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ByBrotherLarryV.Norton,MemberAtLarge,MuLambdaChapt
Thefollowingarticle is abriefhistoryofHulambdapublishedinhonorofour75thAnniversary.Forsomeofyou,thismaybeold hatwhiletheyoungerbrothersmayfind it quitenew.Whateveryourposition,wecanallbereminded of theuniquelyimpressive historyofourchapter.Hopefully,itwillinspireallofustoslay"attheready”andmake light.
historyforourbrothersyettoseethe new
Mu I.aml)da Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha I'ratemity, Incorporated, was founded October 1,1923,intheoldBetaChapterhouseof2447GeorgiaAvenue,NW-thepresentsiteof the1lowardiuigiticeringSchool,l-oundcdastheeleventhgraduatealumnichapter,Mn Lambda was established in
response to the desires of the graduate brothers in Washing¬ ton, many of them Iloward University alumni, who wished to set up agraduate unit for thccnselves, and to eventually give aid to the undergraduate brothers.
c tl It was in this spirit that Mu Lambda was launched nearly seventy-five years ago, iuid has remained in the forefront of African American social and economic advancement ;uid equality,
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and1heCJiaptefcameintoexistenceina"taintedatmosphereandprejudicedsurroundings "its members wanted to join themselves together in order to seek to make use of theirunusedcitizenshipparticipation,deniedtothembyforcesstrongerthanthey when alone and working as individuals.
were,
Nineteen brothers signed the initial application to establish Mu Lambda and delivered the document to the office of General Secretary Norman 1-. McGhee, then employed in the office (jf tile Secrerary-’i'reasurer of Howard university, rother tunmett J, Scott. Mu Lambda's charter, dated October 1, 1923, was signed by the following, many of whom hadbeenmembersofBetaChapter;(1)AuthurCurtis,(2)MerrillCurtis,(3)VictorDaly, (4) luigcnc L. C:. Davidson, (5) Walter CTarvin, (6) William ],. Ilansbcny, (7) lUlward W. Howard, (8) Joseph R. Jones, (9) R. I-'rank Jones, (10) John IMward Diweiy, (11)
By Brother Melvin White, President, Mu Lambda Chapter
AswepreparetodedicateournewChapterHouseonSaturday,October3,1996, it behoovesustolookbackatatimewhenourpre¬ viousChapterHouseswereahubofcommunityactivity.ThefollowingarticleisexcerptedfromanarticlewrittenbyBrother].Leon LanghornandpublishedinTheSphinx,Summer1979edition.
After World War Iended and many brothers had finished college, there was astrong feeling tliar the way to demonstrate their fraternity loyalty was to organize agraduate chapter which would cooperate with the under-graduate body. Achapter-owned home would he ;m effective means of giving all members aconcrete sense ofloyalty. In 1919, abond issue was floated and alor was purchased on (Teorgia Avenue. Then, in 1923, tJie graduate chapter of Mu Lambda was established with twenty-four members, and the hrorliers bought bricks for buying of the new house. In 1925, Beta-Mu Lambda (anporation, the body responsible for Alpha housing in D.(l, was formed. Brother C. (L Ilouse served on its hoard for forty-one years, l.ater the Alpha lot was sold and this iTKjney provided the means for purchasing the first Alpha-owned house, in 1928, located at 19171 bird Street, N.W. lliis event marked the beginning of the second episode of the Washington Alpha stc^ry.
How Nu Lambda Began continued
Clarence H. Mills, (12) Nathaniel A. Murray (JewelPounder), (13) Norman L. McGhee, (14) Louis H. Rus¬ sell, (15) James N. Saunders, (16) Emory B. Smith, (17) Harold Stratton, (18) j.H.N. Waring, and (19) Charles H. Wesley.
Brother Jewel Murray opened Mu I^ambda's founding ceremony on December 23, 1923, by leading "The Lord's Prayer," as was his custom. After areading of the Charter, Jewel Murray and Jewel Robert Ogle of¬ fered expressions of congratulations to Alpha's newest graduate chapter.
