The Sphinx - Fall 2023 | Vol. 109, No. 1

THE NATION’S SECOND OLDEST AFRICAN AMERICAN MAGAZINE IN PUBLICATION

CONTENTS

features

in this issue

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ANNOUNCES ITS ‘ALPHA MEN OF DISTINCTION’ INAUGURAL CLASS

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THE ED JOHNSON MEMORIAL

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97TH GENERAL CONVENTION | 117TH ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION IN REVIEW

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. JOINS WITH HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS IN OBSERVANCE AND CONTINUATION OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON

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ALPHAS IN HIP HOP AS THE CULTURE TURNS 50

Letters

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General News

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What Every Alpha Should Know

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Alpha Chairmanship

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12

History

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Education | Professional Development

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Technology

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Literary | Entertainment

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Alphas on the Move

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Senior Brothers Spotlight Chapter News

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Licensed Manufacturer & Vendor Directory

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Alpha Award Of Honor/ Alpha Award Of Merit Recipients

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Omega Chapter

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Leadership Directory Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

CONTENTS

Official Organ of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. FALL 2023 | Volume 109, No. 1 apa1906.net EDITOR OF THE SPHINX Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC EWebb@apa1906.net CONTRIBUTORS Willis L. Lonzer, III, Ph.D., Sean L. McCaskill, Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC, Adrian Stratton, MBA, PRP, Robert L. Harris, Jr. Ph.D., Andre L. Taylor, Ph.D. Candidate, Ernest Holmes, Tavis Thompson, Denny N. Johnson, Avery Kenly, Ph.D., Chuck Wasserstrom, Chuck Creekmur, Reginald Cooper, Myron Rodney Robinson, and Lawrence C. Singleton PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Ramon E. Peralta, Jr. L.H.D. Chairman and Chief Creative Advisor Donald L. Ross, LaMarcus J. Hall, Philip Wilkerson, III EDITORIAL OFFICES Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 212I8-5211 www.apa1906.net COVER PHOTO CREDIT: Brian Cook DESIGN AND PRINTING Jessica Saval and Mercury Publishing Services, Inc. (800) 634-9409 Nicole McCoy Graphic Designer & Digital Content Creator Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. THE NATION’S SECOND OLDEST AFRICAN AMERICAN MAGAZINE IN PUBLICATION

© 2023 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. | All Rights Reserved

IN THIS ISSUE The Fall Issue 2023 revisits our 97th General Convention I 117th Anniversary Convention as well as our participation in the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington. In addition, it showcases many of the Fraternity’s bold advocacy efforts and stances in 2023.

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FALL 2023

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FROM THE GENERAL PRESIDENT

Letter from the General President Brothers, This edition of The Sphinx magazine, as always, showcases and highlights how under my leadership, the Fraternity, and the Brotherhood, itself, ‘Elevates the Alpha Spirit’ and embodies the mission of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. That is, the Fraternity “develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.”

Develops Leaders

Willis L. Lonzer, III, PhD General President GeneralPresident@apa1906.net

Aside from our 40 Under 40 recognition, we are now announcing our Alpha Men of Distinction, where we acknowledge Brothers who are rewriting the rules of success and who are making a global impact in all stages of their fraternal and professional accomplishments.

Promotes Brotherhood This past summer, the Fraternity held its 97th General Convention I 117th Anniversary Convention, which we revisit in this edition, and aside from managing the extensive business of Alpha, we curated and participated in a myriad of social and entertaining events that work to strengthen our brotherly bond and highlighted the true meaning of fraternity.

Promotes Academic Excellence In two of the magazine’s departments, we recognize how one Alpha Brother is working to diversify education and how other Alpha Brothers are inspiring diverse high school students to pursue tech careers.

Providing Service and Advocacy for Our Communities In addition, we announced our bold decision to move our upcoming 98th General Convention from Orlando, Florida due to Governor DeSantis’ harmful, racist, and insensitive policies against the Black community in 2025. While at the convention, we also weathered the sweltering Texas heat and marched with other members of the Divine 9, standing in unity against various efforts and policies disenfranchising our communities in Texas.

Later, we also condemned the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Affirmative Action in higher education, denounced the expulsion of two African American Tennessee State Representatives as well as condemned the Memphis police officers’ brutal and subsequently deadly beating of unarmed Tyre Nicols.

This edition also recounts the efforts of one of our Alpha Brothers, who set out to ensure that a Black male lynching victim in 1906, who was unjustly convicted of raping a white woman in Tennessee, finally received a suitable memorial.

These are just a few examples within the pages of this edition of The Sphinx, where we showcase this administration’s commitment to ‘Elevating the Alpha Spirit’ as well as the Fraternity’s resolve to remain true to our mission. S

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Letter from the Executive Director My Brothers of Alpha, I hope this letter finds you mentally and physically strong.

Please allow me to introduce you to the latest edition of The Sphinx Magazine. This issue recaps our impressive 97th General Convention I 117th Anniversary Convention at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, which placed an increased emphasis on Brotherhood engagement and fellowship. We dramatically streamlined our business schedule by offering several of our workshops virtually in advance. This allowed us to add numerous fellowship and social opportunities for both College and Alumni Brothers, including an Arcade Experience and Gaming Competition to a large Brotherhood Smoke event.

Sean L McCaskill Executive Director seanmccaskill@apa1906.net

This issue also revisits the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington showcasing the involvement of our Alpha Brothers from across the country. In addition, we highlight one of the Fraternity’s new recognition programs – Alpha Men of Distinction and recognize Alpha’s contributions to 50 years of Hip Hop Culture, including recognizing those Alpha Hip Hop journalists, emcees, producers, and DJs that impacted the culture.

In the previous Special Edition, we highlighted our inaugural 40 under 40 and offered a year in review of noteworthy news, events, and accomplishments of the Fraternity, and our Brotherhood for 2022.

This year, under the leadership of General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III, we took a bold stance to move our upcoming 2025 convention from Orlando, Florida due to Governor DeSantis’ harmful, racist, and insensitive policies against the Black community as well as condemned the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Affirmative Action in higher education. In addition, we denounced the expulsion of two African American Tennessee State Representatives and condemned the Memphis police officers’ brutal and subsequently deadly beating of unarmed Tyre Nicols. All these statements and actions exemplify our mission statement’s declaration of providing advocacy to our communities.

As always, this issue celebrates and showcases how the Fraternity, and our Brotherhood amplifies and lives the mission of our great Fraternity.S

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THE SPHINX®

FROM THE EDITOR OF THE SPHINX

Letter from the Editor of The Sphinx Greetings Brothers,

Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC Editor ewebb@apa1906.net

This edition of The Sphinx highlights the majority of 2023, as we revisit our 97th General Convention I 117th Anniversary Convention as well as chronicles our participation in the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington. The Fraternity also introduces our newest recognition program – Alpha Men of Distinction – where we acknowledge Brothers who are rewriting the rules of success and who are making a global impact in all stages of their fraternal and professional accomplishments. In addition, we showcase Alpha’s more well-known, and little-known contributions to 50 years of Hip Hop culture. We also share the story of Alpha Brother LaFrederick Thirkill, who set out to ensure that Black male lynching victim in 1906, who was unjustly convicted of raping a white woman in Tennessee, finally received a suitable memorial.

Among some of The Sphinx’s departments, in General News, the Fraternity took a bold stance to move our upcoming 2025 convention from Orlando, Florida due to Governor DeSantis’ harmful, racist, and insensitive policies against the Black community as well as condemned the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Affirmative Action in higher education. In addition, we also denounced the expulsion of two African American Tennessee State Representatives as well as condemned the Memphis police officers’ brutal and subsequently deadly beating of unarmed Tyre Nicols.

In What Every Alpha Should Know, we discuss fraternal representation, media appearances, and the use of press releases and statements while our General Parliamentarian explains our “Standing and Special Committees” in Alpha Chairmanship.

Under History, our general Historian Dr. Robert L. Harris takes on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ assault on African American history; in Education and Professional Development, we recognize an Alpha Brother’s efforts to diversify education; in Technology, we acknowledge the efforts of a tech-non-profit founded by Alpha Brothers to inspire diverse high school students to pursue tech careers. In Literary and Entertainment, we engage in an exclusive one-on-one interview with Brother Ramon Peralta, author of Launch Your Brand: The Fastest Way To Supercharge Any Business as well as highlight several new books by Alpha authors.

We also continue to highlight notable accomplishments of several of our Alpha Brothers in Alphas On The Move, as well as in our Senior Brothers Spotlight.

As always, I am extremely grateful for your readership, and I am interested in receiving your feedback. So, moving forward, you will have the opportunity to share brief comments about previously published articles and the magazine overall in our newly added Mail department.

Enjoy the issue. S

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GENERAL NEWS

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Announces Burning Sands as Official Golf Partner

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lpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. announced Burning Sands as its ‘Official Golf Partner’ – having signed an exclusive three-year agreement to manufacture, sell, and advertise golf bags with Alpha trademarks in April.

Founded by the Nobles Family in Huntsville, AL in 2021, Burning Sands is a Greek Paraphernalia Company that is focused on introducing quality, high end attire and accessories to all D9 organizations.

“We are focused on providing items that fall outside of the cultural norms and show how dynamic we are as a people,” according to Burning Sands’ website. “We as Black Greeks embody style, fashion and culture and we at Burning Sands want to help shine the light on how brilliant we are.”

As an official partner, Burning Sands, and others pay a premium license fee and depending on success, the Fraternity may receive royalties.

Other Fraternity official partners include RG Apparel for IMDP blazers, Sphinx Reserve for Online Shop, Greek Traditions for subscription boxes, and Herff Jones as maker of the Official Badge and certain jewelry pieces that includes the Fraternity Shield.

“Burning Sands makes a top-notch product, and we are excited to partner with them as our ‘Official Golf Partner’,” said Brother Sean L. McCaskill, the Fraternity’s executive director.

“The fact that the company is Alpha Brother-owned makes the partnership that much more rewarding since it supports our effort to ensure ‘Alpha dollars touch Alpha Brothers’.”

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Condemns the Memphis Police Officers’ Brutal And Subsequently Deadly Beating Of Unarmed Tyre Nichols

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lpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. condemns the Memphis police officers’ brutal and subsequent deadly beating of unarmed Tyre Nichols.

While we applaud authorities’ swift decision to terminate these officers and the grand jury’s decision to charge them with second degree murder, kidnapping, and other charges, justice is yet to be served.

Incidents of police brutality and the shootings of unarmed Black citizens continue to be commonplace. As a Fraternity with a storied history as a champion for social justice, we urge the U.S. Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 and for local and state officials to ensure their local police departments revamp and enact comprehensive training programs for their police officers.

Alpha Phi Alpha stands in support of the Nichols family and offers them our prayers and heartfelt condolences. We ask that our fellow Alpha Brothers, who choose to participate in protests do so peacefully as well as refrain from the reposting the videos of the heinous beating out of respect for the Nichols family.

Lawmakers and authorities must take a stand today and put an end to police brutality and the shooting of unarmed Black citizens. S

To purchase, Burning Sands’ official Alpha golf bags, visit: https://burning-sands.com/. S 6

THE SPHINX®

GENERAL NEWS

Alpha Phi Alpha Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Strongly Fraternity, Inc. Mourns Condemns the U.S. the Victims of Allen, Supreme Court’s Texas Mass Shooting FOR SURVIVORS’ RECOVERY, INCLUDING Ruling On Affirmative PRAYS ALPHA BROTHER IRVIN P. WALKER, II Action In Higher lpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. mourns the victims and prays for the survivors of the deadly Education Admissions mass shooting in Allen, Texas, which left eight

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he Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. strongly condemns the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling which strikes down race-based admissions at colleges and universities. This majority decision overturns decades of legal precedent and will likely have a crippling impact on the racial diversity of colleges and universities for generations to come.

Today’s landmark ruling undermines Fourteenth amendment protections, reduces opportunities in higher education, further disenfranchises students of color, and may lead to more acts of discrimination and racism at predominately white institutions (PWIs).

The consequences of this ruling will be far reaching within American society. A less diverse student population at some of the nation’s best colleges and universities may lead to a less racially diverse candidate pool for career opportunities. This will likely exacerbate inequalities in housing, healthcare, and other critical areas of need.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. refuses to remain silent on these trends to roll back hard-fought civil rights gains and to disenfranchise Black and marginalized communities.

Elections have consequences, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will continue to develop leaders and advocates to engage in all levels of our Democracy.

Alpha Phi Alpha will also continue its investment in the youth to minimize the damaging effect of this ruling. S

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people dead and seven people injured, including a member of the Fraternity on Saturday, May 6. Alpha Brother Irvin P. Walker, II, who was shot multiple times, including in his chest and once in the right shoulder, is currently recovering after major life-saving surgery.

The Fraternity is outraged and condemns the acts of the alleged mass shooter, Mauricio Garcia, who was found to have Neo-Nazi ideation and killed eight people, including three children. We mourn those lives lost in this deadly Survivor, Brother Irvin P. tragedy and offer our Walker, II deepest condolences to the families of the eight victims. We also pray for the speedy recovery of its seven victims, including Brother Walker, a Spring 1997 Delta Sigma initiate at Grambling State University and member of the General Organization.

While the gunman’s motive is unclear, these senseless mass shootings must stop, as well as the ease and accessibility of assault weapons, which have been repeatedly used to cause this type of carnage.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., who is holding its 97th General Convention and 117th Anniversary Convention in Dallas, Texas this July, urges Congress and state legislatures to enact common sense gun control laws, which limit the accessibility of assault weapons and helps to prevent these deadly tragedies, which are now occurring almost monthly across the country. S

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CHAPTER NEWS

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Denounces Expulsion of Two African American Tennessee State Representatives

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lpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. denounces the expulsion yesterday of two African American lawmakers from the Tennessee State House of Representatives for engaging in a peaceful protest at the state capitol and leading a chant from the House floor after a deadly school shooting in Nashville.

The resolution, which expelled Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, failed to oust another lawmaker, Rep. Gloria Johnson, who is white, for her identical participation in the protest.

The Right-wing claims that these representatives violated house rules on conduct and decorum flies in direct opposition to constitutional free speech and these duly elected lawmakers’ responsibilities to advocate for their constituents.

L-R: Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson

Regrettably, these undemocratic and unprecedented expulsions are an effort to silence an overdue discourse on a deadly issue that plagues our country and endangers the lives of our children and citizens.

Let us not forget that three teachers and three children lost their lives in this deadly tragedy. We should not want those who represent us to be passive and silent after these incidents.

We encourage all who believe in justice to do anything they can to help ensure these men are restored to their rightful place to represent their communities. S 8

THE SPHINX®

GENERAL NEWS

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Moves 2025 Convention From Orlando, FL due to Governor DeSantis’ Harmful, Racist, and Insensitive Policies against the Black Community GENERAL PRESIDENT LONZER’S ANNOUNCEMENT AMPLIFIES CURRENT CONVENTION THEME OF STRENGTHENING THE BROTHERHOOD AND STANDING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

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lpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Dr. Willis, L. Lonzer, III announced on July 26th, the relocation of the Fraternity’s 98th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention from Orlando, Florida, scheduled to take place in 2025, due to Governor Ron DeSantis’ harmful, racist, and insensitive policies against the Black community.

Earlier this week, the Florida Board of Education approved a controversial new K-12 curriculum for African American history, which erases Florida’s role in slavery and oppression, blames the victims, and declares that African Americans who endured slavery benefitted from the horrific and torturous institution.

Today’s announcement, on the first day of its 97th General Convention and 117th Anniversary Convention in Dallas, Texas, amplifies the Fraternity’s convention theme, “Strengthening the Brotherhood and Standing for Social Justice.”

The Fraternity joins a broad coalition of organizations protesting Florida’s barrage of harmful and discriminatory policies on protests, voting rights, education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. In May, the NAACP issued a travel advisory, calling Florida “openly hostile” to African Americans.

“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has an unmatched legacy of social justice, advocacy, and leadership for the Black community,” said General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III. “In this environment of manufactured division and attacks on the Black community, Alpha Phi Alpha refuses to direct a projected $4.6 million convention economic impact to a place hostile to the communities we serve. Although we are moving our convention from Florida, Alpha Phi Alpha will continue to support the strong advocacy of Alpha Brothers and other advocates fighting against the continued assault on our communities in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis.”

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Conventions generate approximately $4.6 million in economic impact.

FALL 2023

In Dallas this week, General President Lonzer and Fraternity leadership are dedicating much of its current convention to highlight the continued fight needed for social justice on behalf of African Americans and other marginalized communities. On Monday, Fraternity leadership joined Dallas-Ft. Worth area Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters as well as other Divine 9 Dallas Chapters in a protest march that culminated with a rally of hundreds at City Hall.

The newly appointed President & CEO of The Rainbow Push Coalition, Alpha Brother, Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, also helped lead the march and delivered rousing remarks at the rally. S

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ALPHA CHAIRMANSHIP

BY BROTHER ADRIAN B. STRATTON, MBA, PRP [OMICRON ZETA LAMBDA ’08]

Standing and Special Committees should be individually listed by name in the bylaws due to their perpetual existence.

Special committees (also referred to as “ad hoc” or “select” committees) are created to carry out special or temporary3 functions. The purpose of a special committee should never conflict or overlap with the purpose of another existing committee.

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ommittees allow organizations to delegate business for closer consideration. Established to deliberate, to investigate, to recommend, or to carry out specific actions the charge of each committee may be as unique as the governing organization it serves. Committees are often underutilized but when strategically engaged they can become a valuable source of critical insight for decision makers.

Committee need will vary greatly based on both the size of an organization and the amount of business it transacts.1 Complex organizations will typically have a greater need to create more specialized committees that manage functions or tasks. Nonetheless, committee creation should be intentional regardless of organizational size. Organizations can better focus resources by establishing and empowering purposeful committees.

The two types of ordinary committees are standing committees and special committees.2 Standing committees are created to serve permanent functions an organization has deemed to be of an ongoing nature. In essence, they “stand” from year-to-year across administrations. Only standing committees 10

The organization that creates a committee also defines the powers and limitations of that subordinate body.

As a result, the only authority a committee truly has is authority that has been granted to it. Restrictions placed upon committees should be enforced. Committees are not a type of deliberative assembly and usually do not adopt bylaws. However, a committee can, and often should, adopt other rules to govern proceedings so long as those rules are not in conflict with rules of higher precedence. Large committees may find need to further subdivide into subcommittees when necessary.

Care should be taken to clearly outline how committee membership is to be managed. Committee participation is an effective way for members to develop leadership skills and experience or to lend expertise. Common methods of member appointment include by nomination (from the floor or by the president) or direct appointment by the president. If the bylaws specify, committee membership may also be appointed via election by ballot to preserve secrecy in voting.

Unless rules state otherwise, the authority that appoints or elects committee members also has the responsibility to remove members and fill vacancies.

Business may be referred to a committee by motion or automictically by rule. Committee meetings provide an opportunity to fully explore matters before the THE SPHINX®

ALPHA CHAIRMANSHIP committee so freedom to deliberate is critical. Motions to close or limit debate are not in order in committee meetings and other rules relating to procedural formality may also be modified. For example, in committee deliberations the presiding officer can offer motions and fully participate in debate. When brought back to an organization, motions offered on behalf of a committee do not require a second if the committee is composed of at least two members. Whereas the act of delivering a final report dissolves a special committee, a standing committee continues its existence after it reports. The recommendations of a committee can be approved by adoption of a committee report or, more commonly, by separate motions addressing specific committee recommendations.

Standing and special committees may be created for a variety of unique purposes and the work that committee members perform is invaluable to organizations that wish to be most effective. The bylaws should list all standing committees as well as how both standing and special committees are to be established. To avoid uncertainty an organization should be sure to clarify how members are to be appointed and removed. In addition to allowing a smaller group to focus, strategic use of committees

allows an organization to operate more efficiently. By properly establishing committees and defining their purpose an organization will be able to best utilize this important deliberative instrument. S

Brother Adrian Stratton, MBA, PRP (ΑΦΑ – ΟΖΛ ‘08, ΑΦΑ – ΚΞΛ) serves as General Parliamentarian for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Notes 1.

Hugh Hellman, Parliamentary Procedure (New York: The Macmillan Company, 1966), 28.

2. Henry M. Robert III, Daniel H. Honemann, Thomas J. Balch, et. al, Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th edition (New York: PublicAffairs, 2020), 466 3. Temporary does not always equate to short-lived; special committees may exist for years since they only dissolve after completion of their purpose.

HISTORY

BY BROTHER ROBERT L. HARRIS, JR., PH.D., GENERAL HISTORIAN [THETA ’63] AND BROTHER ANDRE L. TAYLOR, PH.D. CANDIDATE [ZETA LAMBDA ’21]

Florida Governor DeSantis’ Assault on African American History

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n his landmark book, Black Reconstruction in America, Alpha Brother W.E.B. Du Bois wrote: “We have too often a deliberate attempt so as to change the facts of history that the story will make pleasant reading for Americans.”1 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has run an insulting campaign against the teaching of African American history that allegedly makes White people uncomfortable. For these and other reasons, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. pulled its 2025 General Convention from the state of Florida.

Negro Slavery, which held sway among White historians for almost 50 years, Phillips described slavery as a benign institution.2 It was characterized by paternalism, he argued, i.e., the benevolence of plantation owners who treated enslaved Africans like their children.

They had been rescued from the wilds of Africa and introduced to Christianity and Civilization in the United States. Phillips described the so-called “heathen and savage Africans” as “tabula rasa,” blank slates on which plantation owners inscribed skills. Slave labor, according to Phillips, was inefficient and unprofitable. It would have ended without the Civil War. DeSantis and many of his cohorts have sought to change the facts of history for their purposes, to make the story more pleasant and as Du Bois noted, more palatable for their constituents. But the “facts of history” tell a different story. As Brother Andre Taylor has insightfully explained in his piece on rice cultivation, plantation owners had little if any knowledge of rice production (SEE FOLLOWING ARTICLE). They relied, especially on Black women from West Africa, who had the knowledge and practice of producing rice.

Moreover, African American women as cooks and chefs, introduced rice dishes with many spices from Africa to American cuisine.3

DeSantis’ remarks, especially that some African Americans benefitted from enslavement by acquiring marketable skills, harken back to the racist historian of the South, Ulrich B. Phillips. In his book, American

Africans also left their imprint from Charleston to New Orleans in iron working on the balconies, gates, and doors of many structures. Dr. Johnetta. B. Cole, former President of Spelman College, and Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art, among other academic and administrative positions, has written that West Africans had a history of ironworking long before enslavement in the United States.4 Africans brought blacksmithing, brickmaking, carpentry, and other building skills with them that were later used in constructing the White House and the Capitol building among other structures. S

References 1. W.E.B. Du Bois, Black Reconstruction. New York: Harcourt, Brace, 1935, p. 713.

2. Ulrich B. Phillips, American Negro Slavery. New York: Appleton & Co., 1918.

3. Diane M. Spivey, At the Table of Power: Food and Cuisine in the African American Struggle for Freedom, Justice, and Equality.

Pittsburgh: U. of Pittsburgh Press, 2022, pp. 18-19, and following.

4. Johnetta B. Cole, “Florida’s New Middle School Standards Will Harm All of Florida’s Children.” ASALH News. https://ASALH. org/Floridas-new-middle-school-academic-standards.

