The Torch - February 2019

THE

FIRST OF ALL, SERVANTS OF ALL, WE SHALL TRANSCEND ALL

FEBRUARY 2019 ------------------------------

TORCH

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

Month The Mu Lambda Torch January 2019 MU LAMBDA CHAPTER 1923 | 2405 FIRST STREET, NW WASHINGTON, DC 20001| MULAMBDA.ORG

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

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FEBRUARY 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

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In this Issue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 19 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Domino’s In this Issue, Charter Members, Past Presidents Executive Board, The Presidents’ Message Committee Chairs The Vice Presidents’ Message, Message from the Sergeant At Arms Upcoming Events Birthday & Alphaversary Message from the Membership and Reclamation Chair Message From The Chaplain, Message From The DC National PanHellenic Council Delegate Do You recognize These Brothers Mu Lambda’s Black History Celebrating Black History Interview with Brother Walter Kenneth Robinson, Sr. The Negro Motorist Green-Book A Simple Refreshing Cocktail, Heart Healthy Recipe, Monkey Bread with a Twist Message from the Director of Educational Activities Henry Arthur Callis Academy Project Alpha MLK Peace Walk & Parade Letter from Birmingham Jail Little Known Black History Fact: Horace G. Dawson, Juneteenth Celebration, General Convention The Jewel Lounge Helping the House of Ruth, Message From The Mu Lambda Communication Team Selections and Elections Have Consequences Mental Health and the Stressors from Daily activities MAAC Happy Hour, Mu Lambda’s Health and Wellness Event: Tai Chi Workshop Mu Lambda’s Health and Wellness Committee Serving the Alpha Wives Omega Chapter Brother’s Keeper Adopt-A-Block A Word from the General Council Men Who Cook 2019 The MAAC Spring Staff Meeting, Bus Trip to Albany, New York Support Your Foundation Young Men’s Empowerment Summit HR Records, AkStar Apparel Advertise with us Message from the Editor

FEBRUARY 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Charter Members

Past Presidents

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 Jewel Robert Harold Ogle Louis H. Russell James N. Saunders Emory B. Smith Harold C. Stratton J.H.N. Waring Charles H. Wesley

Harold Stratton Howard H. Long Charles H. Wesley Frank Adams R. Frank Jones James B. Browning

CHARTERED ON MONDAY OCTOBER 1, 1923 WASHINGTON, D.C.

Jewel Henry Arthur Callis U. Simpson Tate C.C. House Verdie L. Robinson Walter M. Booker Jack Bind Millard R. Dean Frank Davis Clifton Hardy Herman Johnson Howard Jenkins C.C. House William F. Nelson Aubrey E. Robinson Joseph Waddy Edward J. Austin Elgy Johnson George H. Windsor James T. Speight Harold Sims Eddie Madison Wilbur Sewell Charles Thomas Theodore Taylor Elmer Moore William E. Calbert Osmond Brown Vernon Gill LeRoy Lowery, III Morris Hawkins C.C. Jones Vincent Orange Melvin White LeRoy Lowery, III James Haynes Rudolph Harris Edwin Norwood James McDonald Timothy Fitzgerald Kwame Ulmer LeRoy Lowery, III Eddie Neal LeRoy Lowery, III Joel Grey

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Executive Board

The Presidents’ Message

President Bro. Eddie Neal

Greetings Brothers,

Vice President Bro. Mikael E. LaRoche Recording Secretary Bro. Jason Jefferson Corresponding Secretary Bro. Timothy Fitzgerald Financial Secretary Bro. Chatman Young Treasurer Bro. Michael Young Chaplain Bro. William “Tony” Hawkins Historian Bro. Silas J Woods Intake Coordinator Bro. Andre Lucas Assoc. Editor/Sphinx Bro. Garrett Miller Dir. Edu. Activities Bro. Charvis Campbell Sergeant-at-Arms Bro. Frank King Parliamentarian Bro. Byron L. Williams Web Master Bro. Mark Jones Editor of the Torch Bro. Kenneth Williams Member at Large Bro. LeRoy Lowery III General Counsel Bro. Brent Radcliff

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” Brother Martin Luther King, Jr. Knowing the past opens the door to the future. We enter February celebrating Black History Month. Dr’s. Carter G. Woodson, an Omega, and Jesse E. Moorland, an Alpha – are the founders of Black History Month. Black History Month is for everyone. To dismiss it is to ignore a crucial part of the American story. Mu Lambda in not a monolithic chapter. It is rich in history, diversity and ready to serve.

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The youngest member of the chapter is 22, born in 1996, while the oldest is 98, born in 1920.

Salaries range from $30,000 to $1,000,000 per annum.

Mu Lambda’s membership is comprised of brothers initiated in 117 different chapters.

Fifty-five life members.

The lowest life member number in the chapter is 691, while the highest is 13910.

Mu Lambda brothers list their race as African American, Afro-Hispanic, Caucasian, Multi-Racial, and West Indian/Caribbean.

All brothers in Mu Lambda have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree.

Twenty-eight have Masters’ Degrees.

Nine have MBA Degrees.

Twenty-five have Law Degrees.

Twenty-four have Doctorate Degrees.

Five have Medical or Dental Degrees.

We started January with a day of brotherhood training. Approximately 70 brothers assembled January 5th at the house for Initial Membership Development Process and leadership training, where we fellowshipped, ate breakfast and lunch, laughed, joked, and received top notch training from Brothers John Williams, Alpha’s appointed Parliamentarian, and Brandon Johnson. This is the first time Mu Lambda has been able to get such a high number of brothers IMDP trained.

January 9th, Mu Lambda joined the other DC Alumni Chapters at the Caged Bird for a MAAC reclamation event. As a result, Mu Lambda was able to reclaim Brothers Christopher Butts and Jeffery Fleming, who are both financial and counted in the above total of brothers who hold doctorate degrees.

January 10th, we held our January chapter meeting where Brother Ryle Bell completed Mu Lambda’s ritual training, Brother Wiley Bowling was presented his 60-year certificate and the chapter welcomed Brother Gregory Parks, initiated Mu Lambda 1997, Candidate for General President.

January 12th, we served the Alpha Wives at their January meeting as appreciation for supporting Mu Lambda since 1950. Brothers Garrett Miller and Jason Jefferson spearheaded the effort where we served tomato bisque soup with crackers, garden salad with rolls, rotisserie chicken, salmon, seasoned green beans, macaroni and cheese, chocolate cake and neapolitan ice cream. We presented Bonnie Seabron, wife of Brother Lavert Seabron with his 60-year certificate and pin.

January 16th, we attended Mu Lambda’s Henry Arthur Callis Academy at Frank W. Ballou Senior High School in South East D.C. where eleven Mu Lambda brothers met with fifteen 11th grade young men to discuss current events. The event was sponsored by our humble “Domino’s” brother. Later that night, the executive board met and voted unanimously to provide financial support to Mu Lambda brothers impacted by the government shutdown. continued 3

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Committee Chairs Auditing Bro. Mark Ross

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Presidents’ Message continued...

It was a monumental and brotherly vote, because it was before banks, PayPal and others decided to offer assistance.

Budget and Finance Bro. Chapman Young

January 21st the brothers of Mu Lambda, Omicron Lambda Alpha and Omicron Eta Lambda marched together in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Washington, DC Parade.

Constitution Bro. Byron Williams

January 22nd, we joined the other members of the National Panhellenic Council of Washington, DC at the January meeting to discuss essential business impacting the Divine Nine.

Communication and Technology Bro. Mark Jones Fundraising Bro. Matthew Aaron Membership Bro. Timothy Fitzgerald Men Who Cook Bro. Garrett Miller Health & Wellness Bro. Derrick Butts DC National Pan Hellenic Council Bro. Derrick Butts Mu Lambda Chapter History Book Bro. Silas Woods III Nominating Bro. Frank King Programs Bro. Joseph Gibbs Public Policy Bro. Kelvin Brown Social Bro. Mikael LaRoche

January 24th, we met with Area VI leadership and the other D.C. chapters to facilitate a plan for a smooth IMDP cluster for the upcoming intake.

I also spent January fellowshipping with other chapters - Eta Eta Lambda – Annapolis, MD (January 5th), Omicron Eta Lambda – Washington, DC (January 18th), and Xi Alpha Lambda – Lorton, VA (January 26th). It is good to get out and fellowship with other brothers and get a different perspective of the wonderful things other chapters are doing in the community.

February 1st, Mu Lambda joined the other DC, Maryland and Delaware Chapters at Uno Bar & Grill for a MAAC happy hour.

Mu Lambda is a humble and brotherly chapter. The only title used in Mu Lambda is “Brother.” When you enter the house, you cannot distinguish between a doctor, lawyer, engineer, executive, millionaire, security guard or Uber driver. On any given day, you can visit the house and see a brother with multiple franchises serving as the Sergeant of Arms, a Starbucks executive trimming the trees, or an Ambassador sitting back telling a joke. All brothers are equal when you enter Mu Lambda. We don’t care about your bank account or your professional titles. A brother traveling the world from embassy to embassy recently stood shoulder to shoulder with a brother who served in the Obama administration. Both exhibited a common touch when mentoring and interacting with the youth.

You will find some of the best and brightest brothers in the area at Mu Lambda.

You don’t have to be a doctor, lawyer or rich to be a member of Mu Lambda.

You just have to have an open mind, be willing to check your ego at the door, and exhibit love for all mankind. We started the fraternal year with the lofty goal to celebrate our 95th year, work on brotherhood, focus on reclamation rather than intake, and look at other streams of revenue. I have been told our meetings our more fraternal and interaction with brothers is warm and inviting. We have reclaimed more than 29 brothers. We are now placing our focus on economic development. We have too much intellect in the chapter to sit idle and rest on our past. We will be meeting with several business leaders to explore business opportunities and create alternative revenue streams.

Mu Lambda is not a perfect chapter. We argue, fuss, and fight like all families, but at the end of the night we reconcile for the better good of the fraternity and the community. Mu Lambda is not for everyone, but it might be for you if you are looking for a chapter.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”

Brother Martin Luther King, Jr. Fraternally, Brother Eddie Neal President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

The Vice Presidents’ Message

Message from the Sergeant At Arms

Greetings Brothers,

Greetings Brothers,

I would like to extend continued gratitude for your commitment to ALPHA and the chapter. Brother President has asked that I step down from the position of Editor of the Torch, to focus on the position of Vice President. Brother Kenneth Williams has gracefully stepped up to take on the role. I have been on-boarding him to the process to ensure the Torch will be delivered on time. His email address is torch@mulambda.org.

Please continue to send both your TORCH submissions, past events, pictures and articles.

We beg your indulgence while the Sergeant at Arms’ team implements and perfects a few minor changes.

Furlough Assistance Brothers Neal, Aaron and Mike Young, came together after our last meeting and swiftly executed a plan of action to assist brothers in need within our ranks! THIS IS ALPHA! As we continue to exemplify Manly Deeds & Love for All Mankind, I want to thank these three brothers for working to put options on the table during a time of need! It is crucial that Mu Lambda Brothers saw the value of the BROTHERHOOD they invest their time - finances and life to.

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HISTORY BOOK I have spoken to Brother James Harmon, one of our past Chapter Historians, to help with the authoring of a Mu Lambda History book as we head toward our Centennial in 2023! Brother Woods, as current historian, I would like this charge to move forward working with brothers within your past Beta network as well as current Mu Lambda Network to come up with a framework and timeline for this book! It would be an amazing project and one that will literally give permanence to our legacy and direction for the chapter's future.

Upcoming events, I would like to commend Brother Lowery and his team for working diligently on getting plans together for the 95th Gala. Brothers with any expertise in event planning and management please feel free to contact Brother Lowery as they push to make a statement.

Again. I want to thank you all for continuing to lead and progress Mu Lambda. I look forward to hearing from you all soon with reports, updates and plans that will lift the light of ALPHA high.

Brother Mikael E. LaRoche, Vice President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

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We have to ensure the house is secure at all times.

We ordered walkie talkies for the Sergeant at Arms team so we can stay in constant communication.

We will have someone on the door of the meeting room so no one enters without signing in and all visitors show their pass card or we verify their information.

There are four doors to the house. The upper front, kitchen, rear meeting room and side meeting room. We will lock the front and kitchen doors once the meeting starts. We are down stairs and can’t hear. Someone can walk in and do anything without our knowledge. If someone needs entry after the meeting starts, they can come to the side door and knock.

Once the meeting starts, all brothers must use the rap of admission and password to enter the meeting room. If they don’t know the password, we will leave them outside the room, verify they are a brother and then have someone teach them the rap and password.

No sitting on the counter tops. All brothers should be seated in chairs. Brothers will identity empty seats and everyone takes a seat.

The Sgt at Arms will be positioned at the back of the room near the door.

A financial roster will be available to expedite things.

Brothers on that roster just need to verify their information and initial. Visitors and brothers who are not financial will sign on a different sheet.

Brother Bell reviewed the ritual with the chapter in December and January. Every Mu Lambda brother should be familiar with the official challenge. If a brother we don’t know comes to the meeting, we will challenge the brother. Not to embarrass him, but to get him accustom to the official challenge. We will still check the brother’s passcard and look him up in AlphaNet. We also need to keep the kitchen clear. Brothers will be asked to fix their drinks and migrate out of the kitchen so others can come and go. It will also help to get the food out in a timely manner.

