the wall st. alpha report
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The official Wall Street Alphasnewsletter, Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC Vol. 4, No. 1TRANSCRIPT
THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORTTHE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORT
The official Wall Street Alphas newsletter,
Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC Vol. 4, No. 1
THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORTTHE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORT
The official Wall Street Alphas newsletter,
Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC
President’s Letter
Welcome to the Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter of
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.‘s first newsletter
for the 2010 – 2011 fraternal year. The year is
off to a great start as the brotherhood has taken
the momentum in which we ended the previous
year and continued to build upon it. The
Executive board and numerous other brothers
internalized the feedback we received at year’s
end and strategized ways to improve and
enhance ourselves. Though we have big shoes
to fill, the brother’s efforts to continue to
strengthen our brotherhood have already shown
positive results. We had our largest attendance
at our national convention, coordinated several
brotherhood bonding activities throughout the
summer, and vigorously developed a plan,
Vol. 4, No. 1
The Alpha GENTS kick of another great year
by Bro Dr. Ted Ingram and Malik Simmonds
With the start of another fraternal year, the Alpha GENTS (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success) program is motivated to improve upon its previous years. My committee will continue to develop and facilitate the programs, and aggressively work with young African American and Latino boys from the metropolitan area. Brothers on the Education Committee plan to get the GENTS energized and become critical thinkers during monthly meetings.
The meetings occur the Saturday following each chapter meeting. The first GENTS meeting that
summer, and vigorously developed a plan,
which emphasizes a year focused on enhancing
our community and continuing to build upon our
brotherhood.
The Alpha GENTS program has remained a top
priority for the chapter this year as it is our
flagship effort to give back to the youth. We
continue to increase brother’s participation,
strengthen our curriculum, and improve the
overall experience for each young man who
enters the program. We also increased our
focus on bringing back some of our alumni
GENTS to share their experiences as they have
matriculated into higher education.
Our community service efforts will also continue
to be a focal point of this year’s programming.
We have reestablished and expanded our
efforts to make sure service remains a high
priority and will continue to partner with like-
minded organizations in our effort to support the
community. We seek to make sure we address
the current issues facing society today and aim
to engage others to not only become aware but
to get involved and make a difference.
chapter meeting. The first GENTS meeting that took place at Pace University on Saturday, September 18, 2010 started the year off properly. Brothers and parents, as well as 20 new and returning GENTS attended with great anticipation regarding the proposed list of academic and social fulfilling experiences. Programs relating to career exploration, financial management, Project Alpha, in addition to providing assistance with the college admission process are some of the activities that the committee will undertake this fraternal year.
Our annual college tour was on October 15th and 16th and featured a visit to Lincoln University (PA) and the University of Delaware. Some of the highlights included a great panel discussion led by the brothers from the University of Delaware (Xi Omicron) and Lincoln University (Nu Chapter) and a walking tour of the campus led by Brother Michael Yancey who is an administrator in Greek Affairs at the school. At Lincoln University the undergraduate Brothers facilitated a walking tour of the campus, sharing the history of the school and prominent men who are Lincoln Alums. The tour also featured a step show by the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi and Alpha Phi Alpha.
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President’s Letter
Continued from Page 1
While we remain dedicated to the community, we
also have reiterated our commitment to building
our own brotherhood. The relationships built
through these activities, as well as through our
interactions, remain a pivotal dynamic in our
chapter and one that we will not lose sight of
throughout this year. We aim to find activities that
allow all brothers an opportunity to come out and
embrace the very core of our organization’s
founding. Reclamation will be an essential portion
of this year’s success as we aim to bring brothers
back into the fold and allow them to regain that
very same feeling that ignited their interest in the
organization.
We feel very confident that focusing on the
essentials of the organization and getting back to
the basic concepts of brotherhood will allow us to
flourish over this next fraternal year. I am honored
to take part in this drive to continuous progress. I
challenge each brother to make the effort to get
involved and help us strive to the next level. The
Wall Street Alphas are on the move. Be a part ofWall Street Alphas are on the move. Be a part of
our forward steps!
