In This Issue
OUR CHAPTER
Mu Lambda is Alpha's eleventh alumni chapter, chartered October 1, 1923, in Washington D.C. The chapter was established, in part, in response to the desire of graduate brothers, many whom were initiated into Beta Chapter at Howard University, to give aid to the undergraduate brothers and continue the work of Alpha. Chartered by 22 distingushed men of Alpha which included Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray and Jewel Robert Harold Ogle.
CHAPTER LEGACY
There has been six members who served as the General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and two whom served as the Eastern Region Vice President. Mu Lambda is equally proud of our current brothers making their mark in the Washington D.C. community and beyond. Our chapter has many entrepreneurs, activists, political leaders, philanthropists, academicians, ministers and so much more. Our diverse brotherhood age range is between the ages of 25 and 98. We all work together to maximize the brotherhood of Alpha by following the Objective, Mission and AIMS of our Fraternity.
FIRST OFFICERS
The officers elected at the first meeting were Brother Harold StrattonPresident, Brother John Lowery-Vice President, Brother Victor DalySecretary, Brother Daniel W. EdmondsTreasurer, and Brother Nathaniel Allison Murray (Jewel)-Chaplain. Mu Lambda was thus established and was on its way into history!
www.mulambda.org
Torch Cover - October 2025 - Celebrating 102 Mighty Years of Service
2. Chapter Cover Image - The MIGHTY
3. In this Issue
4. Executive Board, Committee Chairs, Charter Members, Past Presidents
5. The Presidents’ Message
6. The Vice-Presidents’ Message
7. MAAC Founder’s Day Breakfast
8. MAAC Annual District Conference
9. Mu Lambda Brother’s Birthdays
10. Alpha Cookout in Da Park
11. Project Give Back
12. “Ice or Neat: A Night of Fellowship and Whiskey Education”
14. “The F1RST Breakfast: A Morning of Legacy, Leadrship & Brotherhood”
18. THIS IS BETA
22. “Far, Togehter” - Bro. Christopher Butts
26. “From Alpha to Omega” - Bro. Karl Bruce.
28. Double Good Fundraiser
29. Light for the Journey: Fatherhood Reflections
34. Mu Lambda Mixtape - October
35. Next on Your Reading List - Bro. Collis Crews
36. Recipes - Healthy Eating and a Little Drinks
37. Chapter Brother Business Advertisements
46. Message from the Editor
47. Espirt De. Fraternite
Executive Board
President
Mikael E. LaRoche
Vice President
Karl Bruce
Recording Secretary
Marcus Spells
Corresponding Secretary
Swain Riley
Financial Secretary
Lloyd Ross
Treasurer Michael Young
Chaplain
William “Tony” Hawkins
Historian
Ameer Baker
Archivist
James Heck
Intake Coordinator
Mark Jones
Assoc. Editor/Sphinx
Randall Clarke
Dir. Ed. Activities
Sean Perkins
Sergeant-at-Arms
Frank King
Parliamentarian
Pierre Boynton
Director of Technology
Garrett Miller
Editor of the Torch
Christopher Butts
Member at Large
Jason Jefferson
Risk Management Officer
Joseph Gibbs
General Council
Vacant
Immediate Past President
John “Tony” Wilson
Committee Chairs
Brother’s Keeper
Joseph Housey III
Budget and Finance
Ross Lloyd
Communications
Randell Clarke
Technology
Garrett Miller
Constitution
Jason Jefferson
DC National Pan Hellenic Council
James Morgan III
Auditing
Juan Powell
Health & Wellness
Ted Darlington
Membership
Timothy Fitzgerald / Jonathan Brown
Hospitality/Men Who Cook
Swain Riley
Beta Chapter Advisor
James Harmon III
Ritual
Ryle Bell / Garrett Miller
Nominating
Samuel Armstrong
Programs/Chapter of the Year
Christopher Butts
Public Policy
George Walker
Social
Xavier Thompson
Community Service
Jeffery Taylor
Fundraising
Antonio King
Archival and History
James Heck / Ameer Baker
Intake
Mark Jones
Charter Members
Arthur Curtis*
Merrill H. Curtis*
Victor R. Daly*
Eugene L. C. Davidson*
Arnold Donawa*
Walter Garvin*
William L. Hansberry*
Charles H. Houston*
Edward Howard*
Joseph R. Jones*
R. Frank Jones*
J Edward Lowery*
Clarence H. Mills*
Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray*
Norman L. McGhee* FN4
Jewel Robert Harold Ogle*
Louis H. Russell*
James N. Saunders*
Emory B. Smith*
Harold C. Stratton*
J.H.N. Waring*
Charles H. Wesley* FN3
CHARTERED ON MONDAY OCTOBER 1, 1923
WASHINGTON, D.C.
