Effectively developing our community by building strong networks

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

With so much always happening in the great city of Toronto, it is no wonder that there are some events that may go unnoticed, or unattended. This is why the team at Toronto Caribbean Newspaper takes the time to sift through all of the noise and find the novel, unique and compelling events to deliver to our community. This weekend, Toronto was robust with activity, and we were personally invited to attend Fire & Ice, a weekend organized by the sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

This coordinated event took place at the Delta Hotels by Marriot Toronto Airport & Conference Centre. The weekend activities began on Friday, April 12^th and officially ended on Sunday, April 14^th. It was a momentous occasion for the brothers of Sigma Epsilon Lambda – the Toronto Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc – as they were hosting their 87^th Midwestern Regional Convention for the very first time in Toronto. For those who did not know, this weekend was looking a little bit like Caribana, as we had visitors from all parts of the U.S.A. The only other time that we have such a record amount of Americans visiting our city at the same time is during Caribana weekend.

Our lovely and gracious hosts included Lisa Wilkinson (President of Delta Sigma Theta Toronto), Claudene Neysmith (Emergency Response Coordinator), Brian Whittaker (Charter Member, Sigma Epsilon Lambda), and Philip August (Charter Member, Sigma Epsilon Lambda). We had a chance to speak with each of them before to get a full understanding of the importance of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Since its founding in 1913 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., has been at the forefront of activism, and continues on a global level to provide assistance and support to local communities through the use of established and accredited programs. The sorority currently has 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Republic of Korea. On April 14^th, 2018, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., brought its 105 years of sisterhood and established the first Canadian chapter.

The brothers of Sigma Epsilon Lambda had laid the groundwork for this when they opened up their chapter here in Toronto on February 11^th, 2013. Since its founding on December 4^th, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., has provided a voice, and a vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color from around the world. For the brothers who had relocated or had gone to school in America and returned home to Canada, they felt displaced and needed to fill that void. Despite the obstacles and challenges, it was important to continue this legacy that had been built so many years ago and to do so in an impactful way. The chartering ceremony for the chapter was held at the University of Toronto on August 25^th, 2013, and since that date, the brothers have remained focused on helping to correct the: educational, economic, political, and social justices faced by our greater community here in Toronto.

What was truly amazing was watching how both organizations were able to combine their efforts to create what will be for many a memorable weekend. The Friday night itinerary included the Alpha Phi Alpha Stroll Off Competition. This entailed a step competition that involved Chapters from all over America. If you have watched any of the stepping or stomping movies, picture that and then intensify it by 100%. The energy could be felt before entering the room, and upon entering, a sea of African men, proudly representing their letters, engulfed us. They were representing Kansas, Chicago, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kentucky, and West Virginia. It was amazing to not only see but to feel the energy and excitement that these men had.

For both the Delta’s and the Epsilon’s, the days were booked with conferences, meetings, and community outings including a donation trip that the Delta’s took to the Ronald McDonald House. During the day it was all business, and each organization focused on their current local and international initiatives. The Saturday evening was dedicated to the Black & Gold Gala, and then finally, The Melt Down Party, Fire & Ice, which brought together the two organizations in a beautifully symbolic way. It was nice to see Kerry Lee Crawford, host of Steps After Dark on G98.7, there supporting family members of his who happen to also be members of Sigma Epsilon Lambda. The two organizations found a creative way to mix business and pleasure, and we are thankful that they invited Toronto Caribbean Newspaper to be part of it. Stroll on brothers and sisters!