Torch Magazine June 2011

r The Torch

The Of fi cial Newsletter of Alpha

Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Mu Lambda Chapter

June, 2011

Message from the President

Brother Kwame Ulmer

Celebration for Us All

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. Acord of three strands is not quickly broken."

-Ecclesiastes 4:12 New International Version

Before you read further, Iwant you to examine the State of the Foundation, Mu Lambda Accomplishments, and Strategic Priorities Assessment.

Now,

When we look back at this year, we can clearly see that our success was not about one Brother here and another Brother there -- working in isolation. It's not even about "10% of the chapter doing 90% of the work". Look closely at the Strategic Priorities Assessment and think about the number of Brothers involved. Consider the Mu Lambda Accomplishments and how many people made this happen. After you hear the State of the Foundation, you will see that the Board -comprised of 15 Brothers -is reenergized. Yes, we can recognize that more than aminority of Brothers led significant efforts and made impactful contributions. It is more than 10% of the chapter that makes this all happen. More than 20 or even 30 Brothers are responsible for these successes. Some devote an hour aweek to Alpha (in between graduate school and full time work). Some contribute 20 hours aweek (in semi-retirement). For some; Mu Lambda is afull time job.

The plain fact is we do our best work, function properly, and meet our mission; when all our members are engaged. Whether you have 1year in the fraternity, 5or 50: your ideas matter. There is no time for putting any roadblocks in the way of any Brother contributing to strengthening this House.

So let that be the new truth.

Let us celebrate and embrace the notion that we are amighty chapter, where all can play arole, where all can get involved, and remind the world:

We are Mighty Mu Lambda.

Fraternally, Brother Kwame Ulmer President

The Executive Message

Chapter 2010-11 Strategies / Accomplishments

Beautillion Gala

Chapter Elections

Membership News /Beta

Chapter

Chapter of Year Announcement

Alpha Wives /Alpha Academy

Chair Drive Update /DC One Fund &CFC

March of Dimes

Paid Housing Assessment Update

Housing Assessment Form 2011-2012 Of fi cers

June Birthdays

Mario Simpson Editor

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Mu Lambda Chapter Strategic Priorities 2010-2011

Vision

Mu Lambda will be afully functioning chapter that captures the enthusiasm, expertise, and imagination of 125 black leaders for the better making of the brotherhood and community

Mission

We Develop Leaders

Priorities and Goals

Priority #1 Improve Membership intake, reclamation and retention

Strategic Goal 1.1: Conduct at least one training event on the new Membership Development Process

Lead: Bro Heck

Date: April 2011

Strategic Goal 1.2: Implement three reclamation and retention activities

Lead: Bro Riley

Date: June 2011

Strategic Goal 1.3: Increase financial membership to 125

Lead: Bro Riley

N/A

Complete

Complete Date: March 2011

Priority #2 Enhance Leadership Development Opportunities via high impact programs for the Brotherhood and Community

Strategic Goal 2.1: Ensure Committees are formed and have identified at least on activity

Lead: Bro Salter

Date: October 15, 2010

Strategic Goal 2.2: Conduct three social activities that appeal to the entire brotherhood

Lead: Bro Giles

Date: June 2011

Strategic Goal 2.3: Implement Brother's Keeper National Program

Lead: Bro Norwood

Strategic Goal 2.4: Implement all National Programs in addition to the Beautillion

Lead: Bro Bellamy

Complete

Complete

Complete Date: June 2011

Priority #3 Improve Foundation -Chapter communication and support of philanthropic activities

Strategic Goal 3.1: Chapter provide 125 ads for Beautillion Journal

Lead: Bro Ross Incomplete Date: April 2011

Mu Lambda Accomplishments 2010-2011

President Representing Mu Lambda

●Visited Widow of Brother Speller during her 106**’ Birthday

●Participated in several Omega services

● Introduced the chapter to Advisory Neighborhood Commission

●Presented greetings to Brother Cornel West on behalf of all Washington DC chapters

●Represented chapter at FBI award for General President Herman "Skip" Mason

●Attended Sigma Alpha Lambda chartering ceremony and placed ad

Building the House

Conducted membership drive, calling over 200 Brothers

Conducted Joint foundation/chapter Retreat

Increased membership; Projected to grow from 111 to 140

Increased Brothers paying Housing Assessment, increase from approximately 25 to 60

