THE HISTORY OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA
Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The visionary founders, known as the “Jewels” of the fraternity, are Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy.
The fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. The Jewel founders and early leaders of the fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha’s principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity.
Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were established at other colleges and universities, many of them historically black institutions, soon after the founding at Cornell. The first alumni chapter was established in 1911.
While continuing to stress academic excellence among its members, Alpha also recognized the need to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices faced by African Americans. Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through leaders such as W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul Robeson, and many others. True to its form as the “first of firsts,” Alpha Phi Alpha has been interracial since 1945. The Fraternity has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world.
ABOUT ETA LAMBDA
On May 20, 1920, Eta Lambda Chapter was officially chartered by The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Since its inception, the chapter and its members have played an instrumental role in the social, economic and political landscape of the city of Atlanta and throughout the United States. Eta Lambda Chapter is considered the mother chapter to seven Metro Atlanta chapters. Among the thousands of brothers that have called Eta Lambda home.
There has been three General Presidents, six Regional Vice Presidents and countless others that have served in leadership roles on a national level in the Fraternity. Today, Eta Lambda continues its legacy of service through Project ExC2EL, Go-to-High School/Go-to-College, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Brother’s Keeper, Boy Scouts of America, Project Alpha, March of Dimes/March for Babies and A Voteless People is a Hopeless People.
SPONSORS
Brother Kirk Saddler
HOST COMMITTEE
Brother Robert H. Bolton
Brother Daniel Brown
Brother Anthony Myles Davis
Brother Curley M. Dossman, Jr.
Brother Christopher Ellis
Brother De’Von Cross
Brother Rodney Floyd
Brother Joseph Fowler, Jr.
Brother Bradford Franklin
Brother John J. Funny
Brother Reginald Gooden
Brother Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr.
Brother Wendell Johnson
Brother R. Leandras Jones
Brother Avery Kenly
Brother Darryl Lesure
Brother Kenneth C. Lewis, Sr.
Brother La’Ron Louis
Brother Denzell Moton
Brother Dwight Owens
Brother Stephen Pearson
Brother Bernard Pepukayi
Brother Jatoni Ponder
Brother Oliver Richmond III
Brother Kirk Saddler
Brother Rick Sinkfield
Brother Jason Strong
Brother Richard Taylor
Brother Raphael G. Warnock
Brother Donald Webster
Brother Shederick White
Brother Brandon K. Williams
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES AISHA HOWARD
Aisha Howard is an Emmy Award-winning news anchor for 11Alive Morning News in Atlanta.
A proud Spartan, Aisha launched her journalism career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University, stepping into the fastpaced Atlanta news scene as an assignment editor. It was there—behind the scenes—that she sharpened her instincts for breaking news and storytelling in a city where the headlines never stop.
Her on-air journey began in New Bern, North Carolina at WCTI NewsChannel 12, where she quickly rose from weekend reporter to weekend anchor. After nearly three years of building strong community connections and reporting impactful stories, Aisha returned to her home state of Michigan.
Back in familiar territory, she joined WNEM-TV5 in Mid-Michigan as a morning and noon anchor— working alongside the very broadcasters she grew up watching with her grandmothers, who never missed an evening newscast. Her next chapter took her to Indianapolis, where she served as weekend anchor at FOX59 and was later promoted to solo anchor of the station’s late-night newscast, NewsPoint at 11. Under her lead, the show climbed to the number one spot. During her time in Indiana, Aisha reported on everything from the 2016 presidential election to global entertainment stories, earning her first Emmy nomination.
Today, Aisha is proud to have come full circle, anchoring the morning news in the vibrant city where her career began. Outside the newsroom, you’ll find her soaking up Atlanta’s arts and live music scenes. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Aisha is deeply committed to empowering teen girls, supporting survivors of domestic violence, and using her platform to uplift and inspire.
THE SPHINX GALA
Call to Celebration
Aisha Howard
News Anchor, 11Alive
Mistress of Ceremonies
Greetings
Brother Dr. Avery Kenly President, Eta Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Presentation of the Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr. Leadership Award
Recipient:
Brother Rev. Ambassador Andrew J. Young Jr.
