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Alpha Fraternity’s Annual MLK Scholarship Breakfast
By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
Gold and black centerpieces and decorations welcomed over
500 attendees to the annual Alpha Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha
Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. brunch. The fresh snowfall didn’t
keep attendees away from this 27th occasion which
was held on Saturday, January 19 at The Pinnacle in Maumee.
“We’re excited to continue this legacy and give back to our
city. To date, over 100 young men have received over
$157,000 in scholarships. We’re also launching a city-wide
mentoring program, called Alpha Esquire, in response to the
need in our community. This will be open to young men,” said
Brandon Tucker, chapter president. |
Alpha Officers and Keynote Speaker Maurice Stinnett, PhD
Scholarship recipients - Justin Barnes, Chase Dupree,
Anthony Ellis, AdariusJohnson, Kaleb Johnson, Jalil Mitchell
and Patrick Taylor |
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The 2019 Drum Major for Justice Award honoree was Helen
Cooks, PhD. She is founder and supporter of University of
Toledo EXCEL program which has provided scholarship
incentives to high school students to attend the University
of Toledo. “This is one of my mountain top experiences in my
life,” said Cooks,” as she received a standing ovation. The
Toledo EXCEL program has been providing such scholarships
for well over three decades.
Kristian Brown of 13abc served as the event’s mistress of
ceremonies, while Alpha members Darnell Ishmael serenaded
the audience twice and David Young, the current director of
Toledo EXCEL, delivered the invocation and benediction.
In addition to ticket sales, the event was supported by the
following sponsors: Ohio Council of Community Schools; King
Campion partner; LIUNA Laborer’s Local 500; Owens Corning;
University of Toledo College of Pharmacy; Jewel Legacy
Partners; African American Leadership Council of United Way;
Brothers United; Columbia Gas Ohio; Dave White Chevrolet
Acura; First Federal Bank; KeyBank; Lucas County
Metropolitan Housing Authority; Mercy Health Partners;
Mitchell Dermatology & Mitchell Law, LLC; Toledo Lucas
County Port Authority; Toledo Museum of Art and University
of Toledo Office of Diversity and Inclusion; Gold Sustainer
Partners and a host of supporters and partners.
“I personally want to thank all the sponsors and attendees,”
explained John Jones, event chairman.
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