Eastern Regional 94th Convention’s“Fraternity Forward: The Era of Value, Impact, Progress” Convenes in Atlantic City, New Jersey

By Brother Tkeban X.T. Jahannes [Delta Eta ’86]

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Against a spring backdrop of blooming dogwoods, thousands of members and guests of the Eastern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. converged on Atlantic City from April 15–19 for the region’s 94th Eastern Regional Convention, “FRATERNITY FORWARD: The Era of Value | Impact | Progress” under the leadership of Eastern Regional Vice President Brother Rasheen E. Smith and Eastern Regional Assistant Vice President Brother Jeremy C. Henderson.

The convention drew College and Alumni Brothers from across the East and internationally to the Tropicana Hotel. The three days of programming included impact workshops, a public program, general sessions, keynote speeches at breakfast and luncheon, a scholarship pageant and step show, and other social events that encouragedbrotherhood, fellowship, and networking.

The Official Public Program included representatives of the Divine Nine who offered congratulations and pledges to the Fraternity’s scholarship fund. Newark Mayor and Alpha Brother Ras Baraka also led the fireside chat on “the Black Agenda” with panelists Councilman Kaleem Shabazz, Alpha Kappa Soror Tomika Mallory, National Urban League President Brother Marc Morial, and Maryland Governor, Brother Wes Moore. ERVP Smith says, “I was simply overcome with gratitude by the resounding positive feedback from the Brothers of Alpha East. Brothers enjoyed an uplifting and inspiring public program that discussed civic, political, and social engagement in our neighboring communities.”

On Saturday, the College Brothers Luncheon featured College Brother competitors of the Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Competition, who responded to the question: “How can Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc., reimagine how we lead the charge to preserve and safeguard democracy in our time?” Also, ONCEA and VACAPAF were the final teams in the Scholars Bowl at the luncheon.

The Saturday afternoon session began with Executive Director Brother Sean L. McCaskill’s overview of headquarters operations and analytics. He also addressed many concerns about our future in Baltimore. “We are looking for a bigger building, but we are not looking outside of Baltimore.” Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Brother Lucien J. Metellus, Jr. delivered his State of the Fraternity Address to the Brotherhood. He paid homage to the previous Eastern Regional Vice President because they “raised him up” in Alpha. He also acknowledged the District Directors as the front line that helps the ERVP keep his sanity.

Programmatically, the convention focused on the internal and external impact that each individual Brother has in his family and community. Workshop on financial planning for the future, AI literacy and justice, building value systems, and the real estate venture of securing a building for the College and Alumni Chapters.

The Miss Old Gold and Black pageant featured contestants representing the college chapters in the region. Winners received scholarships and were tapped to serve as ambassadors for regional service projects. The college step show commenced directly after the pageant and enthralled the Brotherhood and guests. The quality of competition was very high.

During the final business session, ERAVP Brother Henderson gave his farewell speech and presented a slideshow of pictures from the year. He highlighted his ability to participate in many Fraternity decisions and affairs and travel on behalf of Alpha. “Absolutely! Every Regional Vice President remembers his first Assistant Vice President and I’ll always remember mine! Brother Henderson had an outstanding year supporting Eastern Region as its Assistant Vice President!” says EVRP Smith. “From hosting the joint staff meeting and college brothers retreat at Cornell to putting the needs of his college brothers at the forefront of his agenda were highlights that will be missed and cherished. Brother Henderson also led with conviction, authority, and grace amongst his AVP peers.” As a quadruple major at Cornell University, he still promises that while he will not be in this position, he will still be integrated into the fabric and future of the Fraternity.

ERVP Smith came from behind the dais and held aninformal conversation with the Brotherhood. He said that, as a neophyte on the Board, he credited his success to the Eastern Region Brothers. “I surrounded myself with a core team of Brothers who were strong in areas that were blind spots for me! In addition, they brought my vision and thoughts to life! The best example of this was working with our Director of Education and his committee on the successful rollout and execution of the Alpha Impact Day empowerment workshops.”

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