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THE SPHINX®

HISTORY

BY BROTHER ANDRE L. TAYLOR, COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY

Rice Cultivation and Legacy in the Low Country of South Carolina

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merica has always been about capitalism and specific to the creation of the rice culture in the low country of South Carolina, was the need for free, skilled labor to propel this venture. This desire of cultivating rice meant a more specialized enslaved person with familiarity of rice. Along the coast of West Africa, in countries like Angola, Benin, and Sierra Leone, there were individuals who knew how to cultivate rice, according to Daniel C. Littlefield, author of Rice and Slaves: Ethnicity and the Slave Trade in Colonial South Carolina. With slave trade routes already extracting people from West Africa, traders were already familiar with the abilities of the people there. Cultivating rice was much greater of a task for a typical enslaved person, rice cultivation called for enslaved people with knowledge of irrigation of fields and seeding.

Ramey Berry, author of The Price for Their Pound of Flesh: The Value of the Enslaved, from Womb to Grave, in the Building of a Nation. The commodity was not just the crop, it was also the enslaved woman and all she brought to the table to turn profits for the slaveowners.

Women proved to be the best Bill Green, owner of The Gullah Grub Restaurant, walks through situated people to work the rice a rice field on his land in South Carolina. Green, who is of Gullah fields of South Carolina. Their vast Geechee descent, still grows Carolina Gold rice, in remembrance of his ancestors who were brought to the United States as enslaved knowledge of rice cultivation, processing, and cooking were tasks people to grow the crop. (Andre Taylor/Photo) Without the enslaved woman from West they were already responsible for in Angola Africa, it is impossible for the rice culture and Sierra Leone, so it made for a seamless in the low country to exist. Her knowledge transition into plantation life, according to of cultivating, harvesting, processing, Judith A. Carney, author of Black Rice: The and preparing meals from the grain, is African Origins of Rice Cultivation in the unsurpassed by no one, not even the enslaved Americas. The role of the enslaved woman man from West Africa. It is a manifestation of went beyond the fields. Young women were memory. Adapting to the geography of the in demand, especially if they were also new world was not without fault; however, equipped with the ability to cultivate rice. she was able to utilize memory to navigate Aside from their manual labor responsibility, a new system of rivers, lakes, and streams to younger women were sought because they cultivate rice in the low country. were also childbearing, according to Daina

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EDUCATION | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Alpha Brother’s UpLiFT Movement Hopes To Diversify Education “Black male educators are faced with so many challenges in the field of education,” says Brother Jones. “From isolation, racial bias, racial inequalities, self-hate, tokenism, and the simple fact that the system was never designed for people of color, let alone Black men. UpLiFT Movement was created in the spirit of decolonizing these educational oppressive challenges and UpLiFt current Black male educators and inspire young Black males to become educators.”

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he movement to diversify the education field across the nation is gaining momentum, with a specific focus on increasing the presence of Black Male Educators in classrooms. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity members are at the forefront of this movement, embodying our commitment to Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love For All Mankind. UpLiFT Movement is one emerging organization founded by educator, current assistant principal, and visionary Brother Jonathan C. W. Jones from the Gamma Xi Lambda Chapter.

The UpLiFT Movement is a national organization dedicated to cultivating and sustaining the Black Male Educator pipeline. Through peer-to-peer connections, professional development, networking, and recognition opportunities, the organization has empowered and connected 86 Black Male Educators, from Minnesota, Illinois, Georgia, New York, and several other states since its inception in 2020, with 24% of them being dedicated Alpha Men making substantial contributions in the education field.

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Brother Jones’ UpLiFT Movement is anchored by two flagship programs: 1. A national biennial conference offering professional development which last year received recognition from U.S. Secretary of Education Cardona who served as the Keynote Speaker; and 2. An annual publication called UpLiFT which serves as a unique affinity space, combining vivid visuals and reflective narratives to celebrate Black Male Educators across the USA, fostering camaraderie, and combating oppressive experiences.

“The inaugural cohort of UpLIFT is a testament to the power, perseverance, and spirit of a Black community dedicated to maintaining our rightful place in the education of American society,” says Dr. Tracey Benson, CEO & Founder of the Anti-Racism Leadership Institute about the inaugural issue. “As we continue our journey in making more hospitable schools for students and educators of color, the Black male educators spotlighted in this edition represent the front lines of Black leaders seeking a better future.”

In addition to the flagship programs, Brother Jones works diligently on forming alliances within his expanding network, local and national organizations, and supportive agencies—all focused on enhancing workforce diversity. Collaborative efforts with THE SPHINX®

EDUCATION | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT institutions like He Is Me Institute, Edifying Teachers, Black Male Educators Talk, Black Men Teach, and The Center for Black Educator Development demonstrate UpLiFT Movement’s commitment to making a meaningful impact. It is truly an UpLiFT Movement.

“Prioritizing diverse representation, affinity spaces and professional development is essential to creating vibrant welcoming school cultures, that is the work UpLiFT Movement has begun,” says Brother Robert Hendricks III, UpLiFT Man, UpLiFT Board Member & Executive Director of He Is Me Institute.

The Need for Black Male Educators The challenges of limited representation and inadequate support for Black Male Educators persist in the education field. Factors such systemic barriers, implicit bias, and insufficient access to professional growth opportunities deter Black Men from pursuing careers in education. Addressing these barriers necessitates creating supportive environments that empower and encourage Black Men to embrace and sustain roles in education.

miss the latest edition of UpLiFT — available on Amazon now. Join us in championing the cause of diversity in education and supporting the journey of Black Male Educators toward success and empowerment.

Alpha UpLiFT Men To Watch: Brother Astein Osei, Gamma Xi Lambda Brother Carlos Sneed, Gamma Xi Lambda Brother Chad Broussard, Zeta Iota Lambda Brother Delonte LeFlore, Gamma Xi Lambda Brother Dr. Darrin E. Wright, Omicron Phi Lambda Brother Dr. Frederick DeVon White, Alpha Delta Lambda Brother Dr. Louis Hilton, Theta Mu Lambda Brother Dr. Rashid Faisal, Sigma Delta Lambda

While progress has been achieved since 1906, significant barriers remain for Black Male Educators in 2023. Addressing these challenges demands a comprehensive strategy, including policy enhancements, mentorship initiatives, anti-bias training, and fostering inclusive and supportive school environments. The efforts of organizations like the UpLiFT Movement, in collaboration with communities and educational institutions, are pivotal in breaking down these barriers and enabling Black Male Educators to thrive and create a positive impact in the education sector.

Dr. Travis Bristol, associate professor of teacher education and education policy at Berkeley’s School of Education and UpLiFT Man, provides us wise words to contemplate on the importance of diversifying the educator pipeline: “We will have to make progress in a number of areas all at once, rather than pinning our hopes on any single policy or reform strategy, to diversify the teacher workforce.”

Collaboration among Black Male Educator organizations, differentiation, and partnerships are vital to collectively addressing the leaky pipeline issues and effecting broader change.

Brother Jones’ organization exemplifies this approach from Dr. Bristol and the principles of the distinguished men of Alpha. For more insights into the UpLiFT Movement, visit www.upliftmovement.org and don’t FALL 2023

Brother Fernando M Branch, General Organization Brother Frederick V. Engram Jr., Kappa Delta Lambda Brother Jamel Vanderburg, Kappa Xi Lambda Brother James K. Winfield, Omicron Iota Lambda Brother Jamie D. Hogue, Mu Kappa Lambda Brother Markus Flynn, Gamma Xi Lambda Brother Phil O’Neal, General Organization Brother Robert J. Hendricks, III, Epsilon Gamma Lambda Brother Theodore Wesley Johnson, Beta Xi Lambda Brother Val’ree Shankle, III, General Organization Brother Walter Wright, Delta Psi Lambda Brother William Victor Cooper, Epsilon Beta Lambda

Alpha Men In Partnership with UpLiFT:

Brother Dr. Richard Warren, Jr., Delta Omicron Lambda Brother Tamir D. Harper, Omicron Delta Lambda S 15

TECHNOLOGY

BY BROTHERS ERNEST HOLMES [ALPHA RHO ’18], TAVIS THOMPSON [ALPHA RHO ’19] AND DR. AVERY KENLY [ETA LAMBDA ’99]

The Alpha Brothers’ Founded CodeHouse nonprofit Hosts Tech Day

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odeHouse, the 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by Eta Lambda Chapter Brothers Ernest Holmes and Tavis Thompson hosted Tech Exposure Day (TEXD) 2023, a five-hour program focused on inspiring diverse high school students in the Atlanta metropolitan area to pursue careers in tech on March 2, 2023. Eta Lambda Chapter President Brother Dr. Avery Kenly and Brother Zachary Holston (Γ‘18, ΗΛ) also played key roles in the event, serving as CodeHouse’s director of student engagement and volunteer Coordinator, respectively.

On the field of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, more than 3,000 budding innovators from school districts including Atlanta Public Schools, Clayton County, Fulton County and Gwinnett County had the opportunity to hear directly from diverse representatives of leading tech

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companies, learn about opportunities in tech, and participate in an engaging challenge to win prizes like a PS5, Nintendo Switch, and a $1,000 scholarship.

Throughout the day, students explored the TEXD Tech Village to learn about careers at companies like Google, Dropbox, Microsoft, and Adobe, visited the Main Stage to tune into live panel discussions with executives, and competed in an interactive Scavenger Hunt enabled

by NFC technology tokens designed by students in the Spelman Innovation Lab. Alpha Rho Chapter seated at Morehouse College offered a live step show performance.

“Bringing Tech Exposure Day to its biggest stage yet was a major step forward for CodeHouse as we look to increase diverse representation in tech. Our mission is all about providing our youth with the information

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and resources they need to pursue their dream careers, and this program was designed to do just that,” says Brother Ernest Holmes, also CodeHouse president & co-founder. “We hope all of TEXD’s attendees left feeling encouraged, inspired, and ready to solve the world’s most challenging problems with the confidence knowing that there’s a seat at the table for them in tech.”

This spring, CodeHouse will launch its third CHSI cohort, expanding the program to include 30 incoming freshmen who plan to attend either Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T University, or Spelman College and major in a STEM-related field.

To learn more, visit www.thecodehouse.org.

CodeHouse was founded in 2019 when Brother Holmes and Brother Thompson, alongside Brother Holmes’ sister Jaycee, were each pursuing careers in tech and identified a dire need to increase diverse representation across the industry.

To date, CodeHouse has secured more than $4 million in funding from leading tech companies like PayPal, Google, and Microsoft; hosted multiple Tech Exposure Days to educate thousands of high schoolers across the country about careers in tech; and launched the CodeHouse Scholars Initiative (CHSI), which provides HBCU students majoring in STEM-related fields with $20,000 in academic scholarships, networking opportunities, mentorship, and technical training as they matriculate.

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Brother Ernest Holmes is a Spring 2018 initiate of the Alpha Rho Chapter seated at Morehouse College and is active with the Eta Lambda Chapter (Atlanta). He is employed at Google as a Technical Program Manager. Brother Tavis Thompson is a Spring 2019 initiate of the Alpha Rho Chapter seated at Morehouse College and is active with the Eta Lambda Chapter (Atlanta). He is employed at Zillow as a Product Manager. Brother Dr. Avery Kenly is a Fall 1999 initiate of the Eta Lambda Chapter (Atlanta) where he currently serves as the Chapter President. He is the Coordinating Supervisor of Professional Learning for Clayton County Public Schools. S

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BOOK SHELF

BY BROTHER ERIC CHRISTOPHER WEBB, DDIV., CPLC [NU ’89]

Author Q&A With Brother Ramon Peralta PERALTA DISCUSSES NEW BOOK AND ALL THINGS BRANDING

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he Fraternity’s Editor-of-The Sphinx, Brother Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC. sat down with Brother Ramon Peralta, author of Launch Your Brand: The Fastest Way To Supercharge Any Business and CEO of Peralta Design, to discuss his latest book, and all things branding. The Sphinx Magazine periodically engages in special one-on-one interview spotlights with Alpha leaders, authors, entertainers, and other notables.

grown over the last 15 years to 10 full time employees through trial and error, necessity, and determination. I realized early on that there was a need to help others who were on their entrepreneurial journey and as a way of giving back, I created the BrandU brand (Brand University) and began sharing my story as a volunteer speaker for SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, which helps small businesses by providing free business workshops. At the end of each BrandU

Brother Peralta, also the chairman of the Fraternity’s Publications Committee, is the Fraternity’s first-ever global chief creative advisor. Before launching Peralta Design, Brother Peralta honed his design and marketing skills as senior art director at Priceline and creative director at Walker Digital.

He holds a BFA from the University of Bridgeport and is a two-time TUCK Minority Business Enterprise Executive program graduate. He also accepted a Doctor of Humane Letters from his alma mater, the University of Bridgeport, and gave its commencement address in 2017.

Brother Peralta serves on the Board of Directors of McGivney Center, HHC Foundation, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, Greater New England Supplier Development Council, Workplace Ventures, and M&T Bank’s Director Advisory Council. He is also the chairperson for the New England Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee.

He has appeared on NPR’s Marketplace, The Today Show, and has been published in LA Weekly, Forbes, and other publications sharing his business expertise, and gave his first TEDx Talk in 2022.

workshop, the attendees would often ask for a copy of my presentation. Following the blueprint from other professional speakers, some of whom were clients of mine, I realized that instead of just giving away the PDF of my presentation, I really needed to write a book. The book would help me do several things: reach a wider audience, reinforce for many what they had learned in the workshops, and it could also be monetized. Now, at the end of each BrandU workshop, I sell and autograph books. It’s become a ministry. The ministry of Branding.

SM: Why did you feel this book was needed?

SM: People use the term brand and branding quite often, but few understand what the terms mean. How would you define them?

RP: There are over 400 million small businesses around the world. Small businesses are considered key to ensuring economic growth, innovation, and job creation, yet almost 40 percent, or 160 million of them, have no employees. I’m what you might call a ‘reluctant entrepreneur’ having started my company in 2008 after being layed off during the Great Recession. We have

RP: Your brand is often described as a promise. An experience. A feeling. A reputation. Jeff Bezos is famous for saying that “your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” One thing I can say is that your brand is definitely NOT just a logo. That is what most people think it is. While your logo is part of your brand identity, it is not your brand. Your brand is so

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much more: it’s your mission, your vision, your values, your differentiators, it’s your brand story. People trust brands and remain loyal to them, but to build that trust, you must be consistent. That’s where branding comes in. Branding is how you communicate those various brand attributes across multiple channels: video, audio, social, print, online and of course in person.

SM: What is a visual brand identity and brand story?

RP: Think of a company’s visual brand identity as their love language. It’s a set of design elements, symbols and colors that communicate through icons what their brand represents. Think of the Nike Swoosh, or McDonald’s Golden Arches. A two-year-old starts salivating when they drive by a McDonald’s, yet, they cannot read yet. They have already been indoctrinated into the color yellow and the shape of the logo.

As humans we are hardwired to see shape first and color second. Lastly, we will read, but its not our first instinct. That is why a strong brand identity should not rely on color or text. The best, most memorable visual brand identities or logos work well in black and white and they are iconic.

A company’s brand story is equally as important. It’s the narrative that will drive all of the communication for that brand. It usually begins as an origin story: the WHY of the brand is critical in helping to differentiate it from the competition. The best brand stories are memorable and repeatable. If they are confusing, or too generic, they will simply fade into the background. If we look at our favorite superheroes, we see that they all have an origin story that usually begins with tragedy. That tragedy, or more importantly, how they reacted to that tragedy defines them. It’s where they get their superpowers from. Every startup has an opportunity to share a unique story as to why they are in business, what problem they solve and who is their target customer.

SM: What do you feel is the biggest challenge for startups in establishing and launching their brand?

RP: Most startup founders need to fire themselves.

That’s the number one challenge that I see. Most founders are highly intelligent, “High D” personalities that also tend to be control freaks. They want to have their hands in every aspect of the business, including FALL 2023

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the areas that they are weak in. It is the number one reason that most small businesses fail. The startups fail to launch because the founders don’t value just how important brand strategy is. They take a shotgun approach to marketing without any consistency whatsoever. Not only do they not know what is working, but they never gain any traction because their messaging is all over the place. They also try to be everything to everyone. What happens when you do that? You disappear.

SM: What is the importance and value in having a brand launch strategy?

RP: Most people start advertising without having a brand launch strategy in place. They do this until they run out of funds and are forced to shut down. We advise anyone going into business to focus on a brand launch strategy before they begin advertising for this reason: you need to establish a digital footprint first. Build the house before you send out the invitations. If someone were to show up at your house and didn’t know if anyone lived there, or where the door was, they would not only drive away, but they’d probably never come back.

Get your (business’) house in order before you start marketing it. Brand launch strategy doesn’t have to be expensive either. Another mistake is that most founders have a million ideas for their business and will either not execute any of them, or will try to execute all of them. The best approach is to create an MVP: Minimum Viable Product for your business. Ask yourself what is the most cost-effective way, the simplest way for me to launch my business and prove the concept.

Not only will you not break the bank, but you will receive feedback that will help you improve the product.

From a consumer standpoint, a good brand launch strategy will help you identify your buyer personas.

Who are your customers? Once you understand that, you can then craft a narrative that will speak to them. A good brand launch strategy will also establish SMART goals for your business. These are measurable goals and milestones that you can learn from. Remember, simple scales. It’s also much easier to find a product for your customer than a customer for your product.

SM: How can people, companies, and organizations ensure that they deliver a consistent message that stays on brand?

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RP: Having Brand Guidelines that employees and strategic partners can adhere to is one way to ensure that you are delivering a consistent message that stays on brand. These Brand Guidelines should be readily available and should include the latest Brand Identity, Color Palette and Brand Story Narrative, or Brand Manifesto. These guidelines will drive the content for all social media platforms, press releases and sizzle reels or promotional content. Meet your clients where they are and choose the appropriate platform and media outlet to promote your brand. Your strategic partners should be chosen wisely as well. Any alliances you have whether they are vendors or customers, all have the opportunity to become your brand ambassadors.

Are they enhancing your brand, or hurting your brand? Brand equity is real and as you deliver your brand message on a partner website or social media platform, you have to ask yourself, is this brand an asset or a liability to my brand. Seek to leverage those partnerships that will not only elevate your brand, but that will also position your message in front of your target audience.

SM: What are some strategies to increase one’s online presence and subsequently increase sales?

RP: We’re all in a marketing funnel whether we believe it or not. We are always being taken on a customer journey from Awareness to Conversion and Retention.

When you think of it this way, you have to ask yourself where you are in your journey as a brand. Do you have a large database of happy customers? If so, then Retention would be your priority. It will cost you 10X more to acquire a new customer than it will to keep an existing one, so focus on providing value to your customers. If you are new on your journey, then Awareness should be a priority. Brand awareness can

take many forms: press releases, announcements and sponsoring events that will attract your target audience would all be part of a sound marketing strategy. Gaining followers on social media or spending money on digital marketing without having a strong digital conversion strategy or a measurable call to action in place (download, request a quote, or contact us) might prove to be counterproductive.

Oftentimes people want to post on social media, but they don’t have a content strategy. Understanding what the correct content ratio is will help you increase your online presence in a way that will grow sales.

Unfortunately, many people get this ratio wrong. The correct ratio is that 50% of what you post should be Informational. That means that you should be creating content that educates and informs your audience. Create e-books, Top 10 lists or info-graphics that educate and can be shared by your followers. The next 30% of your content should be Entertainment. Share what it’s like at your place of work, what the culture is like, what you do for fun, make funny videos or give an informal peek behind the scenes to make your company relatable and fun. People go online to either be Educated or Entertained. The last 20% of your content strategy should be Promotional. This is your chance to highlight your service offerings, where you will be presenting or speaking or attending (think trade show or virtual networking groups). That means 80% of your content is NOT selling, only 20% is selling. I think many brands, especially those starting out, get this backwards.

If you are or know someone that is a small business owner or entrepreneur looking to launch their personal brand or looking to grow their business through brand awareness and digital marketing, then this book is for you. S

DOWN DEEP IN MY SOUL: AN AFRICAN AMERICAN CATHOLIC THEOLOGY OF PREACHING In this work, Brother Rev. Maurice J. Nutt [Sigma Lambda ’06] offers a comprehensive treatment of preaching in the Black Catholic tradition, drawing on African American spirituality and culture, the role of preaching, how to construct a sermon in the Black style, and the connection between preaching and evangelization among African Americans.

Brother Rev. Nutt is a Redemptorist missionary priest, who received a doctorate in preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology. He has served as director, The Institute for Black Catholic Studies, Xavier University of Louisiana. He is a 2022 inductee into the Dr. M.L. King Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. He edited Thea Bowman: In My Own Words, and is the author of Thea Bowman: Faithful and Free. Orbisbooks.com S

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WHITE FEAR: HOW THE BROWNING OF AMERICA IS MAKING WHITE FOLKS LOSE THEIR MINDS White Fear has shaped our democracy and society from the beginning—and today, it’s more intense and visible than ever. To neutralize it, we must first understand it.

For two centuries, the deep-seated fear that many White people feel—of losing power, of losing economic standing, of losing a particular “way of life”—has been the driving force behind American politics and culture.

White Fear enabled the rise of Donald Trump. It’s behind the recent flood of restrictive voting laws disproportionately impacting people of color. It’s why reactions to movements like Black Lives Matter and football players taking a knee have been so negative and so strong.

As we approach a future where White people will become a racial the minority in the US, something estimated to occur as early as 2043, that fear is only intensifying, festering, and becoming more visible. Are we destined for a violent clash? What can we do to step

into our country’s inevitable future, without tearing ourselves apart in the process?

Brother Roland Martin, [Pi Omicron ’89], a nationally renowned journalist, and award-winning author, has been sounding this alarm for more than a decade. In White Fear, he provides a primer on how White Fear has shaped, and continues to shape, our democracy and our culture. He connects the separate puzzle pieces, from the Tea Party Movement to the decline of White American optimism to the diminishing blue-collar workforce, to illuminate the larger picture of what will unfold in America over the next decade-plus, and offers a better way forward.

If we want to create the kind of country that we’re all welcome in and proud to live in, we can no longer ignore White Fear. We must learn to recognize, understand, and dismantle it.

