THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORT The official Wall Street Alphas newsletter, Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC
Vol. 4, No. 4
THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORT The official Wall Street Alphas newsletter, Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC
The ALPHAmazing Race! by Bro. Dr. Ted Ingram Students were challenged to explore lower New York City, learning more about some of the most significant landmarks that Manhattan has to offer. This was the task G.E.N.T.S. (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success) students recently faced in the ALPHAmazing Race. The objective was for the GENTS to be aware of the educational offerings and history that exists in their immediate surroundings. GENTS were expected to pay attention to the historical landmarks, higher education options, as well as learn more about the contributions of African American and/or Latin Americans’ in their everyday environments. Additional goals of this activity were for participants to embrace teamwork as well as to demonstrate effective communication when approaching and speaking to strangers to help them achieve their goal. Equipped with a scavenger list and a camera phone, GENTS were paired with brothers to accompany them along their journey. Within 3 hours, teams of 4 were created and the young men scattered throughout Manhattan in hopes of winning while learning more about their home city. Their task was to take pictures of various sites while completing random acts along their journey. Some of the sites included popular places like City Hall and local Colleges while taking pictures of miscellaneous items (e.g. taxi cabs, dogs in clothing), all while answering relevant trivia. Teams were able to earn points by taking the most pictures and providing the right answers to the trivia. Time was of the essence as GENTS and brothers were running against the clock in hopes of becoming number one. This was a fast-paced day
Continued on page 2
Vol. 4, No. 4
President’s Letter Dear Brothers and Guests, I hope this newsletter finds each of you well. It is truly an honor to inform each of you of all the great work the brothers of Kappa Xi Lambda have already done in 2011 and begin to disclose some of the details behind the events in the upcoming months. Since our last newsletter, the brothers of Kappa Xi Lambda have continued to strive for excellence with our efforts in the community and focus on strengthening of our brotherhood. We were involved in and supported meaningful programming in February in celebration of Black History Month. We were able to collaborate with some of our strategic partners in this effort focusing on making sure the community was informed of the importance of the African American’s contribution to America’s history, but also the importance of us stepping up and serving as leaders for our future. In the beginning of March, we had several brothers head out to our 79th Eastern Regional Convention held in Bermuda. All who were in attendance came back to the US motivated and re-energized to do the work of our beloved fraternity. Many of the brothers have stated how much they enjoyed the fraternal bonds built from the gathering of brothers from different chapters and areas. The upcoming months will find the brothers convening in Chicago in June for our National Convention and in August for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Ceremony. I encourage all brothers who can to make an effort to attend these events. I continue to be impressed with the development of our Alpha GENTS throughout the year. The brothers and GENTS spent several weeks Continued on page 2
President’s Letter Continued from Page 1 working on the planning of our Annual National Project Alpha, which took place on April 16. Judging by the participation of the brothers and feedback from the GENTS, this may have been the best program yet! We continue to work with our Alpha GENTS on their professional development and focus on assisting our outgoing seniors with their transition into college life. The brothers are working diligently to support our efforts in the community. Our chairmen for March for Babies, our annual chapter initiative of Alphas Against Aids, and establishing our relationship with the Wall Street Walk/Run, are at the forefront of our minds. We are also in the midst of finalizing the logistics of our highly anticipated wine tasting entitled SIP in June. This event will assist us in our continued development and mentoring of our Alpha GENTS and is sure to be a very eventful night.
….ALPHAmazing Race Continued from page 1 as team players tested their physical and mental endurance. Ultimately there was only one winning team as Brother Gio Gallaread and his GENTS teammates (l -r) : JordanToby (9th grade), Robert Spencer (12th grade), Mamadou Bah (11th grade) and Thomas Ravello (9th grade) earned the most points. Members of the winning team hold their prize “Decoded”, hip hop mogul Jay-Z’s latest reader (first picture) and are seen participating in a race task (second picture).