FN1
6th General President 1915-1916
FN2
General Secretary 1915-1916
7th General President 1916-1917
FN3
14th General President 1931-1940
FN4 General Secretary 1920-1926
FN5
8th Eastern Regional Vice-President 1950-1953
FN6
23rd Eastern Regional Vice-President 2000-2001
Executive Director
MLK Memorial
Past Presidents
1. Harold Stratton* 1923 - 1924
2. Howard H. Long* FN2
3. Charles H. Wesley* 1926 - 1928
4. Frank Adams*
5. R. Frank Jones*
6. James B. Browning*
7. Jewel Henry Arthur Callis* FN1
8. U. Simpson Tate*
9. Claude Ferebee*
10. George O. Butler*
11. C.C. House* 1938 - 1940
12. Verdie L. Robinson*
13. Walter M. Booker* FN5
14. Jack Bond*
15. Millard R. Dean*
16. Frank Davis*
17. Clifton Hardy*
18. Herman Johnson*
19. Howard Jenkins*
20. C.C. House* 1952 - 1954
21. William F. Nelson*
22. Aubrey E. Robinson*
23. Joseph Waddy*
24. Edward J. Austin*
25. Elgy Johnson* 1964 - 1965
26. George H. Windsor* 1965 - 1967
27. James T. Speight* 1967 - 1969
28. Harold Sims* 1969 - 1970
29. Eddie L. Madison* 1970 - 1972
30. Wilbur Sewell* 1972 - 1974
31. Charles Walker Thomas* 1974 - 1976
32. Theodore Taylor* 1976 - 1978
33. Elmer Moore* 1978 - 1981
34. William E. Calbert* 1981 - 1983
35. Osmond Brown* 1983 - 1986
36. Vernon Gill 1986 - 1988
37. LeRoy Lowery, III 1988 - 1990
38. Morris Hawkins* 1990 - 1992
39. C.C. Jones 1992 - 1995
40. Vincent Orange 1995 - 1997
41. Melvin White 1997 - 1999
42. LeRoy Lowery, III FN6 1999 - 2001
43. James Haynes 2001 - 2002
44. Rudolph Harris* 2002 - 2004
45. Edwin Norwood 2004 - 2006
46. James McDonald 2006 - 2008
47. Timothy Fitzgerald 2008 - 2010
48. Kwame Ulmer 2010 - 2011
49. LeRoy Lowery, III 2011 - 2013
50. Eddie Neal 2013 - 2015
51. LeRoy Lowery, III 2015 - 2017
52. Joel Grey 2017 - 2018
53. Eddie Neal 2018 - 2020
54. John “Tony” Wilson 2020 - 2023
* Omega Chapter Brothers Footnote (FN)
The President’s Message
OCTOBER 2025 MESSAGE
I greet you this October with gratitude and pride as we continue this remarkable journey together. October 1st marked 102 years since our twenty-two charter members laid the foundation for Mu Lambda Chapter, creating a space where young professional men of like mind could unite in service to a community challenged by the times.
When our chapter was chartered in 1923, the nation was in the midst of profound change—political upheaval following the death of President Warren G. Harding and the scandal that shadowed his presidency, a cultural awakening marked by the Jazz Age and the rise of film and radio, and technological advancements that reshaped daily life. Amidst these transitions, our charter brothers envisioned a future where Alpha men would lead with distinction, uplift their communities, and embody the values of our Fraternity.
Today, that vision remains alive and strong. This year, I was especially inspired by our second hosting of the F1RST Breakfast during CBC Week, where we were joined by Fraternity President Brother Lucien J. Metellus and Past General President Brother Herman “Skip” Mason. To see a room filled to capacity at 7 a.m. at AAMC Headquarters was a reminder that Mu Lambda’s presence and leadership are not only recognized but demanded in the spaces where decisions are made that affect us all.
Our work in monthly community service continues to speak volumes. With more than 20 brothers showing up at each event, we embody the Alpha spirit of dedication and resilience. 10% of the chapter monthly is working toward turning challenges into opportunities for impact. From community service initiatives to our whiskey socials, from MAAC meetings to chapter retreats, we are setting the tone for a year of momentum and excellence.
As we move into the heart of the fall season, and see the leaves change their hue, I look forward to an active Homecoming season—beginning with our chapter Cookout on October 11th, and extending to hosting the NPHC at our Foundation House. These moments remind us that Mu Lambda is more than a chapter; it is a family, a legacy, and a beacon of leadership in the Washington, D.C. community.
Brothers, welcome home. Mu Lambda is alive and working hard—102 years of Service, 102 years of Advocacy, and above all, 102 years of Leadership and Love for All Mankind.
Brother Mikael E. LaRoche, (10-Mu Lambda-13)
President 2024 - 2026
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.- Mu Lambda Chapter
Vice President’s Message
OCTOBER 2025 MESSAGE
Greetings Dear Brothers,
Happy Fall and happy charter month. Welcome to the world of cooler temperatures and dodging all things pumpkin spiced!
We are well on our way to a phenomenal fraternal year; full of great service, spirited fraternal bonding, and meaningful business endeavors. My simple ask is that we stay thoughtful and intentional with our efforts.
Great job to the Public Policy Committee and all who assisted with putting together another great CBC Breakfast. The program was excellent, and the honoring of Bro. Ambassador Dawson was not only a great idea, but truly the highlight of the event.
This month is breast cancer and domestic violence awareness month. As we uphold the respect of womanhood let’s make sure that we honor, protect, and pray for the women within our sphere of influence.
Be on the lookout for more service, social, and special events as your continued support and attendance is vital to the success of our fraternal programming. This year will continue to be packed full of activities to suit everyone’s taste so stay tuned, stay engaged, and stay connected.
Last but not least it’s homecoming season. Reach out to a brother you haven’t seen or heard from in a while and encourage them to come back home. Remind them that there’s nothing quite like the House of Alpha!
Congratulations on 102 years of doing Alpha the DC way. You men set the standard for what Alpha looks like, and it is (as always) an honor to serve.
Onward and upward towards the light!