And as the last few years have shown, we don’t have any time to lose. amazon.com S

BLACK LIBERATION THROUGH ACTION AND RESISTANCE Brother Frederick v. Engram’s [Alpha Omicron ’03] Black Liberation through Action and Resistance: MOVE serves as a call to action for Black millennials as well as [white] co-conspirators who are either immersed in the work of Black liberation or have an interest in beginning their own journey toward anti-racism. This book acknowledges and highlights past social justice movements as well as offers critiques for where they might have missed the mark. The theory behind MOVE challenges anti-Blackness, patriarchy, white supremacy, and misogynoir ideologies that are aimed at the continued oppression of the descendants of the enslaved. This book is unique in that it provides a Black liberation soundtrack via the chapter titles which can be used to inspire its readers. Rowman.com S

SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD The Sincere Milk of the Word by Brother Dr. Mack E. Crayton, III [Eta Chi ’86] is the first installment in the Growing in Christ series. This book is designed as a beginner’s primer to the Christian Faith. It contains 12 lessons that will provide a new believer in the Christian faith with the ability to gain an understanding of God’s grace, faith, salvation, forgiveness of sins, the great commission, giving, and much more. The student’s edition of Sincere Milk of the Word can be used for a beginner’s level (youth or adult) Sunday School, Church School, or New Disciples class. Each lesson contains two focal scriptures on the lesson topic, which allows each lesson to be taught in two parts. There are discussion questions at the end of each lesson. Upon completion of this book, the student will have learned 24 scriptures. The instructor’s edition provides the course instructor with lesson explanations and suggested teaching strategies for a novice teacher. It also provides answers to the discussion questions and contains a multiple-choice quiz (with answer key) for each of the 12 lessons. This feature is ideal for assessing whether your students are truly growing in their knowledge of Christ. Amazon.com S FALL 2023

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20 QUESTIONS TO ANSWER BEFORE YOU APPLY TO GRADUATE SCHOOL: A GUIDE FOR GETTING INTO GRADUATE SCHOOL Our society is filled with many people with the desire and skills to pursue a graduate degree but still need to plan to get started with applying. Brother Dr. Justin O. Grimes’ [Kappa Kappa’03] book will aid you in answering all the questions you have, and ones you didn’t consider before you apply to graduate school. You will learn about the application process, what materials you need to submit with your application, funding your degree, narrowing down where to pursue a graduate degree, questions to ask recruiters, and more. The goal is for you to feel informed and ready to apply to the graduate program of your dreams. applytograduateschool.com S

DADDY, HOW DO I?: MAYA LEARNS LIFE SKILLS The relationship between a father and daughter is special and unbreakable. The pinky-promise-close bond between Brother Matthew S. Bradford [Alpha Epsilon Lambda ’96] and his daughter, Maya Bradford, is on display as they introduce the first in their series of children’s books called, “Daddy, How Do I?: Maya Learns Life Skills” Readers will join Maya on her journey to learn life skills through adventures with her beloved Daddy, Matt, or as many affectionately call him, “SprungDada.” Maya will stop at nothing to learn something new, even if it means interrupting her Daddy. And he will drop everything, any time, to make certain he is always there, to teach Maya the answers to her questions, rather than just tell her.

This loving duo’s daily adventures, makes for a heartwarming tale, celebrating the importance of learning, while making priceless Daddy-daughter childhood memories. The book is beautifully illustrated and is an easy read, a perfect gift for children, Girl-Dads, and anyone who treasures kids, everywhere! Amazon.com S

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FEATURE

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ANNOUNCES ITS

‘ALPHA MEN OF DISTINCTION’ INAUGURAL CLASS

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he ‘Alpha Men of Distinction’ is a newly established recognition initiative which highlights Brothers who are rewriting the rules of success and shattering the prevailing misconceptions about age and minorities in the workforce, through the areas of philanthropy and global impact in all stages of their fraternal and professional contributions, while continuing to make a difference in their communities, their industries, and the world. S

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FEATURE

BROTHER REV. DR. WILLIAM J. BARBER, II Civil Rights Activist/Professor/Theologian

Co-chairman of the Poor People’s Campaign and Founding Director of the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale University’s School of Divinity.

BROTHER ULYSSES L. “JUNIOR” BRIDGEMAN Former NBA Player/Owner of Ebony & Jet Magazines

CEO of Bridgeman Foods Inc., where he started the Heartland Coca-Cola Company and became an official bottler of Coca-Cola and is the owner of over two hundred Wendy’s, Chili’s, and Fannie Mae Chocolate franchises in various states all under the umbrella of his company.

BROTHER GEN. CHARLES Q. BROWN, JR. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

As a current four-star General, he was made an honorary Tuskegee Airman, receiving the symbolic red jacket in a ceremony on August 14, 2021.

BROTHER HONORABLE EMANUEL CLEAVER II Member of U.S. House of Representatives-State of Missouri

An ordained Methodist minister that was elected the first African American Mayor of Kansas City, the largest city of the state of Missouri

BROTHER HONORABLE DANNY K. DAVIS

Member of U.S. House of Representatives-State of Illinois A 27-year member of Congress as an articulate voice for his constituents and as an effective legislator able to move major bills to passage. He has developed a unique and energetic style of communication and interaction with his constituents setting up dozens of advisory task forces to consider significant questions of public policy.

BROTHER MILTON CARVER DAVIS, ESQ.

29th General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He gained international acclaim when as the Assistant Attorney General for Alabama he partnered with Donald Watkins to research and advocate for a full pardon of Clarence Norris, the last known surviving Scottsboro Boy on the basis on innocence, in the Scottsboro Boys Federal Court Case.

BROTHER AMBASSADOR DR. HORACE G. DAWSON, JR. U.S. Diplomat & Ambassador to Botswana

Joined the faculty at Howard University in 1989 and was appointed Director of the Public Affairs Program. In 1993, Dawson established the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard, and in 1997 became the program’s first Director.

BROTHER DR. ANTOINE M. GARIBALDI

Educator & Grand Sire Archon, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (The Boulé) President Emeritus and Distinguished University Professor of University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI, where he is the third longest-serving president of Michigan’s largest Catholic University from June 2011 through June 2022, and the university’s first layperson and first African American president since its founding in 1877.

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BROTHER HONORABLE AL N. GREEN, JR.

Member of U.S. House of Representatives-State of Texas In 1977 he was appointed a judge in the Harris County Justice Court and was re-elected to that post until he retired in 2004 and made his run for Congress.

BROTHER DR. ROBERT L. HARRIS, JR. General Historian, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

He is the author of more than 40 articles and chapters in academic journals and books. He is past president of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History. His research has been supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Ford Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation.

BROTHER WAYNE C. HARVEY, ESQ. Managing Senior Partner & Litigating Attorney

A leading litigator throughout the country that specializes in litigation pertaining to Real Estate, Real Estate Development and Finance, Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Negligence, and Bond Counsel/Tax Credit Representation nationally. His courtroom demeanor is known for being tough but fair.

BROTHER DR. FREDERICK D. HAYNES III President & CEO, Rainbow PUSH Coalition

For the past 40 years, Dr. Haynes has served as a visionary and innovative senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. Under his servant leadership, the ministry and membership of the church has grown from less than 100 members in 1983 to over 13,000.

BROTHER DR. JOSEPH E. “JOE” HEYWARD

Senior Liaison to Past General Presidents, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A living legend in the Columbia, SC community, The Joseph E. Heyward Scholarship was created at Francis Marion University in recognition of his service. In addition, a building on campus, the Heyward Community Center, was named in his honor. The Francis Marion University African American Faculty/Staff Coalition, which he was instrumental in starting, recognized him with its Scholarship, Leadership and Excellence Award (February 2015). In 2019, the Trustees of Francis Marion named a street on its campus in his honor, Heyward Drive.

BROTHER HON. STEVEN A. HORSFORD

Member of U.S. House of Representatives-State of Nevada For more than a decade, Rep. Horsford led the Culinary Training Academy, the largest job training program in Nevada, helping thousands of workers find quality careers in the hospitality industry. An unique partnership between labor and business, the Culinary Training Academy under Rep. Horsford’s leadership placed over 80 percent of graduates into good paying jobs and completed a multi-million capital construction campaign.

BROTHER DR. FREEMAN A. HRABOWSKI III Educator/Orator/Mathematician

President Emeritus of UMBC (The University of Maryland, Baltimore County) served as president from 1992 to 2022. A child-leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Hrabowski was prominently featured in Spike Lee’s 1997 documentary, Four Little Girls, on the racially motivated bombing in 1963 of Birmingham’s Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.

BROTHER DR. ED JACKSON, JR.

Executive Architect, Washington, DC, Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. From November 1996 to March 2012, he directed and managed the programming, planning, site selection, design, and construction of the memorial under his leadership.

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FEATURE

BROTHER HARRY E. JOHNSON, SR., ESQ. 31st General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Currently serves as President & CEO of The Memorial Foundation that promotes awareness of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and its tenets of democracy, justice, hope and love.

As leader of the MLK Memorial Foundation, the Foundation raised $127 million to complete the memorial. The memorial dedication was held on October 16, 2011, with the President, Vice President, members of the cabinet, congressional members, and others in attendance.

BROTHER ARANTHAN S. “AJ” JONES

Executive VP & COO of Public Affairs, Starbucks, Inc. A global communications & branding expert that has held several C-Suite roles in private and public companies and managed upwards of ~$570 million in P&Ls, while provided an array of professional services to Fortune 500 companies (ie Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, Google, Lockheed Martin, NBCUniversal, Yum Brands China, Gilead Sciences and Oracle), top-ranked academic institutions, multilateral institutions, and G-20 government leaders.

BROTHER DR. WILLIS L. LONZER III

General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. An executive scientist with over 33 years of biomedical research, global pharmaceutical R&D and global medical affairs experience who is currently a Regional Medical Director for Amgen Inc.

BROTHER ROLAND S. MARTIN Journalist & Syndicated Commentator

The host and managing editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered, the first daily online show in history focused on news and analysis of politics, entertainment, sports, and culture from an explicitly African American perspective, who many have bestowed upon him the moniker, “The Voice Of Black America.”

BROTHER REV. HERMAN L. “SKIP” MASON, JR. 33rd General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

A noted historian & archivist who became the first national archivist for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and helped to facilitate the transfer of its archives to the Moorland Spingarn Research Center at Howard University in Washington, DC. He is currently the senior pastor of historic West Mitchell Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

BROTHER DARRYL R. MATTHEWS, SR.

32nd General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Currently serves as the President & CEO of the National Society of Black Certified Public Accountants, Inc. (NSBCPA) and is currently the only organization completely focused on increasing the number of Black CPAs by providing CPA Exam candidates with the resources and coaching to pass the exam, ensuring they become CPAs.

BROTHER HONORABLE GREGORY W. MEEKS Member of U.S. House of Representatives-State of New York

Congressman Meeks is the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He formerly served as the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Rep. Meeks was the first Black Member of Congress to serve as Chair of that committee in the 117th Congress. Meeks is a multilateralist with decades of experience in foreign policy. He believes that the United States should build coalitions around our interests and work with other countries to build a stable and prosperous future.

BROTHER WESTLEY W.O. “WES” MOORE Governor, State of Maryland

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore that became the first Black Rhodes Scholar in the history of the institution. He’s authored “The Other Wes Moore,” a story about the fragile nature of opportunity in America, which became a perennial New York Times bestseller.

He went on to write other best-selling books that reflect on issues of race, equity, and opportunity, including his latest book “Five Days,” which tells the story of Baltimore in the days that followed the death of Freddie Gray in 2015.

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BROTHER MARC H. MORIAL

President & CEO, National Urban League A distinguished professional whose career that has spanned thirty plus years, he is a noted entrepreneur, lawyer, professor, legislator, & mayor, where has performed all these roles with excellence, and is one of the most accomplished servantleaders in the nation.

BROTHER REV. OTIS MOSS, JR. Civil Rights Activist/Orator/Theologian

An advocate of civil and human rights and social justice issues for most of his adult life and was a key staff member of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. He currently serves as a national board member and trustee for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change. His work in the international community has taken him to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan as a member of a clergy mission in 1970, and to Israel in 1978. In 1994, he was the special guest of President Bill Clinton at the peace treaty signing between Israel and Jordan, and, in that same year, he led a special mission to South Africa.

BROTHER WILLIAM E. “WILL” PACKER, JR. Award winning Filmmaker & Producer

Produced or executive produced a wide range of movies that have grossed more than $1 billion worldwide at the box office, including 10 films that have opened at number one. Producer of the 94th Annual Academy Awards which aired on March 27, 2022. This marked his first «live» television production credit for a major show on a major television network (ABC) and was televised in more than 200 territories worldwide. The 94th Oscars was the highest-rated entertainment special in primetime on any network in two years in both total viewers (16.6 million) and adults 18-49 (3.8/28).

BROTHER DR. WILLIAM F. PICKARD

Executive Chairman & Founder, Global Automotive Alliance Chairman of Global Automotive Alliance (GAA), Co-Managing Partner, MGM Grand Detroit Casino, CEO, Bearwood Management Company and co-owner of five black-owned newspapers. Since its founding in 1989, GAA has generated more than $5 billion dollars in sales with eight plants in the U.S. and Canada, and service corporations such as Boeing, Mercedes Benz, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Delphi, Johnson Controls, Starbucks, Home Depot and Merck Pharmaceutical.

BROTHER DR. HENRY W. PONDER

28th General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A noted executive and university President, who helped retain the various institution’s accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools across three decades, also served two years in the United States Army during the Korean War.

BROTHER HONORABLE CHARLES B. RANGEL

Former Member of U.S. House of Representatives-State of New York In 1971 Rangel ran for U.S. Congress and defeated the famous Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. in a historic election. Rangel’s victory inaugurated the first of his seventeen consecutive terms as representative of the Fifteenth Congressional District of New York. Rangel’s tenure in Congress has been marked by a continued activism and concern for his constituency. In 1987, Rangel, one of the leading opponents to South African apartheid, pushed the Internal Revenue Service to eliminate tax credits for taxes paid to the apartheid government of South Africa.

BROTHER HONORABLE ROBERT C. “BOBBY” SCOTT Member of U.S. House of Representatives-State of Virginia

Became the first African American elected to Congress from Virginia since John Mercer Langston’s election more than 100 years earlier during the Reconstruction era in 1992. In the 118th Congress, Congressman Scott serves as the Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce—his fifth term as the Committee’s Democratic leader. Throughout his tenure, he has advanced legislation that improves equity in education, frees students from the burdens of debt, protects and expands access to affordable health care, ensures workers have a safe workplace where they can earn a living wage free from discrimination, and guarantees seniors have a secure and dignified retirement. Congressman Scott also serves on the Committee on the Budget where he is a leading voice on fiscal policy.

BROTHER DR. EARL W. STAFFORD, SR. Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

Founded The Stafford Foundation, a faith-based, philanthropic organization in 2002. The foundation is credited for “The People’s Inaugural Project” initiative, which brought more than 400 disadvantaged and underserved individuals to Washington, D.C. for a three-day celebration of President Barack Obama’s historic inauguration.

Two years later, Stafford teamed with actor and comedian Bill Cosby for the Doing Good campaign, a national philanthropic initiative. Stafford is also chief executive officer of The Wentworth Group, LLC, a Reston, Virginiabased holding company providing financial and business support services. He also received a Presidential appointment to the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

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BROTHER ROBERT F. SMITH

Billionaire Businessman and Philanthropist A business leader, investor in transformative companies, a champion for diversity and inclusion and a steward of culture, the environment, equity and education. He is the Founder, Chairman, & CEO of the technology investment firm, Vista Equity Partners — and his dedication to serving and giving back to his communities and our planet through innovative and expansive philanthropic giving.

BROTHER DR. CHARLES C. TEAMER, SR.

27th General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Former Grand Sire Archon, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, (The Boulé) In 1993, Teamer co-founded the Dryades Savings Bank and served as chairman. He later retired from Dillard University in 1997 and continued to work as a consultant to Clark Atlanta University. In 2001, Teamer led a partnership of investors in opening The Cotton Exchange and Holiday Inn Express Hotel in downtown New Orleans and became president of the World Trade Center of New Orleans in 2003.

BROTHER DON THOMPSON

Former President & CEO, McDonald’s Corporation Currently the CEO of Cleveland Avenue, an investment group and accelerator that focuses on building new food, beverage, and restaurant concepts, which he founded in 2015 in Chicago, IL.

BROTHER MARK S. TILLMAN

34th General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A three-time mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters and has been honored as a “Person of the Week” by the local ABC affiliated news station WXYV and the 100 Black Men of Metro Detroit for his dedication to mentoring. He is also a 2014 recipient of the Michigan Chronicle, Men of the Year Award.

BROTHER SYLVESTER TURNER Mayor, City of Houston (TX)

Amongst his many accomplishments since becoming mayor in December 2015, Mayor Turner released his “One Safe Houston” initiative to combat the increase in violence resulting from the pandemic, domestic violence, mental illness, and the proliferation of guns on the street in February 2022. The plan has resulted in a decrease in the yearto-year number of homicides and overall violent crime rate. In March 2023, the mayor launched the One Clean Houston initiative to combat illegal dumping in the city.

BROTHER DR. GREGORY J. VINCENT

President, Talladega College Former Grand Sire Archon, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, (The Boulé) Although noted for his distinguished career in academia, Dr. Vincent is a civil rights attorney.

He served as the assistant attorney general in the Office of the Ohio Attorney General and successfully argued several major civil rights cases before the Supreme Court of Ohio. Those impressive wins propelled him to Director for Regional and Legal affairs for the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and vice president and lead counsel for Bank One.

BROTHER F. EUCLID WALKER Investor/Strategist/Managing Partner

Managing Director of Renascent Capital Group, a Chicago based strategic advisory and investment firm, and a Principal in CRADLE Real Estate Group, a Chicago real estate firm focused on urban markets, and a partner in Walker Properties. Walker has served as Executive Director of Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking Division, Morgan Stanley’s Real Estate Group, and became one of two Morgan Stanley professionals in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1996. He then worked in London overseeing a major restructuring of Morgan Stanley’s Corporate Finance until 2003, when he moved to Chicago.

BROTHER HON. WILLIAM J. WALKER

Retired U.S. Army General & Sergeant at Arms-U.S. House of Representatives Served by Presidential appointment as the 23rd Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard. General Walker led National Guard civil support to the U.S. Capitol Police following the January 6, 2021, attack of the Capitol, and subsequently provided command and control for over 28,000 Guardsmen assigned for the 59th Presidential inauguration. He also led National Guard support to the U.S. Secret Service at the White House, the U.S. Park Police, and the Metropolitan Police during the riots of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd.

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BROTHER ADRIAN L. WALLACE

30th General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Established Alpha University, an in-house training and educational operation for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Served as the first Executive Director for the SEED Business Incubator which is housed in the $14 million Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial & Economic Development Center (SEED) serving the five-county area.

BROTHER DR. EVERETT B. WARD

35th General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A former member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) where he served as vice chairman of the DNC Black Caucus. In 1989, Dr. Ward made history by becoming the first African American to serve as executive director of the North Carolina Democratic Party. A frequent speaker in areas of higher education, leadership development, and political/civic engagement. As a public leader, Dr. Ward was invited by the Taiwanese government to study the political, educational, and cultural institutions of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

BROTHER SEN. RAPHAEL G. WARNOCK Member, U.S. Senate-State of Georgia

For over 16 years, Senator Warnock has served as Senior Pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the former pulpit of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He is the youngest pastor selected to serve in that leadership role at the historic church.

BROTHER DR. CORNEL R. WEST

Philosopher/Civil Rights Activist/Social Critic A former Professor of the Practice of Public Philosophy at Harvard University and Professor Emeritus at Princeton University, he has written 20 books and has edited 13. He is best known for his classics, Race Matters and Democracy Matters, and for his memoir, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud. His most recent book, Black Prophetic Fire, offers an unflinching look at nineteenth and twentieth-century African American leaders and their visionary legacies.

BROTHER ROBERT A. “BOB” WILLIS

20th Southern Regional Vice President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Recipient of Alpha Award of Merit in August 2005 and has the distinction to have served as Senior Advisor to eleven past General Presidents of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and currently is serving in the same capacity under the current sitting General President.

BROTHER AMBASSADOR ANDREW J. YOUNG Former Ambassador to the United Nations Former Mayor of Atlanta (GA)

Young, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981, was instrumental in the building of modern-day Atlanta. He was elected Mayor in 1981 and re-elected in 1985 with nearly 85 percent of the vote. Hartsfield International Airport, whose development he championed, made it possible for Atlanta to attract 1,100 new businesses, $70 billion in foreign direct investment, and 1 million new jobs to the region during his tenure. It is now the busiest airport in the world. The city hosted the Democratic National Convention in 1988. Young also led the successful effort to bring the 1996 Olympic Games to Atlanta.

*Brother Denny N. Johnson compiled information for this feature.

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ANGELA FOSTER/UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT CHATTANOOGA

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BY CHUCK WASSERSTROM

THE ED JOHNSON MEMORIAL: In Remembrance, Reconciliation, and Healing

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(Reprinted with permission from © 2021 The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Magazine) rowing up in Chattanooga, Brother LaFredrick Thirkill knew that the Walnut Street Bridge—a popular pedestrian path for locals and visitors— had a dark secret. A lynching happened on the bridge more than a century ago, but names and circumstances were seemingly forgotten.

But dots became connected because of a newspaper article in 1999 about Pleasant Garden Cemetery, an abandoned graveyard in Chattanooga’s Shepherd community.

“I was amazed to read that there was this Black cemetery that I had never heard of,” says Brother Thirkill, a 1997 graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

“Being a lover of history, and Black history in particular, I wanted to go to this place.”

Brother Thirkill saw that Pleasant Garden, which had operated from 1891 to 1970, had fallen into a state of disrepair. After seeing the cemetery’s conditions, Brother Thirkill set out to clean it up. “I never dreamed that in doing that, I would learn the story of Ed Johnson,” he says Ed Johnson’s story is not easy to summarize.

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In 1906, Johnson—a 24-year-old Black man—was unjustly convicted of raping a white woman and sentenced to death. When the U.S. Supreme Court intervened with a stay of execution because of the first and only criminal trial in the Supreme Court’s history, a mob of white people stormed the jailhouse in Chattanooga, took Johnson and—despite his maintaining his innocence—hanged him from the Walnut Street Bridge.

Brother Thirkill says he recognized right away that not everyone is pleased to be reminded about the past. “Some might say, ‘Well, that happened forever ago,’” he says, “but forever ago is still connected to someone’s family history.”

“I remember being in a barbershop one day back when I first started cleaning up the cemetery,” Brother Thirkill recalls, “and the guys in the barbershop started asking questions about it. One guy said to me, ‘Who gave you the right to go up in the cemetery starting trouble? Why don’t you just let sleeping dogs lie?’

“I asked him, ‘Who gave you the right to deny me the story? I don’t see them as dogs, and I think it’s a shame that we’ve let the cemetery become abandoned.’ It’s like they had forgotten 31

ANGELA FOSTER/UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT CHATTANOOGA

FEATURE on that fateful day, helps clear the path for a different way of being together here in Chattanooga.”

Artist Jerome Meadows created the statues of Johnson, Parden, and Hutchins.

Brother Thirkill says some memorials are designed to evoke an emotion. The Ed Johnson Memorial is intended to educate.

“Seeing Ed Johnson walking away from the noose and being set free—or being just beyond the reach of the justice system—is beautifully illustrated in this memorial,” Thirkill says. “I know there are going to be people who might be upset about it, be it Black people who are upset that it happened or white people who are upset that it’s acknowledged.

“But those conversations are healthy because then you can examine why you have those feelings; and when conversations happen, it gives you the opportunity to see it from a different perspective.”

about the significance and contributions of the people who were buried there.”

In 2016, Brother Thirkill became co-chair of a committee brought together to discuss paying tribute to Johnson’s memory. The interracial group, known as The Ed Johnson Project, had spent years working to erect a permanent memorial commemorating Johnson’s lynching.

They wouldn’t let Johnson’s story fade from memory.

With the memorial in place and Johnson’s story now being told via multiple platforms, Thirkill says his life commitment to educating people about the life of Johnson will continue.

He says it’s important that others learn the story to continue to fight against injustice.

“I’m blessed that God allowed me to be the vessel through which he sent this project.

I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to learn the story, go out and share it and get the chance to see this memorial come to life. I’m thankful I had the opportunity to be a part of this experience.” S

On Sept. 19, the Ed Johnson Memorial dedication took place with the ceremonial unveiling of bronze sculptures honoring Johnson and his Black attorneys, Noah Parden, and Styles Hutchins—who appealed his case to the Supreme Court after white lawyers refused.

