Theta Rho Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Spring 2017
WORK OF ALPHA BEGINS IN ALEXANDRIA
By Bros. Kevin Glover and Keith Laing
The first year of Theta Rho Lambda in the City of Alexandria has been met with high expectations and ambitions. In addition to the regular events that the chapter hosts annually throughout the city, the chapter has been within the community building relationships and trying to get a better grasp of what the City of Alexandria needs and how the chapter can leverage it's membership to help benefit the citizens. Our work in Alexandria began in November 2016 with our annual Thanksgiving Basket distribution at the Ruby Tucker Family Center. The work of Alpha continued in Alexandria in December with our Toys for Tots drop off at the Helen Day Preschool Academy at Hopkins House and our annual participation in the Winter Wonderland that was sponsored by the Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority (ARHA) in partnership with the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and Toys for Tots. In 2017, we conducted a Project Alpha sexual awareness seminar at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Alexandria in April and we are scheduled to clean up and lay mulch at Simpson Stadium. Despite our focus on hitting the ground running in Alexandria during our initial year of service there, Theta Rho Lambda remains committed to Arlington.
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Theta Rho Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Spring 2017
Personal Announcements ・Bro. Keith Laing and his wife, Ashley, welcomed their daughters Anaya and Nadia Laing on March 1, 2017.
・Bro. Justin Harris has been named Career Advisor for the School of Public Affairs at American University. ・Bros. Robert Palmer and Keith Laing celebrated 10 years in the Fraternity.
Happy birthday to following Brothers who have birthdays in the Spring and Summer:
Where Are They Now? The 2016 Education Foundation Scholarship Winner By Bro. Matthew Johnson
The Theta Rho Lambda Education Foundation’s 2016 scholarship recipient, Yosaph Boku, is a senior at Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, VA. Yosaph was awarded $2,000 after having earned an impressive 4.37 overall grade point average while having taken 24 honors or IB classes. Yosaph has decided to attend Harvard University and he is going on a full ride. Yosaph was accepted to every Ivy League college, with the exception of MIT. The Education Foundation is proud of Yosaph’s achievements since he was awarded the 2016 scholarship!
Bro. Marc Peters: April 22 Bro. Michael Frempong: April 27 Bro. Dockery Lambert: June 2 Bro. George White: Bro. Sean Moore: January 7 June 26 Bro. Robert Wright: Bro. LaMarcus Davis: January 13 July 1 Bro. Detron Brown: Bro. Shawn Pressley: July 4 January 16 Bro. Mike Bajit: July 6 Bro. Curtis Lopes: Bro. Hezron Williams: February 2 July 7 Bro. Andrew Clay and Bro. Shannon Thompson: Matthew Johnson: July 15 February 6 Bro. Justin Ortique: Bro. Lloyd Haskett: July 16 February 7 Bro. George Faulk: July 29 Bro. Patrick Harris: Bro. Gillis Taylor: July 30 February 8 Bro. DeMickel McGrigg: Bro. Keith Laing: August 4 March 16 Bro. Romeo Wright: Bro. Anthony Hyman: March 26 August 22 Bros. Eddie Hill and Benja- Bro. Mark Forrest: min Turman: April 9 August 31
Congratulations to the following Brothers who are celebrating Spring crossing anniversaries:
Bro. Robert Wright April 1, 1979 Bro. Eddie Hill May 1, 1980 Bro. Thomas Jones May 1, 1989 Bro. Hezron Williams February 17, 1992 Bro. Michael Bajit June 19, 1993
Bro. Shawn Moore June 25, 1998
Bro. Romeo Wright April 9, 2011
Bro. David Preston Bro. George April 7, 2006 White March 16, 2013 Bro. Keith Laing April 21, 2007 Bros. Chris Jones Bro. Shawn March 9, 2014 Pressley March 15, 2009 Bro. Adam Jackson Bro. Salahedin March 9, 2014 Ali April 4, 2009 Bro. Matthew Johnson Bro. Curtis March 9, 2014 Lopes April 2, 2011
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Theta Rho Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Spring 2017
Theta Rho Lambda raises $5,514 for the 2017 March of Dimes By Bro. Michael Frempong Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has been a national service partner with the March of Dimes organization for a number of years. Through this partnership, chapters across the country work with their local March of Dimes to raise funds in support of research that improves the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. The Theta Rho Lambda chapter has been a longtime supporter of this initiative through its participation in the local March for Babies walk and fundraiser. This fraternal year, the chapter hosted a happy hour event at Sign of the Whale restaurant in Washington, D.C. to kick-off fundraising this year. With a goal of $2,500 for this year’s event, the Brothers of the Theta Rho Lambda chapter instituted an internal competition within the chapter to see who could raise the most funds prior to the actual event. On May 6, 2017, the chapter joined hundreds of participants and contributors in the March for Babies at the Washington, D.C. waterfront. The walk started at Nationals Park, went through the Navy Yard neighborhood, and ended with crossing home plate inside Nationals Park. Through various donations and contributions from corporations and individuals, the chapter was able to exceed its goal, and raised $5,514 for this year’s March for Babies event.
