The SPHINX | Summer 1995 | Volume 80 | Number 2 199508002

The Alpha Renaissance Continues...

sphinx Volume 80 • Number 2 • Summer 1995

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Volume 80 Number 2 Summer 1995

THE

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OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.

ER FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Back to the Basics

ALPHA FORUM M H M H H H I Alcohol and Drug Abuse Project Alpha: A Weapon Against Violence PECIAL FEATURES Fraternity's King Memorial Bill in Congress 75 Years of Service—Eta Lambda Chapter Witherspoon Honored—Again A Deserving Honor—Lenny Wilkens OLLEGEDAYS • • H H H Computer Literacy is a Must Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way The New Republican Congress NATIONAL AFFAIRS African/African-American Summit Black and Gold Weekend—In Europe "Young, Gifted and Black" HBllCAL M O M E N T f l H M B L The Struggle to Eradicate Brutality

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INSIDE BACK

"...Africa's Lost Tale of Meroe" CHAPTER NEWS OMEGA CHAPTER CORPORATE DIRECTORY

THE COVER

The Sphinx (USPS 510-440) is published quarterly for $ 10 a year by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 2313 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-5234. Second-class postage paid at Baltimore, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Sphinx, 2313 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21213.

The Sphinx is the official magazine of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Send all editorial mail and change of addresses to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The Fraternity assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or art. Opinions expressed in columns and articles do not necessarily reflect die views and policies of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Use of any person's name in fiction, semifiction, articles or humorous features is to be regarded as a coincidence and not as die responsibility of The Sphinx, and is never done knowingly. Copyright 1976 by The Sphinx, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Reproduction, or use without written permission, of die editonal or pictorial content of die magazine in any manner is prohibited. The Sphinx has been published continuously since 1914. Organizing Editor: Brother Raymond W. Cannon. Organizing General President: Brother Henry Lake Dickason.

Summer 1995 T The Sphinx A 1

Brother Dory! R. Matthews, Sr.

Back to the Basics*

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s men of Alpha Phi Alpha, we often sing the Fraternity Hymn when we come together on momentous occasions. Like any frequently performed activity, we sometimes treat the Hymn superficially.

How often is it that we stop to think about the meaning of our Hymn and its words: "Manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind are the aims of our dear Fraternity." This refrain holds the basics diat we must get back to.

As African American men, we have long been viewed as a threat to the power structure. We are living at a time when African American men are last hired and first fired and when many black families are able to receive more from welfare than their black men are able to earn—leaving the families with the misguided Delief that it is better to break up than have a two-parent household.

At a time when strong father figures are needed more than ever before, it is important that we as developing Alpha men—readying ourselves to enter into life's mainstream—become aware of what our manly duties are to ourselves, our families and to Alpha Phi Alpha.

More than 200 years ago—in 1776—a black man was considered three-fifths of a man. It was against the law to educate him and he was whipped at the pleasure of his master.

In 1977, a black man can vote and he may receive education. He still can be whipped—this time at the pleasure ofhis big brothers and in the name of pledging and in the belief that somehow through the beatings he is uplifting himself.

Is this a manly deed?

In modern America, jails and prisons from coast to coast hold countless numbers of poor and black people. Many or the jailed are black men who could not afford the price of justice. As poet-lyricist Gil Scott-Heron said: "The black and poor go to San Quentin, while the rich go to San Clemente."

We have a responsibility to be

powerful male role models and to teach responsibility. We need to be financially responsible and responsible in our family relations. But will a man pay his bills and take care of other financial obligations, who will not pay his and tax or his assessment to the pha House?

We have a responsibility to spread the word that "Any fool can make a baby but only a man can take care of one." We must become more aware of, and concerned with, our public image and our appearance as it relates to our manliness.

When the word "scholarship" is raised I think of how—under the cloak of scientific research— Drs. William Shockley and Arthur Jensen tried to prove the genetic inferiority of African Americans. While the Defumis Case raised the issue of reverse discrimination and the Bakke Case may decide it, the scholarship of African American children has suffered immensely.

Our children graduate from high school without being able to read or write on a respectable elementary school level. It is a sin and a shame that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is cognizant of the fact and is not using every individual and collective means available to the organization to improve the quality of education among blacks in die public school system.

It is our duty to improve die school system's quality of education, as well as to encourage our youth to pursue higher levels of education. To you College Brothers, I say, now is the time for burning and looting. We must burn the midnight oil and loot die libraries of their valuable resources.

We must develop the leadership qualities of our youth. We must bring them into association with us—the men of proven high character and accomplishment.

We must help to develop their character and make sure tfrey understand the ideals of leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Paul Robeson, Thurgood Marshall and W E . B . Dubois.

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When I think about our words: "Love for All Mankind," I am also reminded of die mentality on college campuses today. Many nonGreek students are questioning if the Kappas are about Brotherhood; and if die Sigmas and die Ques are about Brodierhood; and if die Alphas are about Brodierhood. They are asking if the fraternities are about Brodierhood, dien why can't diey get along with each other?

I cannot answer that. Can you?

If we truly have a love for all mankind, we will be concerned that hundreds of diousands go to bed every night hungry. Whos going to share the blame? T h e unemployment rate among innercity black workers is higher now dian the rate of unemployment was for die entire nation during the great depression and I want to know: Who's going to share the blame?

Drugs and disease rival trigger-happy cops as die chief killers of blacks. We have hypertension and sickle cell anemia to contend with.

There are some things diat Rev. Jesse Jackson says tfiat I do not agree witfi, but we have more areas of common agreement than disagreement. I find myself in agreement with Jesse Jackson when he says, "It's a sad fact, we used to die from Southern rope and now we die from Northern dope."

I conclude by saying, in the dimming light of humanity, young Brothers, we must pick up the torch of Alpha and hold it high as the Light of the World.

I would like to know if you understand, "Manly Deeds, Scholarships and Love for All Mankind. *The above address—edited for publication in The Sphinx—was first presented by Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. during the College BrofJiers Luncheon at the Fraternity's 1977 General Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.

Brother Matthews then served as Midwestern Assistant Vice President. The convention voted to include die text in all future pledge manuals of the Fraternity.

Brother Ralph C. Bell

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Urban Youth A Common Destiny: African-Americans and American Society

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eople have been experimenting with mindaltering drugs longer than most of us realize. The ancient Assyrians sucked on opium lozenges, and the Romans ate hashish sweets two thousand years ago. In the 19th century, the man who synthesized laughing gas held laughing gas parties at his home. Later, inhalations of nitrous oxide were sold at county fairs for a quarter with individuals inhaling it for its pleasurable sensations and colorful fantasies. Although a few customers may have discovered final truths, most went away with little more than a laughing jab, dizziness, or even an upset stomach.

Today, however, alcohol and drug use have become a far more serious issue in our technological and rapidly changing culture. Ours has become virtually a drug oriented society, relying on different drugs for a variety of purposes. Youth are bombarded with commercials urging them to take this aspirin or drink a certain beer.

It is no wonder that the impact of alcohol and drug use in schools across America has led to a change in the way administrators, teachers, and parents have had to adjust to the change in the environment of substance abuse. In the 1940s the major disciplinary problem in public schools was talking and

Many studies highlight the chewing bubble gum. In the positive as well as the negative 1980s, it was drug and alcohol methods in which broadcasts abuse, suicide, pregnancy, and have portrayed the use of illegal violence, among others. Large drugs and the use of alcohol. It numbers of students never does not matter whether these became involved in drug and alcohol related problems. However, it is important to note that Alcohol and drug use have become a far the effects are often as strong indirectly as they more serious issue in our technological and are directly. The culture rapidly changing culture. of most schools in America has been unable to protect segments of its population. Schools are often impressions are made on television, radio, or film, they make the breeding, training, and marlasting images on the minds of keting grounds for future dealadolescents. The instant glorifiers, users, and victims in our cation that a dangerous subsociety.

Critical in this is the develop- stance receives is accentuated by the personal heroes of adolesment of mass communications cents. over the past four decades. The [us. dditionally, the impact full effect of radio and television of peer pressure, along broadcasting and other forms of -with media images and entertainment is not known, perceptions cannot be understateven though significant behaved to parents and other family ioral research has been conductmembers. One of the most ed. Most children have seen meaningful elements to a numerous television programs, heard countless radio broadcasts, teenager in school is perceptions, whether by peers or and have been exposed to their adults, concerning one's attientertainment heroes. They tudes and actions. Critical in have consumed many hours of this thought is the perception mass communication throughdie adolescent has of self. This out school attendance. This cannot be overlooked because huge amount of well-planned, marketed, produced, and profes- often this level of self-perception is in the formative stages of sional quality communication development. There are hunhas an unknown effect on the dreds of impressionable variminds and behavior of adolesables that focus the attention of cents.

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Summer 1995 T The Sphinx A 3

Alpha Forum most adolescents away from self.

They are faced with a dilemma of how to determine who they are if they have other persons who they emulate making impressions on them.

Frustration, anger, and confusion can lead adolescents to decisions that can take them away from self and lead them to the external factors of drugs and alcohol abuse.

It is critical for young people to have the same appreciation, self enjoyment, levels of competence and maturity that many adults take for granted, and yet some adults do not enjoy themselves. he problem of alcohol and drug abuse among children and adolescents is drawing unprecedented attention from researchers, policymakers, and the lay public. That attention focuses on questions about the nature and prevention of substance abuse among youth. The most common questions include these: Are substance abuse rates among youth on the rise? Why do young people use alcohol?

What can be done to prevent substance abuse among youth?

What works in die fight against

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What works in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse? alcohol and drug abuse? Does society need special programs to prevent substance abuse among youth from different backgrounds? Where should America put its resources to exert a maximum impact on the demand for drugs and alcohol among youth? By addressing these questions, a foundation for future practice, policy, and research on alcohol and drug abuse can be established.

A natural question arises: how is society to prevent substance abuse among urban youth? Possible solutions may emerge by observing urban youth who choose not to be involved in the substance abuse and drug culture. This focus on "stress resilient" or invulnerable youth appreciates the fact that many urban youth remain prosocial in the face of conditions that place taxing demands on them and that, at the same time, predispose many of their peers to the development of problems.

By studying how these resilient children and their experiences differ from those of similar high risk status (resulting from environmental or behavioral backgrounds) who have problems, we may be able to identify important prevention factors.

For example, one factor that has received a great deal of attention and empirical support is family support. Family systemic functioning and parental support, as perceived by the adolescent, appear to serve critical buffering functions with respect to adolescent substance abuse. All families are expected to meet certain responsibilities placed on them by the wider society and to provide for the basic needs of their members.

The degree to which the family is able to meet these responsibilities and needs is a measure of family functioning.

Some family functions are essentially instrumental in character, serving to maintain the basic physical and social integrity of the family unit—e.g., the provision of food, clothing, shelter, and health care. Other functions are more expressive in character, designed to maintain and enhance the socio-emotional relationships and feelings among family members. Thus, the socialization of children remains, perhaps, the most

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exclusive domain of the family.

It is within the intimate circle of the family that the child develops his personality, intelligence, aspirations, and, indeed, his moral character. nother factor that has received a great deal of attention and empirical support is education.

Again, the impact of this avenue is made more poignant from an African-American perspective.

In 1995, society continues to witness the cumulative effects of years of educational failures, the tragic role of government policymaking, and the persistent racism that has shaped public attitudes over many years. At a time when jobs require a higher level of math, science, and literacy than ever before, the economy is becoming increasingly dependent on groups that often receive the poorest education.

As an illustration of educational failure, just recently the Nynex Corporation New York Telephone Company had to test 60,000 applicants, many of whom were minorities, to find just 3,000 who were qualified.

Even though there are people who want jobs many are dropouts and are not qualified.

Contemporary studies suggest that the elementary years are instrumental to a chad's successful transition into middle and senior high school. During the early years, a child's teachers can successfully nurture and develop self-esteem, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. In essence, the child's first exposure to education can have a longterm effect on overall success— academically, socially, and economically.

The Perry Preschool in Ypsilanti, Michigan, conducted a longitudinal study of 123 students between 1962 and 1967.

Part of this study evaluated their progress as young adults. The study found that students who

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participated in the program had greater school successes along with higher achievement test scores, grade point averages, and lower numbers of failing marks than the control group. They also had less involvement with the legal system and less antisocial behavior and misconduct. It is apparent then that there is an urgent need for children to become involved in some type of preschool and kindergarten program.

"With more than one million people behind bars, the United States has become the world's leading jailer." (Brazaitus, 1991).

"Sure, it's true we prosecute a higher percentage of minorities for drugs. The simple fact is, if you have a population, minority or not, that is conducting most of their illegal business on the street, those cases are easy pickings for the police." (Butler, 1991).

A criminal justice report released in 1979 by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency confirmed that the rate of incarceration in the United States was third highest among industrialized nations.

In the 1990s, we have gained the reputation of being the number one jailer in the world, with African-American males making up a disproportionate number of those jailed. his is further evidence of the connection between the nation's faltering education system and increasing crime rates. In 1986, approximately 50 percent of inmates in state prisons had less than an 11 th grade education.

In some state prisons, as much as 70 percent of the population is believed to be illiterate.

Aside from the race factor, illiteracy may be the strongest common denominator among all prisoners. Although juvenile

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facilities, jails, and prisons across a commercial entertainment medium, which substantially the country graduate thousands limits its potential as a prevenof students each year in high tion vehicle. school equivalency, vocational, and college programs, only 20 This author has found that percent of the state inmates are despite the appreciable decline students. The term "endanin substance abuse in recent gered species" will be literal for years, American teens show a African-American males if the level of involvement which is current rate of imprisonment greater than that found in any continues into the next century. The National Council on Crime Delinquency pro"With more than one million people jects that our prison population alone, exclusive of jail behind bars, the United States has inmates, will rise by 68 perbecome the world's leading jailer." cent, from 703,000 in 1989 to 1.13 million in 1994.

From assessing the data, other industrialized nation. it appears that the main catalyst Practically all adolescents have for incarceration is drug offenstried alcohol and more than half es. Given the unemployment of them have used an illegal situation and the state of the drug by the time they have economy for the 90's, drug sales reached their senior year in high for many African-American school. Alcohol and tobacco youth may continue to present continue to be the most comthemselves as a viable option for monly used and abused subobtaining material possessions. stances, mostly because of their The media, the broadcast availability and widespread media in particular, have been acceptance. disseminating an increasing volMany of the measures aimed ume of antidrug messages over at curbing alcohol and drug the past several years. Many abuse have risen out of concern Americans believe that the over accidents. Although there media can help reduce alcohol and drug use, and they have sup- are a wide variety of approaches to treating drug abuse, the overported a nationwide effort to all success rate continues to be highlight the dangers of subpoor. Educational approaches stance abuse on the airways, in aimed at prevention include pronewspapers and magazines. In viding information about alcohol the prevention of adolescent and drugs, dealing with pertidrug abuse, the promise of mass nent health and psychological communication lies far beyond issues, discovering alternatives, any present claims of efficacy. teaching social skills, and The broadcast media in particuemphasizing the importance of lar are likely to remain of keen personal commitment. Given interest to prevention advocates the facts, it is an understatement and researchers. Idealists might that alcohol and drug abuse wish for better use of the airamong our youth create a comwaves, but the immediate future mon destiny for Africanoffers little hope for sweeping Americans and American society. changes in either federal communications regulations or the public's viewing habits.

Brother Bell is president of Television will remain primarily Beta Kappa Chapter.

Summer 1995 •

The Sphinx A 5

Alpha Forum Brothers Ronald J. Peters, Jr. and Howell L. Davis

Project Alpha: A Weapon Against Violence society, if we force people to become powerless, we promote maladjusted behavior.

The psychosocial effects of violence on AfricanBrothers Ron Peters, Jr. and Howell L. Davis Americans in our country have been dioroughly reviewed **Stress—from being placed

by Wilson (1990): in a low socio-economic status, is mild to extreme and **Chronic Anger and can be attributable to many Frustration—ranging from forms of racism. uncontrollable to passive Americans try not to reflect and resulting from obstacles on our country's iniquitous placed by society to prevent behavior towards AfricanAfrican-Americans from reaching their goals (e.g. job Americans by blaming diem for dieir low socio-economic and discrimination). Also, origipsychological conditions. House nating from constant politiSpeaker Newt Gingrich discal, social, and economic missed the argument that die societal contradictions (e.g. beneficiaries of affirmative Bad Blood Study, Tuskegee action, commonly AfricanExperiment, Newt Americans, have been subjected Gingrich's Contract widi to discrimination over a period of America). centuries. According to die **Chronic Sense of Threat, Washington Post, Gingrich stated: Vulnerability and Anxiety Our society has an unbroken "That is true of virtually every —because of historical and American," further noting diat present day psychological history of violence against die Irish were discriminated and physical abuse (e.g. against by die English.

African-American people.

Rodney King).

Furthermore, in March 1995, **Ego-defense Orientation the House of Representatives —Because of stereotyping, many African-Americans are passed a bill to shred the safety The physical and psychological net diat protects America's needihighly sensitive to protectviolence imposed upon Africanest children from hunger, malnuing self-worth.

In turn, Americans during die slavery peritrition, abuse, neglect, disease, many want to acquire or buy od is being perpetuated in our and homelessness. The followitems of worth to compensociety today in many forms: ing projections show some of die sate for feelings of personal employment, education, criminal funds disadvantaged Americans inadequacy. justice, housing, wages, etc. As a

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here are a constellation of factors diat may influence the prevalence and outcome of violence, substance abuse and reckless sexual activity among African-American males. Among many predisposing risks, studies have shown tfrat childhood victimization also has a long-term effect on the victim's propensity to later give what he has received (Widom, 1989). In order to develop a culturally appropriate intervention program, it is imperative to understand die origins of maladjusted behavior among African-Americans.

