The 2013 INAUGURATION COMMEMORATIVE EDITION www.apa1906.net
Mark S. Tillman 34th General President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
CONTENTS
THE SPHINX® H 2013 INAUGURATION COMMEMORATIVE EDITION H VOLUME 99 H NO. 1
IN THIS ISSUE
6
3 EDITOR’S DESK 4 FROM THE GENERAL PRESIDENT 24 NEWS 28 REGIONAL ROUNDUP 32 CHAPTER NEWS 35 NEONEWS 36 BROTHERS ON THE MOVE 38 INITIATIVES 40 7 QUESTIONS The Sphinx Interview with Michael Blake
06 Tillman Takes Charge, Midwest Bursts with Pride On an “ice-cold” weekend in Detroit, hundreds of brothers from around the world witnessed history when Mark S. Tillman took the oath of office as 34th general president of Alpha Phi Alpha. It was a special moment for the Alpha men in Michigan and the Midwestern Region—Tillman is the first general president in more than 30 years who resides in that region.
42 ARTS AND CULTURE 43 OMEGA: CHAPTER OF SWEET REST 46 LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY
ON THE COVER: Mark Stewart Tillman takes the oath of office in Detroit, becoming the 34th general president of Alpha. Photo by Jeff Lewis.
24 Obama Inaugurated and Begins Second Term After winning his final campaign, Barack Obama takes the oath one more time as president of the United States. But he had to take the oath two times—again. Read why on page 24.
43 Telling the Story of Jackie Robinson Learn how two Alpha men took the number “42” and turned it into more than $88 million. There’s only one place for this story: page 42!
Brother James “Tiny” Blanton III: Farewell to a Giant He signed more member shingles and life-member certificates than anyone. Brother Blanton, affectionately called “Tiny,” was a big man with a big heart. With his passing, he joins the fraternity’s “Chapter of Sweet Rest.”
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EDITORS-IN-CHIEF EMERITI ORGANIZING EDITOR RAYMOND W. CANNON (1892-1992) ORGANIZING GENERAL PRESIDENT HENRY LAKE DICKASON (1886-1957)
The
Raymond W. Cannon 1914 Lucius L. McGee 1915 William A. Pollard 1916 V.D. Johnston 1917 V.E. Daniel 1917 Carl J. Murphy 1918-1922 Oscar C. Brown 1923-1929 P. Bernard Young Jr. 1930-1933 Arnett G. Lindsay 1934-1935, 1948 Lewis O. Swingler 1936-1943 1946-1947 1949-1950 Meredith G. Ferguson 1943-1944 Reid E. Jackson 1945 W. Barton Beatty Jr. 1951-1961 C. Anderson Davis 1962-1965 George M. Daniels 1966-1968 J. Herbert King 1969-1972 1973-1974 Laurence T. Young Sr. 1973 Michael J. Price 1974-1990 Charles F. Robinson III 1991-1993 John J. Johnson III 1993-1996 Seaton J. White III 1997-2000 2006-2008 John I. Harris III 2000-2001 William Douglass Lyle 2001-2006
Official Organ of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.® 2013 INAUGURATION COMMEMORATIVE EDITION • VOLUME 99, NO. 1 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RICK BLALOCK sphinx@apa1906.net MANAGING EDITOR Jaquon C. Heath SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITORS Sean M. Allen, Richard Butler WORLD AFFAIRS EDITOR Eric Ham ASSOCIATE EDITORS Terry Calhoun, Stephen Carter, Leslie Elus Carlos Harleaux, Reginald G. Howell Samuel H. Lloyd, Ed Squires COPY EDITOR K. Thomas Oglesby CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Bryan J.A. Kelly, William Douglass Lyle Don Weston SENIOR WRITERS Ellis Albright, Joshua S.D. Harris, Waldo E. Johnson Jr., Ed Marshall, Darryl A. Peal, Derrick Alexander Pope, Ron Peters, Andrew Timothy Siwo, F. Carl Walton
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Andrea Larkin Brown, Jordan F.M. Casson Tyler Clifford, Horace Dawson, Ira L. Foster, Esq. Joseph Gambrell, M.D., Antoine M. Garibaldi Reginald Howell, Jeremy C. Kirk Lawrence Richardson, Roderick L Smothers, Sr. Mark Tillman, Rudolph Williams II, Karin Wilson CONTRIBUTORS Jesse Allen, Dominique Beaumonte, Michael Blake, Delores Diggs, Ashley Evans Rodney T. Frank, Burke Gaddis, Carla Gaskin Chris Harvey, Mark Haskett, Richard T. James Jr. Graham Jones, Bernice Meadows, Lester Patrick John C. Shelby, Elgie R. Sims Jr., Robbie Stokes Stanley J. Taylor Jr., Cameron Jason N. Vasser Washington Wood, Carlos Williams ART DIRECTION THE O’NEAL GROUP Toni O’Neal Mosley Michelle Y. Glennon PHOTOGRAPHERS Rickey Brown, Jarvis Harris, Bryan J.A. Kelly Jeff Lewis, Jason Lewis, Oz Roberts Cory Thompson, Jamal Wiggins Christopher Williams, Evelyn Wright, James A. Wright
2013-2014 SUBMISSION DEADLINES (11:59 p.m. Eastern Time) SUMMER 2013: June 15, 2013 • FALL 2013: August 15, 2013 WINTER 2014: Oct. 15, 2013 • SPRING 2014: Jan. 15, 2014
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. Mark S. Tillman, General President William Douglass Lyle, Executive Director COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS Wendel Eckford, Chairman Paul E. Brown Malik Bullard Tyler A. Clifford Jaquon Heath Christopher Hunt Ed Marshall Victor K. Smith Ozell Sutton Steven Templin II Rudolph Williams II FOUNDERS Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy
THE SPHINX EDITORIAL OFFICES Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 2313 St. Paul St. • Baltimore, MD 21218-5211 (410) 554-0040 • (410) 554-0054 FAX www.alpha1906.net Advertising and Sales Contact: sphinx@apa1906.net ©2013 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Editor’s Desk
Celebrating in Washington and the Motor City
Inaugurations often remind me of commencements. It’s
the ending of one season and the beginning of a new one. So it is with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and also with the republic we call the United States of America. Mark Tillman took an oath to lead the world’s oldest fraternity of collegiate men of color, and Barack Obama again took the oath to lead the world’s greatest democracy. Our job at The Sphinx is to provide coverage of these historic events in the appropriate context, so when people look back to see what happened in 2013, our record will be a factual, clear and concise snapshot. We aim to do that with a commemorative photo album of the 2013 inauguration of the 34th general president, inclusive of his inaugural address in Detroit. I will take a moment to beam with a sense of pride. As a native of Highland Park, Mich., a small city (which birthed the Ford Motor Company) that is surrounded by Detroit, I join thousands of Alpha men from metro Detroit, the state of Michigan and the Midwestern Region in saluting our return to the top of Alpha Phi Alpha. The last time a brother residing in the Midwest (and in a “Big Ten” state) was general president was in the mid-’70s, more than 30 years ago. Gamma Lambda Chapter in Detroit has every reason to be proud, and The Sphinx takes honor in showing off their chapter house as part of our inauguration coverage. It’s the very house in which I was initiated into the fraternity. This issue also gives us a chance to highlight some of the upcoming stars in Alpha. Each region elected new leaders who will sit on the fraternity’s Board of Directors. Learn who they are in the Regional Roundup section.
Rick Blalock is a two-time Emmy® winner and editor of The Sphinx. sphinx@apa1906.net
In our news coverage, we look to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brother Manteo Mitchell, who won a silver medal in track and field at the London Games in 2012, is gearing up for the gold. Brother Michael Blake provides exclusive background information about how the Obama-Biden team won a second term in the White House in 7 QUESTIONS: The Sphinx Interview. In the Omega section, we bid farewell to one of the true modernera Alpha giants, former executive director James B. Blanton III. H
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FROM THE
General President
New Beginning for Alpha
You ever notice how at graduations, many are
glad school is over? Done with. The end. But actually it is not. That is why graduation ceremonies are called “commencements.” The operative part of that word is “commence,” because life is starting over, commencing—beginning. I have always found beginnings exciting. I believe as we embark upon the 34th general president administration of Alpha, there is nothing but a bright future in front of all of us. We’ve gone through the quadrennial cycle of electing a general president but this is much more than just a new man at the top of our dear fraternity. This is more than just new committee chairmen leading our programs and services. This is a worldwide investment in Alpha Phi Alpha and all for which it stands. This is an investment in our communities at the local level and our world—from our base in America to our reach and touch on every continent.
Mark S. Tillman
If we truly believe that Alpha Phi Alpha is the light of the world, then we must let that light shine brightly so it provides warmth to those who are cold a light at the end of a tunnel for those who are lost and a ray of hope for the hopeless. Our shining star must be as bright as a noonday sun to give off energy to those who need a little boost to keep on keeping on.
is 34th general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. president@apa1906.net
Our work is just beginning anew, and I ask each Alpha man to join us as we go about the business of Alpha—which is service to our communities and our youth. As one wise Alpha man said, we cannot spell brothers without also spelling others. H
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FROM THE “A man who was completely innocent offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Executive Director
We have a mission, a vision and a motto. We have all
quoted the words, “First of all, servants of all, we shall transcend all.” But, from time to time, we must evaluate what these words mean. Reflecting on the history of this organization and its members by design means to me that we are to be the leaders of unpopular choices and decisions. Men vetted, selected, and granted membership—in Alpha Phi Alpha—are those who are uniquely different, apart from the crowd. They are, simply put, leaders. They are the men who stand out because they possess a vision. They are the men who are not afraid to take criticism—and in some cases risk their lives—in order to open doors for those who follow. One of my favorite quotes from Confucius reads, “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” I believe that this speaks to our direction as an organization. We should not be those who listen or watch, but be those who are heard and seen in action. The proof of our investment is in the outcome of our actions. This should be something we keep in mind when sponsoring potential candidates for a lifelong commitment. Alpha is not for everyone who can pay the fees. When was the last time you saw a Lamborghini Veneno sale? Alumni chapters, I challenge you to continue to focus on the development of the men in our college chapters. Your chapters should be the first introduction these young men have to our C2CTM initiative. Together, we must make change by going against the grain to destroy all poison that make negative impacts on our communities. How are you going to leave the seed of change that will cause a shift on our campuses and communities? Finally, if you have reached out to your line brothers in an effort to reclaim them and are provided an excuse, please simply say thank you and forward that information to our Reclamation Committee chairman. It is my hope that they do not attempt to reclaim initiates who do not want to remain brothers.
William Douglass Lyle is executive director and chief operating officer of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. wlyle@apa1906.net
Again, thank you for your commitment to the oath you took as an Alpha man deserving of his pin. H
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Inauguration
Alpha Makes an Investment
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF LEWIS
Mark Stewart Tillman delivers his inaugural address as 34th general president on January 5, in Detroit.
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SPECIAL REPORT
Ushering in a New Investment in Alpha EVERY FOUR YEARS IN ALPHA, brothers, much like Americans, go through a process to elect its leader. Just like in the U.S. it often can be a rigorous, political and rough process. At times elections can even get confrontational. Anytime there is a competition and all the contenders want to win, and only one can, it brings out the best in us, and sometimes the worst.
... in Tillman
Nevertheless, what makes Alpha Phi Alpha strong is brothers’ willingness to understand that after an election, we have one new leader. And, what makes Alpha great is that the leader must also recognize he is the general president of all the brothers, not just those who cast a ballot in his favor or supported him through the campaign season. And so it is that Mark Stewart Tillman became the 34th general president. Brother Tillman’s inaugural brought brothers from around the country to the Motor City during the first weekend of January. The celebration was held at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center hotel. It was a weekend of celebration and introspection as the new general president, his family and the greater Alpha Phi Alpha family began to chart a new investment in Alpha and the communities in which fraternity members are privileged to serve. The following pages are a commemorative photo album full of snapshots that recount another great moment in the history of Alpha Phi Alpha. —Rick Blalock
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Installation
Inauguration
Brother Huel A. Perkins (far left), WJBK-TV FOX2 News anchor, was master of ceremonies.
Ceremony
General President Tillman holds his now-famous key.
The new general president delivers his inaugural address to a packed ballroom in Detroit.
Participating in the ceremony, from left: Ruben A. Minor, relationship manager at Nationwide.; Brother Lowell Perry Jr., vice president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; Brother Walter Kimbrough, president of Dillard University in New Orleans; and Brenda L. Lawrence, mayor of Southfield, Mich.
