In This Issue
OUR CHAPTER
Mu Lambda is Alpha's eleventh alumni chapter, chartered October 1, 1923, in Washington D.C. The chapter was established, in part, in response to the desire of graduate brothers, many whom were initiated into Beta Chapter at Howard University, to give aid to the undergraduate brothers and continue the work of Alpha. Chartered by 22 distingushed men of Alpha which included Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray and Jewel Robert Harold Ogle.
CHAPTER LEGACY
There has been six members who served as the General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and two whom served as the Eastern Region Vice President. Mu Lambda is equally proud of our current brothers making their mark in the Washington D.C. community and beyond. Our chapter has many entrepreneurs, activists, political leaders, philanthropists, academicians, ministers and so much more. Our diverse brotherhood age range is between the ages of 25 and 98. We all work together to maximize the brotherhood of Alpha by following the Objective, Mission and AIMS of our Fraternity.
FIRST OFFICERS
The officers elected at the first meeting were Brother Harold StrattonPresident, Brother John Lowery-Vice President, Brother Victor DalySecretary, Brother Daniel W. EdmondsTreasurer, and Brother Nathaniel Allison Murray (Jewel)-Chaplain. Mu Lambda was thus established and was on its way into history!
www.mulambda.org
1. Torch Cover - March 2026 - Womne’s History Month
2. Chapter Cover Image - The MIGHTY
3. In this Issue
4. Executive Board, Committee Chairs, Charter Members, Past Presidents
5. The Presidents’ Message
6. The Vice-Presidents’ Message
7. Navigating the Disability Claims Process
8. Eastern Region Convention
9. Mu Lambda Brother’s Birthdays
10. Fatherhood Reflections
12. The Women Who Carried the Light
16. Financial Foresight and the Future of Black Wealth
18. AI, Apprenticeship and the Responsibilit to Build What Comes Next
21. Who Runs DC
22. This is Our DC
23. Golden Hour Karaoke
24. Beta Chapter in Action
25. Mu Lambda on Social Media
26. Mu Lambda Mixtape
27. Chapter Brother Business Advertisements
40. Message from the Editor
41. Espirt De. Fraternite
Executive Board
President
Mikael E. LaRoche
Vice President
Karl Bruce
Recording Secretary
Marcus Spells
Corresponding Secretary
Swain Riley
Financial Secretary
Lloyd Ross
Treasurer Michael Young
Chaplain
William “Tony” Hawkins
Historian
Ameer Baker
Archivist
James Heck
Intake Coordinator
Mark Jones
Assoc. Editor/Sphinx
Randall Clarke
Dir. Ed. Activities
Sean Perkins
Sergeant-at-Arms
Frank King
Parliamentarian
Pierre Boynton
Director of Technology
Garrett Miller
Editor of the Torch
Christopher Butts
Member at Large
Jason Jefferson
Risk Management Officer
Joseph Gibbs
General Council
Vacant
Immediate Past President
John “Tony” Wilson
Committee Chairs
Brother’s Keeper
Joseph Housey III
Budget and Finance
Ross Lloyd
Communications
Randell Clarke
Technology
Garrett Miller
Constitution
Jason Jefferson
DC National Pan Hellenic Council
James Morgan III
Auditing
Juan Powell
Health & Wellness
Ted Darlington
Membership
Timothy Fitzgerald / Jonathan Brown
Hospitality/Men Who Cook
Swain Riley
Beta Chapter Advisor
James Harmon III
Ritual
Ryle Bell / Garrett Miller
Nominating
Samuel Armstrong
Programs/Chapter of the Year
Christopher Butts
Public Policy
George Walker
Social
Xavier Thompson
Community Service
Jeffery Taylor
Fundraising
Antonio King
Archival and History
James Heck / Ameer Baker
Intake
Mark Jones
Charter Members
Arthur Curtis*
Merrill H. Curtis*
Victor R. Daly*
Eugene L. C. Davidson*
Arnold Donawa*
Walter Garvin*
William L. Hansberry*
Charles H. Houston*
Edward Howard*
Joseph R. Jones*
R. Frank Jones*
J Edward Lowery*
Clarence H. Mills*
Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray*
Norman L. McGhee* FN4
Jewel Robert Harold Ogle*
Louis H. Russell*
James N. Saunders*
Emory B. Smith*
Harold C. Stratton*
J.H.N. Waring*
Charles H. Wesley* FN3
CHARTERED ON MONDAY OCTOBER 1, 1923
WASHINGTON, D.C.
