Fraternity members convene to reaffirm their commitment to service, strengthen bonds of brotherhood, and develop impactful strategies that uplift our communities and empower the next generation
The South Carolina Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., will convene its 66th Annual District Conference on October 8-10, 2026, at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210). Themed, “Homecoming,” the three-day conference plans to make a huge impact in the Columbia community and provide strategies and initiatives that the South Carolina Chapters of the historic Fraternity can implement in all communities statewide.
Founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world. The Fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially. Famous fraternity members who have been in the forefront of civil rights include W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, and Paul Robeson.
Today Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is comprised of 686 active chapters located in the United States, Germany, Bermuda, Korea, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and Canada.
There are a total of 34 chapters in South Carolina representing the cities of Aiken, Anderson, Beaufort, Bennettsville, Clemson, Columbia, Conway, Charleston, Denmark, Florence, Fort Mill, Georgetown, Greenville, Orangeburg, Rock Hill, Spartanburg, Summerville and Sumter. This also includes chapters at higher education institutions including Allen University, Benedict College, Charleston Southern University, Claflin University, Clemson University, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina University, Francis Marion University, Morris College, South Carolina State University, University of South Carolina (Columbia), University of South Carolina (Aiken), University of South Carolina (Upstate), Voorhees University, Winthrop University and Wofford College.
Leaders of the South Carolina Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., have planned great educational and fellowship opportunities for the attendees. Business sessions are closed to the public and are only open to registered members of the Fraternity.
Public Forum: Beyond the Posts: Faith, Fraternity & the Truth Behind the Trend and Emanuel 9 Awards Recognition
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 7-9 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Congaree Ballroom
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
In an era when social media clips, podcasts, and viral posts often shape public opinion, conversations surrounding fraternities, sororities, Freemasonry, and faith have become increasingly polarized. As more individuals publicly renounce their fraternal affiliations, many are left asking: What is fact? What is tradition? What is theology? And what is misinformation?
This forum will bring together respected pastors, fraternity, sorority, and Masonic leaders, along with other scholars, for a thoughtful, balanced, and respectful discussion exploring the intersection of faith and fraternal organizations. Through informed dialogue and diverse perspectives, participants will have the opportunity to examine history, doctrine, tradition, and common misconceptions in an atmosphere that encourages understanding rather than division.
Forum panelists include:
· Dr. Andrea M. Fleming, emcee, immediate past president, Columbia National Pan Hellenic Council and member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
· Bishop Bro. Herbert Bailey, founder and senior pastor of Right Direction Church International
· Elder Rosalyn Glenn, financial advisor, Prudential and treasurer of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
· Bro. Dr. Jamel A. Hodges, dean of students, University of South Carolina Aiken
· Bro. Dr. Jeffrey A. Howard, associate pastor of faith and formation, Second Baptist Church of Aiken
During the Forum, the Fraternity will also commemorate the Emanuel Nine who were tragically slain on June 17, 2015, at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church, in Charleston, South Carolina. This will be done by honoring individuals and organizations that embody their spirit and service to others in the following categories: Educational Support, Faith, Political Activism, Public Safety, and Volunteerism. Honorees include:
· Dr. Gloria Swindler Boutte (Educational Support) – founder and Executive Director of the Center for the Education and Equity of African American Students
· Brother Dr. Bobby J. Donaldson Jr. (Educational Support) – Associate Professor of History at the University of South Carolina
· Bishop Brother Dr. Eric J. Freeman (Faith) – Founder of The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia
· Dr. Charles B. Jackson Sr. (Faith) – Pastor, Brookland Baptist Church
· Colonel Christopher N. Williamson (Safety) – Commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol
· Mr. Antjuan Seawright (Political Activism) – Founder and CEO of Blueprint Strategy, LLC
· Brother Curtis Frye Sr. (Volunteerism) – Retired Olympic Coach and Former Head Track and Field Coach at the University of South Carolina and Founder of the Frye Foundation
Brotherhood Physical Fitness Hour
Friday, October 9, 2026, 7-8 a.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Fitness Room
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
Get moving with fitness enthusiast Michael Samuel (Mike Sam Fitness) and Matt Spears in a high-energy workout designed for all fitness levels! Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to push your limits, this session promises motivation, movement, and meaningful brotherhood. Come ready to sweat, connect, and strengthen both body and bond—Alpha style!
