Fraternity marks legacy of Brother King

 Members of the Delta Alpha chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. at Claflin University see importance in celebrating the legacy of their fraternity brother, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“MLK of course was like one of the most prolific civil rights activists that we know of. When we think of the civil rights movement he’s normally the first name that comes to mind,” chapter President Noah Thomas said.

“With our organization being dedicated to community service and social justice efforts, Dr. King’s legacy is directly intertwined with the mission of Alpha Phi Alpha,” Thomas said.

Thomas urged students to use MLK Day to be of service in remembrance of King’s legacy.

“Do something that is in the spirit of MLK. You can only shop Black on MLK Day. If you’re unable to go out and do hardcore service, read one of his many essays,” Thomas said.

King is remembered by Alphas as a leader that helped pave the way for other leaders in the organization.

“MLK was a leader and he developed leaders among his chapter and that followed down the line to the Alphas today,” chapter Financial Secretary Michael Cribb said.

Cribb described King as a leader that left his mark.

“He was a stand-up, versatile leader that left a footprint,” Cribb said.

The chapter’s treasurer and historian, junior Tyriek Thompson, said King inspired him to go against the status quo.

“I know a lot of other people in that era were scared to speak up because they were scared of pushback. Brother King wasn’t afraid of that,” Thompson said.

The chapter plans to celebrate MLK Day by visiting residents at a local nursing home, where they will discuss King’s legacy and stroll.

Claflin will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16, for MLK Day, which is observed annually in remembrance of the civil rights leaders slain in 1968.