GOODWILLINFORMATION FOR LEADERS

The

POLITICS Issue

VOLUME IV NO. I

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. GAMMA IOTA LAMBDA CHAPTER AUTUMN 2012

EXECUTIVE BOARD

OFFICERSBro. Christopher BurksPresident

Bro. Joseph BarclayVice President

Bro. James SalnaveImmediate Past President

Bro. Pedro VegaSergeant-at-Arms

Bro. Ibrahim TraoreDir. of Educational Activities

Bro. Linwood WinslowSecretary

Bro. Andre´ McKenzieHistorian

Bro. Runako GulstoneAssociate Editor to The Sphinx

Photo of Senior Brothers Luncheon

Bro. Michael CookTreasurer

Bro. Joseph GrantChaplain

Bro. Steven PalmerParliamentarian

Bro. Yemi OsoFinancial Secretary

Bro. David WellsChapter Dean

Committee LeadershipBro. David BarthelemySocial and Fundraising

Bro. Lawrence ScottBrother’s Keeper

Bro. John AlleyneCommunity Service

Bro. DeVaughn LaneScholarship Gala

Bro. Darlton HaskinsNominations

Bro. Olliver DavisConstitution and By-Laws

Bro. Ibrahim TraoreSocial Media

Bro. David BarthelemyReclamation

Bro. Peter WilliamsPolitical & Social Justice

Bro. Christopher BurksHealth & Wellness

Bro. James BrownGo-to High School, Go to College

Goodwill: Information for Leaders AUTUMN 2012

Contents3 Message From The President

28 Achievements The Extraordinary Achievements of Alpha Men

6 Featured Articles First of A" We Vote: Social Security Matters

First of A" We Vote...Now What? The Political Dimensions of Alpha Phi Alpha Living History: Oral History Project Community Corner: A Beacon of Hope Financial Education and the School System

21 News and Notes In Gratitude, In Remembrance, Birthdays & Anniversaries

29 Seen on the Scene GIL At Events

31 Arts and Culture Watch, Read, and Visit

33 The Gentleman’s Corner Social Etiquette for the Modern Age

Message From The President

Greetings Brothers,

elcome to a new fraternal year.

Gamma Iota Lambda has a rich history and strong lineage that is to be revered. As we move into the new year, we wish to build upon that which has made this chapter strong, while bringing new ideas to the forefront.

This year, the Executive Board wishes to capture to true essence of brotherhood while providing service to the communities of Brooklyn and Long Island. As we move forward, the vision for this year is quite simple: We will -

1. Provide continuing education comprised of Alpha Et iquette and persona l enrichment programs geared specifically to the brothers of this chapter.

2. Provide a financial structure for growing our Operating Fund with a Strategic Revenue Goal; thereby, transferring access into a new Investment Account.

3. Produce more chapter-specific (demographic) socials to promote better bonds, and relationships within our brotherhood.

4. Establish effective communication through face-to-face Executive Board meetings.

5. Align our chapter programs with the national agenda set forth by the general organization; with a particular focus on community service, education, health and overall wellness.

As always, we are beginning a new year with fresh ideas that will hopefully prove to be instrumental as a template for future administrations. However, in order to be successful we need your help and input. Bro. Barclay, the rest executive board, and I remain open to your suggestions and support.

Welcome back, and let the work begin.

Always Fraternal,

Ch!"opher BurksBro. Christopher Burks

www.gil1906.com Page 3Autumn 2012AΦΑ - ΓΙΛ CHAPTER MAGAZINE

W

Letter From The Editor

Associate Editor to The Sphinx

Politics. Politics. Politics. Its

on your television screen, in your ne wspapers , on your rad io stations, and the buzz of your k i tchen tab le d i scuss ions . Sometimes it seems as if there is no other news that is deemed worthy of our attention. We have been swept up in a circus of debates, our emotions riding the up and down waves of undecided voter meters. As the political campaign grinds to a close and the much ant ic ipated U.S. Presidential election begins, many of us stand on a razor’s edge as we wonder how either the election of President Barack Obama or Mitt Romney will affect our political fates.

There are very real concerns out there. The Economy. Education. Women’s Rights . Marr i a ge Equality. The Housing Crisis.

Wall Street. Jobs. And yet with all of these grave concerns, we rally together in huddled masses all over America to cast our ballots and participate in our hallowed democracy in faith that the best leader for us will be selected for the most powerful role in the world.Goodwi l l : In format ion for Leaders focuses on politics in this edition to highlight the issues that affect the communities we serve and to empower our readers to be active participants in the political system. We’ve also expanded for our readers from a newsletter to a magazine. This a l lows us to showca se the activities of Gamma Iota Lambda as well as highlight all the people, places, and projects that inspire us. Bro. Runako Gulstone

Runako GulstoneAssociate Editor to The SphinxEditor in Chief - Goodwill

www.gil1906.com Page 4Autumn 2012AΦΑ - ΓΙΛ CHAPTER MAGAZINE

Goodwi!: Information for Leaders focuses on politics in this edition to highlight the issues that affect the communities we serve and to empower our readers to be active participants in the political system.

Jewels of Wisdom

“I want this Fraternity to stand out in the affairs of the nation.”-Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy

First of All We Vote: Social Security Matters

t its inception, Social Security was meant to be a government program that protected America’s retired citizens. Over time it grew to cover the retired as well as the disabled and those that depend on them. The federal entitlement program was signed into law in 1935 and its first benefits were paid 75 years ago. Presently the fund that was meant to help protect the livelihood of hard-working Americans is in crisis—applications for retirement and disability benefits have sky rocketed since the recession began while funding has withered. Social Security is paying out more than it takes in, as American lifespans continue to increase while the number of tax-paying individuals funding Social Security has decreased.  The model that Social Security benefits is based on will continue to collapse unless our United States Congress and President take serious and IMMEDIATE action. What does this mean for Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.? It means our seasoned Brothers who have paved the way for all of us are having a portion of their livelihood

threatened. It means our young Brothers that are just entering the workforce are paying into a system that may not be capable of providing for them when they reach retirement age. As servants of all it is our duty to make sure that Brothers w i th in our House and our neighboring citizens are provided for. Brothers need to be informed regarding what is at stake with Social Security when we head to the polls in November. As with many other issues, both presidential candidates offer differing opinions on how to solve the problem posed by Social Security. Moreover, both candidates face the daunting task of getting a split Congress to agree to develop and enact possible solutions. The politicians that we vote into office on Election day must understand that Social Security and other relevant issues are more important than their partisan differences. Political candidates need to be he ld accountab le by an INFORMED American Public that will not tolerate inaction at a time when inaction costs the country more than we can afford. Brothers, please research each politicians’ stance on Social Security and all other issues for each federal office that is up for election this November.