Special Presentation
Brother Rev. Dr. Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. 33rd General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Invocation
Brother Rev. Dr. Kenneth Augustus Walker Chaplain, Eta Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Dinner
Music by Collective Voice
Greetings
Brother James W. Ford II
Georgia District Director, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Presentation of the Ozell Sutton Humanitarian Award
Recipient:
Brother Rev. Dr. Senator Raphael G. Warnock
Presentation of the
Robert “Bob” Willis Brother of the Year Award
Brother Brad Howell, Jr.
Brother of the Year Selection Committee
Project ExC2EL Recognitions
Brother Daniel Brown
Co-Chairman, Project ExC2EL
2025 Graduates
Best All Around Senior
Highest Grade Point Average
Testimonial
Jayden Heath
Senior, Project ExC2EL
Recognition of 2025 Charles N. Hawk, Jr. Scholarship Recipients
Recognition of Mentee Chapters
Brother Kenly
Alpha Rho, Alpha Phi, Iota, and Zeta Mu Chapters
Acknowledgements and Closing Remarks
Brother Kenly
Fraternity Hymn
Led by Brother Henry M. Goodgame
Dancing
Featuring Collective Voice and DJ iLL
Brother Ozell Sutton, civil
rights activist and community leader, was born on a plantation in southeast Arkansas in the City of Gould. Despite grueling hours and backbreaking work on the cotton plantation, Sutton managed to graduate from Dunbar High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1944, Sutton became one the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps, at Montford Point. After his tour of duty, Sutton enrolled in Dunbar College and Philander Smith College, where he received his Sutton became the first black reporter for the publication Arkansas Democrat; he also served as one Little Rock Nine in 1957. In 1961, Sutton became Arkansas Council on Human Relations where he was that began the Community Relations Service (CRS). responsibility for the civil rights and opportunity known as the Equal Employment Opportunity in 1964. involvement in the Civil Rights Movement included his representative for the Community Relations Service. Lorraine Hotel in the room next door to Dr. Martin Memphis, Tennessee when Dr. King was assasSutton then became special assistant to the late Rockefeller of Arkansas. In 1972, Sutton directed Department’s Community Relations Service and was department’s racial and ethnic conflict prevention efforts. In 1990, Sutton served on the board of the Missing and Exploited Children. In 1994, Sutton Distinguished Service Award from the United States Justice.
BROTHER MAYNARD HOLBROOK JACKSON JR.
Born: March 23, 1938
Initiated: Alpha Rho Chapter, 1956
Omega Chapter: June 23, 2003
Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. made history in 1973 at the age of 35 when he became the first African-American mayor of Atlanta, Georgia and of any major city in the South. He served three terms (1974–82, 1990–94), making him the second longest-serving mayor of Atlanta.
Jackson attended Morehouse College, graduating in 1956 at the age of eighteen. He was initiated into the house of Alpha through Alpha Rho Chapter during the spring of his senior year..
After attending the Boston University Law School for a short time, Jackson held several jobs, including selling encyclopedias. He returned to graduate studies, attending the North Carolina Central University Law School. He graduated with a law degree in 1964. Jackson worked as an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board and a legal services firm.
In 1968, Jackson at 30, decided to run for the US Senate. His campaign was underfunded, and he lost, but Jackson won in Atlanta, gaining prominence in the city. In 1973, Jackson was elected with 60 percent of the vote, as the first African-American mayor of Atlanta and any major southern city; he was supported by a coalition of white liberals/moderates and African Americans. During his first term, Jackson worked to improve race relations in and around Atlanta after the polarization caused by the election campaign. As mayor, he led the beginnings and much of the progress on several huge public-works projects for the city and region. Affirmative action programs helped minority and women-owned businesses to participate.
In 1987, he founded Jackson Securities, Inc. an investment banking firm, and Jackmont Hospitality, Inc. The companies grew into his most successful enterprises. Jackson Securities open offices in several cities and in 2001 was ranked fifth on Black Enterprise magazine’s Investment Banks List.
