The Celebration Begins

[TonyB06]

BEHOLD, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133:1

Last night I joined with my brothers, as did Alpha men worldwide, in recognition of the first initiate’s banquet, 100 years ago. As we dined on what they ate that October night—broiled lamb chops, peas-in-tubs, wild apple jelly, brotherhood punch -- I listened to the words and felt the fraternal love that flowed among my brothers. It reinforced, for me, what Alpha Phi Alpha has always been about; a greater opportunity to do the Lord’s work on this earth. I listened as sagacious men, including our 25th Gen. President, and chapter founders, men with hair now painted white with time, talked about the hardship, the price and the burden of fraternity; and the benefit of that work, felt by people around the world, but known only to brothers.

There were plenty of “war” stories, the camaraderie and brotherhood forged along the journey across the burning sands. But much more than that, we left that place more committed to who, and Whose, we are. After the war stories, if we think about “the secrets and mysteries” of the fraternity, and true meaning behind of the letters we wear, the questions will inevitably come. Do we mean what we say when we wear A Phi A? Is the character, heart and tenacity always as evident in our actions as in our words? …will it show when you post on this board?

Brothers, we know the eyes of others are upon us. It’s always been that way. But nonetheless, let us be about our work. Let us make the next 100 years as dominant as the past 100.

LET brotherly love continue.