The Mu Lambda Torch - February 2023 - Black History Month

1. Rudolph Harris

2. Curtis Hunigan

3. Fred Valentine

4. Horace Dawson, Jr.

5. Paul Cotton

6. A. Gilbert Douglas

7. Ryland Harris

8. Mark Jones

9. Andre Lucas

10. Kenneth Hobart

11. Derrick Butts

12. John Mark-Williams

13. Jeremy Triplett

14. Mikael LaRoche

Picture by Names

15. Joseph Housey, III

16. Jason Clark

17. Mark Ross

18. Louis Ford

19. James Heck

20. Eddie Neal

21. Gerard Williams

22. Garrett Miller

23. Adrian James

24. O. Jackson Cole, Jr.

25. Albert Williams

26. Lucius Brown

27. Marcel Desroches

28. Kellen Moore

29. Jamison Taylor, Jr.

30. Mathew Aaron, Jr.

31. Sean Perkins

32. James Harmon

33. Larry Ware

34. Frank King

35. Antonio King

36. Rudolph McGann, Jr.

37. Alvin Reaves, III

38. Ryle Bell

39. Drew Love

40. Colin Campbell

41. Bryant Young

42. Arthur King

43. Charvis Campbell

44. LeRoy Lowery, III

45. Joseph Paul

46. Timothy Fitzgerald

47. Jason Jefferson

48. Samuel Armstrong

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 StrattonPresident, Brother John Lowery-Vice President, Brother Victor DalySecretary, Brother Daniel W. EdmondsTreasurer, and Brother Nathaniel Allison Murray (Jewel)-Chaplain. Mu Lambda was thus established and was on its way into history!

In this Issue

Executive Board

President

John “Tony” Wilson

Vice President

Mikael LaRoche

Recording Secretary

Jason Jefferson

Corresponding Secretary

Samuel Armstrong

Financial Secretary

Anthony Covington Sr.

Treasurer

Michael Young

Chaplain

William “Tony” Hawkins

Historian

Joesph Housey, III

Archivist

Wesley McClure, II

Intake Coordinator

Karl Bruce

Assoc. Editor/Sphinx

Justice Brown-Duso

Dir. Ed. Activities

Sean Perkins

Sergeant-at-Arms

Daniel Mushala

Parliamentarian

George McNeal

Director of Technology

Garrett Miller

Editor of the Torch

Mikael LaRoche

Member at Large

Joesph Gibbs

Risk Management Officer

Mikael E. LaRoche

General Council

Justin Handford

Immediate Past President

Eddie Neal

Committee Chairs

Auditing

A.J. Jones

Brother’s Keeper

Carlos DeBose

Budget and Finance

Communication and Technology

Garrett Miller

Constitution

Gilbert Douglas

DC National Pan Hellenic

Council

Daniel Mushala

Fundraising Vacant

Golf Tournament

Villareal Johnson

Frank King

Health & Wellness

Derrick Butts

Membership

Carlos DuBois

Men Who Cook

Mikael LaRoche

Mu Lambda Chapter History

Book

Joseph Housey, III

Nominating Vacant Programs

Byron L.Williams

Public Policy

A.J. Jones

Social Chair

Joseph Gibbs

Community Service

Samuel Armstrong

Marketing/Promotion Committee

Mikael LaRoche

Social Media Chair

Brown - Duso

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* 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

CHARTERED ON MONDAY OCTOBER 1, 1923

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Past Presidents

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 -

* Omega Chapter Brothers Footnote (FN)

The President’s Message

Welcome to Black History Month 2023,

Without taking for granted the importance and amount of contribution to the narrative of Black History that we have impacted, do we ask ourselves what is the comparative relevance or impact to what we do now as compared to the eras of the past? Based on the historical records we have been important cogs in the engine of change in the more overtly harsh society of the past. We have been a nexus of many first and trailblazing accomplishments collectively as an organization and as individual members. Thankfully today there are not as many “firsts” and we live in a less overtly harsh society that assaults as the Black mind, body and soul. Less overt harshness does not equate to a less widespread harsh existence to Black life in our society. Very recent history provides not merely incidental examples of this but systemic ones.

