ALPHA ATHLETES - The Sphinx Magazine

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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— 88 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. The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008 89
Page 1 and 2: OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST BROTHER JESSE
Page 3 and 4: ALPHA ATHLETE: ALL AMERICAN PENN ST
Page 5 and 6: Above: Brother John Woodruff. Photo
Page 7 and 8: onships while attending Seton Hall
Page 9 and 10: citizens home, known as Brookline,
Page 11 and 12: gave remarks and presented certific
Page 13 and 14: Louis community. The mission of CTO
Page 15 and 16: NU MU LAMBDA Decatur, GA Mentoring
Page 17 and 18: the Dallas Morning News and feature
Page 19 and 20: FRATERNITY’S FIRST CAUCASIAN BROT
Page 21 and 22: Editor’s Note: Thirty-second Gene
Page 23 and 24: “ I am told that this group of me
Page 25 and 26: “ America knows we are here. Amer
Page 27 and 28: CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS 3 4 8 9 8 Bro
Page 29 and 30: 102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION NBC’
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Page 35 and 36: 102ND ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION Army C
Page 37 and 38: GOING WHERE WE SHOULD BE Editor’s
Page 39 and 40: What scientists will also tell you
Page 41 and 42: Board, was applauded by the March o
Page 43 and 44: need for cash. The first test of fi
Page 45 and 46: Success by Instinct: What Animals A
Page 47: members to be supportive of other t
Page 50 and 51: OMEGA CHAPTER Brother Kermit H. Bos
Page 52 and 53: OMEGA CHAPTER tice in Portsmouth in
Page 54 and 55: CORPORATE DIRECTORY 110 The Seven J
Page 56 and 57: LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY ALPHA PHI ALPH
Page 58: NEW ORLEANS COME BACK TO THE BIG EA

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