THE ALPHA LIGHT - The Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi

September 2012 Volume 14 Issue 1
The alpha light
Official Newsletter of the Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
“O Lord may the true spirit of the fraternity rule our hearts, guide our thoughts, and control our lives
so that we may become through thee servants of all. Amen.”
Next Chapter Meeting
Sunday
September 9th
6 PM
1519 Ruth & Crawford
President’s Message
Greetings Brothers,
Thank you for re-electing me to the position of Alpha Eta Lambda President for the 2012 - 2013 fraternal year. I
look forward to serving you for another exciting and productive year.
September starts our new fraternal year. For those of you that were financial for the 2011 - 2012 fraternal year,
thank you for paying your dues. I hope you will consider continuing your membership with the Alpha Eta Lambda
Chapter. If you have not been financial, I ask that you consider reactivating your membership and being an active
financial member of Alpha Eta Lambda.
First order of business is the payment of the 2012 - 2013 annual dues. As many of you know, Alpha Eta Lambda
dues cover the base funding for the chapter, regional and national operations. We also ask that you continue to
support the Alpha Merit Group Educational Foundation.
Remember that our Fall Chapter meetings return to the first Sunday's of the month for October, November and December. The fall meeting start time also changes to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday's. Due to the Labor Day holiday, our first
chapter meeting for the new fraternal year will be on this Sunday, September 9th.
Brothers, this fraternal year will also provide you with a unique opportunity to attend all three conventions with no
more than a three to four drive. The district convention will be in San Antonio, TX, the Southwest Regional will
be in Baton Rouge, LA., and the General Convention will be in Austin, TX! Don't miss out on an opportunity to
register for these conventions, you must be fully financial.
I am excited to tell you that the renovations to the house are almost complete and our meetings will be back in the
house on 1519 Ruth Street. I hope that you will come to the first meeting in September to see the progress that has
been made. I know you will be pleased with what you see.
Another exciting year is upon us. Come and be an active part of the Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter. We need your participation. We need you to be financial and engage yourself on a chapter committee and in our programs. Alpha Eta
Lambda needs you to share your thoughts, time, energy, and talents. Many were called, few were chosen.
Onward and upward,
Tony L. Pierce
Brother Tony L. Pierce
President - Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
A Call to Serve in the
Tillman Administration
Since the announcement of my becoming the general president-elect of our beloved fraternity, many brothers have asked,
“What do you need for me to do?” “Contact me if I can help.” Or, “I’m interested in serving.” Well, this is your call to serve. It
is my intention to select the best, the brightest, the most qualified, and the most dedicated of brothers, including college
brothers, to serve as committee chairmen, members, or special appointments during my term as general president.
Alpha Phi Alpha has committees where you can invest your time, energy, thoughts, and talents into meaningful recommendations to affect the fabric of our fraternity. More than 200 positions are available as well as the opportunity for any member
to serve and contribute.
This communication is to inform you that all fraternal leadership positions, which do not require an election, are open for
consideration at this time. You may also be selected to serve on a special committee or other appointment based on the
review of your information. I am looking for brothers with experience in project management, various legal disciplines, entrepreneurship, business development, training, finance, accounting, organizational restructuring, auditing, public relations, marketing, and information technology. This is not an exhaustive list; other disciplines will be evaluated.
Since we are Alpha Phi Alpha, I know we have depth and breadth of talent in our membership. The next few years will be
challenging and invigorating as we continue to build our fraternity to last for the next millennia and continue the dream of
our revered Jewels. It is our duty and obligation to hold the light high.
Brothers, please take this opportunity to invest your talents in your fraternity. “ALL HANDS ON DECK!! ”
http://www.alpha-phi-alpha.com/Page.php?id=257
http://www.alpha-phi-alpha.com/Page.php?id=256
Fraternally,
Brother Mark S. Tillman
34th General President-Elect
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
Greetings Brother,
I am the Financial Secretary for the 2012-2013 fraternal year. As we begin the fraternal year on
September 1, under the leadership of President Tony L. Pierce and Vice President Gerald W. Joseph, I am forwarding your invoice for your yearly dues and Alpha Merit Group Educational
Foundation contribution.
Again this year, you can pay your dues online at www.ALPHAETALAMBDA.COM with all forms of
payment. You can also pay by credit card at the fraternity meetings. If you choose to pay by two
checks, the first check should made payable to the Alpha Merit Group Educational Foundation;
it covers your contribution to the Alpha Merit Group Education Foundation and the local housing fund. The second check, made payable to Alpha Eta Lambda, covers your chapter, regional
and national obligations. Please refer to the attached invoice that shows a breakdown of the
fees as per your fraternal financial status. Also, please be reminded that a $25 late fee will be
assessed to your payment if it is received after November 10th.
