ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. GENERAL PRESIDENT DR. WILLIS L. LONZER, III, INVITES THE BROTHERHOOD TO JOIN IN THE METAMUCIL CHALLENGE
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. GENERAL PRESIDENT DR. WILLIS L. LONZER, III,
INVITES THE BROTHERHOOD TO JOIN IN THE METAMUCIL CHALLENGE
Willis L. Lonzer, III, Ph.D. Jeffrey E. Sterling, MD, MPH, FACEP
GENERAL PRESIDENT SURGEON GENERAL
GreetingsBrothers,
The well-known fiber supplement Metamucil is teaming up with HBCUs and The Divine Nine to share the benefits of fiber on health and wellbeing called the "Metamucil Two-Week Challenge." Metamucil will be donating $65,000 in scholarships to organizations through the challenge.
Metamucil is a fiber laxative used to treat constipation or bowel irregularity. It may also help lower cholesterol when combined with a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat. Statistics show that African Americans are far more likely than other ethnicities to suffer from high cholesterol and diabetes. Many health officials say a leading method in beating these odds and not becoming a statistic is to stay healthy from the beginning starting with digestion.
General President Lonzer and Brother Dr. Sterling are encouraging Brothers to participate in the challenge and to be educated on the importance of gut health.
"Digestion is important because your body needs nutrients (e.g. proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water) from food and drink to function properly and stay healthy," said General President Lonzer. "A healthy gut contains healthy bacteria and immune cells that ward off infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, and fungi."
Through the HBCU and Divine 9 Challenge, Metamucil will donate up to $10,000 in scholarship funds to the schools and Greek organizations with the most sign-ups.
You can sign up for the challenge at: https://www.metamucil.com/en-us/two-week-challenge
Winners will be announced at the NAACP Image Awards on BET on March 27th.
For more information see the attached flyer below.
Fraternally,
Willis L. Lonzer, PhD Jeffery E. Sterling, MD, MPH, FACEP
General President Surgeon General
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.’S PROJECT ALPHA AND GLOBAL AIDS SERVICE ORGANIZATION EXTEND PARTNERSHIP TO ADDRESS RISING STIs AMONG BLACK YOUTH
CONTACT:
Colin Campbell, Ph.D., Director of Marketing & Communications colincampbell@apa1906.net (443) 467-6011
Imara Canady, National Director of Communications & Community Engagement imara.canady@ahf.org (770) 940-6555
FOR IMMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2020
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.’S PROJECT ALPHA AND GLOBAL AIDS SERVICE ORGANIZATION EXTEND PARTNERSHIP TO ADDRESS RISING STIs AMONG BLACK YOUTH
Baltimore, MD – Project Alpha, one of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s national programs for its chapters focusing on mentoring and sexual health education for young boys and girls, is strengthening its sexual health curriculum and efforts to combat rising STIs thanks to its ongoing partnership with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), through its Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC).
In 2019, the fraternity established a multi-year national partnership with AHF, the world’s largest non-profit public health organization leading the charge in addressing the global STI epidemic, but the COVID-19 pandemic sidelined much of the fraternity’s efforts and AHF’s Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition’s (BLACC) support. Alpha Phi Alpha and AHF have extended their partnership to fulfill their commitment to improve capacity, establish best practices in providing resources for these programs as well as gathering data to improve Project Alpha’s efforts in communities with high rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“I am grateful for the continued support of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to help increase Project Alpha’s capacity and modernize its sexual health curriculum,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Willis L. Lonzer, III, Ph.D. “With the recent historic appointment of the fraternity’s first-ever Surgeon General, Brother Jeffrey Sterling, MD, MPH, FACEP, this effort is especially timely since the Fraternity is now ushering in a new paradigm that focuses on not only improving the health of our Brotherhood, but also those whom we serve through our programs.”
