Brothers, the 2010 fraternal year is coming to an end. This month Mu Lambda Chapter will be electing new officers and any Brother interested in any position should contact Brother Reginald Salter, the nominating committee chairman. As we conclude this fraternal year, lets us be mindful of our mission statement: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy to our communities. Mu Lambda chapter has been a premier chapter in the fraternity for many years and I am confident that we can continue being one of the premier chapters with your hard work and dedication.
In the past two years we have increased our community service activities with organizations like Martha’s Table and Damien Ministries. March of Dimes/Marching for Babies is one of our partners that Mu Lambda has been supporting for many years. Each year we purchase a mile marker that is placed along the walking route for everyone to see. Marching for Babies is the first and best-loved walking event in the nation. It supports research to prevent premature birth and birth defects, the two leading causes of infant death or lifelong disability.
Brothers May is Mental Health Month: Celebrate Children’s Mental Well-being. You may not realize it but chances are a child or adolescent you know has a serious mental health issue. In fact, mental health problems affect one in five young people.
Mental health problems are painful; emotionally, spiritually and socially-even more so, for children and adolescents. Words that make fun of mental health create a sense of shame, feelings of guilt and loss of self-esteem. Children and adolescents exposed to such a negative taunting experience rejection, loneliness and isolation. For a child with a mental health problem, this “stigma” is often the greatest barrier to living a complete and satisfying life. But we can help. There are many things that parents and caregivers can do to support children’s emotional health and well-being.
Inside this Edition:
• The Executive Message
• Alpha Wives Section
• Documentary & Film Series
• Membership News
• 2010 Alumnus of the Year
• Beautillion Highlights
• Mr. Alumni Contest
• ΑφΑ Milestones
• Black Facts
Historical Moment
• Birthdays
• The Alpha House
Walter Whitley Editor
• • Executive Message Continued
Please make a commitment to help the children and adolescents in your life. May is officially recognized as “Mental Health Month” by Congress since 1949- is the perfect time for parents and caregivers to focus on children’s and adolescents’ mental health. You can demonstrate your support for Mental Health Month by:
• Learning more about mental well being in children.
• Celebrating the accomplishments and strengths of children.
• Fostering self-worth and independence in children.
• Helping children express their feelings.
• Promoting mutual respect and trust.
• Recognizing the strengths in all children.
• Appreciating each child’s uniqueness.
• Encouraging individual talents.
• Helping children set goals based on their abilities and interests.
Brothers, I know we can do this, it is vital to our families, our communities and our lives.
See you at the next Chapter Meeting, May 06, 2010
ALPHA WIVES
ALPHA WIVES SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON/ CARD PARTY IS A SUCCESS
Experience and coordinated planning by Chairperson Barbara Ramos and co-chair Valencia Barber ensured the success of this year's annual Alpha Wives scholarship luncheon/card party. The event was held on Saturday, April 17, 2010.at the Washington Navy Yard. It began with a brief social period, followed by the luncheon. Luncheon tables were decorated in a delightful and appropriate card deck motif. Door prizes were awarded to winning guest during the luncheon. Guests divided into groups to play various card games, as well as table games, after the luncheon. It was a very enjoyable occasion.
This annual event is the major scholarship fundraiser for the Alpha Wives. It allows us to provide first time and continuing scholarships to deserving students. Thanks to all that attended.
May - Last Alpha Wives Meeting Before Summer Break
The May meeting will be the last Alpha Wives meeting before the summer break. It is important for all members to attend to help plan for the June activity which is usually an outing at a restaurant with Alphas and other invited guest attending.
“Rain
Documentary & Film Series
Saturday, May 8, 4:30-6:30pm
How do you measure the distance from an African village to an American city? What does it mean to be a refugee in today's "global village"? Rain in a Dry Land provides eye-opening answers as it chronicles the fortunes of two Somali Bantu families, transported by relief agencies from years of civil war and refugee life to Springfield, Massachusetts and Atlanta, Georgia. As the newcomers confront racism, poverty and 21st-century culture shock, the film captures their efforts to survive in America and create a safe haven for their war-torn families. Their poetry, humor and amazing resilience show us our own world through new eyes Screenings are Free and Open to the Public
Membership News
Dinner With The Brothers
Thursday March 25, 2010, Mu Lambda gathered at the Golden Corral in Largo, Maryland to break bread and share good times with each other. Brother Justin Davis, the chapter’s social chair planned the event and is instrumental in strengthening the bond between older and younger Brothers
Important Dates
Cinco de Mayo May 5, 2010
Mother’s Day May 9, 2010
MAAC Staff Meeting May 22, 2010
Morgan State University 9am
Memorial Day Observed May 31, 2010
High Blood Pressure Month Know Your Numbers & Improve Your Diet May 1-31, 2010
May Service Project
Saturday May 08, 2010
We will volunteer at Martha’s Table from 10am-1pm preparing food, packing groceries and doing what ever they need us to do.