For your convenience, you may pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. If you are paying by credit card, please pay at www.ALPHAETALAMBDA.COM or in person at the fraternity
meetings. There will be a handling fee assessed for all credit card transactions. All types of credit cards are accepted, as well as direct bank payments are available if payment is made online.
If paying by cash, please do not mail it; submit your dues at the fraternity meeting. Upon receipt of your obligations, your files will be updated.
Thank you for your continued service to Alpha Eta Lambda and the Alpha Merit Group Education
Foundation.
I remain fraternal,
Fredrick G. Turner Jr.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter
Application for Membership
2012 - 2013
2010 National Chapter of the Year
Fredrick Turner, Financial Secretary
19903 Pemetic Trail
Richmond, TX 77407
Please Print
Name:
Address:
City/St/Zip:
Phone H:
E-mail Address:
Date Initiated:
Location:
Birthday:
Member# or SSN#:
M:
W:
Occupation/Career:
School:
Please verify your information is correct on AlphaNet
Pay online at WWW.ALPHAETALAMBDA.COM or in person with a credit card.
Check the appropriate membership status. Add $25.00 late fee to dues, if payment is made after Nov 10.
Description of Status
Alpha Merit
____Regular Alumni
$
125.00
____Regular Life Alumni
$
125.00
____Retired Regular Alumni
$
125.00
____Retired Life Alumni
$
125.00
____1st Year Graduate Regular Alumni
____2nd Year Graduate Regular Alumni
Loc. Housing
Dues
$
$
100.00
275.00
$
$
100.00
125.00
$
$
100.00
245.00
$
$
100.00
95.00
$
125.00
$
175.00
SWR Assessment
$
5.00
$
5.00
$
5.00
$
5.00
$
5.00
$
5.00
____National Building Fund
Please enter each check number or enter
X for cash, when appropriate
Money OrDescription of Payment
Check No.
der
Cash
Credit Card
Chapter Dues
Alpha Merit Educational Foundation Donation
National Building Fund
All credit cards used in person or online are subject to a processing fee.
Amount Due
$
505.00
$
355.00
$
475.00
$
325.00
$
130.00
$
180.00
$
100.00
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Protocol & Etiquette
Manual 15
th Draft
Fraternity Shirts, Jerseys, and Sweaters
While brothers may include slogans and themes to their shirts, jerseys, line jackets, and sweaters, the following exceptions must be noted:
Shirts should not be too long and baggy
Chapter letters shall not be outlined or completely embossed in red or college school colors. Such a practice can be interpreted as meaning “bloody” and can be misinterpreted in
cases of legal action.
Language shall be in good taste.
No fraternal secrets shall be included in any slogan or theme.
Please note that it is appropriate to include the school name and/or crest on such and in appropriate colors
Hats
Brothers should remove their hats when entering any building, upon the singing of the Fraternity Hymn, the National Anthem, the Negro National Anthem (Lift Every Voice and
Sing), and when a prayer is being recited.
Alpha brothers never wear their hats backward.
Logo Wear (other) and Other Jewelry
Logo wear includes any materials with the official symbols of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. emblazoned, i.e. cups, pins, cuff links, glasses, plates, etc.
The “Fraternity Shield” should never be placed on Alpha logo wear and other jewelry. Any vendor found to be incorporating the “Fraternity Shield” in a clothing article or jewelry should be reported to the Corporate Headquarters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. NOTE: Only the Life Membership, 25-year and 50-year pins, the Signet Ring (Style
#1146) and the Alpha Phi Alpha Official Ring (Style #4044B) are approved by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to incorporate the official shield of the fraternity.
Wearing of Paraphernalia in Public Places
Alpha men never wear Alpha paraphernalia in a club or another public place of drinking or debauchery.
Alpha Men always wear their Alpha hats directly forward. Alpha Men always look forward, not backwards or to the side. If you're making a fashion statement, wear another hat.
Alpha men don't wear Alpha Phi Alpha on their bottoms, on sweatpants or place the symbols somewhere that will easily get dirty, i.e. door mats, underwear, stadium seats, on
the soles of socks or shoes, etc. It should also not be placed on items such as golf towels, handkerchiefs, etc. (#)
Chapters are prohibited from having their chapter letters in “Red” on chapter jackets, sweaters or websites. Such a practice can be interpreted as meaning “bloody” and can be
misinterpreted in cases of legal action.
Alpha paraphernalia should never be mixed with other paraphernalia, i.e. other fraternity logos, school logos, etc.
