The Mu Lambda Torch - December 2022

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!

www.mulambda.org

In this Issue

Front Cover Picture by Names 2 In this Issue 3 Executive Board, Committee Chairs, Charter Members, Past Presidents 4 The Presidents’ Message

The Vice-Presidents’ Message 6 The Mu Lambda Lines 10 RENAISSANCE - Mu Lambda Centennial Announcement 11 Community Service Highlights October! 14 Beta Chapter - Queens Crowned 15 Maryland’s new governor! Wes Moore. 18 Health and Wellness - Worlds Aids Day 20 Crohns and Colitis Awareness Month 21 Flu and Influenza Information 24 MAAC Breakfast 2022 25 House of Ruth 26 Adopt a Block 27 MAAC & Area Events 28 Federal Donation Info to Mu Lambda Foundation 31 Literary Society 32 Dessert of the month - Pecan Crusted Cheesecake 33 Drink of the Month - The BROquito 35 Upcoming Events Calendar 36 Advertisements 45 Message from the Editor 46 Esprit de Fraternite

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

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

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

Social Media Chair Brown - Duso

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 FN3 14th General President 1931-1940 FN4 General Secretary 1920-1926 FN5 8th Eastern Regional Vice-President 1950-1953 FN6 23rd Eastern Regional Vice-President 2000-2001 Executive Director MLK Memorial

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

Greetings Brothers, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

As we come to the close of the Year 2022 I once again want to express my appreciation for the hard work you Brothers do, the trust you have in me and the executive board and your continued dedication to our great fraternity. I think the year 2022 has been a good year for us overall. We are recognized by our area our district and our region as a successful harmonious and hard-working chapter of Alpha. It is a good feeling to receive accolades and brothers who have been long time inactive seeking to join our chapter. It is also outstanding for brothers who are new to the area or have been in the area for a while to seek us out and reactivate themselves through Mu Lambda on a regular basis.

With Founders Day on the horizon I once again am very pleased with my decision and I hope your decision to become an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha be it 30 years ago 60 years ago 20 years ago 10 years ago 2 years ago. This is by far one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. I am so very appreciative of the wisdom of our founders to create such a great brotherhood and community service based organization. It’s good being number one.

Again thank you all and let’s get ready for our 100th next year.

Fraternally, Brother John “Tony” Wilson, President 2022 - 2023

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

THE MU LAMBDA LINES

The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter have a long legacy of welcoming LEADERS into its ranks. As another year of our fraternity’s founding roles around, it is important to embark on a project giving room to the phenominal lines who were brought in via our chapter.

Some of our most notable initiates are

Bro. Bobby W. Austin – Vice President for University Relations and Communications at the University of the District of Columbia; Author; Chairman of the Planning Committee on the Status of African American Men

Bro. Marion S. Barry, Jr. – Former Mayor of Washington, DC and first Chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

Bro. Walter M. Booker – Past Eastern Region Vice President (1951-54); Former Chairman, Howard University Department of Pharmacology; Howard University Medical School Professor.

Bro. Herman R. Branson – Noted biophysicist, co-inventor of the Alpha helix, and past president of Central State and Lincoln Universities.

Bro. M. Christopher Brown – Former President of Alcorn State and Kentucky State University

Bro. Horace G. Dawson, Jr. – Former Ambassador to Botswana and Director of the Ralph Bunche International Affairs

Center, Howard University. Chairman of the Alpha Phi Alpha World Policy Council.

Bro. Charles T. Duncan – First General Counsel of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, First African American President of the District of Columbia Bar Association, first chair of the DC Judicial Selection Commission, and former Dean, Howard University School of Law.

Bro. Joseph H. B. Evans – Former Field Director for the Committee on Fair Employment Practices and Former Associate Executive Secretary of the President’s Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services. Served as General Secretary of Alpha Phi Alpha for 22 years.Bro. Howard Jenkins – First African American Appointed to the National Labor Relations Board; served for 20 years under five Presidents.

