ALPHA ATHLETES - The Sphinx Magazine

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ALPHA ATHLETES
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2009 CALENDAR

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ALPHA ATHLETE:
ALL AMERICAN PENN STATE
TRIPLE JUMPER COMPETED IN
BEIJING GAMES OLYMPIC TRIALS
Brother Clarence Smith III is an All American triple jumper
in track and field who competed in the trials for the 2008
Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The Alpha Athlete won the
Big Ten Indoor Triple Jump Championship with a jump of 51-feet,
5-inches and placed second at the Outdoor Big Ten Triple Jump
Championship with a jump of 52-feet, 8-inches.
Brother Smith was named NCAA Track and Field All American
during the Spring 2008 National Championships. The prestigious
title acknowledges the top eight American athletes in their respective
events. He continues to train in hopes of competing in the NCAA
Championships for the triple jump event and to again win the All
American title this year.
A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brother Smith is a Fall
2007 initiate of the Fraternity through Gamma Nu Chapter at The
Pennsylvania State University. He is a graduate of Coatesville Area
Senior High School in Philadelphia and currently is a senior at
Penn State where he is majoring in Material Science and
Engineering. Brother Smith serves as the Chaplain and Sergeant-at-
Arms for Gamma Nu Chapter.
He also is very involved with organizations on the Penn State
campus and is active with numerous community groups. He is a
member of the Materials Advantage Club, A.C.E.N.D., and remains a
devoted member of New Life Baptist Church. Athletes Surmounting
Challenges Eliminating Negative Decisions (A.S.C.E.N.D.) is a student
organization co-founded by Brother Clarence Smith and a
member of the Penn State football team. The group is composed of
athletes whose goal is betterment of reputation, awareness and the
success of minority athletes outside the realm of their sport.
Also excelling in the classroom, Brother Smith has a cumulative
grade point average of 3.4 in one the top Materials and Science
Brother Clarence George Smith III at 2008 NCAA
Championships.
and Engineering programs in the country. His academic excellence
allowed him the opportunity to intern with the Boeing Company in
Summer 2008. As a result of his positive evaluations from the summer
internship, Brother Smith was offered an opportunity to return
to the Boeing Company as a full time employee following his graduation
in Spring 2009.
The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008
59

Brother Harold Sims, former National Urban League
Deputy Executive Director, articulated the above sentiment
in his 1996 Sphinx article, entitled “Triumph at
Atlanta: The Legacy of Alpha Phi Alpha and the Modern
Olympic Games,” while examining the role of athletes and the
African American community at the turn of the 20th century.
History illustrates that whenever African Americans are
given an equal opportunity to succeed, we thrive and excel; and
when we look back at some of the obstacles that had to be overcome
in the struggle for freedom and equality, Alpha Brothers
were in the forefront. This is exemplified by Brother W.E.B. Du
Bois spearheading the need for education and self-determination;
by Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. leading the Civil
Rights Movement; and by Brothers Charles Hamilton Houston
and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall dismantling the
doctrine of “separate but equal.”
This impulse to lead also extends to science where Brother
Herman Branson was the co-discoverer of the Alpha helix; and to
military service where Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy was the first
black American to pass the military commissioning exam and
Brother Samuel L. Gravely was the first African American to command
a U.S. Navy ship. It also extends to countless Alpha musicians
and Brothers elected to serve in government.
History also highlights a parallel between African American
successes in the sports arena and Alpha Phi Alpha’s leadership in
athletics. Early African Americans excelled as jockeys when introduced
to horse racing; became celebrated champions after entering
the boxing ring and putting on the gloves; and excelled in baseball
when introduced to “America’s favorite sports pastime.” Added
to those sports accomplishments is the fact that many of the pio-
60
ALPHA PHI ALPHA AND
THE OLYMPIC GAMES:
POLITICALLY-CHARGED GLOBAL-PROVING GROUND FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS
As the black American began his road back from the reverses suffered in the 19th century
the world of international sports became his first global proving ground. In this arena,
professional boxing and Olympic track and field events became a rallying force for racial pride
and inspiration. During its period of greatest challenges, Alphamen led the way in achieving
competitive glory for the nation as well as racial pride for black America.
—Brother Harold Rudolph Sims
By Michael J. Myers II
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
neering athletes who won Olympic medals for the United States in
the early 20th century were members of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Although a complete list of all the Fraternity’s members who
participated in the Olympic Games is not available, this article cites
some of Alpha Phi Alpha’s most noted Olympic medalists—who
often scored victories in politically-charged climates that surrounded
the competitions.
Early Olympic Athletes
The first Olympic competition in which an Alpha Phi Alpha
Brother is known to have competed was the 1924 Summer
Olympics in Paris, France. The choice of the French capital as host
of the Games was not a smooth affair. The memory of the debacle
at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris prevented many International
Olympic Committee members from initially submitting their full
support, opting instead for either Los Angeles or Amsterdam. It was
in this atmosphere that Brother Edward “Ned” Orval Gourdin competed
in the Games.
After completing his exams at Harvard University Law School,
Brother Gourdin traveled to Paris for the Olympics as a favorite in
the broad jump competition. He captured the silver medal in the
event. Although Brother Gourdin had previously cleared 25 feet, his
long jump at the Olympics was only 23 feet, 10 inches, giving him
second place. In an ironic twist, Brother Gourdin accomplished a
long jump of 25 feet, 8 inches at an exhibition the day after the
Olympic final; however, it never counted as a world record because
the jump occurred at a non-sanctioned event.
The 1928 Summer Olympic Games took place in tranquil
Amsterdam, The Netherlands, a region that would not again experience
this state of being for another 20 to 25 years following wars

Above: Brother John
Woodruff. Photo courtesy
of the University of
Pittsburg Archives.
Above: Brothers Jesse Owens
and Ralph Metcalfe in 100meter
sprint at the 1934 AAU
National Track & Field
Championships. Photo
courtesy of Department of
Special Collections and
University Archives, Marquette
University Libraries.
Below: Brother Eddie Tolan.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,
Inc. Archives photo.
Above: Brother Andrew
Stanfield. Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc. Archives
photo.
The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008 61

and economic downfalls. It was here, however, that Brother Dr.
Phillip Edwards, who later became a successful physician and an
expert on tropical diseases, won a bronze medal in the 4x400
meter relay. Brother Edwards, a Canadian, would go on to participate
in two more summer Olympic Games. In 1932, he won bronze
medals in the 800 meter, 1500 meter and the 4x400 meter relay;
and in 1936, he won a bronze medal in the 800 meter relay.
The 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles were not as tranquil as the
one that preceded it, having occurred at the height of the Great
Depression. Yet, several Alpha Brothers overcame the odds and
won medals for their country. In addition to Brother Edwards,
Brothers Thomas “Eddie” Tolan and Ralph Metcalfe also competed
in those Games. Brother Tolan set two Olympic records while
winning gold medals in both the 100 meter and the 200 meter
races. Brother Metcalfe—who later served as a U.S. Congressman
in the House of Representatives from 1971 to 1978 and was a cofounder
of the Congressional Black Caucus—won a silver medal in
the 100 meter and a bronze medal in the 200 meter races. Brother
Metcalfe competed again in the 1936 Summer Olympics where he
won a gold medal in the 4x400 meter relay race and a silver medal
in the 100 meter dash.
The Berlin Olympics
Adolph Hitler’s military advances on the European continent
around the time of the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany
set the climate for what many later referred to as the “Hitler
Olympics”. In spite of the arduous circumstances, a number of
Alpha Brothers who participated in the Games preserved and represented
their country with dignity, intensity and tenacity.
Joining Brother Metcalfe at the 1936 Olympic Games was
Brother Frederick “Fritz” Pollard, Jr.—the son of Brother
Frederick Douglass “Fritz” Pollard, Sr., the first African American
head coach in the NFL—who earned a bronze medal in the 110
meter hurdles. Brother Cornelius Johnson won a gold medal in the
1936 Olympics high jump competition and Brother Dave Albritton
won a silver medal in the high jump. Further, Brother Archibald
“Archie” Williams earned a gold medal in the 400 meter race and
Brother John Woodruff won a gold medal in the 800 meter race.
Perhaps the most noted Alpha Olympian of all times, Brother Jesse
Owens, won four gold medals during the Berlin Games—winning
medals in the 100 meter dash, 200 meter race, 4x100 meter relay
and the long jump.
It has often been stated that Brother Owens’ gold medal wins
humiliated Hitler by proving to the world that Nazi claims of Aryan
superiority was a lie and as a result the German leader snubbed
Jesse Owens at the 1936 Games. However, Jesse Owens’ reception
62
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
by the German public and spectators in the Olympic stadium was
warm. The German audience’s cheers of “Yesseh Oh-vens” (“Jesse
Owens”) or simply “Oh-vens” (“Owens”) were overwhelming.
Brother Owens was a true celebrity in Berlin where he was mobbed
by autograph seekers. He later claimed that his reception in Berlin
was greater than any other he had ever experienced.
Hitler did shun an African American athlete at the Berlin
Games; however, it was not Jesse Owens. On the opening day of the
Olympics—just before Brother Cornelius Johnson won the first
gold medal for the U.S. that day and was to receive his award—
Hitler left the stadium early. Prior to his departure, Hitler had
received a number of winners. Olympic officials later informed the
German leader that in the future he must receive all of the winners
or none at all. After the first day, he opted to acknowledge none of
the athletes.
Ironically, the real snub of Jesse Owens came from his own
President who never publicly acknowledged Brother Owens’
achievements. Almost two decades passed before an American
President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, honored Brother Owens by naming
him “Ambassador of Sports”—in 1955. More recently, the
Adidas athletic footwear company has honored Brother Owens’
tremendous accomplishments by giving him a running shoe.
Brother Owens was wearing track shoes made by a German company
from which Adidas and Puma later evolved at the time of his
Olympic feats.
Generations of Olympic Success
London, England played host to the 1948 Summer Olympics.
Because of World War II, these were the first Olympic Games since
1936. In spite of the causalities that America had suffered, the U.S.
won more gold medals that year than any other country. One U.S.
gold medalist was Brother Don Barksdale who was the first black
American to be named a consensus All-American and the first
African American to play with the men’s Olympic basketball team.
Subsequently, he became the first African American basketball
player to win a gold medal in the Summer Olympics. Brother
Barksdale also became the first African American radio disk jockey
and television host in the San Francisco Bay area. In 1951, at age
28, he signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Bullets,
becoming the first African American player in the National
Basketball Association (NBA). In 1953, he became the first African
American selected to play in an NBA All-Star game.
The 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland marked the
first time that both Israel and the Soviet Union participated in the
Summer Games. The world watched as an Alpha Brother won two
gold medals. Brother Andrew Stanfield, winner of six AAU champi-

onships while attending Seton Hall University, won gold medals in
both the 200 meter dash and the 4x100 meter relay. He also won a
silver medal in the 200 meter race in the 1956 Summer Olympic
Games in Melbourne, Australia.
At the same time that Brother Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was
spearheading the Civil Rights Movement in this country, several
Alpha Brothers were abroad representing the U.S. in the 1960
Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy as the struggle for their equal
rights back home continued. Brother Walt Bellamy earned a starting
role on the American basketball team. He and his teammates
(most notably Jerry West and Oscar Robinson) helped the U.S. win
a gold medal in the event. Brother Bellamy would later go on to
earn NBA Rookie of the Year honors, averaging 31.6 points and
19.0 rebounds per game. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall
of Fame in 1994. Brother Otis Davis was also a member of the 1960
Olympic team and is the current president and co-founder for the
Tri-States Olympic Alumni Association. He set a world record and
won a gold medal in the 400 meter race, becoming the first man to
break the 45-second barrier in the event. He also ran the anchor
leg for the winning 4x400 meter relay team.
In October 1968, Brother G. Larry James won gold and silver
medals in the racially charged Olympic Games in Mexico City,
which were best remembered for an awards ceremony blackpower
demonstration by his fellow African American teammates
Tommie Smith and John Carlos. Nicknamed “The Mighty Burner”,
Brother James won the silver medal in the 400 meters race with his
time of 43.97 seconds a the 1968 Olympics, bettering the existing
world record but placing him second behind teammate and fellow
Hall of Famer Lee Evans (43.86). He added a gold medal at the
Mexico City Games by running the third leg on the U.S. 4x400
meter relay team, which set a world record of 2:56.16 seconds,
which lasted until 1992. Brother James also set world records and
won NCAA titles during his track career.
Just as impressive as some of the earlier records is that of
Brother Quinn Buckner. Brother Buckner—former ESPN, NBC and
CBS Sports broadcaster, as well as Dallas Mavericks head coach—
won a gold medal with the U.S. basketball team in the 1976
Olympics in Montreal, Canada. In so doing, he became one of only
three basketball players to have won titles at the high school, NBA
and Olympic levels. The other two athletes to do so are Earvin
“Magic” Johnson and Jerry Lucas.
Continuing this incredible display of athleticism, long jumper
Brother Michael Powell competed in both the 1988 Summer
Olympics in Seoul, Korea and the 1992 Games in Barcelona, Spain,
winning silver medals in both competitions. While competing at the
1991 World Championships in Athletics, he broke a 23-year-old
long jump world record. Brother Powell’s record still stands.
Another record that still remains is Brother Kevin Young’s world
record in the 400 meter hurdles. Brother Young, who won a gold
medal in the 1992 Summer Olympic Games, is the only person to
ever run the 400 meter hurdles in less than 47 seconds.
Brother Lenny Wilkens holds the record for compiling more
victories than any other head coach in NBA history. Twice inducted
into the Basketball Hall of Fame—once as a player and again as a
coach—Brother Wilkens was the assistant coach for the 1992 U.S.
Olympic basketball team, commonly referred to as the “Dream
Team”, which won a gold medal. He also was the head coach for
the 1996 U.S. Olympic basketball team, which again won a gold
medal in the event, held in Atlanta.
In addition to those named above, a number of other athletes
who are members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s have competed
in the Olympic Games—many of them little known contenders who
did not win medals at the Games. The Fraternity and its members—
as shown in these brief examples—have had a leadership role in
every arena of American life, as African Americans fought for freedom
and equality. Dating back to a time when the proving ground for
African Americans was the sports arena and during the community’s
period of greatest challenges, as Brother Harold Sims has so eloquently
stated, “…Alphamen led the way in achieving competitive
glory for the nation as well as racial pride for black America.”
Alpha Phi Alpha’s Olympic athletes listed in this article, along
with those other Alpha Olympians whose names were not mentioned,
exemplify the meaning of the Fraternity’s motto: “First of
All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All”.
Brother Michael J. Myers II is from
Buffalo, New York and was initiated
into the Fraternity through Iota
Theta Lambda Chapter in the
spring 2008. Brother Myers currently
is a graduate student at
Binghamton University in
Binghamton, NY where he is working
towards his Masters degree in
Public Administration and is planning to graduate in May
2009. His research interests include education policy, finance
policy, and economic development policy. His aims are to ameliorate
the obstacles that African Americans must overcome in
order to attain an equitable public education. Brother Myers
graduated Cum Laude from Buffalo State College in Buffalo
with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a
minor in Religious Studies.
The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008
63

64
CHAPTER
CHAPTER NEWS
Theta Iota Lambda scholarship award recipients are pictured.
THETA IOTA LAMBDA
Springfield, MA
Theta Iota Lambda Chapter Awards Scholarships
to Six Springfield-Area Graduates
Theta Iota Lambda Brothers have been successful in fundraising efforts
this year—raising monies through their Three-in-One Scholarship Gala
and monthly After-Work First Fridays programs—and have awarded a
total $6,000 in scholarships to African American and Latino males in the
community. The Chapter recently awarded individual scholarships of
$1,000 each to six young men from the Greater Springfield area. The Lee
B. Revels Scholarship and Mentoring Foundation enacted a revamped
scholarship format, which now includes three scholarships in the name
of past and present Alpha men from the City of Springfield. The Clifford
Flint Scholarship for Academic Achievement recognizes students who
have demonstrated dedication in the classroom as well as in the community.
The Frank Buntin Scholarship for Civic Engagement and Social
Justice honors students who have made improvements in the quality of
life for others, as well as serving as a voice against injustices in their
communities. Finally, the Marvin P. Lyon Jr. Scholarship for Leadership
and Community Service recognizes students who have made a meaningful
impact in the lives of others, while also showing themselves as positive
influences to their peers. Each scholarship was awarded to two male
high school seniors who are pursuing higher education. The scholarships
were presented during graduation Sunday at St. John’s
Congregational Church. The presentations were followed by a reception
for the recipients and their families at the Springfield Holiday Inn. This
year’s recipients of the Marvin P. Lyon Jr. Scholarship for Leadership and
EASTERN REGION
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
Community Service are: James Harrison Jr., a graduate of Springfield
Central High School, attending Springfield Technical Community College;
and Lance Hamilton, a graduate of the High School of Commerce, attending
American International College. The Frank Buntin Scholarship for
Civic Engagement and Social Justice recipients are: Remy Fernandez-
O’Brien, a graduate of Amherst Regional High School, attending Brown
University; and Cameron Cox, a graduate of Springfield Central High
School, attending the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The Clifford
Flint Scholarship for Academic Achievement recipients are: Gordon
Burnett, a graduate of Northfield Mount Herman School, attending the
College of the Holy Cross; and Shayne Williams, a graduate of Springfield
Central High School, attending the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
For more information about Theta Iota Lambda Chapter programming,
visit www.springfieldalphas.com.
Gamma Nu Chapter Brothers.
GAMMA NU
Pennsylvania State University
Gamma Nu Brothers Recognized
for Leadership at Penn State
Brothers at Gamma Nu Chapter have taken what they have learned from
their advisor, Brother Chris Thomas, and made it imperative to pushing
toward bettering the community around them. The Chapter’s seven neophyte
Brothers are Eric Charity, Kyle Godwin, Hector Omoigui, Keith
Agyeman, Clarence Smith, Michael Harris and Omar Marshall. Along
with prophyte Brothers Sheffield Marcus and Marcus Kellam, the undergraduate
Chapter has accomplished a number of community service
events in the past year. Gamma Nu Brothers have visited the local senior

citizens home, known as Brookline, where they helped the staff and
interacted with many of the home’s permanent residents. Their activities
range from reading to the elderly, to playing BINGO, or simply talking
with them. Other community service activities they have performed
include passing out food in Harlem, New York during the Thanksgiving
and Christmas holidays; cleaning up another senior citizens home called
House of Care; and many of the Brothers take it upon themselves to tutor
students at local high schools and middle schools. This past school year,
Gamma Nu Brothers won the Chapter of Excellence, Highest GPA for
entering Neophytes; Chapter Advisor of the Year; Chapter Programs; and
Programming of the Year awards at the 2007 Hyperachos Awards—a
Greek Awards ceremony, which includes all Greek Councils on the Penn
State Campus. Further, the Brothers won the 2008 Penn State Step Show,
demonstrating their ability to multitask and be well-rounded.
Individually, the Brothers also have succeeded. Gamma Nu Brothers are
not allowed to participate in Chapter activities unless they obtain an
internship for the summer. The reason behind the rule is to encourage
and push Brothers. As a result, the internships for summer 2008 included:
Eric Charity working with the House of Representatives Committee on
Homeland Security; Kyle Godwin working with ESPN Sports Network;
Hector Omoigui securing a co-op in the fall semester with Unilever
Company; Clarence Smith working with The Boeing Company; Keith
Agyeman interning under a physical therapist; Michael Harris interning
with Six Flags; Omar Marshall working with Kraft Foods; Sheffield Marcus
working with InRoads; and Marcus Kellam working with PNC Bank. In
addition to obtaining Chapter awards and prestigious internships,
Gamma Nu Brothers also had some great individual accomplishments.
Eric Charity received his internship through a program called The
Institute of Responsible Citizenship, which only accepts 24 minority students
across the entire country and is a two-year summer commitment.
Brother Charity had to go through a rigorous application process, which
consisted of essays, letters of recommendation and interviews. The average
GPA of the 2008 Institute cohort is 3.65. Eric Charity also received
the honor of becoming Mr. Black Penn State 2008, which has not been
won by an Alpha Brother in more than 15 years. Clarence Smith won the
Big Ten Indoor Triple Jump Championship with a jump of 51 feet, 5 inches
and came in second at the Outdoor Big Ten Triple Jump Championship
with a jump of 52 feet, 8 inches. He is still training and hopes to make it
to the NCAA championships for the triple jump and become an All-
American this year. Kyle Godwin will be graduating this summer and
Omar Marshall will be graduating in December. Both Brothers will be
completing college in four and a half years. Similarly, Sheffield Marcus,
Marcus Kellam and Clarence Smith plan to graduate in the spring semester—graduating
in four years time.
CHAPTER NEWS
AOL Chapter Brothers display sample Pennsylvania state A_A license
plates.
ALPHA OMICRON LAMBDA
Pittsburgh, PA
Pennsylvania Now Among States that Issue
Alpha Phi Alpha Specialty License Plates
After more than three years of groundwork, Alpha Omicron Lambda
Chapter Brothers have been successful in getting the state of Pennsylvania
to issue the first-ever government approved Alpha Phi Alpha license plate.
Chapter President John Ayers spearheaded the project. Following a few
redesigns and numerous design discussions by Chapter members, a plate
design was unveiled, voted on and unanimously approved, making it the
final model for the project. Since receiving the state’s approval, congratulations
have come to the Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter from General
Presidents Darryl R. Matthews and Harry E. Johnson; Brother Congressman
Charles Rangel (D-NY); National Urban League President and CEO Brother
Marc Morial; and many other noble Brothers. Some of the proceeds
received from Brothers who purchase plates are used for the Chapter’s
scholarship fund and youth programs. Plate tag numbers from 00001 to
99999 are being issued and Brothers are being given their number based
on the order received by the Chapter. According to law, a vehicle assigned
a license plate must be registered in the state of Pennsylvania. Brother
Ayers is the contact for the license plate purchases and he will continue to
head the Chapter’s License Plate Committee after his term as president
ends. Brothers living in Pennsylvania who are interested in getting more
information should email their inquiries to: JOAYERS@STATE.PA.US OR
JAYERS06@AOL.COM with “ALPHA PLATE” in the subject line.
— LOVE FOR ALL MANKIND —
The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008 65