Ushering at Big Read Marathon
Volunteers needed to welcome marathon readers, pass out badges, help guests find seating, assist with setup and breakdown and more.
Saturday, May 1st, 2010
Details: 6-10 volunteers from 10:30 am – 3 pm. Volunteers should wear a nice top and slacks or a skirt.
Location: MLK Library Downtown
Alumnus of the Year
Brother Lawrence K. Montgomery selected Morgan State University 2010 Alumnus of the Year
Brother Montgomery earned his B.S. degree in music education and participated in the College Choir, Men’s Glee Club, and College Band, where he served as assistant director. He was an outstanding varsity swimmer and a four year member of the Army ROTC, Military Science Program. He graduated in 1956, was commissioned and served 22 years in the U.S. Army Adjutant General Corps. He was posted overseas in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam and served as the Director of Recreation Services at the US Military Academy at West Point, NY during one of his state-side tours. He was a US Army representative to the US Olympic Committee in Mexico City for the 1968 Summer Olympics. He was awarded ten decorations including the Bronze Star. He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Brother Montgomery has been married over 50 years to Delta Sigma Theta Soror Sarah Coleman Montgomery, also a Morgan State graduate. They hold the distinction of having each of their four children earn degrees at Morgan State and become commissioned US Army Officers after completing the Army ROTC Program.
Upon his retirement from the military, he returned to his “Fair Morgan” where he served as Director of Alumni Affairs from 1977 to 2000 and acting Vice President for Institutional Advancement from 1994 to 1997. He is one of the few administrators in Morgan’s history to serve in two important positions at the same time; in a sense he was his own “boss” for three years. His accomplishments as an administrator are many, most notable is the establishment of the Campus Alumni House. He served twenty-three years as Executive Director of the Morgan State University National Alumni Association, and his legacy at Morgan State includes enshrinement in the Morgan State University Varsity “M” Club Hall of Fame along with NFL Hall of Famers Roosevelt Brown, Len Ford and Leroy Kelly.
Brother Montgomery was initiated into our beloved fraternity on Mar 10, 1954 at our Delta Beta Chapter. During his 56 plus years, many in Mu Lambda, he has served as chapter vice-president, parliamentarian and in other positions; he has chaired any number of committees – black and gold, Founders Day and others; and he has shared his melodious baritone voice in any number of Alpha Choruses on a variety of occasions. He currently serves on Mu Lambda’s budget and finance committee, and he has been an active supporter of the Beautillion Program where his grand-son, Lawrence K. Montgomery, III, was a member of the 2003 class.
An active participant in the civic life of his community, he serves as Chair of Members Assembly of the Washington Senior Wellness Center in his Hillcrest neighborhood.
In addition to his recent honor, Brother Montgomery was recognized, in 1989, as a National Association for Equal Opportunity (NAFEO) Distinguished Alumni Honoree, and he holds membership in Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and Golden Key National Honor Society.
An Alpha man of long standing, he personifies the essences of Alpha and he continues to hold high the “light of Alpha”.
WITNESS THE BEAUTILLION EXPERIENCE
The evening of April 16th found 300 Brothers, spouses, guests, and Beaux, resplendent in formal finery, gathered at Martin’s Crosswinds for an exalted cause – the induction of the 2010 Beautillion Class into DC society. The term “Rites of Passage” has been overworked on many fronts, but it is most apropos for this occasion. The beaming parents and exquisite escorts exuded rightful pride as the Beaux were introduced to all assembled. Individually, the Beaus were nothing short of amazing in their achievements and demeanor. Collectively, the Class of 2010 gave additional impetus to the fading myth of the imminent demise of productive, positive, young Black males!
