The Spirit of ALPHA - Alpha Rho Lambda – Columbus, OH

Summer/Fall Edition
The Spirit
of ALPHA
PAGE 3
WHAT TIME IS IT?
PAGE 4
&
PAGE 6
A QUARTERLY PUBLISHED PUBLICATION
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ®®
ALPHA
RHO LAMBDA
CHAPTER, KEY # 138
ALPHA PHI
ALPHA
FRATERNITY,
INC.
P.O. Box 361883 |Columbus, Ohio |
www.columbus.com
ALPHA RHO LAMBDA CHAPTER, KEY # 138
P.O. Box 361883 |Columbus, Ohio |www.columbus.com Milton C. Woodard Dear Brothers,
Chapter President
Milton C. Woodard
Chapter
President
John
H. Boxill
Allow me this opportunity to say GreetIntermediate Past President
John H. Boxill
ings! This is the start of an exciting new
Intermediate Past President
Corey L. Posey
Chapter Vice President
Corey L. but
Poseywith
The rebuilding effort won’t happen overnight
Vice
Fon President
Holloway
your support, we will bring AlphaChapter
Rho
Lambda
back
Chapter Treasurer
Fon
Holloway
better than ever and we will do what is right to make
Chapter Treasurer
fraternal year! I am happy to say you
our voice be heard with the upcoming elections. I call
will be proud of your Executive Board
upon you once again to answer the call of leadership and
asDear
theyBrothers,
have started off the fraternal year service by letting your lives do the singing. The Bible
with
a
successful
retreat, which included teaches us ‘to whom much is given, much is also reDear
AllowBrothers,
me this opportunity to say Greetings! This is the start of an exciting new fraternal year! I am proud
a full day of planning this past August.
quired.’ As we look back on the 2011-2012 fraternal year
to
say you
willopportunity
be proud of to
your
as
theystart
haveofstarted
off thenew
fraternal
year
withIaam
successful
Allow
me this
sayExecutive
Greetings!Board
Thisand
is the
an exciting
fraternal
year!
proudhappen
pray
some
of the tonegative
events
will
never
retreat
with
a
full
day
of
planning
this
past
August
and
are
off
and
running
bring
their
plans
to
light.
to say you will be proud of your Executive Board as they have started off the fraternal year with a successful
As I look back at all
we have
accomplished
andthis
all past
the Augustagain,
I humbly
implore
you to do
your part to ensure
retreat
with
a full
daywe
of have
planning
and
are off and
running
toCorporate
bring theirHeadquarters
plans to light.and in
As
I
look
back
at
all
accomplished
and
all
the
political
issues
at
the
political issues at the Corporate Headquarters and in
that the concepts of freedom, democracy and dignity of
the Iworld
today,at Iallamweproud
to
say we continue
to stand
strong. issues
However,
resilientHeadquarters
fraternity stood
look
back
have
accomplished
and all
theindividual
political
atpreserved
thethis
Corporate
andlike
in
the world today, IAs
am
proud
to
say
we
continue
to
stand
the
are
for us,
our
children
the
epic
poem
“Invites”
by
William
Ernest
Hensley,
where
it
states,
“My
head
is
bloody,
yet
unbowed.”
Weand our
the world today, I am proud to say we continue to stand strong. However, this resilient fraternity stood like
strong.
However,
this
resilient
fraternity
stood
theHensley,
future.
Iitam
encouraging
all Alpha
brothers,
famihave seen
the 33rdthe
General
President
Herman
“Skip” like
Mason
from
for
incidents,
wereyet
against
our your
epic poem
“Invites”
by William
Ernest removed
whereoffice
states,
“My headwhich
is bloody,
unbowed.”
We
constitution.
Our
President
of
the
United
States
is
under
attack
and
people
are
left
jobless
and
homeless.
However,
the
epic
poem
by William
where
lies
andoffice
friends
to do their
part
inagainst
participating
in the
have
seen “Invictus”
the 33rd General
PresidentErnest
HermanHensley,
“Skip” Mason
removed
from
for incidents,
which
were
our
determination
to rebuild
ourof
fraternity
wasStates
and ”still
is strong
andand
kudos
to Bro.
Cruitison,
–homeless.
as acting
it states,
“My head
is bloody,
yetUnited
unbowed.
have
upcoming
election
cycle
in thePresident
communities
constitution.
Our
President
the
isWe
under
attack
people
are left
jobless Sr.
and
However,for
thehis in which
leadership! to rebuild our fraternity was and still is strong and kudos to Bro. Cruitison, Sr. – as acting President for his
determination
seen
the 33rd General President Herman “Skip” Mason
you live and serve.
leadership!
Alpha
Rho
Lambda
had a special
with Columbus, Ohio. Charted 83 years ago; by Charles P.
removed
from
officehas
foralways
incidents,
whichrelationship
were against
H. Sherman
Manuel,
E.A.
Calloway,
W. States
Woodlin,
and
Williams
wasLambda
to uphold
the
ourBlackburn,
constitution.
Our
the United
is Randolph
I amPorter
proud
toK.M.
say 83
Alpha
already taken
Alpha
Rho Lambda
has President
always had
aof
relationship
with
Columbus,
Ohio.
Charted
yearsRho
ago;
by
Charleshas
P. beliefs
th special
General
President
stated
for
everyone
who
has
completed
his
scholastic
career
but
who is
during
that
time.
Lucias
McGee,
10
Blackburn,
H.
Sherman
Manuel,
E.A.
Calloway,
W.
Woodlin,
Randolph
Porter
and
K.M.
Williams
was
to
uphold
the
beliefs
under
attackaffiliated
and people
are
left
jobless
and
homeless.
the
charge
and
have
committed
to grow
our
numbers
not
directly
with
some
chapter
to
do
so
at
once.
The
public
had
begun
to
ask
what
was
our
purpose?
During
that
th
during that time. Lucias McGee, 10 General President stated for everyone who has completed his scholastic career but who is
However,
the
determination
to
rebuild
our
fraternity
was
through
increased
reclamation
events
and
supporttime,
we hadaffiliated
to show with
themsome
ratherchapter
than tell
Think
forpublic
a moment
that thetolargest
solid
aggregation
of Negro
college
not
directly
to them.
do so at
once.notThe
had begun
ask what
was
our purpose?
During
that
men
is
a
mere
schoolroom
revelry
or
an
academic
frolic.
We
mean
more,
we
stand
for
more
and
now
the
time
has
come
to do
and
still
is
strong
and
kudos
to
Bro.
Cruitison,
Sr.
–
as
ing
our
local
college
chapters
with
their
development
time, we had to show them rather than tell them. Think not for a moment that the largest solid aggregation of Negro college
more.”
acting
President
for his leadership!
as “Leaders”.
However,
a charge
thattohas
men is
a mere schoolroom
revelry or an academic frolic. We mean more,
we stand for
more andwe
nowhave
the time
has come
do been
more.”
District
Director
reclaim
of our numThe rebuilding effort won’t happen overnight but with your support, set
we by
willour
bring
Alpha Rho
Lambdatoback
better10%
than ever
and
we
will
do
what
is
right
to
make
our
voice
be
heard
with
the
upcoming
elections.
I
call
upon
you
to
once
again
to
answer
Alpha
Rho Lambda
always
a special
relationWell,Alpha
I am Rho
proud
to sayback
webetter
are on
course
The rebuilding
effort has
won’t
happenhad
overnight
but with
your support, bers…
we will bring
Lambda
than
ever and I am
the
call
ofColumbus,
leadership
service
by letting
your
dowith
the
The Bible
teaches
us
‘to
given,one
is
ship
Ohio.
83
years
ago;
bysinging.
charging
each
of
you
towhom
reclaim
atisleast
Brother.
It is
andwith
we will
do what isand
right
toChartered
make
our voice
belives
heard
the upcoming
elections.
I call
upon
you much
to once
again
tomuch
answer
also
required.’
As
we
look
back
on
the
2011-2012
fraternal
year
and
pray
some
of
the
negative
events
will
never
happen
again,
the
call
of
leadership
and
service
by
letting
your
lives
do
the
singing.
The
Bible
teaches
us
‘to
whom
much
is
given,
much
is
Charles
P. Blackburn,
H.doSherman
Manuel,
E.A.
Callo- of freedom,
a uniquedemocracy
challenge
and awesome
responsibility
to accept
Ialso
humbly
implore
your on
partthe
to2011-2012
ensure thatfraternal
the concepts
and dignity
of will
the individual
are again,
required.’
Asyou
we to
look
back
year andthe
praycall
some
of
the negative
events
never and
happen
way,
W.
Woodlin,
Randolph
Porter
and
K.M.
Williams
of
service
to
Alpha
Phi
Alpha
its
demanding
preserved
for us, our
andpart
our to
future.
brothers,
your families
andof
friends
to do their
I humbly implore
youchildren
to do your
ensureI am
thatencouraging
the conceptsall
of Alpha
freedom,
democracy
and dignity
the individual
arepart in
in
the
upcoming
election
cycle
in
the
communities
in
which
you
live
and
serve.
to participating
uphold
the
beliefs
during
that
time.
Lucias
McGee,
and
diverse
brotherhood.
preserved for us, our children and our future. I am encouraging all Alpha brothers, your families and friends to do their part in
10th
General in
President
stated
for everyone
who
has
participating
the upcoming
election
cycle in the
communities
in which you live and serve.
I am proud to say Alpha Rho Lambda has already taken the charge and have committed to grow our numbers through increased
completed
his
scholastic
career
but
who
is
not
directly
Finally, let’s stand
together and support
oura charge
great Fraterreclamation
and supporting
our has
local
college
chapters
with their
as “Leaders”.
we have
I am proud toevents
say Alpha
Rho Lambda
already
taken
the charge
and development
have committed
to grow ourHowever,
numbers through
increased
affiliated
some
chapter
do so at
once. The
public
nity asWell,
we prepare
to toinstall
our
GeneralI am
President,
that
has with
beenevents
set
byand
our
DistricttoDirector
to reclaim
of our
numbers…
I amasproud
say we
are 34th
on course
reclamation
supporting
our local
college 10%
chapters
with
their development
“Leaders”.
However,
we haveand
a charge
charging
each
of
you
to
reclaim
at
least
one
Brother.
It
is
a
unique
challenge
and
awesome
responsibility
to
accept
the
call
of for
had
begun
to
ask
what
was
our
purpose?
During
that
Mark
Tillman!
Mark
your
calendars
for
January
that has been set by our District Director to reclaim 10% of our numbers… Well, I am proud to say we are on course and I am
service
to
Alpha
Phi
Alpha
and
its
demanding
and
diverse
brotherhood.
time,
we had
rather
than
them.
the inauguration…
date will be to
forthcoming!
charging
eachtoofshow
you tothem
reclaim
at least
one tell
Brother.
It isThink
a unique challenge
and awesome responsibility
accept the call Location:
of
th
service
to
Alpha
Phi
Alpha
and
its
demanding
and
diverse
brotherhood.
notFinally,
for a moment
theand
largest
solid
ofas we prepare
Detroit,
MI. our 34 General President, Mark Tillman!
let’s stand that
together
support
ouraggregation
great Fraternity
to install
Mark
your
calendars
for
January
for
the
inauguration…
date
will
be
forthcoming!
Detroit, MI.
Negro
college
men
is
a
mere
schoolroom
revelry
or
an
Finally, let’s stand together and support our great Fraternity as we prepare to installLocation:
our 34th General
President, Mark Tillman!
academic
frolic.
We
mean
more,
we
stand
for
more
and
Here’s
to
a
productive
fraternal
year!
Mark
your
calendars
for
January
for
the
inauguration…
date
will
be
forthcoming!
Location:
Detroit,
MI.
Here’s to a productive fraternal year!
now the time has come to do more.
Here’s
to a productive fraternal year!
Fraternally,
Fraternally,
Bro. Milton C. Woodard
Alpha
Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc.
Bro. Milton
C. Woodard
ARΛ
Chapter
President
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
ARΛ Chapter President
Founders
Henry A. Callis • Charles H. Chapman • Eugene K. Jones • George B. Kelley • Nathaniel A. Murray • Robert H. Ogle • Vertner W. Tandy
Founders
Henry A. CallisAlpha
• Charles
Chapman
• Eugene
Jones • George
B. Promotes
Kelley • Nathaniel
A. Murray
• Robert H.Excellence,
Ogle • Vertner W. Tandy
Phi H.
Alpha
Fraternity,
Inc.K.Develops
Leaders,
Brotherhood
and Academic
While Providing Service and Advocacy for Our Communities.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Develops Leaders, Promotes Brotherhood and Academic Excellence,
While Providing Service and Advocacy for Our Communities.
The Spirit Of Alpha
Bro. Milton Woodard
President
by Yohannan Terrell
Bro. Corey Posey
Vice President
Bro. Fon Holloway
Treasurer
Bro. Murvin Enders
Financial Secretary
Bro. William Alston
Recording Secretary
Bro. Michael Nicholson
Associater Editor to the
Sphinx
Bro. Rodney Blount
Chaplain
Bro. Michael Fleming
Historian
Welcome Brothers, to the first edition of “The Spirit Of Alpha”, a feature
article in the wonderful Illuminator publication that will focus on just that, the
spirit of our historic organization, Alpha
Phi Alpha.
No, this is not a scholarly piece written with complex rhetoric and speaking
from atop the history books of Alpha Phi
Alpha. This segment is meant to reach
all members on a personal level. These
articles and stories are intended to bring
forth the feelings, emotions, and passion
that each of us share when it comes to
how we feel about being a member of this
Bro. Antonia Anderson
Director of Educational
Activities
Bro. Bernardo Amerson
Membership intake
Coordinator
Bro. Troy Small
Parlimentarian
Bro. Daryle Cobb
Time & Place Chair
Bro. Jimmy Fedrick
Sergeant at Arms
great organization.
For the first submittal, I would like
to talk about Renewing The Spirit Of
Alpha. As I sat in my office and tuned in
to the Democratic National Convention, I
watched each speaker as they progressively fired up the thousands of Democrats in
attendance. The message to the masses
was loud and clear; the fight is not over!
What was done four years ago needs to be
done again but with more perseverance
and steadfastness. The campaign managers, the supporters, the volunteers, the
thousands of people who helped Obama
win in 2008 needed this moment to
renew their spirit and faith in the Obama
administration so that they could go out
and make a difference as they did before.
We all need this from time to time. Just
as national politics can frustrate you and
wear down your hope, so can life, and
so can the politics of any organization.
But what we need, just as the Democrats
needed at the DNC, is our spirit renewed
and to be reminded of why we chose the
Black and Gold.
That is what this new feature in the
illuminator will aim to do. The Spirit Of
Alpha segment will feature inspiring stories from various brothers old and young,
words of encouragement, great memories,
other topics that will remind us of why
we wanted to and continue to hold up the
light of Alpha Phi Alpha. A video feature
hosted on alphacolumbus.com will supplement each article. This will allow you
to not only read about these great stories
but also watch and listen to these stories
as told straight from their source. This is
just part of our initiative to keep brothers
engaged and inspired to continue to do
the work of Alpha Phi Alpha this upcoming fraternal year.
I encourage all Brothers to get involved with this initiative by either submitting content for this segment, contacting me for an interview, or taking part in
our video interviews. I know that there
are many great stories to tell…so let’s
begin.
3
ALPHA TECH
TECHNOLOY
CORNER
by William C. Alston
Summer is almost over and the
Autumn season is soon upon us.
The kids are back to school and its
almost time to help out with homework or find a cozy corner and read
your favorite book. The local library
is screaming for your attention. The
political season is also here. Both
sides of the aisle are competing for
your vote and we’ve found a few apps
that will help you be judicious with
your choice.
Free e-Books brought to you
by your local library
Being a technologist, a lot of statistics get thrown my way. Some good
and some really bad. Recently, an
interesting stat around libraries and
their electronics services caught my
eye. To be honest, like a lot of consumers, I have been caught in the
Internet web and have been used
buying (or ehh hum “acquiring”) my
digital media through big box stores
or online media stores.
Pew Research Center quotes that
“12% of readers of e-books borrowed
an e-book from the library in the
past year. But a majority of Americans did not know that this service is
provided by their local library.”
I’m sure by no accident of advertising distractions, I really didn’t know
that books and some audio and even
video could be checked out at my
local library online like I would
3 in Apple’s iTunes store.
In central Ohio, simply visit http://
www.columbuslibrary.org/ebooks
and follow the online instructions.
For those seasoned brothers that
haven’t seen the inside of a library
in several decades, this would be
the pivotal moment to go and renew
your free membership.
Once you’ve entered your card number, the online world of the taxpayerbacked library is unleashed in the
convenience of your home.
Pew also states that “Some 12% of
Americans ages 16 and older who
read e-books say they have borrowed
an e-book from a library in the past
year.”
Well, now isn’t that funny? This
whole time we thought kids we’re
just walking around trying to hold
up their pants with one hand.
Most e-book borrowers say libraries
are very important to them and their
families and they are heavy readers
in all formats, including books they
bought and books lent to them.
The broader public, not just e-book
readers, are generally not aware they
can borrow e-books from libraries. Pew asked all those ages 16 and
older if they know whether they can
borrow e-books from their library
and an alarming “62% said they did
not know if their library offered that
service.”
Brothers, take advantage of these
services for yourselves, but pass the
word along to a friend, a parent, and
most importantly to a young man
who could benefit from this information.
Start e-reading in Central Ohio for
FREE!
Visit: http://www.columbuslibrary.
org/ebooks
Data source: ( http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2012/06/22/libraries-patrons-and-e-books/ )
POLITICAL APPS
Poll Tracker (iPhone only)
The new app that allows you to track
the 2012 election in real time. Poll
Tracker serves as a great analysis tool
to track Senate, House, gubernatorial and presidential races, as well as
issues at the state level.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/polltracker/id542982818?mt=8
wwvwPolitifact
Get the truth any time,
anywhere. Whether
you’re checking claims by
presidential candidates,
or promises made by
President Obama, find out
who’s telling the truth and
who’s stretching it.
PLANNING RETREAT
http://www.politifact.com/
mobile/
Politico
Aggregating blogs, exclusive videos and poll details,
among other information,
Politico is a great app to
download and follow the
campaign trail. It’s a onestop shop for in-depth
congressional and presidential content.
http://www.politico.com/
mobile-products/
Super PAC App
Which Super PAC finances
certain ads? There’s an app
for that. Similar to Shazam,
you can actually hold up
your smartphone while
any political television ad
is playing and, with the
tagging mechanism, the
app will identify the ad and
let you know specifics like
who and how much money
is behind the message.
http://www.superpacapp.
org/
On Saturday, May 19,
2012, college chapters in
Central Ohio met on the
campus of Ohio University
for a day-long planning
retreat. The purpose of the
retreat was to brainstorm
campus activities for the
year and identify areas for
collaboration in National
Programs. Participants
also reviewed their chapter
constitutions and engaged
in dialogue about effec-
Dear Brothers:
by Tai Cornute
Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light
so shine before men, that they may see
your good works and glorify your Father
in Heaven.”
As I ponder over this passage I am
compelled to commend each of you
for your valiant efforts within our dear
Fraternity and throughout our community. Brothers are working with our
youth, elderly, and everyone along the
continuum. We advocate on behalf of
the disenfranchised and can be found in
the most dreadful trenches. However, in
every situation, brothers are found in the
same state: WILLING.
The purpose of this affirmation is to
acknowledge brothers who continue in
the work of Alpha, to encourage brothers
to “be not weary in well doing,” and to
remind everyone of our duty. What is our
tive chapter management.
The retreat was facilitated
by Bro. Corey Posey at
the request of the college
brothers.
Retreat attendees also
visited the Phi Chapter
Charter Day display in the
Campus Administration
Building. Chartered May
17, 1919, Phi chapter had
several artifacts – including the original chapter
charter, on display in the
campus gallery for OU
students to observe. Development of the display
was coordinated by Phi
chapter initiate Bro. Jerry
Valentine.
duty? It is neither for accolade nor recognition of self but it is for “Thy Glory,
Honor, and Renown.” It has nothing to
do with you or me and everything to do
with the community we serve. Our community truly needs our collective light.
We each made a pledge, to hold the
Light of Alpha aloft. It is not by accident
that our light should be held high. The
higher we hold our light, the better our
light shines for others to see. Throughout
this fraternal year, I urge you (myself included) to remember that pledge. Not for
our own sakes, but to meet the needs of
our community. It will provide the proper
perspective that our work is selfless and
for a greater cause: the uplift of our community.
Brothers I thank you for your example and your work. Continue to be willing. Continue to remember. Continue to
let your light shine true!
Onward and Upward.
5
WHAT TIME
IS IT?
by Michael Fleming
The history of our great fraternity is
anchored by the blood, sweat and
sacrifice of men who saw beyond
themselves and understood that in
order to enlighten the lives of others;
they needed to set examples through
word and action. The foundation of
1914
DECEMBER 4TH, 1906
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Founded
at Cornell University in
Ithaca, New York.
1908
Bro. Moses A. Morrison becomes
first General President.
1952
General Convention Committee recommends that
Bro. Eugene Kinckle Jones
be “listed as one of the
seven Jewels” of Alpha Phi
Alpha. The committee’s
report is accepted.
6
Alpha Phi Alpha was born at a time
when the very thought of creating an
organization geared at uplifting people
of color could have been met with a
variety of unimaginable outcomes,
including death. From that “Ice Cold”
evening in December, 1906, to the
Bro. Raymond W. Cannon is editor of
the first edition of the Sphinx.
1917
Fifty-eight Brothers participate in the
Officers Training Camp at Fort Des
Moines, Iowa.
1954
1963
1956
1972
Bro. Thurgood Marshall argues
and wins the Brown v. Board of
Education case in front of the
United States Supreme Court.
Alpha Phi Alpha celebrates its
Golden Anniversary in Ithaca
and Buffalo,
New York.
Bro. Martin Luther K
ers the historic “I Ha
speech at The Marc
ington for Jobs and
Bro. Theodore M. B
ed Mayor of Cincin
and becomes the c
can American May
election of our 34th General President,
men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
have stood in the forefront and provided a legacy of distinction.
As we look forward as an
organization, it is increasingly
important that we understand our
past. “Transcending All” is more than
just is a portion of our motto, it is the
way an Alpha Man approaches life.
For us, it means more than just doing
enough. It’s extending our reach to
places that have never been occupied
and leaving a mark that all can follow.
As I view footage of Brother Owens’
triumphant display during the 1936
Olympics in the disregard and disdain
of Adolf
Hitler and Nazi Germany, I begin to
1929
feel that he wasn’t just running for
himself or a medal. I feel in my spirit
that Brother Owens ran for all who
have felt that disregard or disdain in
any area of life. His courage shows
us that despite the obstacle, we have
a duty to future generations to excel
during trial and tribulation.
As life-long-learners, we have
an opportunity to learn from those before us in order to improve our present and future. We are charged with
improving our society and
setting an example for others to follow. No matter the avenue we take,
we have the experience of an Alpha
Man to lean upon as we continue
to strive for the greatness that our
founders envisioned. Let us continue
to hold the light of Alpha high for the
world to see. Our history demands it.
Bro. Theodore M. Berry Founds
Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter in
Columbus, Ohio.
1931
Alpha Phi Alpha celebrates its Silver
Anniversary during the 23rd General
Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio.
2006
2011
2010
2012
King, Jr. deliv- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,
ave a Dream” Incorporated, celebrates its
ch on Wash- 100th year Anniversary.
d Freedom.
Berry is electnnati, Ohio
city’s first Afriyor.
After years of efforts by Alpha
Phi Alpha, The Martin Luther
King, Jr memorial is unveiled in
Washington, D.C.
In protest to Arizona Senate Bill
Bro. Mark S. Tillman is elected
1070, a Bill associated to racial
the 34th General President of
profiling, Alpha Phi Alpha moves Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,
Gen. Convention from Phoenix, Incorporated.
Arizona to Las Vegas, Nevada.
7
Alpha Rho Lambda was present at the
2012 Democratic National Convention
Bro. Jade Davis has provided us with a brief recap of the event
Brothers,
It is my pleasure to report to you about my travels
at the 2012 Democratic National Convention (DNC).
Although Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., is a non-partisan organization, we were very well represented at the
2012 DNC. I had the opportunity to speak with Brother
Roland Martin of CNN. During that time we discussed
a variety of social and economic impacts that this election will have on the nation and specifically the African
American community. Moreover, we discussed the importance of African American turnout in “swing” states
such as Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.
Simply, voter turnout in black communities throughout
the aforementioned states will determine this election.
This fact was reinforced throughout the convention, as
delegates and political pundits contemplated the November election.
I attended all three evenings of the convention and
had the opportunity to hear the President, First Lady,
President Clinton and Mayor Castro convey their perceptions of 21st century America. The speeches were
eloquently delivered and provided insight about the next
four years of an Obama administration. However, from
inside the Time Warner Center, the crowd was the main
attraction. It was truly representative of the America
that we all pledge allegiance; and I believe the inclusive
8
nature of the event would truly inspire our beloved Jewels, given the very different America they experienced
106 years ago.
The 2012 DNC proved to be an informative and
enlightening experience. I had the opportunity to meet
grass roots volunteers, delegates, activists and elected
officials from places all over America. Subsequently, the
convention highlighted the importance of voter protections. FIRST OF ALL WE VOTE, thus we must continue to lead efforts in our communities focused on voter
education, awareness and participation.
A VOTELESS PEOPLE IS A HOPELESS PEOPLE.
Alpha Rho Lambda
Calendar of Events
2012
September 2012
September 22, 2012
HBCU College Fair/ Go to High School,
Go to College
September 28, 2012
Voteless People Hopeless People,
Hip-Hop with AKAs
September 29, 2012
Voteless People Hopeless People,
UNCF Walkathon
October 2012
October 20, 2012
Near Eastside Clean Up
November 2012
November 9-11, 2012 - 39th
Ohio District Convention
ALPHA
PHI ALPHA
inc.
Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter
EXECUTIVE BOARD
November 24, 2012
Alpha Esquire 25th Anniversary
December 2012
December 1, 2012
Project Alpha
December 8, 2012 Black & Gold Mistletoe Celebration
9
&
Bro. Gaddis is a
spring 2006 initiate
of Pi Phi Chapter
at Wright State
University. It was
during his time at
Wright State that IRS
recruiter at a job fair
sparked his interest
in a career with the
federal tax agency.
After completing his
Bro. Gaddis
bachelor’s degrees
in accounting and finance, Bro. Gaddis was hired
as an IRS Revenue Agent with the Small Business
and Self Employed Division, tasked with conducting
tax audits on individuals and small corporations and
partnerships. Over the past six years Bro. Gaddis has
excelled in his role, and received several promotions
and awards. During the same time period Bro. Gaddis
also completed his Masters Degree in Accounting &
Financial Management, and became a Certified Public
Accountant. Bro. Gaddis’s success in his current role
along with his advanced education and professional
credentials made him an attractive target for recruiter
from IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division.
Commonly referred to and IRS-CI, this division
of the IRS is its law enforcement arm. Probably most
famous for being the only federal law enforcement
division to successfully bring charges against the
notorious mobster Al Capone, IRS-CI has exclusive
jurisdiction to investigate criminal violation of the
Internal Revenue Code such as tax fraud and evasions,
and also conducted investigation including money
laundering and other financial crimes in collaboration
with other federal agencies.
After an intense and competitive interview process
over a time span of more than a year Bro. Gaddis was
selected to become part this elite and exclusive division
of the IRS. This new stage in his career commences in
September with a six month long stint at the Federal
Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco GA.
Bro. Gaddis on the keys to his success said “The
most important thing is the keep God first, because
when you do, he will take care of everything else”.
When asked if there was one negative thing or down
side to the career path he chose, Bro. Gaddis had this
to say “I don’t really see anything about it as a negative
but I guess the one down side is that I’m generally the
least popular person at professional networking or social
gathering because people get real standoffish when they
find out you work for the IRS, even when they have
nothing to be worried about”.
VISIT
WWW.ALPHACOLUMBUS.COM
10
Bro. Darryl A. Peal, president
agency affirmative action and EEO
and chief executive officer of the
policy, and coordinated MBE certiSouth Central Ohio Minority Suppli- fication.
er Development Council (SCOMSDC) was given the honor to write
the introduction for the Sixth Edition
of Who’s Who In Black Cincinnati.
Who’s Who is a publishing
company that highlights the achievements of African Americans and
other minority groups across the
country through its brand of Who’s
Who publications and signature
events.
Peal, has spent his entire proBro. Peal
fessional life working on diversity
issues. As the president of SCOMSOn March 7, 1982, Brother DarDC, Peal works to grow and foster
ryl Alan Peal along with several men
relationships between minority busi- was responsible founding the Ominess enterprises, corporations and
cron Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Algovernment entities. SCOMSDC
pha Fraternity Inc,. The chapter was
serves as the certification agent, and founded at Ohio Wesleyan Univerlocator service for 150 of the largest sity.The other individuals involved
corporations in the State of Ohio.
with the founding of Omicron Rho
Prior to his role at SCOMSDC, Chapter are: Brother Darryl Fletcher,
Darryl Peal was appointed by former Brother Roger Craig Allen, Brother
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland to
Harold Edward Pinkston, Jr., Brothserve as the deputy director of the
er Noel Garth Goodrich, Brother
State of Ohio Equal Opportunity
Anthony Ross Gray, Brother Daniel
Division. As the deputy director
Mathew Sturkey.
and State EEO coordinator, Peal
He also has a solid track record
enforced construction compliance,
over the course of his career within
Nicholson’s loyal,
diverse following has
allowed him open his own
studio in Gahanna (called
Phlex Fitness, slated to
debut next month).
He has also raised
money for nonprofits by
hosting donation-admission
hip-hop classes. Hundreds
of people attend. That
philanthropic sensibility —
Bro. Nicholson
and the instructor’s mass
appeal — intrigued the American Heart Association;
Nicholson is now head of the local chapter’s
Community Teams Committee.
“I’m helping others, and you can’t ask for nothing
the educational system. Peal served
as a cabinet member and dean of
students at Central State University.
He was also the assistant dean of
students and coordinator of ethnic
diversity for Otterbein College for
eight years. Prior to working at Otterbein College, he was employed at
Ohio University where he was the
assistant director of Health Education and Wellness. In addition, he
was employed at Wilberforce University, where he served as the director of counseling services.
Honored for his dedication,
Peal has received such honors as the
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum
Major Award; the Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. Award for Peace and Justice; recognition as one of the 2002
Business First 40 under 40 and the
Ten Outstanding Young Citizens
Award.
Peal, who is a native of Springfield, Ohio, holds a Bachelor of Arts
degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Social Sciences
degree from Ohio University. He is
married to Dr. Regina Randall Peal
and is the father of Randall James
Peal.
better than that,” Nicholson said. “Always focus on
what you want to do. … Figure out a way to help people
and the money will come.”
The fact that dancing is Nicholson’s way of doing
that surprised him. Rhythm courses from the Brooklyn
boy’s tippy toes to the tips of his dreadlocks, but he
didn’t start teaching classes until another instructor
encouraged him to try teaching after seeing how well
Nicholson could move.
As much as he loves choreographing, Nicholson
almost quit about a year ago, feeling defeated by some
professional disappointments. Instead, he started the
M. Nicholson Hip-Hop Fitness brand of classes, using
poems like Rudyard Kipling’s “If” as motivation.
“I don’t want to be famous,” Nicholson said. “I just
want to be significant.”
11
ALPHA RHO LAMBDA
AROUND TOWN