President, Brother Ray Spears. To Brother Sam G. Wilson, the incoming President, the wisdom and guidance of more than 75 years of Alpha have been pledged to support this brother in his presidency. During the summer, OHL did not disband. With the increasing problems facing African Americans in the District, the Chapter held its Annual Summer Retreat on July 15, 1989. Close to 20 brothers participated in an all day session which strategized for the upcoming 1989-1990 year. An overview of the session included a state of the chapter, parliamentary procedure, chapter outlook (proposed programs by officers and committee chairmen) and discussion on reclamation and community outreach. The brothers left with a sharp sense of purpose and clear idea of being on track. The Chapter was represented at the General Convention in San Antonio, Texas. It is the goal of OHL to lead not only in words because rhetoric will not clear the mind of a young drug addict or warm the heart of an unloved child. It is only by deeds that this chapter will ultimately be judged. Peace. -John A. Davis
PITTSBURGH, PA Dawn of a New Era at Alpha Omicron Lambda Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter seated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, America's most livable City, sends fraternal greetings to all Brothers in Alpha. The 1988-89 fraternal year was full of successes and achievements for Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter individually and collectively. The year started on a positive note with the initiation of eight (8) distinguished brothers into the light of Alpha. The Brothers, Bennie Wheeler, Sidney B. Kaikai, Darryl Robinson, Justin L. Johnson, Everett Darby, John Clark, Ervin Dyer and Kevin Ridley, collectively called "Octagon", have become a tremendous asset not only to the local Chapter, but to the National Organization by their devotion to the high goals of Alpha. True to the ideal of a community service organization, the 1988-89 fraThe Sphinx/Spring 1990
ternal year was filled with community service activties by individual Brothers in the name of Alpha, as well as by the collective Brotherhood. The Chapter gave financial contributions to several charitable community-based organizations, including $4,950.00 to the United Negro College Fund Drive organized by Brother Dr. Robert Smith, and various amounts to the Urban League Membership Drive, the Boy Scouts work shop and camping program, and the local Chapter of the Young Men's Christian Association. The Chapter, along with the Pittsburgh Urban League and other local civic organizations, also provided help to the 1988 NAACP Voter Registration Drive and Radio-Thon. Several Brothers volunteered their time to register previously unregistered voters in predominately black wards in the city, as well as solicit membership to the NAACP. Though it was a truly hectic day, the Brothers took pride in showing the colors, while at the same time doing a great community service. The Chapter can be proud that it helped register approximately 500 previously unregistered voters during the one day Voter Registration Drive, and approximately 800 new NAACP memberships during the one week long Radio-Thon. The Chapter's social calendar for 1988-89 saw a highly successful and talked about Black and Gold Ball, which was again the "formal" of the year; an equally successful Monte Carlo Night, which is held to generate funds to support Chapter activities and community programs; the Founder's Day Party, held each December in memory of our seven (7) jewels. Brother Mai Goode gave a very inspiring and emotionally charged speech at last year's party dealing with one element of the continuing saga of the black experience in America. The year ended with our annual Alpha picnic which was not as successful due to the fact that some of the Brothers were at the National Convention in San Antonio, and therefore, could not attend. We at Alpha Omicron Lambda remember with deep sadness our Brothers who have gone on before us into Omega Chapter to the glory of God. The Brothers are Richard Bennett, Leon Goggin, James Jordon, George Nash, James Simmons and George W. Shields Jr. May the souls
of our departed Brothers rest in peace. Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter has been most fortunate for many years to have Brother Dr. Harold White as a dedicated member of our Chapter. Every summer, for many years, the Chapter traveled to the home of Brother White and his family for our June meeting where a good time was always had by all Brothers and their wives. We note with sadness that last year's trek to West Virginia was our last due to the retirement of Brother White from the faculty of West Virginia University and relocation to the Tucson area. We miss Brother White's presence and wisdom at our monthly meetings and his untiring efforts in behalf of Alpha Omicron Lambda. Brother White, God bless you and your family in a well deserved retirement. We know you will always keep the light of Alpha shining. The new fraternal year 1989-90 is truly the dawn of a new era for Alpha Omicron Lambda. The infusion of youth into the active ranks of the Chapter and into positions of leadership has added new vigor and vitality to the collective Brotherhood. The Chapter expects great things from the younger Brothers and the younger Brothers in turn expect to be given the opportunity to enliven and rejuvenate the Fraternal atmosphere at Alpha Omicron Lambda. Innovative ideas and a "can do" attitude shall be the predominant themes in this new Fraternal year, as we seek to uphold the high ideals of Alpha. The new fraternal year 1989-90 started well with the election of some younger Brothers into Office. Our officers for the 1989-90 fraternal year are as follows: Brothers James W. Adkins, President; Paul C. Williams, Vice President; Bennie Wheeler, Recording Secretary; Lawrence C. Cosby, Sr., Financial Secretary; Darryl S. Robinson, Treasurer; Ervin Dyer, Historian; Gaddiel A. Goode, Sergeant at Arms; T. Wilson Primas, Jr., Chaplain; Sidney B. Kaikai, Associate Editor-to-The Sphinx; and Ronald Mangum, Dean of Pledges. We are proud to note that Brother Mangum is also District Director for District V, Pennsylvania. With their leadership and the support of the active Brotherhood, Alpha Omicron Lambda will forge ahead in our continued support of our National Organization's goals and our local Chapter goals. Page 35