The Phirst of First: Supporting our First-generation Alpha Brothers

This is one piece that has been on my heart for sometime. At the intersection of being a member of there are also students who need additional support. Responses, validation, and interest are welcome from the brothers of my dear fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

“First of All”, a motto that we hold dear. Whether being the first registered architect in the state of New York or the first Black mayor of Atlanta. As Alpha men, we are accustomed to being the first. Another first that may not seem as notable but holds a significant amount of weight and respect are those brothers who have not only been trusted with the responsibility and privileges of brotherhood in the Black and Old Gold but who are also .

Nationally 33% of students enrolled in higher education are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (2019) shared that Black males have one of the lowest six-year graduation rates of 34 percent, that is 27 percent less than their white male counterparts. Often exacerbated by the societal stressors, mental and physical health, and competing familial demands, Black men are known to endure a different set of challenges that can manifest into attrition and stopping out.

As Alpha men, we can make a huge statement in a time where of identities is so important. By identifying those brothers who are first-gen and providing them with a focused support network to enrich their college experiences, we can support their transition to graduation.

There are three areas of focus that men of Alpha can foster to ensure that brothers create an environment that supports brothers who are first-generation college students. These areas of focus include 3B's to creating a culture of belonging, brave space, and brotherhood.

Belonging. As Brother Dr. Terrell Strayhorn, PhD (2018) shares in his research on college students, students thrive and need a strong to prosper in the collegiate environment. The need to belong is more necessary for those who may lack the knowledge, models, and capital that may be present among their continuing college-going peers. As are dwindling in numbers across higher education it is prudent for us to validate brothers who seek connection among us.

Brave Space. As are developed, we must foster environments that create vulnerability and aid brothers in using help-seeking skills. Societal conditioning misinforms us to thinking that we must bear our burdens alone and in silence. Whether it is seeking tutoring for a math course or seeking emotional support through campus counseling services. Continue to create spaces where young men can share their struggles and feel confident that they can receive guidance and navigation.

Brotherhood. Among our fraternal bonds, these brothers are supported as Alpha men, but we must also support them with the capital and identity that they bring to the fold. Reminding them that being first-generation is a point of pride and not a deficit is a compliment to foster their resilience. Continually reminding them that they are not alone in their social and academic ventures can strengthen their connection to Alpha while finding community among other brothers.

Being the first can be a challenge, but it is also an honor. Many of our brothers including myself are proud first-generation students and graduates who herald this identity. By sharing our stories, we can normalize these narratives and inspire younger brothers to achieve their academic and career goals. Let’s uplift our brothers who have worked to beat the odds and have not only chosen to join us in the bonds of but seek to be boundary breakers as they journey to be the first in their families to earn a four-year degree.

As the old chant goes, “We study hard. We stay up late, but most of all we graduate.” Whether you work with a Go-to-High School, Go-to- College initiative, advise or support a collegiate chapter, or interact with college brothers in your areas and districts, lets continue to empower these brothers as they move through their collegiate journeys and beyond.  

Fraternally,

James K. Winfield, Ed.D.

References

National Center for Education Statistics. (2019). Status and Trends in the Education of Racial & Ethnic Groups [Indicator 23: Postsecondary Graduation Rates]. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/raceindicators/indicator_red.asp

Strayhorn, T. L. (2018). College students' sense of belonging: A key to educational success for all students. (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Taylor & Francis.

*This article can also be found in the Special Issue (2022) of The Sphinx, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

James K. Winfield, EdD, is an initiate of the Omicron Iota Lambda chapter ‘16 and serves on the Omicron Iota Lambda Educational Foundation. Professionally he serves as associate dean for first-year experience, general education & retention strategies for Southern New Hampshire University Global Campus, and adjunct faculty for Messiah University. He is a champion for students and serves on the Center Advocacy Group for the Center for First-generation Student Success and serves as the steering committee chair for the The Black First-Gen Collective