Orlando Alphas Sphinx News: Q1 2023 BHM Edition

As Seen on The Cover:

Top Row (Left to Right):

Bro. Robert F. Smith, Entrepreneur, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Bro. Rev. Raphael Warnock, US Senator, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc

Kamala Harris, US Vice President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Neil Degrasse Tyson, Scientist

Second Row (Left to Right):

Bro. Father Cannon Nelson W. Pinder, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Bro. Wes Moore, Governor, Maryland, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Stacey Abrams, Former Legislature and Voting Rights Activist

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, Associate Supreme Court Justice, United States

Bottom Row: Bro. Rev. C.T. Vivian, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Maya Angelou, Poet, Activist, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,

Former Congresswoman Val Demings, FL-10, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, CEO Walgreens Boots Alliance, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

From the Chapter President

Greetings,

Welcome to the “Black History Month” edition of our quarterly Orlando Alphas Sphinx Newsletter. The cover of this edition spotlights 12 African Americans who have chartered a path for many to follow.

As this year’s Black History month ends, we must continue to remember, recognize, and reemphasize the narrative that Black History in America is American History. At a time when folks are looking to rewrite history, we must continue to place an emphasis on education. Let us all continue to educate, recognize, and celebrate the achievements of African Americans each day, all year – 24/7/365 as we respect, appreciate, and value everyone!

We hope you enjoy this edition of the quarterly Orlando Alphas Sphinx Newsletter! As always, thank you for your continued engagement, partnership, and support!

From the Associate Editor of the Sphinx

Greetings

As we celebrate and reflect during Black History Month, I want to remind everyone that we are not only the legacy of our ancestors, but we are continuing to forge the path for our youth and future generations.

This special edition of the Sphinx is dedicated to those who came before us, and those who are currently paving the way. The cover was chosen with purpose; not only do we reflect on the ancestors of the past, but we recognize those who are still living and breaking barriers to date. Be ever mindful, as men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, we are also among the living who are breaking barriers and continuing the rich history of our beloved House of Alpha.

In the words of Brother Raymond W. Canon, “When they read that history, they see the achievements of black men. It will be an incentive for young black men to prepare themselves. It will give them hope and It will give them courage, and that is what Alpha Phi Alpha is all about it”

Brotherhood Spotlight

Bro. Rodney Williams

Hankins/Johnson Foundation Director

BN-FA80

Bro. Jermaine Patterson

DXL Chapter President IDL-SP95

Brother Rodney Williams recently joined the Board of Directors for the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida Brother Williams is a Fall 1980 initiate of the Beta Nu Chapter located at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida.

He is an active member of the Delta Xi Lambda (DXL) Chapter currently serving as a Board of Director for the DXL’s I S Hankins – F A Johnson Education Foundation, Inc. Bro. Williams began his long finance career as a CPA in Houston, Texas. He advanced within the corporate finance field by accepting domestic and international opportunities including relocating to places such as Toronto, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, before returning to his home state of Florida.

Brother Williams served as CFO for numerous companies before founding his own CFO consulting firm in 2021 –CFO 2 Grow He is married to Joy, and they have three adult children (Sydney, Rodney Jr., and Kimberly).

Brother Jermaine B. Patterson was recently selected to join the Board of Directors for the Central Florida Council of Scouts, BSA. Brother Patterson is a Spring 1995 initiate of the Iota Delta Lambda Chapter in Chicago, IL.

Brother Patterson holds a B S Degree in Computer Information Systems from Florida A&M University and an MBA in E-Business & Entrepreneurship from DePaul University. He is also a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Bro Patterson has been a scout volunteer for 14 years serving as a merit badge counselor, Cub Master, and currently in the role of Scout Master for Troop 90.

Bro Patterson has been an active member of the Delta Xi Lambda (DXL) Chapter for the last 20 years serving in different leadership roles and currently serves as the DXL Chapter President. He is married to Kiwani and they have two young adults (Jayden and Zariah)

Chicago is where he began his career as a Programmer Analyst for Amoco Corporation.

