As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and holiday approached, the Zeta Pi chapter of the University of Georgia’s Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. reflected on his legacy and how others can be influenced by what he did for this country.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and his birthday is celebrated by having a day of service. Destin Mizelle, a junior majoring in psychology and minoring in African American studies from College Park, Georgia and member of the Zeta Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. expressed that many people mostly associate Dr. King with the Civil Rights movement. He then explained how King gave his life to serving others by fighting his time’s social injustices.
“He gave his life for service,” Mizelle told The Red & Black. “He gave up the opportunity to live a normal life. He gave that up so we as black people can push forward. It prompts everyone else to do the same thing in some way.”
Ibrahima Barry, a junior from Loganville majoring in biological science, is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He said that since Dr. King gave so much of his time to aiding others in their struggles, it is only right that others pay it forward.
“[Dr. King] did not want his work to stop with him—he really encouraged others to do the things he was doing and to look after others,” Barry said.
Barry also said that men like Dr. King are what inspired him to become an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. member.
“I like the history of the men of Alpha Phi Alpha and the things they have done,” Barry said. “They kind of encourage you to do what you can do to join the history.”
Jason Codling, a junior majoring in biological science from Stone Mountain and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. said that his involvement on campus are important as he carries on King’s legacy.
“I know that we stand on the shoulders of giants,” Codling said. “At least at UGA and my community back home, I try to make sure I am known for my character and being involved on campus.”
Codling believes that doing community service helps people appreciate what they have more and share what they have learned with individuals within their own community.
“[Community service] also helps yourself in a great way…seeing what I don’t appreciate and how can I appreciate that more and bring that back to my community, and how I can get them to appreciate it more,” Codling said.
Aside from having participated in King’s Day of Service, the men of the Zeta Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will also be partnering with their alumni chapter Eta Iota Lambda on Jan. 21 by attending the Bigger Vision Community Shelter in Athens.
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