THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORT The official Wall Street Alphas newsletter, Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC
Vol. 4, No. 1
THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORT The official Wall Street Alphas newsletter, Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC
The Alpha GENTS kick of another great year by Bro Dr. Ted Ingram and Malik Simmonds With the start of another fraternal year, the Alpha GENTS (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success) program is motivated to improve upon its previous years. My committee will continue to develop and facilitate the programs, and aggressively work with young African American and Latino boys from the metropolitan area. Brothers on the Education Committee plan to get the GENTS energized and become critical thinkers during monthly meetings. The meetings occur the Saturday following each chapter meeting. The first GENTS meeting that took place at Pace University on Saturday, September 18, 2010 started the year off properly. Brothers and parents, as well as 20 new and returning GENTS attended with great anticipation regarding the proposed list of academic and social fulfilling experiences. Programs relating to career exploration, financial management, Project Alpha, in addition to providing assistance with the college admission process are some of the activities that the committee will undertake this fraternal year. Our annual college tour was on October 15th and 16th and featured a visit to Lincoln University (PA) and the University of Delaware. Some of the highlights included a great panel discussion led by the brothers from the University of Delaware (Xi Omicron) and Lincoln University (Nu Chapter) and a walking tour of the campus led by Brother Michael Yancey who is an administrator in Greek Affairs at the school. At Lincoln University the undergraduate Brothers facilitated a walking tour of the campus, sharing the history of the school and prominent men who are Lincoln Alums. The tour also featured a step show by the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi and Alpha Phi Alpha.
Vol. 4, No. 1
President’s Letter Welcome to the Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.‘s first newsletter for the 2010 – 2011 fraternal year. The year is off to a great start as the brotherhood has taken the momentum in which we ended the previous year and continued to build upon it. The Executive board and numerous other brothers internalized the feedback we received at year’s end and strategized ways to improve and enhance ourselves. Though we have big shoes to fill, the brother’s efforts to continue to strengthen our brotherhood have already shown positive results. We had our largest attendance at our national convention, coordinated several brotherhood bonding activities throughout the summer, and vigorously developed a plan, which emphasizes a year focused on enhancing our community and continuing to build upon our brotherhood. The Alpha GENTS program has remained a top priority for the chapter this year as it is our flagship effort to give back to the youth. We continue to increase brother’s participation, strengthen our curriculum, and improve the overall experience for each young man who enters the program. We also increased our focus on bringing back some of our alumni GENTS to share their experiences as they have matriculated into higher education. Our community service efforts will also continue to be a focal point of this year’s programming. We have reestablished and expanded our efforts to make sure service remains a high priority and will continue to partner with likeminded organizations in our effort to support the community. We seek to make sure we address the current issues facing society today and aim to engage others to not only become aware but to get involved and make a difference.
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President’s Letter Continued from Page 1
While we remain dedicated to the community, we also have reiterated our commitment to building our own brotherhood. The relationships built through these activities, as well as through our interactions, remain a pivotal dynamic in our chapter and one that we will not lose sight of throughout this year. We aim to find activities that allow all brothers an opportunity to come out and embrace the very core of our organization’s founding. Reclamation will be an essential portion of this year’s success as we aim to bring brothers back into the fold and allow them to regain that very same feeling that ignited their interest in the organization. We feel very confident that focusing on the essentials of the organization and getting back to the basic concepts of brotherhood will allow us to flourish over this next fraternal year. I am honored to take part in this drive to continuous progress. I challenge each brother to make the effort to get involved and help us strive to the next level. The Wall Street Alphas are on the move. Be a part of our forward steps! Fraternally,
MILLION MAN MARCH 15 YEARS LATER
Lael Chappell President, KXL Chapter “Wall Street Alphas”
A Wall Street Alphas Town Hall Event The United Charities Building 105 East 22nd St and Park Ave., Room 4A New York, NY 7 PM 11/10/2010
Inside this Edition
KXL Brothers taking a break between business sessions at the National Convention in Vegas this summer.
