PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Greetings Brothers,
I’m pleased to report that 2022 has been a great year for us as Brothers and a Chapter, as we continue emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout the year, we have maintained a firm commitment to serving and partnering with individuals and organizations that share our aims of manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind.
As you read this issue of the Image of Alpha, you will learn that we held our annual cookout in August, at which Brothers displayed that Goodwill is always the Monarch of the 293rd House of Alpha. As we moved into the new fraternal year, we resumed holding hybrid chapter meetings in September. We also raised $1,500 for our Gift Card drive and donated 75 gift cards to residents at the Carpenter’s Shelter in Alexandria and we packed and delivered 25 lunch bags to residents at the Grace DC shelter. We also hosted our annual Pumpkin Carving event for families in October and distributed Thanksgiving Baskets to families at the Ruby Tucker Center in Alexandria, Va. in November with members of the First Agape Baptist Community of Faith in Alexandria.
Brothers have also participated in a Quincy Park clean up, and our chapter was very represented at the 80th VACAPAF Convention in Roanoke in November, at which our very own Bro. Kevin Glover was elected to serve as the next VACAPAF President. Additionally, we hosted successful Phirst Friday happy hour events in Arlington and Alexandria in September, October and December.
I’m also proud to report that we have initiated three new dynamic Brothers this fall who have already hit the ground running planning service projects and serving on several chapter committees and we have also reclaimed several brothers.
Brothers, as I have said before, the past several years have taught us that the work we do in our communities is more vital than ever and that nothing can stop us from doing it. Serving as your president continues to be the honor of my time in our dear Fraternity. Let’s continue to Hold High The Name as we move forward into 2023.
Fraternally,
Bro. Keith Laing Chapter President
COMMUNITY SERVICE RECAP:
Back to School Drive
On August 27, 2022, Theta Rho Lambda brothers were honored to partner with Uncut Youth, LLC. on their Back To School Community Day in Alexandria. The chapter donated $250 and provided labor and services
Quincy Park Cleanup
The brothers were fortunate to have the opportunity to get up early to conduct a clean up of Quincy Park this past October. Theta Rho Lambda (TRL) has adopted this park and participates in various beautification projects throughout the year.
COMMUNITY SERVICE RECAP:
Toys4Tots
Theta Rho Lambda brothers dropped off Toys For Tots donations at the Hopkins House Helen Day Preschool Academy in Alexandria today.
Gift Card Drive
Theta Rho Lambda completed a 20/25 Gift Card Drive in which we raised $1,500. The Chapter plans to donate 75 gift cards to Grace’s DC, which is a nonprofit that s provide the homeless in Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland with monthly nutritious meals and care packages throughout the year.
COMMUNITY SERVICE RECAP:
Thanksgiving Baskets Distribution
Theta Rho Lambda completed our annual tradition of assisting with the Thanksgiving basket drive in partnership with First Agape Church and the Ruby Tucker Center where we donated $450. We also assisted with compiling and delivering 25 Thanksgiving baskets for community members.
Lunch Bag Donation
Theta Rho Lambda compiled and donated 25 lunchbags to the Carpenter’s Shelter in October
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
Pumpkin Carving
On October 22nd, the brothers of Theta Rho Lambda gathered at Quincy Park to take part in our annual pumpkin carving event “Pumpkin Carving with the Alphas”. We had a successful turnout of children, brothers, family and friends! Thank you to all who participated, we look forward to seeing you next year!
Phirst Fridays
Theta Rho Lambda hosted four Phirst Friday Happy Hours this fall. These happy hours are a way for brothers to come together and socialize with family, friends, and each other. In August, we were at Open Road Grill located in Rosslyn, VA. In September, we hosted the happy hour at The Lot in Arlington, VA. Our October happy hour was at Arlington Rooftop Bar and Grill located in Arlington, VA and we wrapped up the year with a special Founders Day edition of Phirst Fridays at Hen Quarter in Alexandria VA.
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
Cookout Recap
On August 6th 2022, the brothers of Theta Rho Lambda gathered at Quincy Park for our annual cookout. The strength of our brotherhood was on full display as we had over 40 brothers, sorors, family and friends attend to break bread and fellowship in Arlington, Va. Thanks to everyone who joined us and helped to make the #TRLCookout22 a rousing success!
Coming off the Foundation’s first retreat, the Theta Rho Lambda, Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation (TRLEF) used the Fall semester to move forward on the ideas discussed during the retreat.
Welcoming New Directors
The Theta Rho Lambda Education Foundation welcomed one new member and four returning members to the Board of Directors:
• New - Bro. Eric Kincaid (TRL, Fall ‘21)
• Returning - Bro. Kasseem Smith, Bro. Dr. Keith Robinson, Bro. Gillis Taylor (TRL, Fall ‘14), and Bro. John Busby (TRL, Fall ‘17)
Rebranding for the Future
The TRLEF initiated the Rebranding Project in June 2020 and, at the request of Brothers, decided not to rush the project. In September 2022, the final survey was sent to the chapter to solicit feedback. We are now on the tail end of this rebranding and hope to have a new name to share in early 2023.