After leaving office as mayor, Jackson continued to be active with the Democratic Party. Jackson was appointed as the National Development Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and was the first Chairman of the DNC Voting Rights Institute. In 2002, he founded the American Voters League, a non-profit and non-partisan effort to increase national voter participation.
He established the Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation to provide guidance and leadership to disadvantaged students in Atlanta. He served as a member of his alma mater’s Board of Trustees for 23 years. Other boards on which he served include NAACP, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, C.A.R.E and Emory Community Legal Services Program.
After attending the Boston time, Jackson held several jobs, returned to graduate studies, attending University Law School. He graduated son worked as an attorney for the a legal services firm.
In 1968, Jackson at 30, decided campaign was underfunded, and gaining prominence in the city. percent of the vote, as the first and any major southern city; he liberals/moderates and African Jackson worked to improve race the polarization caused by the election the beginnings and much of the lic-works projects for the city and helped minority and women-owned
In 1987, he founded Jackson banking firm, and Jackmont Hospitality, his most successful enterprises.
several cities and in 2001 was ranked
Omega: December 19, 2015
Brother Ozell Sutton, civil rights activist and community leader, was born on a plantation in southeast Arkansas in the City of Gould. Despite grueling hours and backbreaking work on the cotton plantation, Sutton managed to graduate from Dunbar High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1944, Sutton became one the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps, at Montford Point. After his tour of duty, Sutton enrolled in Dunbar College and then graduated from Philander Smith College, where he received his B.S. degree in 1950. Sutton became the first black reporter for the white-owned publication Arkansas Democrat; he also served as one of the escorts for the Little Rock Nine in 1957. In 1961, Sutton became director of the Arkansas Council on Human Relations where he was part of the group that began the Community Relations Service (CRS).
BROTHER OZELL SUTTON
Born: December 13, 1925
Initiated: Pi Lambda Chapter, October 1, 1950
Omega Chapter: December 19, 2015
Civil rights activist and community leader Brother Ozell Sutton was born on a plantation in southeast Arkansas in the city of Gould. Despite grueling hours and backbreaking work on the cotton plantation, Sutton managed to graduate from Dunbar High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1944, Sutton became one the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps, at Montford Point. After his tour of duty, Sutton enrolled in Dunbar College and then graduated from Philander Smith College where he received his B.S. degree in 1950. Sutton became the first black reporter for the white-owned publication Arkansas Democrat; he also served as one of the escorts for the Little Rock Nine in 1957. In 1961, Sutton became director of the Arkansas Council on Human Relations where he was part of the group that began the Community Relations Service (CRS). Sutton was given responsibility for the civil rights and opportunity groups that became known as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 1964.
Sutton was given responsibility for the civil rights and opportunity groups that became known as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 1964.
Sutton’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement included his role as a field representative for the Community Relations Service. Sutton was at the Lorraine Hotel in the room next door to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee when Dr. King was assassinated in 1968. Sutton then became Special Assistant to the late Governor Winthrop Rockefeller of Arkansas. In 1972, Sutton directed the Justice Department’s Community Relations Service and was responsible for the department’s racial and ethnic conflict prevention and resolution efforts. In 1990, Sutton served on the board of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 1994, Sutton received the Distinguished Service Award from the United States Department of Justice.
With his 65 years of fraternal membership, Sutton devoted his life to Alpha . He served as Arkansas district director and in 1971 was elected the southwestern region vice president. He only served one year in the post before moving to Atlanta. Upon his relocation to Atlanta he became affiliated with Eta Lambda Chapter. He became Georgia state director and southern region vice president from 1976 to 1980. He was elected the 26th general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in 1980 and served until 1984.