Also present were four other brothers who had not signed die Charter, but were included as founders of Mu Lambda. 'ITiey are: (20) Arnold Donawa, (21) Daniel W. Edmonds, (22) Charles H. Houston, (23) Howard H. Long, and (24) Robert Ogje (Jewel-Founder). The brotherhood nominated and elected four brothers to serve as the chapter's first executive board: Harold Stratton, President; John Edward I^wery, Vice-
The House Brotherhood Built continued
enew, large, well-furnished house, widt.its beautiful grand piano given by Brodier Paul Robeson, became a meeting place and forum for alumni and college brotliers. It was renovated by fine architects. Brothers Cassell and Gardiner; it was ashowplace of community interest and usefulness. Mu Lambda brothers became involved with undergraduates in many phases of fraternal activity, offering guidance and help to the youngpr members, while renewing their own sense of fellowship. Despite the effects of the depression, they gave financial aid and spiritual support so diat the new members would grasp thelastingv^uesofAlphafraternity.
Thegraduateandundergraduatechaptersworkedto¬ gether on public programs, gave parties at the house and sponsored inter-fratemal basketball games and dances at the You Street Lincoln Colonnade, which were real holi¬ day events.
War clouds were looming across the land in 1941 and the government promptly requested and later bouglit the Alpha house. It was dieii tom down and Slowe Hall was built on the' spot, agoveniment-sponsored house for women war workers. 'Hie money realized from the sale of the house was deposited in banks and three trus¬ tees were appointed, one college and two alumni broth-
President; Victor Daly, Secretary; Daniel W. Edmonds, IVeasurer; and Jewel Nadianiel A. Murray, Chaplain, (^ver its seventy-five year history. Mu Lambda's member¬ ship has included many who have made worthy contribu¬ tions and rendered valuable services to tlie fraternity, the community, tlie nation, and the world.
At different times in its illustrious history, the Mu Lambda roster has included the names of such Alpha luminaries as Jewel-founders Henry Authur Callis, Robert Ogle, ,uid Na¬ thaniel Murray; national presidents Charles H. Wesley, Howard H. Long, Rayford Logan, and Belford V. Lawson; and longtime general secretary, J.I I.B. Evans. vSomc chapter members have become living le^nds in their fields. Abrief review reveals such notables as Charles Ilouston in civil riglits legislation; William 1lansberry in Africjui history; I*'. I'Vanklin Frazier in Sociology;’fodd Duncan in concert and operatic performance, and current Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry in municipal governance.
Mu Lambda has grown and developed throughout the sev¬ enty-five years of its existence. Tlie Chapter has, at times, been apowerful force in molding public opinion on cur-
llie third episode in the story beg^in nine years later when the brothers, with arenewed sense of togetherness, pur¬ chased in 1950 another chapter house—^an imposing (icorgian, three-storied residence at 1800 New Ilampshire Ave¬ nue, N.W. Chapter members gave ^^nerously of them¬ selves to make the newly decorated home aprofitable and enjoyable venture for alumni and college brothers. Agala opening, which attracted athousand people to the new $50,000hojjse,wasunderscoredwithnewspaperheadlines of the type, "Luxurious Mansion Opened for Inspection." 'Hiis was certainly the largest, the most attractive fraternity house that Blacks ever owned in the U.S. Alphas and other people —some of them nationally prominent -visited the house at various times. 'Flie image of the chapters and the national fraternity was one of virtuosity, achievement, and loyalty. Card games for the brotliers and bridge parties for the Alpha wives were part of the regular schedule. Indeed, the house was the center for many social, cultural, ;uid edu¬ cational programs. Alpha wives furnished some of the rooms handsomely. ITiere was abar, agame room, juid plenty of space for meetings and leisurely pursuits. An in¬ termediate chapter, (')micron Lambda Alpha, was fonned in 1952 luid their members enjoyed the facilities. Alpha diuices at hotels were social hi^iliglirs.
In the middle sixties, atime of national tunnoil, interest in theAlpha house waned; problems developed and the house was sold in 1965. ers.
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By Brother Melvin White, President, Mu Lambda Chapter
Welcome Brothers to the new fraternal year. 1luii very excited about our prospects for continued programs, and, for renewed emphasis on Brotherhood, our eternjil bond.
success in our
We have much for which to be thjuikful. As aChapter, we have endured for seventy-five years, enhancing the lives of the many Brothers who have passed througli this great Chapter and helping to make this beautiful city a better place to live. Ilappy 75th Mu Lambda! 1hope to see each of you at the 75th anniversary festivities ring on October 1st and 3rd.
