Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Takes A Stand Against Injustice
(Disclaimer: Markayle Tolliver, a reporter for The Real Chi, is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Due to privacy concerns, some interviewees declined the use of full names and names of businesses in the interview.)
On Saturday, July 11, members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. of Chicago held a community service event entitled “Chicago Stands Together: Day of Solidarity & Service” and were joined by local politicians and community residents. This event is a series of Action Service Days presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The event’s unified goal was to bring light to police brutality after the death of George Floyd. Members of Alpha Phi Alpha along with others present at the event stood for eight minutes and 46 seconds in silence to bring more awareness to the senseless killings of Black men in the hands of law enforcement.
Brother Davis, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. spoke about the purpose of the event.
“We are out here to show the community that we hear their problems, we are standing with them, and we are here for them,” Davis said. “Too long we have been diminished and torn down, it’s time we rise up and speak out.”
Event organizers said they hope the event brought awareness to local politicians that Black communities are in need and asking for help. “We are out here to show that Blacks need change,” Davis said.
At this outdoor event near 47th Street and King Dr. nearly 300 African-American were in attendance. The event was a protest and walk against injustices toward Black men. Local citizens spoke about their personal stories from their neighborhoods and said that they would like to see change with the help of politicians.
“Our Black men need more resources in the community,” Grand Boulevard resident Rachel Brown explained. “They don’t have trade schools or job resources.”
Citizens expressed that their communities have suffered systematic racism due to a lack of resources. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are many areas in the city of Chicago that are experiencing high crime in low-income neighborhoods; such as West Englewood, Chatman, and Austin.
The event was attended by business owners from the Grand Boulevard community, local police officials, Rep. Danny K. Davis (IL - 7th), State Sens Kimberly Lightford and Elgie Sims, State Rep. LaShawn Ford, and local residents.
One local business owner discussed his efforts during COVID-19 summer for the youth in his area.
“I have begun to accept applications for youth looking to work for me… I have another [job] opportunity with my own business that youth can cut grass. It’s just to help these youth get off the streets and find something to do,” said the business owner.
There are business owners in the area, all coming together in response to this Day of Solidarity and Service that have made it their goal this summer and upcoming fall season to aid youth in the community. There were also resources for food and assistance with bills given to household owners at the event.
The organizers of the event spoke about asserting to promote, bring awareness, and give support to low-income communities.