Legacy in Motion: Alpha Phi Alpha’s 77th Western Regional Convention Elevates Leadership, Dialogue, and Impact

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

From April 9–12, the city of Tucson became a dynamic gathering place for purpose-driven leadership as Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. convened for the 77th Annual Western Regional Convention. Anchored by the theme “Legacy in Motion: Building Bridges, Advancing Excellence, Empowering the Future,” the four-day event fused tradition with forward-looking dialogue, reinforcing the fraternity’s role as a catalyst for service, advocacy, and transformation.

The theme was not merely aspirational—it was operationalized throughout the convention’s programming. From leadership workshops to community service initiatives, each element reflected Alpha Phi Alpha’s enduring commitment to building meaningful connections across generations, disciplines, and communities. Brothers from across the Western Region engaged in conversations designed to strengthen the fraternity’s impact while equipping members to lead effectively in an increasingly complex social and political landscape.

“Alpha West Chapters cannot continue operating in isolation,” he says referencing the region’s youth mentoring efforts and other community service efforts. “We must leverage our collective strength,” “Beginning this Fraternal Year, we will work with each district to function as a unified force, coordinating marketing, our recruitment of young men, our instruction, our scholarship programs, our character development, our longitudinal tracking  so that we are walkingwith our mentees not for just a semester or just a school year but from their earliest years through young adulthood. We are not in the business of events; we are in the business of transformation.And transformation requires us to show up, consistently, collectively and with intention. We need brothers in the arena, and Alpha west must be in the arena fighting.”

A defining moment of the convention came Thursday evening with the public program, “The Legacy Dialogue: Civic Engagement, Political Leadership, and the Future of Education.” This timely and thought-provoking panel brought together voices from across sectors to examine the intersections of policy, participation, and educational equity. Panelists, who included Arizona State Senator Kiana Maria Sears, M.P.A., Brother Councilman OD Harris, Dr. Raquel “Rockee” Armstrong, assistant professor of education at the Mary Lou Fulton College of Teaching and Learning Innovation at Arizona State University, Consultant and Philanthropist Brother Javon Brame, Arizona State Representative Quanta Crews, Brother Chavar Dollard, a law enforcement professional, Phoenix Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington, and Brother Jeriod Patterson, challenged attendees to consider how civic responsibility and informed leadership can shape more equitable outcomes, particularly for underserved communities.

The discussion emphasized that legacy is not static—it is actively constructed through engagement, advocacy, and sustained investment in future generations. Panelists explored the critical role of Black leadership in influencing public policy, safeguarding voting rights, and addressing disparities within the education system. Attendees left the session with a sharpened understanding of how Alpha Phi Alpha’s historical commitment to civic action continues to resonate in today’s national discourse.

Beyond the marquee panel, the Alpha Community Education Initiative named its Educator/Teacher of the Year, Ms. Teresia L. Albritton, who was also awarded $1,000.

In addition, the convention offered a comprehensive slate of leadership development sessions. Workshops addressed key issues such as economic empowerment, mental health, organizational strategy, and community engagement. These sessions aligned closely with the “Advancing Excellence” pillar of the theme, equipping Brothers with the tools and frameworks necessary to lead with intention and impact.

The convention also created space to uplift the next generation of leaders. Collegiate Brothers were prominently featured through competitions, recognition ceremonies, and networking opportunities that connected them with seasoned professionals. This intergenerational exchange embodied the “Empowering the Future” aspect of the theme, ensuring that Alpha Phi Alpha’s legacy continues to evolve through mentorship and shared knowledge.

At the end of the College Brothers Luncheon, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Brother Lucien J. Metellus, Jr. and Western Regional Assistant Vice President Brother Owen Knapper, Jr. gifted College Brother attendees all free Air Pod Pros.

Fellowship and tradition were also on full display throughout the weekend’s social events. From the opening reception to step showcases to Brotherhood Smokes as well as other themed gatherings, Brothers celebrated the bonds that define Alpha Phi Alpha’s Brotherhood. These moments of connection underscored the organization’s cultural significance while reinforcing the unity that drives its collective mission.

The district caucuses as well as Alpha University Workshopsprovided important forums for governance, training, and strategic planning. Delegates and attendees engaged in substantive discussions on policy, programming, and regional priorities, ensuring alignment with national objectives while addressing the unique needs of Western Region chapters. The decisions made during these sessions will help shape the fraternity’s trajectory in the years ahead.

WRVP Brother Jackson and outgoing WRAVP Brother Knapper offered their State of the Region and State of the College Brothers Addresses, respectively.

In it, Brother Jackson reflected on his own Alpha Journey as well as detailed not only the Western Region’s accomplishments but also transparently its challenges, including certain unrealized campaign initiatives to shortcomings in reclamation.

“From that day to this one, I have been committed to the ideals, aims, model of Alpha Phi Alpha and on March 4, 1989 I became a Life member, no I didn’t have the money o pay the fee, but because that day I made a decision to commit my resources , my talent, and my time to being an active and engaged Brother for the rest of my life,” says WRVP Brother Jackson. “I am proud to say that I have been active 34 years of my 37 years in Alpha.When I crossed on March 4, 1989, I had no idea that one day I would be standing before you as the Western Regional Vice President delivering a State of the Western Region Address. I am deeply humbled and honored and I am reminded that to whom much is given much is required. I do not take my role as the custodian leader of Alpha West lightly. Thank you Brothers for the trust you have placed in me and thank you for the opportunity to build bridges in Alpha West.”

In his address, Brother Knapper opened with a soulful vocal rendition of “Pressing My Way,” to a standing ovation before he recounted “things (he) has done as an assistant regional vice president, how we have grown in this region, (as well as) made some mistakes in terms of growing as Collegiate Brothers and Alumni Brothers.”

He also encouraged Brothers to be more thoughtful about how we interact and show up for one another as Brothers as he initially referenced a quote from Lillian Benbow, the 15thNational President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“We have Brothers in this organizations, who come from all walks of life and specifically Collegiate Brothers and sometimes, we’re misunderstood, that could be background, that could be financial status, and it could be a whole lot of other things that go unaddressed growing up in single-parent households or just in the education system. So, I just want to leave you all with that when we are doing this service work in our communities, communities of color, we got Big Brothers and Big Sisters, let’s be mindful of these words, and how we are showing up for our Collegiate and Alumni Brothers.”

As the convention concluded, attendees departed Tucson with renewed clarity and commitment. The 77th Western Regional Convention demonstrated that Alpha Phi Alpha’s legacy is not confined to its storied past—it is continuously activated through leadership, service, and innovation.

Under the banner of “Legacy in Motion,” the gathering affirmed that the fraternity’s greatest strength lies in its ability to adapt, lead, and inspire. By building bridges across communities, advancing standards of excellence, and empowering future leaders, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. continues to define what it means to lead with purpose in a changing world.

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