The Light - May 2023 Edition (NWO-1)

THE LIGHT

2023 FRATERNAL YEAR END REVIEW EDITION

The Bright Side

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to begin my role as the Associate Editor of the Sphinx, and furthermore, the editor of The Light. Embarking upon my first year in the House, I have come to realize that there are a lot of opportunities to learn, but even more opportunities to contribute. I have approached this year as a figurative sponge, soaking up all of the things that Alpha has to offer, as well as the ways to provide service to various communities.

This is my first time in a leadership role as distinguished as this and I do not take it lightly. My “job” is to accurately depict the prestigious, powerful and positive activities that this chapter upholds. Personally, I desire for this newsletter to be an explicit snapshot of all of the ways that Xi Alpha Lambda promotes and exhibits manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind.

I have a direction in which I want to take this newsletter. First, I want to place all of the volunteer opportunities, along with their point of contact and links, here for all brothers to see. This will provide a “database” for the many opportunities to get involved in the community, while deepening brotherhood bonds. Second, I want to highlight the unsung heroes. I want to show the chapter all of the amazing things that occur because of the great brothers that put forth so much effort. I want to change the narrative from “Yea, we have that program” to “We have ____ program that has done ____, _____, and ____ for the _____ community, over the past few months!” And last, I want to help uplift the voices of brothers who do not have honored positions, but have honored hearts.

How can you help, you ask? Anytime three or more brothers are gathered together, please: 1) take a picture; 2) tell me where you were; and 3) tell me what you were doing. Heck, I’ll even take pictures of two or more gathered if you were doing something cool! I want to steer away from only hearing about brotherhood, and start seeing the various ways that brotherhood looks.

As I hope you will see today, my first edition of The Light reflects much time, thought, effort and energy. But more importantly, I hope it reflects the mission of Alpha.

Thank you for taking the time to read through. I am excited for the ways this newsletter will shine a new light.

No backwards steps.

-Bro. Russell Roache rroache1906@gmail.com

Hold It High A Message From Our President

Brothers,

2022-2023 has been a great year for our chapter. We continue to grow our support to the Prince William and Fairfax County communities. I would like to pass on my thoughts about the word “volunteering”. First, volunteering time is an effective way to give service to one's community. Volunteering can be done in various ways, such as working with a local school, committees, food bank or soup kitchen, tutoring children at schools, cleaning up trash in neighborhoods, or providing companionship to senior citizens in care homes. Volunteering not only benefits the community, but also improves the volunteers' social and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that volunteering reduces stress, lowers the risk of depression, and creates a sense of purpose and belonging.

Second, brothers can learn more about the issues that our community faces and advocate for change that benefits everyone. We can attend local governmental meetings to stay informed and offer our perspectives. We can write letters to elected officials or contribute to community initiatives that serve to create a better and stronger community. By staying up to date on the latest news and events, and offering support when needed, brothers can ensure that our community thrives in the long term. Finally, brothers can contribute their time to support the chapters’ programs such as our mentorship within Alpha Academy and committees for March of Dimes and Relay for Life. With our chapters through our foundation, we financially support our community with programs and services. The Prince William and Fairfax community organizations and families rely on our generosity to fund academic and community needs as we have and will continue with the shelter work in the chapter.

In conclusion, service to our community takes many forms and the benefits of this service are endless. Volunteering, supporting local businesses, advocating for change, and contributing financially are all effective ways we give back to a community and promote the Alpha brand. By working together, Xi Alpha Lambda chapter can create a positive and inclusive environment that benefits everyone who lives in our community.

Fraternally, Brother John M. Bradsher

XAL Officers

President

John Bradsher

Vice President

Maurice Bland

Recording Secretary

Freddie James

Corresponding Secretary

Luqman McNeil

Financial Secretary

Justin Crawley

Treasurer

Forte Ward

Dean of Membership

Robert Blackwell

Director of Education

Darnell Jones

Associate Editor of the Sphinx

Russell Roache

Historian

George Arterberry

Chaplain

Sylvester Owens

Sergeant At Arms

Byron Baby

Parliamentarian

Floyd Jones

UPCOMING EVENTS

Bogey’s and Stogies

June 10 2pm - 6:30pm

This golf outing includes a “swing clinic” with a teaching pro, playing with a Brother who will act as the Team Captain and golf mentor, and will conclude with food and fellowship.

