The Wall Street Alpha Report The official Wall Street Alphas newsletter Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC
October 2021 | Volume 11 No. 1
The Dream Continues
Martin Luther King Memorial Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Inside This Issue Presidential Address
3
Associate Editor’s Address
4
“I am Now a Five-Year Prostate Cancer Survivor”
5-6
Incoming Chapter Leadership
7
Chapter History
8
KΞΛ Brothers on the Move Bro. Jamel Vanderburg Bro. Aaron Burwell
9-10 11
Calling all Web Designers, Videographers, Graphic Designers, and Writers!
12
Recommended Books
13
Supporting Black Entrepreneurs
14
Celebrating the Brotherhood
15-16
Chapter Updates
17-19
Fraternity At-Large Updates
20-21
Chapter Updates
22
Community Partners
23
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PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS Greetings Brothers: I pray that this note finds you and your families well. I trust that you had a great summer with the opportunity to relax and spend those precious moments with family, friends and loved ones. Welcome Brothers to Fraternal year 2021/2022! We are super excited about the programming we have planned this year. Last year we broke records with respect to our overall programming, fundraising, community service and scholarship initiatives. This year we've made a commitment to 10x our final execution from last year and increase our overall community services programs, fundraising initiatives, mentorship programs and Brotherhood personal development. We will start the year with several virtual webinars that will focus on men's health, COIVID-19 updates, GENTS Mentoring and a First Time Home Buying Seminar. All are essential to the overall health of the Black/African American, Latino Community. I also want to send a hearty shout-out to my Chapter Brothers and wish them all a Happy Anniversary and Happy Recharter Day. Our Chapter celebrates two significant days in our illustrious history and October 5, 2002 is one of those days. We have provided a brief on our chapter in this issue of the Walls Street Alphas Report. Finally my Brothers, as you know, there will be several events celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Bro. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. We hope that you will have an opportunity to participate in the various events as we celebrate the life, legacy and memory of our dear beloved Brother. Thank you and God Bless, Fraternally, Bro. Lino A. Solis, Esq. President Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
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ASSOCIATE EDITOR’S ADDRESS Greetings Brothers, Welcome to the first issue of the 2021 series of Wall Street Alpha Report! The chapter is already off to an amazing start with programs and service for the community, as you will see throughout this issue. You all are continuing to make individual strides within your respective professions, and still manage to make time to check on one another as we continue to acclimate into a postCOVID world.
I’ve truly had the great pleasure of putting this issue together with a smile on my face. Reading the stories of your accomplishments, and your ability to overcome life’s obstacles is a testament to your resiliency. I’d like to give a huge thank you to the Brothers who have decided to share their personal stories in this issue. I think it’s important that we continue to celebrate one another, and take the time to listen to one another's stories, as we never truly know or understand what people are going or has been through. For this fraternal year’s future issues, we are always looking for ways to improve and increase the design of the Wall Street Alpha Report. That said, Brothers, please feel free to reach out to me with anything you feel should be added to future issues. This newsletter is as good as the content that is submitted. I would also like to thank all of our supporters reading this. Without you, we have no audience. Whether you support us from afar, or support us in person during many of our programs and initiatives, just know, you are appreciated! I hope you all enjoy the first issue. Sincerely, Zikomo Barr, M.Ed. Associate Editor of the Sphinx Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
| Volume 11 | No. 1 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
I am Now a Five-Year Prostate Cancer Survivor
Photo Credit: Forbes By Bro. Derrick Butts In April of 2016, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and successfully treated. My latest checkup (April 16, 2021) confirmed that my cancer remains undetectable, and I remain cancer free. I am most grateful, and while I focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I am passionate about advocating for men’s health and prostate cancer awareness. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, except for skin cancer. In 2021, an estimated 248,530 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.1 I wasn’t surprised that I was among some of the most common cancer cases in the country. Knowing that I have a strong family history of prostate cancer, it was just a matter of time before I would be diagnosed. I’d been planning for 15 years for the day that I would be diagnosed. I began getting screened at age 38 after speaking with my physician, Brother Dr. Charles Franklin. He was very proactive and began my screenings so we could get a baseline of my numbers to track changes in my prostate health. Yes, I was fearful leading up to my diagnosis. Preparing for the unknown, I could not see the cancer and hopefully wouldn’t feel it. I thought
