One Voice! One Alpha!

[Professor]

Per my Chapter Brother - - -

"One Voice! One Alpha!"

This is the message that echoed across the hallways of the Atlanta-Westin Hotel that hosted the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Inauguration of Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. and 2005 Leadership Summit.

My brothers, it was a great pleasure and honor to have attended the Inauguration of our 32nd General President, Brother Darryl Matthews. This was a celebration and a great social event that allowed us to further build relationships with Alpha Brothers across the nation and outside the U.S. In addition, it was a moment for us to gain a new perspective of our organization and revisit our purpose. My love for this organization continues to ever grow stronger when I find brothers who are devoted and have even a greater love for Alpha than I.

It is great to know that when Alpha calls on its brothers that those who have such deep love for this organization, step to the forefront to serve and help contribute to our personal development as men and assist in meeting the objectives of this fraternity. Some Brothers that answered that call this weekend were Congressman Bobby Scott, Congressman Danny Davis, and Former Ambassador Andrew Young. We welcomed the visit of Congressman John Lewis who answered the call of the Alpha bell for others to join in the celebration and to join forces in support of the MLK Jr Memorial Project. Albert E. Dotson, Jr., Chairman of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. answered the call and made a personal contribution of $1000.00 to the MLK Jr. Memorial Project. Our former General Presidents arrived in full force to answer the Alpha call, these Brothers are an awesome group of men who are committed to Alpha Phi Alpha remaining a vibrant organization in the eyes of America. It remains clear that we have several challenges before us but our vision will not waver and our mission remains the same as ever. Today, the vision and objectives of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. continue to be carried forth by 14,000+ strong brothers. It is the content of character these brothers possess to be ever mindful of our mission. In the words of our Southern Region Vice President, Ronnie Jenkins, “Today our gains are under siege, our communities are faltering, our people are in despair and there is no place else to look for light and hope, leadership and service except to the men of Alpha Phi Alpha”.

Today, we have 42,000 brothers that the General Office can actually identify and locate but for some reason(s) are no longer financially active with the fraternity. If these brothers need and want to be lifted up, let’s try to help them. I live by the cliché of helping those who help themselves, so I am willing to lend a hand. However, if there are brothers that choose to go in another direction and no longer want to affiliate with our fraternity, as a man I must respect their wishes and only pray they rejoin our efforts one day.

I continue to share my experiences with the Brotherhood because there is much to convey to you regarding the work of Alpha. I continue to learn that much information does not reach those Brothers who are unable to travel to our conventions and that some of you get little or no information but only what you may acquire from the Sphinx magazine. Please note that we cannot provide all the information pertaining to the work of Alpha in our magazine and the Web site. Therefore, we rely on our chapter delegates to provide you the information we are unable to post publicly. It is the chapter delegate that must ensure you have all the information you need to stay abreast of all Alpha activities and how you should remain committed to our mission. If you send delegates to a District, Regional or National Convention, please ensure your delegates are held accountable to bring back written reports. If your chapter funds your delegate's trip or pay the delegate's registration then your chapter should expect such a report. As stated previously, a tremendous amount of dialogue, reports, and activities are exchanged at these conventions. If a delegate returns and states that there was nothing much to report, believe me, their statements are far from the true. Just attend the conventions and you will see for yourself. Let’s stay informed. Read the new constitution and the reports from your District, Regional and National Conventions.

During his inaugural address, Brother Matthews has charged us to act as One Voice, One Alpha. His message was great and I hope you have an opportunity to read it in the next Sphinx magazine. One Voice - One Alpha, what better way to get us thinking in the right direction in 2005 as we prepare for our Centennial Celebration in 2006. Our national convention is in Houston, Texas – August 4th – 8th, I hope to see many of you there.

Much love to you, my Brothers.