Fraternally,
Brother Karl Bruce
Vice President (12-Mu Lambda-13) 2025 - 2026
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
MU LAMBDA BROTHER’S BIRTHDAYS
OCTOBER 2025
Bro. Creston Lynch - 3rd
Bro. Maxime Pinchinat - 3rd
Bro. Frank King - 7th
Bro. Samuel Puryear - 13th
Bro. Lloyd McGriff - 16th
Bro. Eric Washington - 16th
Bro. Lamar Arnold - 17th
Bro. Douglas Sands - 17th
Bro. Eric Herndon - 18th
Bro. Joseph Housey III - 18th
Bro. Orain Edwards - 20th
Bro. Kelechi Ononiwu - 22nd
Bro. David Edgerton Jr. - 23rd
Bro. Alvin Reaves - 23rd
Bro. Jamie Riley - 25th
Bro. Nnamdi Olebara - 27th
ICED OR NEAT
A Night of Fellowship and Whiskey Education
On Friday, September 5th, the Mu Lambda Chapter and guests gathered for something new, something spirited, literally. Curated and hosted by our own Brother Jonathan Brown, the Iced or Neat Whiskey Educational was more than just an evening of drinks; it was a night of fellowship, curiosity, and culture.
From the moment Brothers walked through the door, there was a sense of excitement. A slideshow and boards set the mood, President LaRoche kept the energy alive with music,
and each guest was greeted with a welcome cocktail: the Sept Bijou—French for “Seven Jewels.” Served in a branded Old Forester rocks glass (a keepsake for every guest), the cocktail was an opening gesture to the experience ahead.
“Everybody loved the welcome cocktail,” Jonathan shared. “It was something they didn’t have to pay extra for, and they even got to keep the glass as a memento. It made the night feel special right from the start”
As the evening moved downstairs, Brothers found tables set with tasting stations, thoughtfully prepared by Jonathan and his fellow whiskey educators. The space buzzed with laughter, handshakes, and that unique energy that only comes when Alphas gather in fellowship.
The vibe, as Jonathan described it, was exactly what he envisioned: “I wanted a relaxed fellowship kind of time; people coming in, laughing, talking, and sharing spirits. And that’s
And that’s exactly what happened. What I loved most was that they weren’t just drinking; they were really engaged, asking about how whiskey is made, the science behind it, and showing genuine interest.”
That spirit of inquiry gave the night a balance of fun and learning. It wasn’t just sipping, it was storytelling, education, and appreciation.
Reflecting on the event, Jonathan noted the energy as one of the highlights: “The energy people came in with meant a lot, smiles, excitement, Brothers happy to be in the house. And then seeing my friends and colleagues, the whiskey educators, embraced so warmly by the Brothers, it was beautiful.”
Of course, every event offers lessons for the next one. Jonathan laughed as he admitted that if he could tweak anything, he’d add “maybe 15 or 20 extra minutes at the end to just relax and decompress,” and perhaps “a bit more variety in appetizers” to round out the tasting. Still, these were what he called “good problems to have.”
Attendance spoke for itself: about 90% of guests were Brothers, with roughly 70–75% from Mu Lambda. That turnout not only highlighted the chapter’s support but also underscored the appetite for creative, fellowship-driven experiences like this one.
For Jonathan, the night was about bringing together two things he loves: Alpha and whiskey. “One of the things I wanted was to bring two of my favorite things together,” he reflected. “Seeing the support, the interest, and the Brothers genuinely learning, it meant everything. I’m just glad it came together as well as it did.”
The Iced or Neat Whiskey Educational was a reminder that fellowship doesn’t have to look one way. Whether in a convention hall, at a service project, or around a table of carefully poured spirits, when Brothers gather with purpose and sincerity, the result is always the same: connection, growth, and joy.
THE F1RST BREAKFAST
A Morning of Legacy, Leadership, and Brotherhood
The sun was barely up when Brothers, leaders, and friends gathered for the second annual F1RST Breakfast during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. Yet by 7:00 a.m., the room was already buzzing, eventually standing room only, filled with voices that carried both history and hope.
Brother George Walker, Chair of the Public Policy Committee and the lead architect behind this year’s breakfast, summed it best: “My first thought is gratitude. It was never just me. When you decide to chair an initiative like this, it’s about your team. And I’m really proud of the team.”
Honoring a Living Legend
Among the morning’s highlights was the celebration of Ambassador Horace G. Dawson, who at 99 years old remains a towering figure in diplomacy and public policy. Walker reflected, “I heard about him from non-Alphas, a man and a woman, who spoke of how legendary he was in their lives as a mentor. To be able to give him his flowers in that room was amazing.”
The moment was made richer by the presence of the 37th General President, Brother Lucien Metellus Jr., underscoring the significance of this gathering for the fraternity and the community alike.
Policy Meets Brotherhood
The program featured powerful remarks from Councilmember Mu Lambda Chapter Brother Zachary Parker, Congressman Brother Gabe Amo, and Congressman Troy A. Carter, who reminded the room of the “three C’s” at the heart of public life: Congress, Courts, and Community. That last word, community, rang loudly throughout the program.
“The room saw us as serious about our commitment to social justice and service,” Walker shared. “It reminded Brothers that we have real work to do.”
From Congressman Amo’s reflections on health innovation to discussions about funding for grave diseases like cancer and HIV/AIDS, the breakfast was symbolic and substantive.
The Energy in the Room
Those who attended will remember the energy as much as the words spoken. “It was lovely,” Walker said with a smile. “People were sitting on the edge of their seats. They wanted to hear more. And the young Brothers, guys just out of school, stayed to the end, which doesn’t always happen. That was phenomenal.”
Indeed, the morning created a space where undergraduate Brothers like R.J. Jackson, named the 2025 National Outstanding Undergraduate Brother of the Year, sat
alongside Ambassador Dawson. It was a generational tableau, a reminder that Alpha’s story is written by both the newest initiates and the eldest statesmen.
Building for Year Three
Looking ahead, Walker sees both opportunity and responsibility. Partnerships with organizations like the AAMC and the National Minority Quality Forum have already strengthened the program. But he’s quick to note where the work continues: “We want to be more intentional about undergraduate involvement. That’s the sweet sauce of brotherhood, mentoring, pulling folks in, making sure they connect with the right people in the room.”
