Brothers: I hope that this message finds you in the best of spirits and health. On behalf of the Mighty Eastern Region, I welcome you to the current issue of “Our Cause” magazine. The Region has been working diligently to provide an insightful and relevant medium to share with the Brothers of the Mighty Eastern Region. COVID has effectively shut us down Since March of 2020. While many of us have ventured out for our usual vocation and other required trips most of us have stayed close to home to minimize our risk and exposure during the pandemic. Personally, I’ve been fortunate enough that my employment allows me to have a flexible schedule and work remotely with only a few days per week in the office. This affords me the opportunity to work remotely yet maintain a presence with colleagues and the rest of the organization. Even with this arrangement it’s been difficult to cope. When I do have to head into the office, I’m weary of taking public transportation due to crowds and unsanitary conditions. I opt to drive into the office so I have my own socially distanced ‘bubble’ but that introduces other stresses into my daily commute. I share all of this for the singular purpose of demonstrating the common thread that we all share. The past nineteen months have been extremely difficult for us all. Whether we are collegiate Brothers adjusting to life impacted by COVID, or alumni Brothers like myself trying to work in this new paradigm. We are all stressed and trying to make sense of it all. Throughout these times we’ve also lost many good Brothers. Some have passed directly from COVID while others may have succumb to underlying conditions. In each case, the passing of our Brothers has left a void in our lives and in Sigma. It is imperative that we continue to check on one another just to make sure that our mental health needs are met. If you need a moment to get ‘re-centered’ – take it. If you need to reach out and just talk – I am encouraging you to do so. As men and Brothers, we do not talk enough about what it takes to remain even, centered and mentally healthy with all the stress of today. We have the demands of school, work, family, Sigma and many other elements that consume us on a daily basis. We must do whatever it takes to become self-aware and balanced. This is what keeps us healthy and productive in all aspects of life. During the peak of the pandemic most routine health visits were cancelled. Annual physicals, routine dentist visits for checkups and health screenings were all cancelled. Now that things are slowly opening back up – it’s critical that each Brother begin to reschedule these wellness appointments. The time is now to schedule your annual physical. This should include a detailed screening for bloodwork. I encourage each of you to get back on your cycle for visiting your primary care physician. The time is also now to reschedule all of the cancelled dental visits. Dental health is a pretty accurate indication of our cardiovascular health. Please have your teeth checked and routinely cleaned. With all of the challenges that we collectively face; the least we can do is encourage one another to take care of ourselves. It is through health and well being that we can continue to grow our Wondrous Band and move the Mighty Eastern Region towards continued GREATNESS!!! In the Bond, J.R. Reeves Eastern Region Director
MEMBERSHIP
BY BRO. NIGEL COELHO
This is a truly exciting time for our membership as THE EAST is experiencing RECORD GROWTH...DESPITE a pandemic that has gripped our nation! A few FACTS of where we stand with membership : • THE EAST has ALREADY surpassed our all time membership high of 3,071 Brothers in 2021 WE WILL set a new record for membership THIS YEAR! • THE EAST stands on the cusp of overtaking the Southern Region to once again be THE LARGEST REGION in SIGMA! • THE EAST is the ONLY REGION with 8 SAPPHIRE LEVEL or better chapters! • THE EAST lead the way in Spring 2021 with THE MOST new members initiated! • THE EAST Retained 100% our active Collegiate and Alumni Chapters in 2021 and reactivated 7 more! Now that we have built a solid foundation of growth and retention we MUST strive to develop the next generation of LEADERS!!!
WE HONOR AND REMEMBER ALL BROTHERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS THAT WERE LOST AS A RESULT OF THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC
IN THE LIGHT
Bro. J. Alexander Martin BY BRO. AMOS LEAK
As our wondrous band of brothers continues to grow, the opportunity to impact the community continues to expand. The direction of the Eastern region is strong and from our region includes a brother that was able to join through our honorary membership. Bro. J. Alexander Martin is one of the most prolific leaders in entrepreneurship. In his leadership, his journey has taken him all over the world and has created many avenues of impact to the communities that surround him. Bro. Alexander Martin was able to take some time to discuss the path of his life, path of his success, and path of his Sigma journey.
