausible that with patience, effort and a few more dollars, Alpha Phi Alpha will finally have its own chapter house for its founding chapter, 116 years after its founding, and only the second Multicultural Greek Letter Organization to have a physical home at Cornell. Several months of renovations seems quick when compared to 116 years. Source: https://ithacavoice.com/2022/04/fornations-first-black-fraternity-a-new-home-forits-founding-chapter/ MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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By Any Means: Emmett Till’s Family Calls on Authorities to Use 1995 Kidnapping Warrant to Apprehend Woman Who Wrongly Accused the Chicago Teen Nyamekye Daniel Wed, April 27, 2022, 11:25 AM
The white woman who said Emmett Till flirted with her, an action that in the 1950s led to his brutal slaying, may have an outstanding warrant for his abduction that was issued before the teen’s body was found. Till’s family wants her to be held accountable for his death by any means. In August 1955, Carolyn Bryant Donham’s then-husband, brother-in-law and other men beat a naked Emmett to a pulp, gouged out his eye, shot him in the head, tied his body to a cotton gin fan with barbed wire, and threw him into the Tallahatchie River in Mississippi.
Carolyn Bryant Donham (right) accused Emmett Till (left) of flirting with her in 1955 before he was beaten, tortured and shot by her husband and brother-in-law. (Twitter/Black Diaspora Voices)
It is “one of the most infamous acts of racial violence in our country’s history,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Emmett’s relatives’ push for justice spurred Congress to pass an anti-lynching law last month. None of the assailants or accomplices in the crime have been convicted, however, and all of the witnesses are dead. According to reports, authorities at the time
said they did not want to “bother” Donham because she had two small children. An all-white jury found two assailants, Roy Bryant and Joe William Milam, not guilty of murdering Emmett in September 1955. A grand jury declined to indict them on kidnapping charges in November 1955. Just two months later, the men confessed to kidnapping and murdering Emmett in a magazine article. According to reports, at least four white men tortured and hung the 14-year-old from the rafters in a barn before dumping his body in the river. A woman and man took him from his uncle’s home, and three Black men helped keep him in the back of a truck, The Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting found. Emmett’s relatives have continuously revived calls for Donham to be charged in the teenager’s murder. Jaribu Hill, a lawyer who’s working with the family, said there is no evidence that Donham’s kidnapping warrant was dismissed, so it could be the break the authorities need to initiate a criminal court case. “Remember, it’s Carolyn Bryant, the 21-yearold white woman who fingered a child, knowing that she was pointing him out to his murderous, killer husband,” Hill told the Jackson Free Press last month. “We want justice. We want the original warrant that should have been served on her in 1955.” The U.S. Department of Justice reopened a closed investigation into Emmett’s murder and kidnapping in 2017 after a professor wrote in a book that Donham confessed to him about lying in court about the events leading up to the crime. continued on the next page MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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Duke University Professor Timothy Tyson said Donham told him in a 2008 interview that Emmet never held her waist, touched her hand, and said, “How about a date, Baby?” Donham, who is now 88 years old, denied recanting her story when questioned by the FBI, and federal prosecutors said it would be impossible to prove that she did so. Tyson did not record the confession, and Donham did not explicitly say that the physical encounter did not happen. The DOJ closed the case in December 2021. A Mississippi grand jury declined to bring manslaughter charges against Donham in 2007, citing a lack of sufficient evidence. In 2004, federal authorities opened an investigation into the murder as part of its Cold Case Initiative but determined years later that the DOJ lacked jurisdiction to bring federal charges. “The government’s re-investigation found no new evidence suggesting that either the woman or any other living person was involved in Till’s abduction and murder,” the DOJ said in a Dec. 6 media release. “Even if such evidence could be developed, no federal hate crime laws existed in 1955, and the statute of limitations has run on the only civil rights statutes that were in effect at that time.”
