The Wall Street Alpha Report The official Wall Street Alphas newsletter Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC
April 2021 | Volume 10 No. 4
No Justice, No Peace!
Derek Chauvin Found Guilty Of George Floyd's Murder
Inside This Issue Presidential Address
3
Associate Editor’s Address
4
KΞΛ Brothers on the Move Bro. Mohamad Merilan 5 Bros. Dominique Lee, Martavius Leonard, Ken Alston Jr., & Ron Liburd 6 Sexual Assault Awareness Month
7
“I’m a Five-Year Cancer Survivor
8-9
Recommended Books
10
Supporting Black Entrepreneurs
11
Celebrating the Brotherhood
12-19
Chapter Updates
20-25
Chapter Updates
26
Community Partners
27
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS Greetings Brothers: I pray that this note finds you and your families well and I hope that you all continue to stay safe during these times. It's been a long fraternal year my Brothers, but a successful year nonetheless. This year, the Brothers of Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., The Wall Street Alphas, did our best to execute those core aims that are central to our beloved fraternity: Manly Deeds, Scholarship and Love for All Mankind. We had an opportunity to participate in a variety of programming that provided direct service to our communities such as, the 2020 Census initiative, the 2020 presidential election process, service to the needy and homeless during Founders' Day, our March of Dimes fundraiser efforts, various fundraisers in support of our mentorship programming, and various other fellowship and bonding events. I am grateful and proud of the various works performed by the Brothers assembled and our various community relationship partners. Thank you for an amazing year of service through our Brotherhood. I'm looking forward to our summer transition and the start of the new fraternal year in September 2021. Please enjoy the last issue of the Wall Street Report for this Fraternal Year 2020/2021. Thank you again. Fraternally, Bro. Lino A. Solis, Esq. President
Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
ASSOCIATE EDITOR’S ADDRESS Greetings Brothers, Welcome to the last edition of the Wall Street Alpha Report! The chapter has done some amazing work throughout the year, and I couldn’t be more proud to call Wall Street my home! Brothers have made individual accomplishments, created social change within our community, and held brotherhood to the highest standard throughout the year. As we go into the summer months, let us prepare to make a seamless transition to prepare for the next fraternal year. For the Wall Street Alpha Report, I can truly say that I’m proud of this year’s Volume. We released more reports this year than any other year previously! While there is some work to do with consistent content and publications, the Brotherhood has had nothing less than great things to say about the issues that have hit the market. I’d like to personally thank you all for a great year, and look forward to the next. I wish you all an amazing Summer! See you in August! Fraternally, Zikomo Barr, M.Ed. Associate Editor of the Sphinx Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
ΚΞΛ Brothers on the Move! Bro. Mohamad Merilan (ΚΞΛ Fall 2015) Kudos to our Bro. Mohamad Merilan on his work in building a collaboration between Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and Management Leadership for Tomorrow, a non-profit that provides underrepresented college students with the coaching and support they need to establish a strong career path post-graduation. Click the link in bio to read more about the partnership and words from our General President, Bro. Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III on this accomplishment.
Calling All Brothers! Are you a Brother who has been creating social change within the community? Feel free to reach out and the communications committee will contact you to see if we can share it in our newsletter! You can contact us at: associateeditor@wallstreetalphas.com
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
ΚΞΛ Brothers on the Move! Bros. Dominique Lee, Martavius Leonard, Ken Alston Jr., and Ron Liburd
Congrats to Bros. Dominique Lee, Martavius Leonard, Ken Alston Jr., and Ron Liburd on their amazing rendition of the Alpha Phi Alpha Hymn. Executive Producer & Creative Director - Dominique J. Lee Produced by - 8th Wonder Vocalist (Tenor 1) - Martavius J. Leonard Vocalist (Tenor 2) - Ken Alston Jr Vocalist (Baritone) - Ron Junior Liburd Vocalist (Bass) - Dominique J. Lee Vocal Producer & Engineer - Bro. Martavius Leonard Mixing & Mastering - Jermaine Frierson
Director & Editor - Sekou Luke Studio Wardrobe Coordinator - Bro. Martavius Leonard Shot at FD Studios NY
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is taking a stand against sexual assault. For 24/7 confidential support, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline by visiting RAINN.org or calling 800-656-4673.