As you can see the brothers have been extremely busy over the last few months and continue to answer our call to service as stewards of the NYC community. While we have had a very productive year, I encourage each and every brother to continue to hold the light high and support the chapter with our efforts to end this fraternal year with the energy and enthusiasm we have maintained throughout this fraternal year. Let us continue to seek the opportunities to make a difference in the community, reclaim our brothers and bring them back into the house of Alpha, continue to find ways to get our brothers involved in the business of the chapter, and enjoy the impact we are having on the community and each other’s lives. Onwards and upwards! Lael Chappell President, KXL Chapter “Wall Street Alphas”
Inside this Edition
President’s Letter Editor’s Report Resurrection Sunday Brother on the Move! KXL “Alumni” Spring Additions March for Babies & Alphas Against AIDS 2
THE EDITOR’S REPORT
Greetings Brothers, I think it‟s safe to say that spring is finally here after a long NY winter. With that brings a sense of energy and renewal as we roll up our sleeves and try to finish off the fraternal year strongly. This time of year may be our busiest yet as the calendar is jam packed with events. In this newsletter we highlight some of the things we‟ve been up to and what the near future brings. Bro. Dr. Ted Ingram continues to provide tremendous leadership in creating and facilitating programs each month for our Alpha G.E.N.T.S. (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success). Be sure to read about the latest workshops that he and the KXL brothers organized for the G.E.N.T.S. including the ALPHAmazing race, a resume writing workshop and our national program Project Alpha. Great work bruhs! We put the spotlight this month on Brother Eric Dickens in our Brother on the Move section. Brother Dickens is a young up and coming filmmaker. He discusses his passion for film, those who inspire him to make film, and what led him to seek affiliation with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity while a student at Delaware State. In a few days many of us will celebrate Easter Sunday and appreciate a sense of renewal because of the meaning of that day. Bro Wiky Toussaint put the day in perspective, preferring to have us think of the day as “Resurrection Sunday”. Not unlike the
Christmas holiday, it‟s pretty easy to allow yourself to get caught up in the commercialization of the day, worrying more about colored eggs, Peeps, and chocolate bunnies. Bro Toussaint gets into subjects like belief, resurrection, and salvation. Dust the snow off your walking shoes and locate your Alpha gear. The chairmen have been busy getting everything ready to facilitate our teams for March for Babies (May 1st), Alphas Against AIDS (May 15th), and for the first year ever we will participate in the Wall Street Walk/Run (May 17th). Besides being opportunities to burn off a few calories, it‟s an opportunity to come out strong and walk as brothers and family. If you have not put up your website pages to assist in raising contributions for March for Babies and Alphas Against AIDS, please contact the chairmen for assistance! We are happy to once again feature some of our KXL “alumni” brothers who have left the chapter and moved on to new geographies, new vocations, but in most cases, continue to do the work of Alpha. We also happily welcome new members of the KXL family as a few of our brothers have been blessed with children over the past few months. Oh, yeah. SIP is back! 6/6/11. Get your tickets before it sells out! „06, Brian Pruitt Newsletter Editor in Chief Wall St. Alphas
Note: The Editor’s report reflects thoughts or opinions of the Editor and are not necessarily shared by the chapter or the Fraternity as a whole. 3
Resurrection (Easter) Sunday: A Day of Belief and Salvation by Bro. Wiky Toussaint
We will dissect these two topics of “Resurrection Sunday” together. First, you must BELIEVE the Resurrection ever took place. Let’s say one day you are given a new Mercedes S 550 because of a contest you entered and with excitement you share the news with your line brother. The conversation may go this way: Spr 97 #2- “Guess what, I won a contest and received a new Mercedes!” Spr 97 #1- “Oh yeah!” Spr 97 #2- “I can’t believe God’s favor.” Spr 97 #1- “So when can I see it?”