BACKGROUND
Bro. Alexander Martin comes from Hollis, Queens, New York with decades of success, which started from the retail – hospitality area. Born and raised in Queens, he was adopted and raised in a military family. At a young age, he understood what it means to work and focus on things bigger than himself and goals. He realized through his experiences that he would add value to everything and see the world through his vision. He was apart of the founding group of FUBU in 1992.
CONNECTING WITH THE FRATERNITY
Bro. Alexander Martin connects with our fraternity through his military background and the concept of being apart of one brotherhood. He talked about how great it is to be in a fraternity of brothers like his military fraternity. He learned so much about being able to impact the world without having to be above the mission. He loves the feeling of connecting with brothers across the fraternity and giving key advice to people who want to see success.
SUCCESS
Bro. Alexander Martin titles himself as a Creative Director among many titles such as Founder, Owner, Entrepreneur, and Consultant. His success stims from creating different ventures such as FUBU, For Us By Us Network, J. Alexander Martin Consulting LLC., and giving knowledge through his recent writings with “Money Makes Me Crazy” (2017) and “Building an Empire” (2020). In his books, he discusses how someone can build from the ground up for their own success.
ADVICE TO THE YOUTH AND THE FRATERNITY
Bro. Alexander Martin started our conversations by discussing how, this interview is bigger than him. He stated that the focus should go into understanding marketing verse branding. He gave great examples of how to connect youth to success through social media, understanding principles of leadership and realizing that everyone is a boss. He also talked about global connection with the fraternity through recognition and acknowledgement of the places our brotherhood is or wants to build with. He talked about wanting to give his expertise and consulting experience to the fraternity because it is not about himself, but it is about the fraternity. He knows that the fraternity continues to build strong on the 3 international programs and has a great love for our Sigma Beta Clubs. He has participated in past conclaves, regional conferences, and loves discussing his contribution to the fraternity, while looking forward to a great conclave in Myrtle Beach.
Bro. Linwood L. Alford Founding Chairman
The PBSEast Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that provides educational assistance, community and economic development services, and products to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities in the Eastern Region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
The PBS Service Award is the highest award given in the Eastern Region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. There has been 96 Brothers presented with this prestigious award since its inception in 1993. NAME OF RECIPIENT CHAPTER YEAR REGIONAL CONFERENCE Dr. Woodrow C. Carter Sr.* Epsilon Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Oliver C. Eastman Esq.* Epsilon Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Dr. Parlette L. Moore* Zeta Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Richard E. Alleyne Sr.* Kappa Beta Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Richard M. Ballard Jr. Esq.