Thank You My Brothers
“We will demonstrate, not pontificate…” – Brother Mark S. Tillman
Thank you to the delegates of the 105th Anniversary | 91st General Convention, held in Chicago, IL, for selecting me as one of two finalists for the office of 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. It is truly an honor to have traveled this far, and achieve this milestone.
I am deeply humbled for the outpouring of support from brothers and chapters across the nation. Whether it was an official endorsement, forwarding one of my campaign updates to another brother or chapter, speaking with brothers in person during the convention, or a personal decision to support me, each of these pieces have laid the foundation to my success – and this is an investment in the foundation for a future house.
We have laid this foundation together – now I want to build with you Brother.
What we will build requires a logical blueprint – such as an investment in the national programs Alpha has championed, and a commitment to re-energizing the brotherhood in the name of service and relationships. When the community calls, Alpha will answer.
What we will build requires solid walls – such as an investment in protecting the fraternity’s corporate identity. We will ensure Alpha continues to be seen as a legitimate organization structurally and fiscally – well positioned to serve its community.
What we will build requires the proper tools – such as an investment in programs and technology to better serve the needs of the brothers as they face the challenges of their daily lives. An investment in our fraternity is an investment into each individual brother. As brothers invest in Alpha, the leadership within Alpha will make it a priority to support brothers throughout the various stages of their lives.
The value of our investments will help solidify the fraternity’s rightful place as a 21st century change agent guided by purpose, passion, and mission. This is the Alpha Investment, and it is one you have supported, moving us one step closer to reality.
Brother, thank you for beginning and continuing this journey with me. Let us cross the finish line together – I want to serve as your 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Brother Mark S. Tillman,
Candidate for 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Welcome to Chicago
Welcome to Chicago, the Mighty Midwestern Region, and to the 105th Anniversary Convention | 91st General Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. This is the moment that we have all have been waiting for, the moment where the spirit of our fraternity will boldly ring across the Windy City. It is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome you to the region that welcomed me with open arms over 20 years ago as I made the transition from college life in the Southwestern Region to professional life in the Midwestern Region. It is both of these experiences that have given me the strength to seek the office of 34th General President.
I am grateful for the outpouring of support that I have received from brothers over the past few months. As brothers prepare to stand proudly as delegates on behalf of their chapters, I want you to know that my will says to me, “hold on!” I’m holding on for the everyday brother trying to make ends meet for his family. I’m holding on on behalf of a generation of college brothers who are entering a stressed labor market where the number of degrees outweigh the number of jobs available to them. I’m holding on on behalf of our senior brothers who have poured their heart and soul into Alpha, and are now waiting for us to pour our benevolence back into them.
Brother, if given the opportunity to serve as your 34th General President, I will fight for you just as I fought for the brothers of the Mighty Midwestern Region. I will continue to offer you leadership centered upon a set of well-balanced ethics and high moral regard. I will govern our resources with unvarnished fiscal responsibility. And, above all, I assure you that I will never lose the common touch – I am my brother’s keeper.
Thank you for the opportunity to lead. Enjoy Chicago!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Brother Mark S. Tillman,
Candidate for 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
It Just Gets Better with Age
“There is no royal road to anything. One thing at a time, all things in succession. That which grows fast withers as rapidly; that which grows slowly endures.” – Josiah G. Holland
Within the past month, the fraternity lost two Alpha giants who served as National Chaplains, Brother John N. Doggett, Jr. of Epsilon Lambda (St. Louis, Missouri) and Brother Sylvester Shannon of Mu Lambda (Washington, DC). Brother Doggett was initiated into the fraternity via the Nu Chapter at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania 70 years ago. Nine years later, Brother Shannon became a brother at the Beta Nu chapter seated at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. Brother Shannon was just one year shy of becoming a 60-year member of our fraternity and he was also a past candidate for General President. My prayers are with their families, and the brothers they have touched in their respective chapters.
These brothers are among many examples of valiant senior brothers who work tirelessly to protect the name of Alpha Phi Alpha. Their service, indicative of their love for mankind, show just how life long this fraternity is. Our seasoned alumni are of a special mold – sophisticated, intelligent, hard working, and supportive. A lifetime is long commitment.
Allow me to present my gratitude for their hard work, patience, thoroughness and accountability. Our fraternity could not be as grand as it is without the exercise of the life long commitment brothers make when they cross those burning sands. Our collective efforts, coupled with their constant giving create the Alpha investment.
