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Journal Winter/Spring 2015

The Official Newsletter of the Eastern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

#AllLivesMatter Racial Biasness in the American Justice System Awakens a Nation & The Events that led to Protests for Michael Brown & Eric Garner

Vol. I | Issue III

Winter/Spring 2015: Vol. 1, Edition 3

CONTENTS Inside this Issue Announcements Page 2 All Lives Matter Page 4

Founders Day Photos Page 7

Senator Edward Brooke Page 8

District News Page 10

STAFF Director of Communications Bro. Ramon E. Peralta, Jr.

Editor -In- Chief Bro. Rakeem Mosey

Graphic Design Bro. Byron Holly

Cover Photo/AllLivesMatter Bro. Byron Holly

Submission Guidelines If you would like to contribute to the AlphaEast Journal with your chapter’s news, please submit a brief summary that details the article and why you think the information would be pertinent to the region’s brotherhood. Please include: • • • • •

Author’s Name Chapter District Text should be a maximum of 150 words Photographs should accompany written submissions (captioned with all brothers photographed) Please submit in Microsoft Word accompanied by photos or artwork of high resolution (300 dpi) attachments (no bigger than 10 MB).

Please note: chapter newsletters are not considered acceptable submissions.

Contributors

Bro. Lucien Metellus, NYACOA Bro. Gregory Parks, J.D. Bro. Norman Graham Bro. Kenton Meronard Bro. Jumaanne Bradford Bro. Zack Hawkins Bro.. Kerry Johnson Bro. S. Devaughn Carter Bro. Desmond Rice Bro. Rashid Darden

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Announcements

Winter/Spring 2015: Vol. 1, Edition 3

Bro. Gregory S. Parks to release new book Bro. Gregory Parks has completed his most recent published work, Invictus: Hazing & the Future of Black Greek-Letter Organizations. The book is intended to provide a detailed look at the history and culture around the issue. As a lawyer and psychologist, he provides a detailed analysis of the legal challenges that BGLO members, organizations, and other interested parties/actors face when grappling with this issue from both criminal and civil perspectives. He also provides detailed insights into the psychology behind why hazing persists. It’s time for meaningful solutions around this issue. His hope is that this book provides the spark to move us in that direction.

To learn how to order this book upon its release, contact him directly at gsp28@cornell.edu.

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.

109TH ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION/ 93RD GENERAL CONVENTION August 5-9, 2015 • Charlotte, North Carolina www.apa1906.net/alphaconvention

Bro. Leon Melbourne West, 79 Brother Leon Melbourne West, [Beta, ‘54] a former director of Special Services for the International Association of Chiefs of Police and member of The Law Enforcement Executives, entered Omega Chapter on January 29, 2014. He was a charter member of Zeta Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Reston/Fairfax, Va., and served as its first president.

Brother West was born July 6, 1934 in East Orange, N.J. He attended Howard University and was initiated into Beta Chapter. While there, he met his wife, Dorothy. They moved to Chicago, where Brother West worked for the police department and received a scholarship to attend the University of Chicago for graduate studies.

After 15 years in Chicago, Brother West returned to the Washington area and earned a second Master’s degree in community organization and development from Howard University. For 37 years, he resided in Reston, Virginia, where he was a member of Martin Luther King, Jr. Church while serving as a deacon and worship service director. Brother West also served on the Congress of National Black Churches.

Brother West is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy; two sons, Jai and James; four grandchildren; one sister; one niece; and three nephews.

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All Lives Matter When Michael Brown of Ferguson, Missouri was killed by police officer Darren Wilson on August 9, 2014 it might have seemed like everyone had an opinion about the incidents that led to Brown’s unfortunate demise. But beyond the quiet conversations at the water cooler and celebrity talk show chatter, there was another conversation being tried in the court of public opinion.

users posted side by side photos in contrasting lights; one positive photo beside an image that challenged the first one accompanied by the hashtag.

The incidents focused around Michael Brown’s death caused days of civil unrest in the community of Ferguson. Nationwide, there was a reccurring theme that black lives had lesser value than those of their white counterparts. In fact, in recent years we’ve seen a slew of deaths for young black men by the hands of the law and the defilement of their character as a defense.

In August, the Board of Directors of Alpha Phi Alpha announced the fraternity would contribute to the funeral expenses for Michael Brown. Though the media worked tirelessly to destroy Brown publicly and suggest that his death was within reasonable force, Alpha stood decisively and strong.