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
I am Now a Five-Year Prostate Cancer Survivor
cancer would likely be in an advanced stage. On March 10, 2016, the day of my diagnosis, I received the call from the nurse telling me I had prostate cancer. At first, I was scared, even after the years of preparation. But then I felt calm, and a sense of relief, knowing that because I had prepared for this day, I was ready to take action. When the nurse asked me to come in for a consultation to discuss next steps, I reacted with a simple, “no, thank you.” She was taken aback by my response. I then said, “I’d like to schedule the surgery to remove my prostate.”
As I reflect over the last five years, I’ve had a range of emotions. I was relieved and grateful after my successful treatment (I chose to have a radical prostatectomy, where they remove the entire prostate and any adjacent glands that may be cancerous.) Photo Credit: Forbes By Bro. Derrick Butts In April of 2016, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and successfully treated. My latest checkup (April 16, 2021) confirmed that my cancer remains undetectable, and I remain cancer free. I am most grateful, and while I focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I am passionate about advocating for men’s health and prostate cancer awareness. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, except for skin cancer. In 2021, an estimated 248,530 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.1 I wasn’t surprised that I was among some of the most common cancer cases in the country. Knowing that I have a strong family history of prostate cancer, it was just a matter of time before I would be diagnosed. I’d been planning for 15 years for the day that I would be diagnosed. I began getting screened at age 38 after speaking with my physician, Brother Dr. Charles Franklin. He was very proactive and began my screenings so we could get a baseline of my numbers to track changes in my prostate health. Yes, I was fearful leading up to my diagnosis. Preparing for the unknown, I could not see the cancer and hopefully wouldn’t feel it. I thought that if I ever began to experience symptoms, the
During my first year, post treatment, I concentrated on establishing my new normal of living. I was optimistic that prostate cancer wouldn’t return but what would my day-to-day life be? • Would the minor leaking I was experiencing go away, or would I always need a pad? • How will my marital intimacy be impacted? • What would be the limitation on thing I could or could not do? • How was it going to be traveling on long trips? • How was it going to be on my first airplane flight? These questions and emotions filled my mind, but I knew I had to be patient as it would take time to heal. Although I was in good health, I began to ask myself, how could I live better and increase my health regimen to maintain good health – eating well and exercising. After the first year, I no longer needed a pad, and I had control of all my muscles. I started Kegel exercises before surgery and have continued up until now, along with my morning core workout. I’m sure I’ll continue them for the rest of my life. During my second year, regular checkups allowed me to stay optimistic that cancer was in my rearview mirror. I continued focusing on increasing my quality of life. I was comfortable with my work-life balance and began talking about my journey to others as I’d been keeping a journal of my experiences since my surgery.
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
In my third year, I turned to more advocacy and decided to contribute as a co-author for the book my father began writing about his prostate cancer experiences years before I was diagnosed. “Prostate Cancer – a Family Affair” was written from a non-medical point-of-view sharing our experiences as a black family surviving two generations of prostate cancer. This was also the year that my immediate family decided to become vegetarians, eliminating the poultry and fish, and many processed foods. Additionally, my annual screenings for prostate cancer continued to indicate undetectable levels. In my fourth year, I was eager to start promoting our book (it’s a quick read) that provides information to help men ask more questions of their physician and provide insight on possible experiences based on treatment options. As we began ramping up to connect with churches, organizations, and social groups, COVID-19 stopped us in our tracks – no more in-person interactions. With the desire to still help men become more proactive with their prostate health, I connected with three other men who had the same interests, and we formed the Prostate Cancer Awareness AllianceDMV (PCAA-DMV). The goal of the non-profit organization is to reach men with targeted messaging, primarily in the DMV region, with hopes they can stay ahead of any prostate cancer diagnosis. We focus on education, information, and knowing where they can go to get prostate cancer treatments and cancer support services within the mid-Atlantic region. Like many people, COVID allowed me to laser focus on life’s most important things, so I sought to improve my quality of life even more. This included my health & health regimens, my wife and family, and the organizations I belonged to with a strong focus to help others. The five-year survival rate indicates the percentage of people who live at least five years after cancer is found. The five-year survival rate for people with prostate cancer is 98%. The ten-year survival rate is also 98%.1 As a second-generation survivor of three generations of prostate cancer, the five-year mark is major milestone. It means that my long-term surviva-
bility is much more likely. The five-year mark for me gave me a reason to celebrate; it was like a new lease on life with April 19th being my second birthday. Today, I am overcome with joy knowing when I leave this earth, it will not be because of prostate cancer. My energy level seemed to jump when I met the milestone, and I decided to celebrate. I consider cycling to be my ‘two-wheel therapy,’ so that weekend, my goal was to ride ten miles for every year I’ve been cancer free. During this 53-mile ride, it was a great day to reflect and rejoice.