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Installation
Inauguration
Ceremony
“As you accept this key, I ask you to keep unlocking doors for people; unlocking doors for humanity; unlocking doors that separate us from justice and equality.” –Mark Tillman Brother James McFadden of Arkansas joins brothers in holding up their symbolic keys.
Todd R. Taylor, vice president, Hewlett Packard, jokes that when Brother Tillman puts on eyeglasses they look exactly alike.
A group of high-school-aged boys, part of the Alpha Esquires program, hold up symbolic keys given to them by the new general president.
Participating in the ceremony, from left: William D. Lyle, executive director and chief operating officer of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; Tinesha Cherry, member of Delta Sigma Theta reciting a poem; Brother Phillip D. Hall, vice president, Wells Fargo; Brother Darnell Ishmel of Epsilon Chapter, singing a powerful solo; and Monica Allen, singer. 2013 Inauguration Commemorative Edition H THE SPHINX 9
Installation
Inauguration
Ceremony
“Alphas are men of distinction, but we are men who are never too busy to give help to those who live on the margins of life.” –Mark Tillman
Brother Tillman’s mother, Judy Carter, is recognized.
Brother Tillman’s father and stepmother, Walter and Patricia Tillman.
Velicia Tillman, the new first lady of Alpha, stands to applause.
From left: Brother Elgie R. Sims Jr., Midwestern regional vice president presents Brother Tillman with a special “34th General President“ motorcycle helmet; Brother Tony Washington of General Electric, chairman of the C2C Partnership; and Acting General President Aaron Crutison Sr., the Western regional vice president, passes the torch of leadership and presents the gavel to Brother Tillman.
Participating in the ceremony, from left: U.S. Rep. John Conyers of Detroit; 27th General President Charles C. Teamer Sr.; Brother Ronald Griggs, vice president, Hewlett Packard; and Brother Damon Keith, retired judge of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
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Installation
Inauguration
Dara Munson, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, presents an award to Brother Tillman and his “little” brother, Elijah.
Ceremony
Gwen Carmon and Michelle Shafer of the March of Dimes present cufflinks to the new general president.
Brother Ataul Usman and Brother Darrell Joyce present an oil painting of Brother Tillman’s likeness as his sister, Courtney Carter, and friend, Patrick Anderson, look on. 2013 Inauguration Commemorative Edition H THE SPHINX
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Motor City
Inauguration
Welcome Reception
A native of New Orleans, Brother Tillman leads the crowd in a second line dance at the reception.
College brothers from around the country attend the reception.
Members of the Divine Nine celebrate with the new Alpha general president.
Participating in the reception, from left: Darryl Bond, polemarch, Detroit alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; Bonita Herring, international grand basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority; Brother Burke Gaddis, president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Gamma Lambda Chapter in Detroit; and U.S. Rep. Brother Bobby Scott of Virginia.
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Motor City
Brother Tillman and wife, Velicia.
Welcome Reception
Inauguration
Richard A. Austin shares a laugh with the new president.
Brother Cash Sutton (left) and Brother Duane Hill Sr. enjoy the food and festive spirit of the inaugural.
Carla Gaskins, Alpha’s chief financial officer, smiles for the camera.
Schelbehya Hopkins (left), representing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, presents a gift to Brother Tillman.
“Some say we have challenges ahead. I say we have opportunities. Some say the work will be hard. I say the work will be rewarding.” –Mark Tillman
Participating in the reception, from left: Brothers Oz Roberts of Columbus, Ga., and Chauncy Glover of Detroit; Brother Darrell Smith; and Jimmy Hammock, international president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. 2013 Inauguration Commemorative Edition H THE SPHINX
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Gamma Lambda House Visit
Inauguration Home
of the
34th General President
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM AT 293 ELIOT STREET IN DETROIT
Past Gamma Lambda Chapter President Larry Boatwright shows brothers the remodeled basement.
“No place like home.� Brother Tillman outside the Gamma Lambda Chapter House in Detroit.
Brothers look over the remodeled attic, with shrines to Gamma Lambda Chapter, Alpha Upsilon Chapter at Wayne State University, and Pi Upsilon Chapter at the University of MichiganDearborn, and University of Detroit-Mercy.
Brothers are welcomed in the main parlor of the Gamma Lambda House. It features portraits of the Seven Jewels, 34th General President Mark S. Tillman, and historical artifacts from local college and alumni chapters.
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Youth Inauguration Forum
34th General President Mark Tillman addresses the young men at the forum.
Detroit-area teens attend the fraternity’s Youth Forum.
Ecumenical Service
The Rev. Brother Tony Henderson, pastor of Resurrection Christian Center in Detroit, delivers the sermon.
Ministers “place hands” on Brother Mark Tillman and offer a prayer for his Alpha presidency. 2013 Inauguration Commemorative Edition H THE SPHINX
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Inaugural Inauguration Address Inaugural Address of Mark Stewart Tillman
Take a look around this room. This is what seven men dreamed of 106 years ago. We dedicate our lives to these men and their ideals. We build upon their promises, and we look to the future with great anticipation for what is yet to come.
34th General President Inaugural Luncheon and Ceremony January 5, 2013 Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Detroit, Michigan
T
o the past general presidents, Brother James R. Williams, Brother Ozell Sutton, Brother Charles C. Teamer, Brother Henry Ponder, Brother Milton C. Davis, Brother Adrian L. Wallace, Brother Harry E. Johnson, Sr., and Brother Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.: To our Board of Directors, esteemed corporate partners and colleagues of the Divine Nine, and HP, and to my family, my friends, and to you, my brothers of Alpha; Happy New Year and good afternoon! Before I begin, let me acknowledge a brother, who for the first time in Alpha’s history, was elevated to the Office of General President by our past general presidents. He was given this oath last April by our most-tenured general president, Brother Williams. There was no fanfare and no luncheon, but he was asked to lead us through a challenging time in our fraternity. And it is only fitting that we recognize and receive the Western Regional Vice President Brother Aaron Crutison Sr. as a past general president, and publicly salute him for his perseverance, his service, and his leadership in guiding Alpha Phi Alpha. Thank you. Let me also recognize a woman who (like the fraternity’s “mother”) is my Annie Singleton. She was fully invested in Alpha Phi Alpha before I became a member. On November 22, 1985, she was locked arm in arm with Alpha “sweethearts” on the yard at Dillard University, in New Orleans, La., urging my “LBs,” (line brothers) and me not to give up as we marched toward the light; barking at our big brothers saying her baby boy “ain’t weak!’ “And there she stood, waiting patiently as I emerged with my LBs and wearing A Phi A emblazoned
across my newly embroidered T-shirt. How many of you can say your mother was at your crossing? Well I can, and she knew I pledged and was committed to Alpha. And 27 years later, she is still urging me to never give up. So to my mother, Judy Carter, thank you: for your love, your spirit of service, and your investment in me. A special thank you to my wife, Velicia. You are my lifelong partner, and you have shared in my love of fraternity since the day we met at an Alpha Christmas party. Neither one of us knew that one day I would be on this path. But you are the foundation that allows me to serve. Words cannot express my appreciation for you and for your sacrifice. Without your support, I would not be standing here today. So, I simply say I love you, and I am grateful for the reinforcement at home that lets me focus with confidence on the tasks at hand. AN HONOR TO LEAD It is with great humility and pride that I address you, my brothers, as your general president. For me, this is my call to duty; it is your call to action. Some say we have challenges ahead, I say we have opportunities. Some say the work will be hard. I say the work will be rewarding. Some say we have impossible tasks. I say we have the ability to innovate, to motivate and to take Alpha Phi Alpha where it has never gone before.
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ACCEPTING THE MANDATE As I accept the responsibilities associated with being the general president—I do so making few promises. Yet the promises I make, I know I can keep. Alpha Phi Alpha is a brand unlike any other. Its letters, its colors, its emblems—while important to us as brothers—are even more impressive to those who observe us. For our name is synonymous with service. It is associated with quality. It is congruent with historic events that shaped our nation. My promise to you is that we will continue to be our brand. You can expect that our relationships with those who support our mission will remain—and become even better. We will always be of service, and not just for name recognition. Alpha has always left—and will continue to leave—an indelible mark on the fabric of this nation. We teach young minds to read, and thus we empower young minds to think, to wonder and to dream. We give a voice to the voiceless when they walk into the voting booth. We give life skills to boys and guide them with the values and principles contained in the oath of scouting. We gave to the world a memorial to a man—and a movement—to which anyone who sees it will be inspired by his teachings. Take a look at our ranks. We began as a group of African-American men. Today, we are a rainbow of colors—as diverse as our country. Alphas are men of distinction, but we are men who are never too busy to give help to those who live on the margins of life. We remain the humble “servants of all,” which is the trademark of our existence. We are rooted in values that transcend race and gender, elevated by the core notion that we all must be of service and be ready for the task of improving the lives of others.
Inaugural Inauguration Address It requires us to be educated, open-minded, accepting and understanding. It begs us to be innovative and empathetic. Ours is a calling that follows in the footsteps of many faiths. Ours is steeped in the notion that we can, and will, make a difference. Ours is a command to love one another, to support one another, and to be available to one another. SCHOOL FOR THE BETTER MAKING OF MEN We are the school for the better making of men. Through our programs, we have worked with young students: tutoring them; reading in classrooms; taking an interest in their education and development. Alpha is there as they grow up and complete grammar school, middle school, and graduate from high school, and matriculate in college. All the while, we continue to offer guidance, internships and leadership training. This involvement leads to students’ graduation from college life and successful transformation to corporate life. Alpha Phi Alpha has strong ties to the corporate world and nonprofit organizations across the country, and this translates into job opportunities. We also encourage young men to be responsible as they prepare to get married and raise a family, while using resources to advance in their career. And using resources to prepare for their season of service to give back. Alpha Phi Alpha is involved with young men—even before they are born. Our work touches lives and encourages growth so that we have an impact from infancy to retirement and have a presence in the lives of young men and our own Alpha brothers. AN INVESTMENT IN OUR MISSION This has been my belief and my vision for Alpha— that each of us continues our investment in the fraternity and in the people we serve. My mandate is to respect our past, challenge our present and energize our future. Alpha Phi Alpha has been, and shall remain, the preeminent contributor to the better making of men. For us, this is a mission which, while corporate
in structure, is personal in delivery. We must attack current issues and offer our support—our expertise— and our action. Just a couple of weeks ago, America stood still, frozen in shock, at the loss of life in Newtown, Connecticut. We stood there and felt helpless to do anything. In the days that followed, there were calls for change in our gun laws. The tragedy in Newtown, at Sandy Hook Elementary School, brought this issue to the forefront—all at a time when many of our neighborhoods are riddled with bullets so often that those shootings do not make the news. Alpha Phi Alpha is not immune, we have lost good Alpha men to gun violence. We have lost brothers in cities across this country: Chicago, Cleveland, and right here in Detroit. I lost a good friend, Dwyone Joiner, an Alpha brother, who was shot in his own home just a year ago. I am of the belief that this is an area that Alpha has to address in some form. We must help stop the violence and take action [with] more than just a statement, but an action that Alpha can champion with our brothers who are lawmakers. Alpha men, the MLK Memorial is built. There is a new frontier of issues that is impacting the lives of others. Let us construct a new legacy where we can bring positive change! THE SYMBOL OF OUR INVESTMENT You remember this? It is the symbol that allowed my line brothers and me to gain entry into the House of Alpha, and we were all required to hold high the name of Alpha! We were encouraged to always be ready to use our key to open doors and to unlock possibilities. I would like to ask the young men who are here, the Alpha Esquires, to please stand and walk to the front of the room. Please turn and face the audience. I have often said that in order to be a man, you must see a man. The men before you are an extension of something great that began a long time ago. These are real men, and I wanted you to see them. Today, Alpha is making an investment in you, and I present to you your key! It is my gift to you.
Use it as a reminder, that you have a responsibility not only to yourselves, but to your families. Use this key for the locks that you will open each day. You can change people by your actions. When you see something wrong . . . make it right. When you see someone in trouble . . . help them. When you see your friends going in the wrong direction . . . lead them back to the right place. Do you accept this challenge? Let’s give these young men a round of applause. ALPHA MEN GET THEIR CHARGE To my Alpha brothers: as general president, I present to you, your own key! I want you to have this key as a symbol of your dedication, your love and your support of the fraternity and its programs. My brothers, please stand and hold the name high! For when you have your key you are of service. It is an icon of the road we have traveled and the solution to the many locks we have opened. As you accept this key, I ask you to keep unlocking doors for people; unlocking doors for humanity; unlocking doors that separate us from justice and equality. Use this key to unlock the possibilities harbored in young minds. Unlock hope for those who need a kind voice and a simple direction. Brothers, you got your key? By accepting it, you are ready for the responsibility. Don’t lose your key or have it taken from you. You may be seated. It was 168 days ago that I asked you to invest in my vision. In response, you gave me the honor of your votes. In the years to come, we will work together. We may not always agree, but we will share in this journey, and we will rise together—and we will make a difference. And now, I report for duty. Prepared to lead, strengthened by your love, motivated by our mission, elevated by your prayers. This is Alpha Phi Alpha, and I am Mark Stewart Tillman, your most humble servant. God bless you all, and God bless Alpha Phi Alpha! H
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Inaugural Inauguration Ball
The man who runs Alpha (with the men who keep it running): Brother Tillman shares a moment with part of the General Office staff.