FN1
6th General President 1915-1916
FN2
General Secretary 1915-1916
7th General President 1916-1917
FN3
14th General President 1931-1940
FN4 General Secretary 1920-1926
FN5
8th Eastern Regional Vice-President 1950-1953
FN6
23rd Eastern Regional Vice-President 2000-2001
Executive Director MLK Memorial
Past Presidents
1. Harold Stratton* 1923 - 1924
2. Howard H. Long* FN2
3. Charles H. Wesley* 1926 - 1928
4. Frank Adams*
5. R. Frank Jones*
6. James B. Browning*
7. Jewel Henry Arthur Callis* FN1
8. U. Simpson Tate*
9. Claude Ferebee*
10. George O. Butler*
11. C.C. House* 1938 - 1940
12. Verdie L. Robinson*
13. Walter M. Booker* FN5
14. Jack Bond*
15. Millard R. Dean*
16. Frank Davis*
17. Clifton Hardy*
18. Herman Johnson*
19. Howard Jenkins*
20. C.C. House* 1952 - 1954
21. William F. Nelson*
22. Aubrey E. Robinson*
23. Joseph Waddy*
24. Edward J. Austin*
25. Elgy Johnson* 1964 - 1965
26. George H. Windsor* 1965 - 1967
27. James T. Speight* 1967 - 1969
28. Harold Sims* 1969 - 1970
29. Eddie L. Madison* 1970 - 1972
30. Wilbur Sewell* 1972 - 1974
31. Charles Walker Thomas* 1974 - 1976
32. Theodore Taylor* 1976 - 1978
33. Elmer Moore* 1978 - 1981
34. William E. Calbert* 1981 - 1983
35. Osmond Brown* 1983 - 1986
36. Vernon Gill 1986 - 1988
37. LeRoy Lowery, III 1988 - 1990
38. Morris Hawkins* 1990 - 1992
39. C.C. Jones 1992 - 1995
40. Vincent Orange 1995 - 1997
41. Melvin White 1997 - 1999
42. LeRoy Lowery, III FN6 1999 - 2001
43. James Haynes 2001 - 2002
44. Rudolph Harris* 2002 - 2004
45. Edwin Norwood 2004 - 2006
46. James McDonald 2006 - 2008
47. Timothy Fitzgerald 2008 - 2010
48. Kwame Ulmer 2010 - 2011
49. LeRoy Lowery, III 2011 - 2013
50. Eddie Neal 2013 - 2015
51. LeRoy Lowery, III 2015 - 2017
52. Joel Grey 2017 - 2018
53. Eddie Neal 2018 - 2020
54. John “Tony” Wilson 2020 - 2023
* Omega Chapter Brothers Footnote (FN)
The President’s Message
MARCH 2026 MESSAGE
Brothers of Mu Lambda,
Before I say anything else, I want to pause to honor the women who made us.
We did not become Alpha Men in a vacuum. We became Alpha Men because women nurtured the seeds of greatness in us long before we ever pledged our first oath. They protected us when the world was indifferent. They believed in us when we doubted ourselves. They shaped the character that our fraternity merely refined.
March is Women’s History Month, and it would be a dishonor to let it pass without acknowledgment. We stand on the shoulders of women who carried civilization forward: Shirley Chisholm, who refused to be invisible in the halls of power; Fannie Lou Hamer, who stared down every threat and demanded that Black voices be heard; Dr. Mae Jemison, who took that courage all the way to the stars. And the women making history right now; the scientists, the senators, the teachers in underfunded classrooms, the mothers running households while building careers. They are not waiting for recognition. But we can give it, and we should.
As brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, may we be among the men who celebrate the women in our lives not only this month, but always.
Brothers, I want to take this moment to sincerely thank each of you for your steadfast dedication through what has been one of the most challenging winters in recent memory. This nation has not seen a winter like this in a long time. Record-breaking ice storms brought entire communities to a standstill, and our chapter was not spared. For nearly a week, the ice made movement nearly impossible. Roads were impassable, events had to be cancelled, and the plans we had carefully laid for February were, by necessity, set aside. It was disappointing. I know many of you had poured effort and energy into those initiatives, and that sacrifice does not go unnoticed.
But here is what I also know: the measure of this chapter has never been our weather forecast. It has been our will. And even through the ice and the cold, you showed up for one another; checking in, staying connected, keeping the spirit of this brotherhood alive across every frozen mile between us. That is Alpha. That is Mu Lambda.
Looking Ahead: A Season of Purpose
Spring is here, brothers, and with it comes the momentum we have been building toward. The calendar ahead is full of promise, and I am energized by what this chapter is capable of when we move together.
Thank you, brothers for your resilience, your commitment, and your brotherhood. The winter tested us. The spring will showcase us.