So when can I see it? This is our response to many of life’s unbelievable acts. We need to get to a point in our belief system where we believe without seeing. A familiar passage in the bible-Mark 9:24 says, “The father at once cried out, I do believe, but help (me in) my unbelief. Help me believe more”. Brother’s until we return to Jesus or upon his return, the “Resurrection” is a thing we must believe without physically having been at Calvary to see. John 20:29 says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe”. “Blessed” means empowered to prosper. Brothers you’ll be empowered to prosper in your career, family, finances, health, etc. if you’ll just believe. Trusting that Jesus Christ went to the cross on our behalf is not an easy thing to do, but nothing that ever came in life was “easy”. The cross at Calvary was not “easy”, but the love Jesus had for us allowed him to endure the cross. You must know the resurrection was for our SALVATION. Salvation is described as preservation or deliverance from destruction, difficulty, or evil. God says in Jeremiah 29:11 that he knows the plans for us, but the enemy (Satan) has a plan for us too. The plan is to steal, kill, and destroy us (John 10:10). He wants to bring difficulty and evil into our words. Thankfully, God’s plan is to redeem us from this and he did this by sending his only begotten son – Jesus Christ. Honestly speaking, we merited death, but Jesus dying on the cross saved us from impeding destruction. If you could imagine, always “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Luke 13), well that will be the outcome if you do not accept Jesus Christ’s free gift of salvation. Simply…accept Christ as your savior. Final thought: we have always been taught Resurrection (Easter) Sunday was about new church suits, pretty dresses, the Easter bunny, and chocolate, but Resurrection (Easter) Sunday means so much more. We are so blessed that this act of love took place. Do not succumb to the commercialization of Easter that the media promotes. This Resurrection (Easter) Sunday take the time out to reflect on the Savior’s sacrifice with your families. God bless! 06!
4
Brother on the Move: Up and Coming Filmmaker Bro. Eric Dickens by Bro. Tony Thompson According to Webster’s, creativity is marked by the ability or power to create, to bring into existence, to invest with a new form, to produce through imaginative skill, to make or bring into existence something new. Filmmaking is the process of making a film, from an initial story idea, through scriptwriting, shooting, editing, directing and distribution to an audience. A filmmaker has a significant degree of control over the creation of a movie. This can be a daunting task but not for the intelligence and determination of an Alpha Man! Bro. Eric Dickens is well on his way to becoming a major filmmaker, having had 2 of his short films, Justine and When It Rains, accepted into film festivals around the country. Eric hails from Philadelphia, PA where he graduated from the Franklin Learning Center in 2002 with a concentration in Art. In 2006 he received his degree from Delaware State University with a major in Television Production and a minor in Marketing. He decided to continue his education and went on to graduate school at the New School in New York City graduating with a degree in Media Studies. He is currently employed at Turner Broadcasting as a Digital Traffic Specialist. Eric was initiated into the Gamma Sigma chapter of Alpha in the Fall of 2003 on the Campus of Delaware State. I had a chance to speak with Eric and find out more about the brother who is destined to become a force in the entertainment industry. Brother Dickens I am happy for your success and proud to call you a Brother. What made you decide on Alpha Phi Alpha? What led you to become a member of KXL? I grew up in West Philadelphia and studied Art at a Performance Arts High School. Prior to college I knew very little about Greek Lettered Organizations. I was first exposed to the fraternity through the Dean of the Mass Communications department at Delaware State University, Bro. Dr. Gorum. He informed me on how deep rooted Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. is within American History and how the brotherhood has contributed to society. After researching the organization, and seeing them interact within the community, I decided that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. was the right choice for me. I instantly realized that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. was the only organization that I identified with and that mirrored my core values. When searching for a graduate chapter, I felt like the Wall Street Alpha’s were one of the youngest chapters in the city. I spoke to a few brothers prior and was invited to a chapter meeting. After attending, I quickly felt like I found a place to call home. Do you think Alpha can do a better job retaining Brothers after they leave college? What would you suggest? I believe the only way to encourage undergraduate brothers to remain active within the Fraternity is to work alongside them while they’re still in undergrad so that the transition is smooth for them upon graduation. If alumni brothers and undergrad chapters constantly sponsor events and workshops together, then I believe more brothers would remain active. How did you become involved in filmmaking? What types of films do you make? Throughout college I initially wanted to pursue a career as a director in television, but after several Continued on page 6 5