A

BRO. PEDRO VEGA

is the Chapter Sergeant-At-Arms

POLITICS

FIRST OF ALL WE VOTE - NOW WHAT?Voting. We hear about it often. Voter registration. Voter intimidation. Voter hesitation. Admit it. Most of the time it all sounds like white noise. It’s the fuzz you hear between radio stations. So why does it matter now? Why does it matter at all?

Voting is like the motor oil to the engine of our democratic republic. We vote to show our support of candidates and their vision for policies on issues that affect our daily lives. When most people think of the word, “politics” it conjures up negative emotions. Many feel that the nature of politics is duplicitous and their religious or social convictions convince them that it is best to not be involved. For underrepresented groups, this is disastrous.

On the first day of my Introduction to Political Science course during my undergraduate years, I received a working definition of politics I shall never forget. “Politics is the practice of who gets what, where, when, and why.” Said another way, politics is about power. With people of color being over-represented in prisons and low wage jobs and under-represented in most other areas of civic life, power is something we need more and not less of.

So how do we become powerful? The most instinctive way is by using our vote as our voice to show our support or displeasure with our elected leadership. The other way that is less often discussed is to be strategic and knowledgeable about the political process. We become powerful by educating ourselves and others about what levels of government are responsible for specific areas of our lives. Much of the frustration experienced in minority communities is due to an uncertainty about the efficacy of their political representatives in general. This is particularly true in low-income neighborhoods where anger derived from local political issues are often misdirected toward the state and federal levels. As important as it is to elect a President who supports the issues that are most pertinent, it is equally if not more important that we are assertive in the selection of our district representatives, school, and law enforcement officials. Alpha Phi Alpha can be the bridge that empowers our local communities by providing them a listening ear for their concerns and pointing them in the direction for them to be addressed.

www.gil1906.com Page 7Autumn 2012AΦΑ - ΓΙΛ CHAPTER MAGAZINE

BRO. RUNAKO GULSTONE

is the Associate Editor to The Sphinx

New Yorkers who want to know up-to-date voting locations for Election Day are asked to text "NYCVOTES" to 877-877. Spanish speakers can text "DONDE" to 877-877 for information in Spanish.

All poll sites will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has allowed MTA buses to transport voters on Coney Island in Brooklyn, the Rockaways in Queens and Staten Island to relocated polling places on Tuesday.

View info on busing to relocated polling sites.

www.gil1906.com Page 8Autumn 2012 AΦΑ - ΓΙΛ CHAPTER MAGAZINE

AThe Political Dimensions of Alpha Phi Alpha

If one were to carefully measure the progress of African-American political life over the course of the 20th century, one could scarcely do so without crossing the path of Alpha Phi Alpha. For the average person, and perhaps even some brothers, it could be seen as peculiar that a fraternity would extend its influence outwardly in such a fashion. Alpha’s foundation, much more so than those of any of the other historically black Greek-lettered collegiate fraternities is intrinsically political in that it was created out of a direct response to the political concerns of the Niagara Movement of 1905. Its intellectual heritage is definitively linked to the belief in equal rights for African-Americans at a time when the nation turned a blind-eye to domestic terrorists like the Ku Klux Klan, and maintained de facto segregated and substandard public facilities for those of darker hue.

"A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" was initiated as a National Program of Alpha during the 1930's when many African-Americans had the right to vote but were prevented from voting because of poll taxes, threats of reprisal, and lack of education about the voting process.”

For early members of the Fraternity, the need for civil rights was an ever present topic of discussion as it showed up in many convention speeches, meeting minutes, and quotations from the Jewels themselves. Alpha Phi Alpha represented a body of high achieving men, many of whom found great professional limitations despite their capabilities and academic pedigrees. The lack of opportunities was even more apparent among those who lived in poverty.

The preservation of Jim Crow denied African Americans the freedom to fully participate in the American experience with the rights provided to others and protected by the United States Constitution. Bro. Rawn James Jr.’s Root and Branch, illustrates how the relationships in and institutions created by the Fraternity, sewed the seeds of civic activism as it relates to segregation.

“In 1935, Thurgood Marshall and Charles Hamilton Houston’s fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, had been working on plans to file a lawsuit to integrate the University of Maryland. Led by its assistant general counsel Belford V. Lawson Jr., Alpha Phi Alpha had asked for and received help from the NAACP’s Washington chapter in conducting research and searching for a suitable plaintiff. Although Lawson was a prominent and respected lawyer, Marshall believed his dean would better handle the case.”

Bro. Charles Hamilton Houston was Bro. Thurgood Marshall’s mentor and it was through their diligent efforts that the landmark Brown v. Board of Education would be won. The results led to the defeat of Jim Crow in racially segregated schools. Without this strategic move, the political activism of Bro. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement could not have taken hold at the time and way that it did.

Alpha Phi Alpha’s greatest interests lie outside of itself. The spirit of political engagement has coursed through the veins of the Fraternity since its inception. We are truly blessed to have inherited such a legacy of leadership. Let us never forget our sacred trust in the preservation of our nation’s experiment in democracy.

BRO. RUNAKO GULSTONE

is the Associate Editor to The Sphinx

Alpha Phi AlphaServants of All

L iving

This article is the first in a series of interviews with senior Brothers of Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter.

