rhe Torch
Mu Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Februaiy 2007
Message from the President
Brother James McDonald
“Celebrating Black History Month”
Black History Month is the observance of aspecial period to recognize the significant achievements and contributions of African-Americans during February. Black History Month dates back to 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson initiated Negro History Week. Over time, Negro History Week evolved into the Black History Month that we know today. When Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week, he realized the importance of providing atheme to focus the attention of the public. The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public's attention important developments that merit emphasis. The theme for this year’s celebration is From Slavery to Freedom: Africans in the Americas. This theme highlights the history of the African Diaspora in the Americas and the transition from slavery to freedom for millions of enslaved African people.
As we celebrate Black History Month, Iask that you reflect upon the contributions that our forefathers and foremothers have made to this society. Also, reflect upon the contributions of our founders—the seven “Jewels. “Where would Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. be today without these visionary leaders? What contributions will you make during Black History Month to celebrate the lives and contributions of our people? Ichallenge you, not just this month, but throughout the year to look for opportunities to give back to the community. There are several Black History programs that will take place and Ihope that Mu Lambda Chapter members will participate, and let our collective voices be heard.
EXECUTIVE MESSAGE
(from Page 1)
For our part in this year’s celebration, Iwanted to bring to your attention avery important event that will take place on Monday, February 12, 2007. Coming to the campus of Howard University is Brother Senator Edward Brooke as the Patricia Roberts Harris Lecturer in Public Affairs. Brother Brooke will lecture on his book, Bridging the Divide: My Life. "Edward W. Brooke has blazed alot of political trails. He was the first AfricanAmerican nominated for aconstitutional office in Massachusetts (secretary of state, 1960), the first elected attorney general of any state (1962), the first in the nation popularly elected to the US Senate (1966), and still the only one to win reelection as asenator (1972)...Brooke has written areadable, tempered autobiography." -Kenneth Cooper, The Boston Globe. This event will be held in the Ira Aldridge Theater (next to Cramton Auditorium) at 11:00 a.m.
The Beautillion Academy is well underway thanks to the efforts of Brother Reginald Salter and his committee. The Beautillion continues to be Mu Lambda’s flagship public service program. This program truly embodies the spirit of our Fraternity: manly deeds, scholarship, and service. As such, the goal of the Beautillion is to provide the needed mentorship to promising African-American males in our metropolitan community through leadership training and financial assistance that will aid in their college matriculation. Every brother needs to find away to support this program. You can help by serving as a mentor, identifying corporate sponsorships, and by purchasing your table for the Gala on April 28, 2007. The success of this program relies on your support and dedication.
Iwould thank Brother Willie Flowers for leading the Chapter efforts in community service. This month, Sunday, February 11,2007 we will participate in our “First In Church” celebration by attending the Union Temple Baptist Church. Brother Flowers recently participated in an area-wide community service project on behalf of the Chapter, and will discuss at the February meeting other initiatives that the Chapter will undertake. Iencourage all Brothers to attend the “First In Church” celebration.
This month we will compete for Chapter of the Year at the MAAC Conference. Iwould like to thank Brother Tim Fitzgerald and Brother Joseph Jones for leading this effort. We have accomplished so many great things as aChapter this year and Iwant to congratulate you on ajob well done. Good luck at the MAAC Conference.
See you at the next Chapter meeting on February 8, 2007
Beautillion Updates
The 2006 Henry Arthur Callis Beautillion Program is well underway. Thus far, we have 17 young men who are participating in this year's Beautillion Class. The Beaux’s were introduced at the January Chapter meeting. If you are interested in mentoring aBeaux, please contact Brother Reginald Salter at rsalterdds@aol.com or (703) 535-6717.
Upcoming Beautillion Events
(Tentative Schedule of Workshops)
February 11,2007
February 18, 2007
j^Carch 4. 2007
March 11, 2007
March 18, 2007
April 1,2007
April 8, 2007
April 15. 2007
April 22. 2007
April 28, 2007
Defining the AfricanAmerican Male
Where Is Your Glass Ceiling?
MonevJalks-
Financial Planning
Etiquette for the Gentleman
Dining Etiquette
Easter
Dance Rehearsal
Dance Rehearsal
BEAUTILLION GALA
Beautillion Tickets
Brothers, the Beautillion Committee we will be prepared to sale tickets/tables for the Beautillion at the February chapter meeting. Tickets are $85.00 ($850 for tables) and $1000 Jewel tables. So far Jewel Callis, Jewel Ogle, and Jewel Chapman tables are sold.
We have committed to 350 seats at the Conference Center for the Beautillion. So, please do your part to support our premier program. Please contact Brother Salter rsaiterdds@aol.com or (703) 5356717 for details.
Mu Lambda Communication
Phone Tree
The Mu Lambda Telecommunication System (MLTS) is up and running. We will be utilizing this system to provide you with weekly/monthly announcements regarding Mu Lambda events, activities, and special programs. If you have not received any messages to date, please contact Brother Arthur King at (202) 732-0253 or by email akinq536@aol.com.
Membership News
Brothers please welcome our newest Life Member in Mu Lambda:
Brother Samuel Armstrong
Important Dates
ONECA (District II) Conference February 2-4,2007
Hanover, NH
Beautillion Academy Workshop Sunday, February 4, 2007 Howard University
IVlu Lambda Family Church Day Sunday, February 11, 2006
VACAPAF (District VII) Conference February 16-18, 2007
Arlington, VA
MAAC (District VI) 15“' Annual Conference February 23-24, 2007
Hagerstown, MD
Black History Trivia (Test Your Knowledge)
He founded tlie Niagara Movement and was instrumental in the founding of the NAACP:
a) Booker T. Washington
b) Carter G. Woodson
c) W.E.B. Du Bois Six-year old
became the fi rst black child to desegregate awhite school in America:
a) Studee Harder
b) Maggie Lena Walker
c) Ruby Bridges
She was the first black woman to be an Ambassador and amember of aPresident’s cabinet:
a) Rosa Parks
b) Patricia Roberts Harris
c) Shirley Chisholm
Frederick Douglas was nominated as a presidential candidate in:
a) 1898
b) 1888
c) 1788
Joseph Searles was the first black man to get a seat:
a) on abus
b) on the New York Stock Exchange
c) at alunch counter
He was tlie fi rst black elected to the United States Senate:
a) Hiram R. Revels
b) Edward Brooke
c) John Lewis
Announcements
Men’s Choirs from nine area AME churches will be featured in abene fi t concert for the MLK Foundation and A.M.E. churches affected by Hurricane Katrina at Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, 1518 MStreet, NW on Sunday, February 18, 2007 3:00 PM -6:00 PM. The $15 donation can be paid at the door. Brother Ronald E. Braxton is the host pastor.
Correction
Brothers, in my executive summary In last month's Torch, Iinadvertently failed to include our 34th chapter president in my listing of honorees in attendance. Our distinguished Brother William E. Calbert and his lovely wife Madlyn were indeed present and lent their grace and charm to our grand affair. My apologies for the oversight.
