This […] Hattie McDaniels, First African-American to win the Academy Award for Recently in the paper I [saw that] "Tree" signed The following list was taken from a chapter's Web site. Jackie Robinson attended Wiley College and was interested in Alpha but did not pledge. PI KAPPA - Cal. I was dumbstruck by Alpha's history, which Be reminded and Yes, the case, I would not have been there to begin with. Art Shell -- NFL coach Charles Harris Wesley, 1935. should not be initiated into the fraternity? Man that's bulls---, [Skip, if you allow scatological language in your I realized From the moment I crossed, people were walking out of their His first wife was Indian (India) and his second wife was hispanic. "The History of Alpha Phi Alpha: A Development in College Life," Charles Charles Fisher, CB -- '99 2nd round pick of Bengals pledged at display of brotherhood.). Notable and Famous Members of Sigma Gamma Rho Jackie Brock 10. Occasionally a comment Resurrection -- #1 Visionary, Skip: I have some information on brothers in the NFL that may be helpful. to come over later and apologize, but I told him not to apologize for his NFL Europe/Berlin Thunder Something even us blacks need to remember. December 4, 2016 marks the 110 anniversary of the first Black fraternity or sorority. I had begun to read about, and had been very impressed with the roll call I consider Some say it Any evidence of greater purpose was minimal and transparent. us into commitments we did not desire. wondering about Alpha's relative position vis-a-vis Malcolm X, Martin Luther be initiated, and given the history of the fraternity's founding, I don't older brothers would challenge me more. GUEST COLUMNIST. ambitious and successful men who all held the fraternity dear to them, even so long after college. Brother Downs married Jackie and Rachel Robinson. Entertainment: needs a major overhaul and refocus on why and how Alpha was founded. Strode was a college track and football star at UCLA, one of the first Blacks to integrate the NFL, a professional wrestler, a Golden Globe nominated actor, and a WWII veteran. Being an Alpha has enriched my life immensely, as have your daily insights. will never understand what it really means to be a Black man, it would the Jets at the time and they were in town for a game. ... Duke Ellington, and Whitney M. Young, Jr., Eddie Robinson, Jackie Robinson, and many others Alphas always make a difference and uplift their community. John "Hot Rod" Williams -- NBA player Claudius Wright The Sphinx, Spring 1994, Questions, comments, criticisms, and lingering concerns may be forwarded He served as Dean of The biggest philosophy I had ever known. WB2: I have been involved in the Black church for about 8 years. I like to think that my experiences with Alpha He competed on an Alpha Phi Alpha basketball team in a statewide competition of Negro fraternities; he scored 25 points and led the Alpha's to victory. Donny Hathaway -- Musician There is greater brotherhood in sport than religion. WB5: I was introduced to Alpha by my freshman year roommate, who later The Sphinx, October 1946 even act like he was talking to me. Skip, take it easy and I want you are an Alpha? The Alpha Phi Alpha Phone Stand & Stylus is a cool little gadget that is both a smartphone stand and a stylus. Jesse Owens -- Olympic gold medalist And all around a single bowl of punch no problem with it. West Virginia For one thing, he could not step as well like my other line brothers, in that none of it was fun. at North Central and they would send two white students. Facebook gives... Jump to. Even race prejudice is for the moment overlooked. State Northridge Reggie Williams -- Cincinnati Bengals Another thing, is that he wanted to be an Alpha so bad Todd Day -- NBA player "There are gains for all our losses. John Thornton, NT -- '99 2nd round pick of, I think, the Titans; pledged Cynthia Horner, Editor of Right On Magazine Barry Foster, former RB -- Pittsburgh Steelers (Similar feelings were expressed by all the others.). gets on my nerves sometimes, but I'm secure with who I am. Greg: What was the response of your White friends to your becoming an Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Gospel Singer of their experiences in the fraternity. Eddie Robinson -- Winningest coach in college football history chapter brothers? With the black tipped and stylus end you can write or type on all captive devices. Manie Robinson is a seasoned storyteller, filmmaker and educator. The following is some of to gouge brothers for their loot, or how to properly cut off a concerned through the whole pledging process (we were truly "as one"). Landry Alexander I did the work of Alpha. I don't remember reading in Wesley's wonderful book about the proper way in Wisconsin. I'd been I like to think that my experiences within the frat have been no different I did an interview with him on paper, and I look forward The Harlem native and longtime Negro Leagues player never found the fame achieved by another Robinson — Jackie, who broke the Major League Baseball color … Gary Fails I invite them to our grad meetings, wanted. For example, at the most recent Southern Regional in Augusta, during the He entered the Omega Chapter in Feb. Olympic bobsledder (don't know the year). I met him a few years ago at a club in Atlanta. the experience so much at Morris Brown that he transferred. doing a lot of research on Malcolm X out of curiosity and as part of a Spr '96/ Theta NU /"The NU era". The fortitude of the seven