Founders’ Weekend

So last weekend was gruelling. A full day of work Friday, then off to Philadelphia, PA to spend time celebrating the founding of our organization with the Brothers from Rho, Omicron Delta Lambda and Zeta Omicron Lambda. It was good. The Brothers were joyful, and highly spirited (and that had nothing to do with the bar. 8?)

Brother General President-elect Herman 'Skip' Mason
Brother General President-elect Herman 'Skip' Mason

Brother General President-elect Mason, who spoke during the Philly event, was on point with his remarks. He encouraged Brothers to make a conscious effort to reclaim at least one Alpha. To take the time and re-engage Brothers who have strayed away to respond to the demands of “life,” but only need an invitation or nudge to come back and join us in the vineyards of fellowship.

For years I’ve touted our responsibility to remain actively involved with Brothers who have to step aside momentarily “because life happens.” Its what we all, as men, might have to do at some point. Membership Intake is good, but our first responsibility is to keep our Brothers engaged; to ensure their well being.

After leaving Philadelphia its very likely the car was on auto pilot – or maybe this is just a testament to the fact that God is real, eh? – as its not very clear how I made it home safely; “…tired moments…” were indeed finding “…me a delightful treat…”

gravesite of Jewel Bro. Robert Harold Ogle
gravesite of Jewel Bro. Robert Harold Ogle

Saturday morning, it was up and at’em, in order to attend the MAAC Founders’ Day celebration in College Park, MD. The speaker was Bro. Hon. Reggie Walton (US Circuit Court Judge). Bro. Walton’s remarks, too, were on target, emphasizing the need for ensuring there is an educated well nurtured group of African American males applying to and attending the nation’s universities and colleges, for by doing so we ensure the future existence of Alpha Phi Alpha. Hmmm. Believe there’s a recent “Alpha Talk” post regarding this very fact…wow, synergy!

After leaving the breakfast, I and a couple of Delta Lambda Brothers (Bro. Steven King and Bro. Dontae Ryan) visited the gravesite of Jewel Bro. Robert Harold Ogle. If you’re in the Maryland/DC/VA area and have not been to the site, you must make it a priority to see the beautiful plot-type gravestone the Brothers of MAAC (constructed and placed under the resoulte guidance and direction of Iota Upsilon Lambda and Bro. Tony Cheatham), its beautiful.

Sunday ended with the annual Founders’ Day activities of Delta Lambda chapter. This year we fellowshipped with the Douglas Memorial Community Church, pastored by Bro. Rev. S. Todd Yeary; it was a good service. Following church service, we made our way to The Forum Caterers, owned by Bro. Raymond Haysbert (former CEO of Parks Sausages), for the annual dinner and rededication ceremonies. The event was wonderful and the Brothers, wives and guest all had a good time. There were even 17 of the 24 members of the 2008 – 2009 Delta Lambda Beautillion class in attendance; what a great way to expose them to the history and magnificence of Alpha.

In all this Founders’ weekend was a good time to get out and about and see Brothers who are often represented only by email and text messages; there’s nothing like human contact (and that’s coming from a devout technologist).

Well, until next weekend’s foray of chapter meetings, I bid you adieu.