Orlando Alphas Sphinx News Q4 - 22: Founder's Day & Charter Day Edition

Q4 2022 Edition

From the Chapter President

Greetings Brothers,

Welcome to the Orlando Alphas Sphinx Newsletter “Founder’s Day & Charter Day” edition. The Delta Xi Lambda (DXL) Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was chartered in Orlando, FL on December 22, 1953. Sixty-nine (69) years ago 12 Alpha Phi Alpha Brothers chartered the 202nd House of Alpha. Since the chartering DXL has grown to almost 100 active brothers serving the communities of Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake Counties.

Over the last 36 months, COVID-19 has impacted and challenged us all to discover new possibilities to advance our organization’s purpose. DXL embraced this challenge and continued to focus on brotherhood, scholarship, leadership, and service. Through brotherhood engagement, partnerships, collaboration, and support of the community, we continued to successfully execute our mission. We remained dedicated to our mission of developing leaders, promoting brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our community.

I hope that you enjoy this edition of our newsletter dedicated to our Seven Jewels and the members. Thank you for your partnership, and support!

From the Associate Editor of the Sphinx

Greetings Brothers,

This volume of The Sphinx magazine the highlights both the Founders Day of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the Charter Day of our very own Delta Xi Lambda, “The Orlando Alphas”. To our Senior Brothers of Delta Xi Lamba, you have charted a pathway forward for our beloved Delta Xi Lambda Chapter. On the behalf of the brotherhood, thank you, and may you always march Onward and Upwards!

Additionally, in this volume we observe and recount the accomplishments of our brothers within the chapter who have preserved and protected the legacy of excellence that our Jewels began early in the 20th century. The goal is to continue to capture and highlight the community service, youth mentorship, voting rallies, and the other manly deeds that brothers are accomplishing.

We are imbued with the responsibility of sustaining the work of the Jewels of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Their work has preceded us as well as preserving the legacy that follows us beyond shall Transcend All!

Fraternally, Antonio Associate

Sphinx ‘22 – ‘23

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Brief History

Alpha Phi Alpha™ , the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity

African American men, was founded on December 4, 1906™

university in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

FRATERNAL OBJECTIVES:

To stimulate the ambition of its members

To prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual

To encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood

To aid downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status

Jewel Henry Arthur Callis Jewel Charles Henry Chapman Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones Jewel George Biddle Kelley

Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray Jewel Robert Harold Ogle Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy

established for

at Cornell

Delta Xi Lambda Brief History

During the months of August, September, and October 1953, twelve Alpha men met at the office of Brother I.S. Hankins, 647 S. Paramore Street with the idea of chartering an Alpha chapter in Orlando, Florida. The time had come an affair of singular significance was to occur. The Brothers finally received notice from the General Office that Brothers were eligible to form a local chapter and the Regional Office would send a Brother to install the chapter and officers. On the evening of November 19, 1953, twelve Brothers met at the home of Brother George Speight, 400 S. Westmoreland Orlando, Florida Brothers present were:

•Carter C. Beverly

•L.A Braboy

•I. Sylvester Hankins

•Herdon G. Harrison

•Felton A. Johnson

•James A. Lawson

•I.S. Manning

•William Scales

•George P. Schanck

•George L. Speight

•George H. Starke

•Landcaster C. Starke

On Thursday, December 22, 1953, 9:00 P.M. at the home of Brother George P. Schanck, the officers elected at the November meeting were installed and the designated title of the Chapter was received. Delta Xi Lambda located at Orlando, Florida, Key #202. This event went unheralded by the local press, but the local community was destined to feel its impact in many rewarding ways. After the hymn and prayer, Brothers retired to a delicious repast.

Orlando Alphas – Delta Xi Lambda

PHrozen Jewel: 5k/10 Walk/Run

The I.S. Hankins – F.A. Johnson Education Foundation in conjunction with the Delta Xi Lambda Chapter hosted our 4th Annual “PHrozen Jewel 5k/10k” Hybrid run/walk from June 12 – 19, 2022 This year’s event being hybrid allowed for participants to engage during a 7-day window at the location of their choosing or they joined us in-person at Jay Blanchard Park on June 19th , 2022.