Our society has an unbroken history of violence against African-American people. The society in which we live has its origins in die enslavement of African-American people and die theft of dieir identity, culture, humanity, economic productivity, and right of freedom.

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Alpha Forum persuasion of resistant attitudes Houston, TX, uses an interdisciabout sexual abstinence, subplinary approach to implement stance abuse and violence. the Fraternity's national proAcademic Help entails an grams at various highly-populatacademic difficulty assessment ed African-American adolescent ** $510 million (8.8%) would be community sites—Fondren and establishment of study skills lost in school lunch subsidies. to improve performance—selectMiddle School, Northwood ** $5.6 billion (18%) would be Middle School, and the lost in food stamps, mosdy Harris County affecting families with chilDepartment of Juvenile The political climate of the United States dren.

Probation. In addition, a ** $3.2 billion (39%) would be media outreach program reflects little progress as a society in translost in Supplemental is set up with a popular Security Income for disabled African-American radio forming the minds of racists and classists. children. station, Power 97.9 ** $612 million (24%) would KKBX, to provide edued tutoring, career counseling, be lost in child care subsication and counseling to youth and goal setting. dies (not counting restored on their day-to-day problems.

Leadership Training profunds).

Alpha Eta Lambda's integratvides training through discussion ** $2.6 billion (14%) would be ed approach to our national proof African-American history and lost in AFDC cash assistance grams emphasizes attitudepractice in public speaking on change and skills-training keyed and "welfare-to-work" prosocial and personal topics. to specific behavior related to grams.

Social Development offers reckless sexual behavior, sub** $1.1 billion (50%) would be social development activities that stance abuse, and violence. lost in food subsidies for give opportunities to earn and Although we seek to identify and children in child care and discuss current events, to practice resolve problematic situations for Head Start programs. etiquette and to enjoy leisure adolescent males, the main goal The political climate of the activities such as sports, theater, is to set norms of personal conUnited States reflects little public forums, and the like. duct and skills training for abiliprogress in transforming the ties of self-management. This n the past, our programs minds of racists and classists. approach empowers young men have made a difference in Consequently, the people who to cope with the challenge of the lives of many adolesare most affected by imprudent becoming a successful man. cent youth. Nevertheless, there policymaking are AfricanBrother Bill Myers and has been very little theoreticallyAmerican youth. Of all ethniciBrother James Gillespie's based research published on the ties, African-American adolesapproach to male youth developreliability and validity of our cents have the highest morbidity ment has been implemented and community service interventions. and mortality rates due to malad- expanded by Alpha Eta Lambda Therefore, Alpha Eta Lambda justed behavior in most severe Chapter. The approach has four Chapter will pioneer our great health problems, homicide, sexu- components: personal developFraternity's effort to provide scially transmitted disease, ment, academic help, leadership entific credibility on the impact HIV/AIDS, cancer, low birth training, and social development. our work is having on youth weight babies, and the like.

The following is a theoretical development. This is critically Because of these enormous basis for the activities in each needed for the Fraternity to jushealth problems, it is imperative component. tify funding to help our children that we as Alpha men accelerate Personal Development in the future. our national community service employs attitude change and efforts, notably Project Alpha skills training group sessions Both Brothers Peters and and Go to High School Go to using role model stories to set Howell are doctoral stuCollege. Our national programs norms and model skills. This dents at the University of provide a culturally sensitive includes structured group role Texas School of Public approach to reduce maladjusted playing to teach adolescent males Health.

They co-chair behavior through health educato practice self-control and comAlpha Eta Lambda's tion and health prevention munication skills.

Also, it national programs. strategies.

Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter in includes planned dialogue for

could lose in fiscal year 2000 under the House bill, compared with current law (Children's Defense Fund 1995):

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Summer 1995 •

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Special Feature

FRATERNITY'S KING MEMORIAL BILL IN CONGRESS Support Sought From Brothers, Congressional Representatives "We will place the problems of the poor at the seat of the government of the wealthiest nation in the history of mankind. If that power refuses to acknowledge its debt to the poor, it will have failed to live up to its promise to ensure 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' to its citizens."

—Martin Luther King, Jr., announcing The Poor People's Campaign, 1968

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wenty-seven years after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought his last battle for the cause of freedom and justice in America, the government appears ready to dismantle civil rights legislation and discontinue programs designed to correct years of injustice to the nation's poor, women and people of color.

Recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions have consistently ruled against affirmative action efforts to help African Americans and women fight discrimination in education and employment.

Recent decisions by the court have also dealt a blow to school desegregation and the right of all people to quality education.

Today, as growing numbers in the nation's capital stand prepared to strip away the rights that many African Americans have fought and died for, the prophetic words of Dr. King are ringing in the Congress, saying "Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy."

The words of the great civil rights leader are being carried to the government by the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha who have proposed Congressional legislation for a memorial to Brother King to recognize his message of inclusion and nonviolent social change.

The legislation that is currently before Congress—House Bill " H J . RES. 70" and Senate Bill "S-426"—authorizes the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Lie. to establish a memorial on federal land in the District of Columbia to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The proposal prohibits the use of federal funds in the establishment of the memorial and gives Alpha Phi Alpha responsibility for acceptance of contributions and payment for the memorial.

The House Bill was introduced by Representatives Connie Morella, R-Maryland, and Julian Dixon, D-California.

The Senate Bill was introduced

by Senators Paul Sarbanes, D-Maryland, and John Warner, R-Virginia.

As of June, the bi-partisan legislation was being backed by 76 House members and 23 Senators. The bill needs some 200 co-sponsors in the House and about double the current amount of Senate co-sponsors before it goes into committee.

The bill will go before the Senate Rules and Administration Committee— chaired by Ted Stevens, R-Arkansas—and House Oversight Resources

8 A The Sphinx T Summer 1995

Committee—chaired by William Thomas, R-California —before it is presented for vote to the full houses.

Brothers throughout Alpha Phi Alpha are being called upon to contact their House and Senate representatives in Congress to encourage passage of the bill. Although the current legislation is being supported by some recognizable names in both the House and Senate, many legislators—including some members of the Congressional Black Caucus— have not supported the King memorial bill.

Some of the Congressional Black Caucus members signed as co-sponsors of the bill include: Illinois Senator Carol Moseley-Braun; and House Representatives Earl E Hilliard, D-Alabama; Robert C. Scott, D-Virginia; Kweisi Mfume, D-Maryland; Julian C. Dixon, D-California; Sanford D. Bishop, D-Georgia; Eva Clayton, D-North Carolina; James Clyburn, D-South Carolina; Floyd Flake, D-New York; Chaka Fattah, D-Pennsylvania; Ronald V. Dellums, D-California; Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-District of Columbia; Alcee Hastings, D-Florida; John Lewis, D-Georgia; Gary Franks, R-Connecticut; Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas; Cynthia McKinney, D-Georgia; Carrie P. Meek, D-Florida; Major Owens, D-New York; Charles B. Rangel, D-New York; Louis Stokes, D-Ohio; Edolphus

Special Feature Towns, D-New York; Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas; Walter Tucker, III, D-California; Maxine Waters, D-California; J.C. Watts, Jr., R-Oklahoma; and Albert Wynn, D-Maryland.

"In these days of growing conservatism, I feel that the King Memorial is an important message for all of us to send to the nation—a message of equali ty, of fairness and of liberty," says Congressman Hilliard, an Alpha Brother. "I urge all my colleagues to sign on to this important piece of legislation and I commend Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for its diligent efforts to see this memorial erected." ongresswoman Morella also sees 1 the King Memorial as an important reminder to the country.

"No American in our history has embodied more genuinely the spirit of Brotherhood and cooperation so desperately needed in facing the social and economic problems that plague our nation today," she says.

"Dr. King challenged us to envision a world in which social justice and peace will prevail among all people.

This memorial will provide a symbol of that message and will help pass that message from generation to generation."

Sen. Paul Sarbanes said "A memorial to Dr. King erected in the nation's capital will provide continuing inspiration to all who visit i t . . . We hope young people who visit the monument will come to understand that it recognizes not only the enormous contribution of this great civil rights leader, but also two very basic principles for the healthy functioning of our society which Dr. King taught and practiced."

Alpha Phi Alpha adopted the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project in 1984 at the General Convention in Cleveland. The project was reaffirmed the next year by the General Convention in Atlanta.

To date, about $30,000 has been raised toward the project.

Between $500,000 and $750,000 is needed to complete the memorial. The Fraternity plans to hire a professional fundraiser to raise the amount. The organization, however, still needs to

said he would like to see the monument near the east end of the Ellipse, close to the spot where Brother King delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963.

"The erection of a national monument will serve as a standard to remind Americans born during Dr. King's lifetime and those yet to experience his legacy that he made a difference— one that will impact the American conscience forever," says Alpha Brother Congressman Scott.

Alpha Phi Alpha

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Martin Luther- King, Jr. raise about $10,000 more to meet the cost of advertising and publicity in the fiindraising campaign. In addition, the Fraternity plans to generate publicity for the project by holding a nationwide design contest for the monument.

Brother George Sealey, Jr., chairman of the Fraternity's King Memorial Project, said one goal of the project is to create a central location for commemorative activities on Brother King's behalf. Brother Sealey

General President Milton C. Davis said erection of the King Memorial is important to the nation's advancement.

"Recognition at the nation's capital of those Americans whose lives exemplify profound principles of equality and opportunity—which is the essence of America— validates the diversity of this nation and the contribution of those peoples of the world whose sacrifices have built this country," Davis said. "Having a lasting memorial in Washington honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. is a fitting way of memorializing the most significant growth in our nation in the last 100 years and of advancing the basic principles of America."

Coretta Scott King joined Alpha Phi Alpha in support of the King memorial bill for the first time this year. A bill that would have authorized use of federal land for the monument passed the Senate in 1992 but died in the House. A previous impediment to passage had been a House rule that a person must be dead for 25 years before a monument can be constructed in their honor.

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Special Feature

Years of Service Eta Lambda H A P P Y A N N I V E R S A R Y

You would expect different people to vary mer General President Ozell Sutton, the Brothers rededicated themselves to "the day in their reaction to the 75 th Anniversary when the measure of a man or woman will Celebration of Eta Lambda Chapter. But be his or her ability and not his or her race." there was also a consensus—an elegant, The Brothers also rededicated themselves impressive, and informative gala. to "securing the advances of the past, and the The Diamond Anniversay Banquet and obtainment of new freedoms, new levels of Dance attracted General Presidents, former human dignity, and new horizons, in the Chapter Presidents, City officials, County human experience of livofficials—generally, the ing, loving, and learning, leadership of Atlanta. free from the eroding General President effects of racism and Milton C. Davis and past hate."

General Presidents T. Ten former chapter Winston Cole, Sr., James presidents of Eta Lambda Williams, and Ozell and 14 Brothers with 50 Sutton were on hand for years or more service in the May 13 event at Alpha were highlights of Atlanta Hilton and the evening. Former Towers. The star-studed chapter presidents gala included among its included Brothers participants the president Theodore Martin of Morehouse Medical Alexander, Jacob R. School, Brother Louis Henderson, Calvin Sullivan; Brother Brown, Milton White, Cornelius Henderson, Matthew Dawson, president and Dean of Robert A. Willis, Walter Gammon Theological Charter Members of Eta Lambda, Sullivan, Ronald Sims, Seminary; Fulton May 20, 1920 Larry Earvin, and Ronnie County Commissioners E. Jenkins.

Brothers Michael Brother George K. Robinson is the curHigh tower and Brother Gordon Joyner. rent president of Eta Lambda Chapter.

On hand also were the Atlanta Mayor Brother Waldon W E. Blanchet has been William Campbell, Brother Thomas W active with Alpha Phi Alpha for 67 years; Cole, Jr, president of Clark Adanta Brothers R. Edwin Thomas and Jacob R. University; Southern Region Vice President Henderson have been Alphas for 66 years; Robert A. Willis, Georgia District Director Brothers T. M. Alexander and Hugh M. Chester A. Wheeler, III, and Executive Gloster were initiated in 1930, 65 years ago; Director Darryl R. Matthews. and Brother Milton J. White and Marvin Master of Ceremonies duties were ably Riley were initiated in 1932. handled by former Atlanta Mayor Brother Other "Golden Brothers" of Eta Lambda Maynard H. Jackson. include: William A. Fowlkes, Asa G. Yancy, In a litany written for the occasion by for-

10 A The Sphinx •

Summer 1995

Special Feature Sr., Albert H. Watts, Wiley Bolden, Lorenzo A. Wallace, Sr., Grant S. Shockey, and Albert N. Wardlaw.

Brother Herman "Skip" Mason's video, narrated by Brother Vic Carter, chronicled the historical development of Eta Lambda Chapter and die influence of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in Adanta.

"Atlanta's history is Alpha's history and Alpha's history is AfricanAmerican history," Brother Mason maintains. Mason is Archivist for Alpha Phi Alpha.

W.E.B. DuBois was a member of Eta Lambda chartered in May 1920.

Eta Lambda Brothers with 50 years ofservice to Alpha Phi Alpha Mason includes among the charter (from left): Brothers Albert N. Wardlaw, and early members of Eta Lambda Wiley Bolden, and Asa G. Yancy, Sr. Wellington G. Dixon, Fletcher affiliated at his deadi in 1974.

Hamilton Henderson, Frederick Douglass Hall, The highest award in Alpha South is named in and Rod B. Harris, honor of Brother Greene who was die Fraternity's But as Brother Mason explains it, "the heart and soul of Eta Lambda belonged to Joseph D. McGhee and Charles W Greene, the first and second presidents of Eta Lambda.

"Securing the advances of the past, and the obtainment Brother McGhee was Eta Lambda's first president, served Alpha for more dian 50 of new freedoms, new levels of human dignity, and new horiyears, and worked in public relations at the Interdenominational Theological Center, zons, in the human experience of living, loving, and learnAdanta. ing, free from the eroding effects of racism and hate."

And Brother Greene was "Mr. Alpha South." A Morehouse graduate, Brother Greene worked widi first Pilgrim and then fourth vice president and die first Soudiern Adanta Life Insurance Company where he was ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Regional Vice President for 17 years.

Brotber Belford V. Lawson is also among the many Alpha notables Brodier Mason includes in die 75di Anniversay video. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Brother Lawson accepted a teaching and coaching position at Morris Brown College in Adanta. He was elected General President of Alpha Phi Alpha in 1946.

The Belford V. Lawson Oratorical district, state, regional, and national competition honors Brothers prominence in oratory.

A dance concluded Eta Lambda's Brothers attending the 15th Anniversary dinner/dance included (from left): Diamond Anniversary Celebration Former General President James Williams, former Atlanta Mayor Brothei with music furnished by "Danger Maynard II. Jackson, General President Milton C. Davis, Morehouse Zone." But diere was only danger Medical School President Brother Louis Sullivan, and former General of considerable fun.

Presidents T. Winston Cole Sr. and Ozell Sutton.

Summer 1995 •

The Sphinx A 11

Special Feature

"...my civic and service projects will be a great asset/' 1-25-95

Dear Mr. Mikon Davis,

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12 A The Sphinx •

Summer 1995

Special Feature

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Summer 1995 • The Sphinx A 13

Special Feature

Student Center Named in

Hon Withers

April 1, 1995 unveiling of Witherspoon Plaque. Left to right, Irvin Holmes, first African-American degree recipient at NCSU; Ruth "Cookie" Witherspoon, wife of Brother Witherspoon; Dr. Larry K. Monteith, chancelor, NCSU.

14 A The Sphinx T Summer 1995

Special Feature When Augustus Mclver Witherspoon died in June 1994, his professional life had spanned more than 40 years—as a high school teacher and football coach and university professor, associate dean, associate provost and program coordinator.

From 1946 to his passing in 1994, Brother Witherspoon served Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at the local, state, regional and national level.

North Carolina State University, where he spent most of his professional life, has acknowledged Brother Witherspoon's contributions to humankind by naming a student center in his honor.

More than 200 Alphas, North Carolina State University administrators, students and friends of the Witherspoons were on hand when the former Student Center Annex was formerly dedicated as the Augustus Mclver Witherspoon Student Center. It was the first building in the 108-year history of the University to be named in honor of an African-American.

The Witherspoon Center houses offices for the NCSU student government, student media, the African-American Cultural Center and offices for numerous other student organizations.

Among his many contributions at NCSU, Witherspoon helped establish the first AfricanAmerican Cultural Center there in 1968.

The Witherspoon Center is considered by many to be a "historical landmark" for black faculty and students at North Carolina State University. Witherspoon, together with many of the students he mentored, had been at the forefront of discussions urging the University to the Center. Brother Witherspoon had reportedly argued for a multipurpose facility that would address the needs of all the students.

In addition to office space for student organizations, the Witherspoon Center includes an African-American art gallery, a library with over 1,200 African and African-American books, conference rooms and an auditorium.

In addition to the large number of Alphas present, participants in the dedication program include Witherspoon's wife Ruth "Cookie" Witherspoon, NCSU Chancelor Larry Monteith, the student president of the Student Center, the coordinator of African-American Student Services at NCSU's College of Textiles and the keynote speaker, Dr. Brenda Allen, and

the St. Luke AME Church Youth Community Mass Choir.

An ordained Methodist minister, Dr. Witherspoon had pastored St. Luke for eight years.

Commendations were numerous and generous. Phi Lambda President Orlando Hankins called Witherspoon a "scholar, dynamic leader, tireless public servant," and a "testament to the dedication of Alpha men."