Bro. R. O’Hara Lanier – Former Ambassador to Liberia First President of Texas Southern University

Bro. Bedford V. Lawson – Civil Rights Attorney and Past General President of Alpha Phi Alpha

Bro. Rayford W. Logan – Civil Rights/ Pan African Activist and Scholar and Past General President of Alpha Phi Alpha

Bro. Howard L. Long – Former Assistant Superintendent of the DC Public Schools and Past General President of Alpha Phi Alpha

Bro. Leroy Lowery III – Past Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation; Past Interim Vice President of the Eastern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha

Bro. Gregory S. Parks – Lawyer and Author

THE MU LAMBDA

LINES CONTINUED

Bro. Vincent Orange – Former Washington, DC City Council Member, Ward 5

Bro. Henry Ponder – Past General President; Past President, Talladega College, Benedict College, and Fisk University; Past President and CEO of NAFEO

Bro. Hilyard R. Robinson – Noted architect who designed buildings at Howard and Hampton Universities, as well as Langston Terrace in DC. Chairman, Department of Architecture at Howard University, 1925-31.

As editor of the torch, I personally would like to extend a hearty vote of appreciation for these brother’s and many others. But there are MANY Mu Lambda Made men, who continue to achieve amazing professional and fraternal feats past and present.

With past service on the District level and beyond, Brothers Reginald Salter, and Darryl Chase have served on multiple levels of Eastern Regional leadership and National service. Most recently, Brothers Samuel Armstrong, Brent Radcliffe, and Mikael LaRoche - Have served selflessly to ensure our region holds a tight ship. These Mu Lambda Initiated men are met by the ranks of Bro. Ryle Bell, Albert Williams and Kenneth Williams. Though they are not initiates of the chapter, as current members, their service does not go unnoticed. Regionally, Brother George D. McNeil sits proudly at the helm of parliamentary proceedure and practice.

This Mu Lambda committment to Alpha and Leadership rubs off well to our influence in Beta Chapter, as Bro. Nnamdi Olebara, is serving on the district leadership team.

As we recommit ourselves to another year of service, another year of leadership. It is important to praise the brothers who continue to showcase the hardwork that is necessary to push the expected high standards of lines that we produce from our chapter. From my own line, Brother Sean Plater, has been making waves in the multimedia world as he serves currently as the General Manger of both media houses WHUR FM, and WHUT - Howard University Television, simultaneously!

Becoming a Mu Lambda Man comes with the responsibility of carying on a legacy of many amazing ALPHA MEN. Many men who go unmentioned with their varied professional accomplishments. KINGS of their craft and chosen vocation.

May we continue to protect these standards.

May we continue to provide a beacon of light to the future leaders of our chapter.

May we encourage future General Presidents, Mayors, Congressmen, ANC Board members, University Presidents, Doctors, Educators, CEO’s, Heads of Departments, and more as we charge quickly into 100 years of Mu Lambda.

I write this article today as we strive for the better making of MEN. Mu Lambda Men.

06’ Brothers & Happy Founders Day

By - Brother M. LaRoche

PICTURED

WALIOPANDA 19– SPRING 2021

Justice Brown Duso (ICE KITENZI)

Anthony Covington (ICE JABARI)

Daniel Mushala (ICE UKALI)

Justin Hansford (ICE ELEWISA)

AJ Jones II (ICE AKIDA)

Jordan Scott (ICE UTATUZI)

Drew Emerson (ICE WAASI)

Larry Sanders (ICE SADEEKI)

Knights of Horus - Spring 2018

Kendall Frost (Break1ng Point)

Jeremy Triplett (Dnoces)

Ted (Toussaint)

Glorie Chiza (Corporal Punishment)

Twane Harris (No Excuses)

Rodney Dew (Dew DillhenCE)

Antonio King (Disciple Klump)

Stanton Burke (ZombiePHied)

Matthew Aaron (PHinal Draft) 10 Torchbearers of Pharaohs Riddler - Fall 2017

Joshua Duboise (Shining Star)

John-Mark Williams (Schoolboy)

Abdul Kamara (Doc Anansi)

