Torch Magazine March 1989

March 1989

MU LAMBDA Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated

D.C. Superintendent of Banking

Addresses the Brotherhood Message from the President

Brother Edward D. Irons, Superintendent of Banking for the District of Columbia was the I'caiuicd speaker at Mu Lambda's February meeting. He spoke on the is fi ties pf rpinvestnient PtCf bankers in the communities in which they serve, the plight of savings and loan institutions, and i.

Now that we are at the midpoint of my first term as Chapter president, it is agood time to pause and check on our progress. There have been several new initiatives started, some inactive programs were dusted off, and in general, more community involvement was instituted. What does this say about Mu Lambda and its *members? Another question also remains: are we moving in the right direction?

To answer these questions appropriately, we must first reflect on what the jewels had in mind when they founded Alpha Phi Alpha. They acknowledged that there was strength in unity and, above all, there are needs to be satisfied—a need to do more than

(continued on page 4)

Founders (Omega Chapter)

also of the need for supporting miroriiy owned banks.

Brother Irons stated that the banking iaUuslry is undetpoin^ its greatest change since the Depression.Heallribuicdthe developments in 1989 to 3areas: (contiitued on page 3, column 2)

Alpha Wives Host Inaugural Prayer Breakfast

by Wayland D. McClellan

On January 20, the Alpha Wives of Washington, D.C. sponsored ahighly successful prayer breakfast at the Washington Plaza Hotel. The theme for the occasion was “A Nation’s Search for Survival (The Homeless, the Hungry, the Oppressed) and a Drug-free America.” Bishop Hartford Brookins of the Second District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was the featured speaker. An Alpha man, Bishop Brookins outlined to the sold-out audience the role of each member

of our society in the struggle for equality.

Participants who offered prayers to the world, the nation, and the incoming administration included Rev. Lloyd Green, Jr. (Northeastern Presbyterian Church), Rev. Norma Blackwell (Calvary Episcopal Church), Rev.

Lewis Anthony (Varick Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church), Rev. Paul Abernathy (Trinity Episcopal Church), Rev. Ulysses Houston (Lincoln Temple Congregrational U.C.C), and Mu Lambda’s own Rev. William E. Calbert (Shiloh Baptist Church). Brother Marion S. Barry, Mayor of the District of Columbia, brought greetings on behalf of the city.

The Alpha Wives appearing on the program were Mrs. Edna W. McClellan, presiding, Mrs. Jennifer Grayson, who welcomed the guests, and Mrs. Lucille N. Polk, who introduced the keynoter. The group’s president, Mrs. Mary S. Kelley, presented a $2000 check to Brother Fred Laney, Chairman of the Board of the Henry A. Callis Scholarship Fund, the beneficiary of the occasion. Thank you, Alpha Wives, for the inspring program and the generous gift. □

Aquestionnaire from the BetaMu Lambda Corporation is included with this newsletter. The information is needed to ascertain the type of facility you would support as the “Alpha House” of Washington, D.C. Please bring the completed form to the upcoming meeting on March 2, or mail it to Brother Julius Brice, 1429 Webster Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20019.

1988-89 Dues

Remember: Dues for the Fraternal year are $85 for general fees (non-life members) and $75 for chapter dues. Brother Ernest Smith will accept your check at the March meeting.

Fellowship meeting

If you are interested in serving on the planning committee for a grand fellowship meeting for active and inactive Brothers as well as for prospective members of our Chapter and Fraternity, contact Brother Yetlekov Wilson (829-3970). This fellowship will be held on April 6in conjunction with our “Paraphernalia Night."

Name tags

With increased membership, there is aneed to resume the use of name tags by the Brothers. The plastic breast pocket name tags with the crest are available for $20 through the Sergeant at Arms, Brother Maryland D. Kemp (583-1261). He will have appli¬ cations at the monthly meeting.

Group photo

Limited copies of the Chapter photograph taken on January 5 will be available at the March meeting for $20. See Brother Ernest Smith for this colorful memento.

Chaplain's note

Scholarship Dance

Choice seating is still available for the annual Callis Scholarship Fund Dinner Dance, May 12. Contact the Social Committee Chairman, Brother Rodman Turner (723-3461). Your reservation deposit will be accepted at the March meeting.

Beta-Mu Lambda Corporation

Brothers are encouraged to notify the Chaplain, Brother Jerry Hargrove (397-2525) or the chapter president, Brother LeRoy Lowery (291-3129) when they learn of the illness of aBrother or atransfer to Omega Chapter. All are asked to visit those Brothers who are sick or shut-in. We also would like to know of widows of departed Brothers who need help. ling scheduled for

The Beta-Mu Lambda Corporaticn March 2has been postponed until May. Watch your calendar of events for more details.

Charity

Contributions to Mu Lambda's adopted charity, the Christian Action Center, will be accepted at the March meeting. Checks payable to the same may be also sent to Brother Frederick W. Jones, 5912 14th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011.

A9^ A

Newsletter Committee

Editor: William D. Thomas (363-7976)

Associate Editor: George R. Johnson, Jr. (654-2371)

The deadline for submission of materials for the April issue is March 25.

