People are often looking to be a part of something greater than themselves. Lathon and Chalana Ferguson were searching for the same thing. They found it through the Greek community and United Way.
While in graduate school at Webster University, Lathon joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Its mission is simple: to uplift mankind.
“I joined Alpha Phi Alpha, because it was the best fit for my goals with life accomplishments and the community,” Lathon Ferguson said.
Chalana Ferguson had a similar revelation after she graduated from the University of Missouri. Through law school at Saint Louis University, she joined the St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Area Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta.
“Being a member of Delta Sigma Theta has offered me additional support through school and a strong network system,” said Chalana.
The two have accomplished a lot through their Greek organizations. As the community service chair and with the help of his fraternity, Lathon brought the Alpha Phi Alpha annual back-to-school drive from collecting 200 book bags to a fair comprised of more than 600 corporate sponsors offering free hair cuts, doctor appointments and more.
As for Chalana, being a part of the Greek community has provided her an outlet to help mentor children and offer domestic violence education for teens.
Loyalty to their organizations, the community and each other has brought the Fergusons along a path to the United Way of Greater St. Louis. They have taken leadership roles among United Way’s Charmaine Chapman African American Society, the Young Leadership Society and the Women’s Leadership Society.
“United Way operates the same,” said Chalana, “readying people to step into the community.”
Lathon and Chalana are two of the more than 800 members of the Charmaine Chapman African American Society.
“The sheer number of individuals toward the same common goal causes ripples to turn into waves,” said Lathon.
For the Fergusons, their Greek and community involvement are just part of who they are.
“The importance of giving is to ensure the continuance of life,” said Lathon. “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”
To find out more about United Way’s Charmaine Chapman African-American Society, contact Orvin Kimbrough, senior vice president with United Way, at 314-539-4249 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.