34th General President Mark Tillman makes a point to the audience.
U.S. Rep. Brother Bobby Scott of Virginia listens to the speaker.
The new general president and the new “first ladies” of Alpha, from left: Courtney Carter, Tillman’s sister; Judy Carter, mother of the general president; Brother Tillman; and his wife Velicia.
Above and below, the saxophonist belts out tunes throughout the evening, while the singers bring vocal joy to the celebration.
Photographers galore document the historic event in Detroit.
Participating in the Inaugural Ball, from left: Brother Frederick L. Cox III, chairman, College Brothers Affairs Commission; Brother Albert A. Thomas, president of Gamma Eta Lambda Chapter and local convention chairman of the 2013 Austin General Convention; and Brother G. Wayne Watkins, past president of Gamma Lambda Chapter.
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Inaugural Inauguration
Ball
Brothers end the Inaugural Ball and close out the formal activities of the 2013 inauguration with the singing of the ’Alpha Phi Alpha Hymn.’
The new general president shares the spotlight with some of the Alpha wives and sweethearts attending the Inaugural Ball. Pictured seated, from left: Harumbee Jackson; Velicia Tillman; Brother Tillman, Carliss Gaddis; and Lavern Porter. Standing in the second row, from left: Cerise Tounsel; Karen Washington; Beverly Cousin; Phyllis Turner; Zina Tate; Iris Hughly and Carol Jenkins. In third row, from left: Jennifer Jordan and Geri Boswell. Standing in last row, from left: Paula W. Watkins and Kim Hurns. 2013 Inauguration Commemorative Edition H THE SPHINX
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Board of Directors Inauguration Winter Meeting
Southwestern Regional Vice President Roderick L. Smothers, Sr., listens to the proceedings.
Western Regional Assistant Vice President LiQuan Hunt makes a point while Alpha Phi Alpha Historian (at left) Robert Harris listens.
The active past general presidents of Alpha pose with 34th General President Mark Tillman for the 2013 Inaugural official general presidents photo. Seated, from left: Brothers Ozell Sutton (26th); Tillman; and James R. Williams (25th). Standing from left are: Milton C. Davis (29th); Darryl R. Matthews Sr. (32nd); Adrian L. Wallace (30th); Henry Ponder (28th); Harry E. Johnson, Sr. (31st); and Charles C. Teamer Sr. (27th).
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Board of Directors Inauguration Winter Meeting
Southwestern Regional Assistant Vice President G. Christopher Cutkelvin (left) delivers his report.
Eastern Regional Vice President Sean McCaskill (right) addresses the Board as Eastern Regional Assistant Vice President Brandon Johnson (left) looks on.
Brother Mark Tillman presides over his first Board of Directors meeting as general president.
Leadership Team Mission Meeting
Brothers from around the country who volunteered to serve on fraternity committees and programs learn their duties and responsibilities.
Brother Tillman gives the brothers their charge at the Leadership Team Mission Meeting in Detroit. 2013 Inauguration Commemorative Edition H THE SPHINX
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Road to Inauguration
the Presidency
He learned the value of being a brother in “good standing” early from mentors who were instrumental in his initiation and development.
Vintage photos courtesy Mark S. Tillman
B
Brother Mark Tillman receives his diploma from then Dillard University President Samuel D. Cook at commencement in 1988.
On line and in line. Mark Tillman (second from left), with his fellow sphinxmen while pledging Alpha at Dillard University in 1985.
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rother Mark Stewart Tillman’s rise to become the 34th general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity did not happen overnight. Long before he assumed office on January 1, 2013, the road to the presidency was laid from beginnings on the campus of Dillard University in his hometown of New Orleans. Since that time, he has dedicated more than two decades of service to making Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity a leader in the eyes of its leadership and the community it serves. Brother Tillman offers leadership that encompasses integrity, humility, commitment, motivation, versatility, accountability, and dedication as he endeavors to maintain Alpha’s brand. Tillman was initiated on November 22, 1985, at Beta Phi Chapter at Dillard. He learned the value of being a brother in “good standing” early from mentors who were instrumental in his initiation and development. After graduating and entering the professional world, Tillman relocated to Detroit and was elected regional vice president of the Midwestern Region. Under his leadership, he focused on supporting chapters so they could focus on promoting the mission of Alpha Phi Alpha. He provided an environment for brothers to re-engage themselves with the fraternity and invested in the talents of the membership. He continues to provide a vehicle to attract new partners and showcase what the fraternity has to offer. During his tenure as regional vice president, the “Roadmap to Excellence” was instituted as an annual agenda to demonstrate execution of the national strategic plan tasks with the goals of the Midwestern Region. The region ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in chapter compliance nationwide. The region ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in collegiate member attendance at the Alpha Leadership Academy. Despite economic challenges, every Midwestern Regional Convention made a profit and the profits were shared with the host chapters. The region instituted GPA monitoring of college chapters to measure academic progress. Several recognition programs were instituted to honor newly initiated members, chapter donors who supported regional competition winners at general conventions, and chapters celebrating their 100th anniversaries. In addition, the Midwestern Region donated thousands of dollars to support causes that were deemed worthy by the general president and board of directors. As a member of the board of directors, Brother Tillman was appointed to lead a special committee with responsibilities to review and
Road to Inauguration make recommendations to provide outstanding service to members, reduce the administrative overhead tasks of the membership department, and provide input into policies to yield consistency on how members and chapters are governed and supported. Tillman also represented Alpha Phi Alpha at speaking engagements by delivering keynote addresses at several college and alumni chapter events, as well as at other events outside of Alpha. A consistent servant, he served as the associate executive director of the Midwestern Region for four years and served in other capacities as a valued staff member to several Midwestern Region administrations. He has been integral on issues such as chapter administration and compliance, the membership-intake process, event planning, and other activities and programs. A consistent leader, he was an area director in Detroit, and led the state of Michigan as the district director during which the district achieved 100 percent of its chapters being in good standing. To this day, Michigan is considered a model district in the region and the general organization. Tillman has been a member of Detroit’s iconic Gamma Lambda Chapter more than 20 years. He continually serves it as a tireless contributor to its programs, service projects, and brotherhood activities. He has represented his chapter as a delegate to conventions, at every level, and has been a chapter officer in six previous chapter administrations. Brother Tillman was a key contributor on the fraternity’s Management Information Systems Committee that introduced the fraternity to AlphaNET, the organization’s online membership management system. He also served as the workshop presenter on its use. Outside of Alpha, Tillman has more than 20 years of information technology experience and combined service with the Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) through an acquisition of Electronic Data Systems (EDS). He is a technology consultant and lead offering engineer, leading a global team of systems engineers to design, build, and test server platform solutions. He provides leadership in determining technical direction, research, analysis, and implementation plans for new technology standards and processes. He also chairs an employee-network group at HP, where he promotes and executes programs that enhance professional development and diversity within the IT profession. He is also a member of the Black Data Processing Association (BDPA). Tillman earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science at Dillard University in 1988. To ensure balance with Alpha Phi Alpha and his personal life, Tillman is celebrating more than 15 years of marriage with his wife, Velicia. He is also a three-time mentoring big brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, with whom he has committed nine years of service. ABC Detroit Affiliate WXYZ-TV recently honored him as the local “Person of the Week” for his dedication to mentoring. He attends Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Detroit. In his leisure time, he is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping and associated water sports (such
the Presidency
Brother Tillman at his initiation dinner at Beta Phi Chapter at Dillard University in New Orleans.
Then ...
Brothers Tillman and his line brothers pose as the new Alpha men “on the yard” at Dillard University.
... and now
Brother Tillman celebrates with his line brothers at the 2013 inaugural ceremonies. 2013 Inauguration Commemorative Edition H THE SPHINX
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NEWS
Alpha’s Partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters is Strong By Joshua S.D. Harris and Rick Blalock
AFTER TWO DECADES of working to help young boys become productive men, Alpha is entering into another year of working hand in hand with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. At this juncture, it is important to reflect upon the fraternity’s long and successful relationship with the organization.
Three “Bigs” and a “Little” attend a Big Brothers Big Sisters event: From left Brothers Ed Spillers, General President Mark Tillman, his “Little,” and Brother Larry Williams.
Alpha Phi Alpha has produced two national Big Brother of the Year honorees during the past 20 years. It is a feat that no other organization can claim. “I think being a big brother adds a level of familiarity with positive African-American male adult role models,” says Brother Mark Tillman, Alpha’s new general president. “We see in many young boys our past and know they have a bright future ahead—if we are a part of their lives.” Tillman should know. He has been a “Big” for many years and continues to play a role in the lives of his “Littles.” He understands that any mentoring that can prolong a boy’s successful school years is more than worth the effort. “It is crucial to the survival rate of our young men that they know that there is a group of men willing and ready to assist them. It is more than just donating money and more than just having them come to a dinner. It’s about building a one-on-one relationship,” says Tillman. At a time when fathers are increasingly absent in households, and the dropout rate for African-American boys is rapidly rising, someone has to step in and fill the void. The Alpha Phi Alpha men who have become Big brothers make a special point to potential “Bigs”: as a mentor, you do not have to reinvent the wheel. You just have to be willing to invest a little time. “The family structure is so important. As a Big, you are not a replacement for the family structure, but rather a supplement,” says Tillman. Brothers who are interested can learn more by visiting the fraternity’s website www.apa1906.net or www.bbbsa.org, the home page of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. H
Obama’s Second Term Begins After Taking Two More Oaths By Rick Blalock
THE CRIES OF FOUR MORE YEARS were answered in November 2012. But it became official on a Sunday morning in Washington inside the White House. No fanfare. With just his wife and daughters beside him, Barack Hussein Obama was sworn into office for a second term. The simple ceremony preceded the much bigger public occasion a day later at the U.S. Capitol. The Constitution requires the oath take place on January 20, and when it falls on Sunday, the ceremonial swearing-in is pushed to the following Monday. So, President Obama goes down in history for taking the oath of office four times. In 2009, he took it at the official ceremony, but because the Continued on page 42
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President Barack Obama during the inaugural swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 21, 2013. First Lady Michelle Obama holds two Bibles,one that belonged to Alpha Phi Alpha brother, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Lincoln Bible. Official White House Photo by by Sonya N. Hebert.
NEWS
Alpha Olympian Looks to 2016 After Taking Silver in London Games By Joshua S.D. Harris and Rick Blalock
Above, Brother Manteo Mitchell after winning the Olympic silver medal in London. Photo by Mark Haskett/Western Carolina University. At right, Brother Mitchell competes in the 200-meter race at the 2011 Gouden Spike Meeting in Leiden, The Netherlands.
Photo by Piet Wijker
THE 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES are just around the corner. That’s how Olympians see it. One who may be pondering another run at the gold is Brother Manteo Mitchell of Beta Mu Lambda Chapter. Mitchell, initiated at Nu Zeta Chapter at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C., was part of the 2012 U.S.A. men’s 4x400-meter relay team. The U.S. had won the Olympic gold medal in this event every year since 1952 (except for 1972, when three team members were suspended, and 1980, when the United States boycotted the games). Unfortunately, the 2012 games marked the first time since then that the U.S. relay team placed below the top podium. However, considering the circumstances that played out for the squad, second place was not too bad. During the Olympics, the team lost three members to injury, including Mitchell. “I am definitely working toward 2016,” says Mitchell. “My goal is to be the best 400-meter runner in the world. If I do that, I will not only represent the USA on the relay team again, but will also have my shot at gold in the individual event.” Not only is Mitchell excelling in his spikes, he is also an academic star. He picked up his Master of Arts Degree in Education after returning from the London games. Mitchell was a standout track star at Western Carolina and definitely made his mark at the London Summer Olympic Games. He was 200 meters into the 4x400-meter relay preliminaries when he felt a pop. He would later find out that he had broken his left fibula, yet still chose to finish out the race, allowing the U.S. to qualify to compete in the finals. Team U.S.A. won silver in the finals. Although Mitchell did not run in the finals, it is clear that had it not been for his unselfish finish in the previous round, his team would not have qualified for the chance at the podium. H
March of Dimes Honors Alpha with Top Service Award AFTER A 30-YEAR PARTNERSHIP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has been tapped by the March of Dimes as its Top Adult Service Organization. The March of Dimes’ mission is to help ensure full-term healthy pregnancies and to research complications that could hinder healthy births. “We are proud to be an official partner with March of Dimes and will continue to help its efforts in any way possible,” said Brother Mark S. Tillman, general president of Alpha Phi Alpha. “The reality is that the work they do
affects all of us.” “It would not be possible for March of Dimes to save babies and fulfill its mission without supportive partners like Alpha men,” said William D. Lyle, executive director and chief operating officer of the fraternity. The honor was bestowed in October 2012, at the March of Dimes’ annual Volunteer Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla. At the conference, Alpha Phi Alpha was honored for donations to March of Dimes exceeding $264,000. H 2013 Inauguration Commemorative Edition H THE SPHINX
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NEWS
The leadership delegation outside the Prince Gong’s Palace in central Beijing, China.
