Groove in Action: Charlotte Graduate Chapter Awards Two Freshman Scholars

Written By Walter Jackson

Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. has always stood for more than letters. And in Charlotte, North Carolina, that purpose is alive and thriving, thanks to the leadership and vision of the Charlotte Graduate Chapter, who recently awarded two exceptional freshmen $1,000 scholarships each to support their academic journeys.

This wasn’t just about writing checks, it was about writing futures. The recipients, both international students with bold dreams and remarkable drive, were chosen not only for their academic excellence but for how deeply they aligned with Groove’s mission of service, leadership, and community uplift.

Therefore, this moment wasn’t simply a scholarship ceremony, it was a declaration: Groove is here. Groove is building. Groove is investing in tomorrow.

Meet Darryl Fisher: A Visionary in the Making

Darryl Fisher, a native of Zimbabwe and a freshman at Livingstone College, stood out as one of the top 3 students in his honor club. His academic track and future vision reflect Strength and Purpose at the highest level. Darryl is currently pursuing a biology degree with plans to enter a dual MD/MBA program, specializing in neurosurgery. His ultimate goal? To create a startup that develops smart bandages, blending technology and healing in ways that will change lives.

And he's not waiting for graduation, Darryl has already begun building his vision, showing the kind of Action Groove stands for.

Meet Oluwawole Olugbamila: Law, Leadership, and Legacy

The second recipient, Oluwawole Olugbamila, is a Nigerian-born student at UNC Charlotte majoring in Business Administration. With aspirations to pursue Business Law, Oluwawole represents the very essence of Excellence and Aspiration. His journey is a testament to what happens when young men are given the time, support, and space to dream beyond survival, to focus on the future.

Scholarships, Strategy, and Paying It Forward

This investment wasn’t by accident. The Charlotte Graduate Chapter strategically selected schools where they could not only give back, but build presence, plant seeds, and shape legacies.

“We support the UGs as they catch up to speed… as a grad chapter, we need to take the lead.”
– Fl. Richard Jones, President, Charlotte Graduate Chapter

That’s exactly what they did.

Utilizing the Groove Fund’s matching program, which doubles any chapter-raised scholarship of $500 or more, Charlotte Grad turned a thoughtful initiative into a transformative one. They didn’t just raise money, they mobilized skills, hosted intentional fundraisers, and built around the Strength of each member’s gift.

This is Reflection in action. This is what happens when Groove leadership sees the bigger picture: students less burdened by tuition, more focused on their dreams, and inspired to carry the torch forward.

Groove in Charlotte: Building a Powerhouse

Fl. Jones and the Charlotte team have a clear vision, not just to support the undergraduate chapters, but to establish Groove as a powerhouse in the Charlotte area. That starts with visibility, resources, and a real commitment to community.

But more than anything, it starts with people.

"Networking isn't just about who you meet, it's about the support system you build."

These scholarships represent more than dollars, they represent doors. The doors that are being opened by a Brotherhood that believes in the next generation and leads by example.

This Is Groove in Action. This Is the SPEAR in Motion.

  • Strength – To organize, mobilize, and fundraise with purpose

  • Purpose – To invest in students who mirror the values of the Fellowship

  • Excellence – To identify and uplift young scholars who aim high

  • Action – To take initiative, lead fundraisers, and leverage the Groove Fund

  • Reflection – To recognize that the work we do today becomes tomorrow’s legacy

This is not just a scholarship update, this is a blueprint.
Let it inspire other grad chapters to step up, lead boldly, and give back with intentionality.

Because when the spear strikes with purpose, the ripple is felt for generations.

Walter Jackson