Are police officers unnecessarily aggressive when confronting men of color?

Brown’s name is now inscribed on a list we will never forget, along with names unknown.

In the weeks prior, Eric Garner of Staten Island, NY was killed by police officers while pinned down in a fatal chokehold. The occurrence was filmed by a spectator with a cell phone camera.

Newscasts showed the footage that captured Garner’s last breath.

His dying words, “I can’t breathe!” are shouted by thousands of peaceful protestors in search of justice for Garner and Brown.

On August 10, social media erupted with the hashtag, #IfTheyGunnedMeDown, which trended on Twitter and Instagram in response to the media’s negative portrayal of Brown. Social media

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While other organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council pondered their response and reaction to the incidents that took place for the world to witness, Alpha Phi Alpha took to the streets to show solidarity in the community and to prove to everyone that black lives do matter.

True to Alpha’s mission statement, the fraternity has provided service and advocacy to the community in this way.

When decisions were made by Grand Juries not to pursue the indictments of the Ferguson and Staten Island police officers, citizens were outraged.

Activists and protestors coined December 13 as a National Day of Anger. Protestors poured into Washington, D.C., New York City, Boston, and Los Angeles to demonstrate their disapproval of the recent decisions.

Alpha members proudly dressed in Alpha Phi Alpha paraphernalia came out to show that the fraternity was in support of the movement rising within the community.

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Winter/Spring 2015: Vol. 1, Edition 3 Continued from page 5 In order for Alpha to maintain relevance and viability, it must speak to the issues of the current generation. The fraternity that initiated leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. cannot sit idly by and weigh in on issues like this from the bleachers. The members of the fraternity must continue leading the tide, changing the policies which govern the system while advocating for a fair system of law enforcement for all.

The question is not about how far we’ve come, but how far are we willing to go for our civil liberties.

Brother Justin DeVantier and his mentee Jiheib Anderson attending the peaceful protests in Washington, D.C.

What Happened?

Events Timeline JULY 17

AUGUST 14

Eric Garner is killed in Staten Island, NY by two NYPD officers by fatal choke hold.

Alpha Phi Alpha announces that the fraternity will pay funeral expenses for Michael Brown.

AUGUST 9

Michael Brown was killed by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Mo.

The city of Ferguson erupts in protest in response to the murder of Michael Brown.

AUGUST 10

NOVEMBER 28 Bro. Rafael Ramirez helped organized a national boycott of Black Friday. Though not directly linked to Black Out Friday, spending plummets 5.4% according to National Retail Federation.

DECEMBER 3

Black Twitter reacts to the murder of Michael Brown with trend topic #IfTheyGunnedMeDown.

New York Grand Jury doesn’t pursue the indictiment of NYPD police officers who killed Eeic Garner

NOVEMBER 24 Grand Jury ruled police officer, Darren Wilson would not be indicted for the murder of Michael Brown.

Ferguson riots are reignited.

DECEMBER 13

Thousands pour into New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles for peaceful protests.

NOVEMBER 25

The National Guard called into Ferguson prior to the reading of the indictment decision.

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Winter/Spring 2015: Vol. 1, Edition 3

Founders Day 2014 Photos from Across the Region

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Winter/Spring 2015: Vol. 1, Edition 3

by Bro. Paul E. Brown, Prince George’s County, MD At our 82nd Eastern Region Convention in Baltimore, Bro. Mills announced The Legacy Project, an initiative to preserve the rich history that lies within the chapters of the first region of

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. To participate, each chapter is requested to submit photographs that highlight key moments in your history (national/local programs, special recognitions, etc.). Through the collection of photos and biographical histories of ALL chapters in the Eastern Region, The Legacy Project will develop the official digital archive of photos and data for AlphaEast. We will also lay the foundation to create and publish an Eastern Region History and Photo Collage Book.

Several chapters have already registered to participate in The Legacy Project. Chapter Presidents or Historians are encouraged to register their chapter online, now at www.alphaeast. com/legacy. If you have any questions, please contact Eastern Region Historian Paul Brown at historian@alphaeast.com.

College Life To Corporate Life Initiative Opens Doors for Alpha Brothers

by Bro. Kevin P. McAllister, National Chairman for C2C The College Life to Corporate Life (C2C) Initiative was started by former General President, Daryl Matthews in an effort to expose brothers to career opportunities and training that prepares them to enter the corporate workforce while offering corporations access to the limitless talent within the membership of Alpha Phi Alpha Since its beginning, the program has enlisted over 15 formal partnerships and directly employed hundreds of brothers from internship to senior level positions. However, there are still brothers who may be unaware or unsure of how this program works or how to access the various opportunities.

