ALPHA'S INTERNATIONAL YEAR Dr. Walter Washington, 24th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., is shown (below) delivering his Annual Report to this historic gathering. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. made the 1976 Bicentennial Year an even more historic event as it convened its 70th Anniversary Convention in New York City (Phase I) and Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa (Phase II). This inter-continental meeting was a first in the history of Black Greek-letter organizations and American officials proclaimed that the Alpha delegation was the largest group of Black Americans to cross the seas to Africa, except in times of war. Alpha General President Dr. Walter Washington had earlier proclaimed 1976 "Alpha's International Year," noting that the confab was a direct outgrowth of the Fraternity's traditional commitment to all humanity. He further pointed out that Alpha's heritage and ritualistic symbols are steeped in the African tradition, as those of us who have "crossed the burning sands" can proudly attest. Some 4,000 Alphas, their families, and guests were in attendance at the New York City portion of the convention, with over 3 0 0 of that group journeying on to the Liberian phase. In addition, over half of the Monrovia group took advantage of the extended tour to the Ivory Coast and Ghana. Making everything comfortable for the brothers and their guests were the hardworking and dedicated host committees. The New York Host Committee was composed of representatives from twenty chapters, college and alumni, in the Greater New York area and was chaired by former Eastern Vice President William Decker Clarke. Members of Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter and the college brothers of Kappa Phi Chapter (officially chartered during the stay in Liberia) from the University of Liberia - Cuttington College were the gracious hosts of Phase II. This group was co-chaired by Leonard T. DeShield, Liberian Minister of Protocol, and Aaron Milton, a prominent Liberian architect. This outstanding meeting was the last in the four-year tenure of General President Walter Washington, President of Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi. Fittingly, Dr. Washington presided over a convention which (during our seventieth year) focused on the relationship between The Sphinx / October 1976
Alpha General President Dr. Walter Washington Africa and Afro-Americans and, in addition, saw the Fraternity's national program strengthened. Dr. Washington will be succeeded on January 1, 1977 by Brother James R. Williams, Akron, Ohio attorney and city councilman. Formal installation ceremonies will be held on January 8, 1977 in Chicago, Illinois at the Palmer House Hotel (see pages 9, 12 and 13 this issue for details). Others elected at the convention were: Leven C. Weiss of Detroit, Michigan, General Treasurer; and, in the first election for this formerly appointive office, Brother Charles C. Teamer of New Orleans, Comptroller. Taking office at the c o n v e n t i o n , following elections at the Regional Conventions, were Assistant Vice Presidents Darryl Matthews, Midwest; Anthony Thomas, South; Chauncey Reeves, Southwest; and, Jesse Wineberry, Western. Brother Thomas G. Allston, III was installed for a second term as Eastern Assistant Vice President. Brothers J. L. Hunt and William Decker Clarke were re-elected to the Board of Directors of the Building Foundation and Brother Ivan Cotman was reelected for a three-year term on the Board of Directors of the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc. Brother Marvin J o n e s , 1 9 7 5 - 7 6 President of Kappa Chapter (Ohio State U) was elected as a new member of the
Education Foundation board. Brother Bennie D. Brown, Chairman of the Committee on Awards and Achievement, presented a special Award of Achievement to General President Washington for his leadership of the Fraternity during the past four years. "Brother of the Year" awards went to Hanley J. Norment (alumni) and Renardo A. Hall (Epsilon Phi Chapter, Northern Illinois University) captured the college brothers award. After a tough round of balloting, lota Upsilon Lambda (Silver Spring, Maryland) took home its third consecutive "Alumni Chapter of the Year" award, while lota Nu (University of Alabama - Birmingham) took top honors in the College Chapter category. Sites for future General Conventions were set as follows: Atlanta, GA in 1977; Minneapolis, MN in 1978; Washington, DC in 1979; and Chicago, ILin 1980. An array of outstanding speakers highlighted the various programs during both phases of the convention. During the New York phase these included Brother Franklin Williams, Chairman of the Phelps-Stokes Fund and former United States ambassador to Ghana (Keynote Luncheon); Brother Leonard Barnes, Vice President of Southern University in Shreveport, Louisiana (Fraternal Address); Judge Benjamin Hooks, member of the Federal Communications Commission (Public Program); and, United States Representative Harold E. Ford, DTennessee (Formal Banquet). In addition, the convention was addressed by a host of local and national personalities, including: The Honorable Percy Sutton, President of the Borough of Manhattan; The Honorable Paul Gibson, Deputy Mayor of the City of New York; Christopher Edley, Executive Director of the United Negro College Fund; and, Roy Wilkins, Executive Director of the NAACP. In Monrovia, the Public Program was highlighted by the address of Dr. William Tolbert, President of the Republic of Liberia. Other speakers included Brother David Howell (Keynote Luncheon) and General President Washington, (Formal Banquet). Social affairs were prominent on the calendar during both segments of the convention. Encompassing the brothers, their wives, and children, these included sightseeing tours, fashion shows, numerous dances, and formal banquets and dances in both New York City and Monrovia. 17