The general rule is,
“Don’t wear Alpha paraphernalia in a manner that would offend or would not uphold the Name of Alpha.”
First of all We Vote:
A Call to Service
My Beloved Brothers,
Per the recommendation of the A Voteless People is a Hopeless People Committee chair, Brother Everett B. Ward,
I am requesting that each chapter hold one or more local “First of All…We Vote” voter registration events between
the dates of Saturday, September 8, through Saturday, September 29, 2012.
No matter what challenges we face within our fraternity, our work in the community shall continue as we fulfill our
promise to register voters. Alpha Phi Alpha has taken the lead on many causes, and this national program, A Voteless People is a Hopeless People, is just one of many examples of Alpha men doing what our founders envisioned
for this great organization. Please visit your state's Web site and download voter registration materials. Once you
are done with your voter registration event, visit our survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WeVote2012 to record the number of voters you registered.
As we continue to serve our communities, we must empower people to make the necessary decisions at the polls
that affect their communities and their everyday lives. During Phase 2 of First of All…We Vote this fall—beginning
Friday, October 12 and ending Tuesday, November 6, 2012—we will concentrate on early voting and getting out the
vote (GOTV). I encourage you to contact Brother Ward at vphp@apa1906.net with any questions about A Voteless
People is a Hopeless People and how you and your chapter can become involved. Great Alpha men like Brothers
DuBois, Robeson, Marshall and King, led the charge, and now it is time for us to do the same.
Brothers, First of All...We Vote!
Aaron Crutison, Sr.
General President
president@apa1906.net
September 15th
Bro. Steven Ham
pton
September 1st
September 16th
reen
Bro. Alexander G
Bro. Ronald K. T
September 3rd
September 17th
r
Bro. Byron Gautie
Bro. Tyron V. G
adsden
September 8th
September 19th
per, Jr.
Bro. Curtis M. Coo
Bro. Joe E. Step
hens, III
September 10th
September 22nd
per, Jr.
Bro. Willie A. Coo
Bro. James H. S
September 13th
September 24th
n
Bro. Jeffrey Brow
reen
Bro. Roderick T. G
rd
Bro. David W. Hillia
September 14th
s
Bro. Winfred Barne
homas
elf
Bro. Austin B. A
bu, Jr.
September 27th
Bro. Sylvester T
urner
September 29th
Bro. Harry E. Jo
hnson, Sr.
Past Presidents’ Page
Initiation April 14, 1973, Charter Member Theta Mu Chapter
Service as Chapter Treasurer
Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX
Graduated 1975 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts
PO Box 2049 Anahuac, TX 77514
Brother Rickey Hamilton Brown
409-267-3979 Home, 713-254-0152 Cell
Life Member #7331
Rickeyrap@windstream.net
Alpha Accomplishments & Awards
Host Vice Chair 35th TCAC Convention 1999
Distinguished Service Award TCAC 2004
Esprit De Fraternite Award, Southwestern Region 2004
TCAC Hall of Fame Award 2008
Area Director Area X
Area Director Area VIII
Outstanding Service Award Alpha Eta Lambda for 11 Years of Service
Director of Intake
1993-1997
Financial Secretary
1997-1999
Vice President
1999-2001
President
2001-2003
TCAC & Southwestern Regional Photographer
1995 - Present
National Convention Photographer 2000 – Present
Committee Chair
Alpha Merit BBQ
Sweet Heart Affair
Annual Toy Dance
Family & Community
Married to Geraldine for 38 years.
Have 2 Daughters Robyn Carrier and Casey Brown
4 Granddaughters, Semaya, Sydnee, Peyten and Parker
Member of St. James United Methodist Church Anahuac, TX
Church Trustee, Business Manager, and Church Treasurer
Mailing Address:
ALPHA ETA LAMBDA
Post Office Box 88318
Houston, Texas 77288
www.alphaetalambda.com
Golden Memories
TCAC 1997 ~ Ft Worth, TX
SW Region
Oklahoma City 1998
49th Annual Texas Council of Alpha Chapters District Convention
February 21-24, 2013 ·Airport Hilton Hotel ·611 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas 78216
1-210-340-6060
Dear Brothers of the Great District of Texas Greetings!
This is the official convention call to invite you to come and attend the 49 th Annual Texas Council of Alpha Chapters
Convention. Our early bird registration will run through December 31, 2011 so please make every effort to make
it to save money. The 2013 Texas Council of Alpha Chapters Annual District Convention will be held February 2124, 2013 at the Airport Hilton Hotel. The brothers of Delta Rho Lambda; Epsilon Sigma and Tau Tau Chapters are
in the works of planning an interesting and fun convention for you and your special guests.