Mu Lambda Chapter

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated P.O. Box 1993 Washington, D.C. 20013

President Vice President

Recording Secretary Treasurer

Associate Editor to The Sphinx ... Byron J. Grayson, Sr. (966-7129) Chaplain

Education Director

Historian

Dean of Pledges

Corresponding Secretary

Father Jerry Hargrove, Jr. (397-2525) Melvin Clark (526-4662) J. Leon Lanehorne (529-3692)

Lee iC Tyler (723-9220)

Louis A. Ford (723-8592) Ernest L. Smith (723-7844) Maryland D. Kemp (583-1261)

Financial Secretary Sergeant at Arms .. LeRoy Lowery, HI (291-3129) Louis W. Buck (292-5492) Robert M. Brown, m(354-8018) ... Curtis A. Hunigan (484-4944)

by J. Leon Langhorne

initiated. These matters have been changed now.

rObservationS“The ChapterFraternityAlpha

As everyone knows, altitude is one of the great problems of life. We know that the good chapter is built through the Iwd wotk.df ' -=^ industrious hands, intelligent heads, and hearts that believe that there are rewards in belonging to the brotherhood. Some of the fraternal spirit has been lost in recent years. We are not gods or demons but imperfect humans who have some good sense of standard values, despite our varied interests.

We believe that the main function of fraternities and sororities is the establishment and maintenance of friendships. The fral is the place where men strive for understanding and support. It doesn't take afantastic performance to gain aresponse from fellow brothers. But excellence is aworthy goal. In our crowded world, there is little time for pettiness and presumption, jealousy, arrogance, and doing as one chooses. We all are Alphas, agents of the fraternity itself, and I think that we should act accordingly. All should have a part to play. We won't have good Alpha chapters and the understanding of what the fraternity stands for unless the hierarchy and membership are selfless and sensitive in considering the feelings and thoughts of each group—that is, if we are going to build esprit de corps and work toward well conceived common goals which many people share and cherish.

Awise old Bela man said once that for the sake of abetter understanding of the fraternity, the orientation for initiates should be lengthened. Iagree. Iwent through a5month period of hazing, orientation, and aselection process before being

Alpha kin and brothers have been at most significant events of my life, and Iam grateful for 60 odd years of membership in three chapters. Any charge that frals are irrelevant and not going forward now is certainly not true. But, on

the other hand, we must try to develop meaningful, unique, and interesting programs.

Alpha tries to develop the abilities of all members who want to uplift humanity. Its genetic mission is one of Service rather than commitment to social activity.

Irons' Address, continued from pa^e 1

(a) the confidence or lack thereof of the American people in savings institutions: (b) the ability of public perception to determine to alarge extent whether abank survives or fails; and (c) the inability of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to provide adequate funding if there is arun on banks.

“The FSLIC is broke,” he said, “but the banking industry is solvent."

The speaker also noted that the number of banks in the future will probably drop from about 15,000 today to possibly 1,000 in the next few years. The surviving institutions will comprise only the largest banks in the country.

Smaller banks, especially minority owned banks, will be the first to go under. Brother Irons urged us to continue to bank with minority banks, such as the Industrial Bank of Washington, in order to foster the broadening of investment power of such institutions.

Brother Irons commented on the Interstate Banking Act of 1985, which allows the District to take advantage of the trend toward

Curtis Hunigan (14); Yettekov ’Wilson (8). Please make sure thai the Corresponding Secretary ’has your birth month and day for Inclusion in our data base.

merging that is so prevalent in other parts of the country. He said that the law also provided for the regulation of credit unions, trust companies, etc. On the issue of reinvestment in minority communities. Brother lions stated that banks must lend funds to minorities and small businesses. He encouraged Brothers to begin or expand their interests in real estate because more funds will be available for development purposes. Business owners should also consider expanding their firms. Brother Irons urged African Americans to pul their heads together to develop the communities where they live and to patronize minority-owned estab¬ lishments to help insure ahealthy climate for such enterprises. □ from notes of Robert Brown, 111

Monthly Meeting

The March 2meeting of Mu Lambda Chapter will be In the Howard University Blackburn Student Center at 7RM. Our guest speaker will be Brother Hallem Williams, Jr., Director of the D.C. Department of Corrections. Histopic will be “Managing the Corrections Department during aCrisis.”

February Attendance

Three visiting Brothers were introduced at the February meeting: Aaron Copeland (Nu Rho); Ed Green (Omicron Omicron '88); and Jeff Sellers (Omicron Omicron '88).

Eighty nine Brothers were present.

Message from the President,

continued from page I—

just survive, but to excel; aneed to recognize that God distributed talent equally amongst all his people; a need to speak out against injustices perpetrated against us singly or as a people; and lastly, aneed to provide ahelping hand to all those less well off, as well as to our youth. It is with these thoughts in mind that we set our direction for this fraternal year—to “Make aDifference.”

There has been aconscious effort to diversify our activities in order to provide the maximum appeal to the Brotherhood.