Fraternally,
Lael Chappell
President, KXL Chapter
“Wall Street Alphas”
MILLION MAN MARCH15 YEARS LATER
A Wall Street Alphas Town Hall Event
The United Charities Building
105 East 22nd St and Park Ave., Room 4A
New York, NY
7 PM
11/10/2010
Inside this Edition
� President’s Letter� Editor’s Report� Alpha GENTS � Brother of the Year� Million Man March Town Hall Event� A Medical Minute on Prostate Cancer� WSA’s Running Club
KXL Brothers taking a break between business sessions at the National Convention in Vegas this summer.
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Greetings Brothers,
Welcome to our first newsletter for this fraternal
year. I am happy to once again serve as the
Editor in Chief in this 4th year of the newsletter. It
looks to be another busy year for KXL under the
leadership of our new President, Bro. Lael
Chappell. Many ambitious programs are planned
and brothers are anxious to get their hands dirty
with the never ending work of Alpha!
On October 29, Omega Chapter claimed another
great Alpha man, Bro. William L. Darden, the
County Legislator for the 8th Legislative District of
Rockland County and member of Eta Chi Lambda
Chapter, “the Rockland Alphas.” As a Rockland
resident, I joined Eta Chi Lambda initially a couple
years ago (yes, more Chapter dues) and from the
very first meeting appreciated his opinions,
especially when navigating through some tricky
Alpha business. Bro. Darden who was
instrumental in having a monument built to honor
Bro. Thurgood Marshall was honored just last
year as Eta Chi Lambda’s Alpha Man of the Year.
The fraternal year may have barely begun, but
this year of keeping bros in the loop of the many
accomplishments that our GENTS make along the
way. See “Alpha GENTS on the Move!” for our
initial installment.
On Wednesday, November 10, be sure to join us
as we reflect on the 15th anniversary of the Million
Man March in a town hall forum. A great panel
consisting of march organizers and key
participants is ready to engage attendants in a
very lively discussion. It’s easy to forget all of
the controversy leading up to that day, although
just 15 years ago. Many pledges were made, but
were promises kept? Let’s discuss!
In the tradition of Kappa Xi Lambda, the
leadership torch was recently passed to Bro. Lael
Chappell to guide the chapter to the next level.
We salute our past President, and 2009 – 2010
Brother of the Year, Jioha Amatokwu. Bro.
Amatokwu reflects on his past 2 years as
President and what lies ahead for him and the
chapter.
The leaves may be turning old gold and falling off
the trees, but don’t put away those running
THE EDITOR’S REPORT
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The fraternal year may have barely begun, but
that hasn’t stopped bros from starting our Alpha
GENTS programming with a bang. Our young
the trees, but don’t put away those running
sneakers just yet! The Wall Street Alphas
Running Club is still going strong. If you want to
stay fit, you need to hook up with these guys (andmen recently completed their
College Tour. This annual
event has shown to be one of
the most popular as KXL
brothers took the young men
to visit a couple colleges to
expand their understanding of
what higher education is about.
Having all seen the stats on
high school graduation rates
for males of color, we need to
always aim to expand their
vision of what may be
attainable if they stay focused.
We’ll also try to do a better job
and girls). EVERYONE is
welcome to participate. The
Alpha / Beta “Fun Run” was one
such event that capped off the
summer. Other events are
going on all the time. Be sure
to check with Bro. Nick Rosello
or Bro. Mel Myrie for the latest.
‘06,
Brian Pruitt
Newsletter Editor in Chief
Wall St. Alphas
Note: The Editor’s report reflects thoughts or opinions of the Editor and are not necessarily
shared by the chapter or the Fraternity as a whole.