Through the end of 2022, alumni chapters are expected to partner with their mentoring college chapters as well as participate in at least two events, including collaborating with AHF’s BLACC initiative events, to receive $1,000 in the following communities:
- Atlanta, GA
- Chicago, IL
- Cleveland, OH
- Columbus, OH
-more-
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CAEvents include, but are not limited to, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – February 7; National HIV Testing Day – June 27; World AIDS Day – December 1; AIDS WALK in their respective cities. Each chapter will also coordinate with their respective Regional Project Alpha Chairman to present their findings at their respective regional conventions as well. Alpha chapters and local BLACC leaders will collaboratively use creative and innovative approaches, including films, creative arts, and other unique engagement sessions to provide education, motivation, and skill-building on issues of responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“Studies show that focused HIV/AIDS education can significantly reduce youths’ desire to engage in risky behavior,” said Dr. Sterling, the Fraternity’s Surgeon General. “Proper education can influence behaviors, including delaying the onset of sex, reducing sexual encounters, and becoming more selective of sexual partners. It also can prevent unprotected sex, reduce STIs, and decrease pregnancy rates.”
For more than three decades, AHF has provided treatment, care, and support services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. Through AHF’s BLACC initiative, the organization has continued to increase awareness among Black Americans, and has developed local, regional, and national partnerships with community-based organizations.
Anita Castille, AHF Vice-President, who quoted the great visionary leader, and man of Alpha, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said that ‘our lives begin to end the moment we are silent about things that matter.’
“With the on-going increase in new HIV diagnoses as well as other STIs disproportionately impacting the lives of 12 – 25-year-old Black boys and men, saving the lives of our brothers matters,” Castille said. “AHF, through BLACC, is excited to bring our organizations together to educate and empower our community by addressing this public health crisis, and collectively elevating the community’s commitment to our health, by making informed sexual decisions, reducing stigma, and decreasing the new infection rates among Black Americans.”
According to the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC):
➢ Young people aged 15–24 years acquire half of all new STIs nationwide.
➢ Compared with older adults, sexually-active adolescents aged 15–19 years and young adults aged 20–24years are at higher risk of acquiring STIs for a combination of behavioral, biological, and cultural reasons.
About Alpha Phi Alpha:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock, Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, The Honorable Andrew Young, Edward Brooke, and Dr. Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. For more information, visit: apa1906.net and follow Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on Twitter and Instagram @apa1906network.
About the Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition powered by AIDS Healthcare Foundation
The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) powered by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (“AHF”), is a coalition of Black-American cultural influencers and health advocates, that through the use of innovative, culturally relevant messaging and initiatives, are revolutionizing outreach to the Black American community by elevating education, sexual health awareness and wellness and highlighting social justice issues disproportionately impacting the health and wellness of Black Americans. As the world’s largest non-profit public health organization addressing the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, AHF currently has more than 1.5 million individuals in care. It provides services in 45 countries and domestically in 16 states including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Visit: aidshealth.org
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Jeffrey E. Sterling, MD, MPH, FACEP (AM ’82) appointed as Surgeon General of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Jeffrey E. Sterling, MD, MPH, FACEP (AM ’82) appointed as Surgeon General of
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
February 4, 2021
Brothers,
When I campaigned for General President, I committed to bring forth a new paradigm focusing on the improvement of the health of our Brotherhood as well as an extension of that awareness to impact our fraternity programming and even our community partners. It is with great pleasure that I name the Brother who will function as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s first surgeon general. Brother Jeffrey Emery Sterling, MD, MPH, FACEP, a 1982 initiate of the Alpha Mu Chapter seated at Northwestern University, is currently affiliated with the Beta Tau Lambda Chapter in Fort Worth, TX. Bro. Dr. Sterling received his medical training from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and holds a Master of Public Health degree from the Harvard School of Public Health. He has also received executive education from Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business and is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Medicine. In addition to his strong medical and public health background, Bro. Sterling also brings strong business and strategic acumen to this role as reflected through his leadership in several initiatives and businesses, including Sterling Initiatives, an international healthcare consulting and implementation firm that provides entities with clinical, operational, and financial best practices. His unique mixture of medical practice, public health, and international healthcare business/consulting knowledge makes him an ideal fit for the strategic demands of this role. Please join me in congratulating him on his appointment.