After their acquittal in the Emmett Till trial, defendant Roy Bryant (right), smokes a cigar as his wife happily embraces him and his half brother, J.W. Milam and his wife show jubilation. Bryant and Milam were cleared by an all white, male jury of the charge of having murdered Till, a 14-year-old Chicago boy who was black. The jury was out just one hour and 7 minutes. The pair were accused of murdering young Till for allegedly wolf-whistling at Bryant’s wife. Not long after the trial, the pair admitted to murdering Till in an interview with a reporter, showing no remorse. (Getty Images)
Emmett was visiting family in Money, Mississippi, from Chicago when he saw 21-year-old Donham in the family store where she worked. Emmett’s cousin Wheeler Parker Jr. told reporters that Emmett whistled at the woman. Donham told her husband and the court that he grabbed her. Emmett’s uncle told the court that he heard a voice that was “lighter” than a man’s voice pinpoint Emmett as the culprit. Donham had reportedly ruled out two other Black men earlier that day. Three days later, Wright had to identify a disfigured Emmett by a ring on his finger. Dale Killinger, a retired FBI agent who worked on the case more than 15 years ago, said Donham did not seem to know she had a warrant. “I think she didn’t recall it,” he said. “She acted surprised.” Killinger told The Associated Press that he never saw a warrant nor any indication that it was ever canceled by a court. It’s unclear whether it could be used today to arrest or prosecute Donham. However, even if authorities retrieved the document, the courts need witnesses to testify, Killinger told reporters. Deborah Watts, a distant cousin of Emmett who runs the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, said it’s time for Donham to face charges, even if it is not for murder. “Mississippi is not the Mississippi of 1955, but it seems to still carry some of that era of protecting the white woman,” Watts said. AP Source: https://news.yahoo.com/means-emmett-tillfamily-calls-152500684.html MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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Message from the Brother’s Keeper Committee 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. 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. 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 Ensure adequate supplies of food, water, and clothing, with special emphasis on disaster management and recovery.
Fraternally, Brother Carlos DeBose Brother’s Keeper Committee Chair
Message from the Technology Committee Greetings Brothers, Just a reminder... The next chapter meeting on May 7th will be hybrid and those who are attending in person will need to register for the app to gain access to the meeting. We will scan Brothers and guest Brothers into this meeting and others moving forward. Thanks Brother Albert Williams Director of Technology
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The Mu Lambda Foundation meetings are bi-monthly on the third Thursday of the month.
Next meeting is Thursday, June 16, 2022
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Mission
House of Ruth empowers women, children and families to rebuild their lives and heal from trauma, abuse and homelessness.
Vision: Much More Than Housing
House of Ruth offers comprehensive support for women, children and families. Our continuum of services encompasses enriched housing for families and single women, trauma-informed daycare for children, and free counseling to empower anyone, regardless of gender, who is a survivor of trauma and abuse. Our programs provide individualized support to rebuild safe, independent, and sustainable lives.
https://houseofruth.org MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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The Jewels’ Lounge Mu Lambda Chapter Jewels’ Lounge Welcome to the Jewels’ Lounge where brothers gather, sit amongst the Jewels and reflect upon life in Alpha.
Jewel Callis
Jewel Murray
Jewel Jones
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. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
Jewel Kelley
Jewel Tandy
Jewel Chapman
Jewel Ogle
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Greeting Brothers,
Volume I
Lesson
The 2019-2022 fraternal year was dedicated to rediscovering our brotherhood. We serve the community, but we have been neglecting our bond of brotherhood.
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter
The Origin of Alpha Phi Alpha The Period of Consolidation The First Steps in Expansion Local and National Strivings Permanent Foundations Expansion and Internal Development The Leaven of Self-Examination The War Interlude A Definite Program The Crowning Years Advancement in Spite of the Depression The Widening Social Program Education and War A Militant Liberalism The Concept of Progress The Golden Anniversary Shaping the Future on the Basis of the Past The Continuing Challenge New Goals for Old Social Purpose and Social Action
Since Tuesday, April 21, 2020, Mu Lambda has hosted the Mu Lambda Literary Society, every week at 7:00 pm. The Mu Lambda Literary Society is a Mu Lambda initiative, where we come together as brothers and discuss the two volume Alpha history book over a period of months. It was facilitated by a different brother each week. Brothers participated via Zoom. We started with volume 1, chapter 1 of the twenty second printing of the history book and conclude with volume 2, chapter 8. There are twenty chapters in volume 1 and eight chapters in volume 2.
