The Mu Lambda Torch - March 2023

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!

www.mulambda.org

In this Issue

Torch Cover

1 Front Cover Picture by Names

2 In this Issue

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

4 The Presidents’ Message

5 The Vice-Presidents’ Message

7 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH TRIBUTE

9 Chapter Birthdays January - March!

11. H.A. Callis Academy - Bro A.R.Cooper (Washington Informer)

13. Service Beyond Washington DC - Mu Lambda Recognized

14 Neophytes turn ONE

16 Beta Chapter Recap

18 Remembering L.B. Granger - Bro. Deron “Pops” Snyder

20. HEALTH & WELLNESS MARCH 2023

23 Mu Lambda’s Brotherhood Corner Spotlight

25. Renaissance - Mu Lambda Centennial Reminder

27 Federal Donation Info to Mu Lambda Foundation

31 CHICKEN - A Lemon Spring Recipe

33

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

SPRING MARCH MESSAGE

Spring is in the air and bit earlier than we expected. Usually this time of the year we are starting and completing our intake activities welcoming new Brothers to the fraternity and the chapter. In addition to men wanting to be men of Alpha Phi Alpha another true indication of the good work we do and the brotherhood we foster as a chapter is the consistent reactivation and reclamation of existing Brothers joining or re-joining the Mu Lambda Chapter.

It is your work, and word of mouth that you share as a testimonial to encourage Brothers to come back to the House and for that I am most proud. Recently our chapter was recognized by our General Headquarters for the outstanding job we are doing to reactivate and reclaim Brothers. We also recently were acknowledged by the City Council of Jackson Mississippi for our support of our their community which still faces fresh water challenges.

All I can say is carry on Brothers!

Fraternally,

Tony Wilson

Brother John “Tony” Wilson, President (8-B-86) 2022 - 2023

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH ‘23

March annually marks a month of special tribute to the accomplishments and significant contributions women have made in the shaping of our country and global legacy. In the last few decades, women have shattered the glass ceiling in business, education, technology, and politics and continue to rise in their glory as the movemakers of this generation.

African American women are taking the forefront of this success mission, with the likes of recent billionaires such as Rihanna, who graced our television screens in February during the NFL’s halftime show. Her Fenty line of cosmetics, lingerie and clothes have broken into an industry once championed by famous names such as, Victoria Secret, marketing to the everyday man and woman, cutting a huge slice out of the pie, with a proud statement of inclusivity, and equality - as her products are effectively being marketed to all creeds and races.

Additionally, and closer to home, it goes without saying that one of the most noteworthy accomplishments within the United States, has been the rise of Vice President, and Soror Kamala Harris. A historic moment for all young black girls with political dreams. Kamala, an Indo-Jamaican American, graduated from Howard University and went on to have a stellar career in the field of law and politics.

Thier stories, familiar to most, is HISTORY. It shapes the thinking of our daughters, and sons. It gives the previous generations an opportunity to reflect on the journey of the

leaders who paved a way for this new wave of female leadership. Names unforgotten, and pioneers in the field such as Victoria Woodhull, who in 1870, was the first woman to run for the United States Presidency. Though it took two decades to see the light, her efforts in Women’s suffrage, and plight for equality inspired many more women to dream, to fight, to climb to the tops of hills that are placed before them daily.

As Shirley Chisholm was to VP Harris, and Madame C.J. Walker was to Robin (Rihanna) Fenty, we must continue to shed light annually on the women who are the firsts in their fields. We must continue to look back at the pioneers who broke the ground in all fields and give way to education, creativity, and inspiration.

The cover of this month’s Torch, is not happenstance. It is an image of our Spring 2022 initiates unpacking lunches for the House of Ruth in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1976, the non-profit serves more than 600 women and children who are abused and homeless in the District. An initiative started by former Mu Lambda President, Eddie Neal, the chapter supplies a meal every month to the House of Ruth, to ease the burdens carried by the organization and continue to inspire hope.