Under the current leadership of Brother Kevin P. McAllister, the national C2C committee continues to work diligently to identify, cultivate, and formalize partnerships so that members can take advantage of training, workshops, and career opportunities. Here is a short background of the mission, goal, and scope of the program:

• In concert with the mission of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the College Life to Corporate Life Initiative (C2C) was created to develop the human resources of Alpha Phi Alpha and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with corporate partners resulting in rewarding career opportunities for the members of Alpha Phi Alpha and increased critical mass of diverse talent for its corporate partners.

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• The College Life to Corporate Life (C2C) Initiative’s goal is to increase the number of formal partners, establish training modules and activities, and complete job readiness preparation for college and alumni brothers to enter or grow within the corporate arena..

• The initiative’s scope is all brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. with a keen emphasis on our collegiate membership.

Through the C2C Initiative, the Fraternity currently enjoys partnerships with Wells Fargo, Federal Bureau of Investigations, General Electric, and regional partnerships with Sonoco, just to name a few. Within the past year, the Fraternity formed relationships with Peace Corp and Teach for America. This broad range of relationship speaks to the various interest and diversity found within the Fraternity. As brothers you may find these partners present at General Convention, Regional Convention, and even some earmarked District Conventions.

Opportunities from strategic partners are shared through fraternal e-blasts and Alpha Social Network (ASN). However, should you have more specific questions or feel that your company may be a prime candidate for a C2C partnership, please do not hesitate to contact the national chairperson, Brother Kevin P. McAllister at c2cchair@apa1906.net.

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Brother Edward W. Brooke III Born October 26, 1919, Brother Brooke [Beta, ‘37] graduated from Howard University in 1941 and Boston University Law School in 1948. He also served in WWII as a captain in the U.S. Army. The first African American to be elected to the Senate by popular vote in 1966, Brother Brooke solidified his place in American history by becoming a champion of school integration and fighting against two Supreme Court nominees who had a history of opposition to civil rights causes. In recognition of his service on behalf of a grateful country, Brother Brooke was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on June 23, 2004 and then the Congressional Gold Medal on July 1, 2008.

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District news iaac

Winter/Spring 2015: Vol. 1, Edition 3

International Association of Alpha Chapters

Join the Eastern Regional International Affairs Committee

by Bro. S. Devaughn Carter, Theta Theta Lambda

What is the Eastern Regional International Affairs Committee? It is simply a committee focused on research and analysis to better promote global fraternalism and brotherhood that fuses fraternal policy and interest with international growth and development.

Who comprises the committee? The committee includes at least one member representing each geographic location within the International Association of Alpha Chapters (IAAC) and any AlphaEast brother, regardless of location, that desires inclusion.

What does the committee do? It collects information from various resources relevant to their location [country] including but not limited to: newspaper, congressional reports, social media, etc. and creates a cogent document (quarterly) based on socio-political, demographic, socio-economic and other relevant factors that impact the local brotherhood and the fraternity as a whole.

The committee seeks college brothers matriculating in the areas of political science, history, or international relations to join this effort.

Alpha Phi Alpha is a nationally-based organization with global outreach. Help build the future and be a part of history.

Interested college brothers should apply at internationalaffairs@alphaeast.com.

nyacoa

New York Association of Chapters of Alpha

Gamma Iota Lambda Provide Fresh Produce to Bedford-Stuyvesant

by Bro. Andre McKenzie, Brooklyn, New York The brothers of Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter (Brooklyn-Long Island) worked with City Photo (from L to R): Yahve Alcinay, Pedro Vega, Harvest to package and distribute fresh produce to over 300 residents Brooklyn. City Har- Frank Wilkinson, Stephen Edwards-Mortley, vest is a nonprofit organization that has served in New York City for more than 30 years. Lawrence Scott, Lucien Allen.

City Harvest is the world’s first food rescue organization, dedicated to feeding hungry New Yorkers. Coordinated by the efforts of Bro. Lawrence Scott, community service chairperson, the brothers supported the organization’s Mobile Market by packaging and distributing fresh produce to over 300 residents of the Tompkins Houses in the Bedford-Stuyvesant community of Brooklyn. The houses are under the auspices of the New York City Housing Authority. Founded on May 5, 1945, the chapter has been the home of Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones and chapter co-founder, Past General President Myles A. Paige.

