Economic Development — A Challenge for the Seventies Theme of Theta Rho Lambdas Black and Gold Banquet Ball
"Outstanding Service" award to Brother Clarke
Banquet Speaker, William Decker Clarke, former Eastern Vice President, spoke to the theme from the point of view of preparing for opportunities for jobs and consequently for economic development, through education and training. He enlightened the audience with recommendations and suggestions for development, suggesting such as Community Colleges developing retraining and reeducation programs towards job opportunities. He suggested investment groups and clubs, sound family deposits for good interest rates and generally business-like money handling. Approximately 500 dinner guests heard Alpha's William Decker Clarke speak to the theme, "Economic Development — A Challenge For the Seventies." Mr. Clarke, attorney, businessman, financier and past vice president of the Frat's Eastern Region, was brief, but dynamic in his approach to the subject. He said, among other things, that a worthwhile program of economic development must be directed to reconstruction rather than relief; and that vast numbers must be removed from the poverty rolls and steered toward rehabilitation through new educational dimensions. He also stated that development must begin with the adult environment in order that adult resources may be improved enabling the poor to be better equipped to handle their own peculiar needs. "Compulsory education for welfare recipients is the first priority in economic development," he added. Summing it up, he cautioned his brothers and guests to accept the challenge with more vigor and more courage "if we are to succeed!" Mr. Clarke was presented with an award at the close of his speech for "Outstanding Service" as eastern regional vice president for the past three years in succession. The evening started with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner which started with the invocation and seven candle ceremony to the fraternity Founders, by C. Eugene Hubbard, Chaplain. The Banquet Program was presided over by William T. Syphax, President of the Chapter, who made introductions of
numerous notables who were present. Guests included representatives of top level federal, state, and county government, two Generals of the Military, members of state and area boards, committees and commissions, and many dear friends. The affair was to benefit the Theta Rho Lambda — Bro. Ronda A. Gilliam Memorial Scholarship Fund. The annual scholarship presentation was made by Director of Education and Scholarship, Bro. Floyd Gravitt to President Richard Ernst of the Northern Virginia College. Awards were presented to outstanding citizens of the Northern Virginia community who have made worthy contributions to "community coalescence." The Alpha Man of the Year award was presented by the 1971 A & A Man of the Year Bro. James M. Trent to Bro. Daniel L. Brown, past Chapter President. The Alpha Wife Award was presented to Mrs. Ronelda Brown (Daniel L.) by Chapter President, William T. Syphax. Citizenship Awards were presented to two young people who contributed greatly to community service, by Bro. Gray Gillem and Bro. Daniel Brown. The two students recognized were Mr. Wayne Parks and Mr. James Rosapepe, both college students and away in school. Their Awards were accepted by their Parents, Mrs. Warren Parks and Mr. Joseph Rosapepe. Two adult awardees were Mr. Edward J. Kelly former Star Citizenship Cup awardee and Dr. Lutrelle F. Parler, Sr. former (and first Black) member and Chairman of the Arlington County Planning Commission. The Banquet Speaker was introducted by Eastern Vice President, Atty. Charles P. Howard of Baltimore, and Former General President, Atty. Belford V. Lawson gave summary remarks. The Banquet Program closed with the singing of the Alpha Hymn and a group photograph.
. . . and more awards for the Chapter
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