January 2019 Mu Lambda Torch

The Mu Lambda Torch January 2019

THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE Dear Brothers, Welcome to 2019. We are still celebrating our 95th year of chartering and I look forward to the great things we will accomplish in 2019 and beyond.

The best indicator of Mu Lambda’s future is our past. With all of Mu Lambda’s great history, something motivated leaders to join the ranks of Mu Lambda at one time or another. Jewels, General Presidents, Supreme Court Justice, Senator, and a Mayor did not decide to join Mu Lambda by happenstance.

I also recognize there would be no Mu Lambda had it not been for the college brothers of Alpha and Beta chapters. Mu Lambda was chartered on the campus of Howard University. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in the District of Columbia began in 1907 with the establishment of Beta Chapter. Alumni brothers worked with Beta Chapter in supporting its programs until 1923, when it was decided that the alumni would establish a graduate chapter. Mu Lambda’s charter was signed October 1, 1923.

Mu Lambda purchased its first house in 1928. Purchased its second House in 1950, and the present property in 1998. Throughout the 1930’s and 1940’s, Mu Lambda brothers excelled in civil rights and fraternity programs. Throughout its history, the chapter has remained mindful to its responsibilities to young people by honoring graduating seniors and their parents, speaking at commencement exercises, and mentoring young men.

In 1954, Mu Lambda raised funds to send to the NAACP in Montgomery, Alabama to support its Drive for Freedom in the South.Throughout the 1960’s, the chapter gave financial support to programs in the public schools to assist graduating seniors in qualifying for entrance into college. In 1960, Mu Lambda became a Life Member of the NAACP. The same year, the chapter hosted the general convention at the Sheraton Park Hotel. The chapter held several fund raisers that benefitted the Henry Arthur Callis Scholarship Fund. Beta, Mu Lambda, and Omicron Lambda Alpha sponsored a Founders’ Day Testimonial dinner in honor of Jewel Henry Arthur Callis in 1961. In 1966, Jewel Callis was honored for the Sixtieth Anniversary of the founding of the Fraternity. Brother Martin Luther King, Jr. was the guest speaker.

Mu Lambda maintained a tradition of honoring Alpha men who came to the area to serve in elected or appointed positions. Brother Edward Brooke, US Senator from Massachusetts, was honored at a Founders’ Day banquet that benefitted the Henry Arthur Callis Scholarship Fund. Previous honors had been bestowed upon Congressmen and Brothers William Dawson (Illinois) and Adam Clayton Powell (New York).

In 1968, when Brother Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, Mu Lambda converted its spring dance to support the program and memorial of our fallen brother. In February 1969, the chapter sponsored a program in support of Negro History Week.

Always a presence in the civil rights movement, Mu Lambda volunteered its members and manpower to the issues of the day. The chapter was present at the 1963 March on Washington and walked in picket lines to open job opportunities for the Peoples Drug store (now CVS) and Sanitary Grocery Stores (now Safeway). Mu Lambda’s chapter meetings have always been educational and intellectual. At the height of the movement, guest speakers visited the chapter to brief the brothers on the affairs of the day.

In 1972, the chapter honored Brothers Ronald Dellums (California), Ralph Metcalfe (Illinois), and Charles Rangel (New York), again benefitting the Henry Arthur Callis Scholarship Fund. Later that year, on Founders’ Day, the chapter presented a program to salute African American Judges of the Federal Judiciary and the United States Military Court of Appeals. Twenty judges were honored, with 18 participating in the event. The Attorney General of the United States, Richard G. Kleindienst, was the guest speaker.

January 15, 1982, Mu Lambda spearheaded “A Tribute to Service and Devotion” honoring Brother Charles H. Wesley.” In attendance was Brother Raymond Cannon, 12th General President. At the conclusion of the evening, it was announced that the Republican administration planned to ratify the Martin Luther King, Jr. National holiday.

In 1994, the Beautillion Program was initiated by Mu Lambda Chapter. It was a modern rite of passage for male high school seniors as an extension of the Go-to-High-School Go-to-College Program. The Beaux participated in workshops designed to enhance personal, academic, civic, and professional development.

Below are just a few notable members of Mu Lambda Chapter: •

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Three founding members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated: Henry A. Callis, Nathaniel A. Murray – Mu Lambda Charter Member, and Robert H. Ogle - Mu Lambda Charter Member.

United States Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall.

United States Senator, Edward W. Brooke.

Two United States Ambassadors: Horace Dawson and R. O’Hara Lanier.

Six General Presidents: Henry A. Callis 6th, Howard H. Long 7th, Charles H. Wesley 14th, Rayford W. Logan 15th, Belford V. Lawson, Jr. 16th, and Henry Ponder 28th.

Four Regional Vice Presidents: Edward W. Brooke 7th Eastern Regional, Walter Booker 8th Eastern Re gional, J. Rupert Picott 9th Eastern Regional, and LeRoy Lowery, III 23rd Eastern Regional.

Five Assistant Regional Vice Presidents: Isham O. Baker 5th Eastern Regional, Derrick P.J. Thomas 29th Eastern Regional, Keith J. Johnson 39th Eastern Regional, Joseph Paul Southern Regional, and Henry Ponder South Western Regional.