We will periodically challenge Mu Lambda brothers we know. We need to get accustomed to it.

Brother Bell will repeat the challenge, password and rap of admission at every meeting for the remainder of the fraternal year.

If you have invited a brother to the meeting, notify me in advance so I can verify his official membership prior to the meeting and expedite things.

Mu Lambda’s official meeting attire was Alpha Attire.

The Executive Board recognizes that brothers are coming from work to the meeting and voted that the attire is business casual.

Fraternally, Brother Frank King, Sergeant at Arms Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Upcoming Events Tuesday, February 5th Thursday, February 7th Saturday, February 9th Tuesday, February 19th Wednesday, February 20th Thursday, February 21st Friday, February 22-23rd Monday, February 25th Tuesday, February 26th Thursday, February 28th Friday, March 1-2nd Tuesday, March 5th Thursday, March 7th Friday, March 8-10th Saturday, March 9th Tuesday, March 19th Wednesday, March 20th Thursday, March 21st Saturday, March 23rd Tuesday, March 26th Saturday, March 30th Tuesday, April 2nd Thursday, April 4th Saturday, April 13th Tuesday, April 16th Wednesday, April 17th Thursday, April 18th Saturday, April 20th Tuesday, April 23rd Thursday, April 25-28th Tuesday, April 30th Thursday, May 2nd Saturday, May 11th Tuesday, May 14th Wednesday, May 15th Thursday, May 16th Saturday, May 18th Tuesday, May 28th Thursday, June 6th Saturday, June 8th Wednesday, June 19th Thursday, June 20th

Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Chapter meeting Young Men Empowerment Summit Alpha Wives meeting Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting 1st week of IMDP Area VI Amendments to General Organization Constitution due DC PanHellenic Council meeting Introduction to Tai Chi - Yang Style 2nd week of IMDP Area VI Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Self-defense Workshop with Beta Chapter Chapter meeting Last week of IMDP Area VI Alpha Wives meeting Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Callis Academy at Ballou High School Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Men Who Cook/ Spoken Word DC PanHellenic Council meeting MAAC District Conference Spring Staff meeting Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Chapter meeting Alpha Wives card party DC Emancipation Day Parade Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Callis Academy at Ballou High School Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Alpha Move at Carter Barron Park DC PanHellenic Council meeting Eastern Region Convention Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Chapter meeting Alpha Wives meeting Project Alpha at Hart Middle School Callis Academy at Ballou High School Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Alpha Active Joint Health and Wellness Event DC PanHellenic Council meeting Chapter meeting Alpha Wives meeting Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting continued on next page

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Tuesday, June 25th Wednesday, July 17th Thursday, July 18th Wednesday, July 24-28th Thursday, August 15th Wednesday, August 21st Thursday, September 5th Wednesday, September 11th Saturday, September 14th Wednesday, September 18th Thursday, September 19th Tuesday, September 24th Saturday, September 28th Tuesday, October 1st Thursday, October 3rd Saturday, October 5th Saturday, October 12th Wednesday, October 16th Thursday, October 17th Tuesday, October 22nd Thursday, November 7th Saturday, November 9th Monday, November 11th Wednesday, November 20th Thursday, November 21st Tuesday, November 26th Thursday, November 28th Wednesday, December 4th Thursday, December 5th Saturday, December 7th

Saturday, December 14th Wednesday, December 18th Thursday, December 19th Friday, December 20th Tuesday, December 24th Wednesday, December 25th

FEBRUARY 2019

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

DC PanHellenic Council meeting Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting General Convention Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Executive Board meeting Chapter meeting Congressional Black Caucus Social at “The Park” Alpha Wives meeting Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting DC PanHellenic Council meeting Clean the Block Mu Lambda turns 96, Mu Lambda Brotherhood Smoke Chapter meeting Charter Day Brunch Alpha Wives meeting Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting DC PanHellenic Council meeting Chapter meeting Alpha Wives meeting Veterans Day Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting DC PanHellenic Council meeting Happy Thanksgiving Alpha Phi Alpha turns 113 Chapter meeting MAAC Breakfast Wreath Laying Ceremony for Brother Nathaniel A. Murray Wreath Laying Ceremony for Brother Robert H. Ogle Mu Lambda’s 96th Anniversary Founders Day banquet Alpha Wives meeting Executive Board meeting Mu Lambda Foundation Board meeting Mu Lambda Health and Wellness Committee meeting Deliver holiday baskets to families DC PanHellenic Council meeting Merry Christmas

Alphaversary Edwin Norwood, III Louis Mauney Michael Brown James Heck, IV Franklin DeLanine, Sr. Joseph Gibbs John Wilson Pernell Williams Ross Lloyd Sean Perkins Wiley Bowling

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

Birthday February 6th February 6th February 6th February 6th February 10th February 14th February 15th February 22nd February 25th February 28th February 29th

David Gaston Garnett Wood Sylvester Booker Talmadge Roberts Coy Lindsay

February 2nd February 14th February 16th February 16th February 23rd

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

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Message from the Membership and Reclamation Chair Brother Wiley Bowling receiving his 60 year certificate

Brother Wiley Bowling Life Member 1143

Greeting Brothers, I want you to get to know Mu Lambda’s new and reclaimed brothers.

Brother

Chapter of Initiation

Initiation Date

Samuel Armstrong John Barnett Kelvin Brown Christopher Butts Aaron Cheese Lawrence Clark Carlos DeBose, Sr. Kevin Dixon Jeffery Fleming Jimmy Floyd Eric Herndon Jabari Hawkins Paul Hoggard Brett Hood Eric Johnson Alvin Reaves, III Jamison Taylor, Jr. Eric Washington Albert Williams, Jr. Kenneth Williams

Mu Lambda Delta Beta Upsilon Xi Iota Theta Zeta Mu Lambda Gamma Lambda Mu Lambda Mu Lambda Mu Lambda Mu Lambda Zeta Rho Lambda Mu Lambda Theta Rho Lambda Theta Rho Delta Zeta Lambda Alpha Mu Mu Lambda Phi Eta Eta Lambda

March 15, 2003 Fall 1978 March 23, 2002 November 13, 1999 November 5, 2016 March 23, 2013 November 29, 2014 March 23, 2013 April 9, 1995 March 5, 2005 November 16, 2002 November 9, 2014 January 4, 1990 December 13, 1997 March 25, 1978 March 1, 2003 May 22, 1986 March 23, 2013 May 22, 1982 March 16, 2014

Fraternally,

Brother Kenneth Williams receiving his member certificate and chapter pen

Brother Timothy Fitzgerald, Chair, Membership and Reclamation Committee Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

Brothers presenting Mrs. Seabron with Brother Lavert Seabron’s 60 year certificate and pen

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

You are listed with the fraternity as a former member of Mu Lambda who has not renewed your membership. If it is just an oversight, I can help facilitate your payment. If there is another reason, please let me know so I can be of assistance.

As Membership and Reclamation Chair of Mu Lambda Chapter, I would like to bring greetings to you and extend an invitation for you to return to the chapter. I am proud to be a member of this chapter as Mu Lambda celebrates 95 years of serving Washington, DC since 1923. Since our charter, Mu Lambda Chapter has been an innovator, a builder, and a molder of men making a difference in the lives of many in the Washington Metropolitan area. Mu Lambda Chapter is working diligently to ensure that our programs and social activities continue to impact the community in a positive way by being a catalyst of change.

Today, Mu Lambda stands as a beacon of light to the community and a strong source of leadership. Through our Henry Arthur Callis Academy, we continue to facilitate the growth of young males so they understand that leadership is not a burden but a responsibility. Staying true to Alpha’s core: we implement successfully the fraternity’s National Programs: Go-to-High School Go-to-School, A Voteless People is a Hopeless People, Project Alpha and Brothers’ Keeper. These four programmatic efforts are implemented through “out-of-the-box” formats to ensure that Mu Lambda Chapter is reaching the target audience.

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Mu Lambda in not a monolithic chapter. It is rich in history, diversity and ready to serve.

The youngest member of the chapter is 22, born in 1996, while the oldest is 98, born in 1920.

Salaries range from $30,000 to $1,000,000 per annum.

The membership is comprised of brothers initiated in 117 different chapters.

Fifty-five life members.

The lowest life member number is 691, while the highest in the chapter is 13910.

Brothers list their race as African American, Afro-Hispanic, Caucasian, Multi-Racial, and West Indian/Caribbean.

All brothers have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree.

Two have Dental Degrees.

Three have Medical Degrees.

Nine have MBA Degrees.

Twenty-four have Doctorate Degrees.

Twenty-five have Law Degrees.

Twenty-eight have Masters’ Degrees as their highest level of education.

I challenge you to reflect and rekindle the fraternal spirit. Our chapter meetings are every first Thursday at the Mu Lambda Community House, located at 2405 First Street NW, Washington, DC at 7:06 pm and the repast starts @ 6:30 pm.

Please visit https://issuu.com/mulambdatorch to see what Mu Lambda has been doing. If you have any questions please call me @ 301-332-7507 or email me at timfitz06@comcast.net.

Fraternally, Bro. Tim Fitzgerald Membership and Reclamation Chair Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

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Message from the Chaplain Almost 54 years ago in March 1965, our Alpha Brother, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., quoted from a poem by James Russell Lowell at the end of the historic Selma to Montgomery March.

Truth forever on the scaffold Wrong forever on the throne Yet that scaffold sways the future And behind the dim unknown Standeth God within the shadow Keeping watch above His own.

Brother King recognized God’s actions in his life and the lives of us all. He was determined to accept God’s Will and to love his fellow man no matter the circumstances. He recognized how challenging it is to live by this philosophy.

Here are my high-level meeting notes from the January 22, 2019 DC NPHC Meeting: Zeta Phi Beta International House 1734 New Hampshire Ave. This house was recently renovated. IT WAS A VERY NICE HOUSE! Mu Lambda’s Brother Derrick Butts, Kelvin Brown and Christopher Butts attended. This was the first meeting where all three Alpha alumni chapters were represented.

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Darkness cannot drive out darkness, Only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate, Only love can do that.

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Fraternally, Brother William A. (Tony) Hawkins Chaplain Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Message from the DC National PanHellenic Council Delegate

You may have seen signs that quote Dr. King:

May God give us His strength to try to live as He wishes.

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

DC NPHC needs a Web Developer - ASAP! DC NPHC would like to have more support from undergraduate chapters.

DC NPHC would like to get at least 100 hours of service per chapter.

Divine Nine Scholarship is open to High School recipients of the Alpha Chapters.

DC NPHC Game night is the Washington Wizards on February 23rd.

Planning is happening for a February 21st or 28th Educate Mixer and Family Night in Ward 8.

Need advisors for the following schools • • •

Hawaii Pacific Princeton Bucknell

National Security Agency (NSA) Presentation on Employee Opportunities • • • • • •

Increase diversity representation Intelligencecareers.gov Paid Opportunities for HS - Junior year Paid Internship for College Students and open up Sept. 1 Paid Co-op - opens on February 1st with a hiring goal of 1200 applicants $30K Stipend but must have a 3.6 GPA, 1200 SAT’s

The next meeting will be hosted at the Iota house on 14th Street, February 26th at 6:30pm.

Fraternally, Bro. Derrick A. Butts DC NPHC Delegate Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THESE BROTHERS? Do YouDO Recognize These Brothers?

YOU RECOGNIZE THESE BROTHERS? DO YOU RECOGNIZE THESE BROTHERS?

Arlester Brown

Louis Ford

CC House

LeRoy Lowery, III

Isham Baker FEBRUARY 2019

Ryle Bell

Lee Tyler

Walter Booker

John D Roper

Wendell Gardner Jr.

Sterling Tucker 11

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

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SINCE

1923

Jewel Robert Harold Ogle

Charles T. Duncan

First General Counsel of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, First African American President of the District of Columbia Bar Association, first chair of the DC Judicial Selection Commission, and former Dean, Howard University School of Law.

FEBRUARY 2019

Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray

Joseph H. B. Evans

Former Field Director for the Committee on Fair Employment Practices and Former Associate Executive Secretary of The President’s Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services. Served as General Secretary of Alpha Phi Alpha for 22 years.

Jewel Henry Arthur Callis

Charles Harris Wesley

Past President of Wilberforce and Central State Universities; noted historian. Past General President and Historian of Alpha Phi Alpha; Charter Brother of Mu Lambda

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Reflections on the 1963 March demonstration ever, was held on Washington without problems. March organizers agreed to have As a rising senior at Howard participants out of DC by University, I stayed in DC over sundown to minimize the risk the summer to take a few of disturbances. courses and earn tuition money. (As a freshman, my For the march, a stage was tuition was $106.50 per erected on the Washington semester, all the hours I Monument grounds near wanted.) The March on Constitution Avenue for Washington was scheduled for preliminary speeches and Saturday, August 28, 1963 singing. We were early and and my roommates and I right up front so we had great were anxious to participate. views of Peter, Paul and Mary, We may have felt some guilt Lena Horne and other that we had not joined fellow performers that morning. students like Hank Thomas Lena was gorgeous! At first and Dion Diamond on the the crowd was sparse and we Freedom Rides or journeyed worried that the march would to Mississippi with Stokely not have many participants.

