ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC FLORIDA FEDERATION OF ALPHA CHAPTERS Developing Strong and Courageous Leaders for Advocacy and Service OCTOBER 14-16, 2011 2011 DISTRICT CONFERENCE HILTON TAMPA AIRPORT WESTSHORE TAMPA, FL John Ellis, Esq., District Director Desmond T. Haygood, District Secretary OPENING SESSION/ BUSINESS SESSION I Presiding, Brother Brandon J. Smith, Assistant District Director Ballroom A/B CALL TO ORDER Brother John Ellis, District Director, called the meeting into order at 5:05pm. INVOCATION Brother Rolous Frazier, District Chaplin, gave the invocation WELCOME Brother Howard Harris, Local Convention Chairman, welcomed the Brothers to Tampa.
PRESENTATION OF CONFERENCE OFFICIALS Brother Ricky Stuart, District Executive Director, introduced the Conference Officials CHAPTER ROLL CALL AND REPORTS Brother Desmond Haygood, District Secretary, performed the roll call of chapters and representatives that were present. ADOPTION OF 2010 DISTRICT CONFERENCE MINUTES Brother Desmond Haygood greeted and advised the Brothers to review the District s 2010 conference minutes. Brother Romeo Wiggins moved to accept the minutes from the 2010 District conference, Brother Vernon Lane second; the minutes were properly approved and accepted. ADOPTION OF 2011 DISTRICT CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Brother Stuart presented the 2011 District Conference schedule for adoption. Brother Gregory Salters moved to accept the 2011 District Conference agenda; Brother Wiggins second, the 2011 District Conference agenda was approved and accepted. RULES AND CREDENTIALS Brother Kevin Allen-Nash gave report. Brother Nash reported that there were 160 Brothers registered; 116 delegates; 80 Alumni; 19 College Brothers; 17 unregistered Brothers so far. Brother J.C. Rawls lead the conference attendants in A Good Ole Alpha Spirit Brother Ellis called out each Area Director and their Areas to show unity and Brotherhood Brother J.C. Rawls lead the conference attendants in By the Light of the Moon Brother Ellis suspended the Opening Session at 5:34pm SECOND BUSINESS SESSION Presiding, John T. Warren, West Area Director and Lester Duverce, Assistant West Area Director Ballroom A/B CALL TO ORDER The second business session was called to order by Brother John Warren, West Area District Director at 5:45pm INVOCATION Brother Cornell King opened the second business session with prayer. Brother King brought forth a scripture from the Old Testament about Brotherhood, stating that the Florida Federation treats Brotherhood not as a word, but as a matter of the heart.
BUDGET AND FINANCE No report at this time COMMITTEE REPORTS (ACTION ITEMS ONLY) Brother Warren opened the floor for any committee reports; no reports at this time PRESENTATION OF ASSISTANT SOUTHERN REGION VICE PRESIDENT Brother Brandon Smith presented the credentials of Brother Xavier Jones, Assistant Southern Region Vice President. ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT COMMENTS Brother Xavier Jones gave remarks. Brother Jones recognized Brother Crumel, Brother Shamburger from the Southern Region, Brother John Ellis and Brother Brandon Smith. Brother Jones stated that the Southern Region is strong and the House of Alpha stands strong. Brother Jones gave some insight on the intake process, noting that chapters must see whom they bringing into the Fraternity. Brother Jones spoke about how chapters are too caught up in making someone a Brother; questioning why chapters do things that they do, and what can they do better at. Brother Jones also spoke on Chapter monikers; bringing up his own chapter s moniker. He stated that if used correctly, the monikers can bring the chapter into prominence on campuses; if used incorrectly, the monikers place the Fraternity at risk. Brother Jones stated that the chapters should continue to protect the Alpha Brand. He wanted college brothers to continue to march onward and upward towards the Light, and Alumni Brothers should welcome college brothers graduating into their chapters. Brother Jones announced that the College Brothers Retreat will be held February 2012, in Nashville, Tennessee. Brother Jones concluded by quoting Jewel Founder Brother Henry Arthur Callis- Our tasks are endless and to continue to march onward and upward towards the Light. PRESENTATION OF VICE PRESIDENT Brother Michael Norwood presented the Southern Region Vice President, Brother James Crumel. STATE OF THE REGION ADDRESS Brother Crumel gave remarks. Brother Crumel opened up with House of Alpha. Brother Crumel recognized Brothers Jones, Brothers Ellis and Smith, past District Directors Rawls, Bell, Johnson, and McCray. Brother Crumel started by announcing Brother Smith s line name, which would be Flash. Brother Crumel stated that the Southern Region is on solid ground. The Region had a successful Regional convention; College Brothers are being leaders on campuses, Alumni Brothers becoming leaders in community. Brother Crumel stated that there were 1500 Brothers registered for Regional convention. The convention made $45,000, and the feedback was positive. Brother Crumel stated