CHAPTER NEWS
ALPHA KAPPA LAMBDA
Roanoke, VA
Roanoke, Virginia Chapters
Recognized for Outreach Programs
Brother Jonathan Gaines, Director of Educational Activities for Alpha Kappa
Lambda Chapter, received two awards on behalf of the Chapter for its outreach
programs. The National Pan Hellenic Council gave AKL an award for
Best National Program at Virginia Tech and the Chapter also received the
Outstanding Program from Greek Life at Virginia Tech Award for their Addison
Mentoring Program (AMP). The outreach program, which is located in
Roanoke, Virginia, has a major impact on African American males in the New
River Valley area. The program is made possible because of the time invested
by members of both the Theta Iota Chapter and Alpha Kappa Lambda Chapter
Brothers. On a bi-monthly basis, members of the Chapters travel to Lucy
Addison Middle School in Roanoke to mentor to numerous young men about
how to be successful in their lives. The 11- to 13-year-olds are instructed
using the principles of the Fraternity’s Go-to-High School, Go-to-College program,
which underscores the possibilities and potential that are inert within
every young man. AMP is viewed by the chapters as a way for these students
to realize their potential. The AMP program was created to be proactive in
teaching young African American men in the New River Valley the benefits of
building their self worth, developing their interpersonal skills and attaining
higher education. In addition to the lessons taught, confidence and leadership
are principles that are emphasized in each lesson. The modules of the program
are: (1) Goal Setting; (2) Violence/Conflict Prevention; (3) Oral
Communication; (4) Self Esteem; (5) Historical Perspectives of African
American People—Education; (6) Historical Perspectives of African
American People—Ancient Kingdom; (7) What it Means to be an African
American Man; (8) Current Events; (9) Leisure Activities; (10) Leadership
Training/Entrepreneurship; (11) Mental and Physical Health; and (12) Rites
of Passage. Theta Iota Chapter and Alpha Kappa Lambda Chapter take seriously
the task of educating African American young men. Many of the lessons that
are taught within the AMP program are a result of lessons learned in other
programs that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has undertaken in the course of the
Go-to-High School, Go-to-College program.
66
A
VOTELESS PEOPLE
IS A
HOPELESS PEOPLE
Voter Registration Campaign Since 1937
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
(L-r) Xi Alpha Lambda Chapter Alpha Academy Coordinator Richmond
Hill; Potomac Middle School Principal Dr. Benita Stephens; and Chapter
President Christopher Washington.
XI ALPHA LAMBDA
Prince William County, VA
Xi Alpha Lambda Brothers
Continue to “Make a Difference”
Xi Alpha Lambda Brothers are hard at work in Prince William County, Virginia
increasing Alpha’s impact on the community and making a difference in the lives
of its residents. Recently, eight Brothers kicked off the 2008-09 mentoring season
at the Alexandria Detention Home, a temporary home for at-risk teenagers. Xi
Alpha Lambda’s involvement with The New Beginnings programs is designed to
offer positive images of African American men and tools for the youth to use in
making positive life choices. Brothers opened the kickoff session with an ice breaker
game designed for participants to get to know each other. That was followed by
an exciting game of golf-basketball. Additionally, the Chapter donated a computer
to the detention home for use by youths in the program and gave each of them a
personal journal and assigned them a list of journal ideas to begin their journey of
self discovery. In another project, nearly 30 Brothers converged on the Hopkins
House in Alexandria to support Xi Alpha Lambda’s observance of Make a
Difference Day. The Hopkins House is a child and family development center that
provides first-class service to low income families. Brothers organized into teams
and undertook several projects to help Hopkins House. One group, led by Brother
Lawrence Shorten, installed a containment barrier around the youths’ playground
and filled the playground area with mulch. Another group, led by Brothers Reggie
Williams and Jimmy Jordan, assembled and painted benches and planters for the
Children’s Environmental Discovery Room. Another group, led by several Brothers
and two aspirants, landscaped the entrance to the center. Brothers pulled weeds,
planted flowers and placed bulbs along the rotary. A final group led by Brothers
Chauncey Pointe and Derrick Nunn, leveled the grounds and completely assembled
a storage shed. Following their work, Brothers and other volunteers were rewarded
with a barbeque dinner prepared by the Parents’ Association. The barbeque was
followed by a recognition ceremony where Chapter President Chris Washington

gave remarks and presented certificates of appreciation to the youth participants in
MADD 2008. Finally, Xi Alpha Lambda made a cash donation to the Parents’
Association to help with field trips for the children, living up to the theme of the
day: Making a Difference. Also, the Chapter recently held its kickoff session of the
Alpha Academy. Under the leadership of Brother Steven Ward, Xi Alpha Lambda
Director of Educational Activities, Alpha Academy is a mentoring and enrichment
program for middle school-age male students in partnership with the faculty of
Potomac Middle School in Dumfries, Virginia. This year’s theme is modeled after
the book The Pact by George Jenkins, Sampson Davis and Rameck Hunt. It is the
story of three young men from Newark, New Jersey who made a promise to each
other that they would choose to surmount the obstacles that they encountered in
their neighborhoods and would choose to excel and not merely survive. The Alpha
Academy program is the vehicle by which the Chapter executes its Go-to-High
School, Go-to-College program as well as Project Alpha. The program runs from
November to May, culminating in an awards ceremony for the young men who successfully
complete the agenda.
Zeta Theta Lambda Brothers at book signing.
ZETA THETA LAMBDA
Harrisburg, PA
ZTL Brother Authors Book on Leadership Imperatives
Zeta Theta Lambda Brothers came out in force to support newly elected Chapter
Vice President Joseph Robinson, Jr. at his book signing at Borders Book store in
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. The book, released in March 2008, was published by
Judson Press and is entitled, 7 Leadership Imperatives from a Wild Man. It offers
the reader seven distinct leadership imperatives: (1) be sure; (2) be focused; (3)
be humble; (4) be discerning; (5) be complementary; (6) be uncompromising;
and (7) be encouraged. The book also looks at the characteristics in today’s leaders,
ranging from Mother Teresa to Michael Jordan and from Pastor Tony Evans to
Coach Tony Dongy, as well as characters from movies such as Mr. Holland Opus,
In the Heat of the Night and Coming to America. The book was given to the
Chapter’s scholarship recipients at the 19th Annual Andrew M. Bradley Scholarship
Luncheon as a gift. To learn more about the book, visit www.josephrobinsonjr.com.
Beta Gamma Lambda Black & Gold Ball.
BETA GAMMA LAMBDA
Richmond, VA
Richmond Brothers Collaborate with
Area Groups for Mentoring Programs
CHAPTER NEWS
For the past two fraternal years, Beta Gamma Lambda Brothers have successfully
collaborated with the ladies of Pi Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Chesterfield, Virginia and the Commonwealth Chapter
of the Links, Inc. to perform various activities with young African American
males. The programs have included: Male Responsibility; Preparing for
Financial Aid and College/University Applications; Peer Pressure; Being a
Young African American Male in College; Standards of Learning (SOL) Test
techniques; and Leadership Skills. Last November, Beta Gamma Lambda
Chapter President Tony T. Moss was elected president of the National Pan
Hellenic Council of Metropolitan Richmond. Also, Beta Gamma Lambda held
a successful Black & Gold Ball last winter at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown
Richmond. Numerous Alpha and community leaders attended the Ball,
including Eastern Regional Vice President Dennis Kemp, Sr.; VACAPAF
President and District VII Director/Eastern Region William O. Wade;
Immediate Past VACAPAF President and District VII Director Larry O.
Townsend; Xi Delta Lambda Chapter (Henrico, VA) President Darryl Coker;
and Rho Iota Lambda Chapter (Chesterfield, VA) President Fred Scott. Also
attending were Pi Rho Omega Chapter of AKA Sorority Basileus Charmayne
Vincent and Richmond City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jewell
Sherman. Beta Gamma Lambda had 12 young men to participate in their
Leadership Development Institute during the year. The youth were recognized
at Beta Gamma Lambda’s Awards Banquet in May. Gamma President Michael
Moore was the keynote speaker and he provided inspirational words to the
awardees. Beta Gamma Lambda awarded their end of the fraternal year
Chapter awards to the following Brothers: Dr. Robert Bracey III, Patriarch of
the Year; William L. White, Jr., Neophyte of the Year; Sterling Matthews, Jr. and
Jerryl Bennett, President’s Award; and Cornealius “Max” Williams, Beta
Gamma Lambda’s Outstanding Brother of the Year.
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DAL Brothers (l-r) Vice President Lateef Saffore, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr.,
Andrew A. Venable, Jr., Myron F. Robinson and President Hilton O. Smith.
DELTA ALPHA LAMBDA
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Brothers Honor
Distinguished Retiring Leaders
Delta Alpha Lambda Chapter honored three distinguished and influential
Alpha Brothers that have retired after providing local, regional and
national leadership in their respective fields. Brothers Rev. Dr. Otis Moss,
Jr., Myron F. Robinson and Andrew A. Venable, Jr. were honored during
a program attended by more than 100 Brothers. Delta Alpha Lambda
Chapter President Hilton O. Smith presented each honoree with a plaque,
cap and medal while saluting their decades of tireless and purposeful
service on behalf of the Fraternity, community and nation. Honoree
Brother Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. retired as senior pastor of Olivet
Institutional Baptist Church—one of Cleveland’s most influential congregations.
Brother Moss was called to ministry at age 17 while a student at
Morehouse College. He completed his education with mentors such as
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays and friends such as the late Brother Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from the
Morehouse School of Religion, Interdenominational Theological Center;
and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary. An
orator of national stature, Brother Moss is the chairman of the
Morehouse College Board of Trustees and life member of the Fraternity.
Honoree Brother Myron F. Robinson retired as the president and CEO of
the Urban League of Greater Cleveland. His 40 years of experience with
the Urban League began shortly after his graduation with a degree in
sociology from Youngstown State University. In addition, he completed
the National Urban League Executive Development program at Harvard
University and has performed graduate work at the University of
Pittsburgh and the University of Wisconsin. In 2004, under Brother
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MIDWESTERN REGION
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Robinson’s strategic guidance, the Urban League of Greater Cleveland
purchased and renovated its current headquarters, making it the first
African American service-based organization to own real estate in
Cleveland, Ohio. Honoree Brother Andrew A. Venable, Jr. retired as the
Director of the Cleveland Public Library, the third-largest public research
library in America. Brother Venable received a Bachelor of Science
degree in Business Administration from Virginia State University in 1968.
He earned a Master of Science degree in Library Science from Case
Western Reserve University in 1978. In addition, he completed the program
for senior executives in state and local government at Harvard
University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2001. The Ohio
Library Council named Brother Venable the Librarian of the Year for
2001. During his leadership, the Cleveland Public Library has become
known as “The People’s University,” providing community access to people
of all ages. Brother Venable, along with the Delta Alpha Lambda
Chapter, hosted annual MLK celebrations at the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Branch of the Cleveland Library.
Epsilon Lambda Brothers at “Call to Oneness Rally.”
EPSILON LAMBDA
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis Brothers Seize Opportunity
to Promote Project Alpha Program
Epsilon Lambda Chapter President Darryl T. Jones called St. Louis-area
Brothers to join a group of 20,000 black men participating in the “Call
to Oneness” (CTO) neighborhood march and rally to end violence.
Brother Rev. F. James Clark, pastor of Shalom City of Peace Church there
and Executive Director of CTO, served as organizer for the march and
rally. Brother Clark called on civic, religious, business and political leaders
to parade collectively through St. Louis city streets in the march to
end community violence. His vision is to improve the fabric of the St.

Louis community. The mission of CTO is to bring together African
American males from all walks of life, including professionals, blue-collar
workers, the unemployed, the disenfranchised and the forgotten. CTO
is a long-term collaborative effort with three key areas: (1) presence;
(2) partnership; and (3) programs. The goal is to leverage the resources
of many local organizations (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Urban
DELTA KAPPA LAMBDA
Florence, SC
Delta Kappa Lambda Brothers Present Scholarships
to Six H.S. Seniors during Beautillion ’08
Delta Kappa Lambda Chapter Brothers earlier this year sponsored
Beautillion ‘08, their annual scholarship event. The program, held in the
Richard Chapman Auditorium of the McNair Science Building on the
campus of Francis Marion University, employed the theme “Voting Today
to Define Tomorrow.” Six young men, high school seniors, were introduced
to society and awarded scholarships for their upcoming college
education. The participants in Beautillion 2008 were recommended by
their high school guidance counselors. Each participant was required to
be a high school senior with an academic average of “B” or above; of
good character; possessing leadership abilities; and being active in at
least one organization. The young men were involved in character development
workshops. The workshops included public speaking, resume
preparation, time management, grooming and etiquette, interviewing tips
and college preparation. The youth who participated in Beautillion 2008
were: Andrew C. Brown of South Florence High School who plans to
become a lawyer; Justin S. Brown of Hannah-Pamplico High School who
plans to obtain a degree in sports entertainment and event management;
William K. Cobia of Darlington High School who plans to obtain a degree
in Biology Pre-med; Demetrious A. Cooper of Wilson High School who
plans to obtain a degree in architecture; Justin J. Lewis of Johnsonville
High School who plans to obtain a graduate degree in business; and Jeffrey
SOUTHERN REGION
FIRST OF ALL,
SERVANTS OF ALL,
CHAPTER NEWS
League of Metropolitan St. Louis; local NAACP; 100 Black Men; and other
organizations) to gain strength from numbers. Brother Michael
Anderson, Epsilon Lambda’s Project Alpha Coordinator, and Brother
John Owens seized the opportunity to promote the Fraternity’s national
initiative with the March of Dimes by giving out Project Alpha t-shirts. The
program stresses safe sex and the role of responsible men
DKL Beautillion ’08 participants pictured (l-r) are Jeffrey Williams,
Justin Brown, William Cobia, Justin Lewis, Demetrious Cooper and
Andrew Brown.
T. Williams of Lake City High School who plans to become an orthodontist.
Demetrious Cooper was awarded the title of Mr. Beautillion 2008 at the
event. Justin Brown and Justin Lewis were co-winners of the Oratorical
Contest. Brother William Spears is president of Delta Kappa Lambda
Chapter and Brother Dr. Joseph E. Heyward served as chairman for
Beautillion ‘08. In recent years, the Chapter has awarded scholarships
totaling more than $30,000.00.
WE SHALL TRANSCEND ALL
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Pi Alpha Brothers.
PI ALPHA
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Pi Alpha Brothers Make
Community Service Their Priority
Pi Alpha Brothers have performed a number of community service activities
to help improve the area. During its Project Alpha presentation, Pi
Alpha collaborated with Gamma Gamma Lambda Chapter in Greenville,
South Carolina for their program at West Oak Baptist Church in the city.
More than 75 youth, between ages 14 and 17, attended the program, which
helped the participants better understand the dangers that arise from sexual
promiscuity, drugs and gang involvement. The program also taught the
importance of proper hygiene and the significance of education. Pi Alpha
Brothers engaged with the youth one-on-one to ensure the experience was
beneficial to each person present. Also, as part of the Chapter’s Go-to-High
School, Go-to-College program, Pi Alpha Brothers participate every week
in an after school program held at Kellet Elementary in Seneca, South
Carolina and a tutoring program at New Holy Light Baptist Church, located
in Pendleton, South Carolina. Both programs provided a positive outlet for
middle school students, a majority of whom are underprivileged and come
from single-parent homes. In addition, they take pride in annually hosting
their A Voteless People is a Hopeless People program. This year, Pi Alpha
held a forum which focused on the candidates in the U.S. Presidential
Election. The Chapter sought representatives from each candidate’s party
and provided them with an opportunity to tell the public what their candidate
stood for. Pi Alpha also set up a display board and provided non-registered
students with voter registration forms, enabling more than 50 students
to become registered voters. In conjunction with those three national
programs, Pi Alpha Chapter also participates in March for Babies; the
Adopt-a-Highway program; the annual Clemson University Martin Luther
King, Jr. Commemorative Service; and numerous other service events
throughout the year. In 2007, Pi Alpha made the highest financial contribution
in the District of South Carolina; and the second highest financial
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
contribution nationally for March of Babies. This past year, Pi Alpha held a
fundraiser involving a week of events to raise money for March for Babies.
Collectively, the Chapter was able to solicit over $2,000. They have
increased their goal each year. Their participation in the MLK
Commemorative Service activities allows each Chapter Brother to give back
to the community through various activities such as a day of service; a
school sponsored trip; a poster; essay and oratorical contests for local
youth; and a variety of other programs for the campus and community,
ranging from Education Olympics to an annual food drive held at a local
grocery store. Community Service has been a priority for Pi Alpha Chapter
for more than 25 years. With over 200 recorded hours of service to the
community during the past year, each member of Pi Alpha takes pride and
joy in giving back to those less fortunate.
OIL Chapter Beautillion participants.
OMICRON IOTA LAMBDA
Columbia, SC
Beautillion Participants Discuss the
Importance of the African American Vote
Omicron Iota Lambda Brothers held their Annual Beautillion Program this
past summer at Seawell’s Banquet Center. The 2008 Beautillion theme was
“Building Stronger Character; Building Stronger Men.” Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity General President-elect Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. was guest
speaker for the program where ten outstanding high school seniors were
presented to society. The young men had been involved in the program
since October 2007. The Beautillion program was designed to inspire and
stimulate further growth, academic excellence, community service and
leadership development. Additionally, the participants met once or twice a
month for a seminar conducted on various topics and/or community service
events were held. The seminars covered topics such as filling out college
applications, teen pregnancy, financial aid and etiquette. Also, each youth
was paired with a member of the Chapter who served mentor. The mentors
were chosen based on similar interest and/or careers. An oratorical contest
was held in March where the participants spoke on the topic “The
Importance of the African American Vote in the 2008 Presidential Election.”
Brother Arthur L. Pinckney served as the Beautillion Chairman and Brother
Wendell Jumper served as Director of Educational Activities. Wayne Gilbert
is the Chapter President.

NU MU LAMBDA
Decatur, GA
Mentoring Program Guides Youth
Through Post-Secondary Education
Nu Mu Lambda Brothers have initiated a mentoring program, entitled
Young Men of Excellence, which has 24 youth in the 4th and 5th grades
at Panola Way Elementary School in Decatur, Georgia. The program’s
objective is to guide the youth through the completion of their post-secondary
school careers. As part of the program, the youth participate in a
weekly forum that enables them to interact with positive role models
from the Nu Mu Lambda Chapter who encourage them to better themselves
in and out of the classroom. They are mentored on topics such as
conflict resolution, leadership and study skills that they can use in their
everyday lives. They have also participated in field trips designed to
broaden their horizon and show them culture outside of their own environments.
In addition, they work side-by-side with Chapter members
during community service projects to that teach them to love and to give
back to those less fortunate. The YME program will expand as the stu-
XI KAPPA LAMBDA
Missouri City, TX
Missouri City Chapter
Celebrates Silver Anniversary
The year 2008 marks an important milestone for Xi Kappa Lambda Chapter.
In grand Alpha fashion, the Chapter celebrated its first 25 years of leadership
and service to the Greater Southwest Missouri City and Houston, Texas areas.
The celebration commenced on a Friday with Happy Hour at Grooves Bar and
Restaurant in Houston. The following day, the celebration continued with a
Louisiana-style barbeque at the home of Brother and Mrs. Jason G. Jones. The
25th Anniversary Black Tie Gala Celebration was held at Sugar Creek Country
Club in Sugar Land, Texas the following Sunday evening. More than 250 Alpha
Brothers and guests were in attendance. Guests and dignitaries included the
Honorable Brother Sylvester Turner, State of Texas House
Representative–District 139; Brother Dr. Willie J. Edwards, the Fraternity’s
Texas District Director; and Honorable Brother Ronald C. Green, Council
Member At-Large, City of Houston. Brother Stephen K. Brown, II served as the
Master of Ceremonies for the celebratory event. The Fraternity’s Seven Jewels
were recognized with the customary lighting of seven candles. Xi Kappa
Lambda Brother Jimmy Coleman enlightened guests and Brothers on the historical
perspective of the Chapter and Foundation. Guests marveled at the
Chapter’s achievements, especially its $30,000 contribution to the MLK
National Memorial Project. They were elated to know that for the past 15
years, Xi Kappa Lambda Brothers have awarded over 60 scholarships to stu-
SOUTHWESTERN REGION
CHAPTER NEWS
NML Brothers Reynaldo Green, Ramon Rogers and Andre Prospere are
pictured with the Young Men of Excellence.
dents go on to middle and high school and the Nu Mu Lambda Brothers
will continue mentoring the youth.
Xi Kappa Lambda Brothers.
dents who have attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities. An
inspiring keynote address was delivered by Brother Sylvester Turner. He
expounded on how his life has been positively impacted by Alpha Phi Alpha
and his obligation to give back to the Fraternity. Brother Turner congratulated
Xi Kappa Lambda on 25 years of leadership and the impact it has had on
our community. He further challenged the Chapter to reach higher goals within
the Fraternity and community in the next 25 years. The gala ended with a
most notable toast by Brother Charles Washington who reflected on ideals
personified by Alpha Phi Alpha’s Founders over 102 years ago. The glasses of
all the gala attendees were raised to receive the toast given, marking the
Chapter’s achievements and successes.
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Brother Frank Breedlove is sworn in as Rotary Club President.
ALPHA SIGMA LAMBDA
Dallas, TX
ASL Brother Blazes Trail as
Newly Elected Rotary Club President
Alpha Sigma Lambda Brother Frank Breedlove blazed a new trail by being the
first African American installed president of the Rotary Club of Dallas, Texas. He
was installed on June 25, 2008 as the organization’s 98th president. Brother
Breedlove and his wife, Rotary Club First Lady Dr. Donnie Breedlove, have been
Rotarians for 29 and 20 years, respectively. Mr. Paul Harris founded Rotary
International in 1905 in Chicago, Illinois. Rotary International now has 1.2 million
members in 32,000 clubs in 200 countries throughout the world. The
objective of the Rotary is to encourage and to foster the ideal of “Service” as a
basis of worthy enterprise. Service above self is the motto. One of Brother
Breedlove’s goals for the Rotary Club of Dallas is to increase the club’s membership
and diversity. In addition, the month of June was filled with partnerships
and events for ASL. The Chapter kicked off the month with its first Dallas Greek
ASL Brothers and Project Alpha participants are pictured following
basketball game.
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
Picnic Weekend, in conjunction with the African American Museum of Dallas
“Music Under the Dome” event. Both events included a Voters’ Registration
Drive, which involved Greek fraternities and sororities from at least five different
states. Later during the month, ASL partnered with the Texas Council of
Alpha Chapters in holding a mentor drive for Big Brothers Big Sisters and to
host a Centennial Reception for the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Finally, the
Brothers gave out new and slightly used clothing to the elderly male residents
of the South Dallas Nursing Home during its yearly Father’s Day event. All of the
events were successful and helped to build on the legacy of Alpha throughout
the state of Texas and the Region. Also, ASL held its Annual Project Alpha event
in October at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Dallas. The U.T. Southwest Medical
Center of Dallas, Texas sponsored the keynote speaker and the U.S. Military provided
gift bags for each participant. ASL Brothers provided mentorship, camaraderie
and refreshments during the event. Following the program, Brothers
challenged the participants to a game of full court basketball where they out
scored the young men, with a winning score of 29 to 27.
Xi Tau Lambda Brothers are pictured following a Barbershop Recruitment
Initiative.
XI TAU LAMBDA
North Dallas, TX
Xi Tau Lambda Answers Call to Community Service
Xi Tau Lambda Chapter has taken the call for Alpha mentors to heart with
more than 40 percent of their active members now serving as “Bigs” in the
Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Chapter Brother Dale Long serves as
National Big Brothers Big Sisters Coordinator; Brothers sit on three area
BBBS Boards—in Collin County, Dallas County and Denton County; and the
Chapter participates in the local Bowl for Kids Sake fundraising event every
year and this year raised over $1,200. Also, Xi Tau Lambda Brothers started
their Barbershop Recruitment Initiative in 2005 at three Dallas-area barbershops.
The effort, which continues to grow each year, has been responsible
for the recruitment of 95 new Bigs. In October, the initiative was extended to
five barbershops in the cities of Plano, Dallas, Lewisville and Ft Worth. Three
Chapters participated in the initiative—Xi Tau Lambda, Eta Epsilon and Beta
Tau Lambda. The Barbershop Recruitment Imitative resulted in an article in

