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. Alpha Rooftop Party
8. DC Alphas Food Drive
9. Mu Lambda Brother’s Birthdays
10. Holiday Karaoke Dance Party
11. Project Give Back
12. “Where Faith Meets Fraternity: An Evening with a General President”
14. “From Airman to Alpha: A Journey of Service Beyond the Uniform”
16. Beta Chapter in Action
18. Black Ice
19. MAAC Founder’s Day Breakfast
20. “A Half Century of Light” a Conversation with Bro. Ryle Bell
26. Fiyah Faith
27. Brothers Honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month
28. Light for the Journey: Fatherhood Reflections
30. Financial Assistance Resource
36. Mu Lambda Mixtape - November
37. Next on Your Reading List - Bro. Collis Crews
38. Recipes - Healthy Eating and a Little Drinks
42. Chapter Brother Business Advertisements
48. Message from the Editor
49. 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
NOVEMBER 2025 MESSAGE
Brothers of Mu Lambda,
As we enter November, I extend heartfelt thanks to each of you for your continued leadership, dedication, and service to the Washington, D.C. community. Our chapter stands as a beacon of excellence, and it is your commitment that keeps the flame of Alpha burning brightly in the Nation’s Capital.
This month, we have the honor of preparing to host the 34th MAAC Conference right here in Washington, D.C. Let us show our brothers from across the District a warm and gracious welcome as they visit our city. As the world continues to shift and our nation faces new challenges, including the looming government shutdown, I ask that we remain steadfast and united. We lift in prayer all our brothers and family members who are being directly affected, and we extend our support and solace to them during this uncertain time.
I also want to express my gratitude for the tremendous participation and energy shown throughout October — from our community service efforts to our social events, including the outstanding chapter BBQ led by Brother Xavier Thompson. These moments of fellowship remind us that the balance of Brotherhood and Business is what sustains our strength.
As we move through the final months of 2025, I encourage every brother to stay engaged and active in our upcoming events, including Alpha Week and our December gatherings. Together, we continue to embody the values of our founders — leading the way, carrying the torch, and advocating for positive change in our community.
Mu Lambda stands tall after 102 years of service, advocacy, and leadership. We are the Torchbearers of Alpha, lighting the path for others to follow.
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
NOVEMBER 2025 MESSAGE
Greetings Brothers and Happy Thanksgiving!
As we move into the holiday season let us be mindful that before the receiving of gifts comes the practice of gratitude. Giving thanks to God almighty for grace and kindness in the midst of all that we face. I am thankful for family both slated and selected; those who bear our burdens with us, help us overcome obstacles and give us a listening ear or shoulder to lean on. Be grateful Brothers for life is truly short, but in the meanwhile, we have a golden opportunity to experience the peaks and valleys with loved ones all around. Be grateful for those that have left an indelible mark on your life and that have made you who you are. Be thankful to those that are impressionable and look up to you for wisdom for what a blessing it is to have someone to trust in your love for them. Be thankful that there is much work to be done, but that you have been called for such a time as this. We as Alpha men shape lives, bring things that were not into existence, make good things great, and look damn good doing it!
To my veterans, thank you for your service and to the black and old gold that fight the good fight; stay ice cold
06!
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
NOVEMBER 2025
Bro. Austin Cooper - 1st
Bro. Justin Hansford - 1st
Bro. Thomas Pierre - 1st
Bro. Ross Lloyd - 3rd
Bro. Paul Robinson - 3rd
Bro. Justice Brown-Duso - 4th
Bro. N. Rashad Jones - 5th
Bro. Marquise Sheehy - 8th
Bro. Leonard McDowell - 12th
Bro. Rodney Parker - 13th
Bro. Barion Grant - 16th
Bro. Craig Allen - 17th
Bro. Rakeem Mosey - 17th
Bro. Geniro Dingle - 18th
Bro. Dustin Pickett - 20th
Bro. Nigel Atwell - 21st
Bro. Okey Enyia - 22nd
Bro. Pierre Boynton - 24th
Bro. George Walker - 25th
Bro. Bryant Young - 26th
Bro. James McDonald - 27th
Bro. Roderick Walton - 28th
Bro. Malcolm Carter - 29th
Bro. Louis Cook - 30th
Bro. Dezmond Evans - 30th
WHERE FAITH MEETS FRATERNITY
An Evening with a General President
“The 12.” This is the name we referred to a group of Black Catholic leaders from around the country that have been meeting, via zoom, for the past year and a half. Five out of the 12 are brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Our goal is to develop a long-term strategic plan for donors to support the dreams and aspirations of Black Catholics around the country.
From October 28th through October 31st, we
gathered in person in Montgomery, AL to finalize our proposal to our funding organization. Our host was Bro. Fr. Manuel Williams, Pastor of Resurrection Catholic Church. Wednesday evening, we had dinner at his parish with his parishioners, one of which was the 29th General President of our beloved fraternity, Bro. Milton C. Davis (who just happens to be the General President whose name is on my shingle). I already knew Bro. Davis when I was evacuated in Montgomery during Hurricane Ida a few years ago.
