An Alpha Phi Alpha man’s attitude should not be “How much can I derive from the Fraternity?” but “How much can I do for the Fraternity?” In proportion to what he does for his Chapter and for Alpha Phi Alpha will a member receive lasting benefit from the Fraternity to himself in the way of self-development by duty well done and by the respect of brothers well served.
A member’s duties should be:
1. Prompt payment of all financial obligations, the prime requisite of successful fraternal life.
2. The doing of good scholastic work in his chosen vocation, thereby accomplishing the real end of a college course.
3. The reasonable endeavor to participate in general college activities and social service and to excel therein.
4. The proper consideration of all things, with appropriate attention to the high moral standard of Alpha Phi Alpha.
CHARLES H. GARVIN
President 1912-1913.
Brothers this is the time for us to reflect back to the time we made the decision to become members of the greatest fraternity in the world. We need to think about why we made this decision, what promises we made to the fraternity and what promises we made to ourselves. Now let us examine where we are today and ask ourselves, “Have we made good on those promises?”
The most remarkable roles of leadership in the AfricanAmerican community today has, without question, come from the ranks of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Since our founding on December 4, 1906, the Fraternity has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African-Americans and people of color around the country and beyond. Brothers as we go forward this fraternal year, let us find ways in which we can renew that “good ole Alpha spirit”, fraternizing and enriching the bond of brotherhood with the young and the seasoned brothers. We will guard the legacy of our Jewels, be good stewards of the chapters’ traditions and possessions while being servants for all.
Inside this Edition:
• The Executive Message
• Alpha Wives Section
• Helping Hands
• Help The Homeless Walkathon
• Beautillion Update
• Alpha Brother Honored
• Membership News
• MAAC Founder’s Day Breakfast
• Historical Moment
• Black Facts
• Birthdays
Walter Whitley
Brothers, again, I challenge you to find your history book read through it and reconnect with the spirit of Alpha. Staying in sync with the theme of the 11th Annual Founders Day Breakfast Program… “Remember the Past, Celebrate the Present and Prepare for the Future”
HAPPY FOUNDERS DAY!
ALPHA WIVES
Alpha Wives Christmas Event- The Alpha Wives Christmas Dinner will be on Sunday, December 13th at La Ferme Restaurant, Chevy Chase, Maryland, cost$32.00 per person. If you have attended any of our events, you know that you will have a good time. Please, plan early to attend. For further information, contact: Mary Murray on 301-588-4663, or Modestine Lowery on 202-291-3129.
Other Alpha Wives Scheduled Activities- Other suggested activities scheduled for the Alpha Wives meeting year include visits to museums, Arena stage, and the White House.
Alpha Wives Membership Information- Alpha Wives membership is always open to Alpha Wives. Dues are $35.00 per year. Please contact the members listed above or member, Charlotte Douglass on 703-6718856 for information.
Got books around your house? Some for kids? Don't read them? If the answers to these questions are "yes", then you can critically enhance a young boy or girl's educational opportunities in Africa.
Mu Lambda will be collecting old, new, and used books to donate to kids in Africa. Bring books for kids of all ages to each chapter meeting. We will then send the books to a few preselected villages in Ghana that so earnestly desire to read! You can make a difference by simply cleaning out your book shelf.
Goal: 25 books per chapter meeting
Let's be those Alphas that make the world a better place!
The chapter will be hosting Project Alpha on Friday December 4th, 2009 at Noyes Elementary School, 2726 10th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018. Project Alpha targets middle school males and provides information and resources for making wiser decisions in terms of sex education and pregnancy prevention.
The time for the event is 9 a.m. to 1p.m. Contact Bro. Geoffrey Johnson @ 202-487-0785 or noplga@aol.com
Thanks to those who came out to the homeless walk on November 21st There were thousands of concerned citizens who made it clear that fighting homelessness in DC was a top priority. We walked 3 miles and donated time and money to serve this noble cause. Let us be sure to continue to turn each moment into an advocacy one. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.
