Bro. Jelani C. Zarif named among inaugural cohort of White House Cancer Moonshot scholars
Bro. Jelani C. Zarif, [Kappa Delta Lambda, '08] was recently announced as one of 11 inaugural researchers in the National Cancer Institute's 'Cancer Moonshot' scholars. The cohort, presented today by the White House, will receive $5.4 million in federal funding to support innovative approaches to cancer research, prevention, and treatment - specifically in underrepresented communities throughout the United States.
According to the White House, the Cancer Moonshot Scholars program is designed to support early-career scientists, researchers, and innovators from diverse backgrounds, including from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences research workforce. The Biden-Harris Administration intends to fund up to 30 additional Cancer Moonshot Scholars by 2025.
“We are at our best when we capitalize on the diversity of the nation’s skills, talents, and viewpoints to solve the complex problems in cancer research, and the Cancer Moonshot Scholars program is a critical step in that direction of equity,” said NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities Director Dr. Sanya A. Springfield.
Bro. Zarif is the Robert E. Meyerhoff Endowed Professor and Assistant Professor of Oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine's Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and is also a member of the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. The Zarif laboratory studies molecular mechanisms by immune cells within the tumor microenvironment that ultimately promote tumor growth, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis. The Zarif laboratory also focuses on discovering and investigating new biomarkers that may be expressed on myeloid cells that could predict clinical response to standard-of-care treatments for prostate cancer. He is also an adjunct professor at Morgan State University in Baltimore City.
A Chicago native, Dr. Zarif obtained both his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Jackson State University and then earned his Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Michigan State University. He then completed two post-doctoral fellowships at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has been the recipient of several research awards, including the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Young Investigator award, The Patrick C. Walsh Prostate Cancer Research Fund, the Department of Defense Translational Research award, and the NCI K22 Career Transition award.
Delta Lambda raises more than $7,000 for March of Dimes March for Babies walk
Brothers of Delta Lambda supported the March of Dimes' March for Babies walk on Sunday, Apr. 30 in Hunt Valley, MD, raising more than $7,000 to fund maternal healthcare equity initiatives throughout the region.
The chapter's team drew 22 brothers and surpassed its original fundraising goal of $4,000.
"Our brothers met the challenge in a dynamic way," said Bro. Lawrence Williams [Eta Tau Lambda, 01'], chairperson for the chapter's March for Babies initiative and leading fundraiser for the walk. "We are committed to doing our part to combat negative health and birth outcomes, particularly for Black women. We appreciate the support of our neighbors and friends who contributed to our team and this noble cause."
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the March of Dimes have partnered for more than 40 years in areas of sexual and maternal health. The partnership implemented Project Alpha in 1980, designed to provide education, motivation, and skill-building on responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases for young males ages 12-15 years.
Delta Lambda honors Bro. Arthur C. Redding entrance into Omega Chapter
Brothers of Delta Lambda celebrate and honor the memory of Bro. Arthur C. Redding (92), who was inducted into Omega Chapter on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 during the Mass of Resurrection at St. James Episcopal Church in Baltimore, where he served on the church vestry and several other leadership capacities for many years. He was 92.
A Wilmington, DE native, Bro. Redding was initiated in Alpha Phi Alpha on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 1950 in the Alpha Omicron Chapter seated at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. He was a football scholar-athlete for the Golden Bulls and earned a bachelor of science degree in 1952. Following his undergraduate studies, he served in the United States Army and subsequently in numerous church-based nonprofit leadership and executive roles in Wilmington's Community Centers of the Episcopal Church. He continued academic pursuits at the University of Delaware and received a masters degree in Social Work at the University of Maryland.
Upon relocation to Baltimore and becoming a life member in Alpha, Bro. Redding immediately united with Delta Lambda Chapter and the historic St. James Episcopal Church, serving on its Housing Development Committee, the Church Restoration Committee and New Parrish Center Committee, where he later was appointed to serve as administrator. Professional posts include Baltimore's Housing Authority and the United Way of Central Maryland, from which he retired after 20 years.
Bro. Redding fostered a wonderful life with Brenda, his loving wife of 43 years, with whom he enjoyed international travels to Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and the Caribbean. A man of deep faith and Christian character, he was a proud father of two sons from a previous marriage; Arthur, III who followed his father's footsteps as an Alpha man, and Christopher. He was a doting grandfather who invested generous time and engagement with his two granddaughters Camryn and Raven Redding, his nephews, and children in his extended family. Along with his wife, children, and loved ones, Bro. Arthur C. Redding's transition leaves void and heartfelt memories of his distinguished life and abundant kindness with his friends, colleagues, church family, and this community.
"Farewell, Dear Brother, transcendent art thou."