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The Torch
The Official Newsletter of
Mu Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
_________________________________________________________
January, 2010
Message from the Vice President
Brother Reginald Salter
Happy New Year Brothers!
What a Blessing to witness the start of a New Year with the
Brothers of Mu Lambda Chapter and all of the Brothers of Alpha
Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. New Year’s Day is always a great
time to reflect on the past with fond memories and think heavily
on all of the goals and accomplishments we look forward to in
the future. One of my goals for 2010 is to make a positive and
insurmountable difference in every endeavour in which I take
part. One of those endeavours is to continue being a hand in
helping our chapter reach new heights. My wish is for every
Brother to pick up that mantle as we run this race together.
Take a moment the first week of this New Year and look upon
your development in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Think
back to your initial interview as you sought the Light and all of
the ideals, hopes, and promises you felt you could bring to this
great Fraternity. Have you reached your goals? Is there room
for growth? Are you mentoring within and outside of the ranks
of this great Brotherhood. Yes, being an Alpha Man is a great
privilege and honor. Maintaining the foundation upon which
Alpha is built is our great responsibility. This is our family-Mu
Lambda- and each of us brings talents that will make the bonds
of family stronger in the House of Alpha and in our
communities. Our goal for Mu Lambda should be to tap into
those talents because there is room and a need for EVERY
Brother to contribute.
So, lift high your glasses as we salute the New Year, salute to
every Brother, and a salute to our Dear A-Phi-A. As you
celebrate all that you have accomplished and will accomplish at
this time and in this place, I leave you with a thought all too
familiar to each of us and pray that every Brother in Mu Lambda
will carry the banner of “Esprit de Fraternite”- An Alpha Man’s
attitude should not be how much can I derive from the
Fraternity, but how much can I do for the Fraternity.
Inside this Edition:
•
The Executive Message
•
Alpha Wives Section
•
December Meeting Highlights
•
Beautillion Update
•
Membership News
Skee Phi Clothing Drive
•
Founders Day Social
•
MAAC Conference Call
•
Black Facts
•
Historical Moment
•
Birthdays
Walter Whitley
Editor
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Executive message continued
•
In •proportion for what he does for his chapter and Alpha
Phi Alpha will a member receive lasting benefit from the
fraternity to himself in the way of self development by duty
well done and by and by the respect of Brothers well
served (Brother Charles Garvin).
“First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All”
Reginald O. Salter
Vice President
__________________________________________
Hotel Rooms only $99.00. No promo code needed
ALPHA WIVES
Alpha Wives Christmas Dinner
Approximately 30 Alpha Wives and guests enjoyed dining
by the large stone fireplace at La Feme Restaurant as
they listened to Christmas music.
The relaxing
environment
inside
was
a reprieve
from
the
wintery elements outside. The food was delicious, and
the company was delightful. All music requests were
graciously and beautifully played by the pianist. Guests
received gingerbread men cookies as reminders of the
season as they left the event. Thanks to all Alpha Wives,
Alphas and guests that attended, the event was a success
and an elegant entrance into the holiday season.
•
SEASONS GREETINGS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
TO THE ALPHAS OF MU LAMBDA CHAPTER
FROM THE ALPHA WIVES
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Our next helping hands initiative.
This is will be on MLK's Day of Service.
December Meeting
Highlights
Merit” Award
When: January 18, 2010
Where: MLK Library Downtown Washington, DC
901 G Street Northwest, Washington, DC
Time: 11am-3pm
Activity: Assisting in their MLK Day events
Please feel free to invite all Brothers, friends and
interested gentlemen out to the event. This is
another great opportunity for the interested
person you are sponsoring or would like to
support, to come out and meet other Brothers in
Mu Lambda.
---Justin E. Davis
Photos by Bro. LeRoy Lowery
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The Torch: January, 2010
Membership News
Mrs. Helen Ogle Atkins, daughter of Jewel Robert Harold
Ogle passed on Christmas morning at age 102. General
President, Herman “Skip” Mason and Eastern Region Vice
President, Sean McCaskill were among the more than 60
Alpha Brothers who attended her funeral services at St
Peter’s Catholic Church on December 31, 2009 to lend their
support to her daughter, Dr. Melanie Atkins Brown, her
nephew, Brother Julian Wilson and their family. Mu
Lambda Chaplain, Brother Tony Hawkins assisted with
arrangements and chapter Brothers Tim Fitzgerald, James
McDonald and Ed Norwood served as pallbearers along
with Brothers Tony Cheatham of Iota Upsilon Lambda,
James Wilson of Kappa Phi Lambda and Demon Proctor of
Omicron Lambda Alpha.