My Message to You Life after any cancer treatment is about increasing your chance to survive and thrive. If you find yourself in this ‘club that no one wants membership in,’ I encourage you to change your lifestyle, concentrate on what’s important in your life, and then make a strong effort to pay it forward. Work to help other survivors see and live their lives to the fullest potential – spiritually, mentally, and physically. If you don’t know your PSA numbers or the status of your prostate health, schedule an appointment at your first opportunity – don’t wait. Take someone you love with you to the appointment. Cancer doesn’t recognize machismo, and it doesn’t discriminate. To all of you who’ve supported me on this journey, thank you. Your outreach, prayers, and encouragement mean more than I can express. When you can, check out my organization’s website. Diane, my wife, captured my story on video in the Survivor's Stories section. I’m grateful for her and my sons – Jamel and Jared – for continual love and support. I love and am grateful for my Dad's spirit and insight on life and living as a survivor - he is still here. I’m also appreciative for the DMV Spartans cycling team for their support. And to you, my brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, your spirit in continuing to hold up manly deeds….and love for all mankind – in the community reminds me of why I decided to cross the burning sands. Get yourself checked, and please remember, there is life after prostate cancer! Reference 1. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/prostatecancer/statistics - April 23, 2021
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Recommended Books
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Supporting Black Entrepreneurs DJ Ocross is a full-service professional entertainment company servicing the Tri-State area. Omezie “DJ Ocross” Omeokwe is a first-generation Nigerian– American and Bronx, New York native. He began his disc jockey career as a student over 10 years ago while hosting his own radio show at Purchase College (WPSR). In collaboration with Muoka Mills Experience (EXP), an entertainment and promotional platform, DJ OCROSS’ flawless blend of Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, R&B, Soca and Pop aids his ability to serve in a range of capacities, from a Black Tie Master of Ceremony to a nightlife Disc Jockey. This includes private events, birthday parties, and celebrity & corporate events in the New York City Area. Time and time again, DJ Ocross brings his impressive knowledge of diverse musical genres to events, enabling all music lovers to leave it on the floor and making him one of the hottest emerging DJs from the east coast. For all bookings and business inquiries: Email: bookdjocross@gmail.com Cell: 718.866.7378 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djocross/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj.ocross/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dj_ocross
My name is Tony Bell and I am a franchise owner and operator of CruiseOne of Princeton, N.J., a certified Dream Vacations travel agency based in Princeton, N.J. As part of the nation’s leading home-based travel agent franchise network, CruiseOne of Princeton N.J. has access to the best cruise and land vacation deals and Dream Vacations’ exclusive, elite product and service offerings. Benefits of using an agent: https:// www.tripsavvy.com/reasons-to-use-a-travel-agent-3259812 G. Tony Bell Owner / Vacation Specialist Princeton, NJ T:(609) 436-5123 E:gbell@dreamvacations.com Web: https://gbell.dreamvacations.com/ travel/HomePage.html Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ gtonybelldreamvacations
