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THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORT THE WALL ST. ALPHA REPORT The official Wall Street Alphas newsletter, Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC Vol. 4, No. 1

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The official Wall Street Alphasnewsletter, Kappa Xi Lambda Chapter, NYC Vol. 4, No. 1

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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.

1

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

10

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