Mission:

Teach, coach, and mentor new and developing golfers, helping them to play better golf!

Cost: $75; includes:

• Golf: Cart, 9 holes, plus driving range balls

• Golf instruction: Swing guidance (club pro)

• Food: Dinner at the clubhouse (baked/fried chicken)

Sign Up Here!

• Personnel: Coaches/mentors for each group (experienced brothers)

Black & Gold Scholarship Ball

Saturday, June 24, 2023

@ 6:00pm

We invite you to support the 2023 Black and Gold Scholarship Ball, sponsored by the Ira Dorsey Scholarship Endowment Fund, Inc. (IDSEF) and the Prince William County Xi Alpha Lambda (XAL) Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The IDSEF Scholarship Ball has successfully awarded educational scholarships to over 100 students in the Greater Washington, D.C area since 1994.

Tickets & Tables Are Available and Waiting For YOU!

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Attendees at this year’s event will enjoy an evening of dancing and fun, while supporting the scholarship efforts of the IDSEF. In addition, attendees will also enjoy an elaborate three-course meal. Donors are also encouraged to make their scholarship sponsorships and advertisement donations for this event using this site.

BROTHERHOOD EVENTS

WHISKEY TASTING

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, Bro. Ronal Butler hosted a Brotherhood Whiskey Tasting Event at his home on the Potomac River, in the Mount Vernon section of Alexandria. Approximately 30 brothers attended this event, including our leadership, Bro. Bradsher and Bro. Bland. A majority of the brothers were from XAL Chapter, but some of the brothers were from Omicron Lambda Alpha Lambda chapter in MD.

This event provided an opportunity for brothers to get to know other brothers that they don’t normally talk with during our meetings. It was also an opportunity for brothers to learn more about Whiskey. Each brother brought a bottle of whiskey with them, and they wrote their name on the bottle.

As brothers sampled the whiskeys, they had the option to ask the brother who brought it to tell them about the whiskey. Some brothers, such as Chauncey Pointe, Byron Bagley, and Corey Holeman brought premium brands, generously offering brothers an opportunity to sample their high-end whiskey.

Bro. Ronal Butler’s wife, Martha Lloyd, provided hors d’oeuvres for anyone who did not have a chance to eat prior to starting the tasting. Later, the meal provided consisted of salmon, roasted chicken, chili, and bourbon meatballs along with vegetables and other side dishes to help absorb the brothers’ alcohol. The dessert of Bourbon bread pudding also did the job for those brothers looking for something a little sweeter! After the meal, several brothers sat on the deck facing the river and smoked cigars. Our brothers who attended indicated they enjoyed the day, the whiskey, and the brotherhood experience.

MARCH OF DIMES

On Sunday, April 23, members of the Xi Alpha Lambda chapter participated in the March of Dimes Walk for Babies, held at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. The brothers of XAL, along with many local Alpha chapters, joined members of the Divine Nine to continue the fight for the health of moms and babies. Together, they helped advocate by volunteering, donating thousands of dollars, and participating in the annual walk. A big thanks to all who participated, to further the mission of March of Dimes: to end the preventable maternal health risks and deaths, end preventable preterm birth and infant death, and close the health equity gap.

OVER THE EDGE

For the second year, Xi Alpha Lambda participated in the New Hope Housing (NHH) Over the Edge (OTE) fundraiser to combat homelessness, in Northern Virginia. NHH is the umbrella organization that oversees the shelters and outreach that Xi Alpha Lambda has supported for many years which includes Bailey’s Crossroads and Eleanor Kennedy. Bro. Ronnie Bagley currently serves as the NHH Board of Directors President. Bro. Bagley and Bro. Jason Calhoun committed to raise a minimum of $2,000 with a goal of $3K. For reaching that goal, they earned a chance to rappel 14 stories down the outside of the Crystal City Hilton hotel. By May 5, 2023, the day of the rappel, they raised over $3,400 to support the effort and are still hoping to reach $4K.