College Brothers Earn Chance to Visit China By Joshua S.D. Harris
IN AUGUST, two young Alpha men got the chance of a lifetime—a visit to China, the world’s most populous country. past Midwestern Regional Assistant Vice President Fredrick L. Cox III, from Dayton, Ohio, and past Southwestern Regional Assistant Vice President G. Christopher Cutkelvin, from Houston, Texas, boarded a flight in Seattle, Wash., bound for China. They were joined by a group of other student leaders from the Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP) and the Divine Nine. The students were part of the National Urban League’s African-American Student Leadership Study Visit. The mission was to study and explore the Peoples Republic of China for two weeks. The Alphas were able to attend after earning a scholarship from the Alpha Phi Alpha Educational Foundation, which covered the expenses.
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“This was an incredible experience,” said Cutkelvin. “The fraternity’s education foundation afforded me an opportunity to experience some eye-opening moments that will impact me forever; not only in my pursuit of education and understanding, but in my approach to life.” During their stay, the students explored the capital city of Beijing. They also studied China, the world economy and teachings of Confucius under professors at Beijing Normal University. The group also visited the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace and Tiananmen Square. Unfortunately, Brothers Michael Williams from Xi Chapter at Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and past Southern Regional Assistant Vice President Xavier Jones of Kappa Eta Chapter at the University of Memphis, were unable to attend because of a conflict with their academic schedules. H
NEWS
Brothers Aid Sandy Victims in Northeast By Joshua S.D. Harris
AFTER HURRICANE SANDY hit the Northeast, members of Alpha Phi Alpha pitched in to help the many victims impacted. The storm was one of the largest on record when it hit in late October. At least 253 people were killed along the path of the storm in seven countries. As part of response efforts, March of Dimes staff along with Alpha Phi Alpha volunteers and others collected $10,000’s worth of diapers and other supplies. “We thank Kmart and Farmers Insurance for their generosity toward the moms and babies of our region whose homes and lives were damaged by Superstorm Sandy,” said Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “It was difficult to reach brothers who would be able to volunteer because
New Jersey Alpha men join March of Dimes representatives with Hurrricane Sandy relief efforts.
the brothers in the area had just been in the midst of the hurricane themselves and were facing an oncoming snowstorm. But, luckily, brothers persevered and showed up to help and support the March of Dimes,” said Ramon Peralta, Eastern Region chairman of the fraternity’s Project Alpha.
The aid was a collaborative effort in which brothers of Alpha and other volunteers helped to move and load cartons, which were then delivered to several locations. Alpha Phi Alpha was recently named “March of Dimes Top Adult Service Organization.” (See page 25.) H
Alpha Phi Alpha Physicians Honored in Liberia SEVEN MEDICAL DOCTORS, all members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the National Medical Association (NMA), were recently honored for their unselfish work in Liberia. In February, they made the transatlantic trip to Africa to provide free surgeries and other medical services. At a special recognition dinner, the brothers were acknowledged for showing that Alpha men are indeed first of all, servants of all. The Monrovia, Liberia alumni chapter president, T. Nelson Williams II
praised the delegation for living up to the fraternity’s creed of manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind. “This is the kind of selfless service that is expected of each of us,” said Brother Williams, who also is managing director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company. “I want to commend the entire U.S. medical team for the services rendered to our people. I hope that this is the beginning of long-term commitment to Liberia.” Led by Brother Rahn Kennedy Baltimore, president of the NMA, the
Alpha doctors made daily rounds at John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center Hospital, Jackson F. Doe Memorial Hospital and other medical facilities in and around Liberia’s capital. The Alpha brothers pledged to collaborate with members of the Liberian medical community in providing quality medical care for Liberians. Also part of the delegation was Brother Darryl R. Matthews Sr., who is executive director of the NMA and the 32nd past general president of Alpha. H
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REGIONAL ROUNDUP
New Regional Leaders Elected to Fraternity Board of Directors By Jaquon Heath
EVERY TWO YEARS, brothers go to the ballot box at their regional conventions to elect a regional vice president. This leader is chosen to serve two primary roles: one executive and one legislative. As the chief executive of the region, he oversees all operations of the various states and district organizations within his region. In his legislative duties, he sits as a voting member of the fraternity’s Board of Directors. By fraternity rules, the regional assistant vice president (AVP) must be a college brother, and he is second in command of the region. He also serves as a voting member of the Board of Directors. AVPs are elected annually, because in many instances they are elected in their junior year and serve during
their senior year of college. This year, the Board of Directors will have eight new regional officers. Midwestern Regional Vice President Elgie R. Sims Jr. was re-elected to a new two-year term and Eastern Regional Assistant Vice President Brandon Johnson was reelected to another one-year term. The new regional vice presidents-elect are R. Anthony Mills (East); Ron Natson, (South); Maurice D. Gipson, (Southwest); and Russell Flye (West). The new regional assistant vice presidentselect are: Adarious Payton (Midwest); Ismael Brown (South); DeShaun Artis (Southwest); and Darion Wallace (West). H
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS-ELECT R. Anthony Mills Elgie R. Sims Jr. Ron Natson East Midwest Southern
Maurice D. Gipson
Southwest
Russell Flye West
DeShaun Artis Southwest
Darion Wallace West
REGIONAL ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS-ELECT Brandon Johnson
East
Adarious Payton Ismael Brown Midwest Southern
ALPHA EAST 2013 REGIONAL WINNERS
ALPHA MIDWEST 2013 REGIONAL WINNERS
COLLEGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Alpha Cornell University New York District
COLLEGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Rho Tau Depauw University Greencastle, Indiana
ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter Fort Washington, Maryland Mid-Atlantic District COLLEGE BROTHER OF THE YEAR Victor Scotti Jr, Psi University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania District ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR Steven Carter, Theta Theta Lambda Frankfurt, Germany International District COLLEGE CHAPTER HIGHEST GPA Alpha Gamma Brown University New England District COLLEGE BROTHER HIGHEST GPA Victor Scotti Jr., Psi University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania District CHARLES H. WESLEY AWARD Nu Theta and Alpha Phi Lambda Old Dominion University and Norfolk, Va. Virginia District
BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL CONTEST Javaughn Griffin, Sigma Boston, Northeastern Universities; Bentley, Boston Colleges; Univ. of Massachusetts New England District JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS’ BOWL Eta Zeta and Beta Alpha Bowie State and Morgan State Universities Mid-Atlantic District HOBART S. JARRETT DEBATE COMPETITION Zeta Eta Southern Metropolitan New York City Chapter STEP SHOW Delta Chi & Zeta Eta Brooklyn College and Southern Metropolitan New York City Chapter New York District MISS BLACK & GOLD PAGEANT Yvonne Winbourne Gamma Nu Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania District
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ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Epsilon Lambda St. Louis, Missouri COLLEGE BROTHER OF THE YEAR Jomar Mendoza, Sigma Phi Indiana University and Purdue UniversityIndianapolis ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR Charles V. Piphus Jr., Alpha Lambda Louisville, Kentucky COLLEGE CHAPTER HIGHEST GPA Alpha Pi University of Louisville Louisville, Kentucky COLLEGE BROTHER HIGHEST GPA Miguel Doughlin, Epsilon Chi University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky
CHARLES H. WESLEY AWARD Theta Tau and Epsilon Upsilon Lambda University of Michigan-Flint; Kettering University; Baker and Mott Colleges Flint, Michigan BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL CONTEST David Rankine, Gamma Rho Purdue University Lafayette, Indiana JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS’ BOWL Kappa Tau Kansas State University Manhattan, Kansas STEP SHOW Zeta Omicron Murray State University Murray, Kentucky MISS BLACK & GOLD PAGEANT Jasmine Moses, Delta Xi Central State University Wilberforce, Ohio
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
Brothers from around the Southern Region gather on the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta for the College Brothers’ Empowerment Retreat in February.
Southern Region Empowers Its College Brothers By Jeremy C. Kirk
DURING THE SECOND weekend in February, Alpha brothers from around the Southern Region had the chance to participate in the Third Annual Southern Region College Brothers’ Empowerment Retreat (CBER). The event created another opportunity for college brothers to connect, discuss, develop and learn. Brothers who attend school at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta hosted the weekend event. After a traditional Friday night reception, brothers got down to business on Saturday. They participated in a series Brother Charlie of workshops, including presentations on Nelms delivers the keynote address at Alpha protocol, leadership, event planning the 2013 CBER in and on how to dress to impress. Brother Atlanta. Charlie Nelms, former chancellor of North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C., delivered the keynote address at the Saturday luncheon. Also during the retreat, brothers had the opportunity to hear from General President Mark S. Tillman. He shared his vision for the fraternity and engaged the college brothers in discussions about their role in helping to shape the future of Alpha Phi Alpha. Candidates for regional vice president and
assistant vice president also addressed the retreat. Brothers also took up the important topics of underground pledging and hazing, and heard an inspiring speech from Southern Region Assistant Vice President Jeremy C. Kirk. H ALPHA SOUTH 2013 REGIONAL WINNERS COLLEGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Iota Nu University of Alabama-Birmingham ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Eta Lambda Atlanta, Georgia COLLEGE BROTHER OF THE YEAR Kevin Ferguson, Delta Gamma Alabama A & M University Normal, Alabama ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR Walter Turner Sr., Mu Psi Lambda Homewood, Alabama COLLEGE CHAPTER HIGHEST GPA Delta Alpha Claflin University Orangeburg, South Carolina COLLEGE BROTHER HIGHEST GPA Abdulrahman Hamid, Nu Upsilon University of Mississippi Oxford, Mississippi CHARLES H. WESLEY AWARD Gamma Gamma, Allen University Gamma Pi, Benedict College Alpha Psi Lambda, Columbia, South Carolina
BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL CONTEST Anthony Hyland, Eta Iota Voorhees College Denmark, South Carolina JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN Collegiate Scholars’ Bowl Kappa Omicron Duke University Durham, North Carolina HOBART S. JARRETT DEBATE COMPETITION Mu Xi University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, Mississippi STEP SHOW Nu Upsilon University of Mississippi Oxford, Mississippi MISS BLACK & GOLD PAGEANT Gabrielle Symore Booth, Zeta Mu Georgia State University Atlanta, Georgia
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REGIONAL ROUNDUP
The 2013 Southwestern Hall of Fame inductees pictured from left: Wade Hampton; Huel D. Perkins; Ron “Pepper” Peters; and J.W. Vaughn. Brothers delivered Perkins’ award to him in a Baton Rouge, La., hospital, where he was being treated in the intensive care unit.