Bro. Davis and I had some time to catch up during the meal, but when he heard there were other Alphas present, he wanted time to meet with the brothers in a separate room. During that time, He shared several stories of Bro. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a member of Mu Upsilon Lambda chapter while he Pastored in Montgomery. One that stood out to me was that
Pictured above: Bro. Dr. David Robinson Morris (Rho Epsilon), Bro. Fr. Robert Boxie III (Catholic Chaplain at Howard University), Bro. Milton C. Davis (29th General President), Bro. Fr. Manuel Williams (Pastor, Resurrection Church in Montgomery, AL), Bro. Dr. Ansel Augustine (Rho Epsilon, Mu Lambda), not pictured (Bro. Fr. Kareem Smith - New York)
in the chapter house in Montgomery, hanging over the central fireplace, is a picture of Bro. Dr. King surrounded by the General President at the time, the National Board of Directors, and many of the Alphas (graduates and undergraduates) from Montgomery. He said, the picture was taken after Bro. King was bailed out of prison during the Montgomery bus boycott and he was smiling in the picture because, he knew he wasn’t alone, and that the brotherhood had his back.
Listening to Bro. Davis during those few minutes reminded me of why I joined Alpha almost 30 years ago. I wanted to be part of something that was bigger than me, and that was making a difference in the community. Those words inspired the rest of us and renewed our “fight” to be unapologetically Black in the Catholic Church and to continue to build upon the sacrifices of those who came before us.
Bro. Davis concluded his remarks by saying, “I ain’t got no use for an inactive Alpha.” I joked by saying, “Well I’m glad I paid my grand tax and dues last month.” He wasn’t amused. Either way, he challenged those of us in the room to continue to serve the brotherhood with our ministerial gifts, while also making sure Alpha is aware of, and included in, the “fight” for social justice in the Catholic Church, and beyond. It is, through doing this, among being present in other spaces, that we truly live out our aims: Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind.
~ Bro. Ansel Augustine
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter
As Veterans Month begins, I find myself reflecting on the journey that shaped me, not just in uniform, but in every chapter since. My time as an Airman in the United States Air Force was more than a role, it was a calling rooted in discipline, pride, and purpose. As an immigrant who has lived, worked, and traveled across several countries, I carry a global perspective that deepens my commitment to service and community. Wearing the uniform meant advocating for equity, especially for Black Airmen, and using my voice to ensure every story was heard and every legacy honored. My journey taught me that leadership is about responsibility, not rank, and my passion lies in creating spaces where people feel seen, empowered, and united across borders and backgrounds.
While serving, I came to understand leadership not as authority, but as a responsibility to uplift others and that belief shaped everything I did. I became a vocal advocate for equity across the ranks, challenging disparities in promotion practices, grooming standards, and access to education, because I believed then, and still do, that fairness isn’t optional; it’s foundational. I didn’t just speak about justice; I tried to embody it. Even while deployed, I taught college-level courses to both junior and senior Airmen, using education as a quiet form of
resistance and a powerful tool for liberation. To me, rank never defined worth, and knowledge was a way to remind others of their inherent value. Community was the heartbeat of my service; whether mentoring younger Airmen or pushing for policy change, I understood that our strength was never just tactical, it was relational. We leaned on each other, built each other up, and created a sense of belonging that transcended duty. That spirit of servant leadership, rooted in humility, purpose, and shared growth, is something I still carry with me.
When I separated from the Air Force, it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever faced, but I knew my service wasn’t ending; it was simply evolving. In my professional life, I’ve continued to serve by helping veterans connect with corporations, secure contracts, and navigate the complex terrain of life after uniform. I’ve come to see economic empowerment as a form of healing, a way to honor the skills, sacrifices, and leadership veterans bring to every space they enter. That same conviction led me to coestablish MuVets with Bro. Pierre Boynton, a military service initiative within our beloved Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. MuVets is more than a committee; it’s a sanctuary of belonging, built by and for service members past and present who understand that our journey doesn’t end with discharge.
Through MuVets, we offer tailored support in areas like career transition, mental wellness, mentorship, and recognition, ensuring that our brothers feel seen, valued, and uplifted. In a chapter as storied and dynamic as Mu Lambda, it’s vital that we deepen our bonds with those who’ve served, creating a space where shared experience becomes shared strength. MuVets is about legacy, healing, and collective uplift, and it’s my way of continuing the mission, shoulder to shoulder with those who’ve given so much.
This month, as we honor Veterans and reflect on the sacrifices made in service to our nation, I remain deeply committed to the mission of uplifting, advocating for, and fostering belonging. Because service doesn’t end, it evolves. Veterans Month is a reminder, but the commitment is year-round. Because when one of us serves, all of us carry the weight and the honor of that journey.
~ Bro. O’Rain Edwards
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter
BETA CHAPTER IN ACTION
On October 8th the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Beta Chapter, held their annual “Step Into Your Roots” program. The event was taught Howard University students about the history and importance of stepping and how to properly perform the traditional form of communication and storytelling.
On October 16th the Brothers of Beta Chapter had their Know Your Rights event. The discussion focused on exploring the current American political climate and its historic undertones, understanding your legal rights when interacting with law enforcement and navigating systemic injustices. Attendees learned how to protect themselves, their community, and were informed about the legal resources available.
On Thursday of HU Homecoming week the Beta chapter lines of Spring 1963, the 33 of Nobility
and Spring 2023, The Warriors of Al-Askar, dedicated 2 new benches on the Alpha Plot at Howard University’s main Yard. The 2 benches on the main yard, along with our beloved Symbosis statue, now create a mini plaza for brothers to meet, socialize and bond on the main campus quadrangle. Thanks again to the 33 of Nobility for their leadership on the project and The Warriors of Al-Askar for their help completing it.
The brothers of Beta Chapter, secured first place at the Howard University Homecoming Step Show, once again. This officially marks 4 consecutive years of victory and another chapter in what has become an annual tradition and fundraiser for the chapter. Beta Chapter has won the past 8 out of 10 years.
From October 27th to November 1st Beta Chapter held its annual Fall Alpha Week 2025. The theme for the week was “The Crucible of Distinction.”
