The Mu Lambda Torch NOVEMBER 2018
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE Leading change within Mu Lambda is not an easy, but doable task Our 95th year is off to a great start. We have done more as a chapter in two months than some chapters do in a fraternal year. We have identified and are addressing our problem areas. While some chapters are dependent upon intake as its lifeline, Mu Lambda continues to explore reclamation and alternative income streams. Mu Lambda has reclaimed 25 brothers and identified a means to generate $450,000 in annual scholarships for District of Columbia High School Seniors. While other chapters are continuously searching for meeting space, Mu Lambda meeting space, has grown the value of its house to $2,000,00, and is preparing to retire its mortgage. Mu Lambda has some of the best and brightest brothers. It has transitioned from a chapter of wealthy check writing brothers to community minded and service-oriented brothers. Mu Lambda has staffed My Brothers’ Keeper with 22 brothers who will contact senior brothers, widows, and convalescing brothers on a weekly basis. Mu Lambda will not engage in behavior plaguing other fraternities and chapters. Mu Lambda will not discard its senior brothers. Mu Lambda will not engage in underground pledging, hazing, or behavior unbecoming of an Alpha man. I ask my brothers to stay the course, be patient, and remain focused – the fruit of our labor is about to bloom. Responsibility for Mu Lambda and its success -- not to mention each members’ well-being and fraternal development -- is a big assignment. Leadership has very little to do with controlling, budgeting and so on.Mu Lambda can use the carrot and the stick to get brothers to perform for a while but eventually, if they don’t care about the mission, about their leader and/or about one another, the chapter will fracture and lose steam. It’s inevitable! Mission A president and his chapter must have a mission. They all should know what the mission is and know their piece in it. A mission has a beginning, a middle and an end, no matter what the mission is. When you complete the mission, you’ll start a new one. Without a mission, there is no place to lead your chapter. Without a mission, where are you headed? Part of a president’s job is to explore and exalt the connections between his chapter’s mission and each chapter member’s personal mission. Self-Awareness A president is someone who gets outside his busy brain to see himself rather than being controlled by his emotions, especially fear. Presidents know they are not always right. They have enough self-esteem to say, “Did I say that last week? That was not what I meant to say. Thank you for clarifying that point. Always tell me when I say something off-the-wall like that. I appreciate it!”
Risk and Trust Trusting a person requires you to take a risk. In our modern view of leadership, there is risk. You might trust the wrong person. So what? That’s how you’ll learn. You won’t learn anything if you never trust yourself enough to put your trust in people around you. Leadership requires you to rely on someone else without threatening them or offering them rewards if they do what you want them to do. You have to trust their instincts and trust yourself to put your faith in someone who isn’t you. Two-Way Learning When your chapter is powered by feeling good, the learning will be palpable. Brothers will say, “Oh, dang! I just realized that your idea could be amazing too! Want to collaborate on that?” All it takes for brothers to come alive, is trust. If the trust level in your chapter is too low to support collaboration, it’s vital for you to figure out what is causing that problem and dismantle it. When brothers don’t trust you or one another, it means you have trust-building work to do! When your chapter’s energy level is right, you will learn from your chapter members, they will learn from you and all of you will learn from one another. Find Your Voice and Speak Your Truth Even though there are messages from all directions telling you to hush up, pipe down and go along with broken systems and broken thinking, we don’t have to listen. You may stay quiet for a while because it’s easier to bite your lip than to start a conversation that might tag you as a troublemaker, but before long it will hit you that you have to find your voice. Speak up! That’s what presidents do. Brotherhood “We must ever strive to perfect our union; to insist upon personal progress of our brothers and to help them when in need and do so voluntarily when that need is apparent. We should regard each other in a fraternal manner with love and consideration; we should praise our brother’s virtues and seek to correct his faults. A brother should do at least as much as a friend.” Raymond W. Cannon, 12th General President I close my presidential message with a touching moment I spent with the youth at Hart Middle School. The young men and women entertained the brothers by reading their closing chapters of “A Raisin in the Sun.” It was a touching Saturday morning. The students were assigned to write a closing chapter with a minimum of 10 pages. They wrote some very interesting and touching endings.
