ARL ILLUMINATOR VOL. 14 – ISSUE 1, Academic Edition 2019

Chris Ray • September 12, 2019

The President’s Corner

Scholarship…

Scholarship is the cornerstone of what It means to be a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. The pursuit of learning at a high level or mastering a specific field of academic study is something every brother should consider. College brothers and Alumni Brothers can agree that that the journey of enlightenment is endless and will be filled with challenges and achievements.

As President of the 138 th  House I submit my name to be included as someone striving for greatness. Brothers, the Jewels of the organization were no ordinary men. The academic pursuits we have come to learn more about in the early 1900s were filled with challenges and adversity. However, this did not stop them from pushing forward in their academic pursuits to reach full development. I believe that the aim of Scholarship should always be on the fore front of brothers as they navigate through life.

I am reminded in this season of college days swiftly passing due to our area having seen evidence of brothers completing baccalaureate degrees with ALPHA HONOR. They are graduating in a timely manner, with high grade point averages and completing with jobs in their chosen area of expertise. Congratulations College Brothers, as brothers in the Central Ohio Area we can be share in your success and be proud that you have represented your university, home chapter and above all things, you have represented YOURSELF well.

I am also reminded that Alumni brothers are pursing advanced degrees to help elevate their careers to the next level in their pursuit of reaching full development. They are balancing current career duties with home life which can include their wife or significant other and children while excelling in the classroom as well. Scholarship! Brothers, it does not leave us once we achieved the baccalaureate degree. It is merely the appetizer. Thank you, Alumni brothers, for setting the example that brothers everywhere can achieve more as we all grow and develop and aspire for excellence.

In closing Brothers, I urge you to never settle for less in life and especially as it pertains to knowledge and the pursuit of enlightenment. We have over 112 years of brothers that believe in Scholarship and the impact it can have on not only ourselves but the world. Let’s continue in true Alpha fashion brothers and that is ONWARD & UPWARD!

The Chaplain’s Ward

Greetings Brothers,

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. I want to thank my Alpha Rho Lambda brothers for your outstanding support of myself in my role as Chaplain, but most especially for your zeal in helping other brothers. The camaraderie in the chapter over the last few years has continued to grow and I hope that the spirit of the fraternity will continue to make us servants of all.

Again, I want to thank brothers who have served on the Chaplain’s committee and the Omega service team for their dedication. The Omega service team and all brothers that participate in our Omega service are essential to not only give our departed brothers a proper send off, but it exemplifies to their families the love and respect we had for our brothers. I encourage brothers to continue to check in on our sick and distressed brothers. Brothers, if you know of brothers who are sick, in distress, or who have passed away, please let me know as soon as you find out so I can respond in a timely manner. In addition, if brothers are doing well and would like prayer/counsel, please let me know as well as there are so many good things going on for Columbus area brothers.  I will continue to keep all of our brothers and families in our prayers for prosperity, healing, strength, and wisdom.

Let’s particularly keep the families of our recently deceased: Bros. Bishop McKinley Young, Oscar Watson, Eddie Jones, Dr. John Moyler, Dr. Charles Wesley Bridges, James Gainey, James K. Jackson, Ivan Cotman, Bishop Frederick Talbot, and Rev. Demetrius Stewart, in prayer. These brothers were giants in our community and truly reflected the values of Alpha men and more importantly, men of God.  “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!’” (Revelation 14:13)

Fraternally,

Bro. Roderick “Rodney” Q. Blount, Jr.

Chaplain

Alpha Rho Lambda: HBCU Alumni

College, more than just an academic ordeal, is a time where one is making the esteemed transition from youth to adulthood. The experience one has in college differs from person-to-person, and from school to school. One major duality within the college life experience, though, is the age-old debate between PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions) and HBCUs (Historically Black College and Universities). We asked various brothers within the ARL chapter a list of questions in order to have them reflect and speak on their experiences as HBCU students. The following are their responses:

Alpha Rho Lambda: HBCU Alumni

Bro. Troy Glover

Morris College (Class of ’86)

B.S. in Mathematics

  1. What do HBCUs mean to you and what is their value to the community now and in the future?

HBCUs have provided collegiate opportunities and experiences for students of color who are highly competent and motivated to learn. This is a staple of the HBCU experience. One of the many values of HBCUs is that they identify the educational needs of each student and customize an academic program complete with remedial assistance, if needed.  The aforementioned is always done to ensure a student’s personal success in college and subsequently in life. I entered college at 16 years of age with a high degree of anxiety about the academic rigor required for a successful collegiate experience. I wanted to ensure that my social and educational journey ahead would be a fruitful one.  As a student at Morris College, I was fortunate to have instructors and staff who invested in my intellectual and social development.  These developmental tools have guided me through life and are now helping me navigate the complexities of society.