On October 27th the chapter held Floss and Forge, an event focused on the importance of dental hygiene and oral health within the Black community. We explored how daily habits, access to care, and preventative practices shape long term wellness.
On October 28th Beta Chapter hosted, “Alpha Enterprise.” An event dedicated to empowering students and young professionals through focused conversations on career advancement, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. This program aimed to sharpen business acumen, strengthen professional presence, and inspire pathways toward economic independence and leadership excellence.
On October 29th the Beta brothers held, “Echoes of the Mother Tongue.” The program focused on understanding the diverse diasporas represented within our community. The program also highlighted the variety of cultural origins, lived experiences, and personal narratives that shape who we are, while examining how these backgrounds collectively contribute to a richer, shared environment.
On October 30th the chapter held, “Sentimental Statements.” The event focused on courageous dialogue centered on the emotional experiences
of Black men. Together, we unpacked the pressures of masculinity, confronted the stigma surrounding vulnerability, and built a space where truths can be spoken, heard, and affirmed.
On October 31st the brothers of Beta Chapter and The Royal Court of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Chapter, had the pleasure of giving back to the community by lending a hand at Kimball Elementary School’s annual Halloween event. From setting up decorations to helping bring their Haunted Hallway to life, the brothers had an amazing time supporting the students and staff while spreading a little spooky joy.
And finally on November 1s the brothers held their “Community Cuisine” event on the main yard of Howard’s campus. The service initiative dedicated to preparing and distributing meals to those in need throughout our community.
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.
If you’ve ever watched a room settle the moment a brother begins to speak, you already understand something about Brother Ryle Bell. He doesn’t arrive with a flourish; he arrives with weight. The kind that comes from almost fifty years of showing up, listening first, and then telling the truth plainly. His cadence is unhurried, his memory precise, and his affection for Alpha Phi Alpha both fierce and tender. Sit across from him and you feel it: you’re not just talking to a brother; you’re drawing from a well.
The irony is that Brother Bell did not set out to join a fraternity, especially not one he’d never heard of growing up in the Caribbean. “I didn’t pursue Alpha,” he says, smile tucked into the corner of his voice. “Alpha got me.” In those days he was teaching at Howard University, stewarding students through the clinic and into their callings, when a young Brother named Enrique Riggs posed a question that would alter the course of his life: “Dr. Bell, are you an Alpha?” The honest reply, “What is an Alpha?” opened a door he’s been holding for others ever since.
What followed is the kind of origin story that fits Brother Bell’s life: not a sprint, but a study. He read. He asked. He listened. He was initiated in 1977 through Omicron Lambda Alpha, the intermediate chapter that drew D.C.’s young professionals into service. And then he did the thing that would define him in Alpha: he went back to the source. He borrowed the ritual, compared practice to principle, and began the lifelong work of aligning our customs with our constitution, our habits with our history.
That impulse to understand before you instruct, to ground the present in the truth of the past made Brother Bell a touchstone for generations of men who wanted more than the letters; they wanted the meaning. He became the brother you call when you need context, correction, or courage. Not because he’s loud, but because he’s clear. Not because he chases titles, but because he rejects them in the House of Alpha: “If you need a dentist, maybe ‘doctor’ applies,” he’ll say with a grin. “Otherwise, I’m Brother Bell.”
To sit with him is to be reminded that Alpha is not sustained by ceremonies alone but by
conscience, by men willing to love the Fraternity enough to tell it the truth, and to love Brothers enough to walk with them as they grow. That has been Brother Bell’s quiet ministry for nearly half a century: to keep us honest, to keep us learning, and to keep us worthy of the history we so proudly recite.
A STUDENT OF RITUAL AND HISTORY
When Brother Bell speaks about the early years of his Alpha journey, there’s a reverence in his tone, almost as if he’s talking about a sacred text he’s still learning from. Initiated in 1977, he describes those first few years as a time of quiet observation and deliberate study.
“You can be a CEO in your own building,” he said, “but when you come to Alpha, you’ve got to sit down and learn how Alpha works.”
That humility, to pause, to listen, to learn before leading, became the foundation of his entire Alpha philosophy. Unlike many new initiates who immediately sought positions or recognition, Brother Bell immersed himself in the essence of the Fraternity. He wanted to understand not just what Alpha did, but why it did it.
After his initiation, he made a request that would forever change his path: to borrow a copy of the Ritual. Late nights of reading turned into deeper questions, and those questions became a lifetime pursuit of understanding.
“I discovered that a lot of what we did wasn’t actually in the ritual,” he recalled with a laugh. “Brothers were following habits passed down by rote, not by knowledge.”
That realization ignited something in him, a hunger to reconcile tradition with truth. What began as curiosity evolved into scholarship. The deeper he read, the more he uncovered layers of meaning, philosophy, and humanity embedded in the very words that shaped the Fraternity. It wasn’t just ceremony; it was moral architecture.
Through those pages, he found himself drawn
to the figure of C.C. Poindexter, the oftenmisunderstood architect of Alpha’s earliest vision. His study of Poindexter and the Jewels opened his eyes to the tension between myth and history, and how easily the stories of real men can become polished legends.
“My view of C.C. Poindexter was entirely different from what most brothers think,” he explained. “He was a man of principle, not a villain. Reading about him changed how I understood our beginnings.”
That commitment to historical accuracy and intellectual honesty transformed Brother Bell into more than just a participant in the Fraternity, he became its living historian. His research and teaching helped countless Brothers grasp that the ritual is not a performance to memorize but a philosophy to live.
In his own words, “Alpha Phi Alpha is a different kind of organization. It isn’t just about manhood, it’s about meaning. When you understand the ritual, you understand the responsibility.”