The money raised during this event went to supporting our capital campaign and the Young Men of Distinction Male Mentoring Program (YMOD) Participation ensured that our great organization continued to help young men develop academically, socially, and personally, and as leaders This event garnished 18 unique sponsors and 421 paid runners. The total profit from this event was $21,135.91.

Additional benefits of this event included but not limited to increased engagement, local and national recognition for the chapter and its nonprofit arm, supporting personal wellness goals of our impacted populations, and improved

Runners at the PHrozen Jewel 5k/10k

Phenomenal Pi Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. seated at UCF At the PHrozen Jewel 5k/10k

Xi Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. seated at UCF At the PHrozen Jewel 5k/10k

Chapter of the Year Display: Many Hands Make light Work

The Delta Xi Lambda Chapter competed in the Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters; Chapter of the Year display contest held at the FFAC District Conference at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, FL. Although the chapter didn’t win the committee collaborated with all our chapter brothers, leadership team, and committee chair to put together an exceptional display The brotherhood was very proud of the efforts of the committee. The brothers that served on the committee this fraternal year are as follows: Bro. Lincoln Haynes, Jr, Chair; Bro. Julien Serrano-O’Neil, Co-Chair; Bro. Jermaine Patterson, President; Bro. Dr. Anthony Robinson, Bro. Bro. Craig Ravenell, Bro. Hew Pinto, Bro Lawrence Davis, Bro. Matthew Durrant, Bro. Cliff Youngblood, Bro. Ivan Allston, and Bro. Jaylen Christie.

Brothers staffing Precinct 626

National Program: Voteless People is a Hopeless People

In an efforts to promote the fraternity’s national program A Voteless People is a Hopeless People the Delta Xi Lambda Chapter continued its partnership with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Adopt-APrecinct Program. In this program, DXL staffed Orange County’s Voter Precinct #626 providing access to

residents in communities that are predominantly black, Washington Shores and Carver Shores. The polling site is Saint Mark AME Church which is under the direction of Bro. Pastor Terence Gray, Senior Pastor. Additionally, Brothers facilitated a voter registration drive at Evans High School prior to the states registration deadline This event was put together by the Government Relations Committee. Bro. Julien SerranoO’Neil, Bro. Hew Pinto, and Bro. Rodney Rackley hosted the registration drive.

The Delta Xi Lambda Chapter held its annual Family and friends cookout an event to bring brothers together, wives, children, and friends for food, music, games, and fellowship. This serves as an opportunity for all alphas and their families to come together in a relaxed environment to cultivate bonds. Brothers in the Greater Orlando Area, Xi Iota, and others attended this fellowship opportunity.

MLK Luncheon: Honorees and Scholarships

On January 14th , 2022, Delta Xi Lambda hosted its 36th Annual MLK Commemorative Luncheon. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, our fraternity pivoted our regular MLK Commemorative Luncheon to a virtual platform to ensure the safety of our brothers, families, partners, and sponsors. –

During this commemorative we recognized and awarded the community who best Bro Rev King’s commitment and philosophy to social justice, community service, civic affairs, business, and scholastic achievement. DXL and HJEF awarded $27,000 in educational scholarships to nine deserving high school seniors and provided four awards to professionals and community leaders.

Hankins Johnson

Education

Foundation: Orange County Grant

HJEF was the recipient of a $50,000 grant from the Orange County Government Citizen’s Review Panel Advisory Board This grant is a SmallScale CRP – Youth Mentoring Grant. The grant will support the Young Men of Distinction Male Mentoring Program.

Brothers at Evans High School After Voter Registration Event with School Staff

2022 Florida Classic Tailgate

Florida Classic Tailgate: Reclamation

DXL in partnership with FFAC, Metro Orlando NPHC, and the City of Orlando hosted the Florida Classic Tailgate in Lake Lorna Doone The purpose of this event was to promote brotherhood and fellowship with brothers, families, and other guests The Social Committee that executed

The Florida Classic Tailgate served as an exceptional opportunity to reclaim brothers back into the fraternity, promote collaboration with other NPHC Fraternities and Sororities, and enhance the visibility of DXL within the local Orlando community via social programming efforts

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:

• Hurricane Relief Event with the Phenomenal Pi Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

• Project Alpha with DXL & ZAL.

