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 - November 2025 - The Beares of Light in DC
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. Wreaths Across America
8. Holiday Karaoke Dance Party
9. Mu Lambda Brother’s Birthdays
10. Fatherhood Reflections
11. Eastern Region Convention
12. The Body: An In Depth Conversation on Diabetes
14. From Ballots to Better Health
16. Beta Chapter in Action
17. Mu Lambda Mixtape
18. Black Ice
19. MAAC Founder’s Day Breakfast
20. “Finding His Pitch” ~ Bro. Thomas Pierre
24. Alpha Read
30. Recipes - Healthy Eating and a Little Drinks
31. Chapter Brother Business Advertisements
40. Message from the Editor
41. 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
DECEMBER 2025 MESSAGE
Brothers of Mu Lambda,
As we gather in celebration of Founders’ Day 2025, I extend my deepest thanks for your continued support, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our beloved Fraternity. As we approach the close of the 119th year since our founding, we stand proudly on the shoulders of seven visionary men whose mission, aims, and ideals continue to guide our work and shape our purpose.
I encourage each brother to continue leaning into the mission, vision, and aims of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.—not only as principles of our organization, but as tools for strengthening your individual Alpha journey. When applied intentionally, these guiding lights help us move forward with clarity, brotherhood, and purpose. The power of our collective impact is being felt around the world, and Mu Lambda continues to play a defining role in that legacy.
Recently, I had the pleasure of reading the inaugural edition of Xi Lambda’s new publication, The Ledger—a work directly influenced by our own Torch. It is a reminder that the work we do matters far beyond our chapter walls and continues to inspire others throughout Alphadom.
I want to thank all the brothers who continue to labor in the critical arms of our chapter as we prepare to enter 2026. Your dedication— from administration and community engagement to social programming and historical preservation—continues to elevate Mu Lambda as a model chapter.
We are currently in the midst of Alpha Week, celebrating the richness of our public programs, community service efforts, ecumenical fellowship at 19th Street Baptist Church, and our cherished social traditions, including our annual joint event with OLA and OHL. Your participation and enthusiasm fuel the success of each initiative, and for that, we are grateful.
As we celebrate, we must also acknowledge moments of sorrow within our ranks. It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Brother James L. Wright Jr., who joined Mu Lambda this past September. A renowned political journalist with The Washington Informer, Brother Wright’s contributions to truth, advocacy, and the written word earned him respect across the District and beyond. Though his time with Mu Lambda was brief, his legacy will continue to live on. Today, as we honor our Founders, we also honor the life and memory of Brother Wright. The legacy of every brother is important, valued, and revered.
As we enter this season of Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year celebration, I encourage each of you to take time for reflection and rededication—rededication to service, to brotherhood, and to the love of all mankind.May this Founders’ Day remind us of who we are, what we stand for, and the sacred responsibility we share as Men of Alpha.
With Alpha spirit and gratitude,
Brother Mikael E. LaRoche, (10-Mu Lambda-13)
President 2024 - 2026
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.- Mu Lambda Chapter
Vice President’s Message
DECEMBER 2025 MESSAGE
Greetings Brothers. Happy Founder’s Day and Happy holidays to you all. Let me begin by saying thank you to every one of you that give of your time and talents to the cause of Alpha; your kindness, generosity, sacrifice, and service are to be highlighted and honored.
In the spirit of the season I ask that we all take a moment to consider all the we have been blessed with; for as rough as it gets it can always be worse.
Lean on your Brothers when moments feel uncertain and the right choice is a hard thing to come by, check on your Brothers when they become silent or distant, and accept their correction when you need a swift kick in your backside.
This thing called Fraternity is heart work; remember that. For those who are missing a loved one, be comforted in the fact that God makes no mistakes. For those who are near, cherish them for the gift they are.
Be blessed, but most of all be a blessing. If you’re doing on the grind, fight the good fight and keep pushing. If you’re not, rededicate yourself and get to work.
