K. Chase Patterson, John Ayers, Marvin Venay, Terri Upshaw (wife of Gene Upshaw), Max Starks, Brian A. Cook Sr. (President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Omicron Lambda chapter), and Trevor Clinkscales (Vice President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Omicron Lambda chapter). (PHOTOS BY KALEO RODRIGUEZ)
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.’s Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter (Pittsburgh) hosted its Black & Gold Scholarship Gala, “The Future is on the Clock,” an evening geared towards scholarship, service, and community impact in Pittsburgh, during the 2026 NFL Draft week at the Rivers Club, Downtown, April 25, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned.
The event brought together distinguished civic and community leaders, high school students, and a former Pittsburgh Steelers player who were on hand to be honored and recognized for their service to the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Among the evening’s notable attendees was Honorary Chairman Max Starks, a two-time Super Bowl Champion (Super Bowls XL and XLIII) and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, who received the Gene Upshaw Award, named after the former Oakland Raider, executive director of the NFLPA, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha.
“It was an honor to be named as the Inaugural Gene Upshaw award recipient during the Draft in Pittsburgh,” Starks said. Brother President Brian Cook has been a longtime friend of mine going back to the early 2000s when I first came to Pittsburgh. We first talked about the idea of honoring ‘Alphaletes’ since there are so many Alphas in sports, and their numerous accolades. I’m blessed that Mrs. (Terri) Upshaw agreed to let her late husband’s name adorn this award and continue the legacy Bro. Upshaw paved for so many of us!”
Starks’ presence highlighted the significance of the achievement and service celebrated at the gala.
Alpha Phi Alpha executive director Sean L. McCaskill gave remarks about how the theme, “The Future is on the Clock,” is timely in that it symbolizes how the fraternity’s community leaders, politicians, etc., have to come together and raise the next generation to be successful.
“We have some heavy shoulders that we stand on, but the problem that we have is, ‘who’s next?’ Who is going to be the next Gene Upshaw?” said McCaskill. He urged the room to rally around the younger generation so that the community can stay strong for the foreseeable future.
In addition to Starks, professional awardees were: Dr. Wayne Walters (Superintendent, Pittsburgh Public Schools); Tierra Reid (Owner & Lead Graphic Designer, Simply Inspirational Treasures); August Wilson House; and Congresswoman Summer Lee.
Zaire K. Howze-Jetter, 18, right, one of the student scholarship recipients. He’s pictured with Brian Smith, community engagement chair for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.’s Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter
Student scholarship recipients were: Zaire Howze-Jetter, Barack Obama Academy; Micah Allen, Science & Technology Academy (SciTech); Roman Gray, Science & Technology Academy (SciTech); Elijah Gray, The Neighborhood Academy; Jordan Seaborn, City Charter High School; Raymond Porter III, Central Catholic High School; and Julius Best, Chartiers Valley Sr. High School.
“This year’s scholarship gala was a tribute to excellence, service, and legacy—honoring accomplished professionals while investing in the boundless potential of our youth,” said Brian A. Cook Sr., president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter. “In the spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha, we celebrate not only achievement but also the promise of future leaders whose dreams are made possible through these scholarships.”
SEAN L. MCCASKILL, executive director of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.