SEASONS GREETINGS -- 2011

Greetings of the Season -- to you and yours!

Here's some biographical information on Bro. Donny Hathaway (Omega)

Donny E. Hathaway (Pix credit, Bro. Anthony Armstrong)

with a better YouTube version music video of his recording hit, "This Christmas."

OBELISK DEDICATION -- Kappa Chapter

 

Alpha's history book points out that Mr. Charles.C. Poindexter was a member of a literary society. His membership occurred while a student at Ohio State University. It is recognized that such societies were very popular at the turn of the century. It is from this popular extracurricular activity that that Poindexter originates in his thought of a social club. He got to witness the first initiation as the club's advisor. 

So, one hundred plus years later, the 10th house of Alpha, Kappa Chapter celebrates its centennial with the installation of an 10-ft Egyptian- inspired obelisk. The dedication, occurred on the eve of  Founders' Day, December 3, 2011, as a part of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.'s, international celebration.

 

OHIO'S 38th DISTRICT CONFERENCE -- Informal Report

 

Ohio's 38th District Conference was hosted by Bro. Dr. Willis Lonzer, Ohio District Director and Bro. Aaron Stokes, Ohio Assistant District Director. Members of the Ohio District Team, including staff and area directors, were present including immediate past Ohio ADD, Bro. Frederick Cox.

Chapter Hosts for the event were Delta Alpha Lambda (DAL) and Pi Chapter of Cleveland, OH.Daytime events were hosted on the campus of Cleveland State University, in the Cleveland Playhouse district. Evening entertainments were hosted at the host hotel, the Wyndham at Playhouse Square, the CSU campus, as well as the Tavos and Peabodies clubs.

Something new for the Region!

Take a look at the Fall 2011 edition of The Alpha Spirit: The Official Organ of the Midwestern Region. Ohio brothers represented in the regional leadership, under Bro. Dr. Elgie Sims, Midwest Regional Vice-President and AVP, Bro. Frederick Cox.

REDEDICATION -- Mother Annie Singleton's Headstone

See news story below about Members of oldest black fraternity gather at grave to honor their ‘mother’

The seven young men from Cornell University who founded the nation’s oldest African-American Greek-letter organization developed the fraternity in 1906 in the Ithaca home of Archie and Annie Singleton....

GRAND TAX -- Alpha Reclamation

 

from the General Office -- PLEASE FORWARD:

 

Brothers now is the time to Reactivate your membership. College Brothers - $75, Alumni Brothers - $150.  

• Fill out Reactivation Form and e-mail to forms@apa1906.net or call Membership Support at 800.373.3089.

Note: Chapter dues are chapter specific.  Late fees are enforceable after November 15th.

VETERAN'S DAY -- We Remember Those on the "Fighting Front"

Alpha members have been serving the country since World War I. Veterans Day and Remembrance Day is an opportunity to honor those that continue this tradition, of serving gallantly while defending the United States.

Bro. James A. Porter, with his work, "To Our Heroic Brothers."
This pix was taken at the 30th General Convention, Dec 1944, in NJ.

Today, brothers of the Ohio District, give pause and remember to pay our respects to those brothers of our Fraternity who serve and have given much for others with their sacrifice of time, pleasures and comforts, and some by the ultimate sacrifice— with pride and honor.

Bro. Porter, who is called, the "father of African American art history," left a strong cultural and educational legacy that is carried on at Howard University.  The picture shown here is featured in the current fraternal history book. 

OHIO DISTRICT CONFERENCE UPDATE -- via ALPHANET, 11.4.11 [w Agenda]

Ohio District Conference Update sent via ALPHANET, 11.4.11, 7.14P

Brothers,

Please find attached the finalized 2011 Ohio District Conference Agenda. Also, there are a few matters that need to be addressed:

Newly Initiated Brothers:

You will be offered the early bird rate of $85.00 for Registration. This money can be paid at the District Conference. We ask that you RSVP by Tuesday, November 8, 2011 via e-mail to Brother Brandon Tucker, Ohio Executive Director, btucker921@aol.com.