Brother Eddie Neal
President - Mu Lambda Chapter 2018-2019
Mu Lambda Chapter 2018 -2019
Brothers Recently Came together to worship on Sunday October 7th, during Mu Lambda’s Week of Celebration. Pictured here, several Mu Lambda Brothers assembled at the Gallalee Baptist Church in S.E. DC where Brother. Lloyd Mc Griff currently serves as the senior pastor.
A Huge Thank You Mu Lambda will be celebrated 95 years of existence on Monday, October 1, 2018. To honor our great accomplishment we hosted a Brunch on Saturday, October 6th, at Howard University School of Law cafeteria. Brother Charvis Campbell and his committee prepared a grand affair. East State Street Jazz Band provided the musical entertainment. The event was for all brothers, family and friends.
The following brothers were honored
25 years but less than 50 years in Alpha 1. Ronald Braxton 2. Lucius Brown 3. Derrick Butts 4. Anthony Campbell 5. Malcolm Carter 6. Louis Cook, III 7. Paul Cotton 8. Marcel Desroches, Jr. 9. Samuel Fulwood 10. Vincent Gadsden 11. Joseph Gibbs 12. James Greer 13. Rylan Harris 14. William Hawkins, Jr. 15. Malcolm Jackson 16. Clinton Jones, III 17. Drew Love 18. LeRoy Lowery, III 19. Patrick Major 20. Kelvin McClinton 21. James McDonald 22. Lloyd McGriff 23. Eddie Neal 24. Vincent Orange, Sr. 25. Sean Perkins 26. Juan Powell 27. Raoul Scott, Jr. 28. Charles Smith, II 29. Samuel Thornton, III 30. Walter Whitley 31. James Wilson 32. John Wilson
50 years but less than 60 years 1. Clyde Blassengale 2. O.J. Cole, Jr. 3. Ronald Flowers 4. Louis Ford 5. Tyrone Mitchell 6. Vernon Oakes 7. Robert Richardson 8. William Thomas 9. Lee Tyler 60 years but less than 70 years 1. Franklin Ampy 2. Sylvester Booker 3. Wiley Bowling, Jr. 4. James Donaldson 5. Richard English 6. Elbert Gadsden 7. Rudolph Harris 8. Curtis Hunigan 9. Willie McGee 10. Talmadge Roberts 11. Rudolph Scipio 12. Lavert Seabron 13. Fred Valentine 70 years but less than 75 years 1. Horace Dawson, Jr. 2. Garnett Wood 75 years 1. Kenneth Holbert
UPCOMING EVENTS
1906 & Park A play off of the B.E.T. famous Music Show, 106 & Park, On Saturday December 1st, 2018 Our Chapter will host our Founders Day Soiree at the Pristine downtown venue - The Park at Fourteenth St. 920 14th St NW on the PENTHOUSE Floors of the club. A night that will be packed with entertainment, fun, food and music - The Mu Lambda Foundation extends this invitation to you to join them from 10pm to enjoy. The First Drink purchased is COMPLIMENTARY before 10:45pm so we are encouraging brothers, their wives, friends, famlily and associates to come out early. Proceeds of 1906 & Park will go DIRECTLY to the Mu Lambda Foundation - 501 c3 Registered
1906Park.eventbrite.com
Gala SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, May 4th 2019 Mu Lambda will host its Black and Gold gala. Tickets will be reasonably priced, with all proceeds going to the Mu Lambda Foundation. It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate Mothers’ Day a week in advance. The planning committee is working to make this one of the best galas in honor of our 95 years of existence. It is estimated we will have 600 people in attendance. Each brother is being asked to sell or purchase a modest four tickets each. The Mu Lambda Foundation board members are being asked to sell a modest 10 tickets each.
HEALTH
WELLNESS
Brothers, Welcome to November 2018! November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, American Diabetes Month, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, National Hospice and Palliative Care Month,and turn-the-clocks-back Month. Below are four articles of interest addressing these topics. Please click on the links or cut and paste into your browser to read the entire articles. CALL TO ACTION – Set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, Nov. 4th at 2:00am.