Carmichael. We waited on the After about an hour we turned corner of 14th Street and around and saw droves of Clifton Place, NW for a bus to people assembled behind us. the Mall, but the bus never An announcement was made came. Undaunted, we walked that a traffic jam was in place down 14th Street on a on the 14th Street Bridge and beautiful sunny day. Large many buses were going to marches seemed to be in arrive late. Many in the crowd vogue that summer, including started to move down Detroit in June where Dr. Constitution toward the Martin Luther King (birth Lincoln Memorial and Dr. King name - Michael King) and others rushed to get in originally gave his “I Have A front for photo purposes. My Dream” speech. As we passed roommates and I joined the stores around F Street we group and ended up along the noticed merchandise had been Reflecting Pool very near the removed from the windows Lincoln Memorial. We had no and many stores were closed. idea we were part of an The word was that soldiers historical event until later. were massed at Fort Belvoir History tells us that when the and other military installations Montgomery bus boycott was around Washington just in conceived, the local civil rights case there were riots. This leader, a Pullman porter, was was puzzling because the traveling. A new minister, Rev. Detroit march, then the King, was selected to lead the largest civil rights boycott in the porter’s 6

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absence. Who knows how the movement would have evolved if it started a few weeks later. The Lord moves in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform.

I have participated in many of the commemorative events on the anniversary of the ‘63 march, generally held every five years. Once I served as the Fraternity’s organizer for an event. After situations like the Trayvon Martin trial and Voting Rights Act being gutted, I question if it is worth the effort to march and chant.

Are we really making progress towards the realization of the “Dream”? But as a certain fraternity brother (my father Bro. Joseph Lowery) said, however, after coming to the Mall to commemorate, I must now continue to agitate!

Imagine how much this country could accomplish if energy and resources spent on erasing discrimination are put to better use! That’s just my two cents worth!

LeRoy Lowery

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"We come to Washington to Commemorate, We're Goin' Home to Agitate"

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This was a somewhat emotional day for me. I didn't not attend the original March on Washington in 1963 even though I was here in DC. It has always bothered me that I didn't attend, but in my defense, I had no idea the march would turn out to be the historic event it was and MLK, Jr. would become the movement's icon that he did.

Yesterday, I was gratified I was there which allowed me to get my personal 'monkey' off my back 50 years later.

Fraternally, Bro. Blassengale

I participated in this years March on Saturday August 24, 2013. What an amazing experience to see people of difference colors,ages nationalities, sexual orientations, religions, socieo-economic backgrounds coming together for Human Rights as well as Civil Rights. Growing up in the Jim Crow South, I have seen lots of changes in my life time. Yes, we have come a long way yet with the recent verdict in Florida and the Supreme Courts decision about voting we still have a long way to go. Therefore my brothers we must hold steadfast unmovable to our creed and charge as men of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Brother Larry Donnell Davis

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“Couple who attended King’s speech remembers even as unforgettable”

By Michael E. Ruane

After her Louisiana sit-in three years before, and her flight north to finish college, and now the trek to the thronged Mall, Janette Hoston Harris was about to see the famous Martin Luther King Jr. for the first time.

She was 23, newly married and stood on her tiptoes with several hundred thousand people jammed in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

Her husband, Rudolph, 27, had climbed a tree for a better view. It was Aug. 28, 1963.

(Click Here To Read The Full Story On Washington Post)

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The first celebration of Black History Month took place in February 1970. Within six years, it was recognized nationally. The month-long celebration gives all Americans a chance to reflect on the history of African Americans, from their many achievements to the struggles they endure to this day. Of course, there is so much more history to celebrate than can fit in one month's time. Join us as we honor the African American men and women who made history with these important facts that you may not know about.

1. Phillis Wheatley was only 12 when she became the first female African American author published.

Black history month facts Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Despite Phillis Wheatley’s fame, we know surprisingly little about her early life. She was taken from her home in Africa when she was seven or eight, and sold to the Wheatley family in Boston. The family taught her to read and write, and encouraged her to write poetry as soon as they witnessed her talent for it. In 1773, Phillis published her first poem, making her the first African American to be published.

She was only 12 at the time.

Her work was praised by highranking members of society, including, perhaps most notably, George Washington. Her writing FEBRUARY 2019

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made her famous throughout the colonies. Not long after her poems were first published, the family that owned Wheatley emancipated her. Unfortunately, her life took a turn from there, especially after the deaths of many of the Wheatleys, who had helped support her. She was stricken with poverty. The fame she earned from her writing did little to sustain her husband and children. She fell ill and died at the age of 31.

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Whatever the reason, King’s improvisation made history.

3. Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Oscar, wasn’t allowed to attend Gone With the Wind's national premiere.

Black history month facts Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

2. MLK improvised the most iconic part of his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Black history month facts Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

This fact may be the most surprising you'll find here. When King was originally drafting his speech, the “dream” language was considered but ultimately edited out. He was only allotted five minutes to speak, and he didn’t think he’d have enough time to fit those words. When he handed the speech into the press, the words “I have a dream” were not included.

When they arrived at the march that morning, King was disappointed at the numbers the media was reporting—only about 25,000 had showed to protest. But by the time they reached the Lincoln Memorial, the numbers had swelled. Maybe this is what inspired King to suddenly change his speech.

Hattie McDaniel was able to carve out a place for herself in Hollywood despite rampant racism and a consignment to bit parts. She paved the way for many African American women, but not without her fair share of obstacles. Her performance as “Mammy” in Gone With the Wind (1939) won her Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars that year. However, the national movie premiere was in Atlanta.

Because of Georgia’s Jim Crow Laws, she was prohibited from attending the event.

Hattie went on to star in over 300 films, was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 2006, and was the first Oscar winner to appear on a postage stamp. Despite her ultimate success, her choices (insofar as she had any choice) in roles were often criticized. The NAACP said Hollywood’s roles for African Americans were narrowed to servants or characters whose main purpose was being comically slow and dim-witted. Hattie was criticized for settling for lesser roles 19

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than her white colleagues. Despite this, Hattie went on to have a stellar career.

4. Josephine Baker was a spy for the French during WWII. Black history month facts Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Josephine Baker, one of showbiz’s most iconic performers, left the United States due to the overt racism she often encountered in 1937. After marrying a Frenchman, Jean Lion, she moved to Paris and renounced her U.S. citizenship. In 1940, when the Nazis began their occupation of Paris, Baker showed just how deep her loyalty to her adopted nation was, becoming a spy for the Allies. During her travels across Europe to perform, Baker would conceal messages within her costumes or her sheet music for other Allied spies. She also used her status as a desired society presence to eavesdrop at various embassy events and balls.

5. The ban on interracial marriage in the U.S. was overturned because of one couple in 1967.

Black history month facts Photo Credit: The Lovings: An Intimate Portrait

Mildred and Richard Loving left their home state of Virginia to get married. They were warned by Virginia state officials that getting married would be a violation of state law, as Richard was white FEBRUARY 2019

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and Mildred was not. When they returned home, Mildred was promptly arrested. When she was finally released, the couple was referred to the American Civil Liberties Union by Robert Kennedy.

The ACLU, seeing an opportunity to end anti-miscegenation laws, jumped at the chance. After making their way through local and state courts, Loving v Virginia was put before the Supreme Court, and the bans on interracial marriage were deemed unconstitutional. It was a landmark victory for couples of different races, and the Lovings are often heralded as being the catalysts for making it happen.

The last law formally prohibiting interracial marriage was overturned in Alabama in 2000. The Lovings were featured in a 2016 biopic, Loving, starring Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton.

6. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on Maya Angelou’s 40th birthday.

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It may not be entirely surprising that Martin Luther King Jr. and Maya Angelou became friends during the Civil Rights era. Two prominent voices in the Civil Rights Movement, their paths crossed when Angelou was the coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and King paid the group a visit. In one of her autobiographies, she recalls MLK being shorter and younger than she expected but also said that he was friendly and constantly cracking jokes.

When King died on Angelou’s birthday, the writer was devastated.

She stopped celebrating her birthday for many years following

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his death and sent flowers to King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, for more than 30 years, continuing until Coretta died in 2006.

7. Nine months before Rosa Parks, there was a young woman named Claudette Colvin.

Black history month factsPhoto Credit: Wikimedia Commons

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to relinquish her seat on a public bus. Parks' protest sparked the Montgomery bus protests and galvanized the Civil Rights Movement. Yet she was not the first African American individual in Montgomery to stand up against injustice in such a manner. On March 2, 1955, fifteen-yearold Claudette Colvin was riding home on a city bus after a long day at school. A white passenger boarded, and the bus driver ordered Claudette to give up her seat.

Claudette refused. As she later told Newsweek "I felt like Sojourner Truth was pushing down on one shoulder and Harriet Tubman was pushing down on the other. I was glued to my seat."

Colvin was arrested for her civil disobedience and briefly put in jail.

The NAACP and other civil rights groups considered rallying around Colvin's case in their campaign against Alabama's segregation laws before focusing efforts on Rosa Parks' protest nine months later. Nevertheless, Colvin was one of four plaintiffs in the landmark Browder v. Gayle case of 1956, which ruled that the segregation laws of Montgomery and Alabama state were unconstitutional.

8. Anna Murray was the first African-American woman to be 20

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ordained as an Episcopal priest.

Black history month facts Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

This fiery woman exchanged letters with both Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt for many years and was considered one of Eleanor’s dear friends. Although her work has rather sadly faded from view, Murray’s expertise in law was a vital part of the Civil Rights movement. She worked closely with icons like Thurgood Marshall and Rosa Parks, and was appointed by President Kennedy to the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women in the 1960s, where her work focused on “Jane Crow”: how discrimination against black people particularly and deeply affected black women, and the ways in which sexism and racism combined to affect black women. Murray died of cancer in 1985. In the last decade or so, her work has been brought back to light through various efforts, including making her childhood home a National Historic Landmark and a blockbuster dual biography of Murray and Eleanor Roosevelt, The Firebrand and the First Lady.

9. Matthew Henson was a key member of the first successful expedition to the North Pole and made seven separate voyages to the Arctic. black history month facts Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

On April 9, 1909, Matthew Henson and Robert Peary arrived at the true North Pole. But getting there was FEBRUARY 2019

no easy feat. The pair had made former attempts, but all had failed.

Including one where six members of the expedition team died of starvation. After they made it in 1909, Henson and Peary went on to explore the arctic for another two decades.

However, because this was the early 1900s, upon their return home from the North Pole, Peary was met with extensive praise, while Henson was barely noticed. In 1912, Henson published a memoir titled A Negro Explorer in the North Pole that detailed his Arctic adventures.

It helped call some attention to his role in the achievement, but he was still mostly forgotten. In 1937, he finally received long-deserved recognition when he was invited to join the New York Explorer’s Club. It wasn’t until 2000, after his death, that Henson was awarded the National Geographic Hubbard Medal.

10. Madam C.J. Walker was an African American entrepreneur who became America's first female selfmade millionaire. black history month facts Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Born in 1867 to former slaves on a Louisiana cotton plantation, Madam Walker rose in power to become America's first female self-made millionaire. She did so through the creation of the Madam C.J. Walker Company, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, a cosmetics manufacturer that specialized in beauty and haircare products for African American women.

Walker's business prowess was matched only by her philanthropy and activism. She helped establish a YMCA in the black community of Indianapolis and contributed funds

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to the Tuskegee Institute. Upon moving to New York, she joined the NAACP, donated generously to the NAACP's anti-lynching fund, and commissioned the first black architect in New York City to build Villa Lewaro, her home on the Hudson where great minds such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington gathered to discuss social matters important to the African American community. By the time of her death in 1919, she was known not only as a remarkably successful African American business owner, but one of America's most successful entrepreneurs of all time.

11. Billie Holiday’s famous “Strange Fruit” was originally a poem written by a school teacher.

Black history month facts Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

In 1936, Lewis Allan published an anti-lynching poem called “Strange Fruit” in the Teacher Union magazine. Lewis Allan was a pseudonym for Abel Meeropol, a Jewish school teacher from the Bronx. At the height of American lynchings, there were as many as 1,953 people killed by lynching a year. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, lynching had hit a peak, encouraged by the Jim Crow era, the Reconstruction, and the Great Migration of black Southern workers to northern cities.

Meeropol eventually set the poem to music. A few younger artists had picked up the song before, but it was Holiday who ultimately made it famous. She sang and recorded a version in 1939 that was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Holiday and Meeropol both were met with high praise. “Strange Fruit” is one of the most iconic songs of the Civil Rights Movement 21

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and retains its power to this day.

13. Benjamin Banneker taught himself astronomy and math to become America's "First Known African American Man of Science". black history month facts Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons Benjamin Banneker was born a free man in 1731. He lived in Maryland with his mother, a free African American woman, and his father,

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attempts were made on Shirley Chisholm.