Registration:

We have had mixed success this year with PayPal. Needless to say, we recognize this challenge and apologize for any frustration. We will continue to work to improve the system.

• Please feel free to mail the forms to Brother Stallings, District Treasurer -- Bro. Paul Stallings, 60 S. Meadowcroft Dr., Akron, OH 44313.

In light of the challenges experienced, the Standard Registration rates for College and Alumni will be offered even for on-site registration. (If you have paid the late registration rate, please provide your e-receipt and we can address the difference.) We will be following up regarding T-shirt orders and if anything can be addressed. Please stay tuned.

Elections:

Thus far we have three brothers that have declared candidacy, for the position of District Director: Brother Kris Peterson, Brother Roy Hodge and Brother Brandon Tucker.

The position of Assistant District Director will be open for collegiate men as our sitting ADD, Brother Stokes, is not seeking re-election. If College Men are interested, please contact Bro. Brandon Tucker, btucker921@aol.com.

Lastly, I look forward to seeing you all at the Conference.

Fraternally,

Bro. Lonzer

PARTNERSHIP -- Alpha Goes Green

Alpha Phi Alpha brothers joined together with the Arbor Day Foundation and Howard University on August 25^th to celebrate Dr. King’s leadership in this crucial area with A Tribute to King's Dream: Environmental Justice and Environmentalism in the 21st Century. The event highlighted Dr. King’s impact on the environment, including grassroots efforts to build healthier, greener, and more sustainable communities.

Alpha Phi Alpha brothers have a unique opportunity to expand their leadership role on campus and improve the environment through the Tree Campus USA® program. America's colleges and universities need leaders like you to help them care for our planet, especially those in agri-sciences.

This partnership provides Alpha Phi Alpha collegiate fraternity members a way to become involved in the Alpha Goes Green initiative. Collegiate members will be trained through the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program about the positive benefits of trees in our communities and metropolitan areas, and provided resources to help with education and outreach to underserved and disadvantaged communities about the social, economic, and health benefits of green infrastructure.

Ohio's 25th General President Bro. Dr. James Williams with
33rd General President, Bro. Herman "Skip" Mason, at Howard University

Arbor Day in Ohio is Ohio the last Friday in April. The state tree for Ohio is the Ohio Buckeye.

See if your campus is listed. Get your chapter involved today! Sign up for more information about becoming a Pilot Chapter.

Learn more about the partnership. Read the national release.

GTHSGTC -- “Go-To-High-School, Go-To-College” National Program



 “No feeble effort will be effective,

but each chapter must perform its part

of the program with interest and drive.” -L.McGee



During the ninth Alpha Phi Alpha General Convention, held at Virginia Union University in 1916, General President H.H. Long emphasized the need for the fraternity to stress the importance of education, especially higher institutions of learning. By 1920, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., had ignited a commission that consisted of five alumni brothers who, in turn, launched a movement toward influencing African-Americans around the country to “go to high school and to college.”

Led by Brother Roscoe C. Giles, the commission directed that the first week in June 1920 be set aside for all chapters to implement the "Go-To-High-School, Go-To-College" educational campaign. Aiding the movement, Alpha President L.L. McGee distributed letters urging each chapter to be committed to the movement stating, “In this effort we must not shoot in the air but accomplish results.” Other activities included letters for churches to observe a educational Sunday, along with personal interviews with high school students, and socials and receptions to recognize senior classes of high schools. Scholarships, fellowships, and conferences were offered to prospective college entrants, and eventually the second week in May was assigned for such presentations.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s, "Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College" program concentrates on the importance of completing secondary and collegiate education as a road to advancement. It is the premiere program of the Fraternity emphasizing the importance of counseling youth on the importance of post-secondary education while introducing them to promising professions in business, trade, and professional development.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s, statistics prove the value of this extra impetus in making the difference in the success of young African-American men, given that school completion is the single best predictor of future economic success. Through the “Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College” educational initiative, young men and women receive information and learn strategies that facilitate success. Alpha men provide youth participants with excellent role models to emulate.