Completed draft Standard Operating Procedure for key activities

Submitted article to the Sphinx for the first time in several years

Established Grievance and Discipline Committee

Activated all constitutionally mandated committees

Strengthening the Bond

●Conducted Happy Hours (Reclamation and Fellowship, Networking &Founders Day)

● Hosted Omicron Lambda Alpha

●Hosted DC NPHC (Pan-Hellenic) meeting

● Hosted Football Sundays

●Participated in Area VI Alpha Week at Howard University

●Hosted Washington DC Alumni Chapter reception at General Convention

●Hosted Inaugural Mu Lambda Chapter Holiday Social and Toy Drive

●Conducted Programs for the Brotherhood on Faith and Business

● Hosted General President Candidates

●Host Granddaughter of Jewel Henry Arthur Callis

Serving the Community

●Participated in MAAC Community Service Project at the Capitol Area Food Bank

●Participated In MAAC Community Service Project -Damien Ministries Clothing Drive

● Volunteered at Martha's Table

●Participated In One Nation March (March for human rights)

●Conducted two Community Beautification Projects (Clean-the-Block) in Bloomingdale and Anacostia neighborhoods

●Conducted Annual Mu Lambda Foundation Henry Arthur Callis Scholarship Gala and Beautillion reaching 14 African-American high school seniors

●Conducted Alpha Academy reaching over 10 middle school African-American boys via bi-weekly mentoring

●Sponsored three Leadership development Institute (LDI) Ambassadors (high school African-American males)

●Raised $1,600.00 for March of Dimes (Official partner of Alpha Phi Alpha)

Lead: Bros Brice &Ulmer

Strategic Goal 3.2: Executive Board and Foundation conduct one Joint meeting Date: June 2011

●Participated in Black Barbershop (Black Male Health Initiative) providing health screenings to AfricanAmerican males in Washington DC area In Progress Date: June 2011

Complete

The MU LAMBDA FOUNDATION And Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Mu Lambda Chapter

The 16^^ Annual Mu Lambda Foundation

Henry Arthur Callis Beautillion and Scholarship Gala

The Mu Lambda Foundation and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter held its 16‘^ Annual Henry Arthur Callis Beautillion &Scholarship Gala, on Saturday, April 2, 2011, @7:30 P.M. The event took place on the of Howard University, at the Armour J. Blackburn Center, 2400 Sixth Street, NW, Washington, DC. The campus theme this year was "Destination: Success".

The Beautillion Gala honored the achievements of fifteen outstanding African American Male High School Students. The young men represented the finest achievers in their senior class. They were multifaceted, talented and scholarly. The names of the Mu Lambda Foundation's 2011 Beautillion class and their respective high schools are listed below:

Tyler Atchison -The Chelsea School

Malcolm Berry -Theodore Roosevelt Senior High School

Marcus Davis -Oxon Hill High School

Hussein Dawodu -Kennedy Krieger High School

Christian Farley -Archbishop Carroll High School

Xavier Hollins -North Point High School

Christopher La Point -DeMatha Catholic High School

Marcus Lee -McKinley Technology High School

Thomas Matthews -Surrattsville High School

Ke'von Miles -The Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School

Nathaniel Prioleau -Bishop McNamara High School

Jullian Starks -Charles Herbert Flowers High School

Taj Sullivan -The Chelsea School

John Tucker -The Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School

The evening's program included recognition of Beaux family, escorts and presentation of various scholarships. The Beautillion class experiences which began in November, 2010 provided these young men with workshops on leadership training, cultural and personal development as well as camaraderie.

The Beau's performered two dances during that night, the Waltz, with their mothers and the Tango with their escorts. Awonderful time was had by all.

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to ALL the Brothers who came out week after week to help mentor the young men and those who helped on the night of the event. Aspecial thank you to this years Co-Chairs, Brothers Mark Ross, Darrell Chase and Kent Benjamin for their leadership once again this year. From helping to organize the weekly educational sessions and securing the venu, to adapting to the challenges they were presented with.

And last but not least, to our own dance choreographer. Brother Adrian James, for getting the young men, their mothers, and escorts to dance as exquisitely as they did. It was ajob well done by all!