….Brother on the Move Continued from page 5
internships with different networks that include, BET, ESPN, Court TV and CBS, I realized that I wanted to tell a story that would impact viewers across the world. While attending graduate school, I developed a passion for film when I first read the book entitled “Uplift the Race: The Construction of School Daze”, written by Spike Lee and Lisa Jones. Within the literature, it gave an inside look into the preproduction, production and post-production phases of the film “School Daze”. Although Spike Lee had garnered great success with his first film entitled, “She’s Gotta Have It”, I believe that School Daze was his first timeless piece that is still relevant within today’s society. Witnessing the way that he was able to bring his vision to big screens across America, played a factor in encouraging me to embark on my journey within film. Currently I’ve written several short films that focus on the black experience within real life situations. Although, I specialize in Drama’s, I’ve begun challenging myself to write screenplays that display no color in regards to race. Has the success of men like Spike Lee, John Singleton, or Tyler Perry influenced you? I’ve been influenced by several filmmakers that that include Spike Lee, John Singleton, The Hughes Brothers, Martin Scorsese, John Hughes, The Hudlin Brothers and William Packer, but one in particular that I admire the most is F. Gary Grey. I believe that within any career, progression is the key. Grey made his directorial debut with “Friday” and later directed the “Negotiator”. He was given a budget of $50 million dollars for that specific movie, which was the highest budget ever to be given to a black director. Continued on page 7
Bro. Eric Dickens in a profile spot and doing what he loves behind the camera filming “When it Rains”.
6
….Brother on the Move Continued from page 6 Actor Anthony Mackie was recently quoted as saying that all of the barriers in Hollywood for AfricanAmericans have been broken. "I think right now [blacks] are being kinda lazy on our game," Mackie said. "There are enough brothers with distribution deals and production deals where we should be making our own movies." What is your response to his statements?
Bro. Hamilton recognized in Black Enterprise Magazine
I believe that Anthony Mackie is 100% correct. Why wait for someone to give you the green light when you can put your own dreams into motion. Tyler Perry is a prime example of an overachiever. He has turned a stage play into an empire that includes his own production studios in Atlanta, Georgia. I believe within today’s society, black people have been forced to make films that are limited to drug–related topics and romantic comedies. There is so much more to be told and in order for that to happen we have to come together within our own communities. I’ve had the opportunity to interview Dr. Edward Robinson, who is also from Philadelphia, and at the age of 92 still fighting to change the images of blacks in film. He says that dramas are what shaped not only the negative opinions of other races when it comes to blacks, but also our mindset and perceptions of ourselves. What is your opinion on this subject? Do you think filmmaking has that power? And if so do you have any plans to combat these images yourself? Films have an extremely important influence on people’s perspectives. I believe as a director you have a responsibility to consider your audience when choosing your message. A lot of different nationalities that do not interact with African Americans believe what they see on television and in film are accurate depictions of black culture. Bill Cosby and Sydney Poitier did an excellent job by showcasing blacks in non-traditional roles within films like, Uptown Saturday Night, Let’s Do It Again, and A Piece of the Action. My personal favorite movie is Boomerang, directed by Reginald Hudlin. This film not only launched numerous acting careers, but it showcased blacks as successful businesswomen and men in the
Our February newsletter highlighted Brother Eric Hamilton and his work with his Web Academy. Congrats to Bro Hamilton on being highlighted recently in Black Enterprise in a feature on social media. Black Enterprise Magazine
Continued on page 12
7
Alpha GENTS Resume and Career Workshop A recent Alpha GENTS program focused on the importance of interview preparation as many GENTS are thinking about summer internships or jobs. A guest speaker in that field covered the classroom portion of the workshop. The second part took place in the computer lab at Pace University where brothers worked with the GENTS on improving their current resume or assisting them with starting one. Brothers assisted with style, format, and content. The seniors found this useful as they were able to use the resume for their college applications as well. The juniors were also excited to get a head start with thinking of school after the college tour and also an early start on going after opportunities for employment over the summer.