With Alpha spirit and gratitude,
Brother Mikael E. LaRoche, (10-Mu Lambda-13)
President 2024 - 2026
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.- Mu Lambda Chapter
Vice President’s Message
MARCH 2026 MESSAGE
Greetings to the oldest and the coldest D9 fraternity in the world. I do hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. I want to take the time to thank all those who answer the call, in whatever capacity you are summoned. To serve, to teach, to lead, to mentor, to inspire, to congratulate, to celebrate, to share laughter and joy or comfort and condolences; whatsoever the call has been, thank you for showing up when needed.
I recently shared with a fellow, that Alpha is made of men who all have the distinction of being first and foremost. No matter the area of expertise, if there is an Alphaman involved; greatness is interwoven in the fabric of the action. So, let this month’s message serve as a reminder to us all; you are not an Alpha by accident. You are meant to lead the charge, whether in front bringing the village along with you or from the anterior pushing your people to their greatness. Run to your calling for if you lean on faith and the trust in the capabilities you were blessed with, your name shall be written in the history books.
March is National Reading Month. In 2019, a report by Sage journals suggests that only 6% of 12thgrade Black males were reading at the proficient level, and only 1% were reading at the advanced level. Read to some Black child, if not yours then someone else’s. If you can’t do that, buy a book, give a magazine subscription, or be willing to lend them your own; at the very least encourage them to fall in love with reading. Pour into them so that one day they can be water to someone else.
As we move forward in your purpose remember your greatness is already realized, it’s just waiting on you to show up as the version of yourself that is.
Fraternally,
Brother Karl Bruce
Vice President (12-Mu Lambda-13) 2025 - 2026
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Mu Lambda Chapter
MU LAMBDA BROTHER’S BIRTHDAYS
MARCH 2026
Bro. Travis Clarke - 1st
Bro. Waldo Ford - 1st
Bro. Nicholas Huff - 2nd
Bro. Adam Taylor - 5th
Bro. Cubie Coleman IV - 7th
Bro. Jordan Scott - 7th
Bro. Charles Wilson - 8th
Bro. Kellen Moore - 12th
Bro. Zachary Parker - 12th
Bro. Anthony Moore - 13th
Bro. Anthony Covington St. - 17th
Bro. A. Douglas - 18th
Bro. Edward Hill Jr. - 18th
Bro. Karl Bruce - 21st
Bro. John McMullen - 28th
Bro. Walter Whitley - 28th
Bro. Lamont Akins - 29th
Bro. Michael Clarke - 29th
Bro. Michael Jones - 30th
Bro. Edwin Norwood III - 30th
A FEW DAYS IN HER SHOES
Every father has moments that quietly reshape his perspective.
For me, that moment arrived recently while my wife and daughter were out of town, leaving me home for several days caring for my son. At first glance, it seemed like a simple shift in routine, a temporary adjustment while Natalie handled travel with our daughter. But what unfolded over those days gave me something far more valuable than a change in schedule.
It gave me a deeper appreciation for the quiet, constant, and often unseen work that mothers do every single day.
Now, let me be clear, I have always admired my wife’s strength, patience, and love as a mother. Watching her nurture our children, guide them, and pour into them has always been something I deeply respected.
But respect and understanding are not always the same thing. Sometimes understanding requires stepping into someone else’s shoes. And brothers, let me tell you… those shoes carry a lot.
What struck me most over those days was the rhythm of parenting.
There are the obvious responsibilities: meals, bedtime routines, school preparations, conversations about homework, reminders
about chores. But there is also the emotional rhythm that keeps a household moving forward.
The listening. The comforting. The small moments of reassurance when a child needs encouragement. The quiet check-ins that happen when a parent senses something is on a child’s mind before the child even says a word.
These things are easy to overlook when life is moving fast. But when you are the one holding that rhythm together, even for a few days, you begin to see the depth of what it requires.
Patience. Presence. And a level of attentiveness that cannot be rushed.
What many fathers learn quickly, especially when they step into a solo parenting stretch, is that much of parenting happens in the background. It’s the planning. The remembering. The anticipating.
Mothers often carry an extraordinary mental map of the household: what each child needs, what’s coming up next week, what’s been forgotten, and what must be handled before anyone else even realizes it’s needed.
It’s a form of leadership that rarely receives applause. But it holds families together.
During those days caring for my son, I found myself thinking about the countless small things my wife manages with grace every day. Things that make our home function in ways that feel effortless, until you’re the one responsible for keeping the rhythm going.
And that realization brought with it a deep sense of gratitude.
Fatherhood has taught me many lessons, but one of the most important is that raising children is truly a partnership. It is a shared responsibility built on trust, support, and mutual respect.
There are moments when one parent carries more of the load so the other can move forward in their responsibilities. There are seasons when the balance shifts. But the strength of the family comes from knowing that neither parent stands alone.
Those few days at home with my son reminded me that the work of parenting is not divided simply by roles. It is strengthened by appreciation. The more we recognize the contributions of one another, the stronger the family becomes.
This reflection, however, is not only about my wife. It is about wives everywhere. It is about the mothers who wake up early to prepare their children for the day and go to sleep late after making sure everything is ready for tomorrow.
It is about the women who juggle careers, households, and the emotional development of their children all at once. It is about the mothers who shape character, instill values, and nurture confidence in ways that will guide their children for the rest of their lives.
And it is about the wives who support their husbands, encouraging them to grow, lead, and serve their communities.
Behind many of the men who strive to be strong leaders, devoted fathers, and committed brothers stands a woman whose encouragement helped shape the man he became.
As fathers, one of our most important responsibilities is to show our children what love, respect, and partnership look like. Our sons learn from how we honor their mothers. Our daughters learn from how we treat the women in our lives.
When we show appreciation for the mothers of our children, when we acknowledge their sacrifices and celebrate their strength, we are also teaching our children what healthy relationships look like.
We are modeling gratitude. We are modeling respect. We are modeling love.
At the end of those few days, when my wife and daughter returned home, I greeted them with joy and with a deeper understanding of the work that motherhood requires.
I was grateful for the time with my son. Those moments are gifts that fathers should cherish. But I was equally grateful for the reminder of just how extraordinary mothers truly are.
In Alpha Phi Alpha, we often speak about leadership, service, and legacy. Yet the first lessons of leadership often begin at home. And in many homes, mothers are the ones lighting the path forward for the entire family.
So, this reflection is simple. To my wife—thank you. To the wives and mothers connected to the brothers of Mu Lambda—thank you. For your patience. For your strength. For your love. And for the extraordinary role you play in raising the next generation.
Because long before our children step into the world to lead, serve, and make a difference, they are learning those lessons from the women who guide them.
And that quiet, steady, and unwavering light continues to illuminate the journey for us all.
Every great movement has visible leaders. But behind those leaders, often quietly, faithfully, and powerfully, are the women who helped make their journeys possible.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the brothers of the Mu Lambda Chapter, pause to recognize the women whose influence, sacrifice, encouragement, and wisdom have helped shape our fraternity for more than a century. From the earliest days of Alpha Phi Alpha at Cornell University to the living rooms, classrooms, churches, and communities where our brothers continue to serve today, women have been architects of the Alpha spirit.
They may not wear the black and old gold, but their fingerprints are etched deeply into the history of our beloved fraternity.
THE FIRST WOMAN OF ALPHA: ANNIE C. SINGLETON
History remembers the Seven Jewels of Alpha Phi Alpha, but fewer people know the story of the woman affectionately called the “Mother of Alpha.”
Annie C. Singleton, the sister of founder Robert H. Ogle, played a quiet yet meaningful role in the early development of the fraternity. During Alpha’s formative days, Singleton provided encouragement, hospitality, and moral support to the young men who were shaping what would become the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity founded by African American men.
At a time when Black students faced profound isolation and hostility in predominantly white institutions, spaces of safety and encouragement were rare.
Singleton helped provide one of those spaces.
Alpha’s foundation was not built by the Seven Jewels alone, it was supported by a network of women who believed in the potential of those young men long before the world recognized it.
THE WOMEN WHO WERE THERE AT THE BEGINNING
Alongside Singleton were other women connected to the early study group that eventually became Alpha Phi Alpha.
Fannie Holland, Flaxie Holcombe, and Mary Vassar were among the individuals who participated in the intellectual and social spaces surrounding the early Cornell study group.
These gatherings were more than academic exercises. They were spaces where young Black scholars challenged one another, sharpened their thinking, and nurtured dreams that would later shape institutions, communities, and movements across the country.
The presence of these women speaks to an often-overlooked truth: Alpha’s origins were rooted in a broader community of intellectual partnership and shared ambition. They were witnesses to the birth of a legacy and contributors to the environment that allowed it to flourish.
THE ALPHABETTES: A LEGACY OF PARTNERSHIP
As Alpha Phi Alpha grew, so too did the circle of women who supported its mission. In many chapters across the country, the Alpha Wives, also known as the Alphabettes, emerged as an auxiliary community dedicated to supporting the fraternity’s programs and service initiatives.
Their role has never simply been ceremonial.
Alphabettes have organized community initiatives, supported scholarship programs, and helped sustain the social fabric of Alpha chapters across generations. They have served as advisors, partners, and champions of Alpha’s
work in communities where service, leadership, and advocacy are needed most.
The story of Alpha Phi Alpha is not only the story of the men who wear the letters, it is also the story of the women who stand beside them in purpose.
They may not wear the black and old gold, but their fingerprints are etched deeply into the history of our beloved fraternity.
A LEGACY EMBODIED BY CORETTA SCOTT KING
Few women represent the intersection of Alpha Phi Alpha’s values and women’s leadership more powerfully than Coretta Scott King. As the wife and partner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., she was more than the spouse of a civil rights leader. She was a leader in her own right.
After Dr. King’s assassination, Coretta Scott King did not retreat from the movement. She expanded it. She helped establish the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, advocated for the creation of the national Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, and continued the work of justice, equity, and peace around the world.
Her leadership shows the world that the movement for justice has always been sustained by women whose strength, clarity, and vision pushed history forward.
THE EVERYDAY WOMEN WHO STRENGTHEN BROTHERHOOD
While history celebrates prominent figures, there is another group of women whose contributions are just as meaningful. They are the mothers who encouraged their sons to pursue education
and excellence. They are the wives and partners who support the long hours of service, meetings, and community engagement that come with fraternity life. They are the sisters, daughters, colleagues, and mentors who challenge us to be better men and better leaders.
For many brothers of Mu Lambda, the journey to Alpha Phi Alpha did not begin on a college campus, it began at a kitchen table where a mother spoke words of encouragement, in a classroom where a teacher recognized potential, or through the unwavering support of a partner who believed in the value of service.
These women may never receive formal recognition from a podium. But their influence is present in every act of leadership, service, and brotherhood that Alpha men demonstrate.
HONORING WOMEN BY LIVING OUR VALUES
Women’s History Month is not only a time to reflect, it is a time to recommit. Alpha Phi Alpha was founded on principles of manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind. Living those principles means recognizing the women whose leadership, courage, and partnership continue to strengthen our communities.
It also means supporting the advancement of women in leadership, education, and public life. When we celebrate the women connected to Alpha Phi Alpha, from Annie C. Singleton to Coretta Scott King to the everyday women who sustain our brotherhood, we are reminded that progress is rarely the work of individuals alone.
It is built through community. Through partnership. Through shared belief in a better future.
CARRYING THE LEGACY FORWARD
For the brothers of Mu Lambda, honoring the women connected to our fraternity is more than an act of remembrance. It is an act of gratitude. And it is a promise.
A promise to uplift the women in our lives. A promise to support the leadership and advancement of women in our communities. A promise to ensure that the next generation understands that Alpha’s legacy has always been strengthened by the women who believed in its mission.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, may we remember that the story of Alpha Phi Alpha is not only the story of seven visionary men. It is also the story of the women who helped carry the light. And because of them, that light continues to shine.
Annie C. Singleton “Mother of Alpha”
Alphabettes in Neward, 1980
Coretta Scott King
For generations, higher education has been viewed as the gateway to opportunity, advancement, and leadership. For Black students in particular, the pursuit of a college degree has carried not only personal significance, but also the promise of economic mobility and community uplift. Yet as the financial landscape continues to evolve, college alone is no longer enough. Today’s students must also understand the tools and strategies necessary to build wealth, manage resources, and position themselves for long-term financial success.
In his thoughtful and timely article in The Sphinx, “Financial Foresight and Black Collegians: Redefining Wealth-Building on Campus,” Mu Lambda Brother M. Christopher Brown II challenges students, educators, and institutions to reconsider how financial literacy and wealth-building are integrated into the college experience. His message is clear: preparing Black collegians for the future must include preparing them to build and sustain financial stability.
RETHINKING FINANCIAL EDUCATION ON CAMPUS
Brother Brown’s article emphasizes that while universities have long focused on academic preparation and career readiness, financial preparedness has often remained a secondary priority. Many students graduate with strong academic credentials but limited knowledge of budgeting, investing, credit management, or long-term wealth strategies.
For Black students, who often navigate historical and systemic economic barriers, this gap can have significant consequences. Brown argues that financial literacy should not be treated as an optional skill, but as an essential component of higher education. Just as students develop competencies in writing, research, and critical thinking, they must also develop the financial acumen necessary to navigate an increasingly complex economic environment.
By embedding financial education within campus programming, mentorship initiatives, and student development efforts, institutions can help equip students with the tools they need to make informed financial decisions early in their professional lives.
THE ROLE OF EARLY WEALTH-BUILDING
A central theme in Brother Brown’s work is the importance of starting early. Many students are
introduced to financial concepts only after they graduate and begin navigating loan repayments, housing costs, and professional expenses. Brown encourages a shift in mindset: wealthbuilding should begin during the collegiate years.
Simple actions such as establishing savings habits, understanding credit, exploring investment opportunities, and participating in financial literacy workshops can lay the groundwork for long-term financial security.
For Black collegians, these early steps are particularly powerful. When students gain financial knowledge during their formative years, they position themselves not only to succeed individually but also to contribute to the broader economic strength of their families and communities.
LOOKING AHEAD
“Financial Foresight and Black Collegians” ultimately challenges readers to rethink how success is defined on campus. Degrees matter. Career opportunities matter. But financial knowledge and economic empowerment matter as well.
By encouraging students to develop financial awareness early in their academic journeys, Brother Brown highlights an important truth: wealth-building is not simply about income, it is about knowledge, strategy, and intentional decision-making over time.
For Black collegians across the country, that knowledge has the power to reshape futures, strengthen communities, and expand the possibilities of what the next generation can achieve.
And for those committed to the mission of Alpha Phi Alpha, it serves as a reminder that preparing leaders also means preparing them to build lasting economic strength.
Because when knowledge meets foresight, opportunity becomes legacy..
There is a quiet but consequential question shaping the future of work: If artificial intelligence can do the work of entry-level professionals, who will become tomorrow’s leaders?
In their recent Harvard Business Review article, “The Perils of Using AI to Replace EntryLevel Jobs,” Amy C. Edmondson and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic raise an important warning. As organizations rush to automate tasks traditionally performed by junior employees, they risk dismantling the very training ground that produces future managers, innovators, and executives.
Their argument is compelling: entry-level jobs are not simply about productivity. They are about development.
For those of us who have spent our careers building leaders, mentoring young professionals, and investing in the next generation— particularly within communities historically excluded from opportunity—the implications of this moment are profound.
The AI revolution is not simply a technological shift. It is a leadership test. And how we respond will determine whether AI becomes a tool for empowerment or a mechanism that quietly widens inequality.
THE FIRST RUNG OF THE LADDER MATTERS
Every professional journey begins somewhere.
For many of us, that “somewhere” was an entrylevel role where we learned the fundamentals of our craft. We wrote reports that were heavily edited. We took notes in meetings where we barely understood the full context. We handled small problems that slowly revealed the larger systems around them.
Those early experiences were not glamorous. But they were formative. They taught us pattern recognition, professional judgment, and resilience. They also taught us humility.
The Harvard Business Review article correctly points out that if organizations eliminate entrylevel roles, they sever the pipeline that develops future leadership. Without that pipeline, we risk producing leaders who have never experienced the frontline realities of the organizations they lead.
History has shown us that leaders disconnected from the ground truth of their organizations often make the most dangerous decisions.
AI SHOULD BE AN AMPLIFIER, NOT A REPLACEMENT
Artificial intelligence is extraordinary.
It can synthesize information, accelerate research, draft content, analyze data, and
automate routine processes at a scale unimaginable just a decade ago. In my own work across leadership development, executive education, and strategic consulting, I see the power of AI every day.
But AI has a limitation that is often overlooked.
AI accelerates knowledge, but it does not replace wisdom.
Wisdom is earned through experience. Through mistakes. Through the slow and sometimes uncomfortable process of learning how systems actually work.
That learning often happens in entry-level roles.
If organizations allow AI to remove those roles entirely, they risk creating a generation of professionals who can operate tools but lack the judgment required to lead people.
THE IMPORTANCE FOR OUR COMMUNITIES
For organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha, and chapters like Mu Lambda that have long invested in mentorship, scholarship, and professional development, the stakes are even higher.
Entry-level opportunities have historically been doorways into the middle class for many young professionals, particularly Black professionals navigating industries where access has not always been equitable.
When those doors close, the impact is not evenly distributed.
It disproportionately affects those who rely on early-career opportunities to build networks, gain experience, and establish credibility.
If AI eliminates the first rung of the ladder, the question becomes: Who will still be able to climb?
And perhaps more importantly: Who will be left standing at the bottom with no ladder at all?
THE REAL OPPORTUNITY: REDESIGNING EARLY CAREERS
The Harvard Business Review article offers an important solution: do not eliminate entry-level jobs, redesign them.
This is the path forward.
Instead of asking, “What tasks can AI replace?” organizations should ask, “What experiences should young professionals gain that AI cannot provide?”
Those experiences include:
• Problem framing and critical thinking
• Relationship building and collaboration
• Ethical decision-making
• Communication and persuasion
• Navigating ambiguity and uncertainty
These are the capabilities that define leadership.
AI can assist with the mechanics of work. But it cannot replicate the human dimensions of judgment, empathy, and trust.
In that sense, the future of entry-level work may actually become more human, not less.
A LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE FOR THIS MOMENT
We are living through a transition similar to past industrial revolutions.
Technology is changing the nature of work. Entire industries will transform. New roles will emerge while others fade.
But leadership in moments like this requires
more than efficiency.
It requires stewardship.
The question is not simply how organizations can maximize productivity through AI. The question is how organizations can build the next generation of leaders while doing so.
That requires intentional design.
It requires mentorship.
It requires the courage to resist short-term cost savings in favor of long-term human development.
THE ROLE OF BROTHERHOOD AND MENTORSHIP
Within Alpha Phi Alpha, we have always understood the power of mentorship.
