Pi Upsilon Lambda Chapter

President’s Corner Brother Frank Malone

BROTHERS, ell the 2014-2015 fraternal year has begun. We opened with a great Chapter/Foundation Retreat at the Donaldson Brown estates. It was a great time of fellowship, fun and good food. Our Chapter

Cookout hosted by our 2014 Neophytes was a huge success. It was great to see so many of you come out in the rain and have a good time.

My theme for this year is Reclaim, Retain, and Rejuvenate

We will Reclaim our brothers who have strayed away. Keeping in line with our General President, Bro. Mark S. Tillman’s vision, we will be placing a heavy emphasis on the Reclamation of Brothers. We are not only looking to reclaim Brothers who used to be in PUL, we will also be focusing on reclaiming Brothers in the DMV who have not been affiliated with any chapter. Every Brother in PUL should make it his goal to reclaim at least one brother.

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We are also looking to Retain our Brothers. The Brotherhood Experience Committee will be planning various programs that will seek to help strengthen the bound of brotherhood so we can retain brothers in our chapter.

Finally, we will Rejuvenate! We will be changing some things and introducing fresh new ideas so we can continue to grow and be a chapter of excellence. I am not looking to make changes for the sake of changes. I am seeking to make changes that will enable us to continue to grow and thrive as a chapter.

Hopefully everyone has rested over the summer and is ready to go about doing the work of Alpha!

I want to close with an inspirational quote that someone shared with me that motivates me when I get off course.

Let us continue to hold the light of Alpha high!

Fraternally,

Frank T. Malone President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Pi Upsilon Lambda Chapter

PUL Retreat Focuses on

Reclaiming, Retaining and Rejuvenating

Brother Keith Holloway

he 2014 Annual PUL Chapter Retreat was held August 9th - 10th at the Donaldson Brown Center in

Port Deposit, MD. It was a joint venture between PUL and the APAPULCF and was filled with fraternal focus, fellowship, food, and fun. This year’s theme: Reclaim, Retain, and Rejuvenate, motivated the Brothers in attendance with a renewed sense of determination that will become contagious to the rest of our Brothers in the chapter. Brother President Frank Malone also designated this as the theme for the 2014-2015 fraternal year.

There were several strategy sessions held during the retreat that focused on moving the

chapter forward. These sessions included “PUL Moving Onward and Upward”, “My Brother Where Are You?”, “My Brother Stay the Course, Follow the Money” and the Foundation’s D. E. Posey Session.

Brothers vowed to reclaim a Brother and/or Brothers that have not been active in the fraternity or a chapter for a while. In addition to reclamation, Brothers discussed PUL’s role to retaining the ranks in the Brotherhood. It was pointed out that Brothers must remember that by becoming a member of this fraternity, a commitment was made and the call to service must be answered. There was also an engaging, open dialogue about brothers being rejuvenated for the upcoming fraternal

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year as well as becoming more active in the work that PUL, and the Fraternity does overall.

One of the highlights of the retreat was the trust and brotherhood building exercise facilitated by Bro. Johnny Montgomery called “Tank”. The concept of the exercise is to demonstrate that by depending and trusting on your brother any task set can be accomplished and that common goal, whatever that may be, can be reached.

It was also a time for brothers to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of daily living.

The Donaldson Brown Estate property overlooks the Susquehanna River which is quite serine and brothers took advantage of the wonderful view and sense of calm it offered.

Brother 1st Vice President Charles Hines did an excellent job leading his committee and organizing a fantastic weekend. The retreat was a rewarding experience, one that all brothers should take advantage of next year. It was a great way to start a new fraternal year.

Phight O r Phlight Brother Rev. Jumanne B. Bradford

ustice, justice, we scream for justice! Never tell a proud, educated Black man that he is insignificant. Those are fighting words. Never tell a militant, filled with the power of Black heritage, Black blood, Black history, and Black love that he is a dead man walking. To say such things is to insight the very anger that you accuse him of displaying that lands him in your cleverly crafted prisons. Even the schools

represent a morbid changing of the guard where you would rather incarcerate a feeble soul instead of empower a promising spirit. Never allow your thoughts of prejudice and bias to leave your racist lips into the hearing of a righteous Alpha Man. You are asking for change. What is feared is that the man that you hate is destined for greatness… and you would be right!