SIP is Back! You asked. You waited patiently. And finally‌. Once again it’s on!
SIP! Makes its triumphant return on Monday, June 6th 2011 at the Greenberg Lounge located in Vanderbilt Hall at NYU Law School. Donations are $50.00. Please visit www.wsacf.org/sip for more details.
8
Spring has Sprung! We welcome the new additions to the KXL family this fraternal year!
2
1
3
1) Kelso, Dimple, and baby Kingston Anderson. 2) Shannon and Chandra Lanier with baby Madison Emma-Lee Lanier. 3) Aiden Bakari Lee Broadhead representing Spr 2029 for Bro Marcus Broadhead.
9
10
2010-2011 Chapter Officers and Board Members Kappa Xi Lambda Executive Board President:
Brother Lael Chappell
Vice President:
Brother Nicolas Rosello, Jr.
Recording Secretary:
Brother Thomas Mabry, Jr.
Corresponding Secretary:
Brother Jesse Owens
Treasurer:
Brother Sean Henry
Financial Secretary:
Brother Lino Solis
Chaplain:
Brother Dr. Eric Turner
Historian:
Brother Sean Gayle
Coordinator of Intake:
Brother Keith Harvey
Sergeant-at-Arms:
Brother Mel Myrie
Parliamentarian:
Brother Christopher Hunt
Dir. of Educational Activity:
Brother Dr. Ted Ingram
Assoc. Editor to the Sphinx:
Brother Tony Thompson
Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation Board of Directors President & Chairman:
Brother Shawn A. Curwen
Secretary:
Brother Tony Johnson
Treasurer:
Brother Roy A. Williams
Board Member:
Brother Jioha Amatokwu
Board Member:
Brother Damon Culcleasure
Newsletter Committee Editor in Chief:
Brother Brian Pruitt
Assistant Editor:
Brother Tony Thompson
Contributors:
Brother Chris Hunt Brother NaQuinton Gainous Brother Lino Solis Brother Geshawn Williams
11
….Brother on the Move
Why we “March for Babies” by Bro. Giovanni Gallaread
Continued from page 7
process. Within my films I hope to inspire others by showing viewers that we have no boundaries when it comes to telling stories. For more information on Eric’s films please see read the descriptions below and visit the websites. Remember the name Eric Dickens because I’m sure you will hear it again!
Short Film: Justine Website: www.Justine2010.com Film Festivals Accepted: Arizona Black Film Festival, Urban Suburban Black Film Festival Synopsis: Trapped in a world where her courage is tested, Justine is confronted with traumatic news. As she aspires to become a working actress, she begins to experience numerous hardships while trying to survive in the Big Apple. With regret and reluctance, Justine is forced to make life changing decisions that will ultimately detour her relationship and dreams. As she battles cancer – will hope be enough or will her world come crashing down? Short Film: When it Rains Website: www.whenitrains2010.com Film Festivals Accepted: Twin Cities Black Film Festival, San Diego Black Film Festival, Urban Suburban Black Film Festival Synopsis: Fueled by money, Christopher has become a powerful executive at a major Fortune 500 company. Although he has successfully navigated up the corporate ladder, his personal life suddenly takes a downward spiral. Torn between two women, Christopher finds himself tangled in a web of guilt and frustration. When tragedy strikes, he is forced to make an ill-fated decision that will impact everyone in his circle. As the sky turns gray and the night grows cold, will Christopher find a place to call home, “When it Rains”?