ALPHA PHIT

The event on Saturday, May 8, was a three-mile walk across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, hosted by Bro. Benns. The walk started and ended at the Contraband and Freedmen Memorial Cemetery in Alexandria, VA, with a turnaround point at Rosilie Island, MD. Walking is a great low-impact cardiovascular activity, that can help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and boost energy levels. It also provides brothers with an opportunity to get outside, exercise and promote fellowship.

Alpha Academy / Alpha Scholars

FINANCE FUNDAMENTALS AND MANAGEMENT SESSION

On February 4, 2023, Alpha Academy/Scholars conducted Finance Fundamentals and Management Session (VIRTUAL) for Middle and High Schoolers led by Bro. Chauncey Pointe. To achieve a better understanding of the importance of financial literacy and management, the brothers discussed the following topics: Money Management 101; Paying for College/FinAide App; Financial Planning Fundamentals; and Financially Present Budgeting.

Financial Literacy in today’s society is more prevalent than ever. According to a Greenlight 2021 study, 1 in 5 teens lacks a basic foundation to build on for financial literacy. According to a 2015 PISA Study, 22% of teens lack a foundation in basic financial skills. 32% of teens can’t identify the difference between a credit card and a debit card; 1 in 3 Americans delayed a major decision due to finances; 46% of teens don’t know what a 401(k) is; 74% of teens don’t feel confident about their own understanding of financial literacy or education. Great presentation, essential for both students and adults. There were a total of fifteen participants in the session and thanks to Brothers Chauncey Pointe, Jason Hamilton, Adrian Vaughn, and Mawuli Vodi for sharing their financial expertise.

MLK VISUAL ART CONTEST

On January 29, 2023, Alpha Academy/Scholars supported the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc’s MLK Visual Art Contest at Gainesville High School. Two of our young men exemplified themselves by conducting a dramatic glimpse into Dr. King’s life and sharing his story. The primary role of the young men was to serve as ushers during the program to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was also a honor to have Abagail Spanberger, U.S. Representative from Virginia’s 7th Congressional District in the audience and many of the young men had the pleasure to have a conversation with her. We had a total of ten young men in attendance from both Alpha Academy programs with the support of three Alpha Brothers.

Please view Brock and Olaun Davis-Simmons as they honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's legacy at the (41:00 -49:23) mark in the presentation here: Brock and Olaun Davis-Simmons Presentation

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE

On February 11, 2023, Alpha Academy/Scholars traveled to George Mason University to participate in the George Mason Experience. The Iota Alpha Brothers discussed and answered questions about admissions, student demographics, residency life, challenges for incoming freshmen, academics, other activities college students can participate in on campus, and resources available to ensure college student's success. George Mason Patriots played the Rhode Island University Rams at the basketball game ending with a 75 - 67 WIN. The event was an overall success and I believe that all the young men benefited from the experience. I want to thank the brothers of Iota Alpha Chapter for leading the event along with four XAL brothers, three parents, and the ten young men from both Alpha Academy programs.

MANUMISSION TOUR

On March 11, 2023, the Alpha Academy/Scholar program went on the Manumission Tour in historic Old Town Alexandria led by Bro. John Chapman. During the tour, the young men heard little-known stories of Africans and African-Americans, both enslaved and free men, at a time when Alexandria, Virginia was one of early American's main centers for the international and domestic slave trade. As a background note, MANUMISSION is the act of freeing or the state of being free from slavery, servitude, etc

Thanks to Brother and Alexandria City Councilman, John Chapman and the parents that joined us during the event. We had a total of 12 participants.