Black history month facts Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

12. Octavia Butler was dyslexic. black history month facts Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The woman who would become the first science-fiction writer to receive a MacArthur Fellowship and who would win countless awards for her work over 40-odd year long career struggled with a “mild” case of dyslexia as a child. Octavia Butler was raised primarily by her mother and grandmother after the early death of her father. A shy child whose dyslexia made her feel stupid, Butler took to hiding out in the library in her hometown of Pasadena. There, she discovered iconic science fiction magazines that sparked her desire to write. By the age of 12, she was at work on a story that would become the basis of one of her major series. 17 years later, her first book, Patternmaster, the first of that very series, was published.

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a former slave. While researchers believe young Benjamin spent some time attending a Quaker school, he had little opportunity for formal education. So the young man taught himself—and soon revealed his brilliant mind. Flexing his ability to calculate the positions of celestial objects at regular intervals, Banneker began publishing almanacs from 1792 through 1797.

Each issue included Banneker's astronomical calculations, weather predictions and tide tables, as well as poetry and writing on literature, medicine, and politics. A digital scan of Banneker's almanac from 1793 can be found here.

Banneker's scholarly pursuits led to his correspondence with Thomas Jefferson. In a letter from 1791, Banneker respectfully challenged the then-Secretary of State's view on slavery and the intellectual capacity of black people. Jefferson responded, and Banneker later published their correspondence. 1791 also saw Banneker join a survey team tasked with establishing the boundaries of the nation's capital. However, given the lack of historical documents, the exact nature of Banneker's participation is difficult to discern.

14. During her run for president, three separate assassination

“Unbought and unbossed.” Those words ring loudly as a mere speck of Shirley Chisholm’s legacy.

Chisholm, born and raised in Brooklyn, became the first black woman elected to Congress in 1968. After four years as the New York representative for the 12th congressional district (primarily the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood), Chisholm announced her run for the presidency. In that moment, she became the first black candidate for president from a major party, and the first female candidate to run for the Democratic Party’s nomination. Her life was put into danger as she vied for our nation's highest office. The representative won a total of 28 delegates during her run. After stepping down from Congress, Chisholm taught at Mount Holyoke and Spelman College, both all-women colleges (Spelman is also a historically black institution). In 2015, she was awarded a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. In 2020, a statue of Chisholm is scheduled to be erected in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.

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Brother Walter Kenneth Robinson, Sr. Documented Original Tuskegee Airman

Brother Robinson was born November 23, 1920 in Baltimore, Maryland to Dr. John C. Robinson, Sr. (Physician) and Clara Robinson (registered nurse). He had two siblings, John C. Robinson, Jr., five years his senior, and a sister who died at the age of nine. He married the former Edmonia Bailey and had one son, Walter Kenneth Robinson, Jr. He attended Howard University majoring in Political Science, pledged Beta Chapter the second semester of his freshman year in 1939 and crossed his sophomore year in 1940. He states there were nine brothers on his line, remembering Brother James Bowman as one of the nine. In addition, his biological brother, Brother John C. Robinson, Jr. was Beta’s president 1939, 1940 and 1941. After his sophomore year, he took the Airmen’s exam at Baltimore’s City Hall in 1940 and was inducted in 1943 as a Cadet. He states he had to wait until there was a class of 40 before he could attend.

He is a Documented Official Tuskegee Airman (DOTA) – one who trained at the facility. He has over 200 hours in single engine planes (PT-13, BT-6 and AT-6). He began training at Tuskegee Institute for Basic Ground School, and after three months, continued in Pre-Flight, Primary, Basic, and Advanced Flight. During Primary Training, he severed his Achilles tendon, requiring six surgeries and 352 days in the hospital. They discussed removing his leg at one point because the wound would not heal. One day his wife took a pair of tweezers and removed the sutures from his ankle which also removed the infection allowing his ankle to heal and returning him to full duty in February 1945, where he completed his training.

While there, World War II ended and he left the military November 8, 1945.

After leaving the military he returned to Baltimore to his wife and took the police, fire and postal exam. He passed the postal exam and started as a Clerk in 1945, commuting from Baltimore to DC until 1959 when he moved to DC. He rose through the ranks as a Station Manager over 37 stations and second black Manager of Delivery and Collection for D.C. before retiring from the Postal Service in 1981.

He attributes his good health at age 98 to his rigorous military training where he ran five miles a day.

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Brother Neal - What was the word they used to describe your race?

Brother Robinson - Colored. Black did not come until the 1950’s. Bowie Race Track as recent as the 1970s still had colored and whites on the water fountain.

Brother Neal - How did you hear the war had ended?

Brother Robinson - My mother called and told me.

Brother Neal - Why did you go to work for the Postal Service instead of working for a major airline?

Brother Robinson - Airlines were not hiring black pilots at the time. The Postal Service paid higher salaries than most jobs. The salary was higher for a postal employee than what teachers made. I commuted from Baltimore until 1959. I paid $5 per week for a pass that allowed unlimited travel from Baltimore to D.C. It was extra to travel on weekends.

Brother Neal - Did you use the Negro Motorist Green Book during your times of travel?

Brother Robinson - No. I didn’t know about that guide.

I would call the Afro American and Pittsburgh Courier and they would give me a list of hotels to stay.

Brother Neal - Since you and Brother Charles E. McGhee (Iota Upsilon Lambda) were both Alpha men, how was the interaction?

Brother Robinson - Brother McGhee is a very nice and energetic brother. I didn’t know him at the time. We met when we both joined the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen.

Brother Neal - What special information would you like to share with the brothers?

Brother Robinson - I thank Brother Gilbert Douglass for bringing me to Mu Lambda. I don’t get out much anymore. I am a member of the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen Speaker’s Bureau. Our programs include the Youth in Aviation Program that I would like you to advertise with the brothers.

Tuskegee Airmen refers to the men and women who were involved in the “Tuskegee Experience,” the Army Air Corps program to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. The Tuskegee Airmen included pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance and support staff, instructors, and all the personnel who kept the planes in the air. We had white instructors until the guys from the 99th came back and became our instructors.

These are the notes from a telephone interview conducted Wednesday, January 30, 2019. Check out Brother Robinson’s YouTube video at: https://youtu.be/ZI6L2w9kK1c Fraternally, Brother Eddie Neal, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter 23

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The Negro Motorist Green-Book Imagine the brothers of Beta (1907) and Mu Lambda (1923) in DC, many amongst our ranks who lived through segregation. But for those who came before us and endured the unforgettable bigotry and hatred, where would we be.

In 1936, Victor H. Green released The Negro Motorist Green-Book, the first in his annual series of travel guides listing hotels that would accept African-American customers, restaurants that would serve them, and gas stations and other businesses that were willing to supply the needs of those who were traveling.

At a time when so many businesses were “white only� and many towns were closed to blacks after sundown, these guides made it possible for people to navigate America with confidence, knowing that there would be places to stay along the way.

Today, these books provide a stark image of what the world was like. Enclosed are excerpts showing places to stay in Washington, DC during those tumultuous times.

Brother Eddie Neal

1940 Edition

1947 Edition

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1949 Edition

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1957 Edition

1963-64 International Edition

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A Simple Refreshing Cocktail Greetings Brothers, It's February and the dead of Winter when we think of a simple refreshing cocktail of fresh citrus and warm whiskey. Hello Whiskey Sour! The cocktail is crafted shaking equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup to a jigger (2 oz) with your favorite 100 proof Rye or Bourbon. This cocktail can be made in advance and batched for gatherings. Just hold the ice until service to avoid diluting. I steep the simple syrup with sliced kumquat when prepping this cocktail.

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shallots, this is what you make to impress someone when you’re short on time.

Serve over whole-wheat pasta or with a side salad and crusty bread; you’ll want it to soak up that sauce!

Link: https:// theviewfromgreatisland.com/ chicken-thighs-marsala-two/ Brother Derrick Butts

WHISKEY SOUR • • • • • •

2 ounces (Jigger) of 100 proof Rye Whiskey or Bourbon 3/4 ounce (pony) of freshly squeezed lemon juice 3/4 ounce (pony) simple syrup Garnish: Orange slice Half wheel & brandied cherry Chill rocks glass.

Make the simple syrup: combine 1 cup granulated cane sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan and heat until dissolved or brought to a boil in a Pyrex 2 cup measure using a microwave oven. Let the mixture sit to cool and step with sliced kumquat. Strain and set aside.

Combine the lemon juice, simple syrup and whiskey in a Boston shaker and dry shake (shake without ice) well until lemon juice combines. Add ice and shake well.

Slice seedless orange into 1/4 inch thick slices and cut into halves (I.e., half wheels). Strain into chilled rocks glass and garnish with orange half wheels and Luxardo cherry studded on a cocktail pic.

Cheers!

Brother Drew Love

Heart Healthy Recipe Chicken Thighs Marsala for Two Chicken marsala is one of those dishes that’s elegant, delicious, and so much simpler to make than you think. Using chicken thighs ensures you’ll have a juicy bird (no fear of dry chicken here). Plus, thighs have more iron than breasts. Combined with Marsala wine (best used for cooking, not drinking), mushrooms, and FEBRUARY 2019

Monkey Bread with a Twist • • • • • • •

1 cup white sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 3 (12 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits, separated and cut into quarters 3 (granny smith) apples, peeled, cored, and chopped 1/2 cup margarine 1 cup packed brown sugar Add all ingredients to list

Directions 1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Grease a tube pan.

2. Combine the sugar and cinnamon together in a large sealable plastic bag; add the biscuit dough in batches of 6 to 8 pieces and shake to coat. Alternate layers of the chopped apple and the coated dough pieces in the prepared pan.

3. Melt the margarine in a small saucepan over medium heat; stir the brown sugar into the melted margarine.

Bring to a boil; cook at a boil for 1 minute, remove from heat, and pour over the apple and biscuit layers.

4. Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through, about 35 minutes. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a plate to serve.

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Message from the Director of Educational Activities Mu Lambda hosted the Henry Arthur Callis Academy, a college and career readiness program for high school males at Ballou High School located in Southeast Washington, DC on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. The session covered the state of politics and current events including the government shutdown. A major focus of the session was a discussion of the career development process. Eleven Mu Lambda Brothers attended and shared their backgrounds and professional and career experiences. Brother Malcolm Jackson, a graduate of Jackson State University mentioned that he went from building decks, to marketing to pharmaceuticals. His personal mantra that he shared with the students was "Be flexible, be diligent."

Deonte McGriff and Jashawn Evans, two of the 15 students in attendance. Ballou students expounded on the environmental stressors of living and attending high school in Southeast, Washington. The same two shared their fears and concerns and the reasons they chose to work in Maryland and Virginia instead of DC. McGriff, stated "I chose to go to Maryland to work because it's quiet. It gives me a piece of mind." He went on to say "Even though the DC side pays more, the environment outside of DC makes me feel better."

Evans, stated "I chose to work in Virginia because it feels like no matter where you go in DC, it's all hood."

Brother Byron L. Williams mentioned to the young men that "the environment you're in tends to determine your professional outlook� and that brothers creating career access for boys like the HAC participants is of the utmost importance.

The Henry Arthur Callis Academy meets monthly at Ballou Senior High School. The next session is scheduled for March 20th. The Wednesday, February 20th session is cancelled because the students will out of school for February recess.

Remaining Dates: March 20th, April 17th and May 15 Time: 3:30 - 5:00pm Location: Ballou Senior High School, 3401 4th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20032 Brother Charvis Campbell Director of Educational Activities Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

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Project Alpha Mu Lambda hosted Project Alpha at Hart Middle School on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. The session covered the curriculum topic Responsibility, Respect and the Role of Males in Relationships.

There are 12-15 6th through 8th graders as regular attendees, many of who were absent because they were auditioning for Duke Ellington School of the Arts or attending the Black Lives Matter event at Eastern High School.

Jamaree Martin, 8th grade, aspires to be a singer. He sings at his church, Allen Chapel AME. He states, people should treat people the way they would like to be treated.

Vincent Wingfield, 8th grade, aspires to be a wrestler and enjoys wrestle mania. He states he is not into social media, but heard this was the worst super bowl ever.

Trevonne Joyner, 8th grade, states he has done team building exercises where the group had to pass an egg without dropping it. He said the most important part is good communication.

Brothers in attendance were Charvis Campbell, James Isreal, Jason Jefferson and Eddie Neal.

The young men were appreciative of the Domino’s pizza as well as the brothers time.

Brother Jefferson took time to review the notebooks of the young men and engage them in dialogue about healthy relationships.

Remaining dates: March 5th, March 19th, April 2nd, April 30th, and May 15th.

Time: 3:30 – 5:00 pm Brother Charvis Campbell Director of Educational Activities Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

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Hundreds gather to honor life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at DC parade | WJLA Click the link: http://wjla.com/news/local/thousands-turnout-to-honor-life-and-legacy-of-dr-martin-luther-king-at-dc-parade

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Letter from Birmingham Jail From the Birmingham jail, where he was imprisoned as a participant in nonviolent demonstrations against segregation, Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr., wrote in longhand the letter which follows. It was his response to a public statement of concern and caution issued by eight white religious leaders of the South. Dr. King, who was born in 1929, did his undergraduate work at Morehouse College; attended the integrated Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania, one of six black pupils among a hundred students, and the president of his class; and won a fellowship to Boston University for his Ph.D.

by Brother Martin Luther King, Jr. Letter from Birmingham Jail AUGUST 1963 WHILE confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling our present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom, if ever, do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all of the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would be engaged in little else in the course of the day, and I would have no time for constructive work. But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I would like to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms.

the eighth-century prophets left their little villages and carried their "thus saith the Lord" far beyond the boundaries of their hometowns; and just as the Apostle Paul left his little village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to practically every hamlet and city of the Greco-Roman world, I too am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my particular hometown. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid.