Zeta Zeta Lambda Restores Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones Gravesite Each year, the brothers of Zeta Zeta Lambda host a tribute to the seven Jewels of our great fraternity at the gravesite of Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones. This year, in preparation for the annual Founders Day memorial service, Brothers Eric Tejada and Eric Hazel cleaned and fully restored Jewel Jones’ gravesite, located in Queens, where he was laid to rest.

“It is an honor and a privilege to continue the work that my fellow chapter brothers began when they re-discovered Jewel Jones’ gravesite in 2008.” said Bro. Eric Tejada. Brothers of the Zeta Zeta Lambda Chapter were integral in the rediscovery of Jewel Jones’ grave during the spring of 2008. Since then, the brothers come together annually to pay homage to the jewels on founder’s day weekend.

Theta Zeta now has a total of ten undergraduate brothers. Since these brothers’ initiation, the men have demonstrated an aptitude for leadership, passion, and strong fraternal spirit, which is expected from all men of Alpha. In the fall, the undergraduates executed Alphademics and A Voteless People is a Hopeless People—two staple programs that continue to promote success and meaningful reflection within our community.

The college even recognized Alphademics as the “Best Academic Program” for the 2013-2014 academic year. We are proud of this accomplishment; and we look to repeat the program in the future.

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Kappa Upsilon Lambda Celebrates its 40th Anniversary in Poughkeepsie

by Bro. Eric Tarver, Mid-Hudson Valley, New York On Saturday, December 6, 2014, upon the 40th Anniversary of Kappa Upsilon Lambda, the illustrious leadership and current members of the chapter celebrated their establishment, recognized its charter brothers, and received from them the charge to continue the work of ALPHA in the community. The current chapter brothers put on a very successful “Black and Gold Gala” at the Dutchess County Golf Club in Poughkeepsie.

The event attracted a host of dignitaries, community leaders, and representatives from other fraternities, sororities, a cross section of local residents, and District and State leaders of ALPHA.

The Brothers of KUL (also known as the Mid-Hudson Valley ALPHAS) serve the cities of Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, Fishkill, Beacon, Wappinger Falls, Kingston, Middletown, Highland Falls (where West Point Military Academy is located), and surrounding smaller townships in the great state of New York.

The Chapter was established 40 years ago by 14 brothers, many of whom worked in various departments of IBM or as professional businessmen in the area. The chapter has served as an outstanding beacon of encouragement for men of minority descent to further develop themselves. True to the challenge and requirement of Alpha Phi Alpha, the chapter

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has reached out through its various community initiatives to provide aid to the youth in the area to avoid the pitfalls of society and educate them. The chapter continues to reach out to the needs of youth through its Project Thunder Mentorship Program for Middle School and High School students at Vassar College and the chapter’s education foundation.

Organization of New England Chapters of Alpha

Theta Zeta Recognized by Dartmouth for Academic Program & Updates

by Bro. Joshua Rivers, Dartmouth College, New Hampshire Theta Zeta now has a total of ten undergraduate brothers.

Since these brothers’ initiation, the men have demonstrated an aptitude for leadership, passion, and strong fraternal spirit, which is expected from all men of Alpha. In the fall, the undergraduates executed Alphademics and “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People”—two staple programs that continue to promote success and meaningful reflection within our community. The college even recognized Alphademics as

the “Best Academic Program” for the 2013-2014 academic year. We are proud of this accomplishment; and we look to repeat the program in the future. Our last event of the term, Thanksgiving Pheast, was a new chapter program. It served as an opportunity to fellowship with community members and as a familial send-off, since some students were beginning to leave campus. The success of this event will undoubtedly lead to it becoming a staple program for the chapter.

Beta Sigma Lambda Promotes “Go to High School, Go to College”

by Bro. Norman Graham, Hartford, Connecticut On Saturday, February 7, 2015, the Brothers of the Beta Sigma Lambda Chapter and Kappa Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., hosted Go To High School, Go To College. The chapters had over 30 students (from the Greater Hartford Area and Cambridge, MA Area) whom they gave a tour of Trinity College (located in Hartford, CT), spoke to them about road mapping their futures, applying for scholarships, alternatives besides college, what are possible steps after college they can take and myths regarding college life. The ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. also made an appearance to shed light to the female attendees.