On the last Friday of January 2023 we were exposed to the video evidence of an institutional organization’s lynching of Tyre Nichols. Extremely disturbing and sadly not new or unexpected; neither was the melanin content of the attackers. (Check out KRS-One song Black Cop). Open any balanced newspaper or magazine and read articles regarding collective Black life. Without a long dissertation, the lack of value on and hostility toward Black life is a learned, deeply baked in behavior in this society. And it does not matter how little or how much melanin one has. Black on Black crime, police brutality against Black people, laws on the books, lack of laws on the books are manifestations of people’s learned behaviors and resistance to changing of those behaviors and belief system.

So what do we do? What do we need to focus on collectively as an organization and individually, how are we comparing to the works and accomplishments of our fraternal forebearers?

Fraternally, Tony Wilson

Brother John “Tony” Wilson, President 2022 - 2023

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Mu Lambda Chapter

BLACK HISTORY MONTH ‘23

For Black History Month 2023, As editor, I am taking the liberty to bring light to one of our neophyte brothers. Usually we highlight some of the pioneers within Alpha who have made considerable impact. We often times wait, until some brothers enter into Omega Chapter as well, to give them the flowers they are due.

Fortunately, my predecessor, Bro. Kenneth Williams, gave me an amazing platform and three years of dedication to brothers of the chapter from all walks of life. This allows me the priveledge to highlight Black Excellence within the ranks of Mu Lambda from a youthful stance.

Quiet as it is kept, Brother A.J. Jones, has lept through multiple ranks of leadership and growth within his professional journey in Washington D.C. Bro. Jones started at Starbucks as Senior Vice President of Global Communications and Public Affairs in October of 2021. He was the first African American to hold this role and title.

He was then promoted to Acting Executive Vice President, Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer in May of 2022 and also the first African American to hold this role and title. Later in August of 2022, Bro. Jones was permanently installed as Executive Vice President, Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer and currently holds this role.

This title was given recognition by PRvoke Media which is the largest global advertising and communications ranking institute. They just released their 10th Annual Innovator 25

class noting public relation’s most forwardlooking thinkers, individuals taking the lead, and the risk, in advancing the industry through ingenuity at a time when the winds of change of demand it. It is the first time an Alpha Man has been acknowledged by PRvoke Media for this distinction.

Bro. Jones was featured by PR week as a leader on Employee Engagement at Starbucks. His appointment to be the first African American Executive Vice President, Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer was ranking as one of the top 12 most viewed stories in 2022

https://www.provokemedia.com/longreads/article/2022-review-top-12-newsstories

A.J. was also inducted to be a member of the Arthur Page Society. The Arthur Page Society is the world’s leading professional association for senior public relations and corporate communications executives and educators. Their members participate in Page to become stronger leaders, learn both with and from their peers around the world, develop their teams and enrich and strengthen the profession.

Page membership consists of chief communications officers (CCOs) of global Fortune-ranked corporations and leading nonprofits, the CEOs of the world’s foremost public relations agencies, and distinguished academics from top business and communications schools. Page has strict membership criteria to ensure it remains an exclusive assembly of the very best and brightest of the profession.

Recently Bro. Jones was featured on a leading global podcast called Success Fundamentals. My episode received the highest ranking and listenership on the show.

https://www.successfundamentals.com/ communication-time-with-aj-jones-ii/

In this episode of the Success Fundamentals podcast, Kris and Brian talk to Senior Vice-President and Head of Global Communications and Public Affairs for Starbucks, Aranthan “AJ” Jones II. AJ shares good advice for people wanting to climb the corporate ladder and achieve success by working with some of the biggest companies in the world.

