The Mu Lambda Torch, June 2023

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

Torch Cover - CENTENNIAL IS UPON IS!

1. Chapter Cover Image - The MIGHTY

2. In this Issue

3. Executive Board, Committee Chairs, Charter Members, Past Presidents

4. The Presidents’ Message

5. The Vice-Presidents’ Message

6. Passing the TORCH

7. Mu Lambda’s Past Presidents

8. The Centennial Executive Board ELECT

10. Chapter Birthdays! June - August!

11. ALPHA MOVE 2023

12. A Gift from my father...

13. Flowers on the Greens.

14. LDI Reminder

15. Mu Lambda’s newest SON!

16. Beta Chapter Recap

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

JUNE MESSAGE

Greetings Brothers,

It is with my sincere gratitude and humility that I thank you Brothers for choosing me to serve as President of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc Mu Lambda Chapter for three straight years. Thank you for your trust and respect that allowed me to work with you as we navigated through unforeseen experiences in our personal lives’ and the life of Mu Lambda. When the “Spanish Flu” hit the world in 1918 Mu Lambda did not exist, so when the Covid-19 Pandemic hit us it was totally unprecedented at an organizational level. Sadly due to the disease we lived through the transition of Brothers to Omega Chapter, along with the loss of family members and friends. As a Chapter we have emerged from the Covid-19 Pandemic and these past three years stronger than ever. The number of active Brothers has not been higher. We are responsible for the reactivation of so many Brothers during these past three years we have been recognized by our general organization. We successfully initiated 3 lines of good Brothers harmoniously. We completed the processes of having Alpha Phi Alpha Way become a reality. We continued to deliver service to our communities and live up to our Fraternity’s mission despite the challenges. We continued to do the work because that is what we do. We were tested and we passed! More than passed we excelled!

As president of the chapter I was fortunate to interact with many of you on a personal and Alpha business level and you are some truly outstanding Brothers. I thank you for adding this experience to my life’s journey. I hope the experience of interacting with me in the role of president has been mutually beneficial despite my at times mercurially intensity.

Again thank you Brothers for the support from all over the country and I look forward celebrating with you the Centennial Charting of Mu Lambda in September 2023.

Fraternally,

Tony Wilson

Brother John “Tony” Wilson, President (8-B-86)

2022 - 2023

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Mu Lambda Chapter

PASSING THE TORCH

Bro: Mikael E LaRoche

By the time most of you would be reading the Torch, hopefully, June 1, 2023 9 pm EST, would be behind you and the official installation of our 2023 - 2024 Executive Board Officers would have taken place. Last month our chapter held a spirited contest, with a few challenged positions for the Foundation’s Board, along with the statesmanship of presentations and a smooth election. From this annual result, it is my distinct pleasure to continue in service this year as the President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter seated in the nation’s capital.

99 affirming years of history predates me in this role. From the visionary beginnings of leadership held by my prophytes like Brother Harold Stratton in 1923, to the likes of our beloved Jewel Brother Henry Arthur Callis, who also went on to become the General President of the Organization. I am humbled and honored to continue in the footsteps of their greatness.

I continue to extend warm regard to all of my predecessors. Brothers, LeRoy Lowery III, Tim Fitzgerald, Eddie Neal, Joel Grey, and most recently John “Tony” Wilson. They all functioned as mentors to me as I spent the last ten years climbing the ranks of the chapter.

Though I was not an Alpha in their reign, Brothers Vincent Orange, CC Jones, James McDonald, and the Late Brother Rudolph Harris have all carved a clear path of excellence and fine example as I personally

followed their impact on the legacy of Mu Lambda.

I have served all of my active years on the executive board. Serving as Chair of the Social Committee to the 40 and Under Committee Chair, and I also served as the chapter’s Archivist, Corresponding Secretary, Editor of the Torch, and Vice President for four amazing years.

It is an honor to continue to lead our chapter into a new century. With innovative concepts I have seamlessly added an excellence in Branding to our identity, transforming our former website, Marketing Materials, and the interface of our already excellent Torch Monthly magazine to new heights. The social media engagement of our chapter has increased, but the time is now for us to get back to converting these polished assets into value-added weapons in our artillery. We must convert this into partnerships!

