Torch Magazine December 1996

IBDA TORCH

December199BWashington,D.C.MULAMBDAChapter,AlphaPhiAlphaTratemlty,Incorporated

ONE BROTHER’S REFLECTIONS ON FOUNDERS’ DAY

by Bro. M. Malik Gaines

Dear Brothers, it is with great pleasure that Isit at this computer to write for this edition of the Torch, as this is our Founders’ Day edition. At first Idid not know what Iwould write: maybe asynopsis of the lives of our Most Noble Jewel Brothers, or arehashing of the events that lead up to the creation of our beloved fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. Then Irealized that these historical figures and events are ingrained in our psyches from the time of our initiation and revisited in depth each and every year at this time. Thus, Idecided on a slightly different approach. Iasked myself, “what does Founders’ Day mean to me?” I think this is aquestion that all Brothers of Alpha should be asking them.selves as December 4, 1996 rapidly approaches us.

When Ithink of Founders’ Day I remember the day that Icrossed the Burning Sands of Alpha through the Iota Beta Chapter on the morning of April 1, 1989 at 12:06:20 AM. After being shown The Light. 1. as well as my line-brothers, still could not fathom that our months of necessary initiation rituals and activities were over. Once convinced, moreover, by my former Big Brothers, I realized that Ihad just become apart of something so much larger and grander than myself. The dates that were emblazoned on my mind as aSphinxman now had adifferent impression on me. The date, December 4'^’, meant nothing to me before 1989, yet afterwards its mere mention touched a multitude of emotions inside of me most of which was pride; Iwas proud that Iwas a member of the first national, intercollegiate, Greek-lettered fraternity for Black men.

The next transformation that I experienced as aneophyte Brother was a connection to our Most Noble Jewels. As Sphinxmen, the Jewels were apart of the massive history that we were required to recite on command. As aduly initiated Brother, however, these great men took on epic proportions to me. Once again pride was, and still is, the only word that could describe the feeling of realizing that our Most Noble Jewels were my Brothers. Iwas apan of the legacy of Alpha Phi Alpha which they established

not even expected to attend liberal arts colleges and universities, and especially not major White institutions. Our Most Noble Jewel Brothers rose above the prejudices and ostracism of their environment at Cornell University, and came together in strength to form Alpha Phi Alpha. It has been this type of effort and perseverance on the part of the Jewels that has continued to inspire me in my personal, academic, and professional life over the past seven and ahalf years of my membership in the Brotherhood.

Although “College days swiftly pass, imbued with mem’ries fond,” Founders’ Day remains an important part of my life as an Alumni Brother. The annual celebration of Founders’ Day is aritualistic renewal of our fraternal values of “manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind” which are universal and timeless. Founders’ Day is acelebration of our fraternal spirit which binds all Brothers together regardless of when, where, and how they were made. Founders’ Day is also cur day to pay tribute to those men who were not afraid “in the fell clutch of circumstance.

1996 let us commemorate Alpha Phi Alpha’s 90‘f’ birthday in our hearts, and express our fraternal love and admiration for our Most Noble Jewel Brothers.

FOUNDERS’ DAY ^

fraternity. Live entertainment will be provided by New York City’s Michael Noel Price Quartet. For more information, please contact Brother Fred Laney at (202) 882-8059. Mu Lambda Founders’ Day Luncheon

Keynote Speaker: Brother Edward W. Brooke

On December 7, 1996, Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will celebrate Founders’ Day with aluncheon at the Fort McNair Of fi cer’s Club at 4th and P Streets, SW, Washington, DC. The keynote speaker for this event will be Brother Edward W. Brooke, former United States Senator.

Edward William Brooke was born October 26, 1919 in Washington, DC, where he attended Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School and graduated with aBachelor of Science degree from Howard University in 1941. After leaving Howard, Brooke served in Europe as an Infantry Captain with the United States Army during World War II, receiving the Distinguished Service Award and the Bronze Star. He relumed to the United States to study at Boston University Law School where he served as Editor of the Boston University Law Review and received both aBachelor of Laws and aMaster of Laws degree.

Brother Brooke practiced law in Massachusetts before entering public office, where he was appointed Chairman of the Boston Finance Commission and elected to two terms as the Attorney General of Massachusetts. In 1966 he was elected to two terms as aUnited States Senator from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where he was the Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, the Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Appropriations, and amember of the Joint Committee on Defense Production and the Special Committee on Aging. His extensive writings on legal and political issues have appeared in both professional journals and news publications. Included among his major publications is the book Challenge of Change; Crisis in Our Two-Party System.

Apartner in the law firm of O’ Connor &Hannan in Washington, DC, Brother Brooke is also associated with the firm of Csaplar &Bok in Boston and Bear, Stems and E.F. Hutton in New York. Throughout his illustrious career. Brother Brooke has complemented professional service with acontinuing commitment to civic and cultural organizations. He was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha in 1941 at Howard University through Beta Chapter. Alife member of the fraternity. Brother Brooke has served as President of Beta Chapter, Eastern Region Vice-President, Lay member of the Executive Council, and was the recipient of the Alpha Award of Merit. He is also the recipient of the NAACP Spingam Medal and is aAmerican Bar Association and American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow. Brother Brooke has received honorary degrees from over thirty colleges and universities, including Morehouse College, Xavier University, Hampton University, Howard University, Boston University, Johns Hopkins University, George Washington University, and the Catholic University of America. He is Chairman of the Board of the Boston Bank of Commerce, amember of the Board of Directors of Grumman Corporation, and aTrustee of Boston and Northeastern universities. Brother Brooke is also Chairman of the Board of the Boston Opera Company, Chairman of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, and amember of the Board of Directors of the Washington Performing Arts Society.

The Luncheon will begin with aGathering, Champagne Punch at Ham. Special guests will include Brother Todd Duncan and Mrs. Charlotte Wesley Holloman, daughter the late Brother Charles Wesley, former Mu Lambda Chapter President and General President of the

rNATIONAL NEWS ]

Congress Authorizes King Memorial After 12 Year Struggle

After 12 years of struggle and rejection by four previous Congresses, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has finally received authorization to begin anational fund-raising campaign and design competition for amemorial honoring Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On October 3, 1996 Congress authorized construction of Brother King’s memorial on federal land in Washington, DC. This authorization is contained in Section 508 of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act, which passed the House unanimously and “slipped through the Senate quietly.”

According to Brother George H. Sealey, Jr., who chaired this historic effon, the bill passed at exactly 5:15 PM, following more than four days of Senate debate and discussion, and was forwarded to the White House. Newly re-elected President Bill Clinton has since signed the bill into law.

It is hoped that the memorial will be located on the Mall near the Lincoln Memorial; final site determination, however, will be made by the Department of the Interior in consultation with the National Parks and Planning Commission. Brother Sealey also indicated the design competition will be announced on Dr. King’s birthday, January 15, 1997.

Town Meeting An Engaging Affair: Area Alphas Take Policy-makers to Task

“There are issues that we need to be involved in and that we need to do something about, resonated Campbell Johnson, Chairman of Mu Lambda’s Public Policy Committee, setting the tone for the 1996 Town Meeting at One Judiciary Square. This year’s Town Meeting focused on developing strategies to advance African American public policy issues locally, statewide, and nationally. “We need to be about a focus in setting the direction,” implored Major F. Riddick, Jr., Chief of Staff for the State of Maryland and speaker of the evening. Major Riddick urged the audience of Alphas and guests from all over the Washington metropolitan area to develop inside/outside strategies to bring African American public policy issues to the forefront of the American political landscape and become more effective, competitive, and entrepreneurial in charting the direction of our people.

The evening also included apanel discussion featuring Dr. Ronald Walters of the University of Maryland as the moderator; Brother Arlesier Brown, United Methodist Minister; Brother Horace G. Dawson, Jr., Ambassador and Director of the Patricia Roberts Harris Public Affairs Program; Nathaniel Exum, Prince George’s County Delegate; Brother C.C. Jones III, United Slates Senate; Brother Isaiah Leggett, Montgomery County Council member At-Large; Brother Michael Rogers, District of Columbia City Administrator; and Brother James Wright, Afro-American Newspapers Reporter. After brief statements from each participant, the audience engaged the panelists, taking these sundry policy makers to task on the issues facing their communities and the nation well into the evening.

Mu Lambda College Fair ASuccess

Over 20 Colleges And Universities Participate h Calendar of Events:

The Mu Lambda College Fair at Metropolitan Baptist Church was asmashing success complete with Black and Old Gold balloons and the colorful banners of the over 20 colleges and universities participating this year. Students and parents had the opportunity to talk to recruiters representing historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Virginia, Maryland. Many Brothers recruited for their schools. Aspecial thanks to the committee members. Brother James Heck and Brother Larry Norton, as well as the many other Brothers that came to lend their support.

Correspondence

Brother Rheii Lucas was aco-keynote speaker along with Brother Dr. Henry Ponder, President of the National Association of Equal Opportunity in Higher Education and Past President of Alpha Phi Alpha, and Dr. Reed Tuckson, President of The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, for the third annual African American HIV/AIDS Summer Training Institute. This event was held in Los Angeles, CA on August 18-23, 1996 in conjunction with the American Red Cross.

rDEARLY DEPARTED ]

Omega Chapter

We regret to announce the recent passing of Brother Charles Franklin and Brother Charles Morgan.

rCOMMUNITTY SERVICE ]

Kwanzaa Celebration, December 23, 1996,2 PM -5PM at Seton Elementary School on lOlh St. and Rhode Island Ave., NW

Career Day, January 18. 1996. Brothers are needed to participate. For more information, please contact Brother James Speight at (202) 582-4814

OUR STORY

1) What is the date and location of the founding of MA Chapter?

2) What is the key number of MA Chapter?

3) The official colors of Alpha Phi Alpha are

4) What Brother from Alpha Chapter researched ancient Egypt and Ethiopia to develop the fraternity’s rituals and symbols?

5) What is the significance of the date, October 23, 1906.

6) What two Jewel Brothers were charter members of MA Chapter.

7) The first General Convention of Alpha was hosted in 1908 Chapter at

●Beautillion Reception, December 5, 1996, Howard University Blackburn Center Gallery Room, 6:30 PM -7:30 PM

●Chapter Meeting, December 5, 1996, Howard University Blackburn Center, 7:30 PM -10:30 PM

● Mu Lambda Foundation Annual Meeting, Decembers, 1996, Howard University Blackburn Center -9:00 PM

●Founders’ Day Luncheon December 7, 1996. Fort McNair Of fi cer’s Club 4th &PSt. S.W. Washington, D.C. ~11:00 AM

The Alpha Wives of Washington, DC will be presenting

●Christmas Gala on Friday, December 20, 1996 from 3PM to 10 PM at The Carr’s Home. For more information call Ella Green at (301) 439-9704.

●Inaugural Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, January 18, 1997 from 8:30 AM -10:30 AM in the Pavilion Room of the Omni

Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St., NW, Washington, DC. For more information call Lynnette Haynes (202) 291 -3299

President -Vincent Orange

Vice President -Harold Payne

Recording Secretary -Alfonso Pearson

Corresponding Secretary' ~Russell Brown

Financial Secretary' ~Julius Brice

Treasurer ~Curtis Hunigan

Chaplain ~Rev. Paul Hoggard

Historian ~C. C. Jones

Dean of Intake -Kevin Norton

Assoc. Editor to the Sphinx ~Malik Gaines

Education Director -Ed Norwood III

Sergeant-at-Arms -Earl Root

Parliamentarian -Lamar Arnold

Archivist ~Louis Ford

Member-at-Large -Arlester Brown

Immediate Past Presidents ~ C.C. Jones III

Morris Hawkins, Jr

96 Intake Class Pres. ~Michael D. Stallings ...

STAFF NOTES

Please send all correspondence for the Mu Lambda Torch to Brother M. Malik Gaines, Editor of the Torch, at 126 Michigan Ave., NE, Apt. N44, Washington, DC 20017. Bro. Gaines can also be reached via e-mail at mig@cldc.howard.edu. All correspondence should be received by the 15**' day of each month in order to comply with the Torch’s editorial and production schedule. In order to continue receiving the Torch, please forward all address changes to Brother Russell Brown by one of the following methods: 1) via the Chapter hotline, 2) by mailing your new address information to the Chapter at PO Box 1993, Washington, DC 20013; 3) by calling Brother Brown at (202) 265-1433. and University. by

R.enew your commitment to MU

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Adams, E. Avery Jr.

Anderson, George H.

Anderson, John H.

Arnold, Lamar

Baker, Isham

Ballou, Jeff

Barker, Twiler \V.

Barry, Marion S. Jr.

Bell, Ryle

Bennett, Carl

Blassengale, Clyde

Bolden, Howard F.

Booker, Sylvester. C.

Boyd, Moses

Brackeen, Thomas C.

Bradley, Carl M.

Branche, Glennwood J.

Brice, Julius H.

Bridges, Stanley R

Brow'n, Arlester

Brown, Russell S.

Brown, Shirley D.

Brown, Wesley A.

Calbert, William E.

Calhoun, Noah R.

Caliman, Alvis W.

Carr, Albert

Childers, William C.

Cooper Clement J.

Copeland, Aaron

Cotton, Paul

Dawson, Horace G. Jr.

DeLaine, Franklin P.

Dodson, Norris A. Ill

Donaldson, James A.

Douglass, Gilbert A.

Eason, John C. Jr.

English, Richard

Evans, Dorsey

Fleming, Jeffery S.

Flowers, Ronald S.

Finney, Claude S.

Ford, Frederick W.

Ford, Louis A.

Fowler, William E. Jr.

Freeman, Arthur M. Sr.

Gadsden, Elbert D.

Gaines, Michael M.

Geathers, Elmer D.

Gill, Vernon S.

Goins, John H.

Gordon, Clarence R.

Grayson, Byron J.

Green, Chester L.

Harding, Louis T.

Hargrove, Jerry E. Jr.

Harris, Rudolph

Harris, Rylan

Hawkins, Morris Jr.

Hawkins, W. A.

Haynes, James R,

Heck, James R.

Heman-Ackah, Samuel M.

Hicks, John D.

Higgins, Kenneth

Hoggard, J. Clinton

Hoggard, Paul S.

Honesty, Cyrus M.

Horton, Allen

Hunigan, Curtis A.

Jackson, Leroy

Jones, C. C.

Johnson, Campbell C.

Johnson, David T.

Kelly, John

Lambert, Frank T.

Laney, Frederick J.

Langhorne, J. Leon

Lee, Edgar P.

Lewis, Delano E.

Lowery, Leroy III

Lucas, Rhett

Manning, Malcolm G.

McClellan, Wayland D.

McDonald, James F.

McGriff, Lloyd T.

Mitchell, Elmer F.

Monroe, Jeffrey D.

Montgomery, Lawrence

Moore, Elmer J.

Murrav, Louis E.

Neal, Eddie W.

Norton, Kevin C.

Norton, Larry V.

Norwood, Edwin F. Ill

Oates, Patrick

Orange, Vincent B.

Parker, P. Ernest Jr.

Payne, Harold

Peaco, James Jr.

Pearson, Alfonso N. Sr.

Prentice, Isaac L.

Roberts, Talmadge Robinson, Quintan W. Robinson, William A. Rogers, Michael Root, Earl V. Roper, John D.

Safrit, Sterling H. Scipio, Rudolph Scott, Samuel T. Jr. Shepherd, Robert C. Simons, Alfred E. Jr.

Smith, Hezekiah Speller,WesleyB. Stallings, Michael D. Tappan, Steve M. Taylor, Hosea E. Taylor, Thaddeus Taylor, Theodore E. Thomas, William D. Thornton, Sam Tuckson, Coleman R, Tucker, Sterling Tyler, Lee A. Wade, Charles B. Warren, Robert Jr. Watts, James S. Sr. Webber, Paul III Wells, Andre White, Melvin Williams, David J. Williams, Wavne K. Wilson, Clint C. II Wilson, James 0. Windsor, George H. Wood, Garnett E.

■ Please note that the deadline for jj 1996-1997 national dues was IMovember 15. 1996. Mow that this date has passed, alate

schedule of dues listed below. The

December 31. 1996. To avoid a