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October2.004
Message from the President
Brother Edwin F. Norwood, III
'A Voteless People is aHopeless People
With the presidential elections (along with many congressional and local elections) upon us, it is more important than ever to get out and vote. An Alpha should not only vote for their candidate of choice but should encourage others to vote as well. As you know, the Washington DC community looks to brothers of Mu Lambda Chapter for leadership in many areas. Taking people to the polls, registering people to vote, serving as precincts captains, or volunteering for your candidate of choice are just afew ways to show leadership in your community. As you continue to work in your community, you have discovered that many people think that their vote does not matter. There have been many, many elections -not just on alocal levelthat have been decided by less than 100 votes. So thinking that your vote does not count could not be farther from the truth. Some feel that when it comes down to it, all the candidates are the same, so why bother voting. Even if this is how you truly feel, remember that the winning president-elect may have an enormous impact on our children’s future, not just for four years but for 40 years.
Recently, Iread aDepartment of Commerce report that stated some of the reason for US citizen not voting. It included the following reasons: “too busy”, conflict with work and school schedules, not interested, or “my vote” does not matter. Alpha Phi Alpha understood the importance of voting early in its history. "A Voteless People is aHopeless People” was initiated as aNational Program of Alpha during the 1930’s when many African-Americans had the right to vote but were prevented from voting because of poll taxes, threats of reprisal, and lack of education about the voting process. During September, brothers from Mu Lambda chapter (partnered with the Urban League) gathered at the Minnesota Avenue metro station to register people to vote. This effort resulted in over 40
EXECUTIVE MESSAGE (from Page 1)
registered voters. In our own communities, we need to take the next step and encourage people to go the polls on November 2.
In October. Mu Lambda will conduct its first Project Alpha program at Garnett Patterson Middle School on Oct 15. As you know. Project Alpha is a collaborative project with the March of Dimes that provide education, motivation and skill-building on issues of responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases for young males ages 1215 years. Designed to provide young men with current and accurate inform^ion about teen pregnancy prevention, Project Alpha consists of aseries of workshops and informational sessions conducted by Mu Lambda brothers and other community experts. Brother Ulmerwillprovidemoredetailsatthemeetingon October 7.Remember, the meeting location is the Dentai School at Howard University (5*^ Floor Classroom).
The Black and Gold Committee will have tickets available at the chapter meeting. This event will be the highlight of the Washington DC social season and is an excellent opportunity to invite your family and friends out to enjoy the fellowship of the chapter while we money to support our scholarship program. As you Iknow, the Black and Gold Scholarship Gala is scheduled for November 13*^ at the Washington Times Building in the Arbor Ballroom. This year’s gala will recognize ALL Brothers who have been in the Fraternity for 50 years. Some of the Jewel tables are already gone so don’t miss out on your opportunity to purchase atable, especially aJEWEL table.
See you on October 7’^.
September Meeting Highlights:
Miss aMeeting -Miss aLot!
Bro. Reginald Salter
The Black and Gold Gala will take place November 13, 2004 Washington Times Building. Tickets are available for purchase :$75 per ticket, $1000 Jewel
Tables
Dates October 29-30 and November 5-6. Brothers who need risk management certification should contact Brother Arthur Fields
Henry Arthur Callis Beautlllion
10th Annual Henry Arthur Callis Beautlllion will take place April 23, 2005. Brothers are asked to help with the recruitment of high school senior males who would benefit from the program. Contact Brother Ulmer or Brother Salter. Planning meetings have begun. Any Brothers interested in joining the planning team should contact Brother Ulmer.
Voter Registration
Mu Lambda’s Voter Registration Drive will be held September 18th 10 am- 2pm Minnesota Avenue metro stop.
Project Alpha
Project Alpha October 15th Garnett Patterson
Middle School. Brothers should assemble at 12 noon in the library.
ALPHA PHI ALPHA, INC. MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
MAN OF MERIT/NEOPHYTE OF THE YEAR/ BROTHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS NOMINATION
TheC.C.House“ManofMerit”AwardrecognizesaBrotherwhohasmadeasignificant contribution(s)tothechapterduringthepastyearorwhoshouldberecognizedforconsistent exemplary service.
TheMarylandD.Kemp“NeophyteoftheYear"AwardrecognizestheNeophyteBrotherwho hasmostexemplifiedtheideasofAlphathroughcontributionstothechaptersincehis initiation.
TheBrotheroftheYear”Awardispresentedinrecognitionofsignificantcontributionsto Alpha,communityservice,individualachievementsandawards,and/orpersonalprogress.
NOMINATION DATA
Please type or print:
Nomination for; (Check one)
Man of Merit
Name of Candidate:
Address:
City, State, Zip: Alpha House
Our Alpha House is now available to host committee meetings. Contact Brother Speight to reserve adate.
New Members
Two visiting Brothers joined Mu Lambda Chapter.
Brother Larry Donnell Davis and Brother Robert Lee Cathey Jr.
Neophyte of the Year Brother of the Year
Telephone: (Home) (Business)
Date of Initiation: Chapter of Initiation:
Nomination Statements(s)
Pleasestateonthereversesidewhyyoufeelthenomineeshouldbetheawardrecipient beingasspecificaspossible.AttachaseparatesheetifadditionaispaceisrequiredFor Neophyte of the Year, compiete category A. For Man of Merit and Brother of the Year complete category Aand one or more of categories B,C, or D.
A. Contributions to Alpha (Chapter, State/District, Region, and/or National)
B. Contributions to the community (Church, business, civic, political, social services, other)