Another major part of that initiative has been the beautification project, where the chapter provides some of the women at the House of Ruth with a day at the Spa, Hairstyling and shopping, which creates an opportunity for them to enjoy themselves, feel seen, and appreciated. It is our duty to protect womanhood. To invest in inspiration for the Queens of Washington, D.C. It is also my hope, that with our work in the community, we find, and impact positively, the next FIRST. The next AMAZING. A FUTURE WOMAN PRESIDENT.

- Bro. M. LaRocheEditor

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

CHAPTER BIRTHDAYS

JANUARY

Bro. James O. Wilson - 1st

Bro. Jean Pierre - 2nd

Bro. O. Jackson Cole - 6th

Bro. Rhett Lucas - 7th

Bro. George McNeal - 13th

Bro Brian Ingram - 13th

Bro Robert Gunn - 16th

Bro. Warren Fuselier - 18th

Bro . Quentin Mansfield - 19th

Bro. Christopher Butts -21st

Bro. Kawaun Sankar - 23rd

Bro. Chatman Young - 24th

Bro. Chistopher M. Brown - 26th

Bro. Benjamin Champion - 29th

Bro. Horace Dawson - 30th

Bro. Melvin White - 31st

FEBRUARY

Bro. David Gaston - 2nd

Bro. Daniel Mushala - 4th

Bro. Talmadge Roberts - 16th

Bro. Sylvester Booker - 16th

Bro Fabien Holder - 20th

Bro. Coy Lindsay - 23rd

Bro. Barrington Ross - 26th

Bro. William Rice - 27th

MARCH

Bro. Travis Clarke - 1st

Bro. Waldo Ford - 1st

Bro. Benjamin Dutton - 1st

Bro. Auston Sams - 3rd

Bro Jordan Scott - 7th

Bro. Wilson Charles - 8th

Bro. Kellen Moore - 12th

Bro. Anthony Moore - 13th

Bro. Gamal Awad - 14th

Bro. Anthony Covington -17th

Bro. Gilbert. A. Douglass - 18th

Bro. Edward Hill - 18th

Bro. Kirk Sinclair - 19th

Bro. Karl Bruce - 21st

Bro. Walter Whitley - 28th

Bro. Michael Clarke - 29th

Bro. Lamont Akins - 29th

Bro. Michael Jones - 30th

Bro. Edwin Norwood - 30th

MU LAMBDA H.A. CALLIS ACADEMY

Bro. Austin R. Cooper Jr. (Feb 1, 23) https://www.washingtoninformer.com/alphaspositively-affect-young-men-at-ballou-shs-andhart-ms/

One of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s most renowned members set the tone for a mentorship program conducted at Ballou Senior High School in Washington, D.C.

“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down at the table of brotherhood,” said the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 March on Washington.

Students listened to excerpts from the famous Alpha as part of the Education and Mentorship Initiative with Alpha Phi Alpha’s Mu Lambda Chapter.

Program Overview

There are two components of the Alpha Education and Mentorship Initiative.

Project Alpha is an anti-teen pregnancy program designed to teach young men how to be responsible. Brother James Israel, a teacher at Hart Middle School, manages the program there.

The Henry Arthur Callis Academy focuses on young men at Ballou. Student participants engage in monthly courses and structured activities that aim to increase their capacity to be more successful during their first year in college. Academy courses and activities are designed to improve organization and study skills, critical thinking and problem-solving ability, presentation and public speaking skills, and capacity to manage college life.

Students at Ballou and Hart receive community credits for attending the sessions and both programs have been approved by District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS).

“This program gives us the opportunity to pour into young men knowledge of different topics each month that will benefit them for the rest of their lives,” said Sean Perkins, a teacher at Ballou and Chairman of the Mu Lambda Education Committee. “[It] gives me great joy that we are educating the whole child for the future.”

The program was launched in 2016, halted during the COVID-19 global pandemic, and resumed last December.

Mu Lambda operates both programs at Ballou and Hart with a core belief that all students deserve a quality educational experience that enriches both their academic, social, and cultural experiences.