Moreover, I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.

Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.

Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial "outside agitator" idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider.

You deplore the demonstrations that are presently taking place in Birmingham. But I am sorry that your statement did not express a similar concern for the conditions that brought the demonstrations into being.

I am sure that each of you would want to go beyond the superficial social analyst who looks merely at effects and does not grapple with underlying causes. I would not hesitate to say that it is unfortunate that socalled demonstrations are taking place in Birmingham at this time, but I would say in more emphatic terms that it is even more unfortunate that the white power structure of this city left the Negro community with no other alternative.

I think I should give the reason for my being in Birmingham, since you have been influenced by the argument of "outsiders coming in." I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every Southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. We have some eighty-five affiliate organizations all across the South, one being the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights.

Whenever necessary and possible, we share staff, educational and financial resources with our affiliates.

Several months ago our local affiliate here in Birmingham invited us to be on call to engage in a nonviolent direct-action program if such were deemed necessary. We readily consented, and when the hour came we lived up to our promises.

IN ANY nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices are alive, negotiation, self-purification, and direct action. We have gone through all of these steps in Birmingham. There can be no gainsaying of the fact that racial injustice engulfs this community.

Birmingham is probably the most thoroughly segregated city in the United States. Its ugly record of police brutality is known in every section of this country. Its unjust treatment of Negroes in the courts is a notorious reality. There have been more unsolved bombings of Negro homes and churches in Birmingham than in any other city in this nation. These are the hard, brutal, and unbelievable facts. On the basis of them, Negro leaders sought to negotiate with the city fathers. But the political leaders consistently refused to engage in good-faith negotiation.

So I am here, along with several members of my staff, because we were invited here. I am here because I have basic organizational ties here. Beyond this, I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as

Then came the opportunity last September to talk with some of the leaders of the economic community. In these negotiating sessions certain promises were made by the merchants, such as the promise to remove the

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Letter from Birmingham Jail continued humiliating racial signs from the stores. On the basis of these promises, Reverend Shuttlesworth and the leaders of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights agreed to call a moratorium on any type of demonstration. As the weeks and months unfolded, we realized that we were the victims of a broken promise.

The signs remained. As in so many experiences of the past, we were confronted with blasted hopes, and the dark shadow of a deep disappointment settled upon us.

So we had no alternative except that of preparing for direct action, whereby we would present our very bodies as a means of laying our case before the conscience of the local and national community. We were not unmindful of the difficulties involved. So we decided to go through a process of self-purification. We started having workshops on nonviolence and repeatedly asked ourselves the questions, "Are you able to accept blows without retaliating?" and "Are you able to endure the ordeals of jail?"

We decided to set our direct-action program around the Easter season, realizing that, with exception of Christmas, this was the largest shopping period of the year. Knowing that a strong economic withdrawal program would be the by-product of direct action, we felt that this was the best time to bring pressure on the merchants for the needed changes. Then it occurred to us that the March election was ahead, and so we speedily decided to postpone action until after election day. When we discovered that Mr. Conner was in the runoff, we decided again to postpone action so that the demonstration could not be used to cloud the issues. At this time we agreed to begin our nonviolent witness the day after the runoff. This reveals that we did not move irresponsibly into direct action. We, too, wanted to see Mr. Conner defeated, so we went through postponement after postponement to aid in this community need. After this we felt that direct action could be delayed no longer.

You may well ask, "Why direct action, why sit-ins, marches, and so forth? Isn't negotiation a better path?"

You are exactly right in your call for negotiation. Indeed, this is the purpose of direct action. Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and establish such creative tension that a community that has consistently refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue. It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored. I just referred to the creation of tension as a part of the work of the nonviolent resister. This may sound rather shocking. But I must confess that I am not afraid of the word "tension." I have earnestly worked and preached against violent tension, but there is a type of constructive nonviolent tension that is necessary for growth. Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half-truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, we must see the need of having nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that FEBRUARY 2019

will help men to rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood. So, the purpose of direct action is to create a situation so crisis-packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation. We therefore concur with you in your call for negotiation. Too long has our beloved Southland been bogged down in the tragic attempt to live in monologue rather than dialogue.

One of the basic points in your statement is that our acts are untimely. Some have asked, "Why didn't you give the new administration time to act?" The only answer that I can give to this inquiry is that the new administration must be prodded about as much as the outgoing one before it acts. We will be sadly mistaken if we feel that the election of Mr. Boutwell will bring the millennium to Birmingham. While Mr. Boutwell is much more articulate and gentle than Mr. Conner, they are both segregationists, dedicated to the task of maintaining the status quo. The hope I see in Mr. Boutwell is that he will be reasonable enough to see the futility of massive resistance to desegregation. But he will not see this without pressure from the devotees of civil rights. My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain in civil rights without determined legal and nonviolent pressure. History is the long and tragic story of the fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily. Individuals may see the moral light and voluntarily give up their unjust posture; but, as Reinhold Niebuhr has reminded us, groups are more immoral than individuals.

We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have never yet engaged in a direct-action movement that was "well timed" according to the timetable of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word "wait." It rings in the ear of every Negro with a piercing familiarity. This "wait" has almost always meant "never." It has been a tranquilizing thalidomide, relieving the emotional stress for a moment, only to give birth to an ill-formed infant of frustration. We must come to see with the distinguished jurist of yesterday that "justice too long delayed is justice denied." We have waited for more than three hundred and forty years for our God-given and constitutional rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jetlike speed toward the goal of political independence, and we still creep at horse-and-buggy pace toward the gaining of a cup of coffee at a lunch counter. I guess it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say "wait." But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim; when you have seen hate-filled policemen curse, kick, brutalize, and even kill your black brothers and sisters with impunity; when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty in the midst 31

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Letter from Birmingham Jail continued of an affluent society; when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she cannot go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her little eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children, and see the depressing clouds of inferiority begin to form in her little mental sky, and see her begin to distort her little personality by unconsciously developing a bitterness toward white people; when you have to concoct an answer for a five-year-old son asking in agonizing pathos, "Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean?"; when you take a cross-country drive and find it necessary to sleep night after night in the uncomfortable corners of your automobile because no motel will accept you; when you are humiliated day in and day out by nagging signs reading "white" and "colored"; when your first name becomes "nigger" and your middle name becomes "boy" (however old you are) and your last name becomes "John," and when your wife and mother are never given the respected title "Mrs."; when you are harried by day and haunted by night by the fact that you are a Negro, living constantly at tiptoe stance, never knowing what to expect next, and plagued with inner fears and outer resentments; when you are forever fighting a degenerating sense of "nobodyness" -then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait.

There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over and men are no longer willing to be plunged into an abyss of injustice where they experience the bleakness of corroding despair. I hope, sirs, you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience.

YOU express a great deal of anxiety over our willingness to break laws. This is certainly a legitimate concern.

Since we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Court’s decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, it is rather strange and paradoxical to find us consciously breaking laws. One may well ask, “How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?” The answer is found in the fact that there are two types of laws: there are just laws, and there are unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that “An unjust law is no law at all.” Now, what is the difference between the two? How does one determine when a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law, or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law.

To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas, an unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust.

All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority. To use the words of Martin Buber, the great Jewish philosopher, segregation substitutes an “I - it” relationship for the FEBRUARY 2019

“I - thou” relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things. So segregation is not only politically, economically, and sociologically unsound, but it is morally wrong and sinful. Paul Tillich has said that sin is separation. Isn’t segregation an existential expression of man’s tragic separation, an expression of his awful estrangement, his terrible sinfulness? So I can urge men to obey the 1954 decision of the Supreme Court because it is morally right, and I can urge them to disobey segregation ordinances because they are morally wrong.

Let us turn to a more concrete example of just and unjust laws. An unjust law is a code that a majority inflicts on a minority that is not binding on itself. This is difference made legal. On the other hand, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow, and that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal.

Let me give another explanation. An unjust law is a code inflicted upon a minority which that minority had no part in enacting or creating because it did not have the unhampered right to vote. Who can say that the legislature of Alabama which set up the segregation laws was democratically elected? Throughout the state of Alabama all types of conniving methods are used to prevent Negroes from becoming registered voters, and there are some counties without a single Negro registered to vote, despite the fact that the Negroes constitute a majority of the population. Can any law set up in such a state be considered democratically structured?

These are just a few examples of unjust and just laws.

There are some instances when a law is just on its face and unjust in its application. For instance, I was arrested Friday on a charge of parading without a permit. Now, there is nothing wrong with an ordinance which requires a permit for a parade, but when the ordinance is used to preserve segregation and to deny citizens the First Amendment privilege of peaceful assembly and peaceful protest, then it becomes unjust. Of course, there is nothing new about this kind of civil disobedience. It was seen sublimely in the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to obey the laws of Nebuchadnezzar because a higher moral law was involved. It was practiced superbly by the early Christians, who were willing to face hungry lions and the excruciating pain of chopping blocks before submitting to certain unjust laws of the Roman Empire. To a degree, academic freedom is a reality today because Socrates practiced civil disobedience.

We can never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was “legal” and everything the Hungarian freedom fighters did in Hungary was “illegal.” It was “illegal” to aid and comfort a Jew in Hitler’s Germany. But I am sure that if I had lived in Germany during that time, I would have aided and comforted my Jewish brothers even though it was illegal. If I lived in a Communist country today where certain principles dear to the Christian faith are suppressed, I believe I would openly advocate 32

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Letter from Birmingham Jail continued disobeying these anti-religious laws.

I MUST make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizens Councillor or the Ku Klux Klanner but the white moderate who is more devoted to order than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says, “I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can’t agree with your methods of direct action”; who paternalistically feels that he can set the timetable for another man’s freedom; who lives by the myth of time; and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a “more convenient season.”

Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.

In your statement you asserted that our actions, even though peaceful, must be condemned because they precipitate violence. But can this assertion be logically made? Isn’t this like condemning the robbed man because his possession of money precipitated the evil act of robbery? Isn’t this like condemning Socrates because his unswerving commitment to truth and his philosophical delvings precipitated the misguided popular mind to make him drink the hemlock? Isn’t this like condemning Jesus because His unique Godconsciousness and never-ceasing devotion to His will precipitated the evil act of crucifixion? We must come to see, as federal courts have consistently affirmed, that it is immoral to urge an individual to withdraw his efforts to gain his basic constitutional rights because the quest precipitates violence. Society must protect the robbed and punish the robber.

I had also hoped that the white moderate would reject the myth of time. I received a letter this morning from a white brother in Texas which said, “All Christians know that the colored people will receive equal rights eventually, but is it possible that you are in too great of a religious hurry? It has taken Christianity almost 2000 years to accomplish what it has. The teachings of Christ take time to come to earth.” All that is said here grows out of a tragic misconception of time. It is the strangely irrational notion that there is something in the very flow of time that will inevitably cure all ills. Actually, time is neutral. It can be used either destructively or constructively. I am coming to feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than the people of good will. We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people. We must come to see that human progress FEBRUARY 2019

never rolls in on wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and persistent work of men willing to be coworkers with God, and without this hard work time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation.

YOU spoke of our activity in Birmingham as extreme.

At first I was rather disappointed that fellow clergymen would see my nonviolent efforts as those of an extremist. I started thinking about the fact that I stand in the middle of two opposing forces in the Negro community. One is a force of complacency made up of Negroes who, as a result of long years of oppression, have been so completely drained of self-respect and a sense of “somebodyness” that they have adjusted to segregation, and, on the other hand, of a few Negroes in the middle class who, because of a degree of academic and economic security and because at points they profit by segregation, have unconsciously become insensitive to the problems of the masses. The other force is one of bitterness and hatred and comes perilously close to advocating violence. It is expressed in the various black nationalist groups that are springing up over the nation, the largest and best known being Elijah Muhammad’s Muslim movement. This movement is nourished by the contemporary frustration over the continued existence of racial discrimination. It is made up of people who have lost faith in America, who have absolutely repudiated Christianity, and who have concluded that the white man is an incurable devil.

I have tried to stand between these two forces, saying that we need not follow the do-nothingism of the complacent or the hatred and despair of the black nationalist. There is a more excellent way, of love and nonviolent protest.

I’m grateful to God that, through the Negro church, the dimension of nonviolence entered our struggle. If this philosophy had not emerged, I am convinced that by now many streets of the South would be flowing with floods of blood. And I am further convinced that if our white brothers dismiss as “rabble-rousers” and “outside agitators” those of us who are working through the channels of nonviolent direct action and refuse to support our nonviolent efforts, millions of Negroes, out of frustration and despair, will seek solace and security in black nationalist ideologies, a development that will lead inevitably to a frightening racial nightmare.

Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever.

The urge for freedom will eventually come. This is what has happened to the American Negro. Something within has reminded him of his birthright of freedom; something without has reminded him that he can gain it.

