The Buck Stops Here Louis Buck Elected Comptroller for Alpha Phi Alpha,Inc.
Brother Louis W. Buck (LM #2944) was elected Comptroller of Alpha Phi Alpha,Inc. at its 83rd Anniversary Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Brother Buck arrived in the city as aMu Lambda delegate with intentions of representing his chapter at the various business sessions. Unbeknownst to him was the resignation of the past comptroller and the special election to fill the vacancy. Brother Buck was prevailed upon by the Eastern Region Vice President, Warren Scott, Mu Lambda Brothers, and others to seek the position. With the assistance of Brothers Frederick Laney and Julius Brice, Brother Buck launched his campaign and entered the 3-way
race that included another CPA and a fi nancial consultant. All Mu Lambda Brothers attending the convention campaigned on Buck's behalf; Brothers Frank Finder and John Howard staffed the “headquarters” operation in the lobby of the Rivercenler Hotel. When the results were announced, Brother Buck had won by alarge plurality.
At the outset, Brother Buck asserted that while the fraternity had benefited from the policies and reports in the past, such analyses have not kept up with the current need for improvements that would insure greater reliability and
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'^smemhEr ths
The rivers flowing through downtown San Antonio, Texas and the Alamo turned colors of Black and Gold as the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha poured into the city to conduct the business of the 83rd Anniversary Convention at the Marriott Riverwalk and Rivercenter Hotels. Hosted by Delta Rho Lambda Chapter, General President Ponder and the Regional Vice
Presidents presided over the sessions, which were sometimes standing room only. Some highlights of the convention included the rededication to the commitment to build the National Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. In fact, funds were collected at all business sessions for the building
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San Antonio Remembered by C. C. Jones
Henry
Eugene Kinckle Jones
George B. Kelley Nathaniel A, Murray Robert H. Ogle Vertner W, Tandy
1989-90 Dues (muiGE i-m-.
EOiFiinii*^
Dues for the 1989-90 fraternal year are $75 for General fees (non-iife members) and $85 for chapter dues. Brother Ernest Smith will accept your check at the September meeting. Dues may also be mailed to Brother Smith at 5730 Blair Road N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011. Please take care of your fraternal obligation now; the chapter must forward Grand taxes to the National by November 1to avoid late charges. .tTT
Beta Chapter at Howard University was represented by neophyte Brother Brian Williams at the recent General Convention in San Antonio. Brian's rewarding experience of attending the General Convention will hopefully become atradition that he will continue in the years ahead. After asemester of study in Spain beginning this fall, he will resume his studies at Howard. Brother Williams is son of Brother Connie Williams of Houston, Texas, who is also an initiate of Beta. Brother LeRoy Lowery, chapter advisor, continues to encourage and support Beta's full participation at all levels within the fraternity and university community.
Omicron Omicron Chapter at the University of the District of Columbia was also well repre¬ sented at the 83rd Anniversary Convention. Brothers Aldean Pearson and Jeffrey Sellers attended. The chapter advisor is Brother Louis Harding.
September
Brothers Frederick W. Ford (10); Lee A. Tyler (15); Robert M. Brownm, (18); William M. Joyner (19); and John D. Roper (20).
Tipiria
Who was the last member of Mu Lambda to be elected aGeneral Officer of Alpha Phi Alpha prior to Louis W. Buck? For the correct answer, join us at the September meeting.
Newsletter Committee
Editor: William D. Thomas (363-7976)
Associate Editor: George R. Johnson, Jr. (654-2371) The deadline for submission of materials for the October issue is September 21.
