jf^e official Nemletter o MuLambdaChapter
Ajjril 1004
The Executive Message: Passing the Torch
Brother Rudolph Harris, PhD President, Mu Lambda Chapter
Within afew weeks Brothers, we will embrace our 9*^ Annual Mu Lambda Foundation Beautillion and Gala, ARite of Passage for nine young African-American men. The Beaux, who we honor on Saturday, April 24 at the Georgetown Conference Center, have been taught the basic guidelines of proper behavior and values needed in human development processes. They have had the opportunity to bond and experience an enhanced sense of self worth. The Beaux, their dates, families and sponsors have worked very hard for the 2004 GALA and I hope in some way that each of you reflect on the seriousness of our mentoring program and commit in some way to supporting Program.
Beautillion year’s this
We have changed our meeting—Our April Meeting will be in the Faculty Dining Room, Howard University Blackburn Center. We are moving back to Howard’s campus this month for fellowship, picture taking and to celebrate the graduation of undergraduate Brothers from Beta Chapter. To launch our April celebration, Dr. William Pollard, President of the University of the District of Columbia will be our speaker. Recipient of the Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and aB.A. from Shaw University, Dr. Pollard has numerous published works and has lectured extensively on cultural and racial diversity across the country. Dr. Pollard's career in higher education includes serving as Dean of the Syracuse University School of Social Work as well as Dean and Founder of the Grambling State University School of Social Work. Please come and join the brotherhood, because this chapter meeting is an opportune time to network and meet our new Brothers: Brother Julius Jefferson, Brother Nigel Pierce, Brother Edwin Charles Chapman and Brother M. Christopher Brown, II "crossed the burning sands" into Alphadom on March 6, 2004. (continued)
EXECUTIVE MESSAGE (from Page 1)
On April 1-4, the 72nd Annual Eastern Region V Convention convened at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in W Arlington,VA.ThirteenMuLambdaBrothersregistered f for the Regional Convention. Based on action taken at ' our January meeting, we made aformal contribution during the Regional to the National MLK Memorial Project. In another section of The Torch, Brother Ed Norwood describes how we must proceed with the Project.
Pursuant to our Chapter's Constitution and By-laws, a Nomination Committee will be elected at the April Meeting. As aservice to the Brotherhood, we are asking the Committee to present aslate for Chapters Officers and other prospective members needed for positions that require avote by the membership at our May meeting. Over the years. Mu Lambda Chapter has sponsored students to participate in the Eastern Region LDI (Leadership Development Institute). This year, there two sessions scheduled; (1) on the Morgan State University campus in Baltimore—June 24-27, and (2) on the campus of St. John’s University in Queens, NY—July 22-25. The cost for aparticipant is $275 ($300 after the deadline). Brother Bob Warren is our LDI Liaison and need to focus some attention as to the type of contributions the Brothers want to make to LDI.
The Alpha House. Spring is atime of renewal and in gardens in our area; we are beginning to see some perennials bloom. The future home of Mu Lambda Chapter is blooming with Phase Iof the construction to shore up the house and protect our investment. Brothers, we are moving forward by faith. As many of you know our financial package for the entire house is not complete. A draft strategic plan and the development of fund raising activities are under consideration and we will have reports at our May and June meetings. In the meantime Brother James Speight will have some before and after construction photos at April meeting in the Blackburn Center Restaurant.
Because we have much to share, we have amission to let others know of the reality of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. in Washington, D.C. In order to spread the word across the District of Columbia, we have formed aChapter Centennial Committee with Brother DouglasSandsasChair.Shouldyouhaveideasthatwill advance our goal, Brother Sands and the Committee welcome your input. Brothers, Itruly believe that Mu Lambda is near and dear to all of our hearts and we all care, so
let's keep that good “ole” Alpha Spirit going.
March Meeting Highlights
Brother Kwame Ulmer
1. Announcements:
Brothers Must be Financial to vote in this years’ General President election
Centennial committee announced. The brothers will be: Douglas Sands (Chair), Vernon Gill, Syl Shannon, Jim Robinson, Vincent Orange, Rodgers, and Kwame Ulmer
Beautillion is Here! April 24 Georgetown Conference Center
2. Constitutional Amendments proposed. Brother Brian Halliburton, chair of the constitution committee presented the proposed changes to the chapter constitution.
3. Eastern Regional Convention delegates selected. 9delegates (3 of them alternates) were selected to represent the chapter: Brothers Sam Armstrong, Rashid Darden, Jim Robinson, Julius Brice, Brian Moore, Bob Warren, Rudolph Harris, McDonald, Ed Norwood, and Curtis Hunigan
4. Reverend Graylan Hagler Housing Activist Speaks! Reverend Hagler spoke of the ills of predatory lending and what he has done to combat the illegal activity.