The purpose of the “Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College” initiative was to touch as many high schools and communities as possible by personal contact or through the distribution of educational pamphlets. In 1989, under the guidance of Brother LeRoy Lowery III, the “Go-To-High-School, Go-To-College” movement was formally restructured.

At the 83rd General Convention in San Antonio, Texas, “Go-To-High-School, Go-To-College” was formally voted a national program of the Fraternity and became mandatory for each Chapter to implement. It was suggested by Brother Lowery that the participants of the "Go-To-High-School, Go-To-College" program be male African-American 7th to 12th graders. In addition, the suggested activities of the program were African and African-American history, field trips, entrepreneurship, athletic activities, tutoring, practical life lessons, community service projects, financial affairs, current events, proper student work habits, workplace visits, career orientation, health and hygiene, goal setting and fraternalism.

Through these established relationships, students and their families are provided information on preparing for the rigors of college study, college entrance, financial aid, and available scholarships. Many chapters facilitate these activities through the structure of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Educational Foundation making a difference in our community through further successful implementation of the Fraternity’s national program.  Click for Fraternity Implementation Guide.

ELECTION TIME -- A Voteless People Is a Hopeless People

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., began to participate in voting rights issues, coining the well-known phrase “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People” as part of its effort to register black voters. The slogan"A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" is a slogan still used in Alpha Phi Alpha's continuing voter registration campaigns.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Education for Citizenship program evolved through mass meetings, ratio talks, plays, pageants, displays of placards, and the tagging of individuals. In the 1930's, many African-Americans had the right to vote, but were prevented from voting because of poll taxes, threats of reprisal, and lack of education about the voting process.

  

PROJECT ALPHA -- A National Initiative with March of Dimes

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s Project Alpha initially began as a program led by the Chicago Brothers of Omicron Theta Lambda, in the late 70s. The collaborative relationship with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the March of Dimes (MOD) Birth Defects Foundation began in 1982. Project Alpha is designed to provide education, motivation, and skill building on issues of responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases for young males, ages 12-15 years.

Project Alpha Week, which started in 2000, targets chapters all across the country to execute the program with their local March of Dimes during the first week of November (instead of the second week of October) every year. Project Alpha has been successful in bringing its program to hundreds of communities and over 25,000 teen males every year.

Project Alpha consists of a series of workshops and informational sessions conducted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity brothers. The three goals of Project Alpha programs are:

·     Sharing Knowledge by combating ignorance and fear with information.

·      Changing Attitudes by providing motivation toward positive changes in sexual behavior.

·     Providing Skills by creating a sense of empowerment and self-esteem.

Program Highlights utilizes appropriate male role models and mentors:

·    Provide education for young men, 12-15 years old, on sexuality, fatherhood and the role of males in relationships

·    Motivate young men to make decisions about their goals and values, and act in ways that support their decisions

·    Build the skills of young men through role-playing through Project Alpha’s Curriculum

XTL (TX) Design

Project Alpha program materials are designed to be used with young men between ages 12 and 15 years old who are enrolled in middle school, high school, or alternative program. However, some chapters have included segments that address the issues of young women as well, with the appropriate role models and mentors. The program attempts to reach younger adolescents before they have established risk-taking behavior that may be difficult to reverse.

 
The Project Alpha curriculum focuses on five key topics:

·         Responsibility, Respect and the Role of Males in Relationships

·         Adolescent Pregnancy and Fatherhood

·         Protecting Yourself and Your Partner

·         Sexually Transmitted Diseases

·         Intimate Violence in Relationships

In January 2003, the March of Dimes launched a national Prematurity campaign to reduce the incidence of premature birth. Premature birth is more common among teens than other age groups under 40. A premature birth is defined as births occurring before the 37th week of pregnancy.

By preventing teen pregnancies, it may be possible to reduce the incidence of illness and disability, which can be associated with premature birth. While every woman is at risk for having a baby early, it is especially important for African Americans to understand the issues because more than 1 out of 5 African American women have a premature baby. A Prematurity module was developed to supplement the Project Alpha curriculum. As Project Alpha delivers its message of prevention, it will also reach families and others in the community bringing more focus to the March of Dimes' Prematurity Campaign. Many Alpha chapters establish Walk America teams, in the spring of the year, to promote and raise funds for this campaign.