As I close this announcement, I am requesting all Brothers who are trained in Medicine, Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Public Health, Dentistry, Mental Health, International/Tropical Medicine, Health Sciences, and related areas to contact the administration at transition@apa1906.net with a short message describing your field/professional activities and your CV. We will be communicating additional information surrounding the launch of the Surgeon General Initiative for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity soon. Until then, please stay safe and healthy.
Fraternally,
Willis L. Lonzer, III, Ph.D.
General President
Alpha Phi Alpha Fundraises for the V Foundation During Month-Long Initiative “Give and Go to Fight Cancer” Will Support the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund
Alpha Phi Alpha Fundraises for the V Foundation During Month-Long Initiative
“Give and Go to Fight Cancer” Will Support the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund
Cary, NC [December 4, 2020] – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, alongside founding partner ESPN, announce Alpha Phi Alpha will drive awareness and support for the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. The fundraising initiative kicks off on December 4, the anniversary of Alpha Phi Alpha’s founding, and it wraps up on January 4, 2021, the anniversary of Stuart Scott’s passing. Scott, an Alpha Phi Alpha Brother, was committed to advancing cancer research. The month-long campaign called “Give and Go to Fight Cancer,” will encourage two important things: to give by making a donation to cancer research and to go schedule a cancer screening.
The V Foundation and ESPN established the Stuart Scott Fund in memory of celebrated ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott after he passed away in 2015. Stuart was a dedicated friend to the V Foundation and a champion for cancer research. He enrolled in a clinical trial during his own cancer journey and was especially driven to improve outcomes for African Americans and other minorities disproportionately affected by cancer. The V Foundation has awarded $10.5 million in grants through the Stuart Scott Fund, which supports minority scientists as well as research dedicated to cancer disparities experienced by minority populations.
“Alpha Phi Alpha is pleased to join the V Foundation in celebration of the legacy of our Brother Stuart Scott, who represented the defining qualities of an Alpha man,” said Brother General President Dr. Everett B. Ward. “His scholarship, leadership and service serves as a role model for all. Brother Scott’s courageous battle against cancer remains an inspirational call for us all. As the General President, I knew Brother Scott for many years, and I am honored to be a part of continuing his legacy as we help others. It is noteworthy that we are embarking on this journey together during the 114th Anniversary Foundation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.“
The “Give and Go to Fight Cancer” campaign encourages donations in multiples of $19.06, to highlight the 1906 establishment of Alpha Phi Alpha. Additionally, a special “Boo-yah” branded t-shirt is available to commemorate this collaboration, with $25 of every shirt sale benefiting the Stuart Scott Fund. T-shirts are available at v.org/aphia.
The funds raised through this initiative will support collaborative projects between scientists at National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
"When we started the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund five years ago, we were intentional in our strategy to raise funds and awareness for disparities in communities of color," said Dereck Whittenburg, V Foundation Board Member and Associate Athletic Director for Community Relations and Student Support at NC State University. “We are off to a good start and will continue to work as a team to increase awareness for cancer disparities in our communities."
The Alpha Phi Alpha Give and Go to Fight Cancer campaign will be announced December 4 on ESPN Radio’s weekday morning show “Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin,” with Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams and Zubin Mehenti as hosts.
“This initiative is a natural fit with Stuart Scott being the common denominator, and it’s an honor and privilege to do this in his name,” said Jay Harris, an ESPN “SportsCenter” Anchor. “We miss him every day, but we know this work, and the opportunity to help save others, is what he’d want us to do.”
Overall, the V Foundation has awarded more than $250 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.