National Director of Education, Rayford W. Logan.

Two General Secretaries: Norman L. McGhee and Joseph H.B. Evans.

General Counsel, Belford V. Lawson, Jr. National Historian, Charles H. Wesley.

National Chaplain, Sylvester L. Shannon.

National Comptroller, Louis Buck.

Two World Policy Council Chairmen: Edward W. Brooke and Horace Dawson.

Executive Director – Washington, DC Martin Luther King National Memorial Project, LeRoy Lowery, III. Mayor of the District of Columbia, Marion S. Barry, Jr. Four members of the District of Columbia City Council: Marion S. Barry, Jr., Vincent B. Orange, William Spaulding, and Sterling Tucker.

National lawyer for National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Charles H. Houston.

Six College Presidents: M. Christopher Brown, James Cheeks, James Donaldson, R. O’Hara Lanier, Henry Ponder, and Charles H. Wesley.

Mu Lambda was the host chapter for several General Conventions. The Alpha Wives handled the children and women affairs for each convention: 46th August 19 -23, 1960; 65th August 3-9, 1979; 72nd July 31 – August 6, 1986; 82nd July 31- August 4, 1997; and Centennial July 25-30, 2006.

Chapter of the Year: National Chapter of the Year 1969 and Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Chap ters 2007.

Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Chapters President, Keith Johnson.

Longest serving Area Director, Ryle Bell.

Mu Lambda has always opened its doors and assistance to all brothers. It was a leader in the development of all of the DC chapters founded after 1923. In 1952 with the assistance of Mu Lambda Brothers, Walter Booker and Belford Lawson, Omicron Lambda Alpha of Washington, DC was chartered April 27, 1952. May 15, 1982, Mu Lambda conducted the charter installation of Omicron Omicron Chapter at the University of the District of Columbia. In 1985, two Mu Lambda brothers, Ryle Bell and Robert Warren, Jr., were charter members of Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter in Washington, DC. Brother Bell still holds dual membership in both chapters, serving both chapters with dignity and honor. Omicron Eta Lambda was chartered September 1, 1985.

The above is just a teaser. We have assembled two new committees: one dedicated to writing Mu Lambda’s History Book for the 100th anniversary and another to celebrate Brothers Nathaniel A. Murray and Robert H. Ogle with an annual wreath laying ceremony at their respective burial sites. Both were Mu Lambda Charter Members. If you would like to be a member of either committee, please let me know.

As a brother, whether you are a Mu Lambda member or not, always feel free to reach out to us if we may be of assistance to you.

Brother Eddie Neal

President - Mu Lambda Chapter 2018-2019

Brother Fitzgerald chaired the annual Community Service Toy Drive for Mu Lambda at the Child and Family Services Agency (C.F.S.A.) in South East Washington D.C. This initiative collects and distributes over 4500 gifts and toys to families in C.F.S.A. On a brisk afternoon, over 15 brothers showed up to help unload the trucks of Donated toys and organized them into age, size, and other preference categories to be further shared by the C.F.S.A. to children of families in need. This act of kindness and muscle has not gone unnoticed as the chapter continues to participate. We truly appreciate every brother who drove down their, laced up their boots and served.

We are thankful for the opportunity extended by the local agency and continue to cherish our long standing relationship.

Each year, Mu Lambda assists grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. The grandparents are selected by the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA).

This year Mu Lambda assisted five families through the Grandparent Caregiver Program (GCP) which helps low-income District of Columbia residents who are raising their grandchildren.

The grandparents provide a home for the children, preventing them from having to go into foster care.

In addition to the chapter’s monetary contribution, the following brothers contributed individually to make the holidays special for the families: Timothy Fitzgerald, Mark Ross, O. Jackson Cole, DeAngelo Copeland, Eric Washington, Marcel J. Desroches, Jr., John Mabry, Karl Bruce, Garrett Miller, Jason Jefferson, and James McDonald, Brother Timothy Fitzgerald

BROTHER RYLE BELL My formative years were spent on the island of Barbados where I was born December 5, 1942. It was there that I developed the tenets and values that I hold dear and still guide my life, imparted to me by my father; Christianity, dignity and humility. He was always a very dignified man, no matter the occasion, humble in his accomplishments and Christian to his core.

In Barbados, at that time, education above the level of elementary school was not a fait accompli. One had to take and pass a nationwide examination to be accepted into high school and the best of the schools only took the brightest and the best students. I was fortunate enough to be granted entry into Harrison College one of if not the best high school in the Caribbean at that time. There I not only completed high school but went on to the advanced classes known as the Sixth form. In addition to academics, I was a boy scout, rising to the level of troop leader, a senior cadet officer of the cadets, an organization similar to ROTC, captain of the basketball team and a goal keeper in soccer, both teams at that time competing in the adult league or first division as it was called and captain of the debate team. I also successfully represented my school in track as a sprinter and played cricket as well.

