Bro. Paris Wilson: A Journey of Service, Leadership, and Coming Home

When Bro. Paris Wilson crossed into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. through the Zeta Delta Chapter in Spring 2011, he did so with purpose. Known on his line, PHOUR, as “Chinzera,” meaning “born on a journey,” and holding the deuce position, he entered Alpha determined to grow into the leader he saw modeled on his campus.

“I wanted to be something better,” Wilson shared. “The brothers on my yard were leaders, polished, scholarly, driven. I was only 20, a sponge, and I knew I needed something that would take me to the next level.”

Those early experiences shaped his trajectory not only as a brother but as a professional. From working in educational nonprofits to international development with the Maasai in Tanzania, and later city government and philanthropy, Wilson has built a career centered on community impact. “All of my experiences really created this impressive skill set,” he said. “This is really my wheelhouse: creating, developing, executing, and evaluating programs.”

Returning Home to Gamma Lambda

After years in Baltimore, Wilson felt something was missing. “I always wanted to continue to work in Alpha,” he explained. “But it didn’t feel like home. I’d been searching for what I received when I joined. Coming back to Detroit and to Gamma Lambda was a no-brainer.”

He credits Brother Alonzo Terry, his former District Director and a guiding example, as part of what brought him back. Since his return, Wilson has quickly become known for his commitment to meaningful, community-centered work.

The Meaning of Heart Work

For Wilson, service is not just an expectation of membership; it is a calling. “There were so many people who provided service for me growing up. I’m paying it forward,” he said. “Our fraternity is surrounded by service. It’s the bedrock of what we do.”

He describes his efforts as “heart work,” explaining, “It is hard work, because my heart is in it. It feels good to do something bigger than yourself.”

One of his newest initiatives, the Ice Cold Clothing Essentials Drive, aims to collect 1,906 pairs of underwear, socks, and other essentials for men experiencing homelessness. “I want to make sure these men are seen and taken care of by other Black men in GL,” he emphasized.

A Message to Brothers Who Haven’t Returned

When asked what he would say to brothers who have stepped away from the fraternity, Wilson offered a heartfelt challenge.

“Your ‘A’ is no bigger than anybody else’s. Put your ego aside and revisit why you joined the fraternity, not the chapter, the fraternity,” he said. “You’re not bigger than the program. Come back home.”

A Brother Living the Aims

Fourteen years into Alpha, Brother Wilson speaks with the conviction of a seasoned servant-leader. His passion, discipline, and clarity of purpose make it evident that the chapter, the city, and the fraternity are stronger with him in it.