President’s Letter Editor’s Report Alpha GENTS Brother of the Year Million Man March Town Hall Event A Medical Minute on Prostate Cancer WSA’s Running Club 2
THE EDITOR’S REPORT Greetings Brothers, Welcome to our first newsletter for this fraternal year. I am happy to once again serve as the Editor in Chief in this 4th year of the newsletter. It looks to be another busy year for KXL under the leadership of our new President, Bro. Lael Chappell. Many ambitious programs are planned and brothers are anxious to get their hands dirty with the never ending work of Alpha! On October 29, Omega Chapter claimed another great Alpha man, Bro. William L. Darden, the County Legislator for the 8th Legislative District of Rockland County and member of Eta Chi Lambda Chapter, “the Rockland Alphas.” As a Rockland resident, I joined Eta Chi Lambda initially a couple years ago (yes, more Chapter dues) and from the very first meeting appreciated his opinions, especially when navigating through some tricky Alpha business. Bro. Darden who was instrumental in having a monument built to honor Bro. Thurgood Marshall was honored just last year as Eta Chi Lambda’s Alpha Man of the Year. The fraternal year may have barely begun, but that hasn’t stopped bros from starting our Alpha GENTS programming with a bang. Our young men recently completed their College Tour. This annual event has shown to be one of the most popular as KXL brothers took the young men to visit a couple colleges to expand their understanding of what higher education is about. Having all seen the stats on high school graduation rates for males of color, we need to always aim to expand their vision of what may be attainable if they stay focused. We’ll also try to do a better job
this year of keeping bros in the loop of the many accomplishments that our GENTS make along the way. See “Alpha GENTS on the Move!” for our initial installment. On Wednesday, November 10, be sure to join us as we reflect on the 15th anniversary of the Million Man March in a town hall forum. A great panel consisting of march organizers and key participants is ready to engage attendants in a very lively discussion. It’s easy to forget all of the controversy leading up to that day, although just 15 years ago. Many pledges were made, but were promises kept? Let’s discuss! In the tradition of Kappa Xi Lambda, the leadership torch was recently passed to Bro. Lael Chappell to guide the chapter to the next level. We salute our past President, and 2009 – 2010 Brother of the Year, Jioha Amatokwu. Bro. Amatokwu reflects on his past 2 years as President and what lies ahead for him and the chapter. The leaves may be turning old gold and falling off the trees, but don’t put away those running sneakers just yet! The Wall Street Alphas Running Club is still going strong. If you want to stay fit, you need to hook up with these guys (and and girls). EVERYONE is welcome to participate. The Alpha / Beta “Fun Run” was one such event that capped off the summer. Other events are going on all the time. Be sure to check with Bro. Nick Rosello or Bro. Mel Myrie for the latest. ‘06, Brian Pruitt Newsletter Editor in Chief Wall St. Alphas
Bro. Bill Darden (HXL) joined Omega Chapter, October 29, 2010 For more information on Bro. Darden please visit http://www.lohud.com/article/20101031/NEWS03/10310436/Legislator-Darden-dies-mourned-as-mentor http://etachilambda.org/products.htm
Note: The Editor’s report reflects thoughts or opinions of the Editor and are not necessarily shared by the chapter or the Fraternity as a whole. 3
Our 2009 – 2010 Brother of the Year Bro. Jioha Amatokwu By Bro. Tony Thompson The mission statement of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. says it develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities. Leadership is often defined as having the ability to influence others to aid in the accomplishment of a common goal. Jioha Amatokwu, the 2009-2010 Brother of the Year for the Kappa Xi Lambda chapter, not only exemplifies these characteristics but exceeds them. A Fall 1999 initiate into the legendary Theta chapter, Jioha received his B.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a member of the Kappa Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, Jioha has held several positions on the Executive Board including Recording Secretary (2003-04), Vice President (2004-05, 2005-06), Parliamentarian (2006-07), Treasurer (2007-08), and President (2008-09, 2009-10). As Chapter President, Jioha was an inspiring leader as he motivated the chapter to accomplish a great deal over the past 2 years. His platform focused on increasing brotherhood and increasing our commitment to our programs and obligations. During his tenure we saw an increase in participation in our Alpha GENTS mentorship program and our community service Bro. Amatokwu makes a activities including our MLK Day of service and our Alphas few remarks at a KXL Against AIDS program. Also, during Black History Month we event. partnered with Pi Kappa Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to host “The Conversation”, a dialogue on relationships. Under his leadership we also produced two black-tie events entitled “Think Black” that were not only well received but well executed. I had the opportunity to ask Jioha a few questions to gain more insight on the brother whose passion and guidance led the chapter to a very productive last two years. What made you decide on Alpha Phi Alpha? JA: For me, it was the Brothers in the chapter that I was initiated into back at the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a freshman, I knew very little about fraternities. As an engineering student I was introduced to the National Society of Black Engineers and some of the leaders of the chapter that I looked up to and that took me under their wing were Alphas. In addition, some of my closer high school friends, my cousin and eventually one of my best friends became Alphas. This allowed me the opportunity to want to learn more about the fraternity's history and what it was all about. It became evident to me that I too belonged in this group. About a year or so ago you shared with the chapter some statistics on retention of Brothers discussed at a Convention that you attended. The numbers more or less showed that the Fraternity struggles to retain its numbers as undergraduates become eligible for the graduate chapter. Is there something that Alpha can do better to retain our young Brothers as they leave college life? Continued on page 5 4