After matriculating from high school, I joined the faculty of another high school, teaching Science, English and History. Two years later, in 1964, I emigrated to the United States and attended junior college in New York. This was necessary then as US educational institutions had no idea what a Caribbean student who had been to the sixth form knew. So for two years I basically repeated the work that I had already done in high school graduating Magna Cum Laud. While in junior college, I ran track and captained the fencing team lettering in both. After completing my baccalaureate degree in New York, I attended Howard University’s College of Dentistry. While there, I was elected President of the dental student body, graduating in 1973. On graduation, I was awarded the Dean’s Award for academic excellence and leadership and inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor Society.

I immediately joined the dental faculty and after teaching for two years, received the Louise Ball Fellowship which allowed me to pursue Postdoctoral training at Ohio State University where I completed and defended my thesis at the end of my first year and received a certificate of specialty in Prosthodontics and a Master’s degree in dentistry in 1976. On completion of my training, I returned to Howard University where I taught dentistry for forty years, attaining the rank of full Professor and serving both as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, the only dental administrator to serve in both capacities, retiring as Professor Emeritus in 2013. While on the faculty, I received many awards as an outstanding clinician and lecturer including, receipt of the Outstanding Dental Faculty Award from my peers. My tenure in academia saw me elected to Sigma Xi, the National Honor Research Society and Fellowship in the American College of Dentists. During my years at Howard I was privileged to mentor many students some of whom became Prosthodontists and others, members of the faculty.

While on the faculty, I was invited to serve as a member of the Caribbean Accreditation Association for the education of Medicine and other Health Professions, the only existing accrediting health agency in the Caribbean, first as a site visitor and subsequently as a board member. I was appointed Chair of the last site visit team with which I participated in reviewing the dental school in Guyana in 2018.

My tenure in Alpha began in 1977 where upon the instigation of one of my students, Brother Enrique Riggs, I applied for membership into Alpha Phi Alpha through the OLA chapter in Washington, DC. My pledging was quite an eventful affair as I was pledged by some of the students whom I taught during the day! In 1979 I became an Assistant District Director with responsibility for the Washington, DC chapters. The District Director Brother Hanley Norment of IUL had authority for all of the Alpha Chapters in Delaware, Maryland and DC. I served as Area Director in the MAAC which had not yet been created and did so for fifteen years, its longest serving Area Director, stepping down in 1993. A year later, Brother Russell Campbell, the District Director asked me to return to the post and I did so for one year. In 1980, I was accosted (LOL) by Brother Curtis Hunnigan for attending Mu Lambda meetings and not paying dues, I don’t think he knew that my attendance was because I was performing the duties of the Area Director, so I paid my dues and joined the Mu Lambda Chapter, thus becoming a dual member of OLA and Mu Lambda. In 1985, I left OLA and became a charter member of OHL making my dual membership between OHL and Mu Lambda which has continued to this day. I have been a member of Mu Lambda chapter for thirty eight years and OHL for thirty three!

I have been fortunate to serve Alpha in many ways. Chapter-wise as Dean of Pledges, Intake Coordinator, Chapter Dean, Chapter President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Editor to the Sphinx, Parliamentarian and Sgt at Arms. Nationally I was Dean of the College of Brotherhood of Alpha University, Chair of the Ritual committee, a member of the Internal Review Commission and it was my recommendation that pledging be removed from chapter authority and placed under an umbrella organization. This later led to the creation of the MDP program now referred to as IMDP. I was the Area Director to whom six brothers from IUL, led by Brother George Sealy came to for support with the initial idea for a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King. The six brothers who initiated the memorial were, Brothers George Sealy, Oscar Little, Al Bailey, Harold Navy, John Harvey and Eddie Madison who was the only living member by the time of the completion of the memorial. I think that they deserve far more credit than they are accorded as it was they who did yeoman work in achieving legislation in congress to establish the memorial, long before the fraternity accepted it as a project. Regionally I served as Chair of the Ritual and Protocol committees and member of several others.

Literature and music has always been a vital part of my life. I write profusely and have self-published two books, one a book of poetry titled. “Thoughts of love and other things,” and the other of “Not for prime time,” jokes. I have read poetry on WHUR Joe Gorme’s poetry program and participated in both Mu Lambda’s “Spoken Word,” programs. I have sung with the IUL brothers’ choir while playing saxophone in two concert bands, serving presently as the only President of the Takoma Park Community Band, IOP band of the People’s Community Baptist Church of Silver Spring, Md. and my greatest musical love, the “East State Jazz band comprising Alpha brothers from the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

My most important role has been that of a husband to my wife of forty nine years, a father to my three daughters and two grandchildren and an example for my five siblings and numerous relatives and friends. In Alpha, I have enjoyed mentoring younger brothers, advising and aiding in their development and seeing them grow and assume office. I have tried to emulate my father’s dictate in conducting myself with dignity, humility and a Christian ethic while adding my own irreverence for those who seek authority only to attempt to demean others. Hopefully I have succeeded on both counts.

WE SALUTE YOU BROTHER BELL - ON YOUR LIFE’S JOURNEY

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THESE BROTHERS?

Clean House As we enter 2019 with a CLEAN HOUSE, May we clear our minds and come to the table with FRESH ideas and be ready to build a better bond of BROTHERHOOD .....