And, of course, there’s the simple power of a well-run morning. “These people with very busy lives got up at 7 a.m. to join us,” Walker said. “They want to kick off their day being intellectually motivated. And we have to continue to give them that.”
A Tradition in the Making
The F1RST Breakfast has quickly become more than just another event on the CBC calendar. It’s a tradition that embodies the fraternity’s values: manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind, served with hot coffee and the reminder that Alpha’s work begins early and ends late.
As Walker reflected, “With all the challenges in public policy, it was clear the room was with us. And when people want more at the end, not less, you know you’ve done something right.”
THIS IS BETA
BETA CHAPTER IN ACTION
Service, Scholarship, and Brotherhood at Howard
On September 4th, The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Beta Chapter had their annual “Ice an Alpha” Fundraiser on the main yard of Howard University’s Campus. The event was full of fun, fellowship and was a good introduction to the HU community.
On September 6th, The Brothers of Beta Chapter served and participated at DC Central Kitchen, preparing sandwiches, cutting fruit, and more to help supply local DC schools with fresh meals. It was a very well attended event and fulfilling to all that that were involved.
On September 12th, Beta Chapter partnered with Jewels, Incorporated (A Howard University based female mentoring group) to have the event “Break the Ice”. The event took place on HU’s Main Yard as they handed out Rita’s water ice, hosted games, and connected with Howard students in an afternoon of fun and fellowship.
On September 21st, The Brotherhood went to HU’s historic Greene Stadium and partnered with the Howard Track and Field team to have the event “Run Your City Shaw” to host a community run club for kids. The free program, designed for students in grades K-8, was led by collegiate athletes and focused on making running a fun, safe, and inclusive activity for youth of all abilities and backgrounds. The six-week sessions encourage kids to get active while building community through movement and mentorship.
On September 24th, The Brothers held “Phirst Impressions.” This was a professional development workshop designed to enhance the soft skills of young men on campus, focusing on the importance of making a positive first impression and refining their professionalism and personal brand. The event was very well attended and informative to all those that gathered.
And Finally, The Miss Black & Gold Royal Court of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Chapter on October 1st had the event “Clipper Conversations” The event is focused on creating a safe, culturally grounded space for Black male students to engage in real talk about consent, self-worth, emotional intelligence, and accountability. This event encourages vulnerability, dialogue, and brotherhood in action.
There are some brothers whose stories read like a good map, edges worn from use, arrows inked in determination, margins full of notes that say try again. Brother Mikael Emmanuel LaRoche is one of those maps.
His story begins an ocean away, in Trinidad & Tobago, and if you listen closely, you can still hear the rhythm of the island in his pace, purposeful, unhurried, never lazy. He came to Howard University at nineteen with a runner’s lungs and a ledger that said “one year paid, solve for the other three.” He walked on to the track team and ran until the ledger changed numbers. “Coach Merritt challenged me to score points. If I contributed to the team at MEACs, I’d earn it.” He did. He also graduated magna cum laude (3.76 GPA) and, along the way, found himself caught in the wind of something older and colder than a D.C. winter: Alpha.
Howard, of course, is where the myth and the mundane share a yard. The day Beta Chapter unveiled its centennial line, Mikael watched the campus hold its breath while tradition paraded past Frederick Douglass Hall like scripture set to drumline. “As a Trinidadian, it’s not customary to join the Divine Nine,” he says. “But I was enthralled.” That’s the word he uses, enthralled, not dazzled. Dazzle is surface. Enthrallment reaches down into the gears and asks how the machine makes meaning. He noticed who organized, who led, who showed up before the lights and stayed after to sweep. He took names. He took notes.
Here is where most origin stories try to sprint. Mikael’s chooses the long run. He didn’t make Beta as an undergraduate. He didn’t sulk either. He learned the city by bicycle and commitment, showed up where Mu Lambda did the work: fish fries, Beautillion, phone calls, the quiet tasks that make the house a house. “I couldn’t allow no to be my final answer,” he says with a grin that turns resolve into invitation. In Spring ’13, he crossed with Mu Lambda, not as a man who stumbled into belonging but as one who built it brick by brick.
If you ask what Alpha is to him, he doesn’t point to a single moment. He points to people, outliers who did the extra, mentors whose fingerprints still show up on his decisions, Brothers whose
names are now part of his interior vocabulary. He talks about belonging the way architects talk about load-bearing walls, something you don’t always see but would miss the second it’s gone. And he talks about representation, why it mattered for a Caribbean kid to be seen by men who knew him by name and expected him to become the best version of himself with his accent intact.
By the time you meet him as President LaRoche, you’re not meeting a headline so much as a throughline of discipline from track, scholarship from grit, service from home, and a stubborn tenderness for this chapter that makes hard choices feel like care. Which is to say: the office didn’t create the man. It revealed the map he’d been drawing for years.
THE MAKING OF A PRESIDENT
Leadership, in Mikael’s telling, isn’t thunder; its weather, steady patterns formed over years. “My mom led by example,” he says. “She put herself through evening classes, became a principal, protested for better wages. My father a U.S. Navy man and principal of a technical school, showed that clean-cut sense of duty. And my sister? Brilliant. I spent my childhood chasing her excellence.”
Those currents carried him into chapter service. “I’ve been on Mu Lambda’s e-board virtually since I joined, chairing something, taking notes, pushing something,” he says. Three terms as President later, the themes are clear: vision, balance, legacy.
“I wanted to balance business and brotherhood,” he explains. “If you only hear business, Brothers get disenfranchised. So, I spent time listening, twelve years of watching how people move, feeling the chapter’s pulse, before making decisions with long-term effects.”
