Latest news with #BlackGreek-letter
Black America Web
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Actor Adrian Holmes Becomes an Alpha Phi Alpha
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Adrian Holmes has taken his role as Uncle Phil in Bel-Air to a whole new level, with life now imitating art. The Canadian-born actor was officially initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, joining the Tau Epsilon Lambda chapter in Columbia County, Georgia. Holmes, best known for his portrayal of a reimagined Uncle Phil on Peacock's Bel-Air , first captivated fans with his character's pride as a dedicated member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The modern adaptation of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air pays deep homage to Black excellence, HBCU culture, and the rich history of Black Greek-letter organizations. RELATED STORY: The 30 Hottest Black Men In Hollywood One of the series' standout moments was a powerful scene where Uncle Phil participates in a step routine with Alpha brothers at a charity event. To keep the scene authentic, Holmes worked closely with real Alpha members, learning the intricate choreography and channeling the fraternity's spirit. Now, less than two years after that memorable performance, Holmes has joined the brotherhood in real life. STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! For fans of Bel-Air , this is a full-circle moment. Holmes' initiation not only deepens his connection to the legacy of Uncle Phil but also honors the real-life impact of representation and cultural authenticity in entertainment. The decision to highlight Alpha Phi Alpha within the series was made with immense care. The production team collaborated closely with the fraternity, even adjusting the script to ensure cultural respect and accuracy. This attention to detail brought a new layer of depth to Bel-Air and is now mirrored in Holmes' personal life. READ MORE STORIES: Actor Adrian Holmes Becomes an Alpha Phi Alpha Tupac Shakur's Influence In Rap, Movies & Hip Hop Culture Jamie Foxx On Diddy, 'He's A Nasty Motherf***er' Adrian Holmes' initiation into Alpha Phi Alpha embodies the perfect fusion of representation and reality. His newfound brotherhood is an inspiring reminder of the power of cultural connection and the importance of highlighting Black excellence on and off-screen. Congratulations to Adrian Holmes and his line brothers on becoming part of this esteemed legacy! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK . FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER . SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE . STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! HEAD TO THE HOMEPAGE The article 'Actor Adrian Holmes Becomes an Alpha Phi Alpha' was created with the help of SEE ALSO Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
FSU kicks off spring commencement ceremonies differently, in honor of shooting victims
The Florida State University arena that usually resounds with cheers during graduation season began still and silent May 2 as everyone – graduating students, the campus community, and loved ones from both near and far – honored victims of the recent mass shooting on campus. As the university celebrated the first of its five main spring commencement ceremonies at the Tucker Civic Center with the College of Business's graduating class, the atmosphere was initially somber with the celebration coming two weeks after a gunman killed two and injured five students on FSU's campus April 17. 'Before we begin, we need to acknowledge the loss that our community has suffered,' FSU President Richard McCullough said ahead of a moment of silence. 'Multiple people were injured and many more were deeply shaken. It was a tough day in the history of Florida State University.' But as McCullough highlighted the fact that the students this spring make up the largest graduating class in FSU's history, the crowd's spirit was lifted as a powerful round of applause and shouts of excitement filled the arena. Nearly 8,700 students will be awarded degrees this semester as commencement events began May 2 and continue May 3. In an April 24 message, McCullough informed the campus community that a moment of silence would take place before each commencement "to honor Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba, whose lives were lost in the violence," and victims still recovering. The university also will have increased security measures during the graduation events this weekend, and the heightened presence of law enforcement in and around the civic center Friday reminded attendees of what happened weeks ago. The rest of the Friday afternoon ceremony flowed according to the university's regular program – from the patriotic national anthem performance and a motivational keynote speech to students turning their tassels and throwing their caps up in the air. Smiling from ear to ear, many students waved to their family and friends and made the well-known tomahawk chop gesture as they crossed the stage. Occasionally, a few members of Black Greek-letter fraternities celebrated the special moment with a quick stroll, displaying their pride while becoming an FSU alum. Nonetheless, a reference to the tragedy that recently struck FSU's campus was made by outgoing FSU Student Body President Jackson Boisvert during his speech. 'Over the last few years – and especially over this last month – that word (unconquered) has taken on a much deeper meaning,' Boisvert said. 'In a place that so many of us call our home, we were reminded just how quickly everything can change. We lost members of our FSU family. We're still mourning, still healing.' FSU graduate Hanna Siegel – who crossed the stage May 2 after majoring in finance and real estate – said she was glad a moment of silence was part of commencement, especially since she was on campus during the April 17 shooting. "It made me cry a little bit, but I thought it was really nice,' Siegel said. 