To this day, his deep respect for the written word of Alpha, its constitution, rituals, and history, remains a guiding light for younger Brothers who seek not just to wear the letters, but to live them.
THE FAVORITE JEWEL: THE MAVERICK SPIRIT OF VERTNER WOODSON TANDY
When asked about his favorite Jewel, Brother Bell doesn’t hesitate long. His eyes brighten, and his voice carries a mix of amusement and reverence as he begins to speak, not of an untouchable icon in gold, but of a man both brilliant and bold.
“My favorite Jewel was Vertner Woodson
Tandy,” he said, pausing just long enough to smile. “He was a saxophone player. Which I am too. So, I liked him immediately. But more than that, he was a devil. A swashbuckling cavalier.”
For Brother Bell, Tandy embodied a dimension of Alpha that too often gets lost beneath the weight of reverence, the human side. He was fearless, flawed, and full of life, and that combination, Bell insists, made him unforgettable.
One story in particular remains etched in Brother Bell’s memory, both for its humor and its humanity. He tells it like a fireside tale, with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes:
“Tandy and another student, Jewel Kelly, used to study together at a lady’s house. She was a choir leader and would rehearse before they could study, so the brothers started playing bid whist while they waited. The lady, being a proper church woman, hated card games and told them to stop. But they didn’t. So, one day, she decided to burst in on them and catch them in the act.”
Brother Bell laughs before continuing.
“When she came running up the stairs, she opened the door and there they were, all of the other gentleman they had there watching (not Tandy or Kelly), sitting completely naked, playing bid whist! She screamed, turned around, and never came back again.”
It’s an outrageous scene, but Bell’s laughter gives way to reflection.
“That was Tandy,” he said. “Fearless, clever, and unapologetically himself.”
There’s another story he loves to tell. The one where Tandy, stranded in Richmond after losing all his money, managed to get home by convincing a church pastor to let him preach.
“He delivered such a powerful sermon that the congregation took up a collection for him,” Bell said. “He used it to get back to
Cornell. Weeks later, the pastor showed up at Cornell looking for Reverend Tandy and the brothers could barely contain themselves.”
Through stories like these, Brother Bell paints Tandy not as a relic of Alpha’s past, but as a man whose spirit of creativity, wit, and daring still belongs in the present.
“We talk about our founders as if they were saints,” Bell said, “but they were young men, brilliant, flawed, and mischievous. And yet, look what they built. That’s the lesson: greatness doesn’t require perfection. It requires purpose.”
For Brother Bell, that is the enduring power of Jewel Tandy’s story. Not just his intellect, but his spirit. The same spirit that animated seven young men at Cornell to light a flame that still burns bright more than a century later.
“He lived life fully,” Bell said softly. “And in doing so, he helped give life to us all.”
LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY, AND THE TRUTH TO POWER
If you spend enough time around Brother Bell, you’ll quickly learn that he draws a sharp distinction between holding a position and being a leader. Titles, in his view, mean very little without integrity. Influence, without humility, is hollow.
“One of the problems I have with today’s fraternity,” he said, leaning forward with the weight of conviction, “is that we’ve become chasers of degrees. This ‘Reverend Dr. Esquire’ business creates layers of brothers. In the House of Alpha, we’re supposed to be equals.”
For Brother Bell, equality within the House is sacred. It is what allows the bonds of brotherhood to thrive across generations and backgrounds. That is why he has long rejected being addressed as Dr. Bell.
“If you need a dentist, maybe the doctor applies,” he said with a laugh. “Otherwise, I’m just Brother Bell.”
It is not humility for show, it is a principle. He believes that when we enter the House of Alpha, we lay our titles at the door so that only character remains.
That conviction has guided him through nearly five decades of leadership. His resume reads like a directory of service: Chapter President, Historian, Sergeant-at-Arms, Ritual Committee member, Eastern Region Director of Protocol, and Area Director for fifteen years, a tenure he believes may be among the longest in fraternity history. But the title he values most is Brother.
Leadership, as Brother Bell defines it, is the courage to tell the truth even when it’s inconvenient. It is a lesson he both lived and shared with his closest friend and fellow Alpha, Brother Amos Street of Gadsden, Alabama.
Their friendship, one part mentorship, one part partnership, became legend within the fraternity. They traveled together, debated together, and when necessary, confronted power together.
“We had a policy of speaking truth to power,” he said plainly. “We didn’t care who you were. If something wasn’t right, we told you so.”
That kind of leadership, Brother Bell believes, is what preserves Alpha’s integrity. He recalls
moments at conventions when he and Brother Street would enter a room and hear whispers ripple through the crowd, “Here they come.” It was never about confrontation for confrontation’s sake; it was about accountability.
“We weren’t trying to turn things upside down,” he explained. “We were trying to make sure things were done properly.”
He remembers challenging general presidents about dress code, executive directors about decorum, and even correcting peers for how they spoke to college brothers.
“Alpha is supposed to teach young men,” he said firmly. “You don’t humiliate them. You educate them.”
That protective instinct, especially toward younger brothers, runs deep in him. He believes that every Alpha who has the privilege of experience has the duty to mentor with patience, not pride. To him, this is what true Alpha leadership looks like: not positional power, but principled presence.
Brother Bell’s moral compass points toward a simple truth. Alpha’s greatness has never rested solely on the names of its most famous men, but on the shoulders of those who labor quietly in the vineyards, holding the line between tradition and time.
“We have outstanding Alpha men,” he said, “and we have outstanding men who are Alpha. But the fraternity survives on the backs of those who work year after year, often without recognition. That’s who keeps Alpha alive.”