Calling all brothers!!! Pay now - $150 for the round-trip bus trip to Albany We will depart Washington, DC the morning of Thursday, April 25th and arrive in Albany.

We will depart Albany, New York, Sunday April 28th and head to Ithaca, New York to see the historic sites of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Return to Washington, DC from Ithaca, New York on Sunday, April 28th.

This is Brother Hunigan’s Life membership card - If you have a lower life member number, please provide a copy to the Editor of the Torch.

We hope you all have paid your grand taxes and chapter dues!!!

Espirite -

AN UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP

Remembering Oreo June 6, 2003 – December 13, 2018 Most of us share a love and bond with our animal companions, so it’s natural to experience feelings of grief and sadness when a cherished pet die. The pain of loss can often feel overwhelming and trigger painful and difficult emotions. While some people may not understand the depth of feeling you had for your pet, you should never feel ashamed about grieving for an animal friend.

Instead, use healthy ways to cope with your loss, comfort yourself and others, and begin the process of moving on.

It hurts because for many of us, a pet is not just a cat or dog, but rather a beloved member of our family, bringing companion, fun, and joy to our lives. A pet often adds structure to your day, keeps you active and social, help you to overcome challenges in life, and even provide a sense of meaning and purpose. So, when a beloved pet dies, it’s normal to feel a sense of grief and loss.

While we all respond to loss differently, the level of grief you experience will often depend on factors such as your age and personality, the age of your pet, and the circumstances of their death. Generally, the more significant your pet was to you, the more intense the emotional pain you’ll feel. The role the animal played in your life can also have an impact.

Oreo was a SPCA cat – abandoned with a heart murmur. I chuckle when I think of her because I despise cats. I am petrified of cats. I remember her first visit to the vet as a kitten, the vet disclosed she had a heart murmur and insinuated she would not live long – she survived 15 ½ years

later. I guess the cat grew on me because she didn’t act like a cat – she had behavior like a dog. Thus, my nickname for her was “Dog.” People laughed when I would say come here dog and she would run to me. She was a house cat from adoption to death. She remained upstairs until a stranger knocked at the door, then she would come greet the stranger. For those of you familiar with cats, you know that is not normal cat behavior.

Back to the story about her first visit to the vet. The vet said since she has a heart murmur they could operate at an enormous fee. I kindly said, Doc, this is an SPCA cat, I grew up leaving my dog outside, and I really don’t like cats so we are going to play this one by ear. You can imagine the look I received from the vet. Fast forward, Oreo became my best friend. She would wait until I went to sleep and put her paw on my head and slap at my feet as I would walk by.

She did not die from the heart murmur. Several days after she was euthanized, I received a donation letter in the mail from the SPCA. My road to recovery was to make an end of the year donation to the SPCA. Brother Neal

For 9 years this lady stayed by my side, watching, protecting and playing. No one could have asked for a more loyal, loving companion than she. As a pet owner, we cherish our animals as some do their kids. We build our daily activities, our lives and routines around their world. When they are no longer with us, that void remains, until the time is right to begin a new journey. You will be missed Bella. R.I.P.

Brother Garrett Miller

Happy New Year Brothers!

We’re right in the thick of champagne season. But it’s also the season for miserable weather, delayed flights, blown budgets, nitpicky sisters, overbearing uncles, and wet, cold socks. So, maybe you need...champagne plus. Champagne with a backbone.

You need a French 75, my friend.

The French 75 is a near perfect cocktail. It’s got the zip of bubbly, the tang of lemon juice, a touch of sweetness, and a bass note of booze. It’s gonna be gin or brandy—brandy in New Orleans, and gin just about everywhere else. Be careful with these: named after a World War 1-era gun, they pack a decisive punch.

Another great thing about a French 75? They can make it in just about any bar. Its ingredients are near universal, pretty basic, and (don’t tell New Orleans) somewhat malleable. No champagne on hand? Fine, use prosecco. Feel free to swap the simple syrup for something a little more fun, like Cointreau. Out of lemons? A lime will do. All of this makes them easy to make at your dad’s favorite restaurant, an airport bar, or at home. (I wouldn’t order this at, say, a bowling alley, but hey, you never know.

Here’s How to craft the French 75: -Gin -Simple Syrup or Cointreau* -Lemon -Champagne Grab a bottle of gin or brandy, and pour a shot into a shaker.

Add a healthy splash of simple syrup —that’s equal parts sugar and water heated together until the sugar dissolves, then cooled—or a generous pinch of superfine sugar. Or half a shot of Cointreau. [*In the South, during August we muddle muscadine grapes and a bit of fresh tarragon in the warm simple syrup and let stand for 10 min. This muscadine simple syrup with tarragon is used in our authentic French 75s in watch night celebrations.]

Add ice, and shake for a good twenty seconds or so.

Strain this mixture into a Champagne flute (or coupe, if you’re anti-flute) and top with bubbles of your choice.

Then, add a lemon twist garnish: a thin strip of lemon peel, just the yellow part, not the white part.

Et voila! A cocktail strong enough to stand up to whatever the season throws at you, yet festive enough to ring in 2019.