If no one tells you know that you are thought of, appreciated and loved with the spirit of Alpha.
Keep it Ice Cold
Fraternally,
Brother Karl Bruce
Vice President (12-Mu Lambda-13)
2025 - 2026
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the MuVets Committee of the Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will proudly participate in Wreaths Across America, a national day of remembrance honoring the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. Brothers, family members, and community volunteers are invited to join us in laying wreaths at the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery, located at 21 Harewood Road NW, Washington, D.C. Volunteers are asked to arrive by 10:00 a.m. as we come together in service and reflection to ensure that no hero is forgotten and that each name is spoken with gratitude. This moment of unity, respect, and remembrance continues our chapter’s legacy of honoring those who have given their all-in defense of freedom.
MU LAMBDA BROTHER’S BIRTHDAYS
DECEMBER 2025
Bro. Yohance Fuller - 2nd
Bro. Mark Ross - 4th
Bro. Rylan Harris - 6th
Bro. Harold Joe - 10th
Bro. Khalil Thompson - 12th
Bro. Brian Moore - 13th
Bro. Marcus Spells - 13th
Bro. James Harmon III - 15th
Bro. Kevin Norton - 16th
Bro. Marcel Desroches Jr. - 17th
Bro. Paul Hoggard - 23rd
Bro. Kevin Magby Jr. - 28th
Bro. Marcus Ware - 28th
Bro. Garrick Francis - 29th
Bro. Lloyd Henry - 29th
Bro. Kelvin Brown - 31st
HOW MANY GIFTS ARE ENOUGH
I’ll be honest with you, Brothers, I’m still new at this. A three-year-old daughter, a one-year-old son, and a growing desire every day to be the father they deserve. I don’t have all the answers. Most days, I’m just trying to keep my balance, keep my patience, and keep my heart open.
But as the holidays come around, I find myself facing a question that feels simple on the surface, but heavy once you sit with it: How many gifts are enough?
Now, the world will tell you “more.” More toys, more gadgets, more wrapping paper piled high until the tree disappears behind it. And as a father you feel that pressure. You want to give them the world. You want to see their little faces light up. You want them to feel joy you may not have had growing up.
But I’m learning, that joy doesn’t come from the amount. It comes from the intention.
I catch myself walking down toy aisles thinking, “Maybe just one more… they’ll love this… they’ll remember this.” And then I stop. And I think. And I hear that quiet voice inside saying: “Chris, make sure the gifts don’t speak louder than your presence.”
So, this year, I’m trying something
different. Not
perfect. Not polished. Just intentional.
The Rule I’m Trying Out
I’ve borrowed a simple framework, not a rule, not a mandate, just a guide for myself. Four gifts:
1. Something they want.
2. Something they need.
3. Something to wear.
4. Something to read.
Now, will I stick to it exactly?
I can’t promise that. I’m still human, and my heart still melts when my daughter smiles or my son laughs from deep in his belly. But this guide helps me focus. Helps me remember that I’m raising human beings, not raising expectations for how many boxes appear under a tree.
Still Learning
Brothers, I’m learning in real time. Every day, every diaper, every tantrum, every bedtime story teaches me something about patience, perspective, and the power of presence. I don’t know if I’ve found the perfect balance yet. But I know this: I want my children to remember the moments, not the merchandise. And if that’s the light guiding me this holiday season, then I believe I’m on the right path.
~ Bro. Christopher Butts
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter 4-Xi Iota- Fall 99
THE BODY: AN IN-DEPTH DISCUSSION ON DIABETES
On the evening of Wednesday, November 12, the Mu Lambda Chapter gathered digitally but with a collective seriousness, for a conversation that reaches into the very core of health disparities impacting Black America. The webinar, “The Body: An In-Depth Discussion on Diabetes,” orchestrated by Brother Ted Darlington, brought together two voices whose perspectives were both empirical and deeply human: Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and Mr. Darryl
If you track the health outcomes of Black people in this country, you know that diabetes is not simply a medical condition. It is a marker of inequity, a reflection of systemic neglect, and increasingly, a crisis stretching across generations. Dr. Rodgers opened with a stark truth: diabetes is common, chronic, consequential, and costly. Not theoretical. Not distant. Present and pressing.
