September 2015
Volume 6, Issue 1
THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORT The official Wall Street Alpha Newsletter Newsletter,, Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC
2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6 f r a t e r n a l k i c k - o f f e d i t i o n
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
Executive Board
3
SIP
4-5
Alpha GENTS Update
6-7
Notes from the General
8-9
Brotherhood Spotlight
10-11
“Back to School”
12
“Back to Business”
13
y e a r
Brothers, I am excited to lead the efforts for relaunching the chapter newsletter. All the great work that we do collectively deserves a central place to be highlighted. The Wall Street Alphas brand continues to shine, and I am grateful for the
opportunity to serve as your Associate Editor to the Sphinx. Any contribution to the newsletters is welcome. My vision is to ensure all chapter brothers feel a sense of ownership in this publication. Our chapter is extremely
dynamic, and the diverse set of talents and backgrounds will be on full display for the local, regional, and national level to witness. Fraternally, David Williams Jr.
1
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Brothers, My name is Brother Ted N. Ingram and it is with a great deal of excitement that I am returning to serve as President of the Kappa Xi Lambda (KXL) chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for the upcoming year. On behalf of the Executive Board, we welcome you and it is our hope that you not only feel at home, but also that you are inspired by the spirit of brotherhood, service and innovation that resides within our chapter. At KXL, we are a family of diverse, talented and accomplished men, offering relentless support and commitment that parallel the ideals of the fraternity. We maintain a healthy balance of social and educational programs geared to improve the conditions of various underrepresented groups. Each year, we host several fundraising events that support and contribute to the MLK Memorial Foundation, the Child Development Institute for Autism Awareness, and “I am a kid that gives.” In addition, we conduct outreach efforts that generate awareness for Bone marrow research, AIDS education and research, Men’s health issues, and voter’s education. We participate annually in the March for Babies, AIDS Walk and a host of other community and cause related events. KXL is dedicated to legacy, and we take pride in cultivating the next generation of male leaders by mentoring young African American and Latino men. We have gained both local and national attention for our mentoring efforts through our Alpha G.E.N.T.S. (Gaining Essential Networking and Tools for Success) male mentoring program, which is designed to offer participants’ personal, social and academic development. These efforts are made possible, and in concert with, the support of the Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation. With each new executive board, our chapter continues to progress forward and improve, and I am thrilled to be leading our brothers in doing so this coming fraternal year. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated has given me more than I could have ever imagined, and for that, I am very grateful. Furthermore, I am humbled to have been entrusted with the opportunity to lead such a dynamic chapter. The Executive Board and I are seeking your continuous support to make this fraternal year phenomenal for The Wall Street Alphas. With your help, we will continue to serve as a beacon, inspiring other chapters as well as organizations throughout this region. I am excited and looking forward to seeing you at the monthly Tuesday meetings at 120 Wall Street, New York, NY. With great humbleness, Ted N. Ingram, Ph.D.
2
2015– 2016 EXECUTIVE BOARD We are excited to welcome in our new executive board members for the 2015-2016 fraternal year! Thank you to all brothers for their participation in the elections, as well as to the brothers who provided valuable insight to those transitioning into their new roles. Kappa Xi Lambda Executive Board: President:
Brother Dr. Ted Ingram
Vice President:
Brother Richard Bates
Recording Secretary:
Brother Martavius Leonard
Corresponding Secretary:
Brother James T. Turner
Treasurer:
Brother Raphael Richard
Financial Secretary:
Brother Tyrice Johnson
Chaplain:
Brother David Ford
Historian:
Brother Junior Senat
Coordinator of Intake:
Brother Tony Johnson
Sergeant-at-Arms:
Brother Johnny Williams
Parliamentarian:
Brother David Lobbins
Dir. of Educational Activities:
Brother Brandon Richardson
Associate Editor to the Sphinx:
Brother David Williams Jr.
Newsletter Committee: Editor in Chief:
Brother David Williams Jr.
Assistant Editor in Chief:
Brother Tony Thompson
3
SIP BRO. DAMON CULCLEASURE
The Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (The Wall St. Alphas), in conjunction with The Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation (WSACF), successfully presented SIP, a wine & spirits tasting event on Wednesday June 3rd, 2015. SIP featured live music performances, a silent auction, enticing hors d’oeuvres, and a vast assortment of carefully selected fine wines suitable for the novice and the connoisseur. Cocktails were exclusively provided by Hendricks Gin, and their family of award-winning spirits brands. Our guests mingled and networked in the setting of the classically detailed Greenberg Lounge of the prestigious New York University Law School’s Vanderbilt Hall. The event was well attended by 200 known area young professionals in the financial, media, government and entertainment industries with a vested interest in supporting the minority community.
