THE MIGHTY EPSILON KAPPA CHAPTER OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY INCUNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Note from the Editor and ChiefDear Brothers,

As we begin the new school year, we are looking forward to new programs and an aggressive fundrais-ing efforts. EK TODAY belongs to the chapter, so if you would like to contribute something, please email me. We look forward to a great year and an even greater chapter.

Fraternally yours,

Larry D. Miller

Editor, Treasurer, and Director of Programming

F B SFrom the Desk of the President of the Epsi-lon Kappa Chapter: Greetings to all,

As the newly elected President of the Epsi-lon Kappa Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and with the help of my brothers, I see this chapter doing great things under my leader-ship. The Executive Board and I will do whatever it takes to ensure the goals and objectives of the year are carried out. While keeping in mind the principles of the organization, I hope to strengthen the bond between the undergradu-ate and alumni chapters, as well as the university community. Since 1972, the chapter has upheld the adjetive “Mighty” and nothing less will be expected of us now. We are highly regarded and respected and we will maintain that distinction. Moreover, I am looking forward to a great year, and cannot wait to work with the University of Pittsburgh, other Western Pennsylvania Chap-ters, our alumni, Gamma Lambda Sigma Gradu-ate Chapter, and our sisters of Zeta Phi Beta So-rority, Inc. Please support our endeavors as “Our cause speeds on its way”. Thank you. G.O.M.A.B.

Sincerely,

Ruffin M. Prentiss III

President

Epsilon Kappa Chapter Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Year-In-Review By: Demetrius, Jason and Larry The undergraduate brothers here at Pitt are still rel-ishing all that we have gained and experienced during our 35th Anniversary Reunion. Here is what we have been up to since then.

SlEEP Out FOR thE hOmElESS As one of our more widely recognized service proj-ects, Sleep Out for the Homeless still makes an impact on our community. Last December, a group of over 20 Brothers and squires spent the night at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church and woke up early in the morning to prepare and serve a hot meal to the homeless men that had spent the night in the church as well. This hot meal could rival any IHOP or Denny’s breakfast including waffles, pancakes, turkey bacon, sausage, eggs, apple and orange juice. Not only did this service project bring more light to the plight of the homeless through the tabling that was done prior, but it also allowed every Brother and interest alike to fellowship and truly appreciate what God had provided for them.

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JULY 1, 2008

W W W . A P E X S D E S I G N S . C O M

Phi Beta loves the Kids toy Drive Last December, the chapter provided a holiday par-tyfor the entire third grade class (about 85 students) to the Helen Faison Arts Academy Public School. We were assisted and accompanied by Pittsburgh’s own, Brother Charlie Batch of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which brought even bigger smiles to the faces of both teachers and students alike.

Founder’s Day 2008 This year’s Founder’s Day saw no slowing of our love and dedication to Sigma. A rededication ceremony was per-formed alongside Pittsburgh’s Graduate Chapter, Gamma Lambda Sigma, before the celebration. Over 150 people filled the William Pitt Union Assembly Room in anticipation to watch the exhibition and candle lighting in honor of our founders. After cake and refreshments were served, the celebration resumed.

EK Charter Day 2008 Unlike Founder’s Day, the chapter wanted to cel-ebrate Epsilon Kappa’s 36th Anniversary in-house; and this we did. But of course, it was in Sigma style. Thanks to Bros. Adolph Sims and Claudy Pierre, Bros. shared the glorious occasion in the rich and stylish private room of Palomino’s restaurant downtown, dressed in business casual. Those that were in attendance dined on the likes of grilled prawns, blue crab and artichoke dip, rotisserie pork chop and New York steak.

New members Early Saturday morning at 6:28 am on March 1, 2008, three young men completed their journey through the burning sands and became official Bros. of our MIGHTY chapter and wondrous band.

EK’s Spring ‘08 line- Blu tRIFECtA: #1- Ruffin M. Prentiss III (RABID) #2- Aerion A. Abney (TIN MAN)

#3- Larry D. Miller (D.O.T.M.)

EK takes home the Gold On April 4, 2008, the Mighty Epsilon Kappa Chapter claimed victory at the 2008 Steel City Step Show sponsored by the University NPHC. EK’s show entitled “24/7” wowed the audience with daring moves and precise movement. EK not only won the top honor, but also earned the highest score of the evening. The show introduction can be seen on www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC_NcGm9-30 . This is just some of what we have been doing, in ad-dition we have our many forums and other programs and our monthly Adopt-Block clean up.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Brother Demetrius Tucker atnsg1914@yahoo.com. G.O.M.A.B.

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mEmBER OF thE mONth

tristan Griffith, a recent graduate of the university of Pittsburgh, is from Peekskill, NY by way of Brooklyn. Over his four years as an undergrad, Bro. Griffith was ac-tively involved in Black Action Society (membership vice-chair 2005-06), NPhC (Programming 2005-06, President 2006-08) and as our chapter’s outgoing treasurer. he was named “male Student leader” of the year and “Greek man” of the year by the university of Pittsburgh’s Student life Office for the 2007-08 academic year. With a BS in Finance and marketing from the College of Business Administration, tristan will be attending the Katz Graduate School of Busi-ness to receive his mBA.