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New Jersey Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters

Alpha Alpha Lambda Initiates New Brothers into the Fraternity

by Bro. Derricke Dennis, Newark, New Jersey On November 8, 2014, Alpha Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated welcomed four esteemed Neophyites into the House of Alpha. Tyrone O. Stamps, Brian D. Agnew, Anthony J. Lewis and Isaiah M. Jenkins are all New Jersey residents, with diverse backgrounds in the fields of engineering, finance, education and hospital administration.

Stamps is an internal auditor with the business payroll company ADP, and has a degree in accounting from Hampton University.

He is passionate about helping African Americans achieve financial independence. At 23 years old, Stamps is the youngest of his line to cross, and one of the youngest brothers of the Alpha Alpha Lambda Chapter.

“It is a privilege to be one of the youngest members in the chapter,” he said. “I look forward to seeing new and innovative things take place as a result of my eagerness and energy coupled with the Older Brothers’s knowlege.”

Agnew is a hospital administrator, currently serving as the executive director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He is responsible for strategic and operational oversight for the foundation. Agnew’s educational accomplishments are many. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Journalism from Utica College, a Masters in Business Administration in Organization and Management from Syracuse University, and a Ph.D. in Organiza-

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tional Leadership from the School of Communication and Information at Rutgers University.

Lewis is originally from the South Bronx. The 36 year old holds a degree in computer science from Manhattan College in Riverdale, New York, He also holds a dual M.B.A. in marketing and entrepreneurial studies. Currently, Lewis works for the U.S. Army as a software tester. He is also studying for his Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute.

“Too often young African American males without strong, positive, male figures present in their lives fail to achieve their potential,” he says. “My desire is to help provide as many as I can with the skills and support to realize their goals.

Jenkins has a background in Sociology and Econmics, after recieving his bachelors degree in 2011 from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga. On the day after Jenkins crossed the burning sands, he wrote “yesterday, I was placed on the shoulders of greatness and graduated from the school for the better making of men! This fraternity is already more than I could have ever dreamed of!”

The Alpha Alpha Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated is proud to have these fine brothers in our midst, and looks forward to their professional, social and fraternal contributions for years to come!

Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Chapters

Eta Eta Lambda Youth Program Grows to Meet A Greater Need for Boys

by Bro. Stephen Williams, Arundel County, Maryland The Alpha Academy Mentoring Program (AAMP) was created to help school-aged African American males from Anne Arundel County, Maryland to realize their self-worth and reach their full academic and social potential. AAMP was established in 2007 when it evolved from a boys scout’s troop established by Eta Eta Lambda Chapter in one of the local housing authorities. The chapter had a feeling that the group of young men involved needed additional support systems that went beyond the boys scout curriculum. They decided to create a program that would service young men from both elementary and high schools that would directly address the needs of men of color.

The program’s curriculum was also written in a way to diversify

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the material so that it could be delivered effectively to the many different ages and grade levels of the young men. Another focus of the program is getting the young men actively involved in college planning and preparation. Over the years the AAMP has taken the young men on multiple college tours which have included: Bowie State University, Georgetown University, Howard University, University of Maryland Baltimore Campus, Morgan State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Salisbury State University, and the U.S. Naval Academy. The chapter absorbs the cost of the trips including the meals. Outside of the national programs that are presented through our mentoring program, AAMP focuses on real-life, practical sessions that are often entertaining and fun for

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Continued from page 11 the young men but also prepare them for the many challenges that come with being young and African- American. This school year AAMP is putting an emphasis on STEM in an effort to expose the young men in the many opportunities that are available in Science, Technology, and Mathematics fields.

Since the start of the Alpha Academy Mentoring Program, the Eta Eta Lambda chapter has significantly expanded its efforts. In 2013 the AAMP partnered with the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta’s EMBODI program for the first time, which also focuses on building the capacity of young men of color. By working with the Deltas, the young men get to see positive interactions between men and women. The ladies of DST also provide

a woman’s perspective on certain topics like domestic violence and for Project Alpha. This effort was such a success that the AAMP partnered with the Annapolis Alumnae Deltas again this year for our 2014-2015 sessions. Since our partnership, AAMP was able to secure a larger, core group of students to work with.

Our numbers have increased from an average of about 10-15 students, to over 30 this year. As a result of the continuous efforts of Eta Eta Lambda’s mentoring program, our director of educational activities, Andre Dillard, received the Freedom Fund Award by the Annapolis chapter of the NAACP in November of this year.

