THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORT The official Wall Street Alphas newsletter, Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC
MSJ
December / January 2009
Vol. 2, No. 3
THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORT The official Wall Street Alphas newsletter, Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC
December / January 2009
Vol. 2, No. 3
More than an Afterthought…Think Black! Bros. Lino Solis and Jay Williams Brooklyn’s Steiner Studios was painted “black” when more than 230 do-gooders descended on Stage 6 for a fundraising gala to build social and intellectual capital for AfricanAmerican and Latino youth. Tagged by the Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation as “The Premier Black Tie Fall Event”, Think Black! assembled a diverse crowd of guests to support the Foundation’s youth mentoring program and to honor three pioneering community activists. After guests mingled over hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and the provocations of award-winning “soul poet”-actor Mo Beasley, a musical performance by hip-hop R&B artist Kena Sage kicked off the plated dinner event. The Brooklyn skyline was the backdrop to the elegantly decorated ballroom, each table adorned with yellow roses. A video presentation told the story of the Alpha G.E.N.TS. (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success) mentoring program, the event’s true centerpiece. Youth participants and their “big brothers” reflected on leadership and scholarship, providing guests a glimpse at the return on their philanthropic investments. A spin-off from the fraternity’s national “Go to High School, Go to College” initiative, Alpha G.E.N.T.S. has provided positive male role models, financial scholarship, and personal development opportunities for more than 50 male youth since its inception in 2003. The G.E.NT.S (mentees) bore witness to the program’s success by co-hosting the event and introducing the honorees: Ms. Gloria Carter, mother of entertainer Jay-Z and CEO of the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund; Ms. Terrie M. Williams, social worker, author, and founder of the Stay Strong Foundation, a national not-for-profit encouraging youth education; and Mr. Anthony Killiebrew, 23 year-old world-class track runner and founder of the Anthony Killiebrew Children’s Foundation. During his introduction Garfield Burke professed that his life would have taken a much different course without mentorship: “I would not be standing on this stage today if it were not for the Alpha G.E.N.T.S. program.” Jesse Brennan echoed and said that he wants to become an “Alpha” when he goes to college, drawing cheers from the audience. Continued on page 7
President’s Letter Dear Brothers and Guests, Do you believe in miracles? I certainly do. I also believe in the great experiment that is the United States of America and that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc is the Light of the World. There have been two events since our last publication that have filled me with great pride and joy. At the time of our last newsletter publishing, America had never elected a person of color to the United States presidency. Today, thankfully, we can no longer say that. Barack Hussein Obama, the Senator from my home State of Illinois, was elected the 44th President of the United States of America. What struck me as incredible is that the celebration that ensued and the pride that flowed was truly boundless and pure. Obviously, this was a huge victory for the African-American community. Centuries of slavery, discrimination and second-class citizenship led to one shining moment of progress and hope. But equally important, citizens around the country and the world were just as elated and emotional that we as a country had taken this huge leap. A country with Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde personalities had made true on its promise that "all men (and women) are Continued on Page 3
Inside this Edition 9 9 9 9 9 9
President’s Letter Editor’s Report Think Black! The Big Apple Classic Making it happen for Toys for Tots Bro. Martin is a Principal for a Day
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President’s Letter Continued from Page 2
created equal." There is still a very long road ahead of us, but America has always been willing to work through its problems ... albeit slowly. The other shining moment was the leap that Kappa Xi Lambda chapter took by hosting a successful Think Black gala. As a chapter, we’ve held successful charitable events and have done a great job executing those events. But I think this time, we doubled our efforts and our overall delivery. Think Black was the largest, most expensive and classiest event that we put on. The coordination and execution of this event showed a level of maturity that many questioned if we were ready for. The answer has been a resounding YES! Now I don't mean to gloss over the great pains it took for us to accomplish this victory. But I do mean to highlight the fact that as a chapter and as a people, nothing is outside of our grasp if we remain positive, work hard and work together.
Event Chairman Bro. Lino Solis (bottom center) brought elegance and sophistication to this year’s THINK BLACK!