COLLEGE TOUR TO VSU 2023

On Friday, April 07, 2023, Alpha Academy/Scholars traveled to The Virginia State University for the annual college tour. Bro. Yousif Omer gave us the executive tour of campus to include sharing the rich history of VSU and visiting the College of Engineering and Technology which included meeting a student who was building an autonomous robot as part of a NASA project. Bro. Omer along with other students shared their motivation to go to college and more specifically why they chose to attend VSU. Bro. Omer, who was a previous Resident Assistant, talked about resident life as we visited the freshmen dormitories. In spite of the rain, the event was a success, and we truly felt the love of VSU as we were greeted by the VSU Present, Bro. Makola M. Abdullah AND his Executive Vice President and Provost, Bro. Dr. Donald Palm III prior to our departure. Thanks to Bro. Yousif Omer who took his personal time to lead discussions on college life as we walked around their campus. Also thanks to Bro. Abdullah, Bro. Palm and congratulations to the neophytes of Beta Gamma who were scheduled to have their probate show later that evening. There were a total of 11 young men in attendance from our program, along with the support of 5 brothers from Xi Alpha Lambda. Finally, a special thanks to Bro. Wes Wright, a VSU Alum, who took the lead in organizing this event. The next Alpha Academy/Scholars event will be our participation in the March for Babies walk at Washington Nationals Stadium.

Let It Shine Words From Chapter Brother of the Year

BRO. ROBERT BLACKWELL - FALL’18

is the CEO of CyTech Services LLC, a cybersecurity consulting firm that operates with defense contractors in the Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA). He is married to his wife Merissa of thirteen years and has a 10-year-old daughter Alyssa.

Bro. Blackwell serves as the Director of Membership as well as on various committees (Reclamation, Technology Chair, etc.) in the chapter. Bro. Blackwell also serves at the district level on the Technology Committee as the Cybersecurity advisor and has been appointed as a Committee Chair for VACAPAF’s College to Corporate (C2C). Bro. Blackwell is a board member of the Innovative Community Engagement Foundation serving the WMA, life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and life member of the NAACP. Bro. Blackwell received the following awards from XAL in 2022: Brother of the Year, Presidents Award, Outstanding Leadership, and Spirit of Alpha.

WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?

Service is a responsibility that each Alpha brother should have in his heart. We have a duty to uplift all individuals in our communities. Regardless of social status or title. Jewel Henry A. Callis said it best: “ We are necessary for the advancement of human rights in this decade. Indeed, I am not certain we are prepared for the responsibilities of this period. Our interests have become too narrow. Dances and cocktail parties replace discussion of current problems and active participation in community and regional affairs.”

Imanner. Evolving our programs to meet current and future needs for our communities. Most importantly being a service to our own brothers. We have done excellent work, but there is so much more to do. Especially when you take in consideration that some states would rather wipe away black history. Black is history is American history, and as Jewel Tandy stated “I went through hell founding this organization and I want something done about these problems. Think of it, we have over a hundred and twenty chapters and I ask what are we doing...We must fight till hell freezes over and then fight on the ice.”

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON BROTHERHOOD?

Ibelieve the poem House of Alpha by Bro. Sidney P. Brown sums this up throughout the entire poem, however a few passages stand out. “Goodwill is the Monarch of this house” and “…school for the better making of men.” I believe sometimes brothers have their own vision of what a man of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. looks like.

If that vision does not align with their own vision that they have formulated in their minds, it could create issues. We just need to remember that we are a diverse fraternity, that all brothers have unique contributions to the fraternity. Some will be on the executive board, some will not. Some will show up to highway clean up, some will not. Some will do all of the above, some will not. What makes this fraternity great in my opinion is how diverse we are. But with all of that, we need each other! Regardless of chapter, regardless of district, region, etc. Regardless of alumni vs. undergrad. We need to stop allowing things that are frivolous in nature, the ability to divide the brotherhood. Division has driven wedges in our culture for centuries, no different than the things written in the letter to Willie Lynch. Whether the letter is real or not, the objectives in the letter are clear and concise. We are stronger together!!!!!!

Jewel George Biddle Kelley stated:

“Before I close, I wish to urge upon all the brothers the necessity of a broader bond of brotherhood in the communities that you reside. After allegiance to GOD, family, and country let nothing shake your love for the fraternity and its ideas. Let every brother be truly a BROTHER, PROMOTE HIS INTEREST AS IF IT WERE YOURS and show to the world that ALPHA PHI ALPHA stands for more than mere words.”

