SERVAHTS
OF ALL
WE SHALL TRANSCEND
IBDA TORCH
February1997Washington,D.C.MULAMBDAChapter,AlphaPhiAlphaFraternity,Incorporated
COUNTDOWN BEAUTILLION
by Bro. Rudolph Harris
THE VISION OF THE GREAT SPHINX -“Building Leaders for the 21 si Century” is the theme for this year’s Beautillion Gala to be held on April 26, 1997 at the Sheraton Washington Hotel. The Mary McLeod Belhune Council house -National Historic Site, the former home of Ms. Bethune which features exhibits and films documenting her life was the setting Sunday. January 12, 1997 for Mu Lambda’s Third Beautillion Class induction and first motivational workshop. Archbishop George Augustus Slalllings, Jr. of the Imani Temple on Capital Hill spoke briefly to the gathering about the Beaux Ideals; the personification of manhood, acommitment to the community and the pursuit of excellence. Brother Twiier Barker, retired Professor of Political Science and the workshop leader, reflected on our focus for the workshop -- the political process and how our lives are inextricably entwined with public policy. Craig Kirby, Director of Vice-President Gore’s Advanced Team, commented of his experiences as the Vice President’s liaison and noted significant mileposts in on some his young career.
The Beaux were part of the volunteers that participated in the Presidential Inaugural festivities. Arrangements have been made for Beaux, Brothers, and mentors to tour the exhibit, “From Field to Factory,” at the National Museum of American History on Sunday, February 9, 1997 at 3:00 PM. This Meet the Mentors Workshop will convene at The mall entrance to the museum. The Beautillion Committee meets Tuesdays at 7’00 PM at The People Congregation Church, 4704 13th Street, NW on the following dates: February 4th and 18th and March 4th and 18th.
HONORING BROTHER MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
by Bro. Robert Warren
Brother Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, January 15, is aday of special significance to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. It is aday when Alpha men throughout the nation and abroad pause to pay tribute to this quintessential Brother who gave hope, courage and encouragement to apeople in despair. Brother King opened and changed the minds of those bent on maintaining asystem of discrimination tantamount to second class citizenship for African-Americans. Brother Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, now anational holiday, is celebrated by citizens across the nation. In amanifestation of pride, love and respect, a myriadofevents,includingparades,prayerbreakfastsandtestimonials,areheldinhishonor
on this day.
It was not an easy task convincing Congress and the states to approve Brother King’s birthday as anational holiday. It took years of intense lobbying through letter-writing, special appeals, litigation and marches to succeed in having this honor accorded to this ingenious leader and drum major for justice. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has always been in the forefront of all these efforts, as Brothers spearheaded annual marches to the Capitol, held memorial programs on his birthday, and participated in ongoing strategic planning throughout each year until the Martin Luther King Birthday Act was passed. In addition, on October 3, 1996, the One-Hundred and Fourth Congress passed alaw authorizing the construction of a memorial honoring Brother King. This act was signed into law on November 12, 1996 by
President Clinton.
rCHAPTER UPDATES rCOMMUNITY SERVICE
Correspondence
ABlack History Program will be held on February 15, 1997 at The Arts Club of Washington which is located at The Mu Lambda Foundation has anew mailing address. 2017 ISt., NW. The event will last from 10:00 AM to Please send all future correspondence to Mu Lambda 1*00 PM, however, participating Brothers should meet at Van Ness Elementary School located at 5th and MSt., SW at 9:30 AM. Foundation, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., PO Box 116, Washington, DC 20044-0116. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter please call Brother James xhe Sankofa Project will be holding an Ujamaa Workshop McDonald at (202) 544-3542. on February 22,1997 at Seton Elementary School which is located at 10th St., and Roadisland Ave. N.W. The event will be conducted from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM by Wisson West. In Our Thoughts and Prayers ...
Brother Frederick J. Grigsby and Brother Kevin Norton have been ill. Let us remember them in our thoughts ?nd prayers that they may get well as soon as possible.
Public !.iiicy Concerns
Brother Gilbert A. Douglass
happening in the Metro Washington, DC area.
AVariety Show will be held March 22, 1997 at the Washington Nursing Facility which is located at 2425 25th St., SE. The event will last from 2:45 PM to 4:45 PM, however, all participating Brothers should meet at Van Ness Elementary School (5th and MSt., SW) at 1:45 PM.
The December Kwanzaa Celebration, sponsored by Washington DC chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and held in conjunction with the Sankofa Project was agreat success. Over 150 kids and parents participated in this event.
Currently we need more Brothers of Mu Lambda Chapter to participate in on-going service activities. If you have any questions and want to become involved in community service, please call Brother James Speight at (202) 582-4814 or Brother Ed Norwood at (703) 241-0313.
OUR STORJ
Since Mu Lambda’s last meeting, events have been with the passing of Brother Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday in January and the approach of Black History Month in February, let us take amoment to reflect on the 1) Local government policy makers are proposing to man who lead the way to freedom and dignity for millions downgrade The University of the District of Columbia of Black people in America. The following are honorable (UDC) to atwo year institution. Should this occur, what will be the fate of the Omicron Omicron Chapter (OO) of History of Alpha Phi Alpha: ADevelopment in College Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.? We must roar our voices Life, to decision makers to save both UDC and OO.
citations of Brother King in our own history book, The
At the Golden Anniversary convention of 1956 Brother 2) New programs and billions of dollars will be King was awarded the Alpha Award of Honor by Brother administered by the next U. S. Secretary of Labor. Can we Xollie W. Harris in recognition of “Christian leadership in help Alexis Herman receive afavorable confirmation the cause of first-class citizenship for all mankind.” hearing?
In 1964 Brother King received the Nobel Peace Prize for At the Founders’Day Luncheon Brother Edward W. Brooke his active leadership and service in the Civil Rights Movement. Upon receiving the award Brother King said, urged us to get involved...Have we forgotten?
The prize is atribute to millions of gallant Negroes and white persons who followed anon-violent course in the Negro’s struggle for equal rights. It is also gratifying to know that the nations of the world recognize the civil rights movement in this country as so significant a moral force as to merit recognition.
●Chapter Meeting, Thursday, February 6, 1997, Howard University Blackburn Center, 7:00 PM -10:30 PM 99
At the 1968 General Convention in Detroit, Michigan Brother King’s image graced the cover of the convention program in memoriam as he had been slain earlier that year. Brother J. Herbert King made the presentation of aportrait of Brother Marlin Luther ICing, Jr. As well, aresolution was adopted to provide for the consideration of apermanent memorial to Brother King, suitable to his great career of leadership and service.
Alpha Sweetheart Songs for Valentine’s Day
As Valentine’s Day approaches we are reminding Brothers to remember their wives and sweethearts. You may want to surprise them by serenading them with one of Alpha’s “Sweetheart Songs.
“Oh Sweetheart Dear”
(tune: “Genevieve, My Genevieve”)
Oh, sweetheart dear, the ecstasy
Of your fair charms so dear to me, Tis mindful of sweet days of old. Fond mem’ries linked with Black and Gold.
Can Iforget the hours we knew, When life was just adream for two. We strolled together all the way And dreamed of dear old APhi A.
Sweetheart of APhi A”
(tune: “My Buddy”)
Sweetheart of APhi A
From you I’ll never stray I’ll always be in love with you. And if perchance we part You’ll still be in my heart I’ll always be in love with you.
The tender love light gleams
Within you eyes that shine And from their depths there beams That good ole Alpha Sign.
Alpha Phi Alpha Girl
To me you’re all the world I’ll always be in love with you.
●Atour to the exhibit, “From Field to Factory,” will be held at the National Museum of American History on Sunday, February 9, 1997 at 3:00 PM for Beaux, Brothers, and mentors.
● The Mu Lambda Beautillion will be held on April 26, 1997 at the Washington Sheraton Hotel. Times to be announced
1996 -1997
President ~Vincent Orange
Vice President -Harold Payne ;
Recording Secretary -Alfonso Pearson
Corresponding Secretary ~Russell Brown
Financial Secretary ~Julius Brice
Treasurer -Curds Hunigan
Chaplain ~Rev. Paul Hoggard
Historian -C. C. Jones
Dean of Intake -Kevin Norton
Assoc. Editor to the Sphinx ~Malik Gaines
Education Direaor -Ed Norwood III
Sergeant-at-Arms -Earl Root
Parliamentarian -Lamar Arnold
Archivist -■ Louis Ford
Member-at-Largc -Arlestcr Bro\vn
Immediate Past PresidentsC.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.
Renew your commitment to MU
Pay your dues &join the list of Financial MU LAMBDA Brothers.
Adams, E., Avery Jr.
Anderson, George H.
Anderson, John H.
Anderson, John M.
Baker, Isham O.
Barker, Twiler W.
Bell, Ryle
Blassengale, Clyde M.
Bolden, Howard F.
Booker, Sylvester C.
Brackeen, Thomas C.
Brice, Julius H.
Bridges, Stanley P.
Brown, Arlester
Brown, Russell S.
Brown, Shirley D.
Calbert, William E.
Calhoun, Noah R.
Caliman, Alvis W.
Childers, William C.
Cotton, Paul A.
Dawson, Horace G. Jr.
DcLair.e, Franklin P.
Donaldson, James A.
Douglass, Gilbert A.
Eason, John C. Jr.
Ford, Frederick W.
Ford, Louis A.
Fowler, William E. Jr.
Freeman, Arthur M. Sr.
Gadsen, Elbert D.
Gaines, M. Malik
Geathers, Elmer D.
George, Theodore R.
Gill, Vernon S.
Goins, John H.
Gordon, Clarence R.
Green, Chester L.
Harding, Louis T.
Hargrove, Jerry E. Jr.
Harris, Rudolph
Haynes, James R.
Hawkins, Morris Jr.
Hicks, John D.
Hoggard, Paul
Hunigan, Curtis A.
Jackson, Leroy
Johnson, Campbell C.
Johnson, John R.
Jones, Clinton C.
Jones, Earle
Joyner, William
Kelly, John D.
Lambert, Frank T.
Laney, Frederick J.
Lee, Edgar P.
Lockett, Gary
Lowery, Leroy m
Manning, Malcolm G.
McClellan, Wayland D.
Moore, Elmer J.
Murray, Louis E.
Orange, Vincent B.
Parker, P. Ernest Jr.
Payne, Harold
Peaco, James W. Jr.
Pearson, Alfonso H. Sr.
Pritchett, Archie
Richardson, Robert E.
Roberts, Talmadge
Robinson, William A.
Rogers, Michael
Root, Earl V.
Roper, John D.
Safrit, Sterling H.
Sheperd, Robert C.
Simon, Alfred E. Jr.
Smith, Hezekiah
Speight, James T. Ill
Tappan ,Marcus S.
Taylor, Hosea E.
Taylor, Thaddeus J.
Taylor, Theodore E.
Thomas, William D.
Tuckson, Coleman R
Tureman, James R.
Tyler, Lee A.
Wade, Charles B.
Walker, James F.
Warren, Robert Jr.
Watts, James S. Sr.
Wilson, Clint C. II
Wilson, Yettekov
Windsor, George H.
Wood, Garnett E.