New Hall of Famers Inducted at Southwestern Regional Convention AS PART OF ITS 67th Southwestern Regional Convention, brothers honored several outstanding Alpha men by enshrining them into the region’s hall of fame. The ceremony was part of the regional convention Fraternal Luncheon. Honorees this year included Brothers Wade Hampton, Huel D. Perkins, Ron “Pepper” Peters and J.W. Vaughn. Thirtieth General President Adrian L. Wallace, himself a member of the hall of fame, delivered the keynote address. The action-packed
convention was held in Baton Rouge, La., the capital of Louisiana. Brothers from across the four-state region and throughout the country attended. “We had another successful event and set another record in registered brothers and overall attendance,” said Roderick L. Smothers, Sr., Southwestern regional vice president. “The brothers of the Xi Nu Lambda, Beta Iota Lambda, Beta Sigma, Nu Psi and Kappa Nu Chapters provided an exceptional convention experience for
everyone who came,” said G. Christopher Cutkelvin, Southwestern regional assistant vice president. Brothers also had the opportunity to hear the wisdom of past General Presidents Henry Ponder, Harry E. Johnson, Sr., and Charles C. Teamer Sr. during the Brotherhood Smoker. A highlight of the convention was the pinning of more than 275 neophyte brothers and the pinning of more than 20 Alpha men who celebrated their 50th, 60th and 75th membership anniversaries. H
SOUTHWESTERN 2013 REGIONAL WINNERS COLLEGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Beta Phi, Dillard University New Orleans, Louisiana ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Xi Eta Lambda Woodlands, Texas COLLEGE BROTHER OF THE YEAR Nehemiah Stephens, Kappa Kappa University of Arkansas at Fayetteville ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR George Smith, Beta Eta Lambda Oklahoma City, Oklahoma COLLEGE CHAPTER HIGHEST GPA Upsilon Mu Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas COLLEGE BROTHER HIGHEST GPA Augusta Robinson, Beta Sigma Southern University Baton Rouge, Louisiana CHARLES H. WESLEY AWARD Zeta Sigma, Univ. of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Okla. Beta Eta Lambda, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL CONTEST Donte’ Newman, Delta Theta Texas Southern University Houston, Texas JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS’ BOWL Kappa Kappa University of Arkansas at Fayetteville HOBART S. JARRETT DEBATE COMPETITION Iota Mu Stephen F. Austin University Nacogdoches, Texas STEP SHOW Eta Mu University of Houston Houston, Texas
Brothers leaving Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, La., after paying a visit to Southwestern Hall of Famer Huel D. Perkins. From left: Brothers Rick Blalock, former member of Sigma Lambda Chapter in New Orleans and editor-in-chief of The Sphinx; Kamau Marshall and Donte Newman of Delta Theta Chapter at Texas Southern University in Houston; Christopher Harvey, executive director of the Texas district; and Ron “Pepper” Peters, founder of the fraternity’s Brother’s Keeper Program.
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MISS BLACK AND GOLD PAGEANT Shelby Clayton Beta Iota Lambda Baton Rouge, Louisiana
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
Brothers of the Western Region convene in Denver for their 2012 leadership weekend this past October.
Alpha West Summons Brothers to Leadership Academy; Honors Regional VP WHEN YOU TAKE A GLANCE at the school push-out rate of black boys, the mass incarceration of black men, the absence of positive adult males in homes, and in underresourced communities, you have to agree with Jewel Tandy. Right now, (similar to the climate of 1939) we need dynamic solutions that yield sustainable change for our community. The sobering and urgent call to action sounded by Tandy in 1939 resonated with the brothers of the Western Region, who convened the 4th Annual Leadership Academy Weekend in Denver during the first weekend in October. The academy was designed to empower, equip and engage every level of leadership. It provided brothers an opportunity to concretize three years of intentional action, operational enhancement, tactical training and thought-provoking dialogue into an organizational paradigm that systemically addresses the challenges of today and the generations of tomorrow. With a theme of “Engineering the Future,” the academy provided an environment where leaders enjoyed myriad empowerment sessions. The events advanced a universal approach to service delivery, organizational management and execution. Every leader was challenged to return to their community and provide solutions to societal ills while simultaneously stimulating the ambitions of every brother within their care. The academy also included a specific college-brother focus. It was designed to review today’s challenges of collegiate membership at predominately white colleges and universities. Led by Regional Assistant Vice President LiQuan Hunt, the brothers shared ideas on how to best support and
sustain the fraternity’s presence on these campuses. The brothers also paid special tribute to outgoing Regional Vice President Aaron Crutison Sr. for his unwavering commitment to Alpha Phi Alpha and his service as acting general president during the latter half of 2012. The brothers thanked him for answering the call to lead the fraternity during a critical time in its history. Honored by the support of the brotherhood, Brother Crutison simply reminded the brothers that “anyone can lead, but it takes a special brother to lead with an authentic commitment to the service of all.” H
ALPHA WEST 2013 REGIONAL WINNERS COLLEGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Alpha Epsilon University of California, Berkeley ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Delta Tau Lambda Phoenix, Arizona COLLEGE BROTHER OF THE YEAR Darion Wallace, Alpha Epsilon University of California, Berkeley ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR Johnny Galbert, Theta Pi Lambda Las Vegas, Nevada CHARLES H. WESLEY AWARD Mu Eta, Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz. Delta Tau Lambda, Phoenix, Arizona
JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS’ BOWL Gamma Xi University of California, Los Angeles HOBART S. JARRETT DEBATE COMPETITION Rho Beta Portland State University and University of Oregon STEP SHOW Alpha Epsilon University of California, Berkeley MISS BLACK & GOLD PAGEANT Shakira Abney-Wilson Rocky Mountain District
BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL CONTEST David Spencer, Rho Beta University of Oregon
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CHAPTER NEWS
Students join brothers from Alpha Nu Lambda and Gamma Phi Chapters in Tuskegee, Ala., for the daylong retreat titled “Be Like King.”
Alpha Nu Lambda, Gamma Phi Brothers Hold “Be Like King” Retreat at Tuskegee University By Reginald Howell
NEARLY 50 YOUNG MEN and boys, including middle school students through college sophomores and members of the laymen ministry at Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church, spent a full day in January on the campus of Tuskegee University learning to be like Brother Martin Luther King Jr. Officially titled “Be Like King,” the program was a retreat sponsored by brothers of Alpha Nu Lambda and Gamma Phi Chapters. It is the first time, the chapters have held the retreat, and next year’s program is
already on the drawing board. The event is an outgrowth of discussions by the men of Alpha
Phi Alpha to develop programs that will enlighten young black males about the principles of Brother King. The program also served as a catalyst to combat youth violence, stress the importance of education and to close the gap between Tuskegee University, the City of Tuskegee and the greater Macon County, Ala., community. In addition to viewing a film about King, the participants also competed in a team-based quiz bowl and were awarded prizes. H
Each student received a specially designed book bag.
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CHAPTER NEWS
KAPPA KAPPA University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Ark. AFTER RECEIVING DEVASTATING news about Jamaya Johnson and her battle with cancer, Kappa Kappa Chapter brothers at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark. sprung into action and created “A Desire for Jamaya” bone marrow donor registration drive. The event was held in late February on the university campus. Johnson, 14, is an eighth-grade student from Louisiana who has battled blood cancer for two years. Doctors say her only hope to survive lies in getting a bone-marrow transplant; however, no members of her family are a suitable match.
Kappa Kappa Chapter brothers team up with members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority to register bone-marrow donors at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., in February.
Realizing that AfricanAmericans make up only seven percent of the national donor registry, Kappa Kappa brothers recognized the urgent need to
register donors, especially those of African-American descent, which led to the potentially lifesaving registration drive on their campus. H
NU BETA LAMBDA Stockton, Calif.
Iota Pi Lambda Chapter members deliver donated goods. Pictured from left: Brothers Leslie Elus, Darren Handy and Chris Stevenson.
IOTA PI LAMBDA Miami, Fla. IN COLLABORATION WITH Walmart and the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program, the brothers of Iota Pi Lambda Chapter in Miami recently donated more than $2,000 in toys and classroom materials to the Isaac A. Withers Head Start and Child Care Center.
The center provides developmental and child care services during the work week to more than 150 children up to six years old. Items donated to the Withers Head Start Program included textbooks, teacher guides, student workbooks, educational devices, and instructional tools for the classroom. The Head Start program was selected, from a pool of fraternal and community recommendations, as a site in great need
THE BROTHERS WHO call Stockton, Calif., home recently celebrated their fifth anniversary of conducting a mentoring program in the city. There to help celebrate the event were several dignitaries and officials, including a U.S. congressman, president of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors; the mayor and president of the local school board; and a member of the California State Assembly. Members of the community have applauded the chapter for making an impact on the local community—especially the young people who are mentored by Alpha brothers. H
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CHAPTER NEWS
Brothers Lend a Hand for Helping Hands Clothing Drive BETA ALPHA LAMBDA RHO TAU LAMBDA Baltimore, Md.
Brothers in Baltimore from Beta Alpha Lambda Chapter pose for a photograph.
XI TAU LAMBDA Dallas, Texas BROTHER MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. was well known for leading marches during the Civil Rights Movement. His legacy continued when brothers from Xi Tau Lambda Chapter in Dallas participated in a community march and other
IN THE WINTER, the Baltimore-area brothers from Beta Alpha Lambda and Rho Tau Lambda Chapters participated in the annual clothing drive held to provide clothing for the many homeless of Baltimore. The brothers donated, sorted and moved clothing for the drive. Brothers were responsible for sorting more than 100,000 donations of men’s clothing. The sponsors of the event showed their appreciation by presenting a certificate to the chapters for their continued help. H
activities celebrating King’s life in Plano, Texas, in January. Alpha men joined residents at the city’s annual Unity Walk. Goals of the Unity Walk include inspiring citizens to answer the call for service and to work together to build stronger, safer, unified communities. The walk ended at the Dallas Municipal Building. H Brothers from Theta Omicron Lambda Chapter proudly display their award from the County of Wayne and City of Goldsboro, N.C.
THETA OMICRON LAMBDA Goldsboro, N.C.
Members of Xi Tau Lambda and members of the community gather in Plano, Texas, to celebrate the life of Brother Martin Luther King Jr.
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WHEN IT COMES to being notable in North Carolina, one may have to look no further than Goldsboro. The city and the encompassing county recently honored Theta Omicron Lambda Chapter with its 2013 Human Relations Award for notable achievement in the community. H
NEONEWS
A Neophyte Learns a Lifetime’s Worth About Alpha in a Weekend in Detroit By Tyler Clifford
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hy do you want to become an Alpha? This is the question that each Alpha man has had to ask and answer. One may join for the image, the social life, or the networking opportunities that membership offers. Another may join because his father, an uncle or a cousin is a member, and it is something of a family tradition. Or yet another may have missed out on that brotherly bond in his childhood and wish to join for the brotherhood, the essential meaning of fraternity. My reasons included several of those points. However, most of all, there were characteristics within me that aligned with our fraternal principles, and I knew that I was Alpha. I am a leader; I value my community and involvement; and I have the positive attitude that withholds the aura valued in the organization. I am Alpha. Before coming to college, I knew very little about fraternity organizations. Two of my high school teachers were members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and gave me some insight on their experience in their sisterhood, their Greek life. My curiosity led me to discover that influential men such as Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, among several other high-profile men were members. Reading about these great men, and other prominent leaders was my introduction and first impression of Alpha Phi Alpha and that for which it strives. When I came to Michigan State University (MSU), I met brothers of Zeta Delta Chapter. As they say, “the rest is history” and here I am—a neophyte who proudly wears black and old gold. On MSU’s sprawling campus in East Lansing, Mich., I am studying political theory, journalism and public relations. However, being a part of Alpha has already taught me that we must excel not only in the classroom, but outside it, too. We have to be leaders in the community. We have to help others; we have to help others hone their skills and talents.