I applaud the Brothers of Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter and the citizens of America for the incredible leaps we took in the month of November 2008. And to both, I look forward to the greatness that will undoubtedly follow. Happy Holidays and see you in 2009! Fraternally,
Jioha Amatokwu President, KXL Chapter “Wall Street Alphas”
Mark your Calendar! 12/9: Chapter Meeting 12/11: NYULYP Financial Literacy Seminar 12/12: Bro. Kevin Powell’s 8th Annual Holiday Party and Clothing Drive at Tribeca Cinemas 12/25: Christ is born! 1/1: Happy New Year! 1/13: Chapter Meeting
Visit the “Wall Street Alphas” on Facebook or My Space or at www.wallstreetalphas.com
THE EDITOR’S REPORT Greetings Brothers, Planning a large event is never easy and in these difficult economic times the challenges were even more daunting as we inched closer to November 19 and Think Black. But those challenges almost seemed to inspire committee Chair Bro. Lino Solis as he provided the leadership needed to guide the Chapter through another successful event. And that effort couldn’t have come at a better time as the fruits of Think Black will fund scholarships and activities for our mentorship program Alpha G.E.N.T.S. The hard work of brothers like Shomari Morehead, Malik Simmonds, Lyndell Pittman, Mansa Nicome, Chima Joseph, and Plemmie Lawson who have been at the forefront of the leadership of that program through the years was evident as longtime and new G.E.N.T.S. took a key part in the evening’s program. Well done brothers! As I write this on Dec. 6th , we are but a couple days removed from Founder’s Day. With little time to rest after Think Black we held our toy drive at Gypsy Tea on Dec. 4th and our support of the Dec. 5th Elisabeth Withers Holiday Toy Drive. Tis the season to get out in the community and make it happen! This holiday season above
that office and to be commended. And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that our first African American President would hold such core beliefs in community. So it’s definitely something to celebrate as we count down to inauguration day. But before we get too excited about how far we’ve come, the news has a way of bringing things back to reality. While fellowshipping with the Rockland Alphas today I learned of an incredible story where a local 7th grade teacher bound the arms and legs of two black girls to simulate slavery as part of her lesson plan about slavery. The details are still coming out but apparently the teacher was white and the two girls were the only black students in the class. Needless to say, at least one of the girls was upset, told her mother, and didn’t want to go back to school. It’s hard to comprehend that any teacher would think that such a “simulation” would be okay. Surely a “simulation” of Auschwitz to teach kids about some of the atrocities in WWII would not even be considered by anyone; whether white, black, or other. So while we tip our glasses to President Obama on January 20 and this major victory of the civil rights struggles, let’s keep our focus and continue to educate those in all communities about what is acceptable and what is not.
all recent ones will be one where we can definitely make an impact. There are so many in need. In keeping with that theme of community and being a good neighbor, some would call the recent Obama victory fortuitous and others a gift from God to send us a man who speaks of the importance and the requirement of each of us as citizens to give back in some way to our community. That kind of sentiment and leadership from our soon to be President is definitely new to
As far as education goes, Bro. Kenneth Martin recently took it to the classroom for the 14th Annual Principal for a day program. He engaged 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at a public school in NYC. And believe it or not, discussion topics went far beyond hip hop and cell phones. Good work brother! ‘06, Brian Pruitt Newsletter Editor in Chief Wall St. Alphas CM
A rare night away from the baby brought the Pruitt family to Brooklyn and Think Black! 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. 4
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KXL and the New York Urban League Young Professionals host a Financial Literacy Seminar
December 11 – The seminar co-sponsored by AXA Financial discussed among other things the dynamics of what went wrong in the economy, where we are today and what can we do to prepare for the future. Other topics included how the current credit crises may affect small business owners, home buyer, and working individuals. Panelists included representatives from Smith Barney and DMA Consultancy Group.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHERS!! Marc Battle – Dec. 21 Kenneth Martin – Dec. 26 Wendell Bristol – Dec. 28 Jacques Etienne – Dec. 29 Malik Simmonds – Dec. 30
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Brian Pruitt – Jan. 1 Dexter Allgood – Jan. 1 Marc H. Morial – Jan. 3 Bernard Guinyard – Jan. 5 Damon Culcleasure – Jan. 14 David E. Jackson – Jan. 14 Lael Chappell – Jan. 24 Esu Maat – Jan. 25 Rhomaro Powell – Jan. 29
If you have any comments on the Newsletter or would like to submit content, reply to WSANews@gmail.com Visit us at www.wallstreetalphas.com 6
….Think Black! Continued from page 2 Throughout the event guests participated in a Silent Auction for items ranging from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre tickets to Triple Crown Sports premium collector’s items; from Cigar Smoker’s Paradise merchandise to “KRIMSON by Kwame” executive neckwear. All proceeds from the auction also benefited the Foundation. The celebratory evening peaked with the melodies of singer/songwriter Ms. Elisabeth Withers, the Tony Award nominee for her role as “Shug Avery” in the Broadway hit “The Color Purple.” By all accounts Think Black! hit the mark. Event chairman Lino Solis, Esq. remarks, “The Think Black gala was a phenomenal success…We are grateful to our friends, partners and sponsors for supporting our programming and look forward to an incredible academic year with the G.E.N.T.S. (mentees) and to next year’s gala event.”