Bro. Bill Darden (HXL) joined Omega Chapter, October 29, 2010
For more information on Bro. Darden please visit
http://www.lohud.com/article/20101031/NEWS03/10310436/Legislator-Darden-dies-mourned-as-mentor
http://etachilambda.org/products.htm
Our 2009 Our 2009 –– 2010 Brother of the Year2010 Brother of the YearBro. Bro. JiohaJioha AmatokwuAmatokwu
By Bro. Tony Thompson
The mission statement of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. says
it develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic
excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our
communities. Leadership is often defined as having the ability
to influence others to aid in the accomplishment of a common
goal. Jioha Amatokwu, the 2009-2010 Brother of the Year for
the Kappa Xi Lambda chapter, not only exemplifies these
characteristics but exceeds them. A Fall 1999 initiate into the
legendary Theta chapter, Jioha received his B.S. in Computer
Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a
member of the Kappa Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc, Jioha has held several positions on the
Executive Board including Recording Secretary (2003-04),
Vice President (2004-05, 2005-06), Parliamentarian (2006-07),
Treasurer (2007-08), and President (2008-09, 2009-10).
As Chapter President, Jioha was an inspiring leader as he
motivated the chapter to accomplish a great deal over the past
2 years. His platform focused on increasing brotherhood and
increasing our commitment to our programs and obligations.
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increasing our commitment to our programs and obligations.
During his tenure we saw an increase in participation in our
Alpha GENTS mentorship program and our community service
activities including our MLK Day of service and our Alphas
Against AIDS program. Also, during Black History Month we
partnered with Pi Kappa Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority, Inc. to host “The Conversation”, a dialogue on
relationships. Under his leadership we also produced two black-tie events entitled “Think Black” that were
not only well received but well executed. I had the opportunity to ask Jioha a few questions to gain more
insight on the brother whose passion and guidance led the chapter to a very productive last two years.
What made you decide on Alpha Phi Alpha?
JA: For me, it was the Brothers in the chapter that I was initiated into back at the University of Illinois at
Chicago. As a freshman, I knew very little about fraternities. As an engineering student I was introduced to
the National Society of Black Engineers and some of the leaders of the chapter that I looked up to and that
took me under their wing were Alphas. In addition, some of my closer high school friends, my cousin and
eventually one of my best friends became Alphas. This allowed me the opportunity to want to learn more
about the fraternity's history and what it was all about. It became evident to me that I too belonged in this
group.
About a year or so ago you shared with the chapter some statistics on retention of Brothers
discussed at a Convention that you attended. The numbers more or less showed that the
Fraternity struggles to retain its numbers as undergraduates become eligible for the graduate
chapter. Is there something that Alpha can do better to retain our young Brothers as they leave
college life?
Continued on page 5
Bro. Amatokwu makes a few remarks at a KXL
event.
JA: Absolutely, figure out what is important to younger Brothers and incorporate that into the Alpha way of
life! If Brothers are concerned about their careers, create innovative ways to help Brothers find
opportunities, train for advancement and enhance their careers. If Brothers are concerned about their
families and how to be better husbands and fathers, find ways to provide some sort of training, support and
advice. If Brothers are concerned about their finances or entrepreneurship or health let's find a way to
organize our network to share the collective wisdom of the Brotherhood around these different interests.
We like to talk about how extensive our network is but provide poor tools for Brothers to tap into that
network to meet their needs.
Kappa Xi Lambda is pretty unique in that the majority of Brothers are from all over the country with only a
minority of Brothers coming from actual NY undergrad schools. Our demographics also skew toward the
younger Brother in the early or mid stages of his career. Our numbers have steadily risen since being re-
chartered in 2002.
What does KXL do that makes so many Brothers feel welcome and at home?
JA: I think the main thing we do is act Brotherly. In our meetings, at our events and in our everyday lives
we let Brother's know if and when they are ready to return to the fold, KXL's doors are open. We don't beat
Brothers over the head with why they are inactive but we hold Brothers accountable. And we give Brothers
an honest opportunity to contribute and take stake in the Chapter’s success.
….Brother of the Year….Brother of the Year
Continued from page 4
Do you think the chapter has changed over
the years since you first became affiliated
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the years since you first became affiliated
with it? Is there anything that you would like
to see change?