  1. What is your fondest memory while attending your HBCU?

My collegiate journey was filled with many memorable experiences that impacted me in a significant way.  One fond memory was my election as President of Morris College Student Government Association.  For me, this honor represented the culmination of a college career filled with opportunities that enhanced and further developed my leadership skills.  I was fortunate during my freshman year to be elected to offices within several organizations such as the pre-alumni club, gospel choir, and Baptist student union. As a sophomore, my growth in leadership continued through being selected by college officials to serve as a student counselor.  Additional student leadership positions were afforded to me for the remainder of my college career for which I will always be grateful.

  1. What did you study at your HBCU and how are you currently applying that area of focus in your employment or volunteering?

My major at Morris College was Mathematics.  As a subject of study, Mathematics is transformative.  I greatly value this critical area of focus given that complex problems require analysis through methodical and computational lens.  The skills and tools gained throughout my pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree at Morris College have been fully integrated into my every day life whether in an employment or a volunteer capacity.

  1. Can you name one challenge of attending your HBCU (far from home, trouble choosing a major focus, finding your niche, etc.) and how that affected your experience while there?

I was fortunate to have an incredibly rewarding experience as a student at Morris College.  I did not experience any negative challenges worthy of stating that impacted my collegiate career or impeded my educational process.

  1. Graduates and former students of colleges/Universities maintain connection through employment, volunteering, financial donations, and even attending events. How do you or have you supported your HBCU?

I am a strong believer and supporter of Morris College.  I currently serve on the Morris College Board of Trustees.  I serve as President of the Morris College Ohio Alumni Chapter and Chair of the Nominating Committee for the Morris College National Alumni Association.  I am a firm believer of giving back on many levels.  Annually, I contribute to Morris College and hold life membership through the Morris College National Alumni Association.  I enthusiastically look forward to annual events hosted by various campus entities because this gives me an opportunity to reinvigorate my Morris College commitment and spirit.

Bro. Dr. Brian Taylor

Howard University (Class of ’09)

Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry (Class of ’15)

 

  1. What do HBCUs mean to you and what is their value to the community now and in the future?

HBCUs mean culture and family tradition to me. Everyone that is college educated on my family are graduates of an HBCU. That tradition is not just in my family, but many others, and it has become a culture that has cultivated many community leaders, actors, lawyers, etc. It simply goes beyond the 4 walls of a classroom.

  1. What is your fondest memory while attending your HBCU?

My freshman year at Howard University, and going to the cafeteria for dinner with my roommate, and walking in, the ‘Cha Cha Slide’ was playing, the menu wrote, ‘Soul Food Thursday’, and everyone in there was laughing, dancing, eating and having a good time. It felt like a huge family reunion.

  1. What did you study at your HBCU and how are you currently applying that area of focus in your employment or volunteering?

I’m a proud graduate of 2 HBCUs:

  • Howard University – Biology
  • Meharry Medical College – Dentistry

I am currently a practicing general dentist and assistant professor for Ohio State University which is allowing me to use both of my degrees daily.

  1. Can you name one challenge of attending your HBCU (far from home, trouble choosing a major focus, finding your niche, etc.) and how that affected your experience while there?

Being far from home was probably the biggest challenge. There was a huge culture shock coming from Florida to Washington, DC. In the beginning, it was difficult, but as I got more involved with my studies and making new friends who were in similar situations too, we began to lean on each other which to this day has built unbreakable bonds.

  1. Graduates and former students of colleges/Universities maintain connection through employment, volunteering, financial donations, and even attending events. How do you or have you supported your HBCU?

All of the above. I’ve signed up for guest lectures at my dental school; I give back monthly to both Howard and Meharry; joined alumni associations which host a number of events throughout my city. As mentioned, this is a culture, and I love every minute of it.

