V1N2 - Two College Brothers' Accounts of The Alpha Leadership Academy

Post date: Jul 4, 2017 11:07:28 PM

Two College Brothers' Accounts of The Alpha Leadership Academy

The 20^th Anniversary (Upsilon) class of the Alpha Phi Alpha Leadership Academy was recently held at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., on June 3 through 10. This year, the South Carolina District was happy to send and support two of our outstanding college brothers, Brother Jonathan K. Greene, Jr., of Kappa Chi (Francis Marion University) and Brother Jalen Youmans of Pi Alpha (Clemson University). The following statements are excerpts from their journal which highlights some of their journey at this year’s Academy.

“What I experienced in that week was a rigorous, life-transforming Academy that attempted to develop our leadership skills as not just Alpha men, but as men in general. We discussed things such as the importance of respect and civility when resolving conduct and having dialogue, student development theories dealing with morals, ethics, and faith, the spiritual development of becoming a leader, as well as understanding Alpha Constitution and Bylaws and the Ritual. My favorite aspect of the Academy was the atmosphere.” - Brother Jonathan K. Greene“Through the Academy, I learned a deeper meaning of Alpha. The Academy detailed the ritual and the myths we as Alpha men have created to link different parts to the Fraternity that which wasn’t in the vision of the Jewels. This was one of the things that I valued greatly, because I joined the fraternity learning about these great men and how they impacted others around them, so I want to hold up the standard that they had in mind. Somewhere down the line, we were pushed off track and I want to try my best to get us back to that. The Academy also taught me how to run a more effective chapter and the structure of Alpha. This was extremely beneficial, as it helps us to bridge that gap between national and collegiate brothers. Additionally, I would recommend this academy to any brother of Alpha Phi Alpha, but especially college neophytes.” - Brother Jalen Youmans

As you can see from what both Brothers Greene and Youmans experienced, our investment in them was worth every dime! We wish them well as they return in the Fall to continue their academic pursuits.