that if I ever began to experience symptoms, the cancer would likely be in an advanced stage. On March 10, 2016, the day of my diagnosis, I received the call from the nurse telling me I had prostate cancer. At first, I was scared, even after the years of preparation. But then I felt calm, and a sense of relief, knowing that because I had prepared for this day, I was ready to take action. When the nurse asked me to come in for a consultation to discuss next steps, I reacted with a simple, “no, thank you.” She was taken aback by my response. I then said, “I’d like to schedule the surgery to remove my prostate.” As I reflect over the last five years, I’ve had a range of emotions. I was relieved and grateful after my successful treatment (I chose to have a radical prostatectomy, where they remove the entire prostate and any adjacent glands that may be cancerous.) During my first year, post treatment, I concentrated on establishing my new normal of living. I was optimistic that prostate cancer wouldn’t return but what would my day-to-day life be? • Would the minor leaking I was experiencing go away, or would I always need a pad? • How will my marital intimacy be impacted? • What would be the limitation on thing I could or could not do? • How was it going to be traveling on long trips? • How was it going to be on my first airplane flight? These questions and emotions filled my mind, but I knew I had to be patient as it would take time to heal. Although I was in good health, I began to ask myself, how could I live better and increase my health regimen to maintain good health – eating well and exercising. After the first year, I no longer needed a pad, and I had control of all my muscles. I started Kegel exercises before surgery and have continued up until now, along with my morning core workout. I’m sure I’ll continue them for the rest of my life. During my second year, regular checkups allowed me to stay optimistic that cancer was in my rearview mirror. I continued focusing on increasing my quality of life. I was comfortable with my work-life balance and began talking about my journey to others as I’d been keeping a journal of my experiences since my surgery.
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In my third year, I turned to more advocacy and decided to contribute as a co-author for the book my father began writing about his prostate cancer experiences years before I was diagnosed. “Prostate Cancer – a Family Affair” was written from a non-medical point-of-view sharing our experiences as a black family surviving two generations of prostate cancer. This was also the year that my immediate family decided to become vegetarians, eliminating the poultry and fish, and many processed foods. Additionally, my annual screenings for prostate cancer continued to indicate undetectable levels. In my fourth year, I was eager to start promoting our book (it’s a quick read) that provides information to help men ask more questions of their physician and provide insight on possible experiences based on treatment options. As we began ramping up to connect with churches, organizations, and social groups, COVID-19 stopped us in our tracks – no more in-person interactions. With the desire to still help men become more proactive with their prostate health, I connected with three other men who had the same interests, and we formed the Prostate Cancer Awareness Alliance-DMV (PCAA-DMV). The goal of the non-profit organization is to reach men with targeted messaging, primarily in the DMV region, with hopes they can stay ahead of any prostate cancer diagnosis. We focus on education, information, and knowing where they can go to get prostate cancer treatments and cancer support services within the mid-Atlantic region. Like many people, COVID allowed me to laser focus on life’s most important things, so I sought to improve my quality of life even more. This included my health & health regimens, my wife and family, and the organizations I belonged to with a strong focus to help others. The five-year survival rate indicates the percentage of people who live at least five years after cancer is found. The five-year survival rate for people with prostate cancer is 98%. The ten-year survival rate is also 98%.1 As a second-generation survivor of three generations of prostate cancer, the five-year mark is major milestone. It means that my long-term