'I love FSU so much that I'm coming back for my master's starting this summer. I'm gonna be here again, so I didn't get that sad.' With the May 2 afternoon class of spring 2025 being from FSU's College of Business, keynote speaker Ash Williams – vice chair of J.P. Morgan Asset Management – shared advice on the approach the students should take after graduating as they navigate the business world, and life in general. 'Don't look at the world as a single path,' said Williams, a two-time FSU alumnus. 'It's a winding road, and there are all kinds of wonderful sights to see along it, so be open to those changes. Look for places that can open doors, give you exposure and accelerate your progress.' McCullough also shared inspiring words with the students in a lighthearted address to close the commencement event, where his closing speech was made up of several music references – including singer Mac Davis's 'Stop and Smell the Roses' and Lana Del Rey's 'Ride' – to get his message across. One of his last song references was rapper Kendrick Lamar's 'tv off,' which was met with engaging cheers and laughter from students. 'He's got a line in there that says 'Got my foot up on the gas cause somebody's gotta do it,' and I listen to that all the time,' McCullough said. 'That means people depend on you to get it done, because somebody has got to do it. And you know who the people are that can do it? It's Florida State grads.' FSU's commencements are ticketed events. For information on how to watch them livestreamed, visit Tarah Jean is a reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at tjean@ Follow her on X: @tarahjean_. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU spring graduations begin with moment of silence following shooting
CBS News
25-04-2025
- General
- CBS News
New generation of leaders in Tarrant County to celebrate their successes
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is one of the oldest Black Greek-letter organizations in the U.S. The intercollegiate organization was founded in 1906 on the campus of Cornell University by a group of seven founders who identified a need to build deeper relational bonds, educational and social support. The Beta Tau Lambda Chapter of the fraternity, which is a constant presence in Fort Worth, was chartered in 1940. Daryl R. Davis, II, Alpha Beautillion Chair said he recognized the organization's mission early on, as well as a desire to align himself with men that demonstrated similar qualities. "[Qualities like] manly deeds, scholarship [and] love for all mankind really resonated with me," he said. Now, as an active member of the Fort Worth chapter, Davis said developing the next generation of young men with the same qualities is not just a goal; it's a necessity. The organization accomplishes that through the Alpha Academy, its signature leadership, mentoring and college readiness program aimed at young men of color. "As we are preparing these young men to go into society, we take them through a series of courses, everything from studying about college preparedness, civic engagement [and more]," he said. "We want our young men to understand that their voice matters." After successfully completing the program, the participants participate in a grand finale; the Beta Tau Lambda Alpha Beautillion, which serves as the capstone to the chapter's Alpha Academy mentorship program. Entering into its 14th year, the Beautillion recognizes the accomplishments of young men in the Tarrant County community with an annual black-tie event. Anchored by the Beta Tau Lambda Charitable Foundation, scholarship money is also awarded to graduating high school seniors who participate in the program to further their academic education. "When it is time for them to become parts of society as young adults, they have all of the tools and resources and training that they need to be successful," Davis said. "We want to make sure that these young men have confidence, and confidence a lot of times comes through education and exposure." CBS News Texas recently met two North Crowley High School students participating in the program, including Dillion Dill. The North Crowley High School senior is graduating in a few weeks. "I'm excited [because] it's a new chapter of my life," Dill said. The honors student plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he plans to pursue a degree in kinesiology and a career in the medical field. Growing up in a single parent home, Dill said the program has offered him more than practical tools; he's gained valuable mentors. "Being in this program has changed my viewpoint on a lot of things," he said. "I understand that I have a support system [among] men who look like me, who have been in my shoes [and] who understand what it's like live in this day and age as a Black man." While the Beautillion is usually just for high school graduating seniors, Devon Graham, a North Crowley High School junior, said he jumped at the chance to be a part of the program early. "As a junior beau I originally felt a little bit intimidated being in a room full of seniors but once I got there after the first couple of meetings that we had, felt right at home," he said. Now, he's not only competing for college scholarships, but said he also has a roadmap to success in the future. "I'm seeing different Black men in places where they have great power. It's a great way to see myself where I could be if I make the right choices," he said. "They're holding the door open for me." The Beautillion's organizers said the foundation works throughout the year to raise the money that supports their young scholars. Within the last several years, dozens of students have participated in the program. The group said it has also awarded around $100,000 in scholarships. The 18th annual Beautillion Gala and Rites of Passage ceremony will take place on April 26 in Fort Worth.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AKA regional conference in Tampa leads to multi-million dollar impact