Consciously and unconsciously, he has been swept in by what the Germans call the Zeitgeist, and with his black brothers of Africa and his brown and yellow brothers of Asia, South America, and the Caribbean, he is moving with a sense of cosmic urgency toward the promised land of racial justice. Recognizing this vital urge that has engulfed the Negro community, one should readily understand public demonstrations. The Negro has many 33

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Letter from Birmingham Jail continued pent-up resentments and latent frustrations. He has to get them out. So let him march sometime; let him have his prayer pilgrimages to the city hall; understand why he must have sit- ins and freedom rides. If his repressed emotions do not come out in these nonviolent ways, they will come out in ominous expressions of violence. This is not a threat; it is a fact of history. So I have not said to my people, “Get rid of your discontent.” But I have tried to say that this normal and healthy discontent can be channeled through the creative outlet of nonviolent direct action. Now this approach is being dismissed as extremist. I must admit that I was initially disappointed in being so categorized.

But as I continued to think about the matter, I gradually gained a bit of satisfaction from being considered an extremist. Was not Jesus an extremist in love? -- “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.” Was not Amos an extremist for justice? -- “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” Was not Paul an extremist for the gospel of Jesus Christ? -- “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” Was not Martin Luther an extremist? -- “Here I stand; I can do no other so help me God.” Was not John Bunyan an extremist?

-- “I will stay in jail to the end of my days before I make a mockery of my conscience.” Was not Abraham Lincoln an extremist? -- “This nation cannot survive half slave and half free.” Was not Thomas Jefferson an extremist? -“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” So the question is not whether we will be extremist, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate, or will we be extremists for love?

Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice, or will we be extremists for the cause of justice?

I had hoped that the white moderate would see this.

Maybe I was too optimistic. Maybe I expected too much.

I guess I should have realized that few members of a race that has oppressed another race can understand or appreciate the deep groans and passionate yearnings of those that have been oppressed, and still fewer have the vision to see that injustice must be rooted out by strong, persistent, and determined action. I am thankful, however, that some of our white brothers have grasped the meaning of this social revolution and committed themselves to it.

They are still all too small in quantity, but they are big in quality. Some, like Ralph McGill, Lillian Smith, Harry Golden, and James Dabbs, have written about our struggle in eloquent, prophetic, and understanding terms. Others have marched with us down nameless streets of the South. They sat in with us at lunch counters and rode in with us on the freedom rides. They have languished in filthy roach-infested jails, suffering the abuse and brutality of angry policemen who see them as “dirty nigger lovers.” They, unlike many of their moderate brothers, have recognized the urgency of the FEBRUARY 2019

moment and sensed the need for powerful “action” antidotes to combat the disease of segregation. LET me rush on to mention my other disappointment. I have been disappointed with the white church and its leadership. Of course, there are some notable exceptions. I am not unmindful of the fact that each of you has taken some significant stands on this issue. I commend you, Reverend Stallings, for your Christian stand this past Sunday in welcoming Negroes to your Baptist Church worship service on a nonsegregated basis. I commend the Catholic leaders of this state for integrating Springhill College several years ago.

But despite these notable exceptions, I must honestly reiterate that I have been disappointed with the church.

I do not say that as one of those negative critics who can always find something wrong with the church. I say it as a minister of the gospel who loves the church, who was nurtured in its bosom, who has been sustained by its Spiritual blessings, and who will remain true to it as long as the cord of life shall lengthen. I had the strange feeling when I was suddenly catapulted into the leadership of the bus protest in Montgomery several years ago that we would have the support of the white church. I felt that the white ministers, priests, and rabbis of the South would be some of our strongest allies. Instead, some few have been outright opponents, refusing to understand the freedom movement and misrepresenting its leaders; all too many others have been more cautious than courageous and have remained silent behind the anesthetizing security of stained-glass windows. In spite of my shattered dreams of the past, I came to Birmingham with the hope that the white religious leadership of this community would see the justice of our cause and with deep moral concern serve as the channel through which our just grievances could get to the power structure. I had hoped that each of you would understand. But again I have been disappointed.

I have heard numerous religious leaders of the South call upon their worshipers to comply with a desegregation decision because it is the law, but I have longed to hear white ministers say, follow this decree because integration is morally right and the Negro is your brother. In the midst of blatant injustices inflicted upon the Negro, I have watched white churches stand on the sidelines and merely mouth pious irrelevancies and sanctimonious trivialities. In the midst of a mighty struggle to rid our nation of racial and economic injustice, I have heard so many ministers say, “Those are social issues which the gospel has nothing to do with,” and I have watched so many churches commit themselves to a completely otherworldly religion which made a strange distinction between bodies and souls, the sacred and the secular.

There was a time when the church was very powerful. It was during that period that the early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of 34

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Letter from Birmingham Jail continued popular opinion; it was the thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Wherever the early Christians entered a town the power structure got disturbed and immediately sought to convict them for being “disturbers of the peace” and “outside agitators.” But they went on with the conviction that they were “a colony of heaven” and had to obey God rather than man. They were small in number but big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be “astronomically intimidated.”

They brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contest. Things are different now. The contemporary church is so often a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. It is so often the arch supporter of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church’s often vocal sanction of things as they are. But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If the church of today does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authentic ring, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century.

I meet young people every day whose disappointment with the church has risen to outright disgust. I hope the church as a whole will meet the challenge of this decisive hour. But even if the church does not come to the aid of justice, I have no despair about the future. I have no fear about the outcome of our struggle in Birmingham, even if our motives are presently misunderstood. We will reach the goal of freedom in Birmingham and all over the nation, because the goal of America is freedom. Abused and scorned though we may be, our destiny is tied up with the destiny of America. Before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, we were here. Before the pen of Jefferson scratched across the pages of history the majestic word of the Declaration of Independence, we were here. For more than two centuries our foreparents labored here without wages; they made cotton king; and they built the homes of their masters in the midst of brutal injustice and shameful humiliation -- and yet out of a bottomless vitality our people continue to thrive and develop. If the inexpressible cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face will surely fail. We will win our freedom because the sacred heritage of our nation and the eternal will of God are embodied in our echoing demands.

I must close now. But before closing I am impelled to mention one other point in your statement that troubled me profoundly. You warmly commended the Birmingham police force for keeping “order” and “preventing violence.”

I don’t believe you would have so warmly commended the police force if you had seen its angry violent dogs literally biting six unarmed, nonviolent Negroes. I don’t believe you would so quickly commend the policemen if you would observe their ugly and inhuman treatment of Negroes here in the city jail; if you would watch them push and curse old Negro women and young Negro FEBRUARY 2019

girls; if you would see them slap and kick old Negro men and young boys, if you would observe them, as they did on two occasions, refusing to give us food because we wanted to sing our grace together. I’m sorry that I can’t join you in your praise for the police department.

It is true that they have been rather disciplined in their public handling of the demonstrators. In this sense they have been publicly “nonviolent.” But for what purpose?

To preserve the evil system of segregation. Over the last few years I have consistently preached that nonviolence demands that the means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek. So I have tried to make it clear that it is wrong to use immoral means to attain moral ends. But now I must affirm that it is just as wrong, or even more, to use moral means to preserve immoral ends.

I wish you had commended the Negro demonstrators of Birmingham for their sublime courage, their willingness to suffer, and their amazing discipline in the midst of the most inhuman provocation. One day the South will recognize its real heroes. They will be the James Merediths, courageously and with a majestic sense of purpose facing jeering and hostile mobs and the agonizing loneliness that characterizes the life of the pioneer. They will be old, oppressed, battered Negro women, symbolized in a seventy-two-year-old woman of Montgomery, Alabama, who rose up with a sense of dignity and with her people decided not to ride the segregated buses, and responded to one who inquired about her tiredness with ungrammatical profundity, “My feets is tired, but my soul is rested.” They will be young high school and college students, young ministers of the gospel and a host of their elders courageously and nonviolently sitting in at lunch counters and willingly going to jail for conscience’s sake.

One day the South will know that when these disinherited children of God sat down at lunch counters they were in reality standing up for the best in the American dream and the most sacred values in our Judeo-Christian heritage. Never before have I written a letter this long -or should I say a book? I’m afraid that it is much too long to take your precious time. I can assure you that it would have been much shorter if I had been writing from a comfortable desk, but what else is there to do when you are alone for days in the dull monotony of a narrow jail cell other than write long letters, think strange thoughts, and pray long prayers?

If I have said anything in this letter that is an understatement of the truth and is indicative of an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. If I have said anything in this letter that is an overstatement of the truth and is indicative of my having a patience that makes me patient with anything less than brotherhood, I beg God to forgive me.

Yours for the cause of Peace and Brotherhood, MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. 35

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Little Known Black History Fact: Horace G. Dawson Tom Joyner Morning Show, January 30, 2019 Horace G. Dawson was the U.S. Ambassador to Botswana under President Jimmy Carter who became the founding director of the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University. On January 30, 2019 it was Dawson’s birthday. He turned 93 years old.

Dawson was born in 1926 in Augustus, Ga. While studying at Pennsylvania’s Lincoln University, Dawson was drafted into the U.S. Army but returned to earn his degree in English. He went on to study English at Columbia University where he earned his master’s.

Calling all brothers!!! Pay now - $150 for the round-trip bus trip to Albany We will depart Washington, DC the morning of Thursday, April 25th and arrive in Albany.

We will depart Albany, New York, Sunday April 28th and head to Ithaca, New York to see the historic sites of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Return to Washington, DC from Ithaca, New York on Sunday, April 28th.

After leaving Columbia, Dawson taught English at Southern University and North Carolina Central University before joining the Foreign Service in the ’60s.

In that time, he also earned a Ph. D. From the University of Iowa.

While at the Foreign Service, Dawson worked as a cultural affairs officer in Uganda and Nigeria before working with the United States Information Agency in Liberia.

In 1973, he began a four-year stint as the director of American information and cultural programs in Africa.

In 1979, President Carter tapped him for the Botswana ambassadorship, which he held until 1983.

This is Brother Life memDawson continuedHunigan’s on with the State Department until his retirement in 1989.

He then joined the life faculty of bership card - If you have a lower Howard University and was appointed as the director member number, please provide a copy of its public affairs program.

In 1993, Dawson founded Bunche Center at Howard and became its director tothethe Editor of the Torch. in 1997.

We all have grand Thehope Alpha you Phi Alpha man ispaid also your a chairman of the World Policy Council, which seeks to expand the reach taxes and chapter dues!!! of his fraternity as it relates to international matters.

Brother Timothy Fitzgerald Espirite Source: https://blackamericaweb.com/2019/01/30/ little-known-black-history-fact-horace-g-dawson/

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The Jewels’ Lounge Mu Lambda Chapter Jewels’ Lounge Greetings Brothers, Welcome to the Jewels’ Lounge where brothers gather, sit amongst the Jewels and reflect upon life in Alpha.

Jewel Callis

Jewel Jones

Jewel Murray

It is a place that allow brothers the opportunity to relax, read The Torch, Sphinx, history book and/or engage in that good ole ALPHA SPIRIT. Brother Silas Woods, III, Historian Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

Jewel Kelley

FEBRUARY 2019

Jewel Tandy

Jewel Chapman

Jewel Ogle

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Helping the House of Ruth Greetings Brothers, Mu Lambda has been serving the District of Columbia since 1923. In September we cleaned the Block.

In November we assisted with Project Give Back by packing Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. We also served as ushers for the Tribute of Lilian Gregory, wife of Brother Dick Gregory. In December we assisted Child and Family Services with toys, labor, and holiday food baskets to families in need. We also provided books to Bright Beginnings to help the youth with early childhood education. In January, we mentored the youth at Ballou High School, served the Alpha Wives and marched in the biting cold to celebrate the memory of our late Brother Martin Luther King Jr. It is February and time to step up to the plate and help the families at House of Ruth. While serving the Alpha Wives at their January meeting, Mrs. Helena Valentine, wife of Brother Fred Valentine had a guest speaker from the House of Ruth. House of Ruth helps women, children and families in greatest need and with very limited resources build safe, stable lives and achieve their highest potential. At House of Ruth, women, children and families heal from lifetimes of traumatic abuse.

House of Ruth is always in need of the following items: • • • • • • • • • •

Laundry detergent Diapers (size 2, 3 and 4) Baby wipes Cleaning supplies (no bleach) Kitchen trash bags Deodorant Soap Dishwasher detergent New sheets (twin, full and queen) New sleeping bags and air mattresses

House of Ruth asks that we respect the dignity of its program and families by only donating new and/or unopened items. They are always happy to accept cash donations which go directly to support the needs of the women and their families.

Here is how it will work. If every brother brings one or more of the above items to the February chapter meeting, we will gather all the items and arrange delivery to House of Ruth. In the event you do not want to purchase an item(s), please feel free to a monetary donation at the chapter meeting. Mu Lambda’s financial team will ensure your donation reaches House of Ruth.

Fraternally, Brother Eddie Neal, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter FEBRUARY 2019

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Message from the Mu Lambda Communications Team Brothers, Mu Lambda communicates with you by various methods: • • • • • •

Email Text Phone Mail The Torch Face-to-Face

America has been dealing with some stressful times such as the government shutdown. Alpha Phi Alpha is not immune to problems plaguing others. We are trying to make a concerted effort to keep you apprised of what is happening in Alpha and Mu Lambda.