My vision for the future is to continue to showcase a RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENTS. We must make our brothers feel whole. As pioneers, leaders, and visionaries, it is important to continue to showcase who Mu Lambda men have been for the past 100 years, and who we are going to be for the next 100. I know we are our worth in GOLD.

This is no fair task. It has already come with a series of bumps and bruises. My brothers challenge the intellectual aptitude and patience of the most formidable, but I am up for the task. The Torch has been passed... Like an Olympic flame, Brother Wilson has taken us through three successful years amidst a global pandemic, hybrid meetings, and has guided me to a new leg for our chapter. I accept this duty humbly. I stand erect to motivate and create further opportunities to serve our communities and uplift the lives of our members. I look forward to the years ahead. To all my fellow appointed officers. The work continues...

EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECT 2023 - 2024

Chapter President

Brother Mikael E. LaRoche

Chapter Vice President

Brother Joseph Gibbs

Recording Secretary

Brother Jason Jefferson

Corresponding Secretary

Brother Samuel Armstrong

Financial Secretary

Brother Brian Ingram

Treasurer

Brother Michael Young

Chaplin

Brother Tony Hawkins

Associate Editor to the Sphinx

Brother Justice Brown-Duso

Sergeant At Arms

Brother Marcus Spells

Director of Educational Activites

Brother Sean Perkins

Historian

Brother Ameer Baker

Dean of Membership

Brother Karl Bruce

Archivist

Brother James Heck

Parliamentarian

Brother George D. McNeal

Editor to The Torch

Brother Daniel Mushala

Director of Technology

Brother Mark K. Jones

Member At Large

Brother Reginald Salter

MU LAMBDA BROTHER’S BIRTHDAYS

JUNE

Bro. LeRoy Lowery - 5th

Bro. Rodney Wallace - 7th

Bro. Chinelo Cambron - 7th

Bro. Damion Rowe - 11th

Bro. Larry Sanders - 11th

Bro. Mario Simpson - 13th

Bro. Antonio King - 15th

Bro. Derrick Thomas - 15th

Bro. Keith Montgomery - 16th

Bro. Xavier Amos -18th

Bro. Sean Perkins - 19th

Bro. Joesph Gibbs - 20th

Bro. John Johnson - 22nd

Bro. Carlos DeBose - 23rd

Bro. Zurick Smith - 23rd

Bro. Gerard Williams - 24th

JULY

Bro. Irven Washington - 1st

Bro. Eugene Cornelius - 1st

Bro. Samuel Armstrong -1st

Bro. Rudolph Scipio - 2nd

Bro. Villareal Johnson III -2nd

Bro. Jon-Michael Washington - 2nd

Bro. Albert Williams - 5th

Bro. William Turner -6th

Bro. Jerry Williamson -10th

Bro. Christopher Montgomery - 10th

Bro. Robert Richardson - 16th

Bro. Kinnard Wright -20th

Bro. Clinton Jones -20th

Bro. Sulaiman Almaroof -20th

Bro. Ameer Baker - 24th

Bro. Frederick Moss -26th

Bro. Jabari Hawkins - 27th

Bro. Omar Mbodj - 28th

Bro. Lawrence Clark - 30th

Bro. AJ Jones II - 31st

AUGUST

Bro. Mark Jones - 3rd

Bro. Michael Brown - 4th

Bro. David Johnson - 7th

Bro. Damon Larry - 9th

Bro. Stevaughn Bush - 9th

Bro. Clyde Blassengale - 10th

Bro. Frankie Hoskey - 10th

Bro. Juan Powell - 11th

Bro. Justin Hollimon - 11th

Bro. Andre Lucas - 14th

Bro. Patrick Major - 15th

Bro. James Heck - 16th

Bro. Michael Collins - 20th

Bro. Ronald Braxton - 23rd

Bro. John Hinkson - 26th

Bro. Drew Emerson - 27th

Bro. Anthony Campbell - 28th

Bro. Silas Woods - 28th

Bro. Richard English - 29th

CALLING ALL FRIENDS & FAMILY TO OUR ANNUAL ALPHA MOVE HEALTH

WALK | RIDE | RUN

A GIFT FROM MY FATHER

Bro. Noah Harris

A Gift from My Father

As I set out to become a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, I did not know where to begin. I did not know the motto, the mission, the aims, or most of the letters of the Greek alphabet. This circumstance may be normal for the average interested candidate, but I quickly found out this was unique for someone like me whose dad is a member of the fraternity. Growing up, my dad, Anthony Harris (5- Gamma Upsilon - FA87), did not talk to me about Alpha, and I cannot remember him wearing paraphernalia. Because of that, I never felt like I got to experience that side of him. Ultimately, I knew if I ever wanted to become an Alpha, I would have to develop that interest for myself.