He has been engaged in private practice in Washington, DC
and Illinois since 1984. His legal experience includes
government service and corporate practice. He was the first
African American elected to the DC Labor Law Steering
Committee and he has arbitrated labor, employment,
commercial, securities and consumer cases involving state
and local governments, corporate and non-profit entities,
and federal government agencies including the Federal
Reserve Board. He chaired the Arbitration Section, National
Bar Association from 1977 to 2008.
January Events in Washington
Choral Arts Society Tribute
To Dr. Martin Luther King
January 10, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts
2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC.
Tickets: $20.
NBC4’S Health & Fitness Expo
January 16-17, 2010, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Brother Charles E. Donegan
Attorney
Law Professor
Arbitrator
Brother Donegan has been married to the former Patty L.
Harris since June 1963; their son, Arthur and his wife
Yolanda are parents to twin sons. Brother Donegan enjoys
reading, travel, sports, music and stimulating conversation.
He is an activist in the pursuit of social justice and a mentor
for younger lawyers.
A native of Chicago, he crossed the burning sands to Alpha
through Theta Chapter, fall of 1954. He holds degrees from
Roosevelt University, BSC, Loyola University, MSIR,
Howard Law School, JD, Columbia Law School, LLM., and
completed a NEH Post Doctorial Fellowship at Yale Univ.
A law professor, he taught at SUNY at Buffalo, Howard,
Ohio State, Southern, NC Central, and LSU. He was voted
Outstanding Law Professor at Southern Univ. in 1982.
Brother Donegan, along with Mu Lambda Brother Dorsey
Evans, is a founding member of the National Conference of
Black Lawyers; he holds membership in the American Bar,
National Bar and the District of Columbia Bar Associations,
and the American Arbitration Association. He is listed in
Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Law, and
Who’s Who Among African Americans. He is a member of
Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, NAACP and the Urban
League.
This annual event held at the Washington DC Convention
Center offers fun activities to motivate you to take charge of
your health. Try a new sport such as golf, skiing or
snowboarding with the virtual simulators. Check your body
mass index, take a heart risk test and much more.
Important Dates
New Years Day
January 1, 2010
Use Used Day
Our stuff spends most of its life sitting around
waiting to be used. Help save the planet by recycling and
using used items.
January 10, 2010
MAAC Winter Staff Meeting
Westin Waterfront Hotel
Boston, Ma
January 23, 2010
Glaucoma Awareness Month
January 1 – 31, 201
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December Meeting Highlights
Brother Jermaine Wilson receives C.C. House “Man of Merit” Award
Brother Eddie Neal receives Chapter Service
“Brother Of The Year” Award
Brother Justin Davis receives Maryland D. Kemp
“Neophyte Of The Year” Award
Brother Austin Matlock receives “New Member of Mu Lambda” Appreciation Certificate
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Torch: January, 2010
Skee Phi Clothing Drive
December 12, 2009
Damien Ministries would like to thank all of the Alphas, AKAs, and friends who made our first Skee Phi
Clothing Drive a huge success! Thanks to the efforts of our brothers and sisters in the entire DC metro
area (and even Baltimore) we were able to collect enough bags of clothing to fill the entire waiting area of
the Damien Ministries food bank!
Rashid Darden
Director of Development & Communications Damien Ministries
Damien Ministries, located at 22200 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20018
Brother Geoffrey Johnson doing a little Christmas shopping
Paraphernalia vendor Eric Black and his merchandise
Brothers Steven Riddick, Rashid Darden, Geoffrey Johnson, Larry Ware, Mark McDonald and Dontae Ryan
Photo one
Brothers Wayne Ryan, Geoffrey Johnson and Sean Bellamy
Photo two
Huge amounts of donated clothing
Photo three
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Beautillion Update
The Beautillion Committee would like to extend a warm and sincere “Thank You” to all of the Brothers who
volunteered their services for mentoring this beautillion season. Our program will continue to have
successful growth with the tremendous efforts you put back into our community.
The January academy/workshops schedule will be held every Sunday beginning at 2:45 p.m. and will
include the following:
January 3, 2010 – Nutrition.
January 10, 2010 – Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills.
January 17, 2010 – Exploring the African American Male.
January 24, 2010 – Sex Education.
January 31, 2010 – Financial Responsibility.
2010 Beautillion Gala
When: Friday, April 16, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Martin’s Crosswind
7400 Greenway Center Dr.
Greenbelt, MD
The Beautillion Committee is also asking for the support of ALL Brothers by purchasing a pair of tickets
and attending the 2009 – 2010 Beautillion. For your convenience the committee has three (3) payment plan
options available to assist you with your financial planning this season.