On Friday, December 2, 2011, two days before our beloved fraternity celebrated its 105th anniversary; six Senior Brothers of the chapter joined me on the campus of St. John’s University for a brotherhood lunch and to share their memories and experiences in Gamma Iota Lambda (GIL). Collectively, these brothers represent close to 250 years of service to the

black and old gold. This is the first in a series of articles emanating from the chapter’s Oral History Project, based on audio-taped sessions with the interviewees. The six Brothers who participated in the interview included the following:

Photo: Gamma Iota Lambda Brothers in the 1970s. Bro. John Wi"iams is seated on the far le#. Bro. Hobart Jarrett (W) is seated on the floor on the right.

History

www.gil1906.com Page 10Autumn 2012AΦΑ - ΓΙΛ CHAPTER MAGAZINE

Bro. Joseph Grant, Jr., a native of Brooklyn, NY, currently resides in Hempstead, L.I. Grant was initiated into the fraternity through Delta Chi Chapter in September of 1969; in 1978 he began his affiliation with GIL. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Richmond College, he earned his master’s degree in health care administration from Long Island University – C.W. Post. Bro. Grant retired after 25 years of service as an Assistant Administrator at Downstate Hospital in Brooklyn. Since retirement, he enjoys traveling with his wife and being involved in a mentoring program through his church and Big Brothers – Big Sisters of NYC. Bro. Grant also teaches a Defensive Driving course for AARP. He has been an ordained Elder in his church for the past 25 years.

Bro. Darlton Haskins entered Alpha through Delta Chi Chapter in April of 1970. Though born in NYC, Haskins spent his formative years in Richmond, VA. Following his graduation from high school he returned to NYC. A double alumnus of Brooklyn College, Haskins received a B.S. degree in Speech/Language Pathology and an M.A. degree in Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped. The majority of his professional life was spent working with developmentally disabled persons. He was appointed Deputy Director for Quality Assurance for the Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Service Office, the youngest African-American to assume that post. Now retired, Bro. Haskins is currently an independent consultant with minority vendors who contract with the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. He began his affiliation with GIL in 1978.

Bro. Clarence Little is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and later earned an M.B.A. from Hofstra University. It was at Johnson C. Smith where, in April of 1962, Bro. Little was initiated into Alpha through the fraternity’s Alpha Omicron Chapter. He entered GIL in 1972. After a 12 year career in banking, Bro. Little was a General Motors franchise dealer for 13 years. In addition to his fraternal activities, Little is a Board Member and Past Vice President of 100 Black Men of Long Island and a member of the Comus Club. Happily retired, Bro. Little is a recipient of the 100 Black Man of the Year Award and currently serves as part-time treasurer for the Uniondale, Long Island Public School District, where he has lived for the past 44 years. Additionally, Bro. Little has served as President of General Motors Development Academy (Class #5), and was listed in Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top 100 Black Automotive Dealers for three consecutive years. He is Past President of the Roosevelt Kiwanis Club, Board Member of Roosevelt Mental Health, Past Treasurer of Nassau County, IDA, Past President of Northgate Civic Association, Past Trustee Union Baptist Church, and a member of the JCSU National Alumni Association. Bro Little has been awarded the following: twice named 100 Black Man of the Year, Kiwanian of the Year, Outstanding MBA recipient of the Year and Outstanding Citizen by BSA and a host of other charitable, civic and social organizations to mention a few. Bro. Little was married to the late Dr. Claire Little and is the father of two children.

L

Bro. Dr. William Rivers received his bachelor’s degree in health education from Tennessee A&I State University in 1957. After a stint in the army, he became the first African-American management trainee for the Woolworth Corporation. He later entered the field of social work where he served as a Case Supervisor for the NYC Department of Social Services. Rivers earned both his master of social work and doctor of education degrees from Fordham University. He worked briefly as a Psychiatric Social Worker at Harlem Hospital before joining the staff at Kingsborough Community College. At Kingsborough he served as Director of the Equal Opportunity Program and professor of sociology. He retired from the college after 34 years of service. A native of Mobile, AL, Bro. Rivers entered the fraternity through GIL in 1976.

Bro. Robert Umphlett, CPA is a Board Certified Public Accountant. Born in Hertford, NC, he lived briefly in Norfolk, VA prior to his family moving to Malverne, L.I. Bro. Umphlett initially attended the University of New Hampshire but subsequently transferred to Hofstra University. His studies there were interrupted by 21 months of military service, where he trained as a military police officer. He returned to Hofstra and graduated in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in public accountancy – one of the first African-Americans to do so at the institution. Bro. Umphlett has served as a senior auditor with KPMG (Peat Marwick) and an audit manager with a Wall Street securities firm. In addition, he worked in the pharmaceutical industry and in the field of education. Following his successful passing of the CPA exam, Umphlett received his board certification; he currently has his own accounting practice. In 1978 Bro. Umphlett was initiated into Alpha through GIL. He is the father of a daughter, and is a proud grandfather.

Bro. John Williams was born in Tappahannock, VA. Married to his high school sweetheart, Marjorie; they are the parents of a son and a daughter. Bro. Williams received his bachelor of arts degree in social studies from St. Paul’s College and a master’s degree in English from New York University. A veteran of the Korean War, he spent two years in Germany for military service. Bro. Williams was employed by American Airlines where he served as the first African-American Reservation Sales Agent in the NYC area. He began a teaching career in the Wyandanch School District and served as chairman of the English Department. He later served as a high school counselor in Roosevelt, L.I., as well as assuming a counseling position at Five Towns College. He retired in 1997. Bro. Williams was initiated into Alpha through GIL in 1975.

H

1. What led you to seek membership in the fraternity?

J.G.: At the time I was employed at Kings County Hospital … there was an Alpha Brother there (Bro. Edward Hightower) in hospital administration. He was part of the grad chapter … he had a big influence on me getting into grad school at C.W. Post. He had a contact there who was another Alpha, Bro. Milton Fleming.

D.H . : In high school most of my male Instructors were Alpha men. They were in the social pages of the African-American newspaper in Richmond, VA. Seeing the names and pictures … plus having admired them while in high school, I wanted to be like these particular men. My interest in Alpha came from high school into my college life.

