The Fourth Annual Alpha Towne Meeting ,which was held on Thursday. October 13, 1994 was avery special event. It was successful in that it ful fi lled its mission of stimulation of lively thought and vigorous debate di¬ rected at the topic: “Redrawing the Lines of Equality.” The dis¬ cussion and debate were adroitfully moderated by the con¬ vener, Brother Ron Allen. Before the presentations, a call to order was made by Brother President C.C. Jones; the fraternal prayer by given by Brother Rev. Paul Hoggard; and alegislative briefing was made by Brother Ron Allen. The pan¬ elist invited to make presenta¬ tions and answer questions were Brothers Moses Boyd— Senior Counsel to the Senate Committee on Commerce and Banking and Joe Rogers— Staff Counsel and Legislative Assis¬ tant for Senator Brown.
The thrust of Brother Moses Boyd’s presentation surrounded the theme that presently African Americans ineffectively use their political clout— namely their right of franchise.
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President’s Message
Where there is truth, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bnng truth, Where there is doubt, may we bring faith, And, where there is despair, may we bring hope.
—St. Francis of Assissi
Greetings! In just afew weeks, families will begin the centuries old tradition of giving thanks for the many blessings of the last year. It is with this thought that Mu Lambda has much to be thankful for as well.
In October, we conducted the Fourth Annual Alpha Towne Meeting on Capitol
Hill. Many thanks to Broth¬ ers Ron Allen and panelists Brothers Moses Boyd and Joe Rodgers for their excel¬ lent presentations on the political issue of redistrict
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of AH" in the Nation's Capitol Since 1923.
The Downsizing of Mike Espy
Eugene Kinckle Jones Robert H.O^e Veriner W. Tandy
Chcfftes H. Chapman Nathan’el A. Muray
Henry A. Collls George B. Kelley
2
During this month. Mu Lambda is collecting the an¬ nual dues for the fi scal year 1995. It is imperative that all those brothers who intend to af fi liate with Mu Lambda send their dues to the chapter ad¬ dress or to Financial Secretary Bro. Julius Brice.
During the November meet¬ ing, the Budget and Finance Committee will present its fiscal year budget for your ap-
Towne Meeting, from Page 1
Boyd stated that the net gains of African Americans in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have largely been negated by Southern Dixiecrats and the resurgent republican party. He also stated that while we should increase our partici¬ pation in the legislative process as active citizens, we should be aware that African American politicians are still just that— politicians—who have private agendas. Boyd postulated that if African Americans vote and present a“united front,” we could have adisproportionate sway over Congress and na¬ tional policy.
Brother Joe Rogers led with a
proval. In addition, we will dis¬ cuss and give the fi nal ap¬ proval of the 1995 calendar that we tentatively have ap¬ proved during the September meeting. Finally, the Commu¬ nity Service Committee will out¬ line its program for the remain¬ ing fraternal year.
As the Brothers outline the Committee goals and objec¬ tives, it is important that we make some contribution of time and talent to Mu Lambda. Collectively, we can achieve all our goals and objectives.
On a fi nal note, the midterm elections on the federal, state and local levels will occur on November 8, 1994. Iurge all brothers to vote. During the Message, from page 1 ing. The theme: “Redrawing the Lines of Equality” high¬ lighted apotentially politically explosive issue. Once again, many thanks to all of the par¬ ticipants.
December meeting, we will bring an expert in to analyze the voter results.
As always, the Executive Committee looks forward to your participation at the November 3meeting at the A.J. Blackburn University Cen¬ ter at Howard university. At publication time, Iam sched¬ uled to be out of the country. As aresult, Vice-President Vincent Orange will preside over the November meeting. Please give him your coopera¬ tion and support. Please do not hesitate to call me on the Mu Lambda Hotline. (703) 764-2223.
diatribe against gerrymandered African American political dis¬ tricts arguing that they lead to de facto segregation which Is contrary to the seminal Brown VSchool Board. Rogers con¬ tended that "some would say that life under segregation was better, but that they have forgot¬ ten the dark and ugly side of the institution.” He noted that to create “pseudo” African Ameri¬ can political districts would in fact isolate us from the opportu¬ nity of participation as aminority in afar larger number of political districts— thus reducing our ulti¬ mate political influence.
