The KPL Sphinx - Fraternal Year-End (2015-2016)

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.

KAPPA PHI LAMBDA CHAPTER FRATERNAL YEAR • 2015-2016

AN OVERVIEW OF CHAPTER ACTIVITIES

AΦA Fraternity, Inc. • Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter • www.apakpl.org • Edited by Bro. Kerry G. Johnson

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ALPHAS AND OTHER GROUPS CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH On Saturday, February, 27 several ΚΦΛ Brothers came out to showcase AΦA during the 2016 Howard County National Pan-Hellenic Council Black History Expo. The annual event was held at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia. Along with AΦA, other exhibitors included represen-

tatives from other members of the “Divine 9”, the NAACP, the African American Community Roundtable of Howard County and other organizations.

The expo was sponsored by the NPHC, the NAACP, and the Howard County Public School System.

Photos provided by Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman’s Facebook

HARAMBEE CONFERENCE 2016

Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter’s Tenth Annual Harambee Conference - Careers 2020 - Your Passion, Your Preparation, Your Talent, was an overwhelming success! The event was held at Howard Community College on March 22. There were over 140 participants including students, school advisors, and Alpha Brothers. Our presenters outlined a set of tools and concepts that enabled the students to take control of their expected career development path.

Photos by Bro. Calvin Austin

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The 41st Annual MLK, Jr. Memorial Breakfast Bro. Kerry G. Johnson Associate Editor to The Sphinx

County was the keynote speaker for the breakfast.

“Your dreams and your values shape who you are,” Bro. Hrabowski told the attendees. “Somebody worked hard, and that’s why you are here!” Bro. Hrabowski recalled his challenging upbringing in a segregated Birmingham, Ala., during the 1960s. Despite the obstacles encountered, he succeeded with the help of loving parents, civil rights and church leaders, and other community mentors.

To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required! – Luke 12:48 The familiar biblical quote best sums up the challenge Bro. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III gave the audience of more than 1,200 people during the 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast sponsored by Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter and The Alpha Foundation of Howard County, Inc. The popular event was held on Sunday, January 10 at Martin’s West in Baltimore. Bro. Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore

Hrabowski graduated from Hampton Institute (now Hampton Univ.) with highest honors in mathematics. He later earned a doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Even though his dreams became a reality, he said so many people’s dreams are “deferred” due to life’s challenging circumstances. “So many adults today are embarrassed because they cannot read,” he said.

He urged the crowd to lend a helping hand to those in need. “The dream is that we will focus on the problems of human kind,” he said. In closing, Hrabowski urged the students and audience, “Watch your words, they become your thoughts! Watch your thoughts, they become your actions! Watch your actions. They become your character!

Bro. Mark Tillman, the 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. honored Senator Barbara Mikulski (MD) for her many years of public service during the Annual MLK Breakfast.

Bro. Hrabowski, President, UMBC was the keynote speaker of the 41st Annual MLK Memorial Breakfast.

Photos provided by Bro. Calvin Austin

Representatives from Allstate Insurance donated $1,500 to AFHC.

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A Commentary by Bro. Sherman Howell

IT’S TIME FOR A NEW NORMAL Here is a reprint of a letter that Bro. Howell submitted to Howard County Public Officials, Community Leaders, Mount Hebron High School and Howard County Public School System

Realtor donates $1,500 to the AFHC During November’s chapter meeting, Realtor Oliver Henderson (left) donated $1,500 to The Alpha Foundation of Howard County, Inc. Henderson started a program that when a home buyer is referred through an Alpha-related connection, and purchases or sells a home through his company, the AFHC will receive a financial donation. Additionally, Henderson regularly supports the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast (see page 2) by purchasing an advertisement in the souvenir booklet. In the photo above, Henderson provides the check to Bro. Rodney Hawkins, Kappa Phi Lambda Treasurer.