survivability is much more likely. The five-year mark for me gave me a reason to celebrate; it was like a new lease on life with April 19th being my second birthday. Today, I am overcome with joy knowing when I leave this earth, it will not be because of prostate cancer. My energy level seemed to jump when I met the milestone, and I decided to celebrate. I consider cycling to be my ‘two-wheel therapy,’ so that weekend, my goal was to ride ten miles for every year I’ve been cancer free. During this 53-mile ride, it was a great day to reflect and rejoice. My Message to You Life after any cancer treatment is about increasing your chance to survive and thrive. If you find yourself in this ‘club that no one wants membership in,’ I encourage you to change your lifestyle, concentrate on what’s important in your life, and then make a strong effort to pay it forward. Work to help other survivors see and live their lives to the fullest potential – spiritually, mentally, and physically. If you don’t know your PSA numbers or the status of your prostate health, schedule an appointment at your first opportunity – don’t wait. Take someone you love with you to the appointment. Cancer doesn’t recognize machismo, and it doesn’t discriminate. To all of you who’ve supported me on this journey, thank you. Your outreach, prayers, and encouragement mean more than I can express. When you can, check out my organization’s website. Diane, my wife, captured my story on video in the Survivor's Stories section. I’m grateful for her and my sons – Jamel and Jared – for continual love and support. I love and am grateful for my Dad's spirit and insight on life and living as a survivor - he is still here. I’m also appreciative for the DMV Spartans cycling team for their support. And to you, my brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, your spirit in continuing to hold up manly deeds….and love for all mankind – in the community reminds me of why I decided to cross the burning sands. Get yourself checked, and please remember, there is life after prostate cancer! Reference 1. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/prostatecancer/statistics - April 23, 2021
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Incoming 2021-2022 Chapter Leadership President
Bro. Lino Solis
Vice-President Strategic Planning Committee
Strategy Committee
Bro. Edward Baynes Bro. Reginald Osborne
Bro. Edward 'Eddie' Baynes
Recording Secretary
Bro. Aaron Burwell
College of Brothers Affairs Committee Community Service
Corresponding Secretary Communication Committee Financial Secretary Budget / Finance Committee
Bro. James Casey
Committee
Bro. Dewane Mutunga
Bro. Reginald Osborne
Committee On Impact
Bro. Brandon Ray
Entertainment Committee
Bro. Jesse Owens
Bro. Lincoln DaCosta
Treasurer
Bro. Jamel
Chaplain
Bro. Kenneth Alston
Bro. Melly Vanderburg Budget and Finance Committee
Bro. Edward Baynes Bro. Lincoln Da’Costa
Chapter Dean of Membership Membership Committee
Williams Bro. Dewane
Sergeant-At-Arms
Mutunga
Parliamentarian Constitution & By-Laws Committee Director of Education Scholarship/Education Committee Associate Editor of Sphinx Magazine Historian
Bro. Geshawn
Bro. Reggie Hilton
Bro. Omezie Omeokwe
Fundraising/Investments Committee
Bro. Tony Bell
College Brothers Affairs Committee
Bro. Dewayne Mutunga
Membership/Reclamation Committee
Bro. Geshawn Williams
Constitution Committee
Bro. Zikomo Barr Bro. Alexander Dan’lyan
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Bro. Geshawn Williams
Bro. Alex Dan’lyan Bro. Reginald Hilton
Chapter History
Alpha Phi Alpha – Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter was founded on August 22, 1974. Our Founders were some of the most connected, and hardest working, men in the greater New York City metropolitan area. The founding members of ΑΦΑ - ΚΞΛ are: Brother William Decker Clarke, Brother Darwin Davis, Brother Albert Holland, Brother Kermit Boston, Brother William Byas, Brother George Daniels, Brother Robert Jones, Brother Weaver Blondin, and Brother Harry White. Our founders, all life members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., were prominent in fraternal, business, civic, and societal life. Never before had a chapter of the Fraternity been founded by a Regional Vice President (Brother Clarke, ERVP), General Counsel (Brother Holland), a state Director (Brother White, New Jersey), and The Editor of “The Sphinx” (Brother George Daniels). The founders attracted the best in Alpha Phi Alpha and met privately on Tuesdays to discuss their business. On October 5, 2002 the ΑΦΑ - ΚΞΛ was officially re-activated and re-dedicated. The recharter members of ΑΦΑ - ΚΞΛ are: Brother Andre Allen, Brother Frantz Jean-Baptiste, Brother Marcus Broadhead, Brother Shawn Curwen, Brother R. Anthony Williams, Brother Nicolas Rosello, Jr., Brother Leeroy Miller, Brother Michael T. Smith, and Brother Serge DeVilme, Jr. Known as the “Wall Street Alphas”, our Chapter covers Midtown and Lower Manhattan in addition to Downtown Brooklyn. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday each month from September through June. Annual programs supported include “Go to High School, Go to College”, “A Voteless People Is a Hopeless People”, and the Alpha GENTS.