the Dallas Morning News and feature segments and interviews on two local
television stations. Xi Tau Lambda Brothers have taken recruitment and support
of BBBS to their jobs as well. Brother Undrea Allen led an initiative at
Frito-Lay, Inc. to raise over $25,000 for Bowl for Kids Sake with an August
PepsiCo only Bowl for Kids Sake Event. In addition, Brother Allen has partnered
with his company’s Black Professionals Association to lead several
internal recruitment events. Brother Joel Winful has partnered with the JL
Turner Legal Society to lead an internal recruitment effort. Brother Dale Long
has partnered with the Hamilton Park United Methodist Church to lead an
internal recruitment effort. Also, during the NBA Playoffs, the Chapter partnered
with the local BBBS agency to sponsor an NBA Playoffs Recruitment
Party, which yielded 15 new Bigs. The efforts have resulted in Xi Tau Lambda
Chapter being named North Texas Recruitment Partner of the Year for the second
consecutive year; Chapter Brother Vince Jackson being named North
Texas School-Based Big Brother of the Year; Chapter Brother Dale Long being
named National Big Brother Big Sisters Board Member of the Year.
TAU TAU
Texas Lutheran University
Seguin, TX
Texas Lutheran University Brothers Take Leadership
Role in Local U.S. Presidential Election Process
Tau Tau Brothers have taken the Chapter’s A Voteless People Is A Hopeless
People campaign to a new level. After voicing the need for students, faculty and
staff at Texas Lutheran University to become involved in the historic election
THETA PI LAMBDA
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas Chapter has Winning Fraternal Year
Theta Pi Lambda Brothers closed the 2007-2008 fraternal year with a number
of successful events and activities. In April 2008, more than 30 Chapter
members and youth participants walked in the March of Dimes’ March for
Babies event and made significant financial contributions to the cause.
Following the event, Brothers fellowshipped on the UNLV campus and networked
with local vendors, discussing possible future collaborations.
Capitalizing on five weeks of basketball practice, the TPL Brothers fielded its
first team for the Black Greek Basketball Challenge in May 2008. The team
was coached by Brother Floyd Scotton; and several inactive TPL Brothers
were reclaimed during the season. Reclamation was a major initiative for
Theta Pi Lambda during the month of May. The Chapter held a Memorial Day
weekend reclamation barbecue at Centennial Hills Park, which drew dozens
of Alpha Brothers from around the valley. Later that evening, the Chapter held
WESTERN REGION
CHAPTER NEWS
campaign, they voted and then returned to their precincts to lend support.
Also, during the primary election process, two of Tau Tau’s Brothers were
selected as delegates for their precinct and the County Convention where they
took leadership roles. One elderly gentleman there, after observing the Tau Tau
Brothers, asked if they were part of an organization—to which the Brothers
responded that they were a part of Alpha Phi Alpha. The elderly gentleman in
turn stated: “I knew it.”
PI THETA LAMBDA /
DELTA RHO LAMBDA
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio Chapters Encourage Political
Awareness during U.S. Presidential Campaign
Pi Theta Lambda and Delta Rho Lambda Brothers have taken political action
and awareness steps by voting in the historic primary and general elections for
the U.S. President and encouraging others to be aware of the issues and to
attend Presidential candidate forums. Brother William Johnson, Sr. serves as the
Chair for the Fraternity’s Political Action Committee and keeps Brothers
informed about local and national political activities. This year, he and other
Brothers were responsible for raising awareness about what came to be known
as the “Texas Two Step” and the significance of voting and caucusing for the
respective Presidential candidates. In addition, Brothers from both Pi Theta
Lambda and Delta Rho Lambda Chapters joined as One Alpha and sent out
reminders about Presidential forums in San Antonio. In addition, the Brothers
brought their wives, children and in some cases grandchildren to the forums.
Theta Pi Lambda Brothers.
a mixer at a local resort where Brothers again were able to socialize.
Brothers Colin Seale, Vontoba Terry, Jason Beasley, Julius Davis and Troy
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Thomas were instrumental in making the events successful. The contact information
compiled during the events will be used to increase membership and
involvement in Chapter activities. In addition, the Chapter utilized the summer
break to plan for a successful 2008-2009 fraternal year where they will hold
their first bowling team competing in the Big Brothers Big Sisters “Bowl for
Kids Sake” and A Voteless People is a Hopeless People campaign.
ETA PI LAMBDA
Pasadena, CA
EPL Brothers Take Project Alpha to
Largest At-Risk Population in California
Under the leadership of Brother Grant Doster, Project Alpha Chair for Eta Pi
Lambda, Chapter Brothers visited the Boys Republic in Chino Hills—one of the
largest group homes for at-risk male youths in the state of California. More than 80
percent of the male population are men of color. EPL Chapter makes a special
effort to educate and support the young men—who are just one step away from
the state penal system. Eta Pi Lambda Brothers have made a special effort to direct
their Project Alpha efforts away from the traditional target groups and to expose
inner-city at-risk youth to the educational workshops. During the Chapter’s most
recent Project Alpha presentation, they mentored and educated more than 115
young men of color. Also, in the spirit of Brother Charles H. Wesley, EPL Brothers
worked in collaboration with the Iota Psi Chapter to assure that the inner-city youth
had young mentors close to their own age. The activities presented during the visit
included educational workshops, interactive discussions, great food and a joint
Alumni-College Brother step presentation. In addition, Eta Pi Lambda has teamed
up with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services—the
world’s largest group home and foster care network—in its provision of community
services. The partnership is recognized as a huge step forward for the county
because a reported 60 percent of the Department’s caseload ends up in the penal
system. Through the efforts of Eta Pi Lambda and Iota Psi Chapters perhaps they
have helped to build and possibly save the lives of these young men of color.
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OMICRON TAU
University of Northern Colorado
Boulder, CO
ESPRIT DE FRATERNITE
Omicron Tau Brothers Open Lines of Communication
for African American Men in Boulder
Omicron Tau Brothers held the Chapter’s “50 Black Men” program in October
as part of their Alpha Week celebration. The 50 Black Men program was
designed to create a connection amongst African American men on the predominately
white University of Northern Colorado campus. Concerning campus
interaction, Chapter President and senior student Adrian Green said,
“There would be as many as ten black men in your major and you would only
know the names of two or three of them, which is completely unacceptable.”
The program’s goal was to get 50 black men together in the same room—
something that has never happened on the school’s campus—and to network,
get to know one another, and have discussions. The program attracted 32
African American male students, which was short of the intended goal; however,
the overall success was more than Omicron Tau Brothers expected. After
everyone had arrived and had eaten, the participants were asked to introduce
themselves to at least two other men who they did not know. After about ten
minutes of talking with each other, the men were asked to introduce one of the
other men present, whom they had not known. The Chapter then showed a
YouTube video entitled, “Obama vs. Curtis”, which is a ten minute video about
black men being classified as falling under two categories—being like Barack
Obama and or 50 Cent. The short film sparked a dynamic discussion that lasted
for about two hours. OT Brothers were able to create an environment that
established a bond between the men. At the conclusion of the scheduled time
for the event, the participants continued dialoguing and the next day there was
nothing but exemplary comments from those who attended and from others
who heard about the program. OT Brothers plan to continue the program and
expand it with programs such as their “100 Men of Color” and “50 Black Men
& 50 Black Women” offerings. The program filled a void that is desperately
needed by African American men in Boulder.
An Alpha Phi Alpha man’s attitude should not be: “How much can I derive from the Fraternity?” but “How much can
I do for the Fraternity?” In proportion to what he does for his chapter and for 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 the respect of
Brothers well served.
A member’s duties should be:
1. Prompt payment of all financial obligations, the prime requisite of successful fraternal life;
2. The doing of good scholastic work in his chosen vocation, thereby accomplishing the real end of a college course;
3. The reasonable endeavor to participate in general college activities and social service and to excel therein;
4. The proper consideration of all things with appropriate attention to the high moral standard of Alpha Phi Alpha.
— Charles H. Garvin
Fourth General President
1912-1914

FRATERNITY’S FIRST CAUCASIAN
BROTHER LEAVES LEGACY AFTER
FOUR-DECADE CAREER AT USC
Brother Bernard Levin, a prosthodontics pioneer who taught
at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry
for more than 40 years and who was the first Caucasian
Brother inducted into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, entered Omega
Chapter on May 28, 2008. He was age 84.
Brother Levin was a 1947 graduate of the University of Illinois
School of Dentistry and practiced in Chicago and Albuquerque,
New Mexico. Interested in specializing, he went to the USC School
of Dentistry in 1962 to enroll in Frank Lott’s two-year program in
prosthodontics.
Following graduation, he returned to his practice in New
Mexico but his stay there was brief. In early 1966, he received an
unexpected call from the dean at USC, stating that Frank Lott was
preparing to retire and inquiring if Brother Levin would be interested
in returning to USC to teach. Brother Levin said, “Yes,” and fol-
lowed in his mentor’s footsteps
as chair of Removable
Prosthodontics, which took
him through a remarkable
four-decade educational
journey that helped shape
the lives and professional
careers of countless students
and faculty.
As a member of the faculty,
Brother Levin thrived
on helping develop and
improve techniques for dentures
and other dental prosthetics.
He published three books, four teaching manuals and more
than 50 articles. He won numerous teaching awards. In 1997, the
restorative dentistry faculty created the Bernard Levin Removable
Prosthodontics Award in his honor. The award is given to a senior
who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in partial and
complete removable prosthodontics. He retired from full-time
teaching in 1997 but stayed on part time through 2007.
Brother Levin was a 22-year-old Chicagoan studying dentistry
at the University of Illinois when he was initiated into Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity through Theta Chapter in 1946. The history-making
initiation marked the first time that a white member was initiated
into any of America’s black Greek-letter organizations.
However, the initiation of Brother Levin into Alpha Phi Alpha
was no smooth procedure. First a change in the national
Constitution had to be made. This was accomplished at the
Fraternity’s National Convention held the prior December in
Chicago when delegates voted to remove the word “Negro” from
the clause defining eligibility. Prior to his initiation, Brother Levin
had done wide reading on the racial problem in America and had
formed strong convictions. He believed the racial problem could
only be solved through a “close association between white people
and Negro people, particularly on the social plane.”
Brother Levin is survived by his wife Kinuyo Levin, two children
and two grandchildren.
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76
General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.
PHOTO BY JEFF LEWIS
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Editor’s Note:
Thirty-second General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.
delivered the following 2008 State of the Fraternity
Address at the organization’s 102nd Anniversary
Convention, held in Kansas City, Missouri.
The address, which was edited for
publication, was delivered
on July 19, 2008.
BUILDING
ON THE LEGACY
OF THOSE
WHO PRECEDED
SALUTATION
My Dear Brothers, I always am overwhelmed at the
enthusiasm with which you greet your General
President. I always feel the love and the brotherhood
for which this Fraternity is known. Thank you for your continuous
support of me and of your Fraternity.
If we look at our world right now—it appears that the problems
we see overshadow the good things in life. The nation is in an
economic crisis. The costs of everyday necessities have skyrocketed
with no sign of going back down. Violence is pervasive. The fear
and reality of war abroad and at home looms. The loss of life in
Iraq and Afghanistan continues to grow. Our belief in leadership in
our governments is eroding and we fear for the future of those best
described as “the least of these.”
But I am told that “joy comes in the morning…” I am also
told about a group of men who know what it is like to endure hard
times. I’ve been told these men are equal to the task. That they fear
not when times are bad, but instead, embrace the moment and
steady themselves for challenges—no matter what they are and
how they come.
I am told that this group of men represents the best that the
nation has to offer. That they are college educated. That they contribute
to their communities, their time and their talents and their
gifts. That they have a love for mankind and have pledged to be of
service—wherever and whenever it is required. That they have a
firm and abiding belief that if they stick together they can weather
any storm. I am told that when things get hot, these men get cold—
Ice Cold!
Further, I am told that these men have a history that extends
way back—some 102 years. I am told that these men have two
favorite colors—both of them rich in hue—black and old gold.
That when I say “ONE…NINE!” they say “OHHHHH…SIX!”
There must be some Alphas in the room!
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA BRAND
My Brothers, it becomes my task at this moment to inform
you of the State of the Fraternity. In the very beginning of my
administration, one of the things that I said would be a hallmark
of my administration would be what I call “transparency”. I
pledged to demystify the workings of the Fraternity and its national
headquarters.
In keeping with that thought, I have to be honest with you and
say that there are two pictures of Alpha Phi Alpha. One of them is
framed in the reality of the day—that we, like every other organization
in America, are operating in some tough times. Times are
tough economically. I think you would be hard pressed to find a
non-profit organization that has not witnessed that reality.
At the same time, our picture is framed with more good news
than most organizations. We have experienced some incredible
moments amid some difficult times.
The synopsis of it all is that you should be assured that we are
a solid, well-run organization that enjoys a positive reputation from
the halls of government to the neighborhood streets. From the elementary
schools to the Ivy League, from the storefront churches to
the greatest cathedrals in our land, Alpha Phi Alpha maintains an
image and a brand second to none.
Let me say that again—“Alpha Phi Alpha maintains an image
and a brand second to none.”
But now a word of caution—for us to maintain that reputation
we have to continue to adhere to sound policies based on the fundamentals
of good practice for any business. I had a Brother ask
me: “Are we a Fraternity or a business?” The answer to his question
is that we are a Fraternity that is a business.
As many of you know when I took the helm of Alpha, I was
determined to establish a workable plan for the future of this organization.
The leadership met for some days and developed a strategic
plan—the structure of which we have been following and will
enhance. The cornerstone of this plan is our mission statement:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes
brotherhood and academic excellence while
providing service and advocacy for our communities.
No matter what we do in this organization, we must be sure
that our efforts support this theme. This statement should be incorporated
into every website and publication whether it stems from a
College Chapter or Alumni Chapter. I am happy to report that we
have had tremendous support and compliance with this objective
but we have not yet reached 100 percent adherence.
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My sincere appreciation is extended to those chapters that have
enacted this policy. And for those of you who have not, you may
receive a call. So please, Brothers, let’s have a clear level of consistency
in this organization as we strive to speak with one voice.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Before I go too far, some of you in the past have said there
were elements of the State of the Fraternity that I did not address.
If I talked about every area of importance to the Fraternity, we
would be here all day. So today, if you will, here are the highlights:
Throughout the implementation of the strategic plan, we have
sought to place most of the emphasis on the infrastructure. As a
result, we have devoted a great deal of time to “operations management”—those
operating policies and procedures that govern all
aspects of the Fraternity operations.
We have strengthened our communications and public relations
and we have established and maintained a brand that truly
represents our Fraternity. This brand is based on the national programs
for which the Fraternity is known and those we develop that
will support out mission statement.
In my tenure, you will notice that we have raised the awareness
of Alpha Phi Alpha on the national and international levels
with positive stories placed in strategic locations. We also have
been a voice on topics of importance to black America, ranging
from Jena 6 to the controversy over the “N” word.
We continue to emphasize that—no matter the topic, no matter
the request—we as an organization speak with one voice and
funnel all media requests through the national office and our paid
public relations firm.
We have strengthened our leadership management, including
the management of intake, retention, training, development and
chapter operations.
In an area where we need to place more emphasis—grooming
of our next group of leaders—chapters must keep a keen eye
on its members and groom those in your ranks so that they may be
prepared to assume leadership roles in the chapter, the district, the
regions and on the national level.
FISCAL MANAGEMENT
This has been a personal cornerstone of my administration.
We have initiated and maintained some financial controls so that
the next administration will not inherit financial woes.
Again a major part of that is fiscal transparency. You need to
know how we are doing because this is your Fraternity and we must