Bro. Charles Hill

Kentucky State University (Class of ’01)

  1. What do HBCUs mean to you and what is their value to the community now and in the future? 

HBCUs mean to me: family. HBCUs present a close-knit, tight community that you can’t get from a PWI. It’s more intimate, it’s more of a family-like setting, and is an opportunity where you get to know your peers on a deeper level.

The value to the community is that it teaches us our African American history. They teach us about where we came from, and, more importantly, where we’re going.

  1. What is your fondest memory while attending your HBCU?  

My fondest memory…man. I’d say when we got shut down for a snowstorm. We had a level 4 snow emergency and the whole campus shut down, so we ended up having a campus-wide snowball fight. Cops participated, administration participated, the whole campus was involved. We stormed every dorm: the girls dorm, the baseball team’s dorm, and then the football team just took over from there, but that was a pretty cool moment.

Another one was when BET came. This guy named Hits from BET went around and hit all the HBCU colleges across the nation. He came there (Kent State) and it was a chance for all of the fraternities and sororities (and even alumni to come back) on the campus to come together and show out and have a good time. It was a whole-day event, and the entire thing was filmed and put on TV, so that was a major moment.

  1. What did you study at your HBCU and how are you currently applying that area of focus in your employment or volunteering? 

I studied Business Administration and Marketing while in school. I currently am not using that directly, I was using it indirectly when I first graduated and started off in marketing and sales. I went from there to now where I’m working as the Director of Community Outreach. I’ve used what I learned over my career to get to where I am now , but one thing I can say that I learned from school that I still use today is relationships; I transferred relationships into what I do now full-time, which consists of creating relationships with corporate partners, community leaders, and elected officials.

  1. Can you name one challenge of attending your HBCU (far from home, trouble choosing a major focus, finding your niche, etc.) and how that affected your experience while there? 

Lack of resources. HBCUs typically don’t receive as much financial backing as PWIs tend to. We lacked in having amenities that all the other schools had. From food to textbooks and materials to facilities. I will say now, though, that it’s better today.

One day we actually had a sit-in as a form of protest because the food was so bad. I was active in student government and we orchestrated a sit-in where we took our budget and we paid for everybody in school to have a boxed lunch (KFC), and had students sign a petition that stated that they would not eat in the cafeteria until the school made changes. We orchestrated an entire boycott: we called the news, newspaper outlets, tv stations, and we protested for four days causing them to lose money over that timespan. The school eventually agreed to negotiate with us and after that we had better food, so now the students that attend the school now get to prosper from what we did all those years ago.

  1. Graduates and former students of colleges/Universities maintain connection through employment, volunteering, financial donations, and even attending events. How do you or have you supported your HBCU? 

I support in multiple facets; I write checks on a regular basis back to our school, I rally and get alumni to come back to our homecomings, and organize our local chapter here to encourage alumni to stay connected with one another.

Bro. Mo Wright

Winston-Salem State University

 

  1. What do HBCUs mean to you and what is their value to the community now and in the future?

HBCU represent the epitome of “For Us, By Us”. They provide high quality educational options for all students, but for students of color in particular. At one point in our history, HBCUs were our only option for a college education. Although options have now broadened for students of color, the HBCU experience, a mix of academics and value-added social options, is still one of the best values in higher education offering an experience that is second to none. But for HBCUs, there would not be other educational options and in many ways very few professors of color to teach at majority institutions.

  1. What is your fondest memory while attending your HBCU?

As a graduate of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), my college experience was so unique and valuable that it’s hard to choose one memory. Among them, however, is serving as SGA President and getting to attend a forum for emerging leaders during the 2000 Democratic National Convention in LA. I got to meet Alpha icons like Cornell West and Mayor Willie Brown just standing on the street corner. I also first met then Bro. Senator Ray Miller who later became one of my mentors once I got to Columbus.

  1. What did you study at your HBCU and how are you currently applying that area of focus in your employment or volunteering?

My undergraduate major was Political Science with a minor in Speech Communications. Although I’m not in “politics” directly, my consulting firm specializes in consulting to public sector organizations which requires you to understand the value systems of public organizations. I learned that at WSSU. The art of effective verbal communication from my minor is a skill that has served me very well personally and professionally.

  1. Can you name one challenge of attending your HBCU (far from home, trouble choosing a major focus, finding your niche, etc.) and how that affected your experience while there?

