CHAPTER NEWS CENTENNIAL
Commissioners decreeing it ‘Atlanta Alumni Chapter Day’ in Fulton County. The proclamation recognized and lauded the chapter’s efforts over the past century. This moment also reflected upon the work done by his father, fellow AAC member, and former Fulton County Superior Court Judge Marvin Arrington, Sr. (Gamma Kappa 1960), to fully empower and integrate the city, building upon the legacy of 18th Laurel Wreath Laureate and Atlanta Alumni member Donald L. Hollowell (Beta Lambda 1940). Three celebratory events were held on Thursday, February 22nd. The day’s activities began by paying trib- ute to the chapter’s first Polemarch, Dr. Hamilton M. Holmes, with an afternoon memorial ceremony at Lincoln Cemetery. Dr. Holmes was the first African American doctor to establish a medical practice in the area. He also desegregated Atlanta public golf courses. The ceremony also reflected on AAC’s past and present achievements while looking toward future endeavors. In the evening, the chapter celebrated the place where Atlanta Alumni held many of our meetings at the begin- ning of its establishment and where the Fraternity held its last Conclave on a college campus–Morehouse College. A candlelight ceremony was conducted on this site. Morehouse College Vice President Kevin Booker (Atlanta (GA) AL 2015) served as one of the keynote speakers. The evening wrapped up with A cen- tennial-themed social celebration, “Diamond Status,” at the Royal
Atlanta Alumni Kappa League.
Past Atlanta Chapter Polemarchs and the chapter’s continued commitment to serve the community by awarding $25,000 in scholarships to well-de- serving achievers at Morehouse 6th and longest-serving President of the Atlanta University Center Mel Davis A Kappa League’s founder Kasim Reed 59th Mayor of Atlanta, GA Andre Dickens 61st Mayor of Atlanta, GA KEY ATLANTA ALUMNI CHAPTER HISTORICAL MERITS Attorney Donald L. Hollowell Distinguished Civil Rights attorney Dr. James Densler The nation’s first African American pediatric surgeon Dr. Franklin L. Forbes Legendary Morehouse football and basketball coach, administrator Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, 18th President of Clark College Dr. Rufus E. Clement
Peacock in the famous Auburn district, followed immediately afterward.
THE CENTENNIAL GALA The week’s festivities culminated into a climax on Saturday evening, Febru- ary 24 th , with the largely anticipated Atlanta Alumni Centennial Gala at the Marriott Marquis Atlanta. The Centen- nial Committee Chair and 35 th Atlanta Alumni Polemarch Craig Latimore and his committee ensured that the gala and related centennial commemorative events were well-planned. Their efforts gave the guests a feeling reminiscent of a Grand Meeting. The AAC’s Centennial Gala hosted more than 475 guests and dignitaries from the Fraternity and the Atlanta community, respectively. Grand Polemarch Jimmy McMikle delivered the keynote address, the highlight of the evening. Other featured moments include gifts bestowed upon the living
70 THE JOURNAL ♦ SPRING 2025
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