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Nearly 7,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated are making a major financial and community impact during its annual regional conference. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is the first Black Greek-letter organization founded in the United States. Created by college-educated women on the campus of Howard University in 1908, the sorority's foundation is built on sisterhood, scholarship and service. Those values will be on full display Easter week and weekend in Tampa. Starbucks introducing new dress code for baristas, a move protested by some The South Atlantic Region of AKA, which is comprised of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina members, are meeting in Tampa for their 72nd Annual South Atlantic Regional Conference. According to Visit Tampa Bay, with more than 8,000 hotel rooms booked in the city, preliminary estimates show an $8 million economic impact. While the organization will be conducting a lot of business, they'll also be giving back to the Tampa community. 'One of our initiatives of our national office is childhood hunger initiatives, so we are going to be packing bags, giving out food to designated schools here in Tampa Bay,' said Tiffany Moore Russell. 'Then we're going to receive donations from chapters all over the region to give back to homeless organizations here in Tampa.' AKA will donate the backpacks to B.C. Graham Elementary School and the food bags will be donated to Metropolitan Ministries. It has been 17 years since AKA hosted a regional conference in Tampa. Russell said the organization plans to spend its dollars at local minority-owned businesses while also allowing the city to see and feel AKA's core values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service to all mankind. IMAGES: Florida Highway Patrol shows off new ride 'We want people to know that we are not just what they see on TV,' Russell said. 'Yes, we have a good time, yes, we stroll, ye,s we step. That's the cultural celebration of our organization. We also serve, we also do social action and connection education. We also give back to children, we also have so many youth programs. That's what we want people to see in all of our D9 organizations.' There are events open to the public, including a political forum on 'The 2024 Election: Where Do We Go From Here.' The public is invited to attend on Thursday, April 17, from 2-3 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center. Later that evening, the conference will host a Public Meeting from 8-10 p.m. featuring Ms. Jotaka Eaddy, founder/CEO of Full Circle Strategies and founder of the#WinWithBlackWomen movement, as the keynote speaker. The Public Meeting brings together community leaders, elected officials, conference participants and others to celebrate leadership, service, and community engagement. Visit Tampa Bay's President and CEO, Santiago C. Corrada, released the following statement: 'Tampa Bay is proud to host Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated's 2025 South Atlantic Regional Conference April 16- 20. This is the third time Tampa has hosted the regional conference for this historic Divine Nine organization, and we're delighted to welcome them back to the heart of Florida's Gulf Coast. Founded in 1908, AKA is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women and its tenets, particularly to be of 'Service to All Mankind', are in keeping with the open and welcoming spirit of the Tampa Bay region. We know this year's conference will be an amazing success. With 8,000 hotel room nights booked and preliminary estimates of close to $8 million in direct economic impact, Hillsborough County's stands to see a major positive financial and community impact from this gathering over Easter weekend.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Hazing Death Prompts Soul-Searching for Divine Nine
The calls, texts and emails have been pouring in. Since news broke in late February that a 20-year-old student at Southern University died in what police called 'a fraternity hazing incident,' messages and voicemails continue to fill the inbox of filmmaker Byron Hurt. Hurt heard from some of these same people three years ago, when he produced Hazing, a documentary on fraternities and sororities that physically abuse prospective members and faced criticism for asserting that the 'silence' around the issue 'is an act of betrayal.' Now, Hurt said, the messages that he receives strike a far different tone. ''You were right. You were right. You were right,'' Hurt, himself a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, recalled hearing from others in the group. ''Keep doing what you're doing. Keep standing on the truth.' I've had many text messages and phone calls like that.' What happened at Southern University is the latest in a series of high-profile cases in recent years, incidents that have reverberated throughout the network of Black Greek-letter organizations known as the Divine Nine. It has prompted a measure of soul-searching about the treatment of prospective members, reignited debates about hazing, and forced some members to question the future of a practice that, for some, has been a key part of the initiation process for generations. In the incident at Southern, police said that a student from suburban New Orleans, Caleb Wilson, was punched repeatedly during a meeting between members of the university's chapter of Omega Psi Phi and a group of prospective members, or pledges. During the meeting, authorities said, three members of the fraternity took turns punching the pledges in the chest while wearing boxing gloves. Officials said that Wilson collapsed after being punched several times, and later died at a hospital. Wilson's death rocked the community at the historically Black university in Baton Rouge, La., where the junior mechanical engineering major was also a member of the school's prominent marching band, known as the Human Jukebox. Baton Rouge police have arrested three men — Isaiah Earl Smith, 28, Kyle McKinley Thurman, 25 and Caleb McCray, 23 — on felony hazing charges in connection with Wilson's death. McCray was also charged with manslaughter. The three men are all Southern University students, according to a school spokesperson. Authorities allege in arrest affidavits that Smith, Thurman, and McCray met Wilson and eight other pledges at a local warehouse on Feb. 26. Police said that Wilson was unresponsive by the time he was dropped off at a local emergency room. His clothes had been changed, and authorities said the hospital staff had been told that he had been hit in the chest while playing basketball at a park. 