For more information about the V Foundation and the “Give and Go to Fight Cancer” campaign with Alpha Phi Alpha, or to make a donation, please visit v.org/aphia.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded more than $250 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.
ESPN Corporate Citizenship
ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplifts the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use power of sport to positively address society’s needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.
About Alpha Phi Alpha:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visit apa1906.net and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s General President, Dr. Everett B. Ward, remarks on the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s General President, Dr. Everett B. Ward, remarks on the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Baltimore, MD - On Friday, the United States lost a pioneer of justice and a fighter of women’s equality. The contributions of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the country’s legal system and the country cannot be measured.
Justice Ginsburg’s nearly 30 years on the Supreme Court was chronicled by her determination to support the ideals of our country’s constitution. Her record includes progressive opinions that cement her place in the cornerstone of gender and racial justice.
The decisions that Justice Ginsburg made for the U.S. Supreme Court were in the spirit of making our nation more equitable and inclusive. As we mourn the late Justice Ginsburg, we must continue her legacy of fighting for equality and justice for all Americans.
We must honor her legacy of equal justice by actively participating in the November 3rdelection and actively engaging in public advocacy.
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visit http://www.apa1906.net and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Dr. Everett B. Ward Responds to Comments Made By U.S. Attorney General William Barr
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President
Dr. Everett B. Ward Responds to Comments Made By U.S. Attorney General William Barr
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
BALTIMORE, MD - This week, US Attorney General William Barr compared the COVID-19 pandemic and precautions taken by city and state governments to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and said it was “the greatest intrusion on civil liberties in history other than slavery.”
His comparison is not only reckless and irresponsible, but it disrespects the millions of lives lost during that brutally violent era that continues to affect African Americans today. In addition, it conflates and obfuscates the impact of a global pandemic that has adversely affected the United States in massive numbers, with almost 200,000 deaths and 6.65 million infections. The preventive measures taken to decrease the spread of coronavirus have been about saving human lives while American slavery was about subjugation, devaluation, and the death of millions of African lives.
Attorney General Barr’s comments come off as especially tone-deaf and insensitive to African Americans who are not only descendants of the genocidal period of slavery but are also now shown to be at a higher risk of coronavirus infections. Studies regarding public health data have shown that African Americans are more likely to be essential workers and possess pre-existing health conditions due to systemic challenges.
Furthermore, the Attorney General’s comments that the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are part of a “false narrative” and that they are being used as “props” for the Black Lives Matter Movement is appalling. These tragedies should not be used as political talking points in combination with a virus wreaking havoc on our society in epic proportions.
Attorney General Barr’s recent efforts to suppress and prosecute lawful Black Lives Matter protesters rather than address the unlawful and murderous actions of law enforcement officers in the killing of unarmed African Americans proves he lacks the judgement and commitment to evaluate Civil Rights and Human Rights issues.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. urges Attorney General Barr to focus on ensuring justice and public safety for all Americans and not simply advance President Donald Trump’s political and racially divisive agenda.
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visit http://www.apa1906.net and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.
General President Everett B. Ward Letter to Attorney General Cameron
August 8, 2020
The Honorable Daniel Cameron
Office of the Attorney General
700 Capital Avenue, Suite 118
Frankfort, KY 40601
Attorney General Cameron:
On behalf of the members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I write to you regarding our fraternity’s concern over the lack of an arrest in the officer-involved shooting death of Breonna Taylor. More than four months have elapsed since officers from the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) killed Ms. Taylor during the botched execution of an erroneous “no-knock” warrant. Ms. Taylor’s death has left many people wondering when justice will come.
As the governing head of an international fraternity, comprised of approximately 100,000 members, we have grave concerns over the inaction and the lack of transparency surrounding the completion of the homicide investigation into Ms. Taylor’s death. We are flummoxed as to why no charges have been filed considering that Ms. Taylor died by LMPD’s decision to perform an unannounced raid at the wrong home and without realizing that the suspect they were searching for was already in custody.
