Involvement of All Kinds

At the University of Memphis it seems as if you cannot understand the complete meaning of a college experience without being involved in some aspect. Whether that be in Greek Letter Organizations, athletics, or through registered student organizations. Many of us in the Kappa Eta chapter were heavily involved in organizations well before we joined Alpha.

Through leadership and involvement, we were afforded the opportunity to be apart of a special bond. Each one of my brothers brought something different to the chapter via our different leadership tactics. Some are on executive boards, hold committee chairs, are captains of athletics, honor students, drum major, recruitment students and or apart of the mass of organizations.

In Alpha Phi Alpha, some of the mission states that it develops leaders. I do believe that being involved at the University of Memphis enhanced us as Alphas before we were Alphas to enhance the quality in our chapter ultimately enhancing the quality of the Fraternity.

The value of leadership is something that will never be overlooked in any fraternity or sorority. It is what separates us from mediocrity.

Alphademics

In order for the Kappa Eta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc to be in good standing with the national organization, we have to have a cumulative GPA of 2.0. As a chapter, we've raised our standards that each member should have a 2.75 to be active in the chapter. Each Monday, we host our weekly study session, Alphademics.

Even though we are heavily involved in our Greek organization as well as other respective registered student organizations on campus, our main objective is to graduate with a degree so that we may further our career.

One thing this study session allows us to do, is to serve as an accountability circle among the brotherhood. We are as strong as our weakest link in all categories. So we continue to strive for academic excellence like our mission states.

I will continue to participate in these study sessions to increase my GPA so that I can be a contribution to the chapter GPA. Our goal is to be listed as number one in the NPHC.

 

Manly Deeds

My brothers and I built a connection with a charter school in Pennsylvania and convince them to come take a city wide tour of Memphis. While on this trip, they visited the Civil Rights Museum, Stax Museum, Lemoyne-Owen College and our beloved University.

When the students arrived, we were overwhelmed at how many were in attendance. But being apprehensive only made us perform even better. Manly deeds, another aim of our fraternity, is something we as Alphas take pride in. So when we began the tour, we felt a greater responsibility other than Alpha, we were the only representation of the University of Memphis that they could see.

From this community service, I learned that if you display a certain demeanor about yourself, you can inspire anyone. This was the students first time being exposed to the South and we all know the typical stereotype we as Southerners receive, so to be able to diminish it was worth while. About half of the students even said they were considering the University of Memphis as a school of choice.

"Reach one, teach one." "Inspire one, inspire all." "First of all, servants of all, we shall transcend all."

Night of Enlightenment

The Kappa Eta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc always partners with the University of Memphis Student Event Allocations Committee to bring in nationally or internationally known figures to speak to the public. On April 4, we were afforded the opportunity to bring in Bro. Roland Martin. He is a journalist for CNN and the host of Washington Watch

This lecture gave the university insight on the issues that were from slavery days, to the Civil Rights movement, to current civil issues. He stated that issues and successes only evolve, never die out. I am a political science major and these are issues that affect all of us.

I realized that if we want change, we have to implement it. He brought it to out attention that during the Civil Rights movement that the older generation did not make the changes. It was the high school students and college students around the United States who demonstrated and wanted change. He said that it was our duty to continue ti be innovators as the young generation.

This event reassured me that it is alright to stand up and stand out for justice no matter if you're alone or not. 

Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant

Our annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant was held April 7, 2012. In Alpha, our aims are Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for all Mankind. These three principles are values that each Alpha must maintain and uphold while being a member of the fraternity. We pride ourselves in scholarship, that is why we recognize excellence through a pageant.


The Miss Black and Gold Pageant, under the sponsorship of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., is
an outgrowth of the long tradition of Alpha Chapters designation outstanding young ladies to
serve as "Chapter Sweethearts." The Fraternity recognizes the valuable support rendered to it by
the many friends of Alpha Phi Alpha - and this endeavor serves as one mechanism to applaud
such support.

From this pageant, I've learned that scholarship pageant is more than recognizing high grade point averages. It gives us the opportunity to highlight the elegance here at the University of Memphis through GPA, cultural expression, talent, swimsuit and an evening gown.

As a member of the Kappa Eta chapter, I will continue to educate women on campus the importance of this scholarship and I also will continue to seek quality so that this pageant can reach success annually.

                                             2012 Miss Black and Gold, Alex Carter