Additionally, Bro Jones was inducted for the third year in a row to be a Forbes Magazine Communications Council Executive Member

The Forbes Communications Council Is An Invitation-Only Organization For SeniorLevel PR And Communications Executives. Members are respected leaders who are selected for the council based on the depth and diversity of their experience as leaders in the communications industry.

Bro. Jones was selected by Cornell University’s Johnson Business School and Poets and Quants (P&Q) to be its Best and Brightest Executive MBA graduates. I was the first African American male and APHIA member to receive this honor by the school, the Executive MBA program and P&Q.

Bro. Jones is the first African American male and APHIA member to be exclusively featured on Cornell University’s Johnson Business School website for this honor sine the inception of the school.

Recently he was inducted as a board member of Santa Clara University’s Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University exists to accelerate entrepreneurship to end global poverty and protect the planet. They believe that entrepreneurship in service to climate resilience and women’s economic empowerment provide pathways out of poverty for communities. I am the first APHIA member on its board.

Bro. Jones is a brother’s brother!, He reclaimed Brother Michael E. Collins of Mu

Lambda and hired him to be Starbucks’s first director of government affairs and public policy in DC.

In January of 2023 Bro. Jones spoke on the main stage of the US Conference of Mayors at the Mayors and Business Leaders Plenary Breakfast. The session was hosted by Mayor Francis Suarez President, The United States Conference of Mayors City of Miami, and Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director The United States Conference of Mayors. He spoke on stage about the Common Challenges and Opportunities shared by Mayors and Business Leaders Bruce Harrell, Mayor of Seattle Chair, Technology and Innovation Standing Committee. Mayor Harrell is also an Alpha.

On October of 2022, Bro. Jones led the effort to open the first wholly own Starbucks on Hampton University’s campus. As you know, this deal was done directly with the President Darrell K. Williams of the university how is also an Alpha. This took place during their homecoming

Bro. Jones is currently working with Executive Director Sean L. McCaskill to launch an exclusive partnership multi-prong partnership between the Starbucks and the Fraternity to be announced at the National Convention in Dallas this year.

There are only two African American males in the c-suite of Starbucks (myself and Micheal A. Conway). We are both Alphas. He crossed at Duke University.

For Mu Lambda, he has submitted the resolution acknowledging our 100th anniversary and reserving space at the US Capitol for us to take pictures at our 100th.

There are more things of course but I only have two pages to give Brother Jones his due Flowers!

Thanks so much Young Brother for all of you do and for being BLACK HISTORY

MLK DAY

MU LAMBDA FOUNDATION EVENT

BusBoys & Poets

The Brothers of the Spring 2021 and 2022 lines of our Mu Lambda Chapter along with our Mu Lambda Foundation, came together to host an inaugural MLK Lecture to celebrate the life and legacy of our dear brother. Hosted at the Busboys and Poets on 625 Monroe St. NE, Washington, D.C., our master of ceremonies Bro. Daniel Mushala, took lead in ensuring an extremely powerful and pleasent morning was spent.

32 Brothers joined our guest Speakers Ms. Karen Cooper and Laura Jordan giving an informed discussion on the importance of preserving our legacies, stories and educating youth, to the Keynote address by Dr. Daryl Howard, who gave deep recommendations on the variences of biases in the classroom and beyond.

We truly look forward to more edifying conversations and powerful presentations in the upcoming fraternal year.

JOB WELL DONE!

Bro M.LaRoche

LAMBDA’S ANC 7B06 BROWN

ANC Commissioner, our own Brother Kelvin Brown was reelected for a second term to serve as the Commissioner for Single Member District 7B06 - Hillcrest, Washington, DC. As a result of his unwavering passion to support the community, Kelvin was chosen as the new Chairperson for ANC7B. Commissioner Kelvin Brown has the honor and privilege of providing support and leading eight ANC Commissioners and nearly ~22,000 residents in the Ward 7.