Bro Drew Love!

Chef John’s Grilled Lamb with Mint Orange Sauce Recipe by:Chef John “Using a blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices and a touch of cinnamon, these tender grilled lamb chops are served with orange and fresh mint sauce.”

Ingredients 4 h 25 m5 servings438 cals • 2 pounds lamb loin chops • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tablespoon cumin • 1 teaspoon mixed herbs - Italian, Greek, or French blend • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 pinch cayenne pepper • salt as needed • Sauce: • 1/4 cup orange marmalade • 1 pinch hot chili flakes • 1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint • Add all ingredients to list Directions 1.

Place lamb chops in a large bowl. Season with olive oil, garlic, cumin, mixed herbs, pepper, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt. Toss until well coated with oil and seasonings. Cover and refrigerate. Allow to marinate at least 4 hours.

2.

Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. Place lamb chops on grill.

Sprinkle the chops with a bit of salt. Grill until seared on the first side, 4 to 7 minutes depending on the size of the chops. Rotate chops a half turn on the grill about a minute before turning them.

Turn and grill the other side to desired doneness, another 4 to 7 minutes. For medium rare, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should bead 125 to 130 degrees F (54 degrees C). Transfer to a serving dish and tent loosely with foil.

3.

Place marmalade in bowl. Add chili flakes, mint, and rice vinegar. Stir together thoroughly.

4.

Brush the sauce over the chops and serve.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 438 calories; 30.6 g fat; 12.4 g carbohydrates; 27.6 g protein; 108 mg cholesterol; 126 mg sodium. Full nutrition

HEALTH & WELLNESS Mu Lambda Brothers, Happy New Year and welcome to January 2019! January is National Glaucoma Awareness, Thyroid Awareness, and National Birth Defects Prevention Month. Below are articles of interest addressing these topics. Please click on the links or cut and paste into your browser to read the entire articles.

African Americans and Eye Health: Glaucoma African Americans are at higher risk for certain eye diseases, which usually have no warning signs. Left untreated, they can cause vision loss, even blindness. But vision loss can often be prevented.

Glaucoma Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma affects side or peripheral vision first. African Americans are at higher risk, starting at a younger age.

More than 520,000 African Americans have glaucoma. May exceed 860,000 by 2030.

For more information on African Americans and Eye Health – please click the link below. www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma.

Download Infographic on African Americans and Eye Health: Glaucoma

African-Americans With Thyroid Cancer Fare Worse Than Whites African-Americans have fewer incidences of thyroid cancer but have a more advanced form of the disease once they receive a diagnosis — and are more likely to die from it, according to a new study.

“We think that the mortality rate is probably due to an access to care issues,” said Christopher Hollenbeak, Ph.D., lead study author. His study found that African-Americans had a 1 percent higher mortality rate, though thyroid cancer is twice as common among whites.

For more information on Thyroid Cancer – please click the link below. http://www.cfah.org/hbns/2011/african-americans-with-thyroid-cancer-fare-worse-thanwhites http://www.thyroidawareness.com/sites/all/files/10-questions-flyer.pdf

Unusual Birth Defect Has Increased Among African-American Mothers If you are an expectant mother, your most fervent hope is that your child be born healthy. But for an increasing amount of African-American mothers, that is not the case. The Centers For Disease Control are reporting a dramatic increase in the amount of African-American babies being born with an unusual birth defect.

Gastroschisis, where a baby is born with intestines and other organs born outside of the body is rare but has taken a 263% increase in babies born to young Black mothers over the last 18 years, according to the study.

For more information on African American Birth Defects – Please click the links below: https://blackamericaweb.com/2016/01/21/report-unusual-birth-defect-has-increased-among-african-american-mothers/ https://www.nbdpn.org/docs/2018_NBDPN_BDPM_Prevent2Protect_Educational_Resources_for_ Men_2017_11_14.pdf

Heart Healthy Recipes PINEAPPLE BEEF STIR FRY FOR TWO .

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pineapple-beef-stir-fry-for-two/

Ingredients 1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice 2 tablespoons white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 pound beef top sirloin steak, cut into thin strips 1 tablespoon cornstarch 3/4 teaspoon olive oil, divided 1 large carrot, sliced 1/2 small onion, halved and sliced 1 small green pepper, julienned 1/4 cup fresh snow peas 1/3 cup unsweetened pineapple tidbits 1 cup cooked brown rice

Directions In a small bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Pour 1/3 cup marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add the beef. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade.

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and reserved marinade until smooth; set aside.

Drain and discard marinade. In a large nonstick skillet or wok, stir-fry beef in 1/2 teaspoon oil for 2-3 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm.

Stir-fry carrots and onion in remaining oil for 4 minutes. Add green pepper and snow peas; stir-fry 2-3 minutes longer or until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Stir cornstarch mixture and add to the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add beef and pineapple; heat through. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts 1 each: 381 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.

then I suppose even the flimsiest premises are now fair game. Plus, it actually works for Creed II. While not quite as great as the first film showcasing Jordan’s Adonis, The Land director Steven J. Caple Jr. has made a rousing tale about fathers and sons, guilt and redemption, loneliness and family – just the sort of big, sledgehammer-subtle themes that have always propelled the series.