The Burden of Alzheimer’s Disease on African-Americans This article discusses recent findings concerning the burden that Alzheimer’s disease imposes on the African-American community, and some of the recommendations that are being made in order to address this disparity. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause for severe memory loss and dementia among older adults, is a risk for everyone in our aging population. By age 85, nearly half of older adults in the U.S. are affected. Research has identified some health conditions and genetic factors that appear to increase risk. For more information on Alzheimers please visit the link below: https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/article/burden-alzheimers-disease-african-americans
Factors contributing to higher incidence of diabetes for black Americans
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose (also called blood sugar) is too high. Blood glucose is the body’s main source of energy. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose get into your cells to be used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin well. Too much glucose then stays in your blood, and not enough reaches your cells. Over time, too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems, such as heart disease, nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney disease. For more information on Diabetes – please click the link below.
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/factors-contributing-higher-incidence-diabetes-black-americans
Study Finds Biological Differences in Lung Tumors of African Americans and Whites A new study aimed at understanding why lung cancer incidence is higher in African American men than in other racial/ethnic groups has found a potential clue: Certain gene expression patterns may be different in the tumors of some African Americans than in those of whites. The researchers also found that different biological pathways may be involved in lung cancers among African Americans and whites, according to results published in Clinical Cancer Research on December 1, 2017.
As Medicare’s first proven coordinated care model, hospice is a program that works. For more than 35 years, the Medicare hospice program has helped people spend their final months at home, surrounded by family and friends, with comfort and dignity. For more information on Hospice – please click the link below. https://www.nhpco.org/sites/default/files/public/communications/Outreach/2018_MyHospice_ FP_Hospice-Month.pdf
Heart Healthy Recipes Herb-crusted Salmon Recipe https://www.spendwithpennies.com/herb-baked-salmon/
Why Eat Salmon ? Salmon presents many health benefits for the human body. It’s loaded with nutrients!
Omega – 3: Omega – 3 has been shown to reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. It’s an essential nutrient.
Protein: Why Protein? Protein protects bone health and prevents muscle loss. Salmon provides 22-25 grams of protein for every 3.5 ounces.
B-Vitamins: Salmon is a great source of several B-Vitamins which help to control inflammation, protect the heart, brain health, and even granting energy !
Potassium: Salmon provides loads of potassium which helps to control blood pressure and assist with controlling the retention of fluid.
Past HWC Activities The Washington, D.C. Light the Night walk was held on October 20,2018. The organization as a whole raised $1,353,584 from the D.C. event alone, and the ML Health & Wellness committee contributed $150.00 to this event! A special shout-out should go to Marcus A. Ware who is also a member of Mu Lambda, he was the third largest contributor to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Marcus began fundraising for the event earlier this year and raised a grand total of $20,736.78 towards this cause. Marcus is a cancer survivor who participates in the walk each and every year and he worked extremely hard to create and manage several in-depth fundraisers to contribute to this cause.
UPCOMING MLHWC EVENTS Nov. 6, 2018
7:00-8:30pm Self-defense Workshop with Beta Chapter – at Howard Univ. (Location - TBD) (Pending) Need Brothers to support.
Nov. 29, 2018 Let’s Talk Health - Brotherhood Discussion – Thursday Evening Social Mu Lambda House (Pending) Need Brothers to support.
NEXT MLHWC MEETING – NOVEMBER 27TH, 2018 Meeting Dates: Locations: Time: Bring: Initial Topics:
4th Tuesday of November Virtual Conf. Call - 641.715.3630, 129354# 6:45 pm – 7:45pm Ideas for healthy activities and service projects. 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 the MLHWC!
MU LAMBDA HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE
DC Chamber of Commerce President Brother Vincent Orange wishing Mu Lambda Chapter President and Foundation President at the DC Chamber of Commerce 80th Anniversary Gala.
