By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
The men of Alpha Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. awarded scholarships at the Pinnacle on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Each year young men are selected for their academic achievement, community involvement and leadership.
The mistress of ceremony, Kristian Brown of 13ABC, returned to guide the activities of the program that featured a keynote address from Amazon’s Vice President of Inclusive Experiences and Technology, Candi Castleberry Singleton
Castleberry Singleton’s experience in designing and producing inclusive outcomes across multiple industries brought experience of the prevalent importance of championing diversity. Explaining the value of inclusive practices benefitting all involved, “Diversity is not a word of exclusivity,” said Castleberry Singleton during her address.
“Programs are what systems were supposed to do,” she said as she centered the keynote address on the necessity of diverse practices for sustainment, leaving attendees with the reminder that faith will be needed to persevere in the times of uncertainty.
The seven scholarship awardees included Michael Carr III, Rashaun Coley Jr., Christian Kynard, Brayden Miller, Khali Moore, Jaden Tollliver and William Barnett. Barnett received the first renewable scholarship offered by Alpha Xi Lambda Chapter in honor of late member Joseph O. Sansbury.
The awardees were met with another honor before the end of the ceremony as each scholarship award was increased by $1,000 thanks to donations and an additional $500 from 13ABC. The fund also benefitted $5,000 raised under the Eason Foundation by Sheila and Rodney Eason to continue the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Xi Lambda, an Alpha Phi Alpha alumni chapter, was chartered November 3, 1928 at the Frederick Douglass Community Center, preceding their college chapters, Epsilon Alpha and Epsilon Theta. Alpha Xi Lambda of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is dedicated to developing leaders, promoting brotherhood and serving the community.
Through its Esquire Program, the chapter provides mentorship, leadership development, as well as academic support for college and career readiness. Applications for the Alpha Esquires and more upcoming events for the Toledo Alphas are available at: toledoalphas.com