that the Regional Convention will be back to South Carolina. The South Carolina district was missed by Brotherhood for far too long, and the Brothers are anxious to return to South Carolina. Brother Crumel announced that the 2012 Southern Leadership Development Institute would be held again at Fort Valley State University; this past SLDI had 22% come from the Florida Federation. Brother Crumel brought up the issue of intake. He stated that intake is a privilege, not a right. There were 22 chapters approved for intake. Brother Crumel stated that the Brothers should not lose sight of the true meaning of fraternity. Brother Crumel thanked the Brothers who attended the General Convention, and for understanding when he had to leave due to personal reasons. Brother Crumel stated that during the Convention, several amendments were not approved because the Southern Region was not together. Brother Crumel stated that during the Convention, he disagreed with General President Skip Mason about amendments to the Constitution, that some were designed for appropriate checks and balances. Brother Crumel went over a couple of amendments such as a requirement for board/non-budgeted items and overrules constitution when General Conventions are not in session. Brother Crumel will charge the Southern Region Constitution committee to decide concepts and would like a member of the Fl Federation to be on committee. Brother
Crumel brought up the Chicago Convention. Brother Crumel stated that $470,000 was lost at the Convention. Brother Crumel stated that in the last 10 years, this was the most lost at a Convention. Brother Crumel opened the floor for any questions. Brother Crumel answered questions from the Brothers concerning an update on AlphaNet 4.0, the accounting of rescheduling events at conventions, and the scheduled convention in Miami, Florida. REMARKS Brother Howard Harris, Local Convention Chairman, gave remarks Brother Bruce Curry, President of Gamma Zeta Lambda Chapter, gave remarks Brothers Mark Tillman and Roderick Smothers, candidates for the 34 th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, both spoke about their credentials and asked the Fl Federation for their support. After the Fraternity Hymn and Prayer, the second business session was adjourned at 7:20pm The District Step Show took place in Ballrooms B/C/D. The teams competing were: Beta Nu (Florida A & M University), Iota Delta (Florida State University), Delta Psi (Florida Memorial University), and Theta Sigma (University of Florida) Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest Ballroom A/B Brother John Warren, Chairmen of the Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest, opened the competition. Brother Warren presented the 2011-2012 Oratorical theme is: Beyond the Rhetoric-Healthcare for all Americans: Entitlement or Privilege. Brother Warren introduced the contestants for the Oratorical Contest. After the competition, Brother Ellis gave closing remarks. BROTHERHOOD LUNCHEON Ballroom A/B Brother Matthew Bradford, South Area Director, presided over the luncheon Brother Cornell King did the invocation Brother Cornell King led a song Brother Howard Harris introduced a member of the local chapter s MOT program, who informed the Brotherhood on what the MOT program did for him and other young men After lunch, there was a presentation of Health in Black Men to the Brotherhood.
Brother John Ellis, Florida District Director gave closing remarks The Brotherhood Luncheon adjourned with the singing of the Alpha Hymn and Fraternity Prayer CLOSING BUSINESS SESSION Presiding, Brother Shawn Collins, East Area Director and Brother Brandon Hutchings, Assistant East Area Director Ballroom A/B Brother Shawn Collins, East Area Director, called the meeting to order at 3:12pm Brother Micah Roland led the conference attendants in song I m So Glad Alpha Lifted Me INVOCATION Brother Cornell King prayed a powerful prayer to open the closing business session DISTRICT TREASURER REPORT Brother Christopher Polke, District Treasurer, gave report. The beginning balance for the Operating Fund for 07/01/2011-06/30/2011 was $11,444.02. The ending balance was $19,262.30. The beginning 2011-2012 Operation Report for 07/01/2011-09/30/2011 was $38,628.48. Brother Polke presented the 2012-2013 Proposed Operation Budget for approval; Brother Jeff Branch moved to accept the 2012-2013 Proposed Operation Budget; Brother Wiggins second; the 2012-2013 proposed budget was approved and accepted by the Brotherhood. RULES AND CREDENTIALS REPORT No report COMMITTEE REPORTS UPDATES Brother Ricky Stuart called for any reports. MLK FUNDRAISING REPORT Brother Charles Jackson gave report. Brother Jackson reported that the Southern Region was #1 in fundraising within the Fraternity. Brother Jackson reported that the Florida Federation was 3 rd behind Georgia and North Carolina. The Beta Beta Lambda, Miami, was the #1 Alumni chapter and Iota Delta, Florida State University, was #1 College chapter. Brother Jackson presented his report as information only. CONSTIUTITONAL COMMITTEE Brother G.C. Murray, Jr. gave report. Brother Murray presented information to the Brotherhood about adding a Graduate Brother distinction for the Florida Federation. The Graduate Brother status would be noted as being a full time student in graduate school, with an alumni rate. The Graduate Brother status would be for Brothers who were transferring from Undergraduate schools to Graduate School. Brother Mike Williams asked were there any support from other districts; Brother Murray answered that the Florida Federation had no support. Brother James Crumel asked does the report have any specific language to it; Brother Murray stated that it has some constitutional languages, but it is flexible. Brother Greg Salters moved to accept the recommendation for Brother Murray to look into adding a Graduate