Brother Rogers pointed out that through his political experi¬ ence of seeing African Ameri¬ cans elected in city and state of-
fices in Colorado, that we can win political races as minorities in majority whjte po¬ litical districts.
In response. Beta Chapter Brother Matthew Watley asked anotable question when he queried that since gerryman¬ dered districts surround distinct cultural communities why is it important what they look like? Brother Watley then asked what Is the injustice of having an African-American political dis¬ trict. Also, Brother Sam Thorn¬ ton stated that African Ameri¬ cans should stop blaming others for lack of voter participation since the registration laws are fair, and that we must be re¬ sponsible for voting.
3
Proposed Meeting Agenda
11/3/94 at 7:30-9:30 PM
Howard University
A.J. Blackburn Center
I. Call to Order
II. Fraternal Prayer
III. Acceptance of Agenda
Long View Negro
Emancipation: 1865
Sighted through the Telescope of dreams
Looms larger
So much larger, So it seems, Than truth can be.
But turn the telescope around. Look through the larger end— What was so large Becomes so small Again.
IV. Reading of Minutes; Treasurer’s Report; Financial Secretary’s Report Langston Hughes, 1967
V. Special Program
VI. President’s Message
VII. Nominations:
-Archivist
-Education Director
-At-Large Board Member
VIII. Committee Reports
-Community Service
-Budget and Finance
-Program Committee
-Beautillion Committee
lAi. Recognition of Visitors
-50/50 Raf fl e
-For the Good of the Order
X. Adjournment
Beautillion participation forms are now available.
Contact Brother Ruldolph Harris, 4407 16th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20011 (202) 882-5244 or Brother William Anthony Hawkins, 3046 Nash Place, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20020 (202)583-3211...
The Executive Board will form an ad hoc Assessment committee to prepare Mu Lambda for evaluation by the Eastern Region VicePresident or his designee. Brothers who are interested in working on the committee should confirm this with the Corresponding Secretary on the Chapter Hotline... Broth-
ers interested in working on the Joint Founder’s Day Pro¬ gram should Contact Chair¬ man Brother James McDon¬ ald at (202) 544-3542. Final arrangements will be an¬ nounced at the November monthly meeting... Brother Morris Hawkins, Jr. has been elected Chairman of the In¬ tercollegiate Athletic Com¬ mittee at Howard University and will also serve as the Faculty Representative to the National Collegiate Ath¬ letic Association (NCAA). Also, Brother Hawkins was elected to the Board of Di¬ rectors of the Shiloh Baptist Church Family Life Center. Foundation.
Re fl ections on the Downsizing of Mike Espy
Not all is fair in Washington, D.C.!
The Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Espy, was forced to resign his position in the Clinton Administration because, in my determination, he decided to take on the federal bureaucracy. Mr. Espy’s contacts with Tyson Foods Inc. were much less controversial though much more publicized than the surreptitious contacts made by the Secretaries of Agriculture in the previous two Administrations. These are not full ethical problems that warrant a probe by the U.S. Justice Department.
Let us not forget that Arthur Daniels Midland Company— alarge agribusiness and contributor to the Bush and Reagan reaped billions of dollars in
campaignsfarm support subsidies by its overt and
sometimes clandestine in fl uence at the Department of Agricplturc. The small gifts that Mr. Espy accepted were not illegal, and they were insignificant when compared to the illegal graft which exchanges hands in shadowy halls of government today.
We must remember that Mike Espy came to Washington, D.C. as ayoung, 35 year old congressmen from the dixie state of Mississippi to make adifference, and I believe that he has made adifference. Let us not forget the significance that Espy, as apolitician in his Mississippi Delta political district, was able to convince white voters that it was fine to vote for a black man.