However, when I began the process, I saw what my father taught me about being an Alpha man was not in the textbook or anything else you memorize. He taught me how to be the epitome of an Alpha man though serving the community, speaking up for myself, standing firm in my beliefs, and presenting myself with pride in a world that often expects the worst from Black men instead of the best.

These skills are aspects of my being that my dad has forged within me since I was born. Therefore, while I initially thought I was going in blind to a process where everyone else had all the answers, I now know since becoming a Brother that my father’s greatest gift to me was being the

personification of everything a member of this beloved fraternity represents: manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind. On March 12, I crossed the burning sands as the Tail of the Spring 2023 line, and it meant the world that my dad was there. As a small token of my appreciation, I surprised him with his 25th Alphaversary pin and certificate at a family party celebrating me and my cousin’s crossing. My dad never received his 25-year pin despite the anniversary being over 10 years ago, and he loved that we thought to celebrate him at a party that was meant for us.

Throughout his life, my dad has worked extremely hard to ensure me and my sister did now have to grow up in a difficult situation like he did. It means everything to me to now be a part of the organization that made my father into the exceptional role model who made me into the man I am today.

MU LAMBDA FLOWERS ON THE GREENS

Mu Lambda’s own Brother Ronald Flowers (Delta Beta ’63) was recently honored for his pioneering and continuous support of the clean energy industry locally and nationally by the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition.

On May 18, 2023, the coalition held their 2nd Annual Ron Flower Golf Outing named in Brother Flower’s honor.

The proceeds from the event will benefit the Ron Flowers Scholarship Fund which supports DC and Maryland graduating high school seniors with college costs. In addition to the golf it was a networking opportunity for the growing clean energy industry local parties.

Players at this year’s golf outing were Mu Lambda Brothers Waldo Ford, Malcolm Carter, Tony Wilson and Ryland Harris.

John “Tony” Wilson, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter.

MU LAMBDA’S NEWEST SON

Please congratulate Brother Eathen Gums IV.

On May 20, 2023, at 10:06 pm, Elliot Kwame Gums, the youngest son of Brother Gums was born. Brother Gums and his wife Sarah Poku Gums are excited and happy to spend their first days with their newborn son.

Fraternally, Bro. Eathen Gums IV

CHAPTER RECAP

On Behalf of:

Bro. James Harmon

Alpha Advisor to Beta Chapter, Bro. Mario Beatty

On Campus Advisor to Beta Chapter, Bro. Dezmond Evans Assistant Alpha Advisor to Beta Chapter,

We wanted to take this time to congratulate the undergrad Brothers of Beta Chapter on another successful year and send out our annual end of the year update and graduation announcements to everyone. Once again, the brothers on Howard University’s campus this year held the light high as they always do for this 2022-2023 season.

On the Awards level, in our district the MAAC the chapter received:

-Highest GPA Brother Bro. Lethan Hampton

-Charles H. Wesley Brotherhood Award (with Mu Lambda Chapter)

We have 11 brothers graduating this year, Of the brothers graduating:

Bro. K. Don Nelson, III (3-B-22) (BS, Computer Science) will be heading to Greece this summer to complete his CS Certification. This is in preparation for his new position at Honeywell Aerospace.