The Alpha House
Mu Lambda is still grovi/ing at 80. We are adiverse chapter, building on the strength of our historic past while forging into the future in our new home. Our vision is clear as we seek to become the best in A PHI A. Come grow with us.
Mu Lambda Brothers Are Needed to Help Build the Dream
Brother Edwin F. Norwood, III
Brother Martin Luther King Jr. remains one of the most influential figures in American history. Out of the shadows of despair, his call for non-violent social change rang out from the front seats of buses in Montgomery, AL to lunch counters in Greensboro, NC, to the halls of power in Washington DC and worldwide. Even today, this remarkable man’s voice and vision continue to resonate and inspire people everywhere. Dr. King peacefully, yet forcefully, challenged anation to embrace diversity of all its people and recognize the beauty of our world lies in the quilt of differences that our individual histories and cultures create. His dream of anation where all people are judged not by the color of their skin but the content of their character has yet to be fully realized. However, the movement he launched remains as vial and vibrant as ever. Dr. King’s message was -and still is -one of the hope for the hopeless, power for the powerless, and tolerance amid hate. This priceless legacy is now ours to nurture; his peaceful action, ours to emulate; has quest for social justice, ours to carry on and pass on to future generations. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial will stand on a four-acre site next to the Tidal Basin in Washington DC on adirect line between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials; giving Dr. King aplace of honor among our nation’s most revered heroes.
You can help honor Dr. King’s memory and keep his uplifting dream alive by joining the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project in building amemorial to him on the National Mall in Washington DC. Participate in the Mu Lambda Chapter Pledge campaign for the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project. All brothers are asked to look into their heart to make acontribution to this great effort ... to build amemorial to this great American. Please bring your check to the May Chapter meeting. Help to build the people’s memorial to the man whose movement and message changed the world forever.
MERCEDES BENZ RAFFLE New Brothers
Mu Lambda Chapter welcomes Julius Jefferson, Nigel Pierce, Edwin Charles Chapman, and M. Christopher Brown, I! into the bond of brotherhood. Please extend ahand of fellowship to these brothers as you see them at chapter meetings and events.
50 Year Brothers
All 50 year Brothers who have not received their 50 Year Certificate are asked to contact Brother Julius Brice.
LDI South
Brother Robert Warren
Iwould like to appeal to the brotherhood to support Mu Lambda's representatives to the Leadership Development Institute which will be held at Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, June 24-27, 2004. Thecost for each participant is $275. A brother may sponsor aparticipant {high school student) or contribute any amount so that Mu Lambda will have representatives. Checks may be made payable to Mu Lambda Foundation. Brothers may contact me at (202) 667-8688 or send checks to me (Robert Warren, Jr.) 2001 12th Street. NW #104, Washington, DC 20009. E-mail: Robobowar@aol .com.
April Birthdays
Julius H. Brice
Arlester Brown
Franklin P. DeLaine
James A. Donaldson
Charles Donegan
Odell Ferrell
Adrian V. James
Clarence E. Magwood
Lawrence K. Montgomery
Vincent B. Orange
Thaddeus J. Taylor
April 14
April 1
April 3
April 17
April 10
April 14
April 25
April 7
April 3
April 11
April 6
Brothers, the Raffle is another way to add monies to our programs including our scholarships. We will be entitled to 30% of our Raf fl e sales which was announced at one of our meetings. Come prepared to purchase aticket for $20.00, you can also charge the cost of ticket(s). Brian Moore will be coordinating the effort. Second prize is $1,000.00 and third prize is $500.00.
www.mulambda.org
Brother Rashid Darden
Developments to the chapter website are ongoing! Please email any suggestions. Alpha graphics, and scanned photos of chapter events to Brother Darden at EricBenet06@verizon,net.
To subscribe to the chapter email list, please send an email to:
MuLambdaChaDter-subscribe@vahooQroupS-Com
Constitutional Amendments
Brother Brian Halliburton
The constitution with proposed amendments was distributed for review at the March chapter meeting. We will vote on the proposed amendments at the April chapter meeting.
Upcoming Dates
April 8
April 10
April 15
April 16
April 17
April 18
April 23
April 24
Chapter Meeting
Voter Registration Drive
Executive Board Meeting
Brotherhood Night @Lounge 201
Habitat for Humanity
Etiquette Workshop
Rehearsal @Georgetown
Beautillion
