MIDWEST umkc Delta Rho celebrates productive year Greetings to all our Alpha Brothers throughout the land. We, the Brothers of Delta Rho Chapter of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, continue in our struggle to uphold the high ideals of Alpha which we feel we must exemplify as we continue to provide service to all. On April 10, 1982, the Brothers of Delta Rho held the Alpha Phi Alpha, "Bold and Gold Ball - A Tribute to Black Women." This event took place at the elegant Sheraton Royal Hotel and hosted Brothers throughout the States of Missouri and Kansas. Approximately 400 people were in attendance. On April 15, 1982, Delta Rho conducted a "Candlelight March" through the streets of Kansas City to commemorate the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This march covered 2.5 miles and included the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., our own Alpha Angels, and the community at large. This event was covered by various news media within Kansas City. Also during the spring semester of 1982, Delta Rho proudly initiated two success oriented Black men into the Fraternity. The line, "Aphanite," consisted of Brothers: Leon M. Watkins, a Music major at UMKC's Conservatory of Music; and Douglas S. Shipley, an Administration of Justice major at UMKC. Brother Shipley is the youngest and last of the four Shipley Brothers to "cross the burning sands," (David, Theta, 78; Darrell, Alpha Psi, 79; and Donald, Alpha Chi, '80). September through November, 1982, found the Brothers of Delta Rho actively conducting their voter registration drive. Through these efforts, Congressman Alan Wheat, the first Black Congressman from Kansas City, was elected. Delta Rho also received special recognition as the organization responsible for registering the second highest number of individuals to vote in Kansas City's voter registration drive. On Halloween, 1982, Delta Rho created a haunted house for the children of metropolitan Kansas City. 52
This was to ensure them of having a fun and safe Halloween. It was conducted at the George W. Gates Boys Club. The event was very successful through the help of our "ever-faithful" Angels and all proceeds went to the Boys Club. Delta Rho received a special citation for this effort from the Boys Club. During November, the Brothers conducted their 2nd annual food drive. The Brothers went door-to-door and collected canned goods and other semi non-perishable food items. All of these were taken back to UMKC in conjunction with their food drive for the Harvesters organization. Once again, Delta Rho received special recognition for its efforts and for contributing more food than any other campus organization. So as not to neglect our young brothers and sisters in high school, the Brothers of Delta Rho also went out to the local high schools during the Fall of 1982. Their purpose was to inform high school students about the different programs college has to offer and to get them interested in attending college. To round out the year the Brothers were participants in two Founder's Day celebration banquets. The first was held on Dec. 4, 1982 and included members of Upsilon Chapter, Kansas University. The second was held on Dec. 11, and was sponsored by the graduate Brothers of Kansas City Beta Lambda Chapter. This event was also attended by Upsilon, and the graduate and undergraduate chapters of Omaha, Nebraska. It was a very successful attempt to bring graduate and undergraduate Brothers together. Brother Rev. Emmanuel Cleaver, a Councilman of Kansas City, presented a proclamation from the Mayor of Kansas City to the body proclaiming it Alpha Phi Alpha Week in Kansas City, Dec. 4-11, 1982. In February, the Brothers sponsored various lectures, films and programs for Black History Month. In conjunction with each of these the Brothers conducted a letter-writing campaign addressed to our Congressmen aimed at getting Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday its much deserved national recognition. On January 27, 1983, an article appeared in the University News, the campus newspaper, written by Brother Douglas S. Shipley. The article was entitled, "Black Sororities and Fraternities Reflect Pride and Unity." This article included some historical information about all the major Black sororities and fraternities. Brother
Shipley wrote the article because there is a need for Black Greeks on campus to get the positive recognition they have earned and much desire. Plans are on the drawing board for another "Candlelight March." Also, the Black and Gold Ball is being planned. As you can see, Delta Rho is alive and well and doing all it can to uphold Alpha.
michigan Epsilon Upsilon Lambda is rejuvenated in Alphadom Greetings to the Brotherhood of Alpha! After a long absence, Epsilon Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Flint, Michigan, has become rejuvenated and is once again firmly in the House of Alpha. To celebrate the end of a successful fraternal year, the chapter held its 27th annual Black and Gold Mystique Ball at the University Center. Guest speaker for this illustrious event was Brother James Gaddis, Michigan State Director. Dr. Tom Belford (D.D.S.) was honored as EUL's Alpha Man of the Year for his outstanding community and fraternity service. Visiting Brothers and their wives came from Ann Arbor, Lansing, Detroit, and Saginaw. A most enjoyable evening was had by all! Elected officers for the 1981-82 fraternal year were: Brothers Lewis E. Driskell, President; O'Neil Wiley, Vice-President; Billye G. Thompson, Corresponding Secretary; Walter M. Lucas III, Recording Secretary; Arnold .Cary, Financial Secretary; Frederick Waller, Treasurer; Preston J. Nash, Chaplain; and Mem A. Wright,
Dr. Tom Belford (center) receives EUL Man of the Year award from Brothers Carl Gibson (left) and John Feaster (right). The Sphinx / Summer 1983