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Honoree Terrie M. Williams gave inspiring comments about the youth of today.
Think Black! is the fourth annual charity fundraiser of the Kappa Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (“Wall Street Alphas”) and is so-named to raise the profile of social ills like high school dropout, underemployment, and incarceration that trouble communities of color at alarming rates. The event encourages guests and their communities to “think black” and unite to combat these injustices that disproportionately harm African-American and Latino families and youth.
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Hostess Toyia Taylor also captivated the audience with her spoken word entitled “African Holocaust”.
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Longtime GENTS leaders Bros. Malik Simmonds and Chima Joseph were on hand to support our young men.
Foundation President Shawn Curwen explains, “We want to get our youth to a level of excellence that will help them get into college and achieve their future goals. When we pass the torch to the next generation, we want to feel comfortable that the torch will remain lit, illuminating goodwill to all humanity. The Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation looks to continue our outreach to areas of New York where our youth need to be exposed to experiences greater than what their immediate environments will provide.” The Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation thanks all the supporters of Think Black!—individual donors and corporate sponsors—for their contributions toward making our youth more than an afterthought. 7
‌.Think Black! Continued from page 7
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Artist Bro. Charles Philippe JeanPierre painted a live piece "Dream From The River of Life" at the event.
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Honoree Gloria Carter poses with Alpha GENTS Michael Quinones (left) and Devan Wilson (right).
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Closing out the night was a stellar performance by Elisabeth Withers who clearly held nothing back.
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Sports aficionados had much to be pleased with due to a wealth of incredible silent auction items.
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Kena Sage hit all the right notes during her R&B performance.
Guests eased into the spirit of the evening during the cocktail hour. 8
‌.Think Black! Continued from page 8
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Event Chairman Bro. Lino Solis greets Bro. Nicolas Rosello and his guest.
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Foundation President Bro. Shawn Curwen and wife Tricia enjoy a moment.
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Honoree Gloria Carter receives her award from Bro. Shawn Curwen and KXL President Bro. Jioha Amatokwu.
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The third honoree of the evening, Mr. Anthony Killiebrew was recognized for his great work with children.
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Bro. Kevin Powell (ZH) and Bro Lawrence Williams (GIL President) came out to show support.
Tony Award Nominee Ms. Elisabeth Withers graciously donated her time to help make the event a success.
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We would like to thank all of our sponsors for supporting “Think Black!� Krimson by Kwame State Farm Insurance Company Ashley Stewart Urban Brands The Bradford Brown Art Gallery Baldwin Formal Wear Downtown Brooklyn IHop Revival Restaurant Bar & Lounge Universal Music Group Uptown Magazine The Den Harlem Restaurant Community United Providers TripleCrownSportsOnline HBO Sports Cigar Smokers Paradise Moet Hennessey, USA Robert Kipness, LLP Klehr, Harrison, Harvey, Branzburg & Ellers LLP Special Thanks to our photographers Bro. Michael Scott Jones Carlos Mercado
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Ronald McDonald House’s Monday Night Football with the NY Giants
Dir. Of Education Bro. Plemmie Lawson and some of the GENTS (top left photo) had a great time at the recent MNF with the NY Giants. Giants Legend Harry Carson (above photo) and Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning (left photo) were among the many greats who came out to support the cause.