“
I am told that this group of men represents the best that the nation has to offer.
That they are college educated. That they contribute to their communities,
”
their time and their talents and their gifts. That they have a love for mankind and
have pledged to be of service—wherever and whenever it is required.
That they have a firm and abiding belief that if they stick together they can weather any storm.
I am told that when things get hot, these men get cold—Ice Cold!
GENERAL PRESIDENT DARRYL R. MATTHEWS, SR.
have strong financial management from the local to the national level. COLLEGE LIFE TO CORPORATE LIFE (C2C): One of the nation-
Major financial strides forward have occurred during the past al programs of which I am most proud is our College Life to
three years of my term as your General President:
Corporate Life (C2C) Program, which is coordinated by Brother
• The Fraternity’s operating cash account balance on January Desmund Adams.
1, 2005—my first day as your General President—was When I assumed this office, it was my vision that we would
$800,000. Our operating cash balance increased over the provide our collegiate members with the tools and resources need-
past three years by $2 million to a balance of almost $3 miled to help them maximize their potential to rapidly ascend as leadlion
as of December 31, 2007.
ers in their chosen field of endeavor.
• Our investments increased by $1.1 million over the past three Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Wells Fargo Financial are
years to almost $3 million as of December 31, 2007.
launching a national internship program in an effort to provide
• Alpha Phi Alpha’s revenue was $2.3 million in 2004, as com- career opportunities in financial services for minority college men
pared to $4.8 million in 2007.
and women. This effort links our College Life to Corporate Life
• For the year ending December 2004, Alpha Phi Alpha (C2C) Initiative and Wells Fargo Financial’s “Champions of
incurred a net loss of $17,000.
Change” internship program.
• For 2007, the third year of my administration, our net income Wells Fargo Financial will provide up to 25 summer intern-
was $800,000, an increase of $817,000 over three years. ships each year to the Fraternity for collegiate members as well as
My Brothers, as you can see from the results of the past three other women and men within the participating markets. Initially,
years, shining the light of fiscal transparency on our financial the program will launch in 14 states, including states where Wells
affairs has yielded significant benefits.
Fargo Financial has a presence. They have already provided us with
$25,000 as a good faith investment in the partnership. They will pay
NATIONAL PROGRAMS
us an additional $1,000 for each intern we provide. The targets are
25 interns in the first year, 50 the second year, 75 the third year and
The last pillar of this strategic plan is by no means the least— up to a maximum of 100 by the forth year and every year thereafter.
that is the area of program management. We have sought out new We must agree to provide the interns with an Alpha mentor
programs at the same time we have sought to strengthen existing and Wells Fargo will make sure the interns have an executive com-
national programs.
pany mentor. This internship is open to all majors where students
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have a 2.5 grade point average and above. The program is designed
to be replicated across the country. Initially the agreement has a
five year commitment, running through the year 2012. If we find
another corporate partner willing to participate in this program at
the same level, Wells Fargo Financial will invest an additional
$25,000 to help grow the program. We need to aggressively seek
additional corporate partners. More partnerships equates to more
internships and more revenue.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF AMERICA: Brothers, you
have heard me continuously convey the urgency of answering the
call to service by becoming mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters
of America. You have seen and visited their booths and kiosks at
our regional and national conventions. You have read articles,
received emails and phone calls, and viewed TV commercials during
the Super Bowl or during March Madness asking you to
become Big Brothers. You have been bombarded with appeals
from your leadership.
During my State of the Fraternity Address at our Centennial
Convention, I invited 10,000 Alpha men to stand up and enroll as
Big Brothers. There were a number of you who heard the call—
and who answered the call—in our enduring crusade to touch and
influence the lives of young people. Many of these youngsters are
facing a dismal abyss and have to make a choice between the contentious
forces that are fighting for their very souls.
There is an expression that is used by today’s youth. It is “Man
Up”. The definition, according to urbandictionary.com, is: “to fulfill
your responsibilities as a man, to work through impediments
and obstacles without whining”.
There are young people in our community who are waiting for
Alpha men to be Alpha men—To Stand Up, Man Up and then
Follow Up! That’s what Alpha men do. That’s what leaders do.
The goal of recruiting 10,000 Alpha Brothers has not yet been
met. We are not there Brothers but we are well on our way. There
has been a definite boost in both enrollment and services rendered
by Alpha men.
Many more have come forward but we still need more
Brothers to stand up. I’ll tell you some success stories in a minute.
Some of you who are part time Alpha men—those of you who
claim to be Alpha men when it is convenient—chose to challenge the
legitimacy of the mandate. Some of you said it was “ridiculous to set
a goal that high. The goal never should have been set that high.”
I say to you that leaders Stand Up, Man Up and then they
Follow Up! Visionary leaders set big, hairy, audacious goals. It’s
called vision, a quality that all Alpha men should possess, especially
anyone who desires to be become a leader in this great
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Fraternity. Leadership is about setting goals—big goals and then
attaining those goals.
Hundreds of Brothers have responded to my summons in significant
ways. For example, 100 percent of the Brothers in Beta
Gamma Chapter at Virginia State University are mentoring as Big
Brothers. Eta Epsilon Chapter at the University of North Texas has
80 percent of its Chapter matched with a Little; and Brother Robert
Daniels, a graduating senior and a registered Big Brother, was
recently hired as an on campus recruiter. They have founded an
organization on campus to recruit other students.
NFL player and San Diego Charger Brother Roman Oben is
making such an impact mentoring as a Big Brother, a donor and an
advocate that he was designated The Big Man of the Year for the San
Diego BBBS affiliate. That’s what Alpha men do!
I defy you to show me any man in this room that can’t commit
just four hours a month to make a difference in a child’s life.
We must Stand Up, Man Up and then Follow Up! When people
see us they say: “There goes an Alpha man.” Our brand implies:
“There goes a man to help uplift the lives of wholesome youth.”
MARCH OF DIMES: You know about our partnership with the
March of Dimes – Walk for Babies initiative, formerly known as
WalkAmerica. That’s how we raise the money that funds our Project
Alpha programs. During the years 2001-2004, we annually raised
an average of $74,000 nationally for WalkAmerica.
In 2004, our best year over that four-year period, Alpha Phi
Alpha raised $89,125. We didn’t have a goal. We told Brothers to
“Just do it.”
In 2005, my first year as General President, I met with the
Brothers who made up our MOD team at the March of Dimes headquarters
in White Plains, New York. We attended a two-day volunteer
training. At that time, I set a goal of $200,000. It was a stretch but I
knew we were capable of doing much better than we had previously.
Once again the part time Alphas started saying it was “ridiculous to set
a goal that high. That goal never should have been set that high”.
That year we raised $134,754. We were shy of our goal—
never-the-less it was a significant increase over our previous efforts.
In 2006, we achieved an all time high of $181,105, yet we
were still second to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in MOD fundraising.
Imagine—Alpha Phi Alpha being second to the Zetas. But in 2007,
we claimed the number one position amongst the MOD category
for clubs and organizations by raising a total of nearly $240,000.
There is still a great need for more Brothers to step forward.
I say to you that leaders Stand Up, Man Up and They Follow Up!
Alpha men are leaders. Again, “only those who go too far know
how far they can go.”

“
America knows we are here.
America knows we are needed.
”
America is now waiting to see what we will do next.
We must not disappoint ourselves and in-turn disappoint America.
We must continue to grow. We must continue to operate in a sound manner,
exercising good practices in our chapters and at our national headquarters.
GENERAL PRESIDENT DARRYL R. MATTHEWS, SR.
INTAKE
My Brothers, this is the last time that I will deliver the State of
the Fraternity Address. I will continue to serve you through the end
I have heard concerns from some of you about the intake of the year.
process. I have appointed a task force on intake. It is chaired by Please know that during my term, we have had some incred-
Brother Arthur McDade, Southwestern Region Vice President, ible moments, including the ceremonial groundbreaking at the
whose charge is to examine our current process and identify site of the MLK National Memorial; the recognition of the
opportunities for improvement, material deficiencies and, if nec- Fraternity in media outlets across the country on a variety of
essary, develop a process that incorporates those elements that issues; the celebration of the Fraternity’s centennial in
you feel are essential—provided they are reasonable and Washington, D.C., and more.
acceptable.
America knows we are here. America knows we are needed.
The charge I gave to the task force is three fold:
America is now waiting to see what we will do next.
• Understand that pledging, as we know it, is gone and never We must not disappoint ourselves and in-turn disappoint
coming back again;
• The modifications to the process have to be acceptable to
the colleges and universities where our College Chapters
reside; and
• The process has to be one that would not increase our liability
with regard to risky behaviors.
Frankly, there are underground and unacceptable activities
taking place under the aegis of “making them right”.
We have talked about it before. We will not belabor the discussion.
If you break the rules, you put everyone at risk, including
yourselves, your families, your colleges and universities, and your
Fraternity. We have been here for 102 years. We will not allow anyone
to cast us away because of some foolish notion that is illegal in
every court of law in the nation.
America. We must continue to grow. We must continue to operate
in a sound manner, exercising good practices in our chapters and
at our national headquarters.
Leadership is about more than the ceremonial events and
picture taking. It is hard work. It is endless work. It is necessary
work.
I have enjoyed the journey. I have sought to build on the legacy
of those who preceded me and I think I have steered this great
ship of Alpha through some rough currents and through some
memorable adventures. The numbers reflect our success. My work
is not yet done.
And I will say as I did when I took the Oath of Office: “Each
day when I wake, I will be thinking of you and our great
Fraternity—Alpha Phi Alpha.
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1 2
5
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102ND ANNIVERSARY
6 7
10 11 12 13
1 (L-r) Fraternity Executive Directors Ralph Johnson, Zollie Stevenson, Willard
Hall, Greg Phillips, Seaton White and Hebrew Dixon display their newly designed
Executive Director pins.
2 G.P. Darryl Matthews arrives before presenting State of Fraternity Address.
3 Miss Black and Gold Rivonne Collins (center) is pictured with contestants from
the Fraternity’s four other regions.
4 (L-r) Brothers Kevin Powell, Randal Pinkett, Ms. Soledad O’Brien,
Brother Darryl Matthews and Mr. Mike B. Rollen participated in a panel
discussion following the Convention screening of CNN Presents: Black
in America.
5 Baltimore television station anchor Brother Vic Carter moderated the A Hopeless
People is a Hopeless People Town Hall Forum.
6 Congressman Brother Bobby Scott appears at special reception in his honor
during Convention.
7 BBBS President and CEO Judy Vredenburgh brought greetings during the Public
Program.

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
3 4
8 9
8 Brother Jonathan White comments from floor during business session.
9 College Brothers talk with students during Convention Project Alpha presentation.
10 (L-r) Past General Presidents Ozell Sutton and Henry Ponder salute outgoing
G.P. Darryl Matthews.
11 Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest Winner Osai Robinson displays award.
12 Innovative steps and choreography were presented at the 2008 Step Show
Competition.
14 15
13 Southwest Region Scholarship Bowl team confers about question during final
competition. The Southwest Region team finished second to the Southern
Region in the contestx.
14 March of Dimes COO Jane Massey made comments at the Public Program.
15 Midwestern Region’s Rivonne Collins is crowned 2008-09 National Miss Black
& Gold.
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s 102nd
Anniversary/88th General Convention—themed
Developing Leaders for Service and Advocacy—
was held July 17-21, 2008 in Kansas City,
Missouri. The Fraternity hosted the five-day event
at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown and the
Kansas City Convention Center.
The Convention attracted more than 5,000 participants—
with more than 15,000 people passing through the venues. The
Convention’s economic impact on Kansas City and the metropolitan
area was nearly $5 million.
84
102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
ATTRACTS OVER 5,000 PARTICIPANTS;
GENERATES NEARLY $5 MILLION
FOR KANSAS CITY ECONOMY
Ballots Tallied; Skip Mason Elected as General President
Convention Photos by Jeff Lewis and Rickey Brown
CNN’s Soledad O’Brien (c) is pictured with General Presidents (l-r)
Adrian Wallace, Milton Davis, Ozell Sutton, Harry Johnson, Darryl
Matthews, Charles Teamer, James Williams and Henry Ponder.
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Ballots for the 2008 General Presidential campaign were
tallied at the Convention and Brother Herman “Skip” Mason
was announced as the 33rd General President-elect. Brother
Mason’s term of office will run from January 2009 through
December 2012. Skip Mason is Chairman of the Fraternity’s
Historical Commission and former president of Eta Lambda
Chapter in Atlanta. He serves as the Interim Vice President of
Student Services at Morehouse College and lives in Ellenwood,
Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, with his wife and three children.
Participants and award recipients at the 2008 Convention
included Brothers Dr. Randal Pinkett, season four winner of
Alpha First Ladies and General Presidential guests pictured are:
(seated l-r) Eunice Ponder and Jewell Cardwell; (standing l-r) Joanna
Sutton, Allison Matthews and Karen Johnson.

102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
NBC’s The Apprentice; Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA);
Honorary Convention Chair Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D-
MO); congressional candidate Kevin Powell; and CNN anchor
and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien.
The Convention featured several major community service initiatives,
focusing on national and local issues and addressing some
of today’s most relevant issues for African Americans, as well as
some of the most controversial topics of the day. Issues addressed
included politics and voting, fair housing policies, banned use of
the N-word, efforts to raise money and awareness for the Martin
Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C., and health
issues pertinent to the African American community. Numerous
workshops and business sessions also were held.
Housing Development Mini-Conference
Linking Alpha Phi Alpha to its housing legacy, the
Convention kicked off on Thursday, July 17 with a Housing
Development Mini-Conference to celebrate the 40th Anniversary
of the Fair Housing Act. Kim Kendrick, Assistant Secretary for
Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development delivered the keynote address
for the Mini-Conference, which focused on community and
housing development.
Alpha Phi Alpha has long been a voice for fair housing in the
U.S. and in 1968, Fraternity Brother Senator Edward W. Brooke coauthored
the Fair Housing Act, which President Johnson signed
into law a week after the assassination of Brother Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Dissatisfied with the weakened enforcement provisions
that emerged from the legislative process, Brother Brooke pushed
for stronger provisions during his Senate career. In 1969, Congress
Alpha Award of Honor recipient Soledad O’Brien (2nd left) appears
with Alpha’s First Family (from left) Darryl, Jr.; Allison; Darryl, Sr.; and
Blake Matthews.
enacted the “Brooke Amendment” to the federal publicly-assisted
housing program which limited the tenants’ out-of-pocket rent
expenditure to 25 percent of their income.
Health Fair and C2C
The Convention Health Fair and College Life to Corporate Life
(C2C) Career Fair opened the following morning, Friday, July 18, at
the Kansas City Convention Center.
Through the Health and Wellness Committee, the Fraternity
presented health awareness, education, advocacy, networking and
mentoring seminars and opportunities to Alpha Brothers and the
community. The Health Fair helped expound on the Fraternity’s
health initiatives, which are being realized through partnerships
with national organizations such as the American Cancer Society,
the National Kidney Disease Education Program Family Reunion
Initiative, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on HIV/AIDS
Policy.
Meanwhile, college Brothers, along with young and seasoned
professionals armed with resumes began meeting with corporations,
organizations and agencies seeking bright candidates for
their businesses.
Town Hall Forums
Various Town Hall Forums were held during the Convention
to address the topics of Intake and voting. The Fraternity hosted
its A Voteless People is a Hopeless People Town Hall Forum at 10
a.m. Friday, July 18 in the Kansas City Convention Center where
a variety of political issues, such as voter education, voter registration
and basic civic participation were discussed. Baltimore
Brothers listen to State of Fraternity Address.
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television news anchor Brother Vic Carter served as the forum’s
moderator. Congressional candidate Brother Kevin Powell,
Brother Michael A. Blake and Mr. David Hardwick served as panelists.
The A Voteless People is a Hopeless People campaign originated
as a Fraternity national initiative in the 1930s when
African Americans had the right to vote but many were prevented
from doing so.
Education Foundation Luncheon
Also on Friday, July 18 the Education Foundation hosted its
luncheon where the Fraternity’s 2008 scholarship recipients and
Distinguished Collegians were recognized and initiatives, which the
Foundation plans to launch, were announced. The attendance of
College Brothers was especially encouraged at the luncheon and
Alumni Brothers were asked to attend and/or donate tickets to the
younger Brothers. A portion of the $60 tickets were tax deductible
and proceeds from the event benefited the Education Foundation
and its scholarship program.
Ladies Fashion Show/Step Competition
The Ladies Fashion Show and Luncheon was held at noon
Friday, July 18 in the Imperial Ballroom of the Kansas City Marriott
Muehlebach Tower. Other ladies activities included Ladies
Seminars—with a special Line-Dancing demonstration; Ladies
Wine Tasting; Ladies shopping; and Ladies City Tour and Lunch. A
variety of children’s activities also were available.
College Brothers displayed the latest steps at the Step Show
and After Party, held Friday evening, July 18 in the Grand Ballroom
at the Kansas City Convention Center. Alpha Phi Chapter at Clark
Atlanta University in the Southern Region took first place honors in
86
102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
Life Membership Luncheon speaker Congressman Emanuel Cleaver
(left) receives Centennial Book of Essays and Letters from Brother
Matthews.
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this year’s competition. Second place went to Epsilon Chi Chapter
at the University of Kentucky in the Midwestern Region.
Oratorical Contest/Scholars Bowl/Pageant
The College Brothers Luncheon & Belford V. Lawson
Oratorical Contest was held midday Saturday, July 19. On the heels
of the Fraternity’s announced stance on use of the N-word, participants
in the competition addressed the controversial topic during
the annual Belford V. Lawson National Oratorical Contest, which is
named in honor of the organization’s 16th General President.
College Brothers representing each of the Fraternity’s five regions
tackled the important question: “Is the N-word really buried?” Osai
Robinson of Theta Tau Chapter, Kettering University in Flint,
Michigan, Midwestern Region, won the competition with his
insightful and electrifying address.
On Saturday evening, July 19 the finalists from schools in
the Fraternity’s five regions competed in the Collegiate Scholars
Bowl Finals. As usual, all of the college Brothers displayed
remarkable intellect but in the end the team from Clark Atlanta
University in the Southern Region prevailed as the winner of the
2008 competition.
Later that evening, Ms. Rivonne Collins, representing Zeta
Delta Chapter at Michigan State University in Lansing, Midwestern
Region, was crowned the 2008-09 National Miss Black & Gold after
competing with ladies from schools in the Fraternity’s four other
regions. Ms. Collins, a music education/voice major at Michigan
State showed off her beautiful soprano voice while competing for
the title. Ms. Courtney McCellan, who represented Gamma Iota
Chapter at Hampton University in the Eastern Region was named as
the 1st Runner-up in the pageant.
Ecumenical Worship Service Preacher Brother Wallace S. Hartsfield.

102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
G.P. Darryl Matthews addresses the Ladies Fashion Show Luncheon.
Brothers marched in academic regalia at the start of the Public
Program.
Ecumenical Worship Service
Alpha Brothers, wives and guests filled the Kansas City
Convention Grand Ballroom Sunday morning, July 20 for the
Ecumenical Worship Service. Rev. Brother Wallace S. Hartsfield,
pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Kansas City was the
Ecumenical Service keynote speaker. Brother Hartsfield is vice
president-at-large and chairman of the Economic Development
Commission of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.
He also is a board member and past chairman of The Congress of
National Black Churches and serves as chairman of the Congress’
Economic Development Program. Brother Hartsfield also served
on the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. He
holds a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and minor
degrees in religion and psychology from Clark College in Atlanta,
Georgia. He also holds a Bachelor and Master of Divinity degree
from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta.
Public Program
The 102nd Anniversary Convention Public Program, held at
3 p.m. on Sunday, July 20 began with a processional of Brothers
marching in academic regalia. This year’s Public Program recognized
nearly 20 African American male high school students
in the greater Kansas City area for outstanding achievement and
community participation. The honorees received a certificate of
academic achievement and their names were printed in the
Public Program booklet. Also, all Brothers who received
degrees within the past year were acknowledged collectively
during the program.
Brother Dr. Randal Pinkett delivered the keynote address at the
Public Program, using the topic: “Everyone Leaves a Legacy: Is Success
Brother William T. McDaniel, Jr. directs the Public Program orchestra.
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87

the Standard, or is Greatness the Goal?” Brother Pinkett stated, “To me,
success reflects what you accomplish for yourself, whereas greatness
reflects what you accomplish for others. Success is making a difference
in your life; while greatness is making a difference in other lives.”
During the Public Program, CNN anchor and special correspondent
Soledad O’Brien was presented with the Alpha Award of
Honor—the highest recognition bestowed upon a non-member—
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102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
BROTHER SKIP MASON ELECTED 33RD GENERAL
PRESIDENT AT 2008 CONVENTION IN KANSAS CITY
At the Fraternity’s 102nd Anniversary
Convention, held July 17-21, 2008
in Kansas City, Missouri, the election
of Reverend Brother Herman “Skip”
Mason, Jr. as the organization’s General
President was announced.
Brother Mason officially becomes
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s 33rd General
President when he takes the oath of office
the weekend of January 23-25, 2009. The
Inaugural Celebration for Brother Mason
will take place at downtown Atlanta’s
Marriott Marquis Hotel and on the campus
of Morehouse College. Former U.S.
Ambassador to the United Nations Brother
Andrew Young; Atlanta Mayor Shirley
Franklin; Retired U.S. Justice Department
Community Relations Director and 26th
General President Ozell Sutton; and Congressman Brother
David Scott are honorary co-chairs of the Inaugural. Vice
President of the United Negro College Fund Brother Maurice
Jenkins was appointed chairman of the Inaugural Celebration.
“Alpha Phi Alpha has always led on the great issues of the
day—in America and around the world,” Brother Mason said
after release of the election results. “My election as General
President will provide a unique opportunity to further that part
of our work and I look forward to the challenge.”
In 2010, Brother Mason will lead a delegation of thousands
of Alpha members to Washington, D.C. for the dedica-
By Rick Blalock
Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr.
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
tion of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National
Memorial. The Fraternity has spearheaded
the memorial project to honor Brother
Dr. King.
Brother Skip Mason—who was
named National Alumni Brother of the
Year in 1989 and is past president of the
Atlanta’s Eta Lambda Chapter—was elected
for a four-year term. He succeeds
General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.
Initiated into the Fraternity in 1982
while at Morris Brown College, Brother
Mason received his Bachelor’s degree
from Morris Brown and holds a Master of
Arts degree in Library and Information
Science from Clark Atlanta University. He
is Interim Vice President of Student
Services at Morehouse College. He also is
a noted historian, author and documentary producer. Brother
Mason was nominated for the office of General President at the
Fraternity’s Orlando Convention in August 2007, along with
Brother Darryl Peal of Columbus, Ohio.
Brother Mason is married to Harmel Codi Mason. They are
the parents of three children and reside in Ellenwood, Georgia,
just outside of Atlanta.
Brother Rick Blalock is a news anchor for CBS Radio, book
author and regular contributor to The Daily Voice and the
Atlanta Tribune newspapers
for her tremendous work in covering issues affecting the African
American community.
In accepting the honor, Ms. O'Brien said, “I would like to
extend my sincere thanks to the members of the Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity for bestowing this award upon me during this year’s
Convention. Being a part of the advanced “Black in America”
screening was as rewarding as it was enlightening. Seeing the

102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
Brother Dr. Randal Pinkett was a panelist for the CNN Presents: Black in
America discussion and delivered the Public Program’s keynote address.
audience’s reaction to the film and absorbing the panel discussion
afterward was incredibly meaningful for me—and further
reinforced my belief that the dialogue on race must continue in
order for there to be progress.”
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, along with local Radio One
Station, Magic 107.3 FM, hosted a special screening of the highly
anticipated series, “CNN Presents: Black in America,” that is
reported by Ms. O'Brien. The Fraternity was the only African
American Greek-letter organization to host a special viewing of
the year-long investigation on the current state of black
Americans, revealing the successes and setbacks of the community.
The Fraternity held a post-screening panel discussion featuring
General President Matthews, Soledad O’Brien, Randal
Pinkett, Kevin Powell, and radio personality Mike B. Rollen.
Brothers Dr. Joseph Heyward and Dr. Sylvester Shannon
received the Alpha Award of Merit, the highest recognition
bestowed upon an Alpha Brother, during the Public Program.
Brothers Heyward and Shannon have served the Fraternity in various
official capacities for several decades.
Former Lincoln University professor Dr. Thomas D. Pawley
III was recognized with an award at the Public Program after
having earlier been named Historian Emeritus. Dr. Pawley, who
taught at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri for nearly
five decades, served as National Historian for the Fraternity
from 1993 to 1996. As National Historian, he published numerous
essays in The Sphinx. He also developed a study guide for
aspirants to review the Fraternity’s history and wrote and narrated
a 30-minute video lecture that explained the origin and
early development of the Fraternity.
G.P. Darryl Matthews greets G.P.-elect Herman “Skip” Mason. Former General President James R. Williams (right) administers Oath
of Office to incoming Western Region VP and five Regional AVPs.
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Brother Pawley was presented with the Alpha Award of Merit
at the organization’s 90th Anniversary Convention in New Orleans
in 1996. For the Centennial Convention, held July 2006 in
Washington, D.C., Dr. Pawley wrote the words for “Hymn to the
Founders,” which encapsulated the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha
as part of the legacy of the African American struggle for freedom.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s corporate partner organizations
were represented by Big Brothers Big Sisters President
and CEO Judy Vredenburgh and March of Dimes COO Jane
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102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
THE ALPHA AWARDS OF MERIT AND HONOR
The Alpha Award of Merit is the Fraternity’s highest award bestowed upon a member and the Alpha Award of Honor is
the highest award given to a non-member of the organization
Dr. Joseph E. Heyward
Alpha Award of Merit Recipient
On the Fraternity’s national level, Brother Joseph Heyward
served as part of the Constitution Committee during the
administration of 25th General President James R.
Williams; chaired the Publications Committee during the administration
of 26th General President Ozell Sutton; and was appointed
as Administrative Assistant to the General President by 27th
General President Charles C. Teamer, Sr. He has held that position
for 28th General President Henry Ponder, 29th General President
Milton C. Davis, 30th General President Adrian Wallace, 31st
General President Harry E. Johnson, Sr. and 32nd General
President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. Brother Heyward has served in
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various other chapter, district and regional capacities and was
instrumental in chartering Kappa Chi Chapter at Francis Marion
University. He was initiated into the Fraternity through Gamma Iota
Chapter while a student at Hampton University and later joined
Delta Kappa Lambda Chapter in Florence, SC where he has been
an active member since 1967. Professionally, Brother Heyward
has taught mathematics and physics and served as assistant principal,
principal and assistant superintendent for the Florence, SC
School District. He retired from Francis Marion University as
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs in June 2006 after having
served there in several positions, including Interim Provost and
Director of the University Center.
Sylvester Lorenzo Shannon, Ph.D.
Alpha Award of Merit Recipient
For over 55 years, Brother Shannon has served Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity at the chapter, district, regional and national
levels. He was initiated into the Fraternity through Beta Nu
Chapter at Florida A&M University in 1952 and became involved
on the Fraternity’s national level during the administration of
General President A. Maceo Smith. In 1979, Eastern Region Vice
President Gray Gilliam and General President James R. Williams
invited Brother Shannon to serve as Fraternity Chaplain. He has lifted
our spirits through prayers and inspirational meditations ever
since. When Brother Shannon graduated from Divinity School in
1966, he was equipped and ready to serve. He entered the U.S.
Massey who brought comments at the Public Program.
Project Alpha
Project Alpha was held at 8 a.m. Monday, July 21 at a local
school. Nearly 50 children from the Afrikan Centered Education
Collegiums Campus attended the Project Alpha service initiative. A
collaborative effort between the March of Dimes Foundation and
the Fraternity, the youth-oriented initiative was designed to increase
knowledge about teenage sex and pregnancy among young males.