MLK Parade in the City of Orlando | MLK Leadership Forum

MLK Weekend: The Luncheon

On January 13th , 2023, Delta Xi Lambda and its nonprofit arm their I S Hankins – F A Johnson Education Foundation, Inc., presented its 37th Annual MLK Commemorative Luncheon with the theme “Seize The Moment Take the Opportunity Dare to Affect Change.” Additionally awarded $27,000 in educational scholarships to several high performing and engaged students in Orange County Public Schools

Additionally, several Drum Major awards were given to luminaries within the Central Florida Region. The Drum Major categories: Scholarship (student), Civic Affairs, Social Justice, Community Service, and Business.

FAMU School of Law, and FAMU Black Law Students Association held the 19th Annual MLK Leadership Forum with the topic: “Generational gaps, discrimination, microaggressions, gender diversity issues, mental health, and steps to begin implementing change."

MLK Weekend: The Orlando & Eatonville MLK Parade

MLK Weekend

:

MLK Leadership Forum

The Delta Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc , and I.S. Hankins – F.A. Johnson Education Foundation, Inc , in partnership with

The Delta Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and in partnership with Delta Omicron Omega & Psi Theta Omega Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc participated in the City of Orlando’s MLK Parade and won the ”Best Overall Float” for “Alpha Nation” Alpha Nation also participated in the Town of Eatonville Parade.

Delta Xi Lambda MLK Events

Upcoming Events: Delta Xi Lambda

National Program: My Brother’s Keeper

On January 28th , 2023, Delta Xi Lambda brothers provided service to our retired brother Dr Tubbs by painting the fence of his home. This was an opportunity for service and fellowship. On the other side of town DXL Education committee were facilitating with get Oratorical

On February 11th , 2023, Delta Xi Lambda brothers came together to celebrate the 77th Birthday of our beloved Brother Christopher McCray, 12th Florida District Director. Brother Christopher McCray is the Former Director of Housing at the University of Central Florida

College Brothers Highlight: Xi Iota Chapter

The Xi Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc , seated at the University of Central Florida has been working diligently to uphold the mission of our august fraternity. In the last semester these are some of the accomplishments of our exceptional college brothers:

• Participation in Head Start to Literacy collecting books and supplies for children ages 3 – 5.

• Black History Presentation at Bradley Otis Boys and Girls Club on the life and legacy of Bro. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Participated in Convocation presentations hosted by the Black Student Union at UCF.

• Christmas Toy Giveaway at the Levy Hugh’s Boys and Girls Club.

• Hosted a 2-week Toiletry Drive in in the Multicultural Student Center in the Student Union at UCF.

Head Start to Literacy Book and Supply Drive, DXL, Xi Iota, and Phenomenal Pi Psi

Chapter Initiative: Head Start to Literacy Book/Supply Drive

The nonprofit arm and book drive at Saint Mark AME Church Over 200 books were collected to donate to local schools, libraries, and children ages 3 to 5. The primary benefactor of this drive is the Orange County Head Start Programs

Brother Dr. Levester Tubbs Fence Painting Project

Xi Iota and students from the Bradley Otis Boys and Girls Club

Brother Christopher McCray, 77th Birthday Celebration

CelebratingALPHAversaries in theMonthofFebruary

HappyALPHAversaryBrothers

Ivan Allston– Spr. ‘84 – Gamma Iota

Damon Barned– Spr. ‘92 – Kappa Upsilon

David Brown – Spr. ‘74 – Alpha Eta

Larry Dorsey – Spr. ‘87 – Delta Xi Lambda

Emmanuel Fairley – Spr. ‘11 – Xi Delta

Emmanuel Fairley – Spr. ‘11 – Xi Delta

Keith Grayson– Spr. ‘87 – Delta Xi Lambda

Anthony Jackson – Spr. ‘87 – Theta Sigma

Henry Morgan – Spr. ’87 – Delta Xi Lambda

Kevin Pinnix – Spr. ‘93 – Gamma Phi

Worrell Valentine – Spr. ‘94 – Theta Sigma