Bro. John H. Taylor selected as ΚΦΛ “Alpha Man of Merit”

Bro. Moss Kendrix selected as ΚΦΛ “Brother of the Year”

Alpha for Life!

The website “Watch The Yard.com” asked senior members of AΦA to define their definition of “Brotherhood.” Kappa Phi Lambda Bro. Cecil G. Christian, Jr. (center) was included on the video. The video includes stories about what attracted these men to Alpha. To view the video, visit this link: www.watchtheyard.com/alphas/lifetime-members/

The default position in our school system must not always be white. Building character throughout HCPSS by properly educating students as to history. Surrendering the perceived presence of “white supremacy” On Feb., 2, here in HowardCounty, MD, students, says an article in the press,“walked out after a viral video slams the Black Lives Matter movement.” Zakariya Kmir, 16, a senior and president of Howard County’s“Alpha Achievers,” anda student at Mount Hebron High School, appears to have correctly grasp the centrality of the issue involved here: “It’s not just race” Zakariya, says.

And when properly intellectually analyzed, Zakariya is perhaps correct, for racism is perceived by many scholars as an integral part of U.S. capitalism.

The Mount Hebron student committing the offense, incidentally, had said that “Black lives do not matter... because they’re an inferior race”— that traditionalon-going “single story” of Blacks as a race of peopl not having contributed much of substance, especially, but not limited to the founding of civilization.

To show in this case the nonsensical or absurdness nature of the student’s statement, try going to your fraternity, sorority, church or other organizations declaring your founders as irresponsible or inferior in terms of intellectual ability. Or, on the issue of George Washington being the “Father of this nation,” (yes, we know that George Washington owned slaves), try disrespecting George Washington’s revered founder status.

Again, yes we have “racism” in Howard County but I think that identifying Black students as being of an “inferior race” is more akin to our students being estranged from a full origin of understanding of the true source of what’s called civilization and there proper placed in the legacy of the world.

Take me for example, I was educated during Jim Crow when and where “Western Civilization” (i.e., Greeks, Romans, etc., contributions) teachings dominated as the primary source of the beginning of civilization. Mrs.Jones, my history teacher, for example, complied with school district rules, at times though sneaking in topics such as the “origin and history of civilization.”

Along with reading some of her personal history books, it eventually became clear to her students what scholars have concluded today, and all along, that the birth or the roots of human “civilization” is in Africa—again something a growing number of scholars are concurring on today.

As to this incident, Mount Hebron High School that is, as previously stated, I think that many of us agree that racism remains alive, pervasive and well entrenched in some corridors in Howard County (mostly associated with economic), with racial mis-haps of students perhaps being the result of igno.

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KΦΛ Chapter History

The Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was chartered in Columbia, MD on March 1, 1975. The new alumni chapter of Alpha was an extension and reaffirmation of those early Alpha concepts that the common bond of Brotherhood extends beyond college days and the commitment to serve the fraternity is a lifetime obligation.

In November 1974, Brothers, who had previously gathered to form a search committee to pull together Alpha Men in Howard County, identified many Brothers in Columbia and in the surrounding areas. This effort culminated with the Chartering Ceremony on March 1, 1975, when 34 Alpha Men and their guests attended Kappa Phi Lambda’s Charter Ceremony. Bro. Belford Lawson, a past General President of the fraternity, addressed the audience, installed the officers, and presented the charter of Kappa Phi Lambda.