As tension and outrage continue to mount around the globe, we join the call of countless others who demand that your office bring justice to the Taylor family. We demand that you move boldly and demonstrate to the world that the value of a Black person’s life matters in this country and to your geographical area in particular. Your office has the power to bring criminal charges against each of the officers who was involved in Ms. Taylor’s death. Your influence has the authority to provide the public with periodic updates to reassure our country and the world that nothing less than a fair and transparent investigation is ongoing.
Ms. Taylor was a decorated emergency management technician, a model citizen of the State of Kentucky, and an American hero who should be with us today. She spent her final days serving as an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic and saving lives. Now we ask, will you stand up and speak up for her life? We urge you to do the right thing. Address the inaction surrounding her death, arrest the officers responsible for Breonna’s death forthwith, and reassure the country and the world that our justice system still works for everyone no matter their race.
Respectfully,
Everett B. Ward, Ph.D.
General President
May 8, 2020
The Honorable Chuck Schumer
Senate Minority Leader
322 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Minority Leader Schumer:
The World community is experiencing a pandemic that many have never seen before – a pandemic that affects every person, in every country, that has the capacity to breathe.
I am the Chief Executive that represents thousands of men, both college Brothers and Alumni professionals, spanning every profession that contributes to what makes the fabric of our democracy stronger and stronger every day. Since the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has made its way to the shores of the United States of America, it has been nothing less than relentless in is pursuit to sicken our citizens and in some cases, kill our fellow Americans.
As the General President and proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I as well as my Brothers would like to add our deep concern that the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 seems to have a higher mortality rate among African Americans than any other race in this country, and not surprisingly, there are reasons why this is the case.
Early data from China, where the new Coronavirus COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of serious health complications from this virus. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this includes people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Here is what we know - Coronavirus COVID-19 is causing an inflammatory process in the body that impairs clotting in bleeding. The impact on the lungs is causing difficulty with air getting in and out of the lungs. The inability for anyone to get sufficient air into the lungs will cause acute respiratory distress and high mortality (death) rates. This issue also impacts other organs in the body, causing persons with other medical issues to be at increased risk. At this time, we do not know the long-term impact on the lungs or other organ systems.
Since the inception of this pandemic on American shores, we’ve continued to learn that the Coronavirus COVID-19 flourishes among those individuals who have other pre-existing medical conditions, as mentioned above. Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke are the leading causes of deaths among African Americans in the United States. In fact, African Americans between the age 18-49 are 2 times more likely to die of heart disease than whites; and African Americans, ages 35-64 are 50% more likely to have high blood pressure than whites (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Additionally, recent peer-reviewed journal articles discuss the pathogenesis of the Coronavirus COVID-19 virus. What is strongly suggested is a Coronavirus COVID-19-induced coagulopathy is similar to Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). This pathologic disorder is known to have high mortality rate in its acute phase. DIC is rapidly fatal with the aforementioned comorbidities and is exacerbated by the rapid pulmonary distress brought on by this virus. Because this virus remains novel, studies related to long-term pulmonary injury and alveolar function are needed to show the median survivability and overall quality of life for persons who contract this virus.
As you have seen from recent new reports, early data from some States have shown some very alarming and frightening statistics that should be addressed as we find ways to overcome this deadly virus. For example, the State of Louisiana is made up of 32% African Americans, but have a mortality rate of 70%; the State of Michigan is made up of 14% African Americans, but have a mortality rate of 52%. I could overwhelm you with recent data, but the trends have all demonstrated one fundamental fact – African Americans are dying at a higher rate from the Coronavirus COVID-19 than other race in Mississippi, Illinois, Alabama, South Carolina, Maryland, Philadelphia, District of Columbia and North Carolina.