Witherspoon had worked without expecting rewards, his wife noted. Chancelor Monteith called Witherspoon a "leader among faculty, a role model to students and, above all, an educator who refused to settle for less than the best from his students or for his students." rother Witherspoon was a legend at NCSU—Professor of Botany, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, Associate Provost and Coordinator of AfricanAmerican Studies. He earned numerous awards including the National Research Fellowship and the NCSU Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award.

There were few positions of leadership in which Brother Witherspoon did not serve Alpha at the chapter level—president of Phi Lambda, historian, parliamentarian, director of education, college chapter advisor, and committee chair of awards, convention, elections, constitution, outreach/rush/reclamation, scholarship, and Founder's Day. He was both assistant director and director for North Carolina, Southern Regional Vice President, Chief of Staff and Administrative Assistant to the General President; Chairman of the Standards and Extension, Personnel, Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest, Risk Management, National Program, and Boy Scout Committees, and a member of the Internal Structure Committee.

Witherspoon is credited with providing leadership for organization of the Miss Black & Gold Contest, the Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest, and the Step Show competition.

B

Brother Witherspoon received the Fraternity's highest honor in 1993—the Alpha Award of Merit.

Summer 1995 •

The Sphinx A 15

Special Feature

Y O U N E V E R O U T G R O W IT

Church Street Station, in the heart of Downtown Orlando, is a block-long entertainment complex offering restaurants, shops, rag-time jazz at Rosie O'Grady s Goodtime Emporium, Country Western frolic at Cheyenne Saloon, jazz and rock at Orchid Garden, disco at Phineas Phoggs, folk and bluegrass at Apple Annies.

Kennedy Space Center-Spaceport USA is NASA's site for shuttle and other launches. Bus tours of Kennedy Space Center and the space museum at the Visitors Information Center provide an educational look into the nations space technology. Its on the east coast just an hour from Orlando.

The Orlando Arena seats 15,000 and is home to the Orlando Magic, Orlando Predators arena football team as well as concerts, variety shows and other entertainment specials.

16 A The Sphinx •

Summer 1995

Special Feature Orlando extends an outstanding variety of off-the-beaten-path activities. In addition to being the home of some of the most famous attractions in die world, Orlando and nearby cities offer an impressive array of cultural activities and special events. Among them: Audubon H o u s e (no charge), Big Tree Park (no charge), Bok T o w e r Gardens (admission charge), Central Florida Railroad Museum (no charge), Central Florida Zoological Park (admission charge), Flea World (no charge), T h e Orlando Science Center (admission charge), Turkey Lake Park (admission charge), Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, and among many, many, many odiers, Shakesphere Festival, Florida Symphony Orchestra, Southern Ballet, Orlando Opera Company.

Mercado Mediterranean Shopping Village, at 8445 International Drive, features some 50 shops, 6 themed restaurants, two dozen food outlets, and the official Visitor Information Center (operated by 0/OCCVB).

Metropolitan Orlando has over 42 golf courses offering scenic views, meticulous fairways and difficult bunkers making each course a challenge.

This aerial shot of Downtown Orlando includes a view of Lake Eola, a favorite leisure spot for picnickers, strollers, business people, sunbathers andjoggers.

Summer 1995 T The Sphinx A 17

Special Feature

Wilkens Cited As Winningest tall Coach He has supported the March I hiy accomplish In i ITTI l»H|jii i p^£; ~)imes, the Variety Club, ire—and impres> ;1 for die Supersohks a Special Olympics, and served on 'with his being the coached the Seattle G sive. did Board of Big Brothers/Big £ coach in the history cens coached theC|evela" SisJters of America for many OH iNjitional Basketball jlier^g^w^emgn^^l t irs.

Association." irrent position, coa#i o His favorite cause in Seattle The 936 wins he has earned die Atlanta Hawks. fs the Odessa Brown Children's as a coach is enough in itself to SportsWiters selectg^Thim Hospital which he has supported warrant the special recognition Coach oNhe Y e a ^ i 1994. since he participated in groundBrother Lenny Wilkens received It was d o i n ^ r e - g a m e breaking for the clinic in 1970 from the Brothers of Zeta Pi monies of a matchup between and again in 1978. "The Lenny Lambda in Seattle, WA. But the Hawks and Supersonics in Wilkens Celebrity Roast & Golf tJiere is more—much more. On Seattle that the Brothers of Zeta Classic", which bears his name, and off the basketball court.

Pi Lambda honored BrotJier Wilkens has been part of the Wilkins as the NBA's winningest is a fundraiser for the Odessa Brown Children's Hospital.

National Basketball Association coach. for 35 years—20 years as coach The Hospital now has die That is Brother Wilkens on additional support of an endowand 15 years as a player. the court. ment established with a $20,000 He was a first round selecOff the court, Brother gift from Wilkens and his wife tion of the St. Louis Hawks in Wilkens is as committed to Marilyn and $100,000 from an 1960 after playing stellar ball community service as he is to anonymous donor. with the Providence College basketball on die court.

Friars. Before he retired in 1974-75, Brother Wilkens had played for St. Louis, Seattle, Cleveland, and Portland. At one time, he doubled as a playercoach with die Supersonics and later for the Pordand Trailblazers.

Nine times in 14 seasons he was named to the NBA Ail-Star team.

Twenty years after his retirement as a player, Brother Wdkens still ranks among the NBA's all-time leaders in scoring (21st), assists (2nd), and games played (6tJi).

Following his retirement as a player, Brothers shown with Brother Wilkens during NBA pre-game ceremony include Brother Wilkens was (from, left): Brothers Russell Cook; Dr. Charlie Walker HI, Zeta Pi Lambda president; Wilkens; Larry Taylor; and John W. German, Northwest District Director:

College Days Brother Richard L. Scott, Jr.

Computer Literacy is a Must Contrary to popular belief African-Americans have always been a positive force in the capitalist free market economy. Our first major contribution was to the agrarian driven economy which was based on free slave labor. Cotton was KING. The South was not the only region to benefit from cotton and other valuable cash crops. Others such as textile manufacturers, ship builders, brokers, and bankers enjoyed the profits generated by slave labor. Slaves were not only valuable producers, they were valuable products as well. The ending of international slave trade helped create an economic trade barrier incubating the domestic slave trade and allowing it to flourish as plantations sprang up in the "New South."

The period following the Civil War ushered in the industrial economy that we know today. As war industries converted to manufacturer consumer goods African-Americans, now free, moved en masse from the plantation to the cities of the South and North to find employment as factory workers. Needless to say AfricanAmericans encountered racism in the form of low wages and exclusion from newly organized labor unions, but these obstacles did not prevent African-American workers from helping develop an industrial driven economy.

Our economy is continuing to change.

Telecommunication corporations are becoming the new giants of American industries. We are now living in the "Information Age" and the saying "Knowledge is Power" has an entirely new meaning. Agriculture and manufacturing are still important to our economy, but knowledge of each

and efficient methods of obtaining that knowledge are equally important. Various types of media (books, magazines, video, newspapers, etc.) contain information on every subject. How do we achieve maximum efficiency? How does one gain access to such a wealth of information? he answer to the first question is the use of computers. Just about everyone on the entire planet is, in some way and at one time or another, using a computer. The speed and accuracy at which computers operate makes it possible for us to achieve maximum results with minimum effort. The amount of available knowledge today is too great to be stored in one place or transmitted by mail, books, television, or other conventional methods of dissemination. Thus another task for the computer with die assistance of modem (MODulator DEModulator), die telephone wire, coaxial (cable line), and tiie satellite.

Computers not only have die capacity to store information, diey can also transmit it to odier computers connected to die Internet.

The Internet (International Network) is omnipresent because it is made up of numerous connected supercomputers and PCs (personal computers) all over the world. It originated as a military research and communications network and was designed to be in many places at the same time so that it would be protected in event of a nuclear attack.

Naturally, the Internet is loaded with computer related information, but recent developments and simpler methods of accessing the Internet have gained die interest of small business owners and major corporations.

The commercial potential of the Internet cannot be calculated. Businesses can advertise and sell products over the Internet, and manufacturers of computers and computer-related products can make repairs over phone lines (provided that die damage is not physical).

As I said earlier, the Internet is all about the communication of information, and diere are four primary ways to communicate information:

T

Summer 1995 T The Sphinx A 19

FTP - File Transfer Protocol, E-mail - Electronic Mail, Usenet - User Network, and W W W World Wide Web. T P is used to store and transfer software, digital pictures, digitally-recorded sounds, and text files, many of which are free. FEP storage locations are referred to as archives.

E-mail is probably the most well known. It is used to transfer text and other files, a free service usually provided by most major corporations and some universities.

Usenet can best be described as an electronic newsletter on a specific topic. Usenet group members communicate with each other. Many Usenet groups place FAQs (frequently asked questions) about a topic to minimize die reoccurrence of questions already answered.

The World Wide Web is the most resourceful method of Internet access, information retrieval, and searching. The WWW, is as relates to user friendliness, is to the Internet what the Macintosh operating system is to personal computers.

W W W s GUI—graphical user interface, pictures and sounds diat represent computer commands and functions—is as easy as point-and-click.

Through WWW, one can access Usenet groups, FTP archives, send E-mail and access information simply by typing a topic or keyword into a search field.

Information on die W W W is stored at sites or on pages that contain die requested information.

Most sites also name their creators, display his/her E-mail address, and allow the user to move to odier pages in die WWW. he African-American community must adapt to survival within this rapidly developing and expanding "Information Age." In order to reap the economic, social, cultural, and educational rewards of the Information Age, computer literacy is a must.

Many corporations donate used computers, peripherals, and software to schools and organizations. Alpha Phi Alpha chapters should solicit corporate donation of computers and also incorporate computer literacy into Fraternity educational programs.

F

T

20 • The Sphinx T Summer 1995

Alpha Phi Alpha on the World Wide Web While logged on the W W W one evening, I typed "fraternity" into the search field in the Lycos Web browser. Alpha Phi Alpha was not surprisingly on the selection list. The following are descriptions and URLs (Universal Resource Locators, W W W addresses) and E-mail addresses of Brodiers and their Alpha Phi Alpha sites: Mu Chapter's site includes a brief history of the Fraternity and access to other black Greek and African-American organization sites. URL http://www.umn.edu/nlhome/g038/apa/ If you would like to brush up on the Fraternity hymn or view die first and second Fraternity shields captioned with their designers, visit Brother Llewelln Famble's Unofficial National Alpha Phi Alpha home page. URL http://clarksville.mc.utexas.edu/~llew/alpha.html The Brodiers of Sigma Phi are constructing a site that includes digital portraits of the Seven Jewels. URLhttp://indyunix.iupui.edu/~tbarlay Other organizations and African-American sites can be accessed at the African American Internet Community.

URLhttp://www.afrinet:80/afrinet/ Sports statistics can be accessed at E S P N E T URL Information on government agencies, i.e. press releases, speeches, and commission reports can be accessed at die White House. URL http://www.whitehouse.gov/ I have found many other E-mail addresses and sites by Alpha Brothers, many of which are still under construction. My E-mail address is ryjon@intellinet.com Brother Scott is Southwestern Region Assistant Vice President

College Days Brother Solomon Davis The hard task of analyzing in detail proposals elfare reform will take children away the new Congress brought to town will continue from mothers and put them in orphanfor sometime. The main efforts to "downsize" govages, so that our future (black males) will ernment will affect all domestic spending programs live and be taught by the institutions started by our not only student financial aid but also federal "safeoppressors. It was Carter G. Woodson who said, ty net" programs that serve as a pipeline leading to "When you control a man's thinking you do not higher education. have to worry about his action. You do not have to stand here or go yonder. He will find his 'proper As college students, it is very important that we place' and will stay in it. You stay aware of what this governdo not need to send him to the ment is doing. The short term back door. He will go without effect of the majority being told. In fact, if there is Republican congress has no back door, he will cut one stirred intense concern among for his special benefit. His eduadvocates who fear draconian cation makes it necessary." efforts to recruit disadvantaged and minority youth into higher The solution to these and education. many other problems that we The new Contract with face is simple. Play the game America is the Republican way and beat them at their own of giving Americans a false game. They are not secretly sense of security. Republican communicating with each leaders are looking not just at other, therefore we must listen the 10 issues in die Contract and learn what they are putting with America, but forcing in their books, newspapers, committees to try to undo magazines, schools, national things that are positive for our communities. and international news.

One program specific to my interest as a college The conditions that they force us into cause the student is the government's payment of in-school crime, then they use the crime to justify the condiloan programs which I find "at risk" in the new tions. This is one of the main points about which budget environment. Removing the subsidy would younger generations are trying to convince older have a devastating affect on many students. generations. Therein is a problem. There is an Education advocates, including the American attitude which suggests, "that's been tried or we did Council on Education, have also identified inthat already." More and more of today's college school interest payments as a possible target of students are seeing the government's—Republicans budget cuts in 1995. and Democrats—impact on us and they also see the # # owever, support for the "contract" is need for immediate change.

Ami strong among Republicans and among a I think this is what most of us fear—"change." f / few minority lawmakers as well.

However, you must lead, follow, or get out of the GOP leaders are looking at ways to turn over way. many federal programs to the states with few rules and regulations. A plan presented by a Republican from Michigan would end the popuIT IS VERY IMPORTANT WAT WE STAY lar Head Start program for disadvantaged children and move it with 11 other federal programs A WARE OF WHA T THIS GOVERNMENT IS DOING. into a child-care block grant for states.

These are just a few signals that Congress is sending to the African-American community that it has no vested interest in us as a race of peoBrother Solomon Davis is Midwestern ple. There are many other issues we also face, the Region Assistant Vice President and Crime Bill among them. Three strikes and you are attends Roosevelt University in Chicago out! where he is studying public administration with an emphasis on governmental affairs.

W

Summer 1995 T The Sphinx A 21

Brother Maurice M. Spence

7 ^ Aiew.

Pefuudicatt Gowj/ieAA,: Political fja>iaQ44, QSI Political RealUii,?

Brother Maurice Spence, Southern Region Assistant Vice President

top the presses! Hide the women and children! Clear the streets!

Hoard all your financial resources. Search for the basic necessities! It's die new Republican Congress! This past November, blacks in America suffered one of die most devas-

StoyfX tUe {iteAA&i! taring political losses in their history. Eighty percent of die voting blacks voted Democrat, but diat was not enough to prevent removing the Republican Party from its majority position in Congress. We direw our eggs in one basket. What does this mean for Black America? Is the Republican Contract with America simply political jargon, a cloud of smoke, or political reality, flammable materials waiting to ignite?

I will give credit where credit is due. Newt Gingrich and the 104th Congress have successfully set the public's agenda; mean-

while, the Democrats were recovering from a highly criticized but active 103 rd Democratic-controlled Congress.

Let's slow down a minute and analyze die rhetoric put forth by the Grand Old Party (GOP).

Our villages won't be pillaged and our women and children will be fed. First of all in my candid opinion, this "Contract witli America" is jargon, a

cttubetke women and cUMteti! planned and calculated "infomericial" to get votes.

This contract promised to put popular but sometimes wanton issues on the House floor widiin one hundred days of die new Congress' inauguration.

Remember, it is a relatively simple political task to introduce legislation, but a more monumental task to pass legislation through the Senate and House.

In addition, approval is needed

22 • The Sphinx T Summer 1995

from a majority of the states in the case of an amendment to die U. S. Constitution. So, the contract is political jargon in die sense that this new GOP majority carries the mind-set of a large majority of Americans who are cynics of government. Now, let's analyze some of the ideas advanced by die GOP majority.

First, religion and morality.

Newt Gingrich promised to introduce a constitutional amendment to permit prayer in schools. If Newt means mandating prayer, in effect, he means putting religion back into public schools. Newt seems to have missed class on the day the

Glean, tke *£>ieeti! professor taught U. S. Constitution 101. This idea is contradictory to the "Establishment" clause of the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution which states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion...."

College Days The Supreme Court, furthermore, has opposed school prayer in a number of cases, such as the landmark Minersville School District v. Gobitis (1940) and Engelv. Bitale (1962).

Goverment has no place in dictating religion in public institutions. Look at how die Puritans abused die intertwining of church and state in pre-Bill of Rights America. Let us not forget freedom—die ideal of American society. We cannot legislate religion; responsibility for teaching it belongs in homes and communities. A prayer day won't keep die dopeman away from school grounds or solve society's greater ills. Legislating morality and religion seems to be a real trend for the new GOP Congress.

AnotJier dominant dieme from diis new Congress seems to be budget and tax cutting. The Republicans have dieir knives ready for cutting health care programs, Social Security, welfare, school lunches, and deregulating government agencies.

Where did you last hear this rhetoric? Reaganomics. I guarantee, if 20 percent of diese budget cuts are enacted, the nation will be calling for a strong domestic policy similar to die phenmenon diat got Bill Clinton elected. This tactic of decentralizing federal government is nothing more dian passing federal responsibility to the states. robably the most alarming area of GOP agenda-setting is in crime and punishment. Let me restate some familiar statistics: blacks make-up 13 percent of the U. S. population but 54 percent of the prison population, up from 35 percent 20 years

ago. Interestingly, America They are saying, "We are tired incarcerates more people than of handing out free lunches" and China and South Africa, two of supporting a welfare state. If the most repressed countries in this contract comes to fruition die world. Ask yourself, where millions of poor blacks will be is die most repressed country in effected. Even though blacks the world? This should be are not the majority users of alarming to black America. government aid, a large percentHowever, the tendency of diis age of blacks will experience Republican Congress is to cut harder times. spending on intervention proIt is my assertion diat black grams while increasing spending people in America, not barring on prison construction. This is class, have two choices but one political reality. This seems to solution to counterattack diese be, literally, "The Black Hole" developments. Eidier infiltrate (pardon die pun). die party in control or create a diird party, uniting minorities— The Republican leadership women, Hispanics, Indians, and asserted diat it would attack other groups. But the only soluPresident Clinton's crime bill in tion is to control more of our favor of prison expansion. I economic resources—income, would radier see government discretionary income, property, funding go to support education spending, and investments. and intervention programs than Now more than ever, in reacting to building more prisons, which to these new political developis simply a band-aid for a larger problem. If prison overcrowding ments, we must revisit the ideals of black economic independence is die excuse, dien we are fooling and cooperative economics in ourselves. Overcrowding is not our communities. die issue. It seems to be a strong deterrent in odier countries.

