This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Savannah chapter.
Akeem Justin Williams, also known as Dead Σhot amongst his line brothers, is a 21 year old junior majoring in Mass Communications major from Albany, GA. He is a member of the Gamma Zeta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity here at Savannah State University. Besides serving as the Vice President of his frat, Akeem also serves as President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council along with his many scholastic acheivements…. Ladies & Gentleman, Akeem Williams!
Quick Bio:
- Akeem Justin Williams
- 21 years old
- Born and raised in Albany, GA
- Junior
- Mass Communications Major
- Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc (2017-2018 Vice President)
- National Pan-Hellenic Council President (Academic Year 2017-2018)
Q: What made you choose to be involved in Greek Life here at Savannah State University?
A: “I would say I am involved in Greek at SSU because of the way the people in Greek Life carry themselves. I
like the way Shed Dawson sets the requirements at SSU by including stripe events, community service, and
also the school’s GPA to be in Greek Life. Some schools go by the sorority or fraternity GPA and with SSU
having its own standards it raises the bar for academic and social standards.”
Q: What factors do you consider in choosing which greek life?
A: “I would say their involvement on campus. Not just parties, but also their interactions with the students on
campus. The way that they carry themselves as an organization, and also if they follow the principles of their
organization.”
Q: What do your letters mean to you?
A: “I feel like my letters mean a lot, I don’t think I’m speaking only for myself but also people in other
organizations. They’ve wanted to do this for a long time, and the way that they’ve earned their letters means a
lot to them. The reason for that is because they’re being a part of something bigger than themselves. When I
put on my letters I don’t just feel like I’m representing myself, but I feel that I am representing the organization I
am a part of.”
Q: How do you juggle Greek Life with education & all other college activities?
A: “Time value. Knowing what’s important first, because even though you’re Greek you still have to maintain
your education which is always first. If your academics fail, you’re no longer an active member in your
organization in Greek life. Your education is always going to come first, always. When it comes to juggling
social events, it’s knowing which ones to go to, at the right time and place.”
Q: Do you feel you are a changed person since you have pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.? Why?
A: “Yes, The reason I say yes is because I feel I changed for the better. I look at things in life differently now.
Knowing what’s really out there, opportunity wise, growing and evolving as an individual and as a man. I would
say knowing who you are, just seeing the growth in myself. Looking back at what I used to do compared to
what I am doing now, I am proud of where Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. has taken me, and I am eager to see
how much I continue to grow.”
Q: What is one thing you love about greek life?
A: “I would say I love the pride that members of Greek Life have. Looking at the way my organization carries on
day to day with pride in their hearts, makes me proud to be a member of Greek life myself. I also like seeing
Greeks in their letters representing the principles that they were founded on.”
Q:What are the short term benefits of being greek?
A: “I would say as far as the collegiate level, I guess people knowing what I represent and what I stand for.
People respect you for what you do and the things that you do on campus. Being Greek makes you more
involved, it gets you around new people you interact with all types of people on campus. I would also say it’s
fun because you get into parties for free, you get to travel, and the students get to see you show off your moves
when you stroll.”
Q: What are the long term benefits of being greek?
A: “Post collegiate, I would definitely have to say being in the brotherhood forever, networking and connecting
of course, endless opportunities in the future, building relationships with different people; Not only with Greeks,
but also charities, businesses, nonprofits, etc. Being Greek is not just about strolling it’s about the traditions
being carried on and life long dedication to our specific organizations.”
Q: What is one thing you would tell an incoming freshman wanting to be greek?
A: “I just want to tell them to make sure they’re choosing the right organization for them. Don’t just consider the
hype, do your research on all D-9 organizations. Also, when you do decide which one is for you, try and contact
someone within the organization, but don’t overdo it. Just let them know that you’re interested. Don’t tell
everyone on campus, and also show the members of the organization that you’re willing to do hard work like
community service.”
Q: What would you recommend to an upperclassman wanting to pledge on campus?
A: “Yeah I’d still give the advice that I would give an incoming freshman. If you’re a graduating senior, your
chances of being chosen are slim to none. Also, as an upperclassmen you have to make sure you have the
right community service hours, the right credit hours, the GPA, as well as the stripes. And get involved in other
non-Greek organizations on campus, so they’ll see that you’re involved in other things at the university.
Q: What is something for us to expect next semester from your frat and yourself?
A: “You can expect us to be more social this upcoming semester. Putting on more programs. We feel that we
need to be out there more, we want to be more social. You can see more collaborations with the Rho Beta
chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. You can expect more socializing from me. As far as me being the new
NPHC president, we have a new E-board, that I am exciting to be working closely with. I want to interact with
the students more. Making sure that Greek life is growing, but I also want to make sure that the students and
other non-Greek organizations are recognizing all that we do, and I want to see the growth within the institution,
as well as building the pride back into where we needs it to be.”
Thank you for your time Akeem and we are looking forward to you and your fraternity’s future endeavors!