‌.Brother of the Year Continued from page 4 JA: Absolutely, figure out what is important to younger Brothers and incorporate that into the Alpha way of life! If Brothers are concerned about their careers, create innovative ways to help Brothers find opportunities, train for advancement and enhance their careers. If Brothers are concerned about their families and how to be better husbands and fathers, find ways to provide some sort of training, support and advice. If Brothers are concerned about their finances or entrepreneurship or health let's find a way to organize our network to share the collective wisdom of the Brotherhood around these different interests. We like to talk about how extensive our network is but provide poor tools for Brothers to tap into that network to meet their needs. Kappa Xi Lambda is pretty unique in that the majority of Brothers are from all over the country with only a minority of Brothers coming from actual NY undergrad schools. Our demographics also skew toward the younger Brother in the early or mid stages of his career. Our numbers have steadily risen since being rechartered in 2002. What does KXL do that makes so many Brothers feel welcome and at home? JA: I think the main thing we do is act Brotherly. In our meetings, at our events and in our everyday lives we let Brother's know if and when they are ready to return to the fold, KXL's doors are open. We don't beat Brothers over the head with why they are inactive but we hold Brothers accountable. And we give Brothers an honest opportunity to contribute and take stake in the Chapter’s success. Do you think the chapter has changed over the years since you first became affiliated with it? Is there anything that you would like to see change? JA: The chapter has certainly changed a number of times in my years here. Of course, as a former President there are several things I would like to see change but one of the most important is probably the distribution of work and responsibilities. Something that every chapter suffers from is the phenomenon of the 80/20 rule where 80% of the work is shouldered by 20% of the Brothers. The same can be said about those Brothers who step up in leadership roles. I would like to see us do a better job of getting Brothers involved with the day-to-day workings of the chapter. Continued on page 6
Jioha can often be found leading KXL’s community efforts, but wisely gives his girlfriend, Charizma, her share of his attention.
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‌.Brother of the Year Continued from page 5
You just completed your second term as President. As President, what goal did you set for yourself that you feel you were not able to complete? JA: Leadership training. Heading into my second term, one of my primary goals was to create a larger pool of Brothers who were trained and prepared to take over the role of President over the next few years. It takes time to truly be prepared to lead a chapter of Alpha men. For most of us, it takes time in the fraternity to grow and understand what it truly means to be an Alpha. It takes building a "resume" with different roles and responsibilities, attendance of conventions and familiarity with the workings of the Fraternity as a whole on the Area, Regional and National level. And it takes developing a vision for where the chapter needs to go and how we're going to get there. All these things contribute to the confidence a President must have in his abilities. Also, the confidence the chapter must have in the ability of their leader. I think we have several Brothers that have the talents to take on that responsibility, but have a little further to go in their training and experience. You have ALWAYS been an active participant in our Alpha GENTS mentoring program. The program has grown and we continue to get tremendous feedback from both parents and students who complete the program. Can you share what participating in Alpha GENTS means to you?
JA: The GENTS program is a tremendous joy for me. Being around when the program was first started and seeing where we are today let's me know that we're on the right track and are making a difference in their lives. This past season we watched our first GENT graduate from college and the last of our original GENTS, who started the program as a seventh grader, go to college. I understand that you are an entrepreneur. Tell us about your company - What is its mission? JA: The company is called Atarah Software, Inc. and it’s a web design and development firm that specializes in web strategies and business solutions for small- and medium-sized businesses as well as non-profits. Essentially, we want to meet the development needs for organizations that may not have the budget for an IT department but still has the need for quality services.
Past KXL President Antonio Johnson and Bro. Amatokwu taking a quick break during a past Project Alpha.
