The Black Greek Letter Organization  Life
Eugene Williams ​
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
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@EWilliamsJr
FOTRP: How did becoming a member of a Greek Organization impact your academic success?

Eugene Williams: ​Honestly, when I was pledging Alpha Phi Alpha, my grades did suffer somewhat due to the demanding schedule of the pledge process. However, once I became a brother, my grades improved because I was surrounded by a group of focused, academically motivated young men who encouraged and challenged each other to perform at a high level in our classes.

Bio: Eugene Williams, Jr. received a B.A. in English from Emory University in 1991, and an M.Ed. in Educational leadership from The University of Mary Washington in 2007. He is a writer, educator, and former child actor who has appeared on stage, screen, and television with such celebrities as Bill Cosby, Ossie Davis, Ray Charles, Pearl Bailey, and Stephanie Mills. In 1978, he became the first black child in a major, recurring role on the highly acclaimed CBS soap opera, "Search For Tomorrow". Eugene is the author six books including IT'S A READING THING... HELP YOUR CHILD UNDERSTAND, a SAT verbal prep guide (for parents) that gained national recognition from Washington Post columnist, William Raspberry. Eugene's books and opinions have also been featured on NBC, CBS, CNN, and BET. He currently resides in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area and serves as a high school Assistant Principal.

What would you describe as the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority?

.The primary benefit of being in a Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO) is the opportunity to form lasting bonds and relationships with like-minded African-American males.

What advice would you give to a student who has interest in joining a Black Greek Letter Organization?

Any student that wants to join a BGLO should study the histories, aims, and alumnae of the various organizations and consult any family members that belong to BGLOs in order to get their take on their experiences as a member of a fraternity or sorority. Attempt to join the organization whose reputation best fits your personality. Look at the members of the organizations and ask yourself, "Are these the types of folks I could be friends with outside of the fraternity?"

What do you say to those that suggest being a member of a Fraternity or Sorority is about being an elitist, hazing and partying?

I think elitism, hazing, and partying play a role play a bigger role in some chapters than others...but in the majority of chapters, those things play a tertiary role behind civic responsibility, and educational achievement.