An ANC is a non-partisan, neighborhood body made up of locally elected representatives called Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners. Per DC Code, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (“Commission”) may advise the Council of the District of Columbia, the Mayor and each executive agency, and all independent agencies, boards and commissions of the government of the District of Columbia with respect to all proposed matters of District government policy including, but not limited to, decisions regarding planning, streets, recreation, social services programs, education, health, safety, budget, and sanitation which affect that Commission area.

On behalf of the chapter, we would like to continue to congratulate and encourge Bro. Brown on his Journey in servant leadership.

Congratulations! - M.LaRoche

MU LAMBDA IS SERVICE

In partnership with The Mission Continues and Area VI leadership, brothers participated in phase 2 of school rehabilitation and beautification at Sousa Middle School in Ward 7! (John Phillip Sousa Middle School and the landmark Bolling v Sharpe case is 1 of 5 schools that comprised Brown v. Board of Education)

Sousa Middle School students and faculty returned to: 6 freshly paintented teachers lounges/work spaces, Multiple refurbished and redesigned display cases throughout the school, Cleaned/maintained campus surroundings, Pennants and insignia of historically black colleges and universities displayed throughout the school.

A fresh main entrance for students to repaint and design in conjunction with DCPS STEAM and SEL initiatives!

With over 200 volunteers in attendance, Mu Lambda brothers had the opportunity to fellowship with:

The Secretary of Homeland SecurityAlejandro Mayorkas

Deputy Secretary of Veterans AffairsDonald M. Remy

Administrator Guzman- Small Business Administration

Assistant Secretary of Defense ReadinessShawn Skelly

Principal Tiffany Green, Administration and Staff- Sousa Middle School

Area Leadership (Bro. Michael Taylor, Bro. Samuel Armstrong)

Area VI Alpha Chapters- Beta, Omicron Lambda Alpha, Omicron Omicron, Nu Beta.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

January 30, 2023

Re: Letter of Appreciation

To: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Mu Lambda Chapter (Washington, DC)

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits and that you are staying safe. I am writing to share my appreciation on behalf of the residents of the greatest city in America, Washington, DC. Just like man y cities, towns and municipalities across the the county, the Covid 19 pandemic altered our way of living. The pandemic impacted families’ ability to live and age in place.

In response to ongoing pandemic and its impacts on our communities, several rent and utilities clinics were planned and executed across Ward 7. With the assistance of the Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. we were able to register and help over ~100 deserving families fully complete their rent assistance applications. This process enable d hundreds of Ward 7 residents to receive direct cash assistance for rent arrearages, future rent and utili ties – thus allowing residents to stay in their homes.

Mu Lambda’s commitment to partnering with community, supporting our families and children was on full display. I commend Mu Lambda Chapter for its focus, attention and action that help to ensure our residents were able to stay in their homes during one of the worst emergencies we’ve ever experienced as a nation

With regards,

“Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this Earth.” – Shirley Chisholm

Commissioner Kelvin Brown Chairperson, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7B

BETA CHAPTER JANUARY RECAP

- On January 16th, Martin Luther King Day, Beta Chapter, along with Mu Lambda chapter, participated in community Service that was the redecoration and cleaning of Sousa Middle School.

- On January 17th and 18th, Beta Chapter, Invited by Howard University President Wayne Frederick, traveled to Annapolis, Maryland and Attended the inauguration of Bro. Wes Moore as Governor of Maryland. Beta Chapter once again gives a congratulations to Bro. Moore for becoming Maryland’s first African-American Governor.

- On January 28th, Beta Chapter, in conjunction with IUL Chapter located

in Montgomery County, Gave a college tour to prospective students on Howard University’s campus.

- On January 29th, Beta Chapter along with HUSA and Howard University’s Graduate Student Council, hosted Howard Students and Smithsonian National African American Museum of History and Culture

Upcoming announcements:

-Beta Chapter’s Brother 2 Brother Youth Conference will Take place on March 31st, 2023.