* Iota Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Dr. Gilbert H. Francis* Kappa Beta Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Dr. Gulbert A. Daley* Zeta Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania LtC. Lucius E. Young* Alpha Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania George H. Hibbler* Nu Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Henry L. Moore* Nu Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Clifton Felton* Zeta Alpha Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Dr. Clayton McNeil Epsilon Nu Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Moses C. McClendon* Iota Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Dr. James Archie Powell* Pi Beta Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Peter M. Adams Esq.* Kappa Beta Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania T. Harding Lacy Jr.* Iota Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Marvin L. Doc Cheatham Sr.* Zeta Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Lloyd C. Morse Jr. Zeta Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Robert B. Greaux* Chi Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Millard J. Watkins Jr.* Iota Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Alonzo C. Jackson* Chi Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Scherod C. Barnes* Zeta Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Ronald DeLeon Epsilon Sigma 1993 Harrisburg, Pennslyvania Greville French Epsilon Sigma 1994 Lanham, Maryland Lou Hassell* Chi Sigma 1995 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Bernard Hamilton Chi Sigma 1995 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Dr. Lawrence Miller Alpha Sigma 1995 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wilfong Wilson* Nu Sigma 1995 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Daniel J. Tann Esq.* Nu Sigma 1996 Seacaucus, New Jersey David Doc Samuels MD Chi Sigma 1996 Seacaucus, New Jersey Cornelius Lewis 1996 Seacaucus, New Jersey Michael Ferby Theta Tau Sigma 1996 Seacaucus, New Jersey Emanual Kinney* Nu Sigma 1997 Richmond, Virginia Darryl T. Williiams* Kappa Upsilon Sigma 1997 Richmond, Virginia James Harper Esq. Kappa Beta Sigma 1997 Richmond, Virginia Dr. Kevin West Chi Sigma 1997 Richmond, Virginia Darryl Coates Nu Sigma 1998 Baltimore, Maryland James Holmes Zeta Delta Sigma 1998 Baltimore, Maryland Willie Nichols Zeta Sigma 1998 Baltimore, Maryland Clarence Kinney Nu Sigma 1999 Arlington, Virginia Carter D. Womack Zeta Alpha Sigma 1999 Arlington, Virginia Eric Gilliam Alpha Sigma 1999 Arlington, Virginia Daniel J. Fox Esq. Chi Sigma 2001 Cherry Hill, New Jersey Henry Scott Chi Sigma 2001 Cherry Hill, New Jersey Larry A. Mungin Chi Sigma 2002 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Jonathan A. Mason Sr. Kappa Beta Sigma 2002 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania James Winkie Caphor Zeta Sigma 2002 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Gus Walker Delta Gamma Sigma 2002 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NAME OF RECIPIENT CHAPTER YEAR REGIONAL CONFERENCE Thomas Washington Alpha Sigma 2003 Brooklyn, New York William L. Powell Jr. Zeta Sigma 2004 Washington, D.C. Brandon R. Brown Nu Sigma 2004 Washington, D.C. Gerald Jerry Hamm Zeta Rho Sigma 2004 Washington, D.C. Willard Hutt Zeta Chi Sigma 2006 New Brunswick, New Jersey Charles Knight Chi Sigma 2006 New Brunswick, New Jersey Derek Bowmer Nu Sigma 2006 New Brunswick, New Jersey Kenneth Rico Abrantes Epsilon Sigma 2006 New Brunswick, New Jersey