38.4 million Americans have diabetes.
Nearly 100 million more are living with prediabetes.
Billions of dollars are lost annually to a disease that too often thrives in the very communities that have historically been denied access to care.
Heggans, who offered the lived experience behind the data.
But Dr. Rodgers did not come to dwell solely on the devastation. He detailed the scientific advancements including decades of research that have produced GLP-1 therapeutics, artificial pancreas technologies, and treatments reshaping how Type 2 diabetes can be managed or prevented. He made clear that the story of diabetes is not one of inevitability. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) highlighted that targeted lifestyle interventions, measurable shifts in weight, nutrition, and physical activity, can significantly reduce the onset of Type 2 diabetes, particularly among high-risk populations.
Then came the grounding counterpoint: Mr. Heggans. His account was a reminder that diabetes is not lived in charts or policy briefs, it is lived in bodies. In families. In the private negotiations between fear and discipline, between awareness and denial, between what we know and what we choose to face. His honesty reinforced that medical breakthroughs mean little if people do not have the support, resources, or cultural environment to implement them.
Together, their voices formed a portrait not just of the disease, but of the conditions that allow it to proliferate. Diabetes is not only a biological imbalance; it is a social one. It expands where food deserts persist, where stress is constant and unaddressed, where preventive care remains more aspiration than access. It is, in many ways,
a mirror reflecting what America still refuses to confront.
Brother Darlington closed the session with a call consistent with Alpha’s ethos: awareness must lead to action. That action begins with us, our bodies, our decisions, our advocacy, and extends to our communities. The Mu Lambda Chapter, through this program, reaffirmed that health equity is not a footnote in our work; it is central to our mission. Our relevance is measured not only by the services we provide, but by our willingness to confront the crises that disproportionately harm the very people we are sworn to uplift.
The science is clear. The testimonies are undeniable. The imperative is ours.
If we are to live out our aims, Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind, then we must also commit to the ongoing work of safeguarding the health of our brothers and our community.
Quietly, urgently, and without delay.
~ Bro. Christopher Butts
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter 4-Xi Iota- Fall 99
On a crisp evening in Washington, D.C., members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter, gathered with community partners, health advocates, and civic leaders for a timely and compelling event: “From Ballots to Better Health: Why Health Is Wealth In Every Community.” This program, rooted in Mu Lambda’s long tradition of public service, explored a vital truth, one that lies at the intersection of democracy and well-being: our votes shape our health, and our health shapes our future.
As communities across the nation continue to confront health disparities, unequal access to care, and the political decisions that determine resource allocation, this event provided a rare and necessary space for education, dialogue, and empowerment. Mu Lambda brothers led the evening with the conviction that civic engagement and personal wellness are not competing priorities, they are inseparable responsibilities.
Connecting the Dots: Policy, Power, and Public Health
Throughout the program, Dr. Nicole Cooper, Cantrell Dumas, Franciel Ikeji, and Bro. Okey Enyia underscored a critical message: policies influence health outcomes long before individuals ever enter a doctor’s office.
Whether discussing food access, affordable housing, transportation, clean air and water, or funding for community clinics, presenters highlighted the legislation and elected officials who determine the conditions in which communities live, work, and age.
Attendees were reminded that chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, occur at disproportionate rates in Black communities not because of personal failings but because of widespread structural inequities. These inequities are often shaped and reinforced by political decisions.
“When we say ‘health is wealth,’ it’s not a slogan, it’s an economic and political reality,” one speaker noted, emphasizing that health outcomes reflect the impact of budgets, ballot measures, and public priorities.