This will be the 30th Anniversary of the Conference. The “B2B” conference serves as Beta Chapter’s Go to High school Go to College National Program that brings 150-300 kids from all across the DC area. Various seminars focusing on the betterment and enrichment of black male youth are the focus and will include a Luncheon with a soon to be announced Keynote speaker.

More details are forthcoming.

COME SUNDAY BLUES

Bro. Ryle Bell

Black boys in blue, white boys in blue all boys in blue give blacks the blues... They claim we’re civilian, so they, I guess, must be the urban occupation army.

Black woman blues are played on keyboards where riffs are offers they cannot refusedissonant chords that spread thighs wide in trade-off for arrest, music jammed hard on their internal organs, courtesy of the boys in blue.

Black boys in blue suckle racism

at the breast of dogma designed for their employment, then come of age and treat black men worse than others do... just to prove how impartial they can really be.

They beat and kick and turn loose dogs

...shades of Bull Conner... shoot and kill, claiming we were drawing weapons even though our hands were cuffed behind our backs...

... education from James Lynch. Black boys in blue white boys in blue their modus operandus is to give all blacks... the blues.

They’re so good that they can improvise like Miles create a special brand of funky blue-black blues, drumming heads like Blakey blowing brains like Bird

scat - ter - ing like Ella leaving us to moan like Hampton with the slide...

Black boys in blue White boys in blue sure give us all the black and blues!

Listen to the “A” train go clickety-clack night sticks raining on our back, Duke’s no longer here he’s decomposing, so what in hell happens Come Sunday Morning?

BROHOOD BRUNCH

Bro. Daniel Mushala (ML 21) has been doing an amazing job of keeping our chapter together. In January, He was chair of a well put together program for our MLK Celebration, but has also been instrumental in maintaining a healthy schedule of Brotherhood Social Activities to keep the bond of our chapter strong,

If you get a text from Brother Mushala for a Brotherhood Smoke, or a Brotherhood Brunch, often times 10 - 20 brothers answer the call! An opportunity to meet new brothers in the chapter, connect with more seasoned brothers, run ideas with our chapter president, or shoot the breeze, Brother Mushala has pumped an air of fresh life into our internal social mechanisms.

He has chosen Black Owned and Black run establishments in and around metropolitan D.C. to support and I personally would like

to encourage brothers to come out to these gatherings during the course of February to ensure that we grow in friendship and fellowship.

Kudos to you Brother Mushala! - M.LaRoche

Health & Wellness|

American Heart Month

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The prevalence of high blood pressure among Black people in the United States is among the highest in the world. About 55% of Black adults have hypertension:

Genetic factors:

High rates of high blood pressure in Black people may be due to the genetic makeup of people of African descent. Researchers have uncovered some facts: In the U.S., Black people respond differently to high blood pressure drugs than do other groups of people. African Americans also seem to be more sensitive to salt, which increases the risk of having high blood pressure.

Environmental factors:

Some scientists believe that high blood pressure in Black people is due to things unique to the experience of African Americans. Black people worldwide have rates of high blood pressure that are similar to that of white people. But in the U.S., the difference is dramatic: 41% of African Americans have high blood pressure, as compared to 27% of white Americans. In addition, Black people in the U.S are more likely to be overweight than Black people in other countries. Some experts think that social and economic factors – including discrimination and economic inequality – are responsible for this difference.

Being Black is a risk factor for developing high blood pressure. Others include:

• Increased age

• Excessive weight

• A family history of high blood pressure

• Having diabetes

• Inactivity

• Lots of salt and fat in your diet

• Not getting enough potassium

• Smoking

Low Vision Awareness Month

Vision impairment, including low vision, affects millions of Americans, among them are many older adults. Vision impairment can make it hard to do things like reading, shopping, or cooking. And standard treatments like eyeglasses, contact lenses, medicines, and surgery can’t fix it completely. The good news is that vision rehabilitation services can help people with vision impairment learn how to stay independent and make the most of their sight.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before they become adults. Nationwide, youth age 12 to 19 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault. And nearly half (43%) of U.S. college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors. This is an issue that impacts everyone not just teens, but their parents, teachers, friends and communities as well.