As Brother Dr. King once said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively, and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of a true education.”

Ballou Student Reflections

Each month, the program meetings have a theme: December was time management, study skills and goal setting and for Jan. 24, eight days after marking the King federal holiday, the mentors and mentees discussed

The discussion was led by Brother Samuel Armstrong, who always opens the sessions by having the young men play the game Rock, Paper, Scissors as an icebreaker.

The seven boys in attendance, who ranged from grades 9 through 12, were spellbound while watching the oratory skills of the 34-year-old Dr. King, who pledged Alpha at Boston University in 1952.

While most of the students had seen or heard parts of the historic speech, some had not.

Tenth-grader James Hill reflected on the “I Have A Dream” speech: “He fought very hard and said a lot of powerful things. He spoke on equality and today we still don’t really get equality one hundred percent… it’s still not OK that we don’t have it.”

“I am half and half on going to college,” said sophomore Travis Jourden, when asked about his plans after graduation. “I liked the speech by Martin Luther King and how he talked about slaves and the sons of slave owners and how we should be treated. He also taught me how to elevate my speech when speaking in public.”

Durell Abjerry, a freshman, said he enjoys the mentorship program and that it’s “cool.”

“It teaches me a lot about history and stuff I didn’t know,” he said, before referencing the famous speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. “Dr. King’s speech was really cool. I really hadn’t heard it in a minute, but seeing it refreshed my memory.”

When asked about his favorite part of Dr. King’s speech, Abjerry responded “The Free at last, free at last part. We all still aren’t free now.”

Of particular interest to the students was hearing from Washington Informer

photographer Robert Roberts, who shared his memories of attending the speech as an 11-year-old.

Each session ends with pizza, heart-to-heart conversations about what is going on in the students’ lives both in school and at home, and telephone numbers and emails are always exchanged

MU LAMBDA IS SERVICE

“Service beyond DC,”

Mu Lambda recognized by Jackson, Mississippi City Council and Brothers of Alpha Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Brothers of Alpha Epsilon Lambda can be seen above being honored by the Jackson, MS city Council for its contributions to the City of Jacksons during its historic water crisis that affected so many of its residents. Brothers of the chapter and Jackson City Council recognized Mu Lambda for our contributions and partnership in efforts to support impacted communities!

NEOS TURN ONE

Since crossing in Spring of 2022 brothers of the Fishermans Wharf have been hard at work in service to the Chapter and Fraternity within our neophyte year! From active involvement in various committees: history/archival, community service, health & wellness, technology, education and the Mu Lambda Foundation. To ensuring brothers are WELL fed and attended to at Chapter meetings, in addition to supporting various needs of Mu Lambda’s centennial year. It has been a whirlwind PHIRST year in Alpha.

We would like to thank each of our Sponsors and Recommenders for the pathway to becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In addition to

expressing our utmost gratitude to our Dean Bro. Andre Lucas!

To years of service and brothers!

ML Spring 2022- The Fishermans Wharf

1. Bro. Ameer Baker

2. Bro. Travis Clarke

3. Bro. Marcus Spells

4. Bro. Ben Dutton

5. Bro. Stevaughn Bush

6. Bro. Jeffery Taylor

7. Bro. Brian Ingram

8. Bro. Charles Wilson

9. Bro. Kawaun Sankar

10. Bro. Swain Riley

CONGRATULATIONS ON A SUCCESSFUL YEAR IN ALPHADOM

BETA CHAPTER FEBRUARY RECAP

On Saturday February 11th, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Beta Chapter in association with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Chapter held a “Lovers and Friends” Valentines Day Ball on Howard Campus in the newly renovated BlackBurn Center. The turnout for the event was amazing and very well received by the Howard Community.

On Tuesday February 14th midday, Beta Brothers assembled on the Yard of Howard University and handed out Yellow Roses, our Fraternity flower, to various female students, Administrators and Facility of HU.

On Wednesday February 15th, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Beta Chapter along with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Chapter and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Chapter, held a resume workshop

and Black in Tech Panel Discussion with the company QVEST. Many students came and took advantage of the event.

