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