JA: The chapter has certainly changed a number
of times in my years here. Of course, as a former
President there are several things I would like to
see change but one of the most important is
probably the distribution of work and
responsibilities. Something that every chapter
suffers from is the phenomenon of the 80/20 rule
where 80% of the work is shouldered by 20% of
the Brothers. The same can be said about those
Brothers who step up in leadership roles. I would
like to see us do a better job of getting Brothers
involved with the day-to-day workings of the
chapter.
Continued on page 6
Jioha can often be found leading KXL’s community efforts, but wisely gives his girlfriend, Charizma, her share of his attention.
You just completed your second term as President. As President, what goal did you set for
yourself that you feel you were not able to complete?
JA: Leadership training. Heading into my second term, one of my primary goals was to create a larger
pool of Brothers who were trained and prepared to take over the role of President over the next few years.
It takes time to truly be prepared to lead a chapter of Alpha men. For most of us, it takes time in the
fraternity to grow and understand what it truly means to be an Alpha. It takes building a "resume" with
different roles and responsibilities, attendance of conventions and familiarity with the workings of the
Fraternity as a whole on the Area, Regional and National level. And it takes developing a vision for where
the chapter needs to go and how we're going to get there. All these things contribute to the confidence a
President must have in his abilities. Also, the confidence the chapter must have in the ability of their
leader. I think we have several Brothers that have the talents to take on that responsibility, but have a little
further to go in their training and experience.
You have ALWAYS been an active participant in our Alpha GENTS mentoring program. The
program has grown and we continue to get tremendous feedback from both parents and students
who complete the program. Can you share what participating in Alpha GENTS means to you?
JA: The GENTS program is a tremendous joy for me. Being around when the program was first started
….Brother of the Year….Brother of the Year
Continued from page 5
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JA: The GENTS program is a tremendous joy for me. Being around when the program was first started
and seeing where we are today let's me know that we're on the right track and are making a difference in
their lives. This past season we watched our first GENT graduate from college and the last of our original
GENTS, who started the program as a seventh grader, go to college.
I understand that you are an entrepreneur. Tell us about your company - What is its mission?
JA: The company is called Atarah Software, Inc. and it’s a web design and development firm that
specializes in web strategies and business solutions for small- and medium-sized businesses as well as
non-profits. Essentially, we want to meet the development needs for organizations that may not have the
budget for an IT department but still has the need for quality services.
Past KXL President Antonio Johnson and Bro. Amatokwu taking a quick break during a
past Project Alpha.
A Medical Minute : Prostate CancerA Medical Minute : Prostate Cancerby Bro. Alan Moton
What it is•Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system, that produces seminal fluid, found below the bladder and in front of the rectum) •Other conditions which may mimic its symptoms include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis(inflammation of the prostate)
Key Stats•2nd most common cancer amongst males affecting nearly 200,000 men/year with over 27,000 of these men dying each year•In the US, one in 55 men between the ages of 40 and 59 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. This incidence climbs to almost one in six for men between ages 60 and 79.•WW, ranks as 3rd in cancer incidence and 6th in cancer mortality among men•Incidence is higher in North America and Northern Europe
Risk Factors•Age—65 or older•Race—Black/African American (more than 200 cases per 100,000 black men)•Family History•Poor diet (high fat, refined sugar, caloric intake), only linked, not medically proven
Symptoms•Urinary problems (difficulty passing urine or starting/stopping the flow of urine)•Urinary problems (difficulty passing urine or starting/stopping the flow of urine)•Flow (Frequent urination, especially at night, Weak flow of urine, Urine flow that starts and stops, Pain or burning during urination)•Difficulty having an erection•Painful ejaculation•Blood in urine or semen•Frequent pain in lower back, hips or upper thighs
Detection & Diagnosis•Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)—Palpation of the prostate for hard or lumpy areas•Blood Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test•Prostate biopsy, official method of diagnosis•Healthy men over the age of 40 should undergo both DRE and PSA screening annually
Treatment•Varies depending on age, life expectancy, PSA level, biopsy results, and extent of cancer
ResourcesNational Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov/prostateUrology Health: www.urologyhealthy.orgJohn Hopkins FREE Special Report (7 Keys to Treating Prostate Cancer):www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/register_ppc_prostate/prostatesre_reg_landing.html
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Alpha / Beta “Fun Run”Alpha / Beta “Fun Run”by Bro. Chris Huntby Bro. Chris Hunt
Let’s face it. Running isn’t fun, but a chance to feel healthy on a sunny day at Central Park at a pace slow enough to take in the scenery with good company should sound like a good time to anyone. And so the Alpha/Beta Fun Run was born.
