The Torch The Official Newsletter of Mu Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. _________________________________________________________
December, 2008 Message from the Vice President Brother Reginald Salter In April of 1906, climatic changes in the earth’s atmosphere led to the deadliest eruption of Mt Vesuvius and an 8.5 measured earthquake in San Francisco. Both sent a shock around the world. In May of 1906, the Wright Brothers’ dreams and conception of progress led to the patent of an airplane. June of 1906 gave birth to Josephine Baker, whose ideals would help to shape the entertainment and political sectors of the world. In that same month of 1906, Brother John Hope became the first African American President of Morehouse College. Mahatma Gandhi brought to the world’s attention in 1906 the idea of nonviolence to combat social injnustices of South Africa. Who could have imagined then that Brother Martin Luther King, Jr would follow Gandhi’s prescription to the problematic woes of the American justice system some 60 years later? December 4, 1906 gave birth to the culmination of all of these historical events as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. This dream of Jewel George Biddle Kelley and six of his peers at Cornell ( Henry A. Callis, Charles H. Chapman, Eugene K. Jones, Nathaniel A. Murray, Robert H. Ogle, and Vertner W. Tandy) has created atmospheric and progressive changes throughout the world in all arenas- entertainment, academia, social and political movements, and among all- the call for a greater bond of Brotherhood. Who ever knew the ideal our Founding Jewels espoused- “Yes We Can”- at the turn of the century would live for 102 years strong? Who ever knew that this same ideal would be the winds that propel Barack Obama to the Presidency of the United States of America? So today, December 4, 2008, Brothers Yes We Can! Yes we can give birth to new ideals. Yes we can use our influence and knowledge base to promote Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind. Yes we, inspite of our differences, continue to build this Bond of Brotherhood not only to enhance our Fraternity, but to affect the world. This is what the call “One Nine- O Six” represents. It is the wind that will propel us all into the future. December 4th is the day to remind us to reach back to that cold day when the decision was made as inspiration to dream bigger dreams, think deeper thoughts, work just a little while longer, and love each other as Christ has loved us all. Take a moment this week to celebrate the greatness of this Brotherhood by taking part in some of the events taking place. Most importantly, bring another Brother, perhaps a Line Brother! Thursday is our regularly scheduled chapter meeting; Friday- Project Alpha; Saturday the MAAC Founders’ Day Breakfast; and Sunday- students meet for the Henry Arthur Callis Beautillion program. Happy Fouders’ Day! 06 my Brothers.
Inside this Edition: •
The Executive Message
•
Inauguration Ball
•
Alpha Wives Section
•
Beta’s Campus Corner
•
50 Year Brothers
•
Silver Milestones
•
Heavenly Inauguration Ball 2009
•
Black Facts
•
Historical Moment
•
Birthdays
•
Membership News
•
The Alpha House
•
Announcements
Walter Whitley Ed
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .