t is my distinct pleasure and honor to serve as president of Mu Lambda Chapter. As we convene this fraternal year, we are reminded by our mission statement: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., develops leaders, promotes Brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy to our communities. Mu Lambda Chapter has been a premier chapter in the fraternity for many years and I am confident that this year will be one of the greatest years in Mu Lambda’s history. This year Mu Lambda Chapter will celebrate its 85th Charter Anniversary in October. October’s Chapter meeting will be a very special meeting for the brotherhood.
I am very excited to work with the new executive board and I want to thank the brothers for stepping up and being eager to serve. We have a lot of activities planned for this year including implementing our national programs, providing services for our community, social events, and strengthening our relationship with Beta Chapter. This year Mu Lambda Chapter and Beta Chapter will join together to compete for the Charles H Wesley Award.
As we continue to do the work of Alpha throughout this year, let us continue to strive for excellence and fully participate in the many opportunities that Mu Lambda Chapter has to offer. Your commitment to meeting the educational, professional, and personal needs of the citizens of the Washington, DC Metropolitan area is inspirational. Please accept my sincere thank you for electing me as your leader and my heartfelt congratulations to Mu Lambda for reaching such a tremendous milestone of serving the community for 85 years. I am looking to working with everyone this fraternal year.
Brother Tim Fitzgerald President
See you at the next Chapter meeting on September 4, 2008
Inside this Edition:
• The Executive Message
• A Voteless People Voter Drive
• Alpha Wives Section
• Open Letter from MAAC President
• Black Family Reunion
• “Syl” Lorenzo Shannon
• Black Facts
• Historical Moment
• Birthdays
• Membership News
• The Alpha House
• Announcements
Walter Whitley Editor
An Invitation To All Alpha Wives
The Alpha Wives of Washington D.C. Inc. cordially invites fellow wives of Mu Lambda and other chapters wives to help The Alpha Wives of Washington launch its 59th year of incorporation. Among Alpha Wives’ purposes are to support projects initiated by the Fraternity and to sponsor programs that include cultural, educational and social activities which meet the needs and interests of our members.
Join the Alpha Wives for lunch and activities at its first 20082009 meeting at Plymouth Congregational Church on September 13, 2008. We meet at 12:30pm at 5301 North Capitol St. NE, in the Plymouth Church Social Hall. Dues are $35/year. For more information: Modestine Lowery (202) 291-3129, Mary Murray (301) 588-4663, or Charlotte Douglass (202) 667-3390.
2008 BLACK FAMILY REUNION
Mu Lambda will have an exhibit table at the 2008 Black Family Reunion Celebration on Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th, 12noon - 8:00 p.m. on the National Mall. http://www.ncnw.org/events/reunion.htm
We will distribute literature promoting a number of the programs and activities in which we have an interest: prostate cancer awareness; MLK Memorial; March of Dimes; Big Brothers and voter registration. We need Brothers to man our table, contact Bro. Jones or Bro. Williams to help with voter registration. These are the dates and times we need help at the table. (3 Brothers are needed for each shift)
Saturday 6th
Shift 1 - 12noon to 3:00pm
Shift 2 - 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Shift 3 - 5:00pm to 8:00 pm
Sunday 7th
Shift 1 - 12noon to 3:00pm
Shift 2 - 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Shift 3 - 5:00pm to 8:00 pm
Voter Registration Drive
Several members of Mu Lambda spent Saturday, August 2nd, 2008, at the Giant Food Store in SE, Washington DC and conducted the first of several upcoming voter registration drives in the city and also in Maryland and Virginia. The “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People” drive was able to register 20 new voters from the District, as well as one individual from Maryland. During the 3 hour period, Brothers answered questions regarding registration deadlines, status and eligibility. Washington DC Councilman & Brother Marion Barry was in attendance and thanked the chapter for coming to the community, and praised the Brothers of Mu Lambda for all the good work the chapter has done.
The Mu Lambda Telecommunication System (MLTS) is up and running. We will be utilizing this system to provide you with weekly/monthly announcements regarding Mu Lambda events, activities, and special programs. If you have not received any messages to date, please contact Brother Arthur King at (202) 744-6624 or by email aking536@aol.com.
Membership News
Congratulations to our brothers: Brother Dr. Sylvester (Syl) Shannon received the Alpha Award of Merit, the highest recognition for an Alpha Brother and Brother Walter Whitley named Alpha Man on the Move and has received the Alpha Leadership Award for his work with the Leadership Development Institute
Important Dates
Black Family Reunion National Mall
September 06-07, 2008
Reclamation and Retention Summit
"I am my Brother's Keeper: How to Retain and Reclaim Brothers"
Delta Lambda Outreach Center 1501 N. Dukeland St. Baltimore, MD 21216
The Villages of Wellington Community Center 14404 Rosemore Lane, Laurel, MD September 13, 2008
Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day
September 19, 2008
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
September 1 – 30, 2008
Are you Ready to Teach?
Howard University's Ready to Teach (RtT) Program is designed for those who have previously earned a Bachelor's Degree and now seek to make a career transition into the teaching profession. The RtT Program prepares qualified candidates to teach for highneeds schools in: Chicago (IL), Clayton County (GA), Houston (TX), Prince George's County (MD), and Washington (DC). Special scholarships available for qualified candidates
Teacher certification
Graduate credits towards a Master's Degree To qualify you must have:
A Bachelor's Degree (with required coursework) from an accredited college or university
2.7 GPA or higher (on a 4.0 grading scale) For more information please visit the Ready to Teach Program website: www.readytoteach.org or email HUReadytoTeach@gmail.com.
Hurry! The application deadline is September 15, 2008!
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. invites you to attend
the Fraternity's Sixteenth Annual CBC Reception honoring members of the Congressional Black Caucus during the 38th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference
Thursday, September 25, 2008 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel
Renaissance Grand Ballroom 999 9th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001
“Syl” Lorenzo Shannon
During the historic 102nd General Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Kansas City, Mu Lambda’s own distinguished Brother, “Syl” Lorenzo Shannon received the Alpha Award of Merit. The highest award the fraternity bestows to a Brother. Brother Shannon says that he was blown away when he received the call from Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 32nd General President of the Fraternity. Brother Shannon has always lived a life of service to God and his fellow man and holds numerous degrees from many Divinity and Theological Colleges and Universities throughout the country. Since he became a brother on November 22, 1952 at Florida A&M University, Beta Nu chapter, he has had many great and wonderful moments in Alpha, but the one that instantly came to mind was that when he was requested, shortly after becoming a Brother, to escort the 16th General President of the Fraternity, Belford Lawson thru campus and remain with him. He remembered the emotion of listening to his eloquent speech and watching the Fraternities President’s regal manner, let him know that he had done the right thing by joining Alpha Phi Alpha.
Brother Shannon also reflected on what an honor it is to have his name placed along side of his hero’s. Brothers like Hobart Jarrett, a survivor of the infamous Tulsa race riot and distinguished Professor of English at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, who received the Alpha Award of Merit during the 1994 National Convention. Brother Shannon said, “I hope the future Brothers of Alpha learn to keep their friendships obtained thru Alpha in constant repair”, as he quoted the 17th century English author, poet and novelist, Samuel Johnson. He went on to state that few Brothers know how to relate to other Brothers, but knowing Brother’s birthday, the Brother’s wife and child’s name and giving a Brother a call every once in a while, goes a long way in cultivating the life of the chapter, as well as the life of the Fraternity, making each of them richer by the experience.
Brother Shannon was in the U. S. Army Chaplain Service from 1966 – 1981, retiring with the rank of Colonel. He was the first African American Chaplain to graduate from the Command and General Staff College and was the first man of color to serve as Senior Pastor, in the Pentagon Pulpit and the first to serve as a Division Staff Chaplain, supervising 22 pastors and priest in a community of 35,000 in Frankfort, Germany. Brother Shannon has received many awards and recognition in his lifetime, including the U. S. Army Legion of Merit Award for Service in South Vietnam, but the Alpha Award of Merit is the pride of his heart and serves as a testament that only the work you do in the name of the Lord will last.
