Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is a Greek organization at Northwestern State University with a dedication to building men of high quality and academic success through their brotherhood. The fraternity stands for many things, but is based on several foundations that the brothers strive to always embody.
Kylan William is a sophomore theater major who is inspired by the fraternity’s core foundations. “The foundations of Alpha Phi Alpha are manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind. We aim to get the best out of men while keeping them on a priority of academics and community service,” Williams said. “We’re making sure that we’re uplifting all the people, not just the African American community, but everybody as a whole.”
Many of the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. had mindsets and values that Williams felt were similar to his own. “For a while, I struggled finding a community of people who had the same passion to uplift the community as I did,” Williams said. “Now I’m able to be in that vicinity where, not only do they have the passion, but they also motivate me to be better than I already am.”
The fraternity has several national programs that they participate in, such as Go-to-Highschool, Go-to-College, Project Alpha, Brothers Keeper and A Voteless People is a Hopeless People. Each program aims to educate communities on certain issues, teach lifelong skills and provide help to those in need.
Terrell Woodard is a senior biology major whose favorite program to participate in is A Voteless People is a Hopeless People. “Around the time of elections, or even in an off-season for elections, we do different events to educate people about their right of voting and to get people registered to vote,” Woodard said. “As an organization, we don’t have a particular political affiliation, but each chapter does their best to inform their local communities about what voting is and the rights that they have.”
Woodard also shared that through another program, Brother’s Keeper, members of the fraternity provide support to alumni and their families when in need. “We take care of our older brothers in the fraternity, as well as their possible widows,” Woodard said. “We do yard work sometimes and whenever a brother may pass, we make sure that the widow is still in good standing and has everything she needs to continue as normal of a life that she can. It’s one of the things we do to support our brothers.”
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has several goals for this upcoming year, including retaining member numbers, creating connections within the campus community and making all feel welcome to the fraternity.
Coree Nash is a senior social work major whose own main goal is to improve inclusivity and encourage those interested in Greek life to research what the organizations are about. “I want to help everyone feel welcome and show that Alpha Phi Alpha cares about all students,” Nash said.
“Alpha Phi Alpha is a brotherhood where we support each other through everything,” Nash said. “Whether you’re already well-known on campus or just getting started, being part of this fraternity means learning from others and growing together. I encourage anyone interested to really research Greek life, because it’s an experience I believe everyone should have.”