Empowering Community Through Information and Action
The program also highlighted the importance of personal health literacy, preventive care, and community-based wellness practices. Brothers shared resources on navigating the healthcare system, understanding insurance options, and leveraging local organizations committed to health equity.
Attendees participated in discussions exploring how to advocate for better health resources, how to support public health initiatives, and how to ensure that elected representatives remain accountable to the needs of marginalized communities.
The event emphasized that voting is not the end of civic responsibility, it is the beginning. Continued engagement, continuous education, and community-centered collaboration are essential to advancing both health and justice.
Mu Lambda’s Commitment: Service Rooted in
Advocacy
True to the fraternity’s aims, Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind, Mu Lambda continues to champion programs that uplift communities, cultivate informed citizens, and expand access to knowledge and resources. “From Ballots to Better Health” is part of a broader push to help community members understand not only how to participate in democracy, but how to use that participation to build healthier, more equitable futures.
From the opening remarks to audience reflections at the close, the program affirmed what Alpha men have long understood: a community cannot thrive if its people are unwell, unheard, or unseen.
A Call to Action
As brothers and guests departed, they carried with them a renewed commitment to advocacy and personal empowerment. The program served as a clear reminder:
• Your health is political.
• Your vote has weight and consequences.
• Your community’s wellness depends on informed, collective action.
Mu Lambda remains steadfast in ensuring that the fight for equity continues at the ballot box, in our neighborhoods, and within our own bodies. Because when we strengthen our health, we strengthen our power. When we strengthen our power, we strengthen our communities.
And in every community we touch, that is the legacy of Alpha Phi Alpha.
~ Bro. Christopher Butts Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter 4-Xi Iota- Fall 99
BETA CHAPTER IN ACTION
In the first week in November the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Chapter, joined Brothers from Eta Theta Lambda and other Tri-State area graduate chapters to support the 44th HBCU College Bus Tour. Nearly 80 students from New York and New Jersey toured Howard University,
where brothers assisted in guiding campus tours and engaged in impactful discussions highlighting the immense value of higher education, displaying academic excellence, and the specific importance of attending HBCUs. Additionally, this week at DC Prep Anacostia Middle Campus, the brothers hosted an interactive presentation on professionalism, covering essential skills for college and beyondincluding professional dress, body language, etiquette, and interview preparation. Students participated in icebreakers, role-played mock interviews, and engaged in Q&A discussions, gaining practical tools to succeed academically and professionally.
On November 13th Brothers of Beta Chapter and Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education Theta Alpha Chapter, held the program Education Phirst. This program was dedicated to promoting academic excellence, scholarship, and the value of putting education first. The event featured guest speakers who shared insights on the importance of education and professional growth.
On November 19th Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Beta Chapter, as presented Breaking the Stigma. This sexual health workshop was dedicated to dismantling myths, promoting safe practices, and fostering honest conversations that strengthen and protect our community.
Get this Month’s Playlist
This is the Mu Lambda Mixtape, our monthly Spotify playlist curated this month by the Mu Lambda Brotherhood. This month’s playlist is curated for your holiday listening pleausre. 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.
Prepare for an evening of power, precision, and pure sophistication as we honor 119 years of manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind. Step into an atmosphere where the energy of the brotherhood collides with the rhythm of the city. A night carved from ice, fire, and timeless tradition.
Tickets are limited! Scan the QR code to secure your spot and join us as we celebrate 119 years of brotherhood, brilliance, and Black excellence.
There are stories that begin with opportunity handed freely, and then there are stories born from grit, grace, and the quiet determination to rise. The journey of Brother Thomas Pierre belongs to the latter. It is a narrative shaped not by ease, but by the transformative power of education, brotherhood, and purpose. In every chapter of his life, he has taken what the world offered him and created something resonant, meaningful, and lasting. His story is not only deeply personal; it is profoundly instructive.