“Over 100 years later though it may be,” says Keynote Speaker Eddie Glaude to those gathered at the south end of the bridge, “this act to remember Ed Johnson, what happened 32

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BY BROTHER ERIC CHRISTOPHER WEBB, DDIV., CPLC [NU ’89]

97TH GENERAL CONVENTION | 117TH ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION IN REVIEW ELEVATING THE ALPHA SPIRIT: STRENGTHENING THE BROTHERHOOD AND STANDING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE FALL 2023

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he Fraternity’s 97th General Convention | 117th Anniversary Convention fully embodied its theme of “Elevating the Alpha Spirit: Strengthening the Brotherhood and Standing for Social Justice,” featuring several prominent leaders and social justice advocates, such as Brother Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, new Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Ambassador Brother Andrew J. Young, Jr., General Charles Q. Brown, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, and others from July 26-30.

General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III also formally announced the relocation of the Fraternity’s 98th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention from Orlando, Florida due to Governor Ron DeSantis’ harmful, racist, and insensitive policies against the Black community.

“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has an unmatched legacy of social justice, advocacy, and leadership for the Black community,” says General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III about the decision. “In this environment of manufactured division and attacks on the Black community, Alpha Phi Alpha refuses to direct a projected $4.6 million convention economic impact to a place hostile to the communities we serve. Although we are moving our convention from Florida, Alpha Phi Alpha will continue to support the strong advocacy of Alpha Brothers and other advocates fighting against the continued assault on our communities in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis.”

The Fraternity’s decision captured major news headlines and monopolized much of the national news coverage with expected praise from fellow Divine 9 organizations, social justice allies, and the public along with some hostile and racist criticism and attacks from conservative media, on social media as well as some threats elsewhere.

Among other events, the Fraternity’s Public Program, which was hosted and moderated by Brother Roland Martin and featured a spirited discussion with special guest panelists Ambassador FALL 2023

Brother Young, Brother Rev. Haynes, and Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley, CEO and President of the National Council of Negro Women.

In addition, the convention also featured a variety of fellowship and entertainment options, over multiple days, including an Arcade Experience with Gaming Tournament, a Brotherhood Smoke as well as a multiple event night with an Official Convention Step 35

FEATURE Show & After Party, an Ice Lounge Party, a Neo Soul Lounge featuring Ray Ferrell, an All-White Party and a Comedy Show at the 92,000 Sq. Ft. Gilley’s Event Center located in Downtown Dallas on Friday, July 28.

Beta Epsilon Chapter – North Carolina A&T University

97th General Convention | 117th Anniversary Convention Award Winners

College Brother of the Year Brother Mout-Maine Moustapha Gamma Eta Chapter – Indiana University

Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest Brother Davion Williams Epsilon Alpha Chapter – University of Toledo

Alumni Brother of the Year Brother Dr. Anthony Broughton Alpha Psi Lambda Chapter – Columbia, South Carolina

First Runner Up: Brother Tyler Brock Zeta Chi – University of Texas at Arlington Hobart Jarrett Debate Competition Beta Epsilon Chapter – North Carolina A&T University First Runner Up: Zeta Chi Chapter – University of Texas at Arlington John Hope Franklin Collegiate Scholars

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First Runner Up: Zeta Chi Chapter – University of Texas at Arlington

College Chapter of the Year Epsilon Epsilon Chapter – Oklahoma State University Alumni Chapter of the Year Gamma Lambda Chapter – Detroit, Michigan Charles H. Wesley Brotherhood Award Eta Lambda Chapter – Atlanta, Georgia Alpha Rho Chapter – Morehouse College Alpha Phi Chapter – Clark Atlanta University Zeta Mu Chapter – Georgia State University

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FEATURE College Brother with the Highest GPA Brother Jamondra Glenn Beta Chi – Philander Smith College Brother Cameron Shropshire Epsilon Epsilon – Oklahoma State University College Chapter with the Highest GPA Nu Sigma Chapter – Stanford University Miss Black and Gold Pageant Miss Tania Smith Alpha Rho Chapter – Morehouse College First Runner Up: Miss Kierston Stokes Theta Rho Chapter – Virginia Commonwealth University Stroll / Step Show Competition Eta Gamma Chapter – Prairie View A&M University First Runner Up: Alpha Rho Chapter – Morehouse College SPIRIT AWARDS Most Registered Alumni Brothers (inside the Southwestern Region) (123) Alpha Eta Lambda – Houston, Texas Most Registered College Brothers (inside the Southwestern Region) (10) Zeta Chi Chapter – University of Texas at Arlington

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Most Registered Alumni Brothers (outside the Southwestern Region) (70) Gamma Lambda – Detroit Michigan Most Registered College Brothers (outside the Southwestern Region) (11) Gamma Eta Chapter – Indiana University Greatest Distance Travelled (Alumni Chapter) Nu Phi Lambda – Okinawa, Japan (7,402 miles) Greatest Distance Travelled (College Chapter) Alpha Xi – University of Washington – Seattle, Washington (1,677 miles) Oldest Registered & Brother w/ Longest Membership Brother Eugene Henry, Jr. – Life Member 95 years old (DOB – 7/22/1928) Initiated 11/30/1950 – Gamma Phi Chapter – Tuskegee University Nu Mu Lambda Chapter – Decatur, Georgia S

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BY BROTHER ERIC CHRISTOPHER WEBB, DDIV., CPLC.

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. JOINS WITH HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS IN OBSERVANCE AND CONTINUATION OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON FRATERNITY HOSTS AND PARTICIPATES IN MULTIPLE EVENTS LEADING UP TO HISTORIC MARCH 38

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lpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. joined with dozens of Human Rights groups in observance and continuation of the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington during the weekend of Aug. 26th and 27th at the MLK Memorial and Lincoln Memorial.

The five-hour program, organized by Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, drew an estimated 250,000 people to the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday. There, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III was among those key organizational leaders who addressed those in attendance after he had rallied the Men of Distinction – the Brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. who initially assembled at the MLK Memorial before leading the huge contingent while chanting to the Lincoln Memorial.

“The men of Alpha Phi Alpha have arrived again to raise the conscience of the United States,” says General President Lonzer during his 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington address at the Lincoln Memorial. “We are interested in health care access and health care equity as a Human Right. But we also continue to elevate voter rights and education and empowerment. That we vote in every election not just in the general election. We are also here to overemphasize the need for criminal justice reform and for appropriate policing of all people.

We’re interested in making sure that we stand for income inequities and inequality to make sure that all people can live a good life here in America, and we want to underscore our need for social justice movements right here in this country. The men of Alpha stand aligned with other D9 Presidents (and organizations) to make sure we raise the level of consciousness.”

Earlier that day, the Fraternity also joined with the National Urban League for a March on Washington 60th Anniversary Pre-Rally at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill. Among the speakers were General President Lonzer, NUL President and CEO Brother Marc Morial, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) President Jonathan Greenblatt and others.

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FEATURE On Saturday, General President Lonzer along with Immediate Past General President Dr. Everett B. Ward and PGPs Herman “Skip” Mason and Harry Johnson laid a wreath during the Fraternity Wreath Laying & Moments of Reflection at MLK Memorial the day prior to the march.

Prominent Alpha speakers, including National Urban League President/CEO Brother Marc Morial, Congressman and Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Brother Steven A. Horsford, Rainbow PUSH President Brother Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, and Drum Major Institute Chairman Brother Martin Luther King, III offered remarks at the ceremony.

“Sixty years later, there is a hole in the dream of Dr. King,” declares Brother Rev. Dr. Haynes. “Sixty years, there is a neo-fascist war on Democracy as we have seen Affirmative Action aborted by the Supreme Court of the United States which is determined to be a supremacist court. Since we have been able to build a monument, our challenge now is to build a movement.” S

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BY BROTHER CHUCK “JIGSAW” CREEKMUR, CEO OF ALLHIPHOP.COM 44

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he early 1990s were an interesting time. Technically, Hip-Hop, as a culture, was rounding out 20 years and was during the creative explosion called The Golden Era. As a young journalist at the University of Delaware, I moonlighted as an on-air radio personality, an on-campus activist, and one of the only rappers on campus. After becoming an Alpha Man in the fall of ’93, 20 years after the culture of Hip-Hop began in The Bronx, New York, I was an entrenched insider of this transformative movement. The youth were captivated by an amalgamation of music, dance, art, and thought. Shows like “Rap City” and “YO! MTV Raps” transmitted visuals to Alphas worldwide, letting us know that our brotherhood was very much a part of this vibrant renaissance.

The 1993 song, “Here Come The Lords,” marked a commercial Hip-Hop hit for the Lords of The Underground. In the video, rapper DoItAll (Brother Dupré Kelly) prominently displayed his A-Phi-A letters throughout the entire music video, which was filmed at Shaw University. The Lords delivered a slew of hits, including “Chief Rocka,” “Funky Child,” “Tic Toc,” and more. As a certified Hip-Hop junkie, I knew then that I was in the right place at the right time. Not only was I playing DoItAll’s music on the radio, but my rap group at the time would go on to open for The Lords and KRS-One shortly after I joined in the fall of

1993. I realized I was in a Band of Brothers, a proverbial fraternity within the fraternity.

Slowly but surely, as Hip-Hop matured and evolved, the Brothers helped shape and mold it into greatness.

The music and entertainment industries are vast, almost like an alternative realm, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds, talents, and perspectives. As I moved forward from student to professional, I realized that Alpha and Hip-Hop were close associates.

In the mid-’90s, numerous legends emerged, almost like shadowy figures that were talked about more than they were seen. In this presocial media time, great work was a calling card, and the quality of that work would determine how far one’s name traveled.

Benny Boom (Brother Benjamin Douglass), the now-famed producer, was one of those.

Benny started out rapping but possessed a myriad of skills. He began working with Spike Lee, Hype Williams, Director X, Paul Hunter, and others before creatively collaborating with a bevy of artists. Years earlier, Benny, while a Temple University student, made an appearance as a Hip-Hop dancer in future Fraternity Brother HanSoul’s “Imagination” video. HanSoul, now active as a Christian

rapper, featured other Alpha men in that fun video, including Brother Eric Christopher Webb, who is now the Fraternity’s Editor of The Sphinx and Director of Communications.

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FEATURE I made the big move to New York City, although he emerged from Philadelphia like HanSoul. By this time, the late 1990s, I had started my company AllHipHop.com, and my world opened up as a young entrepreneur, creative, and writer.

In New York City, I was connected to amazing fraternal talents like Smokey Fontaine, Navarrow Wright, Jerry Barrow, Alvin Blanco, Miles Marshall Lewis, and P. Frank Williams, all deeply entrenched in Hip-Hop, tech, and media across various influential platforms during the late ‘90s and early 2000s. All of us were powerful within Hip-Hop. AllHipHop. com was founded and launched in 1998 and almost immediately became the go-to for HipHop online, blending traditional core values with the burgeoning technologies of the time.

We became darlings of the music industry because we presented a solution to a problem.

People wanted Hip-Hop more than traditional media could deliver, and we pioneered a bridge from the streets to computers and mobile devices.

That forward-thinking mindset is precisely what attracted me to Alpha Phi Alpha.

Smokey Fontaine was not just a journalist or editor; he was emerging as a certified leader, and I studied him for years before we became friends. He held numerous positions atop publications, both print and digital, effectively pushing the culture of Hip-Hop in a sophisticated, mature, and stylish manner long before it became trendy. He is now the editorin-chief of the app store at Apple, a company valued at several trillion. I worked right next to Smokey at Volume.com, and he assisted me in ways he might not realize. He’s also helped other brothers.

“My career as a Hip-Hop journalist began because of the assistance of my Sigma Zeta chapter Brother/founder Smokey Fontaine, who gave me my first assignments at Trace Magazine and The Source and hired me as a staff writer at Volume.com,” Jerry says.

“I turned those opportunities into lasting contributions as a staff editor at The Source, 46

Editor-In-Chief at Scratch Magazine, and reuniting with Smokey to launch TheUrbanDaily.com. I’ve contributed to Vibe, XXL, BET.com, and more, and I am now Head Of Content for HipHopDX.” P. Frank Williams helped me start writing at The Source magazine (once called “the Bible of Hip-Hop”), and I also worked with Smokey and Jerry at Volume.com. Alvin currently serves as the Director of Content for iOne Digital (which includes the rap site Hip-Hop Wired), but he worked at AllHipHop as an editor for years. Navarrow and I both worked at BET.com together, and he would later partner with Russell Simmons, launching GlobalGrind.com. Brothers have consistently supported each other as they forged ahead in Hip-Hop. Before I knew Rocky Bucano was an Alpha Man, I began promoting the virtues of the first real Hip-Hop museum because it was a worthy cause.

“Like the Sphinx guarding the secrets of ancient Egypt, and the 7 Jewels who founded Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated on December 4, 1906, stand as a guardian of brotherhood and advocacy for the community,” he says. “The Hip Hop Museum was founded with a similar vision: to preserve the legacy of a movement that transformed the world. In the birth of both, we find the power of unity, creativity, and resilience, reminding us that greatness arises when visionaries come together to shape the future.”

Hip-Hop as a cultural force may not bear a resemblance to the frat on the surface, but there are numerous parallels, and as the founder and executive director of the Universal Hip-Hop Museum, Rocky makes Hip-Hop history as the massive structure launches in 2024 in The Bronx - Hip-Hop’s birthplace.

The UHHM, considered the “official record of Hip-Hop culture,” is dedicated to preserving and celebrating it as a permanent structure.

It has taken well over a decade for this dream to become a reality. The two-story museum, a $349 million project, will also contain 1,000 residential units earmarked as affordable housing and 10,000 square feet of retail space.

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FEATURE Like myself as a young rapper, Alpha Brothers did not only contribute to Hip-Hop in a professional capacity, but they also pushed it as talent. For the longest time, Smokey moonlighted as a DJ, rocking hot spots like New York City’s famed Webster Hall. Jerry made beats. Rocky Bucano founded Strong City Records in the 1980s and launched the careers of legends like Grand Puba. Before Newark, NJ mayor Ras Baraka entered the frat in 2021, he appeared at the beginning of The Fugees’ album “The Score,” which has sold 20 million copies and counting, and he is also the first voice heard on Lauryn Hill’s 1998 seminal album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”

Even Lauryn Hill’s brother, Malaney Hill, is an upstanding Alpha Man. With Hip-Hop at 50 years old, we still have the brothers on the frontlines of the culture in a myriad of ways. Rap legend Jadakiss’s son, Jaewon Phillips, a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, became an Alpha Brother in the spring of 2017. He’s already in the coffee business with his Lox pops and started his own rap career. DoItAlli is now known as Councilman Dupré Kelly of Newark, NJ’s West Ward and has been in public service in some way or form for as long as I have known him. Frat members remain in positions of power, influence, and impact on nearly

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every level of Hip-Hop culture. As for me, my company AllHipHop.com celebrates 25 years of existence as Hip-Hop turns half a century, and we are currently working on a documentary series directed by Quincy Jones, III that will tell our unique story. It has been a blessing to stand at the intersection of many good Brothers paving roads.

Alpha Phi Alpha’s contributions span across music, film, journalism, and more, showcasing a tapestry of connections that have shaped the entertainment landscape. We have nurtured emerging talent and provided platforms for newcomers to shine. We have channeled our lives through a profound passion for artistic expression, channeling that energy in a way that resonates with audiences worldwide. As we continue to celebrate Hip-Hop as a cultural phenomenon, remember that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has a legacy within it, and we continue to contribute to the global influence and impact on the world.

Lastly, rest in peace, Brother Jerel “Water Water” Spruill of The Spooks rap group, who entered the frat at West Chester University.

He died tragically in a 2002 car accident after producing the group’s debut album, “S.I.O.S.O.S Volume 1” in 1999. You are remembered. S

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ALPHAS ON THE MOVE

AAPM ELECTS BROTHER DR. CARNELL HAMPTON AS FELLOW OF THE ASSOCIATION

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he American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) is pleased to announce that Brother Dr. Carnell Hampton has been elected a Fellow of the Association. The category of Fellow honors members who have distinguished themselves by their contributions in research, education, or leadership in the medical physics community.

The award was presented in Houston, TX, at the 2023 AAPM 65th Annual Meeting & Exhibition on July 24, 2023.

Dr. Carnell J. Hampton, a Spring 1995 Beta Delta Chapter initiate at South Carolina State University and a member of Beta Nu Lambda Chapter in Charlotte, North Carolina, has served as Assistant Vice President of Medical Physics for Atrium Health’s Levine Cancer Institute since 2016. He was previously a faculty member in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Wake Forest School of Medicine.

After earning an undergraduate degree from South Carolina State University, he completed his graduate studies in Biomedical Engineering, earning a PhD from Wake Forest University.

Dr. Hampton launched his medical physics career after completing a residency at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/ Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, MO. He has made contributions as President of the Southeast Chapter of AAPM and as a track organizer for both the AAPM Spring Clinical and Annual Meetings. The Medical Physics Leadership Academy (MPLA) has been a primary focus of his committee service. Dr. Hampton has been a passionate mentor for students and was instrumental in starting new clinical residency/training programs in Medical Physics and Medical Dosimetry. S

BROTHER LESLIE SCOTT, II NAMED NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR AT CITY OF PHOENIX

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rother Leslie Scott II, a Life Member and Fall 2019 initiate of the Delta Tau Lambda Chapter in Phoenix, Arizona, was recently named deputy director of the City of Phoenix Public Transit Department.

In his new position, Brother Scott will serve as the senior representative for the management services division, where he will oversee the department’s $300 million budget, fiscal services, fare media programs and services, and multiple transit centers in Phoenix.

Brother Scott started his career with Phoenix’s City Auditor’s Office, where he served as a senior auditor and successfully recovered over $1.3 million for the organization through his detection of contractor fraud and internal control weaknesses. He was previously elected and served a three-year term on the City of Phoenix Employees Retirement Board and currently serves the community as a board member for the Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer and Diversity Leadership Alliance, two local non-profit organizations.

Brother Scott holds a Master of Science in accountancy from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from University of Phoenix. He and his wife, Briana, have two sons. S

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THE SPHINX®

ALPHAS ON THE MOVE

BROTHERS FAIRLEY, ECHOLS, AND WEBB NAMED AMONG PRESIDENT OBAMA’S FIRST COHORT OF 100 EMERGING CHANGEMAKERS

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resident Obama named Alpha Brothers Daniel Fairley and Jonathan Webb among the first cohort of 100 emerging changemakers to participate in the Obama Foundation’s leaders USA program.

Chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants, these exceptional leaders are actively driving change across geographies, sectors, and issues and are ready to expand their impact and play a role in strengthening our democratic culture. The inaugural cohort of “Obama Leaders” is composed of values-driven changemakers from every corner of the country. Hailing from 37 states; Washington, D.C.; American Samoa; Guam; and five

Brother

Fairley

Brother

Brother Fredrick L. Echols, M.D., a Fall 2014 Mu Delta Lambda initiate, is the founder and chief executive officer of Population Health and Social Justice Consulting, LLC. (PHSJC), a business that helps government and non-government organizations

Echols

tribal nations, these Obama Leaders are united by their passion for building a stronger, more sustainable, and more inclusive world.

“I’m inspired by this talented group of young leaders from across the United States who are working on the most pressing issues facing our world,” said President Obama. “From an oncology resident championing health equity for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, to passionate union organizers advocating for the labor rights of educators and first responders nationwide, to the first Black woman executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama—their ideas and leadership will help strengthen democracy now and in the future. These leaders give me hope, and they deserve our support.”

Brother Daniel Fairley II, Fall 2010 Upsilon Gamma Chapter initiate at the University of Richmond and a member of the General Organization, serves as the Youth Opportunity Coordinator focused on Black Male Achievement for the City of Charlottesville and as FALL 2023

President of the 100 Black Men of Central Virginia, an organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap for young Black males in grades K-12. As a former intern in the Obama White House, he is proud to lead the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance initiative in Charlottesville.

He is inspired by the boys and young men of color who bring light and life to our world.

Brother

Webb

address the political and social root causes of inequities by using evidence-informed public health strategies.

Fredrick provides strategic direction and leadership to advance and facilitate system-level change necessary to improve health outcomes. Fredrick is passionate about health and social justice.

Brother Jonathan Webb, a Spring 1998 Gamma Chapter initiate at the Virginia Union University and member of the general Organization, is the chief executive officer of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, an organization committed to making a difference in the lives of women and newborns by empowering and supporting nurses caring for these individuals and their families through research, education, and advocacy. Jonathan leads the organization and drives it to achieve its goals of improving the health of moms, babies, and birthing people around the country. Jonathan is passionate about ensuring that nurses, providers, and systems are focused on centering the patient and providing highquality and equitable care. S 49

CHAPTER NEWS

BROTHER DR. DONALD E. PALM NAMED FAMU CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

THERE GOES AN ALPHA MAN

BY BROTHER PETER CLARKE

There goes a man of high impulse Of princely mien and grace There goes a man of humble faith A credit to his race There goes a man of conscience vast with will to reach his goal There goes a man of lordly rank Of heroes’ stock and soul There goes a man of noble caste Whom hardship cannot break There goes a man in merit clad Whom duty won’t forsake There goes a man in cultured verse Who hold a sportsman’s creed There goes a man too vigilant To bow to lust or greed There goes a man whose life is spent in service not in scorn There goes a man whose majesty Shines like a May time morn.

There goes a man who is a friend To love and duty truth There goes a man to help uplift The lives of wholesome youth There goes a man with industry and faith at his command There goes the best man in and out For he is an Alpha Man.

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B

rother Dr. Donald Palm was recently named Florida A&M University (FAMU) chief operating officer/executive vice president. Brother Dr. Palm, who left FAMU in 2016, is executive vice president/provost at Virginia State University (VSU) in Petersburg, Virginia.

He assumed the new role on Aug. 14.

Brother Dr. Palm, who is a Fall 1982 Nu Chapter initiate at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and member of the General Organization, succeeds outgoing COO/EVP Maurice Edington, Ph.D., who is leaving to be the next president of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). As COO/EVP, Brother Dr. Palm reports directly to FAMU President Dr. Larry Robinson.

“Florida A&M University has ascended to the top among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and is well on its way to the top 100 national public universities,” said Palm. “I look forward to working with President Robinson and the entire FAMU community on achieving the goals as outlined in the new strategic plan to get there. FAMU is ‘Boldly Striking’ in elevating excellence, and I’m happy to join the team and play a role in that effort.”

President Robinson created the COO/EVP role in December 2022 as part of an administrative restructuring to foster operational excellence. The COO is charged with guiding strategy for vice presidents and other senior administrators to improve outcomes on key performance indicators and achieve operational excellence throughout the University.

A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native, Brother Dr. Palm earned his bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and completed a doctorate in pharmacology at Penn State University. He conducted postdoctoral research in the Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Prior to assuming the role of VSU’s provost, Brother Dr. Palm was associate provost for Undergraduate Studies at FAMU. He was also a tenured professor in the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, a status he will resume pending the Board of Trustees approval, President Dr. Robinson said. S

THE SPHINX®

ALPHAS ON THE MOVE

BY BROTHER REGINALD COOPER, PSI LAMBDA ’07

BROTHER DR. YANCY FREEMEN NAMED CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT MARTIN

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rother Dr. Yancy Freeman, Sr., a 1988 Eta Phi Chapter initiate at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and member of the Psi Lambda Chapter in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been appointed the chancellor of The University of Tennessee at Martin (UT-Martin). Brother Dr. Freeman had served as vice chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at UTC. He fills the vacancy created by former Chancellor Keith Carver, who was named Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President of the UT Institute of Agriculture earlier in the year. UT-Martin had a 6,873-student enrollment last fall and is one of five campuses of The University of Tennessee.