And for nearly half a century, Brother Bell has been one of those men. A keeper of the record. A defender of the ritual. A conscience of the House.
In a world that often confuses volume with vision, Brother Bell’s kind of leadership, rooted in truth, tempered by wisdom, and sustained by love, reminds us that sometimes
the loudest message in the room is spoken softly, with honor.
ON BROTHERHOOD AND LEGACY
Brother Bell’s reflections on brotherhood are not abstract; they are lived. They are the product of late-night debates, long road trips, and the quiet kind of laughter that only brothers share. For him, brotherhood is not about uniformity, it’s about understanding. It’s about choosing each other, again and again, even when you disagree.
“You don’t always get along,” he said, his voice soft but steady. “But if you love each other enough, you can resolve the differences and keep moving forward.”
It’s a philosophy that took shape in the crucible of experience. He still remembers the moment in 1984, when a generational divide within Omicron Lambda Alpha led to a fracture. Young brothers replacing older ones, seasoned men leaving to form new chapters. For many, it was a painful chapter in local Alpha history. But for Brother Bell, it was a lesson in reconciliation and renewal.
“I was determined to make sure that brothers understood that brotherhood was important,” he said. “Not who was younger or who was older, just brother.”
That conviction helped lay the foundation for what would become Omicron Eta Lambda, bridging age, class, and personality with a simple truth: Alpha is strongest when its house, holds every generation. His influence helped establish a culture where mentorship was not a formality but a responsibility. Where wisdom was passed hand-to-hand, and respect flowed both directions.
And through it all, he lived by the belief that titles fade, but relationships endure.
“The fraternity doesn’t survive on the famous names,” he said. “It survives on the backs
of the brothers who labor quietly in the vineyards, year after year, without applause.”
His own vineyard was filled with friendships that shaped his life and his leadership. Chief among them was Brother Amos Street, a man of unwavering honesty from Gadsden, Alabama, whose friendship became both compass and mirror. Together, they became a fixture at conventions, always side by side, always unafraid to say what others would only whisper.
“He was honest to the core,” Brother Bell said. “We saw things the same way. If something wasn’t right, you said it. And we never cared who was listening.”
In that brotherhood, he found not just camaraderie but clarity: that love in Alpha means accountability; that brotherhood is a covenant, not a comfort zone. Their example inspired a generation of younger brothers to speak with courage, but also to listen with humility.
And now, as Brother Bell reflects on nearly five decades of membership, his thoughts turn naturally to legacy. But not the kind carved in plaques or programs, the kind carried in people.
“Legacy,” he said quietly, “is the aroma one leaves behind when we’ve shuffled off our mortal coil. It’s not just what we do, it’s what history thinks of what we do.”
He hopes his legacy is one of integrity, scholarship, and love. A model of what it means to be both a guardian of Alpha’s past and a steward of its future.
“I’ve tried to conduct myself with decency, integrity, and honesty,” he reflected. “And above all, with an unmitigated love for this organization of which we are a part.”
For Brother Ryle Bell, brotherhood and legacy are not separate ideas, they are the same living flame, passed from one generation of Alpha men to the next. His life reminds us that our true work as brothers is not only
to protect the light but to keep it burning brighter than we found it.
EDITOR’S NOTE: THE HONOR OF LISTENING TO BROTHER BELL
There are conversations that inform you, and then there are conversations that transform you. My time with Brother Ryle Bell was the latter. Sitting across from him, you realize that every pause, every word, and every story is not just recollection—it’s instruction. He speaks with the calm authority of someone who has lived the ideals many of us are still striving to understand.
What struck me most was not the breadth of his knowledge, though it is vast, but the depth of his humility. Nearly fifty years in the fraternity, and yet his most repeated phrase was not about achievement, but appreciation. “Alpha got me,” he said. There was no sense of entitlement, only gratitude.
Brother Bell reminds us that the measure of an Alpha man is not the number of offices held, but the integrity with which one serves. It’s not the applause, but the accountability. Not the title, but the truth.
I left our conversation not only inspired, but anchored. In Brother Bell, I saw the continuity of what our founders hoped we would be; men of scholarship and principle, guardians of truth, and keepers of the light.
For that, and for his unwavering devotion to this House we love, I say simply: thank you, Brother Bell.
~ Bro. Christopher Butts Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter 4-Xi Iota- Fall 99
Hosted by Bro. Ansel Augustine
BROTHERS HONOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
October always brings a familiar hue to the world around us. Ribbons, lights, and ties turn pink, not as a fashion statement, but as a sign of remembrance, resilience, and hope. For some, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a difficult reminder of a battle fought or a loved one lost. For others, it’s a chance to show unwavering support for the millions of women and families whose lives are forever changed by this disease.
At our October chapter meeting, several Brothers including Bro. Samuel Armstrong, Bro. Tim Fitzgerald, and Bro. Marcus Spells, arrived wearing pink ties. Their simple but powerful gesture turned the meeting into something more than routine business; it became a moment of reflection and unity. It was an opportunity that allowed each brother wearing pink, the ability to discuss the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and maybe even the chance to share their story of a loved one affected.
Each knot tied that evening carried meaning for mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and friends who have faced the unthinkable with courage. It was also a quiet reminder that awareness isn’t confined to one month. Our show of support must extend beyond October: through advocacy, education, early detection, and compassion for those in the fight.
As Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, our mission calls us to serve and uplift humanity, and that includes standing beside those impacted by breast cancer. Wearing pink may be a small act, but together, these small acts create visibility, empathy, and the strength of community.