A VOICE DISCOVERED, A LIFE REDIRECTED
Brother Pierre’s path began in the Bronx, in the shadow of the housing projects where dreams often felt distant. But everything changed at twelve years old, when a single teacher introduced him to music. That moment unexpected, almost accidental, opened a doorway he never imagined.
Music became his lifeline, escorting him into the halls of the legendary Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and the Performing Arts, the school made famous by FAME. Once there, he didn’t just study music. He discovered himself.
It was the beginning of a lifelong commitment: to master his craft and to pour that mastery back into others.
“Music made room for me,” he shared. “And I’ve dedicated my life to returning that gift.”
Raised by hardworking parents who believed fiercely in education, Brother Pierre learned discipline, dignity, and intentionality at home. His father drilled reading comprehension before he ever stepped inside a classroom. His mother instilled advocacy and empathy, lessons that would guide him into national certification and ultimately into public service.
Growing up with an autistic brother taught him patience, compassion, and how to honor the humanity in others. Time spent with his grandparents, keepers of old-school wisdom, cultivated his reflective nature and grounded spirit.
All these influences sharpened the lens through which he views leadership:
• Work hard, even in silence.
• Honor the humanity of those around you.
• Use your gifts to uplift, not elevate.
These timeless truths have become the chords of his leadership symphony.
A DESTINY CALLED ALPHA
The path to Alpha Phi Alpha was less a choice and more a calling. As a young student at Howard University, Brother Pierre saw Brother John “Tony” Wilson pledging Alpha, and something inside him aligned.
“I always craved a prestige rooted in purpose, not ego,” he said.
“Becoming an Alpha wasn’t a question. It felt like destiny.”
His initiation in 1991 brought not only brotherhood, but accountability and growth. Even during seasons when he was inactive, Alpha remained tethered to his spirit. When Brother Tony Wilson brought him back home to active life in Mu Lambda, it reawakened something powerful.
Sponsoring other Brothers in Spring ’92 and again in Spring ’25, became one of the greatest privileges of his journey. “Iron sharpens iron,” he said. And in sharpening others, he refined himself.
Ask Brother Pierre what brotherhood means, and his answer is not theoretical or poetic. It is lived.
It is Brother Karl Bruce greeting him in The Guild when he felt out of place, lifting gifts so he wouldn’t have to return.
It is Brothers Joseph Gibbs and Mikael LaRoche entrusting him to lead a music and movement team-builder and giving him the space to shine.
It is Brother Ryle Bell preparing him, training him, and pushing him to direct the Fraternity Hymn with excellence.
It is Brother Tony Wilson guiding him like a true big brother.
Brother Justice Brown-Duso greeting him warmly like a lifelong friend.
Brother Eathen Gums noticing his quietness and reassuring him he would find his place. Brother Malcolm Carter encouraging him to invest in Alpha and become a Life Member, something he spoke into existence.
These gestures are humble, human, heartfelt, and cemented for him what Alpha truly is:
Not just a fraternity. A family.
LEADERSHIP ROOTED IN SERVICE AND INTERDISCIPLINARY SKILL
Professionally, Brother Pierre’s journey is as remarkable as his life story. A nationally recognized educator and clinician, he strengthens Orff Schulwerk chapters and trains teachers worldwide. Many are surprised to learn he also holds a master’s degree in organizational communications and once taught as an adjunct professor in the field.
He is interdisciplinary by design, and the arts have been the connective tissue linking his many gifts.
When he became the first Black President of the Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Orff Schulwerk Association, the weight of representation hit him fully.
He felt pride. Purpose. Responsibility.
And the pressure that comes with being the first to walk through a door that wasn’t built with you in mind.
Racial challenges surfaced. Expectations mounted.
But he pressed on. Not for himself, but for the educators of color watching him.
“I knew I had to endure so someone behind me wouldn’t have to,” he said.
That is the quiet architecture of leadership.