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII XIV XV XVI XVII XVIII XIX XX
It was totally voluntary. You were not required to purchase the new history book. Brother Robert L. Harris, Volume II Jr. our National Historian and author of Volume II participated in the sessions. Chapter I Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter
II III IV V
Chapter VI Chapter VII Chapter VIII
Lesson Back to Basics Achieving Tomorrow: An Agenda for the 80’s Strengthening Internal Capacity for Greater Service Facing Our Future with a Future The Alpha Renaissance: Rekindling the Spirit of Leadership and Community Service Vision 2000: The Light of a New Day Alpha Attitude: A Forward Step… Into the Future A Solid Foundation for the New Era of Alpha
Fraternally, John Wilson, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
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CREAMY TUSCAN SHRIMP Link: https://www.commandcooking.com/post/Creamy_Tuscan_Shrimp
INGREDIENTS • 2 tablespoons salted butter • 6 cloves garlic, finely diced • 1 pound shrimp, tails on or off • 1 small yellow onion, diced • 1/2 cup white wine (optional) • 5 ounces jarred sun-dried tomato strips in oil, drained (reserve 1 teaspoon of the jarred oil for cooking) • 1 3/4 cups half-and-half • salt and pepper, to taste • 3 cups baby spinach leaves, washed • 2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water (optional) • 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped DIRECTIONS • Step 1 Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter and add in the garlic. Fry for one minute, until fragrant. • Step 2 Add in the shrimp and fry for two minutes on each side, until slightly cooked through and pink. Move to a bowl. Set aside. • Step 3 Fry the onion in the butter leftover in the
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skillet. Pour in the white wine (if using), and allow to reduce to half, scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan. Step 4 Add the sun-dried tomatoes and fry for 1-2 minutes. Step 5 Reduce the heat to low-medium, add the half-and-half and bring to a low simmer, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, to your taste. Step 6 Add in the spinach leaves to wilt in the sauce, and add in the parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer until the cheese melts through the sauce. (For a thicker sauce, add the water and cornstarch mixture to the center of the pan, let simmer while stirring the mixture quickly until the sauce thickens.) Step 7 Add the shrimp back into the pan, add herbs and parsley to taste. Step 8 Serve over rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables, and enjoy!
Brother Derrick Butts
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BLACK MAGIC CAKE INGREDIENTS: • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour • 2 cups white sugar • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 2 teaspoons baking soda • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 eggs • 1 cup strong brewed coffee • 1 cup buttermilk • ½ cup vegetable oil • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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DIRECTIONS: • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans or one 9x13 inch pan.
Brother Garrett Miller
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In large bowl combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center. Add eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Batter will be thin. Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and finish cooling on a wire rack. Fill and frost as desired.
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BRIAN BORU
INGREDIENTS • 2 oz Boru vodka • 1 oz Fresh lemon juice • 1/2 oz Celtic honey liqueur • 1/2 oz Cherry Heering liqueur • 1/4 oz Lemon sherbet • 5 dashes Pernod absinthe • 3 dashes Chamomile tincture • Garnish: Nutmeg STEPS • Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. • Shake vigorously and strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. • Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg. Brother Kenneth Williams
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Google Play
Apple Store
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Thursday, January 6 Saturday, January 8 Thursday, January 15
Chapter Meeting Alpha Wives Meeting Eboard Meeting
Sunday, June 19 July 2022 August 2022
Thursday, February 3 Saturday, February 12 Thursday, February 16 Thursday, February 17
Chapter Meeting Alpha Wives Meeting Eboard Meeting Foundation Meeting
Thursday, September 1 Saturday, September 10 Thursday, September 21 Saturday,September 24
Thursday, March 3 Saturday, March 12 Thursday, March 16
Chapter Meeting Alpha Wives Meeting Eboard Meeting
Wednesday, April 6 Thursday, April 7 Saturday, April 9 Thursday, April 20 Thursday,April 21
Eastern Region Convention Chapter Meeting Alpha Wives Meeting Eboard Meeting Foundation Meeting
Saturday, October 1 Thursday, October 6 Saturday, October 8 Thursday, October 19 Thursday, October 20
Happy Charter Day Chapter Meeting Alpha Wives Meeting Eboard Meeting Foundation Meeting
Thursday, November 3 Saturday, November 12 Thursday, November 16 Thursday, November 24
Chapter Meeting Alpha Wives Meeting Eboard Meeting Thanksgiving Day
Thursday,December 1 Sunday, December 4 Thursday, December 10 Thursday, December 15 Sunday, December 25
Chapter Meeting Founders’ Day Alpha Wives Meeting Foundation Meeting Christmas
Thursday, May 5 Saturday, May 14 Thursday, May 18
Chapter Meeting APA Way Naming Ceremony, Alpha Wives Meeting Eboard Meeting
Thursday, June 2 Saturday, June 11 Thursday, June 15 Thursday, June 16
Chapter Meeting Alpha Wives Meeting Foundation Meeting Eboard Meeting
Juneteenth Day Chapter Vacation Chapter Vacation Chapter Meeting Alpha Wives Meeting Eboard Meeting Fred Valentine Softball Game
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Contact us at torch@mulambda.org
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BROTHER
MALCOLM CARTER 6-B-87
OWNER & FRANCHISEE Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s Domino’s
Pizza-2950 Donnell Drive, District Heights, 20747 - 301-568-8883. Pizza-6254 Central Avenue, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743 - 301-333-5900. Pizza-4269 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD - 301-839-0330. Pizza-6000 Allentown Andrews Drive, Suitland, MD - 301-449-3030. Pizza-9509 Livingston Road, Ft. Washington, MD - 301-248-3030. Pizza-10367 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk, MD - 410-286-0700. Pizza-14604 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD - 301-952-1133. Pizza-9546 Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, MD - 301-599-4100.