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Missouri, Florida, Texas, New York, Maryland, California, North Carolina, etc…. I am willing to bet that the list of senseless murders of Black men covers the 50 states of this promised land. Deadspin will claim that the Black man does not belong here. Statistics will aid you in your misbelief that we are extinct. Media will have you believe that we are dangerous and some of us will help them in this perpetual misconception. Spewing anger only makes us appear dangerous, but when we raise our hands to prove that we are not a threat, we are still gunned down. When we peaceably ask for an explanation on why we are being detained, we are beat within an inch of our lives, but some aren’t so lucky. They are invited to breathe their last breaths at the hands of a heinous and unforgiving man or woman in blue, who swore to protect and serve. What we get is a mind bent on ridding the streets of an epidemic that is hindering the American way. This epidemic has been given a face and it looks like you and I, Brother. When will we stand up and take a stand for a justice that died a long time ago with Bro. Dr. King?

In light of all of the tragedies over the last few years, we clearly see that justice is blind, but not in the way that the forefathers of law had intended. It is not blind to the fact that it does not see race, status, or creed. It is blind to the fairness that the law was supposed to exude. It is blind to its own precepts that were created to protect its natural citizens. Oh, I forgot, at the time when many of the laws were created, we were 3/5th of a person, my Brother. We were only property. We did not matter then and we don’t matter now. It is clear that we have left the daunting task of law enforcement up to politicians and police officials that create and enforce policies that allow us to suffer the dire consequences. How can we cry about fairness when we don’t vote, we don’t march, we don’t protest, we don’t write letters, we don’t flood the phone lines, and WE DON’T READ! The keys to solving our own murders are right in our hands, but we refuse to use them because we live each and every day with a twisted code of ethics. If we want the masses to respect us, then we need to do more than pay for funerals or march after someone else is dead.

Where are you, Alpha? The streets are not paved in gold. No, not yet. They are paved in the blood of our young men. They are crimson with dreams that have been poured down a city drain. Who will care if it is not you, Alpha? Where are your hands? Are they up in surrender, waiting for the one on the other side of a gun barrel to make a decision on whether to kill you or not? They should be on a pen, typing on a computer, or holding the hand of a small child, promising them that you will not idly stand by and let them get gunned down or slain by those that still see us as less than a human being. These same hands need to be in

clenched fists, ready to strike against those in our own community that are poisoning us. Yes, we need to get rid of our own trash. Backwards negroes should be a thing of the past. Your drugs, guns, lack of education, prostitution, ignorance, and disrespect should no longer be tolerated. Running to other communities does not solve anything. Pump your gas, drive your nice care, walk in the “right” neighborhood and other people will remind you that your life is less important. Don’t grit your teeth and curse me. My name is on my work. I am not scared to have a voice. I am an Alpha and I will phight for my children and your children because they deserve to live in peace. My hands are up because I am fed up. My hands are up because I must participate in this new phenomenon that should keep me alive. My hands are up because I am praying to the heavens for God to stop this pain. My hands are up because another Black man has been slain. My hands are up because I want you to see that we can make a difference. It is peace that moves us forward. Let every Alpha that has real desire for change do the small things that will bring about change. This is not about getting our names in the paper or a pat on the back. This is about life or death. Can’t you see it, Brother? Let your light shine or forever hold your peace. If you choose to do nothing, then you may be the next Black man that we will have to bury.

Keeping PACE Brother Wade Woolfolk

Coordinator-PACE Program

e had a successful school supply drive, during our well-organized chapter cookout by our Neos!! It was so much stuff that all of it could not fit in my truck. Thanks to Bro. Keith Holloway for assisting in the collection, transport, and delivery of the school supplies. It is

estimated that we have close to $1,000 in donated school supplies, which surpasses our total of $850 from our last drive in January 2014. Altogether, about 40 people donated items. Because of your efforts and the efforts of our invited guests, children at Bladensburg Elementary School will benefit from these supplies.