4
SIP BRO. DAMON CULCLEASURE The SIP event raised approximately $5000 to support and develop programs that address the plight of young African-American and Latino-American men in the New York City area. These funds contribute to the Wall Street Alphas initiatives such as the Alpha G.E.N.T.S. (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success) mentoring program, which provides young men with extraordinary life-changing experiences through a myriad of educational programs, college tours and lifelong mentoring. During this year’s SIP event, the Wall Street Alphas presented scholarships to 6 graduating seniors and honored the following 4 distinguished men who mentor: Jermaine Wright - Interim Director, CUNY Black Male Initiative Stephen Powell - Executive Director, Mentoring USA Charles Coleman - Founder, Edge NYC Jerrell Horton - Founder, SUIT Dreams Through events like SIP and the support of patrons and sponsors, the WSACF will continue to provide resources and solutions to build intellectual and social equity among the underrepresented youth in impoverished communities. These resources are vital if we are to have a positive impact on the lives of our youth. We thank all our patrons and look forward to their support in our future endeavors. Special thanks to Bro. Brandon Ray (planning) and Soror Alicia Sheerwood (photography). For more information visit WallStAlphas.com and WSACF.org
5
ALPHA GENTS
BRO. BRANDON RICHARDSON Vision For this upcoming fraternal year, we will continue to build on our seven pillars: Leadership Development Mental/Physical Health Financial Empowerment Communication Career and Professional Development Social Responsibility College Readiness We plan to dive deep into the sixth pillar of Social Responsibility. We want our GENTS to learn how to be conscious contributors to society, specifically being more eco-friendly. Our theme this year is ALPHA GENTS Go Green, so every session will have a take away that they can put in practice. Ultimately, they will learn that implementing small changes and learning new habits can have a substantial impact to your surrounding environment.
2014-2015 GRADUATES Name
College
Deshauntae Simmonds SUNY Delhi Rosman Polacios
Herkimer CC
David Dames
Wells College
Alan Peralta
SUNY Potsdam
Khalif John
Queensborough CC or City Tech
Deshaun Russell
Baruch College
Nicholas Guillaume
Univ. of Connecticut
Elijah Gbotoe
SUNY Purchase
Jermaine Watkins
SUNY Cortland
6
ALPHA GENTS
BRO. BRANDON RICHARDSON 2015-2016 Roster Seniors
Juniors
Sophomores
Isaiah “Izzy” David
Hasani White
Isaiah Rodriguez
Jeremy De La Cruz
Timothy Dove
Isaiah Brown
Kenneth Sookoo
Bryan Melo
Kritian Santiago
Luis Ortiz
Miles Waight
Johnny Fernandez
Andre Ortiz
Brian Felix Eddie De La Cruz Lazaire Hunter Franklin Colon Chris Baez Mario Williams Wade Moses
2015-2016 Schedule Date
Topic
Tentative Location
9/10/15
Open House
MetLife or Viacom
9/12/15
Welcome Back
Randall’s Island
10/24/15
College Tour
NYSC (Crown Plaza Hotel)
11/14/15
Public Speaking
Columbia University
12/12/15
Cooking (Whole Foods)
Whole Foods
1/16/16
STEM Workshop (NSBE)
Pace University
2/20/16
Careers in Philanthropy
Columbia University
3/12/16
Green Careers, Career Fair (External Networks)
Pace University
4/9/16
Project Alpha - Domestic Violence, Adolescent Male Clinic
Marte Valle HS
5/14/16
Brooklyn Golf Outing
Brooklyn Country Club
6/11/16
Battalion Brunch - Closing Ceremony
TBD
7
NOTES FROM THE GENERAL CONVENTION BRO. JAMEL VANDERBURG Recap The city of Charlotte, NC was painted black and old gold during the first week of August. Brothers from all over the world convened at the 93rd General Convention. The theme of the convention was, "Focused on the Future: Investing in our Community: Health, Wealth, and Self." Here were some of the highlights of the convention: Bro. Donald Jackson was elected the new Comptroller Bros. Everett Ward and Aaron Crutison, Sr. are the two candidates for the next General President Fiscally, Alpha Phi Alpha is in excellent condition. After the recent audit, the fraternity had NO findings and is doing very well financially. Plans for the future include involvement in the new African American museum in Washington, D.C., expansion of the Board of Directors, and strengthening our involvement in forefront issues in our community.
