Brother Jarvis Givens is fully invested in Brother Mark S. Tillman for 34th General President

Beloved Brother of Alpha,

As a former Western Region Assistant Vice President, I had the opportunity to sit at the table of leadership.  While serving in this capacity I saw a board member who set himself apart from the usual politics of the day and demonstrated his leadership with results and accountability—Brother Mark Tillman.

Our organization and this nation are yet again at a pivotal moment in history. As the climate has drastically changed socially, economically, and politically over the past few years it becomes even more pressing that Alpha Phi Alpha’s next steps are calculated and effective. We must change the way we do business, including how we prioritize the issues we choose to address as an organization. I am convinced that Brother Mark Tillman’s leadership is necessary to make the systemic changes in this fraternity to ensure our relevance in the years to come.

I have personally experienced his invested interest in the wellbeing of this organization, as a brother who met this candidate as a neophyte at my first convention in Kansas City and from the time I spent with him on the Board of Directors. As a neophyte I saw Brother Tillman engage with a group of college brothers whose chapter was on the brink of suspension. Despite the circumstances, he maintained a level of compassion that served to be developmental. I witnessed first hand how critical it was for Alumni brothers, especially those in positions of leadership, to build up undergraduates in their time of need. A selfless leader is what Brother Tillman has proven himself to be. The best interest of the organization always comes first to his personal agenda and this is exactly the type of leadership needed in Alpha Phi Alpha.

Brother Tillman understands the importance of being a compassionate yet firm leader. Not afraid to make hard decisions, he does so in a tactful manner. Furthermore, coupled with his dynamic leadership skills, he has the consciousness necessary to make the changes our organization needs in regard to heightened community action, the development of college brothers, and its economic stability. We need a leader that will not simply maintain the order of the house, but one who will be willing to challenge what has become the status quo—one who will set new standards, standards that are relevant to the context of today! For these reasons, I am convinced that Brother Mark Tillman’s leadership is necessary to protect our organizations integrity.

As the Vice President of the Midwestern Region for two terms, he has had proven results in regards to transparent and prudent fiscal management. As a fellow board member, he proved himself to be an accessible and ethical leader, more importantly a leader who understands the core principles of organizational behavior.

Brother Tillman’s investment in Alpha is characterized by a good balance between business and brotherhood. He has the experience, the vision, and the consciousness needed to take this fraternity to new heights. I endorse Bro. Mark Tillman in his candidacy for the office of our 34th General President without reservation!

Fraternally,

Brother Jarvis Givens
Past Western Region AVP
Gamma Phi Lambda Chapter│Berkeley, CA
Alpha Epsilon, Fall 2007│UC Berkeley