On Friday February 17th, Beta Chapter’s Step Team visited Johnson Middle School in Southeast DC to talk to the kids and answer questions about college, career goals, Howard University, and the end performed their Award Winning Step show from the fall for the children.

On Monday February 27th, for the end of Black History Month, in conjunction with the Moorland Spingarn Research Center Beta Chapter held a program “THE MOOR YOU KNOW” that was a presentation of artifacts and historical documents highlighting Howard University and Washington DC’s roles in progressing Black Cultural

On Tuesday February 28th, Bro. Ronald Carter, along with representatives of the other Divine Nine fraternities and Sororities went up to New York City’s Times Square to Step on the national TV Program Good Morning America. While there he also educated the viewing public on the history and importance of NPHC in Black American Culture and American Culture.

Bro. James E. Harmon - Advisor (7-B-05)

REMEMBERING THE UNSUNG BLACK SOCIAL WORK PIONEERLESTER BLACKWELL GRANGER

By Bro. Deron “Pops” Snyder

The accomplishments of people of color are often overlooked in American history. That is also true of social workers of color.

Lester Blackwell Granger is one such historical figure, a social worker few people know about who should enjoy wider acclaim. As Black History Month closes, it is appropriate we take a closer look at this NASW Social Work Pioneer.

Born in 1896, Granger lived during and time of tremendous upheaval and change in our nation.

He served as executive director of the National Urban League (NUL) from 1941 to 1961, presiding through World War II and the Korean War, and the birth pains of the modern civil rights movement.

Granger served in the military during World War I and experienced first-hand the racism inflicted on Black soldiers who fought for freedom abroad, only to return to home to second-class citizenship and even violence in the form of lynching.

While at the helm of NUL, Granger joined the leader of the NAACP, the Black press and others to push for desegregation of the U.S. military. The campaign lasted a decade but culminated in President Harry Truman signing Executive Order 9981 in 1948 to desegregate the military. Granger also drew up the Navy’s postWorld War II integration plan and helped solve problems related to desegregation in the Navy.

For his efforts, Granger was awarded the President’s Medal of Merit by President Truman was later lauded by President Dwight Eisenhower.

Granger was leading figure in emerging social work profession

Granger attended Dartmouth College and one of his first jobs as a social worker was in New Jersey, assisting youth at a vocational school. “In fact, Granger became a leading figure in the new social work profession,” Herbert G. Ruffin II writes for blackpast.org.

The National Association of Social Workers Foundation lists Granger as one of the NASW Social Work Pioneers® because he “introduced civil rights to the social work agenda as a national and international issue.

From his Pioneers bio: “He focused attention and advocacy energy on the goal of equal opportunity and justice for all people of color, even while focusing on the condition of Black people in the United States. He is credited with leading the development of unions among black workers, as well as integrating white unions.”

Granger joined NUL in 1934 and led the organization’s Workers’ Bureau, which sought to educate and mobilize Blacks as they migrated from the rural South and sought industrial work in urban centers.

The NUL’s focus on jobs and self-help was often contrasted against the goals of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which concentrated more on ending discriminatory laws and stopping lynching of Black people.

Hugh B. Price, NUL president from 1994 to 2003, said Granger realized each aim was vital. “If you’re to function on a daily basis, you need food, clothing and shelter,” Price said. “And you want the right to vote and the right to not be lynched. All of that.”

“The Urban League’s cause was rooted in social work and helping Blacks during the Great Migration,” Price continued. “Helping them get situated when they came to town and deal with what was in their faces on a daily basis. And (scholar W.E.B.) DuBois and the NAACP were perfectly appropriate in fighting for people’s rights, etc. and etc. What you began to see with Granger – and subsequently all of the successors – was the league deal with both realities.”

Granger used role in “Black Cabinet” to push for military desegregation

Price said Granger was active with President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s so-called “Black Cabinet,” an informal advisory group of Black leaders who lobbied for integration and equal access to New Deal opportunities. Not long after Granger was appointed head of the NUL in 1941, his focus shifted from unions to uniformed services.

