MU LAMBDA Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
Message from the President
The month of February is designated Black History Month, thanks in large part to one of our chapter members, Brother J. Rupert Picott. On the surface it would seem unnecessary to have a specific segment of time to empha¬ size the important contributions made to this country’s well-being by Blacks. If there were equitable treatment by historians and authors of textbooli of the facts, we would not need this. Because the inequity does exist, it behooves each of us to support the repetition of facts about Black people that might otherwise go unnoticed. We must each be a"griot"—the wise elder that recited the African Village history—and repeat the information to all.
In this vein, one workshop in the Annual Leadership Develop-
ment Institute workshop is devoted to Black pride, including contri¬ butions by Blacks through the ages. It is one of the more well-received workshops that always imparts new knowledge to the audience. It is said that we, as Black people, cannot aspire to assume the throne unless we
realize we were once kings and queens. With the many affairs in observance of Brother Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, it would seem to be an easy tran¬ sition into Black History month.
On January 16th Iaddressed the Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance sponsored by Zeta Rho Lambda Chapter in Dover, Delaware. There were some 400 persons in attendance at this annual breakfast affair. The experience of preparing and delivering the speech was most rewarding and
one that Iwill long remember. On January 17th Beta sponsored an affair in remembrance of Brother King at Rankin Chapel The speaker was Rev. James Bevel, formerly aclose associate of Brother King. The quality and content of the program were superb (see the College Corner). The date was incorrectly listed in last month’s calendar of events; I apologize for the inconvenience that this may have caused. There were over 200 persons in attendance and they were all equally as moved. Salutations are extended to Brother Darrell Arnold who coordinated the program. With talented young men like this neophyte and others of Beta chapter, we are ensured of a continuation of the traditions of excellence of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Kalahari Art Exhibition Toured
Arecent trip to the Museum of African Art to see an exhibition of Kalahari Art is one of the ways high school students in Mu Lambda's monthly Leadership Development Program are learning to understand and appreciate their heritage.
The Kalahari people live in 22 villages and three towns in the coastal mangrove area of the eastern Niger Delta in the nation of Nigeria. Although they are related by language and culture to the larger group of Ijo people, the
Kalahari maintain adistinct culture.
This exhibition of ancestral screens speaks to us as cultural artifacts, as historical documents, and as artistic creations. They were created within the con fines of 19th century Kalahari society and have now become apart of our world.
For more information about the Leadership Development Program, contact one of the co-chairmen, Vernon X. Smith (696-6693) or Maurice White (387-3734).
1988-89 Dues
Group Photo
Copies of the Chapter photograph taken on January 5will be avail¬ able at the February meeting at a cost of $20 each.
Charity Beta
Beta Chapter celebrated the birthday of Brother Marlin Luther King, Jr. on January 17 by sponsoring "In Remembrance to Uphold the Dream" in Rankin Chapel at Howard University. The audience of over 200 were treated to poetry, gospel harmony, arededication to the principles of Brother King, acandlelight memorial and an inspirational message by Rev. James Luther Bevel.
Acontribution of over $160 was collected to assist Rev. Bevel in his "SEED" program, which is designed to encourage Black youth to financial self-reliance by the year 2000. The program coordinator was Brother Darrell Arnold, who was ably assisted by Brother John Berry, James Walker, Cornelius Bales, Marc Lindsey, Brian Watkins, Dana Watkins, Jaret Riddick, and Phillip Randall. Other Brothers appearing on the program included Rev. Ronald Patrick, Garret McCray, and LeRoy Lowery.
Omicron Omicron
The Brothers of Omicron Omicron, University of the District of Columbia, are collecting blankets for the homeless.
Blankets may be dropped off at U.D.C., 4200 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Building 38, Third Floor during regular business hours. For further information, contact Brother Nathaniel Brown (328-6769).
Remember: Dues for the Fraternal year are $85 for general fees (non- life members) and $75 for chapter dues. Brother Ernest Smith will accept your check at the February meeting. Eastern Region Display Brothers are needed to assist in preparing adisplay emphasizing the Chapter's recent accomplish¬ ments. This exhibit will be entered in the competition at the Eastern Region Conference in Baltimore in Ap'ril. Contact Brother Frank Williams (949-0708) or LeRoy Lowery (291-3129).
Contributions to Mu Lambda's adopted charity, the Christian Action Center are being accepted. Checks should be payble to the "Christian Action Center." Donations of.food and used clothing will also be accepted by Brother Fred Jones, Chairman of the Public Policy Committee.
Name tags
With increased membership, there is aneed to resume the use of name tags by the Brothers. The plastic breast pocket name tags with the crest are available for $20 through the Sergeant- at-Arms, Maryland Kemp (583-1261). He will have applications at the monthly meeting.
Chaplain's note Brothers are encouraged to notify the Chaplain, Brother Jerry Hargrove (397-2525) and the chapter president, Brother LeRoy Lowery (291-3129) when they learn of the illness of aBrother or atransfer to Omega chapter. All are asked to visit those Brothers who are sick or shut-in. We also would like to know of widows of departed Brothers who need help.
Newsletter Committee
Editor: William D. Thomas (363-7976)
Associate Editors: Alfred E. Simons, Jr. (530-8728), George R. Johnson, Jr. (654-2371)
The deadline for submission of materials for the March issue is February 22.
Mu Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated P.O. Box 1993 Washington, D.C. 20013
President Vice President ....
Recording Secretary
Treasurer
.. LeRoy Lowery, III (291-3129) Louis W. Buck (292-5492)
Robert M. Brown, III (354-8018) ... Curtis A. Hunigan (484-4944)
Associate Editor to The Sphinx ... Byron J. Grayson, Sr. (966-71.-9)
Chaplain Father Jerry Hargrove, Jr. (397-2525)
Education Director Melvin Clark (526-4662)
Historian
Dean of Pledges
Corresponding Secretary
Financial Secretary
Sergeant at Arms
J. Leon Langhorne (529-3692)
Lee A. Tyler (723-9220)
Louis A. Ford (723-8592)
Ernest L. Smith (723-7844)
Maryland D. Kemp (583-1261)