The GENTS and Bros check out the Big Apple Classic at MSG
Bros. Brandon Ray, Malik Simmonds, Jeff Mabry, Lino Solis, Seth Langley, and Aaron Allen, escorted the GENTS to the Big Apple Classic featuring Howard vs. Hampton University. In this game between two historically black colleges, Hampton defeated Howard 45-39.
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2008-2009 Chapter Officers and Board Members Executive Board President:
Brother Jioha Amatokwu
Vice President:
Brother Damon Culcleasure
Recording Secretary:
Brother Christopher Hunt
Corresponding Secretary:
Brother Tony Thompson
Treasurer:
Brother Brandon Ray
Financial Secretary:
Brother Allen Moton
Chaplain:
Brother Wiky Toussaint
Historian:
Brother Sean Gayle
Coordinator of Intake:
Brother Nicolas Rosello, Jr.
Sergeant-at-Arms:
Brother David Williams
Parliamentarian:
Brother Esu Ma’at
Dir. of Educational Activity:
Brother Plemmie Lawson
Assoc. Editor to the Sphinx:
Brother Corey A. McDougle
Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation Board of Directors President & Chairman:
Brother Shawn A. Curwen
Secretary:
Brother Tony Johnson
Treasurer:
Brother Roy A. Williams
Assistant Treasurer:
Brother Brent Cohen
Fundraising/Sponsorship Chair: Brother Brandon V. Ray Board Member:
Brother Gerard Brogdon
Board Member:
Brother Derrick Crawford
Board Member:
Brother Elvin Dowling
Board Member:
Brother Samuel Parker
Newsletter Committee Editor in Chief:
Brother Brian Pruitt
Assistant Editor:
Brother Chris Hunt
Contributors:
Brother Corey A. McDougle Brother Lino Solis Brother Jay Williams
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FINANCIAL FOCUS Understanding what’s happening on Wall Street and the World By Bro. Ben Shephard
The markets are finally coming back to reality, which is means are in serious trouble. There is only so much a 90% off sale can do to jumpstart the economy. According to Bloomberg, manufacturing in November contracted at the fastest pace in 26 years. This has translated into approximately 170,000 jobs cuts in the sector in the last two months according to forecasts by the labor department. I chose some articles that address the job losses by looking at President Elect Barack Obama’s economic team and how they are different from the current team in place. A separate article addresses the natural reaction by many individuals in bad economic times to head to business school. This article provides some sober realities that many current students are facing. One huge question that has yet to be answered is addressed by the third article which is a realistic solution for the big three automakers. The last article addresses the tragedy that recently occurred in Mumbai. Barack Obama's economic team: This Economist piece looks at the differences between the economic teams. The biggest difference according to the piece is the role professional economists hold in the new administration. In the new administration economists hold positions of more clout according to the article. We shall see if this team of very bright individuals can maneuver this ailing economy back to good health. B-SCHOOLS AND THE FINANCIAL BUST: This article confirms what many fear as the economy gets deeper into a recession. The article highlights the fact that many b-school students are scaling down their expectations on many fronts specifically; job options, sign on bonuses, and salary. At the same time business schools are adding courses that address the root of the turmoil. A Painful Solution for a Desperate Situation: This article provides a different solution that has not been widely discussed for the future of the big three. This is not a magic pill or a painless solution but it seems to make more sense than the current options on the table. The proposed solution is a prepackaged bankruptcy. The article provides a good argument for this solution. Mumbai Gripped by Fear: This article in the Wall Street Journal weekend edition breaks down some of the issues that the Mumbai police faced in quelling the violence. The article also took account of the attitudes of the local business folks; it highlights their resilience to lead a normal life and their refusal to live in fear.