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ΚΞΛ Brothers on the Move! Bro. Jamel Vanderburg (Xi Spring ‘08)
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Bro. Aaron Burwell (KΞΛ Spring ‘18) Please join The Wall Street Alphas in celebrating the accomplishments of Bro. Aaron Burwell (KXL Spring ’18) for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the financial services industry and diversity & inclusion space. Bro. Burwell recently accepted a position with Morgan Stanley, one of the world’s leading and highly coveted investment banking firms. He is a Vice President in the Institutional Securities Technology Division and will be spearheading Morgan Stanley’s Diversity & Inclusion efforts, including advising recruitment and talent management practices across the division. Bro. Burwell received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Finance from Morehouse College (2010) and quickly gained experience in Investment Banking & Alternative Investments on Wall Street at Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse. However, his passion for diversity & inclusion came to the forefront when he transitioned and dedicated 6 years of service to the nonprofit sector through Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO), a pre-professional development program for Black, LatinX, and Native American undergraduate students. It was there that he promoted the value of diversity recruitment, talent development, and professional mentoring. Bro. Burwell continues to be a community leader through his service as Recording Secretary of the Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter and an advocate through work on various committees. We are not only proud, but grateful for all of Bro. Burwell’s support and advocacy in closing the career achievement gap for people of color and providing opportunities in the communities he serves. Onward and upward, good brother!
Calling All Brothers! Are you a Brother who has been creating social change within the community? Feel free to reach out and the communications committee will contact you to see if we can share it in our newsletter! You can contact us at:
associateeditor@wallstreetalphas.com
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Calling all Web Designers, Videographers, Graphic Designers, and Writers!
Consider donating your time and talents to the Communications Committee during the 2021-2022 Fraternal Year! Reach out to contact@wallstreetalphas.com if you're interested. #KXLBrotherhoodBusinessSpotlight Brothers who are entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to showcase their business on our social media platforms for a limited time! Please use the guidance listed below to participate: Submit an .mp4 video file no longer than 1 minute to contact@wallstreetalphas.com • Video must include a brief summary of your business • B-roll related to your business may be added as well; each brother is responsible for editing their footage • Must uphold the standards of Alpha; be mindful of messaging as we represent our organization Only select videos will be posted based on quality and adherence to the guidelines provided. We look forward to seeing your submissions!
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Recommended Books
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Supporting Black Entrepreneurs Zikomo Barr, is a fitness coach with a proven track record of helping clients achieve results. He provides customized in-person and virtual training workout programs for those seeking to reach their fitness goals. He understands that in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s important that we invest in our own physical health. If you would like to talk more in detail about how Zikomo can help you reach your goals for the close of the 2021 year and beyond, be sure to reach out to him for a free initial consultation.
For all bookings and business inquiries: Email: zikomobarr@gmail.com Cell: 347.688.6805 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zikomo.b
My name is Tony Bell and I am a franchise owner and operator of CruiseOne of Princeton, N.J., a certified Dream Vacations travel agency based in Princeton, N.J. As part of the nation’s leading home-based travel agent franchise network, CruiseOne of Princeton N.J. has access to the best cruise and land vacation deals and Dream Vacations’ exclusive, elite product and service offerings. Benefits of using an agent: https:// www.tripsavvy.com/reasons-to-use-a-travel-agent-3259812 G. Tony Bell Owner / Vacation Specialist Princeton, NJ T:(609) 436-5123 E:gbell@dreamvacations.com Web: https://gbell.dreamvacations.com/ travel/HomePage.html Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ gtonybelldreamvacations
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Celebrating the Brotherhood
September Birthdays Bro. Ade Ayeni - 9/2 Bro. Gary Mitchell - 9/10 Bro. Curtis Outlaw - 9/9 Bro. Shawn Curwen - 9/11 Bro. James Turner - 9/12 Bro. Derrick Weatherspoon - 9/16 Bro. Brandon Ray - 9/18 Bro. Zikomo Barr - 9/22 Bro. Aaron Burwell - 9/22 Bro. Kenneth Alston - 9/26
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Celebrating the Brotherhood
October Birthdays Bro. Kristopher Jiles - 10/2 Bro. Junior Senat - 10/3 Bro. Shann Bernard - 10/3 Bro. NaQuinton Gainous - 10/17 Bro. Alexander Daniyan - 10/18 Bro. Omezie Omeokwe - 10/29 Bro. Lyndell Pittman - 10/30 Bro. Aly Alani - 10/30
Alphaversaries Bro. Adrian Stratton - 10/26/08 Bro. Walter Lindsey - 10/27/07 Bro. Geshawn “Lou” Williams - 10/31/09 Bro. Thomas Mabry - 10/31/09 Bro. NaQuinton Gainous - 10/31/09 Bro. Matt Montgomery - 10/31/09 Bro. Imonitie Okhiria - 10/31/09
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Chapter Updates
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter invites you to attend the Self-Advocacy/ Networking session for our 2021-2022 G.E.N.T.S. Mentoring Program. The Alpha G.E.N.T.S. (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success) is a cornerstone of Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter's programming that mentors young men throughout New York City. Equipped with the Project Alpha curriculum, Alpha G.E.N.T.S. mentors teach young men how to become responsible young adults. Funded in partnership with the Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation, this program has successfully prepared many mentees for college life and adulthood.
