Reflections on 7 Years in Alpha Phi Alpha: Seven Lessons Learned

On November 5th, 2017, I had the great honor of being initiated into one of the world's most storied and impactful fraternities— Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. As I celebrate my seventh year as a member, affectionately known as my Jewel Year (since seven men founded Alpha Phi Alpha), I reflect on the profound lessons I’ve learned through my experiences within this organization.?

Alpha Phi Alpha has shaped my personal growth and deepened my understanding of service, leadership, and brotherhood. As I celebrate this milestone, I’d like to share seven key lessons I’ve gained in the fraternity, which I hope will resonate with others striving for growth in their professional and personal lives.?

1. Alpha Enhances the Man, It Doesn’t Make the Man?

Being inducted into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated didn’t create me—it enhanced who I already was. I often tell people interested in joining Alpha that I came into the fraternity with values, potential, and a deep sense of kindness. Alpha has refined and supported these qualities, helping me elevate my impact on the world. It would help if you did not investigate an organization to create a “new” version of yourself but joined an organization that enhances the potential person you were destined to be. Alpha Phi Alpha didn’t make me; it helped me become a better version of myself, channeling my natural potential into a more purposeful direction.?

2. Brotherhood Is Healing?

Knowing that I am connected to a worldwide network of brothers has been a source of immense comfort in times of uncertainty and challenge. The power of brotherhood cannot be overstated—it’s a healing force. This healing force has driven me to make similar communities at George Mason University like the Black Male Faculty and Staff Group . Our shared experiences, common values, and unwavering support for one another gave me a sense of belonging and security. Belonging has so much impact on one’s well-being and sense of self. As one of our fraternity’s poems entitled “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s?My Brother” states, “And never again will I be lonely for I have brothers everywhere.?

In cities of population two, I even have a brother there.” That connection is invaluable!?

3. Finding Your Purpose Through Service?

The motto of Alpha Phi Alpha?is “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All.” Over the years, I have genuinely appreciated how service shapes purpose. Whether in my role as an educator, husband, father, or community member, serving others has enhanced my life in ways I never imagined. Serving others clarifies what I can contribute to the world, making me more focused and fulfilled. Helping others makes me feel like I matter or mean something to this world and others. That feeling of purpose comes through service! ?

4. Learning How to Lead?

Leadership is a skill, not a birthright. Through Alpha Phi Alpha, I’ve learned that leadership is developed over time and through experience. Serving on committees, participating in structured events, and practicing Robert’s Rules of Order have all contributed to my leadership growth. These experiences have translated directly into my professional life, where I’ve become more confident in decision-making, guiding teams, and making an impact in spaces I once felt unsure in.?

5. Alpha Membership Is for a Lifetime?

One of the key lessons I’ve learned in my time with Alpha is that membership isn’t just for college—it’s for life. The commitment to Alpha Phi Alpha is not a short-term endeavor; it’s a long-term dedication to personal growth, service, and leadership. Being part of such a historic organization gave me the perspective that life’s goals are not always immediate. I’ve come to understand that our work today lays the foundation for the future we are building—not just for ourselves but for those who will follow.?

6. Live by Virtue and Align with Organizations That Reflect Your Values?

Alpha Phi Alpha stands for values that resonate deeply with me: Our aims are "Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind.” I’ve realized that when we choose to be part of any organization, we evaluate how its core principles align with our values. Membership in Alpha has reinforced my commitment to these values, encouraging me to live a life that reflects my belief in intellectual growth, community service, and compassion for others.?

7. Continue the Fight for Equity and Justice?

As I reflect on the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha by seven young men at Cornell University in 1906, I’m reminded that the fight for equity and justice continues. Though we have made progress, much work must be done to ensure that all people have access to fairness, opportunity, and dignity. Like the founders, we must continue advocating for justice—through dialogue, education, and peaceful action. This fight is a lifelong mission, and being part of Alpha has reinforced my commitment to this cause.?

As I celebrate this Jewel Year, I am deeply grateful for my membership in Alpha Phi Alpha. To be a part of this fraternity is to be a part of a rich legacy of excellence and service shared by brothers like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Jesse Owens, and Lionel Richie. Their example inspires me to live with purpose and to lead by example every day.?

Wearing black and old gold is not just about tradition—it’s about embodying the values of our founders and continuing the work they began. Reflecting on the lessons learned, I feel empowered to take on new challenges, expand my impact, and continue growing as a man, a leader, and a brother.??

Thank you, Alpha Phi Alpha, for shaping me into who I am today. Thank you, Brother Kevin Glover and Brother Maurice S. , for helping me become a member in 2017. Thank you to my line brothers, Brother Johnny Yoko-Uzomah, B.S., Pharm.D, DPLA ,Brother Dorsey Cottman , Brother Jason H. , Brother Brandon Samuel , and Brother John Busby III , for your support. Thank you, Theta Rho Lambda, for being the house where I entered Alpha. ?