The final week of Black History Month began yesterday, and Alpha Phi Alpha, a Portland State fraternity of African Americans, is hosting its first Alpha week.
Black History Month ends with Alpha week
The final week of Black History Month began yesterday, and Alpha Phi Alpha, a Portland State fraternity of African Americans, is hosting its first Alpha week.
The event kicked off with a free screening of a documentary called “Hip Hop: Beyond the Beats.” The documentary discusses the stereotypes that are intrinsic in music today.
“Hip-hop rap music is so vital in the importance of our generation,” Jarrell Townsend, president of Alpha Phi Alpha, said. “We decided to [screen] something that shows the other side of the music and find a deeper discussion on how it affects our society and how we as a people treat each other.”
The Alpha Phi Alpha motto—First of all, Servants of all, We shall transcend all—is the driving philosophy behind the event, according to Townsend.
Today at noon, the Alphas are hosting an information session about Greek culture and the history of African American Greeks. One such notable Alpha was Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Wednesday at noon, the Alphas are hosting a professional development luncheon in 236 Smith Memorial Student Union, where guests from a range of career fields will speak to students about how to succeed in today’s workplace.
“This is the highlight of our week because it allows students to network and make connections which are vital to succeeding in today’s economy,” Townsend said.
The overall purpose of Alpha week, according to Townsend, is to create more awareness of Alpha Phi Alpha at PSU.
“We created this weeklong series of events to bring more exposure to our fraternity and to bring some culture to campus,” Townsend said.
The Alpha Kapa Alpha sorority, also traditionally African American, is partnering with Alpha Phi Alpha to plan the week.
“We’re…co-sponsoring movie nights, the luncheon and movie nights that revolve around the theme of black history,” said Bianca Wallace, president of Alpha Kapa Alpha. “It’s definitely important for events like this to take place at PSU, [and] very beneficial with getting people more intertwined with others on campus.”
Both presidents are keen on making the week a success.
“All in a day’s work,” Townsend said.
Refreshments will be provided at today’s information session, and Wednesday’s panel will include a luncheon. ?