Lieutenant Governor, Brother Justin Fairfax wishing Mu Lambda Brothers a Happy 95th Anniversary
The
70 Year Crew
BROTHER KENNETH HOLBERT
75 YEARS IN THE FRATERNITY
BROTHER KENNETH F. HOLBERT A STALWORTH IN THE BROTHERHOOD It would be remiss of us all to allow another month to go by without paying official honor to our dear BROTHER, Kenneth F. Holbert. An ACTIVE member of Mu Lambda for many years and Financial member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for 75 WHOPPING turns around the moon. Brother Holbert continues to bring sparks of life to our meetings and social gatherings. A meeting does not go by without a wise word, legal quip or witty remark. Kenneth is the Alpha Man we all re-spect. We continue to salute you. Brother Holbert cur-rently serves as a member on the Mu Lambda Founda-tion and continues to lead us by example along our Al-pha Journey. Keep pointing us toward the light ALPHA MAN – The road to 75.
FIRST GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY 2405 First Street NW, Washington DC
THE HOUSE A LONG AWAITED PROJECT : LAMBDA MEWS It is with great pleasure that we share with the brotherhood the FIRST PHASE of the long anticipated renovation project for the Mu Lambda Foundation House. Take a look, as we share the proposals for construction. This First PHASE, will immediately affect the Basement, Sunroom and Outdoor Stair Well of the house. We look forward to seeing this project come to life!
The Alpha Wives of Washington D.C. Inc Alpha Wives Meet every 2nd Saturday - Noon @ 2405 1st St. NW
NEXT MEETING: SATURDAY, 10th NOVEMBER, 2018 If your wife is intested in participating, Contact: Mrs Ligaya Jackson - Vice President of AWDC : LigayaJackson@gmail.com
The Alpha Wives of Washington D.C. Inc A CALL TO ACTION
Please contribute to the GoFundME Link to support Janette Harris, wife of Brother Rudolph Harris https://www.gofundme.com/honor-dr-janette-hoston-harris
A Huge Thank You TURN ME LOOSE PLAY Brothers and their Alpha Wives came together during the celebration of the chapter’s 95th Charter week on a beautiful Friday evening - October 5th, 2018 to see the Dick Gregory Play “Turn Me Loose” at the Arena Stage in South West Washington D.C. Reports are that this was an AMAZING play!!! Appreciated by all in attendance!
DC NPHC Next DC NPHC Meeting NPHC meeting will be held on Nov. 20, 2018 - Tuesday, November 20, 2018 –
Hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Federal City Alumnae and Washington DC Alumnae Chapters
2018-2019 Executive Board of Mu Lambda President:
Eddie Neal
Vice President:
Joe Paul
Recording Secretary:
Jason Jefferson
Corresponding Secretary:
Timothy Fitzgerald
Financial Secretary:
Chatman Young
Treasurer:
Michael Young
Chaplain:
William “Tony” Hawkins
Historian:
Silas J Woods
Intake Coordinator:
Andre Lucas
Assoc. Editor/Sphinx:
Garrett Miller
Dir. Educational Activities:
Charvis Campbell
Sergeant-at-Arms:
Frank King
Parliamentarian:
Byron L. Williams
Web Master:
Mark Jones
Editor of the Torch:
Mikael LaRoche
Member at Large
LeRoy Lowery III
General Counsel
Brent Radcliffe
Social Chair
Mikael LaRoche
www.mulambda.org
2018-2019 Executive Board of Mu Lambda
2018-2019 FOUNDATION Board of Mu Lambda
TENTATIVE CHAPTER MEETING DATES 2018 - 2019 (Every 1st Thursday of the Month)*
Mu Lambda Foundation House 2405 1st St. NW, Washington DC 20059
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th 2018 - 7:06pm THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4th 2018 - 7:06pm THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1st 2018 - 7:06pm THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6th 2018 - 7:06pm THURSDAY, JANUARY 3rd 2019 - 7:06pm THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7th 2019 - 7:06pm THURSDAY, MARCH 7th 2019 - 7:06pm THURSDAY, APRIL 4th 2019 - 7:06pm THURSDAY, MAY 2nd 2019 - 7:06pm THURSDAY, JUNE 6th 2019 - 7:06pm
ALPHA ATTIRE
/mulambda1906 @mulambda1923