#PhirstFridays By Bro. Keith Laing For the fourth consecutive fraternal year, the Theta Rho Lambda chapter is conducting a “Phirst Fridays” happy hour series as a social community engagement initiative. The intent of the events is: to provide an avenue for Brothers to meet and greet other Brothers outside of the monthly chapter meetings; to create a medium for other Greek affiliates, friends and family members to expand their social network; and to increase the chapter’s visibility within the Arlington County and the City of Alexandria, Va. communities. Phirst Fridays typically are scheduled the first Friday of each month and at a location in Arlington or Alexandria that is easily accessible via Metro train. Phirst Friday was relaunched in April, and the venue to host the event was A-Town Bar & Grill in Ballston. Following the re-launch, Phirst Fridays were held at Dos Amigos Bar and Grill in Alexandria in May and Spider Kelly’s in Clarendon in June. Events are also planned for Kora Restaurant in Crystal City in July and Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill in the Courthouse area in August. Meet the Brothers of Theta Rho Lambda there!
Upcoming Chapter Events June 17: Simpson Stadium Park Clean Up July 7: Phirst Friday, Kora, Crystal City July 12-16: General Convention, Baltimore July 22: Chapter Cookout, Alcova Heights Park Aug. 4: Phirst Friday, Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill, Courthouse
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Theta Rho Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Spring 2017
Education Foundation seeks to inspire young men at Mount Vernon High By Bros. Dr. Keith E. Robinson, Dr. Otha Myers and Matthew Johnson In the indispensable words of Dr. Maya Angelou, “When we learn, we must teach; when we climb, we must lift; and as we get, we must give!” During the months of February through June of 2017, the Education Foundation of the Theta Rho Lambda (TRL) chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. led by Bro. Matthew Johnson, had an opportunity for several Brothers to enthusiastically volunteer to lead several highly interactive, insightful, impactful, and very purposeful educational presentation sessions to a group of 21 very eager and attentive young men of the Men of Vision and Purpose program at Mount Vernon High School, located in Mount Vernon, VA. The purpose of the educational presentations was to inform, inspire, influence, educate, and create a learning environment in which each of the young men felt motivated to look at himself, and realize that he is more than what he sees. The presentations were designed so that each participant could leave the sessions prepared to immediately apply some of the knowledge that they had been given, implementing tips, tools, and techniques they acquired from the mentorleaders. The Brothers’ presentation topics ranged
from personal life experiences and how these shape our identities and abilities, to marketable skillsets and personal assets that can position young men for success. Other topics included the strategic journey of success, which stimulated participants to think strategically about where they are, where they are going, and how they are going to get there, as well as to understand that not all opportunities are created equal, and that each of their lives has its own unique journey worth journaling. All of the topics were relevant and served to inform the young men about what awaits them as they move forward and excel in life. All the presentations were well received, because the Men of Vision and Purpose and the Program Coordinator inquired whether TRL could assist MVHS with expanding the program! What an opportunity! “Hold Alpha High!” That’s unquestionably what we do!