102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
Army Chaplain Service, serving from 1966-1981, retiring with the
rank of colonel. He was the first African American chaplain to
graduate from the Command and General Staff College and the first
African American to serve as senior pastor of the Pentagon Pulpit.
He conducted preaching missions all over the world and received
the U.S. Army Legion of Merit Award for Service in South Vietnam.
Upon retiring from the Army, he served as a pastor in the
Presbyterian Church (USA), with pastorates in North Carolina,
Virginia, Kansas, the District of Columbia and New York. In 1990,
he became pastor of the historic Siloam Presbyterian Church, the
largest predominately black congregation in his denomination.
Brother Shannon is committed to education and received his B.A.
and B.S. degrees in psychology and education from Florida A&M
University in 1955, a Bachelor of Divinity from Duke in 1966, a
Master’s in counseling psychology from the University of Colorado
in 1970, a Ph.D. in human relations and speech communications
from the University of Kansas in 1974, a Th.M. from Duke Divinity
School in 1993, and a D. Min from McCormick Theology Seminary
in 2000. Dr. Shannon is an Eagle Scout and an ambassador for the
Boy Scouts of America
This was the first year that the Fraternity expanded the program’s
reach to include teenage females. Brothers also performed renovations
at the school at the conclusion of the event.
Life Membership Luncheon
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO) served as the
keynote speaker for the Life Membership Luncheon on Monday, July
21. Brother Cleaver is a second-term Congressman in the House of
Representatives and sits on the Financial Services Committee and
Soledad O’Brien
Alpha Award of Honor Recipient
Covering political news, Soledad O’Brien is an anchor and
special correspondent for CNN’s Special Investigation Unit,
reporting hour-long documentaries throughout the year
and filing in-depth series on important, ongoing and breaking-news
stories for all major CNN programs. Soledad O’Brien joined CNN
in July 2003 as co-anchor of the network’s flagship morning program,
American Morning. Her efforts following Hurricane Katrina
and the tsunami in Phuket, Thailand have earned her numerous
awards and critical acclaim. She came to CNN from NBC News
where she had anchored the network’s Weekend Today since July
1999. Before Weekend Today, she anchored MSNBC’s award-winning
technology program, The Site. Soledad O’Brien joined NBC
News in 1991 and was based in New York as a field producer for
Nightly News and Today. Before that, she served three years as a
local reporter and bureau chief for the NBC affiliate KRON in San
Francisco. She began her career as an associate producer and news
writer at the then NBC affiliate, WBZ-TV in Boston.
the Select Committee on Global Warming. Brother Cleaver also
serves as a Regional Whip of the Democratic Caucus and Second
Vice-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Having grown up in
public housing, Congressman Cleaver has dedicated his career in
public service to economic development and social concerns.
Black & Gold Reception and Banquet
The 102nd Anniversary Convention’s closing events began at 7
p.m. Monday, July 21 with the Black & Gold Reception, held in the
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Foyer of the Kansas City Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom. The
Black & Gold Banquet followed at 8 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom.
Individual Brothers and Chapters were recognized for their
academic and service achievements. Awards presented included
Outstanding College and Alumni Brother of the Year awards;
Outstanding College and Alumni Chapter of the Year awards, the
Alpha Spirit Awards and this year the March of Dimes Awards
92
102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION AWARD WINNERS
The award winners at the 88th General Convention, held July 17-21, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri are as follows:
2008 CONVENTION AWARDS
COLLEGE BROTHER OF THE YEAR: Matthew McClellan; Tau Eta; The College of
Charleston—Southern Region
ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR: Densel Fleming; Beta Nu Lambda; Charlotte,
NC—Southern Region
COLLEGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR: Beta Nu; Florida A&M University—Southern
Region
ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR: Epsilon Theta Lambda; Hamilton, Bermuda—
Eastern Region
COLLEGE SCHOLARS BOWL:
Winner: Alpha Phi; Clark Atlanta University—Southern Region
Runner-up: Eta Gamma; Prairie View A&M University—Southwestern Region
BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL:
Winner: Osai Robinson; Theta Tau; Flint Area Chapters—Midwestern Region
Runner-up: Stevie Walker-Webb; Eta Epsilon University of North Texas—
Southwestern Region
STEP SHOW COMPETITION:
1st Place: Alpha Phi; Clark Atlanta University; Atlanta, GA—Southern Region
2nd Place: Epsilon Chi; University of Kentucky—Midwestern Region
MISS BLACK & GOLD:
Winner: Rivonne Collins; Zeta Delta; Michigan State University; Lansing, MI—
Midwestern Region
1st Runner-up: Courtney McCellan; Gamma Iota; Hampton University;
Hampton, VA—Eastern Region
2008 SPIRIT AWARDS
HIGHEST GPA:
College Brother:
Phillip Gavin; Theta Alpha; Jarvis Christian College—Southwest Region
Jeremy Ticey; Gamma Iota; Hampton University—Eastern Region
Anthony Roberts; Alpha Rho; Morehouse College—Southern Region
College Chapter:
Delta Alpha; Claflin College—Southern Region (3.64)
Theta Alpha; Jarvis Christian College—Southwest Region (3.375)
GREATEST DISTANCE TRAVELED:
College Chapter: Alpha Xi; University of Washington; Seattle, WA—Western
Region
Alumni Chapter: Theta Theta Lambda; Frankfurt, Germany—Eastern Region
(1,842 miles)
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MOST REGISTERED BROTHERS (OUTSIDE HOST REGION):
College Chapter: Zeta Zeta; University of Oklahoma; Southwest Region—10
Registered Brothers
Alumni Chapter: Eta Lambda; Atlanta, GA; Southern Region—26 Registered
Brothers
MOST REGISTERED BROTHERS (WITHIN HOST REGION):
College Chapter: Nu Rho; IL Institute of Tech/DePaul University; Midwestern
Region—7 Registered Brothers
Alumni Chapter: Xi Lambda; Chicago, IL; Midwestern Region—7 Registered
Brothers
OLDEST REGISTERED BROTHER AT CONVENTION:
Registered Brother: Robert Short; Beta Lambda; Kansas City, MO; Midwestern
Region—96 years old
REGISTERED BROTHER W/LONGEST MEMBERSHIP IN ALPHA:
Registered Brother: Robert Short; Beta Lambda; Kansas City, MO; Midwestern
Region—Initiated 79 years ago
CHARLES H. WESLEY BROTHERHOOD:
Award Winners: Kappa Pi, College of Wm. & Mary; and Zeta Lambda, Newport
News, VA—Eastern Region
TENNIS TOURNAMENT WINNERS:
Champion: Donald Silvels; Upsilon Lambda; Jacksonville, FL—Southern Region
2008 MARCH OF DIMES AWARDS
WALKAMERICA:
Alumni Brother of the Year: Thomas A. Tatum; Eta Tau Lambda; Akron, Ohio—
Midwestern Region
Alumni Chapter of the Year: Delta Theta Lambda; Huntsville, AL—Southern
Region
PROJECT ALPHA:
College Chapter of the Year: Omicron Rho, Otterbein College; Columbus, OH—
Midwestern Region
Alumni Chapter of the Year: Zeta Beta Lambda; Sacramento, CA—Western
Region
PARTNERSHIP AWARD:
Brother of the Year: Densel Fleming; Beta Nu Lambda; Charlotte, NC—
Southern Region
were included as part of the banquet presentations. Brother
Donald Silvels of Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Jacksonville, Florida
in the Southern Region again won the Fraternity Tennis
Tournament. Brothers involved with the Alpha Tennis Tournament
are currently attempting to have the competition named after
Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones, an early administrator of the tournament
as well as a 1920 doubles champion.

GOING WHERE
WE SHOULD BE
Editor’s Note: Thirty-second General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. delivered the following address
on July 20, 2008 during the Black & Gold Banquet, closing the Fraternity’s 102nd Anniversary Convention,
held in Kansas City, Missouri. The address was edited for publication.
Salutations and Acknowledgements
My Brothers, there are no words to describe this sight. For just
a moment, I want to look around the room and look at the men
here assembled. For just a moment, I want to realize this moment
and its significance.
Where else in America right now are there this many African
American college-educated men in one place? Where else in
America can we find this many doctors and lawyers, academicians
and scholars, preachers and scientists, architects, engineers, elected
officials, officers of the law and students? Where in America can
you find that?
This powerful moment is one worth remembering. I am honored
that at this moment you have allowed me to be your leader. I
shall savor this moment and will cherish it for all time.
* * *
To the Past General Presidents—Brothers Williams, Sutton,
Teamer, Ponder, Davis, Wallace and Johnson—and to General
President-elect Herman “Skip” Mason; to the memory of former
Midwestern Regional Vice President Jimmie Buford; to the
Brothers of Beta Lambda and Delta Rho Chapters of Kansas City, the
hosts Chapters for this 102nd Anniversary Convention; and to
Upsilon, Zeta Gamma and the many other Chapters in the great
Midwestern Region, I extend to you a fraternal salute.
I also would like to recognize just a few of the many Alpha
Brothers whose hard work, time, effort and dedication have been
essential to the success of this administration. Those individuals
include Brothers Zollie Stevenson, John Carter, Bob Willis, Al
Rutherford, Michael Pegues, Vic Carter, Reggie Riddle Young,
Joseph Heyward and David Brown among the many, many others. I
also would like to recognize Brother Willard Hall and the General
Office staff for the outstanding work they perform in service to the
Fraternity. And my heartfelt gratitude, thanks and love goes out to
my mother, Wilma Matthews, who is here with us today.
In a few short months, I will earn another title. It’s called “Past
General President”; and while I love being your Brother and I love
being your leader, I have a feeling I will love being your Past
General President also. I think the only person who may enjoy my
acquisition of the Past General President title more than me will be
my wife, Allison.
Throughout my term as General President, Allison has been
my rock and strength. Every Alpha man should be as fortunate as
me to have a mate who understands your love for the Fraternity and
your dedication to its work. Allison, please accept these flowers as
a token of my admiration, and appreciation and love for you.
Leadership and Responsibility
As I mentioned, tonight will be the last time that I address a
Fraternity General Convention as your General President. So
tonight, I would like to leave you with a few thoughts.
The first is about leadership. The ideal comes from a woman,
who like Allison, was a pillar of strength to her husband. Former
First Lady Roslyn Carter said this about leaders—she said, “A
leader take people where they want to go. A great leader takes people
where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”
Any General President of Alpha Phi Alpha can tell you that
there have been times when they had to take you where you ought
to be. They can tell you that often they had to make decisions for
this great ship in the loneliness that leadership can bring. We do
so, not because we want to. We do so, because it is our sworn
responsibility.
Anyone who has held a leadership position in this Fraternity
can attest to that. It is so because we are not any ordinary organization.
We are, in fact, extraordinary. Because for us membership
in Alpha is not only about the bond of brotherhood, it is also about
the bond to do good and the good you have done.
Continued on following page
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From this lofty place we have been those who reach down and
raise up. We have been those who make a difference—a difference
that is not a flash in the pan but a difference that is lasting
and eternal.
On that note, we are in an election season and we need to be
reminded that we have to be a part of the process through voter registration
conducted throughout the country. We also need to be
mindful of those candidates—some of whom are Alpha men—who
are running for offices, ranging from local school boards to the
Congress of the United States. These Brothers need your words of
encouragement and they need your financial support. Let them know
that you too are an Alpha man who is concerned about leadership.
In every period throughout the history of this great Fraternity,
we have been labeled as an organization that produces leaders.
That is why companies come to us and ask for our advice, our
counsel and our help when it comes to fostering their programs in
our neighborhoods and our communities.
That is why companies come to us when they need assistance in
reaching particular segments of the community. That is why non-profit
organizations turn to us in their quest to help those in need, to help
those who need a male mentor, to help those who desire to be Scouts
and to help those innocent little babies who are born prematurely.
That is why companies come to us—because they are familiar
with our resources and our pool of African American men who can
get things done.
Why does American turn to Alpha? It is because we are like
other great leaders. We choose to do that which is hard; we achieve
that which is great; and we do so not for greatness’ sake but rather
because it is our calling.
Somewhere in the Mind of an Alpha Man
Somewhere in the mind of an Alpha man, there could be the
cure for cancer. Somewhere in the mind of an Alpha man, there is
the greatest literary work. Somewhere in the mind of an Alpha man,
there is a sermon that will turn lives around. Somewhere in the
mind of an Alpha man, there is the key to unlocking minds assembled
in a classroom, so that the neurons in the heads of students
will rapidly fire and explore and discover and create and they will
find themselves in the process.
Somewhere in the mind of an Alpha man, there is an answer
to the energy crisis. Somewhere in the mind of an Alpha man, there
is a peaceful solution so that there will be war no more. But yet,
these wonderful minds find the time to be brotherly and to pledge
themselves to the mandates of their Fraternity.
Sometimes, we get caught up in the minutia of our day-to-day
operations. We may be focused on our daily work, and focused on
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Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
our elections, and intake and finances. And somehow, we forget
these wonderful things that truly define us.
It has been said that good leadership is determined not by
what you do in the beginning or even the middle of a term, but
rather, how you leave the organization. Is the organization better off
when you leave than when you took control?
I will have to be honest and say that when I leave office, in many
respects Alpha will be better than when I took control—and not just
because of me—but because of you. You made it better. You solved
problems. You steadied the ship and you keep her on course.
Because of you, the public appearance of Alpha Phi Alpha has
been increased. You have allowed me to be a voice on some of the
pressing issues of our time and you have allowed me to take the
lead for our people when there have been injustices in our land.
Alpha’s voice was heard concerning the use of the “N” word
and it took my entire staff of advisors to keep me quiet three days
ago when Jesse (Jackson’s) revelation was made. Sometimes it is
better just to keep quiet.
Alpha’s voice was heard in Jena, Louisiana and I saw many of
you there wearing your black and your old gold. Alpha’s voice was
heard at the passing of John H. Johnson, our beloved Brother in
Chicago. Alpha’s voice was heard when Mrs. Rosa Parks died and
Alpha’s voice was heard when we turned the soil to raise a memorial
to our Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
You have kept me busy but it has been a joyful time for me.
Yes, there have been frustrations but that can be found in any
organization that is doing things. These are the things we must
remember as we embark upon new leadership in Alpha.
Embrace the Chaos
I have often wondered what advice and how much advice I
would give the next General President of Alpha. I am sure that over
the next five months I will have a series of conversations with the
33rd General President, Brother Herman “Skip” Mason. What I
likely will tell him is to embrace the chaos.
Now, I do not mean this in a negative sense—because if you talk
with some of our Brothers who have studied and are involved with the
sciences, they will tell you that there is such a thing as positive chaos
where you have a flurry of activity with little or no traceable pattern.
In our case, the chaos is that if you were to step back and look
at Alpha, you will see men running in a number of different directions—all
seeming to reach the same goal. Each has a different
responsibility and each has a different project. But if you pause
long enough—even amid the chaos, patterns emerge, things begin
to take shape and you come to realize that this “good chaos” is
simply the nature of things.

What scientists will also tell you is the phenomenon that is
common to various kinds of chaos is due to a “sensitive dependence
on conditions,” which is better known simply as “the way
things are.” And science has shown us that sometimes all it takes is
a minor adjustment in those conditions and things begin to change.
My advice is to embrace the chaos because it is the way things
are. Make adjustments, make changes; but always remember that
sometimes all it takes is a small change that can result in big differences.
And to be totally honest, sometimes you have to come in with
a big old Alpha hammer and bust things up. Do so not in a vacuum
but with the counsel of those closest to you. Know that you have my
support and there are those who will be there for you even in the
lonely hours, in the dawning of the day and the setting of the sun.
This is the great ship of Alpha and you will be a great leader
and you will embrace and understand chaos.
My Brothers, I have led you where you wanted to go. I have
taken you to places where you may not have wanted to go but
where we needed to be. We went there together and we blazed new
trails and we made new friends and our voice has been heard.
We do that which is hard. We seek that which is great. We stand
on the mountain tops of life but see clearly in the valleys. We rise up
like eagles and we also walk with the common man. We speak with
the eloquence of kings but we forget not to make it plain.
This is the Alpha Phi Alpha I know. This is the Alpha Phi Alpha
I lead. I do so not for the sake of greatness but rather because it is
my calling.
I stand on the shoulders of other great Alpha men. They tilt my
face to the stars and lift me up and point the way to go.
I love you, my Brothers, and I thank you for giving me the
wheel of this great vessel and for affording me this moment to look
at you in your humble greatness.
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96
MOD AWARDS BROTHERS AND
CHAPTERS FOR SUPPORT OF
THE ORGANIZATION’S MISSION
Recognitions Presented during 102nd Anniversary Convention
Forged more than 26 years ago under the leadership of
Brother Erwin France and March of Dimes Program Manager
Beryl Battle, the partnership between the March of Dimes and
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has reached new heights with
promises of more to come.
In 2008, the collaboration between the organizations reached
a new level of excellence. Highlights of this past year’s successes
include:
• March for Babies fundraising continued to grow, reaching
over $239,000;
• The first edition of the Partnership for Life quarterly newsletter
was introduced;
• 71% of Chapters reported reaching over 22,000 youth with
Project Alpha;
• Innovations made in support for the Prematurity Campaign;
• Annual March of Dimes Awards recognizes Fraternity’s excellence
in execution.
By Wilbur Jackson
March for Babies Brother of the Year Thomas Tatum (right) accepts MOD award
from (l-r) Brothers Wilbur Jackson, Darryl Matthews and MOD’s Gwen Carmon.
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
MOD AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
The Annual March of Dimes Awards for Excellence in
Execution were presented during the Black & Gold Banquet at the
102nd Anniversary Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Each category
for presentation has criteria that must be met by Brothers and
Chapters to be considered for the award. Alpha Brothers and
Chapters around the world demonstrated outstanding support for
the partnership during the past fraternal year, which culminated in
the MOD awards being presented in the following areas:
• March for Babies – Excellence in Fundraising: College
Chapter of the Year; College Brother of the Year; Alumni
Chapter of the Year; Alumni Brother of the Year.
• Project Alpha – Excellence in Programming,
Innovation, and Best Practices: College Chapter of the
Year; Alumni Chapter of the Year.
• Partnership Award – Individual Excellence in Partnership
Support including Fundraising, Programming and
Volunteer Leadership: College Brother of the
Year; Alumni Brother of the Year.
AWARD WINNERS:
Alumni Chapter of the Year, March for
Babies – Delta Theta Lambda,
Huntsville, AL: Delta Theta Lambda donated
over $25,000 in attaining their sixth straight
honor as the Fraternity’s top team. They
ranked with other corporate teams like
Kmart, Publix, Farmer’s Insurance, and
FedEx. The Chapter demonstrated leadership
by speaking at the March of Babies Kick-Off
events to inspire other teams. They provided
set-up and take-down logistical support for
the event. Their innovative school campaign,
led by Brother Wilbert Brown, member of the
March of Dimes’ Mountain Lake Division

