“It’s Going to Be a One-on-One Effort”

“If we are going to stop the cycle of nihilism,” says Darryl Matthews, General President of Alpha Phi Alpha, “and give these young children appropriate role models, then we need men who are successful in their lives to go out and show them that there is another way.”

What better place to look for role models than the nation’s first and largest intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established by African Americans?  A national partner since 1991, Alpha Phi Alpha has long supported mentoring and the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

But in every community, change comes not from talk, but from individuals stepping forward.  “There is no magic wand,” says Matthews, “and an organization can’t just say ‘OK, we support Big Brothers Big Sisters’ and expect to make a difference.” 

“We need individual accountability.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America CEO Judy Vredenburgh praised Matthews’ bold commitment to 10,000 new male mentors.  “We are deeply committed to working with Alpha Phi Alpha,” she noted.  “We have no greater need than more male role models … to reach many more children, particularly boys of color, and offer them opportunities for successful lives.”

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