Table of Contents Presidential Address .........................................................................................................3 Alpha Foundation of Southern Maryland Chairman Greeting .....................................4 Itinierary of Events ............................................................................................................5 Alpha Foundation of Southern Maryland (AFSOMD)....................................................6 Previous Scholarship Recipients .........................................................................7 Guest Speaker – Jason Abbott ........................................................................................8 Master of Ceremonies – Ronnete Rollins .......................................................................9 The Chosen Chef – Duriel Barnes .................................................................................10 BJ Simmons Jazz Quintet ..............................................................................................11 Edsel M. Brown, Jr. Group, LLC. ...................................................................................12 The Links, Incorporated Southern Maryland Chain (MD) Chapter............................13 Agent of Change, LLC. ....................................................................................................14 Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters (MAAC). .............................15
2
Presidential Address Greetings friends and Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. It is with great pleasure to welcome you to the 1st Annual Sigma Alpha Lambda Chapter Jazz Brunch. The members of our Chapter have worked tirelessly over the last year to ensure you have an enjoyable time. The purpose of this event is to recognize local citizens for their contributions to our community. We trust that you will be inspired by their work and be motivated to continue to push our communities forward. Lastly, we anticipate that you will have a good time and are grateful for your support. For more information on the Sigma Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., please visit our website at www.SAL1906.org or email us at info@SAL1906.org for more information.
Respectfully Submitted, Brother Rodney L. White President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Sigma Alpha Lambda Chapter
3
Alpha Foundation of Southern Maryland Chairman Greeting On behalf of the Alpha Foundation of Southern Maryland, Inc., a 501(c)(3) exempt organization, in collaboration with the Sigma Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I would like to thank you for your support of this year’s Jazz Brunch. The generous support of individuals like you makes it possible for our organization to exist and enables us to provide mentorship and scholarships to young men of Calvert, Charles, Saint Mary’s counties. Thank you again for your support!
Respectfully, Brother John Ward, Esq. Chairman Alpha Foundation of Southern Maryland
4
Itinerary of Events Welcome of Guests ............................................................ Brother Dr. Marquez D. Ball Introduction of Master of Ceremonies .............................. Brother Dr. Marquez D. Ball Purpose ............................................................................................ Ms. Ronnette Rollins Blessing of Food .................................................................. Brother Dr. James Huntley Intermission for Brunch .......................................................................................... AFSOMD President Introduction .................................................. Ms. Ronnette Rollins Introduction of Guest Speaker .............................................. Brother Edsel Brown, Jr. SAL President Introduction ........................................................... Ms. Ronnette Rollins Civic Award Presentation ........................................................................................ Divine 9 Roll Call/VIP Shoutouts ........................................... Brother Rodney L. White Social Hour ...........................................................................................................................
5
The Alpha Foundation of Southern Maryland
To positively enhance the educational and scholarly programs provided to residents within the Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert Counties communities by the Sigma Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Alpha Foundation of Southern Maryland (AFSOMD) was established as a philanthropic arm for the Chapter. To this end, the AFSOMD has partnered with the Chapter to: generate funding to award academic scholarships; support scholastic endeavors of the youth of Southern Maryland; aid the Southern Maryland community in its efforts to achieve a higher social, economic, and intellectual status; and utilize the AFSOMD’s tax-exempt status in accordance with federal, state, and local laws for the benefit of those who wish to support the educational and community programs of the AFSOMD. To make a tax-deductible donation to assist the AFSOMD with implementing educational programs for the youth of Southern Maryland, please visit http://www.alphasomd.org/donate. If you would like to learn more about the AFSOMD, please visit us at: http://www.alphasomd.org/.