The South didn’t have anything on the military in terms of upholding Jim Crow.

More than a million Black men and women served in the armed forces during World War II, and nearly all were assigned to segregated units commanded by white officers. Tensions were simmering when James V. Forrestal became Secretary of the Navy and shortly thereafter, in March 1945, appointed Granger as a special representative to study race relations within the branch. “In his first six months, Granger travelled 50,000 miles and visited 67 naval installations home and abroad,” Charles Wollenberg writes in the California

LESTER BLACKWELL GRANGER CONTIN...

Granger continued to fight for military desegregation, lobbying a committee in the President Harry S. Truman administration. The executive order to desegregate the military came in 1948.

Granger was also active in the modern civil rights movement that gained momentum after the murder of Emmitt Till and the Montgomery Alabama bus boycott. By the late 1950s, Granger was discussing civil rights legislation with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Martin Luther King Jr., who led the Southern Christian Leadership Council (SCLC), Roy Wilkins of the NAACP, and Randolph of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.

Granger helped educate new generation of social workers

As the NUL began fading and giving way to directaction groups like the SCLC, Granger transitioned into a college professor who cast his vision of social work as a weapon.

He began at Dillard University, a historically Black institution, immediately upon retiring from the NUL in 1961. “We tried hard to understand his position on the civil rights movement, for he was not as militant as we thought he should be,” former student Annie Woodley Brown, DSW, writes in “Filling the Ranks,” a 2004 journal article.

Garner saw social work as a tool to complement the raging civil rights struggle, and he encouraged his students to broaden their thinking and consider the field.

“He didn’t think everybody had to do the same thing or use the same tactics in the struggle for racial equality,” Brown writes. “He wanted us to think of other ways we could contribute to the civil rights movement – participating in leadership councils, teaching in universities, managing social service organizations.”

Brown writes that Granger “really believed the profession had the potential to make a significant contribution in the area of racial, social, and economic justice.” She includes a passage of his writing in 1940 that “seemed capture the vision of social work he tried to impart on us:

“What is required … is that the social worker shall join the battle against social injustice, shall help to remake or eliminate those forces that have twisted and blighted the lives of millions of Americans in our own generation. No one is better qualified than the social worker to bring to such planning a shrewd analysis of the individual and family needs of the community: no one is more responsible for devising ways of serving these needs.”

Price said Granger brought the social work background to focus on discrimination and access to job opportunities.

“But he also moved the field and the Urban League more into advocacy and other rights issues. He’s a giant but sort of underappreciated historically, Price said. The general public might be largely unaware of Granger, but his mark on the profession continues.

Kerri Criswell, a manager with the NASW Foundation, said Granger’s dual mission of advocacy and social justice is part of the NASW Code of Ethics.

“Our Pioneers are responsible for so many things that lots of us enjoy, like social security and employment rights,” Criswell said. “They laid the groundwork and he was one of many to make a lasting impact.”

Granger’s legacy largely forgotten

Lester Blackwell Granger

Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., who led the NUL from 1971 to 1981 and later became a close advisor to President Bill Clinton, bemoaned that “little attention” was paid to Granger’s death in January 1976.

Some older people vaguely recalled the name and others registered a blank, he said.

Jordan called the lack of knowledge “shameful” and stressed the importance of recalling figures who not only survived blatant racist oppression but led the fight.

“Lester Granger once defined black goals as ‘the right to work, the right to vote, the right to physical safety and the right to dignity and self-respect,’” Jordan wrote in the Oakland Post shortly after Granger died.

“The struggle for those goals is still with us and by keeping the memory of Lester Granger and the multitude of other unsung Black heroes before us, we have a better chance of fulfilling those goals.”