From that evening in March 1975, through today, ΚΦΛ has grown and developed as a Brotherhood. In the true spirit of AΦA, the Brotherhood continues to reach out creatively to serve the community. The Chapter dedicates itself to the spirit and precepts established by our founders. Additionally, the Chapter supports many of Alpha’s national programs and educational activities throughout Howard County. Some of those programs include: • In conjunction with The Alpha Foundation of Howard County, Inc., ΚΦΛ sponsors The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast which also celebrated its 41st Anniversary in January (2015) • The Alpha Achievers Program for young men encourages high academic achievement in all Howard County high schools; an award winning program recognized in 2014 by the Eastern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. • Academic scholarships and financial awards provided to outstanding high school students each year • A Voteless People is A Hopeless People provides voter education to the Howard County community, as well as voter registration drives • Project Alpha provides workshops and discussions at a selected Howard County high school each year exploring issues on responsible sexual behavior for our youth • Project Cornucopia provides clothing and shoes to the community, specifically winter coats as the colder weather approaches

Founding Charter Brothers of ΚΦΛ Chapter Tamlin Antoine Franco Ayeh Melvin Bilal Eugene Bradford Cecil Bray Walter Bryant Joseph Collins, Jr. Ernest Davis James Fitzpatrick, Jr.

Chester Gee C. Vernon Gray Kenneth Hill Nathaniel Hoff Richard Hope Kenneth Jennings, Jr. Haywood Johnson Moss Kendrix, Jr. Damien Lacroix

Alexander Leak James Morrison, Jr. Harold Payne Alonza Perry Phillip Sadler Douglas Sands James Smith Nathaniel Smith Jerry Taylor

Clarence D. Toomer Thomas Weaver Raymond Wiggs Bernie Williams Eugene Williams Malcolm Williams Edward D. Young

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MARK S. TILLMAN GENERAL PRESIDENT

WILLIAM DOUGLASS LYLE COO & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Brothers of Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter: Congratulations, on reaching your 40th chapter anniversary. I am excited to see that you have honored this spirit of service and continue to serve our communities, becoming accountable for the betterment of our future generations. You are undoubtedly greatly impacting the lives of many by advocating on behalf of students and local residents.

I am sure that the community appreciates all that you are doing and have done over the past 40 years. As men of Alpha Phi Alpha, continue to show the city and state, through your actions, the values that we hold dear. Show them what it means to live out our mission. Let’s lay the groundwork together to advocate for our communities. Let’s be men of Alpha, men of legacy and distinction.

As your current members and alumni gather I am certain that you will continue to be “men of action, invested in the future of our communities,” becoming Alpha men dedicated to being twenty-first century change agents. Brothers, I wish you a happy 40th Anniversary Celebration. #FocusedOnTheFuture

Fraternally,

Mark S. Tillman General President

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY | GENERAL OFFICE | 2313 SAINT PAUL STREET, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21218-5211 W: APA1906.NET | P: 410.554.0040 | F: 410.554.0054 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

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KPL welcomed the neophytes of Fall 2015: Djehuti Bro. Kerry G. Johnson Associate Editor to The Sphinx

On Sunday, November 15, 2015, Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter initiated three men into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The new Brothers of AΦA were led by Bro. Charles “Chuck” Stokes, III, ΚΦΛ’s Dean of Membership Intake. A note from Bro. Stokes: The neophytes worked hard, and their tasks were dutiful. The trio held strong to the fraternity’s aims, history and ideals. The Brothers endured “The Test of A Man” and crossed the burning sands into The House of Alpha! They’re ready to begin the work of Alpha and have already been actively working in the community. Please welcome them into the Brotherhood and offer your expertise and advice for their successful matriculation into the fraternity. I thank all Brothers who participated in the IMDP process. This process couldn’t have been successfully executed without you!

Djehuti

“Three Times Great”

Bro. Timothy O’Bryant “Heru” a.k.a. Kolomo Yeru

Bro. Kyle Swift “Khonsu” a.k.a. Loki

Bro. Kamron Redding “Imhotep” a.k.a.

Cobra Commander

Free clothes giveaway with Columbia AKAs (November) Kappa Phi Lambda Brothers worked with our sisters from the Iota Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and distributed free shoes and clothes to Howard County residents. This annual event is always well attended and demonstrates that there are many families struggling and looking for assistance during this season of thanks.