Board, was applauded by the March of Dimes Division Director
Benita Hopkins.
Alumni Brother of the Year, March for Babies – Thomas
A. Tatum, Eta Tau Lambda, Akron, OH: Brother Tatum
demonstrated leadership in many facets while serving as
Midwest Region Coordinator, Ohio District Coordinator,
Captain of the Akron Alumni Chapter team, and Akron Area
Event Chairman. In each leadership role, he exceeded past
fundraising levels and provided a great public image for each
campaign. The Akron Area Event corporate sponsorships
increased from $23,000 to over $33,000; and $243,000 overall
has been raised to date. The Ohio District of Chapters
fundraising increased from $11,000 to $20,000; and the
Midwest Region of Chapters increased from $24,000 to over
$42,000. Brother Tatum personally raised $4,500 and was
credited with over $11,000 through foundation, company, and
Alpha Chapter donations.
College Chapter of the Year, Project Alpha – Omicron
Rho, Columbus, OH: Omicron Rho conducted an outstanding
Project Alpha program featuring Brother Joseph Phillips, the
program’s national spokesperson. Their work, in collaboration
with Alpha Rho Lambda, demonstrated the strength of Alpha Phi
Alpha men working together to improve the lives of others. Sixty
participants benefited from this outstanding program. One participant
said, “I liked when we were able to discuss about being
a man”. The Chapter also supported the annual March for
Babies initiative.
Alumni Chapter of the Year, Project Alpha – Zeta Beta
Lambda, Sacramento, CA: Zeta Beta Lambda delivered a yearlong
longitudinal program that was highlighted with the integration
of various project elements into their monthly Alpha Academy as
well as a special event during Prematurity month in November.
During the programming year, more than 150 youth were educated
and mentored. The program is designed for students to continue in
the academy for multiple years and for parents to get involved as
well. In keeping the students involved monthly and conducting multiple
sessions, they were able to comprehensively cover all elements
of the program. They also raised over $5,500 for March for Babies.
Brother of the Year, Partnership Award – Densel Fleming,
Beta Nu Lambda, Charlotte, NC: Brother Fleming exhibited the
intent of this new award with his comprehensive support of the
March of Dimes mission. He was a presenter and participant at
Project Alpha; served as a spokesperson for the March of Dimes at
numerous public events; led his Chapter to the No. 1 NC District
March for Babies team; served on Bank of America’s Steering
Planning Committee to support March for Babies; supported other
events (i.e., Signature Chefs, Golf Tournament, etc.); and recruited
volunteers for March for Babies. His daughter was born at 26
weeks of gestation, so he shares his personal story broadly supporting
the mission. Bank of America donated $70,000 under his
leadership; his Chapter raised $3000; and he is a member of the
March of Dimes’ President’s Society.
Brother Wilbur Jackson is the Western Regional Vice President
and Director of the March of Dimes Partnership.
The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008
(L-r) Brothers Willard
Hall, Wilbur Jackson,
Darryl Matthews, MOD’s
Gwen Carmon appear
with Brothers Ben Long,
DTL Chapter Pres.;
Wilbert Brown, National
March for Babies
Coordinator; Dr. Bruce
Crawford, Immediate
Past District Director-AL;
Christopher Evans,
District Director-AL;
Delta Theta Lambda
Chapter-Alumni Chapter
of the Year, March for
Babies.
97

The bottom line in any busi-
ness is the financial bottom
line. Proficiency in financial
management separates successful
businesses from unsuccessful businesses.
The Road to MegaSuccess is
written to help entrepreneurs understand
how to make, measure and
maximize money from operating a
business venture. Companies that
are progressing financially emphasize
planning and growth control
and implement a well-conceived and
delicately synchronized business
plan. The financial components of
the plan are integral to success.
The Road to MegaSuccess has 13
chapters, a glossary and end-notes. It
would have been helpful if the author
had included an index, as there are
business concepts and jargon that
may be hard for the uninitiated to
understand.
The book uses a case study
approach. Each chapter begins with
“The Journey” and features two fictional
characters, BJ Armstrong of
Matrix, Inc., and Taylor Made, of
Potomac, LLC. These two entrepreneurs
met in college and later decided
98
BOOK REVIEW
The Road to MegaSuccess:
Simple Strategies for Enriching
the Bottom Line
By Brother Louis G. Hutt, Jr.
Columbia, Maryland: Joy Publishers, 2008 (258 pages). $24.95
Reviewed by Dr. Joseph T. Durham
to work together. BJ Armstrong’s company,
Matrix Corporation, distributes
housekeeping, cleaning and maintenance
supplies. Potomac, LLC, provides
software development and IT
consulting and technical oversight to
business and government agencies.
The aim of The Road to
MegaSuccess is to make entrepreneurs
more confident and knowledgeable
about profitably managing the
bottom line. Managing profit requires
a well-defined financial strategy and a
strong support system. The survival of
a business hinges on how well
resources are invested, managed and
monitored. A precursor to success is
a clear financial strategy. Every CEO
must possess the ability to navigate the
numbers. He must be able to authorize
purchases of equipment, approve
funding for bonuses and sign for the
acquisition of real estate. In a sports
perspective, the CEO would be the
coach. He must be able to exhibit
thorough planning, keen judgment
and systematic control in supervising
the game from beginning to the end.
In Chapter 2, the entrepreneur is
urged to evade the fault line and avoid
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
the classic pitfalls. Taylor’s company
peaked with its annual volume at $5
million but has been flat for the past
two years. She seeks advice from BJ.
For new businesses, the highest
risk of failure comes in the first four
years of operation. For established
businesses, the risk of failure can go
well into maturity. For companies that
reach puberty and beyond, the greatest
hurdle is to produce a profit on a consistent
basis. Regardless of age or seniority,
in order to enrich the bottom
line, the CEO must work through various
layers of financial, operational and
other strategies as well as sales and
marketing sectors of the company.
Managing the financial affairs of a
business requires a systematic
approach that both measures and manages
the flow of resources. A good business
has a monitoring system that provides
an accurate read on the flow of
money. Cash in the bank is no sign of
profitability or viability. An entrepreneur
must have a variety of financial
support systems, including having
access to financial information. This
will allow a business to bypass the fault
line and steer it into a positive direction.
Brother Joseph T. Durham
Entrepreneurs should avoid a
crisis style of management. Such a
style results when a company finds
itself racing to borrow money in
time to meet payroll or to refinance
overdue accounts owed by key suppliers.
Management should resist
accepting real time decisions as a
matter of practice.
The author deals with early-warning
signs to determine if a company is
in danger of failing. Among these signs
are: profits are decreasing although
sales are increasing; the company is
operating in the red despite having
achieved sales goals; and incomplete
financial documentation detracts from
otherwise accurate, reliable and complete
information. One should avoid
these pitfalls.
Chapter 3 focuses on effective
cash flow management techniques
and solutions. A merchant’s worst
nightmare is running out of cash.
Adequate operating cash is a matter of
business survival. An insolvent business
is unable to meet its obligations.
Despite the value of assets on their
books, cash-strapped businesses
struggle to support their day-to-day

need for cash. The first test of financial
vitality is a company’s ability to convert
non-cash assets into hard cash.
Managing cash flow is extremely
challenging and stressful. The filing of
a bankruptcy by a major customer can
cause cash flow to hemorrhage; also
events such as equipment breakdowns,
a major customer dispute or
an interest increase on a bank loan
can cause difficulties in cash flow.
The effects of cash flow deficiency
can be quite serious. Sometimes
Draconian measures must be used
such as selling off equipment, eliminating
staff or cutting back in other
areas. Aside from securing cash from
the outside, the only way to avoid such
dire consequences is to realign cash
flow. This takes a thorough understanding
of the techniques for measuring,
forecasting, and managing cash
resources and uses.
Businesses must hunt for ways to
accelerate cash flow from operation.
Tweaking financial policies and practices
offers a way to achieve tight cash
flow alignment. For instance, one
could bill customers bi-monthly
rather than weekly. Likewise, a com-
pany can delay inventory and supply
purchases nearer to actual usage.
These procedures will tighten the
operating cycle. For emerging and
growing businesses, Cash is King!
In business, profit is important. A
business should be able to make a
profit on virtually every sale. One
should be able to make a profit from
every widget that is sold.
A critical threshold for sale of
products and services is the
breakeven point, which occurs when
sales match expenses. Financially
speaking, a business should not sell a
product or service below cost, except
for promotional reasons. Calculating
the breakeven point is a major milestone
towards increasing profitability.
The breakeven calculation provides
the building blocks for a profitable
operation. Different types of companies
calculate breakeven differently.
For example, a product and merchandising
company expresses it in sales
dollars. Healthcare services measure
breakeven in terms of patient visits.
Throughout the book, Brother
Hutt cites 12 principles, which he calls
the Mantra. One such mantra is
“Perform a Reality Check. Examine
your Financials.” In discussing this
mantra, Brother Hutt relates that
Taylor Made was being considered for
the awarding of several large contracts.
In preparation, she decided to
talk with her banker about short-term
financing. However, she was anxious
about meeting with her banker without
having her accountant present.
She needed to know more about her
company’s financial statements.
Financial statements usually
contain three ledger sheets: Income
Statement; Cash Flow Statement; and
a Balance Sheet. Financial statements
represent a periodic report
card and serve as a handy guide for
making financial decisions. Using
financial statements can supply
answers raised by management as
well as external parties.
To ensure universal comparability,
conventional financial statements
use certain basic accounting standards
and methods referred to as
Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (GAAP). CPAs are required
to use these guidelines when preparing
financial statements and when rendering
financial opinions about them.
Frequent reporting of financial
statements is very desirable. When
financial statements over a period of
time are compared, one can get a
good sense of the financial condition
of a business.
Financial oversight and monitoring
should be an every day function. As
valuable as a financial statement is,
rarely will a banker or financier rely
exclusively on them. Financial statements
are designed for a general audience.
Financiers want a more detailed
account of the DNA of a business.
Usually when a large amount of
BOOK REVIEW
funding is being requested, no stone is
left unturned. Credit standing of the
principal owners will be examined,
and even documents relating to valuable
property such as licenses, leases,
and royalties will be examined.
It may be helpful to have a second
opinion regarding a company’s financial
health. An outside perspective
serves as another type of internal control
over the accounting and financial
reporting process.
Companies can shop for money to
finance a business. One way to acquire
capital is to use other people’s money
but this method requires jumping
through hoops as well as an ability to
deliver a return on investment.
Securing capital requires strategic
planning and attention to detail. A CEO
seeking capital must have a creditable
business plan that outlines clearly his
financial needs and requirements.
One lesson a CEO learns is that it is difficult
for a newly formed business to
attract capital. A start-up company
may begin with the owner tapping his
personal savings. They may be able
also to get family and friends to chip in
financial support.
Funds provided to a business at a
specific rate of interest with a definite
schedule for repayment is referred to
as “debt”. Money obtained by a business
with a more flexible repayment
schedule is referred to as “equity”.
Equity is thought of as “patient money”
because future repayment is tied to
future earnings. Equity funding is usually
the preferred method of raising a
relative large amount of capital.
In contrast to equity, debt capital
fixes certain repayment obligations.
Debt financial requires amortization—
that is regular payment of principal and
interest until the balance is fully repaid.
The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008
99

BOOK REVIEW
100
When seeking a loan, the CEO
should be familiar with types and practices
of different financiers. Among the
different financiers are: Commercial
Banks, Leasing Companies, Factors,
Venture Capital Funds, Investment
Banks, and Public and Governmental
Financing Programs.
A financial dossier should be prepared.
It should contain pertinent
information about the business and
the resumes of owners and key managers,
and company financial statements
for the most recent three years.
Keeping an eye on so-called X factors
is a pre-requisite for maximizing
financial returns. X factors are those
activities that are subject to change
and stifle efficiency.
CEOs must keep abreast of operating
and administrative costs known as
“financial drivers.” The CEO or the
chief financial officer must identify key
activities and assign an impact ranking
to each one. To keep performance in a
high range, the management team must
evaluate and reassess financial drivers.
Many times, new businesses are
started without an adequate legal
structure. Being saddled with legal
ability in excess of insurance is serious.
A judgment creditor will look first
to be paid by insurance, then turn to
business assets and still if not fully
compensated, to the personal assets of
the business owner.
Limited legal liability provides
asset protection to principal owners
and outside investors. There are a
number of ways to structure a business
to provide limited legal liability. It
is relatively simple for businesses of all
sizes to incorporate as a limited liability
company or corporation. Even a
sole owner should not rule out incorporating.
When numerous investors
are involved, incorporation can also
be used. The operating procedures of
the corporation are proscribed by law.
One should monitor the limited
liability company. If a business fails to
renew a business license or pay annual
state and local taxes, the status of
the company is forfeited. When this
happens, by law a business may revert
back to sole proprietorship with no
protection.
Regardless of personal confidence
in colleagues, it is wise to draw
a buy-sell agreement in the Operating
Agreement. If death occurs or a company
is offered for sale, the buy-sell
agreement details how the assets of
the company will be dealt with.
Once a business has been established,
the CEO should turn to how to
avoid risking a loss of investment. It
would be naïve to ignore the possibility
of risks. Foremost among the ways to
deal with risks is the matter of insurance,
especially health insurance.
Other types of insurance are: disability,
long-term care, and loss of life.
Personal financial planners recommend
at least three months of insurance
money. Also, assets of the company
should be evaluated. The portfolio
of the company should be regularly
evaluated. This includes intellectual
property such as customized software,
patents, copyrights and licenses.
Exit planning is critical in case the
sale or transfer of a privately owned
company is necessitated by illness,
disability or premature death. In such
cases, a well formulated exit strategy
will be invaluable.
Disaster planning is also critical.
Whether disaster occurs because of
the “Acts of God” or are man-made,
prudent measures must be taken to
restore the business.
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
Strategic planning is necessary if a
business is to grow. Seed money is
needed by virtually every business. Seed
money is needed to explore new markets
and product development opportunities.
The world’s population is growing
and emerging markets provide a
wealth of new opportunities for growth.
Reinvesting dollars back into the
company is wise. Companies in virtually
every industry should consider the
idea of setting aside some funds for
replacement of equipment. The key is
to set aside funds long before visible
signs of financial deterioration set in.
Then, there are so-called “pop-up”
cases when financial obligations
appear at seemingly inopportune
times. For example, operating equipment
under lease provides for a buyout
option at the end. This is an example
of a pop-up item that requires
advanced funding. If the option price
is a significant payment, it may cause a
harmful effect on cash flow.
One must provide payment for
investors. A way must be provided to
compensate investors without draining
earnings and profits. In public
companies, a board of trustees is
empowered to set dividend policy and
payment to investors.
A business may establish a debt
sinking fund to acquire sufficient
funds to retire debt obligations such as
mortgages, commercial term loans
and investor buyouts. A debt sinking
also enables a business to accelerate
repayment of debt ahead of schedule.
Every CEO is faced with the tasks
of maintaining profitable growth.
Profitable growth represents new
business and contributes financially to
the bottom line. A certain level of
annual growth in sales is needed but
there must be a critical mass in sales
revenue. Critical mass is the point on
the scale where a company can exercise
influence gain more favorably
with suppliers.
Devising a profitable growth strategy
does not mean planning to bring
in all forms of new business. The quality
of the business is important. A good
way to plan business development is
by the acquisition of another company
that has the right stuff.
Growth does not automatically
translate into a greater financial
return. Sound planning and oversight
are important for consistent growth.
During a peak growth cycle, one must
be on guard for financial deterioration
in the form of late payments to key
vendors and build up of accounts
receivable. Managing growth also
requires upgrading the business structure.
Preparing an updated business
plan is recommended as well as making
technology upgrades. Similarly,
personnel recruitment, training, and
development will be necessitated.
The Road to MegaSuccess aims to
help CEOs and business people
redesign and improve their financial
management. Brother Hutt discusses
all aspects of business, including insurance
and legal procedures. He emphasizes
that the bottom line in a profitable
business is the financial line.
The Road to MegaSuccess is a
guide for both new and seasoned business
people. In its pages, one will find
practical advice for starting, growing
and maintaining a profitable business.
Brother Dr. Joseph T. Durham is Book
Review Editor of Negro Educational
Review, Inc.; President Emeritus of the
Baltimore City Community College;
and a member of Delta Lambda
Chapter in Baltimore, Maryland

Success by Instinct:
What Animals Already Know
to Boost Your Career
By William E. Boswell
Dallas, Texas: Brown Book Publishing Company, 2006 (225 pages).
Reviewed by Dr. Joseph T. Durham
Can man—Homo sapiens—
learn anything from ani-
mals? William Boswell, an
Alpha Brother and a long-time executive
with major companies, thinks
so. In his book, Success By Instinct,
Brother Boswell lists 14 animals
from which humans can learn. He is
on good scriptural ground. Proverbs
6:6 of Holy Writ says: “Go to the ant,
thou sluggard, and learn from her
ways.” Ants are among the animals
that Brother Boswell lists. He says
“Ants’ actions have often been
described as resembling human civilization.
Their daily activities rank
extremely high on the scale of intelligence”
(p. 32). He says that ants
identify, organize themselves and
diligently pursue the accomplishment
of their goals. Humans should
take a lesson from ants and establish
goals and work diligently to achieve
them. The ant is tenacious in achieving
its goals. Human beings must be
just as focused in the achievement of
their goals.
The other animals that humans
should observe, according to Brother
Boswell, are: elephants, chameleons,
peregrine falcons, beavers, dolphins,
hornbills and mongooses, geese,
white-tailed deer, crocodiles, whales,
dogs, alpha wolves, and prairie dogs.
In this short book, Brother
Boswell examines the behavior of the
animal and makes application to
human endeavor. He does not supply
any justification for why these particular
animals were chosen; and one has
to wonder why they were chosen while
others were left out. For example, why
not the horse; or the bear; or the
lion—the king of the jungle?
Success By Instinct discusses 14
principles that the author has gleaned
from his study of animals. These principles
are not unique but Brother
Boswell shows how each principle
applies to human behavior in the business
world. The first principle, “Know
Yourself,” has been widely written
about but Brother Boswell takes this
principle and makes it interesting by
describing the behavior of elephants.
For one thing, elephants recognize
and accept their physical attributes
and potential for dominance but they
avoid using these characteristics for
that purpose.
Brother Boswell admits that he
had a tremendous fear of speaking in
public but he overcame this fear once
he realized that it was keeping him
from reaching his goal in the professional
world. He enrolled in
Toastmasters International and took
courses at Dale Carnegie and overcame
his fear. He says, “Recognizing
and accepting your personal weakness
is necessary; however, developing
a purpose to remove it is essential” (p.
8). Brother Boswell further states that
elephants “practice activities such as
recognitions, awareness and acceptance
of their environment” (p. l6).
Self-knowledge, self-acceptance, selfimprovement,
and self-fulfillment are
all important if an individual desires to
fulfill his goals.
A study of chameleons furnishes
the second principle of success.
Chameleons use their natural color to
hide or blend into their surroundings.
To accomplish one’s goals, you must be
as adaptable as chameleons. The
process of adapting to a new environment
is called the acculturation
process. It is a survival skill for
chameleons and for humans. The
BOOK REVIEW
Brother Joseph T. Durham
degree to which we adapt to a new environment
will determine the level of success
we achieve in a professional organization.
He cites an individual who failed
to adapt to the environment of an
agency in which he worked. In spite of
repeated counseling sessions, he could
never make the adjustments necessary
and so, he finally left the organization.
Like chameleons, even though
one may excel in an academic environment,
one must make the paradigm
shift and adapt to the new environment
of the professional world, or
one will fail.
Peregrine falcons are cited
because of their tremendous speed
but less is known about the huge
preparation they undergo to search
for food to sustain life. Brother
Boswell says that we “must demonstrate
the same level of dedication and
commitment to self-development as
the falcons” (p. 48). Such investment
is the key to success. Just as peregrine
falcons do, he asserts, we must learn
other skills based on environmental
and other considerations.
“Busy as a beaver” is an often
quoted saying. The unyielding determi-
The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008 101