Sutton’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement included his role as a field representative for the Community Relations Service. Sutton was at the Lorraine Hotel in the room next door to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee when Dr. King was assassinated in 1968. Sutton then became special assistant to the late Governor Winthrop Rockefeller of Arkansas. In 1972, Sutton directed the Justice Department’s Community Relations Service and was responsible for the department’s racial and ethnic conflict prevention and resolution efforts. In 1990, Sutton served on the board of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 1994, Sutton
Brother Sutton was instrumental in garnering the support from the Fraternity to uphold the proposal to secure approval from Congress for land on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to memorialize the Fraternity’s most famous and revered member Brother Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
After time, Jackson returned University son worked a legal In campaign gaining percent and any liberals/moderates Jackson the polarization the beginnings lic-works helped In
MAYNARD HOLBROOK JACKSON
LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
BROTHER REV. AMBASSADOR
ANDREW J. YOUNG JR.
Brother Andrew Jackson Young, Jr. has earned worldwide recognition as a pioneer in and champion of civil and human rights. Ambassador Young’s lifelong dedication to service is illustrated by his extensive leadership experience of over sixty-five years, serving as a member of Congress, African American U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mayor of Atlanta, and ordained minister, among other positions.
During the 1960s, Young was a key strategist and negotiator during civil rights campaigns that led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Appointed as an Ambassador to the United Nations in 1977, Young negotiated an end to white-minority rule in Namibia and Zimbabwe and brought President Carter’s emphasis on human rights to international diplomacy efforts. As two-term Mayor of Atlanta, Young brought in over 1,100 businesses, over 70 billion in foreign direct investments and generated over a million jobs.
Ambassador Young has received honorary degrees from more than 100 universities and colleges in the U.S. and abroad and has received various awards, including an Emmy Lifetime Achievement award in 2011 and the Dan Sweat Award in 2017. His portrait also became part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.
Brother Ambassador Young also serves on a number of boards, including, but not limited to, the Martin Luther King Center for Non-Violent Social Change, Morehouse College, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State and Americas Mart. In 2003, he and his wife Carolyn McClain Young founded the Andrew J. Young Foundation to support and promote education, health, leadership and human rights in the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean. Young currently serves as the Chairman of the Andrew J. Young Foundation.
In 2012, Young retired from GoodWorks International, LLC, after well over a decade of facilitating sustainable economic development in the business sectors of the Caribbean and Africa. Young was born in 1932 in New Orleans, and he currently lives in Atlanta with his wife, Carolyn McClain. He is also a father of three daughters and one son, a grandfather of nine and a great grandfather of two.
OZELL SUTTON HUMANITARIAN AWARD RECIPIENT BROTHER REV. DR. SENATOR RAPHAEL G. WARNOCK
Brother Raphael Gamaliel Warnock serves as the Senior Pastor of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, spiritual home of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the junior United States Senator from Georgia. The son of two Pentecostal pastors, Dr. Warnock responded to the call of ministry at a very early age, and at age 35, became the fifth and the youngest person ever called to the senior pastorate of Ebenezer Baptist Church, founded in 1886. Before coming to EBC, “America’s Freedom Church,” Dr. Warnock was blessed to study and serve within the pastoral ranks of leading congregations also known for their deep spiritual roots and strong public witness. Under Dr. Warnock’s leadership, the church continues its legacy of social activism with both spiritual and numerical growth.
Dr. Warnock graduated from Morehouse College cum laude in 1991, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, from which he graduated with honors and distinctions. Seeing his pastoral work as tied to the ministry of scholarship and the life of the mind, Dr. Warnock continued his graduate studies at Union, receiving a Master of Philosophy degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the field of systematic theology. He has also received honorary degrees from The Morehouse School of Medicine, Fisk University and the University of the Virgin Islands. Dr. Warnock is an Ascend Fellow at The Aspen Institute, a Senior Fellow at Auburn Theological Seminary and a graduate of the Summer Leadership Institute of Harvard University and Leadership Atlanta.
Dr. Warnock is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., and a Lifetime Member of the NAACP. While his activism was honored in 2016, as his footprints were placed on the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, his activism did not stop there. Dr. Warnock continues to be a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, voting rights, ending poverty and climate change.