Espy is apart of the political wave
which crashed upon our shores with the 1992 Presidential campaign. Espy docs not represent the old guard or the entrenched old boy system that is obsessed with maintaining status quo.
He is only a“marked man” because he fought against the federal bureaucracy that is out of control. Though avictim, Espy still stands for and has always stood for his ideals of fairness and responsibility, and as aAfrican -American, he has made a 'And still he will
impact in America. Look for him. rise.
On November 23, 1994, Beta Chapter will cohost a“Brother to Brother” conference in conjunction with the Howard University School of Arts and Science.
The Beta Mu Lambda Corporation Board is busy developing several documents. These include: refining guide lines for evaluating property, developing standards of operations for ad hoc committees, and expanding fund raising activities. The Board is interested in the opinions and concerns of the brotherhood relative to acquiring achapter facility. Please feel free to offer your suggestions by contacting me. The constitution of the Board has been revised. It will be distributed at the November meeting.
Dues are now being accepted for the 1995 year. Checks made out to Mu Lambda should be sent to Financial Secretary Julius Brice, 1429 Webster St, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017 or to the chapter address.
On December 9-22, 1994, Beta Chapter members will travel to South Africa to dance in “StepAfrika’ with Johannesburg’s Soweto Dance Theatre. Araf fl e is being held to raise monies for travel and housing expenses that will be incurred in order to make the trip. If you are interested in making a contribution, call Brother Derry Watkins at (202) 328-0272. $170.00 $122.00 $122.00 $95.00 $85.00
Bro. Deny Watkins, Beta Chapter.
Alumni
Graduate Student 2nd Yr. out of college
Life Member 1st Yr. out of college
Please add $10.00 late fee after November 10,1994, Bro. Morris Hawkins, Jr.
—Bro. Sam Thornton
SSvi. Xrfaxn.l>dA NeminB
ALPHA PHI ALPHA, INC. MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
MAN OF MERIT/NEOPHYTE OF THE YEAR/ BROTHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS NOMINATION
The C. C. House "Man of Merit" Award recognizes aBrother who has made asignificant contribution(s) to the chapter 'during the past year or who should be recognized for consistent' exemplary service.
The Maryland D. Kemp "Neophyte of the Year" Award recognizes the Neophyte Brother who has most exemplified the ideals of Alpha through contributions to the chapter since his initiation.
The "Brother of the Year" Award is presented in recognition of significant contributions to Alpha, community service, individual achivements and awards, and/or personal progress.
Please type or print
Nomination for: (Check one.)
Man of Merit
Name of Candidate
Address
City, State, Zip _
Telephone
Date of Initiation
Neophyte of the Year
Brother of the Year
(Home)
Chapter of Initiation .(Business)
Nomination Statement(s)
Please state on the reverse side why you feel the nominee should be the award recipient, being as specific as possible. Attach aseparate sheet if additional space is required. For Neophyte of the Year, complete category A. For Man of Merit and Brother of the Year, complete category Aand one or more of categories B, C, or D.
A. Contributions to Alpha (Chapter, State/District, Region, and/or National)
B. Contributions to the community (Church, business, civic, political, social services, other)
C. Awards and achievements (Fraternal, work, civic, church, political)
D. Personal progress (service to and among Alpha Brothers and Chapter projects such as Go to High School/College and Boy Scouts)
Submitted by
Name
Address
Mu Lambda Chapter BeautUUon Committee 1994-95 BROTHERS'
PARTICIPATION FORM
BROTHER'S NAME
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE NUMBER
ARE YOU SPONSORING ABEAU? YES
(Area Code) (Telephone Number) NO
PROSPECTIVE PARTICIPANT NAME
IWOULD LIKE TO SERVE ON THE SUB-COMMIITEE(S) CHECKED BELOW:
SELECTION
William Hawkins, Chair
SOUVENIR JOURNAL/PATRONS
Louis Ford &Bill Thomas
GALA
Curtis HumgaUf Chair
PUBUCnY
Denny Johnson, Chair
PARTICIPANTS LIAISON
Edwin Norwood, Chair
AWARDS/GIFTS
Ariester Brown, Chair
BUDGET
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
Rylan Harris/Paul Haggard
PHOTO/VIDEO
Chair
IHAVE NO PREFERENCE
COMMENTS FOR THE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER:
RETURN TO:
3P.M. COCKTAILS
4P.M. DINNER
INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR AGALA CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Sunday, December 18, 1994
3P.M. to 7P.M.