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
Chaplain
Education Director
Historian
Dean of Pledges
Corresponding Secretary
Financial Secretary
Sergeant at Arms
LeRoy Lowery, in (291-3129)
Louis W. Buck (292-5492)
Robert M. Brown, HI (354-8018)
Curtis A. Hunigan (484-4944)
William D. Thomas (363-7976) Father Jerry Hargrove, Jr. (397-2525)
Melvin Clark (526-4662)
William M. Joyner (256-4714)
Lee A. Tyler (723-9220)
Louis A. Ford (723-8592)
Ernest L. Smith (723-7844)
Maryland D. Kemp (583-1261)
(pme^a Chapter
Brother Freddie L. Parker (1922-1989)
Life Member Freddie Lee Parker, anative of Hampton, Virginia, entered Omega Chapter on Sunday, August 20. His parents were the late Milton and Janie Parker. On Christmas Day 1948, Brother Parker was joined in holy matrimony to his beloved college sweetheart, A^es Jackson. Since his initiation by Gamma Beta Chapter-at the old North Carolina College for Negroes at Durham, Brother Parker had over 47 years of enthusiastic support for the Fraternity. He was also once an active undergraduate Brother in Beta Chapter at Howard Univ¬ ersity, where he earned his B.A. degree in Business Administration. He was employed by the Federal Government as an accountant and retired from the Department of Transportation with 34 years of service.
In Washington, Brother Parker was first amember of Mount Horeb Baptist Church and later Michigan Park Christian Church, where he gave devoted service as Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and Diaconate Member. He was actively involved in numerous civic, social, and community organizations in Washington: Michigan Park Civic Association; Capital Peers; Ardmore Village Civic Association; and the Amadours. His service also included many faithful years of
membership in Mu Lambda Chapter, where he served on the Social Committee, the Program Committee, and the board of the Beta-Mu Lambda Corporation. During his retirement years, he was active with the Senior Citizens Group at Prince Georges Community College.
Fond and loving memories of Brother Parker are cherished by his beloved wife, two daughters, four grandchildren, and host of other relatives and friends.
Brother Joseph M. Potent (1923-1989)
Brother Joseph McKinley Poteat entered Omega Chapter on Wednesday, July 19, 1989. The son of the late Fletcher Lindsey and Mary Pulliam Poteat, he was born on April 7,1923 in Leasburg, North Carolina. Brother Poteat was married to the late Pearl Lucille Poteat in 1951. He retired as acartographer from the Defense Mapping Agency with 36 years of service in 1980. An Alumnus of North Carolina A&T University, he held several offices in the D.C. chapter and was a former member of the alumni board of directors. In Washington, Brother Poteat was afounder of The True Gospel Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon, Superintendent of the Sunday School, and amember of the Male Chorus.
An initiate of Beta Epsilon, Brother Poteat was amember of Alpha Phi Alpha for over 50 years. He leaves to mourn his passing six children, four grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. Q after the city's induction into the Black and Gold experience. The schedule of the next three conventions is as follows: 1990—Miami, Florida; 1991—Baltimore, Maryland; 1992—Denver, Colorado.
3
Newsletter, Mu Lambda Chapter /September 1989
Ticher Tape ITIu Lainbda
Friends of the Rssociation for the Study of (RS fl LH) chose the Sumner School fl useum and FestioaI
tf of the group include six Plu Lambda Brothers; 'U iI Geathers; I
Charles U. Thonas
Ipons^ group, the New Vork Times about Lincoln University's Diplomacy, Brother Horace G. Dasson, Jr., former
This is one of the tasks,” he said “that Lincoln .Uhile fl u Lambda Chapter did not win an award this year fi fter lengthy
Rfro-Rmerican Life and History Rrchiues for a“Vear-end Event and in June. Guests were invited for dinner to help celebrate. Charter members iaB E. Calbert; Elaer D. Frederick J. Laney; J, Leon Langhorne; Uayland FlcClellan; and The July issue of Uashington Business in the Post spotlighted the plight of D.C.'s Superintendent of Banking^ Brother Edeard D. the only banking superintendent in the nation who reports to alegislative D.C. Council Uhen interviewed by the new Center for Public Policy and ambassador and Lincoln alumnus pointed out that only about 7percent of Foreign Service workers are minority group members and that many of those have lower ranking positions. He said that as higher ranking Blacks retire^ fewer and fewer such of fi cers exist In the senior ranks to provide replacements, must set about correcting, for the most Brothers registered outside of the host region^ the chapter was adequately represented at the San Rntonio Convention by Brothers Juliua Brice, Louis Buck, Louis Harding, John Hovard, Curtis Hunnigan, C. C. Jones, Frederick Laney, LeRoy Loeery, Elner fl oore, Charles Patton, Frank Finder, Uilliaa Robinson, John Roper, Ratthes Tassyn, Bill Thoaas, and Lee Tyler meetings on topics for anationol program for all of RIpha Phi Ripha, the Committee on Special Projects resolved that the program be entitled “Go to High School ,Go to College (Revisited).’ by the national chairj Brother LeRoy Loeery. Guidelines are to be established and disseminated to all chapters for their participation in this mandatory program. It is anticipated that anew committee on national programs will be formed by Genera! President Ponder to oversee this program and any subsequent national programs national fraterni ties, Tau Kappa Epsilon and Zeta Beta Tau announced on Rugust 22 that they would replace their pledging systems with new rules that emphasize “positive behavior.