Now heavyweight champ, Jordan’s Adonis is about to become a father himself (as before Tessa Thompson brings the same sort of humanizing, soft chewy heart that Talia Shire once brought to the character of Adrian; and Phylicia Rashad has a couple of scene-stealing acts of grand larceny as Adonis’ all-knowing mother). But before Adonis can accept his new role as a dad, he needs to prove himself worthy to himself and his late father. In other words, Creed II he has to settle an old score that comes in the RELEASE DATE 11/21/18 hulking form of Drago’s mound-of-muscles son B+ Viktor (Florian Munteanu).

Movie Details Creed II slavishly follows the sentimental-paTYPE Movie looka Rocky template as if it were a sacred GENRE Drama text. Still, it doesn’t make those old rope-aCHRIS NASHAWATY dope tropes any less effective. Especially when November 16, 2018 at 01:00 PM EST Stallone — as Adonis’ trainer, shrink, and father-confessor — is still able to summon the We’re now officially eight movies deep into the Rocky Cinematic Universe. Shocking, I know. But same mumbly poignancy that first made him a movie star 40 years ago. That said, if there’s just when you thought that every last nook and cranny of that universe had been strip-mined for going to be a Creed III sometime in the near future, maybe it would be best for all involved narrative fodder, along comes Creed II. to steer clear of resurrecting Mr. T. and his title Thanks to the deft directorial hand of Ryan Coogler and a blistering, brooding turn from Mi- belt-hungry son, Clubber Lang Jr. chael B. Jordan, 2015’s franchise reboot, Creed, exceeded the expectations of even the most ardent Rocky fan. And its out-of-nowhere success all but guaranteed another sequel. The only question was: Where to go for another shot of drama? The short answer is all the way back to 1985’s Rocky IV – that patriotically campy Cold War classic in which Sylvester Stallone’s Italian Stallion avenged the death of his love-hate rival Apollo Creed at the hands (or rather the granite fists) of Dolph Lundgren’s robotic Russki Ivan Drago.

MOVIES CORNER

Desperate? Perhaps. But if the Star Wars braintrust could somehow spin an entire movie out of how the plans of the Death Star were first stolen,

WIDOWS

WIDOWS Brian Tallerico November 16, 2018 Most heist movies are built on a sheen of cool genius, masterminded by a gang of antiheroes who are typically seeking a kind of justified vengeance. “Widows” is not like most heist movies. The emotional currents that power Steve McQueen’s brilliant genre exercise are different—it’s societal inequity, exhaustion at corruption, and outright anger at a bullshit system that steals from the poor to give to the rich. McQueen’s masterful film is the kind that works on multiple levels simultaneously—as pure pulp entertainment but also as a commentary on how often it feels like we have to take what we are owed or risk never getting it at all.

McQueen opens his film with an immediate boost of adrenaline, dropping us into the latest “job” by criminal Harry Rawlings (Liam Neeson) and his crew (Jon Bernthal,

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Coburn Goss) as it goes very, very wrong. McQueen and his incredible editor (Joe Walker, who deserves the Oscar for his work here) bounce us back and forth between the fateful job and quick scenes of introductions to the Rawlings’ crew and their spouses.

So we meet Alice (Elizabeth Debicki), a fragile, abused woman whose mother (Jacki Weaver) barely treats her better than her awful husband; Linda (Michelle Rodriguez), a mother of two who is just opening her own store; and Amanda (Carrie Coon), who has a 4-month-old child. Before the opening sequence is over, all three will be widows, as will be Harry’s wife Veronica (Viola Davis).

Not long after Harry’s death, Veronica is visited by a local criminal named Jamal Manning (Brian Tyree Henry), who informs her that Harry’s final job was to steal $2 million from him and his campaign for 18th ward alderman. With the help of his sociopathic brother Jatemme (Daniel Kaluuya), the Mannings tell Veronica that she has to repay the money just as Harry’s widow happens to find her dead husband’s notebook with all the details on past and future jobs.

There’s a lot of information on the next job he had planned, one that looks to net $5 million.

Veronica gets the other widows together and they agree to do Harry’s next job. They can repay Manning and have some left over to start new lives.

If only anything were that easy in Chicago. I haven’t even mentioned Manning’s competition for 18th ward alderman, Jack Mulligan (Colin Farrell), part of a long line of Windy City politicians, including his racist father Tom (Robert Duvall).

Jack is one of those silver spoon politicians who almost feels like he’s owed the office just by virtue of his last name, never mind the fact that he’s facing a corruption scandal that involves grifting from a project that expanded the Chicago Green Line. Jack is the kind of politician who starts a program to put minority women to work by giving them businesses…from which he then takes a cut.

Everything comes at a cost in “Widows.” Everything, to a certain extent, is a transaction. The job that opens “Widows” and then Veronica’s decision to use the notebook instead of just selling it pull back the curtain on a corrupt, broken system, one that feels distinctly Chicagoan while

also commenting on inequity around the world. McQueen and his team use the city brilliantly, especially in a stunning single take in which we see Mulligan go from a campaign event in his ward to his home, the camera staying outside the car to show us the rapidly changing neighborhood along the commute.