The theme for this year’s convention will be: “The Alpha Investment – Reshaping and renewing the Brotherhood”.
This theme allows the Brothers of the District to have educational and training along with serious discussion that can
bring back the spirit of brotherhood and trust that makes this fraternity the best, it will also help us reestablish our
District as the leader we are known to be. So the convention will be lively and full of interesting sessions.
During this convention the Regional Vice President candidates along with the District Director candidates will be on
hand to share their platforms and much more.
Your stay at the Hilton San Antonio Airport hotel allows you easy access to San Antonio International Airport, just less than two miles away. Travel for only eight miles to reach the vibrant city of San Antonio, full of
culture and attractions. Shop, dine, and be entertained right by the hotel at the North Star Mall and Park
North entertainment center.
Enjoy the ideal location of this San Antonio Airport hotel close to many corporations and businesses, and
take advantage of the complimentary parking. Catch up with work at the 24-hr business center with office
equipment and secretarial services or can host a meeting or event for 20-1,000 guests in flexible events
space. The events services team members will be delighted to help plan the event to make sure everything
goes perfectly on the day.
Savor Texan cuisine in the ranch-style Tex’s Grill restaurant or relax in Tex’s Sports Bar while watching the
game. Keep fit while traveling at the 24-hr fitness center featuring the latest cardiovascular and strength
training equipment or relax after a flight, soaking up the sun at the outdoor pool with whirlpool.
Settle in to a guest room in warm Texas-style décor with WiFi and amenities for work and relaxation provided in the lobby and guest rooms.
The Host Chapters have promised the brothers of Alpha and their guests a great experience – excitement, fun, and
indulgence. We look forward to you joining us for the 49th Annual Texas Council of Alpha Chapters District Convention in San Antonio. Begin registering today to secure your attendance at a convention you will not soon forget. See
you in San Antonio!
Room Reservation Information
The standard room rate of $96.00 (plus applicable taxes, currently taxes total 16.75% and are subject to change. Individual Reservations must be submitted no later than: Monday - February 4, 2013. At the Contracted cut-off date at 12 Midnight,
the hotel will release any unreserved rooms. Reservations received after the cut-off date and time will be accepted on a space
and/or rate available basis only. Please be advised the Group check-in time is 3:00 PM and checkout time is 12:00 Noon. Every
effort will be made to accommodate guests arriving prior to the 4:00 PM check-in time. Individual Call In – Individual reservations can be made by calling hotel reservations at 1-888-728-3031, or via Fax at 210-377-4695. A credit card number or 1
nights advance deposit will be required to secure a room out of this block. Cancellations must be received 72 hours prior to arrival or 1 night room and tax will be assessed.
49th Annual TCAC District Convention Registration Form
February 21-24, 2013 ●Hilton San Antonio Airport Hotel●611 NW Loop 410 ●, San Antonio, Texas 78216
Instructions:
Please type or print the information.
One registration form per active Brother. Ladies are permitted to register on this form.
You must have a valid 2013 Pass Card or Life Membership Plate to register.
Personal Information:
Last Name: ____________________________________ First Name: ___________________________________ M.I.___ Suffix: ______
Address: ____________________________________________ City: __________________________ State: ______ Zip: _____________
Day Phone: ______________________ Evening Phone: ________________________ Email : ___________________________________
Fraternity Information:
Chapter: ______________________________________ Member #:______________ Key #:_________ Life Member #: _____________
Chapter City: _____________________________________ Delegate? Yes [ ] No [ ] Competitive Event Participant? Yes [ ] No [ ]
District Officer/Committee Chairman? Yes [ ] No [ ] Office/Committee: __________________________________________________
Dining Information:
Do you have any special meal requests (i.e. vegetarian or no salt)? _________________________________________________________
Ladies Registration Information:
Last Name: __________________________ First Name: _________________________ City: ___________________________________
Do you have any special meal requests (i.e. vegetarian or no salt):__________________________________________________________?
