The KPL Sphinx - January-February 2014

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014

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THE KPL SPHINX KAPPA PHI LAMBDA CHAPTER • COLUMBIA, MD • WWW.APAKPL.ORG

Bro. Kerry G. Johnson, Associate Editor to The Sphinx - e-mail: caricatureKerry@verizon.net

THE 39th ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BREAKFAST Bro. Kerry G. Johnson Associate Editor to The Sphinx

In the age of social media, the (Bro.) Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would want people to focus on serving others instead of themselves as evidenced by society’s obsessions with so-called “selfies” – photos people take of themselves and post on social media websites.

That was the crux of the message

by Bro. Walter Kimbrough, president of Dillard University in New Orleans, who served as the keynote speaker of the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast held at Martin’s West in Windsor Mill on Jan. 12.

More than 1,000 people attended the event sponsored by the Alpha Foundation of Howard County, Inc., and Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter.

Numerous dignitaries, including Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and Howard County Public Schools Superintendent Renee Foose

attended the breakfast. Members of the Alpha Achievers, high school boys mentored by the fraternity, were also commended for achieving high grades and demonstrating exceptional leadership and community service.

Bro. Kimbrough urged attendees to get involved in their communities by making a difference in the lives of others.

“You’re not a revolutionary because you say I support x, y or z on Twitter,” he explained.

Bro. Kimbrough added that social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook and Vine have created a culture where “everybody wants to be seen,” leading to a more “self-absorbed” society.

He suggested people post pictures of themselves helping others learn to read. “We’ve got to move from self to service,” he said.

For more photos from the breakfast, see Page 6 >> Photos by Bro. Greg Stansbury (www.gregstansburyphotography.com)

A Night of Fun and Love

Bro. James T. Jackson Chaplain, KPL Chapter

The next Brotherhood worship is scheduled for St. John Baptist Church in Columbia on Sunday, February 9, 2014.

The service starts at 10:00 a.m. Brothers are asked to arrive at 10:45 a.m. and be dressed in official Alpha attire (black suit, gold tie). The church’s address: 9055 Tamar Drive, Columbia, MD 21045 - www.stjohnbaptistchurch.org Ph: (410) 992-6977

Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter is still collecting funds for our Valentine Gala scheduled for February 14. KPL needs 20 (or more) brothers to join us at this annual event to be held at Martin’s West. The planning committee has worked hard to make this an enjoyable evening for Brothers and their guest. This is a “black tie”, sit-down dinner with dancing and a cash bar. There will be a photographer on hand to take pictures. Additionally, each guest will be presented with a gift. KPL needs each Brother’s support to make this a success.

Please contact Bro. John H. Taylor or Bro. Norris T. Jennings for ticket info: Bro. Norris T. Jennings

email: ntjenni1942@gmail.com

Bro. John H. Taylor

email: pajpahpat@verizon.net

See Page 5 >>

KPL Meeting Details

Date: February 8, 2014 Location Johns Hopkins University

Applied Physics Laboratory Address: 11100 Johns Hopkins Rd.

Laurel, MD 20723 Repast: 5:30 p.m.

Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Menu: Honey BBQ baked chicken

Beef bourguignon

Honey wheat rolls

Collard greens w/ turkey

Candied sweet potatoes Corn

Peach Cobbler

German Chocolate Cake

Vanilla Ice Tea

If any Brother requires assistance getting to this KPL meeting or future meetings, please contact the chapter president, Bro. Norris T. Jennings via email: ntjenni1942@gmail.com

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Many thanks to Bro. Richard Shepherd and his wife, Betty for hosting the annual KPL Christmas Party.

Photos by Bro. Richard Shepherd

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter of Columbia, MD

Day At The

RACES

Hold the date: March 29, 2014: Laurel Park Race Course

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Details to come ...

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Alpha Achievers accept challenge and gain assistance for books

Update on the IMDP Bro. Brandon L. Tilghman

KPL Dean of Membership Intake

The Initial Membership Development Process (IMDP) certification expired for all KPL Brothers on December 31, 2013. This means that all KPL Brothers must attend a training session in 2014 to be re-certified for IMDP. Despite several sessions taking place throughout the Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters (MAAC), please be aware that IMDP training will also be offered in our surrounding areas which include Howard and Baltimore counties and Baltimore city.