I will acknowledge that most States are deploying needed help to quell the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19, but there are underlying challenges at bay that must be addressed and resources put towards in order to prevent future blows from any other deadly disease, as well as addressing the health challenges among African Americans throughout the country.
I strongly believe that if we address some of these underlying health challenges among African Americans (heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and mental health) through legislation, it will reduce future mortality, and it will further reduce our community need to feel as though the Government aren’t paying attention to the plight that is affecting their families.
Mr. Schumer, we are on the precipice of the greatest challenge of our lifetime, and I strongly encourage you to stand with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and address the challenges of the day, which must include a healthier citizenry that will continue to add value to the fabric of American democracy. My team and I are eager and willing to meet with you and your staff to further address these issues, as we care for the sick and mourn the death of our fellow neighbors who have succumb to the Coronavirus COVID-19.
Thank you for your consideration and look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Everett B. Ward, Ph.D.
General President
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. National Coronavirus COVID-19 Task Force:
- William J. Bennett, MD, PhD - Pathologist, George Washington University School of Medicine,
Novocure, Inc., Atlanta, GA - Charles Alvin Cook, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Raleigh Associated
Medical Specialists, Raleigh, NC - Duane Dyson, MD - Owner, Dyson Pediatrics of Tucson, AZ
- Clifford Houston, PhD, MS - First African American elected as president of the
American Society for Microbiology; Former Member, U.S Department of Health and Human
Services, National Advisory Board for Bio-Security, Galveston, TX - Joseph Gambrell, MD - Retired Pediatrician, Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Bellflower,
CA - Napoleon B. Higgins, Jr., MD, Psychiatrist, CEO and President of Bay Pointe Behavioral
Health Service, Inc., and South East Houston Research Group, Inc. Houston, TX - Lane Knight, DDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Southern Maryland Oral &
Maxillofacial Surgery, Waldorf, MD - Kelvin A. Moses, MD, PhD – Associate Professor of Urology, Vanderbilt University
Medical Center, Nashville, TN - Otha Myles, MD, Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine, Otha Myles &
Associates, LLC, Saint Louis, MO - Ronald “Pepper” Peters, Jr. DrPH, MS - Retired Associate Professor of Health
Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston,
TX - Richard D. Smith, MD - Lead Partner, St. Francis Primary Care Clinic - Smith Medical
Office, Monroe, LA - Brother Covia L. Stanley, MD - Former Regional Health Director, Region 6, South Carolina
Department of Health & Environmental Control; Former Health Director, City of Richmond,
VA, Conway, SC - Leonce H. Thierry, Jr., Jr., MS, MT (ASCP), CHES - Clinical Assistant Professor of
Clinical Laboratory Services, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
GENERAL PRESIDENT EVERETT B. WARD’S OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP ON IMPACT OF RE-OPENING THE ECONOMY
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s General President Everett B. Ward Says African Americans Will Suffer Disproportionately Under ‘Opening Up America Again’ Guidelines
Open Letter To President Donald J. Trump Offers Five Additional Recommendations
(BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, April 22, 2020) – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Everett B. Ward, Ph.D. argued that African Americans will suffer disproportionately under President Donald J. Trump’s “Opening Up America Again” guidelines if states and municipalities repeal the almost nationwide Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic stay-at-home orders.
From mid-March through early April, at least 42 states enacted stay-at-home orders, accounting for nearly 316 million people – roughly 95% of this country due to the COVID-19 outbreak with more than 840,000 confirmed cases and 25,000 deaths to date.
“Mr. President, if our state and regional economies opened prematurely, it is clear that COVID-19 exposure will escalate among African Americans and lead to unimaginable levels of death and despair in many of the densely populated communities in which we reside,” wrote President Ward in an open letter to President Trump this week. (See Accompanying Letter)
Since the onslaught of the pandemic, he explained, African Americans have been shown to be at a higher risk for death due to health disparities, exacerbated by historic and systemic factors, their increased exposure as essential employees, and that fewer than one in five are able to work from home.