Justin Davis
Very Supportive Walkers Bro. Walter Whitley & others walk for Damien Ministries
Alpha Brothers … holding high
Helping Hands: Part III
“Cleaning up Mu Lambda's "block" near Anacostia Metro Station”
Saturday October 31, 2009 9am-11:30am Anacostia Metro Station
Brothers cleaning up Metro Station
Brothers Heck, Floyd, Davis and Ross Brother Davis with Adopt -a-Block Coordinator
Brothers at Community Service Event
Photos by Brother James Heck
Beautillion Update
As we are underway to a successful start to our 2009 - 2010 Beautillion season, it's time that we implement our Mentoring program. The Beautillion committee is asking for the response of all interested Brothers who wish to serve as a Mentor for the Beau class. All interested parties should consider the following guidelines when serving as a Mentor:
1. You should be available to serve as a Mentor until the Beautillion Gala (April 16, 2010).
2. The Mentor should maintain contact with the assigned Beau at a minimum of once a week.
3. The Mentor is expected to assist their assigned Beau with Fund-raising/ Ad sales.
4. The Mentor should monitor the assigned Beaux college application process.
5. The Mentor should serve as an overall role model and provide positive and progressive advice and insight as the Beau transitions to the "Rights of Passage" ceremony (the Beautillion Gala).
In our efforts to assign the Mentor / Beau match, we will need the following information from interested Brothers:
1. Your Alma Mater.
2. Your degree(s) and area(s) of studies.
3. Your area of professional expertise.
This information will help the committee to pair Mentor to Beau and for the Beaux to maximize their career guidance. Brothers are welcome to meet and join the 2009 – 2010 Beaux Class for an initial introduction each and every Sunday. The December academy/workshops schedule will include the following:
December 6, 2009 – Financial Aid 101.
December 13, 2009 – Conflict Resolution and Negotiating Skills.
December 20, 2009 – Beautillion Alumni / End of Year Social.
December 27, 2009 – No Session - Extended Christmas Weekend.
The Beautillion Committee is also asking for the support of ALL Brothers by purchasing a pair of tickets and attending the 2009 – 2010 Beautillion Gala at Martins Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland on April 16, 2009 at 7:00 pm. For your convenience the committee has three (3) payment plan options available to assist you with your financial planning this season.
Payment plan options are:
Option #1 - Jewel table ($1000)
First payment in December - $400
Second payment in January - $300
Third payment in February - $300
Fourth payment in March - if needed with remaining balance due.
Option #2 - Standard table ($850)
First payment in December - $300
Second payment in January - $300
Third payment in February - $250
Fourth payment in March - if needed with remaining balance due.
Option #2 - Pair of tickets ($170)
First payment in December - $60
Second payment in January - $60
Third payment in February - $50
Fourth payment in March - if needed with remaining balance due.
Checks should be made payable to:Mu Lambda Foundation (with the appropriate notation in the memo section) and either mailed to: Mu Lambda Foundation, PO Box 4582, Washington, DC 20013-4582 or
Remitted to any committee member listed below: or
Through PayPal on line at: http://www.mulambda.org/page.php?parent_id=&page_id=15991 and/or http://www.mulambda.org/ Then
“Donate to ML (under collage of Jewels)
As always, we thank you sincerely for your continued support. For details regarding mentoring and ticket sales, please contact the following Brothers for details:
Brother Mark Ross – 2009 – 2010 Beautillion Chairmen
Brother Kent Benjamin – 2009 – 2010 Beautillion Co-chairman
Email – kabride62@verizon.net
Cell Phone – (703) 401-0888
Alpha Brother Honored
President Barack Obama presented Brother Senator Edward W. Brooke, Beta Chapter spring 1937, the Congressional Gold Medal on October 28, 2009 in the Rotunda of the US Capitol. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Congressman John Lewis, and Brother Congressman Robert C. Scott were among the many members of congress in attendance. Alpha luminaries on hand included General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., former general presidents Milton C. Davis, Harry E. Johnson, Sr., and Darrell R. Mathews, Sr. Mu Lambda Chapter was represented by Brother Ambassador Horace Dawson, Jr., Brother Tim Fitzgerald, and Brother Michael Collins. Brother Brooke was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in 2004. A native Washingtonian, he graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High, Howard University and Boston University Law School. Brother Brooke is a Massachusetts Republican and the first African-American to be elected to the US Senate by popular vote. He served two terms: January 1967 to January 1979.