He smiles at the idea that good leadership is collage. “I take pieces,” he says. “Eddie Neal’s strategic mind, without the bull rush. Leroy Lowry’s je ne sais quoi, a way with words. Joel Gray’s innovation and statesmanship,
he believed in me when Black Ice was just a conversation. Tony’s straight-shooter decisiveness, lock, load, and fire when it’s time. Tim’s joy, getting people laughing and together. I needed to be a piece of each, with a Trinidadian accent.”
CORE MEMORIES AND STAMPS ON THE CITY
Ask Mikael for his proudest Mu Lambda moments and he stacks them like trophies, but talks about them like photographs you’d keep in a shoebox.
“Number one will always be the Centennial,” he says. “A core memory, you can still smell the room. I fought for the white dinner jackets; some Brothers were against the idea. I said, ‘see the vision.’ Then they saw it.” The second is the street naming by the house. “It’s a stamp,” he says. “You walk down that street and tell anyone, the house on the corner is ours.”
THE STORYTELLER’S MIC GETS LOUDER
Recently appointed Director of Communications for the Eastern Region, Mikael sees a natural bridge between chapter work and regional storytelling.
“It complements by amplifying,” he says. “The East is huge and active. Who’s telling our story? Brothers need to feel the ROI of their efforts—do more, win more—and communications can show them the value clearly. Most won’t see the main stage, but they should see their work reflected back to them.”
OPPORTUNITIES (AND HONEST THREATS)
On Mu Lambda’s path forward, Mikael names partnership as the richest soil. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far,
go together,” he says. “We’ve missed major opportunities to partner. We need to be the chapter still present when the smoke clears.”
He’s equally frank about intake being our greatest asset and liability. “Graduate intake must be respectful and challenging, not abusive,” Mikael says, echoing conversations with Brothers Bruce and Parks. “We need men to feel connected to the chapter and to Alpha in a way you can’t buy. When intake is about proving points instead of building belonging, you invite legal and moral trouble. We have to recraft the process toward buy-in and pride.”
WHAT KEEPS THE LIGHTS ON
“Year one was about vision,” he explains, “but year three is about legacy.” That shift tells you everything about how he sees this role. Vision is the spark, he blueprint drawn on napkins and late-night notebooks. Legacy is the structure that stands long after the builder has gone home. Mikael has been intentional about both.
What keeps him motivated is not applause, not even recognition, it’s the rhythm of responsibility. “When the lights are on, I’m on,” he says plainly. “I trained myself for twelve years to get to this point. So, with my eyes closed, I know how to make better of an already great Mu Lambda.” It’s the kind of statement that could sound boastful, if not for the way it’s lived: in countless hours of listening, in the willingness to balance business with brotherhood, in the unseen labor of stitching together strategy and care.
There’s also a father’s wisdom in his outlook. With a son and daughter watching, Mikael doesn’t want them—or his Brothers—to remember him as the leader who only barked orders or stacked trophies. “People are going to remember you for something,” he reflects. “And you don’t want them to remember you for trash. I want to be the whole of Sesame
Street, not just Oscar the Grouch. I want to be Elmo, Big Bird, all of it. So people see joy, strength, and service stitched into the same man.”
It’s a whimsical image, yes, but also a profound one. For Mikael, leadership is not a single color or a single note. It’s a chorus, a collage, and a choice to leave light where there could have been shadows. That, more than anything, is what keeps the lights on.
A WORD TO THE NEXT MEN UP
We close where all good stories point: the reader. “Step up,” Mikael urges. “You won’t be perfect. The hardest part is the first step, like day one at the gym. It’s taxing, yes, but it’s rewarding. If accolades motivate you, fine. If not, the relationships and impact will. Do it well and people will speak your name in rooms you’re not in. That’s how you build a legacy.”
He pauses, then adds the line that feels like the map’s legend: “Make it your journey. You didn’t meet my mentors in my halls at my time, but you’ll meet yours. If you can selfdrive, that car will go very, very far.”
And that, Brothers, is the work: to take the pieces, thread them with our own accents, and keep walking far, together.
ROOTS AND LEGACY
When Brother Mikael LaRoche talks about leadership, he rarely uses the language of titles or power. Instead, he talks about weathering storms, about balance, about leaving behind more than you found. Those instincts trace back to Trinidad, the small house filled with books, the long evenings of his mother studying under the light of sacrifice, the sharp crease of his father’s Navy uniform, the sibling rivalry that kept him chasing excellence at full stride.
Those roots taught him that leadership is less about being in front and more about lifting while you climb. They also explain his persistence: why a “no” at Beta didn’t stop him, why a bicycle to Mu Lambda events was enough, why he crossed in Spring ’13 with a full heart and no shortcuts. It’s the same persistence that now drives his third term as Mu Lambda President and his new appointment as Eastern Region Director of Communications.
Mikael’s story is not a tale of immediate victories, but of deliberate, steady investment. The kind of story that feels familiar to every Brother who has ever pushed past the easy exit. It’s a reminder that Alpha men are not built in a day. They are shaped by family, tested by failure, strengthened by fellowship, and remembered for the legacy they choose to leave.
For Mu Lambda, that means a president who listens before he decides, who takes pieces of wisdom from those who came before him, and who threads them together with his own Trinidadian accent to create something uniquely his. For us as Brothers, it means the reassurance that our chapter is in steady, determined hands. And for the generations that will follow, it means a legacy already being written, one page, one program, one Brother at a time.
~ Bro. Christopher Butts, Ed.D. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter 4-Xi Iota- Fall 99
On August 8, 2025 an email was received…
“I am writing to request assistance as I honor my best friend and Alpha line brother, Robert Homer Russell, who recently entered Omega Chapter.