For the past 31 years, Brother Dr. Freeman has worked at UTC, beginning in 1992 after earning his undergraduate degree in political science. He also earned his master’s degree in public administration and a doctorate in learning and leadership from UTC as well.

“From my arrival as a first-gen undergraduate on campus more than 30 years ago to being entrusted with the responsibility as a member of the administration, UTC is the place where I’ve had opportunity after opportunity to succeed and grow,” Brother Dr. Freeman says in a statement after his appointment was announced by UT President Randy Body. “Chattanooga has been homes for longer than anywhere else I’ve lived, and leaving Chattanooga and UTC, physically will be tough; but this university and this city will always hold a special place in my heart and with my family.”

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UTC Chancellor Steven Angle says Brother Dr. Freeman is “an inspired choice” for the chancellor’s position at UT-Martin. “Of course, Yancy’s departure also leaves a tremendous legacy – a big gap to fill – here in Chattanooga,” Angle says. “While his move to Martin is in many ways a return to his West Tennessee roots, Yancy and his family have meant a great deal to our campus and our community over many years.”

Brother Dr. Freeman, who serves on the board of the Public Education Foundation of Chattanooga and has previously served as a member of 100 Black Men of Chattanooga and on the boards of Chattanooga Christian School and Youth YMCA Leadership Council, is a 2020 UT System Executive Leadership Institute graduate.

He is married to Rafielle Freeman, with a son, Brother Yancy Jr., a 2018 Eta Phi Chapter initiate. His son is a 2020 graduate of UTC, where he currently serves as a recruiter and Admissions Counselor, while their daughter, Camille, is currently a high school student.

Brother Reginald Cooper, a Fall 2007 Psi Lambda Chapter initiate in XXXXX, serves as the chapter’s Associate Editor-to-The Sphinx. S

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ALPHAS ON THE MOVE

BROTHER GRASFORD SMITH INSTALLED AS 101ST PRESIDENT OF THE PALM BEACH BAR ASSOCIATION

B

rother Grasford Smith, a nationally recognized commercial litigator and advisor, is a Litigation Partner and Litigation Practice Group Leader in the West Palm Beach Office of Akerman, was installed as the 101st President of the Palm Beach County Bar Association at the EAU Palm Beach Resort & Spa on June 3.

The Palm Beach County Bar Association is the largest voluntary bar association in Palm Beach County with approximately 3,000 members.

Brother Smith, who is the association’s third African American president, has served on the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Board of Directors since 2016, and as its Diversity Committee Co-Chair from 2016-2017, and as chair of its Transaction Law Committee from 2013-2014.

He is admitted to practice in Florida, New York, Washington DC, and the United States Supreme Court. Grasford has handled a variety of matters, including contractual disputes, shareholder and board of director disputes, non-competition and trade secret disputes, real estate and construction defects disputes, intellectual property disputes, government enforcement actions, and Florida Bar disciplinary matters.

Brother Smith was previously an Equity Shareholder with a regional law firm in Florida becoming its first African American shareholder in its approximately 100-year history. Brother Smith is listed in Best Lawyers in America and is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He received numerous other honors, including “500 Leading Lawyers in America”

by Law Dragon, “Top 500 Business Leaders in Florida” by Florida Trend, “Florida Super Lawyers,” “Corporate Executive of the Year” by Legacy Magazine, “National Black Lawyers Top 100,” and “South Florida’s Most Powerful Black Professionals in Business” by Legacy Magazine.

Brother Smith, a 2015 Delta Delta Lambda Chapter initiate in South Florida and life member of the Fraternity, also serves as the Fraternity’s Associate General Counsel and chairman of its Commission on Race.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, from the Florida State University College of Business with a major in management information systems and his juris doctorate from New York University School of Law, serving as the founding executive editor of the Journal of Law & Business and receiving the Vanderbilt Medal at graduation for his outstanding contributions to the law school.

He also holds an Executive Education Certificate from Harvard University Kennedy School of Government and a Business Strategy Certificate from Cornell University. He is also both the chairman of the American Heart Association of Palm Beach County, and the Minority Partners in Majority Law Firms Division of the National Bar Association. S

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THE SPHINX®

ALPHAS ON THE MOVE

BROTHER KEVIN PRICE NAMED TO BLACK BUSINESS INK’S POWER 100

B

rother Kevin J. Price, the third president & CEO of the National Institute of Minority Economic Development based in Durham, NC, was recognized by Black Business Ink as one of the POWER 100 on June 8.

The POWER 100 honors the most influential African American leaders in North Carolina and represents a broad variety of sectors, including education, business, law, healthcare, politics, religion, non-profit and advocacy organizations.

POWER 100 celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Black Business Ink magazine, which is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The POWER 100 Awards Ceremony is the singular event of the 2023 State of Black North Carolina Conference. Founded by Richard Williams in May 2003, this annual conference brings together leaders from across the state to address disparities in black and brown communities. Black Business Ink magazine was first unveiled during the inaugural conference 20 years ago.

Brother Price, a Spring 1990 Pi Theta Chapter initiate at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, is a member of Beta Theta Lambda Chapter in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. S

BROTHER HUDSON’S GREEN DIAMOND WASTE NAMED SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

B

rother Michael Hudson’s Green Diamond Waste, a member of the Georgia and National Minority Supplier Development Council since 2012, was awarded the 2022-2023 Supplier of the Year by the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council Class I. This award is for minority businesses that consistently provide quality products and exceptional service to their customers. These outstanding companies exemplify strength, power, and promote the viability of minority businesses.

Brother Michael Hudson, a Fall 1989 Beta Mu Chapter initiate at Kentucky State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1992, established his business in 2007 after joining his family-owned waste management business started initially by his grandfather in 1943 while living in Indianapolis, Indiana.

His company, Green Diamond Waste, founded as a 100% minority-owned small business, is a Sustainability, Resource Company that provides cost saving solutions, consulting, and cost-effective, innovative solutions to clients’ strategic and operational needs. Other services also include demolition waste management, waste removal, consulting, composting, bio-hazardous hauling, and transportation solutions.

Over the years, Green Diamond Waste’ business grew, including contracts with HJ Russel Construction, Dekalb County Sanitation division, Ujama Construction, Holder Construction, and Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport with the City of Atlanta.

The company is now a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Enterprise Business Organization (EBO), Small Business Enterprise (SBE), and a member of the Atlanta Airport Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta Black Chambers as well as Zero Waste member.

A Life member of the Fraternity, Brother Hudson was a member of the Eta Lambda Chapter in Atlanta for 17 years before serving as a charter member for Tau Gamma Lambda Chapter in the North Atlanta area. S

FALL 2023

53

SENIOR BROTHERS SPOTLIGHT

Street Renamed in Honor of Pioneering Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Brother Dr. William Finlayson

B

rother Dr. William Finlayson, a beloved obstetrician and gynecologist who practiced for nearly 40 years and welcomed thousands of infants into the world has had a street named in his honor last year – Dr. William Finlayson Street.

Brother Finlayson, a member of Delta Chi Lambda Chapter, was present at the vote to rename the street in his honor along with his daughter and two sons — Sheila, Reginald and James — as well as several prominent Milwaukeeans including fraternity Brother Andre Ashe and Pastor Reverend Monk of Ephesians Missionary Baptist Church.

The Milwaukee road is located between West Capitol Drive and West Walnut Street — formerly North 5th Street.

He is the first Black OB-GYN to work at St. Joseph Hospital, now Ascension Southeast Wisconsin Hospital St. Joseph, delivered thousands of infants, and was a champion for eliminating housing discrimination, financial literacy, and preserving Black history.

He has been described as a legend in the city, county, and the country, and his upbringing and influences clearly contributed to his excelling. His parents were both educated and professionals. His mother completed multiple years of college and was a teacher at Jones High School in Orlando, while his father was a respected and wellknown Baptish preacher.

One of his elementary school teachers was the Black inventor and scientist, George Washington Carver, and his one of childhood friends at Campbell High School was Mary McLeod Bethune, who later founded Bethune-Cookman University.

At 16 years old, he attended Florida A&M, where he pledged the Fraternity’s Beta Nu Chapter in 1942 after attending there for two years before serving in the U.S. Army for another two years. There, he taught illiterate Black soldiers at Fort Benning, Georgia how to read, and he received a promotion to 2nd Lieutenant. From 1946 to 1953, while he was in the Army Reserves, he also attended 54

Atlanta’s Morehouse College, where he was classmates with Brother Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Brother Finlayson graduated from there as a pre-med student in 1948. Later, he returned to studies at Meharry Medical College.

By 1957, Finlayson had been mentored by obstetrician Carr Treherne, and began his residency at the University of Minnesota Medical School. After graduation, he moved to Milwaukee, where he began practicing at St. Joseph Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital and the University of Wisconsin Medical School. And with a group of other doctors — Walter White, Randall Pollard, George Hillard, and Gerald Poindexter — he opened a private practice.

They encountered discrimination almost immediately.

Like other Black doctors, Brother Finlyason was initially barred from treating white patients. He was also turned down when he tried to purchase a lot in an exclusively white neighborhood, leading him to join fair housing marches led by Alderwoman Vel Phillips and Father James Groppi in the 1960s.

He even invited his former classmate, Brother King, to speak in Milwaukee. Brother Finlayson also founded the city’s first Black-owned bank, North Milwaukee State Bank, in 1971, and served for several years on the bank’s board. In addition, he founded the W.E.B. Du Bois Club to educate high school students with financial skills and Black history, even visiting Ghana, the last country Du Bois called home.

Over the years, he served as president of the Cream City Medical Society, Milwaukee Gynecological Society and his local YMCA Board. He also served as vice president of United Community Services (now United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County), a delegate to the Wisconsin Medical Society, and a member of the National Urban League and was a lifetime NAACP member.

Finlayson officially retired from his practice after 39 years working with patients. *Story compiled from published reports.

THE SPHINX®

SENIOR BROTHERS SPOTLIGHT

BY BROTHER LAWRENCE C. SINGLETON [ALPHA ETA LAMBDA ’02]

Honoring Senior Alpha Legacy: Brother Reverend. Dr. William A. Lawson There are several Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. that have made a positive difference in our lives and have made a tremendous impact on our neighborhoods and communities. Our Brother, Reverend, Dr. William A. Lawson, founding Pastor Emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston Texas’ Historic Third Ward, is that brother.

Brother Lawson has had the opportunity to, “Walk with Kings nor Lose the common touch.” He has engaged with various Civil Rights leaders such as Brother Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesse Jackson. With all these accomplishments and accolades, the Alpha Eta Lambda chapter wanted to recognize Brother Lawson for his service to the Fraternity, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, and the community. The Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter recognized Brother Reverend Dr. Willam A. Lawson on two occasions. On December 11, 2021, the Houston Area Alphas came together to celebrate the accomplishments of Brother Lawson at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Various guests and city and state officials, such as our 31st General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Harry E. Johnson, Sr., 24th Southwest Regional Vice President Jeramaine O. Netherly, TCAC District Director Brother Derrell Robinson, senior pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Brother Reverend Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, Houston Mayor Brother Sylvester Turner, State Representative Brother Ronald Reynolds, State Senator Brother Borris Miles, US Congressman Brother Al Green, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee were present for this event. A detailed program was prepared for this occasion with various speakers and the Houston FALL 2023

Area Alpha Chorale providing music for the event.

In addition to this event, Brother Reverend Dr. William A. Lawson was also Honored on Alpha Phi Alpha’s 116th Founders’ Day this year, December 4, 2022. On Founders’ Day, the Brothers of the Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter attended Church together at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. After the service, Brother Errol Allen II, President of the Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter, presented Brother Rev. Dr. William A. Lawson Emeritus with his 75 Year Service Pin in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. This was an historical occasion to Honor Brother Lawson at the Church he Founded all those years ago in 1962. Overall, both events were awesome and will be remembered forever.

Background Information and Accomplishments Brother Rev. Dr. William A Lawson was born in St. Louis, MO. He attended Summer High School in Kansas City, KS (1946), and initiated into the Fraternity’s Beta Omicron Chapter. Brother Lawson’s current chapter is the Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter located in Houston Texas. Brother Reverend Dr. William A. Lawson was the Keynote Speaker at the Life Member Breakfast at the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 88th General Convention, 99th Anniversary Convention in Houston, TX in 2004. Brother Lawson has a plethora of educational accomplishments. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Tennessee A. & I. State University in Nashville, TN (1950), a Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Theology at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, KS (1955), Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Howard Payne University 55

SENIOR BROTHERS SPOTLIGHT (1968), Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Houston (1993), and additional Honorary Doctorates from Houston Community College and Texas Southern University. In addition, Brother Lawson has been a pioneer in his community.

He has been deeply involved in advocacy activities for African Americans, for Hispanics, for women and for the poor. Brother Lawson’s involvement with the Civil Rights Movement began when fourteen TSU students held a sit-in protesting segregation at a lunch counter. Furthermore, Brother Lawson stayed true to Alpha Phi Alpha’s National Program, “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People,” Lawson organized the earliest school segregation protests and registered thousands of Black voters. He helped orchestrate the civil rights movement in Houston and marched with Brother. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In addition, Brother Lawson, invited Brother Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to speak at his church in 1963. Brother Dr. William A. Lawson was the only Pastor in Houston who would allow Dr. King to speak at their church.

For his outstanding work with the Boy Scouts and his organization of the area’s largest scouting program, in 1991 Brother Lawson was given the Silver Beaver Award. He also conceived and organized the United Way’s Houston Homeless Initiative with his good friend Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza of the HoustonGalveston Catholic Diocese and Rabbi Samuel Karff of Congregation Beth Israel. Brother Lawson charted and led the Houston chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for over three decades. In 1996, his 50th anniversary of being a minister, the Houston community honored him with the creation of a nonprofit advocacy agency called WALLIP, the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity. That agency has gone before public officials and bodies

56

on behalf of the underclass, and now has established two single-gender charter schools for boys and girls.

WALIPP has also constructed 50 apartments units for seniors in Houston’s Third Ward.

Career Accomplishments Brother Rev Dr. W.illiam A. Lawson came to Houston after graduation from seminary to serve as director of the Baptist Student Union and Professor of Bible at the new (eight years old) Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas’ Historical Third Ward Community.

He served in that position from 1960 to 1970, also becoming director of Upward Bound, a pre-college program for high school students on the TSU campus.

He helped build the first Afro-American Studies Program at the University of Houston and taught classes in sociology and the Black Church. Brother Lawson founded the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in his home in June 1962. The congregation has grown to more than 12,000 members, with extensive outreach programs, and is much respected in the community.

Brother Lawson retired from Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in 2004 but remains its Founding Pastor Emeritus. He is also the Author of Lawson’s Leaves of Love: Daily Meditations, published in 2004.

There is an abundant amount of history associated with Brother Reverend Dr. William A. Lawson, and it is only fitting to recognize all his accomplishments to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the surrounding community.

Brother Lawrence C. Singleton, Alpha Eta Lambda ’02, is Associate Editor-to-The Sphinx for Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter.

THE SPHINX®

CHAPTER NEWS

W W W . A L P H A T R A D I T I O N S . C O M

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has set the standard with the Alpha Ice Box and Alpha for Life Box offering customized, quality Fraternal apparel and accessories.

General President-Elect Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Everett B. Ward

35th General President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

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FALL 2023

Quarterly and Annual Subscriptions

For more information and to register, Call Today! (803) 254-6404 Powered by Greek Traditions, LLC WWW. ALPHATR ADITIONS.COM 57

CHAPTER NEWS

ALABAMA | ALABAMA DISTRICT CHAPTER

Alabama Holds Alpha Day at Capitol

Alpha Brothers in the District of Alabama, led by District Director, Brother Clinton L. Johnson, Jr., from Beta Omicron Lambda Chapter and Assistant District Director, Brother Jackson Quarles of the Kappa Alpha Chapter, descended on Alabama’s Capitol City of Montgomery for the annual “Alpha Day at the Capitol.”

On Tuesday, March 21, nearly 100 Alpha Brothers, including College, and Alumni Brothers, regally dressed in their finest Alpha attire were greeted and hosted by fellow Alpha Brothers Napoleon Bracy, Christopher England, John Rogers, Roger Smitherman, Kirk Hatcher and Rob Stewart, all distinguished members of the Alabama Legislature.

With coordination from Brothers Wendell Saxon from Alpha Upsilon Lambda Chapter and Warren “Billy” Young of Delta Pi Lambda Chapter, brothers in the Alabama District had the opportunity to meet with members from the Alabama House of Representatives and Alabama Senate to discuss issues that are disproportionally affecting most minority communities throughout Alabama.

During the day, Alpha Brothers were invited to provide the opening prayer and to lead the pledge of allegiance in both house chambers. The Alabama District Association of Alpha was warmly greeted and acknowledged by the Alabama House Minority Leader, Representative Anthony Daniels of Huntsville, Alabama.

Following a productive morning of meeting with state officials, the brothers of the Alabama District Association enjoyed a fraternal luncheon. Brother Timothy Ragland, Mayor of Talladega Alabama served as the keynote luncheon speaker.

Separately, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, recognized the Alabama District of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated with a commendation for service and advocacy to the State of Alabama.

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The Alabama District Association is already developing a policy agenda and scheduling a date for the 2024 Alpha Day at the Montgomery, Alabama Capitol. | DELTA THETA LAMBDA CHAPTER

$25,000 In Scholarships Awarded The Delta Theta Lambda Education Foundation of Huntsville, Alabama recently awarded $25,000 in scholarships to local students. The philanthropic arm of the Delta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated recognized 30 scholars during their 2023 annual Scholarship Awards Presentation.

Scholarships awarded to students from various schools across Madison County, Alabama were the result of the funds raised during the foundation’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Unity Celebration. Although the event was virtual in 2023, the Delta Theta Lambda Education Foundation was fortunate to have well established corporate donors who continued to support the foundation. For 2023, the Education Foundation received financial support from ADTRAN, AT&T Alabama, Boeing, Google Fiber, Huntsville Hospital, Lexus of Huntsville, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Regions Bank, Alabama State Representatives Laura Hall & Anthony Daniels, and Woody Anderson Ford. The Corporate donors for 2023 were Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Alabama, Huntsville Utilities, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The Dr. R. Parker Griffith Family Foundation of Huntsville was the presenting corporate partner for 2023.

The 2023 Brother Harold Dickerson Scholarship, awarded to a student at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University who is a member of the Delta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, was presented to Brother Christopher Craft. Brother Craft is currently the chapter president of Delta Gamma. This 2023 scholarship award was made possible by a gift from Ms. Gina Jones and Mrs. Jocelyn Jones-Boustani, in memory of their late father, Brother Dr. George E. Jones who was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated through the Delta Gamma Chapter and was a long-time member of the Delta Theta Lambda Chapter in Huntsville.

The Delta Theta Lambda Education Foundation is chaired by Brother Gary T. Whitley, Jr. THE SPHINX®

CHAPTER NEWS

CALIFORNIA

FLORIDA

| MU SIGMA LAMBDA CHAPTER

| SIGMA PI LAMBDA CHAPTER

Inaugural Brother’s Keeper Coffee and Conversation Event Held

High School Students Awarded $4,500 In Scholarships

The Brothers of Mu Sigma Lambda gathered for the inaugural Brother’s Keeper “Brotherhood Grind: Coffee and Conversation” on Saturday, Jan. 14. This Brothers-only gathering was a mix of fraternal bonding, fellowship, and therapy, which was needed to reconnect fraternally and have a space to share personal, family, and career updates in a post-pandemic world.

The Sigma Pi Lambda chapter of Jacksonville, Florida, in conjunction with The Sigma Pi Lambda Educational Foundation awarded six high school graduates $4,500 in scholarships during a special ceremony and program on July 24. The recipients and scholarship awards were Stephen Ikeokwu, $500; Kaden Hall, $500; Joseph Dorsey II, $500; Caleb Pack, $1,000; Joseph Stuckey V, $1,000; and Emorej Terry, $1,000. The recipients will attend the University of North Florida, Florida A&M University, and the University of Central Florida.

The keynote speaker was Brother William Robinson and prayers were conducted by Brother Kevin Boger, Brother Karl Hodges, Brother Howard Ford and the host was Brother Darian Jackson. Brother Daniel Sapp also offered a musical selection.

Mu Sigma Lambda’s Brother’s Keeper Chair, Brother Rod “Roddy Rod” Edwards, led the charge to create an occasion where all Brothers could meet in an atmosphere not involving the long-standing traditional events that included music, alcohol, or brotherhood smokes. Keeping Brother Edwards’ perimeters in mind, the committee created the Brotherhood Grind. It was designed to be centered around a relaxed African American owned coffee house, brotherhood fellowship, and conversation. With this in place, all that was required of the Brothers was to show up, grab a warm beverage, breakfast sandwich, pastry, and chop it up for a couple of hours.

Nearly 30 Brothers navigated the rain-soaked streets of LA to gather in the City of Inglewood’s Hill Top Coffee + Kitchen, made famous by Issa Rae (HBO’s Insecure).

To say the event was a success is an understatement.

The gathering allowed the brothers to be open and transparent with each other and foster a state of becoming whole. Charter member of Mu Sigma Lambda, Brother William Winston, addressed the gathering expressing his gratitude and optimism for the future of the chapter because of our dedication to each other.

In addition to other Mu Sigma Lambda Brother’s Keeper initiatives, Brother Edwards intends build upon the Brotherhood Grind to ensure that this will become cornerstone event that allows space for Brothers to have their voices heard, share vulnerabilities, and continue to reinforce the spirit of brotherhood.

The Brotherhood Grind serves as a reminder that when WE are whole, WE serve our families and communities better.

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During the event, Brothers offered prayers for the teens as well as served breakfast to family and friends.

As part of the event, the Men of Excellence, a program that involves mentoring teens as well as promoting the fraternity’s Go To High School, Go To College national program, was also recognized. Some of the teens read scriptures to the audience and they collectively gave a presentation.

Brothers Jeffrey Rumlin and Glenn Foreman served as event chairmen. For more information on the Educational Foundation, contact: education@904alphas.com. | XI PSI LAMBDA CHAPTER

Chapter President’s Inspiration Story Highlighted In Media Our current chapter president, Brother Derrick Randle, was recently profiled in the Bradenton Herald on Feb. 16, highlighting his inspiration story and significant contributions to the community.

His mandate to us is to become “Alpha District Chapter of the Year” and in the short time he has been our president, he has motivated us to be a beacon in our community.

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CHAPTER NEWS “Derrick Randall, a 44-year-old native of Rubonia, Florida in Manatee County has made his reputation as a dynamic, inspirational leader by lifting up others… particularly children and young people… and working to revitalize his community,” the Bradenton Herald. “As the chief executive for United Community Centers, he has positively influenced countless lives in Bradenton as well as in Rubonia. He would be the first to say that his road to becoming the man that he is happened only after taking a hard turn through Baghdad, Iraq, during war time, when he nearly lost his life.”

Randall’s experience and education fully equipped him for what came next. Receiving instead, a $150,000 grant for a program mentoring 180 children ages 5 to 14 at a local community center where they were taking part in programs introduced by Brother Randall.

“The community center came back to life. We also developed programs for seniors and other adults,” he says.

