By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
There is a distinct, palpable energy that fills the room when our community gathers to pour into our young people. It is an atmosphere where preparation meets opportunity, and where historic traditions form the foundation for future success. That exact excellence was on full display at the "Young Men Leading With Purpose" Beautillion, hosted by the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter.
From the immaculate coordination to the impactful words of the guest speakers, the evening was a beautifully executed masterclass in what it looks like to build a supportive village. To grasp the weight of the evening, one must understand history. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., holds the distinction of being the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans, founded at Cornell University in 1906 by seven visionary college men known as the "Jewels". What began as a vital support system for minority students facing racial prejudice has grown into a global brotherhood dedicated to scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity. The Beautillion directly aligns with these overarching fraternity goals. It serves as the formal culmination of the "I Am Alpha" program, a series of transformational self-development and improvement workshops designed to fortify the personal, social, and academic well-being of local high school students. Through more than nine months of dedication, these young scholars are paired with mentors and role models, training them to step forward as the next generation of leaders.
The event itself was an absolute vibe, balancing high-class formal tradition with genuine community joy. My face hurt from smiling. Fort Bragg’s Iron Mike Conference Center was packed with suits, dresses, and proud fiends and family. The evening ran seamlessly under the direction of the Master of Ceremonies, Brother Bryan Johnson, a dynamic Fayetteville native and Coastal Carolina and Fayetteville State alumnus whose professional accolades and community service made him the perfect voice to guide the night.
Every detail was thought through and executed with excellence. The smooth choreography by Bruington of the Dance Academy, the sharp soundtrack provided by DJ Chris Parker, and the crisp photography by Phil Woods captured a milestone moment for the families involved. Even the sharp haircuts and trims—secured through local styling partners—and the formal white gloves donated by Bridal and Pageant Connection ensured the young men looked every bit the part of emerging leaders
A particularly moving moment of the evening came when the fraternity acknowledged "the village"—asking the parents, family members, educators, and friends to stand alongside the Alpha brothers. The program emphasizes that while the Beautillion is a spectacular grand finale, the fraternity's commitment to these young men doesn't stop at high school graduation. In Alpha, mentorship is a lifelong resource that follows them into their collegiate and professional years.
Many distinguished guests were on hand to celebrate, including North Carolina State Senator Val Applewhite, Fayetteville City Council Member Malik Davis, and guest speaker and Alpha Brother Retired Col. Donald Porter. The heart of the evening was, of course, celebrating the hard work the participants put in over a rigorous nine-month period, spanning workshops, community events, and Sunday afternoon rehearsals. The camaraderie and mutual support among the cohort were palpable as the final awards were announced:
Beaus of Distinction: Mr. Glenn Brooks Jr. and Mr. Elijah Harvin were both honored for their exceptional growth and dedication throughout the program.
Fourth Runner-Up: Mr. Camden Graham
Third Runner-Up: Mr. Christian Brown
Second Runner-Up: Mr. Machi Fox
First Runner-Up: Mr. Andre Evans
2026–2027 Beau of the Year: Mr. Nicholas Carey, who received a well-deserved standing ovation from the entire room.
The evening also shone a light on the next wave of talent, introducing two junior Beaus, Lewis Little, a standout 8th-grade scholar-athlete. Also, Oscar Robledo, a rising 9th-grader entering early college, proving that the pipeline of excellence is always growing.
Events like the Epsilon Rho Lambda Beautillion remind us how vital youth mentorship is to the health of our communities. The leadership principles highlighted throughout the night: integrity, empathy, collaboration, and civic responsibility, are exactly what our society needs more of.
If you know a young man who would benefit from a community of positive role models, structured life-skills workshops, and an unforgettable experience that transitions them toward manhood, keep an eye out for future iterations of the "I Am Alpha" program. Programs like this exist all over the country. A simple internet search for local chapters of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Divine Nine fraternities, or sororities like Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, or Sigma Gamma Rho, which all came out to support the event, can unlock incredible mentorship, scholarship, and youth development programs right in your backyard. Let’s keep supporting our young scholars and ensuring they have the tools to go out, make long-lasting impacts, and boldly lead with purpose.