'It is with profound sorrow that we extend our condolences on the passing of Caleb Wilson,' said the national chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity in a statement on its website. 'His loss is deeply felt, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by him.' The fraternity declined to comment further on Wilson's death, citing an ongoing investigation. A Southern University spokesperson confirmed that the adviser for the Omega Psi Phi fraternity chapter, Safiyy Abdel Ra'oof, was placed on suspension on Feb. 28. The spokesperson did not confirm if Ra'oof's suspension was related to the hazing investigation. Hazing is hardly unique to Black Greek-letter organizations, or even to fraternities and sororities. The abuse of pledges happens in marching bands, athletic teams, and other clubs, according to the advocacy group Stop Hazing. There was at least one hazing death each year in the U.S. between 1959 and 2021, according to journalist Hank Nuwer's database. Hurt's documentary grapples with the physical nature of some hazing rituals in Black Greek-letter organizations and other culturally-based groups. The film recalls the highly publicized case of Robert Champion, a Florida A&M University drum major who died in 2011 after being beaten by his bandmates. That violence evokes the early days of higher education in the U.S., an era in which 'freshmen were viewed as not good enough to be on campus,' said Walter Kimbrough, interim president of Talladega College and a longtime member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. 'So they had to prove themselves.' 'It's like the Protestant work ethic gone wrong,' said Kimbrough, who has been an expert witness in dozens of court cases involving hazing, including one that looked into Champion's death. 'Where anything worth having is worth working for, but the challenge is a lot of people place more value, in terms of earning, on the physical aspect.' Hurt said not all chapters within Black fraternities and sororities physically abuse their pledges. But his 2022 documentary calls out a prevailing misconception — that members who endured abuse during the pledge process are somehow more deserving of respect by other members of the group. In Hazing, Hurt — who graduated from Northeastern University in 1993 — recalls a grueling eight-week pledge. At its worst, he said he was hit up to 100 times in one night by a paddle bearing the Greek letters of his fraternity. The documentary also features interviews with the family members of several hazing victims, including Kristin High, who drowned in 2002 alongside another prospective member, Kenitha Saafir, while trying to join Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and George Desdunes, who was left for dead in 2011 after drinking excessively while pledging the predominantly white Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at Cornell University. Much of the online discourse around Wilson's death has centered on members of the Divine Nine confronting pervasive attitudes around openly discussing hazing in Black Greek-letter organizations. Preston Mitchum, a Washington, D.C.-based consultant and policy strategist, addressed the issue in a video posted recently to social media. 'People are worried right now because they saw someone be killed,' Mitchum, a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, said in the video. 'People are angry, and they are trying to figure out what happened. We understand that hazing is an issue, and it's illegal in all of our organizations.' Mitchum said in a phone interview that he thinks people are silent because they are reluctant to discuss their organizations with outsiders. 'If we're discussing hazing, that means we're discussing people who want to be initiated and eventually become members of our organizations,' Mitchum said. 'This is not the same thing as discussing rites of passage. This is not the same thing as discussing our secrets.' 'Hazing is not a part of any of our organizations' history,' Mitchum said. 'It is something that people have decided to do after the fact so they can feel good about themselves, so they can assert power over individuals.' He added: 'There are people who are more upset that some of us decided to speak more than we are upset about hazing, and that is a problem.' Hurt's documentary also features commentary from Stacey Patton, author of Spare the Kids: Why Whupping Children Won't Save Black America. Patton said that violent rituals — in the context of historically Black groups — evoke 'a long history of pain and brutality, and dehumanization of Black bodies.' 'There's this internalized belief that pain makes us stronger, to tell these stories that we've survived, and go back and reminisce on it, to laugh about it, to say we got through this,' Patton said in the film. 'It's a form of trauma bonding.' Hurt said there's a lot at stake in the fight against hazing. 'For people who endure hazing, who survive hazing, they have to deal with the emotional and physical trauma that remains once they complete their process,' he said. 'On the extreme side of that are people who lose their lives, like Caleb Wilson — that's the extreme outcome that nobody wants, and that is the thing that gets people to have these conversations.' The post Hazing Death Prompts Soul-Searching for Divine Nine appeared first on Capital B News.
