Fraternity’s 80th Anniversary Southwestern Regional Convention showcases ‘Alpha Integration’ with historic joint gathering with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

By Brother Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC

      Oklahoma City, OK — Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 80th Anniversary Southwestern Regional Convention from March 5th – March 8th marked a milestone in Black Greek-letter history, not only as an eight-decade celebration of brotherhood and service, but as a groundbreaking joint gathering with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Midwestern Region.

The weeklong convergence of fraternity and sorority leaders, alumni, students and community partners turned the city into a hub for leadership, cultural affirmation and civic engagement. Under the leadership of Southwestern Regional Vice President Dr. Rodney D. Welch and Southwestern Regional Assistant Vice President Brother Semahj Robinson, the regional convention conducted and offered its traditional business sessions, State of the Region and State of the Fraternity Addresses, regional committee meetings, district caucuses, Fraternal and College Brother Luncheons, Life Member and Military Affairs Breakfast, various competitions, workshops, mandatory and sponsored trainings, Southwestern Regional Assistant Vice President election, step show, and Miss Old Gold & Black Scholarship Pageant, but also included joint public program, welcome party featuring Rapper Too Short, community service, and gala with the sorority.

“This historic joint regional convention: two regions, one city, one legacy; represents more than a shared space,” says SWRVP Brother Dr. Welch.  “It is an experience blending service, scholarship, unity, and celebration.  It reflects the enduring legacy of partnership between two organizations founded on service, scholarship and leadership.  As the “Ice and Ivy” convene, it is a powerful reminder that when our organizations collaborate, our collective impact is amplified.”

For Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., its Midwestern Regional Conference was led by Midwestern Regional Director Anika Wilson-Starling.

“Our theme (for the public program) of Economic Power and Political Unity Equals the greatest Impact not only speaks to strategy but to responsibility. When we leverage our economic influence with intention and stand unified in civic engagement, we create transformative change in our communities and in our institutions and across generations,” says Midwestern Region Director Wilson-Starling. “Tonight, we gather in purpose. The collaboration between our two organizations represents more than shared history. It represents shared vision.”

Held at the city’s downtown convention center, the event combined the traditional gravitas of an Alpha Phi Alpha regional convention with the energizing collaboration of a cross-organizational summit. Organizers described the partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Midwestern region as emblematic of a broader movement within the Divine Nine to amplify impact through coordinated programming and shared resources. It was a rare and visible demonstration of unity between two of the nation’s oldest historically Black Greek-letter organizations, drawing attention from members, local officials and historically Black college and university (HBCU) networks.

The convention’s public program featured a powerful and rousing warning and call to action by its keynote speaker, Brother Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III. Brother Haynes, who is also a Texas congressional candidate, hailed that we are experiencing ‘A Clutch Time’ as ‘the Dream’ of Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  has been intercepted by a hostile white supremacist climate with the overturn of Civil Rights policies and advances.

“As a result of all of that, we are under constant threat,” says Brother Rev. Dr. Haynes. “Have you thought about the fact that after the inauguration last year there was a political environment that was toxic with oppression, toxic with executive orders that created disorder.  Did you know that they erased Black Lives Matters right there in Washington, D.C. while still allowing a statue to a slave trader, and slave owner Wade Hampton, III to remain up even though Wade Hampton, please don’t miss this, had over a 1,000 slaves. We are under constant threat! Our dream has been hijacked by a nightmare. Just last March the Minority Development Association in D.C., the President fired all of those who were employed there. That agency was responsible for some 3,500 entrepreneurs. (Alpha Brother) Roland Martin is right. There is a systemic attempt to defund Black America!”

The gathering’s overall joint components with Alpha Kappa Alpha added dimensions of sister-brother collaboration: co-hosted community service projects, interorganizational forums on voter mobilization and a joint youth leadership summit aimed at high school student, featuring MBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a bench dedication at Thelma R. Parks Elementary School and Millwood Elementary School as well as a community event.

Overall, convention programming honored Alpha Phi Alpha’s legacy — dating back to 1906 — with a slate of panels, keynote addresses and commemorative activities that traced the fraternity’s role in civil rights, education and public service. Workshops focused on leadership development, mental health in the Black community, entrepreneurship, and strategies for strengthening HBCUs. A series of sessions devoted to scholarship and mentorship highlighted ongoing commitments to student support, with scholarship awards and introductions of new campus-based initiatives designed to increase college access and retention.

During his State of the Region address, SWRVP Brother Dr. Welch stressed the importance of reclamation as well as highlighted the region’s strategic partnership efforts.

