December 1990 Washington, D.C. MU LAMBDA Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
Message from the President
nancial Brothers in the Eastern Region for 1991. (Please be re¬ minded now, however, that if you have not paid your Grand Tax for 1991, that you must now add a late fee of $10.)
Geathers for taking such an active role in fulfilling his responsibili¬ ties as chair of the Archives Committee. My wish is that all committee chairs, who have not been so active, will follow in Brother Geathers’ footsteps.
At the December meeting, Mu Lambda will be celebrating 68 years since its founding. As we continue to enjoy our proud heri¬ tage, and as we continue to pro¬ vide leadership for our communi¬ ties and our society, let us do so in the name of Alpha. Ilook forward to the December meeting with ea¬ ger anticipation. Ialso look for¬ ward to seeing Brothers at the meeting whose names and faces I do not recognize or recall. What does that mean? To me, it means either new Brothers and old Brothers returning to the fold. All are welcome! All and more are needed! “We hold ever aloft, noble ideals and aims. Carrying out earth’s and heaven’s grand com¬ mand, Our true hearts ever strive, success’ goal to gain, That our Fraternity’s praises may be sung.”
Brothers, Ihope you had a bountiful Thanksgiving. As we en¬ ter into the festive season of the year, let us pause and give thanks for our progress and achievements over the last few years, and also ask for God's continuous guid¬ ance, support, and understanding as we close out 1990. May all of you continue to be surrounded by family and friends, and may the joy and true meaning of Christmas be upon your hearts and minds throughout this season of celebra¬ tion. □
This first year of the “Decade of the 1990s” has seemingly gone by so fast. It has proven beyond a shadow of doubt to be ayear of in¬ decision for some, of disappoint¬ ment for others, and yet we can see forms of progress all around. I, for instance, have great expecta¬ tions for the chapter as we strive toward the completion of “Project 200.” The swarming of Brothers, with dues checks in hand, about the financial secretary and treas¬ urer at the November meeting was indeed heartening. The chapter is well over the 100 plus mark on our drive towards the realization of having the largest roster of fi-
Ihad the pleasant opportunity recently to make the acquaintance of several Brothers, young and old, who have at one time or the other been active members of Mu Lambda Chapter and other chap¬ ters. Imet these Brothers at the Memorial Service on Monday, November 5, where we celebrated the life of one of our most active and involved Brothers, Brother Vernon X. Smith. The stature and demeanor of the guests at the ser¬ vice spoke well of Vernon and his dedication to his community and his peers. The standing-room-only service was held in the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel at Howard University. The Brothers, who were his classmates and friends, were present in exceeding numbers. They were amiable, friendly, and displayed their “...love for all mankind.” The Omega Service for Brother Smith was austere and was amodel of worship and testimony to be emu¬ lated by all.
Since its founding in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has been acontributing part of the his¬ tory of the United States. Now, due to the efforts of Brothers Geathers, Mu Lambda furthers that legacy with yet another chap¬ ter first. Had you been at the November meeting, you would have seen him with his state-ofthe art video camera, producing, directing, and composing afilm history for the archives of the Brotherhood. Our sincere thanks and appreciation go to Brother
Supportthe Henry Arthur Cains Scholarship Fund by sending your tax-deductible contributions to Brother Frederick J. Laney, 1834 Shepherd St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011. Your generosity is most appreciated: help some deserving student today.
Morris Hawkins, Jr.
Founders {Omega Chapter)
Henry A. Callis Charies H. Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones Qeorge B. Kelley Nathaniel A. Murray Robert H. Ogle Vertner W. Tandy
CDLLEGE 1990-91 Dues
OmicronOmicrop Chanter
Brothers of Omicron Omicron Chapter at the University of the District of Columbia have held high the name of Alpha Phi Alpha during the first semester. Under the chairmanship of Brother Aldean Pearson, the Outreach Committee has participated in KIAMSHA Movement, i.e., wak¬ ing up the UDC community to conditions there. Also, on October 9, astanding-room-only program was conducted with Beta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on the theme “Conspiracy Against the Black Male, Volume F’ with Malik Edwards as speaker. The Brothers have also inaugu¬ rated aGreek Social Hour at UDC. During homecoming festivities the Brothers participated in the step show, held adisplay of Alpha par¬ aphernalia, and presented avideo of Chapter activities.
During this semester, the Brothers of Omicron Omicron re¬ viewed the Intake Process at aspe¬ cial workshop. In addition to con¬ centrating on school work and striving for academic excellence, the Brothers continue to provide outstanding service to the commu¬ nity, as evident by the Chapter be¬ ing recognized as one of the strongest service-oriented organi¬ zations on campus.