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A Medical Minute : Prostate Cancer by Bro. Alan Moton
What it is •Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system, that produces seminal fluid, found below the bladder and in front of the rectum) •Other conditions which may mimic its symptoms include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) Key Stats •2nd most common cancer amongst males affecting nearly 200,000 men/year with over 27,000 of these men dying each year •In the US, one in 55 men between the ages of 40 and 59 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. This incidence climbs to almost one in six for men between ages 60 and 79. •WW, ranks as 3rd in cancer incidence and 6th in cancer mortality among men •Incidence is higher in North America and Northern Europe Risk Factors •Age—65 or older •Race—Black/African American (more than 200 cases per 100,000 black men) •Family History •Poor diet (high fat, refined sugar, caloric intake), only linked, not medically proven Symptoms •Urinary problems (difficulty passing urine or starting/stopping the flow of urine) •Flow (Frequent urination, especially at night, Weak flow of urine, Urine flow that starts and stops, Pain or burning during urination) •Difficulty having an erection •Painful ejaculation •Blood in urine or semen •Frequent pain in lower back, hips or upper thighs Detection & Diagnosis •Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)—Palpation of the prostate for hard or lumpy areas •Blood Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test •Prostate biopsy, official method of diagnosis •Healthy men over the age of 40 should undergo both DRE and PSA screening annually Treatment •Varies depending on age, life expectancy, PSA level, biopsy results, and extent of cancer Resources National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov/prostate Urology Health: www.urologyhealthy.org John Hopkins FREE Special Report (7 Keys to Treating Prostate Cancer): www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/register_ppc_prostate/prostatesre_reg_landing.html
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Alpha / Beta “Fun Run” by Bro. Chris Hunt Let’s face it. Running isn’t fun, but a chance to feel healthy on a sunny day at Central Park at a pace slow enough to take in the scenery with good company should sound like a good time to anyone. And so the Alpha/Beta Fun Run was born. The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter gathered with alumni members of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on August 6th at the East 90th street and 5th avenue entrance of Central Park. With a total of 13 brave harriers, the group took off on a leisurely trot around the 1.5-mile loop that surrounds the park’s reservoir. “The fun run with the Betas was the beginning of future runs that we want to have with other Greeks in the city. We would love to run with the sisters of Omega Phi Beta again but also, with the Wall Street Alphas, developing a Greek Fun Run that’s open to everybody.” said Bro. Nick Rosello Jr., Co-founder of the Wall Street Alphas’ running club. The purpose was to promote fitness, health and unity but also fun, as the Wall Street Alphas continue to promote and grow the Wall Street Alphas’ Running Club. The club is registered through the New York Road Runners and is ready to do some charitable racing.
Most of the group, which included six Betas, survived one loop while more experienced runners – Bro. Nick Rosello, Jr. and Bro. Mel Myrie – zipped off for a second circuit. Bro. Jesse Owens offered his apartment for the post-run gathering. With the help of Stephany Perez, who helped organize the event and who is also training for the NYC Marathon, the Fun Run is hopefully the first of many collaborative runs with the Wall Street Alphas.
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2010-2011 Chapter Officers and Board Members Kappa Xi Lambda Executive Board President:
Brother Lael Chappell
Vice President:
Brother Nicolas Rosello, Jr.
Recording Secretary:
Brother Thomas Mabry, Jr.
Corresponding Secretary:
Brother Jesse Owens
Treasurer:
Brother Sean Henry
Financial Secretary:
Brother Lino Solis
Chaplain:
Brother Dr. Eric Turner
Historian:
Brother Sean Gayle
Coordinator of Intake:
Brother Keith Harvey
Sergeant-at-Arms:
Brother Mel Myrie
Parliamentarian:
Brother Christopher Hunt
Dir. of Educational Activity:
Brother Dr. Ted Ingram
Assoc. Editor to the Sphinx:
Brother Tony Thompson
Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation Board of Directors President & Chairman:
Brother Shawn A. Curwen
Secretary:
Brother Tony Johnson
Treasurer:
Brother Roy A. Williams
Board Member:
Brother Jioha Amatokwu
Board Member:
Brother Damon Culcleasure
Newsletter Committee Editor in Chief:
Brother Brian Pruitt
Assistant Editor:
Brother Tony Thompson
Contributors:
Brother Chris Hunt Brother NaQuinton Gainous Brother Lino Solis Brother Geshawn Williams
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ALPHA G.E.N.T.S. ON THE MOVE! Our Alpha GENTS, both past and present continue to put in the work in the classroom and the community. Here’s what a few of them have been up to recently. Johnny De La Cruz
Victor Espinal
High School Senior, Bishop Ford High School
Freshman, SUNY Binghamton Alpha GENTS Class of 2010
Increased his SAT score by 190 points from a 1,600 to 1,790 . He has also completed his college applications ahead of schedule for: Ivy League: Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania, Boston College, Syracuse University, Boston University
Victor has been elected Student Government Senator and will serve as a Student Assembly Representative.