HBCUs often don’t enjoy the same philanthropic support than some of the majority institutions. Therefore, resources like scholarships and aid may not be as readily available to students who attend. This may also manifest itself in terms of not having the same level of amenities as some majority institutions (i.e. nicer residence halls, one vs. several cafeteria, etc.). What is lacked in resources, however, is far exceeded in quality of experience and the knowledge of one’s self that is gained.

  1. Graduates and former students of colleges/Universities maintain connection through employment, volunteering, financial donations, and even attending events. How do you or have you supported your HBCU?

I support WSSU annually with my time and resources. Most recently, I provided a $5,000 match to a group of young alumni who raise money for the institution during homecoming events. Additionally, I am a life member of the National Alumni Association and the immediate past chair of the Young Alumni Council (YAC). During my time as YAC chair, I hosted two Forty Under 40 events which collectively raised over $50k to support my alma mater.

Bro. Tarik White

Kentucky State University

  1. What do HBCUs mean to you and what is their value to the community now and in the future? 

HBCUs are an existing piece of living history; those were (and are) institutions that were established when we weren’t able to attend most predominant white colleges. It also makes you remember where you come from; even though each HBCU is uniquely different, they all rest on hallowed ground where they’ve had people who have played major roles in history walk on those campuses. The feeling you get when you walk said campus yourself is a different kind of ambiance that you just can’t find anywhere else. I always think there is a need for HBCUs; not just now, but in the future as well.

  1. What is your fondest memory while attending your HBCU?  

That’s tough… I’ll say seeing my professors be as excited and interested in homecoming events as much as myself and my peers. Another one of my fondest memories is meeting the Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale. In general, I can say all of the famous African Americans who come to visit your campus on a regular basis, either to speak or just to visit. It was like a book coming alive for me.

  1. What did you study at your HBCU and how are you currently applying that area of focus in your employment or volunteering? 

I was a biology major and also a secondary education major. This allowed me the opportunity to be a teacher, a principal, to work at the college level, and now for the state Department of Education. I still do volunteer in the community in regards to science; for example, I’m a science judge, and anyone who needs a STEM or science curriculum developed, I also do that on the side.

Not only is science global, but education is as well, so one of the cool things I get to do with my job is not only traveling all over the state but I also get to travel to other states to study different departments of education there as well.

  1. Can you name one challenge of attending your HBCU (far from home, trouble choosing a major focus, finding your niche, etc.) and how that affected your experience while there? 

There was a transition from having to rely on family to learning how to adopt friends, create relationships, and find a new family on campus. At first, I wanted to come home all the time, but sooner I started getting to know people and got familiar and comfortable enough to the point where I didn’t feel the need to go home in order to feel a sense of community and belongingness.

There was also a challenge of being broke and not having money. Being put in that situation forced me to do whatever was necessary to make ends meet, which ended up with me learning how to cut hair. This allowed me to have enough funds for food and other necessities, while giving me extra income to use at my own discretion.

  1. Graduates and former students of colleges/Universities maintain connection through employment, volunteering, financial donations, and even attending events. How do you or have you supported your HBCU? 

I committed myself to the local alumni affairs group, so anytime there’s an opportunity to present or promote the college, I’m there. Whether it be actually on campus, or right here in Columbus, I’m always willing and able to volunteer to help endorse the college.

Bro. Karim Jackson

Wilberforce University (Class of ’07)

  1. What do HBCUs mean to you and what is their value to the community now and in the future? 

HBCUs embody the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child.” From their inception, HBCUs have always been institutions that have been safe places within the black community. Having attended the first HBCU owned and operated by African Americans, Wilberforce University is very much an institution that students can feel welcomed and wanted. HBCUs still hold a very important place in our communities. Being in a place where majority of the students and professors look like you, allow an environment where it is encouraged to excel academically and socially without many of the pressures of attending a PWI.

  1. What is your fondest memory while attending your HBCU?  

My fondest memory while attending Wilberforce University is creating the lifelong friends that have lasted well beyond graduation. The most important being my wife, who also attended WU.  We both played basketball for WU and met for the first time at our gym during basketball practice.  The memories made while attending an HBCU is like nothing one would ever experience attending a non-HBCU. The family atmosphere at HBCUs is incomparable.