MU LAMBDA’S PRESENT AND FUTURE
Brother Pierre sees Mu Lambda as a home of distinguished men who are scholars, servants, leaders, and thinkers. A chapter that always rises to meet the moment.
Looking ahead, he believes the chapter’s greatest opportunities lie in:
• Expanding partnerships across schools, arts organizations, and youth programs
• Deepening community engagement
• Building capacity in the next generation
• Leading with authenticity and humility
His message to future Brothers is clear:
“Stay focused. Be teachable. Lead with sincerity.”
A LEGACY TUNED BY PURPOSE
When asked what he hopes Brothers remember about him, his answer was simple yet profound: “My empathy, sincerity, and heart. And my belief that scholarship is helping people discover the brilliance already within themselves.”
Legacy, to him, is not applause or accolades. It is planting seeds that may bloom long after one’s lifetime.
He recalls his early days at Howard University. Arriving in Washington, D.C. with barely thirty dollars in his pocket but carrying determination enough for a lifetime. From founding musical groups to shaping student careers across countless industries, his impact stretches far beyond his classroom or chapter house.
“I am grateful for every struggle, every triumph, and every Brother who has walked beside me,” he said. “My journey continues, and I hope it inspires others to walk boldly into theirs.”
Brother Thomas Pierre’s story is more than a biography. It is a symphony of perseverance, mentorship, and meaning. It is proof that when one man discovers his purpose, he gives permission for others to discover theirs.
As Mu Lambda continues to uphold its legacy of scholarship, service, and brotherhood, voices like his remind us of the deeper truth:
Some leaders speak loudly. Others lead through grace, consistency, and heart, tuning lives the way a musician tunes an orchestra: patiently, intentionally, and with love.
Brother Pierre is that kind of leader.
And because of him, Mu Lambda is richer, stronger, and more harmonious.
MU LAMBDA BROTHERS BRING BOOKS, BROTHERHOOD, & INSPIRATION TO STATESMEN’S CHARTER SCHOOL
On a bright and energetic morning in Washington, D.C., the brothers of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter stepped into the halls of Statesmen’s Charter School with a shared purpose: to cultivate curiosity, spark imagination, and reaffirm the joy of reading among young scholars. The event, titled “Alpha Read,” brought together Alpha men and students for a day of storytelling, mentorship, and meaningful connection.
As the bell rang and classroom filled, brothers were met with wide eyes, eager hands, and the unmistakable energy of children ready for something special. For many students, meeting professionals, community leaders, and role models who look like them is not just
encouraging, it is transformational. And on this day, the brothers of Mu Lambda delivered both presence and purpose.
Building Confidence, One Story at a Time
Throughout the morning, brothers took seats beside students, opened books of every genre, and let the pages come to life. Laughter traveled down the hallways. Questions filled the classrooms. And every story, whether adventurous, heartfelt, or humorous, became a bridge between Alpha men and the next generation.
As one teacher noted, “For our boys to see Black men reading to them, investing time in them, and showing them that literacy is powerful, that changes something. It expands their sense of what’s possible.”
The brothers didn’t simply read; they engaged. They asked students to predict what characters would do next, invited them to read aloud with confidence, and affirmed every effort. With each moment, students witnessed firsthand that reading is not just a school requirement, it is a lifelong tool for empowerment, identity, and self-discovery.
A Day of Service, A Lasting Impression
As the event came to a close, students expressed excitement about reading more, visiting the library, and even writing their own stories. Teachers thanked the chapter for its partnership, noting that these moments leave lasting imprints on young minds.
For Mu Lambda, “Alpha Read” was an investment in the future of Washington, D.C. It was a demonstration that literacy is liberation, and that each child deserves the chance to see themselves reflected in books, in leaders, and in the possibilities that lie ahead.
With the success of this year’s “Alpha Read,” the Mu Lambda Chapter looks forward to continuing its work with local schools, expanding literacy initiatives, and creating even more opportunities for mentorship and educational enrichment across the district.
