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The North Atlantic Region To my true Baby Blue, Community & Aspiring Members, it is with great pleasure that we are able to come to you again to share the wonderful work that we have done here in the North Atlantic Region. Each member of this region has displayed remarkable leadership qualities, and proven to be a strong support of the communities from which they belong. Our journey since our founding day in 2008 has provided so much space for growth for the Region as a whole, as well as each individual. As we move forward in completing another year of service, it is our goal to hold strong the bonds and relationships that we have built and show appreciation to those who continue to support us. It is my hope before the year of 2010 comes to an end, that the North Atlantic Region will be able to generate a buzz far past the borders of Boston, MA. It brings me great joy to once again present to you the work and service of the North Atlantic Region Warmest Regards, Elijah Dear North Atlantic Regional Director From the Regional Seat… Bro. Elijah Dear Lambda Chapter Boston, MA Regional Events August 2 nd , 2010 Bro. Dishon Laing’s Birthday August 4 th , 2010 QWOC Event Activism & Karaoke August 7 th , 2010 QWOC Event Family Day August 14 th , 2010 Bro. Yovannys Kenney’s Birthday MOCAA Fundraiser BBQ (Cape Cod) 2-6pm August 17 th , 2010 FOUNDERS DAY!!! August 26 th , 2010 Bro. Steven Fleury’s Birthday August 27 th , 2010 Lambda Chapter Interest Meeting Bro. Dear & Leotti StandUp for Kids Event

North Atlantic Region - Summer 2010

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Page 1: North Atlantic Region - Summer 2010

The North Atlantic Region

To my true Baby Blue,

Community & Aspiring Members, it is

with great pleasure that we are able to

come to you again to share the

wonderful work that we have done

here in the North Atlantic Region. Each

member of this region has displayed

remarkable leadership qualities, and

proven to be a strong support of the

communities from which they belong.

Our journey since our founding

day in 2008 has provided so much

space for growth for the Region as a

whole, as well as each individual. As

we move forward in completing

another year of service, it is our goal to

hold strong the bonds and relationships

that we have built and show

appreciation to those who continue to

support us.

It is my hope before the year of

2010 comes to an end, that the North

Atlantic Region will be able to

generate a buzz far past the borders of

Boston, MA. It brings me great joy to

once again present to you the work

and service of the North Atlantic

Region

Warmest Regards,

Elijah Dear

North Atlantic Regional Director

.

From the Regional Seat…

Bro. Elijah Dear

Lambda Chapter Boston, MA

Regional Events

August 2

nd, 2010

Bro. Dishon Laing’s

Birthday

August 4th

, 2010

QWOC Event

Activism & Karaoke

August 7th

, 2010

QWOC Event

Family Day

August 14th

, 2010

Bro. Yovannys Kenney’s

Birthday

MOCAA

Fundraiser BBQ

(Cape Cod)

2-6pm

August 17th

, 2010

FOUNDERS DAY!!!

August 26

th, 2010

Bro. Steven Fleury’s

Birthday

August 27th

, 2010

Lambda Chapter Interest

Meeting

Bro. Dear & Leotti

StandUp for Kids Event

Page 2: North Atlantic Region - Summer 2010

maximize their self-

potential.

To provide an opportunity

for nontraditional LGBT

students to further their

educational goals.

Bayard Rustin Academy is a school

that is trying to create an

environment that is accepting of all

racial and ethnic backgrounds. Our

vision for Bayard Rustin Academy

Inc. is to develop a safe space for

GLBT youth to receive an academic

education without limits to self-

expression. We strive to provide

additional resources to GLBT youth

to address self-misrepresentation

and decrease the rates of isolation.

There is definitely a need for a

school that will be safe for GLBT

youth to be themselves and not

having to worry about being

harassed or bullied because of their

sexual orientation or sexual identity.

Bayard Rustin Academy is always

looking for support and if you have

questions, please feel free to email

me at

[email protected].