102
BOOK REVIEW
nation and persistent performance of
the beaver make them different from
other animals. They are small but they
use their powerful tails to pack material
in place. Just as beavers have developed
disciplined work skills, one must
develop a persistent work ethic that
distinguishes one from those around
them. Brother Boswell uses himself as
an example of this. He had finished his
undergraduate degree but he realized
that he needed additional preparation.
Consequently, he obtained a Certified
Public Accountant (CPA) certification
and then went on to attain the Master
of Business (MBA) degree. This preparation
proved to be well-timed and
enhanced his career possibilities.
Persistence also is important. He
cites Abraham Lincoln as a model of persistence.
Lincoln had seven major set
backs in his life; however in l860, he was
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
elected as the
President of the
United States. “Never
give up on your
dreams,” asserts
Brother Boswell. “If
you maintain the
same level of perseverance
as Abraham
Lincoln and continuously
stay focused on
your goals, there is
no question that success
will be yours”
(p. 75).
Dolphins are
interesting creatures.
They are
famous for their
sociability and
trust of humans.
However, in the
wild, these animals
are noted for their
ability to fend off
predators while living
in a hostile environment.
The dolphin
has a positive
attitude regardless
of environmental
concerns. We must
never underestimate
the importance or
the impact of a
positive attitude on success or failure.
A positive attitude is essential for
success.
We should follow the example of
dolphins and avoid negativism that
affects our attitude. The author cites
an instance when a senior executive
who reported to him sought a meeting
with the chief executive of the organization
to lodge a personal complaint
against him. Brother Boswell says
even though he was disappointed with
his subordinate’s behavior, he did not
allow the incident to dampen his attitude;
he did not succumb to negativism.
As for the individual, even
though he appeared to be contrite, it
was the epitome of betrayal. His influence
in the organization was diminished
and he subsequently left the
organization. Brother Boswell maintained
his positive attitude and did not
let the incident dampen his spirit.
The African hornbill (a bird) and
the dwarf mongoose (a mammal)
work together to find food. They team
up to accomplish their objective. The
lesson to be obtained from this relationship
is to ignore individual differences
and build networks to accomplish
personal goals. Networking is
important. However, to advance one’s
career, one cannot rely on networking
alone. One must also focus on preparation
and performance.
Recognize that teamwork is
essential to accomplishing personal,
professional and organizational goals.
We learn this lesson from geese that fly
in “V” formation. The formation adds
uplift, reduces resistance, and
increases the flying range of the entire
flock. We learn from geese the importance
of teamwork.
Although team work is important,
never assume responsibility for the
other members’ failures. The effectiveness
of the team is more important
than the comfort of individual members.
Sometimes individual accomplishment
or personal goals must be
sacrificed for the overall benefit of the
team. There is no “I” in team.
Relationships built on trust are necessary
for satisfactory team work. Wild
geese honk encouragement while in
formation. It is important for team

members to be supportive of other
team members and help them in their
difficulties. Since teams are required
for success in all endeavors, we must
develop the skills needed, as the geese
do, to be effective in our environment.
Another animal from which we
can learn is the white-tailed deer—
the number one big game mammal in
the United States. White-tailed deer
spend a lot of time maintaining awareness
of their surroundings. Because
they are color-blind, they focus on the
slightest movement. “For them, environmental
awareness is critical for
survival and is a life-or-death issue. We
should be just as diligent in observing
our environment….,” Brother
Boswell says (p. l46).
Brother Boswell had a foreign
assignment in which he had to change
company financial reporting practices.
In the assignment, he had to recognize
cultural differences and adjust to them.
“Aggressive patience” is what we
learn from crocodiles. They lie
motionless for most of the day; however,
when it becomes necessary to
pursue a prey, they can be aggressive.
So humans must learn to maintain a
level of aggressiveness on some specific
issues and positive patience on
other issues. We should be aggressive
in advocating ourselves but also be
patient and recognize that success
may not occur as quickly as one
would like.
Brother Boswell cites the case
of an employee who thought he
deserved a promotion. However,
Brother Boswell thought the
employee was not ready. The
employee disagreed and quit the
position on the spot. The employee
lacked the patience to wait and lost
out. Had he practiced more
patience, he could have eventually
obtained the promotion.
There are many opportunities
for aggression and patience. One
has to be discerning to know when
to use one or the other. “Crocodiles
have perfected the practice of
knowing when to be aggressive and
when to be patient” (p. l56).
Communication is important and
whales are cited as superb communicators.
Their repertoire is complex
and their range covers as many as
seven octaves. Whales also have distinct
dialects and their sounds can be
detected for many miles.
Often communication is thought
of as verbal skills only; however, developing
listening skills and mastering
nonverbal actions are also necessary.
Communication is absolutely essential
for individual success. Many individuals
get so involved in their daily activities
that they forget about the importance
of upward, across and downward
communication. We must communicate
across all levels of an organization,
including upper management,
peers and subordinates.
Non-verbal communication is also
essential. Facial expressions, body
position, and attentiveness all communicate
as directly as words. Brother
Boswell recommends that a minimum
of l8-to-20 inches in personal space
around the entire body of the communication
partner be observed.
Focusing on verbal skills alone
will not ensure effective communication.
Like whales, we must employ
communication skills that are relevant
to our environment.
It has been said that dogs are
“man’s best friend”. Dogs love, return
love freely and openly display affection,
joy, and disappointment. Whether they
have integrity seems debatable; however,
they do seem to show many qualities
observed in humans, according to
Brother Boswell.
In an organizational environment
as well as in personal life, integrity is
important. It is imperative that we
maintain strong ethical behavior and
personal integrity at all costs.
Brother Boswell recalls an incidence
in which the company he
worked for was going to be sold. The
employees were naturally upset.
However, the situation changed and
the company was not sold. Later a
clandestine offer was made to sell the
company. Since Brother Boswell had
told the employees the company
would not be sold, he could not go
along with the clandestine offer. He
remained loyal to what he had told the
employees. He says, “The point to
remember is that maintaining your
personal integrity is essential for success
in your personal and professional
career” (p. l85).
Alpha wolves exhibit significant
qualities of leadership over the wolf
pack. Leadership is important and
there are many styles of leadership. A
leader must know his leadership
style. Among the styles of leadership
are these characteristics: being
demanding, respected, moral and
principled. While effective leaders
have different styles, they share similar
qualities. These leaders are: (1)
communicators; (2) listeners; (3)
visionaries; (4) motivators; (5) team
players; (6) mountain viewers; (7)
self starters; (8) competent; (9)
focused; (10) empathetic; (11)
responsible; (12) results oriented;
(13) strong in character; (14) positive;
(15) adaptable/flexible; and
(16) committed.
BOOK REVIEW
Concentrating only in developing
effective leadership styles can be
self-defeating. Instead, a manager or
leader must incorporate appropriate
leadership style into his persona
and focus on individual strengths.
This is the approach alpha wolves
practice.
Prairie dogs are social rodents
that live in well-organized towns
consisting of mounds and earthen
fortifications. Yet, they also maintain
a balanced social life. If we
take a lesson from prairie dogs,
we must ensure that all of our time
is not spent in pursuing work
goals. We should include time for
friends, social activities, extra-curricular
activities, exercise, travel,
and rest.
Like prairie dogs, we should
nourish our relationships with others.
It is important to maintain
healthy lifestyles while pursuing our
career goals. We should also
include the time to share with others
some of what we have been
given. We must maintain balance in
our lives just as prairie dogs maintain
balance in their lives. This balance
enhances relationships, provides
for personal needs, improves
safety, and enables survival of the
group. If humans do the same, performance
and quality of life will be
enhanced.
Brother Boswell has studied 14
animals and draws parallels with the
lives of persons in the business
world. The book, Success By
Instinct, is a guide for persons seeking
advice on how to succeed. The
principles that the author enunciates
will prove to be beneficial rules for
success in the business world and
personal living.
The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008
103

OMEGA
AN ORIGINAL FORCE BEHIND
MLK MEMORIAL ENTERS
OMEGA CHAPTER
Brother Alfred “Al” Carver Bailey—one of the last surviving
Alpha Brothers who first presented the vision for a national
memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr.—has transitioned to the Fraternity’s chapter for
deceased members.
In 1985, Brother Al Bailey was among the
original Alpha Brothers who convened at a
home outside of the nation’s capital to discuss
a vision for erecting a memorial to Brother
King. The Brothers lobbied Congress to enact
a law to build the memorial, making countless
trips to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers. In
1998, the U.S. Senate and House of
Representatives unanimously approved legislation
to erect a King Memorial on the Mall;
and in a White House ceremony on March 4,
1999, President William Jefferson Clinton
signed the Fraternity bill into law.
Because of his role in conceiving the
vision and his continuing efforts to raise
funds for the project, Brother Bailey commanded
a front-row seat during the
Ceremonial Groundbreaking for the MLK National Memorial on
November 13, 2006 when he was seated next to President Bill
Clinton; and participated with the children of Martin and Coretta
King and other dignitary in the ceremonial turning of the earth.
During the Fraternity’s 2007 General Convention in Orlando,
Florida, Brother Bailey was presented with the Alpha Award of
Merit—the Fraternity’s highest award to a member of the organization—because
of his vision and work toward building the
memorial. Brother Bailey also accepted the award on behalf of
Brothers George H. Sealey, Sr.; John A. Harvey, Sr.; Oscar V. Little;
Harold Navy; Hanley Norment; and Eddie L. Madison, Jr.—other
original visionaries of the memorial.
Son of the late Charles and Edna Bailey, Brother Bailey was
born in Middlesboro, Kentucky on June 25, 1925. He was the
fifth of seven children and the twin brother of Alma Bailey.
OMEGA CHAPTER
Brother Bailey graduated as valedictorian from Lincoln High
School at age 15. Upon graduation, he attended what was then
Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) in Hampton,
Virginia. His college experience was interrupted by World War II
when he served as a Military Policeman in
charge of protecting military fighter planes.
He received an honorable discharge
from U.S. Army active duty in 1946 before
enlisting in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and
becoming a member of the Tuskegee Airman.
In the Air Force Reserves, he fulfilled one of
his childhood dreams—learning to fly.
Following WWII, he returned to Hampton
Institute to complete his studies and earn
degrees in Engineering and Construction.
On May 1, 1949, Brother Bailey was initiated
into the Fraternity through Gamma Iota
Chapter at Hampton where he also met his soul
mate, the late Chastine W. Bailey. After two years
of courtship, Brother Bailey and Chastine mar-
Al Bailey
ried on August 14, 1954. From the union came
one daughter. They also had three grandchildren.
Brother Bailey’s early career was spent in Knoxville,
Tennessee where he was employed for several years at Knoxville
College as the Director of Facilities Management and
Engineering. He was responsible for designing several new buildings
and creating new campus workflows. He later accepted a
similar position at Howard University where he remained until
his retirement in 1986.
Brother Bailey transferred his Fraternity membership to Iota
Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Montgomery County, Maryland shortly
after it was charted in 1970. A life member of the Fraternity and
tireless worker, he served as Chapter Historian and Archivist for
many years. Brother Bailey was a driving force behind the acquisition
and restoration of the Smithville School Museum and
Education Center. He also was a mentor to many younger members
of the Fraternity..
The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008 105

OMEGA CHAPTER
Brother Kermit H. Boston, a life
member of Alpha Phi Alpha and a
lifelong executive, teacher and sage to
the public service community, entered Omega
Chapter on December 7, 2008. Brother Boston was
a senior partner at BKB Associates, Inc. in San
Francisco, providing professional development in
management leadership and diversity, employee
relations and other areas of corporate education.
From 1991 to 1999, Brother Boston was Director of
Corporate Education, Computer Curriculum
Corporations/Simon and Schuster Technology
Group, in Sunnyvale, California. For more than 20
years, he held various top management positions
with McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York where
he became the first African American Corporate
Vice President and General Manager of two revenue
divisions. He began his career as a teacher before
entering the world of publishing and media. A native
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he grew up in the Mt.
Zion Baptist Church of Germantown and became a
member of their Trustee Board in 1964. He moved
on from there to the Riverside Church of New York
City where he became the Chair of the Board of
Deacons. In San Francisco, he became a member of
Grace Cathedral where he was a Past Chair of their
Board of Trustees and was named Trustee Emeritus.
He was past Chairman of the KQED Board of
Directors and served on the Boards of the Fine Arts
Museums of San Francisco, the vice president of Lay
Community of the Association of Public Televisions
Stations, as a founder and vice president of the Bay
Area Community Development Corporation, the
Bishop’s representative, and board member of the
Episcopal Senior Communities, Inc. Brother Boston
was a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity—the
Boulé —and was immediate past sire archon of
Beta Upsilon Boulé of San Francisco and was elected
Regional Sire Elect for the Pacific Region in
October, 2007. He was Chief Learning Officer for
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity University; Past President
of the Fraternity’s Gamma Chi Lambda Chapter in
San Francisco; and former Gamma Chi Lambda
Chapter “Man of the Year”. He earned his B.S.
degree in Education from Cheyney State University,
Cheyney, Pennsylvania and his M.S. degree in
Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
Among his many awards are the James R. Ball
Award from the American Society of Training and
Development (ASTD); and Outstanding Alumni of
Cheyney University. Brother Boston is survived by his
wife, Barbra Ruffin-Boston; a daughter, grandson
and granddaughter.
106
Brother James “Jim” H. Davie, a
life member of the Fraternity who
was initiated through Iota Lambda
Chapter in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1975, entered
Omega Chapter on October 4, 2008. Brother Davie
was the Executive Director for seven years at United
North East Community Development Corporation.
He was a member of St. John’s Missionary Baptist
Church for 40 years where he served on the Trustee
Board and as financial secretary and Sunday School
teacher. He was past president of the Iota Lambda
Chapter; president of Kentucky State University
Alumni Association; treasurer and past president of
the Devon Neighborhood Association; member of
the Board of Directors for Crossroads Boy Scouts of
America; a member of the school board for Charles
Tindley Accelerated School; and treasurer for
Kiwanis North Indianapolis. Brother Davie is survived
by his wife, Susie, and two children.
Brother Dr. Allen Raye Garrett was born
October 24, 1951 in Beaumont, Texas. He
graduated in 1970 from Sumner High School in
Kansas City where he played football and chess. He
entered the University of Kansas in 1970 where he
was initiated into the Fraternity through Upsilon
Chapter. He met his future wife, Cheryl Smith, while
at the University of Kansas. He continued his studies
from 1978 to 1982 at Southern University in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana where he earned a B.S. degree in
chemistry. He later enrolled at the Xavier University
School of Pharmacy in New Orleans and went on to
the Temple University School of Medicine in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he received his
Doctor of Medicine degree. Brother Garrett worked
in General and Pediatric Anesthesiology for many
years in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Brother Dr. Joseph Gayles, Jr., who helped
create the Morehouse School of Medicine, was
initiated into the Fraternity through Beta Phi
Chapter on November 1, 1955. He was last a
member of Eta Lambda Chapter. He entered Omega
Chapter on October 2, 2008 at age 71. As a chemistry
professor at Morehouse College in the early
1970s, Brother Gayles led feasibility studies that
resulted in $3 million in federal funding to support
the start-up of the medical school. Brother Gayles
was reared in Birmingham and earned his undergraduate
degree in chemistry and mathematics
from Dillard University in New Orleans. He then
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
earned a Ph.D. degree in chemistry from Brown
University. He worked at IBM’s research lab for
about three years before going to Morehouse to
teach. From 1977 to 1983, he was president of
Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama before
returning to Morehouse School of Medicine to
become vice president of institutional advancement
until 1996. Brother Gayles is survived by his daughter,
a son and two grandchildren.
B rother Perlesta Arthur Hollingsworth, Sr.,
a prominent civil rights legal strategist and former
state of Arkansas Supreme Court Judge,
entered Omega Chapter on May 14, 2007. He was
71. He was a member of Pi Lambda Chapter in Little
Rock, Arkansas. Brother Hollingsworth, known as
“Les” and “P.A.”, fought for legislation to improve
inadequate civil rights laws and was a proponent for
equal protection for all citizens, advocating new
laws to restrict the effect of discriminatory public
policies. During his three-decade political career, he
served on the Little Rock City Council as an advisor
to then-Governor Winthrop Rockefeller, and as a
deputy prosecutor for the state’s sixth judicial district
for Jim Guy Tucker, former Arkansas Governor
and Lt. Governor. Brother Hollingsworth was educated
at Talladega College and graduated with a B.S.
degree in Chemistry in 1958. He was a member of
the Fraternity’s Alpha Beta Chapter. He served in the
U.S. Army where he received a military honor for an
article entitled, My Job Protecting America’s
Freedom. Following a brief stint as a hematologist at
the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in
Little Rock, he enrolled in law school at the
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. After passing
the Arkansas bar examination, he became part of
the law firm of Walker, Rotenberry, Kaplan, Lavey &
Hollingsworth—the first integrated law firm in the
state of Arkansas—before establishing the
Hollingsworth Law Firm as a solo practitioner. He
was elected to the Board of Directors for the city of
Little Rock in 1974; and served as assistant mayor
in 1975 and 1976. Brother Hollingsworth was a
chief contributor to civil rights victories that included
the school desegregation litigation with the Little
Rock School District, as well as redistricting of congressional
and state legislative districts. Then
Governor William “Bill” Clinton, future 42nd U.S.
President, appointed him to the Arkansas State
Supreme Court in 1984. Brother Hollingsworth was
born in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended Capitol
Hill Elementary School and graduated from segregated
Dunbar Senior High School in 1954, just

three years prior to the landmark integration of
Little Rock Central High School.
Brother Lieutenant General
Edward Honor, Sr. (USA Ret.)
was a charter member of the Xi Alpha
Lambda Chapter in Prince William County,
Virginia. Brother Honor was born March 17,
1933 in Melville, Louisiana. He entered Omega
Chapter on September 3, 2008. Brother Honor
earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from
Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
After graduating, he was commissioned as a 2nd
Lieutenant in the Transportation Corps and
entered active duty in 1954. He attended Basic
Courses at the Armor and Transportation Corps
schools. He served two combat tours in Vietnam
and commanded at all levels during his 35-year
career, which culminated with an assignment as
the Director, J-4, the Joint Staff in Washington,
D.C. He retired from the Army in 1989. After
retirement, Lt. General Honor served as President
of the National Defense Transportation
Association for 13 years. He retired from NDTA in
2002. In 2007, he was honored by the U.S.
Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) with
the designation of a special room in his name for
his outstanding efforts in the establishment of the
command. Brother Honor was a founding member
of the ROCKS, Inc., an organization of Army
officers that mentors, guides and provides professional
direction to cadets and officers in the
Army. He was named ROCK of the Year in 1990.
Brother Honor was a life member of Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity. He is survived by his wife,
Phyllis, children and grandchildren.
Brother G. Larry James, a two-time medalist
at the 1968 Olympic Games and National
Track & Field Hall of Famer, entered Omega
Chapter on November 6, 2008. It was his 61st
birthday. A double medalist at the 1968 Olympic
Games in Mexico City, Brother James also set
world records and won NCAA titles during his
track career. He won the silver medal in the 400
meters with his time of 43.97 seconds at the
1968 Olympics, bettering the existing world
record but placing him second behind teammate
and fellow Hall of Famer Lee Evans (43.86).
Brother James added a gold medal at the Mexico
City Games by running the third leg on the U.S.
4x400 meter relay team, which set a world
record of 2:56.16 seconds, which lasted until
1992. He set the 400 meter world record of 44.1
seconds in placing second to Evans at the 1968
Olympic Trials at Echo Summit, California, when
Evans’ winning time of 44.0 was disallowed by
the IAAF because he wore illegal brush spike
shoes. Brother James was a double gold medalist
at the 1970 World University Games, winning the
400 meter hurdles and running the anchor leg
on Team USA’s 4x400 meter relay team
(3:03.33). As a collegian at Villanova under Hall
of Fame coach Jumbo Elliott, Brother James won
the NCAA 440 yard title in 1970 and NCAA indoor
crowns at that distance in 1968, 1969 and 1970.
At the 1968 Penn Relays, his anchor leg of 43.9
was the fastest ever run in the history of the relay
carnival and sparked Villanova’s comeback victory
over Rice University. He was inducted into the
National Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2003. He
remained active in the Olympic movement, acting
as the men’s head manager for Team USA at the
2003 and 2005 IAAF World Outdoor Track and
Field Championships. Brother James also served
as the chairman of USATF's Budget and Finance
Committee and was Dean of Athletics and
Recreational Programs and Services at the
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.
Brother Julius L. McCoy, a former Harlem
Globetrotter and member of Zeta Theta
Lambda Chapter in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,
entered Omega Chapter on April 4, 2008 at age
76. Brother McCoy led his Farrell, Pennsylvania
high school to its first state basketball championship
in 1952, finishing his three-year varsity
career with a combined record of 80-6—including
a single season high of 726 points. He was an
All-American basketball player at Michigan State
University and held the MSU all-time scoring
record in 1956. Following graduation, he was
drafted by the St. Louis Hawks but was drafted by
the U.S. Army that same year. After his Army discharge
in 1958, he starred in the Eastern League
and the Continental Basketball Association, and
also toured with the Harlem Globetrotters. He
was employed for 33 years by the Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation as the Director of
Equal Opportunity and later the Special Assistant
to the Secretary for Minority Affairs. He is survived
by his wife of 46 years, Betty J. McCoy, who
he met on the YMCA basketball court in
Harrisburg 49 years ago; two children and four
grandchildren.
OMEGA CCHAPTER
Brother Elmer James Moore, a
former U.S. Ambassador and Alpha
Phi Alpha Fraternity’s first International
Chairman, entered Omega Chapter this past fall.
Brother Moore was a former diplomat, having
served as one of the first African American
Ambassadors to Liberia. He served in Liberia for
over ten years and also served in Morocco and
Chad. He was instrumental in helping to establish
the Fraternity Chapter in Liberia and arranging the
Fraternity’s 1976 trip to Liberia. Brother Moore lead
a life of service, having served his country in the U.S.
Army during World War II; and as an economist,
serving more than 30 years with the Department of
Agriculture and the Department of State. Upon his
retirement, he served as an adjunct professor at the
University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He also
served on his church’s Board of Trustees and on
numerous other boards and committees. For nearly
40 years, Brother Moore was a member of Mu
Lambda Chapter in Washington; and was a member
of Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter while posted in
Monrovia, Liberia with the Department of State. A
life member, he was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha
through Mu Lambda Chapter in November 1968. In
1977, he was elected Mu Lambda Chapter’s 33rd
president; and he has the distinction of serving for
three consecutive terms—in the years 1977 to
1980. In December 2006, he was honored by Mu
Lambda for his service as past president during the
Chapter’s Black & Gold Scholarship Gala. Brother
Moore and his wife, Aretta, raised three sons and he
had seven grandchildren and four great-grand children.
His grandson, Brian, also is a member of
Alpha Phi Alpha.
B rother Dr. Hugo A. Owens, Sr.,
was a life member of the Fraternity
who was initiated through Beta Gamma
Chapter in 1937. He was a member of Epsilon
Nu Lambda Chapter. He attended the Howard
University Dental School where he received his
Doctor of Dentistry degree. Born Jan. 21, 1916,
Brother Owens entered Omega Chapter on July
29, 2008. He was 92. He graduated from I.C.
Norcom High School in Portsmouth before
enrolling at then Virginia State College where he
majored in biochemistry. He taught in Maryland
and Portsmouth before he was drafted into the
U.S. Army during World War II. He received
specialized training, including dentistry, while
stationed at Fort Eustis. He later opened a prac-
The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008 107