Neophyte Brother Tyler Clifford meets 26th General President Ozell Sutton in Detroit. I recall doing this in high school: helping musicians in marching band, helping athletes on the baseball diamond, and working with elementary school students to develop their character through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. In college, the work goes on. I have led by example by joining the MSU Literacy Corps, becoming an intercultural aide, working with the student body government, and working with the MSU Black Student Alliance. As a neo, I am involved in the A. Charles Haston Brother’s Keeper Program. Being a leader is making a positive contribution to the betterment of individuals in our world. This fraternity prides itself on its community involvement. We are community leaders today who are building leaders for tomorrow. Sure, college days swiftly pass. So I am doing my best to soak up every bit of the Alpha collegiate experience I can. For me, my time as a neophyte brother has been part of the greatest time of my life. And the most memorable Alpha experience came at this year’s inauguration of General President Mark S. Tillman in Detroit. Experiencing this professional level of Alpha left an impression on me of what Alpha
men are and what many of us new brothers stand to become. Volunteering at the inauguration, I was given the task to assist 26th General President Ozell Sutton, who now is 87 years young. I witnessed that he was one of the most respected men in the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center hotel, but I was completely oblivious to his story. I heard the unspoken story of black history—or at least unspoken in many of our public schools and textbooks. I was forewarned by some of our more seasoned Alpha men that Brother Sutton could talk until the casino closed for the night; but the stories that he told gave me a deeper appreciation for black history and a deeper impression of Alpha’s role in American life. He is a model of the Alpha man—before joining the brotherhood he was a pioneer in Arkansas, a man who was first of firsts. He was part of the first wave of African Americans to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was the first black reporter for the Arkansas Democrat daily newspaper. He was a decoy who was attacked by a mob so that the Little Rock Nine could integrate Little Rock High School in 1957. He was with Brother King at the Lorraine Motel when King’s voice was silenced by an assassin. And the list of Brother Sutton’s involvement goes on and on. The more he talked, the more I was amazed. My experience with Brother Sutton inspired and enlightened me on the involvement of Alpha leadership both as the face of a movement, as well as the movement support system. This gave me a full perspective of what the brotherhood has done for our country for more than 100 years—and counting. This illustrated Alpha’s light, which we must continue to make brighter. I am a neophyte brother, and I intend to continue to do just that—making every day count.H
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BROTHERS ON THE MOVE
Cole and Thompson, Two Ohio Legends, Honored TWO ALPHA XI LAMBDA Chapter brothers in Toledo, Ohio, are now legends—officially. Brothers Lancelot Thompson and Emerson Cole were honored during the African-American Legacy Project (AALP) Legends Luncheon in October. The AALP was established in 2004 and uses its Legend Luncheon to celebrate the accomplishments of northwest Ohio’s most distinguished leaders in the African-American community, past and present. Brother Thompson, initiated in 1950, at Beta Alpha Chapter at Morgan State University Brother Lancelot Thompson JUSTIN FAIRFAX Brothers in Virginia are always blazing trails and making history. This year, Brother Justin Fairfax added his name to the list of trailblazers. He entered the race for Virginia attorney general. Fairfax came in a close second but failed to secure the Democratic nomination. Fairfax graduated from Duke University in Durham, N.C., and earned his law degree at Columbia University Law School in New York. Initiated in 1997 at Kappa Omicron at Duke, he served as president of his
in Baltimore, was honored for his accomplishments as an educator and administrator at the University of Toledo. He became professor emeritus of the chemistry department in 1988 and served as dean of student services and vice president of student affairs at the institution. After graduating from Morgan State with a bachelor’s degree, Thompson earned a Doctor of Philosophy Degree at Wayne State University in Detroit. Brother Cole, 84, was honored for his athletic achievements in college and professional football. He was the first black man to be drafted by the Cleveland Browns and was a member of the Browns’ 1950 National Football League championship team. After graduating from high school in 1946, Cole received an athletic scholarship to the University of Toledo, from which he received a
college chapter. Currently he is a general-organization member. DERRICK HAMLIN The brothers of Beta Alpha Lambda Chapter in Baltimore are proud that one of their own, Brother Derrick Hamlin, has been elected president of the Monumental City Bar Association. Hamlin, initiated in 2004, takes the reins of the oldest and largest bar association for African-Americans in Baltimore. He follows in the footsteps of Brother
Brother Emerson Cole shows off his University of Toledo Hall of Fame ring on the left hand, and his World Champion Cleveland Browns ring on the right. Photo by Lori King/The Toledo Blade.
Bachelor of Arts Degree. After leaving the NFL in 1953, he became involved in several community organizations and also held a position with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. He also was inducted into the University of Toledo Hall of Fame. H
Thurgood Marshall and other legal luminaries. Hamlin is former general counsel of the fraternity’s Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Chapters. He also serves on numerous boards while maintaining a law practice. Hamlin earned his first two degrees in Baltimore: a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Morgan State University and a master of science Degree from Johns Hopkins University. He earned his law degree at the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. LOWELL PERRY JR. After leading Big Brothers
Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee as its president, Brother Lowell Perry Jr. has joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of America as vice president, corporate partnerships. He took on this national role in October. Perry will remain based in Nashville, Tenn. As the Middle Tennessee agency’s leader, Perry was Big Brothers Big Sisters’ large agency “National CEO of the Year” in 2007. The agency, which served more than 2,800 children in 2010, earned recognition in 2008 from the Department of Continued on next page
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BROTHERS ON THE MOVE Health and Human Services. Perry, a member of Tau Lambda Chapter in Nashville, earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale University. He was initiated into Alpha in 1983 at Zeta Pi Lambda Chapter in Seattle. ANDREW SNORTON III A spring 1991 initiate from Xi Eta Chapter at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., Brother Andrew Snorton III is a growing presence in community-related affairs. He was recently cited in the 14th edition of Who’s Who in Black Atlanta, a directory of key leaders in the public and private sector in metro Atlanta. A past officer of Rho Kappa Lambda Chapter in Gwinnett County, Ga., he serves multiple roles within his alma mater, including president of the Association of Wake Forest University Black Alumni. He is also a member of the Deacon Club (studentathlete support), Alumni Council (alumni giving), and Alumni-in-Admissions. As program manager of the LEAD Foundation, he works closely with board members (and Alpha brothers) Willie Cartwright and Michael Woodward and brothers in the area to provide programming for more than 350 middle and high school students. Combined with his freelance writing, he provides a forum for fellow
community- and civic-based entities to share their stories of programming and impact. JOHN TROTTER II Initiated just two years ago, Brother John Trotter II of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is fast making a name for himself in metro Detroit. He was recently honored as a community leader and trailblazer in medicine during Black History month by the Detroit Medical Center. Not only is he a family physician and general surgeon on staff at Detroit Medical Center Sinai-Grace Hospital, he continues a family practice that his father led until his death in 2008. A member of Gamma Lambda Chapter, Trotter spent his college years in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at Howard University and a Doctor of Medicine Degree from George Washington University School of Medicine. Trotter was elected to the Physicians’ Council for Responsible Health Care, with duties to advise members of Congress on health care reform. He is also vice president of the Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce; interim secretary of Region IV of the National Medical Association; and he holds membership in several other professional organizations.
Community In Schools executive Brother David Smalls in downtown Walterboro, S.C., “The Front Porch of the Lowcountry.”
David Smalls AFTER 10 YEARS heading up the Chamber of Commerce in Walterboro, S.C., near Charleston, Brother David Smalls has moved on to a statewide post with Community In Schools of South Carolina (CIS). He was recently appointed the state director of the South Carolina affiliate, which is part of the national CIS organization, one of the nation’s leading nonprofit dropout-prevention organizations. Initiated at Theta Nu Chapter at the University of South Carolina in spring 1983, Smalls has been a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha for more than 10 years and has served as a chapter president, among other positions in the fraternity. He brings a wealth of experience to his new post after serving as president and CEO of the Walterboro and Colleton County Chamber. He was the only AfricanAmerican chamber CEO in the state. During his tenure, he helped develop the area’s marketing and promotional branding campaign, “The Front Porch of the Lowcountry,” with a distinctive red rocking chair as the logo. The campaign successfully boosted the local economy and tourism industry. H 2013 Inauguration Commemorative Edition H THE SPHINX
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INITIATIVES
Alpha Man Gives Real Meaning to Being a “Big” Brother By Karin Wilson
Another newscast, another African-American teen boy murdered
Andrea Larkin Brown, program manager with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, N.Y., presents Brother Jesse Allen with a BBBS tie for his outstanding mentorship. Photo by Kevin Lacem.
by the same. To many in Rochester, N.Y., this was the story making headlines day after day. Alpha member Jesse Allen was tired of it. A Xerox employee with his own children away at college, he knew he had to act. It was unacceptable to be continually bombarded with this tragic news and not do anything. So he called Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Greater Rochester and asked, “What can I do to help? I have to do something!” Andrea Brown, BBBS match coordinator, answered with, “You’d be surprised to know that you can make all the difference in the world.” From that moment on, that’s exactly what Allen did. Allen, a member and past president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Eta Rho Lambda Chapter in Rochester, created far-reaching ripples of change by becoming a Big Brother—for the first time—to a 14-year-old boy named Drake. At the time he was matched with Allen, Drake was the same age as one of those murdered teens on the news. Interestingly, it was yet another tragic news story that led Allen and Drake to their first match activity: swimming lessons. At their initial meeting, Allen told Drake he was excited to invite Drake on his sailboat. That conversation led to a discussion of the sad events involving a drowning at the local beach—simply because the man who drowned did not know how to swim. Drake then revealed that he, too, did not know how to swim and was uncomfortable around the water, but wanted to learn. Brother Allen found a program at the local YMCA for which Drake was eligible, and, shortly thereafter, every Saturday, the two met for a swim lesson. After the class, they grabbed a bite to eat while they talked about life. For the next four years, with trips to museums, the local planetarium, and even excursions on Allen’s sailboat the two spent countless hours building a relationship. The relationship helped foster confidence in the teenager and improved his academic success. They even attended an informational college fair at the local convention center, affording Drake exposure to the world of education beyond high school. Drake was so motivated by this experience that he enrolled in a special class for college-bound high school students, and he and Allen worked on Drake’s college applications together. This cohesive mentor-mentee relationship helped pave the way for Drake’s college career. When Drake turned 18, the match officially ended, but the friendship remained. Allen was next matched with another adolescent named Eugene, who is affectionately known by his nickname, Gino. He helped guide this youngster into making appropriate choices and making the most
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INITIATIVES
“I would not be where I am today if it were not for you helping me to make good choices ...” Gino writing to his “Big” Brother Jesse Allen of a natural aptitude. Allen skillfully guided Gino to use his abilities in positive and constructive ways. He assisted him in focusing on the prize: a college education. Allen did not fully understand the impact he had on Gino until the night of the Eta Rho Lambda Chapter’s Black and Gold Scholarship Gala. Gino’s mother read a note that Gino had written: “I would not be where I am today if it were not for you helping me to make good choices, showing me a better way and letting me know my true responsibility as an African-American male. I am sorry that I cannot attend your surprise tonight; you see, I am away at college, studying to be an engineer—because of you. You were the influence in my life that held me accountable for my own actions and gave me the confidence to go forward. I cannot thank you enough.”
Allen became so involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters that he was asked to join the Rochester BBBS Board of Directors. He answered this call willingly and proudly, offering his powerful mentoring experience as an example. He initiated a focus group to address the void of African-American male volunteers at BBBS. He also serves on the program committee, and has helped the organization raise tens of thousands of dollars. For his outstanding effort, Allen was recently honored by the staff of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester. They surprised him with a “Sterling Presentation” of a Sterling Silver Logo pin and signature-color purple, silk tie. H
Then ...
... and now
Brother Jesse Allen and his “little” brother Eugene, “Gino,” at the Buffalo Bills football training camp during his teen years.
In this recent photo, Gino and Brother Jesse Allen share time during Gino’s break from college classes.
Andrea Larkin Brown contributed to this report.
2013 Inauguration Commemorative Edition H THE SPHINX
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7
QUESTIONS
The Sphinx Interview
Michael Blake, a past Alpha Phi Alpha Midwestern Region assistant vice president, made history by twice helping elect America’s first African-American president.
What did you learn as a political director for the Obama-Biden campaign the second time around? The second time was about validation; the first time was about emotion. A lot of people were joining the effort about hope and change, health care, potentially ending the war and being optimistic about those things happening. The second time was a validation exercise. At that point, we could clearly say we ended the war and we got health care. When we talked about moving forward, it was not just a tagline, it was a genuine belief. It is a fascinating exercise in going to voters around the country and asking do you still believe in us. That is what you are essentially asking them the second time. You also have the factor of how do you reenergize a coalition that was energized in a way it never was before; who overwhelmingly was excited for more so the candidate and the movement than for policies. I think it was an exercise of education about why one time was not enough. It was a very tactical, local and targeted approach. If you could fix one thing that is wrong in Washington, what would that be and why? The filibuster. It is extremely unfortunate that you have a situation where one single person can stop progress. We have a scenario right now where you have people in Congress not moving on things— that would clearly help their constituents. Because he will not face voters again, will we see a freer Barack Obama on issues such as same-sex marriage, gun control and other issues he cares about? As someone who has known the president and been in that political family since 2006, it is still surreal to me that we talk about him as though he is not free and has not done major things. We come at it from a premise that, because an issue does not have a race or gender label, it has not benefited those communities. The healthcare legislation dramatically helps black and Latino communities. Pell grants dramatically help black and Latino communities. But still some say he has not done enough. As it relates to him taking aggressive stands, he took a strong stand on same-sex marriage during the campaign. There’s nothing he laid out in terms of the framing that he has not been talking about. I think we were paying more attention to his speech because it was his first State of the Union of his second term.
It is also important for the fraternity to build relationships and bonds and tactical, strategic alliances with all groups and organizations that will be supportive of our community and vice versa. We are no longer in an era where pounding on tables and protesting are sufficient. We are in a changing nation, and if Alpha Phi Alpha and our members are not thoughtful and cognizant of the necessity of diversity, we will fall behind.
