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 lms documenting her life was the
setting Sunday. January 12, 1997 for Mu Lambda’s Third Beautillion Class induction and rst motivational workshop. Archbishop George Augustus Slalllings, Jr. of the Imani Temple on Capital Hill spoke brie y to the gathering about the Beaux Ideals; the personi cation of manhood, acommitment to the community and the pursuit of excellence. Brother Twiier Barker, retired Professor of Political Science and the workshop leader, re ected 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 on s o m e of his experiences as the Vice President’s liaison and noted signi cant mileposts in 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
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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 signi cance
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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
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President Clinton.
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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