Phoenix Newsletter – Fall 2011 - Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc

The
Phoenix
RHO ZETA LAMBDA’S
CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
WHAT’S INSIDE
National Convention – page 1 MLK
Dedication- page 1
Message from President – page 1
Community Service - page 2 Message
from Assoc. Editor - page 2
Announcements – page 4
RZL Contact Info – page 4
Hanging Out with RZL – page 5
RZL National Convention Recap
There is a saying that “. . . .home is where the heart is…” which
could be no more applicable than the recent meeting of the
profound brothers of ALPHA PHI ALPHA in Chicago. The South
Loop and Michigan Avenue were inundated with Brothers from
across the nation who came to be guests of Sweet Old ALPHAtown Chicago. Our fraternity had the chance to be out front and
welcome summer to Chicago because the convention was held
earlier than our previous national conventions. More
opportunities to utilize the Chicago’s magnificent summer festival
season as a backdrop for the dedicated work of convention
attendees. (continued on page 2)
RZL Attends MLK Memorial Dedication
Recently RZL attended the
MLK Memorial Dedication held
in Washington, DC. RZL
Brothers expressed the MLK
dedication was an amazing
experience reminding brothers
that Alpha men are men of
service and there is still much
to be done.
Bro. Greg Durr (RZL Neophyte,
spring 2011) explains, “Walking
through the monument and
seeing the power of all my
brothers walking in silence
made all of us very proud to
wear the letters of Alpha Phi
Alpha.”
In addition to MLK Memorial
Dedication activities, RZL
brothers also enjoyed a
chapter dinner and a tour of
the Washington Mall.
President, Rho Zeta Lambda
Bro. Nolan J. Wade
Brothers,
Although very cliché, some would
agree that “time flies when you’re
having fun”. An adage many of us in
Rho Zeta Lambda may easily align
with given our participation in last
summer’s fraternal activities.
However, I’ve always believed that
time “flies” anyway…what matters is
what’s done with it.
Such a precious commodity but was
it spent constructively, productively,
recreationally, leisurely, or
wastefully? In this issue of The
Phoenix, you’ll see how time was
spent over the summer conducting
fraternal business at our national
convention, paying tribute to our
esteemed Brother, Reverend Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.,
(continued on page 2)
Fall 2011 Volume 2, Issue 1 RHO ZETA LAMBDA www.rhozetalambda.org
President (continued from page 1)
at the MLK Dedication, assisting the Sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Phi Epsilon Omega
Chapter with their annual Back to School Rally, preparing for our chapter Go To High School Go To College
Program, and engaging in brotherhood events throughout the summer. Time well spent productively,
enjoyably, and brotherly. Brothers, it is my pleasure to welcome each of you to the 2011-2012, fraternal
year! Enjoy the first chapter newsletter of the season as it has a new look and feel further branding our
beloved chapter. Lastly, I assure you that this will be an exciting year of brotherhood, enjoyment,
fellowship, and productivity should you all dedicate a reasonable portion of your time to accomplish our
fraternal goals. A little goes such a long way, Brothers, so let’s make some amazing things happen!
Convention (continued from page 1)
As we anticipated the arrival of our guests from near and far, our prepared brotherhood was ready to welcome
our beloved fraternity on a scale Chicago has not seen since 1995. The months of planning, thinking and
implementing were well worth it, as ALPHA rolled out its Olde Gold carpet for the convention guests. Whether
it was being with the Fraternity Leadership as they paid homage to the Chicago landmarks of the resting places
of Omega chapter brothers or social justice drum majors of Chicago, the city was on notice that the brothers
were here. The Opening Ceremony saw ALPHA bestowing upon Lerone Bennett, Jesse Jackson, and Earl
Graves high honors. Although members of other fraternities, it was remarked that ALPHA as always was
leading the forefront by recognizing others in the tremendous works that they were engaged in and whatever
our affiliation we must always strive toward a unified voice and an agenda of action to meet the order of the day.
In doing the business of our beloved ALPHA, it is always a pleasure to identify that our region in general, our
district in particular, and our chapters in particular are on the cutting edge and heralding innovation in our
fraternity. We witnessed in countless meetings that here in Illinois and in Rho Zeta Lambda we are well ahead
of the curve in terms of our consistency with national standards, programs, benchmarks, and commitments in
the name of ALPHA. Most of the efforts focused on not pleading with brothers to act and implement, but for us
that we have been doing this all along as a matter of course.
The business of the fraternity and its workings were put plan in front of convention attendees and there were
many moments where the brothers were connecting, engaging , and investing in the brotherhood. Among those
moments came the opportunity to from the mouths of the living general presidents talk about the leadership
role of the presidency in ALPHA. This upper echelon of brothers was candid, authentic, and reflective about
being at the helm of the brotherhood. In this conversation we also learned of the fraternity undertaking a study
of the role of the presidency to determine strategically if there are realignments that need to be made to make
the mantle of leadership in ALPHA more efficient. We also have been given a glimpse at the next General
President that will be either Bro. Mark Tillman or Bro. Dr. Roderick Smothers.