Starting February 1st, every brother will receive a call on the first and the 15th of the month. Your caller ID might show the call coming from 410.202.2715. That is the number associated with our system. The recorder will ask two questions – Brother if you and your family are fine, press “1.”

If you or your family would like someone from Mu Lambda to call you, press “2’. If you elect to receive a call, the call will be returned by Mu Lambda’s Chaplain or a member of the Brother’s Keeper Committee.

We recognize that most of you are fine, but sometimes we go through things in life and just want to know someone cares. This is Mu Lambda’s way of checking on you a minimum of twice a month. We know we will see you at the chapter meeting, but we want to make sure things are okay before and after the meeting.

We are also in the process of updating the membership directory. If you did not update via the GoogleForm sent via email, please provide me a hard copy of your current information and we will manually update your information.

Because Mu Lambda is a large chapter, we will also be taking head shots for the membership directory. Brother Derrick Butts will probably start taking the pictures at the February chapter meeting.

If you are not receiving chapter emails, please let me know. We assume all financial brothers are receiving the communication and will not know unless you make the disclosure.

Fraternally, Brother Garrett Miller Communications Team Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter 38

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Selections and Elections Have Consequences Sometimes being a leader means saying and doing things that make others uncomfortable. Recently, we have dealt with a Florida secretary of state and Virginia Governor’s blackface scandal. The government was shut down for the longest period in history. An Arizona health care worker impregnated a woman in a vegetative state.

An 84 year of age California woman with Alzheimer’s was outside a locked assisted living facility in the middle of the night. An actor returning from the store

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lead by example. Many chapters cannot afford to carry out the fraternity’s programs because they are too busy with intake, don’t have enough revenue to pay all of the fees to the various levels of the fraternity, and/or don’t have enough money for the mandatory conferences and conventions. Will the next elected and/or appointed leader continue to do what we have always done? Will they expect that if they do what has always been done, it will deliver a different outcome?

I recall the 2013, 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, there was a brother in a wheel chair who traveled from Atlanta, Georgia to the Lincoln Memorial stating “We come to Washington to Commemorate, we’re going home to agitate.” My interpretation of his statement is one should make your voice heard. The same brother is noted for stating, “I’d like a hamburger and a coke, please.” Sir, we don’t serve negroes here.”

“Ma’am, I don’t eat negroes. I’d like a hamburger and a coke.” I interpret his statement to mean, there will be adversary, so learn to deal with the obstacles.

in Illinois encountered racial and homophobic hate, with the addition of a noose being placed around his neck.

The US is 5% of the world’s population but accounts for 80% of the opiate usage. Many employees suffered substantial financial losses to their thrift savings plans.

We are facing the uncertainty of another government shutdown. In most instances someone knew it was wrong but failed to say or do anything.

We are looking to elect our next General President and hire a new Executive Director/COO. I am neither backing a specific candidate nor speaking against a specific candidate. I think as brothers we should demand the best, looking beyond the fancy speeches and glossy resumes. Anyone can speak out against injustice once others have spoken and paved the way – who amongst the group is willing to be a trailblazer and

I interpret his saying, “I’m neither Democrat nor Republican. I’m Methodist. I have grievances with both parties,” to mean there is no perfect candidate. As the selection committee evaluates candidates for Executive Director/COO, I hope they do a better job of evaluating the candidates than the states of Florida and Virginia.

When we elect our next General President, I hope we will look beyond the fancy speeches, glossy resumes, ties to our region, chapter and personal friendships. Will we be objective and ask, what would the brother from Atlanta, Brother Joseph Lowery do?

In sum, people like the status quo, until it doesn’t benefit them. Others call you a trouble maker when you speak out. They called Brother Martin Luther King, Jr. a trouble maker and look at his impact on our lives. Someone said it best when it was said it best when it was said, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” We have to ensure the right people assume the positions of General President and Executive Director/COO.

"We come to Washington to Commemorate, We're Goin' Hom to Agitate"

Brother Eddie Neal, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter FEBRUARY 2019

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Mental Health and the Stressors from Daily Activities Government shutdown. Racial tensions. Seasonal depression. Civil unrest. The headlines are saturated with the negative. It used to be that we watched the news at noon, 6 p.m., or 11 p.m. Now it is streaming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on our TV’s, computers, and phones. Some of it we are experiencing in our personal lives, but all of it we are experiencing in the world around us. What we don’t realize is that all that negativity seeps into our psyche and takes root. We become addicted to what might happen next. For some of us it begins to grow into an inner demon. The world is a heavy burden to carry. At first, we become quiet. Eventually, we become withdrawn. For some, it will turn into a depression. An overwhelming feeling of helplessness, of feeling like our lives and environment are out of our control.

Depression. It isn’t a dirty word. It can be a short episode or a longer illness. Some of us can work our way out of it on our own. Some of us might need to talk to a therapist or need medication. It is a natural reaction to negativity. It is human. It is ok not to be ok.

However, the simple truth about depression is that the first step to healing is to realize that we are not alone.

In today’s world, we live our lives with our heads down looking at a device. We communicate in such a way that we can’t see the other person’s reactions or feelings.

Similarly, we can hide our own feelings and reactions through that same communication. We don’t look up to see the faces of those we pass on the street, sit next to at work, pass in the hall, see in a meeting, even sit across from at the table, or live in the same house.

If you took the time to notice those around you. Would you notice the person that is depressed? Would you know what to do if you thought someone was suffering in silence? What to say? Did you know that you can save a life by just asking someone if they are ok?

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Example: Mike used to talk to everyone at work. He was always up for happy hour. He always dressed nice. Over the past month, he has become withdrawn. He doesn’t really speak and when he does his answers are short. He comes to work disheveled and unkempt. He never goes out anymore.

If you are looking down, you might not notice. More likely, you will just avoid Mike. It will become more effort than you are willing to give to try to talk to him. In the worst case scenario, how long would it be before you noticed Mike wasn’t there at all anymore?

But what if you took the time to ask Mike if he was ok and then listen to his answer. Did you know that if he was having thoughts of suicide, that you just broke that thought process and possibly saved his life? You don’t have to adopt Mike. But you can just say hello when you pass him in the hall and ask him if he is ok. You can encourage Mike to get help or talk to a professional.

Mental health awareness affects us all; and we can all make a difference. It’s as simple as looking up once in a while. Smile as you pass those on the street. Say hello as you pass in the hall. Ask the person across the table how was their day. Mental health is suffered in silence.

Let’s all look up and start to break the silence. Let’s all look up and save a life.

Rest in Peace Kristoff St. John who died Sunday, February 3rd. It was reported that he was treated for depression last week and had just been released with the last few days. We’re told his depression was linked, in part, to his son, Julian’s suicide years ago.

Kristoff has played Neil Winters on the Young and the Restless since 1991 – a role that earned him 9 Daytime Emmy Award nominations. He also won 10 NAACP Image Awards. (source: TMZ.com)

There are five signs of depression: Change in personality, Agitation, Withdrawal, Decline in personal care, and Hopelessness. If we take the time to notice those around us, then the signs, or changes, are easily recognizable.

Here is a quick summary.

• • • • •

Change in personality - substance abuse, difficulty focusing Agitation - anger, disregard for others Withdrawal - Withdrawal from activities, avoidance of peers, apathy Decline in personal care - changes in eating habits, sudden weight loss or gain, lack in hygiene Hopelessness - Low self-esteem, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, nothing will ever change so why bother

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Mu Lambda’s Health and Wellness Event Introductory Tai Chi Workshop - Yang Style Master Instructor: Brother Derrick A. Butts Tai Chi is described as “moving meditation”.

It promotes serenity through gentle movements connecting the mind and body. Originally developed in ancient China as a form of self-defense, Tai Chi evolved into a graceful form of exercise that is now used for stress reduction and to improve physical well-being. Tai Chi will help: • • • • •

Alleviate Stresses Gain Fitness Develop Balance Improve Coordination of Breathing and Movement Increase Strength

Event Type: Interactive and Social - FREE When: Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 @ 6:45-8:00 pm – Location: Mu Lambda House - 2405 First ST NW, Washington, DC 20001 Open to: All Alpha Brothers, Alpha Wives, Family members and friends. Limited to 40 Attendees Clothing: Wear loose sports type clothing with athletic shoes

Mu Lambda’s Brothers left to right

Bro. Timothy Fitzgerald, Bro. Villareal Johnson, Bro. Samuel Armstrong and Bro. Joe Housey. Tony Wilson was not pictured but present.

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Eventbrite Link: http://mulambdataichi.eventbrite.com/

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Mu Lambda’s Health and Wellness Committee Welcome to February which is American Heart Health Awareness Month. The health topics we share from the MLHWC are to provide in-sight and knowledge about what are family, friends, and love-ones may be going through. Below are articles of interest addressing the months subject matters.

Please go to links below or cut and paste into your browser to read entire articles.

Call to Action – To celebrate the Health Heart Month, I’d ask every Brother to wear something Red to the February Chapter meeting.

Heart Disease and African Americans: What’s The Connection?

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for all Americans. But did you know African Americans are more likely to suffer heart failure and even more likely for heart failure to happen earlier in their lives?

Heart Disease Risk Factors in African Americans There are many risk factors for heart disease, but the most common predictors of heart disease in African Americans are: • • • •

High blood pressure Obesity Chronic kidney disease Low levels of “good” cholesterol also known as HDL

Link: https://share.upmc.com/2016/09/africanamericans-heart-disease/ What Are the Warning Signs of Heart Attack?

In the United States, coronary heart disease, which includes heart attack, causes 1 of every 7 deaths. But many of those deaths can be prevented — by acting fast! Each year, about 635,000 people in the US have a new heart attack and about 300,000 have a repeat attack.

• • • •

Chest Discomfort Discomfort in Other Areas of the Upper Body Shortness of Breath And there are other signs

Link: https://www.heart.org/-/media/data-import/ downloadables/pe-abh-what-are-the-warning-signs-ofheart-attack-ucm_300319.pdf Why Learn Hands-Only CPR? Cardiac arrest – an electrical malfunction in the heart

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that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs – is a leading cause of death. Each year, more than 350,000 EMS-assessed outof-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States.

When a person has a cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby.

Link: https://cpr.heart.org/idc/groups/ahaeccpublic/@wcm/@ecc/documents/downloadable/ ucm_502250.pdf Upcoming MLHWC Events Feb. 28th – 6:45 – 8:00pm Introduction to Tai Chi – Yang Style Event Confirmed at the Mu Lambda House Support Request – Need 3-4 Brothers to Support Setup Mar. 5th - 7:00-8:30pm Self-defense Workshop with Beta Chapter at Howard Univ. (Event Confirmed - Location - To Be Confirmed) Support Request - Need 5-6 Brothers to Support April 20th – 9:00-11:00am Alpha Move at Carter Baron Park NW - (Planning) Support Request - Need 9-11 Brothers to Support Cherry Blossom Ride (Actual Date depends on Peak of Cherry Blossoms) May 18th – 10:00am – 1:00 pm Alpha Active Joint Health and Wellness Event – (Planning) Support Request - Need 10 - 15 Brothers to Support Next MLHWC Meeting Feb. 21, 2019 Meeting Dates: 3rd Thursday of every Month Locations: Virtual Conf. Call - https://truthinitiative. zoom.us/j/763166546 or 1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Time: 6:45 – 7:45pm Bring: Ideas for healthy activities and service projects.

Initial Topics: Addressing Brothers questions on Health topics – 1st 10 mins For more information on MLHWC activities, please contact Bro. Derrick Butts dabutts@mac.com.

Thank you for your participation and support of MLHWC Events!

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Brothers Serving the Alpha Wives at Their Monthy Meeting Brothers serving: Carlos DeBose, Eddie Neal, LeRoy Lowery, Jason Jefferson, Garrett Miller and Kellen Moore

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Omega Chapter

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The following is a list of members who have entered Omega Chapter. All of the information is based on what is submitted by family members or brothers. January 22, 2019, Mu Lambda submitted a Transfer to Omega Chapter Form for the following brothers:

Bro. John Anglin • • • • •

Alumni Member Chapter of Initiation: Beta Pi Last chapter of affiliation: Mu Lambda Born: February 7, 1925 Omega: October 22, 2018

know transitions to Omega Chapter: • • • •

•

We discovered the passing of Brother Anglin on January 22, 2019, on a telephone conversation with his daughter. She stated she was unaware that she could request an Omega service for her father.

Call (410.202.2715) or email (eneal@ mulambdafoundation.org) me. I will notify the Chaplain.

Every brother is entitled to an Omega service, financial or not.

The request should come from the family, not the chapter forcing it upon the family.

Part of any brother’s estate planning should be the designation of an Alpha brother to receive his paraphernalia or instructions for his loved ones to contact Mu Lambda for disposition.

Official fraternity pins (e.g., official badge, life member pin, twenty-five-year pin, fifty-year pin, etc.) should be given to another brother, the chapter (Mu Lambda) or the General Organization to prevent it from getting into the hands of a nonmember.

Notify your family to give Mu Lambda and fraternal documents to Mu Lambda.