Preparing for the B&G Gala
The 2022 Black & Gold Ball was a success and the Education Foundation looks to have an equally successful Ball in 2023. Bro. Kasseem Smith was selected as the new Ball Chair and he hit the ground running to secure a new date and venue for this annual celebration of education and service to our community.
Stay tuned for more information about the 2023 Black & Gold Gala! Due to timing and the momentum of the rebranding project, the Education Foundation is researching the best time to host this signature event and celebrate another community educator as well as the chapter’s award recipients. Once the date is finalized, we hope each Brother will invite their networks and consider purchasing a table for the event. With the new time frame, the Education Foundation will look to recognize the 2023 scholarship recipients during Spring/Summer 2023.
Bro. Mark Forrest ChairmanTHETA RHO LAMBDA EDUCATION FOUNDATION: UPDATE TRLEF
Theta Rho Lambda, Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation Theta Rho Lambda Education Foundation80TH VACAPAF CONVENTION
NOV 10TH-12TH, 2022
The 80th VACAPAF Convention which was held in Roanoke VA on November 10-12, 2022, was productive and well attended by Brothers from all across Virginia. Delegates representing Theta Rho Lambda were: Bro. LeVar Crooms, Bro. Shawn Pressley, Bro. Corey Quill, Bro. Lenard Williams, and Bro. Philip Wilkerson.
The first order of business was to approve the budget. The District will also be moving to paying chapter fees via the VACAPAF app and transitioning to an annual fund model starting next year. In scheduling news, the convention has been moved to the fall moving forward instead of the traditional Spring it has been in years past.
Eastern Region Vice President Bro. Christopher Ellis Jr. gave a speech focused on the tenets of maturity and understanding our status and where we are in the Fraternity as a whole. Virginia is the second largest district in terms of number of chapters but we are largest in terms of number of brothers. We have 5022 active brothers in 174 chapters made up of 89 college chapters and 85 alumni chapters. The Eastern Region is second in number of chapters and second in terms of number of brothers “only to the Southern Region”. We are challenged to answer the question “Are we a college fraternity or are we a fraternity of college men?” Whatever our answer may be, we must be intentional in our response.
Bro. Jeff Jackson delivered the 1st Vice President address and called on the district to continue the development of leaders, to continue to be servants of all and to continue our dedication of training youth. Particular emphasis was put on the next generation of leaders and that they will need the support of brothers as they seek to move the Fraternity and the district forward.
VACAPAF is committed to using all technologies at our disposal. There were many new online platforms that contributed to making this year’s convention a success. A push is currently underway to enhance our social media presence. VACAPAF now has a secure app which will help to connect brothers within the District.
The 91st Eastern Region Convention will be April 12-16, 2023, in Hampton, VA.
Election Results
• VACAPAF President – Bro. Kevin Glover
• VACAPAF First Vice President – Bro. Tony Moss
• VACAPAF Second Vice President – Bro. Ian Yeaton
• VACAPAF Historian– Bro. Andre Taylor
• VACAPAF Associate Editor of The Sphinx – Bro. Ralph Holloway
• VACAPAF Parliamentarian– Bro. Lyndon Clark
• VACAPAF Sergeant-at-Arms– Bro. Harold Jones
FOUNDERS DAY BREAKFAST
Theta Rho Lambda brothers gathered together to fellowship with chapters and brothers from all across Area 4. TRL was out in full force at the annual VACAPAF Area 4 Founders Day Breakfast. This year at the breakfast one of our very own Charter members, Bro. Daniel Brown, was featured as the keynote speaker!
VOTELESS PEOPLE IS A HOPELESS PEOPLE
A YEAR IN THE HOUSE
Bro. Eric Kincaid
To be a part of the greatest fraternity for the past year has been beyond words. The road to the brotherhood was not easy due to covid-19. However, I would say a year later I wouldn’t trade any of my journey to Alpha for any other experience. Continuing to grow in the fold with my line brothers and cherishing new relationships I have created since crossing the burning sands.
Having the chance to attend VACAPAF immediately after crossing and to not only meet General President, Dr. Willis Lonzer III, but to give him the grip was definitely memorable forsure.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the work of Alpha from serving our local community, social events and fraternal engagement events. I have learned to appreciate the beauty of “agree to disagree”! But the greatest high from this past year has been working with my brothers to serve our local and national communities.
I took forward to continuing the work of Theta Rho Lambda, growing within the fraternity and continuing to raise the bar with my line brothers (shoutout to FA21, The best to do it!)
Bro. Sivad Rogers
This first year in the house has been everything I’ve wanted for so long. There have been numerous lessons and I ultimately want to thank the brothers who assisted in that growth.
I want to thank Brandyn & Phil for showing me that the job of a sponsor/recommender doesn’t stop after IMDP is over. Thank you for continuous patience and guidance as I strive to be the Alpha man that you all knew I could be.