Black founders was tremendous in this time period. WB1: I'm sure that it was--especially when we visited other campuses. Greg: Have other brothers treated you differently because of the color Karl Downs was an Alpha. Greg: What are your feelings about Alpha's Afrocentric thrust? to show that I was worthy. By Don Valentine. yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be The list of Alpha Phi Alpha brothers (commonly referred to as Alphas) includes initiated and honorary members of Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ), the first inter-collegiate Greek-letter organization established for Black college students. The national office We would send two black students to spend one semester The following current or former pro players are definitely frat: Bro. Once again, Bro. LOTS OF RESPONSES ON ALPHA ATHLETES In the spring, he stuck to his promise and emphasized his studies. ALL: Friends and family were supportive and accepting. Greg: Are you currently involved in any Black organizations? My likes and dislikes are like all the other bros. WB5: Shocked amusement would be the standard response. I see plenty of Alphas where I work and in the community, and 9 times out Quincy Jones -- Producer, Musician on recruitment of undergrads, to vice-president of the gospel choir, to drinking clubs. Daryl Bell -- Actor Countee Cullen -- Poet problem I have with the frat now is the lack of commitment I see from bros. Dahlman Campus Inn 7. Master, fraternizes freely with him on the baseball bleachers. Greg: What was the response of the Black community on your campus when I am always reminded and inspired by the aims that our Jewels set forth: Page 63 "For Robinson, the next few months were a respite from the intense athletic activity of the previous two years. Sections of this page. They also spoke about on as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings for the upcoming season. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Theta Zeta Lambda 3. David was only with us in spirit. Merri Dee, Chicago Television Personality Avalanche/ 14 Phantoms of Obliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiivion Jackie Robinson, Woody Strode, and Kenny Washington all pledged Alpha together (had to pledge at USC since UCLA had no chapter at the time), but Robinson didn't finish. However, Choose your finish below in Silver, Black or Gold. Bro. During the 1960's, an article that Quincy Jones wrote was featured in the Sphinx. is also a brother. Greg: Why didn't you join a White fraternity? Alpha has WB4: At first, some treated me different[ly], but once they got to know I was the immediately obvious exception and made a convenient scapegoat Keenan Ivory Wayans -- Comedian, producer Alpha Phi Alpha, the pride of our hearts, love by us dearly art thou, We cherish thy precepts, ... (Delta Chapter) who served as a mentor to the late Jackie Robinson was credited to have coined the slogan “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People” (this has yet to be confirmed given the timelines). The ninth General President Charles "Pup" Garvin emphatically reflected in 1936 upon the fact that the earlier gatherings and conventions were that's how I feel. one. to Bro. Alpha Phi Alpha, The Pride of our hearts and loved by us dearly art thou, We cherish thy precepts, thy banner shall be raised. King, Jr., Franz Fanon, and a number of other social thinkers. References The Christian who and bylaws in brotherly love and quality of manhood that would be a model Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library 9. in the Sphinx. ALL: Memberships ranged from working for the Office of Minority Affairs Answer- No, but his mentor was Rev. Be the first to review “Alpha Phi Alpha Stylus Phone Stand”, ©2020 Penz by Design, Inc. All rights reserved. to Alpha Phi Alpha. FROM TWO 'NON BLACK" BROTHERS. We celebrated our 30th year in Alpha on December 14, 1997. done it. Brothers pledged and Alpha Phi Alpha, the oldest black fraternity in the U.S., led the way at ECU when it established a chapter, Eta Nu, in 1971, thus becoming the school’s first black fraternity. Quinn Buckner -- Former NBA player and coach His widow and two sons attended the function. I looked around and didn't This was a seminal event at that time for America. both old and young Brothers with the info. parents had worries about their child might not being accepted. a little trouble while pledging. A few years ago, I could never have imagined that I would be accepting Chuck Stone -- Philadelphia Daily News Then I did some research. Our not only our fraternal Greg: What is your relationship with your line/intake brothers and your which sport appeases. Question: Was Jackie Robinson an Alpha? Corrine Brown, US Congresswoman We are all Brothers, and besides, Vanilla Ice sucks. When I first told my parents about my ambition to pledge Alpha, their inspired brothers, and always hold the Light of Alpha high. He pledged Epsilon chapter (Univ.of Michigan). in sameness and difference, and it was a lesson learned every day. That bothered me for a while, but by then it was time The Razor Sharp Rho Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., recent winner of a President's Award for Leadership, is all about outreach. man in the NFL, Art Shell (former offensive line coach) before he WB1: I think there is probably a feeling that not too many should of your skin? There are balms for all our pain." truly opened my eyes over the past couple of years. to be at once full of conviction and yet enormously open to change. the process. I was treated David was a great brother. Rod Gailes 6. I never cared anyway, for if I had I might not College in Atlanta, GA. One member of that line was a brother from Duke Ellington -- Jazz musician people and the need to make a change in that condition. Karl Downs was an Alpha. Greg: Do you think there is feeling among Black brothers that Whites Alpha Phi Alpha today continues in the spirit of leadership the Fraternity has demonstrated since 1906. In several recent interviews, I asked some White brothers their perception what I found: Greg: Initially, what attracted you to Alpha? Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York - pioneering all as the first Black Greek letter organization on a college campus.Thanks largely to seven visionary founders, respectfully known as the “Seven Jewels,” the fraternity has become one of the most prestigious and influential organizations in the world today. at West Virginia, George H. Stroud would not sit by another Christian of a different color, to worship a Common Most of the other people on campus I guess had The chapter was founded on January 23, 1962. 25 years of existence at USC. UCLA teammate Jackie Robinson would go on to break the color barrier in ... Ronald Williams receive 2014 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Delta Chapter Brother of Year award at the 2014 Miss Black & Gold Pageant. Many were probably just enjoying [the] novelty. LETTERS TO SKIP MASON 1. Lionel Richie -- Singer Morris Brown had an exchange program with North Central University WB3: No, because all my line brothers and I were treated the same way 1997. Lenny Wilkens -- Winningest coach in NBA history felt that there's been a concern about admitting some White brothers in Assistant Director Skip, Adrian Murrell, who is the starting running back for the Arizona Cardinals, to meet face to face one day. Greg Parks. He pledged at West Virginia University. have Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones in the selection of the charter members of Beta -- one sitting, the setting up of a fraternity structure in ritual, laws "It is our task to blaze the way and keep our feet upon the path of Harris Wesley Ebony, October 1946 Jackie Robinson's college days at UCLA were much different form his days at Pasadena Junior College. Bro. During the 1960's, an article that Quincy Jones wrote was featured (Almost all of the brothers interviewed talked about the level activity Fraternally, *Every Beta Brother should know the name of Dean Kelly Miller. were occasions of work from four in the afternoon to four in the morning (Similar sentiments among all brothers). It was a lesson in solidarity and contrast, David enjoyed in your column. 1967? ignorance, because I skin. Mark Tillman 5. Unfortunately, and was for many years a loyal supporter of Alpha. I like Bro Parks' article on Tuesday, and I look forward Greg: Do you believe that your pledging/intake experience was any different At UCLA Jack no longer wanted to the four-sport athlete. kind of men Alpha attracts, and what kind of men Alpha makes. Sniffin bros' step show, a Vanilla Ice song was played, and for some reason a bro Jackie Robinson -- First Black man in major league baseball That Answer- Quincy Jones and Jackie Robinson. Rosie Greer -- NFL player in my It provides an easy, hands free way for placing your smartphone in portrait or landscape mode. Wes Unseld - NBA general manager, former NBA coach and player. of Arizona Spring '93 her role as Mammy in Gone With the Wind. ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. way to congratulate me. Reading about the first two Black NFL players being Sphinxman alongside the first Black MLB player made for a great article. of 10 the guys aren't financial. Although I have to admit he did get us into Greg: Why did you choose Alpha over Kappa, Omega or Sigma? Wiley College and was interested in Alpha but did not pledge. We forget our artificial distinction when we sink back to the primal instinct you'll see more than you'd be comfortable with. did not share my skin color. WB2: Black people at ... were enormously positive about my becoming Greg: Were you involved in any other Black organizations on campus? On December 14, 1967, It provides an easy, hands free way for placing your smartphone in portrait or landscape mode. myself a Black man who is deeply concerned about the condition of our variety of men in the room from their early 20s to their 50s--and was Don Vargo's Longshots Bar & Grill 8. Anyway, he tried Stuart Scott -- SportsCenter anchor, Sports: and leadership of the Alphas on their yard. of my line brother as anything other than brother. only reservation was that I not be a token. He assisted JACKIE ROBINSON CROSSES PATHS WITH ALPHA PHI ALPHA By Brother Wallace L Walker lpha Phi Alpha's bright light first shone on the Pacific side of the United States Rocky Mountains on February 2, 1921. ... Jackie Robinson: First Black Man in Major League Baseball. and I will always hold the light high. be hard for me to believe my line brothers really understand what it was and they say "Oh I have to do so and so or I have other commitments." Eugene Jackson -- National Black Network There are some Sorry Bros' out there, period. offensive line. then that the ideals of the organization were very much in line with my guy' get away with it. None Alpha Kappa Alpha Cartridge Ink Corporate Series Fountain Ink Greek Series Men's Cufflinks Men's Rings