General Convention Heading to Baltimore By Bro. Lenard Williams The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.'s 94th General Convention will take place in Baltimore, MD from July 12 to July 16, 2017. The theme of the convention is Action and Advocacy with the Urgency of Now. The opening session of the convention will start at 9 am on the morning of July 12th. The convention seems to be very popular as all four convention hotels are sold out. Theta Rho Lambda will be sending four delegates to the convention. We encourage all Brothers to come up to conduct the business of Alpha and fellowship. 4
Theta Rho Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Spring 2017
Education Foundation awards $2,000 scholarship at rousing 2016 Black & Gold Ball By Bro. Shawn Pressley It was early, on a blustery and pouring-downrainy, Saturday evening. When most people – perhaps myself included - would rather have been curled up or spooning on a couch, with the fireplace going, and binge watching the latest Netflix Original Series. But instead Brothers of Theta Rho Lambda were found doing the work of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Bro. Anthony Hyman was placing centerpieces on tables. And Bro. David Preston was coordinating with the Fort Belvoir staff in terms of logistics on light, DJ, and timing. After many months of preparation the time was nearing for the 2016 Black and Gold Ball and all that was left was the execution of the event itself. When 6:00 p.m. hit Bro. LaMarcus Davis – who had set up the greeting area earlier - and two of our neophyte Brothers - Bro. Marc Peters and Bro. Dockery Lambert - set to the task of greeting Ball guest helping them remove rain garb and umbrellas. They plied guests with their table numbers and most creative que cards – excellent idea from Bro. Preston and execution by Bro. Keith Laing to let the wait staff know what dish they had chosen for their meals. The guests made delightful banter with scholarship recipients and their table mates during the cocktail hour in the rather stately decorated hall of the Fort Belvoir Officer’s Club. They received their Souvenir Journals – coauthored by Bro. Maurice Smith and Bro. Michael Bajit - as they were allowed to enter the main dining room that was tastefully decorated in Black and Old Gold.
You knew it was going to be a good night when Bro. Gillis Taylor literally prayed that we would all have “a Funky Good Time!” Apparently God answers prayer because our main speaker, Scholarship Recipient Yosaph Boku, nearly broke into sermon after accepting his check. Clearly, he has a future in preaching. Our other distinguished guests, the Community Service Award winner Deacon Herbert McKoy of First Agape Church gave a very heartfelt thank you to God and Theta Rho Lambda. Bro. George White was awarded the chapter’s 2016 Brother of Year Award. The event was also graced with the presence of 2017 Miss Black and Gold Eastern Region winner Alyssa Lee. And despite the previously mentioned weather conditions the event achieved better than 90.5 percent turn out on 150 guests that had RSVP’d for the event. After the event agenda was completed, DJ DubLee (formally William Lee) took us through a barrage of Michael Jackson hits, the classic and most modern line dances, and special acknowledgements were given to our top ticket seller for a consecutive three years, Bro. Samuel Scott. Bro. Gillis Taylor took over 300 pictures that are all available on the chapter’s Instagram account. Inspired by the rainy weather outside the guests decided make it rain inside as well showering down nearly $4,800.00 of proceeds or profits on the Scholarship Endowment Fund for one single night of activity. For the 2017 Black and Gold Ball, the festivities are moving to the Waterford in Springfield, Va. and will take place on November 11, 2017. It promises to be just as, if not more, exciting with Bro. David Preston now officially at the helm for 2017.
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Theta Rho Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Spring 2017
Theta Rho Lambda, Iota Alpha team up for Project Alpha
By Bro. George White
pregnancy, responsible sexual behavior, interpersonal skills development and violence prevention. Participants took part in small group discussions and workshops where they executed problem-solving skills and share their experiences. Participants also received information regarding relationships, abstinence/virginity, condom use, HIV/AIDS, and other STD’s. The brothers of Theta Rho Lambda Chapter would like to thank the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Iota Alpha Chapter, seated at George Mason University, for participating and supporting this event. Also, special thanks to Shiloh Baptist Church for allowing us to use their facilities.