We must understand diat the Now, who benefits from government is never the answer! prison expansion? Not Acua mote tlta*t even., tit iecu>Una blacks, but Smith Barney, to tke&e. H&UU pjoiUicai deuelopmetitl, Merrill Lynch, lae tnuAst n&oJAtit the. ideaid oj Idaok Westinghouse Electric ecovvomic inde>p44>ide44oe cuiA coo4%ete,Corporation, twe. ecOMXWtici, tit oust comwuu>tiUeA,. and other Wall Street giants who profit from the increased Brother Spence is a recent business that prison construcgraduate of the University tion brings. of Miami, Coral Gables, In the final analysis, the FL, where he majored in Contract with America is politiorganizational communicacal jargon, anodier reason to get tions and political science. elected. But die political reality H e plans to obtain is that the GOP is indeed the advanced degrees in law majority party in die House. and business.

Summer 1995 •

The Sphinx A 23

Brother Derrick L. Coqburn

The African/African-American Summit:

Brother Cogburn (left center) discusses the Fraternity and other issues with the Senegalese Minister of Science, Research and Technology (center) and other Summit participants. Alpha Kappa Alpha member and owner of Ebon Academy in Atlanta, Dr. Florence Alexander sits at left front (with hat).

It is Friday afternoon, May 5, issues and the people they impact. eneral Presidents Note: 1995. I sit on the restaurant Service is a hallmark of our reason Notwithstanding the magfor being. Wherever there is a need veranda of the hotel Savana nitude of the challenges we face in Dakar, overlooking the larger for service, Alpha Phi Alpha must the United States, it is still incumthan Olympic-sized swimming have a presence.

After consulting bent upon us to play an active role in pool, the West African coast of with Brother Ambassador Horace addressing the needs and concerns of Dawson, my advisor the Atlantic ocean with the infamous Goree island in the backon international This Summit has indeed been a tremen- affairs, I was pleased ground. I am missing the "official" closing ceremonies of the dous moment in the history of African to select Brother Summit because I slept in today, Derrick L. Cogbum too exhausted from the incredito represent Alpha at people on both sides of the Atlantic. ble pace, magnitude and importhe 1995 tance of the events of this week African/Africanto rise for the 7 a.m. shuttle bus American Summit.

His report on the international community. We live in a global society today, and we that Summit is instructive. Milton to the Dakar fairgrounds where the ceremonies are being held. must concern ourselves with global C. Davis

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24 A The Sphinx T Summer 1995

...Beginning of an Alpha African Renaissance

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his Summit has indeed been a tremendous moment in the history of African people on both sides of the Atlantic. Over 2,000 Africans and "friends of Africa" from throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Europe and many parts of Africa converged upon Dakar, Senegal, for a week of activities, meetings, and engaging in the activities that illustrate the vision of Dr. Leon Sullivan, the Summit's convener: "Building a bridge of togetherness that will never, never allow us to be separated again!" This article is a review of the Third African/AfricanAmerican Summit convened in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa, May 1-6, 1995, and the participation in the Summit by Alpha Phi Alph Fraternity, Inc.

"SUMMIT MOVEMENT"

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he African/AfricanAmerican Summit Movement was launched in 1991 by Dr. Leon Sullivan and the International Foundation for Education and Self Help (IFESH). Its purpose is to forge concrete linkages between the United States and the continent of Africa, and to assist in the economic development of democratic nations. The Summits, which are normally a week long, provide an opportunity for governmental and non-

governmental leaders and dignitaries in business, religion, education, and other walks of life to dialogue on specific ways to strengthen the cultural, social, political, and economic relationship between Africa and the United States.

THE FIRST SUMMIT; ABIDJAN, COTE DTVOIRE

THE SECOND SUMMIT; LIBREVILLE, GABON In 1993, West Africa again played host to the African/African-American Summit. The Summit conveners chose Gabon because of its progress toward democracy and support for the ideals of the Summit. Over 5,000 individuals, including 22 African heads of State, participated in the Second Summit. The Second

The first Summit was held in 1991 in Abidjan, Cote d'lvoire.

Over 2,000 parIts purpose is to forge concrete linkages ticipants, including five African between the United States and the continent heads of States, decended upon of Africa, and to assist in the economic the capital city of this important development of democratic nations.

West African country.

Although plagued by logistical difficulties, several significant programs emerged out of this historic exercise. One result of the first Summit was the introduction of a program to forgive over three billion dollars of debt owed to the United States by several African nations. This program was also supported by an ongoing effort to increase the overall debt relief for Africa, and a commitment to the concept of dual citizenship in African countries for African Americans.

Summit initited a major campaign to eradicate River Blindness in sub-Saharan Africa.

Also, in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Second Summit organizers and participants launched a project aimed at the containment of AIDS in Ghana.

Finally, five American associations were formed to support the aims of the Summit. These associations are: (1) the National Students' Support Council for African (NSSCA; (2) Schools for Africa; (3) Teachers for Africa;

Summer 1995 T The Sphinx • 25

International Affairs Dakar Summit, each of the Commissions established at the Second Summit provided recommendations on areas of specific focus for the Third Summit. For example, the Commission on Business and Economic Development in Africa placed special emphasis upon (1) improving communications and economic conditions in Africa and creating an enabling environment for expanded business investments; (2) strengthening the internal capacity of Participants attended concurrent work- African nations, including banking shops on science and technology, health and investment; (3) debt relief; and (4) care, education, business and economic fair and equitable commodity pricdevelopment, agriculture and food produc- ing.

(4) Best and Brightest African Bankers Program; and (5) The Dual Citizenship Initiative. n planning for the Third Summit, it was decided that the Presidential Committee would continuously function as the unit responsible for "establishing policy relating to post-Summit activities, as well as the convening of future Summits." The Summit organizers also created five

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tion, population and democracy.

THE 1995 SUMMIT Commissions to work on specific areas of concern for Africa: (1) Commission on Business Economic Development; (2) Commission on History and Culture; (3) Commission on Education; (4) Commission on Agriculture; and (5) Commission on HealtJi. The logistical difficulties again haunted the Summit, illustrating the tremendous challenges posed in organizing events of such magnitude.

THIRD SUMMIT; DAKAR, SENEGAL The Third Summit was convened with an explicit focus on the "creation of an enabling environment that would encourage expansion of investments in sub-Saharan Africa to stimulate economic growth throughout the region. In planning the

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lthough the Dakar Summit lasted for only five days, the comprehensive schedule was somewhat overwhelming. Most of the U. S. Summit participants departed Philadelphia International Airport on two chartered 747 airplanes. Traditional West African ceremonial dancers greeted U. S. participants upon their arrival at Doff Airport in Senegal.

The majority of official Summit activities began on May first and were held in the luxurious Meridien Conference Center constructed by Saudi Arabia to house the World Muslim Conference a few years ago. Participants attended concurrent workshops on science and technology, health care, education, business and economic development, agriculture

26 A The Sphinx T Summer 1995

and food production, population and democracy. The official Business Forum opened on Tuesday at the Dakar Fairgrounds. The official "Opening Ceremonies" of the Summit were held Wednesday, with several African heads of State in attendance.

Translations were available in English and French. enegal President Abdou Diof and Dr. Sullivan provided riveting opening remarks which set a very positive tone for the Summit. Thursday was set aside as U. S. Government Day, and U. S. Commerce Secretary Ronald Brown opened the session with a morning breakfast speech and asserted that the United States would no longer concede West Africa markets to the French.

Throughout the day, U. S. officials from the Departments of Commerce, State, Agriculture, Energy, Treasury, and Agency for International Development presented their perspectives on African economic, political and social development. The official "Closing Ceremony" was held on Friday, which was followed by a Women's General Assembly to discuss specific gender-related issues and concerns. any people ask "what did the Summit achieve?" While it is true that many of the concrete agreements took place outside the auspices of the Summit, it was tfie Summit that brought the actors together. The long-term impact of the Summit and the Summit movement is still being evaluated. Nonetheless, there are some immediate Summit achievements that should be noted.

One such achievement is the signing of an agreement between the Constituency For

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The group photo shoot of the participants of the Third African/African-American Summit.

Africa (CFA) and the Pan African News Agency (PANA).

PANA and CFA agreed to develop comprehensive linkages to keep African people informed about the activities in the diaspora.

Another agreement was signed by Alpha Kappa Alpha member Dr. Brenda R. Simmons, Campus Dean of Instruction at Florida Community College in Jacksonville, to develop a community college system for Senegal. The Ebon Academy in Atlanta, GA, owned by Alpha Kappa Alpha member Dr. Florence Alexander, signed an agreement with the Senegalese goverment to bring students to die Ebon Academy for science and technology education and college preparation. These are just a few of the concrete agreements that emerged from die

Third African/African-American Summit.

ALPHA PHI ALPHA PARTICIPATION AND PERSPECTIVES A goodly number of Alpha men were present and active in all levels of tbe Summit. As with most participants, many Brothers felt that tbe Summit strongly influenced their perspectives on Africa and die diaspora. The Brotbers were indeed pleased to see the Fraternity represented and some even vowed to "renew dieir membership" because of our activities.

One such Brother was Dr. Alan Shaten, assistant professor at Cayahoga Community College in Chicago. Brother Shaten believes that "the Summit gives an opportunity for

people to come and experience what it is like to be in the majority, but more importantly to come and see how families work.

One of the challenges we have as African Americans is diat we have witnessed, throughout our history on the North American continent, the disintegration of our families. What has been most significant to me, while here, is how families work together." n fact, he argued that "while we can teach a lot, we probably have more to learn tban we have to teach." A "reordering of priorities" is what Dr. Shaten took away from the Summit. "To consume less, exercise tbe mind, exercise die body, exercise the spirit, know the truth and speak the truth— pray." Brodier Shaten confessed that for a number of reasons he

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Summer 1995 T The Sphinx A 27

International Affairs

Between sessions, Brother Cogbum had a moment with the Rev. Jesse Jackson and a Senegal Boys' Choi?:

had slowly fallen away from Alpha. But because of my "example and commitment," he has "decided to become active in

an opportunity to chat briefly with Brother Barry as we both visited the Carillion de'Esclaves (House of Slaves) on Goree Island. Dogged back in Brother Kahn asserted that the Summit Washington, DC, for allegedly facilitated the development of personal enjoying a "luxury holiday in Africa" relationships with Senegalese and other while the District faced the eminent African students. takeover of its fiscal powers to the control board, Brother Barry the Fraternity again." argued that attending the Brother Marion Barry was also a Summit participant. I had Summit was his personal right

28 • The Sphinx •

Summer 1995

and more than worth his time and energy.

Student participation in tlie Summit, organized by the National Student's Support Council for Africa (NSSCA), was extremely robust. Brother Aneer Rukkh-Kamaa was among those leading the charge to revitalize NSSCA. Brother RukkhKamaa is a graduate student in mathematics at Howard University.

Brother Kahn asserted that the Summit facilitated the development of personal relationships with Senegalese and other

African students. He made a sincere commitment to maintain the close contacts developed during the Summit. uelina Jordan, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, was excited that NSSCA is now an international organization with a Council and representatives from Gabon, Senegal, Botswana and the United States. Ms. Jordan sees the next Summit as an opportunity to increase the number of participants in NSSCA. The strong participation in die Summit by Alpha Men was paralleled by members of other black Greek letter organizations.

It was quite a treat to see proud Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha discussing issues of African development alongside members of the entire "Pan-Hellenic community." It was this resurgence of "familial" feelings that led Brother Shaten to assert that "this working together is what family is all about." A continued commitment to the ideals of our organizations, as evidenced during this Summit, can contribute greatly to die social, political and economic development of the African continent as well as the African diaspora.

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REFLECTIONS, PROJECTIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS One of the Fraternity's goals in participating in the Summit was to explore opportunities for re-establishing chapters on the African continent. There was a great deal of interest amongst the Brothers in attendance about the idea. Also, I shared packets of information about the Fraternity with many promising men on the continent.

However, one of the major throughout the southern African region and eventually the contiproblems that continued to nent. The projects that we can emerge was the difficulty posed get involved in will afford us by attempting to organize in a immediate exposure and insure non-English context. If we are that the resources and stature of to re-establish the Fraternity's our great brotherhood will presence on the African contibegin to help the people of nent, and I strongly agree that Africa as quickly as possible. we should, it would be wise to Finally, with the 1997 begin in those African countries where English is more preveThe projects that we can get involved in will lant. Also, it would be useafford us immediate exposure and insure that ful for the the resources and stature of our great brotherFraternity to increase its hood will begin to help the people of Africa as involvement in the develquickly as possible. opment issues.

Organizations such as Africare, Constituency for Africa (CFA), TransAfrica, and others, are doing tremendous grassroots work which Alpha Phi Alpha could be involved in to a greater degree. y recommendation is that we look at South Africa as the place to launch this Alpha African Renaissance.

Because of its important history, and the momentous changes that have occurred over the last year, South Africa is in need of the services that Alpha can provide. The number of African Americans relocating to Soutli Africa is another advantage of an initial focus there. There is a high probability that there are already enough men of Alpha within South Africa's major cities to establish at least one chapter. rom a "foothold" in South Africa, and its strategic involvement with U.S.based organizations, the Fraternity could expand

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African/African-American Summit to be held in South Africa, advance action by the Fraternity could put Alpha Phi Alpha at the forefront of this next vitally important chapter of the Summit movement, and insure that we remain "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All." Brother Cogburn is a Ph.D. candidate in political science at Howard University with expertise in international political economy, comparative politics—Africa and international relations. He is also Africa Telecommunications Research Fellow for the Global Information Infrastructure Commission (GIIC), Washington, DC.

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Summer 1995 •

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International Affairs

Davis, Matthews Experience Alpha Renaissance in Germany

General President Milton C. Davis and Theta Theta Lambda Chapter officers (front row) including (from left): Brothers Harry Lumpkin, Black & Gold Weekend Banquet Master of Ceremonies; Peter Danzy, Chapter Historian; Donald Thomas, Secretary; Jimmie Vamado, Chapter President; Paul Harper, Charter Member of the Chapter; Executive Director Darryl Matthews; International Director Willard Hall; Melvin Hibbler; and Stanie Smith, Banquet Chairman.

We hear more about the domestic activities of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity than we do about the service of Brothers abroad, but the Alpha Renaissance is just as much alive in the

The Alpha Renaissance is just as much alive in the International District as it is in the regions with which we are more familiar.

International District as it is in the regions witti which we are more familiar.

And when Brother Willard C. Hall, Jr., some 70 Alpha Brothers, and more ttian 300 of tiieir friends gathered for the 1995 Black & Gold

30 A The Sphinx • Summer 1995

Weekend, General President Milton C. Davis and his wife Myrtle, and Executive Director Darryl Matthews and his wife Allison Page were among the special guests. he Black & Gold Weekend is a highlight of a range of activities sponsored

by Theta Theta Lambda Chapter, the only active chapter in die International District which includes Africa, Germany, England, Turkey and Italy. Theta Theta Lambda is based in Frankfurt, Germany, where the Black & Gold Weekend convened this year.

General President Davis gave tiie special dinner address, Brother Matthews installed tiie new officers of International Alpha, and scholarship winners were announced. Although scholarship winners attend a number of historically Black colleges and universities, Theta Theta Lambda has a

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International Affairs special educational partnership with both Langston (OK) University and Dillard (LA) University.

Over the last five years, Theta Theta Lambda has presented scholarships totaling more than $200,000.

In addition to their participation in the Black & Gold Weekend activities and numerous tours of historic sites in Germany, President Davis and Brother Matthews were also on hand for the Intake of eight (8) Brothers. Some 55 candidates have become Alphas through Theta Theta Lambda over the last six years. ot to be outdone by the entrepreneurial spirit of Alpha Chapters around the country, Theta Theta Lambda presented General President Davis two variTheta Theta Lambda exclusive wine eties of German wine bottled and labeled "exclusively for Alpha Phi Community service projects included toys sent Alpha Fraternity, Inc." to the Oklahoma City relief effort and contribuHundreds of Alpha men have found a tions made to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center Fraternity home in Theta Theta Lambda since and the Fraternity's MLK Monument Project. the Chapter was founded in February 1963. More than 100 Brothers are currently affiliated with Theta Theta Lambda.

The five clusters which compose the makeup of Theta Theta Lambda are located in Kaiserslautern, Heidelberg-Mannheim, Frankfurt-Hanau-Wiesbaden, Baumholder, and Stuttgart. Cluster locations change as Brothers in the U. S. Armed Forces and Department of Defense civilians are assigned.

International Alpha clusters rotate sponsorship of Chapter activities. The 1995 Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration this year, which attracted almost 500 attendees, was hosted by the Heidelberg cluster. Brother Earl B. Payton was An exclusive wine in the name ofAlpha Phi Alpha the guest speaker.

Fraternity, Theta Theta Lambda Chapter, has been marketThe Founders' Day Celebration was hosted by ed in Frankfiirt, Germany. The first bottle was presented to the Kaiserslautern Germany cluster. Brother General President Davis by the winery owner. Brother Willard C. Hall Jr., was the guest speaker.