Among other honors, Dr. Warnock has been recognized as one of “Atlanta’s 55 Most Powerful” by Atlanta magazine, one of “God’s Trombones” by the Rainbow Push Coalition, a “Good Shepherd” by Associated Black Charities, “A Man of Influence” by the Atlanta Business League, one of The Root 100 in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 (TheRoot.com a division of the Washington Post), one of the “20 Top African American Church Leaders” by TheRoot.com. He is a National TRIO Achiever Award recipient and has been honored by induction into Morehouse College’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers. Dr. Warnock is also the recipient of Morehouse College’s prestigious Bennie Trailblazer award and Union Theological Seminary’s distinguished Union Medal. The Atlanta Journal and Constitution has hailed him “a leader among Atlanta and national clergy, a fitting heir to the mantle once worn by The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
On January 6, 2021, Dr. Warnock made history by becoming the first African American elected to the United States Senate from the state of Georgia. Only the second African American to represent a southern state in the Senate since Reconstruction, Dr. Warnock is honored to have been appointed to the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; and Commerce, Science and Transportation committees. He also serves on the bicameral Joint Economic Committee and the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. Whether preaching in the pulpit or speaking on the Senate floor, Dr. Warnock is committed to working tirelessly on behalf of the nation and all Georgians.
His first book is entitled, The Divided Mind of the Black Church: Theology, Piety & Public Witness (NYU Press, 2014). His memoir, A Way Out of No Way: A Memoir of Truth, Transformation, and the New American Story (Penguin Press) was released in June, 2022. Senator Reverend Warnock is the proud father of one daughter, Chloé, and one son, Caleb.
2025 CHAPTER BROTHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Brother Dr. Derek Smith
Brother Rev. Dr. Kenneth A. Walker
Brother Anthony M. Davis
Brother Brandon J. Johnson
Brother Dr. Avery Kenly
Brother Duane Wright
ABOUT PROJECT EXC2EL
The Project ExC2EL Program of the Eta Lambda Chapter was established in 2006 under the leadership of then Eta Lambda President Brother Ronald M. Natson, Chapter Director of National Programs Brother Charles K. Flack and Project ExC2el Director Brother Rashid Mosley. It was created as the Chapter’s branded and sponsored program geared toward positive youth development. It has flourished as a male mentoring program that focuses on one-onone mentoring to high school and middle school students in the City of Atlanta. The mentors and mentees meet throughout the month for mentoring sessions, seminars and social outings. Additionally, mentors and mentees attend planned group mentoring sessions to assist the high school Project ExC2EL graduating seniors with completing college and scholarship applications.
Our Mission is to provide Project ExC2EL students with critical tools, experiences, and cultural exposure that is vital to their growth and success in today’s society.
Since its inception, Project ExC2EL has mentored hundreds of youth who have attended colleges and vocational schools. Many of them are making an impact in their communities and paying it forward.
Eta Lambda Project ExC2EL means...
Excellence in
Character Development
Community Service
Education attainment and
Leadership achievement
Project ExC2EL is making a difference in the lives our youth!
PROJECT EXC2EL GRADUATES
Booker T. Washington High School
TYRESE AMOS is a dynamic and well-rounded student leader who has been a proud member of the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club for three years. Involved in a wide range of activities—including football, soccer, track, swim, basketball, FFA, National Beta Club, the BTW Go Team, BTW Ambassador program, and the Student Principal Advisory Council— Tyrese exemplifies leadership, versatility, and commitment. He plans to attend The Savannah State University, where he will major in marine science with aspirations of becoming a marine biologist. He is also taking college courses through Clark Atlanta, further preparing himself for academic success. To Tyrese, DGC is more than just a club—it has been a life-shaping experience that provided support, brotherhood, and guidance during critical moments in his life. His favorite quote, “Kind of small but I be standing tall when it’s crunch time,” reflects his resilience, confidence, and readiness to rise to any challenge.