Brother Promotes Scholarship Bro. Yovannys Kenney

Standing Up For Kids Bro. Elijah Dear

Bro. Yovannys Kenney

My name is Yovannys “ImpaKt”

Kenney; I am the President and Co-

chair of Bayard Rustin Academy

Inc. I am currently working on

structuring a school specifically for

GLBT youth here in the inner city of

Boston, a school that will be able to

provide a safe space for GLBT

youth.

Bayard Rustin Academy‟s mission is

To provide a safe space

for GLBT youth that

supports and provides a

positive alternative outlet

for education and

personal growth.

To provide an

educational space

where youth of diverse

sexual orientations and

Ethnic backgrounds thrive

academically, socially

and personally. (same as

bullet point one, but

more explained).

To empower the youth

though mentorship to

It was a wonderful Sunday morning when I

sat down with the chair of Queer Women of Color

{QWOC}, Adaora Asala and began to discuss QWOC

week and all that was planned. As she was filling me

in on the events planned, she shared that she would

like to do some form of community service

throughout the week. I than begin to share with her

information about StandUp for Kids, and their mission

as an organization. She was absolutely thrilled about

the organization and insisted that we collaborate to

assist them in their efforts.

This summer, the Lambda Chapter of Boston,

MA in collaboration with QWOC facilitated a

charitable drive for StandUp for Kids. The mission of

this organization is to is to help homeless and street

kids, by providing them with resources and support.

Their focus goes beyond street outreach and extends

to deterrence and resource programs that they

provide in schools and via the internet.

Through this drive we were able to collect

clothing items, survival tools, and monetary funds. It is

our hope that through our efforts, that we were able

to greatly assist and support not only StandUp for

Kids, but the children they reach out to! On behalf of

the Lambda Chapter I would like to thank all those

who donated these needed items! And QWOC for

their continuous support of this chapter!

Queer Women of Color – Boston

www.qwocboston.com

Page 3: North Atlantic Region - Summer 2010

“The bond of a

brotherhood, never settling

in the past but striving for

the future” “The bond of a

brotherhood, never settling

in the past but striving for

the future” “The bond of a

brotherhood, never settling

in the past but striving for

the future!”

CONGRATS SOROR BRIGGS!

The Brothers at Soror A. Briggs

graduation cookout!

Caption describing picture or graphic.

Line Name: Crossing:

ImpaKt Spring of 2010

Birthday: Hometown:

August 14, 1986 Boston, MA

Favorite Book: Least Favorite Food:

Goosebumps Mashed Potatoes

Share a moment that has shaped you

into who you are today: The day my

mother told me that, if I do not get

myself together and get back into

school, I will end up in the grave like my

brother. When I was 16 years old, I was

facing a lot of depression and couldn‟t

keep myself together. I always blamed

myself for his death because I couldn‟t

help him and his drug addiction. Not only

was I facing the challenge of my

brother‟s passing, but also the issue of

being gay in school. It was difficult to

deal with all of the things that I was

facing from being harassed, being

kicked out of my mom‟s house, smoking,

drinking partying, and not going to

school, made me realize my life was

going no where. I had no brother to

teach me right from wrong or to tell me

what his flaws were and to make sure I

do not do the same thing he was doing. I

had two best friends who I still talk to as

of today, tell me that they did not want

to have a friend that is not going to go

no where in life and if I do not change

my ways, they were going to be around

any more. After hearing that I could

potentially loose my best friends and my

mom telling me that she did not want a

son who was not going to go to school or

perhaps end up dead like his brother

was definitely a wake up call. So, I turned

to job corps and went there for two

years to obtain my high school diploma

and my certificate in nursing assistant.