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AKSTAR BRAND APPAREL | WWW.AKSTARAPPAREL.COM OWNED BY BROTHER KENNETH WILLIAMS
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Everything Co-op, is a radio show that airs on WOL, Radio One’s premiere talk show station out of Washington, DC. The show features people who have influenced or participated in the advancement of the cooperative business model to change lives.
Hosted by Brother Vernon Oakes Listen every Thursday on WOL 1450AM or our website at http://everything.coop from 10:30am - 11am
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Brother Albert A. Williams Licensed Realtor in D.C. & Maryland
EXIT First Realty 2139 Espey Court, Suite 1, Crofton, MD 21114 Bus: 301-352-8100 | Fax: 301352-0700 | Cell: 202-210-1539 Email: awilliams@exitfirst.com
www.exitfirstrealty.com MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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Prostate Cancer a Family Affair Many of you are aware that I am a prostate cancer survivor. I know some of you have also traveled the journey. I was diagnosed and treated in 2016 and remain cancer-free. Thankfully my doctors caught it early before it had the opportunity to spread. I was vigilant well before my diagnosis with regular checkups mainly because my dad and uncle had previously been diagnosed. As men, and as black men in particular, we tend to wait much longer than we should to see the doctor. We all know brothers who have health challenges but put off making a call to the doctor. But cancer doesn’t wait.
journey and purchase the book at www.derrickbutts.com and then let’s talk. Speaking Engagements – I would be more than happy to schedule time to talk with your church, Men’s/Health group, and/ or organization about being proactive with your prostate health and to share my journey. Please have them email me at info@ derrickbutts.com to begin the discussion. Thank you Brothers for your support! Brother Derrick Butts
My dad and I share our journey in our new book, Survivors’ Stories, Prostate Cancer, A Family Affair. Get more information on our MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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Get the Mu Lambda Chapter App This official Mu Lambda Chapter App is for members of the chapter to find out about our events, chat with Chapter members, View Chapter Documents, View Chapter Directory, View our monthly magazine (The Torch) Pay Chapter Dues and much more. The ability to effectively communicate with Chapter members will help us continue to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our community.
Available for members only MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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Message from the Editor
BRO. KENNETH A. WILLIAMS EDITOR OF THE TORCH TORCH@MULAMBDA.ORG ALPHA QUOTE TO SERVE BY... “THINK Alpha Phi Alpha, TALK Alpha Phi Alpha, PROMOTE Alpha Phi Alpha, and LABOR for the broad principles of idealism for which Alpha Phi Alpha was created, so that humanity shall look on us as a body worthwhile.”
Thanks Mom!
Lucille “Ruth” Williams Jan. 2, 1942 - Jan. 24, 2003
Brother Henry L. Dickason, 5th General President
GOOD WILL IS THE MONARCH OF THIS HOUSE COMMITTEES SHOULD SUBMIT ALL ARTICLES AND PICTURES TO THE TORCH EDITOR 5 DAYS AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF YOUR EVENT. BROTHERS SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND ADVERTISEMENTS SHOULD SUBMIT EVERYTHING BETWEEN THE 15TH AND 31ST OF THE MONTH. ARTICLES MUST BE SUBMITTED IN A WORD DOCUMENT FORMAT. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ARTICLES SUBMITTED ARE SUBJECT TO EDITING BY THE EDITOR. PLEASE ADHERE TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION TO TORCH@MULAMBDA.ORG MU LAMBDA TORCH 2022
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Esprit de Fraternite Brothers, It is that time of year again. The fraternity’s fraternal year runs January 1st to December 31st. Mu Lambda’s 2021-2022 fraternal year runs September 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The chapter does not meet during July and August. It is now time to pay your 2021-2022 dues which will cover you from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Ways to make payment: 1. 2. 3. 4.
You can pay your dues on mulambda.org by clicking the dues tab at the bottom left of every web page. Bring a check to the chapter meeting. You can pay on the Mu Lambda App Mail it to: Financial Team Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter 2405 First Street, NW Washington, DC 20001
Alpha
is a life long commitment
An Alpha Phi Alpha man’s attitude should not be “how much can I derive from the Fraternity” but “how much can I do for the Fraternity?” In proportion to what he does for his Chapter and for Alpha Phi Alpha will a member receive lasting benefits from the Fraternity to himself in the way of self-development by duty well done, and the respect of the Brothers well served. A member’s duties should be: 1. Prompt payment of all financial obligations, the prime requisite for successful fraternal life. 2. The doing of good scholastic work in his chosen vocation, thereby accomplishing the real end of a college course. 3. The reasonable endeavor to participate in general college activities and social service and to excel therein. 4. The proper consideration of all things with appropriate attention to the high moral standard of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