Jimmie Varnado is at right. The Alpha Wine was part of the menu for the Black & Gold Weekend Banquet.

International Alpha Brothers from the various clusters also take part in annual Fraternity kun? Good times? Plenty of it among the Retreats which variously focus on leadership International Alpha Brothers and their development, ritual training, Fraternity continufriends. A "Night at the Cotton Club," a ing education, and other topics. tour of the North Sea Jazz Fest, the annual Alpha Project Alpha is alive in Theta Theta Lambda, Ski Trip, a Spring Fling, a Halloween Jam, and a International Alpha Brothers mentor Boy Scouts Pre-New Year's Bash filled the International Alpha and other male youth between 12 and 18 years social agenda. old, the needy are remembered at Thanksgiving And congratulations to the winners of the 1994 and Christmas, and one of Theta Theta Lambda's Greek Step Competition sponsored by Delta special projects this year was the tidying of a Sigma Theta—Theta Theta Lambda Chapter. cemetery where American children are interred.

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International Affairs

"Young, Gifted and Black"....President Davis Tells Honorees

General President Davis (front row) and Director of Conventions Al F. Rutherford (front row, right) with Brothers of Iota Epsilon Lambda and the Chapters 1995 student honorees.

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haracterize the carpet in any color that best suits your taste—the traditional red, or green, or black and gold. But whatever color you give it, the carpet was warmly rolled out for the Bahamian visit of General President Milton C. Davis and his delegation—his wife, Myrtle; sons, Warren and Christopher; and National Convention Director Al F. Rutherford and his spouse.

From their arrival to their departure, Iota Epsilon Lambda

hosted Brother Davis in "presidential style." President Davis was the special guest of Iota Epsilon Lambda to share in Labor Day and Whit Monday Holiday celebrations and principal speaker for the Chapter's Honours Day Convocation.

The Honorable Mr. Sidney Williams, U. S. Ambassador to The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, was the first official to receive President Davis and his delegation. The several topics President Davis and Ambassador Williams covered included a lit-

32 A The Sphinx T Summer 1995

eracy program supported by the American Embassy.

Iota Epsilon Lambda is involved in the literacy-mentoring program at a Bahamian juvenile detention center, a program designed to help re-orient the lives of troubled youth. Alphas are involved in counseling the so called "at risk" youth about the numerous and positive opportunities available to them despite the wrong choices they may have made.

His Excellency Sir Orville Alton Turnquest, Governor

International Affairs

The Honorable Mr. Sidney Williams (fourth left), United States Ambassador, Nassau Bahamas, was among the numerous leaders with whom General President Davis and his wife Myrtle (second left) visited while special guests of Iota Epsilon Lambda. Congresswoman Maxine Waters (third left), wife ofAmbassador Williams, and Brother Al Rutherford and his wife (right) are also shown.

General of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and President Davis held a lively discussion of issues impacting on tlie growth and development of the Bahamas. The two focused on the educational development of the Bahamian people, particularly the potential of the country's youthful system of higher education.

President Davis and the Governor General also exchanged thoughts on the stability of Haiti. Sir Orville Turnquest was active, along with Special Presidential Envoy Brother William Gray, in brokering the agreement that resulted in the return to Haiti of President Aristide.

Before being named Governor General of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Sir Orville Turnquest served as Attorney General, Deputy Prime Minister, and

Bahamian visit also included tours of Blue Lagoon Island and Coral Island, an Island Marine Park and Underwater Observatory, and the Island of new Providence.

Brother Rev. Dr. Oman A. Pratt is pastor of St. Johns Native Baptist Cathedral attended by President Davis, one of the largest churches in the Bahamas.

And the grand finale—the high point of the visit—was the Iota Epsilon Lambda annual Honours Day Convocation. A capacity house was on hand to help recognize the academic achievements of 31 high school male students from across the Bahamas. All were honor students.

Brother Davis, the Honours Day Convocation speaker, encouraged the young men to continue the "impressive examples" they had already established.

They were all young presumably healthy, vigorous, and energetic, President Davis told the student honorees. He called their "vitality" a "tremendous asset" which they should put to good use in the continued pursuit of academic excellence and

Minister of Foreign Affairs.

President Davis also visited with The Right Honourable Sir Lynden Pindling and Brother Calvin Johnson. Sir Lynden Pindling was Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas for more than 25 years and led the country encouraged them to call upon the into independence from Great Britain. of their heritage, the lessons of Brother Johnson is Parliamentary in their history" as they prepared Secretary, Member of Parliament for the ead their newly independent nation.

Fort Fincastle Constituency, and Minister of Tourism.

Before Iota Epsilon Lambda providing leadership for their Chapter officers were installed, country.

President Davis and his delegaThe young honorees were tion were guests at a reception told to view race as a positive hosted by The Bahamas characteristic. Davis encouraged Ministry of Tourism and the them to call upon the "richness Nassau Marriott and Crystal of their heritage, the lessons of Palace Resort and Casino. The struggle in their history" as they

Summer 1995 T The Sphinx • 33

President Davis called on His Excellency Sir Orville Tumquest (fifth left), The Governor-General of the Bahamas pictured with them, are (from left): Brother Preston Ferguson, Brother Aluchifer Rolle, Daniel Ferguson, President Davis; Sir Orville Tumquest; Mrs. Myrtle Davis, Brother Hany Collie, Brother Al Rutherford. prepared to lead their newly independent nation.

As President Davis explained it, the young honorees were "young, gifted and black," characteristics of which they should be proud and take advantage of.

All 31 students received special recognition during the Honours Day Convocation, but the three top awards went to Jevon Butler of St. Andrews School, Reginald Hanna Jr. of St. Augustine's College, and Perez Clarke of H. O. Nash Secondary School.

Butler, the 1995 valedictorian, received a $1,000 scholarship; Hanna, the salutatorian, received a $750 scholarship; and Clarke won the Chapter's essay contest.

In recognition of their achievements, all of the young scholars were treated to a visit to Government House, the palatial residence of the Governor General and an experience that is comparable to a White House visit in the United States.

Jevon Butler (second left) received special congratulations from. General President Davis after being presented lota Epsilon Lambdas $1,000 scholarship award. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Milo Butler Jr. Brother Rev. Harry Collie (right) is president of Iota Epsilon Lambda Chapter

34 A The Sphinx T Summer 1995

Historical Moment Brother Thomas P. Pawley

Eradicate Brutality

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he moratorium on inducting new members and reports surfacing at recently held regional conventions of continued violations of the Intake Process designed to eliminate hazing and brutality have emphasized the difficulty of changing deeply entrenched attitudes and behavior regarding this rite of passage.

Radical proposals are now being considered as the "final solution" to a problem which has plagued the Fraternity throughout its history. One of those suggests eliminating the right of individual chapters to conduct the Intake Process.

Several years ago the eight African-American fraternities and sororities, recognizing the gravity of the problem which had caused the injury and death of initiates, vowed to solve the matter once and for all by creating completely new intake procedures eliminating the traditional initiation. Our current system was the result although it has been the subject of ongoing review designed to make it more effective. Concomitantly through the efforts of then General Counsel Milton C. Davis, a risk management program was established through which both individuals and chapters were certified to participate in and to conduct the newly adopted procedures. Almost immediately there were reports of violations by some college chapters whose members continued to insist that the ability to endure physical pain is a test of man-

hood and courage, an outmoded and primitive belief to say the least and one which the great mass of brothers never accepted.

We have now reached the point in our history where the excesses of modern day neanderthals may cause Alpha Phi Alpha to become a mere relic of the past. This possibility is the motivation for our examination of the historic position of the Fraternity towards hazing and brutality.

The index to The History of Alpha Phi Alpha

by Charles H. Wesley carries no reference to hazing and only two references to brutality. The casual reader might thus conclude that they were infrequent occurrences in our long history. This is far from the truth. Our written history simply does not reflect the repeated occurrences of hazing and brutality, the disciplinary actions taken and the changes made in our constitution to eradicate them.

In the very earliest years there was little or no hazing and absolutely no brutality. Initiations were serious affairs but they were also fun. An example of the general attitude toward them is suggested in a letter from Omicron Chapter in Pittsburgh dated March 29, 1913, and addressed to prospectve initiates. It reads in part: Victims! Beware! Beware! Beware!! Beware!! and concludes after giving them instructions

Historical Moment I am He who awaits thy Doom XPSFSU T N B M M T Chief Executioner (History - 87)

referred for immediate consideration. " (H.A.C. 88). ix recommendations were made including prohibiting the use of physical violence "in any degree" in the initiatory ceremony Commenting on this humorous missive Dr. or "any procedure contrary thereto", completing Wesley says, "It shows a secret fear which the the ceremony in one night, confining the ceremochapter endeavored to instill among initiates in ny to a single indoor location, eliminating all prethe early years. Some of these sentences have initiation activities such as "hell week", and proalmost comical (sic) setting to the members of the viding penalties to include suspension of the present day but they were serious necessities in offending chapter and withdrawing its charter, the days now passed. (History - 85). seal, rights and privileges (H.A.C. - 89).

Gradually, however, more physically demandThe General President informed the Special ing aspects were added by local chapters including Convention meeting in Chicago in August of 1934 a period called variously "probaof this "memorial" from the tion," "hell week," or "stunt week" Jewels. It was referred to the next as well as tests of endurance, makGeneral Convention and followed ing initiation a gruelling and by a letter from Brother Wesley to excruciatingly painful experience each chapter at the close of the for those who survived. Some did Special Convention. (History not and "turned back" in the popu214). In his annual report to the lar parlance evoking complaints by 1935 General Convention he brothers and non-brothers alike of addressed the matter again in a physical brutality. "The initiation strongly worded appeal: ceremonies with their crude meth"The Jewels have joined in a ods were often criticized by the unanimous apppeal to me for members of the fraternity.... The action and I am reporting to you Editor of the Sphinx, Brother and urging that the Ritual, not traYoung, in describing an initiation dition, not violence, shall be our in another fraternity, directed rule and guide. It seems that it is attention to our system and stated necessary to enact some legislation. that his conviction was 'that such Just as was done by college authorantics are hooliganism unworthy of ities in the case of hazing in order Brother Pawky college trained men who lay claim to control die details of initiation. to be civilized.... Some of our initiSome penalty should be attached to ation chairmen might well qualify the extremists who insist upon being morons (italas witch doctors who direct clumsy jungle rites.'" ics mine) rather than real brothers. Your attention (Wesley-196) is respectfully directed to this matter, as it is of inally the six active founders seeking to serious concern inside as well as outside of fratercounter the increasingly disturbing nity (sic)." (H.A.C. - 89). reports joined together in voicing their The History of Alpha Phi Alpha does not opposition in a letter to General President Wesley record the response of the 25 th General in 1934 (the year of my initiation) which said in Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. But changes part: "From time to time through many generawere made in the Ritual restricting the time of the tions of college men there have come to our ears entire initiation process, the time of individual complaints of brutality and physical violence in segments and decreeing the use of a flexible our initiations. Graduate as well as undergraduate instrument as opposed to the traditional wooden chapters have indicated their local autonomy. paddles.

I remember them well since they went General Conventions and general officers have into effect during my term as President of Beta cautioned moderation to no avail. The establishGamma Chapter in 1935-36. ment of the initiatory ceremonies by the Founders Needless to say brutality was not eliminated. was and still is intended to be a solemn and Initiations continued to be a painful and sometimes impressive rite. On this account, we, the living injurious experience through the various "dodges" active Founders submit the following recommenchapters adopted to get around the new reguladations and pray that they may be properly

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Historical Moment tions. Universities and the General Organization continued to suspend them for these violations. ollowing the war at the 1947 Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma, changes were made once more in the Ritual. "Among these changes were those which were planned to eliminate brutality." (History - 290). The actions of this General Convention were celebrated in a vivid cartoon in The Sphinx by Brother James D. Parks and subsequently published in the history.

(Cf. History - 287). But again in spite of our good intentions brutality continued.

These excesses loomed large during the 1960s, a low period for Greek letter organizations generally among African-American college students who regarded them as elitist and out of touch with the social changes which were taking place.

Initiation practices simply exacerbated the negative attitudes toward them and it became increasingly difficult to attract candidates who met the Fraternity's standards. General President Newsom was keenly aware of the new circumstances once saying to a meeting of Alpha men, "There was a time when I would walk on any college campus in this country and immediately identify an Alpha man. But I can no longer do so." It is not surprising, therefore, that he reacted vigorously to continued abuses by individual chapters.

Dr. Wesley reports: "There were such evidences of brutality in initiation during the probation periods that two of the oldest chapters were suspended by General President Newsom for (violating) the constitutional limitation prohibiting all paddling, whipping and physical force...(stating), this shameful behavior of some of our undergraduate chapters is to be deplored - Alpha Phi Alpha will no longer tolerate barbaric behavior and inhuman treatment of candidates for initiation if I am forced to cause the suspension of every undergraduate chapter in the United States." (History 458). He reiterated this point of view in his annual report in 1966 identifying the abuse as basically an undergraduate problem. '

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As the number of chapters increased as well as our membership so did the frequency of violations of our stringent new regulations. Again and again our General Counsels warned us of the dangers involved. Typical is the admonition contained in the report of General Counsel Morris Hatchett to the 63rd Anniversay Convention in 1969 which said in part: "This office cannot emphasize too strongly the need for strict adherence to the fra-

ternity's regulations against brutality and the need for strict supervision during an initiation period.

The fraternity can ill-afford either the possible financial loss or the injury to its reputation."

(Minutes - p. 32). Elsewhere in his report he noted that the Board of Directors had approved his resolution of a threatened lawsuit caused by "possible brutality at an initiation, resulting in physical injury to an initiated brother." Brother Hatchett's warning was prophetic. At the same General Convention charges of brutality were brought against seven undergraduate chapters. A commission headed by former General President Belford Lawson was appointed to conduct an investigation of brutality during the pledge period of Nu chapter involving the son of the Fraternity Chaplain. Other officers were designated to investigate the charges against other chapters.

(Minutes - 68).

Although the official posture of Alpha Phi Alpha was quite clear and over the years it continued to condemn and punish individuals and chapters guilty of violating its fundamental tenets of human decency, the infractions continued culminating in the tragedy in Atlanta and the subsequent monumental financial losses suffered by the General Organization. o say we are at a crossroads in our history is to put it mildly. It is my fervant hope that we shall rise from the ashes of our self-destruction with renewed vigor.

Meanwhile, let us not forget the lessons of history with its record of the dissolution of cultures, civilizations, and institutions which failed to halt their self-immolation lest we too become extinct.

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Works cited with abbreviations used: Henry Arthur Callis Life and Legacy by Charles H. Wesley (H.A.C.) Minutes of the 63rd Anniversary Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Inc. (Minutes) The History of Alpha Phi Alpha: A Development in College Life by Charles H. Wesley (History).

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1 know of no alumni chapter which has ever been suspended for brutality although individual alumni brothers are known to have been guilty of infractions of the rules.

Summer 1995 T The Sphinx A 37

Leisure Brother Kevin Britton

"The Chosen People—Africa's Lost Tale of Meroe" Throughout history, as men and women have pondered the meaning behind much of the world's pain and suffering, some have suggested that we are mereC\\osen ly fulfilling a divine prophecy and People that nothing happens without reason. Such is the case in the recently published novel, The Chosen People—Africa s Lost tale of Meroe." * In this book, author William Ashanti Hobbs, III takes die reader on a mystical journey from die beginnings of time through the dismal, yet victorious future which awaits people of color—the chosen people.

Although technically speaking, The Chosen People is a fictitious work, Hobbs masterfully intertwines historically relevant facts, book and article exerpts and his personal observations and reflections throughout the futuristic narrative.

Hobbs' story begins with a meeting of elite Watchmen— larger-than-life, godlike beings ISHMW212-1-7 who control the destinies of the race of people whom they represent. The Watcher over people of color, Meroe, has described the challenges which his people will endure throughout the course of history, only to be ridiculed by the other Watchmen, including die European Watchman Neander. So ridiculous are his assertions, that the other Watchmen promise to crown Meroe "Ruler of the Watchman Council"—provided his people (Africans worldwide) can survive the challenges history has presented to us. After a brief trip tlirough the history of the human race, Hobbs then takes us to the near future (presumably early in the 21st century) after a series of political and cultural milestones which are fairly predictable bearing in mind the racial and economic climate which exists today.

The Chosen People* ,Aft*iea's Lost Tale of

H i

38 A The Sphinx T Summer 1995

William Asinunti Hobbs, EI

Young African-American men and women (whom the author refers to as "Meroens") have volunteered to join ANC rebels and others in the South African Liberation War—the last great battle of liberation for our people. Much of the tale is told through the eyes of Marcus Sellasie Collins, a young Meroen who leads the men of his battalion to the conclusion of this final war, not knowing until die very end (or beginning?) diat the entire time, his very move has been guided by the ever present and mystical Watchman, Meroe. * Meroe is an ancient African city along the Nile in north-central Sudan south of Egypt and nordi of Ethiopia.

Leisure Although The Chosen People is set in the near future, it becomes obvious tbat Hobbs is attempting to show us what we can become as a people if we begin to prepare for our future—and the future of our children—now. His characters often refer to events which occurred in the nine—or nineteen-nineties. Hobbs asserts through his narrative that our tradition of materialism and vision within our people will ultimately leave many of us ostracized and culturally abandoned as other, more culturally aware Meroens band together and unite to free oppressed people in the diaspora.

One of the more timely issues addressed in the book is that of African-centered education. In the future, according to Hobbs, a nationwide school system for African-American children is created to address the specific cultural and educational needs of our own. Graduates of these schools are known as "Self-Schoolers" and generally tend to be more culturally aware and culturally responsible as a result of the intensive, Africancentered education they receive.