On April 22, 2017, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Theta Rho Lambda Chapter, seated in Arlington and Alexandria, VA, hosted our Spring 2017 Project Alpha Conference at 1429 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22314. The Conference provided an environment where young men learned about sexuality, teen
If you would like more information on our upcoming 2018 Project Alpha Conference, be on the lookout for enrollment information and please send an email to: projectalpha@thetarholambda.org.
A Moment in Alpha Phi Alpha History tered on March 23, 1917. They are celebrating 100 years of manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind. Tau chapter has a long history of success since its chartering by eleven great brothers. Tau chapter has received many Alpha and on-campus awards and honors such as AΦA District of Illinois Neophyte of the year, AΦA District of Illinois College Brother of the year, AΦA District of Illinois Chapter of the Year, UIUC Black Greek Council Organization of the year and UIUC Black Greek Council Highest GPA. Tau chapter has produced many great brothers including Bro. E. Christopher Washington, Fall 1988. Bro. Washington currently resides in the area and is an active member of Xi Alpha Lambda seated in Prince William County. Bro. Washington has served in many roles within the fraternity including Alpha advisor to the Iota Alpha By Bro. Chris Jones chapter seated as George Mason University. Tau chapter For this issue in a moment in Alpha’s history, I would continue to hold high the light of Alpha Phi Alpha! We like to recognize Tau Chapter, Alpha’s eighteenth under- look forward to you providing another 100 years of service graduate chapter, seated at the University of Illinois, Ur- and advocacy to your campus and community. bana-Champaign, Illinois (UIUC). Tau Chapter was char-
In Memoriam: Ms. Audrey Jones
By Bro. Matthew Johnson
On June 1, 2017, a beloved friend, educator, and mentor, Ms. Audrey Jones passed away. Audrey Jones, a member of Delta Gem (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) was a passionate, dedicated, selfless advocate for all students. Many of the Brothers within the chapter had the opportunity to meet Ms. Jones at our 2016 Black and Gold Ball. She accompanied the scholarship recipient, Yosaph Boku. Ms. Jones worked tirelessly to ensure that her students at Mount Vernon High School were provided various opportunities. The Theta Rho Lambda chapter has Audrey to thank for the various scholarship applications that we’ve received over the last few years. In addition, Audrey is solely responsible for identifying and coordinating the two Leadership Development Institute (LDI) Ambassadors that represented our chapter at the 2017 Eastern Region Convention. Audrey identified, selected, and collaborated with Bro. Matthew Johnson so that her two students would not miss out on this opportunity. Ms. Audrey Jones has been an inspiration for many and will truly be missed.
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Theta Rho Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Spring 2017
Life After Becoming An Alpha By The Brothers of Fall 2016, “Started From the Bottom,” aka “The Notorious S.o.S.” 1. Bro. Marc Peters, aka Multi-PhACEted, alias Phresh Look After my First Black-and-Gold Ball, and before my first Founders’ Day Breakfast, I spent my first Thanksgiving as an Alpha man with my family in Charlotte, NC, where I , to my beaming mother, showed off my black hooded sweatshirt, emblazoned with the letters of my new fraternity. I wore it most everywhere I went, including on the Amtrak. On the train ride back from Charlotte, I met Daniel, of Ruth, NC (“near Rocky Mount”), an elderly, 100% disabled combat veteran, who was travelling to meet someone from Veterans Affairs regarding his medical condition. At first, I had not noticed him at all, until he cried out for help, and another passenger and I came to his aid. He was slumping in his wheelchair, wearing a Prince Hall “square-and-compass” baseball cap, a sweatshirt, jacket, jeans and sneakers, and carried a duffel bag full of loose papers and supplies. Daniel was travelling alone. When we found him, his unsecured wheelchair had turned about, and Daniel had fallen over. The conductors rendered service to help Daniel, but appeared distant, as if reluctant to help him. The other passenger and I quickly warmed to the opportunity to help. Our charitable principles were invoked, and princely men were thereby recognized. It seemed as if I would begin the work of A. Charles