Brother Brooke, joins Brother Hubert H. Humphrey and Brother Martin Luther King, Jr., as recipients of both the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom a decoration bestowed by the President of the United States and the Congressional Gold Medal bestowed by an act of the U.S. Congress, are the highest civilian awards in the nation. They recognize those individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."
Other Alpha recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom are: Brothers Alfred C. Bailey (Tuskegee Airman), James E. Cheek, William T. Coleman, Jr., Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, Norman C. Francis, John Hope Franklin, A. Leon Higginbothan, Jr., John H. Johnson, Thurgood Marshall, James Cleveland “Jesse” Owens, Frederick D. Patterson, Andrew J. Young, and Whitney M. Young, Jr.
Photos by Bro. Tim Fitzgerald
Membership News
MAAC -AKA Clothing Drive
Membership News
Brother M. Christopher Brown II is Executive Vice President and Provost at Fisk University. His areas of responsibilities include academic programs and faculty, curriculum realignment, institutional assessment, student life and, when the president is absent from campus, he assumes leadership of Fisk’s day-to-day operation.
Bro. Brown has earned a national reputation for his research and scholarly writing on higher education policy and administration; he is especially well known for his studies of historically black colleges, educational equity, and institutional culture. He is the author/editor of thirteen books and he has authored or co-authored more than 90 journal articles, book chapters, monographs, and publications related to education and society.
A South Carolina native, he received his B.S. in elementary education from South Carolina State University, his M.S.Ed. in educational policy and evaluation from the University of Kentucky and completed his Ph.D. in Higher Education with cognates in Public Administration and Political Science from The Pennsylvania State University.
A 2004 Mu Lambda initiate, he chairs Alphas in the Academy, a new initiative which encompasses Alpha University and the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation
Important Dates
World AIDS Day
December 1, 2009
Founder’s Day
December 4, 2009
Christmas
December 25, 2009
Umoja, 1st day of Kwanzaa
December 26, 2009
Kujichagulia, 2nd day of Kwanzaa
December 27, 2009
Ujima, 3rd day of Kwanzaa
December 28, 2009
Ujamaa, 4th day of Kwanzaa
December 29, 2009
Nia, 5th day of Kwanzaa
December 30, 2009
Kuumba, 6th day of Kwanzaa
December 31, 2009
Imani, 7th day of Kwanzaa
January 1, 2010
The Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters (MAAC) and the Ladies Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and friends will join together at Damien Ministries for a Clothing Drive and Para Swap. All Alphas and AKAs are invited to donate clothing and accessories to people living with HIV/AIDS and needy families. Examples of items to bring are men and ladies suits and shoes, blouses, shirts, belts, ties children clothing. All forms of clothing are accepted.
Damien Ministries is a faith-based nonprofit organization, which helps people living with HIV/AIDS. For clients they offer case management, transitional housing, a food bank, and a retreat program. For faith communities, they offer training and workshops designed to help establish AIDS ministries. For volunteers and donors, they offer a rewarding charitable experience and memories, which last a lifetime!
There will be FREE FOOD, fellowship, vendors, and a room to drop off your old paraphernalia. Please come out Saturday, December 12, 2009, 12pm4pm.
