Annual Programs / Events

Who We Are

The I.S. Hankins-F.A. Johnson Education Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization that was established in March 1993, by the Orlando Alumni Chapter (Delta Xi Lambda) of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in honor our belated Brothers I. Sylvester Hankins and Felton. A. Johnson.

And What We Do…

The purpose of the Foundation is to promote, support, and instill in youth the values of high educational achievement, leadership and community service. The Foundation provides academic development, personal development, leadership development and social development.

MLK Leadership Forum

Each year the Delta Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosts a MLK Leadership Series to honor our late, great brother; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The first event is our MLK Leadership Forum which is a moderated discussion on the topics of education, economics, and politics.

We believe that open dialogue and relationships form the foundations of thriving communities. We strive to create networks that foster collaboration and opportunities to serve the common good.

A moderator and panelist lead the discussion but audience members are strongly encouraged to participate in the discussion.

The culmination of our MLK Leadership Series is our MLK Commemorative Luncheon.  Community leaders and organizations are recognized for their contributions to the community with the prestigious DRUM MAJOR AWARD! Categories are Scholarship (student), Civic Affairs, Social Justice, Community Service and Business.

Proceeds from this event provide college scholarships to local students, fund the Young Men of Distinction mentoring program and provide support to other educational initiatives of the Foundation.

In a commencement address given at Lincoln University on June 6, 1961, Dr. King used the question of American Dream as the subject of his speech. In that address Dr. King charged the graduating class and the audience not to be detached spectators, but involved participants and make contributions to the ongoing structure of our society toward the realization of the America dream.

So, we ask this question once again, “Are we Fulfilling the American Dream?” And how does the American dream apply as it relates to today’s political, economic, social, criminal justice reform and the current worlds challenges?

MLK Commemorative Luncheon

Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest

The Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest allows middle and high school students to demonstrate their oratorical skills in a competitive but educational format.

The purpose of the Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest is to identify problems or special topics of interest within society and determine how the problem or topic relates to the goals and objectives of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

Each year the orators receive a different topic to craft their speeches around.  Winners are awarded scholarships and other prizes.

Each year the Young Men of Distinction travel to a designated area of the country to complete a spring break college tour. Throughout the week, we visit 4-5 colleges / universities as well as historical monuments and museums.

The college tour is designed to encourage reading and critical thinking while granting exposure to various colleges and universities

At the conclusion of the trip, each student is tested on what they learned.  They are also required to read a book and participate in a group discussion about the book.

Y.M.O.D. Annual College Tour

Project Alpha

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program 

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation began collaboratively implementing Project Alpha in 1980. This collaborative project is designed to provide education, motivation and skill-building on issues of responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases for young males ages 12-15 years.

Designed to provide young men with current and accurate information about teen pregnancy prevention, Project Alpha consists of a series of workshops and informational sessions conducted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity brothers.

The three goals of Project Alpha programs are:

  • Sharing Knowledge by combating ignorance and fear with factual information.
  • Changing Attitudes by providing motivation toward positive changes in sexual behavior.
  • Providing Skills by creating a sense of empowerment and self-esteem.

In recognition of the important role that fathers play in the lives of their children, the Delta Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosts a Father and Son Breakfast each year.

Family, Finances, Faith & Physical Wellness are the focus through thought provoking dialogue featuring topics that are confronting todays Black Fathers and Black Youth.

All fathers, grandfathers, uncles, older brothers, or male father figures are welcome to attend

Father And Son Breakfast

The I.S. Hankins-F.A. Johnson Education Foundation, Inc.

Head Start To Literacy

Literacy Development Starts Early In Life And Is Highly Correlated With Academic Achievement

We strongly believe that by providing books and materials to Head Start programs in Orlando, specifically in underserved communities, we can help the Head Start teachers in creating a high-quality early childhood learning experience. These efforts enrich language and vocabulary development that will make the transition to elementary school more seamless.