Brother Distinction, with regards to the Regional and National level; the motion was second; the motion to add a Graduate Brother distinction was approved and accepted by the Brotherhood. NATIONAL PROJECTS Brother Norwood gave report. Brother Norwood reported that the goal of $15,000 was exceeded by the Brotherhood. The Brotherhood raised $16,618. This was the 2 nd year with Relay of Life. Brother Norwood reported that 23 out of 38 chapters participated with this event. Brother Norwood reported that Chapter Presidents set a goal of $1906.00, this year raised $1600.00. 1 st year, the Fl Federation raised $4,000.00. Goal of 24 teams registered; 10 teams only registered and sent in $100. Brother Norwood stated that they wanted every chapter to raise $100 dollars. This year s goal of $25,000 is the goal for this year. Brother Norwood presented his report as information only. GENERAL COUNCILS REPORT Brother Gordon C. Murray, Sr. gave report. Brother Murray brought forth to the Brotherhood a memorandum about the Florida Federation dissolving the incorporation of the Florida Federation. Brother Murray brought up the positives for being incorporated. Brother Crumel stated that the Florida Federation is the only district that is incorporated. Brother Ellis stated that the Florida Federation had received a request to dissolve incorporation. Brother Ellis stated that we will be hard pressed to maintain incorporation within Florida Federation. BROTHER S KEEPER REPORT Brother Chris Stevenson gave report. Brother Stevenson presented the five goals of the Brother s Keepers Program. The five goals are: 1. Assistance to older Brothers of the chapter 2. Maintain communication with widow of deceased Brothers 3. Establish Brother s Keepers committee representative 4. Social events-invite widows/wives of sick Brothers 5. Present online presentation viewing for older Brothers PRESENTATION OF ASSISTANT DISTRICT DIRECTOR Brother Shawn Collins, East Area Director, presented Brother Brandon J. Smith, Assistant District Director ASSISTANT DISTRICT DIRECTOR COMMENTS Brother Brandon Smith gave remarks. Brother Smith acknowledged Brothers Crumel and Jones, and Brother Shamburger. Brother Smith also recognized Brother Ellis and the District Leadership team. Brother Smith gave an update on the College Brother s Affairs. Brother Smith stated that the College Brothers Retreat would be held in Tallahassee in January. He also announced if there were any Brothers that were interested in Assistant District Director position. Brother Smith also announced that the Alumni/College Brother Basketball tournament would be held on the campus of the University of Tampa. Brother Smith ended his comments by thanking the Brothers during his time as Assistant District Director. PRESENTATION OF DISTRICT DIRECTOR Brother Matthew Bradford, South Area Director, presented Brother John Ellis, District Director DISTRICT DIRECTOR REMARKS
Brother John Ellis gave remarks. Brother Ellis recognized Brother James Crumel, Brother Xavier Jones, Brother Kenyatta Shamburger, the District leadership team, past District Directors: Brothers J.C. Rawls, Lynwood Bell, Christopher McCray, Gary Johnson, and James Crumel. Brother Ellis also recognized Brothers Mark Tillman and Roderick Smothers, candidates for the 34 th General President. Brother Ellis also thanked the Host chapters of the conference. Brother Ellis introduced the two new chapters of the Florida Federation-Upsilon Theta and Sigma Beta Lambda. Brother Ellis introduced the seven new areas: The Northwest, North, East, West, South, Virgin Islands, and Bahamas. Brother Ellis stated that the decision to have the realignment was so that chapters connect with area directors. Brother Ellis stated that it was better for chapters can provide customer service and have more connectivity with their respective area directors. Brother Ellis stated that the Florida Federation is a district that firmly believes in the motto of ONE - there is only one body and spirit of Alpha. This is a District that has paved the path for all other districts to follow. Brother Ellis then thanked the past District Directors for them making the Florida Federation that way and supporting the current administration. Brother Ellis stated that it was with their strong vision that this administration builds upon. Brother Ellis then continued to state that we should celebrate our history. He