As graduates of the "System Schools" (i.e. non-African-centered, or Euro-centered such as those prevelent today) greet each other while cursing and William Ashanti Hobbs, III 'author, Africa's Lost Tale ofMeroe grabbing their crotches, the Self-Schoolers greet each other Americans in the next century—culturally, politiwith respect and dignity, often saying "Jambo", cally, and economically. Although thoroughly which is an African word for "Hello." enjoyable, it is difficult to determine whether Although initially distrusting of one anotber, William Ashanti Hobbs is merely sharing an the Self-Schoolers and the System Schoolers African-centered legend, or describing his vision begin to unite under the leadership of young of what the future holds for us—The Chosen People.

Marcus, whose charismatic personality positions him as a natural (albeit unofficial) leader for the battalion. Ultimately, both groups of men begin Meroen Press P. O. Box 6632 Tallahassee, FL to share experiences and bond in preparation for 32314-6632(904)224-0338 the most important moment of their lives, and the lives of the people for whom they are fighting. *Brother Britton is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a graduate of Ohio University in In some ways, Hobbs' novel reads much like a Athens, Ohio. warning—an eerie prelude to what awaits African-

Summer 1995 •

The Sphinx A 39

SOUTHERN NORMAL SCHOOL Historically Black Boarding School Founded 1911

College Preparatory Curriculum Co-ed grades 7 - 1 2 Small Classes - Structured Environment Sports, Clubs and Social Activities Campus located within driving distance of Birmingham, Mobile, and Montgomery, AL; Atlanta, GA.; New Orleans, LA; Pensacola, FL; and Jackson MS. Accredited by Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Member National Association of Independent Schools; Southern Association of Independent Schools

Contact: Harrison L. Clark Director of Admissions Southern Normal School P. O. Box 408 Brewton, AL 36427 (334)867-0541

40 A The Sphinx T Summer 1995

Chapter News EASTERN XI ALPHA LAMBDA ALEXANDRIA, VA

Seventeen teens participating in Xi Alpha Lambda's Mentoring P r o g r a m received inspiring lessons in Black History during a visit to T h e Great Blacks in Wax M u s e u m in B a l t i m o r e .

The Museum houses over 100 wax figures with special lighting, sound effects, and animation. T h e wellknown figures on display include leaders from the Middle Passage, Slavery/Reconstruction, the H a r l e m Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and the present.

Brother T h u r g o o d Marshall, M a l c o l m X, M i c k e y L e l a n d , Bessie Coleman, Harriet Tubman, E u b i e Blake, Billie H o l l i d a y , Brother Martin Luther King, Jr., Benjamin B a n n e k e r and m a n y others are displayed in the exhibit.

Lunch followed the Museum visit. Xi Alpha Lambda's agenda also includes a career day, jeopardy challenge, golf tournament, and t h e Black and Gold Scholarship Dance.

Brothers Maurice Lane, C h e s t e r J o h n s o n , and L a r r y Henderson accompanied the t e e n s on t h e M u s e u m t r i p to Baltimore.

funds for the NAACP, UNCF, the Charles H . Wesley Scholarship, and community projects.

GAMMA IOTA LAMBDA N E W YORK

O M I C R O N DELTA LAMBDA PHILADELPHIA, PA

Ten years after they were organized, the Brothers of Omicron Delta Lambda are proud of their record of involvement. Chapter activities include their "a voteless p e o p l e is a h o p e l e s s p e o p l e " Registration Drive, the mentoring they do at Daroff E l e m e n t a r y School, the special attention they give s e n i o r c i t i z e n s , P r o j e c t Alpha, and their weekly radio talk show which focuses on issues in African-American communities.

O n t h e social s i d e , t h e Brothers are involved in bowling parties, an annual King Cabaret, Penn Relays Party, family picnics, and Brotherhood Smokies—most of these activities designed to encourage reclamation and raise

A s y m p o s i u m s p o n s o r e d by G a m m a Iota L a m b d a explored business and professional opport u n i t i e s in t h e " n e w " S o u t h Africa. Pepsi-Cola Corporation co-sponored the event and also assisted several business leaders with investments in South Africa and t h e N e w Age B o t t l i n g Company. Symposium panelists included the Honorable Joe Stauch, Consul General of South Africa; Ms. Nomsa Daniels, director of Professional Development at Baruch College, and Brother Bill Woods, director of Metrocard.

Brothers Stan Woodroffe and John P. Rice, Jr., were interviewed on radio about the significance of this symposium.

TOTA U P S I L O N LAMBDA SILVER SPRING,

MD

B r o t h e r J o s h u a S m i t h has c h a l l e n g e d t h e Brothers of Iota Upsilon Lambda to become entrepreneurs, noting that "economics is the foundation of business."

Brother Smith is chairman and C E O of MAXIMA Corporation. T h e challenge was issued during Iota Upsilon Lambda's Founders' Day Program and Reclamation Breakfast.

Alpha men should pay special attention to how they invest their energy, Brother Smith maintained. Too much wealth is in the hands of too few, he said. He encouraged the brotherhood to "transform dreams into reality."

"If you are going to be a role model, be one that can roll," the speaker said.

B r o t h e r Smith is a cum laude g r a d u a t e of Central (Ohio) State University, and has completed graduate studies in law and business management

at the University of Akron and Central Michigan University. He is a Bush appointee to the United States C o m m i s s i o n on M i n o r i t y Business Development, a member of the John E Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the George Bush Presidential Library Commission.

Special awards during the Founders' Day program went to Brothers Russell Campbell, Sr. and Lynwood P. Randolph. Brother Campbell received the Chapter "Man of the Year" Award and Brother Randolph received die Award of Merit.

Brother Campbell has been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha for 30 years and is the president of Iota Upsilon Lambda. Brother Dr. Randolph was cited as a "faithful servant" of Iota Upsilon Lambda, Alpha Phi Alpha, and local communities for the last 10 years.

Summer 1995 T The Sphinx A 41

Chapter News BETA H O W A R D UNIVERSITY

T h e Brothers of Beta Chapter have a new outlook on South Africa and the people of that country. They were participants in "Step Afrika," a cultural exchange program designed to enhance c o m m u n i c a t i o n b e t w e e n Alpha Phi Alpha and the people of South Africa.

Techniques of "stepping" and African dance were exchanged but the Brothers of Beta C h a p t e r observed: "Lessons l e a r n e d a b o u t s t e p p i n g and d a n c i n g seemed to be relatively small compared to the lessons learned about life—for Brothers at Howard University traveled to Soweto, South Africa, South Africans and African-Americans." as pan of the Step Afrika Cultural Exchange Program. Beta Beta Chapter Brothers who made the Chapter Brothers are shown here with South African youth. trip to South Africa said "traveling there and experiencing the real South Africa instead of African dance steps, the "Gumboot" dance among the media's South Africa opened our eyes to the them. pressures South Africans endure on a day-to-day Contributions to keep the Step Afrika cultural basis." exchange alive may be sent to Brother Desmond In addition to sharing their techniques of step- D u n h a m , H o w a r d University, P. O . Box 506, ping, the Brothers of Beta Chapter also learned Washington, D C 20059.

EPSILON PI N O R F O L K STATE UNIVERSITY

Brother Congressman R o b e r t C. Scott was a speaker for a seminar sponsored at Norfolk State by the Brothers of Epsilon Pi. Brother Scott represents Virginia's Third Congressional District in the U. S. House of Representatives.

T h r e e other seminars sponsored by Epsilon Pi

•

addressed personal finance, AIDS awareness and u n d e r s t a n d i n g self. Brother Ken Taylor of the Merrill Lynch investment firm conducted the personal finance seminar, and volunteers from the Norfolk Health Department were speakers for the AIDS awareness seminar.

Affirmative Action was a m o n g t h e subjects Brother Scott addressed in his seminar presentation.

A ftk^Hi & fit J

Ten new Brothers have been added to the rolls of Eta Chapter and they immediately immersed themselves in Chapter activities—Project Homeless, the Eastern Regional Convention, the 86th Chapter Anniversary, the Raymond W. Cannon Scholarship Banquet, and New York City's March of Dimes Walk America.

T h e anniversary program celebrated the last 10 years of Eta Chapter members.

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42 A The Sphinx T Summer 1995

Chapter News RHONU CAMBRIDGE, MA

R h o N u B r o t h e r s at M I T , Harvard, and Tufts are excelling as campus leaders. Two Brothers are the first African-American class p r e s i d e n t s at M I T , o n e B r o t h e r organzied an N A A C P chapter, and Brothers have been active on several faculty committees.

In addition to founding the Pre-Law Society and the Black Men's Forum at Harvard, Rho N u Brothers have been active on the D e b a t e T e a m , t h e Black C a s t

Theater Group, and the Business Association.

And Rho Nu's leadership is also evident at Tufts—on the PanHellenic Council and the P r e Frosh Planning Committee.

A Rho N u Brother sits on the Board of Directors of the W.E.B. Dubois Academy where Brothers mentor and tutor young males in African-American history, math, c o m p u t e r science, and h e a l t h .

Brothers also tutor at the West Medford Boys and Girls Center.

Alpha W e e k , held d u r i n g Black History Month, was also a

big hit. T h e week included panel discussions on "African American/African/and Caribbean Relations and Perceptions," and "Today's A p p l i c a t i o n of t h e S e p a r a t e b u t Equal D o c t r i n e " which was led by former Judge Margaret Burnham.

T h e film " E t h n i c N o t i o n s " s o u g h t to t e a r d o w n n e g a t i v e media perceptions of blacks in the antebellum period, and the week culminated with a presentation by Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panther Party.

MIDWESTERN GAMMA XI LAMBDA and MIT MINNEAPOLIS,

MN

G a m m a Xi Lambda and Mu Chapters were In addition to its successful ACT/SAT course, partners in launching an A C T / S A T course for Gamma Xi Lambda is also the architect of minority and female high school students. Since Minneapolis Community Coalition Concept Project. die project was started four years ago, other spon- Civic, religious, and community leaders and agencies sors have joined this community effort, including: offer programs which address lifestyles, job placement, Delta Sigma T h e t a , T h e C e n t e r for Applied educational advancement, and parent empowerment.

Research and Educational Improvement, the University of Minnesota College of Education, the Hennepin County Bar Association, and the Minneapolis Public School system.

Participants in the program meet for three and a half hours a week for ten weeks. In addition to the ten week course, students are required to spend one hour per day doing activities related to the ACT/SAT program.

T h e ten week course emphasizes content, test taking skills, practice, and encourages the participants to "accept the challenge and rewards of taking more college preparatory classes."

T h e president of Gamma Xi Lambda maintains that many of the students Gamma Xi Lambda & Mu Chapters in Minneapolis, MN, grow from being unsure and skeptical to offered ACT/SAT program for minority & female high school students. "test smart confident individuals."

Summer 1995 •

The Sphinx A 43

Chapter News T H E T A ZETA LAMBDA

M U M U LAMBDA Chicago, IL In 11 years Mu Mu Lambda Chapter has awarded scholarships totaling more than $175,000 to 150 students. This year the Chicago Chapter awarded some $25,000 in scholarships to 16 African-American male high school students.

T h e scholarship recipients were selected based on academic achievement, self-reliance, and motivation. T h e presentations were made during a banquet attended by more than 1,300 people—Alpha men and friends of Alphas.

T h e highest academic achiever received the $1,500 Manuel L. Jackson Scholarship Award named after a deceased member of Mu Mu Lambda. T h e student who sold the most advertising for the program and tickets for the awards banquet also received a scholarship and was crowned "Mr. Beautillion."

Mu Mu Lambda began holding career days for AfricanAmerican male high school students a year after the Chapter's founding in 1976. T h e Chapter's program included helping African-American males and their parents with career planning and financial aid, and providing information on college entrance examinations and social issues.

T h e Chapter's Beautillion activity was launched in 1983, the same year the Fraternity founded Alpha Lite. Alpha Lite is a nine-month preparatory program for African-American male students emphasizing communication skills, cultural enrichment, college selection, social enhancement, career choices, and self-esteem. Some 1,200 students have participated in Alpha Lite since 1983.

Parents are reported to be the biggest supporters of Mu Mu Lambda's programs for African-American males.

A N N ARBOR, MI

B r o t h e r Reginald T. M a r s h was named Brother of the Year and honored during the T h e t a Zeta Lambda Black and Gold Ball. Brother Marsh is the immediate past president of Theta Zeta L a m b d a and was cited for his extensive i n v o l v e m e n t in t h e Ann Arbor community.

Midwestern Region Vice President Roy Manley, and his wife, Sheila, were a m o n g g u e s t s at t h e T h e t a Z e t a Lambda Black and Gold Ball.

RHO UPSILON D E N I S O N UNIVERSITY GRANVILLE, O H I O

This is die 10th Anniversary Year of Rho Upsilon Chapter and the Brothers are proud—very proud. Indeed, die entire 1995 fall semester was devoted to various "Anniversary Celebration" activities.

On the campus, the Brothers of Rho U p s i l o n are sponsors of Alpha Roundtables, Alpha Siblings, a mentoring program for high school students, and First-Year Study Tables. R h o U p s i l o n also occasionally joins the Brothers in Columbus, Ohio, in chapter projects.

SOUTHERN BETA ZETA ELIZABETH C I T Y STATE ELIZABETH CITY7, N C

T h r e e - y e a r old Brittany C. Alston was in need of developmental toys to be used in her therapy for cerebral palsy. Beta Zeta responded, and the Alston family was grateful.

Dear Brothers of Beta Zeta C h a p t e r of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. T h a n k you very much for a pleasant evening on September 22, 1994, on the c a m p u s of ECSU. T h e food was good and the hospitality was warm. T h e company was quite polite and enjoyable.

T h e r e are n o t words good

e n o u g h to express my sincere gratitude for caring so much for my little girl Brittany Charda Alston to adopt her by your fraternity. You may not know this, but we were told by a specialist that Brittany would not live to see her second birthday due to her severe medical condition. Thank God, she celebrated her fourth birthday June 13, 1994, and is enduring her hardships one day at a time. She's living proof of what God can do if one believes and keeps die faith.

I can see how God is using the works of Alpha Phi Alpha brothers to get his will done. This is shown in your deeds of kindness such as the fundraising project for

44 A The Sphinx T Summer 1995

Brittany. I realize how hard you all worked to raise die $200 and I appreciate it widi all my heart on behalf of Brittany.

T h i s is one example of the fine qualities diat only Alpha Phi Alpha possess. I know it's real because anything God inspires reaches die heart and touches die hearts of others.

In closing, I'd like to wish you all continued success in all your endeavors. God will bless them all if you keep die faidi and keep persisting with all your might. If there's anyone capable of doing anytliing it's Alpha Phi Alpha.

Sincerely, Mrs. Linda C. Alston Louisburg, N C

Chapter News ALPHA M U LAMBDA KNOXVILLE,

TN

Brothers Edward O. Hill and Charles Clark have been selected for Brother of the Year honors.

T h e selections were announced d u r i n g t h e a n n u a l Alpha M u L a m b d a 1995 Black and G o l d Extravaganza.

Both Brothers Hill and Clark were subsequently nominated for the Bronze Man Award sponsored

by Iota Phi Lambda Sorority.

T h e p r e s i d e n t of Knoxville College, Dr. Lois S. Williams, was g u e s t s p e a k e r for t h e a n n u a l Extravaganza which benefits the Chapter's Scholarship Fund.

BETA U P S I L O N LAMBDA JACKSON,

TN

Beta Upsilon Lambda has been able to expand the scope of its national programs with the support of funding from the H e a d Start Male Initiative Project. This national program targets improved relationships between H e a d Start s t u d e n t s and t h e i r fathers or father figures.

In connection with the Head Start Initiative, Brothers participated in the "Reading for the King" project at Head Start centers and hosted Brother Ron Jenkins in a one-day workshop.

Brother J e n k i n s is Alpha Phi Alpha's National Programs chairperson.

Participants in the annual Male Image Pageant received T-shirts, more than $1,200 in cash awards, and trophies.

M o r e t h a n 40 AfricanAmerican youth participated in the Chapter's Leadership W o r k s h o p w h i c h focused on P r o j e c t Alpha, " B e i n g Young Black and Successful," and leadership training.

Beta U p s i l o n L a m b d a was j o i n e d by Alpha K a p p a Alpha Sorority in presenting a scholarship to the h i g h e s t a c a d e m i c achiever at Lane College. And Beta Upsilon Lambda also participated in the Salvation Army Angel

T r e e , Bell R i n g e r C a m p a i g n , Christmas basket distribution, and the American Heart Association Celebrity Baggers campaign.

IOTA KAPPA PAUL Q U I N N C O L L E G E

T h e 1994-95 Paul Q u i n n College basketball team could easily have been called Team Alpha.

T h e 15-man r o s t e r included 7 members of Iota Kappa Chapter.

N o t o n l y was half t h e r o s t e r A l p h a s , b u t four of the five starters were men of Alpha. (The assistant coach/sports information director is also an Alpha.)

T h e Alpha dominated team led Paul Quinn to its 8th Conference Championship in 13 years. T h e team was seeded fourth in the National Small College Athletic Association ( N S C A A ) t o u r n a m e n t . T h e Paul Q u i n n t e a m cruised to championship honors with a finals win over Northwest C h r i s t i a n of O r e g o n . B r o t h e r L e s t e r H u n t was n a m e d M o s t Valuable Player of the National Championship game.

B r o t h e r s who h e l p e d b r i n g Paul Q u i n n College its second national basketball title included: Brothers Lester Hunt, Robert Wilson, Ron Wilson, Mario Stephens, Jerome Rodgers, Jason Walker, and Michael Linder.