After graduating from Job Corps, I

ended up going back to work for Boston

GLASS (Gay, lesbian, Adolescent and

Social Services) to do outreach. I worked

with GLASS for almost 7 years on and off

since I was 14 years old… Today, I have

learned that my brother‟s passing was

not my fault and that I was young and

did not know how to help him. Today, I

am working to build my own school for

LGBT youth to feel safe and to allow

them to have a second chance in life. A

school that can benefit their needs and

that will be able to support them as

A Spotlighted Kane Bro. Yovannys Kenney

National Information

Kappa Psi Kappa Fraternity,

Inc.

P.O. Box 733

Philadelphia PA, 19105

National Website

www.kappapsikappainc.org

Local Information

Lambda Chapter

Boston, MA

E-Mail:

[email protected]

Web Site:

www.kpsiklambda.webs.com

“One Brotherhood,

One Bond”

much as possible. Last but not least, I can truly

say that if it was not for the people who stood

by me and dealt with me, I would not have

been here today. I have a career job working in

research on HIV behavioral studies and helping

people access services. I have my own place

and I have friends and brothers who as of

today, continuously help to make me a better

person. This is what helped shape me into who I

am today.

Where would you like to see Kappa Psi Kappa

in 10 years?

I would like to see the structure of KPsi,

along with that of Kappa Sapphires reach great

heights. I would like to reach a point where we

are receiving internal and external funding;

Thus, improving our national scholarship

program and our services to youth of the LGBT

community. I would like to be known across the

United States and having chapters in each

state. It is my hope that we reach a more

escalated level of organizational morale and

support.

Most importantly, I want to see Kappa

Psi Kappa fraternity, Inc. to be in 10 years is to

have a full national board that is proactive

about the fraternity. This is where I would like to

see Kappa Psi Kappa Fraternity, Inc. in 10 years,

not settling in the past, however striving for a

grand future!

Phi Nu Kappa Sorority, Inc www.phinukappa.org

CHECK OUT THE PHAMILY

Alpha Psi Kappa Fraternity, Inc. www.alphapsikappa.org

Page 4: North Atlantic Region - Summer 2010

B Bro. Steven Fleury

Interested in becoming a

member of Kappa Psi

Kappa Fraternity, Inc.?

The Bond of Brothers is not just a phrase, it is a lifetime commitment. The Founders of Kappa Psi Kappa wanted more than just a fraternity, they wanted a True Brotherhood. A Brotherhood that would unite many men from all walks of life that would come together for what Kappa Psi Kappa believes

in. By joining Kappa Psi Kappa you are agreeing to accept the high ideals of Brotherhood, Service, Leadership, and Scholarship. You are also accepting yourself for who you are, and committing to strive for the best despite what obstacles should

occur. This concept which has roots from the very beginning of the organization. Yes, there were a number of fraternities that were already founded but the founders of Kappa Psi Kappa wanted something that other organizations didn't have. The founders, lead by strength, founded the concepts of Kappa

Psi Kappa.

www.kappapsikappainc.org

Kappa Psi Kappa Fraternity, Inc. was

given a wonderful opportunity to

promote and raise awareness on HIV

Vaccine Research. Educating the

men of our organization and our

community about HIV and the

impact that is has on our community.

Steven Fleury, one of our regions very

own is leading the project internally. I

was able to sit down Mr. Fleury to

discuss the project, and the direction

the organization is heading.

Could you take a moment and tell us

a little bit about yourself and the

work you have done in the HIV field?

I actually started doing HIV work as a

volunteer in 2005. I joined this HIV

prevention group called Preparing

You For tomorrow, which was a

group level intervention of MOCAA.

Pretty much just like any other young

gay man who joined the group, our

intentions were to meet other young

men for relationships, or some kind of

sexual encounter. Contrary to some

of these other young men, I ended

up developing a passion for HIV

prevention. In 2006, is when I actually

committed specific times to

volunteer with the program. I did

outreach, and developed

prevention packages (condoms,

lubrications, etc.) . In August 2006, is

when I was offered a full- time

position to work as a program

assistant for MOCAA. This involved

program administrative work and

outreach. From there on, I attended

a lot of community meetings and

events that were HIV related. I was

afforded the opportunity to meet a

lot of stake holders in the community.