The training is expected to take place some time in the spring/summer in preparation for KPL’s participation in Fall 2014 IMDP activities.

At least 50% of Kappa Phi Lambda Brothers will have to be certified to make the chapter eligible to have membership intake.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions/concerns about IMDP certification, or if you would like additional information about sponsoring or recommending candidates.

Bro. Brandon L. Tilghman email: bltilghman@yahoo.com

KPL Summer Cookout Mark your calendars! The Fall 2013 neophytes are in the midst of planning Kappa Phi Lambda’s annual day of food, fun and fellowship.

Stay tuned for additional information in future editions of The KPL Sphinx.

Sunday, July 20, 2014 Cedar Lane Park - East Pavilion 10745 Rte. 108 - Columbia MD 21044

T

listening, Bro. Hawkins wrote he Alpha Achievers is an back and told the young man that educational program of the he was proud of him and that he Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter would definitely honor his part of of the AΦA. The program was the deal. He told Ayo to let him created to foster positive opporknow which books he needed and tunities for assisting young Afwhere to send the payment. rican American males in grades 9-12 in the Howard County PubA short time later, a second email lic School System. The program Bro. Hawkins came from Dami Olajuyigbe, requires young males to strive to who was also an Alpha Achiever attain, maintain, and exceed a 3.0 Grade at Hammond High School. He was writing Point Average (GPA). It also seeks to en- to report that he had taken Bro. Hawkins’ courage and motivate students who have lecture seriously and he also achieved a less than a 3.0 GPA to strive toward that 4.0 GPA for his first semester at UofMD academic goal.

Eastern Shore. Dami inquired if he would

Recently, Bro. Rodney Hawkins, a member of KPL and President of Washington Technology Group, Inc. located in Silver Spring, MD, was invited to speak at Project Alpha, a program that provides discussions exploring issues on responsible sexual behavior, to the Alpha Achievers at Hammond High School in Columbia, MD. During the discussion, Bro. Hawkins shared his personal story and experiences of growing up in a single-parent home that was headed by his father, Melvin Hawkins.

He shared his perspective on leadership and expressed the importance of a college education, to which many of the young men in attendance indicated their interest in attending college. After listening to their dreams, Bro. Hawkins also gave them a challenge: “If you earn a 3.5 GPA or better in your first semester, I will support you in your dreams and pay for your books for the next college semester.”

Six months later, Bro. Hawkins received an email from Ayo Akangbe. The name was not familiar, but he opened and read the note. Akangbe explained that he was at the presentation that morning when Bro. Hawkins issued the challenge.

He wanted him to know that he took the charge seriously and was proud to report that he entered the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and earned a 4.0 GPA during his first semester.

Akangbe asked if Bro. Hawkins was sincere with his challenge and whether he would keep his word to help with the purchase of his books during the second semester. Pleased to know that someone was

be able to get his books paid, as per the agreement. Bro. Hawkins assured him that he would honor his promise.

Although genuinely pleased with these young men’s accomplishments, Bro. Hawkins began to think that the young men were talking and spreading the word that he was actually honoring his challenge.

Bro. Hawkins was beginning to wonder how many other young men would reach out to him with their success stories during their first semester at college and exactly how much it was going to cost him.

After verifying the GPAs of the two students, Bro. Hawkins honored his commitment and sent a check for over $1,000 for their textbooks.

As this article went to press, only two young men have come forward to claim their rewards. This is a small number compared to the number of young men who were present at the discussion. Not concerned about the ultimate expense, Bro. Hawkins, believes it’s the responsibility of all Alpha men to reach back to help our next generation of strong and educated men.

More importantly, it is imperative that we demonstrate “our word is our bond”, especially when it is given to our youth, said Bro. Hawkins.

The Alpha Achievers program has been in existence since 1997. The program also seeks to promote character growth and critical thinking as well as develop leadership skills and encourage its members to become full citizens of their schools and community.

Continued on Page 4 >>

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CELEBRATIONS AND HIGH ACHIEVEMENTS

Dorsey family scores

Evans re-elected to board

Congratulations to Bro. Harry Evans, III who serves on the Howard County Liquor Board. Bro. Evans was recently re-elected to serve as chairman of the board.

Kudos to Bro. Bruce Dorsey and his family. His daughter, Imani was selected for the Washington Post’s Fall ALL-METRO sports team. She was named “player of the year” for high school girl’s soccer. See her write-up below from the newspaper.