GAMMA SIGMA LAMBDA GAMMA ZETA F O R T VALLEY, GA

Former General President Ozell Sutton was the guest speaker for the First Annual M a r t i n L u t h e r K i n g , Jr. S c h o l a r s h i p Awards Luncheon sponsored by Gamma Zeta and Gamma Sigma Lambda.

D u r i n g the King L u n c h e o n , Brother Derrick McWilliams received t h e Ralph P. M a l o n e Scholarship; Grady Clemonts was cited as the "Citizen of the Year"; and B r o t h e r E l l i o t t S. Mizell received the "Brother of the Year Award."

Brother McWilliams who had the highest gradepoint average at the end of his freshman year at Fort Valley, Clemonts was elected the first African-American City Councilman in W a r n e r Robins, GA, and Brother Mizell is president of Gamma Sigma Lambda and has been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha for 12 years.

T H E T A N U LAMBDA LAGRANGE,

GA

T h e Brothers of Theta Nu Lambda Chapter are placing special emphasis on the renovation of the Dawson Street School which has been leased from the City of LaGrange for 15 years.

T h e Alpha M u l t i p u r p o s e Center is a 26,000 square foot facility with 14 classrooms, an auditorium, lunch room, and about three acres of land. A $ 4 0 , 0 0 0 g r a n t from t h e Georgia Department of Community Affairs is helping the Chapter with renovation plans.

Several community agencies have leased space in the Center which is targeting the "at risk" p o p u l a t i o n in t h e community.

In addition to the special attention being given development of the Alpha Multipurpose Center, T h e t a Nu Lambda Chapter has conducted highly successful Teen P r e g n a n c y W o r k s h o p s in L a G r a n g e and M a n c h e s t e r , GA, and an E d u c a t i o n and Citizenship Program.

Brothers Vic Carter and Larry Earvin, both of Atlanta, were workshop leaders.

During the Education and Citizenship Program at Warren Temple United Methodist Church, Rep. Carl Von Epps was named Citizen of the Year.

Summer 1995 T The Sphinx A 45

GAMMA M U LAMBDA

chairman of the Leon County School Board and is also an aide to the governor of Florida.

Brother Richardson's honors include: Gamma M u L a m b d a C h a p t e r M a n of t h e Year; North/West Florida March of Dimes Volunteer of the Year; the Florida Department of Education Employee of the Mondi; NAACP Black Achiever; Jaycee of the Month; and Frontiers International Presidential Citation for service.

G a m m a Mu Lambda has named Brother Al

TALLAHASSEE, FL

^

r Brother Rudy Malay

w

1 1 1

Brother Curtis Richardson

B r o t h e r R u d y Maloy, t h e first AfricanAmerican to win countywide election to die Leon (FL) County Commission, is now chairman of that political body. Brother Maloy is also a transportation specialist with the Florida D e p a r t m e n t of Transportation.

A life member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Brother Maloy was a four-year starter in football at Florida State University where he earned both bachelor's and master's degrees.

And two years before Brother Maloy was elected to the L e o n C o u n t y C o m m i s s i o n , Brother Curtis B. Richardson was elected to the Leon County School Board. Brother Richardson, on leave from his position as school system district psychologist, was elected to the School Board again in 1994.

Brother Richardson has since been elected KAPPA LAMBDA GREENSBORO,

NC

T h e Brothers of Kappa Lambda have received high marks for their mentorship programs. Fifty young men from James B. Dudley High School are receiving m e n t o r i n g in family values, AfricanAmerican h e r i t a g e , citizenship, and r e s p e c t i n g females. T h e young men are also involved in community services.

Along with dieir mentoring of young men from Dudley High School, some Kappa Lambda Brothers are participating in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.

T h e Chapter occasionally worships together, participates in the March of Dimes "Walk-A-Thon" and raised $2,500 for a chapter scholarship.

Kappa Lambda has been cited for community service in Greensboro and surrounding areas.

46 A The Sphinx T Summer 1995

Brother Al Dennis Dennis Brother of die Year. A special agent with the Florida D e p a r t m e n t of Law Enforcement, Brother Dennis chairs several Chapter committees including reclamation. H e is also president of the Capital City Forum, past president of the Florida State University Black Alumni Association, a member of the YMCA Board of Directors, a mentor to African-American Middle School Males, and a m e m b e r of the Tallahassee N o r t h s i d e Kiwanis Board of Directors.

— SOUTHWESTERN — ZETA T A U E A S T TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY COMMERCE, T X

N o t unlike their Brothers at other educational institutions around the country, the Brothers at Zeta Tau have implemented both national and service programs that benefit their campus and area communities.

"Go to High School, Go to College" is active at C o o p e r H i g h School and the Chapter's Project Alpha focuses on responsibility—of young males to themselves, their family, and society. Zeta Tau advice and support is plentiful.

T h e needy are remembered at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the campus social calendar includes the "Miss Black and Gold" Pageant.

Chapter News

WESTERN Z E T A PI LAMBDA

IOTA O M I C R O N LAMBDA

SEATTLE,

COLORADO SPRINGS,

WA

It was billed as a frank discussion b e t w e e n m e n and t h e i r fathers, uncles, godfathers and other adult males. T h e Boyz II Men Banquet has been declared a "phenomenal success." Organized by the African-American Student Union Vice President of Renton H i g h School, Q u i n t i n M o r r i s , some 100 young men and adults engaged in frank dialogue about the myths about black men, youth crime and violence, drugs and the African American community, and male responsibility for children and families.

Z e t a Pi L a m b d a figured p r o m i n e n t l y in t h e d i a l o g u e .

Brother Dr. Charles Walker III, himself a high school principal, c h a l l e n g e d the y o u n g m e n to accept responsibility for their own actions. Zeta Pi L a m b d a Vice President Brother Wilson Jones called on the young males to support each other.

Other dialogue mentors i n c l u d e d : B r o t h e r D r . Adlai Pappy, Brother Viance Easter, and Brother Judge LeRoy McCullough.

KAPPA ALPHA LAMBDA SEASIDE, CA

Twenty-one men took advantage of prostate screening offered

by Kappa Alpha Lambda Chapter.

T h e activity was organized by Brother Al Glover, a member of t h e Board of T r u s t e e s of Community Hospital Foundation.

T h e s c r e e n i n g and lectures w e r e held at t h e O l d e m e y e r C e n t e r in S e a s i d e , CA. Dr. Goldman, a urologist, was a consultant for the lectures.

C o m m u n i t y H o s p i t a l of t h e Monterey Peninsula donated laboratory service to perform protein specific antigen (PSA) tests.

CO

Some 450 youth participated in t h e T h i r d A n n u a l AfricanA m e r i c a n Youth L e a d e r s h i p Conference sponsored at C o l o r a d o C o l l e g e by I o t a Omicron Lambda and other community organizations.

African American role models in the Colorado Springs community focused on goal s e t t i n g , c a r e e r s e l e c t i o n , job r e q u i r e ments, and African American history. Discussions also included social issues impacting youth— AIDS, peer pressure, teen pregnancy, and gangs. And there was not only discussion of the problems, solutions were offered in the context of interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and selfesteem.

T h e Conference targets African-American youth in grades 6th to 12th.

In o t h e r C h a p t e r activities, Iota Omicron Lambda used concession sales to raise a l m o s t $4,000 to support various p r o jects, and a first annual Halloween Costume Party raised funds for 21 Thanksgiving and 14 Christmas baskets distributed to the needy.

Iota Omicron Lambda seems to be constantly involved in community activities—donating resources for the Elks Easter egg hunt, celebrating Founders' Day, in December 1994 with Brothers Sylvester S h a n n o n and M e d Cullins, two of the founders of Iota Omicron Lambda; a Yuletide Ball, the Kwanza community cele b r a t i o n , and t h e L e a d e r s h i p Conference.

Seven area high school students received $500 scholarships during Iota Omicron Lambda's Black^ and G o l d Ball.

The Brothers also provide scholarships to Lane and Tuskegee University

in honor of two of the Chapter's founders.

Special h o n o r s have been bestowed on Brother Brennard Hancock, B r o t h e r of the Year; Brother Thomas Bennett, Leadership Award; and Brother Edward Cox, Citizen of the Year.

Brother Freeman L. Gault was selected Western Region Alumni Brother of the Year during the W e s t e r n R e g i o n a l m e e t i n g in Oakland, CA.

DEADLINE SPHINX Please forward story ideas and chapter news for consideration at this time. W e would like to have materials on hand for consideration by September 15, 1995.

However, don't wait for the deadline. Mail material for consideration N O W . If you miss the the September 15 deadline, or any deadline for that matter, mail the material anyway.

T h e next issue of T h e Sphinx will be published in October/November 1995.

We expect the Legacy Feature of the magazine to run again in the issue following the General Convention.

We also have a special interest in receiving photos that depict "chapter program activities." However, avoid snapshots. Photos showing involvement in national programs of the Fraternity are of particular interest.

Send material to: T h e S P H I N X , Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul St., Baltimore, M D 212185234.

Summer 1995 •

The Sphinx A 47

Omega Chapter BROTHER DAVID D. A L B R I T T O N was a member of

T h e t a Lambda Chapter. He retired from the Dayton Public School System as a teacher and coach at Dunbar High School where he coached three State track championships. Brother Albritton served six terms as an Ohio State Representative, was founder and vice president of the Unity State Bank, and owned and operated the Albritton Insurance Agency. He graduated from Ohio State University where he won Ail-American honors in 1936 and was the NCAA outdoor high jump champion in 1936, 1937, and 1938; high jump champion at the Big Ten Indoor Championships in 1936 and 1938; and Big Ten Outdoor high jump champion in 1938.

BROTHER JOSEPH B. B E T H E A was a life member of

Alpha Phi Alpha. In July 1988, he became the first African American elected Bishop of the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.

He pastored churches in South Carolina and North Carolina, and served as Director of the Black Church Studies Center at Duke University Divinity School; District Superintendent of the Virginia Methodist District in Richmond, the Rockingham (NC) District, and the Raleigh (NC) District.

Brother Bethea held degrees from Claflin College and Gammon Theological Seminary, and completed further studies at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond. His awards included honorary doctorate degrees from Gammon Theological Seminary, N o r t h Carolina Wesleyan College, Claflin College and Columbia (SC) College.

B R O T H E R H E N R Y J. B O W D E N was a native

C.

of Brunswick, GA, and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha. H e received his early education at St. Augustine's School in Raleigh, N C , and later earned degrees from Morehouse College, Gammon Theological Seminary and Columbia University, New York. His vigorous professional life included service as Curate at St. Philip's in New York City; Vicar and Assistant to the President at St. Philip's Junior College in San Antonio, TX; Rector at St. Mark's in Wilmington, N C ; Dean of Colored Convocation at the Diocese of East Carolina; Secretary for the Conference of Church Workers Among Colored People; Province No. 4 Rector of St. Paul's in Atlanta; Instructor at Gammon Theological Seminary; Chaplain for the V A. Medical Center in Tuskegee, AL and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt VA Hospital in M o n t r o s e , NY. A certified Professional Hospital Chaplain and Professional Mental Health Chaplain, Brother Bowden was a Fellow of T h e College of Chaplains, American Protestant Hospital Association.

B R O T H E R SILAS E.

CRAFT,

SR. was affiliated with Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter and a life member of the Fraternity. His professional career spanned four decades and included untold hours n u r t u r i n g , mentoring, leading, tutoring, coaching, and disciplining generations of students. During his distinguished career in education, Brother Craft was principal of the only black high school in Howard County, Maryland, H a r r i e t Tubman High School. He was also principal of Carver High School in Rockville, MD, assistant principal of Montgomery Blair High School, director of

48 A The Sphinx T Summer 1995

Community Service School program in Kansas City, MO, Tulsa, OK, Wichita, KN, and Omaha, Nebraska. Brother Craft was the founder and past president of the Howard County Teachers League, the Howard County Countywide PTA, and the Howard County Voters League.

He was a member of the Maryland Congress of Colored PTAs, the Maryland Educational Association, the National Board of the NAACP, past president of the Howard County NAACP branch, and state secretary of the Maryland State Conference of NAACP branches.

BROTHER CUTHBERT

CHARLES

H.

was born in Monticello, FL, and affiliated with Gamma Lambda Chapter.

A product of Wilberforce University, Brother Cuthbert was for many years a supervisor for the Pennsylvania Board of Prisons and Parole. He was instrumental in establishment of the Alpha House in Pittsburgh, PA. BROTHER BOOKER T. WHITESIDE was a native of Troy,

AL, and a graduate of Central State University. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha for 58 years. Prior to his retirement, Brother Whiteside worked with the County Engineers Office, Dayton, O H , and W r i g h t Patterson AFB. After he retired, Brother Whiteside devoted much of his time to assignments with the Dayton Board of Education's Follow Through and Head Start programs.

B R O T H E R JAMES H.

PAYNE,

J R . was a native of Bardstown, KY, and a graduate of Kentucky State University.

He was employed for 35 years at WrightPatterson AFB. Brother Payne was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha for 50 years and last affili-

Omega Chapter ated with T h e t a Lambda Chapter. He was a member of the West Dayton Area Council, Model Cities Planning Council, Knights of Columbus 500, Friends of die Library, Zip Club, and die Reciprocal Bridge Club.

BROTHER ARTHUR LEE R O A C H began his professional

career as a teacher in Rendville, Ohio, before moving to Toledo where he continued teaching and later became assistant principal and principal. A native of Prudence, VA, Brother Roach was a member of Xi Lambda Chapter, Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity, Kappa Delta Pi Honorary Society, the NAACP, Toledo Alliance of Black School Educators, die Symphonic Choir of Greater Toldeo, the Lucas County Mental Health Board's Children's Services and Multicultural Service C o m mittees, the YMCA Wayman Palmer Center, the Frederick Douglass Community Center, and die Ohio and Lucas County Retired Teachers Associations.

His many honors included the Minority Alumni of University of Toledo Recognition of Excellence Award.

BROTHER W H I T E , SR.

LUTHER

V.

was a native of Denver, CO. A product of Grille State Teachers College and Bowling Green University, Brother White was a member of T h e t a Lambda Chapter. He won college awards in basketball, football, and gymnastics. Most of his career was spent at Dunbar H i g h School where he was named Basketball Coach of the Year after winning city and district championships for two consecutive years. He also coached track, cross country, and football.

While he was athletic director, Dunbar won the city title in fencing. As occupational director, Brodier White helped initi-

ate technical and vocational studies at Dunbar. Author of the book Black History in Dayton, Brodier White was a member of die Black Historical Society and president of the Montgomery County Black Heritage Association.

Lambda Chapter.

Dean Emeritus of Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, N C , he held degrees from Lincoln University and Lincoln University Seminary in Pennsylvania, Teachers College, Columbia University, and Union Theological Seminary, New BROTHER ALEXANDER York. He studied at Ohio State " M I K E " D A V I S , S R . was a University, the University of teacher, vice principal and princi- Chicago Divinity School, and pal in the Toledo, Ohio, Public Hartford Seminary. His distinSchool System. He won Man of guished career as a minister, eduthe Year honors from die Toledo cator, and administrator spanned Area Jaycees and was president of nine decades. Brother Brown the Springfield Local School was die first advisor for Gamma Board. He held degrees from Mu Chapter and helped establish Central State University, Beta Mu Lambda Chapter in Bowling Green State University, Salisbury, NC. As dean of Hood and the University of Toledo. Seminary, he was instrumental in Brother Davis helped establish die construction of Walls Center, and served as project director for provided leadership for the revidie Chrysler Summer Youdi pro- sion of the seminary program gram. He was an active member and supervised establishment and of Phi Delta Kappa Honorary development of extension Society, Toledo Association of schools for die training of minisAdministrative Personnel, Lucus ters in Greensboro, Laurinburn, County Democratic Party, and Hamlet, and Salisbury. Dean of was listed in Who's W h o in Virginia Seminary in Lynchburg, American Education.

Brother Brown was a church minister, YMCA counselor, and Army Chaplain during World BROTHER CLARENCE S. War II. His extensive travels carW I N F I E L D was a native of Philadelphia, PA, and affiliated ried him to die World Council of with Alpha Xi Lambda Chapter. Churches in Montreal, Canada, World Methodist He was a product of Florida the Convocation on Theological A&M and the University of Toledo and was employed by Education at Didsbury College General Motors Corporation, in Bristol, England, the World in Ford Motors Corporation, and Methodist Conference the State of Ohio where he was L o n d o n , England, and to an auditor for 15 years. A mem- Monrovia, Liberia, Ghana and ber of the Black Accountants die Holy Land. Brodier Brown Association, Brother Winfield was a member of the Religious Association, enjoyed bargain shopping, study- Education ing building construction International Council of designs, and watching civil war Religious Education, N C , movies and football games. He Teachers of Religion, N o r t h was a certified Fraud Examiner Carolina Council of Churches, and Income Tax Specialist. the American Association of Theological Schools, Religious BROTHER FRANK R. BROWN, Research Association, Hood a native of New York City, was a Theological Seminary Alumni life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Association, and Beta Kappa Chi and affiliated with Beta Mu Honorary Society.

Summer 1995 T The Sphinx A 49

Omega Chapter B R O T H E R ALBERT BANKS,

SR. was a World War II veteran and a member of the distinguished Tuskegee Airmen. He was the first fulltime AfricanAmerican professor in the Chicago City Colleges. He held teaching and administrative positions at Clark College in Atlanta, the University of Chicago, City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago State University, Loyola University and Roosevelt University. Brother Banks was a member of Xi Lambda Chapter where he served as chaplain, secretary and vice president. He was a member of Minerva Woodlawn Block Club, the National Institute of Science, AAUP, die American Federation of Teachers, Entomological Society of America, Chicago Entomological Society, the American Institute of Biological Science, and the State Microscopisal Society of Illinois.

