Alphas on the Move: Local Chapters Host Project Alpha

For more than 20 years, the men of Alpha Phi Alpha have been working with the staff and volunteers of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, taking Project Alpha to hundreds of communities and thousands of teen males.This past week-end, the Meredith Mathews East Madison Branch of the YMCA was the site of the Saturday, November 13th, 2004 meeting of Project Alpha. The interactive educational program was presented by the Zeta Pi Lambda and Alpha Xi Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The 25 African American male teenagers from O’Dea High School, Rainier Beach High School, Renton High School and Steilacom High School were clearly captivated by the frank, chilling accounts shared and discussed by such Alpha presenters as Attorney Ray Connell, Attorney Stan Tate and Physician Dr. John Vassall. Program Chair, Wilson (Bill) Jones and Co-Chair, Sam Cameron were clearly pleased with the success of the event. Other members of Alpha Phi Alpha also shared their personal stories to encourage and enlighten the young teenagers in attendance. Zeta Pi Lambda Chapter President Albert Thomas was effusive in his praise for the youth in attendance, and in his appreciation for the East Madison YMCA in hosting the session.Project Alpha is a collaborative effort between the March of Dimes Foundation and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity that was developed to increase the knowledge of African American males of the consequences of teenage pregnancy from the male perspective. It promotes abstinence, and increases the knowledge of safe personal choices, and emphasizes respectful and responsible personal and dating behavior on the part of male teenagers. A future session of Project Alpha is scheduled for spring 2005. For more information on Project Alpha and other youth programs, please contact Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. P.O. Box 21125, Seattle, Washington, 98111-3125.