“Brothers we need our inactive Brothers back in the house of Alpha,” he says.  “We are in a season where our service matters.  During unprecedented times in the Southwest faced with racial discrimination, removal of DEI, voter suppression, and gerrymandering, our communities need our presence more now than ever before.”

He added.

“Under the “Alpha Integration” administration, the Southwest has been intentional about securing our strategic partnerships, and not just sponsorships,” says SWRVP Brother Dr. Welch. “Partnerships (NMDP, Gentiva, Humana, American Kidney Association, & Autism speaks) are relationships that are inspired by our Brothers who have experienced medical issues associated with these organizations.  These partnerships empower us to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and strengthen communities across generations.”

Convention attendance blended generations. Alumni members shared memories and institutional wisdom, while undergraduate members brought contemporary energy and digital organizing savvy. Panels on generational leadership explored how chapters can maintain traditions while meeting the expectations of younger members who prioritize social justice, entrepreneurship and transparent governance. Small breakout sessions allowed chapters to exchange best practices on fundraising, alumni engagement and campus partnerships.

Local civic leaders and representatives from educational institutions attended and spoke to the potential impact of such a coordinated gathering. Panels on policy and civic engagement emphasized practical next steps: expanding voter access, partnering with local schools, and leveraging fraternity and sorority networks for fundraising and advocacy. Several sessions encouraged chapters to translate national priorities into measurable local outcomes, including mentorship pipelines and scholarship funds targeted to first-generation college students.

A panel called “The Death of Caleb Wilson” about the hazing death of a Fraternity candidate who was seeking membership in another Divine Nine fraternity, featured a panel with Wilson’s older brother, Alpha Brother Corey Wilson and the Fraternity’s General President Brother Lucien J. Metellus, Jr. Brother Wilson recounted when he initially learned about his brother death and how those other fraternity members lied and how they initially didn’t seek medical help while General President Metellus shared his own personal experiences with hazing.

Among the mandatory and sponsored trainings, included the Fraternity’s Director of Communications and Editor of The Sphinx’s “The Burden Is The Brand,” Director of Membership and IMDP Brother Terrence “T.J.” Byerson’s “Same Legacy: Putting The Brotherhood First” as well as a College Brother Caucus presentation featuring Senior Director of Brotherhood Engagement Brother Denny N. Johnson’s “Running The Yard.”

As the convention closed, leaders framed the week as both a commemoration and a springboard. Alpha Phi Alpha’s 80th Southwestern anniversary offered a moment to celebrate endurance and achievement; its joint activities with Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Midwestern region signaled a pragmatic optimism about what coordinated action can accomplish. Participants left Oklahoma City with renewed networks, concrete project plans and a collective sense that unity among organizations can deepen impact in communities across the nation.

“As we reflect on the success and historic significance of the 80th Southwestern Regional Convention in Oklahoma City, we are grateful for the brotherhood, engagement, and commitment demonstrated throughout the weekend,” says SWRVP Brother Dr. Welch. “This milestone gathering, centered around our theme “Alpha Integration: Rooted in Legacy, Guided by Policy, Driven by Purpose,” was designed to strengthen our region, enhance collaboration, and position the Southwestern Region for continued excellence.”

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 80th Southwestern Regional Convention Oklahoma City Convention Center Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

March 5 – 8, 2026

80th Southwestern Region Awards & Achievement Report

College Brother of the Year Ashton Cartwright, Beta Chi, Philander Smith University, Little Rock, AR	Alumni Brother of the Year Frederick Roberts, Epsilon Tau Lambda, Prairie View, TX
College Chapter of the Year: Beta Chi, Philander Smith University, Little Rock, AR	Alumni Chapter of the Year Alpha Sigma Lambda, Dallas, TX
College Scrapbook Competition Beta Chi Philander Smith University, Little Rock, AR	Alumni Scrapbook Competition Beta Eta Lambda, Oklahoma City, OK

Charles H. Wesley Award Sigma Gamma Lambda/Tau Tau Katy/Cypress, TX/Houston Christian University, Houston, TX	Step Show Competition Winner: Kappa Kappa, University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Fayetteville, AR   1st Runner Up: Epsilon Epsilon, Oklahoma State University-Stillwater, Stillwater, OK
Hobart Jarrett Debate Competition Winner: Beta Tau, Xavier University, New Orleans, LA 1st Runner Up: Zeta Zeta, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK	College Scholars Bowl Winner: Zeta Zeta, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 1st Runner Up: Delta Sigma, Grambling State University, Grambling, LA

 

