|
|
|
|
|
BALIMORE,
MD — After four days of intense dialogue, thought-provoking motivational
speeches and staunch rededication to the fraternity’s principles, more than
2,000 men of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity left their 89th General Convention
here with a renewed sense that the world’s extraordinary times mandate
equally extraordinary measures to ensure the future of our nation’s youth.
“There’s
no doubt about it,” said Alpha General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., in
answer to a question about whether Alphas must be at the forefront of the
movement to guide America’s youth.
“(Alpha men) must take a lead role in dictating the direction our youth are going in. It’s who we are. It’s what we’re all about.
“Our
origin dictates that we have a duty to serve mankind … and today, in these
tough times, that duty must be squarely focused on America’s youth.”
Mason
reminded conventioneers that the seven founders of America’s first African
American fraternity were no ordinary achievers, and that the Alpha Phi Alpha
doctrine to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence,
while still providing service and advocacy for our communities is more
important now than ever before.
“This
is an amazing time in the world’” said Mason. “Closer to home for all of us
here in America, our young people need us now more than at any other time we
can remember.
“We
have to be there for them. We have to guide their movements and help them
achieve the goals they’ve set for themselves.
“For
every one young person who falls by the wayside under the pressures of
society, there are 10, 20, 30 or 40 more who have vowed to be all they can
be. It’s our duty to be sure they have a chance to make.
“All
they need is a chance, and we can help provide it for them.”
Amid the backdrop of the convention’s theme “Our Boys, Our Responsibility, Our Future: From the High Chair to Higher Education” the Alphas turned New Orleans into their personal pulpit and constantly preached the message of importance about saving our youth … just one young person at a time.
The
gathering kicked off on Thursday, July 16, with traditional New Orleans
festivity complete with southern cuisine, and a New Orleans Mardi Gras Brass
Band.
But
Mason reminded everyone “although we’re celebrating, we will recognize and
honor those men and women who have helped to rebuild New Orleans,” in
reference to the ongoing work so many have undertaken to rebuild the city
post Hurricane Katrina.
A
host of luminaries and celebrities helped Alpha Phi Alpha celebrate its 103rd
year of existence, including:
• Alpha Man and CNN personality Roland Martin; • Actors Mario Van Peebles, Derrick “Fonzworth” Bentley and fraternity members Hill Harper and Kevin Powell; • Alex Ellis, CEO of Tie to Greatness, who brought thirty young boys on stage and paired them with 30 brothers in a rousing session that culminated with each kid learning how to tie their own tie; One of the highlights of the week was a private, pre-broadcast screening of CNN’s “Black in America 2,” hosted by Soledad O’Brien and investigation of some of the most significant and challenging issues facing African-Americans today.
The
two-part series, which aired nationally July 22-23, focused on emerging
leaders, innovative community programs and business ventures that are
addressing the most persistent and pressing issues and disparities facing
African-Americans.
It
was more than a fitting part of the Alpha’s overall convention theme.
Another
well-themed part of the convention was provided by The Daughters of Alpha “A
night of Spoken word, Poetry, and Dance,” produced and directed by the
accomplished actress Jasmine Guy, and hosted by Judge Glenda Hatchett.
The
theatrical production featured performances by the highly acclaimed gospel
songstress Yolanda Adams, Benita Bush and Lala Hathaway.
Phylicia
Rashad, and Mercedes Ellington, and the three daughters of the legendary
Olympian Jesse Owens spoke on the effect having a man of Alpha in their lives
as a father, mentor, protector, and friend.
Bernice
King, daughter of the late brother Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. reflected on
the powerful impact her father’s legacy had on her, even though she only
five-years-old when he was assassinated.
Johnetta
Cole, the first black female president of Spellman College, brought laughter
and praise from the audience as she gave honor to her Alpha father, whom she
joked led to her marrying an Alpha man.
In
a well-deserved tribute for their outstanding service Alpha Men Robert
Wright, James Huger, and Roger Youmans, were given the Alpha Phi Alpha Award
of Merit, the highest honor the fraternity can bestow on its members.
Other
presentations made included:
• The Alpha Award of Honor, the highest award given to a non-member, to designer, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Peete. • The Annie C. Singleton Award to Mary Hughes, a Lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; • Alpha Presidential Citations from Mason to Christine King Farris, Xernona Clayton, Otis Williams of the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Mary Wilson and Rev. Jesse Jackson.
While
Mason, the fraternity’s 33rd General President, said he was “completely
pleased” with the exuberance and dedication to duty this year’s
convention-goers showed, it’s now time for Alphas everywhere to put up or
shut up.
“What
we accomplished in New Orleans won’t mean a thing if we don’t go back to the
Atlantas, the New Yorks, Baltimores, Detroits, Chicagos and every town where
Alpha Men reside and go to work,” he said.
“Our
youth need us and they need us now. It’s time to take the next step.”
|
|
|
|
Attention chapter secretary: Please print and present this email during your
next chapter meeting. PLEASE
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS E-MAIL. THIS E-MAIL ADDRESS IS USED BY AN ALPHA PHI
ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. AUTOMATED SYSTEMS AND IS NOT MONITORED. THIS E-MAIL IS
SENT ON BEHALF OF A PARTNER, COMMITTEE OR MEMBER OF THE ORGANIZATION. Confidentiality
Warning: This e-mail contains information intended only for the use of the
individual or entity named above. If the reader of this e-mail is not the
intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to
the intended recipient, any dissemination, publication or copying of this
e-mail is strictly prohibited. The sender does not accept any responsibility
for any loss, disruption or damage to your data or computer system that may
occur while using data contained in, or transmitted with, this e-mail. If you
have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify us by e-mail at
admin@apa1906.net. Thank you. |
|
|