  1. What did you study at your HBCU and how are you currently applying that area of focus in your employment or volunteering? 

I studied Business Management at Wilberforce University.  My degree led to positions in the financial management industry and supply chain management prior to attending graduate school full-time.  The skills I learned obtaining my bachelor’s degree have been instrumental in my success in planning and coordinating volunteer activities as well as running my own business, Jackson Sports & Leadership Academy. My business management foundation has played a very important part of my life, professionally and personally.

  1. Can you name one challenge of attending your HBCU (far from home, trouble choosing a major focus, finding your niche, etc.) and how that affected your experience while there? 

Wilberforce didn’t have the major that I planned on majoring in, but that ended up being a blessing. My original plan was to major in Sports Management. I ended up going to graduate school to obtain a master’s degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Sports Management. If I would have had the opportunity to major in Sports Management at Wilberforce, there is a good chance I would have never attended graduate school.

  1. Graduates and former students of colleges/Universities maintain connection through employment, volunteering, financial donations, and even attending events. How do you or have you supported your HBCU? 

The two most significant ways I support my HBCU is being an advocate by promoting the school to prospective students as I am a College Advisor that works with high school students throughout Central Ohio.  I also coordinate the annual alumni basketball game that is held each year during our alumni weekend, known as Dawn Dance Weekend.

Bro. Lawrence Lemon

Kentucky State University

  1. What do HBCUs mean to you and what is their value to the community now and in the future?

I believe the HBCU to be an intricate part of the educational fiber within the American education system and an invaluable resource of African Americans who exemplify academic excellence.  The value of HBCUs to the community has been proven through the amazing agents of change they have produced who have positively influenced the world. Their value now and for the future is even more relevant in my opinion especially with the current political and social climate facing African Americans.

  1. What is your fondest memory while attending your HBCU?

There are so many amazing memories that it is hard to narrow it down to just one, but two of my fondest memories are witnessing my first Alpha probate show and my first Homecoming.  These two events truly solidified my Black college experience. No one does it like an HBCU.

  1. What did you study at your HBCU and how are you currently applying that area of focus in your employment or volunteering?

I majored in Vocal Music Performance with a minor in Theater and Communications.  Both of these areas of focus aid in my presentation style and skills along with applying the discipline necessary to succeed in both help me to balance my day to day operations.

4. Can you name one challenge of attending your HBCU (far from home, trouble choosing a major focus, finding your niche, etc.) and how that affected your experience while there?

One of the major challenges of attending my HBCU was the overall lack of finances and resources.  This challenge, however, aided us to become more innovative and creative in order to find alternative ways of accomplishing goals. This also instilled in us a greater sense of “grit” and stick-to-itiveness that only an HBCU can produce.

  1. Graduates and former students of colleges/Universities maintain a connection through employment, volunteering, financial donations, and even attending events. How do you or have you supported your HBCU?

I have and continue to support my university through lending my education, talent, skills, and financial support to our local and national Alumni association endeavors.  I frequently visit my university and provide the current student body with training, mentorship, and support. I also am constantly recruiting new students to the university and encouraging financial and resource support from individuals and corporations.

Bro. Michael Davis

Morris College (Class of ’96)

 

  1. What do HBCUs mean to you and what is their value to the community now and in the future?

What HBCUs mean to me is a sense of home….a sense of pride…a sense of belonging to a culture that embraces individuals to excel in their environment and community. The values that HBCUs hold are important. It gives an opportunity to those who are less fortunate the chance to make something out of themselves so they can pour back into their communities.

  1. What is your fondest memory while attending your HBCU?

My fondest memory while attending my HBCU is walking across campus seeing people that looked like me every day. It felt so great to see hundreds of blacks bonding, studying and excelling to get a college degree.

 

  1. What did you study at your HBCU and how are you currently applying that area of focus in your employment or volunteering?

I majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. I am currently working in the Information Technology field and the computer courses I took as part of my major is allowing me to apply the languages learned but also develop new ones. My analytical skills are sharper and I work well with my colleagues in ways that benefit my department.

  1. Can you name one challenge of attending your HBCU (far from home, trouble choosing a major focus, finding your niche, etc.) and how that affected your experience while there?