To every Brother who wears a ribbon, lends a hand, or simply listens, thank you. Awareness begins with us, but healing begins with all of us.
Give Back
Donate to local breast cancer foundations. Every contribution supports research and patient assistance programs.
Donna M. Saunders Foundation - https:// breastcanceraid.org/
Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund - https:// tdjbreastcancerfund.org/
THE SACRED CALLING OF FATHERHOOD
Fatherhood, while one of the most challenging roles a human being can undertake, is actually a sacred calling. It is the quiet strength behind a child’s courage, the steady hand that guides our children through uncertainty, and the voice that affirms to our children that they are loved, they belong, and they matter.
Often during this process, one comes face-toface with one’s shortcomings and foibles as a human being. This usually occurs because the little human being for whom you have taken responsibility frequently mimics behavior that you often exhibited during your maturation and interaction with your own parents.
One of the interesting philosophical peregrinations in which parents engage is trying to validate their prior behavior while holding the child responsible for similar conduct, which leads to hysterical convolutions as we try to reconcile accepting our prior actions while finding the child’s behavior reprehensible.
Additionally, changing times and modes of behavior influence your child’s behavior, creating situations that were not considered when you were a child. I recall several instances during my upbringing when what was considered standard practice among my peers was deemed unacceptable by my parents. This
often leads to conflicts that can be resolved in one of three ways.
The first is that the parent absolutely refuses to accept the child’s behavior and demands total conformity. The second is that the parent engages in some degree of compromise, allowing the child some freedom without compromising their principles. The third is to let the child do as it pleases. In my opinion, that is the worst of the three solutions. Children often lack the maturity to understand and process the consequences of their actions fully, making guidance an essential part of parenting.
The first choice, to which I also do not subscribe, is that of demanding absolute conformity to the parents’ wishes, which fosters rebellion, resentment, and sometimes repression, neither of which is a beneficial result.
I have found that a good way to resolve parent-child conflicts is to explain to the child why you, as a parent, do not want them to adopt the particular behavior they wish to pursue. If one points out the pitfalls and consequences associated with the action, there may be a better chance of reaching an amicable resolution, particularly if a reasonable alternative is recommended. In moments of discipline, a parent teaches integrity; in moments of tenderness, they exhibit grace.
Having said that, some principles should be non-negotiable, particularly as they relate to legal infractions and moral issues. Years after forbidding my children from doing some of the things they wanted to do and ensuring they didn’t, they returned to thank me for not letting
them do what their peers did. In some cases, the consequences that their peers suffered were enough to confirm the rightness of my decisions and help them understand the wisdom of my prior counsel. Most of the time, this enlightenment occurs as they seek to rear their own children and discover that what their child now wants to do is as unacceptable to them as what they wanted was to us.
As an octogenarian, I was raised with the mandate that “children should be seen and not heard.” I do not subscribe to that tenet. I do believe, however, that children should not be part of, encouraged to, or engage in adult conversations either, because without the context of some conversations and the lack of maturity to comprehend their nuances, invalid conclusions may be drawn, serving to provide fodder for the child to later use in another situation as a defense for what they have done or want to do.
Children are children, not small adults! I believe in the biblical counsel that if you “train up a child in the way that he should go, when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Parental training is necessary, and good training is essential.
Very often, fathers have to balance their relationship with a child against the one that they have with their mother. Women are generally our softer side. They sometimes tend to be more pliable. Children will recognize this and pit one parent against the other. Is it a good idea, before parents deliver ultimatums, to engage the other spouse and ensure that both are on the same page and will support each other’s decisions.
Children must also recognize that they have parental support. Parents attending school, academic, and sporting events are crucial to a child’s development. No matter how tired or busy you may be, parents need to make time to get to know their child’s teachers and attend their school functions whenever possible. Nothing makes a child prouder than when a parent stands up for them in defense against an unreasonable teacher.
Parents must accept their role as parents and refrain from trying to be friends. Children need
guidance that is provided, not only through conversation, but also through example, tempered with empathy. Fathers shape their legacy not only through provision and protection, but also through presence. Whether offering wisdom at the dinner table or laughter during bedtime stories, our influence echoes across generations.
Respect provides a vehicle for obedience. It cannot be demanded but must be earned through honesty, consistency, and fairness in interacting with the child. If your conduct does not generate some measure of respect from your child, then parenting becomes a treacherous task. The distinction between intimidation and respect is a key ingredient in child-parental harmony, and parents need to understand the difference.
Finally, children need to know that they are loved. “Little things mean a lot” is a meaningful adage. This is true for both children and adults. Seize every opportunity to do things with your children that they enjoy. The great doctor, lawyer, minister, and executive should always be “dad” to his children.
To be a father is to plant seeds of hope in the soil of everyday life. It is to show up, speak life, and stand firm in love. And in doing so, fathers become living prayers—embodying blessings for the children they raise.
That is the role they remember and treasure most of all!
~ Bro. Ryle Bell
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
Bank of America: announced assistance available to furloughed Federal employees. Call the priority assistance line 844.219.0690.
Chase Bank: Chase today announced efforts to help its customers who are U.S. government employees affected by the U.S. government shutdown. Here’s the special line they set up 1-888-356-0023.
Congressional Federal Credit Union: For more information on our Relief Line of Credit or any of our assistance programs, contact our Member Service Representatives at 800-4912328 or stop by one of our branch locations.
Fed Choice: They’re offering quite a few different options to assist – for existing and new members.