Board of Directors Brother John Ward, Esq. Chairman Brother Billy Hill President Brother Jordan Webb Treasurer Brother Kenyatta Graves Scholarship Committee Chairman
6
Alpha Foundation of Southern Maryland Previous Scholarship Recipients Last year, the AFSOMD awarded five scholarships to graduating seniors in Southern Maryland. Listed below are the names of the scholarship recipients, the colleges they are currently attending and the scholarship amounts that were provided. The scholarships were divided into two equal payments that were dispersed prior to the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters. • • • • •
Roderick Brown – Morehouse College ($1,250) Mustafa Calhoun – George Mason University ($2,000) Dezmond Rosier – Howard University ($1,250) Hassan Turray – College of Southern MD ($1,250) Caleb Wiggins – Morgan State University ($1,250)
(Caleb Wiggins not pictured)
7
Guest Speaker – Jason Abbott
Jason Abbott is the Principal Deputy State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, Maryland. Jason was raised in neighboring Silver Spring, Maryland. He attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Wheaton, Maryland. Jason received his Bachelor of Science Degree from James Madison University and his Juris Doctorate from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. Jason began his career as a prosecutor 20 years ago with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office. In Montgomery County, he gained valuable felony trial experience in a wide range of cases including sex offenses, home invasions, and murder. In 2007, Jason was named Chief of the newly formed Gang Unit in the Maryland Office of the Attorney General (OAG). In the position, Jason supervised gang-related prosecutions throughout the State. In 2014, Jason was promoted to Director of the OAG’s Criminal Division where he oversaw all Criminal Prosecution Units specializing in gangs, firearm trafficking, economic crimes, Medicaid fraud, insurance fraud, and environmental crimes. In 2016, Jason joined the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office as Chief of the Strategic Investigations Unit (“SIU”). SIU prosecutes gang-related crimes of violence and homicides, violent repeat offenders, and violent felony strings. The cases prosecuted by SIU are some of the Office’s most complex and violent crimes. Jason led SIU until his appointment as Principal Deputy under State’s Attorney Aisha N. Braveboy. In addition to his career commitment to the residents of this community, Jason has dedicated himself as a youth sports coach in Prince George’s County for the last 16 years.
8
Master of Ceremonies – Ronnette Rollins
Ronnette Rollins, recording artist, radio personality, accomplished vocalist, pianist, songwriter, piano instructor, and vocal coach, has emerged as one of the most sought-after pianists, performers and vocal coaches in the Washington Metropolitan area. Ronnette is also a member of the Grammy Award Recording Academy, Washington, D.C. Chapter, the premier outlet for honoring achievements in the recording arts and supporting the music community. Ronnette received a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Music Education from Towson University, Towson, Maryland and taught music in the Prince George’s County Public School system. Adding to her multi-faceted talents, Ronnette is also a radio host with Radio One DC’s Praise 104.1 FM. You can hear her hosting “Sunday Joy” on Praise 104.1FM Sundays from 12 pm-6 pm. The songstress has successfully headlined sold-out performances at the historic Blues Alley in Washington, D.C., and at the Gospel en Karukera Festival 2017 in the Guadeloupe islands. Ronnette has traveled the world touring and performing with Gospel greats including Shirley Ables & the Joy Gospel Singers and Mike McCoy & Voices United. She has made guest appearances on several gospel television network shows, including “Rejoice in the Word” and “I Will Bless the Lord at All Times.” Ronnette made her theater debut with Mosaic Theater Company DC as pianist in “Marie and Rosetta” at Washington D.C.’s Atlas Theater in August & September 2018. In September 2018, Ronnette released her new single, “ALWAYS THERE,” her follow-up single to her debut project entitled, "JOURNEY." “ALWAYS THERE” was considered in the first round ballot of the 61st Annual Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Performance/Song. Both are available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and Google Play. In April 2020, she released her newest single, “HE’S GOT THE POWER.” For bookings, contact KC Williams at info@ronnetteRollins.com, or call 765-413-7183.
9
The Chosen Chef – Duriel Barnes
Chef Duriel Barnes, a native Washingtonian, who resides in Fort Washington, MD is a proud graduate of Bowie State University. Chef Barnes graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in the field of Criminal Justice and an Associate of Arts in Hospitality and Culinary Arts obtained from Prince George’s Community College. In addition, he joined the Metropolitan Police Department in January of 2006 and has served in several capacities within the department throughout his tenure. In January of 2016, Chef Barnes launched “The Chosen Chef, LLC,” a full service private company, specializing in fine dining. He also currently owns and operates his business website (https://www.thechosenchef.com) where he offers select food and dessert options available for purchase. Chef Barnes has catered a myriad of events ranging in size from 20-400 guests and has participated in several cooking challenges – and even winning the top prize in select categories. He has also been provided with several opportunities to cook for local and national celebrities such as DJ Quick Silva of The Fam In The Morning (WKYS 93.9 FM), Donnie Simpson (TV ONE & MAJIC 102.3 FM), singer and songwriter Lil Moe, Poet Taylor of (WPGC 95.5 FM), Jamie Foster Brown of Sister 2 Sister magazine, to name a few.