One challenge while attending my HBCU was the lack of having current technology driven tools. By not having the up to date technological tools, this hindered me and other students from becoming tech savvy faster in order to keep up with other cultures outside of the HBCU experience.

  1. Graduates and former students of colleges/Universities maintain connection through employment, volunteering, financial donations, and even attending events. How do you or have you supported your HBCU? 

I have supported my HBCU by giving donations, participating in College Fairs, taking part in homecoming activities and being an active member of the alumni association locally.

Alpha Rho Lambda: Current Pursuits in Higher Education

Undergraduate studies are one thing, but the pursuit of higher education (Masters, Ph.Ds, etc.) is a whole other world in and of itself. To further one’s education beyond the means of a Bachelor’s degree not takes effort, but also a certain level of unwavering grit and determination. We asked a few brothers who are currently in pursuit of degrees in higher education a list of various questions about their current journey, and what their plans for the future entail. The following are their responses:

Bro. Robert Shorty

Doctoral student at Benedictine University

  1. Why did you start this program? What do you plan to do once you complete the degree?

I started the program because I work in HR currently, and my major is Organization Development, which is a field of study about how, as an HR professional, I can help leaders be better leaders and organizations be better organizations. Therefore, I want to become an expert in doing that because my plan after graduation is to become a consultant in both leadership development and business development.

  1. What changes have you seen in the research, context, topic since starting the program?

It’s not necessarily a “change” per se, but something that has become clear to me is that there is a large gap in between academia and the business world in terms of research that’s readily available. There’s a lot of scholarly research available, but because it’s written in academic language and very tough to get through, a lot of businesses aren’t utilizing the scholarships that are available. Thus, there’s this large gap and I feel that that void could be filled by taking said research and making it more easily digestible for leadership and businesses, so that they can actually use it to impact their organizations today.

  1. How would you encourage someone interested in beginning a graduate program? Encourage someone in the middle of a graduate program?

I would encourage someone who’s thinking about stating to be very clear on why they want to obtain a graduate degree. Understand the investment that it involves and make sure that they intend on receiving the benefit of completing that graduate course. For someone in the middle of that program, especially if it’s a working professional, be willing to understand that you have to let some things go and really be confident in having a strong “No.” to things so that you can keep the balance of things that you’ll need to do to be successful.

  1. If you had unlimited funding, what would you study and why?

If I had unlimited funding, I would study why diversity and inclusion initiatives in companies fall flat. I’m really trying to understand how with all of the work, information, and data that exists today around the business benefits and cost-benefits of having a diverse workforce, why there’s so many companies that still struggle with having diversity in the C-suite. I would spend time to really understand why those initiatives and why those practices sometimes start at lower levels of an organization and how come those same practices haven’t transcended to the C-suite.

Bro. Rayshawn Wilson

Doctoral student at Ohio University

  1. Why did you start this program? What do you plan to do once you complete the degree?

Currently a 2 nd -year doctoral student at Ohio University in the Counselor Education and Supervision program. Started the program knowing that there are very few African American males that have obtained Ph.D.’s in Education. Once completed, I’ll use the degree to expand my private practice and my ability to perform certain clinical assessments that require you to have a Ph.D. Additionally, I want to be able to publish research journal articles in a variety of disciplines.

  1. What changes have you seen in the research, context, topic since starting the program?

Currently all of my research has been focused on Children of Incarcerated Parents especially in the areas of social, emotional learning, self-efficacy and risk and resilience theory. Although much research has been conducted on this population, the research has been limited in hearing the voices of the population to gain their perspective.

  1. How would you encourage someone interested in beginning a graduate program? Encourage someone in the middle of a graduate program?

Anyone interested in starting any form of graduate degree should know their “why”. Your why is what is going to carry you through those difficult times when you want to quit. Your why will give you the strength to keep pushing forward. For those that are in the middle: again, focus on your “why”.

  1. If you had unlimited funding, what would you study and why?

If I had unlimited funding, I would do a longitudinal study on children of incarcerated parents. I would provide a treatment group over 12 weeks and see if there is any correlation between increase in social, emotional learning after treatment.

Bro. Ezekiel Peebles

Doctoral Student at The Ohio State University

1. Why did you start this program? What do you plan to do once you complete the degree?
The Counselor Education program is one I have thought about for a long time. I chose to start this program because it represents the next stage in my career as a Counselor. Once I complete the program my hope is that it will represent a key to open additional doors for further growth and development for my practice Key Counseling & Consultation. Additionally, I hope to write the narrative about the mental health as it pertains to people of color.
 