4. DeAngelo Copeland ( Ph rozen Cadence) 5. Byron L. Williams (Inkwell) 6. Rex Jarrett ( Ph arrogant) 7. Jason Jefferson (Hugo Strange) 8. Kenny Regis (Rhythmless Nation) 9. Kevin Bouknight (Google) 10. Kellen Moore (The Senator)

The Sons Of Akhenaten- Spring 2013

1. Brent Radcliff (Clandestine ApprentICE ) 2. Kahlil M. Green ( Phrozen TrAil) 3. Sean D. Plater (Eye Opening Quiet Storm) 4. Nicholas E. Jones ( Phrozen Fortune) 5. Kevin L. Dixon (Clark Kent) 6. Charvis V. Campbell (Neferkare) 7. Villareal Johnson, II (Effendi SAA-ATUM) 8. Jonathan A. Watkins (Master Juba) 9. Mark K. Jones (Tenac- ICE Potentate) 10. Mikael E. LaRoche (Imhotep) 11. Darnell R. Ray, II (Prophet) 12. Karl W. Bruce, Jr ( Phrozen Destiny) 13. Lawrence M. Clark, Jr. (Pythagoras) 14. Eric A. Washington (misUNDERSTOOD) 15. Michael E. Gallion ( Phrigid Phocus) 16. Chatman K. Young, II (HU – HORUS)

The Insurmountable 10 - Fall 2011

1. Keone Thomas (Improv) 2. Ed Hill (Double Jeopardy) 3. Sulaiman Almaroof ( The Sandman) 4. Frank King (Background Noise) 5. Daniel Kittrell (Joker’s Wild) 6. Alexander Pullen (PHInal Decision) 7. Jonathan Butler (Oedipus) 8. Coy Lindsay (iRobot) 9. Garrett Miller (Cold Sweat) 10. Jason Clark (The Riddler)

THE ODD TRIPLE Spring 2002

James Mitchell, Adrian Vincent James, Arthur E. King

MU LAMBDA IS SERVICE

Historic Service with Historic Ties!

In partnership with the University of District of Columbia (UDC) and Beta Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha. The Brothers of Mu Lambda had the opportunity to make significant outdoor improvements at Sousa Middle School in SE, DC. Tilling soil, laying mulch, building benches and removing/restoring plant beds. The Mission Continues led this veterans day Mu Lambda service which has historic ties to Washington DC!

John Phillip Sousa Middle School is 1 of 5 schools in Bolling v. Sharpe, which comprised the DC cases in Brown v. Board of Education.

Unity, fellowship and giving backThanksgiving Service!

Project GiveBack DC celebrated 25 years of service with packing and distributing over 4200 meals for Thanksgiving! With over 40 Mu Lambda Brothers present for packing at 7:30 AM, the spirit of service was palpable amongst all Divine 9 Greek letter organizations, and volunteers present!

MU LAMBDA PROJECT GIVEBACK

BETA CHAPTER CROWNS QUEENS

The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter would like to extend a hearty congratulations to our Beta Chapter Brothers on their successful hosting of the 2022 - 2023 Miss Black and Gold Pageant and Royal Court late in October 2022.

Based on their recollection and public report on social media, the pageant was extravagant, packed with engaging talents and distinguished speeches.

We would like to congratulate the young ladies who participated, and extend our warmest welcome to the Miss Black and Gold - Kyla Warman.

Additional prize winners, Miss Beta, Tyler Johnson and Miss Sphinx, Gya Ferguson we look forward to your royal reign and your support and embodiment of Manly Deeds, Scholarship and Love for All Mankind.

Congratulations!

By - Brother M. LaRoche

Maryland Gains an ALPHA GOVERNOR IN WES MOORE

A look at Maryland’s projected 63rd governor-elect.

Political newcomer, Brother Wes Moore rallied a diverse coalition around ending child poverty, building generational wealth and promising to “leave no one behind” in his bid to become Maryland’s first Black governor, reclaiming the governor’s mansion for Democrats.

Moore, 44, launched his gubernatorial bid on the strength of his charisma and a bestselling personal story, “The Other Wes Moore,” which details how educational opportunities and economic inequities affect whether a person falters or succeeds.