Bro. Shellie Bowers

•

• • • • •

I hope you never need the above information, just in case, please share the information with your family so we can honor you in the event of your untimely passing.

Alumni Member Chapter of Initiation: Alpha Psi Last chapter of affiliation: Mu Lambda Born: June 05, 1936 Omega: November 20, 2014

We discovered the passing of Brother Bowers while cleaning Mu Lambda’s roster and making calls to brothers who we have not seen for some time. We did a search and found a copy of Brother Bowers’ obituary.

During the month of January, Mu Lambda mailed letters to brothers who have been absent from the chapter for some time.

Fraternally, Brother Eddie Neal, President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

Farewell our dear Brothers

Bro. William Ridley • • • • •

Alumni Member Chapter of Initiation: Mu Lambda Last chapter of affiliation: Mu Lambda Born: October 05, 1978 Omega: February 3, 2019

The purpose of the letter was to reconnect with the brothers, check the status of the brothers and ensure the brothers have not transitioned to Omega Chapter without our knowledge.

I would like to take this opportunity to share some basic information with you in the event you or a brother you FEBRUARY 2019

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A. Charles Haston

Brother’s Keeper

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There are seven objectives to the program: •

Assist in maintaining living environments that are compatible with participants’ levels of functioning

•

Assist in maintaining the upkeep of participants’ properties

•

Assist with health care decision-making

•

Provide companionship

•

Provide legal services

•

Provide transportation

•

Ensure adequate supplies of food, water, and clothing, with special emphasis on disaster management and recovery.

Mu Lambda has initiated a three-tier approach to implementing the Brother’s Keeper program.

Approximately 300 letters were mailed by the Membership and Reclamation Committee in January to brothers to check on their well-being. The Communication team scheduled automated calls to brothers to take place on the first and fifteenth of the month.

Nothing helps us build our perspective more than developing compassion for others. Compassion involves two things: intention and action. Intention simply means you remember to open your heart to others. Action is simply what you do about it. You might donate time on a regular basis to a cause near to your heart.

It’s easy to get lost and overwhelmed in the chaos, responsibilities and goals of life. Once overwhelmed, it’s tempting to forget about those brothers most near and dear to us.

Brother’s Keeper is a service program developed with the mission of advocating and improving the quality of life for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. brothers, their spouses, and widows who are retired, are elders, have disabilities and are ailing.

The calls will help identify brothers in need of assistance. The Brother’s Keeper Committee received a list of brothers age 60 and above in the chapter. The committee will place a personal call to every brother on the list at least once per month. If you are a brother in need or know a brother in need, call (410.202.2715) or email (eneal@mulambdafoundation.org) me. I will notify the Brother’s Keeper Committee.

Fraternally, Brother Eddie Neal President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter

Upon identification of need, the Brother’s Keeper Program also provides assistance to mature and ailing members of its communities.

Limitations caused by advanced age place demands on family members, caregivers, and the larger community to ensure that elders remain independently functional.

The goal of the Brother’s Keeper Program is to promote dignity and independence among Alpha family and community members who need help in keeping their lives and homes functional.

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Adopt-A-Block Keeping our city clean and green

Residents, businesses, and the government all play a role in keeping DC clean, safe, and healthy. Only by involving all residents and each community can we create a District as beautiful as we know it can be. Success begins with one neighbor and one community deciding to make a difference. Anyone can participate: individuals, families, churches, businesses, schools and other groups and organizations.

Martin Luther King, Jr Avenue and Howard Road SE

First Street and Bryant Street NW

Adopting a block in the District of Columbia has many benefits: • • • • •

Improved quality of life in your neighborhood. The appearance of our community contributes to the quality of life we all share.

Signs with your group's name letting people know you are committed to making a difference.

Meet your neighbors, strengthen your community connections, and build leadership skills. Become a role model to youth.

Litter-free, more active communities help discourage rodents and unwanted and illegal activity.

Increased economic development. An attractive, clean community is a great asset in attracting new businesses, jobs, and customers.

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A Word from the General Counsel Greetings Brothers When I first became an attorney, I was told by another wise older lawyer that “As lawyers, we no longer have the right to curse the darkness.” I had no idea what that meant at the time. However, life and retrospection has quickly revealed the meaning of those words to me.

As it turns out, they are merely a different way of phrasing another familiar platitude that we all recognize: “To whom much is given, much is required.” In the case of lawyers, for instance, it occurred to me that people engage us to navigate the most starkly ironic circumstances, either during the best times of their lives where someone is launching a new business or product or idea; or during the worst of times where someone is facing a lawsuit, or even more unfortunately, imprisonment. Yet, we must “treat those two imposters” in life just the same – with fearless conviction and diligence. More specifically, we cannot be afraid of the challenges that exist in representing individuals who come to rely on us to lead them through their difficulty. We cannot be afraid of whatever perils lie along the path to shepherding those who have placed their trust in us to safety, to a favorable resolution and to protect them. We can neither be afraid of, nor can we curse the darkness. We have consciously placed ourselves into the position of being the ones chosen to lead others through it.

Stanford University’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute reminds us that two months before his assassination on April 4, 1968, in a twist of an adaptation of a prior sermon by a well known liberal white Methodist preacher, our dear brother, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., from the pulpit of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, warned of the dangers inherent in the “Drum Major Instinct”, a character trait possessed by those who feign to lead, not out of fearlessness or valor, but instead purely for reasons of self-gratification and notoriety. He pointed out that while those who too eagerly acknowledge their position in leadership should not be rebuked for their ambition, they need to be keenly aware that greatness comes from humble servitude.

His instruction was not to dwell on accomplishments and instead to love all and to serve all without regret, dutifully accepting the challenges that come with being a leader.

In his case, although endowed with amazing accolades including the Nobel Peace Prize, Congressional Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal among many others, he was still called a “rabble-rouser” an “agitator” and a “trouble maker” for “practicing civil disobedience” in being a staunch and unqualifiedly fearless leader, fighting the evils of discrimination, routinely going to jail and being brutally beaten for a cause he believed in. For FEBRUARY 2019

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the good of his people, he inspirationally demonstrated the provocative nature of the “drum major instinct” in a positive manner contrary to the perverted uses employed by demagogues. Always the teacher, he implored that “if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.”

My Brothers, I humbly submit to you during these times that we, as Alpha Men, occupy a seat of higher calling than that of those who are content to accept being ordinary in this vast and confusing and recently troublesome world of ours. We must choose to genuinely lead for reasons other than fame and glory.

Our place in history beckons, no, requires us to assume the weighty mantle of leadership and authority in circumstances that may present more discomfort than we may be accustomed to; in some cases more than mere inconvenience. Although our fights, generally, are not the same violent confrontations that our forefathers faced, they are arguably just as important. We must face the evils of inequality which still exist in nearly all forums of everyday living – in the classrooms, in the courtrooms, in hospitals, on social media, at the border, in the front seat of our vehicles, in office buildings, on the airwaves and on the playgrounds. We must, through particular design and purpose, act to positively affect and, indeed, to determine the direction of our future.

It is clear to the entire world today what happens when that obligation is relinquished (translate: surrendered) to others who do not bear our best interests at heart.

Going forth unafraid, we must demonstrate by the pattern of our own lives a fearlessness of purpose which serves as a lighthouse to others that we have commandeered the way to a better future for us, for our children, for our neighbors and loved ones. Undaunted by consequences, Alpha Men, we must lead as we have consciously placed ourselves in a position to do. Cloaked in the shield of Black and Olde Gold, with prayers and confidence, we can no longer curse the darkness. We cannot be afraid. We must walk down unlit paths and lead others. Intent on finding our way out of what has become an angry, intolerant, tense and untrusting world, we cannot wait for others to lead us. In the words of another inspirational man, Barack Obama, “We are who we have been waiting for.”

Let us press on with no trepidation, no fear. Wishing you all Peace and Courage, Brother Brent M. Radcliff, General Counsel Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc Mu Lambda Chapter

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The MAAC Spring Staff Meeting

Bus Trip to Albany, New York

Greetings Brothers

It is time to pay your $150 for the round-trip bus trip to Albany, New York. We will depart Washington, DC the morning of Thursday, April 25th and arrive in Albany.

This letter serves as the official call for all Brothers to come and participate in the Annual Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters (MAAC) Spring Staff Meeting.

The MAAC Staff Meeting will be held Saturday, March 30, 2019 at KIPP DC College Preparatory (1405 Brentwood Parkway N.E. Washington, DC 20002) Our first session will begin at 9:30am. Chapter Delegates (2 brothers per chapter) and College Chapter advisors are required to attended. The dress for the meeting is casual. Please register through the link so we can prepare properly with the venue.

We will depart Albany, New York, Sunday April 28th and head to Ithaca, New York to see the historic sites of Alpha Phi Alpha.

We will return to Washington, DC from Ithaca, New York on Sunday, April 28th.

Dues

Brothers, there is No Charge for the MAAC Spring Staff Meeting. MAAC Elections and Awards will take place during this meeting. Breakfast and Lunch is on your own. There are restaurants in the surrounding area. Please see your chapter President about additional information on MAAC awards, candidate forms, and delegate certification.

Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda and the citizens of Washington, DC need you. Please remember to pay your chapter dues and Grand Tax to remain financial.

We look forward to you joining us for the Annual Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters (MAAC) District Staff Meeting. See you in Washington, DC.

Please bring your money to the chapter meeting or mail it to:

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-maac-springstaff-meeting-tickets-55867941517

Some brothers have paid their chapter dues but neglected to pay their Grand Tax. Please log into AlphaNet and pay your Grand Tax.

Financial Team Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Lambda Chapter 2405 First Street, NW Washington, DC 20001

Bro. Duane J. Edwards Executive Director Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters (MAAC) Pi Upsilon Lambda Chapter FEBRUARY 2019

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Support Your Foundation.

The mission of the Mu Lambda Foundation, Incorporated, a non-profit 501c(3) organization, is service to mankind, the promotion of scholarship, and the enhancement of knowledge and achievement of males of all ages.

Leading this mission is Mu Lambda Foundation’s vision to create an environment and opportunities for males to reach their full potential while discharging their responsiblities to their families, friends, and the global/civic society. This is done while upholding the highest moral, legal, and ethical standards of manhood.

Foundation Board LeRoy Lowery, III President Juan H. Powell Vice President Chatman Young Treasurer Ryle Bell, D.D.S. Malcolm Carter Albert Cheek, D.D.S. O. Jackson Cole, Ph.D. Hon. Horace G. Dawson, Jr., Ph.D. A. Gilbert Douglass, Esq. William A. Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D. Kenneth F. Holbert, Esq. Rev. Lloyd T. McGriff, D.Min. John A. Wilson

www.mulambdafoundation.org 2405 First Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 FEBRUARY 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., DC Alphas and ALL Alphas has been asked to come and support by participating in the Speed Mentoring session. Bro. Brocklin Qualls will be leading this session. I will be involved doing other activities during the day. Please wear your letters. This is opportunity for the young men to meet and greet professionals and creatives of various industries and sectors. The young men are expected to ask key questions and receive on the spot guidance and mentorship in a speed dating. The commitment for us will be from 10:30 - 1:20pm. After the morning sessions, there will be some afternoon activities that you all can stay for but don’t have to. This summit is for males only (male students and male adults).

FEBRUARY 2019

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FEBRUARY 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Contact us at ads@mulambda.org FEBRUARY 2019

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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

MU LAMBDA CHAPTER

Message from the Editor Greetings Brothers, I hope this message finds each of you in good health, safe and filled with that ALPHA SPIRIT! The honor of being the editor of THE TORCH has been placed in my hands and it's my hope that I can provide a worthy newsletter that shares the ideals and principles of this great Fraternity and my Chapter, Mu Lambda. Not only am I a new brother to this chapter but new to the ways in which this chapter function and thrives.

I'm excited to continue doing the work of Alpha, the chapter and helping to continue the elevation of this house.

I have received so many articles and information for THE TORCH and I must say it's a lot. Thank you all for your submissions and those to come.

As a reminder and maybe an opportunity to advise each of you, my brothers, I like being on time and ready. It's not personal but professional and I intend to hold the light high.

KENNETH A. WILLIAMS EDITOR OF THE TORCH torch@mulambda.org

When it comes to our Fraternity and Chapter here are two quotes I try to live my Alpha life by:

“THINK Alpha Phi Alpha, TALK Alpha Phi Alpha, PROMOTE Alpha Phi Alpha, and LABOR for the broad principles of idealism for which Alpha Phi Alpha was created, so that humanity shall look on us as a body worthwhile.”

- Brother Henry L. Dickason, 6th General President

“The greatest asset to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are the BROTHERS and without BROTHERHOOD this fraternity does not work.”

Happy Black History Month!!!!

ALL SUBMISSIONS TO THE TORCH SHOULD BE SENT TO THE TORCH EDITOR 3 DAYS AFTER YOUR EVENT HAS OCCURRED. ARTICLES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN A WORD DOCUMENT AND NOT PASTED INTO AN EMAIL. SCANNED PDF’S IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE FORMAT. ALL ARTICLES SUBMITED MAY AND CAN BE EDITED BY THE EDITOR. SEND YOUR ARTICLES TO TORCH@MULAMBDA.ORG