His funeral service and related activities will take place in Denver and suburbs Saturday, September 13 through the burial on Monday, September 15. I have accepted an invitation to speak at the Alpha Omega service and the funeral service.
I am 84 years old and physically disabled. I’m seeking assistance from Alpha brothers in the local chapter to provide transportation for my wife and me while we are in the Denver area…
Thank you for ensuring that this request is forwarded to the local Alpha brothers for their consideration.”
And thus, the privilege was bestowed on me to help this brother get to the Mile High City. I began to reflect on what it meant to assist this gem of a man as he sought to pay tribute to his line brother who had transitioned to omega chapter. What followed was a series of phone calls to Brothers in Colorado to verify information, dates, times, locations, and service plans, back and forth with this Brother and that Brother on who would provide transportation and a number of texts and emails to confirm the details.
So, at 84 years old, Brother Richardson and his lovely wife traveled 1,660 miles to Denver, Colorado to give his personal account on
Brother Russell. He talked about the times they had pledging Alpha as young men at The University of Missouri – Kansas City and Rockhurst College, he spoke of Little Bob’s character, quirks, and quips, and made remarks on how great of a friend he had been to him since Cetral High School. In his kind and gentle voice, he honored the friend who he considered his closest and dearest so that all who could hear knew; he was special, loved, respected and will be fondly remembered. Brother Richardson accompanied the other loved ones to Brother Russell’s earthly resting place and interned his comrade, never to be seen again on this side of the great divide.
Brother Richardson traveled home back to Washington DC, having performed the duty that many of us must one day do; proclaim to the world that: goodwill is the monarch of this house, for Bob was always loyal, that he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother, even when his medical note meant he would be receiving his “encouragement” in his place as a pledge, that he took no backward steps, though he never forgot his roots or friends, that our vigil is long and dutiful, that thou aren’t transcendeth, that for one last and final time THERE GOES AN ALPHA MAN.
Alpha Phi Alpha is lifelong. From Alpha to Omega, from pledge to purpose, may all of our bonds be as strong as this.
To Brother Robert Eugene Richardson Spring 1960 initiate of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc – Beta Rho chapter, thank you for showing all of us what the true spirit of brotherhood looks like. I honor you dear brother.
HE AIN’T HEAVY, HE’S MY BROTHER
Our family trees are not the same; we both have a different mother And yet I’d proudly tell the world that this man is my brother. It’s like we’ve lived our lives together, though we meet for the first time. As this powerful sense of brotherhood makes everything seem fine. Spectators stand and look with awe as we do our secret shake. Never realizing that this clasping of hands DOES NOT a brother make.
We are brothers in a deeper sense than they can comprehend. For when our bond has just begun, theirs is about to end. When we were searching for the light, as all Sphinxmen must do. They stood aside and laughed out loud and said “I wouldn’t do that, would you?” And yet when we had crosse those sands, and the light we could finally see. They stood aside and whispered softly Oh how I wish it were me!
I know the decision I made was wise, of this I’m sure and have no doubt. Each day in my life will have blue skies for I’m an ALPHA from here on out. And never again will I be lonely for I have brothers everywhere. In cities of population two, I even have a brother there.
There is nothing in this whole wide world that we wouldn’t do for one another. I’m sure I’d even give my life to save that of my brother. But there are still those in darkness who cannot understand why I share the burden which belongs to another man When asked “Why weigh yourself down with the load of another?” I simply smile at them and say, He ain’t heavy, He’s my Brother!!!
CHOOSING “TIME
IN” OVER “TIME OUT”
As a new father of a 3-year old daughter (Cora) and a 1-year old son (Carden), I quickly learned that discipline isn’t just about correcting behavior, it’s about teaching, guiding, and modeling love even in the hard moments. For generations, “time out” has been the default response when a child misbehaves: send them away, isolate them, let them think about what they did. But what I’ve found is that the quiet corner doesn’t always teach, it often just leaves children alone with their frustration.
That’s why I’ve been practicing “time in.” Instead of sending my child away, I sit with them. We breathe together. I ask questions about what they’re feeling and why. I remind them that they’re safe, loved, and capable of making better choices. Sometimes it means holding them through their tears; other times, it’s just sitting in silence until they’re ready to talk.
The idea of “time in” comes out of research in positive discipline and attachment theory, approaches that emphasize connection over punishment. Child psychologists began using the term as an alternative to “time
out” because they saw that children often needed guidance and comfort, not isolation, when emotions ran high. Where “time out” can feel like rejection, “time in” keeps the parent present. It’s less about pushing away the behavior and more about pulling in the child, helping them regulate their emotions while still feeling secure in your love.
“Time in” doesn’t excuse the behavior, it addresses the heart behind it. It transforms discipline from punishment into connection. And for me, as a new father, it’s teaching me patience, empathy, and the power of presence.
To my fellow fathers: try it. Next time your child pushes the limits, pull them closer instead of pushing them away. You might find that the lesson lasts longer when love sits beside correction.
~ Bro. Christopher Butts, Ed.D. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter 4-Xi Iota- Fall 99
FEDERAL DONATIONS TO MU LAMBDA
Brothers, it is that time of year when we begin to think in the spirit of giving and giving thanks. In that spirit, the Mu Lambda Foundation participates in two key funding programs through which federal and District of Columbia employees can share the gift of the giving.
The Combined Federal Campaign - CFC (https://www.opm.gov/combined-federal-campaign) is a resource that allows U.S. government employees to make regular payroll deductions in support of the Mu Lambda Foundation and its charitable and community service programs.
The DC One Fund (https://os.dc.gov/page/dc-one-fund-each-one-give-one) provides an opportunity for employees of the District of Columbia to do the same. All donations through these funds are tax deductible and deducted from your paycheck regularly. What could be an easier or better way to support the programs you care about?