For decades, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has maintained a productive relationship with its national partner, March of Dimes, through volunteering, creating awareness and contributing over $1 million to fund research and programs to prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. This year, the Brothers of Kappa Xi Lambda aspire to continue providing service and advocacy for communities by raising $3,000 and having 20 Brothers participate in March for Babies 2011 scheduled for Sunday, May 1st. The Brothers will be meeting at 9:30am at Lincoln Center on the stairs of the Josie Robertson Plaza. As a chapter with a strong historical emphasis on reclamation, an endeavor of this nature provides an opportunity for Brothers, family and friends to come together to uplift the community with a short walk from Lincoln Center to Union Square. In faithfulness to the creed of companionship, there will be a post-walk fellowship at Brother Jimmy’s BBQ in Union Square. Bro. Michael Abraham and Bro. Giovanni Gallaread are spearheading the Wall Street Alphas’ March for Babies Committee. Questions can be directed to WallStreetAlphasMarch@gmail.com and donations to assist the chapter in reaching its goal can be directed to www.MarchforBabies.org/WallStreetAlphas
12
Project Alpha by Bro. Malik Simmonds Brothers and GENTS gathered on Saturday, May 16th for our annual Project Alpha Seminar and Basketball Tournament. As usual, this was the most anxiously anticipated program of the year and was well attended by both GENTS and brothers. The young men had a GREAT time and were engaged in great dialogue. The conversations went to a place that I don't believe anyone of us would have anticipated. The personal stories from both the GENTS and our guest speaker Claire Simon and the ladies from the Young Women of Color HIV / AIDS Coalition were heart felt and genuine. They challenged both groups to rethink and assess ideas about our roles in relationships and the long term impact our behaviors have on one another. Thank you to Brother Rick Thurmond for coordinating such effective speakers for the classroom session and making this an effective workshop. The basketball tournament sparked great competition and camaraderie. The games were intense and a great bonding opportunity for the GENTS. The day would not have been able to run as smoothly as it did without the great participation of the brothers. Thanks to Bros Ingram, Williams, Chappell, Culcleasure, Allen, McClinton, Horton, Robinson, Owens, Mabry, Montgomery, Thompson, Bates, Dawson, Gainous, Figueroa, Harvey, Okhiria, and Burton for coming out. 06!
On Monday, March 28, 2011, City Limits Magazine celebrated the launch of its March/April Issue: "Defining Brooklyn" at Skylight Gallery in Bed-Stuy. Borough President Marty Markowitz proclaimed the day "City Limits" Day in Brooklyn. More than 300 people attended the event. Congratulations to City Limits Director, KXL Bro. Mark Anthony Thomas, making it happen in NYC!
Check out the “Alpha G.E.N.T.S NYC: Project Alpha Basketball Tournament� Facebook page for more on this event and the G.E.N.T.S.!
13
Notable Events! Sketches of a Man "Sketches of a Man" is a collection of Monologues featuring 7 different men who have experienced a major event in their lives and how they were forever changed. These are their stories…stories of Love, Passion, and Vengeance! KXL Brothers Tony Thompson, John Schuck, and Joseph Shayne are featured in the play along with Deshawn Devante, Christopher Raglin, Damien McAuley, and Melvin Shadd. Catch them on Friday, May 20th and Saturday, May 21st at 7 pm, and Sunday, May 22nd at 4 pm at the South Oxford Space in Brooklyn or as part of the DC Black Theatre Festival performing on June 18th and 19th in Washington DC on the Josephine Baker Stage.
Bro. Morton’s Pastoral Installation
"Sketches of a Man", written by Melvin Shadd, is directed by Leslie “ButtaFlySoul” Taylor. Check out their Facebook page and also the website www.dcblacktheatrefestival.com for more detailed information!