Andy Munoz High School Senior, LaSalle Academy
Abayomi Carey Entrepreneur Alpha GENTS Class of 2009 Abayomi started his own T-Shirt line last year (The RARE ERA) and has recently expanded to include an exclusive line for women (STRAEhearts NYC) . He is having a sample sale November 13th
A semi-finalist for the prestigious POSSE Foundation Scholarship, passed the first round of interviews beating out over 100 NYC candidates. The scholarship awards free tuition for 4 years to one of 12 participating schools. Andy has his sights on Trinity College and Vanderbilt University.
Omarr Thomas Jordan Toby High School Freshman, Central Park East
High School Freshman, High School of Graphic Arts Communications
Received an overall average of (85) at the conclusion of the first marking period of the 2010-2011 school year.
Made the honor roll with an 85 average first marking period.
Aaron Troutman High School Sophomore, High School of Graphic Communication Arts Received an overall average of (91) at the conclusion of the first marking period of the 2010-2011 school year. 10
The Mood‌..October 1995 "The lights are off at home. My car is on the verge of being repossessed. My rent is past due and yet I felt compelled to come here to be a part of this event, to recognize the day of atonement and reconciliation." -- Ray, Vietnam veteran from Chicago
"I think the march is important in terms of awakening us to what needs to be done. But this has nothing to (do) with Farrakhan. I grew up in Mississippi. Since that hasn't gotten me to hate white folks, Farrakhan certainly can't get me to hate them." -- Bilal Hasan, Atlanta
"Part of the reason I'm going is to encourage African-American males to get away from crime, get a good education and be responsible for the children they bring into this world." -- Mayor Dennis Archer, Detroit "No march, movement or agenda that defines manhood in the narrowest terms and seeks to make women lesser partners in this quest for equality can be considered a positive step." -- Angela Davis, Activist
CNN: Pre-March Quotes - http://www-cgi.cnn.com/US/9510/megamarch/quotes.html 11
The Million Man March….15 years later A Wall Street Alphas Town Hall Discussion Wednesday, 11/10/2010 Let's talk about it!
"Long live the spirit of the Million Man March!" On October 16th, 1995 that chant was repeated over and over and it echoed for years later! The "spirit" of the march was one of overwhelming love and inspiration. Last month marked the 15th anniversary of the “Million Man March”. It was a historic event not only for African Americans but for America as a whole. For many who attended the march it was an uplifting, motivating, and spiritual experience. Black men from all over the country left the march determined to make positive changes in their lives. Many programs were birthed out of the march. Are those programs still in existence? What other positive effects were the result of the march, besides the feeling of excitement that consumed the day? Let's talk about it! The Brothers of the Kappa Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will host a panel discussion on the “March” and the state of black men in America 15 years later. We will discuss the importance of that day and what impact it had on society at that time and what we must do to renew that feeling of inspiration and empowerment! The confirmed panelists include Ms. Stacey Muhammad, one of the organizers of the march who worked closely with Dr. Ben Chavis and Minister Louis Farrakhan, Mr. Ayinde Jean-Baptiste who at 14 years old was one of the most memorable speakers at the march, and Reverend Conrad Tillard, formerly known as Conrad Muhammad, a very well known and outspoken leader in the Nation of Islam during the time of the march. For more on this event and detailed panelist bio’s, see our website. Join us as we talk about it! Wednesday, November 10th, 7PM The United Charities Building 105 East 22nd St and Park Ave., Room 4A New York, NY
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ΑΦΑ - A Century of Leadership - ΑΦΑ
The Alpha GENTS had their eyes on the future during last month’s college tour of Lincoln University (PA) and the University of Delaware.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter P.O. Box 5382 New York, NY 10185-5382
Contact us at WSANews@gmail.com
Visit us at www.wallstreetalphas.com and www.wsacf.org