Dues for the 1990-91 Fraternal Year are $95 for life members and $180 for non-lffe members. (The $180 includes a$10 late fee and $75 for the Grand Tax, which Is pro-rated as follows for recently graduated Brothers; 1st year -$37.50; 2nd year -$56.00.) Dues may be mailed to Brother Beniamin J. Carson. Ill at 1417 Massachusetts Avenue S.E.. #2. Washington. D. C. 20003. Remember to include your social security number on your check. Please take care of your financial obli¬ gations now.
Editor; William D. Thomas (202-363-7976) Associate Editor: C.C. Jones (202-483-3102) Circulation Managers: Louis A- Ford (202-723-8592), Harold W.
(202-234-1906) The deadline for submission of materials for the January issue is December 20.
Brother Vemon X. Smith
Mu Lambda mourns the pass¬ ing of Brother Vemon X. Smith, 49, to Omega chapter on October 30 at his home, of liver failure. Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in 1963 and 1973, respectively, from Howard University. He studied political science and African history. Brother Smith also studied law at Howard University for two years, then later concentrated on African history at the University of California at Los Angeles.
An initiate of Beta Chapter, Brother Smith is fondly remem¬ bered in Mu Lambda for his ser¬ vice as corresponding secretary and as co-chairman, treasurer, and registrar for the Chapter’s annual Leadership Development Institute. He was afaithful member until the end.
Brother Smith was an alumni relations of fi cer and editor of the Howard University Alumni News. He joined Howard’s Alumni Affairs Of fi ce in 1969 as its asso¬ ciate director; he had also worked as atechnical assistance of fi cer in the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Before joining the Federal government, he served as alabor law analyst for the American Trucking Association, publishing aquarterly digest of court decisions and regu¬ lations affecting the trucking in¬ dustry.
Astaunch believer that direct activism could bring about change, Brother Smith, throughout his life, had been actively involved in civic and political endeavors, having served as ayouth leader in the late 1950's; in Washington, he served as president of the Banneker High School PTA for three terms; co-president and treasurer of Parents United for the D. C. Public Schools; member.
board of directors, Washington Parent Group Fund; and member, Committee on Public Education (COPE) for D. C. Public Schools. His favorite sports were tennis and swimming, both of which he pur¬ sued until his condition no longer allowed. He also enjoyed travel¬ ling, which he and his family did extensively with trips to Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the West Indies.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of 25 years, Carolyn L. Smith and two daughters, Sonia and Angela. Other survivors in¬ clude his mother, asister, two brothers, and ahost oi other rela¬ tives and friends.
Brother Otis Cullen Davenport, an active member of Mu Lambda Chapter passed quietly to Omega Chapter on Sunday, November 11, while watching television at home. In 1987, Brother Davenport was diagnos^ as having emphysema, which weakened his kidneys and heart.
He was born on December 9, 1916 to the late Jacob and Carrie Davenport in Asheville, North Carolina. As ayoung man, Brother Davenport excelled in sports and received scholarships in both baseball and basketball to Johnson C. Smith University. While there, he was initiated into Alpha Omicron Chapter. He de¬ voted his studies to Social Work and graduated in 1939. Between 1939 and 1943, he met, courted, and married Lydia Brownlow of Wilmington, Delaware. After atour of duty in the military, he enrolled in Howard University, where he re¬ ceived his Masters Degree in Social Work. In 1948, he began work at the Juvenile Court as a
probation officer. Upon his retire¬ ment in 1973, Brother Davenport was Chief of Intake for Intrafamily Issues for the Superior Court.
Retirement brought travel and golf time. In 1976, his loving wife of 33 years died. His interpersonal skills will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was adevoted husband and an excellent father and grandfather. He was also ac¬ tive with the Royal Golf Club, and the Monday Morning Golf Club. For over 30 years. Brother Davenport was active with the Michigan Park Christian Church, where he was recently honored as Elder Emeritus.
He leaves to mourn their loss his son Bruce and granddaughter Tracy, and ahost of other relatives and friends. □
GIVE YOUR FAIR SHARE
Give your $100 assessment to Brother Julius H. Brice (1429 WebsterSt.N.E.,Washin^on,D.C. 20017) or send your check to Alpha Phi Alpha National Headquarters Drive P.O. Box 53417 Chicago, Illinois 60653-9998. Be sure to include your Social Security number, and our chapter key number (111).
Brother Otis Cullen Davenport
Mu Lambda Torch /December
Remember this oldie?
When An Alpha Man Walks Down the Street
When an Alpha man walks down the street.
He looks 100 per from head to
feet.
He'SgotthatAlphaspirit,pep, and go;
And just to look at him you're boundtorecognizeandsay,
■There goes aman that Iwould like to know
He's got that Alpha spirit, pep, and go;
And just to look at him is quite a treat.