What is your most memorable moment in the White House as a staff member? Probably March 3, 2010. I started that morning with a breakfast with the vice president at the Naval Observatory and the attorney general. Later, I led a meeting that the president joined us in the Roosevelt Room discussing financial regulatory reform. Then later that afternoon, I was in the Oval Office with Jay-Z and Beyoncé and the president. It was one of those days where the epitome of the Obama era was right in front of me. It was like, this young kid from the Bronx is pulling together leaders to talk about major issues and that’s when it starts to sink in, starts to resonate. My mom coined the phrase, “from no house to the White House.” My mother was left homeless in Jamaica, and we were quite poor when we got to New York. Society often dictates that kids like me from the Bronx are not supposed to make it. So, that was a day that it all kind of came full circle. While in college, you served on the fraternity Board of Directors. The fraternity has every demographic you can imagine now. How critical is a diverse membership? Diversity is absolutely essential in any organization that is going to be successful. The reality is that we come in all different shapes, sizes, backgrounds, sexual orientations, hometowns, and if you want to have the best and most collective thought process in understanding what’s going on in communities, and be able to represent all people, you need to be diverse as an entity. I think too often we all become part of organizations of which we only want a certain type of person that fits a certain type of mold. Then we get surprised when we are not able to reach people outside of that mold. So, it is essential.
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What did you learn as a fraternity regional assistant vice president that stays with you today? I remember clearly when I would travel around the region, how much it mattered to have personal time to listen to people. Sure, you can bounce around from meeting to meeting, shake some hands. But when you stop and actually listen to what was going on, in a brother’s chapter, in their lives, and you followed up with them to show them you were listening, it makes a world of difference for that person. I really have taken that experience with me. You watch and see so often in politics that people are going in and out of events, usually for their own benefit, and they have not taken the time to actually help anybody. When I was AVP, there was a lot going on, and brothers wanted to know “are you going to hear us?” That gave me a foundation to be on the Obama campaign. Are you worried that the GOP has passed laws that may make it harder for people to vote? Yes. I think it is a challenge. I think the changing of voting laws to make it more restrictive is not only dangerous, but unjust. But it creates an opportunity. It creates an opportunity for organizations like ours to be focused more on civic education and engagement. We cannot sit on the sidelines and hope someone finds out the information. If they want to change the rules to make it harder for someone to register to vote, then we need to be a part of the process to fight so it does not happen. And, if it does happen, we need to make certain our constituents of all backgrounds are aware of that. So, if they make it seven days for advance voting instead of 15 days? Okay, it would be better to have 15, but let’s not make that an excuse for not voting. Quite frankly, we need to be more vocal about who is putting these impediments in front of us. Voters should be asking them why they are doing it. That brings the broader conversation: if someone wants to make it harder for you to vote, is that someone who is really going to have your best interest in mind? H
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2013 Inauguration Commemorative H THE SPHINX K – karat yellow gold, KW – karat white gold, SS – sterling silver, GF – gold-filled, GP – gold-plated CZ – cubic zirconia
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A R T S A N D C U LT U R E
Alpha Brothers Hit Grand Slam at Box Office with ‘42’ By Ed Marshall IT’S OFFICIAL: ‘42’ hit a homerun at the box office this spring. The Warner Brothers Pictures/Legendary Pictures biopic about Major League Baseball legend Jackie Robinson opened April 12. With the help of two Alpha brothers, it shattered the opening-weekend box office, coming in No. 1 with $27.3 million. The motion picture has since made more than $88 million through June.
From left: Brother Nick Nelson shares a laugh with ‘42’ star Chadwick Boseman and business partner Brother Tirrell Whittley, during a promotional event in Atlanta.
Hollywood-industry leaders have noted that ‘42’ over-performed beyond their expectations and credited the film’s success to how the urban market embraced and supported this film. That happened because of two Alpha men, Brothers Tirrell Whittley and Nick Nelson. The two own and operate Liquid Soul Media, an Atlanta-based marketing company delivered a deep-seeded and grassroots marketing campaign for the film. It included publicity, digital and social- media marketing, faithbased and community engagement, and a national screening program. Another key was delivering one of the largest urban-film partnerships with Walmart. Not only did Liquid Soul create brand awareness for ‘42,’ it reintroduced Jackie Robinson’s legacy with a fairly unknown cast, including Chadwick Boseman (Jackie Robinson), Nicole Beharie (Rachel Robinson) and André Holland (sportswriter Wendell Smith). The three actors teamed up with Harrison Ford (team owner
Branch Rickey) and together the cast provided Oscar-worthy performances all around. Whittley and Nelson began promoting the film in September 2012, with the premiere of the trailer shown during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 43rd Annual Legislative Conference in Washington. They then worked extensively to brand the film and its stars during an eight-month campaign. H
Obama Takes Second Oath Continued from page 24
chief justice flubbed some of the wording, they performed a second swearing-in at the White House. At the second inaugural, the mood was a bit different from the 2009 festivities. There was the re-enacted oath, the big speech and a parade. But the number of balls was less and there were fewer parties and fewer people on the National Mall. The first inauguration drew nearly two million people, even with freezing temperatures. The second time around the weather was much better, many who gathered came without coats. Obama’s second address won’t be remembered like President Kennedy’s in 1961, but it did make history. “We are made for this moment and we will seize it,” Obama said, “so long as we seize it together. For we the people understand that our country cannot
succeed when a shrinking few do very well and a growing many barely make it. We believe that America’s prosperity must rest up on the broad shoulders of a rising middle class.” The president also called on the country to accept all people, despite who they are. He continually used the phrase “we the people” to make that point. “We are true to our creed,” Obama said, “when a little girl born into the bleakest poverty knows that she has the same chance to succeed as anybody else, because she is an American, she is free, and she is equal, not just in the eyes of God, but also in our own.” History was made when the president included a narrative on equality for gay Americans. “Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like
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anyone else under the law—for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well,” the president said. Despite what party one affiliates with, the inauguration of the president is an American event. It’s not a Democrat or Republican occasion. Alpha Phi Alpha has long had members from both parties and continues to do so. This particular president has many to thank for making it to another inauguration, including Michael Blake. Blake is a past assistant vice president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, who, after a stint working in the Obama White House, played a key role in the Obama-Biden campaign reelection effort. Blake reveals the behind-the-scenes happenings in 7 QUESTIONS: The Sphinx Interview on page 40. H
O M E G A : Chapter of Sweet Rest
A Man Called “Tiny” Who Had the Biggest Heart A Reflection by Rick Blalock
T
here was nothing tiny about James B. “Tiny” Blanton III’s heart, his compassion and spirit. Surely brothers in Alpha and others jokingly called him Tiny because he was physically a large man—with a tremendous presence. A towering figure, Tiny did something that no other Alpha has, and is not likely to do: He served as executive secretary/executive director longer than any Alpha man. He signed more shingles and his name appears on more life-member plates than any other. But now, he is gone. Sadly, another Alpha giant, gone. When Tiny was born Feb. 6, 1949, in Knoxville, Tenn., no one knew what impact he would have on the nation, the world and his fraternity. But, impact he had, and it showed through the scores of young men he helped become great leaders. He now leaves that legacy to his sons, Brother James B. Blanton IV, Joseph and Sidney, and their children. Tiny earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Knoxville College in 1971 and a master’s degree in business from the University of Tennessee in 1973. While matriculating at Knoxville College, he joined the fraternity at Gamma Omicron Chapter on Nov. 28, 1968. Five years later, he became Life Member #1308. He took up residence in Chicago, and served as a member in good standing at Xi Lambda Chapter the rest of his life. He married his wife, Emily, there along the way. Tiny demonstrated unwavering leadership and consistent service for more than 40 years. He served Alpha in various positions. He was the longest-serving executive director, from 1977 to 1994; assistant executive secretary from 1973 to 1977; Midwestern regional vice president, from 1995 to 1999; assistant state director for Tennessee, from 1971 to 1973. He had a relationship with 21 general presidents and set a record by attending 30 consecutive fraternity General Conventions. In 2004, Tiny received the fraternity’s highest award to a
Brother James B. “Tiny” Blanton III with Brothers Nick Nelson Sr, (Omega); 27th General President Charles C. Teamer Sr.; and 12th General President Raymond Cannon (Omega) during a General Convention during the Teamer administration in the late 1980s.
member, the Alpha Award of Merit. However, his service to the community did not end with Alpha, it was just the beginning. Tiny played a role in several Brother Blanton’s official fraternity portrait in the early 1970s. professional, civic and fraternal organizations, including freemasonry. His demonstration of service and commitment was recognized by the Illinois State House of Representatives with an official proclamation upon his death. The words from the fraternity’s Resolution Honoring and Transferring (him) to Omega Chapter described Tiny best: “A true example of the mission and tenets of Alpha Phi Alpha, and the initiatives and ideals he championed demonstrated his pledge to uphold the name and workings of the Fraternity. Brother Blanton focused on strengthening and promoting brotherhood in all forms; he was dedicated to our youth and fought for educational opportunities that would empower our young people, particularly to help our boys become great and accomplished men; he worked to develop leaders unashamedly committed to improving our communities, and for the protection and promotion of civil rights and justice for all.” As a young neophyte in 1987, I first met Tiny at the Midwestern Regional Convention in Oakbrook, Ill. A relationship and mentorship—like so many others he fostered over his lifetime that would last over three decades. I got to work with him as a member of the Board of Directors as Midwestern regional assistant vice president. I had the honor of nominating him for general president when he chose to run for Alpha’s highest elective office. One wonders how our path might have been different if he had prevailed in that endeavor. He did so much, touched so many, and leaves us with so many memories—most with laughter. It is still hard to fathom that he died on Jan. 19, 2013, after a massive heart attack. A week prior, brothers were just enjoying his fellowship at the inauguration of General President Mark S. Tillman in Detroit. It is only appropriate to end this tribute the way Brother Blanton always ended his memos, letters, and reports to the brothers: “Let’s keep Alpha #1.” He would insist on that. H Sharron Anderson and Elgie R. Sims Jr. contributed to this story. 2013 Inauguration Commemorative Edition H THE SPHINX
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O M E G A : Chapter of Sweet Rest M. Grant Batey Sr., 92, was described as an educator, realtor, farmer, father, grandfather and lover of all mankind. He was initiated at Xi Chapter at Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio, in 1946. Brother Batey graduated from high school and junior college in Birmingham, Ala., and then served nearly four years in the U.S. Air Force. After his tour of duty, he completed college, earning a bachelor’s degree at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He earned a master’s degree at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. A member of Phi Lambda Chapter in Raleigh, N.C., Batey was a school principal and administrator in the Raleigh Public Schools and Wake County Public Schools before retiring in 1981. He entered Omega Chapter on December 15, 2012. Clyde E. Chesney Sr., 63, joined Alpha Phi Alpha in 1985 at Phi Lambda Chapter in Raleigh, N.C. After high school, in Fayetteville, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degree at North Carolina State University. Later, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy Degree at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. A life member of Alpha, Brother Chesney was a football walk-on at N.C. State, eventually earning a scholarship and selection
to the 1971 Atlantic Coast Conference All-Academic Football Team. He was the first African American to start at N.C. State in football. Chesney retired from Tennessee State University in 2009 after 24 years with the North Carolina (agriculture) Cooperative Extension System. He entered Omega Chapter on April 18, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. John T. Clark Jr., 90, of Chicago was life member #500 and a former associate editor to The Sphinx. He joined the fraternity at Alpha Psi Chapter at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., on April 1, 1945. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he supported America’s war effort by manufacturing aircraft engines at Buick Motors during World War II. In 1951, he went to work for the State of Illinois and retired in February 1995. Brother Clark was an avid bridge player; he participated in regional and national tournaments—and winning many of them—late into his bridge-playing career. Clark, who also was a member of Prince Hall Freemasonry, entered Omega Chapter on April 4, 2012. Kenneth M. Newkirk, 68, of Tifton, Ga., was a member of Pi Iota Lambda Chapter in Tifton. After growing up there, he left for Atlanta and Morris Brown College. In 1964, he was initiated into Alpha at Morris Brown College in Atlanta at Iota Chapter. Brother Newkirk graduated
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from Morris Brown with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Studies and earned a master’s degree in guidance counseling from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Ga. For years, he taught social studies before retiring as director of the Upward Bound program at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. In fraternal life, he held several offices, including chapter president. Because of his dedicated service, he was twice recognized as Brother of the Year. Newkirk entered Omega Chapter on June 25, 2012. Harry T. Penquite Jr., 81, a life member of the fraternity, died two months shy of his 60th anniversary in Alpha. At Iota Lambda Chapter in Indianapolis, Ind., he had served as chapter president and dean of pledges. He received the chapter’s Distinguished Service Award and the Man of the Year Award. Brother Penquite was initiated in 1952 at Gamma Upsilon Chapter at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Miss., at which he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical science. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, Penquite and his wife moved to Indianapolis. There, he earned a Master of Science Degree in Biology from Indiana University. A retired educator, Penquite was a leader in his community, his church and the American Legion He entered Omega Chapter on September 16, 2012. H
O M E G A : Chapter of Sweet Rest
OMEGA CHAPTER LISTING Below is a listing of members who have entered Omega Chapter. For each member: we list his name; the category of membership (college, alumni or life; with life member number if available); chapter of initiation; date of initiation; last chapter active with; and date of death. All of the information is based on what is submitted by chapters and family members and reconciled with the fraternity’s records. A shield next to a members indicates lifetime member.