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

Adopt-A-Block

Keeping our city clean & 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:

• 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.

FEDERAL DONATIONS TO MU LAMBDA

Brothers, it is that time of year when we begin to think in the spirit of giving and giving thanks. In that spirit, the Mu Lambda Foundation participates in two key funding programs through which federal and District of Columbia employees can share the gift of the giving.

The Combined Federal Campaign - CFC (https://www.opm.gov/combined-federal-campaign) is a resource that allows U.S. government employees to make regular payroll deductions in support of the Mu Lambda Foundation and its charitable and community service programs.

The DC One Fund (https://os.dc.gov/page/dc-one-fund-each-one-give-one) provides an opportunity for employees of the District of Columbia to do the same. All donations through these funds are tax deductible and deducted from your paycheck regularly. What could be an easier or better way to support the programs you care about?

As open season begins for 2023, you may plan your weekly, biweekly, or monthly contributions to the Mu Lambda Foundation by contributing to charity number 66770 in the CFC, and number 9556 in the DC One Fund.

Let’s make 2023 the best year yet for supporting youth and abused women in the DC area. Thank you for your continued support.

Bro. Kent Benjamin

The Mu Lambda Foundation meetings are bi-monthly on the third Thursday of the month.

Next meeting is Thursday, February 16, 2022

Greeting Brothers,

The 2019-2022 fraternal year was dedicated to rediscovering our brotherhood. We serve the community, but we have been neglecting our bond of brotherhood.

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.

It was totally voluntary. You were not required to purchase the new history book. Brother Robert L. Harris, Jr. our National Historian and author of Volume II has participated in the sessions, and all sessions are chaired by our own Bro. Ryle Bell.

Volume I Lesson

Chapter I The Origin of Alpha Phi Alpha

Chapter II The Period of Consolidation

Chapter III The First Steps in Expansion

Chapter IV Local and National Strivings

Chapter V Permanent Foundations

Chapter VI Expansion and Internal Development

Chapter VII The Leaven of Self-Examination

Chapter VIII The War Interlude

Chapter IX A Definite Program

Chapter X The Crowning Years

Chapter XI Advancement in Spite of the Depression

Chapter XII The Widening Social Program

Chapter XIII Education and War

Chapter XIV A Militant Liberalism

Chapter XV The Concept of Progress

Chapter XVI The Golden Anniversary

Chapter XVII Shaping the Future on the Basis of the Past

Chapter XVIII The Continuing Challenge

Chapter XIX New Goals for Old

Chapter XX Social Purpose and Social Action

Volume II Lesson

Chapter I Back to Basics

Chapter II Achieving Tomorrow: An Agenda for the 80’s Chapter III Strengthening Internal Capacity for Greater Service

Chapter IV Facing Our Future with a Future

Chapter V The Alpha Renaissance: Rekindling the Spirit of Leadership and Community Service

Chapter VI Vision 2000: The Light of a New Day

Chapter VII Alpha Attitude: A Forward Step… Into the Future

Chapter VIII A Solid Foundation for the New Era of Alpha

Fraternally, John Wilson,

President

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Mu Lambda Chapter

INGREDIENTS

CAKE:

• 3 CUPS WHITE SUGAR

• 1 & 1/2 CUPS BUTTER

• 5 LARGE EGGS

• 3 & 1/2 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR

• 1/2 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER

• 1/4 TEASPOON SALT

• 1 & 1/2 CUPS WHOLE MILK

• 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT

ICING:

• 1 (16 OUNCE)

PACKAGE BROWN SUGAR

• 1 CUP BUTTER

• 1/4 TEASPOON SALT

• 2/3 CUP EVAPORATED MILK

• 1 (16 OUNCE)

PACKAGE CONFECTIONERS; SUGAR, SIFTED

• 2 TEASPOONS PURE VANILLA EXTRACT

DIRECTIONS

1. PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 350 DEGREES F (175 DEGREES C). GREASE AND FLOUR THREE 9-INCH CAKE PANS.