In doing so, these 2groups become the fi rst to fundamentally change the way new members are enrolled, See the New Vork Times, Education page, Rugust 23 Phi RIpha was cited in the article as afroternity who voted at its recent convention to study Its pledging system fi nancial secretary who Is now at home after ashort hospitol stay. fl ay God continue to keep you in His grace
Orchids and best wishes to Brother Ernest Saith our
Lee RIpha
Happy belated birthday (July 8), Brother Edgar P.
UeI come to Uashington, Brother Jaees Keyes, who will be entering Howard Brother Elbert D. Gadsden has University's School of Divinity this fall published anew book, T/dff, which chronicles the plight of Blacks in America since slavery. (Uantage Press, 187 pp., $16.95)
Beginning with this issue, the “Ticker Tape Mu Lambda” will be aregular feature;contact the Editor/Associate Editor to submit news bits such as births, marriages, graduations,career changes, etc.
page 4
Alpha Newsletter, Mu Lambda Chapter /September 1989
Rreport was delivered to the General Convention in San Rntonio
President's Message (continued flvm page 1)
than ever. As reported to the Eastern Region Staff Conference Wheld during the LDI and Brother ■ Warren Scott, the students in fattendance were ajoy to work with.
In July, most of the presidents of fraternal chapters in D.C. met to discuss the candidacy of Douglas Wilder for governor of Virginia. Though we could not actively participate in the campaign as chapters, we all agre^ that there were many ways we could assist in Wilder's quest. It was very inspiring to see the unity amongst the diverse groups. Hopefully, there will be other Pan Hellenic activities that we can support in the year ahead.
In July, acontingent of at least fourteen Brothers from Mu Lambda journeyed to San Antonio, Texas to attend the 83rd Anniversary General Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha. The camaraderie, hospitality, and air of friendliness were just short of amazing. From the Brothers of the host chapter. Delta Rho Lambda, to the hotel staff, to the policemen on the streets, to the general populace of the city of 800,000, there was agenuine “niceness” that made the convention one of the best. The Brothers of Mu Lambda worked diligently, often into the wee hours, caucusing and strategizing on the successful campaign of our own Brother Louis W. Buck for General Comptroller, holding committee hearings on Special Projects, and generally going about the business of Alpha. You missed agreat time!
members of Omicron Lambda Alpha, arepresentative group of Brothers sang the fraternal hymn and welcomed visitors to our fair city. All in all, it was agood summer for reinforcing fraternal bonds, networking, and mixing with Brothers from around the globe who shared acommon bond—the love of Alpha Phi Alpha.
As we prepare for the 1989-90 fraternal year, we direct those recharged energies to the future. What is past is prologue, so we keep striving for tomorrow. One has only to be in the presence of Brothers like Raymond Cannon, past General President, 97 years young, to be motivated to carry on the legacy of our Founders. Collectively, with only aminimal input on each Brother's part, we can make positive strides toward improving the quality of life of our fellow citizens. The call goes out to each of you to actively participate in chapter affairs, remain financial, and reclaim at least one Brother.