As open season begins for 2023, you may plan your weekly, biweekly, or monthly contributions to the Mu Lambda Foundation by contributing to charity number 66770 in the CFC, and number 9556 in the DC One Fund.
Let’s make 2023 the best year yet for supporting youth and abused women in the DC area. Thank you for your continued support.
Bro. Kent Benjamin
The Mu Lambda Foundation meetings are monthly on the third Thursday of the month.
Next meeting is October
16, 2025
Meetings are monthly on the First Saturday of the month.
Next meeting is Saturday, October 4, 2025
Get this Month’s Playlist
Introducing the Mu Lambda Mixtape, our monthly Spotify playlist curated this month by Brother Chris Butts. Each month blends classics, deep cuts, and fresh finds across genres to soundtrack our service, leadership, and grind. Want to put your stamp on next month’s vibe? We’re rotating curators. Volunteer to lead the next playlist by emailing torch@mulambda.org. Share your theme, track list, and a few lines on the inspiration. Let’s make the soundtrack of Mu Lambda together.
Welcome to October! This month’s selections focus on three themes: striving for excellence by pushing past limits and reaching for what once seemed impossible; remembering the oftenoverlooked stories in Black history, perspectives and philosophies that rarely make it into the mainstream, yet are essential to preserve and understand if we’re serious about telling the full truth at a time where it is being attacked; and celebrating the pride and legacy of the HBCU experience. These readings are meant to inspire reflection, encourage resilience, and connect readers to the stories, culture, and legacies that continue to shape our world.
Author(s): Tim S. Grover
Why it’s a must-read: Relentless dives into the mindset of elite performers and what it takes to push past limits and achieve greatness. Tim Grover shares hard-hitting strategies for discipline, focus, and mental toughness that apply in all real-life situations. It’s a guide for anyone ready to stop settling and start being unstoppable in life and work.
Author(s): Assata Shakur
Why it’s a must-read: Assata: An Autobiography tells the story of one woman’s fight for justice, identity, and freedom in the face of systemic oppression. With resilience, courage, and unapologetic honesty, Assata Shakur shares her experiences in a story that challenges readers to think critically about activism, social change, and the sacrifices it demands. Her recent passing highlights the enduring importance of her story and the lessons it continues to offer today..
Author(s): Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., edited by Dr. Cornel West
Why it’s a must-read: Complete with powerful speeches and writings, King challenges societal norms and advocates for systemic change. This collection of works serves as both a reminder of King’s enduring legacy and his call for a more just world, as well as exposure to a side of his politics that don’t often get discussed in the prevailing discourse of King’s life.
Author(s): Ayesha Rascoe
Why it’s a must-read: It’s Homecoming SZN y’all! Therefore, it’s only right that I highlight a work discussing the legacy, culture, and community of Historically Black Colleges and Universities through personal stories and reflections, and HBCU Made does just that. Ayesha Rascoe brings together voices that capture the pride, challenges, and lifelong bonds formed on Black college campuses.
SLOW COOKER BLACK BEAN PUMPKIN TURKEY CHILI
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound extra lean ground turkey (99%)
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2.5 tablespoons chili powder
1.5 teaspoons cumin
1/4 teaspoon red cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or brown sugar)
1 28oz can diced tomatoes (preferably no salt added)
3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 15oz can pumpkin puree (or 1 3/4 cup fresh pumpkin puree)
1 15oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
To garnish: cilantro, sour cream, guacamole and cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Place olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Once oil is hot, add in onion, jalapenos and garlic. Stir and cook 2 minutes, then add in turkey, gently breaking up the meat and cooking until brown (about 5 minutes).
2. Add all of the spices to meat: chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook 30 seconds longer then transfer to a slow cooker.
3. Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker: maple syrup, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, pumpkin puree and black beans. Stir until well combined. Cover and cook for 6-7 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
4. Once chili is done, distribute into bowls (or do a meal preand top with fixin’s such as cilantro, greek yogurt and cheddar cheese. (It’s really, really good with a sharp cheddar!). Makes 4 servings. Double the recipe for a crowd!
BOOZY DARK DELIGHT
Enjoy this night-cap cocktail to round off your evening. Made with stout, whisky and orange liqueur, it’s smooth and rich – ideal for cooler evenings
Ingredients
Small handful of ice cubes (optional)
25ml whiskey
200ml stout
Chocolage orange shavings to garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Drop a few ice cubes, if using, into a short glass and pour over the orange liqueur and whiskey.
