The men of the Delta Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Delta Pi Lambda Educational Fund presented Dr. James Mitchell and Wallace Community College Selma (WCCS) with funds for the Dr. James Mitchell Scholarship Fund.

Warren Billy Young, president of the Delta Pi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., said the scholarship was started in Mitchell’s honor due to his many years of local service. Young said Mitchell is a pillar in the community and the chapter, and the foundation was honored to bestow the honor.

“We started the Dr. James Mitchell Scholarship about five years ago in honor of Dr. Mitchell’s service to Wallace Community College and Selma.,” he said. “Dr. Mitchell decides who receives it at Wallace Community College Selma. We gave over $10,000 in scholarships this year, but this scholarship is a special one.”

Young said the scholarship started out small, with the foundation donating $500 each year. However this year they were able to triple that amount.

“This year we are pleased to give away $1,500,” Young said.  “We’re proud because of our community partners we are able to give more. The community has helped us to help others with the scholarship.”

Charles Johnson Sr., the chair of the foundation, Dr. Charles Lett Sr. and Young serve as the cooperate sponsorship committee of the foundation. Their job is to partner with the local businesses to ensure sponsorship for the foundation.

One of their biggest fundraisers towards the cause is their annual John D. Taylor Banquet.

“Every year, both the chapter and the foundation have the John D. Taylor Banquet to raise proceeds for scholarships such as the Dr. James Mitchell Scholarship,” Young said.

Even though the scholarship is in his honor, Mitchell still helps towards the cause, and Young said because of his additional help the foundation has continued to thrive. He said the purpose of the scholarship is to assist students in need.

“Sometimes there are students that come up short on their bill, so he gives them funds from the scholarship,” Young said.

He said collaborating with Mitchell and WCCS has proven how essential working together can be for the community.

“Throughout the year we hold a lot of our projects at Wallace and we feel that this is proof that we truly are stronger when we work together,” Young said.  “When we come together we can do something that makes even a larger impact to improve Selma-Dallas County.”

Young and the members of both the Delta Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Delta Pi Lambda Educational Fund, are thankful and appreciative to the community and local businesses for their constant support.