C.L.: That’s easy … I attended Johnson C. Smith in Charlotte, NC. I saw that the prominent students on campus were men of A Phi A … even the college president was an Alpha Man. The smartest guy on campus was an Alpha … they were conservative … highest GPA. I selected Alpha without any prior conditioning. There was a history book of the fraternity in the library … I read it, after that it was a done deal.

W.R.: At Tennessee A&I State University I was more impressed by the men of Alpha … they were most of the student leaders on campus. I was inclined to pledge, but I was working as a waiter to pay my way through school and had no time. I also heard about the beatings and hazing. During my tenure at Kingsborough one of my counselors was married to Aaron Brown, an outstanding Alpha Man. He was Vice President of the NYC Board of Education … he

was my sponsor for GIL membership. That was the beginning.

R.U.: I wanted to align myself with professional brothers; good social connections, quality skills and Christian brothers. I didn’t know a lot about Black frats … I wanted to be with men whose level I aspired to.

J.W.: On campus as an undergrad, when one looked over the campus he could pretty much say, “There goes an Alpha Man” and I wanted to be in that arena. After graduating and coming to NY, my dentist (one of GIL’s founders) encouraged me.

2. What one word, in your opinion, best describes GIL?

J.G.: “Leadership.”

D.H.: “Pragmatic.”

C.L.: “Awesome.”

W.R.: “Achievers.”

R.U.: “Transition.”

J.W.: “Professionalism.”

3. During your time in the chapter, what is your strongest memory or recollection of GIL?

J.G.: Becoming president of the chapter (2001-2002) … receiving the Brotherhood Award in 2011, and having the title of Honorary Citizen of New Orleans bestowed upon me in 1980 by then Mayor, Ernest N. Morial.

D.H . : Intense, animated, but brotherly discussions.

C . L . : A year a go GIL d id someth ing phenomenal … the support showed me during my candidacy for “Alpha Man of Merit” … the Brothers who came out and worked on this project together. (Note: Bro. Little was selected “Alpha Man of Merit” for both the district and the Eastern Region).

W.R.: A reclamation smoker at Bro. Fleming’s house back in the late 70’s or early 80’s. I was chair of the social activities committee … we saw Brothers we hadn’t seen in a long time, it was great. The “down side” was that we didn’t reclaim one single Brother – but a good time was had! (laughter from the group)

R.U.: They say first impressions are lasting impressions … my strongest memory is my initiation process. It took so long (almost a year and a half) … studying chapter history, traveling from my office to Bro. Bell’s home. After initiation I met other Brothers in the chapter. I started to feel insecure around all these highly educated men. I was impressed by the way meetings were held, there was a sense of family, a close knit feeling – today it’s not so. Most of the Brothers I don’t know.

J.W.: The year that I ran for president of the chapter … my competitor was Bro. Olliver Davis. I lost by one vote! (laughter from the group) My fondest memories are Brothers … Bro. Hobart Jarrett, Bro. Dr. Boston, Bro. Clarence Little, Bro. Grant – these Brothers bring the strongest memories.

4. W ha t w e re s o m e o f yo u r i n i t i a l impressions of the chapter prior to being a member of the chapter?

J. G . : That I couldn’t l ive up to their expectations. They were trained professionals … they had fabulous houses, fabulous bank accounts, big cars – it intimidated me.

D.H.: Prominence, influence … yet supportive.

C.L.: Community service oriented. I wasn’t really ready for the graduate chapter at that point … members of GIL encouraged me to attend one of their meetings and I did. Herb Miller impressed me. I see people of stature and I want to emulate them … Paul Robeson, Jr., Hobart Jarrett.

W.R.: I was awe-struck by some of the same things as Bro. Grant … a bit intimidated by their collective stature … wondered if I’d be able to fit in.

R.U.: Highly educated, men with wisdom, who were willing to help. I remember going through a very tough time in my life … one of the Brothers approached me after the chapter meeting and told me, ”Either you overcome it, or it will overcome you.” A wise man … (Note: Bro. Umphlett was referring to Bro. Leon DeKalb)

J.W.: Multi-talented number of Brothers … Dr. Hobart Jarrett became a mentor of mine. Men like Bro. Leon DeKalb … I was initiated at his home. He introduced me to the 100 Black Men organization … he sponsored me. Herman Washington … men so talented, so educated, so professional … I never had a problem of feeling I couldn’t associate with them! (laughter from group)

5. What’s the one thing you believe the chapter could do to strengthen our impact on the communities we serve?

J.G.: More mentoring programs … career day programs … g iv ing back and g iv ing encouragement to the youth.

D.H.: Readopting a mature organizational planning philosophy.

C.L.: I believe it should be scholarly. We need more Alphas … we need young brothers going to college, graduating and joining a chapter. We should lay the roadmap so that young brothers can become more scholastically involved and eventually become Alphas.

W.R.: Maintaining the scope and intensity of our current efforts in the Brooklyn-L.I. community … doing good things.

R.U.: Implementation of the scholarship fund to identify independent, highly motivated, promising students … self-starters able to achieve on their own … we should continue in this direction.

J.W.: Provide more mentoring support to our young Black youngsters. Our Brothers are so well educated … we have skills that can be passed on to our young people.

6. Who would occupy the top position on a list of GIL Brothers you most admired for his contributions to the chapter?

J.G.: Bro. Jacob Tingman.

D.H.: Bro. John P. Rice, Jr.

C.L.: Bro. Dr. Hobart Jarrett.

W.R.: Bro. Dr. Aaron Brown.

R.U.: Bro. James Alfred Bradford.

J.W.: Bro. Robert Umphlett.

As we concluded the interview, one last question was posed to the group:

What do you see for the future of GIL?

Overall, the responses given reflected a feeling of positivity and tremendous potential. With organizational planning that concentrates on realistic expectations, the Brothers felt that GIL is poised to leverage the enthusiasm, ambition, and initiative demonstrated by the chapter’s current membership to move us onward and upward. Channeling our collective energies in a meaningful direction will continue to keep us on the right road to a dynamic and bright future.