On a more personal note, I would not be here today if it were not for brothers who allowed me to be their apprentice. There were senior brothers at each step of my matriculation within Alpha – cheering me on, correcting me when I made mistakes, teaching me the rules and protocol on how to run a meeting, and the true meaning of brotherhood. They helped to instill in me a sense of pride for our great fraternity. It was a brother, senior in stature that asked me, “What could I do for Alpha Phi Alpha?” A question that still resonates in my mind over 25 years later. One, easily answered with “Anything” when our brothers assemble under the laurels of brotherhood.
The seasoned expertise of the alumni experience is one not to ever be taken for granted. Our college brothers become our alumni brothers, and our alumni brothers become our senior brothers. The cycle promotes a coming of age in Alpha. Quite literally, our growth in Alpha aligns our social growth, providing us experiences, profound moments, and opportunities to serve.
Walking into an alumni chapter meeting, feeling the presence of power, the refinement of purpose and the brotherly shake of confidence reinforce my beliefs that our power and prestige rest in the hands of our senior brothers. Alpha is multilayered and multifaceted. With brothers from all walks of life, we establish everyday our diversity, and our professionalism. The shroud of age comes with it a clear knowledge and understanding of how our fraternity must evolve alongside moving memories and captivating moments.
You may remember sitting down and listening to an older brother regale the stories of his college days. He often paused relishing the moment. Contemplating his next thought, he repositioned himself with an air of anxiety, almost shocked at his memories. When asked if he was ok, he looks up and smiles saying, “I’m quite fine brother, my mind is allowing me to relive my most prolific Alpha moments. And if you had any like I did, you would move in excitement too.” His eyes drew to tears as he talked about how the spirit of Alpha post college life helped him to grow mentally and spiritually in a time when our country’s beliefs about being black were soured with the stench of Jim Crow cronyism.
Undoubtedly, his stories, memories and moments beckon a greater call to service. Our senior brothers are stepping to the plate and answering that call. I beseech you brothers to stand beside me in answering that call to service. Let’s put our minds together, our Alphadom together and our expertise to continue a legacy so strong that one day you too will get goose bumps living nostalgically through your memories.
My senior brothers, I appreciate you. I thank you, and I admire you. I am listening. Help me make our investment strong and demonstrative of the handwork and long hours you commit. I cannot do it without you. Your college days may have swiftly passed but your Alpha days have not. Let me show you what I can do.
Brother Tillman with Brother Leonard B. Robertson, Jr. chapter president of Eta Xi Lambda (Lawton, OK)
Brother Nathaniel C. Todd received his shingle from Brother Robertson
Brother Tillman with Oklahoma District Director Brother Dr. Ray McDonald
Brother Tillman addresses the members of Eta Lambda chapter (Atlanta, GA)
Brother Tillman and Brother John “Apple” Lane and Brother Joel K. Johnson, Xi Lambda chapter president (Chicago, IL)
Brother Tillman and Former U.S. Senator Brother Roland Burris
Brother Tillman and Brother John Griffin
Brother Tillman and Brother LeAaron Foley share a light moment
Thank you in advance for your continued support and your investment in Alpha Phi Alpha.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Brother Mark S. Tillman,
Candidate for 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Ode to the College Brother
“Our perspectives change from when we enter college, through our first job and career goals, family obligations, health concerns, and in our retirement years. At every stage, we must continue to invest in our brothers and show that Alpha Phi Alpha can be balanced in one’s life.” – Mark S. Tillman
The stanza from the poem entitled “On The Pleasures Of College Life” by George Moses Horton, eloquently states:
With tears I leave these academic bowers,
And cease to cull the scientific flowers;
With tears I hail the fair succeeding train,
And take my exit with a breast of pain.
The Fresh may trace these wonders as they smile;
The stream of science like the river Nile,
Reflecting mental beauties as it flows,
Which all the charms of College life disclose;
While George Moses Horton was not a brother, nor was he specifically speaking of the thrills associated with a college fraternity, he does however, infuse the emotion that leaving college and thinking back on the days that swiftly pass can engender. These lines provide the sense of compassion and love one gains from growing with the college experience, and connecting with people, which for many of us mean….our brothers.
For me, the college experience was nothing short of amazing. My dear college brothers, indulge me for one moment while I share with you how your support and your own personal college experiences can help take Alpha Phi Alpha to the next level.