Interior Federal Credit Union: They’re offering a special loan for both member and non-member furloughed Federal workers. Net paycheck up to $15,000, interest free up to 30 days. Members may apply for a limit up to the equivalent of 2 net paychecks. More offers are available on the site or call 800-914-8619
Navy Federal Credit Union: These guys are offering a special loan program. Read the FAQs PDF from this link to see if you qualify or call 1-888-842-6328
PayPal: PayPal has made a very generous offer. They’ve allocated $25 million to fund interest-free cash advances to our furloughed Federal workers that need assistance right now. This is for both new and existing PayPal Credit customers. Minimum loan is $250 with a maximum cash advance of $500. Your account does need to be in good standing if you’re an existing PayPal Credit customer. Existing customers call 1-877-689-1975. For new accounts, apply here first, then after approval
call 1-877-689-1975.
U.S. Bank: Will waive all late fees if you miss a mortgage payment due to the shutdown. Also mentioned they will defer first payment dates for new mortgages.
U.S. Employees Credit Union: USECU is also offering shutdown loans, but only until Tuesday, January 15th. Call (312) 922.5310 to get help.
SunTrust: SunTrust didn’t make a specific offer, but they did make a public announcement that they have programs in place to help clients affected by the shutdown.
Synchrony Bank: These guys handle store cards for Amazon, Lowes, Walmart, JCPenney, Chevron/Texaco, and many other large nationwide companies that you might do business with on a day-to-day basis. They are allowing affected customers to defer payments until after the shutdown. Contact them for more information.
Union Plus: For union members, there are a great number of options available if you’re with Union Plus. Call them at 800-472-2005 to ask about these offers: $300 Furlough Grant for eligible Union Plus credit card holders, Mortgage Assistance Loan & $300 Grant: payment grace period for your Union Plus Life and Accident Insurance, payment grace period for Union Plus Auto Insurance, and payment grace period for Union Plus Life and Accident Insurance.
Wells Fargo: Here’s a full list of all shutdown assistance lines at Wells Fargo. They’ve got a few different options to help depending on the services you have with their bank.
Furlough Grants
FEEA-NARFE: This is an awesome offer that every furloughed Federal worker needs to take advantage of. FEEA-NARFE fund is offering $100 grants to active federal employee members who are not receiving a paycheck during the current shutdown due to being furloughed or working in excepted status. To apply, visit the FEEA website.
Thrift Savings Plan
TSP Plan News and Announcements: TSP allows for the suspension of loan payments when you go into non-pay status. They do not require documentation about your furlough currently. Missing one or two payments will not cause your loan to go into default. Log in to your account to check your status or simply call the Thrift Line at 1-877-968-3778.
Toyota Financial Services & Lexus Financial Services: Affected lease and finance customers in good standing with their accounts may be eligible to take advantage of up to two months of finance contract payment extensions or lease deferred payments. Toyota Financial Services call 800-874-8822 and Lexus Financial Services call 800-874-7050.
Hyundai Capital: Hyundai will extend all Hyundai Capital auto loans and lease payments for 30 days for current Hyundai owners who are federal government employees furloughed during the shutdown. Impacted consumers should contact Hyundai Motor Finance at 1-800523-4030 to take advantage of this offer.
Kia Motors Finance: Kia has announced they’re offering deferred payments of 30 days. If you’ve been affected by the current Government Shutdown and need assistance from Kia Finance, please contact us at 1-866-331-5632.
Ford Credit, GM Financial, & Mercedes-Benz Financial Services: It has been reported that these companies are among those providing qualified customers options such as payment deferrals, late fee waivers and special care lines to address their individual problems, though official announcements from these companies have not been released online.
Mobile Telephone Service Providers
AT&T: Will assist with adjusting late fees, providing extensions, and revising payment schedules.
Sprint: Will provide short-term payment solutions. Call 1-888-211-4747
T-Mobile: Offering short-term assistance and can spread out service payments over time. Call 1-877-746-0909 or 611 from a T-Mobile device.
Verizon: Offering flexible payment options and has a Promise to Pay program to set payments for a future date. Call 1-866-266-1445.
Rental Home Assistance
National Rental Home Council: Represents many of the nation’s largest operators of single-family rental homes. They’re offering deferred rent payment options with no late fees to any renter who has been furloughed.
OPM Sample Letters for Creditors and Mortgage Companies: OPM created these sample letters for Federal workers to contact their landlords, mortgage lenders, and utilities, to request help during the shutdown.
National Food Resources & Advice
Feeding America: These guys have a nationwide network of 200 food banks. From those food banks, they have 60,000 partner pantries from which they can serve every community across the United States. This is an awesome resource, and they have already begun serving Federal employees affected by the government shutdown.
Your School District: To save on food and ensure your kid eats breakfast and/or lunch free (less stress and worry for you), notify the district of your furlough. No income is an emergency and normally qualifies you for the free meal program.
Home, Auto & Life Insurance Relief
MetLife: For those not receiving a paycheck from the federal government because of the current shutdown, MetLife Auto & Home may grant a one-time, 30-day grace period on your payment of premium on a MetLife Auto & Home policy. Members must request this one-time allowance by calling 1-800-GET-MET8. Certain restrictions apply, and premium remains due after delay expires.
Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company:
To help the nearly 27,000 AFGE members who currently have a policy with the company during this government shutdown, the company “will keep the policy-in-force by waving the cost of insurance charges for the next 30 days.”. Policies beginning with the letter “Y” call: 844800-9146, all other policies call: 888-513-8797
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
November 20, 2025
Meetings are monthly on the First Saturday of the month.
Next meeting is Saturday, November 8, 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.