Registration & Activity Fees:
Registration Category:
Early Registration
(Aug 1st – Dec 31st )
Regular Registration
(Jan 1st – Jan 31st )
Late/Onsite Registration
(Feb 1st –Feb 19th)
Quantity
Amount
Alumni Brother*
$190
$210
$230
$______
College Brother*
$130
$150
$170
$______
Guests/Ladies**
$180
$200
$220
$______
Activity Tickets:
Commemorative shirts
Size / Color /Qty
$30
______(S) _____(M)
$30
____(L) ____(XL)
$30
_____(2X)_____(3X)
$______
___BLK / ___W
Friday
TCAC Step Show
$10
$10
$15
$______
TCAC After Party
$10
$10
$15
$______
Life Members’ Breakfast
$30
$40
$50
$______
College Brothers’ Luncheon
$30
$40
$50
$______
Ladies’ Luncheon
$30
$40
$50
$______
Black & Gold Banquet
$50
$60
$80
$______
Miss Black & Gold Pageant
$20
$20
$20
$______
Alamo Casino Night
$40
$50
$50
$______
Saturday
Total Amount Enclosed (Check
No. ________)
$______
49th Annual TCAC District Convention Registration Form
February 21-24, 2013 ●Hilton San Antonio Airport Hotel●611 NW Loop 410 ●, San Antonio, Texas 78216
*
Alumni & College Brother registration includes one ticket to each activity except the Life Members’ Breakfast and TCAC After Party.
**
Ladies registration includes one ticket to the Ladies’ Luncheon, Ladies’ Tour & Shopping, Black & Gold
Banquet and the Miss Black & Gold Pageant.
@
First 90 registered will receive Director’s Luncheon tickets
+
Only registered brothers may purchased individual (extra activities) tickets, except for the step show and
after party.
Make Money Orders/Checks Payable to: 2013 TCAC District Convention
Mail to: 2013 TCAC District Convention
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
P.O. Box 680307
San Antonio, TX 78268-0307
Note: Please mail registrations so that they are postmarked no later than February 9, 2013. For registrations not postmarked by this date, brothers are
required to bring their registration fees with them for Onsite Registration. No personal checks will be accepted at Onsite Registration. We will accept
Cash, Travelers Checks, and Money Orders.
Refund Policy – Requests for refunds must be made in writing and must be postmarked by February 9, 2013. No refunds will be made for requests postmarked after February 9, 2013. A $25 administrative fee will be deducted from all refunds. All valid requests will be processed within 4 weeks after the
convention closes.
For Convention Office Use Only:
Date Registration Received:_____________________
Amount Received:_________________
Checked By:________________________________
Cash____ Money Order____ Check____
Signature:_________________________________
Dear Big Brothers Big Sisters Supporter:
Make a hole-in-one for youth mentoring! The 2012 Rachel McNeill's "Fore" the Kids' Sake Golf Classic will
be held on Monday, September 10,2012 at Wildcat Golf Club, the Official Course for Houston's Sports Franchises.
Johnny Ola and Daryl lrby are the Co-chairs for this event to raise money to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Rachel, Daryl and Johnny invite you to help make an impact on the children in our community by sponsoring or participating in the Golf Classic this year. The BBBS mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Often, all
these children need is someone to believe in them and encourage them. A Big Brother or Big Sister can make that
difference.
A Texas-based study showed that 87 percent of 1,200 surveyed youths, who were mentored in the BBBS program,
graduated high school. This is compared to Houston's published
graduation rates of less than 50 percent. This research tells a powerful message - MENTORING
WORKSI
This is why you are encouraged to support Big Brothers Big Sisters by becoming a sponsor for the 2012 Rachel
McNeill's "Fore" the Kids' Sake Golf Classic. Your participation will make a difference by allowing children in our community to have a Big Brother or Big Sister. There are currently 1,005 children on the waiting list and you can help!
Sponsorships range from $350 Hole Sponsors to the $20,000 Title Tournament Sponsor. Enclosed please find a
sponsorship form with sponsor levels for your consideration. You will receive follow-up correspondence shortly. If
you have any questions, please contact Rosalind Moore at 713.860.8209 or email Rmoore@bbbstx.org.
Best regards,
Alpha Fly In
Alpha Fly In
Housing Committee
Alpha Merit Education Foundation House Usage
Effective immediately all usage of The AMEF House for any
events (i.e. chapter events, committee meetings, rentals, etc.)
must be scheduled through Brother Daryl Irby, Chair of the Housing Committee. This will insure that the House
is prepared and prevents scheduling conflicts.
Brother Daryl Irby may be contacted at (281) 451-6878
or irbydl@comcast.net.
Chapter Expenses
Please make sure all chapter related
expenses are approved by the
Executive Board before they are incurred.
Please send submissions for The Alpha Light to:
Bro. Timothy Johnson
tlynnjohnson88@comcast.net
If you have not received your 25 yr. or 50 yr. membership certificate,
please submit your name, initiation date / chapter and fraternity membership number (available thru Alpha.Net) to Bro. Thomas A Brown at
tabrownjr@yahoo.com. Submission are needed by Oct 1, 2012 for
distribution during an upcoming chapter event.