**** Bro. Ben W. Shephard does Fixed Income Trading for Bank Leumi, a private Israeli bank. To learn more or to obtain a copy of the articles, contact Bro. Shephard at Ben.Shephard@gmail.com.
If you have any comments on the Newsletter or would like to submit content, reply to WSANews@gmail.com Visit us at www.wallstreetalphas.com
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A Principal for a Day By Bro. Kenneth Martin Having recently had the privilege of taking part in the 14th Annual Principal for a Day program (“PFAD”) in New York City, I was reminded just how important ALPHA G.E.N.T.S. (“GENTS”) and similar programs are to public schools. PFAD mobilizes hundreds of business professionals from all five boroughs to experience the accomplishments of and challenges facing public schools. The goal of the event is to create long-term relationships that enhance the learning environments at their schools and support student achievement. It was after a series of classroom talks with groups of exceptional sixth, seventh and eighth graders on topics ranging from the election to Wall Street bailouts that I realized just how public schools can benefit from an external organization’s involvement to supplement even the most robust academic curriculum. Historically, not-for-profit organizations have given students access to role models and mentors that many would not have exposure to otherwise. As schools arm children with a necessary academic foundation, programs like the GENTS provide a means for kids in our communities to dare to consider their own personal possibilities of what can be achieved. In discussions I’ve had with the school’s principal and her cabinet, I have learned that schools no longer can rely on formerly accessible institutions such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York, Junior Achievement and others as resources to productively occupy a students time outside of the classroom. In many cases, access to such programs has faltered in recent years. Many of these organizations are strained by demand, whether it is due to funding limitations or lack of volunteerism that they rely upon to meet such demand. When a school administrator reaches out to these organizations for purposes of helping students, that administrator is far too often told of wait lists or a lack of capacity to take on more kids. This creates a void that far too often can be filled by negative influences. We can mitigate that risk. As mentors, partnerships with schools, parents, teachers, government and organizations can give us a chance to bring our real-world experience to those that need it most. The GENTS program allows us as members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to supplement the academic experience by arming our young men with what it really takes to stand out and succeed. By enhancing a young man’s academic education with lessons about the intangibles of success, we can make a meaningful difference in a student's life. My pre-arranged classroom visits gave me a first hand glimpse at how effective a learning tool it is to have a real-world person answer questions regarding current issues and subject matter of expertise. Many times we think of children as proxies for their parents when it comes to topics such as politics and even the economy. But I have been extremely surprised and impressed by the students’ command of the issues on a granular level that many adults are not adept enough to speak on. Whether it be questions regarding, “what did it take for me to get into law school”; “why did I (personally) let the Wall Street crisis happen”, or; “how does the Alaska governor’s ability to see Russia from her state acquaint to foreign policy experience,” the kids love not only to test their own theories, but also to have someone that may look like them or be from their same neighborhoods reassure them that they too can succeed. The New York City superintendent of schools, Joel Klein, told an audience of educators and the volunteers who took part in PFAD, "The future of this country depends on us getting better results from our educational system. This is the greatest nation on earth, but until we get right about public education for all our kids it will never be as good as it can be." By mentoring, you take us a step closer to this goal.
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The STOCK-ing Exchange cashes in for the kids The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter would like to say….
That’s not an elf collecting presents, that’s event co-Chair Brandon Ray.
Thank you for your support of The STOCKing Exchange. Due to your support we were able to exceed our goal of 200 toys for 200 kids and make generous donations to both Toys for Tots and the Elisabeth Withers Holiday Toy Drive. The event was a success and we couldn't have done it without your support! We would also like to thank DJ Jon Quick for doing a great job. You can visit his website at www.djjonquick.com Once again thank you and may you and your family have a happy and safe holiday. Respectfully, The Wall Street Alphas www.wallstreetalphas.com
As ALWAYS, the lovely Sorors came out to support.
Fall ’06 and Spring ’08 show what the future of KXL is all about.
Think Black Chairman Bro. Lino “Ice Age” Solis finally got a chance to chill. 15
ΑΦΑ - A Century of Leadership - ΑΦΑ
The Wall Street brothers celebrated a fine evening in Alpha style.
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