Arkansas Fraternity Awards $33K to 33 Young Men

Thirty-three young men in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, just got $1,000 scholarships that will help them chase their college dreams, thanks to a fraternity that's been lifting up Black communities for over a century.

The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity hosted their annual Valentine's Scholarship Fundraiser on February 13 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. More than 700 educators, families, and community leaders showed up to celebrate the students and three honored Community Jewels.

The scholarship recipients represent the best of Southeast Arkansas. They're football players and musicians, future nurses and engineers, members of honor societies and debate clubs. Some are heading to historically Black colleges like Howard University and Jackson State, while others are bound for the University of Arkansas and Texas State.

Nicholas Webster is taking his basketball talents and business dreams forward. Terrence Wyrick Jr., the first ever Mr. Watson Chapel High School, will study business and political science at Jackson State. Carmello Wilson plans to study philosophy and pre-law at Howard University, where he'll build on his high school experience in debate, chess, and student council.

The scholarships are part of Alpha Phi Alpha's "Go-to-High School, Go-to-College" initiative, which reflects the fraternity's century-long commitment to education. Founded in 1906 at Cornell University, Alpha Phi Alpha became the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans.

The evening also honored three Community Jewels for their lifetime achievements. Lula Dickson dedicated over 30 years to the Pine Bluff Arsenal, Quranner Cotledge spent 43 years in state government and youth mentorship, and Carlton Saffa helped launch the Saracen Casino Resort as its first employee and chief market officer.

The Ripple Effect

These scholarships do more than cover textbooks and tuition. They send a powerful message to young men in Southeast Arkansas that their community believes in them and their potential.

When students see local leaders invest in their futures, it creates a ripple of hope that touches entire families. Parents breathe easier knowing college is more affordable, and younger siblings see a path forward for themselves too.

The scholarship names honor community heroes and fraternity brothers who paved the way, creating a bridge between generations of achievement. Every dollar awarded represents someone who worked hard, gave back, and believed education could transform lives.

One night, 33 students, and countless futures forever changed.