In September of 1985, I attended a smoker for the Beta Phi chapter at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana. The keynote address was delivered by the late Brother Michael Price, Editor-in-Chief of the Sphinx. Brother Price articulated this charge, “Ask not what Alpha Phi Alpha can do for you? Ask what you can do for Alpha Phi Alpha?” I accepted that challenge and began my journey to become a member of Alpha.
I, and eight of my line brothers completed what most of us did when we became members. We displayed unity and execution. When Brother Price made the statement, I was unsure how to apply my young skills to the organization when I was a nineteen year-old aspiring to membership. When I became a member, I soon realized from mentors that my leadership and my commitment to Alpha Phi Alpha was evident and being cultivated. Twenty-five years later, Brother Price’s directive remains with me as I continue to demonstrate my allegiance to the oath that I took at initiation.
You see, it does not take a salary, a full time job, and a 401k to invest in the Alpha
Phi Alpha experience. It takes hard work, support, and a profound love for the advancement of the downtrodden. Our focus ought not to be just on the brothers butthe communities in which we serve. Your daily dedication in your chapter meetings, service projects, programs and social activities help us to retain a strong brand, engage our community and assist brothers far removed from college to live vicariously through your experiences.
We Need Your Energy
fluid energy that exits within Alpha today is in your hands. Let us continue to cultivate that, so that when your college days do end, you can relive the nostalgia in those that come behind you.
Alpha Phi Alpha was founded by college men, albeit in a time when being black at a predominately White institution did not afford certain rights and privileges. Those men still used their energy and poise to bring about a force so great it rose to prominence in short of ten years. As a continuance today, the Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, among other chapters, is helping what our Jewels established to flourish. As your General President, I desire to embolden that energy, and cultivate leaders, so that when you graduate you have a network of brothers who can aid in your advancement professionally.
We Need Your Intellect
All over the country, many of our brothers are graduating from college. Allow me to congratulate all of the 2011 college graduates. Your educational advancement shows just how strong your will to push onward is. It conveys just how important scholarship is to leadership. If elected your General President, I plan to invest in our college brothers, and assist in their transitions towards alumni life and membership. Let’s work together to continue to harness that energy.
We Need Your Commitment
Each of you have committed semesters and years to your studies; showing yourselves worthy when the president conferred the degrees upon each of you. That commitment is what Alpha Phi Alpha will need. Nothing is quite like a committed group of college brothers, who by charge, will work tirelessly to see to it that their college communities hear and see Alpha Phi Alpha. Brothers, I am listening to each one of you. Your comments, suggestions, and congratulations do not fall on deaf ears. Never fear that your voices are not heard. Alpha Phi Alpha is ready to invest in you!
I will forever keep my college experience close to me. It empowers my Alphadom and cultivates my leadership. Our investment needs the energy, intellect and commitment of each one of our college brothers. My campaign investment logo embodies that of an older brother and a younger brother. One cannot exist without the other’s contributions to this great fraternity. Let’s invest together in the future of Alpha. Allow the words of George Horton above to bring about a prolepsis, strong enough to keep you engaged in what YOU helped to establish. I believe in you, my college brothers. And always remember, your college days may swiftly pass, but Alpha is for life.
Brother Tillman with Brother Paul Brown, chapter president of Pi Upsilon Lambda (Largo, MD)
Brother Tillman with Brother Antoine Barnes and Brother Alex Bailey at Pi Upsilon Lambda’s post meeting fellowship
Iota Upsilon Lambda Members Brother Russell Campbell, Brother Charles Spain (chapter president), Brother Frank Williams, Brother Tillman, Brother Willie Brownlee, and Brother Eric Elmore
Brother Tillman addresses the leadership and members of Iota Upsilon Lambda chapter (Silver Spring, MD)
Members of Gamma Iota Lambda chapter (Brooklyn, NY)
Brothers perform for the audience at the Gamma Iota Lambda Spring Formal
Brother Tillman with Brother Kenneth N. Hylton, III
Did You Know?
Grand Tax payment from College to Alumni.
A College Brother, upon entering an Alumni Chapter, will be provided active alumni status by the General Organization during the first full years following graduation, upon payment of General Organization fees in accordance with the following schedule:
Ist Year – 50% of General Organization Fees
2nd Year – 75% of General Organization Fees
3rd Year and Beyond – 100% of General Organization Fees
Information from the General Constitution and Bylaws of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Thank you in advance for your continued support and your investment in Alpha Phi Alpha.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Brother Mark S. Tillman,
Candidate for 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.