Moving Alpha "Brotherly Interactions."
 

Hotep Brothers. Do you remember ever having met a brother who really touched your soul? I can recall the very day after being initiated on a blistery cold night of riding public transportation to an early morning class. I was full of pride and was proudly wearing a jacket that my "grandfather" allowed for me to borrow, and while being a passenger on a crowded rush-hour train I was approached by an individual who happened to appear homeless and with a bundle of newspapers that are peddled by homeless individuals. At first I kindly stated, "no thanks" to which the individual introduced himself to me as being a BROTHER who was made in 1969 at a state university here in Illinois. The BROTHER stated his pride in seeing an Alpha despite the hardship he was enduring. Upon engaging in a rather lengthy conversation with the BROTHER I offered to provide the BROTHER with what little I could in terms of money, but the BROTHER refused and stated that buying a newspaper from him would suffice. I bought the entire bundle from him and provided the BROTHER with my phone number for future contact. Though I have never seen this BROTHER again I was moved to have learned such a valuable lesson. One never knows how their fate might deem them in the future. I was moved by the BROTHER'S humility. The BROTHER informed me that he had lost his family and job and had hit rock bottom. Nevertheless, the BROTHER encouraged me to stay in pursuit of my education and stated that he desired no pitty, because he was certain he would overcome his temporary hardship. The BROTHER went so far as to go over a verse of Test Of A Man and upon my arriving at my stop the BROTHER said, "06 Frat." My second moving experience took place in Washington during the last held National Convention held there. While brothers were "kicking it" throughout the hotel lobby I noticed a beautiful elderly BLACK couple. I noticed that elderly BLACK MAN was too in attendance for the convention by his convention badge and in so doing exchanged a simple greeting. Immediately the BROTHER engaged in fraternal dialogue with this here brother and began to speak of being a Tuskegee Airman and member of Alpha for over 70 years! Yes, 70 YEARS in ALPHADOM! The BROTHER'S wife was so happy that I was listening and chatting with her husband. She stated that he had been under the weather prior to attending the convention but was determined to make it to the National Convention, because he felt his time was nearing. Upon engaging in a ALPHA HISTORY LESSON and being TAUGHT by the BROTHER I immediately gathered nearby brothers from all over the lobby and stated that the BROTHER was an attestment to what ALPHA is truly about. The BROTHER was "kicking out knowledge about ALPHA GIANTS." The BROTHER spoke of having known ALPHA BROTHERS of the likes of Paul Robeson, Thurgood Marshall, Charles H. Wesley, etc. By now the BROTHER was captivating an ALPHA BROTHER audience of at least 25-30 brothers. The BROTHER'S wife was so pleased when she was asked to pose for a photo with us. Again, she stated that what we were doing had brought a smile on her husband's face that she thought she would not see again for he was quite ill. BROTHERS, I know we ALL have our various issues of concern and importance but let us not forget that we are on borrowed time. Until then let ALPHA and BLACK FRATERNALISM give you the WILLINGNESS to bring forth a smile toward YOUR BROTHER and for us to never forget to do such, because "HE AIN'T HEAVY HE'S YOUR BROTHER!" Ptah-Hotep.

Great Story - these are the things in life that you never forget. I only hope I too can touch the life of someone by manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind.

I have no story that is as great as yours. I am most proud of Alpha when I hear comments by friends, co-workers, ect. about a Brother whom I have had part in his making. It gives me joy to learn of the success of Brothers and I love to say, yeah, I know such and such, he's my frat Brother.

Re: Professor's Influence.
 

Hotep Brothers. Bro. Professor be ever so mindful of what you believe, because you just may have a story as potent as my so posted one. Often times the influence we as BLACKMEN be us fathers, community figures, students, brothers, uncles, teachers, coaches, spiritual advisors, BLACK FRATERNAL ORDER MEMBERS more especially ALPHAS and PRINCE HALL MASONS (sorry, but I am ever so partial to the Prince Hall Masonic Family) is often overshadowed by negative portrayals of BLACK MEN. By virtue of being a BLACK MAN who is forever striving to remain spiritual, upright, virtuous, humble, righteous, respecting and protecting of BLACK WOMANHOOD, advocating BLACK MANHOOD a BLACK ADULT who happens to be a BLACK MAN/ALPHAMAN such as yourself can truly project unknown influence. You probably have influenced a youth who you have befriended or interacted with as of late. This is but a lesson of why it is ever so important for us BLACKMEN to carry and conduct ourselves with Manhood, Scholarship, and Love for all Mankind being a theme. When that youngster witnesses a grown black man wearing his pants sagging down off his waist and showing the crack of his behind or underwear this is an IMAGE that is well of influence. When that youngster hears and reads repeatedly that the BLACK MAN has a propensity to engage in risky behavior, does not love BLACK WOMEN and is prone to be on the "Down-Low TIP" he will develop an outlook and opinion of BLACK MANHOOD. When that youngster witnesses vulgarity, disdain, and disrespect being forwarded by the BLACK MAN to the BLACK WOMAN he will believe that such is acceptable coping behavior. Bro. Professor I am certain, that the BLACK MAN will continue to enhance and influence society more especially BLACK YOUTH and am optimistic that ALPHADOM along with ALL BLACK FRATERNALISM and BLACKMEN of such will realize the importance of being the KEEPER OF THE TRIBE OF BLACKNESS. Ptah-Hotep.

My story has simply to do with Bro. Holloway C. Sells, former Midwest Vice President. During my final meeting as his AVP, he handed me a check to cover my books and tuition for the coming semester. He told me that he wanted me to finish school and be a success and that he wanted to support my endeavors. Apparently one of the brothers had told him about my financial struggles. Well, that was over 13 years ago and last week I ranto Bro. Sells at a conference in Kansas City, MO. He is now 73 years old and did not remember me or what he did. Still it was an emotional moment for both of us.

Bro. Liberia is on POINT!
 

Hotep Brothers. Brother Liberia, your story is ever so touching, moving, and beautiful! Now that is WHAT I BELIEVE ALPHADOM is about! Stated like a TRUE "ONE." Nevertheless, us "TWOs" especially the HUMP-BACK Crew Members of the Oasis of CRAZY QUAZOLOGY are known to be full of vigor, love, and loyalty for ALPHA as you can read. As a proud "HUMP-BACK" I must extend to you a complimentary "BUMP" of a compliment. Ptah Hotep. :D

Lets Show More Respect for the Brotherhood
 

Good Day Frat,

Another thing that we need to work on is improving the relationship between Brothers. At times, I almost hate to hear, see or read comments from some Brothers - - - some personalities are very strong while others are milder if not weak. At times it's difficult to find the medium. As we approach founder's day, I plan to work on being a more pleasant Brother that is respectful of all.

This touched me...
 

This past week one of our senior chapter members entered into Omega chapter. we had been visiting him all week and he made 3 requests from us (1) that we perform an Omega service in his honor (2) that we keep the chapter going at all costs and (3) that we find a way to get his son(who's an Alpha) back active and join our chapter. His last request really touched my soul b/c he was still handling Alpha business even on his deathbed. Listening to him speak over the past week has inspired me beyond measure.