2. MAKE CAKE: PLACE WHITE SUGAR AND BUTTER INTO A MIXING BOWL. BEAT WITH AN ELECTRIC MIXER ON MEDIUM SPEED UNTIL LIGHT AND FLUFFY. ADD EGGS, ONE AT A TIME, MIXING WELL AFTER EACHADDITION.

3. COMBINE FLOUR, BAKING POWDER, AND SALT IN A SEPARATE BOWL. ADD FLOUR MIXTURE IN BATCHES, ALTERNATING WITH MILK, BEATING BATTER BRIEFLY AFTER EACH ADDITION. ADD VANILLA EXTRACT; BEAT UNTIL BATTER MAKES RIBBONS WHEN FALLING FROM THE BEATERS. DIVIDE BATTER AMONG THE PREPARED CAKE PANS.

4. BAKE IN THE PREHEATED OVEN UNTIL A TOOTHPICK INSERTED IN THE CENTER COMES OUT CLEAN, ABOUT 30 MINUTES. COOL ON A WIRE

RACK FOR 5 MINUTES. RUN A TABLE KNIFE AROUND THE EDGES TO LOOSEN. INVERT CAREFULLY ONTO A COOLING RACK. LET COOL, ABOUT 30 MINUTES.

5. MAKE ICING: COMBINE BROWN SUGAR, BUTTER, AND SALT IN A SAUCEPAN OVER MEDIUM HEAT. STIR UNTIL BROWN SUGAR IS DISSOLVED, ABOUT 3 MINUTES. ADD EVAPORATED MILK AND CONTINUE STIRRING. BRING TO A GENTLE BOIL AND LET BUBBLE FOR ABOUT 4 MINUTES, STIRRING CONSTANTLY TO AVOID STICKING. REMOVE FROM HEAT AND ALLOW TO COOL, ABOUT 5 MINUTES.

6. MIX CONFECTIONERS' SUGAR AND VANILLA EXTRACT INTO BROWN SUGAR MIXTURE USING AN ELECTRIC MIXER UNTIL ICING CARAMELIZES AND THICKENS TO THE DESIRED CONSISTENCY.

7. SPREAD ICING ONTO COOLED CAKE LAYERS. STACK LAYERS; ICE TOP AND SIDES.soften for 15 minutes before serving.

CHICKEN WORTH THE WAIT

Prep:

(1) Wash n clean your chicken with lemon juice, vinegar then scrub with sea salt. Rinse chicken totally ensuring no slime or bacteria is still sitting on chicken.

(2) Marinate; in a large tub or pan slice lemons, red wine vinegar dressing, 2-3 cups apple juice a few cloves, Sazon season pack(2-3), salt, pepper, garlic and accent; cover and let sit in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours prior to cooking, overnight is best.

Cooking:

Grilled or Baked is best, this recipe could even be used for frying

Grilled/Baked:

(1) remove from marinade and onto parchment paper or wire rack apply additional seasoning if you want.

(2) place in the oven after preheating to 350 for 45 min; Grill till slightly browned, check temperature flip and continue to grill for about 35 minutes, check tem for 160 degrees internal before removing (remember to remove chicken from fridge 30 min prior to cooking so it can come to room temp .

Fried: Season your flour with 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, 1 pack Sazon, remove chicken from marinade and flour and coat pressing flour onto chicken so it sticks. Fry for about 13-15 Min for golden brown in deep fried grease. Core temp 160 degrees for best results.