J.W. Marriott Hotel 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C.
womumj
While on the surface, the return of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide Is avictory for the Clinton Administration, there is deep doubt and worry in the White House. Amajor concern for the Administration is the violence against suspected FRAPH (Front for the Advancement and Progress of Haiti) members by the citizens who were once victimized by them. For example, after false rumors that Major General Jean-Claude Duperal planned acoup against Aristide, according to Haitian radio, amob ramshackled Duperal's mother’s house. In addition, mobs gathered outside of aU.S. Army occupied Haitian police station after aman was taken there for medical attention. The mob suspected that he was amember of FF^PH. The mob only dispersed when they were told that the man required medical attention because he was involved in adomestic dispute and that he
was not amember of FRAPH. Examples of the bloodshed can be seen nightly on the evening news. Another concern for the Administration is whether the U.S. Armed Forces actually disarmed the members of the former Haitian army
and populace as awhole. No doubt there are caches of arms hidden all over the country. The potential for civil unrest Is great. Presently, peace is only tenuously maintained by U.S. Armed Forces. What happens if the Haitians decide to pick up their arms and aim them at American targets?
But the Aministration’s greatest
concern must be that the Aristide government's human rights record is hardly pristine. The fact is that Aristide's government committed many of the same brutalities that the outgoing military junta government under General Cedras committed. Has Aristide reformed his ways? We must not only care about the plight of the black Haitians, we must also care about the plight of black American servicemen who may be caught up in an intractable civil war. Let us remember that politics as well as governments are mercurial in Haiti.
In the country’s history: 12 leaders were forced to leave the country, and there have been over 40 leaders In less than 200 years. American wants to be the policeman of the world, but is it willing to pay the possible price of possible bloodshed.
November 3 9:30 P.M.
Mu Lambda Sorority, Prince George’s County Monthly Meeting, Howard Uni- Alumnae Chapter, Queen Anne versity, A.J. Blackburn University Auditorium, Prince George’s Center, Faculty Restaurant, 7:30- Community College, Largo, MD. Tickets are $10.00. Contact: Dee-
tra L. Arnold (703) 527-0381. November 7Beta Mu Lambda 7:00-10:00 P.M.
Corporation Board of Directors Meeting, Howard University Col¬ lege of Medicine, 7:30 P.M.
STORIES, ARTICLES, EDITORIAL, AND POETRY CAN BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE EDITOR FOR PUBLICATION IN THE TORCH
PLEASE CALL CHAPTER
HOTLINE (703) 764-2223
November 16 Mu Lambda Execu¬ tive Board Meeting, 2222 Rayburn rant, 7:30-9:30 P.M.
November 11 Fraternal Social House Office Building. Confirm
Happy Hour, Foxtrappe, 700 Wa- attendance by calling on Alpha December 18 “A Gala Christmas ter Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. Hotline and leaving amessage with Celebration” sponsored by The AlContact: Brother James McDon- the Corresponding aid (202) 544-3542. 5:00-7:00 7:00-9:00 P.M.
P.M.
Secretary, pha Wives of Washington, DC, J.W. Marriott Hotel, 1331 Penn¬ sylvania Ave., N.W. Contact: December 1Mu Lambda Monthly Mrs. Lila Gordon (301) 929-8426
NovembCi' 12 “Step Show Ex- Meeting, Howard University, A.J. for reservations. 3:00-7:00 P.M. travaganza,” Delta Sigma Theta Blackburn Center, Faculty Restau-