10
BJ Simmons Jazz Quintet
BJ Simmons is a musician, composer, band leader, producer, team player and collaborator. He is also a fourth generation Washingtonian who began studying music at the age of nine. His studies on the saxophone and clarinet provided him the opportunity to become a member of the DC Youth Orchestra Program. He is a graduate of Norfolk State University (Norfolk, VA) and has obtained a Master’s degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University (Orlando, FL) BJ has a passion for impacting people through the medium of sound. In fact, BJ’s most recent professional achievement was releasing his debut Jazz album, “Acronyms” BJ has had the opportunity to study under, and gain masterclass instruction by: saxophonists Kirk Whalum, Stephanie Sanders, Bruce Williams, Frank Foster, Bob Mintzer, Trombonist Slide Hampton and the Legendary Calvin Jones. In 2001, while attending NSU, BJ Simmons earned the Outstanding Jazz Soloist Award at the UNC-W Jazz Festival in 2001. BJ has performed at the DC Jazz Festival, J Dilla DC Benefit Concert, The Youth Inaugural Ball for President Obama 2008, Macy’s “Shop For A Cause”, East Coast Jazz Festival, and the AFRAM Festival. BJ Simmons has made musical appearances with: Ray Goodman & Brown, Rapper, WALE, Victor Wooten, Fife of Tribe Called Quest, Millie Jackson, Yahzirah, and the Washington Jazz Arts Institute Big Band under the direction of Davey Yarborough, Wildflower, and the Hubie Blake Big Band (Baltimore, MD). BJ has also made multiple television appearances on CBS with former White House Executive Chef, Charlie Reddin, and Youth For America (World-wide Broadcast with Hip-Hop Artist Fatso). He has recorded with Andre Alexander and Andre’s World (2009), Yamama’nym (2002), (neo-soul band) Charles Butler & Trinity (2010), and Subtle Thoughts (2010). His television appearances also include and a Bobby Jones Gospel appearance on BET with Ricky Dillard. BJ has also performed with vocalist, Robert Murat on Paul Brunson’s “LoveTown USA” which aired on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network. He has also performed for political notables such as: Governor Mark Warner (D) Virginia and Mayor Adrian Fenty. He was also recently featured in the Hill Rag Newspaper as well as East of The River Magazine in Washington, DC.
11
12
On behalf of the Southern Maryland Chain (MD) Chapter of The Links Incorporated congratulatory wishes are extended to Sigma Alpha Lamdba Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Alpha Foundation of Southern Maryland on your outstanding work in the community.
Jacqueline Gray, President
13
14
CONGRATULATIONS to the Sigma Alpha Lambda Chapter and the Alpha Foundation of Southern Maryland on your Seersucker & Sundress Jazz Brunch From the Brothers of the Mighty MAAC District Executive Board and Area Leadership Team “First of All, Servants of All, We shall transcend all” President……………………………………………………………………………………Ray Hawkins Jr. (Kappa Epsilon Lambda) College Vice President…………………………………………………………………………………….Noah Absalon (Iota Zeta) Alumni Vice President……………………………………………………………….Mtokufa Ngwenya (Iota Upsilon Lambda) Treasurer…………………………………………………………………………………Christian Walker (Delta Omicron Lambda) Financial Secretary………………………………………………………Dayoalexander Adegbite (Delta Omicron Lambda) Secretary…………………………………………………………………………..…………………Maconel James (Rho Tau Lambda) Executive Director……………………………………………………………………………Thomas Davis (Omicron Eta Lambda) Chaplain………………………………………………………………………………………Keithlyn Warner (Omicron Eta Lambda) Parliamentarian……………………………………………………………………………….Rashad Holloway (Rho Tau Lambda) Sergeant-At-Arms……………………………………………………………………………………Kenneth Williams (Mu Lambda) Area Director………………………………………………………………………….Stan Cunningham (Kappa Epsilon Lambda) Associate Area Director………………………………………………………………………………Tarik Harris (Eta Eta Lambda) Assistant Area Director……………………………………………………………………………………….Jalen Sykes (Eta Zeta) Leadership on the Level