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One key learning experience I have had as my time as a Husky is being chapter President for the Alpha Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. This role means more than a title to add to my resume. It comes with a lot of responsibilities and privileges. Currently, I am the only Brother in my chapter. The responsibility as Chapter President becomes greater for me because I do not have undergraduate brothers to delegate tasks to. I am focused on spreading the name of Alpha on campus through various events/programs I host on campus. All while trying to grow my chapter. I also serve as NPHC Vice President for the University of Washington in addition to serving as Assistant District Director for the Great Northwest District. While serving as Chapter President I have learned that it is okay to ask for assistance or guidance and although I am a solo Brother on the yard, I do not have to do it all alone because I have the support from my alumni chapters in the area.
Communication:
As a leader one of the greatest assets and characteristics I have found is important to have is strong communication skills. I have been in roles where I have had to stand in front of a large audience and communicate with them what my fraternity stands for, our history, and current things that we are doing to uplift our community. However, not only is communication a strong attribute to have in public speaking, it is beneficial to have strong communication in regard to event planning, problem solving and being able to delegate tasks. As my chapter begins to grow, I have had to improve upon my communication skills because it is no longer just me and there are other individuals I need to keep up to track with and who I may delegate tasks to so I may have a better balance as a leader recognizing that I do not have to do it all myself.
Goal Setting:
When I became a brother of the Alpha Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and was part of reactivating this chapter. I took on the responsibility of making sure this chapter was in good standards nationally, the responsibility of growing Alpha numbers, and spreading Alpha name both on and off campus. At the start of each academic year I sit down with my Alpha advisers and we outline our goals for the year. I had to take a step back and reflect on what events were going to be both beneficial and impactful for this campus climate. I wanted to provide safe spaces for young men of color to feel safe being vulnerable both also ensure that our communities of color our educated around local, state, and national politics. Through this reflection we have hosted our quarterly barbershop talks and have brought back to campus our Miss Black & Gold Scholarship Pageant.
Self-understanding
As a multiracial male growing up in Yakima, Washington I grew up battling identity issues. I did not grow up surrounded by other black individuals and constantly felt a disconnect. It was not until becoming a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha that I started to enhance my understanding of what it meant to be a black male. After interaction with college and alumni brothers from across the world I have gained a deeper interest in understanding my history to help understand my identity as a multiracial male. I have learned what my capacity is when it comes to roles and responsibility, but also mentally and emotionally.
Helping Others:
I truly believe that NPHC is in a pivotal moment here on the University of Washington to creating change. As Alphas, we tend to be the ones leading that change and creating a legacy for Alpha on campus is what I aspire to do. One key event that I strongly believe has helped be the spark to creating change is our Miss Black & Gold Scholarship Pageant we hosted. This event was able to show the community that we do more than just step and stroll, but we were able to award $1750 dollars in scholarship money and give a platform for our contestants to showcase their talents, get out of their comfort zone, all while helping to contribute to the financial cost of being a college student. My chapter and districts will also for the first time in little over a decade have a representative for our Western Regional Miss Black & Gold Scholarship Pageant
Mentoring:
It has come a time where I need to prepare to pass the torch on to those who are coming after me in my chapter. For the majority of my time a part of this organization I have been the only brother on campus, but now as the chapter grows I have realized I need to help prepare these young Alpha men after me to continue to hold high the name of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. but to also develop them into strong leaders and role models for the community in all sectors of life. I have had the opportunity to travel to Atlanta, Georgia for a leadership symposium and have been to various Regional Conventions and to our National Convention. I have experienced NPHC outside of the west coast and these are all experiences in which I should share with our new members.
Advocating for a point of view:
As one may assume or know from personal experiences, when it comes to organizations or any group work, there are disagreements and/or different opinions/ideas. Within my chapter when it comes to event planning and chapter meetings there may be a point where a brother of our organization voices their opinions on a topic at hand. As a college chapter we have college advisers and alumni chapters who offer their support and guidance. However, as Chapter President I learned how to advocate for our chapters point of view. I was able to do so through articulating my words and points in hopes they would understand the meaning and significance of what we were trying to do on the UW campus and community.
Initiative:
Throughout the 2019-2020 school year our chapter begin to grow and as Chapter President and with my experience within this prestigious organization I took initiative to go beyond my roles to ensure our new members were equipped to continue to build upon this legacy. I applied and was awarded the Mary Gates Leadership Scholarship which allowed me gain the resources and mentoring to accomplish my aspirations.
Speaking on behalf of the Alpha Xi Chapter during out 112th Founder's Day Celebration (2019).
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