As ALPHA is often an arbiter of culture and art that it is situated within, the brothers bore witness to
performances that motivated, sustained, and encouraged our group. In the conference performance venues, the
brothers had the pleasure to be moved by the vocal styling of Jennifer Holiday. Remember, the mesmerizing
beauty and vocal versatility of En Vogue along with the smooth jazz styling of Bro. Gerald Albright and Bro.
Kirk Whalum were moments that raised the spirits of the brothers. Standout moments were definitely shared
by all through the Sons of ALPHA Program. As ALPHA exists for us to pass onto our sons it was a spirit
touching celebration that allows us to witness how it can be passed amongst our families. As with all good
things that do come to an end, in the time that we spent together with our brothers beloved it was an
opportunity to charge your fraternal batteries, witness a profound assemblage of brothers, and to celebrate in
ALPHA’s true home.
Bro. Christopher Barker
The
Phoenix
RHO ZETA LAMBDA’S
CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
Fall 2011 Volume 2, Issue 1 RHO ZETA LAMBDA www.rhozetalambda.org
RZL COMMUNITY SERVICE
Associate Editor to the Sphinx,
Bro. Larnzell “Jay” Harper, Jr.
“Life imitating art?” is a perfect
question to ask the members of Rho
Zeta Lambda. First, compare a
collectable portrait of a phoenix
and The Phoenix, then analyze the
symbolic parallels, and discover the
spirited renewal. No coincidence
the portrait and The Phoenix
symbolize rebirth, renewal and
reactivation.
Back to School Rally
On August 14, 2011 the RZL Education Committee assisted our
Sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. / Phi Epsilon Omega
Chapter with their annual Back to School Rally held at the
Harvey Community Center located in Harvey, IL. Brothers
provided an abundance of school supplies, energy and the Alpha
Spirit. Bro. Lewis Nixon provided the largest donation of school
supplies to the event
Bro. Stephen Cosey
Director of Education
College Fair Session
Let us review recent RZL
accomplishments, election of new
president and district director,
initiation of four new members,
and increased participation in
national and chapter specific
programs. Please continue to take
a closer look as The Phoenix
continues to reach higher altitudes
of manly deeds, scholarship, and
love for all mankind.
One October 4, 2011 the RZL Education Committee held is 1 st RZL
/100 BMC College Fair Pre-Session at Proviso East High School
located in Maywood, IL. The session was attended by eleven eager
African-American male graduating seniors who were treated to a
rigorous curriculum designed to enlighten and inspire. The RZL
Brothers who served as mentors were Bro. Nolan Wade, Bro.
Stephen Cosey, Bro. Jarvis Ruff, Bro Wonderful Watson and SubCommittee Chair Bro. Jeff Douglas.
Bro. Stephen Cosey
Director of Education
The
Phoenix
RHO ZETA LAMBDA’S
CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
Fall 2011 Volume 2, Issue 1 RHO ZETA LAMBDA www.rhozetalambda.org
RZL HANGING OUT
Xi Lambda Labor Day Breakfast
Chicago Football Classic 2011
The Brothers of Rho Zeta Lambda made a great
showing at Xi Lambda's Annual Labor Day
Breakfast.
The September chapter outing took the
brothers to the Chicago Football Classic where
Hampton defeated Alabama A&M. It was a
little rainy and a little chilly but a great time
was had by all.
RZL Annual Friends and Family
Picnic
Friends and Family Chapter
Movie
The Brothers of Rho Zeta Lambda at the chapter's
annual friends and family picnic!
The Spring 2011 neophytes, S.S.ARKHAM,
presented their first event: Friends and Family
Chapter Movie Night, at Hollywood Boulevard.
The brothers, family and friends were able to
engage in great conversation and continue the
fellowship later in the evening through dinner.
The
Phoenix
RHO ZETA LAMBDA’S
CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
Fall 2011 Volume 2, Issue 1 RHO ZETA LAMBDA www.rhozetalambda.org
ALPHA ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOVEMBER 5, 2011 - CHICAGOLAND PROJECT ALPHA – TML (HOST)
NOVEMBER 19, 2011 – TML BLACK AND GOLD BALL
DECEMBER 4, 2011 – CHICAGOLAND FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION
FEBRUARY 10-12, 2012 – ILLINOIS DISTRICT CONFERENCE
APRIL 12-15, 2012 – 80TH MIDWEST REGIONAL CONVENTION
CHAPTER MEETING DATES
•SEPTEMBER 17, 2011
•JANUARY 21, 2012
•OCTOBER 15, 2011
•FEBRUARY 18, 2012
•NOVEMBER 19, 2011
•MARCH 17, 2012
•DECEMBER 17, 2011
•APRIL 21, 2012
•MAY 19, 2012
•JUNE 16, 2012
The
Phoenix
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC
RHO ZETA LAMBDA CHAPTER
POST OFFICE BOX 95
MAYWOOD, IL 60153
EMAIL [email protected]
WEB:www.rhozetalambda.org
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mission Statement:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service
and advocacy for our communities.
Fall 2011 Volume 2, Issue 1 RHO ZETA LAMBDA www.rhozetalambda.org

Download Report