To my line brothers, thank you for the continued support over the last year both fraternally and personally. I am truly honored by the level of work and dedication that we all have done in this past year. Let’s continue doing the good work of Alpha in our own respective ways.
To the 293rd House of Alpha, thank you for accepting me as the 121st member of this House. Thank you for allowing me to make an impact and feel truly valued as a brother. I am truly inspired by the work we do not only in Alpha and but in our respective lives. I truly believe we embody the mantra quality over quantity. I’m thankful for every committee call, happy hour, and Brotherhood engagement activities I’ve gotten to attend. Let’s continue to hold the light high, good brothers!
One year down, a lifetime to go... This first year in Alpha seemed to pass by so quickly, yet I look back and feel like so much has been done these last 12 months. The inseparable bonds I’ve built with my LBs, my best friend becoming my brother, the embracement I feel when I am in the presence of a fellow bruh... all point to the undeniable fact that the Old Gold and Black is as Ice Cold and strong as ever! There have been moments this year that let you know you are right where you need to be; from providing meals in our community, to attending an Omega Ceremony, to helping young men attend college through scholarship, to just looking a bruh in the eyes and saying “how are you?”... If there is one thing I learned from this past year, it is that I am proud to be an Alpha Man, and stand true to my lifetime commitment to serve my community and be there for my brothers. This organization is truly about Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind!!
It feels surreal- a year in Alpha. An organization I’ve aspired to be a part of for years. And on November 7, 2021, I became a duly initiated brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated by way of the Theta Rho Lambda Chapter. It’s been an amazing experience- immersing myself in the work of Alpha, traveling to conventions and meeting brothers far and wide, deepening the fraternal bonds amongst brothers in the chapter. As I reflected on this past year, I feel excited that I’m here, and even more excited for what’s to come.
What a year it’s been. I’ve grown so much. From planning programs and initiatives to fellowshipping with brothers, my first year has been rewarding and overwhelming at the same time. Early on, there was an adjustment period needed to balance life, work, friendships, and fraternity life. But I’m thankful I’ve learned how to manage them all so far.
I’m extremely thankful for the brotherhood and this chapter. I didn’t know what to expect on the other side, but it’s been great. I’ve had opportunities (and the support) to lead some impactful community service projects, establish relationships with new community partners, and make countless suggestions and ideas.
I’m thankful for the encouragement to grow, lead, and follow, to be honest with you.
I’m also thankful for having a supportive wife too. Seriously. I had no idea how many committee calls I’d be on this year. And somehow, my wife never gave me a hard time about them. She just supported me. I know the balancing act of life and Alpha differs for every brother. But, I’m grateful she was as supportive as she was. I don’t think I could’ve done half the work as easily without her support. But all in all, although my life is busier now, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Alpha has given me the chance to build friendships and relationships with brothers I probably would’ve never had before. And I’m grateful for it. I’ve grown from each relationship I’ve built. And I’ve learned to respect everyone’s differences and opinions as men. I look forward to continuing to build moving forward. It’s been a great year.
Bro. Corey Quill Bro. Matthew Mascoe Bro. Kael DixonNEOPHYTE INTRODUCTION
Bro. Samuel Gainer “R1sky Business”
Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois
Education: Colorado State University, B.S. Information Technology; Indiana University Kelley School of Business, MBA, M.S. Strategic Management
Employment and Position: USCG Cyber Security Officer, LTJG. Chapter Involvment: Housing Committee, Community Service Committee, Fraternal Engagement Committee.
Favorite Quote: “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”
-Sun Tzu, The Art Of War
Bro. Tylin Scott “CheckM.A.T.E.”
Place of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Education: Old Dominion University, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Computer Engineering
Employment and Position: USCG, Sr. Electrical Engineer, Ship Design
Chapter Involvment: Housing Committee, Fraternal Engagement Committee.
Favorite Quote: “Don’t fight it, just let it happen” -Damon, Friday After Next
Bro. Ryan E. Norman “MANIF3ST”
Place of Birth: Detroit, Michigan
Education: University of Michigan, B.A. Political Science; American University Washington College of Law, J.D.
Employment and Position: Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice
Chapter Involvment: A Voteless People is a Hopeless People Committee; Fraternal Engagement Committee; Housing Committee
Favorite Quote: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9
FALL 22 MILESTONES
Bro. Levar Crooms and his wife Anshia, celebrated their first Christmas with son, Zachariah, and celebrated him turning 6 months old on January 2, 2023.
Bro. Keith Laing and his wife Ashley, celebrated the arrival of their first son, Khalil Anthony Laing on November 21, 2022 at 10:39 am.
Bro. Carlin Myrick and his wife Madison, welcomed their 2nd daughter, Savannah Roe Myrick on January 18, 2023.
Bro. Sam Gainer has been accepted to a Ph.D program at Liberty University & approved for promotion to the rank of LT O-3.
