By: Bro. Stephon Dingle, Assoc. Editor to The Sphinx Magazine
The sweet sounds of jazz filled the room as Bro. Chip Shelton and his Peacetime Band soothed the crowd at the Harlem Alphas’ “Jazz Happening” Fundraiser. The initiative supports the chapter’s Go To High School, Go To College National Program entitled Young Achievers, which since 1998 in partnership with Links Inc., provides mentorship and college preparation to local high school students who come from communities in the Bronx and Harlem.
At the fundraiser, there was a great turnout and at one point standing room only as locals and the Brothers of Alpha Gamma Lambda Chapter was able to raise over $2,000 for this year’s students. The chapter’s Director of Education, Bro. Victor Perkins, a Spring 2013 initiate, was elated with the outcome and said he expects great things from this year’s program.
“It’s always good to see the brothers of Alpha get together along with the community and see a noble cause come to fruition for these young people that need our help,” Perkins said.
Two days after a successful fundraiser, The Young Achievers Program held their orientation for its students. This year’s catchy theme, “I AM Y.A.” was repeated throughout the festive gathering, something Perkins said these students should remember and take pride in the fact that they can follow in the footsteps of some of the program’s successful alumni who are away at various colleges. In the crowd, were some familiar faces who are now seniors in high school and there were many young new ones as they were accompanied by school counselors and interested parents.
Over 40 students attended the orientation, which is almost triple the number from last year’s program. Students were introduced to what Young Achievers were and how they too would be helped to become successful. They also had the opportunity to eat and fellowship with counselors, potential mentors and brothers of the Harlem Alphas.
The Young Achievers Program was featured on the local airwaves of WHCR 90.3 FM, The Voice of Harlem, as Bros. Victor Perkins and Mohamad Doumbouya were guest spreading the word about Young Achievers and the “I AM Y.A.” movement. On the show, they talked about the state of young black males in Harlem and where the Young Achievers Program fits in the bigger picture. There is a need for mentors and if you are interested in joining the “I AM Y.A.” movement, you are encouraged to reach out to Bros. Antonio Alston or Bryan Braswell, the Young Achievers Mentor Advisors.
Be sure to join the Harlem Alphas and Its Young Achievers at their next joint session as they will discuss The Importance of Safety when dealing with the NYPD and Dressing for Success. This session will be held at Harlem Hospital RM6101, on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 6:30PM We Look forward to you joining us!
To Listen to the Radio Interview in its entirety click on the following link: http://bit.ly/1cNfXP6