Buck Elected Comptroller (continued from page 1}
understanding of the data used in decision making. With an outlined 6-point agenda, he made an outstanding case for his election to the convention delegates:
●That astricter use be made of the budget as amanagement tool to control operations of the Frater¬ nity; any major deviation from it must be thoroughly explained and approved by the Brothers.
●That financial reports at conventions must be clear and concise. If more than one report is made (i.e., comptroller and treasurer), adefinite relationship must exist between them. Also, the reports must present timely data so that the Brothers at the convention can utilize such for decision-making purposes.
●That an analytical approach to problem solving must be an integral part of each financial decision.
In August, the Pan Hellenic council sponsored aparty during the D. C. convention of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Along with □
As your executive committee and committee chairs map out an approach to complying with the mandates of the general organization, we solicit your continued support. The “vibes” seem to suggest that this is agood time to be alive, an appropriate time to serve, and the right time to show your pride in being a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. Hoover Dam can not surpass the energy levels of those recognizing that the time to help is now—those people in the dark will have the path to abetter way illuminated by the “Light of Alpha.” Again, welcome back! There is much service to be performed, much business to be handled, and lots of fun to be experienced. As one of the popular, late-night talk show hosts proclaims—“Let's Get Busy!!”
●That the Life Membership Fund must be re-evaluated to insure that it does not stymie the growth of our National Financial Member¬ ship nor reduce the commitment given to Brothers upon the completion of Life Membership payments.
●That we re-evaluate our spending policies and procedures for operations of the National Headquarters to insure that the most economical methodologies are being used to accomplish the requirements of the General Convention.
●That we put in place, a continuous review process which will require our annual review of the financial policies and procedures so as to determine
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page 5 Alpha Newsletter, Mu Lambda Chapter /September 1989
Buck Elected Comptroller
(continued from page 5)
whether they are relevant to current operations.
Although Brother Buck has had an impressive record of service to the Fraternity in the Eastern Region , his roots are in the South. He was initiated at Beta Delta, South Carolina State College (SCSC), whence several Mu Lambda Brothers hail. He has also served Mu Lambda exceedingly well as Vice President and as treasurer and board member of the Henry A.Callis Scholarship Fund. His education includes the B.S. degree in Mathematics, SCSC; an M.R.A. in Accounting, Anieiican University; and the J.D. degree in Business Law, American University. He is a Certi fi ed Public Accountant licensed in South Carolina and the District of Columbia.
Brother Buck's military experience began at SCSC in the ROTC. He has served with distinction in the U.S. Army in this country and abroad as training officer, briefing officer, combat commander, and liaison officer. At present he is partner in the accounting firm of Buck, Allmond and Company and Associate Professor of Accounting, University of the District of Columbia.
rCALENDAR OF EVENTS
September
7Monthly meeting of Mu Lambda Chapter, 7:00 P.M., Blackburn Studerii Center, Howard University: Election of Board members to Beta-Mu Lambda Corporation.
30First Annual Awards Banquet for the Ivan Farle Taylor Scholarship Fund, Shiloh Family Life Center, 3:30-6:30 P.M.; $25 per person; contact Brother LeRoy Lowery, 291-3129.
16 Black Entertainment Network Telethon; volunteers are needed; contact Brother Charles Patton at 486-2426.
21 Executive Committee Meeting, 7:00 P.M., 1724 Portal Dr., N.W.
October
5Monthly meeting of Mu Lambda Chapter, 7:00 P.M., Blackburn Student Center, Howard University: Fellowship and Paraphernalia Night.
19 Executive Committee Meeting, 7:00 P.M., 1724 Portal Dr., N.W.
Mu Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. P.O. Box 1993
Washington, D.C.
20013
Bro. Rudolph Harris 4407 16th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 2001 1