Gillian Flynn’s script for “Widows” brings together many disparate personalities under one umbrella but the differences never feel forced. Only when you sit back and think about it, do you consider that it is likely not by accident that Alice, Linda, and Veronica are Polish, Latinx, and Black, respectively, never mind their incredibly different economic differences—Veronica lives on the Gold Coast while Alice has to become an escort to make ends meet. In part, “Widows” seems to be saying that corruption is a great equalizer, especially among women betrayed by powerful men. When Tom Mulligan says, “The only thing that matters is that we survive,” it’s a line meant to capture how tightly he’s trying to hold on to a white political legacy, but it’s something any number of characters in “Widows” could say. There are a number of great lines like that but McQueen and Flynn are careful to never allow their film to sink into a political diatribe. The dialogue crackles without ever calling attention to itself or sounding overly precious or preaching.

Part of the reason “Widows” stays above the line where it would feel like mere sermon is that it contains the best ensemble of 2018. Viola Davis can do more with a longing, grieving look out a window than most actresses can do with a monologue. Watch the beat where she’s looking out at Lake Michigan and we see her in reflection, an image of her dead husband coming up behind her.

It’s almost as if her grief manifested him. And when Veronica’s drive turns from sadness to anger, Davis makes every beat count. There’s not a single wasted decision on her part. It might be her best performance.

She’s matched by a ridiculously talented supporting cast, all on her level. Debicki was great earlier this year in “The Tale,” but this is her breakthrough role, one that nearly allows her to steal the film. Watch Alice’s body language as she goes from a frightened victim to an empowered woman.

She never overplays the transformation, but it’s impossible to miss. It’s really the rare kind of film for which there are hard to pick standouts. Henry has a couple of brilliant scenes, although many seem to think Kaluuya steals a few from him (I’m not sure I agree. They’re both great.). Rodriguez makes one wish she did drama more often. Cynthia Erivo should be a star any minute now. Even small roles like those occupied by Garret Dillahunt and Coon feel “right.” There’s not a wasted or poorly-considered role or performance.

Finally there are the technical elements of “Widows.” It’s not the kind of flashy exercise of something like “Baby Driver,” but the editing here by two-time Oscar nominee Joe Walker (nominated for “12 Years a Slave” and “Arrival”) is just as good. A film with this many characters and themes and plot points requires a master editor to keep it moving, and Walker finds the perfect rhythm.

Hans Zimmer’s score is his most subtle in a long time, especially the way that McQueen uses it, holding back on score almost entirely for the first 30-45 minutes, allowing it to bubble up as the heist gets closer, enhancing the tension of the overall experience.

The tapestry that is “Widows” is so deep that it’s easy to miss some of its smaller patterns. There’s a scene in which Jatemme is following Veronica, listening to a report on the radio about Albert Woodfox, a man who spent 43 years in solitary confinement at Angola. There’s a line from Woodfox in the report that McQueen makes sure we hear: “Nothing you do is gonna change your situation.” “Widows” is about both the truth of that and a few people who decide to fight it.

On a cold Sunday, December 9th, Mu Lambda joined the Brothers of Iota Upsilon Lambda for its 3rd Annual MLK Wreath Laying Ceremony.

In 1986, Iota Upsilon Lambda Brothers Alfred Bailey, Oscar Little, Eddie Madison, Harold Navy, John Harvey and George Sealey took on the effort to have a memorial erected in honor of Brother Martin Luther King, Jr. Brother Lowery and I boarded the bus in Silver Spring, Maryland, provided by Iota Upsilon Lambda. Brother Lowery spoke on the massive effort to have the memorial erected and his role as the Executive Director.

The brothers of Iota Upsilon Lambda held a ceremony from 3-4 pm. This is their activity giving the brotherhood an opportunity to come together and commemorate the life and legacy of our dear fraternity brother, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After the event concluded, we were invited to Smithville School and Museum for a wonderful period of fellowship. Brother Hill, Iota Upsilon Lambda’s 19th President, rolled out the red carpet, where we enjoyed a football game, excellent repast and enjoyable brotherly conversation.

Photo credit for all of the wonderful pictures go to Brother Sam Fulwood.

Brother Neal

Holiday event. The Alpha wives collected over 100 books to donate to their cause - half of which were donated by Mu Lambda.

