The Midwestern Region Celebrates Alpha Phi Alpha in Dearborn, MI

The brothers of the Midwestern Region descended upon the city of Dearborn, Michigan to celebrate 100 Years of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The Seventy-fourth Midwestern Regional Convention: A Century of Spirit and Brotherhood, A Lifetime of Service and Culture was held on March 31, 2006 thru April 2, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This convention was widely praised as the most memorable and successful in the history of the Midwestern Region.

Alpha Upsilon (Wayne State University), Pi Upsilon (University of Michigan-Dearborn/University of Detroit Mercy), and Gamma Lambda were the host chapters for this historic convention. This convention was chaired by Bro. Mark S. Tillman with assistant chairs Bro. Demond Childers (Alpha Upsilon) and Bro. Chioke Bracy (Pi Upsilon). There were over seven-hundred registered attendees for this convention which is considered the largest ever registered. This convention from the planning to the execution was committed to the “Pillars of the Midwestern Region.”

The convention commenced with providing “service” to the local Detroit community. The leadership of the Midwestern region and brothers from the great district of Michigan partnered with Habitat for Humanity and assisted in the construction of two homes in a nearby neighborhood.

During the convention, brothers from all over the region and beyond felt this convention demonstrated a “spirit” that was conveyed by Bro. Tony Henderson, Gamma Lambda chaplain, who delivered a stirring address at the Fraternal Brotherhood Luncheon. Our wives and guests also enjoyed the hospitality and commented on how welcoming it was to be among the men of Alpha Phi Alpha.

There was a sense of “brotherhood” as the region recognized our sixty year brothers and brothers like Bro. Lamar Smith (Epsilon Lambda) and Bro. Virgil Chandler (Beta Xi Lambda) as each provided over seventy years of service to the fraternity. In addition, the Rituals and Ceremonies training was “standing room” only as we reflected on our traditions.

The region was also honored by the presence of three “living” General Presidents who were in attendance which added to the “culture” and significance of the occasion.. The 27th General President, Bro. Charles C. Teamer, Sr., was the featured speaker at the Life Membership Breakfast and the 29th General President, Bro. Milton C. Davis presented a lifetime achievement award to the 25th General President, the Honorable Bro. James R. Williams.

The Midwestern region crowned the following award winners at this year’s convention;

Miss Black & Gold Pageant Winner - Miss Nkechi Odum – Missouri
College Brother of the Year - Bro. Muvirimi Kupara - Iota Xi (Truman State University) – Missouri
College Chapter of the Year - Theta Tau - Kettering University - Michigan
Alumni Brother of the Year - Bro. J.T. White - Theta Mu Lambda – Illinois
Alumni Chapter of the Year - Theta Mu Lambda (Joliet, IL) – Illinois
Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Winner - Bro. Christopher Tooley - Epsilon Chi (University of Kentucky) - Kentucky (Need Photo)
Charles H. Wesley Award - Epsilon Upsilon Lambda (Flint, MI) - Theta Tau (Kettering University) – Michigan
Collegiate Scholars Bowl Team Winner - District of Illinois
Step Team Winner - Delta Xi (Central State University) – Ohio

This was truly an amazing convention and one that will not be soon forgotten. Throughout the convention, brothers were treated to many gifts. However, the most prized gift that will be remembered for years to come was a special “centennial shingle” given to every brother and personally signed by the Vice President, Bro. Darryl A. Peal, and Assistant Vice President, Bro. Christopher A. Rembert.