That success led to Brother Randall’s commitment to the community and Alpha Phi Alpha. These accomplishments led to the 13th Avenue Dream Center Board of Directors offering him the position of CEO. Now, under the banner of United Community Centers, Brother Randall leads the Rubonia program as well as programs at the 13th Avenue Dream Center located at 922 24th St. E., in Bradenton. Providing the resources, the community needs to grow and develop at the same time giving Xi Psi Lambda an important mission.

GEORGIA | KAPPA TAU LAMBDA CHAPTER Brother Randall was wounded by Iraqi insurgents in a roadside ambush that detonated an explosive device under his tractor-trailer, mangling his leg and killing Jessica Housby a 25-year-old sergeant from Chicago.

The blast threw him from the cab of the truck, helping to save his life. He didn’t know the severity of his injuries as he lay on the ground in the dark, but only when he heard the sound of a Blackhawk helicopter did he know he might survive. Brother Randall was evacuated to Walter Reed Army Hospital, which he called home for the next two years. While there he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat.

In 2008, Brother Randall was medically discharged from the Army and found himself retired at age 26. His intention had been to make the Army a career. Instead, with the trauma and pain he lived with he turned to alcohol.

He began to turn his life around after getting married to his childhood sweetheart, Kiara Howard, and committing himself to living a positive life, realizing that the blessing was being given a second chance at life.

He enrolled in Hillsborough Community College, where he earned an associate degree, and from there he earned a bachelor’s degree at St. Leo University where he thought about a career in teaching. The impact of a social worker at Walter Reed Hospital helping in his recovery led him to a bachelor’s degree in social work and master’s degree in advanced clinical social work, each of which he could use in his community. An intern at Manatee Children’s Services led to work in Rubonia at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

A grant writing class during his doctoral studies led him to submit a grant request for $175,000. Brother 60

Chapter Honors Two Brothers The Kappa Tau Lambda Chapter honored Brother Dr. Jerry Hardee and Brother Jeremiah Lawton at its annual MLK Breakfast.

Brother Hardee has served as president in the local chapter, associate editor-to-The Sphinx, and many other positions. He also served as Georgia District Director. He was initiated into the Alpha Phi chapter on December 1,1967. He has been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for over 65 years. Bro Hardee has served in the educational arena on the college level in many positions including President of Paine College.

Brother Lawton has served as President of the local chapter. Brother Lawton was initiated into the Delta Chapter on May 20, 1961, serving for over 62 years. Brother Lawton served in the educational arena as a teacher and CTA coordinator before retiring. After retiring, he served the community for many years as a SEED director. For many years, he could be found on the grill at the 100 Black Men Cook-Off grilling chicken and winning several awards. | TAU GAMMA LAMBDA CHAPTER

New Provisional Chapter Offers Greetings and Highlights Community Service Efforts Fraternal greetings to all Brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. from the Brothers of Tau Gamma Lambda, the Fraternity’s new provisional chapter in Georgia’s North Fulton County.

Chartered on July 17, 2021, Tau Gamma Lambda aims to extend the presence and community service impact THE SPHINX®

CHAPTER NEWS of the Fraternity into the northern suburbs of metro Atlanta (Sandy Springs, Roswell and Alpharetta, GA).

Brother Solomon Ferguson, Dexter Williams, and Dr. Tyson Askew.

Charter members are Brother Glendell Brown, Brother Gregory Crawford, Brother W. Keith Harris, Brother Stephon Hayes, Brother Michael Hudson, Brother Corey Robinson, Brother Robert Rusher, Brother Gregory Walker, and Brother Tommie Williamson. Subsequently, we’ve added 15 Brothers to our chapter, increasing our membership to 25.

Brother Solomon Ferguson

Focused on the Fraternity’s commitment to community service and brotherhood, Tau Gamma Lambda has been actively engaged in both areas. Placing priority on supporting the Fraternity’s national programs during this fraternal year, TGL Brothers engaged in voter activation outreach for “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People,” participated with Independence HS in Roswell, GA for both “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College” and “Project Alpha,” and provided garage cleaning services for former General President Brother Darryl Matthews as part of our “My Brother’s Keeper.”

In addition, TGL Brothers partnered with the Roswell Police Department to support their Gifts of Light Program during the month of December, providing residents of the Roswell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with holiday gift items from their wish list.

Most recently, TGL participated in the March of Dimes Walkathon fundraiser in Milton, GA, generating $1200 in donations thus far.

Brother Dexter Williams

Brother Dr. Tyson Askew

Brother Solomon Ferguson was a recipient of the 2023 Education Award presented by the NAACP’s Meriwether County branch. Brother Ferguson served in the education field for over 45 years; serving in various capacities from high school teacher and principal and leading up to his retiring as an educator serving as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum. He has also served as a mentor to students at Greenville High, helping with the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club. His journey in education has led him to serve as president of the Meriwether County Retired Teachers’ Association in his retirement years. Additionally, Brother Ferguson has impacted his community through other means, serving on the Manchester City Council, where he served on this authority for over 20 years. He also serves as a Deacon at his church and is actively involved in several other community activities.

Brother Ferguson’s service in the education system and community has positively impacted thousands of people within Meriwether County. Brother Ferguson is a native of Manchester, GA and a 1968 graduate of the Meriwether County School system and a 1973 graduate of Tuskegee University where he obtained his Bachelor of Education degree.

Separately, TGL has had multiple Brotherhood engagement activities, including a holiday dinner for Brothers and spouses, informal dining, and fellowship events, and a “Brotherhood smoke” activity at a chapter member’s new cigar lounge. Also, TGL has been an active participant in supporting a host of events of other A Phi A and Divine 9 chapters in metro Atlanta, including the annual “Alpha Day at the Capitol in Atlanta,” the Southern Regional Convention, “The Alpha Derby,” and the AKA Phi Phi Omega alumni chapter’s Juneteenth celebration.

Brother Dexter Williams was the recipient of the Callaway Elementary School Unsung Hero award this past May 2023 located in LaGrange, Georgia. Brother Williams serves as a Family Engagement Liaison, where he has on several occasions gone out of his way to assist students. Brother Williams makes it a point to ensure students get to their classes on time and eat breakfast before class. Brother Williams is known around campus for his support and caring for the students at Callaway Elementary School. Brother Williams is an active member of Theta Nu Lambda seated in LaGrange, Ga.

| THETA NU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Brother Dr. Tyson J. Askew graduated, May 2022, from Liberty University with a Doctor of Philosophy in Administration and Leadership. Brother Dr. Askew currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Bowdon Elementary School, located in Bowdon, Ga. His educators influenced him at an early age, which

Chapter Recognizes Three Brothers’ Accomplishments

Theta Nu Lambda is recognizing the accomplishments of three of its Alumni Chapter Brothers. They include FALL 2023

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CHAPTER NEWS sparked his interest in becoming an educator. His gift for music and passion for teaching inspired him to pursue the content area of music education at Auburn University. In addition to his bachelor’s degree, he holds a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certification from the University of South Florida, and a master’s degree in education. Brother Dr. Askew’s goals and aspirations focus on seeing all students as leading scholars and remaining central to education. Brother Dr. Askew is an active member of Theta Nu Lambda chapter seated in Lagrange, Ga.

MARYLAND | RHO TAU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Chapter Highlights Fellowship, School Supply Drive, and Pancreatic Cancer Walk in Brother’s Honor

The Rho Tau Lambda Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland hosted and/or participated in four major activities in August, which encouraged Brotherhood, supported local youth, paid homage to a deceased Brother by supporting a worthy cause, and commemorating and continuing the legacy of Brother Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and historic the March on Washington.

Our theme for this fraternal year is “Revitalizing our Fraternal Spirits Through Brotherhood and Service” and the month of August is a testament to our chapter’s commitment to being impactful and working in unison.

On August 4, 2023, the chapter hosted a fellowship night at a local restaurant for the visiting Brothers of Zeta Lambda Chapter located in Newport News, Virginia. The night was filled with the true spirit of fraternity as Brothers engaged in a Brotherhood smoke while discussing life, sports, college days, and plans for the upcoming fraternal year.

The following week, the chapter collaborated with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.’s Alpha Alpha Sigma Chapter to host a Back-to-School Supply Drive Karaoke Night. The partnership allowed us to donate 150 drawstring bookbags, several boxes of notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, and loose-leaf packs of paper to Gardenville Elementary School in Baltimore.

The next week, nearly 40 Brothers from Rho Tau Lambda and alumni Brothers of Nu Chapter joined the family and friends of our late Brother John “Quiet Storm” Johnston, III, to walk in his honor and bring awareness to pancreatic cancer on August 19, 2023 – one year to the date of his transition to Omega Chapter.

Brother Johnston, a 1985 Nu Chapter initiate, was also a longstanding member of our chapter and worked at the General Office. Nearly $8,000 was raised to benefit The National Pancreas Foundation whose mission is to bring hope to those suffering from diseases of the pancreas and to fund cutting edge research to impact all pancreas diseases.

At the end of the month, seven Rho Tau Lambda Brothers joined with a large contingent of Alpha Brothers from around the country to participate in the 60th Anniversary March on Washington in Washington, D.C., including General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III, a select group of Past General Presidents, and the Executive Director Sean McCaskill and key General Office leadership.

NEW JERSEY | ALPHA ALPHA LAMBDA CHAPTER

Chapter Elects New ‘Legacy’ Administration

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s Alpha Alpha Lambda Chapter (“AAL”), located in Newark, New Jersey, has recently elected a new administration, named LEGACY DRIVEN. The Administration hopes to build on the foundation of the leadership preceding it with goals of building an Alpha Community Center, expanding its implementation of national programs, and engaging brothers holistically through all sorts of community service, social, and self-development events and programs.

The administration, which is headed by PresidentElect Brother Fred Davis, Jr. and the Chapter’s Vice President-Elect is Brother Dr. Charles Washington, is also aptly named and themed since its Corresponding Secretary, Brother Wil Davis and Associate Editor of the Sphinx, Brother Freddy Davis II are the sons of the Chapter’s President-Elect Brother Davis.

Brother Hudson Etienne was elected to be the Treasurer and Brother Christian Duncan will serve as the Chapter’s Financial Secretary. The role of Recording Secretary was won by Brother Karlos Nichols and Brother Dr. Marlon Gray will serve as AAL’s Director of Membership Intake.

The other newly elected officers include Brother Malcolm Minor, Historian, Brother Moshood Muftau, Parliamentarian, Brother Rev. Patrick Council, Chaplain,

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CHAPTER NEWS Brother William Chalmers, Director of Education and Brother Marcus Crawford, Sergeant-At-Arms. Our elected officers are officially installed on September 8, 2023.

The LEGACY DRIVEN Administration has already hit the ground running by hosting a Strategic Planning Retreat on July 1, 2023, where it has already agreed upon a fiscal year calendar of events from September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023.

A few of AAL’s major events during the 2023/2024 Fraternal Year include but are not limited to our: 1.

September 11, 2023 - Golf Outing hosted by its 501(c)(3) the Alpha Alpha Lambda Scholarship & Education Foundation,

2.

November 15, 2023 - Reception at NJ’s League of Municipalities Conference

3.

January 13, 2024 - Rev Dr. MLK Jr. Oratorical Event hosted by its 501(c)(3) the Alpha Alpha Lambda Scholarship & Education Foundation

4.

June 15, 2024 - Juneteenth Excellence Awards hosted by its 501(c)(3), the Alpha Alpha Lambda Community Development, Inc (“Alpha Community Center”).

Contact the AAL leadership team via email to info@brickcityalphas.org or via our website www. brickcityalphas.org. | KAPPA THETA LAMBDA CHAPTER

Brother Rev. Dr. MLK Birthday Celebration

For the past 5 years, the Brothers of Kappa Theta Lambda Chapter have celebrated the King holiday at Ebenezer Baptist Church of Englewood with fellow Brother and pastor, Rev. Preston E. Thompson, Jr. For 53 years, Ebenezer has hosted the King Day celebration, inviting the community of Englewood and surrounding areas to come together as we commemorate the holiday. The day begins with a brief ceremony at City Hall, then a march from City Hall to Ebenezer Baptist Church.

A Unity Choir, a multi-racial, multi-cultural, ecumenical group, consisting of various community groups, FALL 2023

rendered the music. It has been Pastor Thompson’s vision for the attendees of this service to represent the “beloved community” of which Dr. King spoke frequently. Various city and county elected officials, city agencies, and houses of worship of various faiths were in attendance.

The highlight of the service was the message preached

by Rev. Dr. Gregory Edwards, pastor of the Resurrected Life Community Church United Church of Christ of Allentown, PA. Rev. Dr. Edwards challenged all in attendance to “sing a new song,” shedding a colonizer mentality rooted in white supremacy so we all can be free to build the beloved community where everyone can experience justice, freedom, and prosperity. What a powerful message and a clarion call to everyone that believes in Dr. King’s Dream. | ZETA NU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Statewide Voter Phone Bank Our voice is our power, and with that, power lies in the vote of the people. The Brothers of the Zeta Nu Lambda chapter lead multiple nonpartisan efforts in alignment with the fraternity’s “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People” national program. Chapter brothers began with a partnership with the Somerset County Democratic Black Caucus sending handwritten postcards to voters across the county reminding them to vote. In total, over 2,100 voters were reached ahead of the vote by mail deadline.

Next, the chapter was able to successfully engage all Divine 9 members of the Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) of Central Jersey to amplify its efforts to ‘Get Out the Vote’ across the state of New Jersey. These efforts included registering voters; reminding voters about the upcoming primary and general elections; as well as educating the public about early voting procedures and voting by mail.

Zeta Nu Lambda also spearheaded a social media campaign to educate the public about voter registration procedures and deadlines in addition to promoting interest in exercising their right to vote ahead of the November 2022 General Election. This social media 63

CHAPTER NEWS campaign set the stage for the statewide voter call out day which was chaired by the brothers of Zeta Nu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The chapter leveraged volunteers from the NPHC of Central Jersey as well as 110 student volunteers to reach nearly 20,000 voters in one single day breaking all past records set for such an event. Guest Speakers included New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way, US Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey Assemblywoman Linda Carter (District 22), and Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp.

also experienced Brayboy Madness! For his role in the history of our chapter and his commitment to JCSU later in life it was decided by the Centennial Planning Committee led by endowment chairs Brothers Dr. Frederick V. Engram Jr. ’03 and Anthony Bright ’83 to name our centennial endowment gift in his honor. The centennial gala committee was comprised of three chairs Brothers Carlton Riddick ’89, Dr. Frederick V. Engram Jr. ’03, and LeVar T. Crooms ’05. Each of these brothers along with each of the sub-committee chairs helped to pull off a centennial gala for the ages.

Plainfield High School hosted the in-person volunteers with additional participants connecting via Zoom.

Additional partners included the Plainfield Education Association and the Plainfield 21st Century Community Learning Centers After School Program.

Ultimately, we registered 45 new voters, reached over 10,000 social media accounts with digital voter registration and “Get Out the Vote” information, reminded 4,500 voters to vote by mail and called over 26,500 voters to remind them to make their voices heard prior to the General Election Day in 2022.

NORTH CAROLINA | ALPHA OMICRON CHAPTER

The Mother Chapter of the Carolinas Turns 100 The oldest chapter in the Carolinas and one of the oldest chapters in the Southern region turned 100 on May 4,2023. That chapter is none other than the Alpha Omicron chapter seated at Johnson C. Smith University located in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Alpha Omicron was chartered on Friday May 4th, 1923, approximately a year and a half after the initial visit of 1914 Alpha chapter initiate Brother Victor R. Daly. It was through Brother Daly’s visit that the aspiration to join in the bonds of fraternity were realized by those affectionately known as the 17 Alpha Aspirants. With the approval of then fraternity General Secretary and 1918 Beta chapter initiate Brother Norman L. McGhee the charter was granted, and Alpha Omicron was established. Among those charter initiates was Brother Dr. Rufus Patterson Perry who later became the 8th President of Johnson C. Smith University.

Brother Dr. Perry is known as the master builder by historians of Johnson C. Smith University because it was under his stewardship of the institution that it grew exponentially. Dr. Perry added academic buildings, increased the number of faculty and their salaries, and commissioned the building of Brayboy gymnasium, the home of Brayboy Madness! If you have ever been to a men’s or women’s basketball game, then you 64

There were 150 guests in attendance at the Big Chill and of those in attendance or on video were the following Alpha dignitaries Brother General President, Dr. Willis L. Lonzer; Brother Cecil E. Howard, JD, Southern Regional Vice President; Brother Michael Pittman, ANCA District Director; Brother Dr. Kanton Reynolds, ANCA Executive Director; Brother Luico Holland, Area 5 Director; Brother Jeffrey Carter, Assistant Area 5 Director. Alpha Omicron also received video greetings and celebratory remarks from Charlotte Mayor Mrs. Vi Lyles.

Guests were treated to the tunes of Fall 1989 Alpha Omicron initiate Scott (DJ Wiz) Adams spinning on the 1s and 2s. The guests also enjoyed a 360-photo booth, a cash bar, a candy bar, and desserts by local Black owned Charlotte businesses. Throughout the course of the evening brothers and guests were able to witness the 7 candles ceremony and the premiere of the Alpha Omicron oral history project created and directed by Brother Dr. Frederick V. Engram Jr. ’03 and Brother Kendall Frost MΛ ’18 who served as producer and video editor. The awards and recognition committee led by THE SPHINX®

CHAPTER NEWS Brothers Gerald Terrell ’95 and Anthony Edwards ’20 provided awards to the evening’s honorees.

The Brothers were honored for their contributions to Alpha Omicron and to the fraternity at large. Each nominee and the winners are brothers who are in good standing with the fraternity at the local and national levels. Those esteemed honored brothers and nominees ranged from Fall 1958-Spring 2008.

They include Oldest AO Initiate in Attendance - Brother Lawrence “Lonnie” Gilliam Fall ’58; Largest Individual Endowment Donor - Brother Richard B. Reeves; The Inez Moore Parker Award - Brother Dr. Dennis Humphrey Spring ’95; Victor R. Daly Community Service Award - Brother Carlton Riddick Fall ’89; Dr. Rufus P. Perry Impact Award - Brother Dr. Frederick V. Engram Jr. Spring ’03; The Centennial Gala Planning committee also presented Johnson C. Smith University’s own Ms. Yvette Townsend-Ingram who serves as the Director of Foundation Relations a check for $100,000. The Dr. Rufus P. Perry endowment will provide scholarships for JCSU’s current and future matriculating students who are majoring in the social sciences and maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Please feel free to continue to give to the endowment by visiting https://www.jcsu.edu/ give-jcsu/give-now and manually enter the Dr. Rufus P. Perry Endowment for where to direct your funds. | GAMMA PSI CHAPTER

Chapter Celebrates 75th Anniversary Via Zoom

More than 50 Alumni and College Brothers of Gamma Psi Chapter virtually celebrated their 75th charter anniversary via a 2-hour Zoom meeting on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. In addition, several celebratory events are planned during Saint Augustine’s University’s Homecoming, October 1-8, 2023.

Born out of the realm of Beta Rho (Shaw University), 12 charter brothers raised the banner of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on the campus of Saint Augustine’s University. They include Brothers John Miller, Andrew Humphrey, William Le Flore, Walker Le Flore, George Barzey, Ben Stephenson, Henry Goodson, Arthur Fox, Furness Armstead, William Padgett, Edgar Harris, Henry Hill, and Professor Reginald Lynch (Advisor).

The Charter Brothers met that moment in 1948, establishing Key #88 and opening the door of Alpha at Saint Augustine’s University.

The 75th anniversary celebration was planned and organized by seven alumni Brothers, known as: “The Core 7” (Brothers Andrew Toppin, ‘83, Corey Bulluck ‘83, Wilbert D. Jones, ‘84, Gerald Sherman, ‘84, Keith FALL 2023

Taylor, ‘85, Darius Hite, ‘98 and Jay Sutton ‘99, which began in April 2020, during the lock down of Covid-19 global pandemic.

The overall mission was to connect, organize and leverage the Alumni Brothers of Gamma Psi Chapter to address matters of Saint Augustine’s University, The Chapter, the Fraternity, the Community as well as College Brothers.

For the past three years, The Core 7 met every Friday with a determined effort to keep the Gamma Psi Brothers together. Among the work, an alumni database with more than 250 Gamma Psi initiates was also created to allow Brothers to collaborate, fellowship, and network.

Just as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was born out of a desire to promote mutual support among African American males, we as Gamma Psi initiates are forever obligated to promote and support our very own Saint Augustine’s College/University. It is our job to show support and concern for our beloved university. If you would like to financially support the work of Gamma Psi Chapter, please visit www.collegedays.org. | EPSILON RHO LAMBDA CHAPTER

Chapter Conducts In-House Audit Several years ago, the Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter, under the leadership of Chapter President Brother Anthony Henderson, conducted an in-house audit to assess the chapter’s engagement towards providing services and advocacy for the greater Fayetteville/ Cumberland County, North Carolina communities.

The evaluation led to the development of the “Teams” concept. To this end the membership, depending on area of residency, was reorganized into Teams with the responsibility of overseeing specific geographical areas of the chapter’s jurisdiction. Each Team is tasked with the overall responsibility for managing the fraternity’s national programs and other chapter-imposed initiatives within their respective locality. Several farreaching initiatives evolved from the Teams concept.

One of the most critical was the Salvation Army Meal Assistance Support Initiative. The Meal Assistance Support Initiative focuses on a partnership with the Salvation Army’s Food Services Unit led by the local Salvation Army Shelter Supervisor Ms. Christina Johnson, to provide a daily dinner meal to the displaced and dispossessed citizens of the Fayetteville community. The initiative has continued and grown under the current Chapter President, Brother Paul Salmon. Brother Kelvin Williams has management oversight for the over-all initiative. Brother Mato Brown coordinates kitchen activities and preparation of food trays for distribution to expective patrons. Brother 65

CHAPTER NEWS Trey Scott is responsible for the sign-in/distribution of all food trays, beverages, and water; and Brother

Angelo Walker manages after-service space clearance and clean-up of both the dining and kitchen. To date, the Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter has assisted in the distribution of more than 120,000 meals. The Salvation Army Staff and patrons have expressed their appreciation and admiration for the chapter’s focus and goodwill. | EPSILON SIGMA LAMBDA CHAPTER

71st Charter Day Celebrated The Brothers of Epsilon Sigma Lambda (ESL) Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. celebrated its 71st Charter Day program on Feb. 5 at the Word Tabernacle Impact Center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

ESL was originally chartered in 1952 and located in Tarboro, NC. The chapter later moved to Rocky Mount, North Carolina on February 5, 1977. The Charter Day celebration provided the perfect venue to present our annual Community Service Advocacy/Recognition Awards.

Angela Bryant (Social and Racial Justice).

Brother Rev. Steven Hargrove presided over the event with prayer lead by Pastor James D. Gailliard with entertainment for the guests to follow. Music selection “We Offer Praise” was sung by Brother Wray Faulkner followed by a performance by saxophonist, Mr. Nicholas Tucker and music sung by Mr. Detroit Yancey. The poem “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by Bro. Freeman Montague, Jr. was read by Brother Jacob Hunter along with the fraternity history section titled “Our Past, Our Present, & Our Future” covered by Brother Quinton Lofton.

ESL was blessed with the opportunity to give special recognition to one of the surviving founders, Brother Marvin E. Johnson. Brother Johnson is a retired Principal, and Teacher in the Nash-Rocky Mount School System. In addition, Area 1 Director for the North Carolina District, Chad Tucker attended the celebration and greeted the brothers and guest in attendance.