Being men, we must ‘put aside childish things’ and answer the challenge of qualitative worth to meet the times... We therefore must choose, train and encourage the youths of our choice to a more authentic standard of values based upon more universal concepts...Then the ideas of our vision shall have been fulfilled. We shall continue to be and to become, in act as well as in mind, the 'First Ethiopian Brotherhood', the buttress of our troubled people and an outstanding force in a world of change. We shall be not a dead and imitative tradition, but a democratic living culture.”

-Jewel Tandy

Brothers, we still have much work to do, but we do not have to do it alone. “In a city with a population of two, I even have a brother there.” We are stronger together than apart. The letters of the fraternity outweigh all chapters’ letters. We need to come together and truly be that strong brotherhood. Our Jewels laid the foundation and have imparted us with all of the wisdom that we need. Now we need to execute. I want to personally thank all my brothers for their continued support. Special shout to my LB's XAL Fall 18 for their continued support, guidance, and accountability.

Special thanks for always supporting initiatives and ideas:

Bro. Rob Dash

Bro. G.C. Murray II

Bro. Brandon Blackwell

Bro. Ron Morris

Bro. Mike Gibson

Bro. Jamere Morrow

Bro. Luqman McNeil

Bro. Freddie James

Fall 22 New World Order

THANK YOU, BRO. CHET JOHNSON!

Brother Chet Johnson,

We are eternally grateful for the time you took to sit down with us and provide us with vital insight on the beginnings and foundation of this powerful chapter. To get the opportunity to get first-hand understanding of the history of this chapter helps us, as we move forward, truly continue to drive the mission of Alpha. Through you, we are able to see the initial blueprint and the way you have held the light high for over 40 years. It was such an honor to learn more about your life and the paths you have created to be a pioneer in the field of finances. Spending this time with you was an experience that will forever be engrained in our Alpha experience. Thank you for investing in us.

-FALL ‘22

FALL 2022

LAMONT BESSICKS, JR. - PTAH A.K.A. PHIRE PLACE

Line Name: Chief Controller of Craftsmen

School(s): Georgetown University

Field of Study: Real Estate Development

Occupation: Commercial Real Estate

What committee are you most excited to participate in?

Alpha Academy & Reclamation

MALIK HAUGHTON - DEDUN A.K.A. PHATHER PHIGURE

Name Meaning: God of Resources

School(s): University of Central Florida

Field of Study: Finance

Occupation: Deputy Director

What committee are you most excited to participate in?

A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People

Pharaohs of the New World Order #1 #3

#2

MARK BROWN II - A’AH A.K.A. PHROZ3N PROPHICY

Name Meaning: God of Ancient Lunar Calendar

School(s): Mississippi State University

Field of Study: Finance

Occupation: Financial Analyst

What committee are you most excited to participate in?

Relay For Life

FALL 2022

RUSSELL ROACHE, JR. - “GEB” A.K.A. 4TIPHIED

Name Meaning: God of Laughter

Pharaohs of the New World Order #4

School(s): Nova Southeastern University & Florida Atlantic University

Field of Study: Secondary Math Education & Curriculum/ Instruction

Occupation: High School Educator

What committee are you most excited to participate in?

Alpha Scholars & ALIVE! Truck-to-Trunk

CJ HASSAN - “AKER” A.K.A GOLD MAMBA

Name Meaning: God of Protection

School(s): Old Dominion University

Field of Study: Sports Management

Occupation: Cybersecurity

What committee are you most excited to participate in?

ALIVE! Truck-to-Trunk & Chapter Cookout

MICHAEL EARLY - “HAURUN” A.K.A. BLIND 6IDE

Name Meaning: God of Destruction & Protection

School(s): Duquesne University & Norfolk State University

Field of Study: Organizational Leadership & Interdisciplinary Studies

Occupation: Program Manager

What committee are you most excited to participate in?

March of Dimes & Ira Dorsey

THE LIGHT