President Ward offered five additional recommendations before state and regional governments should open their economies, including: Improve the Extremely High False Negative Results of Americans Tested For COVID-19; Improve Governmental Collaborationwith African American Churches, Historically Black College and Universities, and Minority-Serving Institutions in Providing COVID-19 Health Promotion and Prevention Education; Improve Air Filtration Quality in all Federal and State and Municipal Facilities; Improve Air Filtration Standards in Transportation, and lastly, Improved Access to Health Care in Communities with Densely Populated Areas.
“Because of historic social, environmental, and financial inequalities, African Americans bear the burden of having the highest rates of all the diseases among all Americans in our country and based on the data alone should be considered that African Americans should be considered a vulnerable group throughout the three phases of reopening,” he wrote.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΑΦΑ) is the first African American Greek-lettered fraternity in the world.
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke, Robert Smith, Barry Jenkins and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 200,000 members, serves communities in the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visit http://www.apa1906.net and follow on Instagram & Twitter @apa1906network.
COVID-19 National Fraternal Taskforce Letter To U.S. House Ways & Means Subcommittee
March 20, 2020
The Honorable Congressman Lloyd Doggett Chairman of Ways & Means Health Subcommittee Washington, DC Office
2307 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Honorable Chairman Doggett:
On behalf our General President Dr. Everett B. Ward, we greet you in o the name of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Approximately six weeks ago, our General President organized our COVID- 19 Fraternal Task Force (members listed below) to provide competent information throughout our communities. As a result of your outstanding service, our General President offers the full public health capacity of our national task force to support your efforts in the social and clinical epidemiologic control of this virus. Below are some of our major concerns that we hope will be helpful in our prevention and eradication efforts against COVID-19 virus.
Effects of Erroneous Health Information on N95 Mask Protection Capacities for Healthcare Providers and Vulnerable People
- According to Zhu et al. (2020), the size of COVID-19 is .06 to 1.4 microns which is smaller than the capacities of most N95 surgical masks (.3 microns and above) provided to health professionals and vulnerable groups (Bunyan et al., 2013). The ability of this virus to remain airborne for 3 hours coupled with the limited capacities of most N95 surgical masks leave some health care workers as well as vulnerable groups with ineffective protection. In addition, these masks could lead to some health care workers inadvertently becoming vehicles of transmission for the virus.
Lack of Public Health Knowledge on COVID-19 Surface Contamination among African American and Vulnerable Citizens with Multi-Family Households
- Contact with contaminated surfaces is one of the ways in which COVID-19 is spread. According to a new and unpublished study supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (van Doremalen et al., 2020), COVID-19 has a surface stability of 4 hours to 3 days (4 hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to 2-3 days on plastic and stainless steel). Because African Americans tend to have larger households and lower income levels compared to White Americans (United States Census, 2016), we hypothesize that thousands of our younger household members who are COVID-19 positive, but healthy and asymptomatic will expose their more vulnerable family members to COVID-19 in their homes through direct and indirect transmission (refrigerator handles, light switches, doorknobs, towels, etc.). This is applicable to our senior church members also. The most effective way to stop the transmission of COVID-19 on surfaces is to disinfect the surface using a solution of bleach and water (Robinson et al, 2019).
Potential Medical Ethics Violations Related to the Inclusion and Exclusion of Woman and Minority Group Participation in COVID-19 Clinical Trials
-Although it has been over 15 years since the passing of the NIH Revitalization Act, women and minorities are still underrepresented in clinical trials (Ma et al. 2018). This is of great concern because gene tissues are expressed differently by race, gender, and age (Sweeney, 2014; Kim et al., 2010; Mansukhani et al. 2016). Because of differences in gene expression, we need to ensure the COVID19 experiments are ethically randomized by race, age, and the inclusion of women. Also, due to the NIH’s history of cruel and unethical experimentation on sick African Americans, (Thomas & Quinn, 1991) during which subjects were immorally given placebos in control groups when efficacious treatments were available, we need to ensure people from all socio-demographic groups are aggressively recruited to participate in all NIH funded COVID-19 clinical trials.