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IT’S TIME FOR A NEW NORMAL

rance of the development of the world, the U. S., Maryland, Howard County and Columbia, etc. In other words, how else, can a “White student look to his or her left or right laboring a Black student as “from an inferior race” — when persons of that Black student’s heritage were, again, the sourcesof today’s world civilization

In short, Zakariya’s overall assessment of the issue pretty much mirrors that of my predominately white Rotary Club in Columbia Maryland — that it’s more a reflection of the likelihood of incomplete or “mis-education” of students of the Howard County Public School System than otherwise — an issue that has been chronicled over the years in the county.

A Commentary by Bro. Sherman Howell

blood on their hands in these kinds of “racial incidents.” That is we don’t teach, nor do we educate our kids about their heritage, about where they came from; or mandate that school districts properly and completely educate Black, White and other races of students as to their place in the historical narrative, the original source of “human civilization.” Hence, such defenseless situations leaves our kids unprepared of any meaningful ways of intellectually defending themselves.

Added to the helpless situation is the fact that even the least effective education system in the country is designed to conform or adapt to the needs of majority students as opposed to minority students, pointing to the need

of a serious evaluation to an approach of how Assuredly let us acknowledge, Blacks too have America goes about educating its students. A per-

haps comfortable solution to proper education in this regard is the addition of more Black studies resources in the county’s public school system.

The focus of doing so should be institutionalizing the studies perhaps through curriculum changes.

This would help ensure a high-quality program.

As one bright person recently said: “We can’t change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our sails to always reach our destination.”

Which confirms what writer William Faukner said: that “the past is never dead; it’s not even the past,” meaning, in part, that Black students, in imaging their role in a global economic world, must know their heritage, must know that they are receiving an authentic education not a hedged or bordered one

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First of All, Servants of All...

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Over Easter weekend, several Brothers donated their time and company by spending time with residents of the Sunrise Senior Living Center located in Columbia. Brothers played board games with the appreciative crowd. Several of the residents also had their caricatures illustrated by Bro. Kerry G. Johnson. Many thanks to Bro. Randall L.

Phyall and Bro. Devynne Espeut for organizing this event.

Bro. Wilmer develops “Boys in the Good”

Bro. Da’Nall Wilmer, an elementary school teacher in Baltimore County Public Schools, encouraged the boys in his class to come to school wearing a necktie for class photographs. He was surprised to learn that none of the boys owned a tie nor knew how to tie the neckwear. At that moment, he knew something had to be done.

What began as an idea to provide neckties for 12 students, blossomed into an opportunity to give ties to over 500 boys throughout Bro. Wilmer’s career as an educator. As a result, Bro. Wilmer developed a series of workshops to teach students how to tie neckties, as well as

the importance of being a gentleman and treating others with respect. In 2016, Bro. Wilmer founded “BOYS in the GOOD.”

“BOYS in the GOOD” is an after-school youth leadership program that helps young men develop new and positive attitudes, behaviors and ambitions while recognizing the importance of dressing well and being respectful. The participants have weekly character education workshops, community service, and enrichment opportunities. The purpose of this program is to inspire young men in grades 3 through 5 to reach their fullest potential both academically and socially.

Text compiled from Bro. Wilmer’s website. For more information on how you can support and make a donation, visit: www.boysinthegood.com/

Photo provided by Bro. Da’Nall Wilmer

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ALPHAS: KEEPING OUR ROADWAYS CLEAN During the fraternal year, the Kappa Phi Lambda community service committee hosted clean-up days for Howard County’s Adopt-A-Road program. ΚΦΛ Brothers and their guests attended the Saturday morning gatherings to help preserve the beautification of the chapter’s adopted road. The social committee encourages Brothers to continue to participate in this quarterly clean-up event. The chapter’s clean-up area is located on Broken Land Parkway in Columbia. Look for the “Alpha” sign alongside the road.

(May) The Kappa Phi Lambda Community Service Committee participated in a cookout and mentoring session for young men at the Hearts and Homes for Youth.