• A Voteless People is a Hopeless People Event

• NPHC Mental Health Seminar

• Partnership Event with Be A Match to raise awareness on health disparities affecting African Americans.

• Academic Study Sessions

• Middle School Visits to talk about the fraternity and higher education.

• Won the Homecoming Step Show at UCF.

• Participated in UCF NPHC Stroll to the Polls event to encourage people to go out and vote during the general election.

DXL, XI, ZAL Chapters

hosting National Program: Project Alpha with YMOD Program

Xi Iota and Pi Psi Hurricane Relief Event

Hankins Johnson Education Foundation: Capital Campaign

After years of discussions, research and planning, the time has come for DXL and HJEF to build its own Leadership Development Center that will be used to support our current education and leadership development programs Having our own development center will allow us to expand our current programs and add new ones.

National Program: Project Alpha

Delta Xi Lambda partnered with the brothers of the Xi Iota Chapter and the Zeta Alpha Lambda Chapter to host our national program, Project Alpha, to the Young Men of Distinction Program Project Alpha provides education for young males 12-15 years old on sexuality, fatherhood, and the role of males in relationships. It also motivates young men to make decisions about their goals and values and act in ways that support their decisions in life.

The development center will be revenue generating designed to cover operational expenses and grow our ever-expanding scholarship fund. A physical footprint will increase our brand throughout Central Florida and create a stronger sense of community

The I.S. Hankins - F.A. Johnson Education Foundation embarked upon this capital campaign in June 2021, with a goal to raise $150,000.

The foundation as of September 30th , 2022, has raised $80,000 The facility will support DXL and HJEF current education and leadership development programs such as: 1) Educational Development and Economic Achievement Support, 2) Leadership and Character Development, 3) Health and Wellness, and 4) Technology. To learn more about the capital campaign or how to give, please visit: https://ishankins org/capital-campaign/

DXL, XI, ZAL Chapters hosting National Program: Project Alpha with YMOD Program

Father/Son Breakfast: YMOD Celebration

In honor of Father’s Day to celebrate this event focuses on various groups within Delta Xi Lambda. This event serves as an end of year celebration for fathers/sons, and the Young Men of Distinction Male Mentoring Program. Educational Scholarships are awarded during this program This year $4,500 in educational scholarships were awarded to young men in the Central Florida Community. This event occurs annually within the Delta Xi Lambda Chapter Thank you to all that make this celebration possible!

Boy Scouts of America: One World Scouting: Diversity & Inclusion Luncheon

Delta Xi Lambda through its nonprofit arm Hankins Johnson Education Foundation purchased a table of eight ($200) to support the luncheon Honorees awarded the Whitney M Young Service Award and proceeds support the Scout Reach Fund which helps to make scouting more affordable for families who need financial support

Display of Capital Campaign Bricks

HJEF: WESH 2 CommUNITY Champion

The Delta Xi Lambda Chapter and its nonprofit arm HJEF was nominated and selected as a WESH 2 CommUNITY Champion. WESH 2 awards individual(s) and organization(s) with the CommUNITY Champion designation that make significant impacts on the Central Florida Region.

We were honored for our Head Start to Literacy Initiative and Lending Library, led by Bro. Tyrone Gee.

Delta Xi Lambda launched our Head Start to Literacy Initiative through the Callahan Head start program in the Parramore section of Orlando this past Spring. This initiative expanded the chapters long-term relationship with the Orange County Head Start Programs.

Boy Scouts of America: Golden Eagle Dinner

Delta Xi Lambda brothers serve as a table host for the Golden Eagle Dinner to help the Central Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America raise approximately $1,000,000

Boy Scouts of America: Troop 90

Delta Xi Lambda supports Boy Scouts Troop 90 with Bro Jermaine Patterson, President of DXL, serving as Scout Master The chapter helps to make scouting attainable for minority youth interested in scouting

HJEF purchased new books and flashcards while the chapter held a drivethru donation event, where Brothers and their families were asked to donate new books and other much needed supplies. The audience of the program was kids ages 3-5 in under-resourced areas, promotes daily reading, enhances writing skills, establishes critical & creative thinking, develops social Skills, and promotes kindergarten readiness.

