Black organizations around the University of Alabama’s campus are dedicated to bettering Generation Alpha community throughout Tuscaloosa. It is their mission to provide programs and activities for Black children within their organizations through the practice of community service. This is a vital service for their lives, especially now with the uncertainty of our current shift in political climate. With America’s recent change in command, Black organizations like fraternities and sororities are being threatened by executive orders demanding rollbacks of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.
The threat of forcing Black organizations to close their doors could take away helpful programs for Black Gen Alpha. One of these is the commitment to community service that Black Greek Life provides to the children of the community. Several organizations around campus have dedicated their time and resources to serving the younger Black youth of this college town. Two of these organizations are the Omega Psi Phi and the Kappa Alpha Psi. They are taking the steps to serve the Black Generation Alpha.
Malcolm Brown, the Beta Eta Chapter President of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., connects with community organizations within Tuscaloosa to expand their outreach outside of the Universities campus. The Beta Eta Chapter does not want to be limited in their service, their president makes sure to make visits to youth centers like the Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama.
“You think being on campus, we’re kind of limited to things that are on campus. That’s why we kind of use every member that’s in the organization with a certain position, like Desmond Cosby, he’s a graduating senior, he is our community service chair.”
Giving Black youth someone to look up to can help better their lives in the future. Black organizations all around the university provide this very mentorship to them with their expansive resources. It is important to reach out to them wherever and however you can. Angelo Cooper, Social Chair Assistant of Eta Chi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc., enjoys servicing the younger community through his fraternity.
‘I use my service to just have a chance to talk to them. Everybody needs someone to talk to about their dreams and goals, and the more you do, the more it comes to reality.’
Black youth need representation for themselves in higher education now more than ever. It is important that Black organizations around UA campus use their resources and commitment to service to help them find their path and achieve their goals. The members of these organizations seem more than eager to service Black youth.