Brother Kakulu Hero to Car Accident Victims in Hometown

by Bro. Rakeem Mosey Bro. Victor Kakulu became a hero to Philadelphia residents when he intervened to help save a family of six involved in a potentially fatal car accident that occurred on the southbound direction of Del. 1 at the exit ramp to Christiana Mall in November.

Kakulu and his friend, Khalil Rayfield were on the way to the Apple Store at Christiana Mall in Delaware when the two witnessed a 2011 Toyota Highlander hit a cement curb that caused the vehicle to flip on its rooftop and slide down the embankment into the retention pond.

“It pretty much flew over and began rolling down,” he said. “My friend called 911, then we both went down the embankment,” Kakulu said.

According to Delaware State Police Master Cpl. Jeffrey R. Hale, the driver, Xian Chen Dong of Philadelphia, was southbound on the highway exit ramp approaching Mall Road when the light at the intersection changed from green to yellow and he sped up to make the right turn onto eastbound Mall Road. Xian lost control of the 2011 Toyota Highlander.

Victims in the accident included were five adults – the driver, a 33-year-old man and

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three women ages 33, 30 and 29 – and a 5-year-old boy were taken in multiple ambulances to nearby Christiana Hospital. All are from Philadelphia, Hale said.

“They were all hypothermic from being under water in the cold,” New Castle County Paramedic Sgt. Michael A. McColley said Wednesday night.

The youngest victim, who had head injuries, was in critical condition, McColley said. The adults were also in serious condition.

“It was freezing,” Kakulu said. “The female passenger that we got out was on her back and I heard someone say she had a broken back. She was responding verbally, so I took off my lumber jacket and wrapped it around her.”

Doing all they could to get the car accident victims out of the vehicle and out of the pond, Kakulu was relieved when other bystanders got involved to help out at the scene.

“A bunch of awesome bystanders did their jobs and jumped in without hesitation” removing the remaining passengers before rescue workers arrived at the scene, Kakulu said.

“I didn’t know how deep the water was or who was still alive,” said Kakulu, a communications and public relations specialist. “Luckily, I was joined by two more men to help. At that point, it was all about making sure they survived.

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New Jersey Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters

Zeta Theta Lambda Brothers Intervene in Failing School District with Education Campaign

by Bro. Derricke Dennis, Newark, New Jersey Faced with a failing school district in Harrisburg and looming state takeover, Zeta Theta Lambda has decided to launch its Black & Gold Campaign, an effort to raise $150,000 to fund building a facility to provide better academic supports for students in the city.

Partnered with the chapter’s charitable arm, the Zeta Theta Lambda Foundation, Inc. (ZTLF) is a federal tax-deductible charity, whose mission is to promote “manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind” throughout the greater Harrisburg region.

Although ZTLF has provided some of these programs in the past, ZTLF believes that a permanent presence in the community is necessary in order to achieve significant impact. Moreover, in order to achieve lasting results, HSD students need the daily tutoring and mentoring that only a permanent facility can provide. This facility will also allow the students to escape from the streets for several hours after school.

When the Harrisburg School District (HSD) was identified as a “distressed district” by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the chapter decided they wanted to do more to support the youth in the community. HSD’s status places the district at risk to be taken over by the state department of education and placed under very strict academic performance guidelines. In fact, HSD ranks next to last out of almost 500 school districts in Pennsylvania.

Moreover, HSD is a predominantly black and Hispanic district that has been subject to failing academic performance for many years. The school district’s declining academic condition has resulted in its students feeling hopeless.

When announcing his “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative, President Barack Obama stated that black youth “are more likely to be suspended from school, less likely to be able to read and almost certain to encounter the criminal justice system as a perpetrator or a victim.”

In order to help reverse the trend of academic failure, ZTLF initiated the Black & Gold Campaign in April 2014. The Black & Gold Campaign is designed to raise $150,000 in order to build or renovate a 1,800 square foot structure in inner city Harrisburg so that ZTLF can more effectively run its elementary level academic tutoring, teen mentoring (middle school) and college prep (high school) programs. ZTLF further envisions that this facility can be used to provide community education seminars and presentations. The facility is also necessary to serve as a corporate headquarters and provide classrooms, meetings and study areas. Space is also necessary to house computers and other educational equipment.