2. What changes have you seen in the research, context, topic since starting the program?
Well, I officially begin the program Autumn 2019. However, as it pertains to men of color, there is an increased need to explore wellness and mental health. I hope to further explore and understand the thought process and motivation of them and how to improve it overall.
 
3. How would you encourage someone interested in beginning a graduate program? Encourage someone in the middle of a graduate program?
My encouragement to anyone beginning a graduate program is to understand your “why”. When I started the process to pursue graduate school it was not about a title but more about what I would gain that would aid my preparation to reach full development as a Counselor. If someone has an interest in pursuing a graduate degree, I would encourage them to know the “why” about their choice. I believe this will lead them down the path to find a deeper sense of motivation to begin or finish a program.
 
4. If you had unlimited funding, what would you study and why?
I would look to research the ADHD epidemic as it relates to brown boys and girls. I think the increase diagnosis of kids in the K-12 setting is unsettling and there is a need for more research to find alternative ways to support children besides medication.

The Evolving Challenges & Future of HBCUs

The Importance of HBCUs

  • HBCUs play an important role in the American higher education scene: they are centers for diversity and culture, especially since they do not only accept black students
  • They generally have a larger percentage of minority professors than other scho
    ols
  • They typically accept and enroll more low-income students
  • ¾ of black undergraduate students who hold a doctorate degree received their undergraduate degree from an HBCU
  • 20% of overall bachelor’s degrees earned by black students come from HBCU schools

Challenges Faced by HBCUs

Unfortunately, many of the HBCUs are facing several challenges that may force them to close their doors. Having to keep up with accreditation standards, as well as issues such as declining enrollment, low funding, and decreased graduation rates, make for an uncertain future for these institutions.

Finances and Affordability

The main problem is funding, and it contributes to the rest of the issues that HBCU schools face. These schools already struggle more than other colleges because they have fewer resources, including lower endowments and less money coming in from alumni giving, according to University of Pennsylvania education professor Marybeth Gasman, who directs the Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).

Historically black colleges receive almost half as much money in state funding per student than predominantly white institutions, according to a Business Insider report. On top of that, the 2011 updates to the federal PLUS loans have made it impossible for many students to attend college at an HBCU.

PLUS loans are federal loans given to the families of students who have exhausted all other federal financial aid options. When the criteria were updated in 2011, many families were rejected and their students were no longer able to stay in college. Enrollment numbers plummeted and took funding—particularly student-paid tuition—down with them.

HBCU Student Success and Graduation Rates

While state funding was previously based on enrollment, it is now based on outcome-related factors, such as student success and graduation rates. However, HBCU schools enroll more low-income and underprepared students. Statistically, these students are less likely to graduate from college, so the graduation rates for HBCUs naturally tend to go down, and funding decreases as well.

The decline in enrollment and diminishing funds combine to create another big problem. Many HBCU colleges face the loss of their accreditation. Schools, such as Wilberforce University and South Carolina State University, are millions of dollars in debt, and their enrollment numbers are not doing anything to help.

Others are re-examining the selection of degrees they offer and their instruction methods. This is revolutionary since most of these schools have programs and degrees built on their mission and the history of the institution.

HBCUs Looking to the Future

Cultural Diversity and Success

Thankfully, these difficulties do not guarantee the end of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Though minority schools make up only 3% of secondary education institutions in the United States, HBCUs enroll more than 10% of the nation’s African American students. In addition, only a handful of the 100+ HBCUs are in real trouble.

Like other minority colleges, HBCUs attract students who share a common ethnic and cultural background with their fellow students. Now that most predominately white institutions are no longer turning away black students on the basis of race, HBCUs are looking to recruit more racially diverse students and students who are financially secure enough and prepared to graduate with a degree.

Competitiveness Scholars

Historically, black colleges are also known to produce outstanding graduates. Each year, the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities select 63 students from HBCUs and recognize them as Competitiveness Scholars.

Regarded as the highest recognition the White House Initiative can bestow, this award goes to students who have prepared for and achieved the best opportunities to create long-term improvements in their communities. Competitive scholars then spend a year sharing their practices to support competitiveness among both individual students and HBCU schools to prepare them for successful futures.