College Brother with the Highest GPA   Winner: DeCarlos Nora, Beta Chi, Philander Smith University, Little Rock, AR: 4.0 Miketavius Stokes, Beta Chi Philander Smith University, Little Rock, AR: 4.0   Mason Smith, Gamma Delta, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff, AR: 4.0 1st Runner Up: Tyrin Batiste, Delta Sigma, Grambling State University, Grambling, LA: 3.97	Belford V. Lawson Oratorical   Winner: Jordan Smith-Acquah, Zeta Chi, University of Texas-Arlington, Arlington, TX 1st Runner Up: Deon Morris, Gamma Delta, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff, AR
Chapter with the Highest GPA   Winner: Beta Chi, Philander Smith University, Little Rock, AR: 3.613 1st Runner Up: Rho Iota, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA: 3.515	Miss Old Gold & Black Scholarship Competition: Miss Old Gold & Black: Alexis Winston, Pi Omicron, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX   Miss Old Gold: Kearah Pete, Beta Kappa, Langston University, Langston, OK Miss Black: Mackenzie Farr, Theta Psi, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR   Miss Congeniality: Alexis Winston, Pi Omicron, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 80th Southwestern Regional Convention Oklahoma City Convention Center Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

March 5 – 8, 2026

80th Southwestern Region Convention Awards & Achievement Judges Committee Display Competitions(Brother/Chapter of the Year, Charles H. Wesley, Scrapbook)

Christopher Mitchell, Gamma Upsilon Lambda, DeSoto, TX., Chair Gary Jackson, Eta Delta Lambda, Monroe, LA., Co-Chair
Tommy D. Duncan III, Nu Pi Lambda, Arlington, TX. Kevin Crawford, Xi Tau Lambda, North Dallas, TX. Carlton McGee, Pi Lambda, Little Rock, AR. Casey Smith, Iota Xi Lambda, Opelousas, LA. Marshawn Wilbourn, Tau PhiLambda, Hot Springs, AR. Dion Matthews, Beta Eta Lambda, Oklahoma City, OK. Russell LaCour, Alpha Tau Lambda, Tulsa, OK.

Step Show Competition

James Richardson, Gamma Upsilon Lambda, DeSoto, TX., Chair Tommy D. Duncan III, Nu Pi Lambda, Arlington, TX. Carlton McGee, Pi Lambda, Little Rock, AR. Casey Smith, Iota Xi Lambda, Opelousas, LA. Gary Jackson, Eta Delta Lambda, Monroe, LA. Dion Matthews, Beta Eta Lambda, Oklahoma City, OK. Marshawn Wilbourn, Tau Phi Lambda, Hot Springs, AR.

Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Competition

Christopher Mitchell, Gamma Upsilon Lambda, DeSoto, TX., Chair Gary Jackson, Eta Delta Lambda, Monroe, LA., Co-Chair
Tommy D. Duncan III, Nu Pi Lambda, Arlington, TX. Kevin Crawford, Xi Tau Lambda, North Dallas, TX. Carlton McGee, Pi Lambda, Little Rock, AR. Casey Smith, Iota Xi Lambda, Opelousas, LA. Marshawn Wilbourn, Tau PhiLambda, Hot Springs, AR. Dion Matthews, Beta Eta Lambda, Oklahoma City, OK. Harold Flenoy, Gamma Eta Lambda, Austin, TX.

 

Ms. Old Gold & Black Scholarship Competition

Ian Morrison, Epsilon Alpha Lambda, Conway, AR., Chair Arthur Houston, Beta Eta Lambda, Oklahoma City, OK. Courtney Hicks-Committee Volunteer. Jada Simpson Shannon Workman. Vanessa Morrison Madison Miller

 

John Hope Franklin College Scholars Bowl

Frederick V. Roberts, Epsilon Tau Lambda, Prairie View, TX., Chair Herbert Thomas, Epsilon Tau Lambda, Prairie View, TX., Co-Chair Tommy D. Duncan III, Nu Pi Lambda, Arlington, TX. Kenneth Johnson, Nu Pi Lambda, Arlington, TX.  Qamiyon Marshall, Epsilon Tau Lambda, Prairie View, TX.

 

Hobart Jarrett Debate Competition

John L. Colbert, Omicron Zeta Lambda, Fayetteville, AR., Chair Tommy D. Duncan III, Nu Pi Lambda, Arlington, TX. Matthew Francis, Epsilon Tau Lambda, Prairie View, TX. David Grisby, Xi Nu Lambda, Baton Rouge, LA.
Shawn Payne, Theta Tau Lambda, Helena, AR.