The House

FIRST GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY 2405 First Street NW, Washington DC

MU LAMBDA’s 2nd HOUSE 1800 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW

Image sourced from: Alpha Phi Alpha Hisotry Book

Wednesday, January 9th MAAC Reclamation, Caged Bird Thursday, January 10th Chapter meeting Saturday, January 12th Serving the Alpha Wives Wednesday, January 16th Callis Academy at Ballou High School

Executive Board Meeting THursday, January 17th Presidents conference call with VP MLHWC Meeting Monday, January 21st Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade Tuesday, January 22nd DC PanHellenic Council meeting Thursday, February 7th Chapter meeting Saturday, February 9th Alpha Wives meeting Wednesday, February 20th Callis Academy at Ballou High School

Executive Board meeting Friday, February 22-23rd Ist week of IMDP Area VI Monday, February 25th Amendments to General Organization Constitution due Tuesday, February 26th DC PanHellenic Council meeting Friday, March 1-2nd Thursday, March 7th Friday, March 8-10th Saturday, March 9th Wednesday, March 20th

Tuesday, March 26th Saturday, March 30th

2nd week of IMDP Area VI Chapter meeting Last week of IMDP Area VI Alpha Wives meeting Callis Academy at Ballou High School Executive Board meeting DC PanHellenic Council meeting MAAC District Conference Spring Staff meeting

Thursday, April 4th Saturday, April 13th Wednesday, April 17th

Tuesday, April 23rd Thursday, April 25-28th

Chapter meeting Alpha Wives card party Callis Academy at Ballou High School Executive Board meeting DC PanHellenic Council meeting Eastern Region Convention

Thursday, May 2nd Saturday, May 11th Wednesday, May 15th

Tuesday, May 28th

Chapter meeting Alpha Wives meeting Callis Academy at Ballou High School Executive Board meeting DC PanHellenic Council meeting

Thursday, June 6th Saturday, June 8th Wednesday, June 19th Saturday, June 22nd Tuesday, June 25th

Chapter meeting Alpha Wives meeting Executive Board meeting 95th Anniversary Gala DC PanHellenic Council meeting

Wednesday, July 17th Wednesday, July 24-28th

Executive Board meeting General Convention

Wednesday, August 21st

Executive Board meeting

Thursday, September 5th Wednesday, September 11th Saturday, September 14th Wednesday, September 18th Tuesday, September 24th Saturday, September 28th

Chapter meeting Congressional Black Caucus Social at “The Park” Alpha Wives meeting Executive Board meeting DC PanHellenic Council meeting Clean the Block

Tuesday, October 1st Smoke Thursday, October 3rd Saturday, October 5th Saturday, October 12th Wednesday, October 16th Tuesday, October 22nd

Mu Lambda turns 96 – Mu Lambda Brotherhood

Thursday, November 7th Saturday, November 9th Monday, November 11th Wednesday, November 20th Tuesday, November 26th THursday, November 28th

Chapter meeting Alpha Wives meeting Veterans Day Executive Board meeting DC PanHellenic Council meeting Happy Thanksgiving

Wednesday, December 4th Thursday, December 5th Saturday, December 7th

and Robert H. Ogle

Saturday, December 14th Wednesday, December 18th Friday, December 20th Tuesday, December 24th Wednesday, December 25th

Alpha turns 113 Chapter meeting MAAC Breakfast Wreath Laying Ceremony for Nathaniel A. Murray

Chapter meeting Charter Day Brunch Alpha Wives meeting Executive Board meeting DC PanHellenic Council meeting

Founders Day banquet or night time social Alpha Wives meeting Executive Board meeting Deliver holiday baskets to families DC PanHellenic Council meeting Merry Christmas

2019 CALENDER

UPCOMING EVENTS

13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday DC Peace Walk and Parade.

Monday, January 21, 2019. (10 am check in) Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Road SE The parade will assemble in Anacostia Park at 11am. It will officially begin at 12pm and conclude at 2pm at the Gateway Pavilion on the campus of St Elizabeth East 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave S. E.

2019

Gala SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, June 22nd 2019 Mu Lambda will host its Black and Gold gala.

Tickets will be reasonably priced, with all proceeds going to the Mu Lambda Foundation. It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate Mothers’ Day a week in advance. The planning committee is working to make this one of the best galas in honor of our 95 years of existence. It is estimated we will have 600 people in attendance. Each brother is being asked to sell or purchase a modest four tickets each. The Mu Lambda Foundation board members are being asked to sell a modest 10 tickets each.

The brothers of Mu Lambda joined the Alpha Wives Inc. for their first annual BOOKS and BRUNCH Holiday event. The Alpha wives collected over 100 books to donate to their cause - half of which were donated by Mu Lambda.

JANUARY MU LAMBDA BIRTHDAYS Bro. Sam Thorton III - 1st Bro. James O. Wilson - 1st Bro. Fred Valentine - 9th Bro Kevin Dixon - 19th Bro. Chatman K. Young - 24th Bro. Horace G Dawson Jr. - 30th

2018-2019 Executive Board of Mu Lambda President: Eddie Neal Vice President:

Mikael E. LaRoche

Recording Secretary:

Jason Jefferson

Corresponding Secretary:

Timothy Fitzgerald

Financial Secretary:

Chatman Young

Treasurer: Michael Young Chaplain:

William “Tony” Hawkins

Historian:

Silas J Woods

Intake Coordinator:

Andre Lucas

Assoc. Editor/Sphinx:

Garrett Miller

Dir. Educational Activities:

Charvis Campbell

Sergeant-at-Arms: Frank King Parliamentarian: Byron L. Williams Web Master: Mark Jones Editor of the Torch:

Mikael LaRoche

Member at Large

LeRoy Lowery III

General Counsel

Brent Radcliffe

Social Chair Mikael LaRoche