Alpha Phi Alpha - Omicron Eta Lambda

Photographs compliments of Kristin Finn Photography

In conjunction with the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial the Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter (Washington, DC) of Alpha Phi Alpha will be donating Japanese Yoshino Trees to the façade of Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School to commemorate the dedication of the Memorial. They will be presenting the school with mature seedlings of the cherry blossom trees that are going to encompass the Memorial on the Tidal Basin. The trees would represent the mission of the memorial and be a testament the essence of Dr. King's message, a message in which he so eloquently affirms the commanding tenants of the American Dream - Freedom, Democracy and Opportunity for All. The presentation is scheduled for the 9:30 on the morning of Thursday, August 25, 2011 as Alpha Men from all over the world will converge in Washington, DC to take part in the historic occasion of the Memorial's dedication and would relish in the opportunity to take part in the dedication at our Brother's namesake Elementary School.

The Brothers of OHL took part in DC Public Schools Beautification Day on Saturday, August 20th. They used this day working with the school staff and community members preparing the grounds and planting the two Yoshino Cherry Trees  for the dedication ceremony the following Thursday. More than 20 brothers arrived with shovels, brooms, rakes, sheers and gloves to pull weeds, plant flowers and plant the two Yoshino Trees.

On Thursday, August 25th the brothers of Omicron Eta Lambda converged on Martin Luther King Elementary School to officially dedicate the Yoshino Cherry Trees to the school. Brother John Carter brought greetings with the message that the students need to be Warriors of Peace as Dr. King would have wanted. Mayor Vicent Gary offered remarks that told of the importance of the Memorial being located in Washington, DC and for the students to use education to have the own dreams fulfilled.

Brother President Huntley along with Brother Daryl R. Matthews presented Apple iPads to the students of King Elementary donated by the Alpha Phi Alpha Charitable Foundation with a partnership with the Engineering Department of Howard University.

Contact Brother Bryan Hill for further details on this event.

Martin L. King Elementary School

3200 6th Street, SE

Washington, DC 20032

Mr. Asa Daniels, Principal

www.dcps.dc.gov/DCPS/king