The Alpha Xi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi hosted Suits for our Sons, during which they donated more than 200 suits to FAMU freshmen and other students.
This young men went into their own closets to donate to other students like themselves to give back to their community.
Adrian Fyne a third-year information technology student from Miami and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, played a big role in organizing the Tuesday event.
“Sometimes people see us out partying and think that our fraternity is all about having fun, but we are focused on community service right now. I encouraged all of my fraternity brothers to give away any suits they may not wear anymore to give it away to these students who may not have as many clothes in their closet,” he said.
Before they gave away suits the members introduced their keynote speaker for the evening: former state Rep. Alan Williams. He has been successful in striking a balance between fighting for civil rights and a proponent for job creation.
Williams has been featured in publications such as the Washington Post, New York Times and USA Today.
While in the Florida Legislature Rep. Williams served as Democratic Whip (2012-2014), and chairman of the Florid Legislative Black Caucus (2014-2015).
Williams delivered a powerful speech to the young men about the importance of wearing a suit and always trying to look your best in a professional setting.
“I wouldn’t have been as successful as I am today if I didn’t dress so well. The first impression means everything and I wanted to be perceived as a man who was an intellectual and very professional.”
Williams encouraged the young college students to try to dress sharp because the majority of the men were African American, and as African Americans there are already too many stereotypes placed upon them just because of the color of their skin.
Carl Goodman, the associate provost for undergraduate education at FAMU, also helped organize the event.
“We had a real good turnout today and we helped give away a lot of needed suits to the younger generation. These guys really came together and hosted a spectacular event that showcased what this fraternity is all about,” Goodman said.
During the event members of Kappa Alpha Psi also showed the young men how to correctly tie a tie. And they also gave away two $50 gift cards to Joseph A. Bank store.
The Alpha Xi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi hosts the Suits for our Sons event once a year during the spring semester but they have never given away this many suits. And Alan Williams couldn’t be happier.
“It was such a sight to see these young men sacrifice their own clothes to give it away to their fellow students who may need it more,” Williams said. “That’s what this fraternity is trying to do, to encourage others and give back to their community.”