Sidnet Moishett Jr. Kappa Beta Sigma 2006 New Brunswick, New Jersey Ralph Davis Epsilon Sigma 2008 Baltimore, Maryland Eugene Cox Theta Tau Sigma 2008 Baltimore, Maryland Keith West Kappa Upsilon Sigma 2008 Baltimore, Maryland Robert Bobby Brinson Gamma Rho Sigma 2008 Baltimore, Maryland Woodrow Heslip II Theta Sgma 2008 Baltimore, Maryland James Washington Lambda Delta Sigma 2008 Baltimore, Maryland James Simmons Lambda Delta Sigma 2010 Dover Downs. Delaware Moultrie Glover Zeta Delta Sigma 2010 Dover Downs. Delaware Curtis A. Banks Mu Delta Sigma 2010 Dover Downs. Delaware Clifford Roane Nu Sigma 2010 Dover Downs. Delaware Kyle Flowers 2010 Dover Downs. Delaware David K. Washington Nu Sigma 2012 Hartford, Connecticutt Kenneth L. Daniels Theta Tau Sigma 2012 Hartford, Connecticutt N. Scott Phillips Zeta Sigma 2012 Hartford, Connecticutt Jean Jet Lamonthe Lambda Lambda Sigma 2012 Hartford, Connecticutt Albert Bowman Theta Sigma 2012 Hartford, Connecticutt Craig Collins Kappa Beta Sigma 2014 Brooklyn, New York Dumasumi H. Solwazi Sigma Sigma Sigma 2014 Brooklyn, New York Leonard O. Lockhart Jr. Delta Pi Sigma 2016 Boston, Massachusetts Milton Savage Esq. Nu Sigma 2016 Boston, Massachusetts Nigel Coehlo Chi Sigma 2016 Boston, Massachusetts Van Rosebourgh Zeta Sigma 2016 Boston, Massachusetts John Leak Theta Omicron Sigma 2016 Boston, Massachusetts Christopher Wilson Lambda Lambda Sigma 2016 Boston, Massachusetts James JR Reeves Zeta Chi Sigma 2016 Boston, Massachusetts Brad Leak Rho Delta Sigma 2018 Baltimore, Maryland Rommel Cave Epsilon Sigma 2018 Baltimore, Maryland Frank Larmond Omicron Chi Sigma 2018 Baltimore, Maryland James Johnson Zeta Rho Sigma 2018 Baltimore, Maryland Jason Brown Theta Omicron Sigma 2018 Baltimore, Maryland Mayard Minor Nu Sigma Sigma 2018 Baltimore, Maryland John Lewis Sigma Sigma Sigma 2018 Baltimore, Maryland Charles Wayne Anderson Alpha Sigma 2020 Richmond, Virginia Dr. Charles Corky Coners Sigma Sigma Sigma 2020 Richmond, Virginia Edmund Hardy Theta Omicron Sigma 2020 Richmond, Virginia Dale J. Harris Lambda Delta Sigma 2020 Richmond, Virginia Devon M. Henry Iota Sigma 2020 Richmond, Virginia Marlo Simon Delta Pi Sigma 2020 Richmond, Virginia Dr. Gerald Weatherspoon Theta Tau Sigma 2020 Richmond, Virginia
Eastern Region Brothers who have been awarded the highest recognition in the Fraternity ~ The Distinguished Service Chapter ~ 1. Jesse W. Lewis 2. Dr. Alain Leroy Locke 3. Dr. Ivorite L. Scruggs 6. Augustine A. Austin 7. Arthur W. Mitchell Esq. * Dr. Thomas H. Wright 8. Abram Langston Taylor 9. Dr. Clarence L. Roberts 10. Dr. John Ashurst 12. Harry S. Crawford 13. James Weldon Johnson 14. James A. Jackson * Dr. Bernard Harris 21. Elmo N. Andersen 23. Dr. Felix J. Brown 46 Clarence L. Townes, Sr. 29. John W. Woodhaus 31 George A. Parker 33.William E. Doar Jr. 34. Dr. John A. Turner 41. Dr. Robert J. Hill 42. Dr. M. T. Walker 43. Woodrow W. Carter 46. Houston L. Lovell 48. R. H. Beasley 49. Oliver C. Eastman 50. Edgar B. Felton 53. E. Rudolphus Clemmons 58. Charles I. Brown 59. Dr. Parlette Moore 62. Dr. Lawrence D. Reddick 65. Edward M. Baker 66. Atty. James T. Horton 68. Richard E. Allenyne 71. Atty. Richard M. Ballard 74. Gilbert H. Francis