The author and former chief of a large poverty-fighting nonprofit amassed endorsements from powerhouses in the state’s Democratic establishment during the primary and was later boosted with star-power support from former president Barack Obama, former U.S. senator Hillary Clinton and Oprah Winfrey.

Moore built a massive war chest to topple Republican Dan Cox, a freshman delegate backed by former president Donald Trump who objected to the certification of President Biden’s 2020 victory. Cox campaigned on restricting abortions, vigorously fought against coronavirus mitigation measures and wanted to limit the role of government.

Brother Moore pledged to help people who are often overlooked, to foster economic opportunity and to protect abortion rights while harnessing concerns about

some of Cox’s hard-right views on school curriculums, LGBTQ rights and vaccine mandates.

Wes Moore defeated Dan Cox to become Maryland’s first Black governor. Moore’s campaign set high expectations. Here’s what to know about him.

His proposals span the political spectrum, from tax cuts to social programs. His goals include creating a “baby bonds” program that would operate like a trust fund for newborns from poor families; developing a program that would allow high school graduates to participate in a year of service; and pouring cash into a state affordable housing program that has not kept pace with demand.

His running mate, Aruna Miller, who immigrated from India at age 7, will be the first woman of color and first immigrant to serve as lieutenant governor in one of the most diverse states in the country.

“We’re not running to make history,” Moore often said on the trail. “We have a unique opportunity to make child poverty history. We have a unique opportunity to make the racial wealth gap history.”

When he takes office, Moore will be faced with figuring out how to deliver on his promises, which will require attacking complex systemic problems that have been intractable in Maryland and across the country.

On the trail, Moore, also a combat veteran and former investment banker, often homed in on his background and what he calls his guiding life principle — that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed and that “no one is left behind.”

Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), one on a long list of supporters, said during the primary that Moore and Miller commanded attention in an otherwise sleepy contest full of qualified candidates, inspiring “the young and old among us to believe again in things that are possible

During the primary, Moore surged past established candidates such as Peter Franchot, a state comptroller who has held elected office almost as long as Moore has been alive, and former U.S. labor secretary Tom Perez, who is entrenched and admired in national party politics. He consolidated support from the state’s Democratic heavy hitters, including House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, state Senate President Bill Ferguson (Baltimore City), House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (Baltimore City) and Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks. He also won one of the biggest and most coveted labor endorsements, from the 76,000-strong state teachers union, and later from the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police.

A Rhodes scholar raised by a single mother, Moore has a résumé that includes time as a White House fellow and as a paratrooper in Afghanistan.

Early during his campaign he was dogged by questions about the compelling life story that launched him into public view. The opening lines on the book jacket of his 2010 bestseller, “The Other Wes Moore,” said he was born in Baltimore.

Moore said the error was made by his publisher, a mistake he asked it to correct.

“I have nothing to exaggerate about my life,” he said.

Moore was 3 when his father died in front of him after he didn’t get the health care he needed for acute epiglottitis. His widowed mother, an immigrant from Jamaica, moved him and his two sisters from Takoma Park,

Md., to the Bronx, where they lived with his grandparents, a minister and a longtime educator.

Moore takes pride in his story and in Miller’s.

“People are looking for someone who has worked across sectors to get big things done,” he said in an interview. “Right now, people are not necessarily looking for the same people with the same ideas. They want us to be bold. They want Maryland to do big things.”

Washington Post:

By Ovetta Wiggins and Erin Cox

Updated November 8, 2022 at 10:02 p.m. EST|

Published November 8, 2022 at 8:41 p.m. EST

CONGRATULATIONS BRO MOORE

Health & Wellness| BROs KEEPER

December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month. One in five of the more than one million people living with HIV in the United States is unaware of his or her infection. Early diagnosis of HIV may substantially reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. Black/African Americans account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses and people with HIV, compared to other races and ethnicities.