Bro. Jonathan Gaither (4-B-22)

(BS, Biology - Summa Cum Laude) will be moving to Philadelphia to attend UPenn School of Medicine on a full scholarship. He will be pursuing a combined MD/PhD dual degree.

Bro. Ryan Hall (7-B-22)

(BBA, Finance - Magna Cum Laude) will be moving to Dallas, TX as he has accepted a new position with McKinsey & Co.

Bro. Ben Chapman (8-B-22) (BFA, Theater Arts - Cum Laude)

Bro. Chandler Bursey-Reece (10-B-22) (BS, Computer Science - Cum Laude) Has accepted a full time Software Engineer role at GoDaddy

Bro. Pierce Hodges (11-B-22) (BS, Biology - Summa Cum Laude)

Will be moving to NYC as he starts Touro College of Medicine’s Dual Degree program as he pursues his MS/DO (Master of Science & Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)

Bro. Thomas Savage (12-B-22) (BS, Biology - Magna Cum Laude)

Will be interning the Summer with the National Dentist Association as he prepares to enter Howard University’s College of Dentistry in the fall.

Bro. Ronald Carter (13-B-22) (BSN, Nursing - Cum Laude)

Will be staying in the DC area as he pursues his Masters Degree at Howard University in Data Science and Analytics

BETA CHAPTER

APRIL RECAP

Bro. Alex Ball (14-B-22) (BBA, Marketing) Will be heading to Dallas, TX after graduation to begin his new position at AT&T Telecommunications.

Bro. Nnamdi Olebara (15-B-22) (BBA, Computer Information SystemsCum Laude)Will be staying in the DC Area pursuing his MBA and has accepted an offer with Equity Now Inc as an IT Administrator.

Bro. Lethan Hampton (18-B-22) (BS, Biology - Summa Cum Laude)

Accepted into a postbacc program at MD Anderson in Houston for one year. He’s got a fellowship offer from all University of California schools to pursue research in graduate school. He’ll be Pursuing a MD/ PhD.

The accumulative GPA of the chapter is: 3.46

In addition to all of this, the chapter found the time and energy to bring in another exceptional group of 12 young men in Spring 2023. We are certain these new brothers will continue the task to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

We wanted to thank outgoing Beta President, Bro. Ryan Hall, on the amazing job he did this year leading the chapter, especially as a neophyte president. And to wish good luck, to the new incoming Beta President, Bro. Raymir Johnson, as he takes over the presidential duties for the 2023-2024 school year.

Highlight young recent alumni Beta Brothers graduating from Graduate school

Bro. Blake West (6-B-15) graduates with his MBA from UPenn’s Wharton Buisness School

Bro. Mylo Henry (9-B-16) graduates with his MBA from Emory University

Bro. Daniel Okegbu (16-B-16) graduates with his PhD from Georgia Tech (This Completes his dual degree program, Last Year he graduated with his MBA)

Bro. Anthony DeForie (26-B-16) will be attending Georgetown University to pursue his Master’s in Real Estate.

Bro. Grant Hodges (6-B-17) graduates from UPenn School of Veterinary medicine and will begin his rotating internship at University of Tennessee School of Veterinary medicine.

Bro. Nile Hodges (7-B-17) graduates from Temple University School of Dentistry and will begin his residency at UPenn this summer.

Bro. Charles Rice (1-B-18) just received scholarship offers from Tulane University Law School and University of Pittsburgh Law School

Bro. Jonathan Willard (3-B-18) is currently in a 1 year research fellowship in orthopedic surgery at LSU Health Center. He’s set to graduate from HU Med with his MD in 2025.

Bro. Phil Jones (8-B-18) Recently accepted a new role as manager of basketball operations and player development with the NBA G-League Team, Greensboro Swarm.

Bro. Junious Whitaker (9-B-19) graduates from Howard University with his Masters in History and begins his Doctorate in African Studies.

Bro. Jon Logan (3-B-20) has been accepted to NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts’s Film program to pursue his MFA and will begin his program in the fall.