OMEGA CHAPTER
tice in Portsmouth in 1947 and became involved
in the evolving civil rights movement. He filed
his first lawsuit in 1950 to integrate the city
parks after he had taken his daughter to see the
ducks and he and his daughter were run off by
a groundskeeper. He and three others sued to
gain access to city golf courses, and won. In
1960, Brother Owens helped win a lawsuit to
desegregate the city’s libraries. Around 1964, he
joined a group of doctors and dentists to desegregate
Portsmouth General Hospital. Brother
Owens returned to Norfolk County in 1962, the
year before the area merged with South Norfolk
and formed Chesapeake. In 1970, he became
one of the first two African Americans elected to
the Chesapeake City Council. During his 10
years on the Council, he served eight as Vice
Mayor. Brother Owens retired around 1990 and
continued his civic work. In 1996, ODU named
its African American Cultural Center in his
honor. In 1997, the Hugo A. Owens Middle
School opened in Chesapeake. His wife of 66
years, Helen, passed away in April 2008.
Brother Robert Fabian Short, the
oldest registered Brother to attend
the 2006 and 2008 General Conventions,
entered Omega Chapter on September 9, 2008.
He was 96. Brother Short was initiated into the
Fraternity on May 1, 1929 through Beta Alpha
Chapter at then Morgan State College in
Baltimore. He was last a member of Beta
Lambda Chapter in Kansas City, Missouri. He
received his Bachelor’s degree in Education
from then Hampton Institute and received his
M.S. degree in Guidance and Counseling from
Central Missouri State University. Brother Short
was born October 19, 1911 in Charles County,
Maryland. He departed this life just months after
attending the Fraternity’s 102nd Anniversary
Convention in Kansas City, Missouri where he
was the oldest registered Brother. Brother Short
attended the Baltimore City Public Schools and
after college, he pursued a teaching career in
the Trades and Industries Department at
Langston University, which was interrupted by
World War II when he accepted civil service
employment at the U.S. Naval Air Force Technical
Training School in Chicago. Following service in
the U.S. Naval Reserves as a Chief Petty Officer,
Brother Short returned to Langston University
until he moved to Kansas City in 1947 and began
teaching in the Kansas City School District. He
108
worked there for 30 years, teaching at R.T. Coles
Veteran Training School, Lincoln Senior High
School, Lincoln Junior High School, Central
Junior High School (as a Guidance Counselor)
and Westport Senior High School. He retired in
1977. Brother Short served the Fraternity in
numerous capacities during his long membership.
He was instrumental in Fraternity affairs
and active on several committees. Brother Short
was preceded into the next life by his wife of 53
years, Floretta H. Short. He is survived by his
son, Brother Dr. Kenneth L. Short.
Brother Charles Errington Simmons, Jr.
was born March 17, 1918 in Jacksonville,
Florida. He graduated salutatorian of the class of
1935 at Old Stanton High School and was an
Eagle Scout, Troop No. 147 at Mt. Zion A.M.E.
Church in Jacksonville. He later served as Scout
Master of the troop. In 1939, he received a B.A.
degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania in
mathematics and chemistry. In 1941, he earned
his Master’s degree in Business Administration in
Actuarial Science from the University of Michigan
in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was employed as the
first actuary-Vice President at the Home Office of
the Afro-American Life Insurance Company in
Jacksonville; he also served as treasurer and secretary
of the company. In addition, Brother
Simmons was the first insurance specialist for
Duval County Public Schools. He served for 12
years as the Duval County School Board insurance
specialist. He was active in the Jacksonville community
and was the first African American to serve
on the Jacksonville Civil Service Board where he
was appointed by Mayor Louis Ritter in 1966—
becoming the first African American city official in
Jacksonville since Reconstruction. One month
after his appointment ended in May 1967, he ran
for office in the Core City; and then in the
Consolidated City in December of 1967 and was
elected each time to the Civil Service Board.
During the Consolidated Government, Brother
Simmons served as Chairman of the Civil Service
Board. As Actuary and Vice President of the Afro-
American Life Insurance Company, he represented
business on the Civil Service Board. He was a
member of the Fraternity’s Upsilon Lambda
Chapter. On December 2, 2006, the Chapter presented
Brother Simmons with the Lifetime Service
Award in recognition of 70 years of membership
in the Fraternity. He is survived by his wife, Jolita
Watson Simmons.
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
Brother Eugene “Gene” T. Upshaw, Jr., Hall
of Fame National Football League guard and
head of the NFL Players Union for a quarter century,
entered Omega Chapter on August 20, 2008. He
was 63. Brother Upshaw was initiated into the
Fraternity through Gamma Xi Lambda Chapter in
1981. He received his B.S. degree from Texas A&M
Kingsville in 1968. Brother Upshaw’s outstanding
15-season playing career was entirely with the
Oakland Raiders and included two Super Bowl
wins, seven Pro Bowl appearances and selection as
an 11-time All-Pro offensive lineman. He was elected
to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 in his
first year of eligibility. He was the only player in NFL
history to play in three Super Bowls in three different
decades—in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He
was the longest-tenured labor leader in sports. In
1983, he became Executive Director of the players’
association and guided the union through the 1987
strike that led to replacement football. By 1989, the
players had a limited form of freedom, called Plan
B; and in 1993, free agency and a salary cap were
instituted. Since then, the players have prospered
so much that NFL owners recently opted out of the
latest labor contract, which was negotiated two
years ago by Upshaw and then-commissioner Paul
Tagliabue. Brother Upshaw is survived by his wife,
Terri; and three sons.
B rother Nick Levoter Weatherspoon, a former
National Basketball Association player
and the 10th-leading scorer in University of Illinois
basketball history, entered Omega Chapter on
October 17, 2008. He was 58. Born July 20, 1950
in Greenwood, Mississippi, he attended McKinley
high school before enrolling at the University of
Illinois in Champaign-Urbana where he was initiated
into the Fraternity through Tau Chapter in 1971.
Brother Weatherspoon, a 6-foot-7-inch, 195 pound
forward, was one of the first 30 former University
of Illinois players to have their jerseys hung from
the rafters of the school’s Assembly Hall. In three
seasons, he scored 1,481 points and left Illinois as
the school’s all-time leading scorer, which has
since been surpassed. His career average of 20.9
points per game remains an Illinois record, and he
contributed 11.4 rebounds per game. In 1973, his
senior year, he averaged 25.0 points per game,
third highest in Illinois history. A two-time Illinois
MVP, Brother Weatherspoon was a first-team All-
American by the Helms Foundation and first-team
All-Big Ten selection as a senior in 1973. He was
named to the 20-player Illinois Basketball All-

Century Team in 2005. Brother Weatherspoon was
a first-round pick of the Capital Bullets (now
Washington Wizards) in 1973. In seven NBA sea-
Brother Edward T. Addison
Beta Kappa / Beta Psi Lambda
Brother Luchan Govan Baker, Sr.
Alpha Epsilon / Gamma Phi Lambda
Brother Ralph F. Baker
Theta / Gamma Phi Lambda
Brother Ray W. Barlett
Gamma Xi / Eta Pi Lambda
Brother George Barzey
Beta Rho / Zeta Zeta Lambda
Brother Michael Curtis Betts
Mu Kappa
Brother William W. Black
Beta Kappa / Beta Psi Lambda
Brother Hamilton Boswell
Alpha Sigma / Gamma Phi Lambda
Brother Todd Burgh
Zeta Zeta Lambda
Brother David A. Catlett
Gamma Phi Lambda
Brother Floyd J. Cawthon, Jr.
Pi / Beta Psi Lambda
Brother Dr. Louis L. Davis
Delta / Gamma Phi Lambda
sons, he averaged 9.0 points and 4.9 rebounds.
He also played for the Seattle SuperSonics, San
Diego Clippers and Chicago Bulls. When his
OMEGA LISTINGS
Brother James Dooley
Xi Lambda / Beta Psi Lambda
Brother Laquueth Fleming
Phi / Eta Nu Lambda
Brother Toy G. Grice
Mu Beta Lambda
Brother Ernest Hardin
Kappa Chi Lambda
Brother Namon Harris, Jr.
Mu Xi / Alpha Epsilon Lambda
Brother Joseph E. Jenkins
Alpha Psi ‘55
Brother Glendi Johns
Delta Lambda
Brother Bruce Miller
Zeta Iota Lambda
Brother Cleophus W. Miller III
Eta Tau Lambda / Beta Psi Lambda
Brother Dr. Lawrence Reginald
Neblett
Alpha Chi / Gamma Phi Lambda
Brother Percy H. Payne
Kappa Chi Lambda
Brother Huey Lawrence Pearson
Alpha Chi Lambda / Theta Upsilon
Lambda
OMEGA CCHAPTER
career ended, Brother Weatherspoon fought for
insurance benefits and eventually lost an Ohio
insurance business he started.
Brother James Ford Poole
Gamma Pi / Iota Omicron Lambda
Brother Albert E. Richardson
Beta / Zeta Sigma Lambda
Brother Phillip Skerett
Alpha Upsilon Lambda
Brother Abel L. Smith II
Tau / Rho Zeta Lambda
Brother Charles W. Smith
Beta Kappa / Beta Psi Lambda
Brother Willie J. Stewart
Alpha Phi / Kappa Chi Lambda
Brother Walter G. West
Beta Psi Lambda
Brother Harold R. White
Rho Lambda ’53 / Eta Psi Lambda
Brother Jerry T. White
Theta Upsilon Lambda
Brother Frank Henry Whitman
Beta Sigma / Gamma Phi Lambda
Key: = Life Member
CHAPTER REFERENCES: the first chapter that appears in the Omega Chapter listings represents the Brother’s Chapter of Initiation.
If a second chapter is listed, it represents the last chapter with which the Brother was affiliated.
The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008 109

CORPORATE DIRECTORY
110
The
Seven
Jewels
Henry A. Callis
GENERAL OFFICERS
General President Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., 5075 Red Robin Ridge, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30022
Immediate Past General President Harry E. Johnson, Sr., 3606 Crow Valley Drive, Missouri City, TX 77459
Executive Director Willard C. Hall, Jr., 2313 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
General Treasurer George N. Reaves, 1417 Kinross Street, Flossmoor, IL 32312
Comptroller Frank A. Jenkins, III, 529 South Perry Street, Ste.16, Montgomery, AL 36104
General Counsel Michael D. Pegues, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 3800; Dallas, TX 75202-2711
Director of General Conventions Open
Historian Robert L. Harris, Jr., 102 Burleigh Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850
Chief Parliamentarian John M. Williams, 7075 Colesbrooke Drive, Hudson, OH 44236
VICE PRESIDENTS
Eastern Dennis G. Kemp, Sr., PO Box 3056, Laurel, MD 20709
Midwestern Mark S. Tillman, 25353 Lindenwood Lane, Southfield, MI 48033
Southern Everette Ward, 3112 Falconhurst Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Southwestern Arthur McDade, III, 1124 Peyton Street, Little Rock, AK 72204
Western Wilbur E. Jackson, Jr., 5958 Drytown Place, San Jose, CA 95120
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS
Eastern DaShawn Hickman, P.O. Box 203625, New Haven, CT 06520
Midwestern Mark Crain, Jr., 17145 Cincinnati Detroit, MI 48224
Southern Tristan Allen, 830 Westview Dr., SW, #142851, Atlanta, GA 30314
Southwestern Andre Wagner, 3100 Cleburne Ave, #1568, Houston, TX 77004
Western Christian Jenkins, 2345 NE 95th Street, Seattle, WA 98115
LIVING PAST GENERAL PRESIDENTS
25th General President James R. Williams, 1733 Brookwood Drive, Akron, OH 44313
26th General President Ozell Sutton, 1640 Loch Lomond Trail, SW, Atlanta, GA 30331
27th General President Charles C. Teamer, Sr., 32 Fairway Oaks Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131
28th General President Henry Ponder, 3 Covington Court, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
29th General President Milton C. Davis, 304 N. Main Street, Tuskegee, AL 36083
30th General President Adrian L. Wallace, 281 Debra Lane, Lake Charles, LA 70611
31st General President Harry E. Johnson, Sr., 3606 Crow Valley Drive, Missouri City, TX 77459
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
Charles H. Chapman
Eugene K. Jones

DIRECTORY
CORPORATE DIRECTORY
George B. Kelley Nathaniel A. Murray Robert H. Ogle Vertner W. Tandy
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT
Political Affairs Leon C. Buck, Jr., 2704 Accent Court Bowie, MD 20716
Development Open
Liaison to Entertainment and
Sports Industries Darrell Miller, 9720 Wilsher Blvd., Suite 700, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Technology and Info Management Lover High, Jr., 881 Creekdale Drive, Atlanta, GA 30021
DEPUTY ASSISTANTS
TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT
Marketing/Branding Open
Organizational Effectiveness Open
College Brother Development Roderick L. Smothers, PO Box 17701, Baton Rouge, LA 70893
Social Responsibility Dr. John H. Jackson, Esq., 4805 Mount Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215
Health/Healthcare Awareness Pierre N. Vigilance, M.D., 10795 Symphony Wave, Columbia, MD 21045
Commerce and Economic Policy Bobby McDonald, 6255 Camino Manzano, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807
Liason to the Broadcast Media Victor L. Carter, 8316 Governor Thomas Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21043
SPECIAL ASSISTANTS
TO THE GENERAL PRESIDENT
Logistics Donald Woods, 9045 S. Bennett, Chicago, IL 60617
Protocol Open
Aide David Brown, 4502 Pageant Way, Orlando, FL 32808
Senior Advisor Bob A. Willis, 130 Old Fairburn Close, Atlanta, GA 30331
Chief of Staff Al F. Rutherford, 2732 Gull Lake Drive, Plano, TX 75025
Administrative Assistant Joseph E. Heyward, Sr., PO Box 384, Florence, SC 29503
The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008 111

LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY
ALPHA PHI ALPHA WORLD POLICY COUNCIL
Chairman Horace G. Dawson, Jr., 1601 Kalmia Road, NW, Washington, DC 20037
Chairman Emeritus Edward W. Brooke, 6437 Blantyre Road, Warrenton, VA 20187
Members Charles Rangel, 2354 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Huel D. Perkins, 1923–79th Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70807
Henry Ponder, 3 Covington Court, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Vinton R. Anderson, AME Church Finance Office, 1134–11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Chuck S. Stone, UNC-Chapel Hill, 107 Oxford Hills Place, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Bobby Austin, The Village Foundation, 211 N. Union Street #100, Alexandria, VA 22314
Cornel West, 220 Boylston Street, 1010, Boston, MA 02116
Ron Dellums, 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20004
NATIONAL COMMITTEE/COMMISSION CHAIRMEN
Alpha Collegiate Scholars Steven M. Clark, 2898 Bentbrook Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45251
Awards & Achievement Clifton Johnson, 3559 Fuller Street, Columbus, GA 31907
Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Lynwood Randolph, 11827 Water Oak Drive, Magnolia, TX 77354
Big Brothers & Big Sisters Dale Long, 1614 Dorado Street, Garland, TX 75040
Black & Gold Pageant Alvin J. Cavalier, 413-C Longwood Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Boy Scouts George Randall, 8705 Saranac Trail, Fortworth, TX 76118
Building Foundation R. (Bob) Leandras Jones, II, 1045 Audubon Circle, SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
Budget and Finance Frank A. Humphrey, 6918 Park Edge Drive, Madison, WI 53719
Business & Economic Development Foundation Steve Sims, 2508 Dysart Road, Cleveland, OH 44118
College Brothers Affairs Commission Mike A. Blake, 405 S. Butler Blvd, Apt. 3, Lansing, MI 48915
Constitution Lloyd A. Givens, 6050 Canaan Woods Drive, Atlanta, GA 30331
Director of General Conventions Open
Director of Housing Activities Thomas A. Tatum, 2266 Canterbury Circle, Akron, OH 44319
Education Foundation Ralph E. Johnson, 9241 Sealed Message Road, Columbia, MD 21045
Elections Russell C. Campbell, Sr., 4212 Sugar Pine Court, Burtonsville, MD 20866
General Headquarters – Facility Management Ola O. Aluko, 14951 S.W. 157th CT, Miami, FL 33196
Grievance & Discipline William A. Crutchfield, 631 Spring Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Higher Education Thomas Cole, 4825 Regency Trace, Atlanta, GA 30331
Historical Commission Herman “Skip” Mason, 4233 Ivy Run, Ellenwood, GA 30294
Human Resources Chad D. Simmons, 520 East 41st Street, Chicago, IL 60653
Internal Auditing Hyacinth Ahuruonye, 595 Market Street #2160, San Francisco, CA 94105
International Brothers: Caribbean Ricardo P. Deveaux, P.O. Box N-4511, Nassau, Bahamas
Leadership Development Alex Dejarnett, 1126 South Horseshoe Road, Durham, NC 27703
Life Membership Roger R. Gregory, 2516 Carver Street, Durham, NC 27705
Management Information Systems Josh O. Williams, 1006 Elmira Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114
March of Dimes Liaison Wilbur E. Jackson, Jr., 5958 Drytown Place, San Jose, CA 95120
MLK Memorial Project Frank Russell, Jr., 3314 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30339
Mediation and Arbitration Keith A. Bishop, 1802 MLK Jr. Parkway, Suite 105, Durham, NC 27707
Medical Advisory Board Anton C. Bizzell, 821 Braeburn Drive, Fort Washington, MD 20744
Membership, Standards & Extensions Leroy Giles, 7602 NW Wyatt Lake Drive, Lawton, OK 73505
Military Brothers Liaison Ralph Harris, 7371 Hunters Oak Court, Springfield, VA 22150
National Sergeant at Arms Ron Russell, 700 Cedar Ridge Lane, Richton Park, IL 60471
Organization Effectiveness Zollie J. Stevenson, Jr., 806 Falls Lake Drive, Mitchellville, MD 20721
Political Action Kobi Little, Post Office Box 1082, Selma, AL 36701
Publications R. Vann Graves, 206 W. 132nd Street #3F, New York, NY 10027
Project Alpha Byron D. Gautier, 2606 Atlas Drive, Missouri City, TX 77459
Racial Justice & Public Policy Cleveland E. Beckett, Jr., 1849 Sedgwick Avenue, # 10E, Bronx, NY 10453
Reclamation Harry Evans, III, 7575 Weatherworn Way, Columbia, MD 21046
Rituals & Ceremonies Russell E. Flye, 6211 Devon Court, Pasco, WA 99301
Rules and Credentials Ronald T. James, 9317 Autumn Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73151
Senior Alpha Affairs Elliott McKinney, PO Box 942, E. St. Louis, IL 62203
Training and Development (Alpha University) A. L. Mackey, 6801 Willamette Drive, Austin, TX 78723
Walk America–March of Dimes Wilbert L. Brown, 6216 Rime Village Drive # 102, Huntsville, AL 35806
112
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. 2313 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-5211
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS Phone: (410) 554-0040; Fax: (410) 554-0054
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net

102 Crown Pearl Badge
14K. . . . $120.00
10K. . . . $90.00
GP . . . . $60.00
103 Crown Pearl Badge
with onyx stones
GP . . . . $65.00
100 Diamond Badge
14K. . . . $325.00
101 Diamond Badge
10K. . . . $275.00
(Shown larger than actual size to enhance detail.)
933 Founders Pin
with cubic zirconias
GF. . . . . $30.00
934 Founders Pin
with diamonds
10K. . . . $195.00
GF. . . . . $120.00
2045 A.T. Cross
Pen and Pencil Set
GF. . . $75.00
935 Founders Cufflinks
with cubic zirconias
GF. . . . . $120.00
7200 Oval Cufflinks
14K . . $420.00
GF. . . $70.00
7000 Black and Gold
Cufflinks
14K . . $410.00
GF. . . $90.00
0050 Centennial Paperweight
Bronze $35.00
013R Rope Chain
10K . . $75.00
SS. . . $20.00
GF. . . $20.00
7972 Lavaliere
with diamond
14K . . $70.00
SS. . . $40.00
(Chain sold separately.)
2724 Crest Lapel Button
14K . . $60.00
10K . . $50.00
0600 Monogram
Recognition Pin
14K . . $40.00
10K . . $20.00
2025 Money Clip
GP . . $25.00
1425 Formal Shirt
Stud Set
14K . . $296.00
GF. . . $96.00
0336 Black and Gold
Lapel Button
14K . . $180.00
10K . . $120.00
GF. . . $40.00
1404 Filigree Border Cufflinks
14K . . $400.00
GF. . . $65.00
Snake Chain
10K. . . . $75.00
SS . . . . $20.00
0040 Sweetheart Onyx Pendant
with cubic zirconias
14K . . $245.00
(Chain sold separately.)
L2647 Lavaliere
10K . . $32.00
SS. . . $22.00
013R Rope Chain
10K . . $75.00
SS. . . $20.00
GF. . . $20.00
3252 Classic Ring
14K . . $388.00
10K . . $338.00
10KW $338.00
0027 Sweetheart Pendant
with diamonds
14K . . $1,545.00
0028 Sweetheart Pendant
with cubic zirconias
14K . . $325.00
Vermeil $175.00
(Chain sold separately.)
4044 Official Ring
14K . . $390.00
10K . . $328.00
1146 Signet Ring
14K . . $349.00
10K . . $250.00
3326 Oval Onyx Ring with
encrusted letters
14K . . $400.00
10K . . $300.00
To order, visit
www.HJGreek.com
or call
1-800-422-4348

NEW ORLEANS
COME BACK TO THE BIG EASY
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.
103rd ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION
JULY 15-19, 2009
HILTON RIVERSIDE HOTEL
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA