Inside this Edition President’s Letter Brothers and guests enjoying a moment at SIP3. Continued on page 12 August / September 2007 Vol. 1, No. 1 Continued on page 2 By Bro. Tony Johnson 1 By Bro. Wiky Toussaint
THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORT THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORT The official Wall Street Alphas newsletter, Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC SIP3 Sells Out By Bro. Wiky Toussaint On July 19, 2007, “ the Wall Street Alphas" hosted their 3rd Annual fundraiser entitled "Sip". The event had a spectacular outpouring of approximately 250 guests and supporters which made for a great evening. The venue, Bull Run Restaurant in the Financial District, provided exquisite food while Harlem Vintage entertained the guests with a sampling of red and white wines from all around the world. President’s Letter By Bro. Tony Johnson I am pleased to welcome you to Kappa Xi Lambda’s inaugural newsletter. This newsletter is an effort to bring information of the chapter to the brothers in a more efficient and effective way than ever before. This is the first of many new and exciting projects that will be unveiled over the next several months. I guarantee you will be amazed and proud of what your chapter brothers developed with you in mind. The whole genesis for this project was borne out of one brother’s desire to see us reach our true potential as a body. Bro. Brian Pruitt approached me with an idea he had for a chapter newsletter after the May meeting. Coincidentally, many brothers were inspired to present new ideas to me after the May meeting. The next morning after that meeting, I received phone calls from eight brothers before 10am! Of course, I found that a bit odd. But I’ve learned not to question a good thing – just go with it. So here we are today with the fruit of that inspiration. I am grateful to all the brothers who contributed to this first edition. This is where you can find your unique role in the chapter. I am asking all brothers to follow the example set by Bro. Pruitt or Bro. Crawford and Bro. Battle who created our first ever chapter directory. If you see a need in the chapter that needs to be filled or an idea that the chapter could benefit from, then bring it forward and let’s get it done. Don’t wait to be called. Continued on page 2 August / September 2007 Vol. 1, No. 1 Inside this Edition President’s Letter SIP 3 Big Brothers Big Sisters Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation SPECIAL FEATURE - Brother of the Year 87 TH General Convention Alpha G.E.N.T.S. Executive Officers and Foundation Board Black and Male in America This annual fundraiser since its inception has raised funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with the addition of the chapter's own foundation, the Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation, Inc. sharing in the proceeds from the event for the first time this year. Continued on page 12 Brothers and guests enjoying a moment at SIP3. 1
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THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORTTHE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORTThe official Wall Street Alphas newsletter, Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC
SIP3 Sells OutBy Bro. Wiky Toussaint
On July 19, 2007, “ the Wall Street Alphas" hosted their 3rd Annual fundraiser entitled "Sip". The event had a spectacular outpouring of approximately 250 guests and supporters which made for a great evening. The venue, Bull Run Restaurant in the Financial District, provided exquisite food while Harlem Vintage entertained the guests with a sampling of red and white wines from all around the world.
President’s LetterBy Bro. Tony Johnson
I am pleased to welcome you to Kappa Xi Lambda’s inaugural newsletter. This newsletter is an effort to bring information of the chapter to the brothers in a more efficient and effective way than ever before. This is the first of many new and exciting projects that will be unveiled over the next several months. I guarantee you will be amazed and proud of what your chapter brothers developed with you in mind.
The whole genesis for this project was borne out of one brother’s desire to see us reach our true potential as a body. Bro. Brian Pruitt approached me with an idea he had for a chapter newsletter after the May meeting. Coincidentally, many brothers were inspired to present new ideas to me after the May meeting. The next morning after that meeting, I received phone calls from eight brothers before 10am! Of course, I found that a bit odd. But I’ve learned not to question a good thing – just go with it. So here we are today with the fruit of that inspiration. I am grateful to all the brothers who contributed to this first edition.
This is where you can find your unique role in the chapter. I am asking all brothers to follow the example set by Bro. Pruitt or Bro. Crawford and Bro. Battle who created our first ever chapter directory. If you see a need in the chapter that needs to be filled or an idea that the chapter could benefit from, then bring it forward and let’s get it done. Don’t wait to be called.
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August / September 2007 Vol. 1, No. 1
Inside this Edition
President’s LetterSIP 3Big Brothers Big SistersWall Street Alphas Charitable FoundationSPECIAL FEATURE - Brother of the Year87TH General ConventionAlpha G.E.N.T.S.Executive Officers and Foundation BoardBlack and Male in America
This annual fundraiser since its inception has raised funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with the addition of the chapter's own foundation, the Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation, Inc. sharing in the proceeds from the event for the first time this year.
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Brothers and guests enjoying a moment at SIP3.
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President’s Letter
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Don’t sit back and expect another brother to take on your individual responsibility to move this body “upward and onward”. There are so many areas that KXL can use your assistance. You paid your dues and wanted to become a Wall St. Alpha for a reason. We are respected and admired within this great fraternity and in the community because brothers stepped up and worked unselfishly to ensure that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and each Wall St. Alpha would be proud of all our endeavors.
Brothers, this is your newsletter and it can only succeed if you make it succeed. We need writers, pictures and relevant information that will enlighten, educate and uplift our members and it does not have to be fraternity or Greek related only. Give us your feedback and let us know how we can improve the next editions. Keep in mind, for over 100 years, Alpha has addressed the needs of our community. With this newsletter, it is my hope that we are addressing the needs of every Wall St. Alpha.
Fraternally, Tony Johnson, Esq.President
fulfilling this need for several years through our Alpha G.E.N.T.S. (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success) program. The program has been based out of Martha Valle JHS in Lower Manhattan, and we have been able to successfullyaid in the development of young men.
One of our mentees, Garfield, a young man aged 12, would regularly skip school or sometimes show lack of interest when he did make it to class. Since being involved in the Alpha G.E.N.T.S. program he has made great strides. He is still working on behavioral issues, but he now has an 85 G.P.A., and a bright future and more positive outlook on life.
Alpha G.E.N.T.S. of the future…we are crossing the bridge to BROOOOKLYN and seeking out new opportunities. A three phase program is currently under development. We will focus on young men as early as middle school, and continue to work with them until high school graduation. We plan on creating more success stories like Garfield. Stay tuned for the Fall schedule in a future newsletter and on our website.
Our Goal…to serve as positive professional male role models to young men of color.
Our Mission…to assist in the development of young African-American and Latino males thus allowing them to fully exceed their potential.
Our Vision …Each One Reach One.
The mentees hanging with Bro. Pittman atthe Slavery Exhibit in New York.
Growing up without a father or even a father figure is an arduous task for a young male. Now toss in the fact that you are a young male of color, and the difficulty level goes up tenfold. The statistics are overwhelming…from the rising number of single parent households, the number of young men incarcerated, and also the lack of young men of color in higher education. All of these factors play a part in how these young men are perceived by society, and how they learn to see themselves. Providing positive male role models for African-American and Latino males during the formative years of development promotes self esteem, provides alternatives for problem solving, and helps young men to see themselves as leaders of the future.
As a Fraternity, as a chapter, and as Alpha men we’ve heard this call, and have been assisting in
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Introducing the Wall Street Alphas Charitable FoundationBy Bro. Shawn A. Curwen
Brothers of Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (“The Wall Street Alphas”) founded a non-profit organization to help raise awareness of the many socio-economic issues that plague all middle-class and impoverished people.
OUR MISSIONW.S.A.C.F. has been formed to engage in activities that promote human rights and develop the leadership and strategic capabilities within the African & Latino-American community. W.S.A.C.F. intends to promote the rights of African and Latino-American communities and other immigrant groups by encouraging educational goals, fostering and assisting in community building, leadership development and strategic planning by providing:training and mentoring programs, strategic advice,promoting increased access to technology and assisting Boards of Directors of community-based organizations to effectively carry out their missions.
OUR GOALW.S.A.C.F. intends to work in conjunction with the national network of African & Latino-American organizations and other organizations to promote events and programs that benefit the African & Latino-American communities such as round-table discussions, consensus-building initiatives and conferences to develop local agendas and increase community awareness of issues affecting the African & Latino-American community.
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Mark your Calendar!
9/11: Chapter Meeting 9/18: Dream Concert for MLK Foundation9/29: BBBS Race for the Kids10/9: Chapter Meeting11/1: Fall Formal Ball – “Think Black!”
Bro. General President Matthews calls Brothers to Action!
By Bro. Brian Pruitt
When Brother General President Darryl R. Matthews Sr. proclaimed a goal of 10,000 Alpha men to sign up with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America last summer at the Centennial Convention, Brothers took notice. That audacious goal recommitted
The WED theme selected for this year is Melting Ice – a Hot Topic?, where the focus is on climate change and the effects that it has on polar ecosystems and communities. It also highlights the subsequent consequences of climate change around the world. This year, World Environment Day will be held in Tromsoe, Norway, a city north of the Polar Circle.
Out of a need to build stronger ties to our community, and create funding opportunities to assist those in need, both individually and organizationally, the
the Fraternities involvement in BBBS and let all Brothers know about the dedication and commitment of Alpha Phi Alpha to mentoring young Black males during this next 100 years.
Back during the fraternity's 1990 General Convention, the two organizations signed an agreement to assist each other in reaching their goals of working toward the positive development of African-American youth and empowering their families and communities. The focus of this partnership is to:
•Increase the number of African-American children exposed to positive African-American adult role models; •Increase minority representation on local Big Brothers/Big Sisters' Board of Directors; •Increase positive perceptions of both organizations in the African-American community; •Expose African-American boys of Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs to positive Alpha role models and the programs of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The sense of urgency is evident when you consider the education statistics of our youth and specifically what is going on with youth in New York City. Of note:
•58 percent of black fourth-graders read below grade level;•Only 57 percent of black females and 44 percent of black males graduate from high school;•Of boys and girls ages 6-18 in NYC, nearly 500,000 were born into poverty and more than 360,000 of these children live in single-parent homes.
The Wall Street Alphas are working with Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC (www.bigsnyc.org) to establish matches of Alpha Brothers and “Littles” in search of a mentor. Please reach out to Bro. Brian Pruitt or Tony Johnson to learn more and get involved.
7 QUESTIONS WITH THE BROTHER OF THE YEARBy Bro. Corey A. McDougle
Similar to the Seven Jewels who graciously founded our beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Brothers of Kappa Xi Lambda (KXL) represent various professions, backgrounds, and interests. However, that diversity is able to effectively merge into one dynamic force to uplift the principle aims of the Fraternity—“manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind”. For the past
three years, no brother within KXL has arguably demonstrated these principles with a greater sense of ease through effective leadership, guidance, and action than Bro. Samuel C. “Sam” Parker, III. Described by Bro. Chris Blackwood as a “brother keeper”, Bro. Parker “represents the true essence of brotherhood…He has a vested interest in seeing you grow and mature and is willing to watch over you as you go through the trenches…While Bro. Parker lives up to all these attributes, what makes it so much of a brotherhood is that he does it unselfishly with honesty, love and compassion.”
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Brother Parker (left) and Brother Culcleasure during a break at Project Alpha.
W.S.A.C.F.
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Through sponsorship solicitation and fundraising, the W.S.A.C.F. will be able to donation money to many worthy charities and organizations.Over the course of two years, the fundraisers sponsored by W.S.A.C.F. have donated money to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Bailey House, Habitat for Humanity, and the Martin Luther King Memorial Project.
An example of W.S.A.C.F.’s activities in furtherance of its exempt purposes is its mentoring program Alpha G.E.N.T.S. (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success). This program was designed to cultivate male students to become successful adults by adopting a focused and goal oriented philosophy. through a structured atmosphere that provides them the foundation of life skills and continuous support.
The G.E.N.T.S. program commits itself to each student throughout his academic experience and into the working world. The program will ensure success through ongoing evaluations of its workshops and activities. It uses a tiered curriculum that will builds toward graduation from High School. The program may begin at the 8th grade level and end at grade 12. During the first year of the program to the last, they will receive a counselor to aid in further development, networking opportunities and scholarships. The G.E.N.T.S. program provides monetary funds for book scholarships and academic incentives. It provides items that aid and encourage them to work closer to their goals.
Our members serve as mentors and meet with the young men one Saturday each month to participate in workshops that are both fun and educational. Some programs planned for the upcoming year include: High School Academic Excellence, Teenage Pregnancy/ STD prevention, Go-to-High School/ Go-to-College, Basketball Tournament, Career & Personal Goal Setting, Field Trips, college tours, starting your
own business/Making Money, Dressing for Success, and Community Service.
We invite ALL to assist the foundation with achieving its Mission and Goals. We have much to do, but we will attempt to save our communities one child at a time.
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. 87th General Convention
By Bro. Tony Johnson
ORLANDO, Florida - The 101st Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Anniversary Convention (87th General Convention) was held on August 9-13, 2007 in Orlando, Florida. The Convention was officially called to order by General President Darryl Matthews, Sr. on Friday, August 10, 2007. Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter was strongly represented by Brothers Tony Johnson, Samuel Parker, Tony Thompson, Elvin Dowling, Sean Doorn, Christopher Hunt, and Brandon Ray. It was communicated by both the Executive Director Willard Hall and the 32nd General President, Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. that conventions are supposed to be a source of a revenue stream for the fraternity. Planning is being done to improve the profitability to assure that future conventions operate generating a surplus for the fraternity.
Brother President Johnson and General President Candidate Brother Skip Mason.
provide more financial support to the MLK Foundation. Brother Russell noted that the Eastern Region is leading the way with the most contributions for the MLK Memorial.
During the Business Session, the State of the Fraternity Address was given by the General President, Brother Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. He spoke to the brothers about the need to ratify the realignment of the constitution. Four key initiatives were highlighted in his address: Communication/Public Relations/Branding, Strategic Plan, Fiscal management, and Economic Development. Brother Matthews also highlighted the fraternity’s stance against the use of “N-word” and the need to uplift the race instead of degrading it. He also spoke of our partnership with Big Brothers, Big Sisters (BB/BS) and the need for Alpha men to become Big Brothers.
Brother Matthews addressed the need for brothers to consider leaving some type of charitable contribution to the fraternity upon their passing to the Omega Chapter. A partnership was created between North
The First Business Session was presided over by Brother Everett B. Ward, Southern Regional Vice President. Among other business this session allowed the six candidates for the 33rd General President of the Fraternity, Brother Ralph Johnson, Brother Darryl A. Peal, Brother Herman “Skip” Mason, Brother Elvin Dowling, Brother Darren Morton, and Brother Cecil Howard, to outline their platform to the brothers in attendance and to take questions from the brothers. One of the main topics that came up during this candidate forum was the intake process.
The Eastern Regional Caucus was held at the convention hotel andpresided over by Brother Jay Johnson, Executive Director for theEastern Region. Brother Johnson reported that the Eastern Regional Convention will be held in April in East Brunswick, New Jersey.
Brother Frank Russell, Internal Fund Raising Chair of the MartinLuther King Jr. Foundation talked to the brothers about the need to
Brother General President Darryl Matthews, Sr. and Miss Black and Gold Winner Rachelle Vallon representing XI PSI and the East.
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. 87th General Convention
Carolina Mutual and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. An anonymous donor started the endowment with $500,000. This endowment will be used for providing scholarships to needy students who attend college. Nominations of candidates for 33rd General President were made during this session. Former Ambassador and Mayor Brother Andrew Young formally nominated Brother Skip Mason.
During the College Brothers Luncheon a representative from each of the four regions spoke on the theme “African American Males: Exist in a State of Crisis or Opportunity? The 2007 Oratorical Contest winner was Southwestern Region representative, Brother David Walter.
Delegates convened to vote for the 33rd General President. The top two vote recipients will then be voted on by the general body. It was announced that candidates Brother Darryl Peal and Brother Skip Mason will be on the ballot as candidates for the 33rd General President. Ballots will be mailed to all financial brothers in April 2008.
Other Items of note during the Convention:• Project Alpha – 4,000 young men have been reached this past year and $1.2 Million has been raised.• A report on the MLK Memorial Project Foundation was given by Brother Frank Russell –College and Alumni brothers have raised over $2.5 Million dollars since the start of this campaign. • The Dream Dinners, which were recently held in Houston, TX, raised over $3 Million dollars for the MLK Foundation. It was noted by Brother Russell that Viacom would announce on August 13, 2007 that they will donate $1 Million dollars to the MLK Foundation. There will be two more upcoming Dream Dinners that will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Philadelphia, PA this year. • A Dream Concert will be held at Radio City Music Hall on September 18, 2007 with proceeds going to the MLK Foundation. The diverse lineup includes Garth Brooks, Joss Stone, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Queen Latifah, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Carlos Santana, Robin Thicke, Bebe Winans, and Cece Winans. Other celebrities lending their support include Tommy Hilfiger, Russell Simmons, Joel Horowitz, Quincy Jones, David Stern, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Muhammad Ali, Angela Bassett, Jamie Foxx, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and former Mayor Brother David Dinkins.• The next General Convention will be July 17-22, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri.
General President Candidate Brother Elvin Dowling spends a moment with his fellow Kappa Xi Lambda brothers Sam Parker and Tony Johnson.
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2007-2008 Chapter Officers and Board Members
Executive Board
President: Brother Tony Johnson
Vice President: Brother Jacques Etienne
Recording Secretary: Brother David Jones
Corresponding Secretary: Brother Tony Thompson
Treasurer: Brother Jioha Amatokwu
Financial Secretary: Brother Brian Pruitt
Chaplain: Brother Wiky Toussaint
Historian: Brother Sean Gayle
Coordinator of Intake: Brother Damon Culcleasure
Sergeant-at-Arms: Brother Sam Parker
Parliamentarian: Brother Andrew Fisher
Dir. of Educational Activity: Brother Mansa Nicome
Editor to the Sphinx: Brother Corey A. McDougle
Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation Board of Directors
In addition to quietly mentoring the many brothers who joined KXL from other chapters, Bro. Parker, as Director of Intake, guided and mentored seven new brothers into the light of Alpha during the chapter’s first-ever intake process in the Fall of 2006. When asked how Bro. Parker represents Alpha, Bro. Chris Hunt stated, he “exhibits the qualities of an Alpha Man because he truly is about service—service to the brothers of the chapter and service to the community. He's been willing to serve as a mentor to me, no matter how much he has going on in his life. The reclamation event at 40/40 Club earlier this year is a great example. He mostly put the event together himself and funded it in the spirit of reclaiming Brothers to the fraternity and strengthening our chapter.”
A current resident of Brooklyn, this Life Member crossed the burning sands in 1979 via Mu Alpha Chapter at Emory University where he was a distinguished member of the Emory Senior Honor Society. Post undergrad, he received his MBA from NYU’s Stern Business School. Professionally, he is currently Director, Structured Finance, RMBS, at Standard and Poor’s. He currently serves as Sergeant-at-Arms for the 2007-08 fraternal year. In addition to Alpha, he is a member of the National Black MBA Association and National Association of Securities Professionals. When asked to describe Bro. Parker, Bro. Brandon Ray stated, “His humility is the characteristic that comes to mind. He is a very accomplished professional and yet he is so humble.” With a record like his, it is no question why he has been named a three-time Brother of the Year. Nor is it unfathomable to understand the chapter’s decision to name the award after him. Although he is often not the loudest voice in the room, Bro. Parker continually stands out and commands brothers’ attention because he is respected and his commitment to KXL and the work of Alpha is unquestioned. In an effort to further understand what motivates the inner workings of this quiet leader and 2006-2007 Brother of the Year, I asked Bro. Parker the following seven questions:
What influenced your decision to seek membership into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.?
I grew up in Savannah, GA which was and still is a big Alpha town. Most of the black male professionals in the city are Alphas. Church and Civic leaders are Alphas. They were and are men of distinction and I wanted to be like them.
Is there anyone you pattern your life after or seek inspiration from (i.e. personal hero)? If so, who and why?
My Dad is my hero. He is tough, a perfectionist, and insists that you do your best. He is a man of integrity who puts his family first. He definitely set the bar high for me and expected nothing less. Even at this age, I look to him for his advice and insight. If I could be half the man that my father is, I would be content with my life.
In a society where black men are seriously underrepresented in professional work environments and higher education due to a number of issues like the absence of the black father, racism, and poverty, how important do you feel is our role as mentors for both the youth and younger brothers within the fraternity?
It is critical for us as Alphas to be role models and mentors for our young black males. Loving our own skin has been hard for people of color through the ages so it is critical that we show our young men how to be proud of who they are. The images that they are bombarded with sometimes create a fantasy world of money, women, celebrity, and fame. They buy into the fantasy and work hard at the image. One day, you realize that the real success was dependent on the progress you made to love yourself, love your God, and treat each other with respect. I think we as Alphas can impart that lesson because it has been the core of our journey as Alpha men.
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The Alpha G.E.N.T.S. and KXL Brothers take a break at the conference.
Noted author Hill Harper emphasizes a point.
The panel for “How to Mentor and Educate Black Boys and Young Black Men”.
Photography by Russell Malbrough
On June 15 – 17, Father’s Day Weekend, the Black and Male in America conference brought Black men from around the tri-state to Brooklyn to discuss the plight of Black men in America, disseminate advice for a better quality of life, and develop a plan of action for the future. The 3-day conference consisted of workshops for youth ages 10 to 17, workshops for adult males, and town hall meetings and panel discussions designed to address problems and propose solutions. The conference featured some of the most prominent, intellectual, and influential Black men in the fields of medicine, education, literature, finance, real estate, and activism. The highlight of the opening day featured a stirring address by the Keynote Speaker and conference director, noted author, activist, and hip hop historian Kevin Powell.
The major themes for the conference were Black male health issues, mentoring young Black boys, and economic empowerment for adult males. Part of the program on Saturday tackled the influence of hip-hop on our youth. Among the panelists in the town hall meeting was well-known actor and author of “Letter’s to a Young Black Man”, Hill Harper.
On Sunday, the Kappa Xi Lambda. sponsored a VIP reception that included producer and director, Warrington Hudlin, and acclaimed writer and scholar, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. The KXL Brothers and their young mentees, the Alpha G.E.N.T.S., were proud to take part in such an important weekend devoted to the betterment of Black men. I was fortunate enough to spend a few moments with Kevin Powell to discuss his vision for the conference and his thoughts on how we can continue to progress as people.
What motivated you to create the "Black and Male in America Conference?"
I have been doing American and Black male development work for several years. Partly as a result of my many years of political and community activism, and partly
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Kappa Xi Lambda Brothers and Kevin Powell.
Photography by Russell Malbrough
because I have gone through my own ups and downs as a Black male in America, be it dealing with internalized sexism, violence, anger management, struggling to find coping tools, and so on. It has become critically important to me, as a leader, to put forth some new definitions of manhood for these times. The Black and Male in America national conference was simply a part of my on going life work.
What were your goals for the weekend and do you think you accomplished them?
We had a couple of basic goals. First, begin to change the conversation around Black manhood once and for all. No more justsitting around and citing statistics or reports without also offering, every chance we get, some practical, concrete things Black males of
all ages can do to change, develop, and empower themselves. Second, all of the speakers and presenters were under 50, under 40, under 30, on purpose. The answers for Black males are not going to come from Civil Rights generation brothers. If that were the case, we would not be in the mess we are in. So I made it a point to bring as many of the very brilliant Black males I know to speak at the conference, including Alpha brothers like Lasana Hotep from Arizona State University and Dr. Jelani Cobb from Spelman College. Third, the conference was a way to introduce the next steps: the monthly Black male empowerment sessions; the creation of The Black Male Handbook: A Guide for Physical, Spiritual, and Mental Health and Wellness; and turning www.Blackandmaleinamerica.com into a full-fledge, interactive and multimedia website that will be a clearinghouse of information for Black males nationwide.
How is this different from any other "Black Think Tank" around the country? Or the Million Man March?
Real simple: I went to the Million Man March, and I have been a part of literally dozens and dozens of think tanks. NONE of them were or [are] proactive about practical solutions. FEW of them ever really have significant follow-up. And EVEN FEWER actually have young Black males in the leadership of these conversations, which should be the case since it is always Generation [X] and Generation Y [that] are the Black males most talked about. No disrespect to anyone else, but the Black males I am working with are not about endless reports, studies, conferences, summits, think tanks, and all of that, that waste millions of dollars, literally, and ultimately offer no remedies to the many challenges confronting Black males.
Alpha Phi Alpha is a leadership organization. What are your thoughts on the state of leadership in our community and the direction that organizations such as ours should take to better the state of our people and the world at large?
I think Black fraternities like Alpha Phi Alpha are uniquely positioned to be in the vanguard of Black leadership in the 21st century, IF some brothers are willing to step up, in a visionary kind of way like Martin Luther King, Jr. did. I love Dr. King, but I am also real clear he is dead and never coming back. He was only 26 when his leadership career began, and was assassinated at age 39. He did not even make it to 40. But in those 13 years he did some serious work. We now have the advantage of studying his work, his victories and his massive failures (yes, he had both), and creating a movement that fits these times, this century. But so few of us are doing anything more than enough to get by, including many of us who went to college, which is sad. This a very critical crossroads for Black males, for Black people, and we need organizations that are going to have the courage to get on the frontlines, as Dr. King, Malcolm X, Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, and other women and men did a generation ago. If we do not, we will be failing ourselves, our potential, and the generations right behind us.
How does it feel to be named Brother of the Year 3 times in a row and now have the award named after you?
I am very honored and humbled. I don't think that I have done any more than any other brother in the chapter. Having my name associated with this award is very special because long after I am gone there will be a reminder of how much this chapter has meant to me.
How has the fraternity changed through the years in your opinion and has that been for the better?
As with life, it's a mixed bag. We need to determine as a national organization how do we become relevant to young men again. Years ago, becoming an Alpha was considered an honor, an accomplishment, a life changing experience - now I think it has lost the magic. This age of young men is much more exposed to information than previous generations but they are becoming more isolated as individuals. The need for fraternity has been replaced with various types of internet connections and friendships. Politicians have convinced us Affirmative Action is evil, that the playing field is level, that the new America holds opportunities for all and guess what - We Bought It! The Jewels saw fraternity as the foundation of who and what they wanted to be as a group of isolated young men in upstate NY at the turn of the 20th Century. As a fraternity we have survived for 100 years, but we need to spend time determining what comes next.
What did you find most fulfilling in your service as Director of Intake for the first-ever line of Brothers entering the chapter?
Getting to know the young men. Sometimes we forget that there are still those guys out there whose hearts are really committed to the goals of our Jewels. We as a chapter debated the Intake process so much that we forgot to realize that the key was "Get To Know The Man"! I took the time to meet with them individually and as a group on multiple occasions. I asked tough questions of them and they asked questions of me to make me think about my journey as an Alpha. You don't realize how much you can learn about yourself while getting to know someone else. They have that spark that we as experienced brothers need to nurture. We have some really impressive Neophytes and I see them doing great things for the chapter.
Any last words or advice for the brothers of Kappa Xi Lambda?
Continue to reach for the stars, hold the lessons of the Jewels close, don't be afraid to take chances, and ALWAYS be Brotherly to each other.
Black and Male in America
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What guidelines will you use to measure your success?
Success is relative, really, when it comes to our people. One thing we need to do is stop comparing ourselves to our White sisters and brothers. I hate it when we do that. For us success should mean what it has meant historically, or at least up untilthe Civil Rights Movement: are we doing everything in our power, at our disposal, with the help of God, to move our lives forward as opposed to being stuck in a state of arrested development, financially, spiritually, intellectually, politically, even in the face of nonstop racism? In terms of the conference, it means all the Black males who continue to reach out to us via phone, via email, on the streets, saying that the experience changed their lives, forced them to rethink things they do around diet, attitudes toward women, education [and] the importance of giving back. And success is these brothers sharing these feelings with other Black males [and] more of us becoming leaders in this work for our community's empowerment.
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Brother Joseph (left) is presented with anaward for outstanding service and leadership.
Sip 3
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Along with the great food, wine and camaraderie, guests had an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for multiple prizes including a $2,000 gift certificate provided by Kramer Portraits, a traditional African inspired dance performance by Makakuvu Ali El Bey of Sheba, Inc., and an annual gym membership donated by Gold’s Gym. All guests received the chapter’s signature "Sip" wine glass as a memento for the event.
The chapter also acknowledged a prominent brother, Chima Joseph, who directed the 2006 - 2007 mentoring program, Alpha G.E.N.T.S. Chima has been accepted to the University of Chicago where he will be studying for his MBA.
Guests mingling at Sip 3.
Photography by Russell Malbrough
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