Pven as we g;ither to honor our historic (3iapter, we must continue to work diligently to ensure its continued success. In aworld that remains hostile to those who would bring amessage of love, peace luid fairness for all of (lod's children, not just afew chosen elite. Mu Lambda must be astrong soldier in an amaaingly plex battle. Make no mistake about it, there is awar go¬ ing on in this criuntry and in the world. 1'hosc who op¬ pose our progress no longer physically block us at the doorway, niey -now use different tactics such as the relenting investigation and character assassination of those who would befriend us along with asubtle questioning of our competence. Further, using astratagem that literally turns tlie whole debate on its head, some of our adversaries eyi^i go so far as to claim that they lawfully are hllhj^ed at the hiuids of any redress that is accorded tons. Strange times indeedi
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riie C3iapter house that we will dedicate on Saturday October 3,1998, stands as atestament to our ambition as aC3iapter in the current climate of disengagement from those who need help the most. It falls upon shoulders to prepare the house not only for ourselves.
How Mu Lambda Began continued
rent, critical issues of the day. It has developed educa¬ tional and social uplift programs for minority groups; provided social and recreational attractions imd events, and worked with c()llege brothers in the furthering of uni¬ fied luid meiuiingful activities -demonstrating its adapt¬ ability to tbe changing needs and conditions of contem¬ porary life.
but jilso for our community and the generations to folh As we dedicate our house, Ihope that each of us will look within and rededicatc ourselves to the Pratemity's goals. Our house will be one of the shining jewels of areborn Washington, D.C., only if we make it so. To make this a reality, each of us must do his part, financially ;uid other¬ wise. )W.
Another testament to the great will ;md desire of Alpha Phi Alpha is the King Memorial Project. After years of stniggle, approval has been given for constniction of the rial in aprime location on tlte National Mall. Alpha Phi Alpha is entmsted by the King Family to erect the memo¬ rial. Erecting the memorial is one of the P'ratemity's "national projects." We must raise millions of dollars for this effort. Ichair the Eastern Region's fundraising effort. Before the Fraternity can go outside our ranks to raise money, we, the Brotherhood, must show t)ur commitment by raising the seed money fi)r the Project. All of us, indi¬ viduals and C3iapters, have been asked to give. Very few have donated. Amajor push soon will be underway to bring the Eastern Region into compliance. As a(3iaptcr, help to give me the moral authority to press other Brothers to give by being 100% compliant ourselves. It is imperative that we do not fail in this effort, 'flie world truly is watch-
ing.
In addition to the above, there are several opportunities to express yourself and to serve in this Chapter. Our estab¬ lished programs -community service, tlie beautillion, mem¬ bership intake, ail need your support. Reach out ;uid the Chapter will reach back.
We must remain ever vigilant. In (October, we will cele¬ brate with vigor our glorious past, but our vision must be squarely focused on future opportunities and challenges.
Mu l^ambda's story does not end, however, on the laurels of three-quarters of acentury in the service of jill mankind. As aleading force in the fraternal life and history of Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda must launch the next millennium with vigt)r juid purpose. Very few chapters can boast that there exists within their membership men who have and continue to shape and fonn the future of our beloved I'ratemity. As we celebrate Mu Lambda's seventy-five years of brotherhood and .service, let us pause for amoment of
1998-99 Executive Board
President Melvin White, (202) 462-3635 mwhite@mwe.com
Vice President
AJphonso N. Pearson Jr., (301) 630-5930
Recording Secretary
^■\ntonio Barnes, (202) 518-6829
Corresponding Secretary
Lamar Arnold, (410) 628-2819
Financial Secretary
Julius H. Brice, (202) 526-7368
Treasurer
Curtis A. Hunigan, (301) 868-5716
Associate Editor to The Sphinx
Editor of The Mu Lambda Torch
C. Bryan Williams, (202) 462-2595 basotho@aol.com
Chaplain Kevin C. Norton, (202) 546-2580
Historian
Clinton C. Jones, III, (202) 588-5641 ccjones@aol.com
Director of Educational Activities
Edwin F. Norwood, III, (703) 241-0313 btel@erols.com
Chairman of Membership Intake
James R. Heck, IV, (301) 853-2417 jkcjh@aol.com
Sergeant-at-Arms
Earl V. Root, (202) 544-5596
Parliamentarian
Dana G. Gresham, (703) 845-9096 dana.gresham@mail.house.gov
Archivist
Louis A. Ford, (202) 723-8592
Immediate Past President
Vincent B. Orange, Sr., (202) 529-4778
Member At Large
Larry V. Norton, (202) 543-2557 lvnorton06@aol.com
1998 Intake Class President
Reginald O. Salter, (202) 488-3797 bonaparte 1906@yahoo.com
October Meeting At Rankin Chapel
Tlie 75th Anniversary Memorial Celebration will serve as the regular October meeting. Brothers are expected to arrive at Rankin Chapel on die campus of Howard University no later than 6:30pm. All partici¬ pants will be expected at 6pm. Areception will immediately follow in the Blackburn (Zenter. We will resume our normal meeting schedule . Tliursday, November 5,1998.