Haston Brother's Keeper a bit earlier than expected. We straightened Daniel in his wheelchair, moving him first to a seat so as to secure the wheelchair. I then cleaned the soiled seat, and then my hands. I helped him sort through his papers, throwing out what he did not want to keep. When his pants began to sag, we pulled his diaper and his pants back up again, and I assiduously cleaned my hands again. To me, ol’ Daniel made a special request: to fetch a cup of ice for him from the dining car, reach for the bottle in his duffel bag, and fill the cup with the contents of the bottle. Awkward though it was, I wanted to do what I could to comfort him. After a while, Daniel began to tell me his story, and I dried his eyes and hugged him as he recounted about how he used to help people, but was no longer able to do so after becoming infirm. My stop at King Street in Alexandria was fast approaching. We promised to pray for each other, and then I disembarked. My life was touched by Daniel as my life was recently touched by the House. Those moments in service to him reaffirm my need, as a Servant of All, to serve the least of these in my community and ultimately, all communities. 2. Bro. Patrick Harris II, aka “Photo Phinish,” alias Lean On Me My experience as a neophyte of Theta Rho Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has been an incredible experience. My line brothers and I have hit the ground running. My most memorable moment was leading a presentation for the Men of Vision and Purpose (MVP), TRL’s Go-To-High School, Go-to-College program. I was able to lead over 20 boys of color in a critical discourse about success, what it means to them and what plan they want to put in place to achieve it. Alpha men have a long history of educating young boys in hopes of creating young, social justice change agents. It is humbling to now be apart of that history. I am so grateful to be apart of a chapter that places brotherhood first. The culture of our chapter has been encouraging and inviting to me as a new initiate. I am looking forward to building strong relationships with brothers as I continue serve in the chapter. 3. Bro. Lloyd Haskett, aka “TREumphant,” alias Joe Buttons The past year as a newly initiated brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has been a whirlwind. The brotherhood of this grand fraternity is something I keep with me in my heart wherever I go. I have made new friends, and reconnected with old friends in a new way. It makes me humble to know that “I have brothers everywhere,” and “In cities of population two, I even have a brother there.” 4. Bro. Dockery Lambert, aka “T.R.O.,” alias Phact Check On November 6th, 2016 I crossed the burning sands into the House of Alpha. I very quickly discovered for my own truth that the work only begins when you enter the House. Theta Rho Lambda being seated in two locations, Arlington and Alexandria requires twice the effort to make an impact in the community. The following week after I entered the House I went to my first chapter meeting. I didn’t know what to expect for my first chapter meeting but I left with a better understanding of how the business of Alpha is conducted and the decisions that occur behind the scenes. My first community service event was the Thanksgiving Basket Distribution where we teamed with the Ruby Tucker Center and the First Agape Baptist Church to pass out baskets to families in need. I remember the happy looks from the families who participated and the feeling of fulfillment I had that day. That feeling reinforced my resolve to carry out the mission of Alpha. My time in Alphadom has far surpassed my expectations of brotherhood, community and bond. I look forward to moving the bar forward with my brothers and the challenges that come with it.
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Theta Rho Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Spring 2017
Congratulations to the newly elected 2017-2019 Theta Rho Lambda officers! President: Bro. Lenard Williams
Vice-President: Bro. Keith Laing
Recording Secretary: Bro. Marc Peters
Corresponding Secretary: Bro. Anthony Hyman
Historian: Bro. Michael Bajit
Director of Intake and Membership: Bro. Chris Jones
Associate Editor to the Sphinx: Bro. Patrick Harris II
Director of Educational Activities: Bro. Matt Johnson
Financial Secretary: Vacant Sergeant-At-Arms: Bro. Robert Wright Treasurer: Bro. George White
Parliamentarian: Bro. Otha Myers Chaplain: Bro. Gillis Taylor
Fraternity Mission Statement Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities. 8