Alpha Phi Alpha sets statewide conference in Summerville

Themed “The Alpha Impact: Invest, Inspire, Invigorate,” the three-day conference plans to make an impact in the Summerville and Metro Charleston communities and provide strategies and initiatives that the fraternity’s chapters can implement in all communities regionally.

Founded on Dec. 4, 1906, at Cornell University, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world. The fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially. Famous fraternity members who have been in the forefront of civil rights include W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray and Paul Robeson.

Today, the fraternity is comprised of more than 650 active chapters.

There are a total of 33 chapters in South Carolina representing the cities of Aiken, Anderson, Beaufort, Bennettsville, Clemson, Columbia, Conway, Charleston, Denmark, Florence, Fort Mill, Georgetown, Greenville, Orangeburg, Rock Hill, Spartanburg, Summerville and Sumter. This also includes chapters at higher education institutions including Allen, Claflin, Clemson, Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, Francis Marion, South Carolina State and Winthrop universities; Benedict, Morris and Voorhees colleges; the College of Charleston; and University of South Carolina branches (Columbia, Aiken and Upstate).

In addition to the community service project, leaders of the South Carolina Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., have planned educational and fellowship opportunities for the attendees. Business sessions are closed. However, there are many other events open to the public:

Thursday, Oct. 5

• HBCU IMPACT College Fair — 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Financial Literacy — 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• “Let’s Tie Things Up” — 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 6

• Fraternal and Recognition Luncheon — 1-3 p.m.

Keynote address will be by Rep. Deon T. Tedder, South Carolina District 109, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Beta Kappa Lambda Chapter, Charleston.

A graduate of South Carolina State University and the University of South Carolina Law School, he lives in North Charleston and serves his community as an attorney.

During the luncheon, the fraternity will commemorate the Emanuel Nine, who were slain on June 17, 2015, at Mother Emanuel AME Church, in Charleston.

• Premiere of “1956” – 50th anniversary Convention Documentary — 5:15-6:15 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7

• Graduate School and Career Fair — 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Blood drive with the Red Cross — 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Luncheon/Competition — 1:30-3 p.m.
• Dr. John Hope Franklin Collegiate Scholars’ Bowl — 5-6 p.m.
• Dr. Hobart S. Jarrett Debate Competition — 5-6 p.m.
• Miss Old Gold and Black Scholarship Competition — 8-10 p.m.