The supplies were sorted immediately following a recent Executive Board meeting and recently delivered to the school. Upon arrival at the school, the principal and staff were overwhelmed by the number of supplies and were very appreciative. This comes at a great time, as we are establishing a relationship with the school. They have expressed their desire to work with us by interacting with the men and boys in the nearby community through an initiative called a "Chat-n-Chew". As soon as we learn what might be required, we will provide more information to see if we can assist. More to come! We look forward to delivering quality service and mentoring to the school in the future. In addition, a special thanks goes to Bro. Duane Edwards for his resourcefulness in making this a success. Also a special thanks goes out to Bro. Elliott Reed for his donation of $50 to the PACE program for the school supply drive. Thank you, brother, for your generosity! There goes our great Alpha Men!

Thanks, again, to everyone. This is a great way to start off the 2014 fraternal year.

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Pictured below with Bro. Holloway and I are Principal, Dr. Judith Haughton-Williams and Guidance Counselor, Ms. Regina Stevenson.

Project Alpha Brother Rashid Mahdi

L-R: Brothers Dale Wright, Keith Holloway, Rashid Mahdi, Frank Malone, Damian Taylor, Mike

Nelson, Anthony Harris, Charles Hines, and Jumanne Bradford

n Saturday, September 27, 2014, the Brothers of Pi Upsilon Lambda Chapter conducted its first Project Alpha event of the Fraternal year at the Cheltenham Youth Facility in Cheltenham Maryland. The topics discussed included: Domestic Violence

and the Role of Men in Relationships with an emphasis on Conflict Resolution. The event was highlighted with an interactive conversation with the audience of fifteen 13-18 year old young men and 10 chapter members. The event included a healthy group discussion centered around practical applications of resolving conflicts in real life experiences.

The young men were very attentive and receptive to the lessons that we were able to share with them. Many were eager to participate and ask questions that were well constructed. They were looking forward to ceasing the behaviors that got them landed into the confines of the youth detention center. It was refreshing to see how they have learned from their mistakes and seriously want to contribute in positive ways to society. We look forward to joining with them again and teaching them additional lessons about life that will carry them

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very far. Special thanks to Bro. Rashid Mahdi for his hard work and tireless efforts. He did an outstanding job presenting the information and keeping everyone engaged.

We were joined by a few interested men of our fraternity who graciously accompanied us on this signature event. They were diligent in getting to know the Brothers, especially President Frank Malone. Project Alpha was truly a success!

We are celebrating another SOLD OUT PUL event! Much love and thanks to the committee for planning an awesome event. Thank you to the Brothers who are serving as chefs and those that sold tickets.

Hero Brophile Brother Dr. Michangelo Scruggs

t is always an honor to feature our Brothers when they are instrumental in adding value to the ways in which we live, operate, and thrive. The accomplishments of the few inspire and enlighten the many. The contributions of those that are featured in this section, are of

those that go above and beyond the call of duty. The Brothers found here, model the excellence and dedication required to be a true Man of Alpha! Bro. Dr. Michangelo Scruggs is such a Brother, as described. “I am deeply moved and honored to have been chosen by the Consumer Research Council of America as one of "America's Top Podiatrists" for 2014. This honor is usually bestowed upon podiatrists who have many years of experience, training, board certification, and continuing medical education. This makes what I do every day worthwhile, as it is easy as a public servant to quickly feel under-appreciated. I thank the Brotherhood for always supporting me and encouraging me,” says Brother Scruggs.

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The road to becoming a physician is never easy. There are points of highs and moments of lows. Those that have a heart to serve and the mental capacity to endure are privileged to become doctors. Congratulations, Brother Scruggs on your amazing milestone!

Bro. Rev.Ashley B. Hoover September 10th Bro. Dale Wright September 14th

Bro. Frank Malone September 20th Bro. Paul Brown September 23rd

Bro. Donald McClure, Jr. September 25th Bro. Damian Taylor September 28th

Bro. Reginald Stewart October 1st

Kevin White October 2nd Bro. Maurice Purvis October 8th

Bro. Denny Johnson October 10th Bro. Michael Nelson October 10th

Bro. Peter Davenpaort, III October 19th Bro. Adrian Ifill October 27th

Bro. Anthony Harris November 8th Bro. Brian Tillman November 11th

Bro. Joe Brice November 14th Bro. James Ezeigwe November 19th Bro. Rodney Frank November 20th Bro. Elliott Reed November 30th

ALPHA MEN ON THE MOVE Brother Michael McCoy

lpha men are accustomed to making history in many fields of endeavor. Whether it’s making the news or providing behind-the-scenes support, Alpha men make history nonetheless. When Eugene, Oregon, recently served as host of one of the largest sporting events in the United States since the 1996 Olympic

Games in Atlanta, it was only fitting two Alpha men were a part of that history. Brothers Teddy Hayes (Zeta Beta Lambda Chapter - Sacramento, CA) and Michael McCoy (Pi Upsilon Lambda Chapter – Largo, MD) served as competition officials for the 15th IAAF World Junior Track & Field Championships that took place in Eugene this past July 22 – 27.