Congratulations to Brother, Dr. Pastor, Friend, “Syl” Lorenzo Shannon.
Walter Whitley
OPEN LETTER FROM BROTHER JEROME OFFORD, JR.
Jerome Offord, Jr. MS, MLS
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
District VI Director & MAAC President
Greetings Brothers of the Mighty MAAC:
I am writing to inform you that on September 1, 2008, I will step down as the MAAC President and District VI Director. This decision was hard, but one that must be made. I am relocating to Columbus, OH for a new position, one that will enhance my career and provide me with a new experience that I could not pass up. I truly believe that this is God's plan and unfortunately, God's plan doesn't always work with our plan. In my new role, I will be the Manager for Corporate Inclusion for an IT company that has over 1300 employees and 12 global offices. Again, this decision was not made lightly, but one that I stand firm in making. I will continue to work for our beloved fraternity as I return to the Midwest (which is where I was made) and will be much closer to my family in Chicago. In accordance to the MAAC Constitution, Brother Dontae Ryan, Alumni Vice President, will become the MAAC President until the District Conference when the MAAC will hold a special election. The Special Election will be for those running to complete my term as President (March 2010). In March 2010, the MAAC will hold its regular biennial election for President. All Area Directors, Committee Chairs, and appoints are in place for the full term. Only the Regional VP can appoint the District staff (DD, ADD, Area Directors, and Asst Area Directors). I will be sending out a note soon regarding the appointed area directors (Bro. Kemp made the approvals earlier this month). Brothers, I wish you the best and I know that you are in good hands. Please give Brother Ryan your full support and continue to serve the MAAC.
Brother Offord, District VI Director and MAAC President
Jerome Offord, Jr. MS, MLS Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
District VI Director & MAAC President Fax (301) 576-3909
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.
SUMMER BIRTHDAYS
July
Samuel I. Armstrong July 01
Tremell A. Munford July 01
Robert E. Richardson July 01
Evan E. Crawford July 02
Rudolph Scipio July 02
Larry V. Norton July 10
Louis W. Buck July 11
Kelvin Stroble July 11
Kwame O. Ulmer July 13
Leroy Jackson July 14
Clinton C. Jones, III July 20
Julius C. Jefferson, Jr. July 22
August
Marc C. Fitzgerald August 02
Louis A. Mauney August 02
Vernon C. Polite August 02
Michael J. Brown August 02
William Crossley August 04
Michael A. Carter August 04
Clyde Blassengale August 09
Juan H. Powell August 11
Sean Bellamy August 13
Elmer J. Moore August 13
Andre R. Lucas August 14
James R. Heck, IV August 16
Lonnie Cooper August 22
Ronald E. Braxton August 23
Kennneth Furlough August 27
Wendell Gardner, Jr August 28
Carl Bennett August 29
Richard A. English August 29
Lamar D. Revis August 29
Thomas E. Gaither August 30
BLACK FACTS
Ethel Waters Died September 01, 1977
Slave Revolt in SC,25Whites Killed September 09, 1739 1st Black Masonic Lodge Org. September 12, 1787
LITTLE KNOWN BLACK HISTORY MOMENT
POSTAL BLACK HISTORY
African-Americans have had careers in the Jesse Owens Born September 12, 1913 postal service as letter carriers, clerks, and 4 Girls Killed, Birmingham Church September 15, 1963 postmasters dating to the 19th century. In fact B. B. King Born September 16, 1925 Dr. Benjamin Boseman was America’s first Vanessa Williams, Miss America September 17, 1983 African-American postmaster, beginning his Martin Luther King Stabbed September 20, 1958 service in Charleston, SC in 1873.