February Birthdays
Legrand Burge
E.A. Adams
Orlando Xavier Hixon
Garnett Wood
Talmadge Roberts
Sylvester C. Booker
Kenneth L. Higgins
George R. Johnson, Jr. 5-Feb 7-Feb 11 -Feb 14-Feb 16-Feb 16-Feb 17-Feb 25 -Feb
2006 -2007 Mu Lambda Housing Assessment
Please remember to pay your 2006-2007 Housing Assessment: $50 per chapter meeting (10 meetings) or $500 for the year. Remit to Bro. Curtis Hunigan, 5621 N. Manvood Blvd., I'pper Marlboro, MD 20772
The 2005-06 Executive Committee
President James McDonald 202.544.5026
Vice President Tim Fitzgerald 202.678-0821
Recording Secretary Larry Keen 919.824.8935
Treasurer Curtis Hunigan 301.599.1191
Financial Secretary Ardtur King 202.744.6624
Corresponding Secretary Antione Tyler 703.731.0955
Chaplain William Hawkins 202.583.3211
Historian/Archivist Douglas Sands 410.549.6427
Sergeant-at-Arms Darrell Chase 202.294.3383
Associate Editor to the Sphinx Michael Zimmerman 202.544.5801
Editor of the Torch Brian Moore 301.210.5349
Webmaster Joseph Jones 301.233-6372
Director of Intake Andre Lucas 202.271.1617
Director of Education Brian Halliburton 202.321.8221
Parliamentarian Robert Richardson 202.5291941
Member-at-Large Vacant
Immediate Past President Edwin Norwood 703-644-0392
www.mulainbda.oru
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This ih \o Ici vou kno\N tlial Scnalnr Iduard \K’ [)rookc will he ihc 2<Hl7 I’atncia Rnherts Harris lecturer in Public AlTnirs at HmvnrJ Univcrsii) ami to invite you moM ci'idiallv to ulicnd this event.
(i will rake place on Monday mv»minii. Jcbnur> 12. ?()07. in the Ir.i Aldridge riicatcr tncxl d»K>r to (.’tamion Audiioriunit on the Howard Hniversiiy campus at II irdock. Hie Harris l.ctture. always one ol die higiih^hts ol' the IiiiNcrMly ycai. will I'cjiture Senator Hrt'oke discussing in 'he main his legendary career the tlrsi AlVican .American elected attorney general of ANV state (i*>h2K the first u» be decicd to the Iniicd Suites Senate since Keconstruetion <;ind still the imly one to win reclecliun as asenator 11^721
Seiuior l^rookc has recounted these landmark.s and agreat deal more in an autobiography to be published in time lor Alrican American History Month, for example. 05 one reviewer put it. “He w;ls Conmicntcmenl speaker at UillaPi t.'linlim's college gmdiintion He saw the legendary Seahisciiil race lie danced with Mi/aheih Iay tor and he knew l*rcsidcni Nixon p>crsonally. He wivs on the co\cr ol 'l ime. Ivvice. Senator Brooke alsi* recovered fceeniK tiom aKnit with breast cancer; and he was awarded the Presidential .Meckil of Ireedom in 2(J(ul
W'hal wa.^ ii like to lie u“progre>si\e, tuudctalc'* Re|>uhlicaii during Uk: t.»oldwaicr''sixoji eniV What was it like growing up in W.ishmgion. M.t.. mthe .RJs and 4tts? What wiis it like fighting in asegregated urmy in Italy during World W’nr 11,^ Senator Brooke deals with all ol these issues mhis hook. Bridging the l>i> ide: M\ l.ifc. and lie wilt address them personally dunng his lecture at Howard 1’nivcrsiiy on I'cbruary 12 Vou lire also cordially mviicd lo areception at which the Senator will aulogniph copies of the honk, his on .sale now al the Howard I'niversiiy hook store and elsewhere in the area and will he a^'aiiabIe also at llie lecture site on I'chruary 12
We look forward n* having you with ns fi»r ihc Patricia Riibens Harris Icciurc* at the Ira Aldridge theater at Howard on Monday. I'cbnian. 12. bcgmmne at II i*’cUH:k.
Voujs sincerelv.
^Imraceli Dawson ^j^ireclor Tcl.'f4jtinr ’ll? r ; <? i=^*l
This memorial will forever stand as a testament to the man, the movement, and the message. It will continually pay tribute and inspire achanged country, a changed consciousness, and achanged world. The memorial to Dr. King will be the first honoring an African American on the National Mall.
The Foundation seeks your support in honoring the memory and legacy of Dr. King. Log on to the website, call the tollfree number, or mail your tax-deductible contribution to the address below. Your support is appreciated. Thank you.
