COVER STORY
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n February 22, 2025, in a moment that beautifully bridged generations of civil rights leadership, Devin M. Freeman (Alpha Kappa 2023), a student at North Carolina Central University, presented the prestigious NAACP Chairman’s Award to former Vice President Kamala Harris at the NAACP Image Awards. For Freeman, this opportunity was not just a personal milestone but a divine appointment. “Her office called me on [the previ- ous Thursday afternoon. I was ecstatic to be able to present the award,” and I was ecstatic to present the award,” Freeman shared. “Out of all the people she could have chosen, she believed in me to carry out the task and that she is true to her word of uplifting young people such as myself in my generation for opportunities.” Grounded in faith, Freeman saw this moment as a manifestation of God’s plan for his life. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3), he quoted. “To me, the opportunity was gifted by the Lord, who ordained my steps to continue to be an emerging civic leader in the nation and to give a voice to the voiceless.” As a political science major, Brother Freeman’s path is defined by a deep curiosity about the “arbitration of
“ OUT OF ALL THE PEOPLE SHE COULD HAVE CHOSEN, SHE BELIEVED IN ME TO CARRY OUT THE TASK AND THAT SHE IS TRUE TO HER WORD OF UPLIFTING YOUNG PEOPLE SUCH AS MYSELF IN MY GENERATION FOR OPPORTUNITIES.”
power through systems and how that affects people positively and nega- tively.” His vision extends beyond politics, aspiring to a future in both the public and private sectors where he can create lasting change through social impact investing. For Freeman, sharing the stage with Leon W. Russell, NAACP Chairman, was a profound moment of connec- tion between generations. “Leon W. Russell’s unwavering dedication to civil rights, social justice, and equity is admirable,” he stated. “Sharing the stage with him shows the genera- tional bridge between my generation and his, that young and older people are continuing the fight for equity and equality.”
Freeman’s admiration for Kamala Harris goes beyond her historic role as Vice President. “I want people to know that she embodies hope, that her vision inspires progress, and that her legacy lights the path for future genera- tions,” he shared. Having met Harris on multiple occasions—from the “Honoring HBCU Leaders for Black History Month” at the Vice President’s residence to the Democratic National Convention—Freeman has seen firsthand her commitment to uplifting communities of color. SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP As a member of Kappa Alpha Psi®, Freeman carries forward a legacy of achievement. “Being a Kappa Alpha Psi
52 THE JOURNAL ♦ WINTER 2024-2025
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