The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter gathered with alumni members of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on August 6th at the East 90th street and 5th avenue entrance of Central Park. With a total of 13 brave harriers, the group took off on a leisurely trot around the 1.5-mile loop that surrounds the park’s reservoir.
“The fun run with the Betas was the beginning of future runs that we want to have with other Greeks in the city. We would love to run with the sisters of Omega Phi Beta again but also, with the Wall Street Alphas, developing a Greek Fun Run that’s open to everybody.” said Bro. Nick Rosello
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Most of the group, which included six Betas, survived one loop while more experienced runners – Bro. Nick Rosello, Jr. and Bro. Mel Myrie – zipped off for a second circuit. Bro. Jesse Owens offered his apartment for the post-run gathering.
With the help of Stephany Perez, who helped organize the event and who is also training for the NYC Marathon, the Fun Run is hopefully the first of many collaborative runs with the Wall Street Alphas.
that’s open to everybody.” said Bro. Nick Rosello Jr., Co-founder of the Wall Street Alphas’ running club.
The purpose was to promote fitness, health and unity but also fun, as the Wall Street Alphas continue to promote and grow the Wall Street Alphas’ Running Club. The club is registered through the New York Road Runners and is ready to do some charitable racing.
2010-2011 Chapter Officers and Board Members
Kappa Xi Lambda Executive Board
President: Brother Lael Chappell
Vice President: Brother Nicolas Rosello, Jr.
Recording Secretary: Brother Thomas Mabry, Jr.
Corresponding Secretary: Brother Jesse Owens
Treasurer: Brother Sean Henry
Financial Secretary: Brother Lino Solis
Chaplain: Brother Dr. Eric Turner
Historian: Brother Sean Gayle
Coordinator of Intake: Brother Keith Harvey
Sergeant-at-Arms: Brother Mel Myrie
Parliamentarian: Brother Christopher Hunt
Dir. of Educational Activity: Brother Dr. Ted Ingram
Assoc. Editor to the Sphinx: Brother Tony Thompson
Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation Board of Directors
President & Chairman: Brother Shawn A. Curwen
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President & Chairman: Brother Shawn A. Curwen
Secretary: Brother Tony Johnson
Treasurer: Brother Roy A. Williams
Board Member: Brother Jioha Amatokwu
Board Member: Brother Damon Culcleasure
Newsletter Committee
Editor in Chief: Brother Brian Pruitt
Assistant Editor: Brother Tony Thompson
Contributors: Brother Chris Hunt
Brother NaQuinton Gainous
Brother Lino Solis
Brother Geshawn Williams
ALPHA G.E.N.T.S. ALPHA G.E.N.T.S. ON THE MOVE!ON THE MOVE!
Our Alpha GENTS, both past and present continue to put in the work in the classroom and the community. Here’s what a few of them have been up to recently.
Andy Munoz
High School Senior, LaSalle Academy
A semi-finalist for the prestigious POSSE
Foundation Scholarship, passed the first
round of interviews beating out over 100
Victor Espinal
Freshman, SUNY Binghamton
Alpha GENTS Class of 2010
Victor has been elected Student
Government Senator and will serve as a
Student Assembly Representative.