Payment plan options are:
Option #1 - Jewel table ($1000)
First payment in December - $400
Second payment in January - $300
Third payment in February - $300
Fourth payment in March - if needed with remaining balance due.
Option #2 - Standard table ($850)
First payment in December - $300
Second payment in January - $300
Third payment in February - $250
Fourth payment in March - if needed with remaining balance due.
Option #2 - Pair of tickets ($170)
First payment in December - $60
Second payment in January - $60
Third payment in February - $50
Fourth payment in March - if needed with remaining balance due.
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The Torch: January, 2010
As always, we thank you sincerely for your continued support. For details regarding the Beautillion
Program and ticket sales, please contact the following Brothers for details:
Brother Mark Ross – 2009 – 2010 Beautillion Chairmen
Email – rossmarka@aol.com
Cell Phone – (202) 422-8493
Brother Darrell Chase – 2009 – 2010 Beautillion Co-chairman
Email – dchase1906@yahoo.com
Cell Phone – (202) 294-3383
Brother Kent Benjamin – 2009 – 2010 Beautillion Co-chairman
Email – kabride62@verizon.net
Cell Phone – (703) 401-0888
CONGRATULATIONS
Brother Roger Dorsey (Beautillion Class of 2004 and Henry Arthur Callis Scholarship Recipient)
received the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Psychology during December
Commencement at Fayetteville State University. Brother Dorsey, a Spring 2007 initiate of Epsilon
Zeta Chapter, is a native of Washington DC and attended Washington Math, Science, and
Technology Public Charter School. Bro. Salter attended the ceremonies.
,,,,,,,,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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103rd Alpha Phi Alpha Founders Day Social
The 103rd Founders Day of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was celebrated on Friday December 4, 2009.
The Brothers of the Alpha Phi Alpha Mu Lambda Chapter commemorated the day by having a Founders
Day Social at Posh Restaurant and Supper club located in the heart of Washington, DC. There were more
than 100 Brothers from all over the area. AKA’s, family, and friends came out to share in this momentous
occasion. A special “Thank you” goes out to Brother’s Justin Davis, Larry Ware, and Reginald Salter for
assisting in the development, publicity, implementation and execution of the evenings events. True to the
Alpha Phi Alpha standard; all the ladies in attendance were given yellow roses. Thank you to all those who
showed support and ushered in, yet another year of manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind.
Onward Brothers! '06!
Justin Davis
Brother’s and the Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha “getting’ their swag on” at Posh
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The Torch: January, 2010
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BLACK FACTS
LITTLE KNOWN BLACK
HISTORY MOMENT
A.B. Blackburn, inventor, patented the
Barney L. Ford
Railway Signal
January 10, 1888
Runaway Slave, Denver Pioneer
(1822-1902)
Jewel Eugene Kinkle Jones Died
January 11, 1954
Grant Fuhr, Edmonton Oilers Goalie
Becomes First Black Professional
Hockey Player to join the NHL
January 18, 1981
ΑΦΑ Tags for DC, MD & VA
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity licenses
plates for Washington, DC are on the road!!!
Brothers interested in acquiring DC tags
should contact Bro Arthur King at
aking536@aol.com or 202.744.6624.
For Maryland tags contact Brother Vernon
Dorkins at (410) 664-0911.
For Virginia tags contact Brother Chuck
Johnson at chrlzej06@gmail.
2010 Beautillion Academy January Schedule.
Please mark your calendars.
Nutrition
Team Building
Exploring the A. A. Male
Sex Education
Financial Responsibility
Barney Ford was born into slavery on January
22, 1822 at Stafford Courthouse, Virginia.
He grew up on a plantation in South Carolina,
where he worked the fields and farms. At 17,
he left the South with help from the Underground
Railroad, where he then became an operator of
one of the station on the railroad in Chicago.
In 1850, he left Chicago bound for California
with other “Forty-Niners”. After hearing of the
Gold Strike of 1854, Ford tried to stake a mining
claim but ran into the territory’s discriminatory
statutes. Filing a claim in a white lawyer’s name
in exchange for paying the lawyer 20 percent,
Ford and three black companions, two of which
were also runaway slaves, struck gold on a hill,
but before they could enjoy their good fortune, a
gang of white outlaws raided their camp.
Escaping with only half a bottle of gold dust, the
rumor circulated that Ford and this partners had
a hidden fortune on the hill, and even though the
gold was never found, the place was dubbed
“Nigger Hill”, but was renamed in 1964 as
Barney Ford Hill.