Ralph J. Bunche Nobel Peace Prize September 22, 1950
Jackie Robinson Named Rookie of the Year
September 19, 1947
ΑΦΑ Tags for DC, MD & VA
Alpha Phi Alpha license plates for Washington, DC have been authorized by general headquarters. Mu Lambda Chapter Brothers interested in acquiring DC tags should contact Bro. Arthur King at aking536@aol.com or 202.723-0253 or 202.744-6624. Other DC chapter Brothers should contact Bro. Howard Franklin at Hlfrankjr@aol.com or 202.256-8539. DC Tags will cost about $80 for the first year and about $ 26 less in subsequent years.
Maryland tags contact: Brother Vernon Dorkins at (410) 664-0911
Virginia tags contact: Brother Larry Townsend at (757) 870-5696
2009 Beautillion Academy is just around the corner October 05, 2008, Howard University at 3pm
Please mark your calendars
Ms. Minnie Cox became the first female African American postmaster in Indianola, Mississippi in 1891. The Pony Express employed several African American riders to carry the mail. African American servicemen found work with the postal service when they came home from World War I and II.
African Americans, their culture, history and accomplishments have been featured on U. S. postage stamps since 1940. From Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass to Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King, Jr. to Duke Ellington and Otis Redding—dozens have been featured on stamps, including South Carolina native, Mary McCloud Bethune.
Since 1978, African Americans have been featured annually on the Black Heritage Series of Stamps, beginning with Harriet Tubman in ’78, to A. Philip Randolph and many others.
Saturday September 20, 2008 10:00am-1pm Sligo Creek Golf Course, 9701 Sligo Creek Parkway, Silver Springs, MD (301) 585-6006
Mu Lambda’s First Bob Warren Memorial Golf Tournament
September Birthdays
Brian. E. Halliburton
Ronald S. Flowers
Sept. 02
Sept. 05
Vedoster Ingram Sept. 05
Nathaniel R. Laney Sept. 10
Earl R. Fitzhugh Sept. 12
Eddie W. Neal Sept. 12
William A. Hawkins, Jr. Sept. 15
Lee A. Tyler Sept. 15
Hezekiah Smith
Timothy L. Fitzgerald
Sept. 15
Sept. 16
Robert M. Brown III Sept. 18
William M. Joyner
Sept. 19
Jeffrey Brown Sept. 19
Justin Davis Sept. 19
Herbert L. Suber
Sept. 21
Paul A. Cotton Sept. 22
Robert J. Nickens Sept. 22
Cornell L. Kinard
Sept. 24
Antoine M. Garibaldi Sept. 26
P. E. Parker, Jr.
Jeffrey D. Monroe
Sept. 28
Sept. 30
2007 – 2008 Mu Lambda Housing Assessment
Please remember to pay your 2007-2008 Housing Assessment: $50 per chapter meeting (10 meetings) or $500 for the year. Remit to Bro. Curtis Hunigan, 5621 N. Marwood Blvd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
The 2008-09 Executive Committee
President Timothy Fitzgerald 301-332-7507
Vice President Reginald Salter 301-379-6102
Recording Secretary Sean Bellamy 336-575-7677
Treasurer Curtis Hunigan 301.599.1191
Financial Secretary Arthur King 202-744-6624
Corresponding Secretary Jeffery Brown 301-204-9544
Chaplain William Hawkins 202-583-3211
Historian/Archivist Justin Davis 678-787-8344
Sergeant-at-Arms Darrell Chase 202-294-3383
Associate Editor to the Sphinx Kenneth Furlough 202-468-1892
Editor of the Torch Walter Whitley 202-255-9258
Webmaster Marvin Brooks 202-744-0891
Director of Intake Andre Lucas 202-829-9288
Director of Education Geoffrey Johnson 202-487-0785
Parliamentarian Eddie Neal 301-440-4055
Member-at-Large Arlester Brown 202-244-2778
Immediate Past President James McDonald 202-544-5026
www.mulambda.org
September Meeting Thursday, September 04, 2008 7:06pm School of Dentistry Howard University Campus
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter PO Box 1993 Washington, DC 20013-1993 ….Share the Light of the Torch with our inactive Brothers and Brothers new to the DC area….