Johnny De La Cruz
High School Senior, Bishop Ford High
School
Increased his SAT score by 190 points
from a 1,600 to 1,790 . He has also
completed his college applications ahead
of schedule for: Ivy League: Cornell
University, University of Pennsylvania,
Boston College, Syracuse University,
Boston University
Abayomi Carey
Entrepreneur
Alpha GENTS Class of 2009
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Jordan Toby
High School Freshman, Central Park East
Received an overall average of (85) at the
conclusion of the first marking period of
the 2010-2011 school year.
round of interviews beating out over 100
NYC candidates. The scholarship awards
free tuition for 4 years to one of 12
participating schools. Andy has his sights
on Trinity College and Vanderbilt
University.
Alpha GENTS Class of 2009
Abayomi started his own T-Shirt line last
year (The RARE ERA) and has recently
expanded to include an exclusive line for
women (STRAEhearts NYC) . He is
having a sample sale November 13th
Omarr Thomas
High School Freshman, High School of
Graphic Arts Communications
Made the honor roll with an 85 average
first marking period.
Aaron Troutman
High School Sophomore, High School of Graphic Communication Arts
Received an overall average of (91) at the conclusion of the first
marking period of the 2010-2011 school year.
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The Mood…..October 1995
"The lights are off at home. My car is on the verge of being repossessed. My rent is past due and yet I felt
compelled to come here to be a part of this event, to recognize the day of atonement and reconciliation."
-- Ray, Vietnam veteran from Chicago
"I think the march is important in terms of awakening us to what needs to be done. But this has nothing to (do)
with Farrakhan. I grew up in Mississippi. Since that hasn't gotten me to hate white folks, Farrakhan certainly
can't get me to hate them."
-- Bilal Hasan, Atlanta
"Part of the reason I'm going is to encourage African-American males to get away from crime, get a good
education and be responsible for the children they bring into this world."
-- Mayor Dennis Archer, Detroit
"No march, movement or agenda that defines manhood in the narrowest terms and seeks to make women
lesser partners in this quest for equality can be considered a positive step."
-- Angela Davis, Activist
CNN: Pre-March Quotes - http://www-cgi.cnn.com/US/9510/megamarch/quotes.html
Let's talk about it!
"Long live the spirit of the Million Man March!" On October 16th, 1995 that chant was repeated over and over and it echoed for years later! The "spirit" of the march was one of overwhelming love and inspiration.
Last month marked the 15th anniversary of the “Million Man March”. It was a historic event not only for African Americans but for America as a whole. For many who attended the march it was an uplifting, motivating, and spiritual experience.
Black men from all over the country left the march determined to make positive changes in their lives. Many programs were birthed out of the march. Are those programs still in existence? What other positive effects were the result of the march, besides the feeling of excitement that consumed the day? Let's talk about it!
The Brothers of the Kappa Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will host a panel discussion on the “March” and the state of black men in America 15 years later. We will discuss the importance of that day and what impact it had on society at that time and what we must do to renew that feeling of inspiration and empowerment!
The Million Man March….15 years laterA Wall Street Alphas Town Hall Discussion
Wednesday, 11/10/2010
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do to renew that feeling of inspiration and empowerment!
The confirmed panelists include Ms. Stacey Muhammad, one of the organizers of the march who worked closely with Dr. Ben Chavis and Minister Louis Farrakhan, Mr. Ayinde Jean-Baptiste who at 14 years old was one of the most memorable speakers at the march, and Reverend Conrad Tillard, formerly known as Conrad Muhammad, a very well known and outspoken leader in the Nation of Islam during the time of the march. For more on this event and detailed panelist bio’s, see our website.
Join us as we talk about it!
Wednesday, November 10th, 7PMThe United Charities Building105 East 22nd St and Park Ave., Room 4ANew York, NY
ΑΦΑΑΦΑ -- A Century of Leadership A Century of Leadership -- ΑΦΑΑΦΑ
The Alpha GENTS had their eyes on the future during last month’s college tour of Lincoln University (PA) and the University of Delaware.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter
P.O. Box 5382
New York, NY 10185-5382
Contact us at [email protected] Visit us at www.wallstreetalphas.com and www.wsacf.org