Brother Profile

Bro. Andre McKenzie serves as chapter Historian and is the Vice President of

Academic Support Services at St. John’s University.

COMMUNITY CORNER

A Beacon of Hope

There is no Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s here. There are no white people cheerfully jogging with their dogs or standing in line at a crowded Starbucks. The earth seems to rebel against the sidewalks in some places, leaving jagged paths for people to walk carefully across. The skyline is scraped by ashy brown project apartment buildings. This is not your idyllic, tree lined, Brownstone Brooklyn. This is East New York – an often ignored and economically depressed part of the borough that had the most homicides and robberies in New York City last year. This is a place where roughly half of its residents live in poverty and receive some form of public assistance. But this is not the end. It is just the beginning. This is the place where Catherine Green set her vision for the creation of Arts East New York.

www.gil1906.com Page 16Autumn 2012 AΦΑ - ΓΙΛ CHAPTER MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY CORNER

Catherine Green is an innovative community leader, designer, and mother who believes deeply in the humanity and potential of the residents of East New York. Her inspiration began when she realized how often she had to leave her ne ighborhood for Downtown Brooklyn or Manhattan just to enjoy some family time and expose her daughter to the arts. She recently took the time to sit and chat with Goodwi" to tell us about her growing community centered business.

G: Why is art the mechanism that you want to use to spur change in East New York as opposed to anything else?

C: For one, there was a need and there was no arts programming in the community and two, the arts kind of speak to people’s humanity. It doesn’t limit you by race or your economic situation. It just makes you feel. It makes you feel human. Starting from that level, people could go anywhere. It can inspire a person toward change. A lot of folks in East New York are just trying to make it day to day, living paycheck to paycheck, but what do we really do to enjoy ourselves, make ourselves better, more well rounded, culturally diverse and aware? Art is the perfect means for giving us a fresh start.

G: That definitely makes sense. Arts do speak to our humanity, especially for groups that are marginalized. A lot of arts movements start out in communities like these. Historic Harlem, St. Albans, Bed-Stuy, and LES (Lower East Side) come to mind. With all that’s changing in Brooklyn, is East New York the next artist space?

C: I’d rather not start there. In a lot of communities, what happens is that we do start there and we open the doors for folks. While that’s great, I want to create a cultural infrastructure for East New York that not only welcomes other artists and people to the community but also gives advantages to the people who already live here. Though we focus on the arts we also address economic stability. You can come in and look at the beautiful artwork, but we can also talk about how you can afford your first home. We really want to spur this kind of change with the residents that are here and give them those kinds of opportunities.

COMMUNITY CORNER

G: Something like this could really be useful to young people in particular. How do you make arts and education relevant to youth in East New York?

C: We’ve received a council grant from Councilman Charles Barron so now we’re going into a school, though we’ve been doing workshops independently all along. This year, I’m really excited for the launch of our program called “Broadway – Our Way”. We’re going into East New York Family Academy and the kids will be able to take dance, vocal training, set design, and poetry classes. All of that will culminate in a product ion of a Broadway play, deconstructed and made their way. It’s extremely exciting. We just did a presentation and it’s a little scary because so many kids want to be a part of it and we can’t serve so many, but it’s really attractive to them. In Cypress Hills, we’re working on an after school

program called “Mi Terra” where we’re taking a vacant lot and creating a miniature golf course and recreational space. All of these programs are really giving the children an opportunity to do things through their eyes and experiences. It’s giving them a way to make them excited about the place where they live. If you ask the average kid in East New York what their opinions are about the community, they’d just rather not be here. They don’t want to be associated with it. How do we make them feel proud of where they come from, see the world but return to give back to place they called home?

) Portion of mural painted by James Shields

Trayvon Martin remembered in the Arts East New York Mural

COMMUNITY CORNER

G: What are the ways in which ind iv idua l s and community organizations can support Arts East New York?

C: (Laughter) We’ve been toiling! The arts foundation world has been shrinking. Government funding is low. Member items are gone. Having a background in retail, I’ve been selling everything from classes to merchandise in order to create additional funding. We do have a couple of individual donors, but not as many as we would like. Thankfully, they do give well, which is great. One of the things that clicked for me is the idea of member drives. We have so many people who come in here

every day because they’ve never seen a gallery in East New York. There’s always this look in their eyes that just says they want to be a part of this. We sign people up for our email lists and we’ll invite you to events and things like that but having people support by becoming a member, not just for money but also by having them be invested in this great change.

Arts East New York will be hosting its opening reception for a new exh ib i t ca l l ed In t a n g i b le Transportations on November 9th from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Visit www.artseastny.org for details.

Financial Education & The School System

Bro. Michael Cook is Gamma Iota Lambda’s Treasurer and Financial Committee Chair for the 2012-2013 Fraternal year.

Elementary School teaches children a myriad of life lessons; from the mundane life tasks like writing their address to the more intricate lessons in science and music. Progressing to high school offers students an even broader array of topics to choose from including languages, geography, oceanography and more. Yet, personal finance classes always seem surprisingly lacking.

Why is it necessary for every child to learn biology, when perhaps 30% or fewer will take two biology classes in college and still fewer will go on to utilize that knowledge in a meaningful way throughout their lifetime? On the other hand, why shouldn’t personal financial management merit the same status as Math or English, subjects essential to life as a productive member of society?

Parents lobbied hard fought battles to maintain sexual education, rightfully claiming benefits to individual students, as well as the community. Where is the outcry for better financial education? I, personally, graduated high school with no working knowledge of the stock market, 401ks, retirement funds, or even the simple knowledge of balancing a check book and creating a budget.

Where schools fail, parents and Alphas must succeed. The challenge is twofold. First, we must educate ourselves and become excellent stewards of our financial house. Beyond making conscious choices with our finances, we must establish a foundation of wealth for our families and communities. Second, we must reach back to our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters and share our key learning.

At some po int , i t i s necessa r y to acknowledge that the Wealth Gap goes beyond discrimination. In an era where black men and women dominate C-Suites more than ever before, it becomes less a question of access and more a question of instruction. We can never unlock the door that we do not know exists.