The Mu Lambda Foundation Beautillion Committee, under the auspices of Brother Mark Ross and his able cochairmen Kent Benjamin and Darrell Chase, deserve commendation for a job superbly well done!! These Brothers sacrificed tremendous amounts of personal time and fortune to build on past legacies of previous committees to elevate the “Beautillion Experience” to new heights. Through both word and deed, the Brothers let the Beaux in on the “secrets” to success in college and thereafter. The social affair was a “reward” for the hard work the Beaux put in over a six-month period. The atmosphere was positive, the ambience delightful, the band rocked the house, the choreography was buoyant and the entire expenditure of energy worthwhile. Each Brother of Mu Lambda should show pride in their chapter’s initiative, effort and results. The best methods of doing that are by purchasing ads, buying tables, mentoring the Beaux, bringing elementary-aged students to the affair, and adding your energy to the synergistic mix. We must continue the work in the years to come – holding high the light of Alpha for all to see!
- Brother LeRoy Lowery
2010 Beautillion Class
Winston-Salem State University Mr. Alumni Contest
As a 2005 graduate of Winston Salem State University, I can truly say that my experience was life changing and I am compelled to give back to WSSU. It is with great RAM pride that I announce my participation in the 2010 Winston Salem State University, Mr. Alumni Contest.
Sean Bellamy
The Mr. and Mrs. Alumni Contest and Scholarship Gala are the primary fundraising events of the year. More than 1000 distinguished guests and dignitaries will gather to celebrate the accomplishments of community leaders and recognize our scholarship recipients. Your donation will provide funding for scholarships, educational resources and support for student activities and programs throughout the coming year.
It is the generosity of alumni, friends, community and business partners that make our work possible. We trust that you agree that the success of our youth is pivotal to the success of our city, region and country and ask that you assist me in this endeavor. Therefore, I invite you to participate in the WSSU National Alumni Association as a sponsor of the Annual Scholarship and Crowning Awards Gala on Friday, October 22, 2010 at the Benton Convention Center, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
My goal is to raise $10,000 for Winston Salem State University by September 1, 2010 and here are three ways you can help:
1. Become one of my corporate sponsors at $2500. You will receive premium invitations for two, a full-page advertisement in the program, acknowledgement as Bronze sponsor in all printed promotional materials, prominent name listing on sponsorship board and a listing in alumni directory for one year as association sponsor.
2. Become one of my individual sponsors at $1000. You will receive a full page advertisement in the program and acknowledgement as a platinum sponsor.
3. Support my Scholarship Gala participation with a $200 full-page advertisement, a $100 half-page advertisement, or $50 quarter page advertisement. It may be a greeting, a congratulatory statement, or something else to your liking.
You may also contribute through credit card or Paypa1 at www.seanbformralumni.com
Please make your check payable to WSSU National Alumni Association, denoting Sean Bellamy in the memo line
Please mail to:
WSSU National Alumni Association Alumni House
Winston-Salem, NC 27110
Portion of proceeds will benefit the Winston-Salem State University National Alumni Scholarship Endowment. For more information, please contact the WSSU National Alumni Association at (336) 750-2122. The WSSUNAA is a non-profit organization and your donation may be tax deductible.
Please consult with your financial advisor or tax consultant.
THANK YOU for your support.
Milestones in Dear ΑΦΑ
Yrs Brother Initiation Date/Chapter Location
50 James R Haynes 12/21/1959 Alpha Chi Fisk University
50 Arthur L Nelson, Jr. 1/20/1960 Beta Howard University
50 Robert E. Richardson 4/1/1960 Delta Rho Rockhurst College, MO
25 Kevin M. Pittman 3/12/1985 Theta Sigma University of Florida
25 Paul A. Cotton 3/23/1985 Beta Howard University
25 Robert J. Nickens 4/1/1985 Mu Lambda Washington, DC
25 Kent A. Benjamin 4/12/1985 Sigma Boston City-Wide
25 Walter Whitley 4/12/1985 Sigma Boston City-Wide
Congratulations to the Dark Phoenix line, initiated into Sigma Chapter, April 12, 1985
Brothers Reginald Tucker, Kent Benjamin, Anthony Rust, Walter Whitley and Jonathan Mooty. Brothers Benjamin and Whitley are currently active members of Mu Lambda, with Brother Benjamin Co-Chairing the Beautillion and Brother Whitley serving as Editor of the Torch Newsletter.