8
NOTES FROM THE GENERAL CONVENTION BRO. MARTAVIUS LEONARD Overall Delegate Experience Being a delegate at my first General Convention was definitely a learning experience. The intensity of the business presented at the convention was one that blew my mind and exposed a complexity about the fraternity that I always knew existed, but was never able to fully comprehend until seeing it for myself. In turn, I realized how important the title of delegate is to the progression of the fraternity. Not to mention, one of my line brothers, James Turner, was the host of the Miss Black and Gold pageant. Needless to say, he did an amazing job. Comparison of Regional and National Convention Experiences I enjoyed both my Regional and National Convention experiences. They were similar in that both provided the same services and events (i.e. Black and gold pageant, step show, etc.) and sought to address the issues that affect the fraternity, but the biggest difference was the intermingling of various regions of Alpha in one place at one time. There I was able to see that although all brothers share a common thread as Alpha men, the culture of Alpha can vary from place to place. Thus, knowing how to navigate within that reality can sometimes be challenging.
9
BROTHERHOOD SPOTLIGHT SPRING 2015: THE ARCHITECTS OF THE FOURTH DYNASTY
Bro. Chad Roberson On the upcoming fraternal year: I'm extremely excited and looking forward to the programming and social events being scheduled for this year. I feel this is our year to get Alpha's back in the driver seat when it comes to who's doing what in the city. We're looked at as the thought leaders and I believe this year you will see more Alpha men engaged in their community, mentoring more young men and hosting more social events to bring together more liked minded professionals
Bro. James Turner On the highlights since crossing: When I travel for work, I never leave my Alpha pin (Wall Street Alphas) at home. It’s always on my blazer or my vest. The “bling” on the pin is always the conversation starter with a lot of passengers and colleagues. A pilot on a flight of mine looked at the pin and said, “Wall Street Alphas huh….I have a great story to tell you about your fraternity”. I was actually in shock, because this was an older white gentleman who knew a lot of information about the fraternity and even years after college, he still remembers his first interaction with the Fraternity. So, being able to inform passengers and colleagues about the Fraternity’s History, Prominent Brothers and our National projects would probably be a major a highlight because to most, Fraternities don’t exist after college.
10
BROTHERHOOD SPOTLIGHT SPRING 2015: THE ARCHITECTS OF THE FOURTH DYNASTY
Bro. Martavius Leonard On the transition into the chapter: The transition into the Kappa Xi Lambda has been seamless. What I have recognized as a challenge is learning the complexities of how the local chapters intertwine with the regional and national levels. However, the difficulty brings about an opportunity to expand one's knowledge about Alpha from all aspects.
Bro. Junior Senat On the highlights since crossing: One of my major highlights was being able to attend the AlphaEast conference. Just being around so many Brothers was a great opportunity. Being able to sit in a couple of sessions also taught me a great deal about the politics of the fraternity.
11
BACK TO SCHOOL
Thank you to all those brothers who came out to support the administration of Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning & Social Change in Harlem. The police, clergy, and other community organizations in conjunction with the brothers of NYC Alpha Phi Alpha, particularly Wall Street Alphas, dominated the block with enthusiasm as we welcomed students, faculty/staff and parents back to school. There were over 20 brothers lined up greeting, shaking hands, giving high-fives and offering words of encouragement to rising scholars and those who support in their educational goals. NYC Residents and educators were impressed and appreciative of the images of accomplished men presented today outside at the school's doorstep. This event was a success and we look forward to doing more community outreach this fraternal year. What a way to start off the academic year!! Be sure to check our social media outlets for additional pictures, as well as Fox and WPIX for more coverage. Video of News Story
Servants of all 12
BACK TO BUSINESS BRO. CHADWICK ROBERSON
“Wall Street: Back to Business Happy Hour" was in full effect “to say the least” as we bid farewell to summer and welcomed in the fall season. The event was a great success with over 100 professionals in attendance. This was the first of our monthly networking socials that will be held at Latitude Bar and Lounge in the coming months. This will be a great way to engage, reclaim and reinvigorate local brothers within the Tri-State area. If you missed this one, please don't make the same mistake twice!
Photo Credit: Bro. Russell Malbrough 13
2015-2016 CHAPTER MEETING SCHEDULE General Meetings Location: 120 Wall Street Time: 6:30 PM Dates September 8, 2015 October 13, 2015 November 10, 2015 December 8, 2015 January 12, 2016 February 9, 2016 March 8, 2016 April 12, 2016 (Executive board nominations) May 10, 2016 (Executive board elections) June 14, 2016 —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter P.O. Box 5382 New York, NY 10185-5382 Website: www.wallstreetalphas.com Email: wallstreetalphas@gmail.com Facebook: @WallStreetAlphas Twitter: @WallStAlphas Instagram: @WallStAlphas
14