KEVIN BELCHER is a confident and ambitious student who has been a dedicated member of the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club for three years. He has been involved in basketball and bowling, balancing athletics with his academic and personal growth. Kevin plans to attend Georgia Southern University, where he will major in business and management with a minor in fashion, aiming for a successful career in the business world. To Kevin, DGC is far more than just a club—it’s a family built on mutual support and the shared goal of helping each other become better men. His favorite quote, “I did it my way,” reflects his individuality, self-belief, and determination to succeed on his own terms.
BYRON HEATH is a dedicated student-athlete who has been a proud member of the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club for three years. Throughout high school, he has been actively involved in football, wrestling, and tennis, demonstrating leadership, discipline, and teamwork both on and off the field. Bryon is passionate about cybersecurity and plans to pursue this field as both his college major and future career. He will be attending Kennesaw State University, where he will transfer his college credit he’s received due to taking college-level courses in highschool. Bryon credits the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club with giving him a lifelong brotherhood— relationships built on trust, support, and shared values. His favorite quote, “The man who says he can and the man who says he cannot are both correct,” reflects his belief in the power of mindset and determination.
PROJECT EXC2EL GRADUATES Booker T. Washington High School
JAYDEN HEATH is a driven and passionate student-athlete who has been a member of the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club for two years. He participates in both football and track, showcasing his dedication, perseverance, and competitive spirit. Jayden plans to major in sport management at Clayton State University, with aspirations of pursuing a career in football. He has already taken college-level courses to prepare himself for the road ahead. To Jayden, the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club means more than just a program—it has helped him build a strong brotherhood where he feels respected and supported. It has also played a key role in shaping him into the best man he can be. His favorite quote, “Stay down. Hustle hard till come up,” perfectly captures his work ethic and determination to succeed.
LAMAR OWENS is a dedicated student with a passion for both basketball and technology. Owens plans to attend Clayton State University, where he will pursue a major in Computer Science with aspirations of becoming a Software Engineer. A proud member of the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club for the past two years, Lamar values the sense of brotherhood and connection that the organization brings. Guided by his favorite quote, “Stay down till you come up,” he remains focused and grounded as he works toward achieving his goals.
CALEB PUGH is a dedicated and driven student leader who has been a member of the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club for two years. He is actively involved in Student Government Association (SGA), football, track, and baseball, and proudly holds the title of Mr. Booker T. Washington. Caleb plans to attend Norfolk State University, where he will major in business administration with the goal of pursuing a career in real estate. Currently dual-enrolled at Clark Atlanta University, he is already taking steps toward his academic and professional future. To Caleb, DGC is more than just a mentoring group—it represents a true sense of brotherhood and family, where young men are empowered to lead and uplift one another. His favorite quote, “Believe in yourself,” reflects the self-confidence and ambition that guide him in all he does.
PROJECT EXC2EL GRADUATES
Booker T. Washington High School
JOSEPH SMITH, a dedicated member of the Philosophy Club, Baseball, Cross Country, and various community service initiatives like Homeless Outreach and Civic Engagement, is passionate about pursuing a career in marketing. He plans to attend Georgia Southern University to study Marketing and is excited to begin his college journey. Joseph’s favorite quote, “Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you’ve lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that’s good.” by Elizabeth Edwards, reflects his determined and resilient attitude. Joseph has been an active member of DGC from 2024–2025, a group he considers more than just an organization but a family that has helped him achieve his goals and discover his purpose.
JORDAN
WILLIS is a focused and determined young man who has been a member of the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club for one school year. He plans to attend Atlanta Technical College (ATC), where he will pursue a trade with the goal of building a career in HVAC. While he hasn’t participated in school sports or activities, Jordan has shown commitment to his personal and professional growth through his involvement in DGC. To him, the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club represents a judgment-free brotherhood—a space where support, accountability, and growth go hand in hand. He values how DGC not only highlights areas for improvement but also helps guide him toward becoming a better version of himself. His favorite quote, “I will not let my past define me,” speaks to his resilience and forward-thinking mindset.
