During the month of September a blue light could be found shining bright outside the house of the Kappa Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha. The blue light was a facet of its month-long campaign to raise awareness for prostate cancer.

“African-American men are 65 percent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than Caucasian-Americans and are more than twice as likely to die from it,” said Undre Phillips, the external affairs vice president for Alpha Phi Alpha. “Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated is formed with great black male leaders on campus and the community. Therefore this is a prime opportunity for the Kappa Alpha Chapter to be advocates to serve the African-American men in Tuscaloosa.”

Throughout September, Alpha Phi Alpha wore blue “Survivor, Strength, Faith and Hope” wristbands to promote its No Man Fights Alone campaign. It also hosted three events in relation to the month-long awareness campaign. 

On Monday, they hosted a campus wide “Pints for Prostates” night sponsored by Give Back Days of Glory Bound. A percentage of all of the customers’ checks that day benefited the cause. They also hosted a forum regarding prostate cancer with multiple guest speakers. The speakers included doctors from DCH Regional Medical Center, representatives of the American Cancer Society of Tuscaloosa and prostate cancer survivors.

“The Alpha men have created a voice for us prostate cancer victims, and for that I am thankful,” said Edward Bester, a prostate cancer survivor.

Last year, pink lightbulbs were placed on front porches of fraternity houses for breast cancer awareness. By involving the entire student body, and the Greek community in particular, Alpha Phi Alpha said they hope to enlighten students with their ability to serve others. 

With this particular outlet for students, the brothers hope to inform and ignite the minds of individuals in a way that is long-term and beneficial on a personal level. The pre-planning of the philanthropy events has allowed the brothers to become familiar with the disease, as well as come together through acts of service. 

“Not only did we do a lot of research on prostate cancer and its’ awareness, but we as a brotherhood have many members who have personal experiences with prostate cancer,” said Jordan Jennings, correspondence secretary for Alpha Phi Alpha.

Throughout the month of September, Alpha Phi Alpha said they raised hundreds of dollars for the victims of prostate cancer, forging a pathway for the awareness of other male illnesses on campus.