Archive for July, 2007

Conclave Press

pull this off thecause1914 Yahoo! group. great work by the host chapter, planning committee, etc. to get some positive press.

Fraternity to host convention
Phi Beta Sigma to focus on education goals and community outreash

I hear the thunder

Brothers I truly wish you were here. Today 90% of the delegates arrived. I think everyone is ready for the work to begin. Of course we found all the necessary tools for an effective conference & again fellowshipped but truly we got our minds right for the days to follow. Now the major event of the day…

BRO LES BROWN.

If every honorary brother was like him, there would be no objection to honorary brothers. This was the best beginning of a Conclave ever. I will try to get a digital copy of the speech for anyone who’s interested. I don’t have my notes with me but in the very near future I will and will inform you all of the things he said. I know tonight’s post is very brief but I will make up for it tomorrow.

The Bottom Falls Out

Brothers as I said the bottom fell out. Though brothers had in their mind things that they wanted to accomplish some did not know the best way to accomplish this. A lesson was truly taught that you catch more bees with honey than with vinegar. Open mic voting was turned down though no one knows what the vote count was because the chair felt it was overwhelming. Though there was a call for a roll call vote so many brothers were hungry that they didn’t want to be in the room any longer. The session had gone an hour over time at this point. The brother who put forth this call did so in a very abrasive manor. I understand his passion but I explained undergrads how his message was lost because of his tone. The only thing to come out of the business session was to extend the candidates forum by 1 hour to only 2 hours. With 17 candidates it amazes me that many brothers were in favor leaving it at one hour. The vote count unofficially was 197-210 give or take a few votes each way. I think some brothers on the mic left a bad taste in everyone’s mouths.

The next event was the candidates forum. This event clearly showed who knows how to publicly speak. If the election was strictly based on this it was evident who would win most elections. Some of the candidates may have been more than capable but to uphold the office but speaking on simply oratorical skills it wasn’t close.

The major public event for the day was the Opening ceremony. It was well orchestrated but seemed of a dog and pony show to me. I would’ve liked to have seen more substance. The focus was on the power of one & that one was Bro President. There were a lot of awards given though many of the recipients weren’t present.

I didn’t attend the Presidents Gala in order to prepare for the regional caucus. My region, the Eastern region is meeting at 11pm due to the extension of the candidates forum.

Tomorrow will be a telling day for Sigma. I will agree with what many have said, there are many brothers walking blind.

Calm before the storm

The first day has truly been joyous. It was a good idea to come in Sunday. The price of paying the room for one additional evening was far outweighed by the ability to get settled in before the majority of the brothers arrived. I would have to say the host hotel is amazing, though costly.  It was probably one of the best showers I have ever taken & one of the best beds I have ever slept in. Though every amenity is available they are with a cost. Brothers were dismayed to learn of the $16 a night parking & the $5 a day exercise center usage.  One must take in account we are here to do the work of Sigma. You can hit the weights when you get back home. Brothers are being just that at this time very brotherly. Everyone is introducing themselves, some more than once and treating younger brothers to many things.  I was privileged enough to meet Brother Les Brown. He is truly an amazing man. I am not saying that just because he catered my entire entourage to dinner. Upon being introduced to him he asked if myself and line brother would like to join him for dinner along with our Sigma Betas and Presidential Candidate Bro Jonathan Mason. These young men were very happy to oblige. The dinner was amazing consisting of delicacies from Ahi Tuna Tar Tar to Swordfish and even Filet Mignon. Many of the foods on the menu I had never experienced. Being a culinary lover I seemed more excited at times than the Sigma Betas. Following dinner we went for a walk of the downtown area. Beyonce was in concert though I was unable to find her hotel room. She did call me before hand but I misplaced her information. All in all it was a good day and I look forward to seeing the rest of the you when you get to town.

Brother Occasio Gee
VP AAHSigma – Conclave Delegate
www.vabeachsigmas.org

1924 Conclave Program

All that I can say on this one is THANK YOU TO OUR SIGMA ANCESTORS and to OUR GOOD BROTHER TODD LEBON for this one!

This is the oldest original Conclave Program that I have acquired and it was actually by divine intervention. I have a copy of the 1920 Conclave Program that was sent to me by Bro. Kevin Bembridge (Alpha Chapter). I will send that at a later date.

Today in Sigma History will resume on Monday, August 6, 2007. Have a safe trip to Conclave and we will talk upon your return.

This program goes with the 1924 Picture that I sent you on July 25, 2007 and it documents the birth of our National Bigger and Better Business Program. Look at the chapters and officers in 1924 (10 years).

*See any interesting changes!* Where are my SIGMA HISTORIANS!