People Living with HIV

CROHN’S & COLITIS AWARENESS

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, while Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition limited to the colon or large intestine. Both disorders are classified as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) which can cause severe cramping, debilitating discomfort, unintentional weight loss and other life-disrupting symptoms.

According to the latest figures, IBD affects an estimated 1.6 million Americans. In fact, there are more than 70,000 new cases of IBD in the United States each year. Both Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are on the rise in younger people with those in their teens and early twenties becoming diagnosed. Although Crohn’s and Colitis are life-long diseases, symptoms can be managed with medical treatment and tips. Learning as much as possible about these illnesses can help patients to improve their overall health.

National Influenza Vaccination

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Month

National Influenza Vaccination Awareness is an annual observance in December to remind everyone 6 months and older that there's still time to get vaccinated against flu. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including young children. Most years, the peak of flu season happens between December and February.

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:

• Fever or felling feverish/chills

• Cough

• Sore Throat

• Runny or Stuffy Nose

• Muscle or Body aches

• Headaches

• Fatigue (very tired)

• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. Though this is more common in children than adults.

Most people who become sick with flu recover in a few days, but some may develop serious complications, like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infection. For people with certain chronic health conditions, their impacted immune systems not only put them at high risk of these serious flu-related complications, but flu can also make their chronic health problems worse. Even healthy people with well-managed conditions may not be able to fight off infection:

• People with asthma may experience asthma attacks and a worsening of asthma symptoms

• People with diabetes may find it harder to control their blood sugar because flu may raise sugar levels

• People with heart disease may experience a worsening of their condition.

• The American Lung Association, American Diabetes Association, and American Heart Association recently issued a joint statement about the need for people living with certain chronic health conditions to get a flu vaccine, just as they take their prescribed medications, as part of their regular healthcare management.

Flu activity is increasing nationally and there is significant circulation of three different viruses. The good news is that most flu vaccines in the US protect against four different viruses. As long as flu viruses are circulating, it is not too late to recommend and give a flu vaccine to those with chronic health conditions. While vaccine effectiveness can vary, recent studies show that, on average, flu vaccination reduces the number of flu-related trips to the doctor and can help prevent severe flu illness requiring hospitalization. In people who get vaccinated but still get sick, flu vaccination can reduce the severity and duration of the illness.

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.

• 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.

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

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, December 15, 2022

Next meeting is Saturday, December 3, 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

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray; line bottom with a round of parchment paper and wrap outside of pan with heavy duty aluminum foil.

2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, pecans, sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crust in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until mixture has a sand-like consistency. Press crumb mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan using a flat-bottomed measuring cup or your fingers .

3. Bake in the preheated oven on the center oven rack until lightly browned and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C), and place oven rack in lower third position.

4. Meanwhile, combine cream cheese and brown sugar in a food processor and process until smooth and no lumps remain, about 45 seconds, scraping down sides as needed.

Add eggs, 1 at a time, pulsing once after each addition. Add sour cream, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt; pulse 2 to 3 times or until combined. Pour batter into cooled crust.

5. Bake in the hot oven at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) on rack in lower third position until center jiggles slightly, 45 to 50 minutes. Turn oven off, prop oven door open slightly, and let cheesecake stand in oven 1 hour. Remove from oven, discard foil, and run a knife around edge of crust to release from pan (to avoid cracks while cooling). Cover with plastic wrap, and chill at least 6 hours or overnight.

6. For the topping set a a medium nonstick saucepan over low heat. Add sugar in an even layer and cook over low, undisturbed, until warm, about 2 minutes. Add water, and stir constantly until all the sugar is melted, about 45 seconds. Add butter, stirring constantly until butter is melted and incorporated, about 30 seconds. Increase heat to medium; add heavy cream, rum, cinnamon, and vanilla, and cook, stirring constantly, until well combined and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add pecans, stirring until well coated, and remove from heat. Cool until room temperature and thickened, about 30 minutes.

7. Remove cheesecake from refrigerator, and carefully remove from springform pan. Place on a serving platter, and top with cooled pecan pie topping. Serve immediately or allow cheesecake to soften for 15 minutes before serving.

