The Charge to Lead: Alpha Phi Alpha’s 94th Midwestern Regional Convention Centers Justice, Service, and Brotherhood

By Brother Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC [NU ’89]

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – From April 16–18, Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. convened in Indianapolis for the 94th Annual Midwestern Regional Convention, held at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. Over three days, the gathering served as both a strategic forum and a reaffirmation of purpose, guided by the theme “The Charge To Lead: Justice, Service, and Brotherhood.” The convention brought together Alumni and College members from across the Midwest to engage in dialogue, strengthen organizational alignment, and advance the fraternity’s legacy of leadership.

Under the leadership of Midwestern Regional Vice President Brother Franklin Stacy, Jr. and Midwestern Regional Assistant Vice President Brother Aiden Fisher, the theme set a clear directive: leadership within Alpha Phi Alpha must be intentional, value-driven, and responsive to the evolving needs of the communities it serves. Throughout the weekend, programming emphasized the interconnected pillars of justice, service, and brotherhood, each framed not as abstract ideals, but as actionable responsibilities.

“My Brothers, I remain committed to the responsibilities you entrusted to me,” says MWRVP Brother Stacy during his State of the Region Address.  “I came to you with a promise of ‘Brotherhood First,’ not as a model but as a way of operatingevery brother matters, every district matters, every chapter matters, every dollar we raise matters , every training we deliver it matters, I hope this address shows you that I did not forget that promise when I took office. I showed up for every conference I answered my phone. I dealt with situations the same day they came to me. I invested in your communities, your chapters, your development. I pushed to put real money behind these commitments this region had already made on paper . . . This work continues beyond this session, beyond this conversation, beyond any single address. It continues in my chapter, in my district and my daily actions of each Brother in this room. When we operate with a shared commitment to ‘Brotherhood First’ we position ourselves not only to maintain what has been built but continue advancing the Midwestern Region in ways that matter, in ways that last. In ways that Brothers who come after us and build upon.”

Says MWRVP Fisher: “Through the highs the lows, the late nights and the early mornings through the good, the bad and the ugly, I have remained grateful for the opportunity to serve this great region,” says MWRAVP Fisher. “Over the past year, the Fisher administration has accomplished things that no other AVPadministration has accomplished before.”

He recounted securing $45,000 for the region for leadership development of the College Brothers and made it a priority to be present for the brotherhood by attending 10 district conferences. He also encouraged College Brothers to utilize their network by seeking out Alumni Brothers as mentors or in their fields.

“I met both of these Brothers at a conference, and it turned into mentorship, guidance, and ultimately letters of recommendation that helped me get into Howard. College Brothers specifically, hear me when I say, there is no reason for you to leave this convention without making a connection that can impact your future. All it takes is one question, ask an Alumni brother what he does for a living and if you keep building those connectionseventually you will find a brother to help you get where you are trying to go.”

Justice, as explored during the convention, was positioned at the forefront of Alpha Phi Alpha’s mission. Alpha University Workshops and plenary sessions addressed critical issues such as voting rights, criminal justice reform, and educational equity. Speakers challenged attendees to extend their influence beyond fraternity spaces and into civic life, reinforcing Alpha Phi Alpha’s historic role in advocacy and social change. From its early support of civil rights initiatives to its ongoing voter education efforts, the fraternity’s legacy of justice remains a defining element of its identity.

Equally prominent was the call to service. Brothers participated in community-focused initiatives throughout Indianapolis, such as the 2026 Midwestern Region Read to Succeed Service Project and Bench dedication at the Lew Wallace School, reinforcing national programs such as “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College,” and “Project Alpha”

These efforts underscored a key message of the convention: leadership is most meaningful when it produces tangible outcomes. By engaging directly with residents and organizations, attendees translated the principle of service into measurable impact.

Brotherhood, the third pillar of the theme—was woven throughout every aspect of the convention. From formal sessions to informal gatherings, such as daily Brotherhood Fitness Challenges, Brotherhood Smokes, and more, these events fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among participants. Networking events and social functions created opportunities for brothers to build relationships across chapters and generations, reinforcing the bonds that sustain Alpha Phi Alpha’s national and regional structure. These connections are not incidental; they are foundational to the fraternity’s ability to mobilize and lead effectively.

Leadership development remained a central focus of the convention’s agenda. Targeted workshops equipped members with practical tools in areas such as organizational management, financial literacy, and mental health awareness, including The Burden of Alpha Leadership: Preparation and Success, Ready-Set-Grow Finance & Wealth Management Panel, Your Career, Your Story: Career Connections Panel Session and others.

These sessions were designed to ensure that Brothers are not only committed to service but also prepared to execute at a high level in their respective professional and civic roles. The emphasis on excellence aligned closely with the fraternity’s broader mission to cultivate leaders who can navigate complex challenges with discipline and foresight.

The convention also provided a platform to elevate College Brothers, whose participation signaled the continuity of Alpha Phi Alpha’s leadership pipeline. Through competitions, recognition ceremonies, and mentorship opportunities, young Brothers were encouraged to refine their skills and expand their networks. Their presence reinforced the idea that the “charge to lead” is both a current responsibility and a future mandate.

Hosting the convention in Indianapolis added an additional layer of significance. As a city with a rich civic and cultural landscape, it provided an appropriate setting for conversations centered on justice and community engagement. The JW Marriott Indianapolis offered a modern, centralized venue that supported both large-scale gatherings and more intimate discussions, enabling a seamless flow of programming throughout the weekend.

As the convention concluded on Saturday, April 18, attendees departed with a renewed commitment to the fraternity’s mission and a clearer understanding of their individual and collective responsibilities. The 94th Midwestern Regional Convention did more than convene members—it challenged them to lead with purpose, act with integrity, and serve with consistency.

Under the banner of “The Charge To Lead,” Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. once again demonstrated that its legacy is not merely preserved—it is actively advanced. Through a steadfast commitment to justice, service, and brotherhood, the fraternity continues to shape leaders equipped to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

“Our Founders did not build this fraternity for attention; they built it for impact,” says MWRAVP Fisher.  “When the lights dim and the crowds disperse, history is only going to ask one question, did we uphold the standard or did we simply lean on the shield?”

###