Breaking Barriers in the Jewel of San Diego: The Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Black and Gold Holiday Scholarship Ball
By: Bro. Dexter Egleston and Bro. James Carter
As the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. prepares to host their annual Black and Gold Holiday Scholarship Ball, we are reminded of the important role that this event plays in the community. The Black and Gold Scholarship Ball is more than just a fundraiser, it’s an opportunity for the chapter to showcase its commitment to uplifting and empowering marginalized communities. The event serves as a celebration of the growth, development, and opportunity of the inner city youth, while raising funds for scholarships for the underserved community.
The event, which was held in La Jolla, an area that has traditionally been an exclusive community, represents a significant moment for the fraternity. Historically, spaces like La Jolla have been exclusive and often inaccessible to people of color. By holding a high-quality event in this exclusive community, the fraternity is making a statement about how important representation and inclusion are in spaces that have traditionally been exclusive. This event serves as a symbol of progress and a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality.
As we delve deeper into the story of the Black and Gold Scholarship Ball, we'll talk about the problems the committee had to deal with, the new ideas and ways the community got involved, and how the event changed the fraternity and the larger community. We appreciate your presence as we honor the successes of Zeta Sigma Lambda and the ongoing efforts to ensure that our community has access to opportunities and resources.
Brother Carter’s Perspective
As the chair of the holiday scholarship ball committee, Brother James Carter brought a fresh perspective to the event and was able to add value to the event by incorporating new and innovative ideas. Brother Carter started the interview off by thanking everyone for the support, including non-Alphas like his wife, mother, and sisters. He acknowledged that this was a collective effort, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of everyone on the planning committee and the Brotherhood. The holiday ball was a huge success, and it would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of some key Brothers. Brother Bannerman, known for his contagious energy and positivity, was instrumental in pushing the Brotherhood to achieve our ambitious goal of raising $20,000 for scholarships. His dedication to the cause was truly inspiring. Brother Ford also made a significant impact, not only by purchasing eight tables for the event, but also stepping in to capture memories when we ran into complications with the photographer. Brother Gillespie’s contributions to the fraternity were remarkable and his efforts were recognized by Brother Carter, who took the initiative to step in and take on additional responsibilities to support the fraternity. Despite being a neophyte, Brother Carter exceeded expectations and made a meaningful impact by assuming the responsibilities. Brother Gillespie’s hard work and dedication provided a perfect opportunity for Brother Carter to showcase his leadership skills and make a positive impact on the fraternity. Brother Carter recognized the contributions of each of these brothers and is grateful for their efforts in making this event a success.
Furthermore, the brothers of the committee, brothers like Brother Vice President Walker, Brother Howard, Brother Daniel Smith, Brother Johnnie Welborne, and Brother Kenneth Barnes played an integral role in the planning and the execution of those plans. Brother Aaron Pines was the DJ for the evening. It was great to have in attendance Brother Western Regional Vice President Wayne Kimball, Jr, Brother Western Regional Assistant Vice President Derrick Lewis, Brother District Director Kevin Simon, and Brother Area Director Donald Long. Brother Carter stated that his inspiration for becoming chair of the holiday ball committee was rooted in his passion for service and his desire to give back to the community. He knew that hosting a high-caliber event in La Jolla would be a great way to raise money for scholarships for the underserved community and promote brotherhood between him and his fraternity members.
As chairman of the committee for the holiday ball, Brother Carter assumed a leadership position that proved to be a learning opportunity. He encountered obstacles such as a last-minute photographer situation and lengthy check-in lines, but he used them as opportunities to grow and learn. Through his leadership, he was able to consider the suggestions and input of his committee brothers, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He also gained a deeper understanding of how to delegate tasks and utilize the skills and time of his brothers. The experience enhanced his brotherhood connections and accelerated his growth within the fraternity. As a neophyte, Brother Carter was able to learn about the fraternity and develop a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood. He encourages other brothers to participate in the planning process and to seize similar opportunities to do so. He believes that the process of organizing this event accelerated his growth and connection to the brotherhood, and he wishes that more initiates would take advantage of similar opportunities to participate. Brother Carter and the committee have amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience in preparing for the upcoming events, having learned how to leverage our human resources by utilizing specific skill sets. He encourages brothers to take advantage of the event’s planning and execution as an opportunity to connect with other members of the brotherhood. He is excited to build on the success of one of the fraternity’s most prominent events and continue to have a positive impact on the community, and he is open to the possibility of being the chair again the next year.
Innovations and Involvement
This year’s organizing committee made a conscious effort to elevate the event from previous years by introducing fresh and modern elements to the entertainment. The dynamic emcee, Roushaun Johnson from the San Diego Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. captivated the audience and kept them engaged throughout the night. Our college fraternity members from the Pi Kappa Chapter at Cal State University-Northridge also had the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills through stepping, adding to the celebration of culture and entertainment. Stepping, a traditional African American form of dance, has a long history dating back to the early 20th century when Black veterans of World War I enrolled in colleges ( Baylor University, n.p.) . But more than that, this event is also an example of the significance of joining black Greek fraternities. It serves as a platform for personal and professional growth, building community and inclusivity, and a chance to give back to underserved communities. This event serves as a reminder of the significance of representation and inclusion, as well as the ongoing struggle for equality and advancement. Participating in such events is about making a difference and leaving a lasting impression on the community, both of which we accomplished.
The Impact of the Event
The Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s annual Black and Gold Holiday Scholarship Ball is not just a celebration of the fraternity’s accomplishments, but it also serves a larger purpose: raising funds for scholarships for the underserved community. This scholarship program is a crucial aspect of the fraternity’s mission to uplift and empower those who are often overlooked in society. The funds raised from the holiday ball provide financial assistance to students who may otherwise have the means to pursue higher education. The event also served as a platform for promoting fellowship and brotherhood among the fraternity members. The planning and execution of the event brought brothers from different chapters together, allowing them to connect and collaborate in ways that they may not have been able to before. This sense of camaraderie and community is a core value of the fraternity and was on full display at the holiday ball.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the holiday ball was not only a celebration of the fraternity's accomplishments but also served a greater purpose of raising funds for scholarships for the underserved community. The event also served as a platform for promoting fellowship and brotherhood among the fraternity members and highlighting the strong bond between our black community leaders and their commitment to supporting the next generation. The organizing committee made a conscious effort to elevate the event from previous years by introducing fresh and modern elements to the entertainment, such as a violinist and an energetic speaker that kept the audience engaged. It was a true reflection of the fraternity’s commitment to Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind as we were able to recognize members of our chapter for their contributions to our community, establish a platform for college brothers to showcase their talents, and foster cohesion between Greek letter organizations. It is impossible to overstate the significance of our chapter hosting a platform with San Diego excellence in a privileged area like La Jolla, as it is both a symbol of progress and a constant reminder of the struggle for equal access to and utilization of available resources. Our ability to hold this prestigious event in a neighborhood that hasn’t always been welcoming is a source of great pride, and we hope to continue making a positive impact on the San Diego region.