posed the question on what district has had the opportunity to have a chapter founded by a Jewel-Beta Nu chapter; three Alumni chapters founded in the period of 1925-1937: Upsilon Lambda, Beta Beta Lambda, and Beta Delta Lambda. Brother Ellis stated that we stop for a moment and review these historical milestones. Brother Ellis then recognized the Brothers of those chapters. Brother Ellis stated that we need to review the Florida Federation history. He also asked all chapters to have a session on Fraternity History. Brother Ellis stated that the District is good, on an academic level, a B. Brother Ellis stressed that a B grade is not acceptable, because we are the Florida Federation. Brother Ellis stated that when the past District Directors gave the reigns to him, to keep the status quoi and give their support, guidance, and direction. Brother Ellis brought up the highlights of the past year: 1. Alpha University attendance increased; 30 out of 38 Chapters, with 210 Brothers in attendance. Brother Ellis stated that he would like for all 40 Chapters to attend the following year 2. 30 out of 38 Chapters completed Chapter scorecards. Brother Ellis stated that there were no excuse for Chapter Directories to not be updated by the deadline 3. 30 out of 38 Chapters participate in 2 National Programs 4. $100,000 donated to charities by the 38 Chapters 5. College chapters averages 2.9 GPAs 6. Raised $16,608.67 to Relay for Life; 25 chapters to commit to raise $1,000 7. March of Dimes donated $15,000 Brother Ellis would like the Brothers to continue to show the true essence of Brotherhood. Brother Ellis stated that we should assist and aid through the process of Alpha Phi Alpha. Brother Ellis quoted Brother Charles H. Wesley in stating, We are Fraternity. Brother Ellis stated that the Florida Federation should stand together on voting on the 34 th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha. Brother Ellis stated that we should step up our leadership game and that charity begins at home. Brother Ellis stated that we should train new energetic leaders at the District, Region, and National levels. Brother Ellis stated that we are Florida Federation and continue the true essence of Fraternity and we are ready and that we are First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All. ANNOUNCEMENTS Brother Ricky Stuart did announcements After the Fraternity Hymn and Prayer, the closing business session was adjourned at 4:45pm. After the Closing Business Session, activities that followed were:
College/Alumni Brother Basketball, which convened at the University of Tampa campus Miss Black and Gold took place in Ballroom B/C/D PRAYER & AWARDS BREAKFAST Ballroom A Brother John T. Warren, West Area Director, presided over the breakfast Brother Murphy led the audience in Praise and Worship Brother Mathis prayed for the National and Regional Officers Brother Nixon prayed for the District Officers Brother Murphy led another song Brother Polke prayed for civil services amongst the Brothers Mr. Robert Devito, representative of the American Cancer Society, presented awards to the top Alumni and College chapters, which were Omicron Upsilon Lambda and Tau Delta Brother Michael Norwood presented Mr. Devito with a check for $700, towards the Florida Federation s goal of $25,000 Brother Keith Davis presented the following Awards: MISS BLACK AND GOLD Miss Black and Gold- Camille York, University of Florida Miss Congeniality- Katasha Walker Miss Talent- Ariel Ray 1 st Runner Up-Keeba Williams STEP SHOW Delta Psi- Florida Memorial University Iota Delta- Florida State University BELFORD V LAWSON ORATORICAL CONTEST Davario V. Rahming- Delta Psi (Florida Memorial University) COLLEGE BROTHER OF THE YEAR Ludger Marson- Iota Delta (Florida State University) COLLEGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Theta Sigma (University of Florida) COLLEGE BROTHER WITH HIGHEST GPA Ludger Marsan: 3.0 GPA
COLLEGFE CHAPTER WITH HIGHEST GPA Theta Sigma, Gainesville, FL ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR Beta Beta Lambda, Miami, FL ALUMNI BROTHER OF THE YEAR Gordon C. Murray, Jr, Beta Beta Lambda, Miami, FL CHARLES W. GREEN AWARD OF MERIT Maurice C. Hurry, Beta Beta Lambda, Miami FL AUGUSTUS M. WHITHERSPOON AWARD Gordon C. Murray, Sr., Beta Beta Lambda, Miami, FL CHARLES H. WESLEY BROTHERHOOD AWARD Theta Sigma & Nu Eta Lambda, Gainesville, Fl GOLF TOURNAMENT Delta Delta Lambda, West Palm Beach, FL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS Iota Delta, Florida State University COLLEGE PRESIDENT Simon Valcin, Theta Gamma, University of South Florida ALUMNI PRESIDENT Watson Louidor, Nu Eta Lambda AREA DIRECTOR Vernon Lane, Northwest Area Directory TEAM MEMBER Ricky Stuart, Executive Director After presentation of awards, Brother John Ellis gave remarks. After remarks, the District Convention officially closed with the Fraternity Hymn and Prayer Fraternally Submitted Desmond T. Haygood District Secretary Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters, Inc John D. Ellis, Jr. District Director
Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters, Inc