In 2012, GIL will aim to provide education for its members and its community. The financial committee has two key pilot programs for the 2012 / 2013 fraternal year: the Financial Mentorship Program and the Investment Club . Here i s a br ie f description of each program:

Financial Mentorship Program (September 2012)An intensive, 8-week, program where we pair up brothers in need of financial mana gement a s s i s tance wi th more established brothers and walkthrough everything from budgeting to credit to investments. This will be a pilot program limited to a very small number of brothers (~5 pairs) focused on changing their financial lives.

Investment Club (November 2012)An extension of the Financial Mentorship Program open to a l l brothers , the investment club will focus on investment education through real-life investments. While the club will not invest any funds initially, the club will review case studies of real-life practical investments to better understand the risk and rewards associated with investing.

NEWS AND NOTESGOODWILL: INFORMATION FOR LEADERS ) AUTUMN 2012 VOLUME IV NO. I

Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter would like to thank our friends, family, and fraternity brothers for their support of our Brotherhood Smoke and Voter Registration Drive this Fall. For updates on upcoming events visit our website at www.gil1906.com, become our friend on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

www.gil1906.com Page 21Autumn 2012 AΦΑ - ΓΙΛ CHAPTER MAGAZINE

NEWS AND NOTESGOODWILL: INFORMATION FOR LEADERS ) AUTUMN 2012 VOLUME IV NO. I

Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter would like to formally acknowledge our 2012 Scholarship winner, Cass Brown of Uniondale, NY. Cass is currently a Freshman Biology major at Morehouse College. He aspires to be a surgeon and plans on spending his upcoming summer conducting medical research at a university. Cass offers his sincere gratitude to his family and the Brothers of Gamma Iota Lambda for their support.

The RED PartyOn August 30, 2012, our Brother, Robert A. Massey, launched his company, Xtra Mile Mindset, LLC which is dedicated to event planning but more so to raising awareness around various health issues that affect our community and other communities of color.   Brother Massey, launched an "HIV Awareness: The RED PARTY," and made that the focus of launching his company; which was held at the Brooklyn Terrace Rooftop Lounge, Downtown Brooklyn, New York.   It was an upscale "party with a purpose" which was well attended by 225 guests dressed in their best variations of "red" to show their support for those who are living and those who have succumbed to HIV/AIDS.

The RED PARTY was a huge success and an awesome way to launch his c o m p a n y . K e v i n W a r d a l l y , NYS  Governor's  Aide, Senators John Sampson and Eric Adams of Brooklyn, NY, Ms. Divinah Bailey of Watchful Eye HIV Awareness Center, Eishelle Tilleray, Ryan-Nena Center, and L.Joy Williams, Radio Personality and HIV Activist, were just a few of the  dignitaries  that were present for this inaugural event.

Since the launch, Bro. Massey has been offered the opportunity to run his own HIV Awareness Clinic, a position at the Sheraton Hotel on Special events, and innumerable speaking engagements on the subject of HIV Awareness.  When I

asked Bro. Massey, “How did this all come about?” He said, "I received a telephone call approximately 12:32 am from a friend who had been diagnosed HIV positive and wanted to commit suicide.  After talking and praying him through that moment...he felt impressed by God to raise the issue of HIV Awareness in the African-American communities and with people of color around the world to get tested, know their HIV/STD status, and to practice safer-sex."  He is now in negotiations for another "party with a purpose" and the focus is going to be around the subject of Cancer.  

Bro. Massey is committed that all events will include a spiel on HIV Awareness and the importance of knowing your status.  He believes it's important for us a s A l p h a M e n t o e d u c a t e o u r communities about HIV/AIDS.   He states boldly, that HIV/AIDS is 100% Preventable, and is ravaging our communities because of what we don't know about the disease, how it's contracted and who is at risk! We are all looking forward to hearing more from

Brother Massey as he promotes HIV awareness, and awareness on other health issues here and abroad. 

HIV AIDSAWARENESS

www.gil1906.com Page 23Autumn 2012 AΦΑ - ΓΙΛ CHAPTER MAGAZINE

First of All We Vote:Social Security Matters

t its inception, Social Security was meant to be a government program that protected America’s retired citizens. Over time it grew to cover the retired as well as the disabled and those that depend on them. The federal entitlement program was signed into law on 1935 and its first benefits were paid 75 years ago. Presently the fund that was meant to help protect the livelihood of hard-working Americans is in crisis—applications for retirement and disability benefits have sky rocketed since the recession began while funding has withered. Social Security is paying out more than it takes in as American lifespans continue to increase while the number of tax-paying individuals funding Social Security has decreased.  The model that Social Security benefits is based will continue to collapse unless our United States Congress and President take serious and IMMEDIATE action. What does this mean for Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.? It means our seasoned Brothers who have paved the way for all of us are having a portion of their livelihood

threatened. It means our young Brothers that are just entering the workforce are paying into a system that may not be capable of providing for them when they reach retirement age. As servants of all it is our duty to make sure that Brothers w i th in our House and our neighboring citizens are provided for. Brothers need to be informed regarding what is at stake with Social Security when we head to the polls in November. As with many other issues, both presidential candidates offer differing opinions on how to solve the problem posed by Social Security. Moreover, both candidates face the daunting task of getting a split Congress to agree to develop and enact possible solutions. The politicians that we vote into office on Election day must understand that Social Security and other relevant issues are more important than their partisan differences. Political candidates need to be he ld accountab le by an INFORMED American Public that will not tolerate inaction at a time when inaction costs the country more than we can afford. Brothers, please research each politicians’ stance on Social Security and all other issues for each federal office that is up for election this November.