BLACK FACTS
Nannie Helen Burroughs: Educator, Orator, Religious Leader and Business Woman born May 2, 1879
LITTLE
KNOWN BLACK HISTORY MOMENT
William Thaddeus Coleman, Jr.
First Black Supreme Court Law Clerk
The African Lodge, No. 459 was founded July 7, 1920By Prince Hall in Massachusetts 4th U.S. Secretary of Transportation May 06, 1787
William T. Coleman, Jr. is the fourth United Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. the nation’s first Black States Secretary of Transportation, from March General in the U. S. Air Force was promoted to Major General 7, 1975 to January 20, 1977, and only the second May 22, 1959 African American to serve in the Cabinet at the time. Coleman is also a distinguished lawyer who, with Justice Thurgood Marshall, played a major role in significant civil rights cases.
He began his legal career in 1947, serving as law clerk to Judge Herbert F. Goodrich of the United State Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter in 1948. He is the first African American to serve as a Supreme Court Law Clerk. Coleman, one of the lead strategist and co-author of the legal brief in Brown v. Board of Education, 1954 in which the U.S. Supreme Court held racial segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional. He served as a member of the NAACP’s National Legal Committee, Director and Member of its Executive Committee and President of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
President Gerald Ford appointed Coleman to serve as the nation’s fourth Secretary of Transportation on March 7, 1975 and in 1995, he was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President William Jefferson Clinton. The highest civilian award in the United States.
Brother William Thaddeus Coleman, Jr. is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and he and his wife Lovida have three children.
Brother William Thaddeus Coleman, Jr.
May Birthdays
Campbell C. Johnson
Larry D. Davis
Lavert C. Seabron
William M. Hafford
Lucius L. Brown, Jr.
Dickie S. Carter
Wali I. Farid
Arthur E. King
Khama Sharp
Reginald O. Salter
Nigel Pierce
Julius R. Hall
Larry Williams
Alfonso N. Pearson
Montae D. Scott
Earnest R. Johnson
Matthew Green
Willie McGee
James T. McQueen
Melvin T. Hardy
Syl Lorenzo Shannon
Elbertr D. Gadsden
Robert Shepherd
Kelvin P. McClinton
Alphonso W. Pendergrass
Roger Pilgrim
Antwan L. Lofton
President
May 01
May 02
May 02
May 02
May 05
May 05
May 05
May 05
May 09
May 13
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 21
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 23
May 25
May 25
May 25
May 28
May 29
May 29
May 29
May 31
May 31
2010 Mu Lambda Housing Assessment
Please remember to pay your 2010 Housing Assessment: $50 per chapter meeting (10 meetings) or $500 for the year. Remit to Mu Lambda Foundation, PO Box 4582, Wash., DC 20017-4582
The 2009-2010 Executive Committee
Tim Fitzgerald
301-332-7507 timfitz06@comcast.net
Vice President Reginald Salter 301-379-6102 rsalterdds@aol.com
Recording Secretary Sean Bellamy 336-575-7677 sean.bellamy@dc.gov
Treasurer Mark Ross 202-422-8493 rossmarka@aol.com
Financial Secretary Arthur King 202-744-6624 aking536@aol.com
Corresponding Secretary Joseph Housey, III 561-932-3599 joe3rd@hotmail.com
Chaplain William Hawkins 202-583-3211 whawk39564@aol.com
Historian Justin Davis 678-787-8344 jed55@cornell.edu
Associate Editor to the Sphinx Antwan Lofton 202-997-8498 antwan_lofton@yahoo.com
Editor of the Torch
Webmaster
Director of Intake
Director of Education
Parliamentarian
Member-at-Large
Immediate Past President
Walter Whitley 202-255-9258 walterwhitley@msn.com
Larry Ware 202-621-3745 larryware@gmail.com
James Heck 202-5352605 jkcjh@aol.com
Geoffrey Johnson 202-487-0785 noplga@aol.com
Eddie Neal 301-440-4055 ewneal@hotmail.com
Wiley Bowling, Jr. 301-218-3167 bowlingw@aol.com
James McDonald 202-544-5026 macdee06@yahoo.com
www.mulambda.org
Ballard Mountain John Ballarde
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter PO Box 1993 Washington, DC 20013-1993 ….Share the Light of the Torch with our inactive Brothers and Brothers new to the DC area…. May Meeting Thursday, May 06, 2010 7:06pm School of Dentistry Howard University Campus