The combined efforts collected 1,132 Books, 100 coloring/activity books, and 129 sets of flashcards, over 7000 sheets of plain paper, over 3000 sheets of construction paper, 50 notebooks, 160 markers & highlighters, 50 boxes of crayons, 52 boxes of Ziploc bags 70 containers of disinfectant wipes and assorted arts & crafts supplies

In addition, the alumni chapter along with the Brothers of Xi Iota Chapter at the University of Central Florida also volunteered for Callahan's Read Aloud program. Monetary values: $4,000

In the last 24 months, DXL has contributed to three scouts earning their Eagle Ranks. Bro. Patterson has worked closely with the following scouts: Bryce Patterson, March 8, 2020; Justin Alexander Thompson, January 18, 2021; Jordan Christopher Thompson, November 4, 2021

These incredible young men make investing in Troop 90 easy. Grateful to be the Scout Master.

Bro. Jermaine Patterson

Brothers engaging in the Head Start to Literacy Initiative

Eagle Scouts from Troop 90

Scout Master & DXL President

Introducing Spring ‘22

Bro. Julien Serrano-O’Neil

DXL-4-SP22, “MainPHrame/BIG LUTH4”

2.D.O.S.

Bro. Matthew Durrant DXL-5-SP22, “PHlawless Victory”

My name is Julien Serrano-O’Neil, and I’m a Spring ‘22 initiate of the Delta Xi Lambda Chapter. I was born in Long Island, New York (Huntington Station) and grew up in Pine Hills, Florida, where I went to Evans High School. I graduated from Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Educational Studies, Religion, and Philosophy. Currently, I attend the University of Central Florida for graduate studies in Nonprofit Management and Public Administration

In the work world, I am the Second Vice President of the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc., where I oversee two of their most critical offices: Giving and Advancement and Culture, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion I was awarded as the youngest professional to receive the Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award in 2022. In the community, I serve in various capacities with several organizations, namely: Orange County Public School, The DreamHaus Project, Inc , Morehouse College National Alumni Association, National Urban League, Pine Hills Community Council, Inc., Paul C Perkins Bar Association, and Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata Cepeda

In my free time, I podcast, research topics like incarceration, educational access, service-learning, and guest lecture at various higher educational institutions. Research and Teaching Interests: Black Agenda Setting in Congress, Black, Political Empowerment, Race and Class Inequality: Educational Outcomes and Residential Choices, Race and Ethnic Relations, Intersectionality, Social Movements, Energy Politics, and Impacts of Service-Learning Projects on African American Youth

I’m a Visiting Lecturer at my alma mater, Morehouse College, in the department of Africana Studies.

My name is Matthew Durrant, and I’m a Spring ‘22 initiate of the Delta Xi Lambda Chapter. I was born and raised in St George, Barbados, up to the age of 16 I then moved to Orlando, FL, which would become my permanent home in the United States up to this point. I went on to attend Dr. Phillips High School, complete my Associates in Arts at Valencia College, and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B S B A in Finance

I’m a Wealth Advisor representing a Fortune 500 Company, where I pride myself on providing the best holistic financial planning and advice to serve our clientele’s complex needs and help them achieve their life goals. I have a passion for financial literacy and hope to continue to use my skills and knowledge to uplift the community in improving our communal financial awareness Regarding service, my areas of interest of interest also include protecting the homeless community and human trafficking victims in the Central Florida area. I am an active member of a number of local organizations, such as the UCF Young Alumni Community, Progressive Black Men, Inc , and more

In my free time, I serve as an usher of the Outpouring Orlando Church, and mentor UCF college students, and participate in various community service projects

Dean: Bro. Enaris Inman FFAC Chief of Staff

Orlando

Photo by Alpha Phi Alpha