A

BRO. JAMES BROWN

Go to High School - Go to College Program

EducationDuring the 83rd National Convention, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. voted to mandate that each chapter implement Go To High School, Go To College in alignment with its National Program. Twenty-three years later, sadly, the number of African American men men enrolled in colleges and universities is abysmal. Gamma Iota Lambda’s Go To High School, Go To College program combines mentorship, education, and recreation to sustain motivation for the academic achievement and college planning necessary for successful college admission. Small group and individual discussions, SAT Prep, college essay writing workshops, and college tours are activities which are part of the yearly program. This year, Gamma Iota Lambda partnered with Boys and Girls High School, in the historic Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. We have committed to mentoring 11 high school seniors on Saturdays throughout this semester with plans. of An additional 12 young men who are interested in the program but have athletic and work commitments on Saturdays will be reached through digital communication and learning platforms. The chapter will begin working with high school juniors during the Spring 2013 semester. The strength of our program is the access it gives the mentees to college graduates and students from diverse backgrounds who are able to share real-world experiences and relevant facts on what is required to be a successful African American man in the United States.

Bros. Ibrahim Traore and R. Emanuel Scott share their words of wisdom to the students.

GOODWILL: INFORMATION FOR LEADERS ) AUTUMN 2012 VOLUME IV NO. 1

NEWS AND NOTES

Birthdays & AnniversariesBro. Larry Bannister will be celebrating his birthday on November 6.

Bro. David Barthelemy (ΓΙΛ ’11) will be celebrating his birthday on November 6.

Bro. Lawrence Williams (BH ’89)celebrates another year in Alpha on November 9.

Bro. Frank Wilkinson (A ’80) celebrates another year in Alpha on November 14.

Bro. Joseph Barclay (DX ’05) celebrates his birthday on November 22.

Bro. Jerrold Luberis (DX ’08)celebrates another year in Alpha on November 15 and his birthday on December 8.

Bro. James Brown (DX ’85) celebrates his birthday on December 28.

www.gil1906.com Page 25Autumn 2012 AΦΑ - ΓΙΛ CHAPTER MAGAZINE

NEWS AND NOTESGOODWILL: INFORMATION FOR LEADERS ) AUTUMN 2012 VOLUME IV NO. I

This past Spring 2012, Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter hosted its Senior "Seasoned" Brother's Luncheon at iCi Restaurant in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Brothers gathered from all over New York City, the Tri-State Area, and a few from the Carolinas to honor shining examples of Alpha men within our Chapter who have dedicated 35 years or more to the Fraternity. These men were handsomely groomed in our signature ivory dinner jackets, black tuxedo pants, and a yellow-rose to adorn their lapels.  These "Seasoned Brothers," represent the closest we have to the Jewels in both in age and temperament. These Brothers come from a myriad of backgrounds including business, clergy, law, medicine, education, and the military (our own Tuskegee Airman!) and more all dined together as brothers with their friends and family representing the best of the Gamma Iota Lambda tradition.   As a growing chapter it was paramount that we pause to acknowledge the rich heritage that we presently have lest we forget the foundational truths by which we were founded upon and have sustained throughout the years.  We love, adore and appreciate our Senior Brothers throughout "the House of Alpha" for holding the light high and for marching onward and upward. We endeavor to continue to learn from these stalwarts of Brooklyn and Long Island for many years to come, as well as "seasoned brothers" throughout the world.  For us, deference does not end after entering the doors of this great fraternity but carries on ever the more so, after we have become Brothers within Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 

) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) -Bro. Robert A. Massey (’09)

NEWS AND NOTESGOODWILL: INFORMATION FOR LEADERS ) AUTUMN 2012 VOLUME IV NO. I

Dear Brothers, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Gamma Iota Lambda for your hospitality and encouragement at the September Chapter meeting. Best wishes on the continuation of your fraternal year.

Fraternally yours,

Bro. Cleveland Beckett Jr. (I, ’89)Alpha Gamma Lambda ChapterCandidate for Eastern Region Vice President

AchievementsGOODWILL: INFORMATION FOR LEADERS ) AUTUMN 2012 VOLUME IV NO. I

The Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has many talented and successful brothers who are always pushing the boundaries of Knowledge and Achievement. This page is a small selection of the innumerable achievements made before the printing of this issue.

For future submissions, please submit your achievements to Runako1906@gmail.com for inclusion in the Goodwi".

Bro. Robert Brissett (ΓΙΛ ’07) has launched Edu Status, a holistic student information management platform for students in the U.S. and Europe.

Bro. Brissett and his beautiful wife, Malene welcomed their third son Jason Christian, this past August.

Bro. Cadman Williams (ΓΙΛ ’09) and his wife Selina welcomed their daughter and first child Chloe this past August.

Bro. Walter Mosley won the 57th Assembly District Primary this past September.

Bro. Floyd Mitchell (ΓΙΛ ’06) recently accepted Chairmanship of the Board of Directors for Tripod Foundation Inc., a non-profit dedicated to higher educational access in the New York, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. Metro areas.

Bro. President Christopher Burks was nominated to the NYACOA 1st Vice President.

Bro. Ibrahim Traore (ΓΙΛ ’11) has been selected to be the Associate Editor to The Sphinx and Chief of Staff for NYACOA for the 2012-2013 Fraternal Year.

Bro. Pedro Vega (ΓΙΛ ’10) and his lovely wife, Demisha joined together in marriage this August.

Bro. Joseph Dodd (ΓΙΛ ’10) and his beautiful wife, Jennifer were married this past August.

Bro. Runako Gulstone (ΓΙΛ ’10) was nominated for Knighthood in EKC Deltas’ Causin KAOS awards.

www.gil1906.com Page 28Autumn 2012 AΦΑ - ΓΙΛ CHAPTER MAGAZINE

Seen on the Scene GOODWILL: INFORMATION FOR LEADERS ) AUTUMN 2012 VOLUME IV NO. I

Bro. Ibrahim Traore (ΓΙΛ ’11) serves the Chapter as a delegate at the 2012 NYACOA Convention in Syracuse, NY.

Bro. Yahve Alcinay (ΓΙΛ ’02) takes a moment to go over the materials with an expert at the Voter Registration Drive at Vodou Bar.