I did youth development, involving

HIV awareness and education. The

most recent step to my journey was

a Program Coordinator, supervising a

group of health system navigators

who were responsible for the

outreach work I once did. Now I am

unemployed, however looking for

work the same field.

Bro Fleury, How did Kappa Psi Kappa

become involved with the HIV

Vaccine Research Project? It was

November 3rd, 2009, when Dr. Russell

Brewer from Academy for

Educational Development came to

the office for a site visit. After the site

visit, we were socializing and I

mentioned that I was part of a

National Fraternity. He immediately

expressed interest in having the

organization get involved with HIV

vaccine research education. So he

then forwarded a grant

application, which I forwarded to

Brother Blake, former Supreme

President. After Brother Blake‟s

separation from the organization,

Dr. Brewer contacted me to inform

us that our application had been

selected and that a person of

contact to attend the initial

meeting in Washington DC. I put

him in contact with SP Mitchell,

who attended the meeting. When

Brother Mitchell returned from the

meeting, he contacted me and

asked if I would be interested in co-

coordinating the project with

Brother Kenneth Freeman.

How do you intend on

implementing the education and

awareness aspect of the study

amongst the community? Our

participation in the project is really

to help raise awareness regarding

HIV vaccine research in the

organization, and the community

at large. In the application we

submitted, we proposed to

produce t-shirts and buttons with

HIV vaccine messages on them.

We agreed to do an informational

session during Conclave 2010.

However, we have encountered a

block in continuing with the project

because Kappa Psi Kappa

Fraternity, Inc. does not have a

501C3 status. When that was

presented to Dr. Brewer, he

suggested that we find another

organization with a 501c3 status, to

filter the money to us to

accomplish the proposed

objectives. We are currently still

searching for an organization to do

so. I have been in contact with a

few organizations in the Boston

area, as well as the International

Federations of Black Pride.

However, I have not had a

concrete answer stating that any

of these organization agreeing to

be a fiscal conduit.

Please follow onto page 5…

Joining the Fight Interview with Bro. Steven Fleury

Page 5: North Atlantic Region - Summer 2010

What do you ultimately hope the

organization achieves by working on

this initiative? I do hope that in the

very near future to find an

organization willing to accept the

funding. I hope that Kappa Psi

Kappa, if not Tau Kappa Phi will

become very well educated around

the HIV epidemic that is affecting

our communities of color. It is my

hope that we can be one of the

organizations leading HIV vaccine

research education in the country.

One final word, finding an HIV

vaccine will be THE most effective

HIV prevention method. Let‟s not

forget that we have developed

other vaccines in the past, and it

took us years to accomplish that.

With 27 years, and the fight against

HIV/AIDS and the work that we have

done so far, we should not be

discouraged. Be aware that HIV is

100% preventable, so no one has to

become infected.

Bro. Fleury, I would like to thank you

for your time, hard work, and

dedication not only to this

organization, but the work you do in

the HIV field. Thank You!

Lambda Chapter at the Men‟s Event

Lambda Chapter at Turn Purple Event

GUESS WHO???

Can you match the

descriptions to a North Atlantic

Brother?

1. This brother loves

animated and family

films

2. This brother grew up

with a pet dog

3. This brother is the only

married kane in the

North Atlantic Region.

4. This brother would love

to own a home on a

beach.

5. This brother recently

obtained a job is his

desired career path.

For the answers, visit the

Lambda Chapter website:

www.kpsiklambda.webs.com

Page 6: North Atlantic Region - Summer 2010

Memorial Day 2010 LA

MB

DA

CH

AP

TER

EX

TRA

VA

GA

NZA

!!!!