Health & Wellness| BROs KEEPER

BLEEDING DISORDER AWARENESS

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, there are about 3 million people nationwide who are affected by bleeding disorders. These disorders share the inability to form a proper blood clot. The body produces 13 clotting factors. If any of them are defective or deficient, blood clotting is affected; a mild, moderate, or severe bleeding disorder can result. Between 30,000 and 33,000 people in the U.S. are thought to live with hemophilia. The most common bleeding disorder is von Willebrand disease (VWD), which affects about 1 in every 100 people. Both hemophilia and VWD are classified as rare diseases.

Symptoms of a disorder may include:

• Frequent or prolonged bleeding

• Excessive bruising

• Prolonged, heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia)

• Unexplained nosebleeds

• Extended bleeding after minor cuts, blood draws or vaccinations, minor surgery, or dental procedures

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer type worldwide. It is the second most common cause of cancer death, leading to almost 1 million deaths per year. Colorectal cancer is a disease of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system. Unlike most cancers, colorectal cancer is often preventable (90% of the time) with screening and highly treatable when detected early.

Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people ages 45 and older, but the disease is increasingly affecting younger people. Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with this disease and more than 50,000 die.

Colorectal cancer often develops without symptoms. When they occur, symptoms may include:

• Blood in or on stool

• Persistent unusual bowel movements like constipation or diarrhea

• Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away

• Losing weight for no reason

THE MU LAMBDA BROS’ CORNER

Who or what inspired you to join Alpha Phi Alpha?

When you think back to your initial days of joining the fraternity, what is the word or phrase you would use to best describe the Mu Lambda chapter?

Who is or was your greatest inspiration in the chapter?

When the next edition of the Mu Lambda chapter’s history is written-what will your page say of your legacy or presence in the chapter?

BRO DESMOND WILLIAMS (Sp00)

Q1. I was inspired by the hard working and charismatic brothers I met at Howard. There were not many of them on campus, but they were busy, and influential. One, in particular Desmond Dunham, took me under his wing and was super kind and helpful to me.

Q2. Mu Lambda was intimidating. The brothers were much older. It was very business oriented, and it was hard to find a voice, eventhough all my sponsors and recommenders came through the chapter. In retrospect that is a lot less a reflection on Mu Lambda than how I viewed the world. I had to learn to slow things down and find a lane that would allow me to contribute.

Q3 It is definitely Leroy Lowery. He is measured and has a great demeanor. He is always smiling and is the definition of a Brother’s brother!

Q4 I cannot answer that. I think bros, my friends and colleagues are responsible for making those assertions. My job is just to work and  do my part. I do not get caught up or preoccupied with who feels what way, or who will say what?

I will like to thank Bro. Desmond Williams for taking the time to respond to these questions. and invite all Mu Lambda initiated Brothers to take a stab at these reflective questions and submit their four answers to the Torch. I look forward to hearing more responses from the brotherhood.

- Bro. M. LaRoche Editor

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, March 10, 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

.

SPRING LEMON CHICKEN

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts (roughly 2.5 lbs)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tsp oregano, dried

2 tsp thyme, dried

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp salt, divided

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris

2 tbsp minced garlic (6 cloves)

1 tbsp lemon zest (2 lemons)

2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 lemon, cut into 6 slices, optional

Cooking:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.

• Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them in a 9 x 13 baking dish.

• In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper to create a thick marinade/paste. Coat the chicken breast with seasoning paste.

• Using the same bowl mix together the white wine, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, brown sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Pour over chicken breast.

• If using, nestle the lemon slices between the chicken bake for 15 minutes, baste the chicken with the pan juice, bake for another 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165 F.

Nutrition Info:

Calories - 237

Protein - 40 g

Carbohydrates - 4 g

Total Fat - 6 g

Dietary Fiber - 0 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

Sodium 776 mg

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

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.... Happy Spring

To every woman who continues to support Mu Lambda, Happy WOMEN’s HISTORY MONTH, This March, I would like to encourage each brother to Spring into Action! We must not become complacent as the climate changes. Do not wait until 2024 to teach someone about the importance of their voice and vote.

Every month that i have a chance to edit this magazine, I give way to the stories of my brothers and their activities as ALPHA MEN. I get to read and see Black HIStory & HERstory 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.