BROTHER LEROY " B U D " B U R T O N , J R . was born in

Fuquay-Varina, NC. He earned degrees from Lincoln (PA) University, N o r t h Carolina Central University, and Meharry Medical College. He practiced medicine in Nashville, T N , and Raleigh, NC, where he was affiliated with Phi Lambda Chapter.

Brother Burton was affiliated with Prince Hall Masons Golden Star Lodge N o . 150, Boyer Consistory N o . 219, Kabala Temple No. 177, and the L. A. Scruggs Medical Society.

Lambda Chapter, Brother Harrington was also a member of Chi Delta Mu Medical Fraternity and served on the boards of the Young Men's Christian Association, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Richmond Urban League.

BROTHER LEROY B. KELLAM

was affiliated with Alpha Pi Lambda Chapter. He was also a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Gamma Kappa Boule and the Stokes-Forsyth Mental Health Board. He was born in N o r t h Carolina, but lived in New York for some 40 years.

Although initially a scientist, Brother Kellam subsequently earned a law degree and was eventually elected to the Supreme Court of New York.

Brother Kellam was on the Board of Directors of the Jamaica (NY) Branch of the NAACP, the Queens County Urban League, the St. Albans C h a m b e r of Commerce, the Willis Reed Boys Club, and the Queens Legal Services.

BROTHER JAMES COLEMAN,

JR. served as office manager at the Topeka State Hospital. He was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha and affiliated with Delta Eta Lambda Chapter. A graduate of Washburn University, Brother Coleman was a member of the Sunset Optimist Club, past president of the KansasNebraska Lay organization of the AME Church, and a veteran of World W a r n .

BROTHER ROOSEVELT HARRINGTON was proprietor of

BROTHER DAVID S. DRIVER

Northside Pharmacy in Richmond, VA, for a number of years before moving to Fairfax County, VA, where he worked as a pharmacist at the Alexandria Community Center. He earned his degree in pharmacy from Meharry Medical College. A member of Zeta Upsilon

was considered by many the "Dean of Secondary School Principals." He was a graduate of Morgan State University and Columbia University, New York.

He also did extensive graduate work at Yale and Johns Hopkins Universities. He was principal of several schools in Baltimore

50 A The Sphinx •

Summer 1995

County and Dundalk, Maryland.

Brother Driver was affiliated with Delta Lambda Chapter.

BROTHER

DR.

LEONARD

H. B. F O O T E was a professor, the Director of Student Health Services, and the medical director and administrator of the Florida A&M University Hospital. He is credited with establishing the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences as well as the School of N u r s i n g at Florida A&M. Through the efforts of Brother Foote, the first bachelor's nursing program in Florida was established at Florida A&M. FooteHilyer Administration Building bears his name. Brother Foote was a graduate of Howard University.

B R O T H E R HARVEY G A T E S

was a former president of Iota Rho Lambda Chapter.

He earned degrees from Wayne State University and the University of Detroit, and was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Shaw College.

President of the Renaissance Optimist Club, Brother Gates was a member of the King David Masonic Lodge and a life member of the NAACP. BROTHER WILFORD A. GRIFFIN, a product of Florida

A&M University, served as an Equal Opportunity Specialist witJi the Alachua County Florida Board of Commissioners, and was a high school counselor and personnel supervisor with the same county school board.

Affiliated with Nu Eta Lambda Chapter, Brotiier Griffin was an administrative assistant to the Director of the Florida Alpha Chapters.

BROTHER SAMUEL HOWELL

taught in the Forsyth, GA, public school system and spent 43 years

Omega Chapter in the insurance industry, principally with Adanta Life. He was a member of the Tallahassee U r b a n League, S C L C , and NAACP. Brother Howell was active with Gamma Mu Lambda Chapter and cited for 54 years of service to the Fraternity. He was a graduate of Clark College.

BROTHER DR. WALTER J O H N S O N served at Florida

A&M as professor of Agricultural Sciences and chairman of the Department of Agronomy, the D e p a r t m e n t of Agricultural Education, the Department of Earth and Plant Sciences, and the Division of Agricultural Sciences. He held degrees from North Carolina A&T University and the University of Illinois.

BROTHER RANDALL C. M O R G A N , SR. was a product of

Rust College and Northwestern University. He completed additional studies at Loyola University in Chicago and Indiana University-Northwest.

Co-founder of Gamma Rho Lambda Chapter in Gary, IN, Brother Morgan started his professional career as a teacher in Columbia, SC, served in World War II, and was a counselor and supervisor for the Veterans Administration. He was a participant in several business ventures, including Ironwood Drugs and later Associates Pharmacy, East Side Medical Center, the Gary Professional Center and the Orthopedic Centers where his son practiced. Brother Morgan was affiliated with the Gary Police Commission, the Gary Chamber of Commerce, the United Negro College Fund, United Fund of Greater Gary, and the Better Business Bureau.

In addition to his service on the Board of Directors of Methodist Hospitals, Rust College, Grinnel College, and Banc One, his list of honors and awards included elec-

tion to the Steel City (Gary) Hall of Fame.

B R O T H E R T H E O D O R E W. O W E N S , SR. was affiliated with

Epsilon Nu Lambda Chapter.

An adjunct professor at Norfolk State University, he was a member of the Portsmouth Education Association, Virginia Education Association, Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals, and the national Association for Secondary School Principals. A community leader, Brother Owens was associated with ROT W O Investors and a member of the Charles Diggs Memorial Church.

B R O T H E R J O H N E.

PRICE

was a product of Lincoln University, M O , and the University of Tulsa in his native Oklahoma. Before he came to Tuskegee University as the Portia Washington Pittman Artist-in-Residence, Price was chairperson of the fine arts department at Florida Memorial College. He also served on the faculty at Eastern Illinois University and was at one time staff pianist, resident composer and vocal coach at the Karamu Theater in Cleveland, OH. His music was highly-acclaimed and he had some 500 compositions to his credit.

BROTHER

ALVIN

L.

ROUNTREE, a native of East St. Louis, IL, was affiliated with Mu Delta Lambda Chapter.

Employed by the Illinois Archives, Brother Rountree was secretary of Goodwill Industries, and an active board member of the Abraham Lincoln Association for many years. He was founder of the Springfield Amvets, past president of the Springfield Urban League, and served on committees of the United Methodist Church at the local, state, and national levels.

Brother Rountree held degrees from Tennessee State University, the University of Illinois, and American University in Washington, DC. BROTHER CLARENCE I. SAWYER received his degrees

from N o r t h Carolina A & T University and did further study at Morgan State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His years immediately after graduation from college were spent in the Greensboro School System as an educational advisor with the Civilian Conservation Corps.

He spent some 30 years with the Winston-Salem City Schools before he retired. His extensive travels took him to Italy, Hawaii, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, Canada and across the United States. Brother Sawyer was actively involved with Crisis Control Ministries, Inc., Industries for the Blind, and the H o m e Creek Farm. He was affiliated with Alpha Pi Lambda Chapter.

BROTHER MOSES SCAIFE, J R .

was a native of Coffee Creek, Arkansas, and a member of Theta Tau Lambda Chapter. A graduate of A M & N College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Brother Scaife was also a Baptist minister and moderator of his church district. He is credited with never missing a Fraternity meeting or Alpha function.

BROTHER GORDON S E L L E R S was a native

S.

of Burlington, N C . He received degrees from Winston-Salem State University and N o r t h Carolina A&T University. He retired after 30 years with the Greensboro City School System and joined the Sears TeleCatalog Center. Brother Sellers was a life member of Alpha and an active

Summer 1995 T The Sphinx A 51

Omega Chapter member of the North Carolina Retired Teachers Association, Benbow Park C o m m u n i t y Watch, and the Flexibles.

BROTHER BYRON J. S H A N K L I N of Columbus, MS,

was a member of Mu Delta Lambda Chapter.

He was employed as a data system information supervisor with the Illinois State Board of Education.

He held degrees from Belleville Area Community College and Sangamon State University. An Air Force veteran, Brother Shanklin was a member of American Legion Post No. 809 and the Consumer Credit Counseling Committee.

BROTHER ELBERT JAMES S M I T H was affiliated with Iota

Zeta Lambda Chapter. H e earned degrees from Compton (CA) Junior College, California State University, Dominquez Hills, and the University of California. After his retirement from Rockwell International, he became Assistant Area Personnel Director of Kaiser Permanente.

The Atlanta, GA, native served on the Board of the Weingart Urban Center YMCA and the Alumni Association of the USC Business School.

B R O T H E R JAMES E.

SMITH,

JR. was a life member of Alpha.

He attended Morehouse College and graduated from Springfield College in MA. A native Texan and U. S. Navy veteran, Brother Smith gained nationwide recognition as Director of Minority Affairs and Assistant Director of Corporate Affirmative Action Programs at Sears, Roebuck and Company. He was a member of the Washington, DC, Southeast Settlement House, Dallas County Department of Public Welfare, Dallas Housing Authority, Dallas Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, Chicago

52 • The Sphinx •

Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, and among many other organizations, the National Newspaper Publishers Association and the NAACP. He recevied many citations, commendations, and awards for his work with young people.

BROTHER AARON W. SOLOMON was affiliated with Phi

Lambda Chapter. He was an agricultural extension agent before joining the N o r t h Carolina Farm Bureau Federation from which he retired after 36 years of service. He was a product of N o r t h Carolina A&T University. He served on the Raleigh Board of Adjustment, Raleigh Greenway Commission, the Raleigh Planning Commission, and was a member and officer of the Raleigh-Wake Citizens Association. When he ran for a seat on the Raleigh City Council, his campaign slogan was "there when you need me."

BROTHER

PRENTICE

degrees from Mississippi Valley State University, the University of Wisconsin, and Howard University. During his 22 years in the military, Brother Young was honored with several awards including the Legion of Merit for dedicated service, Army Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

In retirement, Brother Young served as a Senior ROTC (high school) Instructor and program counselor for the R E A C H Employee Assistance Program in Hampton, VA.

O m e g a C h a p t e r Listing Allen, Sterlyn Leon Alpha Rho Lambda Arnsby, Clinton H. Gamma Mu Lambda Brown, Donald Gamma Theta Lambda

A.

TOWNSEND was the last living founder of Delta Eta Lambda Chapter. A practicing attorney, Brother Townsend was a 50-year member of Alpha Phi Alpha, a 33rd-degree Mason, president of the local NAACP, and a member of the Salvation Army Board and Topeka Housing Authority. A graduate of the University of Kansas, Brother Townsend was special assistant to the Kansas Attorney General, Regional Counsel for H U D , and Judge Pro Tern for the Topeka Municipal C o u r t .

Brother Townsend is listed in Who's W h o in American Politics, Who's Who in Midwest Politics, and Who's W h o in Black America.

Gibbs, Charles Eta Eta Lambda Gibbs, Oscar W Rho Johnson, David Gamma Mu Lambda Johnson, Quincy Leron Beta Delta Kennedy, Leonard L. Rho Snowden, George W Eta Eta Lambda Tarpley, Marvin F. Alpha Delta Lambda Ware, Harold D. Eta Tau

B R O T H E R CHARLES Y O U N G

was a member of Delta Beta Lambda Chapter. H e held

Summer 1995

Wofford, Harold Vincent Beta Delta

THE SEVEN JEWELS

Henry A. Callis, M.D.

Charles II. Chapman

Eugene Kinckle Jones

George B. Kelley

Nathaniel A. Mu

Robert II. Ogle

\ Ltincr W. Tandy

GENERAL OFFICERS G E N E R A L PRESIDENT—Milton C. Davis, P.O. Box 509. Tuskegee, AL 36083 I M M E D I A T E PAST G E N E R A L PRESIDENT—Henry Ponder, President's Office, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37208 E X E C U T I V E DIRECTOR—Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.. 2313 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-5234 G E N E R A L TREASURER—George N. Reaves, 2933 Balmoral Crescent, Flossmoor, IL 60422 C O M P T R O L L E R — F r a n k A. Jenkins III, 529 South Perry Street, P.O. Box 4246 Montgomery, AL 36104 G E N E R A L COUNSEL—Tyrone C. Means, P.O. Drawer 5058, Montgomery, AL 36103-5058 NATIONAL HISTORIAN—Thomas D. Pawley, III, 1014 Lafayette Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101 D I R E C T O R - G E N E R A L C O N V E N T I O N — A l F. Rutherford, 8585 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 730N, Dallas, TX 75247

VICE PRESIDENTS EASTERN—John A. (Tony) Mann, 9525 Heathwood Court, Burke, VA 22015 M I D W E S T E R N — R o y L. Manley, Sr., 2631 Coventry Road, Shaker Heights, OH 44120 SOUTHERN—Robert A. Willis, 130 Old Fairburn Close, Atlanta, GA 30331 S O U T H W E S T E R N — H a r r y E. Johnson, 8606 Running Bird Lane, Missouri City, TX 77489 WESTERN—Phillip Cochran, 1165 Drexel Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS EASTERN—Keith Johnson, Washington, D.C. MIDWESTERN—Solomon Davis, Chicago, Illinois SOUTHERN—Maurice Spence, Miami, Florida S O U T H W E S T E R N — R i c h a r d Lee Scott, Jr., Little Rock, Arkansas WESTERN—Aaron Brumfield. Los Angles, California

Administrative Assistants to the General President Charlie E. Hardy, Tuskegee, AL Joseph E. Heywood, Florence, SC Warren W. Sherwood. Montclair, NJ Alpha Phi Alpha Building Foundation, Inc. Hebrew L. Dixon, Chairman 100 Cherokee Blvd.

Chattanooga, TN 37405 George N. Reaves, Treasurer Casby Harrison III. Assoc: Gen. Counsel Calvin R. Austin Samuel D. DeShazior Everett B. Ward Bruce A. Austin Harold W. Patrick Milton C. Davis, Ex Officio

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Corporate Office 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218-5234 Telephone: (410) 554-0040 Fax:(410)554-0054 Darryl ft Matthews, Sr., Executive Director

Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc. Christopher C. Womack. Chairman 2109 Christina Cove Birmingham, AL 35244 George N. Reaves, Treasurer Cecil E. Howard, Assoc. Gen. Counsel James B. Gillespie Keener A. Tippin John H. Carter James W. Ward Kermit H. Boston Milton C. Davis, Ex Officio

NATIONAL COMMITTEE/COMMISSION CHAIRMEN Alpha Scholarship Bowl Roland Wesley 1159 Quail Run Avenue Bolinghrook. IL. 60440

College Brothers Affairs Myles Newborn 111 42103 Desert Hill Drive Lancaster, CA 93536

Job Fair Wilbur E. Jackson. Jr. 6716 Indian Spring Court San Jose, CA 95120

J.J. Johnson, [II P.O. Box 512 Tuskegee. AL 36087

Archivist Herman "Skip" Mason, Jr. 564 Blake Avenue. S.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30316

Constitution David E. Pryor 6466 Gunstock Court Reynoldsburg. OH 43068

Life Membership John C. Rawls 5808 S.W. 49th Street Gainesville. FL 32608

Public Relations Edward L. Marshall 3816 Lake Bonaparte Drive Harvey. LA 70058

Awards & Achievements Joseph Byrd Xavier University P.O.Box 10I-C New Orleans, LA 70125

Elections Johnson IE. Pennywell

15613 Singapore Houston. TX 77040

Membership/Standards & Extension Ronald L. Mangum 54 Bremmer Street Richland. WA 99352

Racial Justice & Public Policy Joe C. Thomas 787 Carsten Circle Benicia, CA94510

Budget & Finance frank A. Jenkins 111 529 South Perry Street. Suite 16 Montgomery, AL 36109

Endowment & Capital Formation Robert L. Davis P.O. Box 728 Tuskegee. AL 36083

National Programs Ronnie S. Jenkins 3507 Dale Lane. S.W. Atlanta, GA 30331

Recommendations Albert H. Fairweather 6210 John Chisum Lane Austin. TX 78749

Business & Kcon. Development James D. Moore 2115 Steeplechase Drive Ann Arbor. M148103

Grievances & Discipline Howell L. Davis 333 North Sam Houston Pkwy East Houston. TX 77060

Personnel Iva B. Williams 237 Eleventh Avenue. S.W. Birmingham. AL 35211

Rules & Credentials Ronald T. James 1717 Northeast 66lh Street Oklahoma Citv. OK 73111

Publications

Senior Alpha Affairs Rufus B. Dewitt 4937 Darter Drive San Diego. CA 92102 Special Projects John M. Williams 25 Hudson Court Franklin, NJ 08823 Time & Place Michael C. Rogers 441 4th Street NW Suite 1120 Washington. DC 20001 Historical Commission Thomas D. Pawley. Ill 1014 Lafayette Street Jefferson City. MO 65101

THE LIVING PAST GENERAL PRESIDENTS T. Winston Cole, Sr. 124 SW Twenty-Third Gainesville. FL 32607

Henry Ponder Fisk University Nashville. TN 37208

Walter Washington Alcorn Slate University Lorman, MS 39096

Charles C. Teamer Sr. 4619 Owens Boulevard New Orleans. LA 70122

James R. Williams 1733 Brookwood Drive Akron. OH 44313

Ozell Sutton 1640 Loch Lomond Trail S.W. Atlanta. GA 30331

sphinx ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. 2313 St. P a u l S t r e e t B a l t i m o r e , MD 21218

Second Class Postage Paid POSTMASTER: Send Address changes to The Sphinx, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218

*£#£

ION

Orlando, Florida August 3 - August 8, 1995 The Peabody Orlando