Contacts

When setting up a Project Alpha program, there should be a Project Alpha Committee that is lead by an Alpha Phi Alpha Chairperson (also called the Project Alpha Coordinator) and representatives from the Educational and/or National Programs Committee of the local Alpha Phi Alpha chapter. The committee should also include two to three young men from the target audience, a March of Dimes representative and local community leaders from organizations, agencies, and institutions that serve young men in the community.

To find more about your local Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. chapter or about the Project Alpha nearest you, contact:

Byron Gautier, National Project Alpha Coordinator

2620 Atlas Drive, Missouri City, Texas 77459

281-748-1646 or projectalphacoordinator@hotmail.com

or

Gwen Carmon, National Director Volunteer Initiative, March of Dimes

1275 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606

914-997-4465 or gcarmon@marchofdimes.com

Finally, chapters must complete and submit the Project Alpha Conference Report Form to meet benchmark requirements, and appropriate credits.



2011 OHIO CONFERENCE -- 38th District Meeting

Friday, November 11, 2011  (Alpha Business Casual)

NOTE EARLY START TIME

12 Noon-8pm – IMDP Train the Trainers, on CSU Campus (Main Class Bldg) – while slated for trainers, all Brothers can attend

Free digital invite made with Smilebox

Welcome Receptions start at 9P

MW REGION CALL -- 2012 Registration

MLK DEDICATION FOLLOW-UP -- Fraternity brothers helped make King monument a reality - CNN.com

Bro. Rick Blalock, a two-time Emmy winner, is a writer for CNN International and the editor-in-chief of The Sphinx, the international news journal of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. President Barack Obama formally dedicates the site on October 16, 2011.

Here is a recent article following the King monument installation.

Fraternity brothers helped make King monument a reality - CNN.com


Click for Alpha Phi Alpha dedicatory ceremony

The SPHINX Spring/Summer 2011

Now available for viewing: The SPHINX Spring/Summer 2011

LITERATURE -- The Invisible Line

Black American history is important and intriguing as we rethink who we as a people, in light of the MLK Memorial dedication. As personal geneology charts are maintained, it is significant that corroboration of the reporting exists.

For those interested, here is an article was recently published about black families who "passed" for white. The story is on Daniel Sharfstein's, The Invisible Line: Three American Families and the Secret Journey from Black to White.

The Smithsonian offers this link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/The-Invisible-Line-Between-Black-and-White.html

 Here is a recent commentary:  http://diverseeducation.com/article/16313/.

LITERATURE -- by Manu Ampim

Saw this link posted earlier on Facebook. 

A must read for college students returning for classes. Somewhat extensive, but engaging.

It references the state of Ohio ... and our honorary Bro. Fredrick Douglass (Omega).  For those competing in the BVL oratatorical contest, a great example of persuasive argument.

Here's are excerpts. Click on the link for the full articles.

DEATH OF THE WILLIE LYNCH SPEECH, Part I

by Prof. Manu Ampim

Since 1995 there has been much attention given to a speech claimed to be delivered by a “William Lynch” in 1712. This speech has been promoted widely throughout African American and Black British circles. It is re-printed on numerous websites, discussed in chat rooms, forwarded as a “did you know” email to friends and family members, assigned as required readings in college and high school courses, promoted at conferences, and there are several books published with the title of “Willie Lynch.”[1] In addition, new terminology called the “Willie Lynch Syndrome” has been devised to explain the psychological problems and the disunity among Black people.

Further, it is naively assumed by a large number of Willie Lynch believers that this single and isolated speech, allegedly given almost 300 years ago, completely explains the internal problems and divisions within the African American community. They assume that the “Willie Lynch Syndrome” explains Black disunity and the psychological trauma of slavery. While some have questioned and even dismissed this speech from the outset, it is fair to say that most African Americans who are aware of the speech have not questioned its authenticity, and assume it to be a legitimate and very crucial historical document which explains what has happened to African Americans.