The fraternity’s commitment to developing leaders, from college chapters to alumni chapters, has helped generations of men navigate their professional journeys.
In many ways, our brotherhood has functioned as an informal leadership pipeline long before corporations began talking about talent development.
As AI reshapes the workforce, that mission becomes even more important.
We must continue creating pathways for young professionals to gain experience, build networks, and develop the confidence required to lead.
Because technology may transform the tools we use, but the need for prepared leaders will never disappear.
CREATING THE FUTURE WE WANT
The closing message of the Harvard Business Review article is simple but powerful: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
That responsibility belongs to organizations, educators, and leaders alike.
AI will undoubtedly change how work gets done.
But the future of leadership, of judgment, integrity, and human connection, still depends on people.
And people do not become leaders overnight. They become leaders through experience. Through mentorship. Through opportunity.
That first opportunity, the entry-level role, may be the most important one of all.
Our task in the age of AI is not to eliminate that opportunity. It is to reimagine it, strengthen it, and ensure that the next generation still has a place to begin.
Because if we remove the first step of the journey, we may discover too late that there is no one left prepared to lead us forward.
BETA CHAPTER IN ACTION
On October 8th the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Beta Chapter, held their annual “Step Into Your Roots” program. The event was taught Howard University students about the history and importance of stepping and how to properly perform the traditional form of communication and storytelling.
On February 12th, The Brothers, in collaboration with the Howard University Art Club, held a creative evening as and hosted a Paint & Sip. The event was tailored towards creativity, expression, and tapping into the art within you.
From February 17th to February 21th Beta Chapter 2025-2026 Royal Court held their Queen’s Week “The Golden Premiere”. The various events were very well attended and many female Howard University Students applied for the 2026-2027 Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant.
On February 20th, The Chapter, in Collaboration with Mu Lambda Chapter, held its 32nd Annual Brother 2 Brother Youth Conference on Howard University’s campus. Over 125 Male youth from the DMV came to Howard’s campus for various seminars and workshops focusing on Male Health lead by various members of Mu Lambda Chapter. The students also all participated in a college tour of HU’s Campus.
MU LAMBDA ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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Tickets are limited! Scan the QR code to secure your spot and join us as we celebrate 119 years of brotherhood, brilliance, and Black excellence.
March brings with it a special opportunity to celebrate the powerful voices, creativity, and cultural influence of women in music. In honor of Women’s History Month, this month’s Mu Lambda Mixtape features a curated playlist composed entirely of songs by women artists whose talent, storytelling, and artistry have shaped the soundtrack of generations. From soulful classics to contemporary hits, these voices remind us of the strength, resilience, and brilliance that women bring to every stage. As you listen, we invite you to celebrate the women who inspire our communities, our culture, and our lives—both on the airwaves and in the everyday moments that move us forward.
FEDERAL DONATIONS TO MU LAMBDA
Brothers, it is that time of year when we begin to think in the spirit of giving and giving thanks. In that spirit, the Mu Lambda Foundation participates in two key funding programs through which federal and District of Columbia employees can share the gift of the giving.
The Combined Federal Campaign - CFC (https://www.opm.gov/combined-federal-campaign) is a resource that allows U.S. government employees to make regular payroll deductions in support of the Mu Lambda Foundation and its charitable and community service programs.
The DC One Fund (https://os.dc.gov/page/dc-one-fund-each-one-give-one) provides an opportunity for employees of the District of Columbia to do the same. All donations through these funds are tax deductible and deducted from your paycheck regularly. What could be an easier or better way to support the programs you care about?
As open season begins for 2023, you may plan your weekly, biweekly, or monthly contributions to the Mu Lambda Foundation by contributing to charity number 66770 in the CFC, and number 9556 in the DC One Fund.
Let’s make 2023 the best year yet for supporting youth and abused women in the DC area. Thank you for your continued support.
Bro. Kent Benjamin
The Mu Lambda Foundation meetings are monthly on the third Thursday of the month.
Next
meeting is March 19, 2026
Thursday, January 8
Saturday, January 10
Wednesday, January 21
Thursday, February 5
Saturday, February 7
Wednesday, February 18
Chapter Meeting
Alpha Wives Meeting
Eboard Meeting
Chapter Meeting
Alpha Wives Meeting
Eboard Meeting
Thursday, February 19 Foundation Meeting
Thursday, March 5
Saturday, March 7
Wednesday, March 18
Thursday, April 2
Saturday, April 4
Wednesday, April 15
Thursday,April 16
Chapter Meeting
Alpha Wives Meeting
Eboard Meeting
Chapter Meeting
Alpha Wives Meeting
Eboard Meeting
Foundation Meeting
Wednesday, April 15 -19 Eastern Region Convention
Thursday, May 7
Saturday, May 9
Wednesday, May 20
Chapter Meeting
Alpha Wives Meeting
Eboard Meeting
Thursday, May 21 Foundation Meeting
Thursday, June 4
Saturday, June 6
Chapter Meeting
Alpha Wives Meeting
Thursday, June 18 Foundation Meeting
Friday, June 19
July 2026
Juneteenth Day
Chapter Vacation
Saturday, August 15
Thursday, September 4
Chapter Retreat
Chapter Meeting
Friday, September 5 ICED or Neat
Saturday, September 6
Alpha Wives Meeting
Wednesday, September 17 Eboard Meeting
Thursday, September 18 Foundation Meeting
Thursday, September 25 The F1RST Breakfast
Wednesday, October 1
102nd Charter Day
Thursday, October 2 Chapter Meeting
Saturday, October 11
Chapter Cookout
Wednesday, October 15 Eboard Meeting
Thursday, October 16 Foundation Meeting
Thursday, November 6
Chapter Meeting Fri-Sat, Novembr 7-8 Annual District Conference
Saturday, November 8
Alpha Wives Meeting
Wednesday, November 19 E-board Meeting
Thursday, November 20 Foundation Meeting
Thursday, November 27 Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, December 4
Thursday,December 4
Founders’ Day
Chapter Meeting
Saturday , December 6 Founder’s Day Breakfast
Saturday , December 6 Karaoke Fundraiser
Wednesday, December 17 E-Board Meeting
Thursday, December 18 Foundation Meeting
Thurssday, December 25 Christmas
BROTHER MALCOLM CARTER
Get the Mu Lambda Chapter App
This official Mu Lambda Chapter App is for members of the chapter to find out about our events, chat with Chapter members, View Chapter Documents, View Chapter Directory, View our monthly magazine (The Torch) Pay Chapter Dues and much more. The ability to effectively communicate with Chapter members will help us continue to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our community.
Founded in 1976, House of Ruth empowers women, children and families to rebuild their lives and heal from trauma, abuse and houselessness. Our continuum of services encompasses enriched housing for families and single women, trauma-informed childcare, and free counseling to empower anyone who is a survivor of trauma and abuse.
Mission: House of Ruth empowers women, children and families to rebuild their lives and heal from trauma, abuse and houselessness.
Message from the Editor
BRO. CHRISTOPHER BUTTS EDITOR OF THE TORCH TORCH@MULAMBDA.ORG
There’s something powerful about a light.
A light shows you where you’ve been. A light helps you see where you are. And if you’re paying attention, a light will guide you toward where you’re supposed to go.
That’s exactly what this edition of The Torch represents.
Now, I’ll tell you something I’ve learned over the years—whether you’re building a career, raising a family, leading a community, or simply trying to do the right thing in a complicated world: the journey is never meant to be walked alone.
Behind every leader is a story. Behind every accomplishment is a lesson. And behind every brother standing tall is a community that helped him rise.
This month’s issue shines a light on several of those stories.
ALPHA QUOTE TO SERVE BY...
“Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year.”
Brother W.E.B. DuBois,
We celebrate Women’s History Month, honoring the women whose strength, wisdom, and support have shaped Alpha Phi Alpha since its earliest days, from Annie C. Singleton, to the countless mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters who continue to guide and uplift the men of our fraternity every single day.
We also reflect on the importance of preparing the next generation, whether through conversations about financial empowerment for Black collegians, through meaningful community dialogue like the Sankofa Series at UDC, or through the everyday leadership and service demonstrated by the brothers of Mu Lambda.
Because here’s the truth: legacy doesn’t happen by accident. Legacy is built in conversations. It’s built in mentorship. It’s built in showing up for your community when it matters most.
So as you read this month’s edition of The Torch, I encourage you to do more than turn the pages.
Reflect.
GOODWILL IS THE MONARCH OF THIS
HOUSE
Esprit de Fraternite
Brothers,
It is that time of year again.
The fraternity’s fraternal year runs January 1st to December 31st.
Mu Lambda’s 2025-2026 fraternal year runs September 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The chapter does not meet during July and August.
It is now time to pay your 2025-2026 dues which will cover you from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
Ways to make payment:
1. You can pay your dues on mulambda.org by clicking the dues tab at the bottom left of every web page.
2. Bring a check to the chapter meeting.
3. You can pay on the Mu Lambda App
4. Mail it to:
Financial Team
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Mu Lambda Chapter 2405 First Street, NW Washington, DC 20001
Alpha is a life long commitment
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 benefits from the Fraternity to himself in the way of self-development by duty well done, and the respect of the Brothers well served.
A member’s duties should be:
1. Prompt payment of all financial obligations, the prime requisite for 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.
