Monrovia—The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Liberia Chapter, held its 11th Annual Black and Gold Scholarship Ball on December 6 at the Paynesville City Hall, successfully raising funds to support scholarships for university students.
By: Obediah Johnson
Established in 1906 as the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha continues to champion equality, uplift communities, and provide meaningful service, including scholarships for deserving students at various universities.
The fraternity’s scholarship program currently supports over 25 students at institutions including the University of Liberia (UL), Stella Maris Polytechnic University, African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), and Cuttington University (CU).
The event brought together fraternity members, corporate sponsors, dignitaries, and donors, all committed to enhancing higher education in Liberia.
In his address, Dean William K. Morris, President of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Liberia Chapter, described the ball as a significant annual gathering that fosters collaboration between donors and corporate organizations to support educational initiatives.
“Education is not just a pathway to success; it is the cornerstone of transformation in communities in Liberia and around the world,” he stated.
Mr. Morris also honored the scholarship recipients as “the torchbearers of a brighter tomorrow,” sharing inspiring stories of students who have excelled in their fields of study thanks to the fraternity’s support.
The ceremony included an awards segment recognizing individuals and institutions for their commitment to advancing education through the fraternity’s programs.
The honorees included Dr. Antoinette Monsio Sayeh, former Finance Minister, who received the Alpha Award of Honor; Major General Prince Charles Johnson III, Director of the National Security Agency and fraternity member, who was awarded the Alpha Award of Merit; and Cllr. Stephen Dunbar and Hon. David Vinton, who received the Alpha Lifetime Achievement Award.
Governor Henry Saamoi, Sr., Dr. Deddeh Supuwood, Mr. Mahmud Johnson (CEO of J-Palm Liberia), and Madam Helen Eid-Hariz were also awarded the Alpha Leadership Award.
Additionally, Liberian President Joseph Nyumah Boakai received the fraternity’s highest honor as its first member globally to attain the position of Head of State.
In his remarks, President Boakai commended the fraternity for its impactful fundraising efforts aimed at contributing to humanity.
“I recognize and appreciate your immense contribution to humanity for decades,” he said, recalling Alpha Phi Alpha’s numerous initiatives during the Ebola epidemic.
He assured the fraternity of his administration’s commitment to collaboration, stating, “You have rekindled the spirit of unity and brought life to the community.”
The honorees expressed gratitude to Alpha Phi Alpha for acknowledging their contributions to society. The fraternity is dedicated to actively meeting community needs through its national programs and initiatives, reflecting its core values of service and support.
Globally, Alpha Phi Alpha has generated over $2.3 million for scholarships and maintains a strong history of peacebuilding initiatives in Liberia. The fraternity also offers mentorship programs for college and university students across the country.
This year’s Black and Gold Scholarship Ball was themed “Empowering Futures Through Education,” underscoring the fraternity’s steadfast commitment to nurturing young scholars and facilitating a brighter future for Liberia’s education landscape.
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