NEW ORLEANS (October 27, 2022)–Dillard University’s Beta Gamma chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi and Omicron chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho supported Jackson, Mississippi in the city’s efforts to provide residents with drinking water.
In Jackson, many residents, including students, recently suffered a water crisis that devastated their living conditions. The Dillard family heard Jackson’s message for immediate assistance during their crisis and came together to assist the families and students.
Dillard University members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council came together looking for ways to help the students and residents live comfortably in their environment during the crisis. Senior Willie McCauley from Huntsville, Alabama is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. He expressed having a great time giving back with his brothers. They donated cases of water to Shiloh Christian Fellowship.
“It was a good experience not only helping out the city of Jackson, but being able to help out other HBCUs,” said McCauley. The church supports the schools in the area, Jackson State University and Tougaloo College, and gave them some of the water they received. The brothers of the Beta Gamma chapter will continue to assist other Jackson organizations by giving them water and money donations.
McCauley urged others to assist in any way they can to help Jackson’s residents as they work to improve their water supply. “Do as much as you can. Nothing is going to be too big or too little,” he said.
The support continued for Jackson residents with Dillard University’s Sigma Gamma Rho chapter hosting its own water drive. Junior psychology major Judeline Joseph from Boston, Massachusetts said she believed the drive was a great way to assist with giving back to the city of Jackson.
“We asked the campus and everyone around us to donate water. From there we were going to donate that to Jackson.” The members of the Omicron chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho received immense support over the course of a full week of hosting the water drive.
“People really had a while to get their water and resources together. All together, we probably got over 70 cases of water,” said Joseph. The members are working with other organizations in hopes of continuing to aid the Jackson residents.
To donate, visit jackson-water-crisis.