Contact Brother Tim Fitzgerald @ 301332-7507 or contact Damien Ministries directly, Brother Rashid Darden @ 202-526-3020 Ext. 24
Damien Ministries is located at 2200 Rhode Island Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20018
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Chapters District VI-Eastern Region
Vic Carter, Anchor WJZ 13 11th Annual Founders’ Day Program
Theme: “Remembering The Past…Celebrating The Present…Preparing For The Future” Saturday, December 5, 2009----9:00AM - 11:30 AM
Four Points by Sheraton, 8500 Annapolis Road New Carrollton, MD
Ticket Price: $30 per person---17 years & under $20
Parking available on-site
Alex
703.967.5969
Music provided by the All ticket sales must be final by Alpha Choir Sunday, November 29, 2009
BLACK FACTS
President, Brother and Historian
Charles H. Wesley born December 2, 1891
Ralph Bunche becomes first Black person
To receive the Nobel Peace Prize
LITTLE KNOWN BLACK HISTORY MOMENT
Macon B. Allen Attorney, Justice of the Peace (1816-1894)
Macon B. Allen was a successful businessman in December 10, 1950 Portland, Maine in 1844 when he decided to gain admittance to the bar. Aided by friends
Brother Andrew Young named in the White Liberal Community, he became Chief US Delegate to United Nations friends with the local anti-slavery leader, December 16, 1976 General Samuel Fessenden, who established a law firm and took on Allen as an apprentice.
ΑΦΑ Tags for DC, MD & VA
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity licenses plates for Washington, DC are on the road!!! Brothers interested in acquiring DC tags should contact Bro Arthur King at aking536@aol.com or 202.744.6624.
For Maryland tags contact Brother Vernon Dorkins at (410) 664-0911.
For Virginia tags contact Brother Chuck Johnson at chrlzej06@gmail.
2009-2010 Beautillion Academy December schedule. Please mark your calendars.
In 1845, Allen was given an “Impossible” exam designed to guarantee his failure, but he passed and on April 29, 1845, Allen was admitted to the Maine State Bar. With few African Americans in Maine, his potential list of clients was slim, so he moved to Boston, Massachusetts in which he was required to take yet another examination. After passing two bar exams, Allen went on to become the Justice of the Peace for Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in 1854.
In 1868, Allen moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where he became active in politics, running unsuccessfully for Secretary of State of South Carolina. Allen became a partner in the law firm of William J. Whipper and Robert Brown Elliot, the first Black law firm in the United States. Some time after reconstruction, Allen moved to Washington, DC and after fifty years of legal service, Allen died on October 10, 1984
Macon B. Allen (First African American to Practice Law)
December Birthdays
Thomas C. Brackeen Dec. 03
Mark A. Ross Dec. 04
Ryle A. Bell Dec. 05
Rylan R. Harris Dec. 06
Dorsey Evans Dec. 07
Major P. Gladden Dec. 08
Jerry E. Hargrove, Jr. Dec. 11
William D. Thomas Dec. 11
Carl M. Bradley Dec. 13
Kenneth F. Holbert Dec. 13
Brian J. Moore Dec. 13
Jimmy L. Floyd Dec. 18
Louis A. Ford Dec. 19
Eric Mitchell Dec. 19
Julian C. Wilson, Jr. Dec. 19
James R. Haynes Dec. 21
Darrell M. Chase Dec. 22
Paul Hoggard Dec. 23
Willie A. Flowers Dec. 23
Michael L. Zimerman Dec. 26
Theodore R. George, Jr. Dec. 27
Bobby W. Austin Dec. 29
Clint C. Wilson, II Dec. 30
President
Vice President
2009 – 2010 Mu Lambda Housing Assessment
Please remember to pay your 2009-2010 Housing Assessment: $50 per chapter meeting (10 meetings) or $500 for the year. Remit to Mu Lambda Foundation, PO Box 4582, Wash., DC 20017-4582
The 2009-10 Executive Committee
Tim Fitzgerald 301-332-7507 timfitz06@comcast.net
Reginald Salter 301-379-6102 rsalterdds@aol.com
Recording Secretary Sean Bellamy 336-575-7677 sean.bellamy@dc.gov
Treasurer Mark Ross 202-422-8493 rossmarka@aol.com
Financial Secretary Arthur King 202-744-6624 aking536@aol.com
Corresponding Secretary Joseph Housey, III 561-932-3599 joe3rd@hotmail.com
Chaplain William Hawkins 202-583-3211 whawk39564@aol.com
Historian Justin Davis 678-787-8344 jed55@cornell.edu
Archivist Mario Simpson 240-493-6009 simpson_mario@hotmail.com
