The higher education aspirations of six young men residing in Cuyahoga County were recently aided by the Delta Alpha Lambda Foundation, with the support of members of Cleveland’s graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the nation’s first intercollegiate fraternity for Black men.
On May 30, Delta Alpha Lambda Foundation and Greater Cleveland Alphas awarded six $1,000.00 scholarships to 2026 graduates from public and private schools in the area. At the scholarship awards luncheon, attended by scholarship recipients and their families at the Alpha Educational Development Center in Cleveland, scholarship program committee chairman, Joe A. Gilbert informed attendees that, “Our fraternity motto is manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind. We’re awarding scholarships, not as a hobby, but very intentionally, as we believe, scholarships can change people’s lives”.
In addition to receiving the scholarship award presentations, the new high school graduates heard insightful remarks from several fraternity members who shared advice drawn from their own lived experience.
Delta Alpha Lambda Foundation board president Dr. Lateef Saffore thanked the awardees for even completing the scholarship application process, which required their commitment and demonstrated resilience. Saffore went on to offer lessons from the “playbook” as they continue pursuing success in college and in life. “Learn about the financial aid process. Apply early. Introduce yourself to alumni of the colleges that you choose, and then the alumni may adopt you as a mentee, added Saffore.
Saffore went on to offer more strategic advice. “Consider being a resident hall advisor, and you will have free room and board. Say yes to work-study opportunities, especially in the administrative offices,” exclaimed Saffore. Audience members seemed very attentive as Saffore’s college playbook insights were being shared.
Scholarship awards program keynote speaker, Kevin Dixon, vice president and Community Responsibility Officer at ERIEBANK, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., reminded attendees that “every scholarship recipient has overcome something. Some of you have overcome obstacles that no one knows about. However, you kept moving forward.” Dixon added, “Continue to dream bigger than your circumstances. Your story is still being written.”
Dixon added, “Back in the day, I wanted to be an astronaut. I was fascinated by old shows like Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, and more. I would look up at the stars and universe thinking that we’re all space travelers… wondering what lies beyond what we can see or imagine. Continue to dream beyond your current circumstances. The universe is unlimited,” exclaimed Dixon.
Founded in 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, as the nation’s first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for African American men, by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood and scholastic support. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., has a rich history of investing in and supporting the college aspirations of young men. Locally, through the Delta Alpha Lambda Foundation and members of the Delta Alpha Lambda Chapter of the fraternity, an estimated $250,000.00 has been awarded to college-bound high school graduates throughout the history of the Delta Alpha Lambda Foundation and the graduate chapter of the fraternity.
The Delta Alpha Lambda Foundation Scholarship Program is designed to support underserved senior male students who reside in Cuyahoga County. Scholarship chairman Joe Gilbert stated that “the scholarship program is a competitive process. Not all who apply receive an award.” “27 percent of the applicants received a scholarship this year,” added Gilbert.
2026 scholarship recipient Isaiah Kennedy, a graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, expressed gratitude for receiving the scholarship and acknowledged that his parents urged him to apply for as many scholarships as possible. “This scholarship will further help me have money for college,” said Kennedy, who plans to attend Alabama State University.
Program chair Joseph Gilbert reflected on why he passionately volunteers on the scholarship committee. “Education is the great equalizer,” reflected Gilbert. “Frederick Douglass said, “Once a man learns to read, he will forever be free.” Education gives you that access, that pathway, that freedom,” concluded Gilbert.
Scholarship awardees were encouraged to think way beyond the scholarships that they were receiving at the day’s awards program. “Today is bigger than the scholarship and award. Today is about possibilities. We need you to have a vision… an unlimited vision,” asserted Dixon. “In addition,” added Dixon, “As you climb, be willing to lift somebody.”
Furthermore, Dixon urged the six awardees to remember the sacrifice and discipline needed to get to where they are now. He also added, “Always remember the supportive parents, grandparents, and friends and family that believed in you and contributed to your success.”
Delta Alpha Lambda Foundation’s 2026 college scholarship recipients include: Demetrius Bryant, graduate of Ginn Academy; Errion Edgerson, graduate of Collinwood High School; Isaiah Kennedy, graduate of Cleveland Heights High School; Travis Phillips and James Pleasant, graduates of University School; and Justin Switzer, graduate of Gilmour Academy. ●