Brother President Ian Davis thanked our Chair of the Charter Day Celebration, Brother Steven Hargrove, and committee for demonstrating excellence in planning and executing one of our most inspirational celebrations and outreach program. The Charter Day activities concluded with the singing of the Alpha Hymn and Alpha Prayer. All in attendance enjoyed a sumptuous buffet prepared by Brother Rev. Steven Hargrove and the Charter Day committee.

VIRGINIA | EPSILON PI CHAPTER

Chapter Incorporates Breast Cancer Awareness Month Activities into Alpha Week The Epsilon Pi Chapter seated at Norfolk State University has been doing some great work lately.

During our Fall 2023 Semester’s Alpha Week, we decided to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month and incorporate it into some of what we did during the week.

The Community Services recognition/advocacy Awards were presented to six outstanding community members in the categories of Education, Health Care, Homelessness/Housing, Youth Development, Voter Registration and Engagement, and Social and Racial Justice. The honorees were as follows; Charles Davis (Education), Mrs. Lorrie Bynum Batson (Health Care), Mr. James Mercer (Homelessness/Housing), Dr. Valerie Bridges (Youth Development), Ms. Theresa Alston Stokes (Voter Registration/Engagement), and Atty.

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Every Tuesday, the Epsilon Pi Chapter offers an “Ice Cold Tip”, which is meant to serve as a brief piece of advice for our Campus Community on how they can better themselves personally and professionally. This week, we decided to highlight the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness, as well as getting tested.

As part of our Alpha Week and in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we passed out Yellow Tea Roses and Pink Roses to the ladies and administration on our campus and explained the significance of both flowers they received.

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CHAPTER NEWS the names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that commemorate the Confederate States of America.

It is highly symbolic for Nu Omicron Lambda to be standing at this pinnacle. Nu Omicron Lambda from its founding has stood on the principles of scholarship, equality, improvement of human conditions and service to the betterment of mankind. In keeping with this move to tell a positive story of the contributions of Blacks to the greatness of this Nation, Nu Omicron Lambda has forged a path of excellence over the 42 years of its existence.

Lastly, every Tuesday, in addition to the Ice-Cold Tip, Alpha Brothers are charged with dressing up for “Ice Cold Tuesday.” This week, the chapter dressed in pink ties, and our Black & Old Gold Royal Court dressed in Pink and Black, to further emphasize the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our commitment to educate and encourage our community to get tested. | NU OMICRON LAMBDA CHAPTER

Confederate General’s Name Removed From Military Base Chapter Seat Nu Omicron Lambda, Key #581 Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated stood at a threshold of history.

The military base once known as Fort Lee, on which the chapter was founded, was renamed Fort Gregg-Adams.

This name change transformed the base from the name of a Confederate General to the shared names of the Army’s first Black three star general and to honor the service of a Black female veteran of World War II on April 27.

These two soldiers excelled in the field of logistics and made significant marks in U.S. Army history. Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg rose from the rank of private to threestar general during his military logistics career, which began just after WWII and spanned nearly 36 years.

Gregg, now 94, will be the only living person in modern Army history to have an installation named after him.

Lt. Col. Charity Adams was the first Black officer in the Women›s Army Auxiliary Corps – later known as the Women’s Army Corps – in World War II and led the first predominately Black WAC unit to serve overseas: the storied 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

Fort Gregg-Adams is one of nine Army installations being re-designated in accordance with Defense Department-endorsed recommendations from the congressional Naming Commission to remove FALL 2023

The men of Nu Omicron Lambda are deeply honored to have Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams as the new namesakes for its base of operation. The name change allows members to wholeheartedly embrace the installation and its heritage; because the majority of the chapter’s membership consists of active and retired Army officers and non-commissioned officers.

Since the chapter’s founding, it has become the embodiment of many invaluable undertakings in holding high the banner of manhood, developing cultural character and identity and the respect and common courtesy to all humankind. These men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and all who have come into this chapter after them have shown a strong and long-standing commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the community. Because of that commitment, the fraternity has often taken leadership roles in resolving community problems. Noteworthy is its annual King Holiday Memorial. This breakfast has become a recognized forum that outlines Fraternity programs and recognizes community members who demonstrate service excellence, share a common vision, and exemplify the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Nu Omicron Lambda fully supports the national programs of our beloved fraternity while implementing numerous programs to educate the youth of Fort Gregg-Adams located in Prince George County, Virginia, and surrounding communities on avoiding teenage pregnancy, the importance of attending college, and successful career planning. The chapter, in collaboration with the Willie J. Bradley Foundation, also takes pride in its participation and co-sponsoring of its Annual King Holiday Memorial Legacy Breakfast and Black & Gold Scholarship Ball.

Members of the chapter are also engaged and committed to collecting food for donation. This takes 67

CHAPTER NEWS

B. C.

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THE SPHINX®

CHAPTER NEWS place during Thanksgiving. Members also are active in ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Christmas, Walking-Against-Hunger, taking underprivileged children shopping at Christmas, hosting TeenPregnancy Seminars through national programs-“Project Alpha” with the March of Dimes, providing scholarships, and hosting talent searches for our youth.

These expressions of caring are the way this great Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha has survived, grown, and will continue to be a viable force in this community and throughout the world.

WEST VIRGINIA | ALPHA IOTA LAMBDA CHAPTER

Seven Stages to the Making of a Better Man Alpha Iota Lambda introduced several young men to the “Seven Stages to the Making of a Better Man” on the beautiful campus of West Virginia State University on Dec. 3.

Young men from around the Charleston, WV joined the men of Alpha Iota Lambada to learn key skills to become successful as they navigate the journey to becoming grown men. A few of the topics covered were how to tie a tie, health disparities’ financial literacy and interview skills. These young men were given some basic skills to get them to thinking along the lines of their next steps in life.

In addition, the chapter also celebrated Founders’ Day by honoring those in the community who have made significant contributions over these last two years during the pandemic. James Patterson, who aided the African American communities of West Virginia by servicing these areas with covid vaccine and testing and Principal Destiny Spencer who has worked hard in our community to be a driving force with educating the

FALL 2023

kids at Mary C Snow. We also honored our dear brother Colonel Ledbetter with a pin acknowledging his 60 years of service to Alpha Phi Alpha.

ABROAD | TAU ZETA LAMBDA CHAPTER

Chapter’s Project Alpha Offers Baseball Gloves, Basketball Shorts, and Bookbags Tau Zeta Lambda chapter seated in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is elevating the Alpha Spirit as per our 97th General Convention in Dallas, Texas. The Brothers hosted Project Alpha which consisted of three projects: Operation Baseball Gloves, Operation Basketball Shorts and Operation Bookbags.

The Brothers distributed baseball gloves and balls, basketball shorts and jerseys, basketballs, bookbags and water bottles. Over 300 students were blessed by the Alpha Spirit that day at the Escuela Hogar Pituca Flores, which consists of grades 3 to 8. After the service project, parents and teachers were extremely happy and grateful.

The Brothers shared hugs, smiles and high fives. Tau Zeta Lambda established agreements with the local Lions Club and the pastor, Father Joselito, to adopt the school for future philanthropic endeavors. This will include the building of a multipurpose room, a painting project, yearly book bag drive and future sports equipment. Tau Zeta Lambda is committed to helping the advancement of the youth in their native Dominican

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* as of 11.11.23 ** Licensed Manufacturer

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THE SPHINX®

LICENSED MANUFACTURER & VENDOR DIRECTORY Distinctive Specialties (Greek Paraphernalia) dba Rare Case, LLC LaVonne McDowell 704.547.9005 7925 North Tyson Street, Suite 113 Charlotte, NC 28262 rarecasellc@gmail.com www.distinctivespecialties.com Doom Wear Designs Alain Uyidi 949.278.7831 14 Mulholland Court Mission Viejo, CA 92692 info@doomwear.com www.doomwear.com Elegance by Darshi/ Greek Imports LLC 615.584.3311 darshik@aol.com https://greekstorebydarshi.com Express Design Group, Inc Joseph Tantilo 618.539.9998 6 Commerce Drive Freeburg, IL 62243 sales@greekgear.com www.greekgear.com Exquisite Designs 803.617.9216 exq.designsllc@gmail.com http://www.exquisitedesignsllc.net Greek CertiPHIed Apparel Kenyon Holley 267.716.7602 Philadelphia, PA 19142 greekcertiphied@gmail.com www.greekcertiphied.com Greek Traditions** Darrin Thomas 803.254.6404 1806 Washington Street Columbia, SC 29201 darrin@blackpagesusa.com www.greektraditions.net Herff Jones 401.519.9080 info@herffjones.com https://www.hjgreek.com FALL 2023

House of A Lyndell Pittman 646.373-5296 Anthony J. Morina Drive Stony Point, NY 10980 MyHouseofA@yahoo.com www.houseofA.net iWW Distributions https://www.iwwdistributions.com iwwdistributions@gmail.com Kendall’s Greek 864.304.7043 Duncan, SC 29334 kendallsgreek@yahoo.com www.kendallsgreek.com Legacy Bay, LLC 254.458.3504 legacybayllc@gmail.com Love Me Greek 443.317.6104 customerservice@lovemegreek. com https://www.lovemegreek.com Michael Madison Design Michael Madison 407.501.6083 info@michaelmadisondesign.com www.michaelmadisondesign.com My Greek Boutique 315 N Bowman Road, Suite 13 Little Rock, AR 72211 www.mygreekboutique.co help@mygreekboutique.co My Greek Letters** Nicolas Cunningham 423.475.9331 Harrison, TN MyGreekLetter@gmail.com www.mygreekletter.com National Convention Sales Cory Davis 281.507.7776 404.632.4819 4857 Neal Ridge Atlanta, GA 30349 NationalConventionSales@gmail.com

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LICENSED MANUFACTURER & VENDOR DIRECTORY Real Greek Apparel Company Robert Taylor 815.454.5371 2912 N. MacArthur Boulevard, #103 Irving, TX 75062 info@realgreekapparel.com www.realgreek.com Royalty and Beads 901.218.8721 victoria.ous@yahoo.com https://royaltyandbeads.com Savage Promotions, Inc.** Kim Savage 717.939.1152 300 S Front Street Steelton, PA 17113 K_savage@comcast.net www.savage-promotions.com Shared Smiles by DM LLC 832.242.9920 77 Sugar Creek Center Boulevard, Suite 698 Sugar Land, TX 77478 info@sharedsmilesbydm.com www.sharedsmilesbydm.com Silver Etc. 770.403.1612 2069 Radford Court Riverdale, GA 30296 patsilveretc@yahoo.com www.greekdivine.com Soror Bling Marlene Jones 407.818.7971 2110 The Oaks Boulevard Kissimmee, FL 34746 sales@sororbling.com www.sororbling.com

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Sphinx Reserve Sphinx Reserve LLC https://sphinxreserve.com Stuart Consulting Group, Inc.** Brad Aboff 386.236.2236 4191 Dairy Court Port Orange, FL 32127 brad@nsemblem.com www.nsemblem.com Student Union LLC 504.473.8315 3826 Tarawood Court Spring, TX 77388 support@stdunion.com www.stdntunion.com TCE Shop 800.336.2719 tceshop@gmail.com www.tceshop.com Tenets Apparel, LLC** 917.744.2757 help@tenetsco.com www.tenetsco.com The King McNeal Collection** 815.351.9188 Kankakee, IL mr.mcneal1@gmail.com www.kingmcneal.com The Sandz, Inc. Dedric Benton 704.975.3900 dedric@thesandz.com www.thesandz.com

Turf Gear Gerald J. Brown 510.633.9870 10255 Lisco Court Las Vegas, NV 89183 turfgear@turfgear.com www.turfgear.com Uzuri Kd Kidz/ Uzuri Greek 614.440.4601 6262 Alissa Lane Columbus, OH 43213 uzrikidkidz@yahoo.com www.uzuri-greek.myshopify.com W.E. Lusain Apparel, LLC 513.293.3537 ericlusain@gmail.com https://4klub.com Winters Industries 404.604.0296 info@wintersindustries.com https://wintersindustries.com Worldwide Origins, LLC 314.749.2534 worldwideorigins1@gmail.com www.worldwideorigins.com X-Press Yourself Worldwide 817.269.5767 Arlington, TX xpressyourselfsw@aol.com www.xpressyourselfgear.com Zeus’ Closet 866.987.ZEUS 1339-C Marietta Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30318 www.zeuscloset.com

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THE SPHINX®

11 S. VANDEVENTER ST. ST. LOUIS, MO 63108 11AM - 5PM TUESDAY-SATURDAY

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73

ALPHA AWARD OF HONOR / ALPHA AWARD OF MERIT RECIPIENTS

ALPHA AWARD OF HONOR AND ALPHA AWARD OF MERIT

I

n 1952, the General Convention established the Alpha Award of Honor and The Alpha Award of Merit.

These have become, by tradition and practice, our greatest awards. The awardees were initially chosen by a committee headed by the venerable Brother Taliaferro "Tollie" Harris. At some point in our history, 1952 Brother Eugene Kinckle Jones Brother Thurgood Marshall Brother Garrett Morgan 1953 Brother Archibald J. Carey Brother Rufus Clement 1954 Brother Rayford W. Logan Mary McLeod Bethune 1955 Brother John H. Johnson T.R.M. Howard 1956 Brother Martin Luther King, Jr. Brother Arthur Shores 1957 Roy Wilkins Brother Austin T. Walden 1958 Brother Sidney Jones Marion Anderson 1959 Brother James W. Parker Pres. William V.S. Tubman John Howard Morrow 1960 Brother Adam Clayton Powell Brother Aaron Brown 1961 Brother Lester B Granger W.M.G Halm 1962 Brother Whitney M Young Brother Harry W. Richardson 74

the selection became a function of the Office of the General President. In recent years, the Award of Honor has been presented to non-members and the Award of Merit to members. Unfortunately, however, our current records do not make a distinction between the recipients of the awards.

1963 Brother Edward Brooke Brother Franklyn Williams

1976 Brother Franklyn Williams William Tolbert

1964 Brother Floyd McKissick Pres. John F. Kennedy

1977 Brother William T. Coleman Henry “Hank” Aaron

1965 Brother Charles H. Wesley Pepsi Cola Company

1978 Constance Baker Motley

1966 Brother Thurgood Marshall 1968 Brother Wyatt Tee Walker Brother Henry G. Parks 1969 Brother Theodore Berry Barbara Jordan 1970 A. Leon Higginbotham 1971 Brother Roscoe Cartwright Brother Samuel Gravely Muhammed Ali 1972 Brother Eddie Robinson Brother Damon Keith Brother Robert Brown 1973 Brother Robert W. Harrison Brother Eugene D. Jackson 1975 Lowell Perry Brother Maynard Jackson

1979 Brother Lionel H. Newsome 1980 Brother Richard Arrington Parren Mitchell 1981 Albert T. Holland, Jr. 1982 Brother Malvin R. Goode Tom Bradley 1983 Brother Roland Burris Brother T.J. Jemison 1984 Brother Julian Dixon 1985 Brother William H. Gray III 1986 Brother Ernest N. Morial Randall Robinson 1987 Brother Walter Washington 1989 Brother Louis Sullivan

THE SPHINX®

ALPHA AWARD OF HONOR / ALPHA AWARD OF MERIT RECIPIENTS 1992 Cecil L. Murray Brother Augustus M. Witherspoon 1993 Brother Eddie Robinson Brother Edward Brooke Brother Lionel B. Richie, Jr. 1994 Brother Ozell Sutton Brother Dennis Archer M. Alexis Herman 1995 Brother Charles C. Teamer Brother John Hope Franklin

2005 Brother Horace Dawson Brother Ernest L. Holloway Brother Robert “Bob” Willis 2007 Brother Alfred Bailey Brother Harry E. Johnson, Sr. Harris Rosen 2008 Brother Sylvester L. Shannon Brother Joseph E. Heyward Soledad O’Brien

1997 Brother Andrew Young Brother Thomas Winston Cole, Sr.

2009 Brother Robert Wright Brother James Huger Brother Roger Youman Tommy Hilfiger Calvin Peete Smokey Robinson Mary Wilson Otis Williams Martha Reeves

1998 Brother Henry H. Brown Brother Huel D. Perkins

2010 Brother Jibreel Khazan Brother Wendell T. Foster, Jr.

1999 Brother Emmett W. Bashful Brother Frank A. Dee Brother Hobart Sidney Jarrett

2011 Brother Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. Brother Jerry Butler Brother Arthur Fleming Chris Womac Brother Dr. Earl W. Stafford Brother Ed Jackson, Jr. Frank Jenkins Brother Frank Russell, Jr. Brother George Reaves Brother Gregory Phillips Brother John H. Carter Joseph S. Ratliff Robert Bob Wingo Brother Tyrone Means Brother Vic Carter Brother George Sealey Brother Roderick D. Gillum Brother Julian Dixon Brother Joe Samuel Ratliff Brother Harold Navy

1996 Brother Thomas Pawley, III Brother James R. Williams

2000 Brother Lee P. Brown Brother Milton C. Davis Brother Maynard Jackson Brother Marc H. Morial Brother Henry Ponder 2001 Brother Norman C. Francis Roderick D. Gillum Brother Joe Samuel Ratliff 2003 Brother Adrian L. Wallace Brother James “Tiny” Blanton Brother William F. Pickard

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Marian Wright Edelman Caryl Stern R. Guy Vickers Patrick Joseph Kennedy Brother Richard Marshall Steve Gursky Vivian Rogers-Pickard John Conyers, Jr. Constance A. Connie Morella John W. Warner Paul Sarbanes Daniel Paul Amos Earl G. Graves, Sr. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. Lerone Bennett Jr. 2013 Darryl L. Wilson Cynthia M.A Butler-McIntyre 2015 Brother Marion Barry Brother Stuart Scott Brother Warren Washington 2017 Brother Otis Moss, Jr. Eric Holder Mitchell J. Landrieu 2019 Brother Robert Lee Harris, Jr. Brother Freeman L. Hrabowski, III PH.D Brother Charles B. Rangel Brother Robert C. “Bobby” Scott Brother Robert Smith, M.B.A. Brother Hill Harper Stanley Nelson, B.F.A. 2021 Brother Aaron Crutison, Sr. 2023 Brother Charles Q. Brown, Jr. Brother Mark S. Tillman Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson

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OMEGA CHAPTER

BY BROTHER MYRON RODNEY ROBINSON [ALPHA GAMMA ’87]

Mentee of Brother Whitney M. Young, Jr., and Once Youngest Urban League President in Nation

B

rother Myron Frederick Robinson transitioned to Omega Chapter on May 18, 2023 in Bradenton, FL. He was born on December 15, 1943 in Youngstown, Ohio. He was the second child of Brother Romeo James (Beta Phi Lambda ’45) and Virginia Robinson. Having recently celebrated his 60th Alphaversary, Brother Robinson was initiated on January 12, 1963 at Beta Rho Lambda Chapter on ‘The ‘Soul Brothers Five’ pledge class while a student at Youngstown State University, where he received his BS degree in Sociology in 1967. He went on to complete graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Wisconsin. He also attended the National Urban League Executive Development Program at Harvard University, which prepared him to become the youngest Urban League president in the country in 1972 when he took the helm in Madison, WI. A mentee of Brother Whitney M. Young Jr., Brother Robinson served the movement for more than 37 years as CEO for various Urban League affiliates around the country, including New Haven CT, Greenville SC, and Cleveland OH where he also served as President of the Ohio Council of Urban League Executives.

He served on various corporate boards including Key Bank and Carolina First, and non-profit boards including John Carroll University, University Hospital of Cleveland, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, Manatee County Library Foundation, the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Plymouth Harbor of Sarasota, and the State Chamber of Commerce of South Carolina to name a few.

Life member 8025 of Alpha Phi Alpha, Brother Robinson was an active member of Xi Psi Lambda

76

chapter in Sarasota, FL and previously was a member of Gamma Gamma Lambda in Greenville, SC, Delta Alpha Lambda in Cleveland, OH, Eta Alpha Lambda in New Haven, CT, and Mu Eta Lambda in Madison, WI. Brother Robinson most recently served as the Moderator of the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Sarasota. He was a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and a Prince Hall Mason. He leaves behind his wife Brenda of 56 years, two adult children Brother Myron Rodney and Myra Michele, four grandchildren, his sister, in-laws, a host of relatives, friends, and family around the world. S

THE SPHINX®

OMEGA CHAPTER

Remembering Brother Ira D. Hall - Prominent IBM Trailblazer Brother Ira D. Hall, a Fall 1986 Zeta Phi Lambda Chapter initiate, who was a prominent business leader and IBMs first African American corporate officer, transitioned to Omega Chapter on Jan. 11.

A native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Brother Hall received his B.S. degree in electrical engineering in 1966 from Stanford University and in 1970, he became the first African American and youngest member of Stanford University’s board of trustees. He earned his M.B.A. degree in 1976 from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. After working for Hewlett-Packard and founding a company focused on housing people with low to moderate income, he joined IBM in 1985. He served as an assistant general manager of finance and administration for the computer-integrated manufacturing systems unit, and corporate assistant treasurer, becoming IBM’s first African American corporate officer. In 1990, Brother Hall became treasurer of IBM U.S., and in 1994, director of international operations for IBM. During his tenure at IBM, President Reagan nominated him to serve as a governor of the United States Postal Service in 1987 and he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. In 1993, he served on the Clinton-Gore Presidential Transition Team.

After his 13 years at IBM, Brother Hall joined Texaco as general manager of alliance management then went on to have a career in investment management before retiring in 2004.

Over the course of his long and illustrious career, he also chaired the U.S. Treasury’s Thrift Depositor Protection Oversight Board, the advisory board of the martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project at Stanford University, the Executive Leadership Council, and Miami-Dade County’s Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts

FALL 2023

Center. Brother Hall served on several boards of Pepsi Bottling Group, American Express Funds, TECO Energy, Praxair, inc. Imagistics International, and the Jackie Robinson Foundation and on the Stanford Alumni Executive Board and the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

He also established the Ira D. Hall Fellowship at the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2009. In 2017, he endowed at Stanford University the Ira D. Hall Award for Service Leadership Before Age 30.

Brother Hall has been quoted as saying, “Service will produce its own reward,” and clearly, he spent his life in service to his community, corporations, educational organizations, cultural institutions, and the government of the United States. S

77

OMEGA CHAPTER A COMPREHENSIVE MEMORIAL LIST OF BROTHERS WHO TRANSITIONED TO OMEGA CHAPTER FROM JAN. 1, 2023 THROUGH SEPT. 30, 2023.

For each member, included is his name, chapter of initiation, date of initiation, and date of death or date of reporting of death. All of the information is based on what is submitted by chapters and family members, which has been reconciled with the Fraternity’s records.

Mahmoud A. Abdullah

Winston L. Barr

Dr. George W. Bugg Sr.

Theodore F. Childs

Clarence W. Ewell

Alfonso L.eo Adderly

Randolph Baxter

Cyril C. Burke

John B. Christian

Earle K. Ferguson

Carl M. Alexander

Robert Lee Becton Sr.

Gerard P. Burnett

Robert-Earl Tyson Clark

Harold Fillyaw

Edgar E. Alexander

Dr. Samuel R. Billups

Stephen R. Butler

Larry L. Cole

Richard R. Fisher

Paul Alexander

Dr. Dominick Kwasi Bioh

Nicholas B. Campbell

Milton Wayne Cole

Marcus R. Ford

Russell C. Campbell Jr.

Dr. Carrol A. Congo

Norris E. Francis Jr.

Clyde D. Carnegie

Alfred Lee Cook Sr.