2011 UNCF An Evening of Stars l Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 9 P.M. on B.E.T.

2011 UNCF An Evening of Stars l Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 9 P.M. on B.E.T.

2011 DISTRICT CONFERENCE -- BVL Competition Topic

College Brothers are requested to represent at the

OHIO DISTRICT CONFERENCE

hosted by Pi and Delta Alpha Lambda Chapters

November 12, 2011

Cleveland, OH

Contact Bro. Larry McCriminger for more information.   Email him at: eldlemcc@aol.com or eldermccrimager@mtzionfellowship.org, or call 216-394-9509.

OHIO HBCU WEEK 2011




Click on Link Below about this Columbus, OH Event



 OHIO HBCU WEEK 2011

Let us know about strategic fraternal or corporate partner events in your city that promote

scholarship and community service.

BRO. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL DEDICATION -- Schedule

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011
8a – 6p	Event Office	Massachusetts Room
8a – 10p	Media Relations Room	Maryland Room
Noon – 6p	Registration	Cabinet Room
1p – 10p	Tuxedo Pickup	East Room
Noon – 6p	Corporate Sponsors/VIP Registration	Senate Room
5p – 9p	King Jazz Mixer	Grand Ballroom
7p – 10p	Kids for King Lounge*	Chinese Room
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2011
7a – 8:00 am	VIP Holding Room	Grand Ballroom
7a – 8:00 am	Buses depart Hotels for Private Ceremony
8a – 11 am	Alpha’s Dedication Ceremony	King Memorial Site
8a – 4p	Event Office	Massachusetts Room
8a – 10p	Media Relations Room	Maryland Room
8a – 4p	Registration	Cabinet Room
8:30a – 6p	Tuxedo Pickup	East Room
8a – 4p	Corporate Sponsors/VIP Registration	Senate Room
Noon – 3p	King Memorial Luncheon*	DC Convention Center
Noon – 2p	Women of the Dream Luncheon*	DC Convention Center
4:30p – 5:30p	VIP Transportation departs Hotel for Gala*
5p – 6:30p	VIP Reception	DAR Constitution Hall
5p – 6:30p	Buses departs for Gala
6p – 6:30p	Gala Reception*	DAR Constitution Hall
7p – 9:30p	Monumental Life Celebration of Dr. King*	DAR Constitution Hall
10p – 2 am	Gala Afterglow	Grand Ballroom, Promenade, East and Chinese Room
 Dream Keeper's Schedule of Events  SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2011
8a – 4p	Event Office	Massachusetts Room
8a – 4p	Media Relations Office	Maryland Room
8:30a – 2p	Tuxedo’s Return	East Room
10:30a – 11 am	Bus departs Hotel for Dream Keepers*	DC Convention Center
11a – 3p	Kids Dream Keepers Event*	DC Convention Center
3:45p – 4:45p	Bus departs Hotel for Congressional Reception
4:30p – 6p	Congressional Reception	Cannon Caucus Room at the Cannon House Bldg
6p – 11p	Kids for Kings Lounge	Chinese Room
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
8a – 10 am	VIP Holding	Grand Ballroom
8a – 10 am	Bus departs Hotel for Dedication*
10a – 11 am	Pre-Dedication Ceremony*	MLK Memorial Site
11a – 1p	Dedication Ceremony*	MLK Memorial Site

LITERATURE -- DARE TO BE AN ALPHA MAN

DARE TO BE AN ALPHA MAN

Dare, collegiate men of dreams

To go well armed in all your schemes

And pay no heed to distracting things

That would have your patience tried.

For seven men did found one year

A vision they saw as crystal clear

Through trials and tribulations

Sweat and tears

A brotherhood couldn't be denied.

DISTRICT NEWS -- July 6, 2011

Greetings to the Brothers of the District of Ohio!

It is my sincerest hope that this letter finds you all in good spirits.