Alpha Wives

Mu Lambda Chapter 2011-12 Elections

There were 4contested positions in this year's elections: Chapter President, Director of Intake, Director of Education and Chaplain.

The final activity for the Alpha Wives before the summer break will be a"Saturday Luncheon", on June 11th at 1:00pm. This is always adelightful event, atime for Alpha Wives, Alphas, and guests to relax, socialize and enjoy themselves. The luncheon will be at alocal restaurant. All Alphas are welcome to join us.

\ Please call Modcstine Lowery (202-291-3129) for details.

Congratulations to Bro. Samuel Armstrong on being elected Vice President of Omicron lota Lambda chapter in Columbia, South Carolina. Bro. Armstrong, who serves in the U.S. Army, maintains dual membership in Mu Lambda Chapter and currently serves as Webmaster for Mu Lambda.

Congratulations to Bro Shannon on 45 Years of Ministry

On May 15, 2011 at Bush Hill Presbyterian Church, Alexandria VA, Bro Shannon gave his retirement sermon. Brothers, family and friends were there to support this monumental achievement.

Congratulations to the winning brothers: President: Bro Lowery Director of Intake: Bro Bell

Director of Education: Bro Bellamy Chaplain: Bro Hawkins

Beta Chapter

New initiated Beta Brothers receive their Fraternity Shingles and History books at the last Chapter meeting.

The following officers were elected for the upcoming 2011-2012 year: President -Valencia Barber, Vice President -Claudia Postell, Secretary -Charlotte Douglass, and Treasurer -Alice Scipio. Congratulations to the new officers. Also, thanks to the outgoing officers -Modestine Lowery and Mary Murray. We look forward to another wonderful year.

THANKS TO ALPHAS

We sincerely appreciate the support by the men of Mu Lambda during the year. Thank you for allowing us to use the Mu Lambda House, and for making sure that the meeting space is accessible and in good shape for our meetings (Arthur King and LeRoy Lowery). We also appreciate your attending our activities.

AOA Tags for DC, MD &VA

Chapter of The Year And Charles H. Wesley Committee

Brothers we need your help! The Chapter of the Year Committee is in the process of compiling information and we need committee members and copies of vour photos for the display. If you have photos from any 2010, 2011 fraternity event(s), we would like to have copies.

You may provide aCD with the photos or place them on a SD card. The committee will have the photos printed. If you would like to serve on the committee or share vour photos. please contact Brother Joseph Jones: 240-271-4641 or email waazaii@vahoo.com

The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity licenses plates for Washington, DC are on the road!!! Brothers interested in acquiring DC tags should contact Bro Arthur King at aking536@aol.com or 202.744.6624.

For Maryland tags contact Brother Vernon Dorkins at (410) 664-0911.

For Virginia tags contact Brother Chuck Johnson at chrlzej06@gmail.

Students from the May Alpha Academy Power Lunch, along with Brothers Neal, Salter, and Bellamy.

Thank you to all the Brothers that supported Alpha Academy this year. Your attendance at the Power Lunches was greatly appreciated by the students. You helped make the program asuccess!

Fraternally, Brother Sean Bellamy

Chair Drive Update

Brothers:

The chapter chair drive project is well underway. The Mu Lambda Foundation is accepting tax deductible donations in the amount of $100 per chair. You don't have to be a Brother to make achair donation; Alpha wives, friends and families are also encouraged to participate.

Upon receipt of your donation, your contribution will be permanently noted for all to see. Your name will be inscribed in gold lettering on ablack chair as pictured above.

Donated by Brother (your name inserted) or In Memory of Brother

Supporters to date include:

Brother Julius Brice

Brother Eddie Neal

Brother LeRoy Lowery

Brother Charles Donegan

Brother Curtis Hunigan

Brother Timothy Fitzgerald

Brother Arthur King

Brother Michael Brown

Brother Michael Brown in Memory of Brother Kenneth Higgins

Brother Michael Carter

Brother Adrian Vincent James

Brother Adrian Vincent James in Memory of Brother Robert "Bob" Warren

Brother Syl Lorenzo Shannon

Brother John Eason

Brother Louis Ford in Memory of: Brother Morris Hawkins

Brother Frederick Ford

Brother Earl Root

Please contact Brother Arthur King (202-744-6624) or Aking536@aol.com if you'd like to make adonation or to find out more about this project.