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Celebrating the Brotherhood
February Birthdays Bro. Eric Turner - 2/3 Bro. Algernon Cargill Jr. - 2/19 Bro. Dominique Lee - 2/19 Bro. Christopher Blackwood - 2/21 Bro. John Schuk - 2/22 Bro. Reggie Hilton - 2/23 Bro. Christopher Tolbert - 2/27 Bro. Ike Nweke - 2/27 Alphaversaries Bro. Damon Culcleasure - 2/22/97 Bro. Chadwick Roberson - 2/28/15 Bro. James Turner - 2/28/15 Bro. Martavius Leonard - 2/28/15 Bro. Junior Senat - 2/28/15
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Celebrating the Brotherhood
March Birthdays Dwight Tindall - 3/2 Bro. Giovanni Gallaread - 3/8 Bro. Ben Shepherd - 3/16 Bro. Tony Thompson - 3/24 Alphaversaries Bro. Tony Bell - 3/13/86 Bro. Roy Anthony Williams - 3/9/91 Bro. Lyndell Pittman - 3/28/92 Bro. Tony Thompson- 3/23/94 Bro. Kenneth Alston - 3/10/07 Bro. Jamel Vanderburg - 3/15/08 Bro. Giovanni Gallaread - 3/15/08 Bro. Kristopher Jiles - 3/17/12 Bro. Clarence Banks - 3/9/13 Bro. Jaron Dawson - 3/7 Bro. Barion Grant - 3/7 Bro. Jesse Owens II - 3/15 Bro. Derrick Weatherspoon - 3/15 Bro. Kelso Anderson - 3/15 Bro. Dwight Tindall - 3/15 Bro. Jamel Maloney - 3/15 Bro. Lino Solis - 3/15 Bro. Mel Myrie III - 3/15 Bro. Jay Williams - 3/15 Bro. Lamar Richardson - 3/20 Bro. Mario McMiller - 3/20
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Celebrating the Brotherhood
March (Continued) Alphaversaries (Continued) Bro. Antonio Thompson - 3/20 Bro. Kwabena Adom - 3/20 Bro. Eugene Minson III - 3/20 Bro. Olubunmi Awofeso - 3/20 Bro. Marcellus Norris - 3/20 Bro. Shann Bernard - 3/20 Bro. George Smith IV - 3/20 Bro. Rodney Capel - 3/20 Bro. Melvin Norris - 3/20 Bro. Adetokunbo Ayeni - 3/20 Bro. Aaron Burwell - 3/24 Bro. Omezie Omeokwe - 3/24 Bro. Dewane Mutunga - 3/24 Bro. Anthony Simms - 3/24 Bro. Dominique Lee - 3/24 Bro. Algernon Cargill Jr - 3/24 Bro. Derrick Wyche - 3/24 Bro. Brian Landry - 3/24 Bro. James Casey - 3/24 Bro. Reggie Hilton 3/24 Bro. Bryson Rose - 3/24
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Celebrating the Brotherhood
April Birthdays Bro. Martavius Leonard - 4/1 Bro. Antonio Thompson - 4/4 Bro. Jioha Amatokwu - 4/4 Bro. James Casey - 4/10 Alphaversaries Bro. Larry Bannister - 4/18/68 Bro. David Ford - 4/2/81 Bro. Willieneil French - 4/26/97 Bro. Ted Ingram - 4/3/99 Bro. Richard Bates - 4/15/00 Bro. Aly Alani - 4/13/13 Bro. Alex Daniyan - 4/16 Bro. Ron Liburd - 4/18
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Happy Alphaversary to ΚΞΛ Spring 2008!
Happy Alphaversary to our Spring 2008 initiates, the Eternal Reflections of Djoser: Bro. Jesse Owens II Bro. Derrick Weatherspoon Bro. Kelso Anderson Bro. Dwight Tindall Bro. Jamel Maloney Bro. Lino Solis Bro. Mel Myrie III Bro. Jay Williams
| Volume 10 No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Happy Alphaversary to ΚΞΛ Spring 2015!
Happy Alphaversary to our Spring 2015 initiates, the Architects of the 4th Dynasty: Bro. Chadwick Roberson Bro. James Turner Bro. Martavius Leonard Bro. Junior Senat
| Volume 10 No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Happy Alphaversary to ΚΞΛ Spring 2016!
