Big Apple City Fellowman Give Back In A Big Way
by Nathaniel Singleton
Big Apple City Secretary
During this year, the brothers of the Big Apple City Chapter of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Incorporated had a very productive year within their communities. They have been strong on making an impact on the communities in which they reside.
To begin the year, Brothers participated in a food pantry in Yonkers, New York on October 24th. Partnering with the YWCA, the brothers of the Big Apple City Chapter went to help feed those less fortunate throughout the day. Brothers also went to Harlem on Thanksgiving Day to spend time giving out hot meals to those in need.
During a progressive time in our society as a whole, The steppers and Strollers of the chapter went out to perform at the YWCA as they handed out food. The message upon the event was to give words of wisdom on staying in school and youth empowerment.
Fellowmen Harold Reed Jr, retired police officer, fellowmen Marcus Mack, currently working in law enforcement, as well as two guest police officers from City of Greenburg were the guest speakers at Big Apple’s “Know Your Rights” event at Mercy College. This forum was to teach and discuss how to engage with law enforcement in today’s society to keep not only us, but everyone safe. Being stopped by police is a stressful experience that can go bad quickly and during this event we described what the law requires and also offers strategies for handling police encounters at any moment.
As the year came to a close, it was time to dive right into the Christmas spirit. Big Apple has been holding a toy drive. Since November 26th and brothers have been raising money for 175 children at a shelter located in White Plains, New York to make sure that these young kids were still able to enjoy Christmas and their holiday’s. Brothers put down donation boxes around the entire campus, as well as accepting new and old toys, gift cards, electronics, clothing, and shoes. On December 7th, Big Apple City Grooves invited the sisters of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Incorporated and other fraternity and sorority organizations to perform their favorite strolls at the Stroll for a Cause event, which was an extension for the toy drive.
Brothers of the chapter always found ways to help out and get involved on their own as well. Fellowmen Cristian Gonzalez, G.K.A Test2mony, attends the big brother and big sister non-profit organization every week to share his experiences with the youth alongside mentoring them to continue on the right path. Fellowmen Stephan Bramwell, G.K.A Splinter Cell, volunteered at the Light The Night Walk at Rye Playland Park to help bring awareness to leukemia and lymphoma society.
Finally, to end off the packed semester the Big Apple City Chapter received a Proclamation from the Mayor of Yonkers, New York, Mike Spano for the services that they have done within Yonkers. They are grateful for the acknowledgment and is looking forward to more for the County of Westchester, New York City, and much more.