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The members of ZTLF demonstrated their commitment to the Black & Gold Campaign by donating $7,000 from their personal funds toward the campaign in 2014. Similar amounts will be donated each year by the ZTLF members until the Black & Gold Campaign target ($150,000) is reached.

ZTLF is also seeking corporate support for this effort. In this regard, PinnacleHealth has offered to match any corporate donation to the Black & Gold Campaign up to a certain amount. Moreover, anyone can donate to the Black & Gold Campaign by credit card at the Go Fund Me website: www.gofundme.com/h9px0c. Don’t miss this opportunity to both respond to critical educational and social needs in the Harrisburg Capital region and partner with the nation’s preeminent organization of college educated African American men (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.).

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vacapaf

Virginia Association of Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

Brother Reflects on Founders Day Charge from Bro. Wyatt Tee Walker Contributed by Bro. Ryan Bell, Henrico County, Virginia “Oh Lord, may the true spirit of fraternity rules our hearts, guide our thoughts and control our lives so that we become through the servants of all,” are the words to a prayer that brothers have probably said a thousand times. However, Bro. Ryan Bell challenges you to think about those words more deeply the next time you recite this prayer.

In fact, it was on this year’s Founders Day that he was reminded what those last three words of the prayer, ‘servants of all,’ really mean.

“ALPHAS were always the best groomed, well-spoken, and brave individuals I saw.”

Bro. Wyatt Tee Walker, Ph.D is a civil rights leader, accomplished theologian, and educator.

In 1960, Walker served as the Executive Director of the Southern Christian Leadership Council. He also worked closely with Bro. Martin Luther King, Jr. and served as his Chief of Staff. He was instrumental in the famous March on Washington in 1963. For 37 years, he served as the Pastor of Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem, NY. until his retirement in 2004.

He is a graduate of Virginia Union University and Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. Walker also holds honorary doctorates from Virginia Union University and Princeton University.

He now resides in Richmond, Virginia with his wife, Theresa Ann. He was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha at Gamma Chapter in the Winter of 1946.

The day before Founders Day, Bro. Bell placed a call to his friend and dear elder brother of Alpha, Bro. Wyatt Tee Walker to request a visit with him on Founders Day. As he always does, male youth looking toward manhood, who saw key figures he felt Walker welcomed the opportunity to sit and chat. could provide him with the needed assistance on his journey to During their conversation Bell asked him to share a few words manhood. It’s likely that he saw that Alpha was truly the fraterwith the fraternity for Founders Day. Walker offered these nity for the better making of men! words. “To my brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, I am happy to greet Moving forward, it is Bell’s personal goal and mission to [motiyou and suggest that the theme of [Founders Day] be EDUCA- vate] brothers to begin the serious educating of the black and TION and MANHOOD,” Walker said. brown youth of self, to develop them into the leaders we need With two words, he completely embodied what it should mean to be an Alpha man! There is no denying the challenges our black youth face in the American education system. Nevertheless, because of Alpha this should not be a hindrance in the development of young black/brown children. It is the job of Alpha; it is the duty of Alpha; and, it is the responsibility of Alpha- afforded to us by our Jewels to take a vested interest in the thorough and proper education of our youth.

them to be. He asks himself, where is that Alpha presence today? Are we still the intellectual movers and shakers behind the scenes? Are we still the courageous soldiers in the thick of the fight? And, do we still possess that same testicular fortitude (Alpha Spirit) that so many of our brothers of past decades possessed?

Bro. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” This is a plea to my Bro. Wyatt Tee Walker, a 1946 initiate of the Gamma chapter has elder brothers to continue showing our younger brothers how to seen a lot of changes in the life of the fraternity. Bell asked Walk- be men, continue to educate us as to how an Alpha male should er what attracted him to the fraternity and that’s when he elab- look, walk, talk and live. This is a charge to my fellow younger brothers to pass on the knowledge to our youth, to display the orated on the second half of his proposed theme, MANHOOD! characteristics of a man and to be the model.

“Alphas were always the best groomed, well-spoken, and brave individuals I saw,” he said. From this conversation, it became ev- Let us revive that light, so that the next generation of leaders ident to Bell that Walker was drawn to this great fraternity as a might march onward and upward toward it.

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AlphaEast Journal

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity - Eastern Region P.O. Box 41362 Baltimore, MD 21203

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.

84th EASTERN REGION CONVENTION March 26-April 3, 2016 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania www.alphaeast.com