Bro. Robert Massey (ΓΙΛ ’09) takes a moment to pose with a few brothers who came to support his RED Party for HIV/AIDS awareness. Front Row (L-R) Bros. Charles Winslow II, Robert Massey, Larry Bannister, & Lucien Allen.

www.gil1906.com Page 29Autumn 2012 AΦΑ - ΓΙΛ CHAPTER MAGAZINE

Seen on the Scene GOODWILL: INFORMATION FOR LEADERS ) AUTUMN 2012 VOLUME IV NO. I

All smiles! Bro. Lawrence Scott poses with his wife at the annual Day at the Races.

Bro. Yemi Oso gets close at the Wall Street Alphas’ (KXL) annual SIP Benefit.

Distinguished honorees Bros. Clarence Little and Andre´ McKenzie smile for the camera at the Senior Brothers Luncheon.

Bros. Brathwaite and Wilkinson (seated on right) pose for a photo at the Alpha Chapter Roundup at Cornell University.

GOODWILL: INFORMATION FOR LEADERS ) AUTUMN 2012 VOLUME IV NO. I

Arts & CultureReadRoot and Branch: Charles Hamilton Houston, Thurgood Marshall and the Struggle to End Segregationby Rawn James Jr.

What’s the Matter With White People: Why We Long for a Golden Age that Never Wasby Joan Walsh

A More Perfect Union: Advancing New American Rightsby Jesse L Jackson Jr.

Watch (Click Titles for Trailers)

LINCOLNSteven Spielberg’s drama on Lincoln’s final months

Negroes With GunsRob Wi"iams and Black Power

Frost/Nixon2008 Academy Award nominated film on the Frost/Nixon interviews of 1977

VisitThe Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture - Visualizing Emancipation

To commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Schomburg presents 80 pre– and post– Civil War era photographs of enslaved and free black women, men, and children. The images record the presence of black soldiers and black workers in the American South and help the 21st century viewer reimagine a landscape of black people's desire to be active in their own emancipation.

www.gil1906.com Page 31Autumn 2012 AΦΑ - ΓΙΛ CHAPTER MAGAZINE

HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF

Dear Friends and Fraternity Brothers,Many communities in New York City Metro Area have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. Among the hardest hit were low-lying communities in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island and parts of New Jersey. We recently learned that our Brother, Pedro Vega’s childhood community in Far Rockaway, Queens is entirely without electricity and is digging itself out of debris. His father, a Pastor, is organizing a church response to affected areas and asks for brothers who are able to come in and help by cleaning, clearing and organizing - essentially to serve/provide a central center for food, clothing, and charge station for their cell phones.

Please see the following information for Bro. Vega's church. Pastor Jorge Vega, as well as the community would appreciate our help in the immediate future. They are meeting daily at 12 noon at:

Full Gospel Tabernacle 4215 Beach Channel Drive Far Rockaway NY 11691 fgtnyc.org

If you are unable to volunteer in cleanup efforts, relief donations can be made here . Gamma Iota Lambda is our Brothers Keeper.

$e Gentlemen’s Corner

www.gil1906.com Page 33Autumn 2012 AΦΑ - ΓΙΛ CHAPTER MAGAZINE

Social Etiquette for the Modern Age

Technology has revolutionized our ability to communicate instantaneously. It seems as if everyone is connected via social media. While that is nothing short of amazing, there is such a thing as being TOO connected. When going out with friends, guests, or significant others, put your phone away or turn it off unless your profession is such that it requires you to be called away at a moment’s notice. When we are scanning our cell phones it suggests that our present company is not particularly interesting or worth our time. If something does indeed capture your attention, excuse yourself from your company and return when you are finished.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was indeed a vital instrument of democracy, ensuring the integrity and reliability of a democratic process that we as a Country hold so dear. - Bro. Charles Rangel

GOODWILL: INFORMATION FOR LEADERS ) AUTUMN 2012 VOLUME IV NO. I

GOODWILL ΓΙΛ

HOUSE OF ALPHAGOODWILL IS THE MONARCH OF THIS HOUSE,

MEN UNACQUAINTED, ENTER, SHAKE HANDS, EXCHANGE GREETINGS AND DEPART FRIENDS.

CORDIALITY EXIST AMONG ALL WHO ABIDE WITHIN. I AM THE EMINENT EXPRESSION OF FRIENDSHIP.

CHARACTER AND TEMPERAMENT CHANGE UNDER MY DOMINANT POWER.

LIVES ONCE TOUCHED BY ME BECOME TUNED AND ARE THEREAFTER AMIABLE, KINDLY, FRATERNAL.

I INSPIRE THE MUSICIAN TO PLAY NOBLE SENTIMENTS AND ASSIST THE CHEMIST TO CONVERT UNGENEROUS PERSONALITIES INTO INDIVIDUALS OF GREAT WORTH.

I DESTROY IGNOBLE IMPULSES. I CONSTANTLY INVOKE PRINCIPLES WHICH MAKE FOR COMMON BROTHERHOOD AND THE ECHO RESOUNDS IN ALL COMMUNITIES AND PRINCELY MEN ARE THEREBY RECOGNIZED.

EDUCATION, HEALTH, MUSIC, ENCOURAGEMENT, SYMPATHY, LAUGHTER, ALL THESE ARE SPECIES OF INTEREST GIVEN OF SELF INVESTED CAPITAL.

TIRED MOMENTS FIND ME A DELIGHTFUL TREAT, HOURS OF SORROW, A SHRINE OF UNDERSTANDING,

AT ALL TIMES I AM FAITHFUL TO THE CREED OF COMPANIONSHIP,

TO A FEW, I AM THE CASTLE OF DREAMS, AMBITIOUS, SUCCESSFUL, HOPEFUL DREAMS.

TO MANY, I AM THE POETIC PLACE WHERE HUMAN FEELING IS RHYMED TO CELESTIAL MOTIVES;

TO THE GREAT MAJORITY, I AM THE TREASURY OF GOOD FELLOWSHIP.

IN FACT, I AM THE COLLEGE OF FRIENDSHIP; THE UNIVERSITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE; THE SCHOOL FOR THE BETTER MAKING OF MEN.

I AM            

                                                                                                                                                                 ΑΦΑ