2025 CHARLES N. HAWK, JR. SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Benjamin Adkinson
Benjamin E. Mays High School
Tyrese Amos Booker T. Washington High School
Ethan Barlay Rockdale County High School
Jacob Boone Hillgrove High School
Wendell Campbell, IV Midtown High School
Iman Cook
Benjamin E. Mays High School
Jayden Heath
Booker T. Washington High School
Bryon Heath, Jr.
Booker T. Washington High School
Coleman Holmes Woodland High School
Harlem-Anthony Jackson Westlake High School
Dhati Lewis Midtown High School
Adonis McCrary Frederick Douglass High School
David Mitchell, Jr. Maynard Jackson High School
Caleb Pugh
Booker T. Washington High School
John Ramseur, III North Atlanta High School
Caleb Sanders
Eagle’s Landing High School
Joseph Smith
Booker T. Washington High School
Marlon Somersall, Jr. North Atlanta High School
Tyler Superville D.M. Therrell High School
Sean-Thomas Whitlock
Dekalb School of the Arts
COLLECTIVE VOICE
Sophisticated and seasoned, talented and versatile, Atlanta’s own “Collective Voice” is comprised of four vocalists, Terry Gresham, George Stanley, Cara Fears Johnson, and Donna Newsome, and their extraordinarily gifted Musical Director, Kelvin “Bump” Jones, a retired Atlanta Firefighter. The group was first formed in 1991 to record a theme song for the Atlanta Fire Department. The song, “The Unknown Heroes,” which was co-written by Kelvin, is now used in recruitment and training videos and is performed for various award events involving the Fire Department.
The group has performed for numerous private and corporate affairs around town and across the country. They have also performed collectively and individually with and for artists such as Earl Klugh, John Travolta, Elton John, Orlando Jones, Michael Jackson, Shirley Caesar, Dottie Peoples, Dallas Austin, L.A. Reid, Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, Kelly Price and many others. Their unique harmonious blend and repertoire leaves audiences yearning for more. Their musical selections span several genres and showcase exceptional vocal skills as they belt out tunes from the 60’s to today.
DJ iLL
William Young, better known by his stage name DJ iLL, is a dynamic talent originally from Detroit, Michigan. Before making his mark behind the turntables, William first captured attention as an acrodunker for the Atlanta Hawks — showcasing gravity-defying athleticism and creativity in the world of professional dunking. His transition into music was seamless, fueled by the same passion, energy, and showmanship that defined his earlier career.
Today, DJ iLL is recognized for his signature style: smooth transitions that keep the energy flowing, an uptempo rhythm that ignites dance floors, and a curated selection of tracks that radiate his trademark “ill vibes.” Rooted in his Detroit upbringing — a city renowned for its rich musical history — DJ iLL blends technical skill with raw soul, delivering sets that are both high-energy and deeply immersive. Whether spinning for packed clubs, private events, or major festivals, DJ iLL takes pride in creating unforgettable musical journeys for every crowd he encounters.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Eta Lambda Chapter extends a heartfelt thanks to the committee and volunteers for their commitment, dedication and service.
Sphinx Gala Steering Committee
Brother Dr. Avery Kenly, President of the Chapter
Brother Robert H. Bolton, Gala Chairman
Brother Anthony Myles Davis, Gala Co-Chairman
Brother Kirk Brown
Brother Jonathan Carey
Brother Orlando Evans
Brother Regionald Gooden
Brother Rodney Floyd
Brother Keith Harris
Brother Rod Harris
Brother David Hudson
Brother Edmond Jackson
Brother Michael Jenkins
Brother Wendell Johnson
Brother Brandon J. Johnson
Brother R. Leandras Jones
Brother Carl McCray
Brother Joseph Patterson
Brother Emani Rashad Saucier
Brother Derek Smith
Brother Don Webster
Brother Shederick White
Brother Antonio J. Williams
Hostesses
Breone Davis
Sydni Gilmore
Taylor Jones
Janazya Thurman and
The Ladies of Iota Zeta Sigma North Atlanta Chapter