The World Junior Track & Field Championships, which is put on by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), is a biennial competition showcasing the athletic talent of the world’s best athletes under the age of 20 (athletes cannot turn 20 during the calendar year of the competition). Past participants like Usain Bolt, Allyson Felix, Sanya Richards, Lauryn Williams, Jeremy Wairner, and others have used this meet as a foundation to achieved Olympic greatness. Over 178 countries participated in this recent edition of the meet at Eugene. Brothers Hayes and McCoy were some of the 150 competition officials selected from across the United States by USA Track & Field (the U.S. federation member of the IAAF) to officiate this meet.

Ironically, both men served on the same officiating crew for the horizontal jumping events (long and triple jumps) with Brother Hayes serving as the overall event head while Brother McCoy served on the crew overseeing the women’s competition during the six-day meet. For Brother Hayes, his selection as the overall event head, culminated 40 years of being involved in the sport of track & field at all levels.

“I’ve served as a coach, trainer, and official in this sport for a number of years. For me to be selected to head up this particular event while it’s being showcased in front of a home

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crowd is honor,” said Brother Hayes. “It gave me some insight of how some of my colleagues felt when they were selected to officiate the Olympic Games in Atlanta.”

As the event head, Brother Hayes oversaw the set-up of the jumping venue, delegated assignments to crew members, issued instructions to the competing athletes, interacted closely with both the event referee and the IAAF International Technical Officials (ITOs) assigned to oversee the competition, and ensured the competition operated as smoothly and safely as possible.

“Officiating an IAAF competition, especially one at this level, is different from doing a competition under USA Track & Field rules,” explained Hayes. “For one, our officials are used to a little autonomy when it comes to operating our event. Under the IAAF umbrella, we’re micromanaged more (by the ITOs and meet management) because the IAAF is used to having its competitions executed in a certain way. Each minute-- from the time the venue is set up to when the competition actually starts and ends--is accounted for. That took some adjusting on our (the officials’) part because we don’t get the opportunity of doing these types of competitions here in the States much. But once we made the adjustment to the way the IAAF expected the competition to flow, we operated very smoothly.”

For Brother McCoy, who served a variety of positions during the jump competitions, the opportunity to officiate a meet like the World Juniors was the “fulfillment of a dream.” “I was certified as a track & official shortly after the ’96 Games in Atlanta concluded,” he explained. “To have an opportunity to officiate one of the premiere track competitions on the world stage since Atlanta nearly 20 years later is definitely a dream come true. I’m happy and grateful that USA Track & Field afforded me an opportunity to do this type of competition on U.S. soil.”

Both men said seeing the world’s best under-20 athletes competing on U.S. provided a glimpse of what the 2016 Olympic Games may be like as many of the competing athletes may have an opportunity to represent their respective countries two years from now. “There’s no doubt some of the kids we saw competing here in Eugene will be competing in

Rio two years from now,” says Hayes. “We (the officials) tried to make this competition experience as exciting and as memorable for them.”

Both Brothers are happy they were a part of history as this was the first major IAAF outdoor event hosted in the United States. They are even more hopeful they can be a part of more history as the U.S. will host the IAAF World Indoor Track & Field Championships in 2016 in Portland, Oregon.

Time will tell.

Brother Teddy Hayes (far right) and Brother Michael McCoy (3rd from the right) with their officiating colleagues at the 15th IAAF World Junior Track & Field Championships held this past July at historic Hayward Field on the iconic campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene. Brother Hayes served as the overall head of the long and triple jump officiating crew. Brother McCoy served on the women’s long and triple jump officiating crew pictured here.

A Conversation with our

Brother Charles Hines

How was your journey this year as an Alpha Man? Reflect on your journey as Chapter Dean of Membership Intake, Community Service, Planning, and overall walk with Christ.