Today, I am writing you to acknowledge an inadvertent oversight within the District Leadership team. As you know, we rolled out the names of our District Leaders at our District Conference. One name was not on the roster at the time. Bro. Victor Smith, Alpha Rho Lambda, had not come on board with our team at the time of the conference. Bro. Smith is functioning as our webmaster/administrator for our Ohio District Blog as well as the Ohio District Facebook page. He is doing a great job in keeping relevant posts for brothers on our radar screen as well as highlighting current events in the Ohio District, Midwestern Region, and General Organization.

Please visit the:

1. District BlogSpot - http://alpha-ohio.blogspot.com/ and
2. Join the “District of Ohio Alphas” Facebook page as well.

Both of these locations are functioning as areas to post announcements that keep brothers informed.

 



College of Urban Studies, 2121 Euclid Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44115-2214

As I close, please be reminded that the Ohio District Round Up is August 6, 2011, at the College of Urban Studies Building, in the Community Room on the campus of Cleveland State University in Cleveland, OH 44115. All chapter presidents and Directors of Membership need to be in attendance as well as Alpha Advisors and officers overall. Of course, the brotherhood, in general, is welcome to attend. Please plan on a productive meeting. The specific agenda and logistics information will be coming very shortly.

Sincerely and fraternally,

WILLIS LONZER

Ohio District Director

[Sent via Alphanet]

Service Project -- A. Charles Haston Brother's Keeper Program



Click here to download the
 Brother's Keeper Leadership Guide

Adoption of a new NATIONAL INITIATIVE occurred at the 90th General Convention held, in Las Vegas, NV, July 23, 2010. It was moved that the program “be incorporated into the membership intake process” as one of its required national service projects and that the program be named in honor of Brother A. Charles Haston.

The Mission of this Program is:

To advocate for, improve quality of life for disabled, mature, ailing brothers, spouses, widows, and community members.

Upon identification of need, the Brother’s Keeper Program also provides assistance to mature and ailing members of its communities. Limitations caused by advanced age place demands on family members, caregivers, and the larger community to ensure that elders remain independently functional.

Ancient Egyptian Boat To Be Restored In Effort To Boost Tourism (PHOTOS)

Ancient Egyptian Boat To Be Restored In Effort To Boost Tourism (PHOTOS)

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) — Archaeologists have begun excavating a 4,500-year-old wooden boat found next to the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of Egypt's main tourist attractions, Egypt's top antiquities official said Thursday.The boat is one of two buried next to the pharaoh Khufu in what appeared to be a religious custom to carry him in the afterlife.

Khufu, also known as Cheops, is credited with building the Great Pyramid of Giza. Khufu founded the 4th Dynasty around 2680 B.C. and ruled Egypt for 23 years.



Winter 2011 Issue



Hopefully, you received your current issue .... Bro. Todd Corley, from Ohio, featured.

GREETINGS -- Happy Father's Day!

[sent via Alphanet. 6.19.11]

Click for 105th Convention Schedule

Greetings to the Brothers of the District of Ohio!

 

It is my sincerest hope that this letter finds you all in good spirits.  As we approach the General Convention, I wanted to extend warm congratulations to those who are able to attend this year and ask our Lord and Savior for travelling mercies for all of our brothers and families. 

Today, I am announcing a few leadership changes that will affect our district.  In an effort to help brothers serve in areas of interest for them as well as simultaneously allowing continued fraternal development, I am pleased to announce that Brother Brandon Tucker, Alpha Xi Lambda (Epsilon Alpha), will serve as the District Executive Director.  Brother Tucker will oversee the administrative tasks for the District Leadership Team.  Brother Dr. Lateef Saffore, Delta Alpha Lambda (Alpha Zeta) will serve as Chairman, Long Range Planning and Brother Carl Kirkland Delta Alpha Lambda (Xi Chi) will serve as Chairman, Conference/Round-up Logistics.  These two roles will work in concert in our efforts to ensure smooth activities surrounding our district conference and round-up meeting.  Please join me in congratulating these brothers as they continue to serve Alpha Phi Alpha.

As I close, please accept my sincerest congratulations and well wishes to all of the fathers in our ranks.  Happy Fathers Day, brothers!

Fraternally,

Willis Lonzer

Ohio District Director