Mu Lambda Foundation

One Fund

Mu Lambda Foundation has received aDC One Fund designation. All brothers and others employed with the District of Columbia Government can now contribute to the Mu Lambda Foundation and the Henry Arthur Callis Scholarship by utilizing Mu Lambda's DC One Fund number. The number is 9556.

For more information on DC One Fund Campaign:

httD://eovernment.dc.eov/DC/Government/Data +&+Transparencv/One+Fund-fCampaien

Combined Federal Campaign

The Foundation's Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has been approved! The Foundations' CFC number will be provided this fall. Through this, any Federal Government employee would be able to contribute to the Mu Lambda Foundation through payroll deduction.

For more information on CFC: http://www.opm.gov/cfc/

march of dimes' morch for babies

Thank you to all the Brothers and students from Alpha Academy that helped raise over S1600 for the March for Dimes.

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

Cancer (June 21 -July 22) Gemini (May 21 -June 20)

Your element: Air

Your ruling planets: Mercury Symbol: The Twins

Your stone: Aquamarine

Life Pursuit: To explore alittle bit of even/thing.

Vibration: Intense mental energy

Gemini's Secret Desire: To be ahead of the crowd

Richard E. Batts Moses Boyd

Kent A. Benjamin LeRoy Lowert, III

Chinelo Cambron

William E. Calbert

Larry D. Keen, II

Mario T. Simpson

William R. Spaulding

Frederick J. Laney

Your element: Water

Your ruling planets: The Moon Symbol: The Crab

Your stone: Moonstone

Life Pursuit: Constant reassurance and intimacy

Vibration: Moody

Cancer's Secret Desire: To feel safe

(emotionally, spiritually, romantically and financially)

June 1 Derrick P. J. Thomas

Earl F. Hillard, Jr.

Mark S. Cruce

Marcell J. Brown

Jermaine Wilson

June 7

A. Ross

James T. Speight. Jr.

A. Gilbert Douglass, Usq.

Ambassador Ilorace G. Dawson. Jr.. Ph.D.

Timothy L. Fitzgerald

Rudolph Harris, Ph.D.

William A. Hawkins. Jr., Ph D.

Adrian V. James

19 Arthur E. King

At the January meeting, Iprovided you with the State of the Mu Lambda Foundation covering the period June I, 2010 to December 31, 2010 which included items 1through 20 below.

Inow come before you to give you the annual State of the Mu Lambda Foundation covering the entire fraternal year, June 2010 tlirough June 2011.

It has been avery busy and trying year.

Our accomplishments from June to December 2010:

Franklin R. Ampy

June 11 June 22

June 11 June 23

June 13

June 15

Eugene E. Kinlow

Gerard K. Williams

Gregory ABarnes

24 June 26 Antoine D. Tyler

1.100% of the Foundation members have paid the full assessment or the minimum monthly payments.

2. We finished the initial phase of the House rehabilitation and we are years ahead of completing the final phases of the rehabilitation. The second and third floors were not included in the initial phase.

Desmond D. Williams

June 16 June 27

3.We have passed all of the required inspections and have our Certificate of Occupancy.

4.The first fraternal meeting of the year was held in the House, as well as the subsequent 3meetings.

5.There are 18 Beaux and 25 mentors in the Beautillion program.

b.There have been seven Beautillion sessions in the House, including the open house.

7.We anticipate 500 attendees at the Beautillion Gala.

8.The properly insurance premium has been cut in half.

9.The Foundation's tax returns are cun-ent.

10.The By-laws have been updated to include new IRS requirements.

11 .The Fundraising committee is up and running.

12.There is electronic access to the House, allowing access to the premises without requiring aBrother with akey driving to the House.

13.There are tlu'ee desktop computers with wfreless internet access; telephone, cable, and Internet connections are also functional at the House.

Submit this form with your dues to the financial secretary.

May Meeting

Thursday, June 02, 2011

Repast: 6:30pm; Meeting: 7:06pm

If

into Mu Lambda: Date of Initiation ^Chapter of Initiation