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Tfc Torcf^ T^eof cialNewsletterof Mu Lambda Chapter AlphaphiAlphaFraternity^Inc. 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 level that 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”, con ict with work and school schedules, not interested, or “my vote” does not matter. Alpha
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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
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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
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