It was a powerful event for the Brothers and young men.

More ΚΦΛ Brothers are invited to get involved with future planned events.

Brothers showed off their painting skills (December) The Kappa Phi Lambda Community Service Committee came together with the Hearts and Homes for Youth (HHFY) nonprofit organization and painted the interior of a house. The home will be used to support young girls that are in foster care.

Kappa Phi Lambda had the most participation of all the organizations that helped that Saturday morning. The HHFY was pleased and enjoyed having such a large number of volunteers partake in the event. Afterwards, Hearts and Homes for Youth invited the Brothers to volunteer for other opportunities in 2016. For more info, visit: http://heartsandhomes.org

Daughter of the Struggle (May) Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter sponsored a one-woman play entitled, “Daughter of the Struggle” by Ayanna Gregory (at right). It was an enjoyable and entertaining event that was held at River Hill High School in Clarksville.

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CELEBRATIONS AND HIGH ACCOLADES Bro. David Barrett honored by Rutgers

Bro. David Barrett with his wife Sandy.

Congratulations to Bro. Phyall

Congratulations to Bro. David Barrett! ΚΦΛ, let’s join together and celebrate Bro. D. Barrett who was selected to recieve the 2015 Edward J. Bloustein Award from the Rutgers University Alumni Association.

The award recognizes community service outside of the university by a Rutgers alumnus. This award was established in 1992 in memory of Edward J. Bloustein, the 17th president of the university. The award was presented on Sept. 25, 2015 at the Rutgers Excellence in Alumni Leaders awards reception in New Brunswick, Bro. Kerry G. Johnson and his wife Tawanda are proud to celebrate the graduation of their NJ. daughter, Autumn from Atholton High School.

n ENGAGEMENT

On April 23, Bro. Randall L. Phyall proposed to his girlfriend of three years, Kendra Gaskin. The lovely lady happily accepted his proposal. There is no official date set for the wedding, however the couple asks that the Brotherhood keep them in your prayers.

n CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Additionally, Bro. Phyall’s office received the 2016 University of Maryland, President’s Commission on Ethnic Minority Issues Award. While this was awarded to the Office of Letters and Sciences, Bro. Phyall served as the author of the nomination. He also was Chair of the Diversity Committee that put the listed initiatives into action.

Bro. John H. Taylor selected as ΚΦΛ “Alpha Man of Merit”

Bro. Moss Kendrix selected as ΚΦΛ “Brother of the Year”

(September) Bro. Charles Stokes, III presented donated school supplies from ΚΦΛ Chapter to the new director of community involvement of the Howard County Community Action Council.

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HIGH ACHIEVERS LEARN ABOUT CAREERS WITH NASA

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Bro. Norris T. Jennings ΚΦΛ Representative for the High Achievers Program

(May) Bro. David Campbell (NASA) spoke to the High Achievers at Mayfield Middle School in Columbia. During the presentation, he wore the jacket and pants that the astronauts wear. The young men were very impressed with the discussion. Bro. Campbell shared with young men about the mission of the Hubble Space Telescope and its operations.

HIGH ACHIEVERS VISIT D.C. Bro. Norris T. Jennings ΚΦΛ Representative for the High Achievers Program

(April) the participants of the High Achievers Program located at Bonnie Branch Middle School (Ellicott City, MD) visited The White House and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. The trip was sponsored by Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “Go-To-High School, Go-To-College” is one of the fraternity’s national programs.

Photos provided by Bro. Norris T. Jennings

(May) Senior Alpha Alpha Achievers at Altholton High School were honored by the Black Student Achievement Program. Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter Vice President, Bro. John Taylor attended the event.

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SCENES FROM THE 93rd ALPHA GENERAL CONVENTION Kappa Phi Lambda Brothers enjoyed a fun time during the General Convention held in Charlotte, NC, August 5 - 9, 2015

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