Alpha Sigma Chapter Alpha Sigma Chapter Theta Sigma Chapter Epsilon Sigma Chapter Alpha Sigma Chapter Chi Sigma Chapter Alpha Sigma Chapter Epsilon Sigma Chapter Epsilon Sigma Chapter Iota Sigma Chapter Epsilon Sigma Chapter Epsilon Sigma Chapter Zeta Sigma Chapter Epsilon Sigma Chapter Iota Sigma Chapter Iota Sigma Chapter Zeta Sigma Chapter Alpha Sigma Chapter Kappa Beta Sigma Chapter Alpha Sigma Chapter Zeta Sigma Chapter Alpha Sigma Chapter Epsilon Sigma Chapter Kappa Beta Sigma Chapter Delta Gamma Sigma Chapter Epsilon Sigma Chapter Epsilon Sigma Chapter Nu Sigma Chapter Alpha Sigma Chapter Zeta Sigma Chapter Nu Sigma Chapter Nu Sigma Chapter Alpha Sigma Chapter Kappa Beta Sigma Chapter Iota Sigma Chapter Kappa Beta Sigma Chapter
75. C. Melvin Patrick 78. Dr. Ulyssess S. Mc Pherson 79. Samuel B. Newton 80. Clifford M. Blackmon 83. Dr. Guilbert Daly 89. Lt. Col. Lucious Young 95. George H. Hibbler 98. Edward E. Cannon 102. Henry C. Moore 107. Clifford H. Felton 108. Thomas Washington 109. Moses C. McClendon 112. Alonzo C. Jackson 119. Wilfong Wilson 120. Carter D. Womack 122. Robert B. Greauax 123. Jesse Williams 124. Marvin Cheatham 133. Louis D Hassell 135. Peter M. Adams 140. T. Harding Lacy 144. Emmanual Kinney 149. Sidney Moishette 152. Dr. Kevin West 153. Scherod C. Barnes 155. Eric Gilliam 159. Millard Watkins 163. Daniel J. Tann Esq. 169. Greville H. French 171. Archie Powell 179. Jonathan A. Mason Sr. 180. John L. Lewis 191. Darryl T. Williams 193. Jean B. Lamothe 194. Leonard O. Lockhart
Epsilon Sigma Chapter Delta Gamma Sigma Chapter Zeta Sigma Chapter Epsilon Sigma Chapter Zeta Sigma Chapter Alpha Sigma Chapter Nu Sigma Chapter Gamma Rho Sigma Chapter Nu Sigma Chapter Zeta Alpha Sigma Chapter Alpha Sigma Chapter Iota Sigma Chapter Chi Sigma Chapter Nu Sigma Chapter Zeta Alpha Sigma Chapter Chi Sigma Chapter Delta Gamma Sigma Chapter Zeta Sigma Chapter Chi Sigma Chapter Kappa Beta Sigma Chapter Iota Sigma Chapter Nu Sigma Chapter Kappa Beta Sigma Chapter Chi Sigma Chapter Zeta Sigma Chapter Alpha Sigma Chapter Iota Sigma Chapter Nu Sigma Chapter Epsilon Sigma Chapter Pi Beta Sigma Chapter Kappa Beta Sigma Chapter Sigma Sigma Sigma Chapter Kappa Upsilon Sigma Chapter Lambda Lambda Sigma Chapter Delta Pi Sigma Chapter
SIGMA BETA CLUBS
OF THE EASTERN REGION OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC.
FALL 2021 UPDATE
BY BROTHER BRANDON R. BROWN
Regional Leadership Brother Courtney Souvenir, Sr. (DC Metro – Sigma Sigma Sigma) “It is indeed an honor to serve as the Eastern Region Coordinator of Sigma Beta Clubs. This past year and a half have been incredibly challenging in so many ways and our club members along with their respective Chapter Coordinators and Chapter Advisors have exceeded all expectations. I admire the courage and perseverance exhibited by our young men during this pandemic as they have met each challenge, they encountered head on. Additionally, I am grateful to all of the Chapter Coordinators and Advisors for their dedication and commitment to mentoring our Sigma Betas. I firmly believe we are planting seeds in the hearts and minds of these young men that one day will yield great dividends.” State Leadership Brother Darryl Womack (DC – Alpha Sigma) Brother Tom Bond (DE – Lambda Delta Sigma) Brother Stan Slide (MD – Nu Sigma Sigma) Brother Akil Mondesir (NE - Omicron Chi Sigma ) Brother Kevin Bracey (NY – Epsilon Sigma) Brother Boynton Weekes (NJ – Lambda Lambda Sigma) Brother Vincent Costello, Jr. (PA – Nu Sigma) Brother Barry Daughty (VA – Beta Sigma) COVID-19 Reminder All #SBCEast activities are to remain virtue. Until the Foundation’s (#NSBCF1950) Board has voted to lift this restriction, no in person activities on behalf of #SBCEast should be taking place.
