Bro. Anton Bizzell Named MAAC Alumni Brother of the Year
Bro. Anton Bizzell, [Iota Beta, '90] was recently honored as 'Alumni Brother of the Year' by the Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters (MAAC). A decorated physician, entrepreneur, and humanitarian, Bro. Bizzell is a life member of the fraternity and past president of the Delta Lambda Chapter.
"I am both humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support from brothers, and I am truly touched beyond words," Bizzell said. "I am grateful to have the trust and recognition of such a venerable group of trailblazing men who each day live out our mission of developing leaders, promoting brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our communities."
Fraternally, Bro. Bizzell led the chapter into its centennial celebration year, spearheading record-breaking fundraising and grant-making and support for critical initiatives in youth development, voter engagement, and outreach to communities in the chapter's immediate geographic footprint. He has chaired chapter and regional participation in March of Dimes programs and served as a chief liaison for legislative engagement between the chapter and elected officials in the state.
Bro. Bizzell is the CEO of the Bizzell Group, an international firm specializing in strategy, consulting, and technology solutions supporting healthy, secure, and sustainable communities. In 2020, he was named the 'Small Business Person of the Year' representing the state of Maryland by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Delta Lambda, Empowerment Academy host youth sexual health awareness workshop
Brothers from the Delta Lambda Chapter joined leaders from the Empowerment Academy for a special presentation to youth living in the Rosemont Community on reproductive health and awareness. Brothers provided young men from ages 12-15 with education, motivation, and skill-building on issues of responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Designed to provide young men with current and accurate information about teen pregnancy prevention, the presentation was a part of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated's national program, Project Alpha. The initiative aims to combat ignorance and fear with facts, change attitudes by providing motivation toward positive changes in sexual behavior, and foster self-esteem through empowerment.
Delta Lambda visits Battle Grove Elementary
Brothers from the Delta Lambda Chapter visited Battle Grove Elementary School on Feb. 28 to celebrate the conclusion of Black History Month with students in a variety of grade levels. Brothers visited classrooms to read, speak and share with youth in a school with African Americans exceeding 20% of its total enrollment, but which features no male teachers or African American staff members.
The event was coordinated by Bro. Dante Merrell [Nu Mu Lambda, 11'] a life member of the fraternity, non-profit executive, and entrepreneur who counts the school among his clientele for vending machine servicing.
"Since I am the only black male walking into the school, the administration approached me for help. In turn and without a second thought, "Servants of All" I knew and hoped the brothers of Delta Lambda would heed the call," he said.
Battle Grove serves students in grades K-5 from the Dundalk area of Baltimore County. Leaders at the school expressed appreciation for the chapter's engagement during the annual celebration of Black history and achievement.
"Your willingness to give your time and service is greatly appreciated. Your support of Battle Grove Elementary allows us to continue to fulfill our mission to foster the independence, critical thinking, and creativity of a diverse community of learners so they are fully prepared to become confident, responsible leaders who change the world," said Courtney Warlick, Battle Grove Community School Facilitator in a letter of appreciation to the chapter. "Not only does your work support our organization, but it also supports our entire community."
Delta Lambda is an active participant in Alpha Phi Alpha's national 'Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College' educational initiative, which connects brothers to youth in communities surrounding active chapters to provide information, modeling and engagement in educational access.