Fraternity to host scholarship gala

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, will celebrate its annual All Black Fair, the Valentine’s Scholarship Fundraiser, at 7:06 p.m. Feb. 9, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Tickets are $40 per person. Tables are $400 each, according to a news release.

JEWELS

Three individuals will be honored as Jewels of the Community and scholarships will be awarded. The Jewels of the Community honorees for this year are Lee Jewel Randle, a local businessman; Barbara Dunn, director development at Southeast Arkansas College; and Marshall Kelley, owner of Brown Funeral Home.

“These extraordinary individuals have made invaluable contributions to the community and are being recognized for their outstanding impact and unwavering commitment to the betterment of the region. Their exemplary dedication and service serve as an inspiration to all,” according to the release.

The fraternity and foundation also announced the 2024 scholarship recipients.

“These scholarships are a testament to the commitment of Delta Sigma Lambda and its partners for their unwavering dedication in recognizing and supporting academic achievement,” according to the release.

LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPS

The following are the Legacy Scholarships and award recipients:

Brother Charles and Betty Wesson Alpha Jewel Scholarship — recipient Elayah Jones

Norman J. Toney Alpha Jewel Scholarship sponsored by Brother Larry Kindle in honor of his brother — recipient Zric Washington Jr.

Brother Laurence and Veronica Alexander Alpha Jewel Scholarship — recipient Landon Rhodes

Brother Hazell Reed Alpha Jewel Scholarship — recipient Landon Holcomb

Essie Lee Reynolds Alpha Jewel Scholarship sponsored by Brother James and Shirley Word in honor of his mother-in-law — recipient Briana Barbee

Brother Parnell and Jacquelyn Williams McCray Alpha Jewel Scholarship — recipient Remia Smothers

Brother Booker T. and Ruthie Clemons Alpha Jewel Scholarship — recipient Chandler Blunt

Late Brother Artis Mendenhall Alpha Jewel Scholarship sponsored by Brother Calvin and Genevia Thomas —recipient John Thompson

Brother Roy and Keidra Burrell Alpha Jewel Scholarship — recipient Tamara Tate

Brother Dr. Kenneth Lambert and Donna Terrell Lambert Alpha Jewel Scholarship — recipient Taylor Nelson

Brother Dr. Manuel and Charlene Kelly Alpha Jewel Scholarship — recipient John Richardson

Brother Daryl and Joyce Grant Scott Alpha Jewel Scholarship — recipient Phuong Yen Dang

Brother Judge Jackie and Letrece Harris Alpha Jewel Scholarship — recipient Chandler Laurent

Earnest Brown Sr. and Shirley A. Brown Alpha Jewel Scholarship sponsored by Brother Judge Earnest Brown Jr. and Tina Brown, in honor of his parents — recipient Jahmiyah Matthews

Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church Alpha Jewel Scholarship (Brother Rev. Dennis Wilson, pastor) — recipient Antonio Madison

Late Brother Hubert Brown Scholarship sponsored by Gamma Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity — (to be named) by Brother Rev. Ronnie Miller Yow, chapter advisor.

JEWEL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Alpha Jewel Foundation Scholarship recipients (sponsored by Brother William Campbell, president):

Kaitlyn Lambert

Parker Todd

“The All Black Affair and the Valentine’s Scholarship Fundraiser is poised to be a memorable occasion, shining a light on these distinguished community members and providing support for deserving high school seniors of Jefferson County. It promises to be an evening filled with celebration, inspiration, and the spirit of unity,” according to the release.

The Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible. The foundation is a non-profit organization committed to fostering community and educational development in the region. Delta Sigma Lambda is a local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, dedicated to creating opportunities for service, leadership, and academic excellence, according to the release. For details, visit www.dslalphas.com.

The gala also has sponsorship opportunities available at the following levels: Jewel Sponsor - $4,999 and above; Yellow Rose Sponsor - $2,500 to $4,998; Old Gold Sponsor - $1,000 to $2,499; and Black Level Sponsor $400 to $999.

Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation and mailed by Feb. 1 to Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, P.O. Box 3159, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Details: Arzo Knox at (501) 351-7336 or arzo.knox@hotmail.com.