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The national homeownership rate for Black families is 44%, while it is 73.7% for white families. The difference is significant, especially when considering that home ownership is a major form of wealth accumulation in the U.S. in addition to stocks and high wages. The Wall Street Alphas are hosting a virtual seminar for first time home buyers to help take the first step towards wealth accumulation for the Black community and close the wealth gap. Register today at Wallstreetalphas.com/events | Volume 11 | No. 1 | The Wall Street Alpha Report
All men interested in the organization are cordially invited and encouraged to attend. RSVP at wallstreetalphas.com/events.;
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Join us Saturday, November 6th for the Wall Street Alphas Brotherhood & Fellowship Hike •
•
White Shore and Long Path Loop Trail is a rugged 4.3 mile hike with amazing views, waterfalls, ruins, and is considered a moderate to challenging trail (based on fitness level). • The entire path/hike is outdoors and suited for social distancing. • Friends & family are welcome; the event is open to the general public. Suggested Hiking Gear: backpack, weather-appropriate clothing, hiking boots or durable sneakers, portable power bank, food, snacks, & water. • Post Hike Fellowship: please bring your own lunch (refreshments will be provided). • Parking: Free The Wall Street Alphas Wellness & Fellowship Hike Date | Time: Saturday, November 6th 9AM – Noon Meet Time: 9AM - 9:45AM Meetup Location: State Line Lookout Parking Hike Start Time: 10:06 AM (No Exceptions) Trail Details : White Shore and Long Path Loop Trail RSVP: wallstreetalphas.com/events
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Fraternity At-Large Updates
IMDP Training Please see the dates below for upcoming IMDP trainings. Click the link below to access the Zoom invitations for each training. Take advantage of the fall sessions to become certified through the end of next year.
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Official Social Media Platforms of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. Don’t just follow us! Follow all Alpha Phi Alpha’s official social media platforms for news, information, and highlights about the amazing work the Fraternity and our Alpha Brothers are doing worldwide.
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Public Events
Complimentary Broadway Tickets Brothers, please read the note below from Tina Cocumelli, Associate Producer of TBD Theatricals: My name is Tina and I work for Broadway producer Hunter Arnold. I’m reaching out to you because we’d love to offer you and your Brothers complimentary tickets to attend our newest Broadway comedy, Chicken and Biscuits. As you may know, much of the Broadway community has been working on improving equity, diversity and inclusion not just on our stages, but backstage, on the administrative teams and in the audiences. It's important to our team that the whole of our New York community is invited to support the more than 35 Broadway debuts that are being made on this stage, and we would love to see you in our audience. The show is hilarious and heartfelt, and we think it's just what our city needs as the world reopens. If you would like to attend, the RSVP form can be found here, and please feel welcome to share it with your congregation. We hope to see you and your community soon at one of our preview performances!
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Community Partners
www.reypolanco.com
If you are interested in donating to the G.E.N.T.S. program, please do so using the link below—and don’t forget to initiate a Company match if your organization participates. www.wsacf.org/donate The Wall Street Alphas, promoting brotherhood while providing service and advocacy for our communities.
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