First, please allow me to say that I am so humbled by my selection as The Alpha Man of the Year. As I respond to this question in thoughtful reflection, my journey over the last five years has been an exciting one. However, this journey and walk as a man and as an Alpha have not been without challenges, trials, uncertainties, and “testing,” as I am sure Brothers can attest. I’ve often had to humbly retreat to a corner to whisper a quiet prayer to my Lord Jesus asking for His help, guidance, and assurance that He is leading the endeavor(s) undertaken. I can honestly say that one of the most rewarding, yet challenging positions, was that of Chapter Dean of Membership. This truly was a “testing of self” to humbly serve the Brotherhood and also serve a group of interested young men. Countless times, I often

reminded myself time and again that I represented the chapter and indeed the fraternity on what a member (Brother) should be. My goal was to serve as a strong foundation in order to give these young men a glimpse of the type of Brotherhood they were endeavoring to enter. When I think of community service, I think of the excellence of our chapter. I truly believe that there is a special grace, favor, and ability that have been bestowed upon PUL. Yes, we have something special amongst our brotherhood! I can remember times when I simply enjoyed being present at a Highway Cleanup, Project Learn, or our recent Caregivers’ Symposium event. I have always cherished the breakfast, lunch, and dinner fellowships with the brotherhood; sharing laughter as we reflect over the events of the day or simply looking ahead toward the next event. It is often in these moments that I truly sense the very essence of the “spirit of brotherhood.” These are the times that I hold deep in my heart and cherish this continuous journey. I do believe that each journey undertaken starts with the first step and for me this step is Christ and allowing His wisdom to lead and guide me. I do know that having a Christ-centered approach to my work ethic and family life helps keep me focused, grounded, and positive. I strive each day to be the best person that I can be.

Who are your heroes inside and outside of the Fraternity?

I love this question because I’ve had the opportunity to take note, admire, and respect several brothers that I consider a hero within our beloved chapter. There are many. Whether by their leadership, their wisdom, their love, or their fraternal spirit, they have left an indelible mark on my life. They have ignited a constant desire to strive to be better than the day before in service to the work of Alpha. Heroes within our chapter that I can expressly name are: Bro. AB, Bro. Paul B., Bro. F. Malone, and Bro. Tony H. There are many others whom I deeply respect and admire. Outside of the fraternity my heroes are: General (ret.) Colin Powell, Sidney Poitier, and John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie.

What is the Scripture that drives you? Give one or a few.

There are many scripture that come to mind, however, my favorite scriptures that drive me and yet allow me to realize that “…for with God all things are possible” and “without Him I can do nothing”. They are: Mark 10:10:27; Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 16:3 and Psalms 103:1-5.

How has your influence motivated others in your life to strive to do better {home, family, church, work, military service (if applicable), fraternity, strangers}?

In response to this question, I believe that a positive view of life and having a healthy sense of accomplishment go a long way in assuring success and long lasting relationships with those in your sphere of influence. In my opinion, first impressions are very important and it can set the way for motivating and influencing others in a positive way. In all situations, I attempt to project and exert a positive self-image and a positive outlook on life knowing that this can impact, in a positive way, those whom I come into contact. I realize that in life there are a myriad of problems, concerns and situations. However, with a focused attitude and faith in Christ as Lord, nothing is impossible. I believe my greatest influence is that of a positive attitude in hopes that it will be emulated by those in my family, community, church and associates.

Why do you choose to be an upstanding Man each day?

I choose to be an upstanding man daily knowing that there are others who have given so much more for me (and others) to live and experience the freedoms and benefits that are enjoyed as a result of their sacrifice. I make it a point to remind myself from whence I have come and those before me who had a “vision” to see a better future of possibilities for me as a young man. To live beneath the character of uprightness is a waste and a dishonor of what is bestowed upon me by God. I choose to be upstanding man because there is always someone watching…whether you think so or not….but they are, maybe from a distance or right there in your own home. I make it a point to walk in an upstanding fashion because my doing so will speak volumes of words even though I may never utter a single word. Finally, I choose to be an upstanding man because it is the requirement of God to live honorably and justly before Him and before man. Simply, the Bible says that this is the whole duty of man.