Because when Alpha men read with children, they do more than turn pages, they open doors.
~ Bro. Christopher Butts
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 December
18, 2025
BROWN BUTTER SUGAR COOKIES
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 1/3 cups sugar, plus 1/4 cup for rolling
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Directions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Let cook until medium golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat to stop the cooking. Transfer the butter to a heatproof bowl or measuring cup and let it cool completely, about 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the cooled butter with 1 1/3 cups of the sugar until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, followed by the vanilla. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
Put the remaining 1/4 cup sugar on a shallow plate. Using a 1/3-cup scoop, scoop the dough directly into the sugar. Roll to coat well and place on the prepared baking sheet. Press lightly to flatten the tops. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Arrange the cookie dough mounds on 2 unlined baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until the cookies are just set and the edges are lightly golden, 18 to 20 minutes. Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheets, about 5 minutes, before transferring the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
REPOSADO GINGERBREAD
As the temperatures drop and the holiday season settles in, there’s nothing quite like a drink that blends comfort, warmth, and a touch of sophistication. The Reposado Gingerbread cocktail is exactly that, a smooth winter indulgence that brings together the rich, aged notes of reposado tequila with the nostalgic spice of gingerbread. Whether you’re hosting brothers for a holiday gathering or winding down after a long day of service, this festive sip offers a balanced mix of cheer and relaxation. Raise a glass, savor the season, and enjoy a drink crafted to warm both the palate and the soul.
Ingredients
1.5 oz Casamigos Reposado Tequila
1 oz Irish Cream Liqueur
.5 oz Ginger Syrup
5—6 Dashes Bitters
1 Pinch Cinnamon
Equal Parts Salt/Sugar/Pumpkin Spice for rim Ice
DIRECTIONS
Wet half the rim of the glass and dip into salt mixture. Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker. Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into a coupe glass. Fill glass with fresh pebble/crushed ice, creating a dome-like top, and garnish with star anise.
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 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 E-board 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
Saturday , December 6 Karaoke Fundraiser
Wednesday, December 17 E-Board Meeting
Thursday, December 18 Foundation Meeting
Thurssday, 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
There are seasons in a man’s life when the world urges him to move faster, speak louder, and stretch himself thinner than his spirit can reasonably bear. But there are also seasons where we are called not to accelerate, but to return. To return to the truths that shaped us, the bonds that hold us, and the work that dignifies our existence.
This issue of The Torch emerges from such a season.
Here, within these pages, we encounter brothers who have chosen to be present, with the youth, in their communities, in the quiet corners of their homes where fatherhood asks more of us than any meeting or title ever could. We meet leaders whose journeys remind us that greatness is rarely loud; it is steady, patient, and forged in the unglamorous spaces where character is formed. We see men reading to children, laying wreaths for veterans, hosting conversations on health, democracy, and justice. None of these acts will make the evening news, yet each stands as a testament to the long, unbroken tradition of men who have insisted that our lives, our loves, and our labor matter.
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,
As I look across the landscape of this issue, I see brothers wrestling earnestly with the world as it is, while daring to imagine what it might yet become. I see fathers searching for the right balance between provision and presence. I see leaders interrogating their own motives, striving to build systems that reflect equity, transparency, and love. I see men willing to read to children, to mentor strangers, to speak uncomfortable truths, and when needed, to sit in silence and listen.
In a world built on spectacle, our work remains profoundly human. It is the work of hands and hearts, of patient stewardship, of faith in one another. That, to me, is the essence of this edition. A reminder that our light however modest, however flickering, continues to guide us forward.
May these stories offer you not only information, but reflection. Not only inspiration, but grounding. And may we, as brothers, continue to meet this moment, not with fear or fatigue, but with the full measure of our conviction and our love for all mankind.
GOODWILL IS THE MONARCH OF THIS HOUSE
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.