Happy November! The selections for this month form a powerful narrative around Black creativity, resistance, and innovation in the face of systemic exclusion. From Joy Buolamwini’s fight to expose bias in artificial intelligence to Meredith D. Clark’s chronicle of Black Twitter’s digital activism, each author shows how technology can both oppress and empower. George E. Johnson’s Afro Sheen celebrates self-made success and cultural pride, while Robin Givhan’s Make It Ours highlights how Virgil Abloh reimagined who gets to define culture and style. Together, they remind readers that reclaiming power begins with telling our own stories and reshaping the systems that shape us.
Author(s): Joy Buolamwini
Why it’s a must-read: Explore how biases in artificial intelligence can affect everything from hiring practices to law enforcement. Buolamwini’s personal journey reveals both the promise and the peril of emerging technologies. This book challenges readers to think critically about how we build machines that reflect our values.
Author(s): George E. Johnson
Why it’s a must-read: Johnson’s memoir tells the inspiring story of how he built a pioneering Blackowned hair-care empire that celebrated beauty, pride, and self-determination. His reflections capture the intersection of business, culture, and civil rights during a transformative era. It’s a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and community-driven entrepreneurship.
Author(s): Robin Givhan
Why it’s a must-read: Follow Virgil Abloh’s journey as he challenged traditional ideas of fashion and art. Givhan highlights how Abloh broke and redefined cultural boundaries, turning streetwear into a global creative force. This book is a celebration of innovation, boldness, and the influence of one visionary mind.
Author(s): Meredith D. Clark
Why it’s a must-read: Clark dives into the evolution of Black Twitter as a platform for activism, storytelling, and community-building. The book shows how digital spaces can amplify voices that are often ignored by mainstream media. It’s a fascinating look at how culture and technology intersect to reshape public conversation.
CLASSIC SWEET POTATO PIE
Ingredients
2 pounds sweet potatoes
1 disk Classic Pie Dough, fitted into a deep-dish pie plate and frozen
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, plus more if needed
1 cup evaporated milk
2 large eggs
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Put the sweet potatoes on a foil-lined half-sheet pan. Bake, turning once, until very tender, 1.5 to 2 hours. When cool enough to handle, take the sweet potatoes out of their jackets and scrape the flesh into a 1-quart measuring cup. You should have 2 and 1/2 cups packed sweet potato.
Raise the oven temperature to 425°F.
Line the frozen dough with foil and fill with pie weights. Bake until dry and set, about 25 minutes. Remove the foil with the weights and bake the dough until golden brown, about 5 minutes longer. Let cool completely, then place on a half-sheet pan.
Transfer the sweet potato to a large bowl and add the cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, salt, butter, brown sugar, and the evaporated milk. Beat with a heavy whisk until smooth. Taste and add more brown sugar if you’d like. The amount will depend on the sweetness of your spuds. Add the eggs and whisk until fully incorporated. Pour into the pie crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Bake until the top is golden brown and the filling has puffed and set, about 40 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Make ahead: The unbaked crust can be frozen for up to 1 month. The sweet potatoes can be baked, mashed, and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
SPICED APPLE CIDER & BOURBON
This cocktail balances the warmth of bourbon with the sweet and spicy notes of apple cider and ginger beer, making it a perfect drink for a chilly November evening.
Ingredients
1.5 oz Bourbon
1.5 oz Apple Cider
2.5 oz Ginger Beer (such as Bundaberg’s)
Garnish: Apple slices and/or a cinnamon stick and fresh cranberries or a rosemary sprig Ice
DIRECTIONS
Fill a glass (a rocks glass or a highball works well) with cubed ice.
Pour in the bourbon and apple cider.
Top with ginger beer.
Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
Garnish with apple slices, a cinnamon stick, or a few frozen cranberries.
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 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
As we enter the month of November, a season that calls us to gratitude and reflection, I find myself thinking about the many ways in which brotherhood sustains us. In Alpha, and particularly here in Mu Lambda, we are constantly reminded that our connection extends far beyond our shared letters. It lives in the quiet acts of service, the warmth of mentorship, and the steadfast commitment to uplifting one another and our community.
This issue of The Torch reflects that spirit beautifully. Within these pages, you’ll find stories that celebrate legacy, honor service, and invite reflection on what it means to lead with purpose. We feature a remarkable conversation with Brother Ryle Bell, whose nearly fifty years in Alpha offer wisdom on leadership, humility, and the sacred responsibility of preserving our history. His insights remind us that to truly serve, we must both honor the past and prepare those who will follow.
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,
We also continue to grow our editorial family of features with “Light for the Journey: Fatherhood Reflections,” a heartfelt new column dedicated to the lessons, joys, and responsibilities of fatherhood. Brother Crews returns with “Next on Your Reading List,” offering thoughtful book recommendations that inspire both intellect and action. And Brother O’Rain Edwards introduces us to MuVets, , a military service initiative within our beloved Mu Lambda Chapter.
As the year draws to a close, I encourage each of us to pause and take stock, not only of what we’ve accomplished but of how we’ve shown up for one another. Whether through acts of brotherly kindness, community engagement, or simply being present, each contribution strengthens the house we share.
Thank you, Brothers, for continuing to build, serve, and lead in the true spirit of Alpha. May this issue remind you that the light we carry burns brightest when shared.
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:
You can pay your dues on mulambda.org by clicking the dues tab at the bottom left of every web page.
Bring a check to the chapter meeting.
You can pay on the Mu Lambda App 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:
Prompt payment of all financial obligations, the prime requisite for successful fraternal life. The doing of good scholastic work in his chosen vocation, thereby accomplishing the real end of a college course.
The reasonable endeavor to participate in general college activities and social service and to excel therein.
The proper consideration of all things with appropriate attention to the high moral standard of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
