Southwest middle schoolers visited Howard University in May as they developed their leadership skills and artistic expression. Courtesy of Cherise Cole
By Southwester Staff
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® was founded at Howard University on January 15, 1908, and is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. Alpha Beta Upsilon Omega Chapter is a graduate chapter of the sorority, chartered on June 26, 2022, to serve the residents of Southeast and Southwest Washington, DC.
When it involves the youth, Alpha Beta Upsilon Omega Chapter sets a high standard. Seventeen middle schoolers participated in a 6-month youth-led program held at Riverside Baptist Church in Southwest. Students in the program either attended school or lived in the Southeast or Southwest quadrants of the city. The highly interactive leadership development program was free to students and consisted of more than10 hours of programming led by the participants. This is the chapter’s second cohort. Youth-led topics included growth mindset, goal setting, and career exploration, to name a few. The program included a community service component where the students spent their morning picking up trash on M Street in Southwest.
The topic on civic and social awareness gained the scholars an opportunity to meet with Howard University Dean Phylicia Rashad, who is best known for her role as Claire Huxtable on the television sitcom “The Cosby Show,” (1984–1992) which earned her two Primetime Emmy Award nominations in 1985 and 1986. Rashad was most recently Dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University, an institution renowned for its rich history and commitment to excellence in education. The students researched civil rights events and crafted personal artistic interpretations of the pivotal moment in preparation for the visit. Artistic expressions included poetry, skits, and monologues.
On May 8, 2024, the enthusiastic middle schoolers walked onto Howard University’s campus prepared and poised. The expressions they had created for months were on the tip of their tongues, as they were appreciative of the opportunity to perform and gain leadership insights from one of the most respected figures in theater arts education. Rashad lauded the students for their performances and spent two hours having a spirit-filled discussion around leadership, social issues, and the impact students were making in their communities. Rashad conversed with each student, holding their hands, and reiterating their necessity to the future of our world. The interaction was not just a one-sided conversation; it was an engaging dialogue that allowed the middle schoolers to express their thoughts and aspirations. The students shared their own experiences in leadership roles, whether it was through school clubs, community service, or personal projects. Rashad listened attentively, offering feedback and encouragement that resonated deeply with the young leaders.
The day concluded with a group photo, smiles all around, and a sense of accomplishment. The YLI students left Howard University not only with cherished memories but also with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to pursue their dreams. The meeting with Dean Phylicia Rashad serves as a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of providing young people with opportunities to connect with those who have paved the way. As these middle schoolers continue their journeys, they carry with them the leadership nuggets from one of the most influential figures in the arts, reminding them that the leaders of tomorrow are being shaped today.
Alpha Beta Upsilon Omega will be hosting its third cohort of YLI participants this fall. For more information, visit www.akaabyo.org.