“IN FACT, I AM THE COLLEGE OF FRIENDSHIP; THE UNIVERSITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE; THE SCHOOL FOR THE BETTER MAKING OF MEN”

THE SWEET KILLER HEALTH IS WEALTH

to the 20-ounce bottle of soda and it can be a whopping 54 grams of sugar! And don’t think you are safe if you opt for those “healthy”, “all natural” (allegedly) fruit juices, as those typically pack somewhere between 25 and 40 grams of sugar.

The American Heart Association suggests that men intake less than or equal to 36 grams per day of sugar, yet most of us likely intake 2-3 times that much! Maybe more.

Consider that 1 teaspoon of sugar equals 4 grams, and many of us add several teaspoons in our coffee each morning, we’re well on our to reaching that sugar intake limit prior to consuming even 1 meal. And that’s before adding creamer (~6 grams of sugar per serving in some cases). You may then be surprised how much sugar is hidden in the various foods that we eat, particularly processed foods. Cereal. Salad dressing. Condiments. Granola bars. Spaghetti sauce. Jelly. Pasta. Bread. And more. They are packed with added sugar and as we ingest these foods the sugar count adds up throughout the day. And then once you throw in any flavored drinks, we’re really in

Diets high in sugar can lead to several health consequences, including cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, diabetes, tooth decay, kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatic cancer, and obesity (amongst others).

Consider taking an inventory of your eating and drinking habits to determine whether you are intaking more than the recommended 36 grams of added sugar per day and make the necessary adjustments to reduce your intake. Your life could depend on it. For any packaged foods or drinks that you purchase, take 5 seconds, flip to the back, look at the nutrition label, and check the line that displays the amount of sugar. You may be surprised (and concerned) about what you see.

Bro. B. Michael Young, Treasurer

Health & Wellness| BROs KEEPER

Cataracts are an eye condition where the lens of the eye becomes covered with cloudy areas. This impedes vision as the cloudy film prevents light from entering the eyes. While it’s the leading cause of blindness, cataracts may be treatable with surgery. This common eye condition mostly affects people over 40, but newborns can also suffer from cataracts due to complications during pregnancy. Diabetes, smoking, and hereditary are a few of the common causes for cataracts in people above the age of 40.

The best form of treatment is the practice of regular eye checks for people over 40.

ALZHEIMER’s & BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the common forms of dementia, an illness affecting cognitive well-being. The exact causes still remain a mystery. It happens usually in people older than 65 years of age but if someone is having Alzheimer’s below the age of 65, it would be alarming. Alzheimer’s disease kills off brain cells, leading to massive tissue loss; eventually memory and awareness are greatly reduced.

• 6th leading cause of death in the United States

• Since 2000, death from heath disease has decreased while death from Alzheimer’s disease has increased

• 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s

• Lifespan averages around 8 years after noticeable symptoms

It is important to know that not all the memory issues related to aging can be connected with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Forgetting names, misplacing keys, and any other annoying condition is normal.

RESTWELL DEAR BROTHERS

The Chapter Fraternal Year Omega Report

Dear Brothers of Mu Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Since the beginning of 2022, seven local Brothers of our beloved Fraternity have entered into our chapter of Sweet Rest. Entering Omega Chapter were,

1. Brother Wiley Edward Bowling, Sr. (11/29/1931 - 3/2/2022) was made in 1952 in Beta Epsilon Chapter at NC A&T University.

2. Brother Raymond C. Lee, Jr. (4/23/1978 - 4/25/2022) was made in 2000 in Iota Alpha Chapter at George Mason University.

3. Brother Herman L. Cook, Sr. (2/2/1946 - 10/15/2022) was made in 1966 in Beta Chapter at Howard University.

4. Brother Kenneth R. Scott (4/17/1934 -- 10/20/2022) was made in 1954 in Beta Chapter at Howard University.

5. Brother Samuel M. Hoston, Jr. (11/11/1927 - 11/23/2022) was made in 1951 in Eta Chapter at Columbia University.

6. Brother Freddie L. Valentine (1/9/1935 - 12/26/2022) was made in 1955 in Beta Omicron Chapter at Tennessee State University.