Rest:

Let all hot food rest for about 5 min, be careful while digging in and Enjoy!

Thursday, January 5 Chapter Meeting

Saturday, January 7 Alpha Wives Meeting

Wednesday, January 18 Eboard Meeting

Thursday, February 2 Chapter Meeting

Saturday, February 4 Alpha Wives Meeting

Wednesday, February 16 Eboard Meeting

Thursday, February 16 Foundation Meeting

Thursday, March 2 Chapter Meeting

Saturday, March 4 Alpha Wives Meeting

Wednesday, March 15 Eboard Meeting

Wednesday, April 13 -16 Eastern Region Convention

Thursday, April 6 Chapter Meeting

Saturday, April 8 Alpha Wives Meeting

Wednesday, April 19 Eboard Meeting

Thursday,April 20 Foundation Meeting

Thursday, May 4 Chapter Meeting

Saturday, May 6 Alpha Wives Meeting

Wednesday, May 17 Eboard Meeting

Thursday, June 1 Chapter Meeting

Saturday, June 3 Alpha Wives Meeting

Thursday, June 15 Foundation Meeting

Wednesday, June 21 Eboard Meeting

Monday, June 19 Juneteenth Day

July 26 - 30 97th General Convention

July 2023 Chapter Vacation

August 2023 Chapter Vacation

Thursday, September 7 Chapter Meeting

Saturday, September 9 Alpha Wives Meeting

Thursday, September 14 Foundation Meeting

Wednesday, September 20 Eboard Meeting

Saturday, September 30 Centennial Celebration

Sunday, October 1 100th Charter Day

Thursday, October 5 Chapter Meeting

Saturday, October 7 Alpha Wives Meeting

Wednesday, October 18 Eboard Meeting

Thursday, October 19 Foundation Meeting

Thursday, November 2 Chapter Meeting

Saturday, November 11 Alpha Wives Meeting

Wednesday, November 15 Eboard Meeting

Thursday, November 23 Thanksgiving Day

Thursday,December 7 Chapter Meeting

Monday, December 4 Founders’ Day

Saturday , December 9 Alpha Wives Meeting

Thursday, December 14 Foundation Meeting

Wednesday, December 20 EBoard Meeting

Sunday, December 25 Christmas

BROTHER MALCOLM CARTER 6-B-87 ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC, MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

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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

Please Contact Brother Matt

Aaron for Your Financial Planning Needs

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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

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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.

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.

Message from the Editor

THANK YOU, My Brothers....

Happy BLACK HISTORY MONTH, This February, I would like to encourage each brother to get to know another brother in the chapter who they do not know. Like church, it is that time of the year for us to get up and greet our neighbors, to find out 7 things about them that you did not know before.

Every month that i have a chance to edit this magazine, I learn something new from one of my brothers, I get to read and see Black HIStory unfold. To this end, I want to pass the Torch on, to encourage the same learning experiences, fun new stories, and fraternal bond.

Fraternally,

BRO. MIKAEL LAROCHE EDITOR OF THE TORCH TORCH@MULAMBDA.ORG

ALPHA QUOTE TO SERVE BY...

“THINK Alpha Phi Alpha, TALK Alpha Phi Alpha, PROMOTE Alpha Phi Alpha, and LABOR for the broad principles of idealism for which Alpha Phi Alpha was created, so that humanity shall look on us as a body worthwhile.”

Brother Henry L. Dickason, 5th General President

Bro. LaRoche Editor in Chief

GOODWILL 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

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 2022-2023 fraternal year runs September 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. The chapter does not meet during July and August.

It is now time to pay your 2022-2023 dues which will cover you from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.

Ways to make payment:

1. You can pay your dues on mulambda.org by clicking the dues tab at the bottom left of every web page.

2. Bring a check to the chapter meeting.

3. You can pay on the Mu Lambda App

4. 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.