The goal of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., the oldest Black collegiate fraternity in the country, is “Manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind.”
“Love for all mankind” goes hand in hand with the American Red Cross mission to alleviate human suffering.
Distinguished fraternity members from around the world gathered at the Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. convention in Philadelphia to put that aim into action by partnering with the Red Cross for a blood drive on July 17.
The drive collected blood that may go to those who have sickle cell disease, a disease that disproportionately affects people who are Black.
Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to be hard and shaped like a crescent. The cells have trouble transporting oxygen throughout the body, which can cause intense pain, create lifelong complications and require numerous blood transfusions.
Left: Dr. Langston Smith is a dentist who attended the Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. convention in Philadelphia. It meant a lot to him to see people donating blood at the Red Cross drive. He said, "To see people who feel that they can donate, that they can help save lives and to see this outpouring is a tremendous thing." Right: The drive collected blood that may go to those who have sickle cell disease, a disease that disproportionately affects people who are Black. Photos by Jenny Farley / American Red Cross
Dr. Langston Smith is a dentist and fraternity member who drove 2 ½ hours to attend the Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. convention and spoke about the importance of supporting the Red Cross with the blood drive.
“We realize that there are a number of African Americans who are affected by sickle cell anemia and there is a terrific need for those individuals to have blood. So, we look at that as a responsibility of our health team to help promote blood draws and blood donations to support those patients,” he said.
Dr. Roosevelt Allen is also a dentist and fraternity brother who attended the convention. He served 32 years in the United States Air Force and has been an Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. member since he pledged in 1979. As a health care provider, he sees donating blood as a way to help improve health outcomes.
“There’s always a need for blood so if there’s an opportunity to give back and to help others, I think that’s what life is all about, but it’s also what our fraternity is about. It's about giving back to the community and supporting the community.”
Alpha Phil Alpha, Inc. fraternity brother Michael Pierre attended the convention wearing a ribbon that said, “25 year member.” He made a Power Red donation at the blood drive, but he first started donating blood in high school.
“There was a blood drive and I heard a pretty interesting story about the importance of giving blood where you could, and my attitude was I’m healthy enough to make a donation. Did it once, did it twice, and just kept on doing it. Never really stopped.”
Left: Dr. Roosevelt Allen is a dentist and veteran of the United States Air Force who has been a long time blood donor. He pledged Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. in 1979. He said, "It’s great to see a lot of old friends, but it's also an opportunity to get re-engaged, to give back to the community, and to learn about some of the important aspects of the fraternity and what they're focused on." Right: Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. fraternity brother Michael Pierre donated blood at the Red Cross blood drive. He said, "If we all have an opportunity to make a contribution in some way, shape, or form, this is a great way to do it. Low effort, it’s a lot of fun, it builds community, and you always meet some interesting people." Photos by Jenny Farley / American Red Cross
D’LaVale Anderson-Reeves has volunteered for the Red Cross for more than 20 years. During the conference, she did “double duty,” as a blood donor ambassador checking in donors, while also manning a table for Volunteer Services as part of the Red Cross Philadelphia Community Outreach Team.
Before she survived cancer, D’LaVale donated blood, and when she couldn’t donate any more, she decided to help the Red Cross by volunteering. Now, she recruits other people to donate.
“A lot of people are scared to give blood. They have a misconception of everything. So, it’s good to know that I can talk to them and make them feel comfortable.”
D’LaVale said she only met one donor at the convention that was a “little scared,” but she said, “A lot of them appreciate the idea that we’re doing it at this event, especially when we have so many folks here, especially young Black men here to give blood.”
Dr. Brian Turner is the Department Head and Associate Professor of Psychology at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. As an Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. fraternity member, he donated blood at the conference to help make sure people have blood when they need it following surgery or emergencies.
Making time to donate blood between sessions at the convention, he said he gives whenever he can and has some advice for people who are thinking about donating but haven’t done it yet, “One, if you’re afraid of needles it didn’t hurt. Two, it’s always good to give and help others. Giving blood is always a good thing to do.”
Left: D'LaVale Anderson-Reeves has volunteered for the Red Cross for more than 20 years. She is a passionate advocate for cancer survivors and the Red Cross and recruits blood donors daily. Right: Dr. Brian Turner is an associate professor of psychology who traveled from New Orleans to the Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. convention in Philadelphia. He donated blood at the Red Cross blood drive and said, "I'll always try to give blood when possible." Photos by Jenny Farley / American Red Cross
Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. was founded at Cornell University in 1906. With a fraternity that has existed more than 100 years, Michael Pierre said members like to give back and help their communities with several different programs and initiatives and by working with partners like the Red Cross.
“It’s a beautiful thing that we have with the Red Cross, so whenever we have an opportunity to be supportive, our brothers like to come out there and give our best.”
There is always a critical need for blood and you can help. Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-Red Cross, or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
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- Written by Jenny Farley
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