7. Brother James R. Haynes (12/21/1939 - 3/23/2023) was made in 1959 in Alpha Chi Chapter at Fisk University.

All local Brothers were invited to participate in the Omega Services for these deceased Brothers, especially the Brothers of Mu Lambda Chapter.

As a reminder, we all want to be honored by our Brothers when we enter Omega Chapter ourselves. Continue to participate in Omega Services and support the families of our dearly departed brothers!

Fraternally, Brother John Tony Wilson, President & Brother Tony Hawkins, Chaplain Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter Fraternally,

THE MU LAMBDA BROS’ CORNER

Brother Randall Clarke has over twenty years of experience leading complex real estate development projects. Currently, Randall is the Executive Director of the Walter Reed Local Redevelopment Authority (WRLRA) in the office of the District of Columbia’s Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). In this role he is responsible for the acquisition and redevelopment of 66 acres at the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus in Washington, DC.  Over seven years since his appointment by Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, Randall has completed multiple complex transactions on the campus, leading to the construction of over 1,000 new housing units and public amenities.

Prior to joining DMPED, Randall worked in private sector commercial real estate focusing on retail development, leasing and acquisition. Randall was an Area Real Estate Manager with McDonalds responsible for new sites in the District, Southern Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley. Randall also assisted Walgreens with its Mid-Atlantic expansion. Randall started his career in real estate consulting with Jones Lang LaSalle, specializing in public/private real estate development.

Randall was a member of the project team that advised the Army on the $3 billion privatization of military housing at Fort Meade, MD.

Randall has also been committed to serving his community. Randall served as a citizen member of the WRLRA advisory committee for nearly a decade, helping to develop the campus reuse plan.

He was also a board member of the Emory Beacon of Light CDC, a faith-based nonprofit that provides affordable housing as well as transitional housing and employment for people experiencing homelessness in the Georgia Avenue corridor. Randall is a past President, Vice President and Economic Development Chair of the Brightwood Community Association and served on the LAMB Public Charter School Facilities Committee, assisting with the acquisition, entitlement, and development of the school’s permanent campus. Randall has been a guest speaker or panelist for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference, Association of Defense Communities, Urban Land Institute, Washington DC Bar Real Estate Committee, Georgetown Law School, Georgetown Master’s in Real Estate, Howard University Real Estate and SEO Career.

Randall is a graduate of the Howard University School of Business and earned an MBA from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.  Randall, his wife Vanessa, and daughter Eliana live in Ward 4 in the District of Columbia.

BRO’S KEEPER

Brother James R. Morgan III

May 19, 2023

The Phrozen Pharaohs of Destiny (Spring 2023) have successfully completed our first service project as members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

At the Mu Lambda Chapter meeting held on May 4, 2023, in my capacity as Line President, I informed the chapter members in attendance of the falling health of Brother Eric Johnson. Brother Johnson has been suffering from a severe vitamin deficiency which nearly cost him his life in the fall of 2022, unknown to most members of the chapter.

I had a prior acquaintance with Brother Johnson prior to my initiation into the fraternity, I felt it my duty to seek aid on his behalf and together with the other initiates

of Spring 2023 as well as with assistance from Spring 2021 and Spring 2022, as well as the chapter at large.

Prior to this visit, Brother Fred Rogers and myself went grocery shopping for Brother Johnson and purchased toiletries and food items in the hopes that this might help him along in his recovery.

Special thanks must be given to Brother Fred Rogers who went a step beyond the initial expectation and prepared a healthy and delicious dinner for Brother Johnson and his family.

Additionally Brother Jonathan Brown and I donated Alpha Phi Alpha hats to Brother Johnson to remind him that his fraternity and chapter have not forgotten him. In addition to myself and Brother Rogers, the delegation visiting Brother Johnson consisted of Brothers Colin Campbell, Randall Clarke, Ted Rogers, Jonathan Brown, Anthony Goliday, and Noah Harris.

We were received by Brother Johnson and his family very warmly and they have expressed their gratitude to Mu Lambda Chapter in his time of need.