Ford went on to become a successful
businessman, operating restaurants and hotels in
the Cheyenne, Wyoming and Denver, Colorado
area, including the luxurious four-story interocean hotel catering to Denver’s elite visitors.
Many distinguished men including Generals
Grant, Sheridan, Sherman and Dent were
banqueted at his famous table. Barney Ford was
not only a highly respected citizen at the time of
the death, but was also the first African American
to sit on Colorado’s Grand Jury.
January 03
January 10
January 17
January 24
January 31
Caterer, Restaurateur, Hotel Magnate
Runaway slave
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The Torch: January, 2010
January Birthdays
2009 – 2010 Mu Lambda
Housing Assessment
Samuel E. Thornton, III
Jan. 01
James T. Speight, Jr.
Jan. 01
Neil S. Rodgers
Jan. 03
Marvin Brooks
Jan. 05
Melvin L. Clark
Jan. 05
Vernon S. Gill
Jan. 05
O. J. Cole, Jr.
Jan. 06
Rhett R. Lucas
Jan. 07
Charles P. Mouton
Jan. 09
Earl W. Richardson
Jan. 09
Fred L. Valentine
Jan. 09
Jonathan C. Rutherford
Jan. 13
Ronald
D. Sullivan
2009-2010
Beautillion Academy isJan.
just18
around the corner
Arthur L. Nelson, Jr.
Jan. 20
Please mark your calendars
John C. Eason, Jr.
Jan. 21
James D. Greer
Jan. 21
Jeffrey D. Poydras
Jan. 23
Paul R. Webber, III
Jan. 24
Dwayne M. Jackson
Jan. 25
M. Christopher Brown, II
Jan. 26
John W. McCaskill
Jan. 26
Horace G. Dawson, Jr.
Jan. 30
Melvin White
Jan. 31
Please remember to pay your 2009-2010 Housing
Assessment: $50 per chapter meeting (10 meetings)
or $500 for the year. Remit to Mu Lambda
Foundation, PO Box 4582, Wash., DC 20017-4582
The 2009-2010 Executive Committee
President
Vice President
Recording Secretary
Treasurer
Financial Secretary
Corresponding Secretary
Chaplain
Historian
Archivist
Tim Fitzgerald
Reginald Salter
Sean Bellamy
Mark Ross
Arthur King
Joseph Housey, III
William Hawkins
Justin Davis
Mario Simpson
301-332-7507
301-379-6102
336-575-7677
202-422-8493
202-744-6624
561-932-3599
202-583-3211
678-787-8344
240-493-6009
timfitz06@comcast.net
rsalterdds@aol.com
sean.bellamy@dc.gov
rossmarka@aol.com
aking536@aol.com
joe3rd@hotmail.com
whawk39564@aol.com
jed55@cornell.edu
simpson_mario@hotmail.com
Sergeant -at-Arms Emeritus
Sergeant-at-Arms
Associate Editor to the Sphinx
Editor of the Torch
Webmaster
Director of Intake
Director of Education
Parliamentarian
Member-at-Large
Immediate Past President
Earl Root
Darryl Chase
Antwan Lofton
Walter Whitley
Larry Ware
James Heck
Geoffrey Johnson
Eddie Neal
Wiley Bowling, Jr.
James McDonald
202-723-0770
202-294-3383
202-997-8498
202-255-9258
202-621-3745
202-5352605
202-487-0785
301-440-4055
301-218-3167
202-544-5026
earl_root@yahoo.com
dchase1906@yahoo.com
antwan_lofton@yahoo.com
walter.whitley@msn.com
larryware@gmail.com
jkcjh@aol.com
noplga@aol.com
ewneal@hotmail.com
bowlingw@aol.com
macdee06@yahoo.com
www.mulambda.org
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Submit this form with your dues to the Financial Secretary.
January Meeting
Thursday, January 07, 2010
7:06pm
School of Dentistry
Howard University Campus
Name_____________________________________________________________________________________
Account or Life Member Number_______________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________
City _______________________________ State _____________________ Zip Code____________________
Birthday (Month/Day/Year) ___________________________________________________________________
Home Number _____________________________ Work Number ___________________________________
Email Address _____________________________________________________________________________
If transferring into Mu Lambda: Date of Initiation___________________ Chapter of Initiation________________
Chapter Dues:
Life Member
Non-Life Member
1st Year Alumni
2nd Year Alumni
Graduate Student
$160.00
$320.00
$195.00
$232.50
$270.00
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Mu Lambda Chapter
PO Box 1993
Washington, DC 20013-1993
….Share the Light of the Torch with our inactive Brothers and Brothers new to the DC area….
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