Alpha University Workshop
Black Men’s Health: Prevention Is Power
Friday, October 9, 2026, 10:30-11:45 a.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Calhoun Room
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
This session will encourage Brothers to take an active role in their health through preventive care. Participants will discuss routine checkups, health screenings, mental health, and the importance of speaking openly with healthcare providers. They will leave with practical steps to prioritize their well-being and support the health of the men in their lives.
Fraternal and Recognition Luncheon with Brother Mark S. Tillman, 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
South Carolina Living Legends Awards
Friday, October 9, 2026, 1-2:30 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Congaree Ballroom A
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
Celebrate brotherhood and excellence at the Fraternal and Recognition Luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Brother Mark S. Tillman, 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Brother Mark S. Tillman was initiated on November 22, 1985, into Beta Phi chapter located on the campus of Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a Life Member, he has dedicated almost four decades of continuous service to maintaining Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as a leader in the eyes of the membership it serves and the community at large. Brother Tillman’s leadership encompasses integrity, humility, commitment, motivation, versatility, accountability, and brotherhood as he promotes Alpha Phi Alpha’s mission.
Brother Tillman assumed the office of general president on January 1, 2013, as the 34th member elected to this position. During his four-year term, Brother Tillman navigated the fraternity through unprecedented internal challenges with steady leadership and guided the membership back to its focus on service and advocacy for our communities. Alpha Phi Alpha was engaged in issues that affected accepted the nation and the world, including advocating against the senseless killings of young black men and women by law enforcement, assisting our Monrovia, Liberia, chapter in combating the Ebola virus outbreak before its worldwide spread, collaborating with collegiate members protesting and combating racism at their colleges and universities, and raising over one million dollars to combat premature births for our partner, the March of Dimes.
Brother Tillman comforted the family of Mr. Michael Brown, the young man who was killed by police officers in Ferguson, Missouri. Alpha Phi Alpha contributed to the funeral services of Mr. Brown and sparked a national conversation of violence against our youth that still resonates today. Brother Tillman also presided over the Omega Service of the Honorable Brother Clementa C. Pinckney where he and eight men and women were senselessly gunned down due to hate at the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
Brother Tillman led efforts for Alpha Phi Alpha to become a founding donor of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture with a $1 million contribution from the fraternity. He continued the fraternity’s focus on developing leaders when Alpha Phi Alpha received a one million dollar grant to support the mentoring of young men through chapters around the country.
Brother Tillman represented Alpha Phi Alpha at several historic events such as delivering remarks from the Lincoln Memorial about Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington and marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge with members from local chapters at the 50th Anniversary of the Selma March to Montgomery. In addition, Alpha Phi Alpha was publicly recognized with the Chairman’s Award by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation for its contributions to America. Brother Tillman accepted the award and expressed his appreciation on behalf of a grateful fraternity for such an honor.
Additionally, during the luncheon, the Fraternity will recognize and honor three new South Carolina Living Legends from Alpha Phi Alpha chapters. Honorees include:
· Brother Vincent A. Gatling Jr. (initiated November 20, 1976, in Beta Gamma Chapter at Virginia State University) – currently in Omicron Iota Lambda Chapter in Columbia, SC.
· Brother Arthur L. Pinckney (initiated October 25, 1987, in Omicron Iota Lambda Chapter) – currently in Omicron Iota Lambda Chapter in Columbia, SC.
Dr. John Hope Franklin Collegiate Scholars Bowl Finals
Friday, October 9, 2026, 2:30-4 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Richland/Fairfield Room
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
The Dr. John Hope Franklin Collegiate Scholars’ Bowl provides a public forum through which undergraduate collegiate scholars demonstrate academic and intellectual knowledge and skills, implemented to highlight scholastic excellence among college members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Hobart S. Jarrett Debate Competition
Friday, October 9, 2026, 4-5:30 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Richland/Fairfield Room
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
The purpose of the Brother Dr. Hobart S. Jarrett Debate Competition is to develop the skills of fraternity members in argumentation and research, persuasion, oral and written communication, and critical thinking.