MU LAMBDA RECLAIMS

Brother Carlos DeBose Mu Lambda Membership and Reclamation Chair

An Amazing Fraternal Year for Our Chapter Reclamation Program

Dear Brothers,

We are pleased to announce that the Fraternal Year of 2022-2023 has been an incredible year for our Chapter Membership and Reclamation Program.

We are extremely proud of Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, for their recognition by District Director Brother Raymond

Hawkins and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Executive Officer Brother

Sean McCaskill at Headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. This recognition is a

testament to the hard work and dedication of all the brothers who recommitted themselves back into the House of Alpha. We would like to take this opportunity to thank and recognize each and every one of you for your outstanding service and commitment.

The following Brothers reactivated their membership this year with Mu Lambda: Brother Fredrick Moss, Brother Jean Pierre, Brother Chinelo Cambron, Brother Melvin

White, Brother Rodney Parker, Brother Jon Gee, Brother Quentin Mansfield, Brother

Eugene Jones, Brother Melvin Crenshaw, Brother George Walker, Brother William

Rice, Brother Samuel Puryear, Brother

Michael Jones, Brother Rakeem Mosey, Brother Carlos Powers, Brother Craig Allen, Brother Dr. Christopher Butts, Brother

Eugene Cornelius, Brother Jerry Williamson, Brother John Hickson, Brother Quinn Floyd, and Brother Kellen Moore.

Congratulations to all of you! We look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen our Chapter and uphold the principles of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

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, June 15, 2023

Greeting Brothers,

The 2019-2023 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

CLASSIC PHILLY CHEESE CAKE

Ingredients

• 1 & 1/2 cups HONEY MAID Graham Cracker Crumbs

• 1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 4 (8 ounce) packages PHILADELPHIA

Cream Cheese, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 4 eggs

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

2. Mix crumbs, butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar until combined; press firmly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

3. Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until just blended. Pour over the crust

4. Bake in the preheated oven until the center is almost set, about 55 minutes. Loosen cake from the pan rim; cool before removing rim.

5. Refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.

MAI TAI

Ingredients

What’s in the original Mai Tai? Despite what you might think, there’s no pineapple juice! There’s actually no fruit juice, other than lime juice. The classic Mai Tai cocktail is on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, meaning that it has an “official” definition. The ingredients in a Mai Tai drink are:

• Aged rum (also called golden, amber or anejo)

• Orange liqueur: either curaçao, Cointreau or Grand Marnier

• Lime juice

• Orgeat syrup

• Dark rum

•

As a note, the classic Mai Tai ingredients also often include simple syrup. We prefer it with only orgeat syrup to capitalize on its special flavor to the fullest.

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

Thursday, March 30 Game Night

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

Sunday 24 - September 30, Centennial Week

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

Domino’s Pizza-2950 Donnell Drive, District Heights, 20747 - 301-568-8883.

Domino’s Pizza-6254 Central Avenue, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743 - 301-333-5900.

Domino’s Pizza-4269 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD - 301-839-0330.

Domino’s Pizza-6000 Allentown Andrews Drive, Suitland, MD - 301-449-3030.

Domino’s Pizza-9509 Livingston Road, Ft. Washington, MD - 301-248-3030.

Domino’s Pizza-10367 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk, MD - 410-286-0700.

Domino’s Pizza-14604 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD - 301-952-1133.

Domino’s Pizza-9546 Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, MD - 301-599-4100.

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, Readers and Supporters.... Happy June

I cannot believe that I have survived an entire year editing this magazine on behalf of Mu Lambda, but I have survived the burn of the Torch! It is difficult to believe that we are also now at the end of the Fraternal year, but I can look back proudly and say I honestly enjoyed this year of work.

Fortunately, this HOT off the press Alpha magazine has pushed me to create, read, innovate, share, and have learned about the lives and efforts of many members of this chapter. I appreciate where I have been able to bring The Torch, and look forward to where it will grow. ONWARD and UPWARD..... To the Light - I continue to write!

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. Mikael E. 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.