On Sunday, May 22, Bro. Rev. Darren M. Morton will be installed as the 7th Pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church, where he received his conversion, ministerial license, and ordination. Besides being the 24th Eastern Region Vice President (2001-2005), many KXL brothers have a particular affection for Bro. Morton as he played a key part in the rechartering of the chapter in 2002. Various services are planned May 17th – 22nd in celebration of this event including guest preacher General President, Rev. Herman "Skip" Mason on May 17. 14
15
What’s Up Bruh?! Reconnecting with past KXL Brothers by Bro. Geshawn “Lou” Williams Bro. Christian Robinson Brother Christian Robinson (Fall '02, Zeta Pi, The University of Georgia) has been spending the past two years in Chapel Hill where he is about to complete his Masters of Business Administration at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School this upcoming May. Brother Robinson was awarded the Consortium Fellowship and subsequently became one of the selected Dean's Fellows for his MBA class. During his time at UNC Kenan-Flagler, Brother Robinson has been actively involved as President of the MBA Investment Club as well as other leadership activities throughout campus. He has enjoyed his time in the wonderful Research Triangle community....and great basketball, of course. Upon graduation, Brother Robinson will return to New York where he will begin working at the JP Morgan Private Bank. Bro. Robinson (right) looking good in Alpha Attire. Bro. Thomas is pictured (below) with US Congresswoman Terri Sewell D-Alabama, District 7 at a DC fundraiser.
Bro. Dr. Wesley Delaine Thomas Bro. Dr. Wesley Delaine Thomas was a Fall of 2006 Initiate of Kappa Xi Lambda. Bro. Thomas left New York and Kappa Xi Lambda upon completion of his residency program and moved to Washington, DC in 2007. He is currently employed as a dentist by the US Department of Defense, where he treats the Marine Corps and Navy Bands, White House staff and members of United State Congress. He has affiliated with the Mu Lambda Chapter in DC. Bro. Thomas serves on the Board of Directors of the Whitman Walker Clinic, and is active in a number of organizations in the DC Metro area including Kennedy Center Circles, DC Area Phi Beta Kappa Society, and Morehouse College Alumni Association. While he enjoys living in DC and continues to travel around the world, his fondness for Kappa Xi Lambda remains, “Kappa Xi Lambda will always be home.” . 16
….What‟s up Bruh?! Continued from page 16
Bro. Lyndell Pittman
Bro. Frantz Jean-Baptiste Jr.
Bro. Lyndell Pittman crossed at Zeta Xi Chapter in the Spring of 1992 on the campus of The University of Southwestern Louisiana. As an active member of KXL he served as chair of the youth programs and was a vital part of the Alpha G.E.N.T.S. program. Bro. Pittman prefers to call what some have labeled as “At-Risk Youth” “Youth with untapped potential” and have worked in this area for the past 20 years. He currently serves as Principal of Academics and Vocational Training at the South Bronx Job Corps Academy. In 2006 returned to his love of running and began training for the 2007 Masters World Games in Riccoani, Italy. “The pride felt serving as a member of the United States delegation, and the rush of success capturing a Silver Medal trumped my intent to officially retire from the world of Track and Field” stated Bro. Pittman. In 2010 he again joined the US team to compete at the World Regional Games held in Puerto Rico and captured two gold and two silver medals. He is currently preparing for the 2011 World Master's Games to be held this July, in Sacramento, CA.
Bro. Frantz Jean-Baptiste Jr. crossed at Xi Psi Chapter, seated at Hofstra University, in the Fall of 1997. He is a Life Member, and also a rechartering member of Kappa Xi Lambda. Bro. Jean-Baptiste served as Chapter President from 2004 to 2006, and also served as President of the Wall Street Alpha Charitable Foundation, Inc. from 2006 to 2007. Bro. Jean-Baptiste currently resides in Queens Village, NY and works in Greenwich, CT at a small Private Equity company. Since leaving Kappa Xi Lambda, Bro. Jean-Baptiste continues to work with minority young adult males in the community through S.H.I.F.T, a charitable foundation he founded, focusing on advancements of minority males from High School sophomores to College freshmen. He is also involved with many ventures from consulting to an early-seed venture; notably, a social networking company based in Miami, FL.
Bro. Pittman (above far right) doing what he loves and representing his country. Bro. Jean-Baptiste (right) showing Alpha style at an event.
17
ΑΦΑ - A Century of Leadership - ΑΦΑ
KXL Brothers came out strong at a recent Black Leadership forum.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter P.O. Box 5382 New York, NY 10185-5382
Contact us at WSANews@gmail.com
Visit us at www.wallstreetalphas.com and www.wsacf.org