AlumNI OF thE mONth

CEO and Artistic Director of “Learning 2 Unlearn Enter-tainment, Nathan James, was recently seen as a plain clothes police officer on HBO’s hit series, “The Wire”. As an Actor/Spoken Word Poet/Activist born in the city of Pittsburgh, he performed his poem “I too Sing America 2”, a remake of the original Langston Hughes poem, on the 2006 Emmy Award nominated documentary soundtrack, “Torch Bearers”. Groomed as an actor since the age of 12, he performed at the National Black Theater Festival in the hit show “Revenge of a King”. He received the 2006 AACTA acting award of “Best Supporting Actor” for his role as “Red Carter” in August Wilson’s “FENCES” at Kuntu Repertory Theater. You may have also seen Nathan Co-starring in the role of “AL” in the Indie Film “Pain Within”, at the Sundance Film Fes-tival. With Nathan on the cover of “Best Black Plays 2003 - 2006” he was ranked as one of the top 15 poets in the Nation by “Poetry Slam Incorporated” 2005. In the spring of 2006, Nathan was commissioned by The August Wilson Cultural Center to write and perform a poem for one of America’s premiere black pioneers, Mae Jemison (the first black women in Outer Space). He wrote and produced his very own acclaimed one-man show, “Growing Pains”. In November 2006 he was commissioned by the Thomas Merton Center to perform for the legendary Civil Rights Activists, Angela Davis. You may find some of his most recent work published in the National Poetry Anthology 2004 (poetry Slam Inc.) and “Eternal Portraits” (The international Library of Poetry 2005). With a nomination for International poet of the year and awarded as an International poet of Merit, Nathan has shared the stage with International artists/person-alities such as: James Earl Jones, Abiodun Oyewole (The Last Poets), Bobby Seale, Sean “Puffy” Combs (vote or die), Amel

Larrieux, Raheem Devaughn, Donnie, Molefi Kete Assante, Amir Sulliman, Saul Williams, Marc Bamuthi Smith, Will Da Real One, and Dana Gilmore (all by way of HBO’s “Def Poetry Jam”). He has been a feature performer in many venues Nationally and Internation-ally such as: “The International Word Festival (Grahamstown, South Africa), The Shadow Lounge (Pittsburgh Pa.), The Greek Week and October Gallery (Philadelphia Pa.), Bohemian Caverns (Washington D.C.); and Schools/Universities such as: The Ohio State Univer-sity, Penn State University, Carnegie Mellon University, Point Park College, University of Pittsburgh, Chatham College, Slippery Rock University and various public high school and middle schools. Poetry has been a love of his since his early years of high school. It wasn’t until influence by the late Robert Penny (his mentor/profes-sor at the Univ. of Pitt), and his acting mentor Dr. Vernell Lillie, that Nathan decided to put his acting and writing talents together to create spoken word performance pieces that were entertaining but educational as well. CHECK HIS WEBSITE OUT TO BUY HIS CD: www.myspace.com/nathanjamespoet.

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Sigma StyleBy: Adolph Sims

It’s every child’s favorite time of year. Why? Be-cause, there’s no school, the pools are open, and they can watch television all day long. Yes, its summertime! And no matter what the age, we all love it. In adulthood, how-ever, we look forward to different types of summer fun: vacations, home remodels, summer flings, and of course the much anticipated summer weddings.

Dressing for the summer wedding can be a huge hassle for ladies, but in my opinion it’s even harder for the gentleman. Therefore, I have composed a list of five successful tips for selecting your attire for the summer wedding.

1. Buy a cotton suit. Your wool suit should be packed away and dry cleaned. I don’t want to see it again until September! Who is going to want to dance with a guy who has already sweated through his clothes during the first course? Cotton suits are lighter, and easier to dress down if the wedding is not very formal.

2. Wear white! Yes you can do it, don’t be afraid. There aren’t many occasions in a man’s life where a white suit is appropriate, but a wedding is definitely one of them. It’s okay even if the groom is wearing white, more than likely he’s got on a tux. You’ll be wearing a white suit made of cotton or linen anyway. Oh and skip the tie.

Instead pick yourself out a light blue woven dress shirt with the collar unbuttoned.

Trust me, when I say that you’ll give all the single ladies some-thing to talk about. (Some of the married ones too!).

3. Leave your lace ups at home. Go invest in nice pair of loafers instead. Black or brown will do, though brown is the new black for summer. Then go sock-less. Let your ankles breathe. It’s the only time of year when they get to see light. Don’t worry about your feet being sweaty. Moisturize them at night with a little Vaseline and rub just tad of foot powder on them in the morning. You’ll be set.

4. Find a straw hat to go with your suit. I think that a nice natural one is best. It can go with your dark, light, or white suit. You’ll really look sharp. I wore one to the last wedding I went to, and although I got more compliments than phone numbers, my self-esteem was boosted. All the specialty retailers have them this time of year, so get out there and find one.

5. But what if my summer wedding is on the beach? No problem. Most beach weddings tend to consist of very casual attire: soft linen shirts, drawstring roll up pants, or casual kha-kis. J. Crew tends to have great essentials for beach weddings. If you’re going to be out on the beach you might as well be comfortable.

I hope that you found this information helpful. I do believe in dressing for success in all occasions. Email your style questions to adolphrashadsims@yahoo.com. GOMAB

EK-CAPITAL CAMPAIGN The year is in motion and we have some great plans. With conclave approaching and the chapter coordinating larger programs, the financial demand has increased signifcantly. To combat the rising costs associated with programming, we are initiating the EK Capital Campaign. Our goal is to raise $10,000.00 dollars thru fundraising programs such as SIGmA DOllAR DAYS, the SIGmA CAR WASh, SOCIAl EVENtS, and most importantly AlumNI DONAtIONS. Donations toward the EK Capital Campaign will help our brothers make the pilgrimage to Conclave, support our general operating costs, and maintain the financial health of our mIGhtY Chapter. ShOW YOuR SuPPORt FOR EK AND SEND DONAtIONS tO:

EPSIlON KAPPA ChAPtERP.O. BOX 7143PIttSBuRGh, PA 15213

If you have questions, please contact Larry Miller at 610-457-3954 or by email at larry.miller.d@gmail.com. Larry Miller, Editor & Chief, Treasurer, and Director of Programming

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