DETROIT – March is Reading Month, and members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, are making a significant impact on school campuses in Metro Detroit.
The Fraternity is starting its 93rd Midwestern Regional Convention in Detroit with a week full of community service, including the Read to Succeed events at Emerson and Dossin Elementary-Middle Schools.
Alburn Elvin, the fraternity’s District Director for Michigan, shared the excitement of the week, noting that 1,500 brothers are coming from 12 states and Canada.
On Wednesday, dozens of Alpha men spent time reading to students and donated 200 books to the schools. Additionally, they dedicated elaborate reading benches for the students to enjoy.
Franklin Stacy, Jr., the Midwestern Regional Vice President, expressed his joy in watching the students learn and interact with the fraternity members. Promoting scholarship, academic excellence, leadership development, service, and advocacy are core values shared by the fraternity brothers.
”It is very intentional because Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated is a social/service organization,” Stacy explained. “That is what we are about. We are not just a fraternity that steps and parties, or anything like that. We are not a group that just comes together in college and then it’s over with when we graduate.”
Brother Keith Franklin, who has a personal history with Emerson Middle School, emphasized the importance of giving back and guiding youth.
“It feels great,” Franklin said. “Especially as a Black male. I can come and present myself to younger Black males, to show them that they’ve got a bright future.”
The Fraternity’s mission is deeply rooted in community service, as Elvin stated, “We want them to know somebody is watching. Someone is there to take care of them and make sure that they do well.”
Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated invite the public to join them for several events during their convention week. A health fair and blood donation drive, along with a career fair, will take place on Friday, March 21st, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center.