The Lambda Chapter Extravaganza was

a day the chapter set aside for

brotherhood & scholarship. Brothers took

on leadership roles, facilitating HIV 101

workshops & fraternal jeopardy. Lambda

got creative with an Arts & Krafts

workshop along with a chapter PHamily

dinner, with a special appearance from

Soror. A. Briggs. Let‟s find out what this

meant to the gentlemen!

Picture: Lambda Chapter attempting the

Human Knot.

What did this day mean to you?

Bro. Elijah Dear

This day tied in everything it means to be a

man of this organization, and a man of this

chapter. We were able to tap into our

internal resources to learn information and

issues surrounding HIV, nationally and

locally. We were able to open up further,

and learn more about each other. It truly

solidified my presence here in this

organization, and brought me closer to the

men of my chapter. Most importantly, we

were all together, and those moments can

be rare. I love these gentlemen!

Bro. Dishon Laing

That day was extremely important to me.

That day for me signified true Brotherhood.

We came together, had fun together, ate

together, and learned about one another.

With all of my brothers there, I felt like that

day cemented the bond between my line

and the brothers who came before us.

Share something you learned about a

brother:

Bro. Dishon Laing

I learned that Tranquility has a very strong

sense of self. Not that I was not aware of

this before, but I realized, as we drove to

pick up Brother Kwiksand, that he is

extremely proud of himself as an

individual. He knows what he wants and

where he wants to go. He is very

passionate and really wants to be loved

by someone worthy of his own affection. It

sounds like an ego, but it really is about

finding the right person, not just someone

who will pass by his life.

Lambda Chapter with Soror Briggs

What was your favorite workshop?

Bro. Sigmond Lewis

The HIV 101 was the workshop that I feel was

the best part of the day. It was eye opening to

me to find out some of the numbers for the

infusion rate of young men under the age of 25.

I feel like we should be sharing this workshop

not only Kappa Psi Kappa, but TKPhi as a whole;

as a PHamily. We all need to know the truth

and be able to share it with each other.

Bro. Elijah Dear

I am a very family oriented individual. Having all

the gentlemen I hold near and dear to my

heart all at one table, enjoying the food stylings

of the members of our chapter was truly

magnificent. There is no better way to my heart

than through my stomach. Although it wasn‟t

one of the workshops of the day, it truly was

memorable! Much Love Lambda!

Page 7: North Atlantic Region - Summer 2010

A Spotlighted Kane Bro. Shakir Edwards

Line Name:

Enigma

Crossing:

Spring „09

Birthday:

March 16th 1987

Hometown:

Boston, MA

Favorite Book:

Rubyfruit Jungle

Least Favorite Food:

Tuna Melt Sandwich

If you could share a few words with an aspiring member,

what would they be?

I strongly believe in Murphey‟s Law: “Anything that can go

wrong, will go wrong”. Be optimistic, things WILL always go

wrong but its up to you to see the positive. Also, there is

always area for growth, don‟t beat yourself up too much

when it the road gets tough.

Share a moment that has shaped you into who you are

today:

If I could choose a moment, I would have to pick the

moment I was voted into the position of Chapter president.

In that moment I knew I had to step up or be eaten alive.

But as I look back I‟ve realized that my chapter doesn‟t

expect a leader, they shape one. I can recall moments of

where I had to stand corrected and bite my tongue for my

faults. One may view criticism as ridicule but I view it as

building blocks to a stronger individual. If you are unable to

learn from your mistakes and correct them, then you will be

eaten alive within your faults.

Lambda Chapter Interest Meeting

August 27th, 2010 @ 7PM

Location: TBA

[email protected]

CONRATULATIONS! Conclave 2010

Bro. Shakir Edwards

Academic Achievement Awards

Bro. Elijah Dear Certificate of Appreciation

* * * *

Lambda Chapter National Chapter

of the Year

Lambda Chapter Outstanding Service Award

Continue to shine my

diamond studded kanes!

Elijah Dear

North Atlantic Regional

Director