-------------------------------------Imani Dorsey (Mid Fielder)

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School / Senior The Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) player of the year scored 15 goals with seven assists despite missing games for U.S. National Team camp. Often hassled by multiple defenders, the 2013 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) all-American rarely relented possession – unless it was to teammates, as Coach Jim Bruno said his midfielder was too unselfish on several occasions. Thanks to uncommon field vision and the ability to finish from anywhere with either foot, she graduates with 51 career goals, 30 assists and three WCAC championships. http://www.washingtonpost. com/wp-srv/sports/highschools/2013/fall-all-met/girls-soccer/ index.html

CORRECTION: In the December 2013 edition of The KPL Sphinx, Bro. Harry Evans, III’s family member’s names were misspelled.

The correct caption is provided below: ------------------------------------Kudos to Mr. Keasel Evans-Broome, who is the nephew of Bro. Harry Evans, III. Evans-Broome is the team captain of the Providence College (Friars) soccer team. The team played in the Big East Tournament in Chester, PA. Left to right: Bro. John Keiller, Keasel Evans-Broome, June

Evans Broome and Bro. Harry Evans, III

PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL PLANNED EVENTS

PARLIAMENTARIAN’S CORNER From Bro. Cecil G. Christian, Jr. Kappa Phi Lambda, Parliamentarian Chairman, Election Committee

Bro. Brandon L. Tilghman • Bro. Da’Nall Wilmer KPL NPHC Representatives

n African-American Cultural Fair Saturday, February 22, 2014 Theme: Honoring our Past, Inspiring our Future Location & Time: The Mall in Columbia • 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.

Here’s a reminder, please start the process of thinking of the Alpha man whom you believe is qualified, eligible and willing to serve as an elected officer for the 201415 fraternal year. Several KPL officers cannot be elected again to the offices they currently occupy. The offices affected are: President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Chaplain, Historian and Editor to The Sphinx.

Brothers will be needed to make a trip to the mall on such day so that our presence is visible throughout the mall. In addition, coverage will be needed from the Brotherhood throughout the day to explain our display to Howard County residents so that they learn more about our respective organizations, historical contributions, and current efforts to serve this beloved community and beyond. A sign-up sheet will be available at the February chapter meeting.

For more info, see Page 10 >>

Achievers accept academy challenge

n Greek Day @ the Reginald F. Lewis Museum Saturday, March 1, 2014 The NPHC of Howard County, MD is excited to assist in organizing Greek Day @ the Reginald F. Museum (Baltimore). Alpha Brothers and other members of the Divine 9 will view “The Kinsey Collection: Shared Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey – Where Art and History Intersect” ― an exhibition of African American history as expressed through art. The Kinsey Collection is an extensive museum exhibition that includes artistic and historical treasures of African American history and culture, including rarely seen nineteenth-century slave documents, an early version of the Emancipation Proclamation, speeches by Bro. Frederick Douglass, letters from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., brilliant expressions in paint, and unforgettable glimpses into the private lives of African Americans over the last four centuries. “The Kinsey Collection strives to give our ancestors a voice, name and personality, enabling the viewer to understand the challenges, obstacles, triumphs and extraordinary sacrifice of African Americans who’ve greatly contributed to the success of this country,” said Bernard Kinsey. Visit the museum’s website for more details later this month.

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Akangbe

The Alpha Achievers Program is in all twelve high schools of the Howard County Public School System. An endowment fund has been established to support the Alpha Achievers and other education programs of the Alpha Foundation of Howard County of the Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter.

If you are interested in supporting the Alpha Achievers program, you may send your donations directly to the AFHC, Inc. at P.O. Box 2694, Columbia, MD 21045.

Olajuyigbe

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter

“Valentine Gala” Celebrating Wives and Significant Others February 14, 2014 8pm to 12:00am at Martin’s West

Sit Down Dinner Assorted Dessert Coffee, Tea, Ice Tea Champagne Toast Music for Dancing Cash Bar Cost $65.00 per person Attire: Black Tie Invite your friends to join us Make checks payable to KPL, APA

Send to: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter P. O. Box 321 Columbia, MD 20145

For tickets/info contact John Taylor 443-520-0914 or pajpahpat@verizon.net Norris Jennings 443-744-8602 or ntjenni1942@gmail.com

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