G. Gregory Freeman

Shawn Carpenter

Thomas J. Craft Sr.

Leon Robert Fulton

Shawn L. Carpenter

Eddie G. Crawford

Ronald C Gadson

Howard P. Carter Jr.

Kermit R. Donison

Harvey Gates

Robert V Carter

Clifford E. Donley

Nesby Gibson Jr.

Robert G. Carter

William Dooms

Clarence C. Gillis

Edward D Chambers

Jerry L Edwards

Dr. Philip J. Ginyard

William Hulon Chapman

Antoine J. Elias

Zeta Pi Lambda 5/23/92 1/1/23

Beta Beta Lambda 3/4/72 1/1/23

Gamma Beta 11/5/70 9/10/23

Rho 3/7/31 1/1/23

Zeta Gamma 11/6/99 1/1/23

Charles Allain Beta Tau 4/11/51 1/1/23

Donald B. Alston Mu Zeta 11/17/78 1/26/23

Herman Anderson Epsilon Alpha 2/16/57 2/6/23

Bennie Andrews Jr. Kappa Alpha 11/15/77 2/3/23

Matthew J. Armstead III Epsilon Tau Lambda 11/16/02 1/1/23

Bruce A. August Jr. Tau Xi 4/16/05 4/7/23

Montague Baisden Jr. Eta Lambda 12/8/62 1/1/23

Ray Ballard

Zeta Eta Lambda 3/9/91 6/1/23

Roderick D Barber

Iota Omicron Lambda 3/20/04 1/1/23

Beta Delta 11/16/67 7/31/23

Gamma Phi 4/29/65 1/1/23

Mu Tau 2/1/77 1/7/23

Beta Sigma 4/3/51 6/12/23

Eta Theta Lambda 11/22/97 6/13/23

Dr. Frederick Douglas O'Neal Black Sr. Gamma 12/5/58 6/23/23

Dr. Jodie G. Blackwell Gamma Phi 11/30/47 1/1/23

Quincy Bledsoe Kappa Lambda 3/21/98 7/31/23

Hermon L. Borders Theta Eta 6/6/76 3/31/23

Peter Bostic Mu Kappa 6/1/76 6/9/23

Leonard L. Bowens Iota 12/13/58 1/1/23

Samuel V. Bowers Jr. Nu Gamma Lambda 6/27/86 1/18/23

Louis Branson

Gamma Omicron 4/17/60 1/1/23

Beta Omicron 12/10/57 5/6/23

Beta Sigma Lambda 10/11/69 1/1/23

Kappa Rho 12/5/82 1/1/23

Alpha Omicron Lambda 7/22/93 9/10/23

Iota Eta Lambda 5/14/95 1/1/23

Iota Upsilon Lambda 12/6/92 1/1/23

Gamma Tau 10/2/62 1/1/23

Nu Iota 5/1/83 1/1/23

Nu Eta 5/1/83 1/1/23

Alpha Eta Lambda 6/5/48 1/1/23

Omicron Lambda 1/1/77 1/17/23

Beta Gamma 4/11/42 1/1/23

Beta Chi 4/5/87 9/29/23

Epsilon Tau Lambda 7/13/91 1/1/23

Beta Rho 1/12/42 1 /1/23

Alpha Pi 1 1/22/47 1/1/23

Nu Sigma 11/20/99 1/1/23

Epsilon Tau Lambda 9/30/75 1/1/23

Eta Gamma 11/13/04 1/1/23

Eta 7/1/50 1/1/23

Epsilon Upsilon Lambda 11/26/69 5/16/23

Xi 1/30/48 1/1/23

Alpha Phi 4/15/72 1/1/23

Epsilon Tau Lambda 6/9/61 1/1/23

Zeta Pi Lambda 6/1/60 1/1/23

Kappa 4/10/72 1/1/23

Kappa Tau Lambda 5/7/89 1/1/23

Gamma Upsilon 4/18/59 2/20/23

Tau 10/13/61 7/24/23

Epsilon Zeta 12/13/63 1/1/23

Eta Kappa 5/18/72 1/1/23

Beta Epsilon 4/5/91 7/1/23

Beta Zeta 10/1/62 1/1/23

Alpha Xi Lambda 6/10/95 8/1/23

Sigma Lambda 6/30/96 5/2/23

Delta Sigma 12/8/85 1/1/23

Iota Rho Lambda 1/23/86 1/1/23

Alpha Nu Lambda 5/1/76 1/1/23

Zeta Pi Lambda 5/1/83 1/1/23

Omicron 5/5/79 5/10/23

Theta 3/19/51 6/8/23

TO ALL OUR BROTHERS IN OMEGA CHAPTER, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

78

THE SPHINX®

OMEGA CHAPTER Lloyd A. Givens Jr.

Leon W. Herndon

Wallace W Johnson

Ezell A. Long Jr.

Arnel L. Monroe

Jesse F. Goodwin

Kendell F. Hogue

Duane R. Jordan

David Stanley Lyons

Leslie B. Moseley

Beta Sigma 4/19/59 6/17/23

Beta Tau 4/26/49 1/1/23

Herbert L. Gray Epsilon Zeta 12/1/67 1/1/23

Andre' Derrell Green Rho Upsilon Lambda 10/31/20 8/1/23

Anthony Green Zeta Gamma 11/22/03 1/1/23

Ephriam C. Green

Omicron Lambda Alpha 5/1/56 8/9/23

John B. Greene Nu 12/1/26 1/1/23

Dr. Clarence Guy Nu 4/10/54 1/1/23

Obra V Hackett Delta Phi 11/23/57 7/13/23

Kendall L. Harris Pi Nu 3/16/90 7/24/23

Willie Harris Jr.

Alpha Phi Lambda 10/1/68 1/1/23

Dr. Robert W Harrison III Gamma Upsilon 11/26/58 5/3/23

James R. Haynes Alpha Chi 11/27/59 3/23/23

Welton Haynes

Alpha Sigma Lambda 3/1/74 2/24/23

Milton R. Henry Nu 5/12/46 1/1/23

Beta Rho 10/1/57 3/16/23

Delta Psi Lambda 1/1/77 6/30/23

Theodore Holmes

Iota Eta 5/22/74 8/13/23

Beta Sigma 1/1/63 8/8/23

Kenneth C. Jordan

Delta Eta 11/15/51 1/1/23

Eta Theta 11/29/71 1/1/23

Xi Phi 3/30/90 3/1/23

Jeremiah Judge

Theodore R. Hopper

Juan Huey-Ray Zeta Pi Lambda 3/30/85 1/1/23

Larry Michael Jackson Delta Kappa Lambda 3/8/08 1/1/23

Lloyd E. Jackson Jr. Beta Gamma 4/1/55 4/7/23

Jodie Ansel James Delta Beta Lambda 11/11/06 1/14/23

Ralph L. James Gamma Zeta 4/1/57 1/1/23

Calvin R Johns Jr. Alpha Psi 12/1/47 6/22/23

Adrian Norvell Johnson Eta Zeta 3/7/93 6/10/23

Johnny D. Johnson Xi Kappa Lambda 12/2/95 3/21/23

Dr. Ralph Eugene Johnson

Delta Alpha 4/1/58 1/1/23

George F. Kennedy Eta Lambda 12/1/37 1/1/23

Howard D. Kenney Alpha Iota Lambda 5/10/74 1/1/23

Alfred King Zeta Pi 12/1/72 1/1/23

James J. King Nu Tau Lambda 5/22/85 5/18/23

James Irvin Kirkwood Upsilon 12/12/49 1/1/23

Duane Omoro Lathan Tau Eta 11/6/99 1/1/23

Reginald B. Lawrence Beta Upsilon 11/19/74 7/6/23

Abraham A. Lee Iota Theta Lambda 3/3/90 1/1/23

Damon Lee III

Epsilon Tau Lambda 7/13/91 1/1/23

Beta Omicron 3/23/65 3/1/23

Robert Elighie Johnson

Edward Littlejohn

Beta Alpha 12/16/53 1/13/23

Simon O. Johnson Beta Nu 4/16/49 1/1/23

Alpha Upsilon 11/27/55 6/7/23

Marquis A Lockett Sr. Mu Kappa 6/26/83 9/11/23

Alpha Omicron 12/13/63 4/13/23

8/7/23

J. Kenneth Major Jr. Gamma Psi 12/1/56 2/16/23

Emmanuel Manhiri Gamma Mu Lambda 3/16/19 6/27/23

William A. Matchett Beta Upsilon 4/8/68 3/12/23

Elton N. Mathews Beta Kappa 12/1/66 1/20/23

Thomas D. Maxey Delta Omicron 10/18/67 6/15/23

Broadus M. Mayfield Iota Rho Lambda 8/8/85 1/1/23

Dr. Isaiah Mciver Sr. Delta Eta 11/1/55 2/7/23

Robert Mckenzie Eta Tau 6/27/20 7/10/23

Randy M. Mcneil Alpha Upsilon 2/14/70 1/1/23

Clarence Lee Merritt Pi Iota Lambda 4/4/92 1/1/23

Amos Theiman Mills Beta 4/23/68 7/1/23

David Levi Minott

Alpha Upsilon Lambda 3/17/12 1/1/23

Leonard R Minter Delta Delta 11/1/63 1/1/23

Zeta Gamma 3/21/86 1/1/23

Beta Sigma Lambda 4/27/74 1/1/23

Madison H. Murray Upsilon 3/1/51 1/1/23

James Neal Beta Nu 12/1/51 1/25/23

Lewis E. Nicholls Beta Rho 5/1/87 7/1/23

Ricardo Oasin Gamma Sigma 12/10/49 3/27/23

Peter A Okemmuo Jr. Delta Nu 11/20/11 1/21/23

Walter J. Oldham Beta Epsilon 6/1/40 1/1/23

Eugene H. Owens Beta Gamma 12/12/47 1/1/23

Benjamin Walker Page Eta Omicron 4/22/72 3/10/23

Lloyd Parham Gamma Pi 4/7/51 1/1/23

Greg Payne

Nu Pi Lambda 3/31/90 1/1/23

Michael LaMont Perkins Theta Rho 3/24/07 2/21/23

Lou E. Pettaway Beta Upsilon 4/29/67 1/3/23

Carl A. Phillips Delta Eta 11/18/65 1/1/23

TO ALL OUR BROTHERS IN OMEGA CHAPTER, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

FALL 2023

79

OMEGA CHAPTER Charles C. Phillips

Charles Rolland

Broderick C. Spencer Sr.

Otis E. Tillman Sr.

Clifton L. West

Cortez Ezekiel Pittman

Garcia Sampson

Timothy B. Spraggins

James A. Torrey

Daniel W. Wheeler Jr.

Wellington H. Sawyer

Hon. Henry Edward Stallings II

Dr. William B. Trice

Blaine A. White

Alpha Nu Lambda 5/16/70 1/1/23

Gamma Lambda 11/6/04 1/1/23

Leonard Pitts Jr. Beta Theta 12/1/55 1/1/23

Glover Powell

Zeta Pi Lambda 5/1/83 1/1/23

Alpha Rho 11/11/70 1/19/23

Beta Alpha 11/5/65 4/13/23

Epsilon Omicron Lambda 5/2/73 1/1/23

Luther W. Seabrook

Glenn Mason Randall

Reginald Wyatt Silas

Alpha Rho 12/10/56 6/9/23

Maurice Randall

Kappa Eta Lambda 7/25/75 1/1/23

Alfred Randolph Theta Nu Lambda 1/20/79 1/1/23

Howard V. Randolph Jr. Eta Theta Lambda 6/23/90 1/1/23

Joe C. Ransaw Beta Upsilon 12/1/70 1/1/23

George N. Reaves Theta 2/27/65 8/12/23

James E. Rhone Rho 3/19/73 1/1/23

Alfred E. Richardson Sr. Gamma Beta 4/1/56 1/1/23

James E. Roberson Sr. Delta Gamma 4/14/62 1/7/23

Myron F. Robinson Beta Rho Lambda 1/12/63 5/18/23

Alpha Zeta 12/1/53 7/1/23

Gamma Upsilon 11/6/93 4/10/23

Dr. Robert Simmons Jr. Delta Beta 12/11/66 1/1/23

Charles Z. Smith Beta Nu 4/29/45 1/1/23

Edgar R. Smith Epsilon 4/1/49 4/24/23

Irving Smith Jr. Beta Pi Lambda 1/12/68 1/1/23

Rubeun J. Smith Zeta Beta Lambda 11/1/76 1/1/23

Willie James Smith Iota Rho Lambda 4/30/92 1/1/23

Ernest N. Snell Eta Theta Lambda 3/1/83 1/1/23

Charles R. Snow Beta Mu 12/3/60 3/25/23

Thomas R. Solomon Alpha Beta 10/1/23 1/1/23

Kappa Pi Lambda 1/17/96 1/6/23

Alpha Upsilon Lambda 3/22/86 4/17/23

Gamma Lambda 7/20/92 1/1/23

Elvin G. Stampley Sigma Lambda 3/17/89 1/10/23

Vernon Stewart Theta Psi Lambda 6/22/76 1/1/23

Cecil L. Strickland Epsilon Tau Lambda 11/1/79 1/1/23

Basil Emanuel Suarez III Eta Theta Lambda 10/22/10 1/1/23

Leon Taylor DDS Delta Upsilon 11/23/85 1/1/23

Stuart A. Taylor Alpha Gamma 7/24/63 9/18/23

Darryl E. Thames

Beta Sigma Lambda 9/12/87 1/1/23

John D. Thomas Iota 4/21/91 1/1/23

Robert L. Thompson Jr. Gamma Upsilon 12/1/64 1/1/23

Abraham P. Thweatt Gamma Phi 4/1/59 1/1/23

Kappa Lambda 6/16/63 1/1/23

Xi Zeta Lambda 5/4/91 1/1/23

Omicron 4/29/49 1/13/23

Marvin W. Turner

Kappa Epsilon Lambda 11/17/07 2/6/23

Norris G. Turner Sr. Alpha Upsilon 2/1/60 1/1/23

Michael T. Tyson

Zeta Omicron Lambda 4/20/96 6/21/23

Edwin H Van

Theta Eta Lambda 12/7/85 1/1/23

Brian Pascal Vickers Eta Theta Lambda 3/6/93 1/1/23

Roosevelt Walker Epsilon Chi Lambda 9/15/76 4/13/23

Wilbert L. Walker Beta Alpha 12/1/47 9/29/23

Charles A. Ward Alpha Xi Lambda 11/30/40 1/1/23

Thaddeus Ware Gamma 12/15/54 1/11/23

Alpha Chi 12/15/49 1/1/23

Omicron Lambda 6/1/90 2/15/23

Beta Alpha 4/12/70 1/1/23

Lewis T. White

Theta Iota Lambda 11/14/76 1/15/23

Hon. Quentin Williams-Phipps

Beta Sigma Lambda 3/27/21 1/5/23

John M. Williams

Gamma Iota Lambda 10/1/75 3/7/23

Willie Williams

Omicron Upsilon Lambda 4/1/90 6/1/23

Alvin J. Wiltz

Eta Gamma Lambda 4/21/73 1/7/23

Willie James Wimberly Beta Nu 4/17/61 4/16/23

Milton C. Woodard Zeta Zeta Lambda 4/19/97 4/11/23

Edward A. Woodbury Theta Sigma 3/5/78 3/23/23

Roy L. Watson Sr. Beta Kappa 12/4/48 6/30/23

Birdes T. West Jr.

Iota Omicron Lambda 11/30/75 2/2/23

TO ALL OUR BROTHERS IN OMEGA CHAPTER, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

80

THE SPHINX®

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY BOARD OF DIRECTORS GENERAL PRESIDENT Willis L. Lonzer, III, Ph.D. GeneralPresident@1906.net IMMEDIATE PAST GENERAL PRESIDENT Everett B. Ward, Ph.D. 35@apa1906.net

GENERAL CONVENTION OFFICIALS DIRECTOR OF CONVENTIONS Van L. Strickland director.conventions@apa1906.net GENERAL CHAPLAIN Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine chaplain@apa1906.net

GENERAL TREASURER Densel Fleming General.treasurer@apa1906.net

SECURITY DIRECTOR Donald L. Woods security@apa1906.net

GENERAL COMPTROLLER Wardell Glass, Jr. comptroller@apa1906.net

SERGEANT AT ARMS Eugene L. Aiken sergeant.at.arms@apa1906.net

EASTERN REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Christopher G. Ellis, Jr. eastvp@apa1906.net

GENERAL CONVENTION COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN

MIDWESTERN REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Franklin Stacy, Jr. midwestvp@apa1906.net SOUTHERN REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Cecil E. Howard southvp@apa1906.net SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Jeramaine O. Netherly southwestvp@apa1906.net WESTERN REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Wayne M. Kimball westvp@apa1906.net EASTERN REGIONAL ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT Yousif N. Omer eastavp@apa1906.net MIDWESTERN REGIONAL ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT Jayden D. Donald midwestavp@apa1906.net SOUTHERN REGIONAL ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT Jarvis P. Prewitt southavp@apa1906.net SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT Brandon T. Nguyen southwestavp@apa1906.net WESTERN REGIONAL ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT Ahlias T. Jones westavp@apa1906.net

APPOINTED OFFICERS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Sean McCaskill SeanMcCaskill@apa1906.net GENERAL COUNSEL Daryl D. Parks, Esq. counsel@apa1906.net GENERAL HISTORIAN Dr. Robert L. Harris, Jr. historian@apa1906.net GENERAL PARLIAMENTARIAN Adrian B. Stratton, PRP parliamentarian@apa1906.net

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENT Dedric Dennist, Sr. awards@apa1906.net GRIEVANCES AND DISCIPLINE Judge Lewis M. Nixon grievances@apa1906.net RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS William J. Jernigan resolutions@apa1906.net RULES AND CREDENTIALS Louis Bates, Jr. rules@apa1906.net

STANDING COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN BUDGET AND FINANCE Wardell Glass budget@apa1906.net BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (COMMISSION) James Floyd BED@apa1906.net COLLEGE BROTHERS AFFAIRS (COMMISSION) Allan Younger college@apa1906.net

RACIAL JUSTICE (COMMISSION) Grasford Smith, Esq. racial.justice@apa1906.net

SPECIAL COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN A. CHARLES HASTON BROTHER’S KEEPER Dr. Ronald J. Peters, Jr. bk@apa1906.net ALPHA UNIVERSITY Cecil M. Brookins AlphaU@apa1906.net AUDIT Donald Jackson comptroller@apa1906.net BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL CONTEST R. Sylvester Owens oratorical@apa1906.net BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Dale H. Long BBBSA@apa1906.net BOY SCOUTS Felton L. Davis scouts@apa1906.net COLLEGE LIFE TO CORPORATE LIFE Dennis Hatchett C2C@apa1906.net CORPORATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Donovan K. Kirkland CEC@apa1906.net EMERGING ALPHAS ADVISORY TO GP Nicholas Harrison EAA@apa1906.net GO-TO-HIGH SCHOOL GO-TO-COLLEGE Dr. Anthony Graham GTHGTC@apa1906.net

CONSTITUTION John Williams constitution@apa1906.net

HBCUS TASK FORCE Dr. David H. Jackson, Jr. HBCU@apa1906.net

ELECTIONS Luscious Turner, III elections@apa1906.net

HEALTH AND WELLNESS Dr. Michael A. Smith health@apa1906.net

ENDOWMENT AND CAPITAL FORMATION Timothy J. Gibson ECF@apa1906.net

HEADQUARTERS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE Thomas A. Tatum HAC@apa1906.net

FRATERNAL STANDARDS James Cook FS@apa1906.net

HOBART S. JARRETT DEBATE COMPETITION Dr. Michael D. McClain debate@apa1906.net

HISTORICAL COMMISSION Dr. Robert L. Harris Jr. historian@apa1906.net HUMAN RESOURCES Darryl Farrow HR@apa1906.net LIFE MEMBERSHIP Micholas A. Credle life@apa1906.net MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Dr. Darren Morton MD@apa1906.net PUBLIC POLICY State Sen. Dr. Paul A. Lowe, Jr. public.policy@apa1906.net

FALL 2023

PUBLICATIONS Ramon E. Peralta publications@apa1906.net

INTERNAL AUDIT REVIEW TEAM Dexter Leon A. Taylor audit@apa1906.net INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Ronald Sewell international.affairs@apa1906.net INTERNATIONAL IMPACT DAYS Pierre Rutledge impact@apa1906.net INVESTMENT Densel V. Fleming investment@apa1906.net

JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS’ BOWL Gregory L. Bailey scholars@apa1906.net L.M.S. AND TECHNOLOGY Rufus Credle rcredle906@gmail.com LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE Christopher F. Oliver LDI@apa1906.net LOGISTICS Daryle Cobb logistics@apa1906.net M.I.S. AND TECHNOLOGY Tejuan A. Manners MIS@apa1906.net MARCH OF DIMES Dr. Walter T. Tillman, Jr. MOD@apa1906.net MILITARY BROTHERS Andre Berry military@apa1906.net MISS BLACK AND GOLD PAGEANT Sean A. Bellamy pageant@apa1906.net POLITICAL AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Carl Pickney PCE@apa1906.net POLITICAL AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT (COMMISSION) Carl A. Pickney PROJECT ALPHA Dr. Charles F. Marshall project@apa1906.net PROTOCOL Kenyatta N. Shamburger protocol@apa1906.net RECLAMATION Kirk D. Carrington, II reclamation@apa1906.net RITUAL AND CEREMONIES Stephen R. Spence ritual@apa1906.net SENIOR ALPHA AFFAIRS Ivar F. Brown senior.affairs@apa1906.net STEP SHOW COMPETITION Cecil A. Duffie step.show@apa1906.net STRATEGIC PLANNING Jeffrey Hines strategic@apa1906.net TIME AND PLACE Christopher A. Evans TP@apa1906.net VETERAN AFFAIRS Robert V. McDonald VA@apa1906.net VOTELESS PEOPLE IS A HOPELESS PEOPLE Steven L. Jones VPHP@apa1906.net

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PAST GENERAL PRESIDENTS 35TH GENERAL PRESIDENT Everett B. Ward 35@apa1906.net 34TH GENERAL PRESIDENT Mark S. Tillman 34@apa1906.net 33RD GENERAL PRESIDENT Herman “Skip” Mason Jr. 33@apa1906.net 32ND GENERAL PRESIDENT Darryl R. Matthews Sr. 32@apa1906.net 31ST GENERAL PRESIDENT Harry E. Johnson Sr. 31@apa1906.net 30TH GENERAL PRESIDENT Adrian L. Wallace 30@apa1906.net 29TH GENERAL PRESIDENT Milton C. Davis 29@apa1906.net 28TH GENERAL PRESIDENT Henry Ponder 28@apa1906.net 27TH GENERAL PRESIDENT Charles C. Teamer Sr. 27@apa1906.net ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. General Office 2313 St. Paul St. Baltimore, MD 21218 (410) 554-0040 membersupport@apa1906.net www.apa1906.net

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY JEWEL FOUNDERS Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy

WORLD POLICY COUNCIL Dr. Horace G. Dawson, Jr. WPC@apa1906.net YOUNG ALPHAS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO GP Kendric Jones

81

Come BaCk to the house.

GO TO MY.APA1906.NET

96

Brother,

Are You the missing piece?

THE SPHINX

T H E SPH INX ®| |SPRING FAL L 2023 2017 | INAUGURATION ISSUE

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