2. Top up the drink with the stout, then garnish with the chocolate orange shavings, if you like.
Thursday, January 4
Saturday, January 6
Wednesday, January 17
Thursday, February 6
Saturday, February 3
Wednesday, February 21
Thursday, February 15
Thursday, March 6
Saturday, March 1
Wednesday, March 19
Thursday, April 3
Saturday, April 5
Wednesday, April 16
Thursday,April 17
Chapter Meeting
Alpha Wives Meeting
Eboard Meeting
Chapter Meeting
Alpha Wives Meeting
Eboard Meeting
Foundation Meeting
Chapter Meeting
Alpha Wives Meeting
Eboard Meeting
Chapter Meeting
Alpha Wives Meeting
Eboard Meeting
Foundation Meeting
Wednesday, April 17 -20 Eastern Region Convention
Thursday, May 1
Saturday, May 3
Wednesday, May 16
Thursday, May 17
Thursday, June 6
Saturday, June 8
Thursday, June 20
Wednesday, June 19* TBD
Wednesday, June 19
July 2024
Chapter Meeting
Alpha Wives Meeting
Eboard Meeting
Foundation Meeting
Chapter Meeting
Alpha Wives Meeting
Foundation Meeting
Eboard Meeting
Juneteenth Day
Chapter Vacation
July 2024
National Convention, PA August 17 2024 Chapter Retreat
Thursday, September 4
Chapter Meeting
Friday, September 5 ICED or Neat
Saturday, September 6
Alpha Wives Meeting
Wednesday, September 17 Eboard Meeting
Thursday, September 18 Foundation Meeting
Thursday, September 25 The F1RST Breakfast
Wednesday, October 1
102nd Charter Day
Thursday, October 2 Chapter Meeting
Saturday, October 4
Alpha Wives Meeting
Saturday, October 11 Chapter Cookout
Wednesday, October 15 Eboard Meeting
Thursday, October 16 Foundation Meeting
Thursday, November 6
Chapter Meeting
Fri-Sat, Novembr 7-8 Annual District Conference
Saturday, November 8
Alpha Wives Meeting
Wednesday, November 19 Eboard Meeting
Thursday, November 20 Foundation Meeting
Thursday, November 27 Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, December 4
Founders’ Day
Thursday,December 4 Chapter Meeting
Saturday , December 6
Founder’s Day Breakfast
Wednesday, December 17 EBoard Meeting
Thursday, December 21 Foundation Meeting
Wednesday, December 25 Christmas
BROTHER MALCOLM CARTER
Get the Mu Lambda Chapter App
This official Mu Lambda Chapter App is for members of the chapter to find out about our events, chat with Chapter members, View Chapter Documents, View Chapter Directory, View our monthly magazine (The Torch) Pay Chapter Dues and much more. The ability to effectively communicate with Chapter members will help us continue to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our community.
Founded in 1976, House of Ruth empowers women, children and families to rebuild their lives and heal from trauma, abuse and houselessness. Our continuum of services encompasses enriched housing for families and single women, trauma-informed childcare, and free counseling to empower anyone who is a survivor of trauma and abuse.
Mission: House of Ruth empowers women, children and families to rebuild their lives and heal from trauma, abuse and houselessness.
Message from the Editor
BRO. CHRISTOPHER BUTTS EDITOR OF THE TORCH TORCH@MULAMBDA.ORG
October has always been a month of reflection, when the leaves begin to turn, the air sharpens, and we’re reminded that change is both inevitable and necessary. In this spirit, the October edition of The Torch brings with it new additions, deeper conversations, and fresh reflections that continue to strengthen our bonds as Brothers of Mu Lambda.
We are proud to share another installment of the Mu Lambda Mixtape, offering sounds and rhythms to fuel both your work and your rest this season. Music, after all, has always been a part of our culture as Alphas, carrying messages of resilience, hope, and joy. In this issue, we also add a new voice to the pages: “Light for the Journey: Fatherhood Reflections.” In this section, Brothers will share the lessons, challenges, and joys of fatherhood. It is a reminder that our roles as men and leaders extend far beyond titles, we are constantly shaping lives, whether in our homes, our communities, or our chapter.
ALPHA QUOTE TO SERVE BY...
“Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year.”
Brother W.E.B. DuBois,
Next on Your Reading List, curated by Brother Crews, continues to invite us into the practice of growing sharper through words, ideas, and stories that matter. Whether you’re reading to be challenged or simply inspired, this feature reminds us that knowledge is indeed power.
And finally, we are honored to present “Far Together,” a conversation with our own Mu Lambda President, Brother Mikael E. LaRoche. In his words, you’ll find a blueprint for vision, leadership, and legacy, how to take the wisdom of those who came before and weave it into the future of our chapter.
As always, The Torch is your magazine, a mirror of our brotherhood and the work we continue to do together. May you find something here to encourage your spirit, sharpen your thinking, or simply remind you why Alpha is, and always will be, the pride of our hearts.
GOODWILL
IS THE MONARCH OF THIS HOUSE
COMMITTEES SHOULD SUBMIT ALL ARTICLES AND PICTURES TO THE TORCH EDITOR 5 DAYS AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF YOUR EVENT. BROTHERS SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND ADVERTISEMENTS SHOULD SUBMIT EVERYTHING BETWEEN THE 15TH AND 31ST OF THE MONTH.
ARTICLES MUST BE SUBMITTED IN A WORD DOCUMENT FORMAT. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ARTICLES SUBMITTED ARE SUBJECT TO EDITING BY THE EDITOR.
PLEASE ADHERE TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION TO TORCH@MULAMBDA.ORG
Esprit de Fraternite
Brothers,
It is that time of year again.
The fraternity’s fraternal year runs January 1st to December 31st.
Mu Lambda’s 2025-2026 fraternal year runs September 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The chapter does not meet during July and August.
It is now time to pay your 2025-2026 dues which will cover you from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
Ways to make payment:
1. You can pay your dues on mulambda.org by clicking the dues tab at the bottom left of every web page.
2. Bring a check to the chapter meeting.
3. You can pay on the Mu Lambda App
4. Mail it to:
Financial Team
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Mu Lambda Chapter 2405 First Street, NW Washington, DC 20001
Alpha is a life long commitment
An Alpha Phi Alpha man’s attitude should not be “how much can I derive from the Fraternity” but “how much can I do for the Fraternity?” In proportion to what he does for his Chapter and for Alpha Phi Alpha will a member receive lasting benefits from the Fraternity to himself in the way of self-development by duty well done, and the respect of the Brothers well served.
A member’s duties should be:
1. Prompt payment of all financial obligations, the prime requisite for successful fraternal life.
2. The doing of good scholastic work in his chosen vocation, thereby accomplishing the real end of a college course.
3. The reasonable endeavor to participate in general college activities and social service and to excel therein.
4. The proper consideration of all things with appropriate attention to the high moral standard of Alpha Phi Alpha.