New Leadership Honorable Brother Arthur Thomas, who created the National Sigma Beta Club Foundation after Conclave Charlotte, will be stepping down on August 1st. Long-time Western Regional Sigma Beta Club Regional Coordinator, Brother Ian Heisser, will be assume leadership. “First and foremost, I want to extend my thanks to the Honorable Bro. Arthur Thomas, Esq. for his leadership and commitment to bringing forward the National Sigma Beta Club Foundation (NSBCF), and expanding on the vision of Honorable Bro. Parlett Moore’s through our Sigma Beta Clubs. He has left a legacy for us to continue to build upon for years to come. I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to Bro. Jenabu Williams for his leadership as our International Director of Sigma Beta Clubs. Together, these Brothers and the NSBCF Executive Board have put us in a great place to continue forward. I am indeed honored to continue to build upon the foundation that has been set as the newly elected National Sigma Beta Club Foundation Board Chair. I am excited to continue my commitment to our Sigma Betas and mentoring our “Next Generation of Leaders.” I truly appreciate the confidence bestowed in me via the nomination and election of the NSBCF Board and Bro. Thomas and the unwavering support of our Regional Coordinators. I look forward to partnering with the many Coordinators, Advisors and Chapters of our Noble Fraternity as we stand as the beacon for African American / Black Male Mentoring.” SBC Connect All Advisors should have been trained on the new on-line database for #SBC. Club Advisors are expected to input all of the necessary information. Additional trainings will be available after Conclave. If you have any questions, concerns or challenges, please contact your respective State Coordinator Inductions The Induction Deadline has been extended to Tuesday, August 31st. NOTE: All Inductions are to adhere to the Virtual Induction Ceremony. Reminders: 1. No Brother should be working with #SBCEast unless they are fully financial with the Fraternity. 2. No Brother should be working with #SBC unless their application to the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) has been received. Confirmations of the application submission should be sent to your respective State Coordinator. 3. Clubs in alignment with the Foundation are expected to have all respective paperwork on Advisors and Members on file with the Foundation, with your respective State Director possessing a digital copy. Social Media • International • Facebook: @NSBCFoundation • Twitter: @NSBCFdn1950 • Instagram: @NationalSigmaBetaClub • Regional • Facebook Group: Sigma Beta Clubs of the Eastern Region • Twitter: SBC_East
SELECTION OF CHIEF U.S. PROBATION OFFICER On Friday, April 9th, 2021 Chief Judge James K. Bredar announced that the Judges of the United States District Court selected Brother Leon A. Epps, Jr. as Chief U. S. Probation Officer. Brother Epps has provided over 22 years of service in this District’s Probation & Pretrial Services Office, most recently serving as Deputy Chief Probation Officer since 2012. Earlier, he served as a Supervisory Probation Officer and Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist. Chief Epps began his career in the District of Maryland as a Probation Officer in 1998. He is a 1992 graduate of Xavier University.
Chief Epps took the formal Oath of Office on Monday, August 2, 2021, making history as the first African-American to lead the Agency.
We are excited to share Brother Elford Jackson (Baltimore-Utilities) was recently named the 2021 Engineer of the Year from a Mid-Large Firm Award by ACEC/ MD. This award recognizes the accomplishments of engineers by highlighting their interesting and unique work along with their positive impact on society.
Brother Elford has been at RK&K since 1998 and has more than two decades of experience developing designs for infrastructure improvements and commercial/institutional development projects. He specializes in utility coordination and relocation using BIM and 3D design tools. Brother Elford is a proud member of the Chesapeake Section of the American Water Works Association (CSAWWA), where he serves as Assistant Secretary Treasurer. He is also the Board Secretary for the Morgan State University Civil Engineering Department Industrial Advisory Board. Brother Elford was honored virtually at the ACEC/MD Awards Program on February 18, 2021.
Congratulations to Brother Elford on this impressive and well-deserved recognition!