Unidentified Efficacy of Airlines Modification to HEPA Grade Filters
- Over the past week, many citizens have received communications from their airline carriers stating they are adding HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters to all of their airplanes. Based on HEPA standards (.3 microns) and the aforementioned size of COVID-19, a strong possibility exists that not only airlines but other transportation companies are not accurately portraying the true susceptibility their patrons may face should they make use of their services (Elias & Bar-Yam, 2020). ULPA (Ultra-Low Penetration Air) filters would be much more appropriate to use in transportation systems rather than HEPA filters given their increased efficacy in protecting commuters from 99.99% of airborne particles.
Implication of Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act on African American Seniors and Vulnerable Populations
- On March 13th 2020 President Donald Trump enacted the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Bea, 2010). The major criticisms of the Stafford Act stem from its meager language to protect children, the elderly, immigrants, and homeless people. Because of the hygiene issues experienced by homeless Americans as well as undocumented immigrants and their lower accessibility to health care, we hypothesize that these groups will not only suffer most but will become major carriers of COVID-19. The Stafford Act was last operationalized by President George W. Bush during Hurricane Katina. During this tragedy, African American female senior citizens incurred the highest hurricane-related mortality rate (Brunkard et al .2008).
Along with the other risks call, we feel these issues are mutually important to the communities we serve. Thank you so much for reading this letter and we thank you for your service to all humankind.
Sincerely,
Brothers Ronald “Pepper” Peters, Jr and Duane Dyson Co-Chairmen, COVID-19 Presidential Task Force
CC: Everett Ward Greg Phillips
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Ways & Means Health Subcommittee Members
COVID-19 Task Force Members
Brothers Drs. Duane Dyson and Ronald “Pepper” Peters, Jr., Co-Chairmen Brother Dr. Clifford Houston, Chairman Emeritus
1. William J. Bennett, MD, PhD - Pathologist, George Washington University School of Medicine, Novocure, Inc., Atlanta, GA
- Charles Alvin Cook, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Raleigh Associated Medical Specialists, Raleigh, NC
- Brother Duane Dyson, MD - Owner, Dyson Pediatrics of Tucson, AZ
- Brother Clifford Houston, PhD, MS - First African American elected as president of the
American Society for Microbiology; Former Member, U.S Department of Health and Human
Services, National Advisory Board for Bio-Security, Galveston, TX
- Brother Joseph Gambrell, MD - Retired Pediatrician, Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Bellflower,
CA
- Napoleon B. Higgins, Jr., MD, Psychiatrist, CEO and President of Bay Pointe Behavioral
Health Service, Inc., and South East Houston Research Group, Inc. Houston, TX
- Brother Lane Knight DDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Southern Maryland Oral &
Maxillofacial Surgery, Waldorf, MD
- Brother Kelvin A. Moses, MD, PhD – Associate Professor of Urology, Vanderbilt University
Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Brother Otha Myles, MD, Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine, Otha Myles &
Associates, LLC, Saint Louis, MO
10. Brother Ronald “Pepper” Peters, Jr. DrPH, MS - Retired Associate Professor of Health
Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston,
TX
11. Brother Richard D. Smith, MD - Lead Partner, St. Francis Primary Care Clinic - Smith Medical
Office, Monroe, LA
12. Brother Covia L. Stanley, MD - Former Regional Health Director, Region 6, South Carolina
Department of Health & Environmental Control; Former Health Director, City of Richmond,
VA, Conway, SC
13 Brother Leonce H. Thierry, Jr., Jr., MS, MT (ASCP), CHES - Clinical Assistant Professor of
Clinical Laboratory Services, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
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