Step Show
Friday, October 9, 2026, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Congaree Ballroom A
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
Join us for a celebration of rhythm, precision, creativity and the unmistakable legacy of Alpha men moving in unity featuring SCALPHA’s collegiate chapters and a special presentation by Grammy award winning artist Dubba-AA (Brother Aaron Lockhart).
The Bond Phire Experience
Friday, October 9, 2026, 8-11 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Rear Parking Lot
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
The Bond Phire Experience is the ultimate Homecoming-style hospitality takeover, where a Black tailgate meets a premium hospitality suite. Expect high energy, great food, music, and nonstop brotherhood as we celebrate connection, culture, and community. This is where Homecoming comes alive.
Brotherhood Physical Fitness Hour
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 7-8 a.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Fitness Room
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
Get moving with fitness enthusiast Michael Samuel (Mike Sam Fitness) and Matt Spears in a high-energy workout designed for all fitness levels! Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to push your limits, this session promises motivation, movement, and meaningful brotherhood. Come ready to sweat, connect, and strengthen both body and bond—Alpha style!
The Dr. Joseph E. Heyward, Sr. Life Members Breakfast
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Congaree Ballroom A
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
This annual breakfast honors Brother Dr. Joseph E. Heyward, Sr. — a living legend who has served Alpha Phi Alpha at every level. Life Members from across the District gather for fellowship, reflection, and the recognition of newly inducted Life Members.
This year’s keynote speaker is Brother Reverend Benjamin G. Rivers, M.Div., who will deliver an inspiring message on leadership and legacy.
Reverend Brother Benjamin Gary Rivers, Life Member # 11736, is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, whose life reflects a commitment to faith, service, leadership, and the principles of brotherhood. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, he is the son of the late Elijah and Ida Louise Pinckney Rivers. He was educated in the Charleston public schools and ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 1987 by Rosemont Baptist Church in Charleston.
Brother Rivers earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Charleston Southern University in 1988 and a Master of Divinity degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center’s Morehouse School of Religion in 1992.
His distinguished career encompasses pastoral ministry, healthcare chaplaincy, employee relations, and human resources. He served as a Chaplain Resident at Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, and as Staff Chaplain at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens, Georgia, before becoming the hospital’s Employee Relations Director, a position he held for 20 years. He also served as Pastor of Hill First Baptist Church in Athens from 1995 to 2009. From 2018 to 2024, he served as a Human Resources Business Partner with Triple Canopy/Constellis in Kuwait. Now retired, Brother Rivers remains an active member of Princeton United Methodist Church in Athens, Georgia.
In addition to his membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Brother Rivers is affiliated with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Masonic Grand Lodge of South Carolina, the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliation, and the Society for Human Resource Management, where he holds the Certified Professional designation.
Known for his jovial spirit, disciplined approach to life, and unwavering commitment to orderliness, he exemplifies the values of integrity, fellowship, and service. Brother Rivers’ life and legacy reflect a steadfast dedication to faith, professional excellence, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood.
Alpha University Workshop
Personal Branding: Your Reputation Is Your Resume
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 9-10 a.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Fairfield Room
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
This session will help participants build a personal brand that supports their career goals. Participants will explore how to use LinkedIn, build meaningful professional relationships, and develop an executive presence that reflects their strengths and values. They will leave with practical steps to strengthen their reputation and position themselves for career growth.
Alpha University Workshop
Real Estate
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 9-10 a.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Saluda Room
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Luncheon/Competition
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 12:45-2:30 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Congaree Ballroom A
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
The purpose of the Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Competition 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. The Oratorical Contest provides College brothers the opportunity to enhance and display their communication skills through oration.
Miss Old Gold and Black Scholarship Competition
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 8-10 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Congaree Ballroom A
2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
The Miss Old Gold and Black Scholarship Competition is an event whose primary purpose is to highlight and foster the inextricable connection between success and etiquette among young women. This competition spotlights the young women’s poise, self-confidence, communication skills, intelligence, and beauty. Contestants are provided scholarships to assist with the financial obligations associated with post-secondary studies.