Orange Ward 5Council Nominee
Congratulations to Brother Vincent Orange who secured the Demo¬ cratic nomination for the Ward 5Council position.
Grand Tax Increase
Tlie fraternity grand tax has increased by 25% to an even SI00. Chap¬ ter dues remain constant at S95. For brothers who have been inactive and wish to formally re-enter the brotherhood, areinstatement fee of ten dollars is added to die aforementioned fees.
DUES Are Due
Dues must be received on or before November 10,1998, in order to avoid any late fees. It is imperative that all brothers become finan¬ cially active as soon as possible. As Mu Lambda seeks to exert even greater influence in the region, we want to be sure our entire body is
Swing Carter Entertainment, Inc.
Swing Carter Entertainment, Inc. is atalent booking agency offering die area’s finest live talent and Dee Jays. For more information, con¬ tact Brother James T. Speight III at (301) 967-9464 or (301) 967-1035 (fiix.).
Designs Dot Com
Design Dot Com is afull service graphic design company founded by four men of Alpha. Based in New York, die firm has an office in Washington ,DC headed by Brodier Paul Woodruff. For develop¬ ment of websites, logos, flyers, or any design needs, please call (202) 483-3848.
Step Afrika!
Step Afrika is preparing for its fifth annual sojourn to Soweto, Soudi Africa, this December. Dates for the tour/festival are December 820, 1998. For more information contact Brodier Bryan Williams at (2020 462-2595
Mu Lambda Chapter Key 111, Fotmded October 1,1923
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 75™ Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Celebration
Thursday, October 1,1998 and Saturday, October 3,1998
Thursday, October 1
7:06 PM
Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel “MemcHial Celebration/Omega Sovice Residing, Brother Bishop J. Clinton Hoggard
8:30 PM
Armour J. Blackburn University Center Gallery Lounge Exhibit Opening and Reception
Inc.
Saturday, October 3
11:00 AM
Mu Lambda HOUSE OF ALPHA 2405 First Street, NW WashingtOT, DC 20001 “Ground Breaking Ceremony” Mwris Hawkins, Jr., Presiding President, Beta Mu Lambda Corporation
7:00 PM
Grand Hyatt Hotel, 11“* and HStreets, NW Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Reception 8:00 PM
75“* Anniversary Gala Ballroom
CONTACTS: LeRoy Lowery, m 703-284-2727 (office), 202-291-3129 (home) 202-806-4321 (office), 202-232-7265 (home) Morris Hawkins, Jr. Email; mhawkinsir@howard.edu
Diamond Jubilee Gala
Schedule of Events
Thursday, October 1, 1998
Saturday, October 3, 1998
I1:00 a,m.. Ground-breaking Ceremony Chapter House. 2405 Fii-st Street, N.W. (Free) mi
m
7:06 p.m., Memorial Celebration/Omega Service. Brother Bishop J. Clinton Hoggard presiding Rankin Chapel, Howard University (Free)
8:30 p.m,, Blackburn Center, versary Reception (Free)
5:00 p.m.
Beta Chapter History/Step Afrika Program Blackburn Center, Howard University (Free)
7:00 p.m., Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Re¬ ception &Gala. Grand Hyatt. 1Ith &H Streets. N.W. .Black Tie Optional ($75.00)
(To purchase tickets for the Reception and Gala, contact Brother Morris Hawkins (202) 232-7265 or Brother Leroy Lowery, III (202) 291-3129) . -f
Mu Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
P.O. Box 1993
Washington, DC 20013-1993
4407J6fhStreet, Washington,Dc' NW 20011
Bro. Harris