Recognizing the wide range of age, experience, and interest, it has been my hope that the Chapter fulfill many needs and satisfy many desires. Because of our community-oriented activities, there have been increased requests for more assistance, monetary and otherwise, from outside groups. Fortunately, the Brothers have responded exceedingly well and have gone that “extra mile” and helped where needed. We are going to propose additional fund-raising activities involving those outside the fraternity to increase the level of support.

If you aiiended the February chapter meeting, any discussion of finances would bring to mind the presentation of Brother Edward Irons. There were many questions asked by those present, indicating a significant interest in his remarks. One area of possible chapter involvement would be an invest¬ ment group. Though there is a boom of construction within the District's boundaries, there is a distinct lack of minority represen¬ tation in the list of developers. While we may not have the wherewithal to form aconstruction company, it would seem that we could at least investigate what possibilities there are for securing a “piece of the pie.” Those interested in discussing such ideas are asked to call me (291-3129).

On alesser scale, but no less important, Ihave asked the Social Committee to research group discounts at attractions such as theaters, movies, and athletic events as fund-raisers and ameans of extended fellowship amongst Brothers and their wives or sweet¬ hearts. To suggest other ideas or to work on the committee, call Brother Rodman Turner, Chairman. We will continue with our thrust toward service to all mankind, keeping in mind that man does not live by bread alone.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

March

Beta Chapter inducted 13 men into the Sphinx Club on February 3. These Sphinxmen represent a broad cross section of Howard University students in their academic fields, athletic and recreational pursuits, as well as geographical areas. Beta is utilizing the model pledge program sanctioned b}' the Eastern region to insure that the Sphinxmen are well-versed on the meaning of fraternalism. Congratulations and best wishes to the inductees.

In the interim analysis, the Chapter's focus appears to be a good one and the support by our members more than adequate. If that assessment is correct, then the answer to both of the questions that Ioriginally proposed is that Mu Lambda Brothers are true, proud Alpha men and the Chapter is moving in the right direction—“Making a Difference." "oc □

2Monthly Meeting of Mu Lambda, 7:00 RM. Blackburn Student Center, Howard University.

4District VI Conference, Towson State. Theme: “Go to High School—Go to College.”

21 Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 P.M., 1724 Portal Drive N.W.

April

1“Greeks in Motion”—a step show show sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta; Mu Lambda participants are needed. Contact Brother Robert Brown, III (354-8018).

6-9 Eastern Regional Conference, Stouffers Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland.

6Monthly Meeting of Mu Lambda, Fellowship and Paraphernalia Night, 7:00 P.M., Blackburn Student Center, Howard University

18 Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 P.M., 1724 Portal Drive N.W.

May

12 Callis Scholarship Fund Dinner Dance, Shoreham Hotel

Chapter House Survey

Mu Lambda Chapter

Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.

Please complete this questionnaire so that we may assess our needs and support for aChapter House in Washington, D.C. Bring the completed form to the monthly meeting on March 2, or mail it before that date to Brother Julius Brice, 1429 Webster Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20019.

Name _ Address

1. What is your preferred location for a Chapter House in Washington, D.C.?

a. Northwest

c. Southeast

d. Other:

_b. Northeast

d. Southwest

3. If income other than membership dues will be required to meet the debt service and operating expenses, please indicate your order of preference (from 1to 4) for each source below as amethod for generating income:

a. Renting out office space

b. Renting out street level commercial space

c. Renting out housing (apartments, rooms, etc.)

d. Renting out meeting rooms

4

●What dollar amount do you think should be the ceiling for financing such afacility?

a. $500 thousand to $999, 999

b. $1million to $1,499,999

c. $1and one half million to $1,999,999

d. over $2million

e. other

5. How much of the current funds of the

Beta-Mu Lambda Corporation should be used in obtaining the new facility?

2. starting with the number 1to indicate your first choice, please rank each of the items below to indicate your preference for inclusion In aChapter House: $

a. Alpha lounge

_b. Archival display room

_c. Archival storage space

d. Bar

_e. Beta- Mu Lambda Corporation Office

_f. Billiards room

_g. Card /board game room

_h. College Chapter office

_i. Kitchen

J. Library

_k. Lounge (Brotherhood)

J. Meeting rooms

_m. Membership lockers

_n. Mu Lambda office space

^o. Other:

6- What is the maximum annual membership dues you would be willing to pay for afacility with the amenities that you indicated in question number 2?

$

7●Would you use such afacility at times other than for the Mu Lambda monthly meeting or a chapter sponsored function?

b. No aYes

8.

If you answered “no" to question number 7, please skip to question number 9. If your answer was “yes” to question 7, at what times would you likely use such afacility?

Check one from this group:

a. Occasionally during the week

b. Seldom during the week

c. Never during the week

Also check one from this group:

d. Occasionally on weekends

e. Seldom on weekends

f. Never on weekends

9. If you are amember of abusiness group, social club, or any organization which may desire to rent meeting space at such afacility, please indicate the group's name below:

10. Do you have any comments?