The Future of HBCUs

While historically black colleges are up against a lot of challenges that can make the future look dim, such as enrollment numbers declining, financial difficulties, and losing their accreditation, there is also some hope. Opening their doors to students from more diverse backgrounds can increase their cultural diversity and provide more funding, and more opportunities for HBCUs to show the world the kind of excellence they pride in their students.

– Bro. Chris Ray

Alpha Esquires

ARL’s Alpha Esquires youth development group has seen a great deal of enrichment and development over the past month of August alone.

Early in the month, the Esquires attended the 2019 Midwestern Regional Development Institute at Michigan State. Nineteen young men (along with five brothers) represented ARL at the development summit, where the gentlemen learned the meaning and importance of servitude, mentorship, and becoming future leaders.

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Then, at the end of month (a day before our annual Julian Lewis Cookout), the new incoming class of the esquires was inducted, where thirteen young men were brought on as the newest members of the group. It is our job as Alphamen to ensure that we uplift these young men to be powerful leaders of today and tomorrow. Congratulations to the returning and newly inducted gentlemen of the Alpha Esquires!

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2019 Julian Lewis Cookout

This year’s Julian Lewis Cookout was not unlike any other: brothers, and their families and friends alike, all came out for good music, good food, and good fun as a way to successfully kick off the new fraternal year!

Thank you to all the brothers who helped set the event up (particularly Bros. Andre Johnson and Michael Nicholson), prepared the food, supplied the coolers, tents, and other practical equipment, brought games, took pictures, and aided in any other way, shape, or form. We hope to utilize this energy and fervor to spur on a great 2019-2020 fraternal year, and keep moving onward and upward.

All in the Family Blood Drive: 90 for 90

Our Health & Wellness Chair, Bro. Col. Jonathan Bailey, sets up multiple blood drives throughout the year via the American Red Cross. However, this time he wanted to do something special and different to honor Alpha Rho Lambda being in its 90th year of existence, so he set out on the high goal of achieving 90 total pints of blood donated. Although falling slightly short of the goal (71 pints were donated), it was still a great show out, and the most successful blood drive of the year. To those who came out and donated, and/or supported through other means, such as set-up and operations, a special thank you goes out to all of you!

Bro. Duffy – 2019 Outstanding Senior Volunteer Awardee

This month (September), Bro. Franklyn Duffy was awarded the Medical Mutual 2019 Outstanding Senior Volunteer award. Bro. Duffy, who has been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. for over 50 years, was recognized for his ongoing, outstanding, and selfless service to all of Central Ohio.

Bro. Duffy — thank you for your amazing example of service, and congratulations on being recognized for your lifelong commitment to representing what it means to be an Alpha man!

ARL ILLUMINATOR VOL. 17 – Spring Issue, 2022

By Chris Ray • April 15, 2022
President's Corner

ARL ILLUMINATOR VOL. 16 – Spring Issue, 2021

By Bro. Chris Ray • April 9, 2021
The President's Corner

Merry Christmas!

By Chris Ray • December 25, 2020
We hope you all are enjoying this joyful day amongst friends and family. Merry Christmas from the 138th House! 🎄🤙🏾 The post Merry Christmas! first appeared on Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Rho Lambda, Columbus, OH.

Happy Holidays from the Junior Esquires!

By Chris Ray • December 25, 2020
On behalf of the Junior Esquires Academy committee and the Alpha Rho Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., we wish you all Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year! The post Happy Holidays from the Junior Esquires! first appeared on Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Rho Lambda, Columbus, OH.

Happy 91st Charter Day!

By Chris Ray • December 21, 2020
On this day 91 years ago, the COLDEST chapter ever was chartered. Happy Charter Day to the 138th House! 🤙🏾 The post Happy 91st Charter Day! first appeared on Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Rho Lambda, Columbus, OH.

Mistletoe Reminiscence: See You in 2021!

By Bro. Chris Ray • December 18, 2020
The brothers of Alpha Rho Lambda chapter would like to thank each and every one of you that have participated in our annual Mistletoe party over these last 10 years! Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to cancel this year’s function. So here’s a small video (below) just to reminisce on the Mistletoes of years’ past and to get you all excited for next year when we come back better than ever!
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