Happy Alphaversary to our Spring 2016 initiates, The Catalysts of the Rising S.U.N. Bro. Lamar Richardson Bro. Mario Banks Bro. Antonio Thompson Bro. Kwabena Adom Bro. Eugene Minson III Bro. Olubunmi Awofeso Bro. Marcellus Norris Bro. Shann Bernard Bro. George Smith IV Bro. Rodney Capel Bro. Melvin Norris Bro. Adetokunbo Ayeni
| Volume 10 No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Happy Alphaversary to ΚΞΛ Spring 2018!
Happy Alphaversary to our Spring 2018 initiates, the Guardians of Aya: Bro. Aaron Burwell Bro. Omezie Omeokwe Bro. Dewane Mutunga Bro. Anthony Simms Bro. Dominique Lee Bro. Algernon Cargill Bro. Derrick Wyche Bro. Brian Landry Bro. James Casey Bro. Reginald Hilton Bro. Bryson Rose
| Volume 10 No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Chapter Updates Recent Events The chapter collaborated on an event titled "Stand Up Against Street Harassment." on Thursday, 2/25 at 6 PM ET, with @ihollagram, @TheLinksIncGreaterNewYorkChapter, @NYUMcSilver and many other cosponsors and partners for a virtual forum on how to safely handle harassment in public spaces.
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Chapter Updates Recent Events Brother Dr. Eric Floyd (Tau, Fall '81), founder and Chief Executive Officer of Floyd Strategic Regulatory Consulting led our health event focused on educating the public about COVID-19 and the vaccine rollout. Facilitated by Brother Brandon Ray ( ΚΞΛ, Fall '06), guests were encouraged to ask questions regarding the various vaccines on the market and left empowered to make the best decision to safeguard against COVID-19.
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Chapter Updates Recent Events
Alpha GENTS Mentoring Program Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter invites you to attend the Nutrition and Hydration session for our 2020-2021 G.E.N.T.S. Mentoring Program. The Alpha G.E.N.T.S. (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success) is a cornerstone of Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter's programming that mentors young men throughout New York City. Equipped with the Project Alpha curriculum, Alpha G.E.N.T.S. mentors teach young men how to become responsible young adults. Funded in partnership with the Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation, this program has successfully prepared many mentees for college life and adulthood.
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Chapter Updates Recent Events
April 21st - Wall Street Wednesdays Happy Hour The entertainment and membership committee invites you to attend our second virtual happy hour of the season on April 21st at 7:00pm. We look forward to seeing you there!
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter held a ‘Celebrating Our Success’ session for the 2020-2021 G.E.N.T.S. Mentoring Program. The Alpha G.E.N.T.S. (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success) is a cornerstone of Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter's programming that mentors young men throughout New York City. Equipped with the Project Alpha curriculum, Alpha G.E.N.T.S. mentors teach young men how to become responsible young adults. Funded in partnership with the Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation, this program has successfully prepared many mentees for college life and adulthood.
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Chapter Updates
What's Next: The Pandemic and Vaccine Rollout Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., The Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter presents our second edition of What’s Next: A Fireside Chat on COVID-19 & Vaccine Rollout. We have partnered with industry experts in the medical field to provide our community with the latest information related to the COVID-19 virus and the vaccine distribution across the U.S. We will reserve time for Q&A with our partners followed by an open dialogue for guests to discuss their experience and observations throughout the course of the pandemic.
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Chapter Updates
Hike For Babies This year, to support our annual March of Dimes efforts, the Wall Street Alphas will “Hike For Babies” to raise money for the nonprofit organization. Our fundraising campaign begins now! Our goal this year is to raise $5,000 and we need your help! Register and join the Wall Street Alphas March of Dimes team and/or make a donation.
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Public Events
Black Wall Street Festival Streaming available on ‘LiveOnNws’ June 22nd—June 27th. Please register on www.liveonnws.com
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
Community Partners
www.reypolanco.com
If you are interested in donating to the G.E.N.T.S. program, please do so using the link below—and don’t forget to initiate a Company match if your organization participates. www.wsacf.org/donate The Wall Street Alphas, promoting brotherhood while providing service and advocacy for our communities.
| Volume 10 | No. 4 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
