Black fraternities and sororities recognize their influence and utilize their platforms to seek change in their communities to spotlight King’s legacy.
For more than three decades, the third Monday of January has been recognized as MLK Day and many commemorate the day by doing community service.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an Atlanta native, Morehouse College alum and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., made a lasting impact in his fight for equal rights and influenced college students in the Atlanta area to honor his legacy through a Day of Service.
Members of Divine Nine organizations, a collective of the nine Black Greek-Letter Organizations – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Alpha Phi Alpha; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – participated in various service projects throughout the city.
As college students, it can be easy to feel as though participating in community service projects may not be the most fun activity when there are so many other things to be doing during that time. However, when they are able to see the true value in the action rather than seeing it as an inconvenience, it becomes much more meaningful.
Barrington Lincoln, president of the Alpha Rho chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, said community service is “vital” to growth of an area.
“I think giving back and assisting others is vital for our community to grow and to thrive. Service helps us connect our communities while improving them at the same time,” said Lincoln, a senior at Morehouse.