Gary R. Abernathy, Life #821 Alpha Eta Lambda, 11/29/1967 Alpha Eta Lambda Entered Omega 8/9/2012 Jeffory E. Alexander, Alumni Epsilon Mu, 4/4/1985 Eta Pi Lambda Entered Omega 1/1/2013 Samuel D. Barham III, Life #4414 Beta Gamma, 12/10/1948 Beta Gamma Lambda Entered Omega 10/21/2012 Henry H. Bingham II, Alumni Eta Alpha, 11/17/1980 Alpha Chi Lambda Entered Omega 12/31/2012 Charles H. Briscoe, Alumni Nu, 12/1/1936 Rho Entered Omega 12/6/2012 Roosevelt Casson, Alumni Delta Upsilon Lambda Delta Upsilon Lambda Entered Omega 7/7/2012 Ronald E. Clarke, Alumni Delta Xi Mu Upsilon Lambda Entered Omega 7/31/2012 Arthur Cooper Jr., Life #4644 Eta Tau, 10/9/1971 Zeta Xi Lambda Entered Omega 5/1/2012 Rellie Foster Jr., Life #5069 Beta Eta Lambda, 2/1/1981 Beta Eta Lambda Entered Omega 11/1/2012
Leamon L. Green, Life #4933 Delta Theta Lambda, 4/29/1978 Entered Omega 10/2/2012 Richard Allen Hildebrand, Life #4096 Alpha Gamma Lambda, 6/1/1960) Rho Entered Omega 12/12/2011 Mark A. Humphries, Alumni Eta Rho, 4/30/1987 Entered Omega 12/8/2012
Vernon Pennington, Life Beta Alpha, 12/1/1946 Delta Lambda Entered Omega 6/18/2012 William T. Reliford, Alumni Delta Psi Lambda, 5/12/1971 Entered Omega 10/16/2012 Nelson R. Simmons Sr., Alumni Iota Pi Lambda, 3/17/2007 Iota Pi Lambda Entered Omega 6/9/2012
Lewis R. Hurst, Life #5574 Beta Pi, 4/1/1948 Zeta Zeta Lambda Entered Omega 3/13/2012 Alvin Jackson, Life #6708 Rho, 12/9/1982 Rho Entered Omega 1/10/2013 James M. Jenkins, Life #1585 Beta Eta Lambda, 12/26/1947 Beta Eta Lambda Entered Omega 11/1/2012 Wallace C. Johnson Sr., Life #656 Beta Kappa, 10/14/1947 Beta Eta Lambda Entered Omega 11/1/2012 La Mar F. Laster Jr., Life #7987 Alpha Eta Lambda, 6/2/1985 Alpha Eta Lambda Entered Omega 7/4/2012
Gordon A. Smith, Alumni Mu Delta Lambda, 2/1/1979 Mu Delta Lambda Entered Omega 7/25/2012 Clifford Tyree, Alumni Kappa, 5/1/1973 Alpha Rho Lambda Entered Omega 8/3/2011 Gene Washington, Alumni Delta Mu Eta Beta Lambda Entered Omega 12/21/2012 Jesse C. Williams, Life #1113 Eta Beta Lambda, 5/1/1969 Eta Beta Lambda Entered Omega 6/25/2012 Robert L. Williams Sr., Life #10835 Beta Kappa, 12/11/1959 Beta Eta Lambda Entered Omega 11/1/2012
Wilford F. Lennox, Life #580 Gamma Iota, 12/19/1948 Zeta Zeta Lambda Entered Omega 12/1/2012 Clinnon Mayberry, Life #3326 Alpha Sigma Lambda, 4/1/1971 Alpha Sigma Lambda Entered Omega 10/13/2012
TO ALL OUR BROTHERS IN OMEGA CHAPTER...
Jake C. Miller, Alumni Delta Beta, 11/15/1948 Beta Delta Lambda Entered Omega 1/5/2013 John Myers, Life #4369 Rho, 10/3/1978 Entered Omega 1/10/2013
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE
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Henry Arthur Callis
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS General President Mark S. Tillman president@apa1906.net Immediate Past General President Vacant General Treasurer Hyacinth C. Ahuruonye generaltreasurer@apa1906.net Comptroller Steven Sims Jr. comptroller@apa1906.net Regional Vice President - East R. Anthony Mills vicepresident@alphaeast.com Regional Vice President - Midwest Elgie R. Sims Jr. midwestvp@apa1906.net Regional Vice President - South Ron Natson southvp@apa1906.net Regional Vice President - Southwest Maurice D. Gipson southwestvp@apa1906.net Regional Vice President - West Russell Flye westvp@apa1906.net Regional Assistant Vice President - East Brandon R. Johnson eastavp@apa1906.net Regional Assistant Vice President Midwest Adarious Payton midwestavp@apa1906.net Regional Assistant Vice President South Ismael Brown southavp@apa1906.net Regional Assistant Vice President Southwest DeShaun Artis southwestavp@apa1906.net Regional Assistant Vice President - West Darion Wallace westavp@apa1906.net
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Charles Henry Chapman
General Counsel Wayne C. Harvey counsel@apa1906.net Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer William Douglass Lyle edcoo@apa1906.net APPOINTED OFFICERS Historian Robert L. Harris Jr. rlh10@cornell.edu Editor-in-Chief The Sphinx Ricky L. Blalock sphinx@apa1906.net
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Eugene Kinckle Jones
STANDING COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN CONSTITUTION John M. Williams jmwarho@msn.com ENDOWMENT & CAPITAL FORMATION Vacant BUDGET & FINANCE Anthony D. Wilson addub_cali@yahoo.com ELECTIONS Lucious Turner III l_turner@bellsouth.net
GENERAL CONVENTION OFFICIALS
MEMBERSHIP, STANDARDS & EXTENSION Anthony L. Cheatham tony-cheatham@verizon.net
Director of Conventions Van L. Strickland director.conventions@apa1906.net
PUBLICATIONS Wendel Eckford flailandcrook1906@gmail.com
Parliamentarian Lucien J. Metellus longshot1906@yahoo.com
HISTORICAL COMMISSION Robert L. Harris Jr. rlh10@cornell.edu
Chaplain Clyde D. Carnegie ccrac@comcast.net
PUBLIC POLICY Jean Accius II jean.accius@gmail.com
Sergeant At Arms Darrell M. Chase dchase1906@yahoo.com
HUMAN RESOURCES Roger R. Gregory rogergregory6@msn.com
Security Director Donald L. Woods woods.donald@sbcglobal.net
COLLEGE BROTHERS AFFAIRS (COMMISSION) Frederick L. Cox III coxfredl@gmail.com
GENERAL CONVENTION COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN RULES & CREDENTIALS Ronald D. Stovall Jr. ronald.d.stovalljr@gmail.com RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Joseph K. Byrd jbyrd@xula.edu AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENT Rodney T. Frank ajamu06@hotmail.com GRIEVANCES AND DISCIPLINE Hervery B.O. Young pathfinder1906@juno.com
RACIAL JUSTICE (COMMISSION) Gregory S. Parks parksgs@wfu.edu BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (COMMISSION) Jermaine B. Patterson jpatter06@aol.com LIFE MEMBERSHIP Alex DeJarnett alexdejarnett@aol.com
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George Biddle Kelley
SPECIAL COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN AUDIT Steven Sims comptroller@apa1906.net A. CHARLES HASTON BROTHER’S KEEPER Adrian G. Brockington brock07@msn.com BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL CONTEST LeAaron A. Foley leaaronfoley5@gmail.com BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Dale H. Long dale1906@verizon.net BOY SCOUTS Bobby R. Williams bobbyray_wms@yahoo.com COLLEGE LIFE TO CORPORATE LIFE Kevin P. McAllister kevin.p.mcallister@usa.dupont.com GO TO HIGH SCHOOL GO TO COLLEGE Ernest Black ebthedad@aol.com EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES James E. Baker james.edward.baker1@us.army.mil
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29th General President Milton C. Davis tuskmcd@aol.com
JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS’ BOWL Thomas A. Vance Jr. tommyvance1@gmail.com
VOTELESS PEOPLE IS A HOPELESS PEOPLE Steven L. Jones sljones53@comcast.net
28th General President Henry Ponder ewilsonp@aol.com
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE Brandon R. Tucker brtucker@wccnet.edu
WORLD POLICY COUNCIL Horace G. Dawson hdawson@howard.edu
M.I.S. AND TECHNOLOGY Rufus P. Credle Jr. rpcredl@us.ibm.com MARCH OF DIMES Wilbert L. Brown wlb72@aol.com MILITARY BROTHERS Melvin L. Fogle shawn.fogle1906@gmail.com MISS BLACK AND GOLD PAGEANT André P. Prospere aprospere@gmail.com PROJECT ALPHA William T. Ealy , Co-chair williamealy1906@gmail.com Ramon E. Peralta, Co-chair Ramon.peralta@gmail.com
HOBART S. JARRETT DEBATE COMPETITION Ryan T. Brown brown.ryant@gmail.com
RECLAMATION Frank Russell Jr. frj41@aol.com
INVESTMENT Hyacinth C. Ahuruonye generaltreasurer@apa1906.net
RITUAL AND CEREMONIES Ryle A. Bell rbell@howard.edu SENIOR ALPHA AFFAIRS Sloan T. Letman III letmana@aol.com STEP SHOW COMPETITION Warren D. Isenhour dub1906@yahoo.com TIME AND PLACE Parker Burton III parker_burton@yahoo.com
FOUNDATIONS ALPHA PHI ALPHA BUILDING FOUNDATION R. Leandras “Bob” Jones rleandras7@gmail.com ALPHA BUILDING FOUNDATION CORPORATION James R. Williams 1733 Brookwood Drive Akron, OH 44313 (330) 867-7536 ALPHA PHI ALPHA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Dennis G. Kemp Sr. dgksr1906@yahoo.com ALPHA PHI ALPHA EDUCATION FOUNDATION Ruben Barkley barkleyrjr@earthlink.net PAST GENERAL PRESIDENTS Acting General President Aaron Crutison Sr. crutison@apa1906.net
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Vertner Woodson Tandy
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Clifford M. Clarke clifford.clarke@paradise-inc.com
PROTOCOL AND LOGISTICS Kenyatta N. Shamburger kshamburger@aol.com
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS André A. Moss aamoss@batelnet.bs
Robert Harold Ogle
JEWEL HERITAGE PROJECT E. Eric Elmore erex3@aol.com
HEALTH AND WELLNESS Jerald M. Grace jgrace09@gmail.com
INTERNAL AUDIT REVIEW TEAM Dexter Leon Taylor inspectorgadget07@yahoo.com
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Nathaniel Allison Murray
27th General President Charles C. Teamer Sr. cteamer@cox.net 26th General President Ozell Sutton 1640 Loch Lomond Trail, SW Atlanta, GA 30331 (404) 344-0370 25th General President James Williams 1733 Brookwood Drive Akron, OH 44313 (330) 867-7536 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Corporate Office 2313 St. Paul St. Baltimore, MD 21218 (410) 554-0040 (410) 554-0054 Fax www.apa1906.net ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY JEWEL FOUNDERS Henry Arthur Callis Charles Henry Chapman Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley Nathaniel Allison Murray Robert Harold Ogle Vertner Woodson Tandy
33rd General President Herman “Skip” Mason Jr. 32nd General President Darryl R. Matthews Sr. darrylmatthews@apa1906.net 31st General President Harry E. Johnson, Sr. hej@flash.net 30th General President Adrian L. Wallace alwallacea@aol.com
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2013 Inauguration Commemorative Edition ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. 2313 ST. PAUL STREET BALTIMORE, MD 21218-5234
www.apa1906.net