You cannot beat an Alpha man.'
ft to tJie Brothers of Mu Larnbda and their \ * families.Letuscarrythe^ngsandthejoy; ^ oftheNativityinourheartsduringthis^ I seasonandthroughoutthecomingyear.
Best ivishes, THE EXECUm^ COMMITTEE and the Newsletter Staff
Help!!!
llolunteers are needed to maintain and seruice the refreshment bar at our monthly meetings. If you mould like to assist, piease contact the Coordinator, Eruther Uiilimm Hauikins, Jr. at 202-583-3211.
Brothers Thomas C. Brackeen (3); Elmer Davis, Jr. (5); Jerry Hargrove (11); William D. Thomas (11); and Louis R>rd (19).
Brothers Shirley O. Brown (13) and John H. Brinkley, Jr. (21)
Tkcher Tape FTIu La^nbda
Brother Marcus S. Tappan announces the opening of his practice for cosmetic and general dentistry at-8611 Second Avenue, Suite 201, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910, Telephone (301) 587-1313.... Brother Robert H. Brown, III has successfully defended his thesis for the completion of his Master of Arts in Sociology and Demographics.... Mu Lambda Chapter hosted the October Pan-Hellenic Council meeting with a sumptuous repast; Brother Maryland D. Kemp, Sergeant at Arms, was the coordinator.... New of fi cers for the Beta Mu Lambda Corporation are Brothers Wayland D. McClellan, President; Thomas C. Brackeen, Vice President; James T. Robinson, III, Secretary; and John D. Roper, Treasurer. Other Board Members include Brothers Julius H. Brice, Frederick J. Laney, John H. Brinkley, Jr., Clement Cooper, John C. Eason, Jr., Melvin Clark, Byron J. Grayson, Sr., Morris Hawkins, Jr., Le Roy Lowery, III, and Yettekov Wilson... .Brother Wesley A. Brown, Lt. Commander, U. S. Navy, Retired, was Veteran's Day keynoter at Asbury United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 11; Brother Frederick J. Laney is president of the sponsoring group, Asbury United Methodist Men committee to select the Mu Lambda Brother of the Year should contact Brother Louis A- Ford at 202-483-3102... Kudos to Brother Thomas A. Ducken fi eld for providing hard copies of the new Intake Program materials to the Brotherhood, membership in the Alpha Wives of D. C., contact Mrs. Lucille Polk at 202-526-4614 or Mrs. Eva Speight at 202-582-4814; dues are $25 per year and new as well as former members are welcome; Mrs. Ethel T. Brown is President (202-483-4927)
Brothers interested in working on the
For information regarding
Brother J. Leon Langhorne,
Michael Price
Chapter Archivist Emeritus, was arecent guest at Vice President Quayle *shome on the occasion of the honoring of Dr. Jack White, one of Brother Langhorne 'sformer students. At the November Chapter meeting. Brother Langhorne cited the outstanding accomplishments of two deceased former Editors of the Sphinx. Brothers Oscar Brown and Shaw Junior High School, Blair High School, and Banneker High Schools have been selected as Mu Lambda ’stargets for Project Alpha, according to the Chairman, Brother Harold W. Hill.. ●● Brother John R. Johnson needs volunteers for our work with the Boy Scouts of America; to volunteer call 202-265-5173.
Mu Lambda Tbrch
January 1991
3 Monthly meeting of Mu Lambda Chapter, 7:00 P.M. Place to be announced.
17 Henry A. Callis Scholarship Fund's Spring Dinner Dance,
6 Monthly meeting of Mu Lambda Chapter, 7:00 P.M., Armour J. Blackburn University Center Restaurant, Howard University. The following visiting Brothers were recognized at the November chapter meeting: Cecil Cohen (Beta): John Crowder (Omicron); LeRoy Jackson; Steven Marshall (Kappa Delta): and Jim Shelby (Upsilon).
Mu Loircbda Chapter
The Board of Directors of the Henry Arthur CaHib Scholarship Fund requests the pleasiire of your company at its Spring Scholarship Dinner Dance on Friday, h^y 17,1991 at the Adult Education Centei; University of Marylwd, College Park. Cocktails
7:30-8:30 P.M. Dinner 8:30 P.M.
Esquires’ Band Show 9:30 -12:00 EM.
Contribution: $50.00 per person or $500.00 per table of ten. For table reservations and further information, please contact any member of the Social Committee, or Brother Frederick J. Laney (202-882-8059), committee chairman.
Deposits for reservations will be accepted at the December meeting.
Mu Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. P.O. Box 1993 Washington, D.C 20013