THE BRO QUITO

It is a play off the classic Puerto Rican holiday cocktail Coquito. The best thing about it is that as decadent as it is, it is vegan!”

INGREDIENTS

16 oz. Milkadamia Vanilla Creamer macadamia milk (oat milk can substitute)

4 oz. sweetened condensed coconut milk

15-oz. can Coco Lopez

1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 tsp. freshly grated cinnamon

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup White rum

1/4 cup cognac (brandy will do just fine)

Combine all ingredients. You can also omit the liquor for a nonalcoholic version, or swap the rum for one of your choice.

Store in the fridge and serve in a collins glass over ice. Use a microplane to shave a light dusting of nutmeg on top of each one

DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

Brother Mikael LaRoche

Thursday, January 6 Chapter Meeting Saturday, January 8 Alpha Wives Meeting Thursday, January 15 Eboard Meeting

Thursday, February 3 Chapter Meeting Saturday, February 12 Alpha Wives Meeting Thursday, February 16 Eboard Meeting Thursday, February 17 Foundation Meeting

Thursday, March 3 Chapter Meeting Saturday, March 12 Alpha Wives Meeting Thursday, March 16 Eboard Meeting

Wednesday, April 6 Eastern Region Convention Thursday, April 7 Chapter Meeting Saturday, April 9 Alpha Wives Meeting Thursday, April 20 Eboard Meeting Thursday,April 21 Foundation Meeting

Thursday, May 5

Chapter Meeting Saturday, May 14 APA Way Naming Ceremony, Alpha Wives Meeting Thursday, May 18 Eboard Meeting

Thursday, June 2

Chapter Meeting Saturday, June 11 Alpha Wives Meeting Thursday, June 15 Foundation Meeting Thursday, June 16 Eboard Meeting

Sunday, June 19

Juneteenth Day July 2022 Chapter Vacation August 2022 Chapter Vacation

Thursday, September 8 Chapter Meeting Saturday, September 10 Community Service Saturday, September 10 Alpha Wives Meeting Thursday, September 15 Foundation Meeting Thursday, September 21 Eboard Meeting

Saturday, October 1 Happy Charter Day Thursday, October 6 Chapter Meeting Saturday, October 8 Alpha Wives Meeting Thursday, October 19 Eboard Meeting Thursday, October 20 Foundation Meeting

Thursday, November 3 Chapter Meeting Saturday, November 12 Alpha Wives Meeting Thursday, November 16 Eboard Meeting Thursday, November 24 Thanksgiving Day

Thursday,December 1 Chapter Meeting Sunday, December 4 Founders’ Day Thursday, December 10 Alpha Wives Meeting Thursday, December 15 Foundation Meeting Sunday, December 25 Christmas

Domino’s

Domino’s

Domino’s

Domino’s

Domino’s

Domino’s

Domino’s

Domino’s

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

Matt Aaron, CFP® Aaron Financial 908-548-2745 Matthew.aaron.jr@nm.com Website: Aaronfinancial.nm.com

Matt is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

professional and the founder of Aaron Financial. Matt and his team provide a comprehensive financial planning experience to a diverse set of clients across the country.

• Budgeting

• Insurance Planning

• Investment Planning and Wealth Management

• Retirement Planning

• Education Planning

• Estate Planning

• Business & Employee Benefits

Matt holds a BBA from Howard University and has earned both a certificate in financial planning from Georgetown University and the prestigious CFP ® designation. Matt is a national spokesperson for the Certified Financial Planning Board.

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....

Founders Day is here - 116 Years of Manly Deeds, Scholarship and LOVE FOR ALL MANKIND... Functioning as both the Vice President and Editor of the Torch this fraternal year has given me a new value for the work ethic that is necessary to become a LEADER in Alpha. This is not an easy task, but i accept it with open arms.

As we rededicate our lives to Alpha for another fraternal year, i would like to encourage every brother to take on similar ethics as we shoot to a centennial the world will remember.

Fraternally,

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

Bro. LaRoche Editor in Chief

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

GOODWILL IS THE MONARCH OF THIS HOUSE

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.