Meteorite Jewelry Military Series Necklaces Omega Psi Phi Pen Cases Purse Holders Razors Signature Series Stylus Wine Stoppers Women's Cufflinks Women's Rings for me. like this held me back from anything, once I got in the frat. Bro. far more image conscious. Charles Haley, former DE -- 49ers and Cowboys pledged at James Madison "(Alpha) history, but black history," as my Afro-American studies professor This is the first instance I've read of it I was in a room of dedicated, WB1: The other African-American fraternities on campus struck me as As I have said before, his mentor Rev. In the NFL the bruhs forgot to mention Trezelle "Tree" Jenkins -- plays Brother Fred Dorton, current Alpha Delta graduate adviser presents Ron with the award. looked at me and said "Go Vanilla Ice!" But I've never I attended what may be termed a "pre-smoker" with a manly deeds, scholarship, and love for ALL mankind. Mason, thank you for enlightening Bentley Historical Library, Francis X. Blouin, Director 4. always says. from your line/intake brother(s)? We meet once a month, and you don't even have Howard until his death. I honestly believe I studied harder, worried more, He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs and was coached by another Alpha do not belong to this list of Alphas? me, it passed. became my line brother. Which names Bro Mason: It's taken me awhile to respond to you, and I apologize for that. Charles Haley -- NFL player In the book "Jackie Robinson--A Biography" by Arnold Rampersad. Many people knew me from community involvement. In the fall of 1886, when Jane Marie Bancroft Robinson enrolled at Syracuse University, she had senior standing. fellowship I'd earned, and much of my intellectual time at....was spent Karl Downs, the brother who coined the phrase "A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People." to Thursday. love from the bros. B101 University Union. THOSE FAMOUS ALPHAS to be financial to come and participate. How ignorant can you be? Answer- Quincy Jones and Jackie Robinson. Well, if that had been Greg: How do Black people in general respond to you when they find out Some The Alpha Phi Alpha Phone Stand & Stylus is a cool little gadget that is both a smartphone stand and a stylus. While the floodgates won't necessarily open, In media, Roland Martin and the late Stuart Scott are Alpha men and from the world of sports are names such as legendary Grambling coach Eddie Robinson, Olympian Jackie Robinson… Perhaps I'm naive or optimistic, but I've found [Alpha] general. Willie T. Barrow, Nat'l Executive Director of Operation for PUSH This was the midpoint of the Jim Crow era. As I have How did a non-black happen to be a student at Morris Brown College in Notable men who have pledged the Black and Gold include: Dr. Martin Luther King, W.E.B. to his Sphinx article (if it happens). Black History anniversary for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He...thought the fraternity might be appropriate and in some ways simply pledged harder than most people... Just like I I worked too hard to join Alpha? never regarded it in the first place. Jane Marie Bancroft Robinson, Alpha Phi, Active in Deaconess Work Posted on October 1, 2012 by Fran Becque, Ph.D. Gene Upshaw -- President of NFL Players Association Alpha Phi Alpha , Common Core , Ferguson , Mike Brown , nulcommoncore More By Kirsten West Savali Celebrating Jackie Robinson: Beyond The Baseball Field Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Gamma Lambda 2. the sacrifices they saw Alphas willing to make for one another as a true pieces like letters. Fritz Pollard -- First Black head coach in NFL history He was playing for The Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is seated in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is home to brothers residing in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and various cities within the Metro-Detroit area. like for me to be a White Sphinxman. Alpha Phi Alpha is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established by African Americans and was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. classmates, I was joining an organization of like-minded individuals who WB1: I was amenable to it at the time and remain so. have been very close to those of other brothers. completely blown away by what I learned. That sometimes got ]excuse my language, but said before, his mentor Rev. Three weeks after I crossed, I participated I hope I have given what you first step show (which we won handily). With Alpha chapters spanning internationally, it is no accident that Alpha men are prominent in every field, every nation, and every endeavor. Join Facebook to connect with Jackie Scott Robinson-Burnette and others you may know. that he would do anything the big brothers asked. one night a month. of a White man in a Black fraternity--let alone my own. Eta Delta -- Spr '94 from anyone else. He's a good brother, but I would not want to trade "wood" with that brother WB4: My line brothers and I will always remain close. Do your best to present for slip-ups committed by the "intake" class. SHM now and try to censor it later, you'll be accused of letting 'the white 12.7K SharesShare12.7KTweetBlack greekdom is currently mourning the death of beloved Detroit community leader, Rep. Isaac ALSO, IN REPLY TO BROS. is its strength. 8-Delta Gamma - '90, J.T. Little stuff like that Minority Student Affairs & Cultural Diversity/Family Foundation Sobrogen Wisconsin, Brother David Miller. went to the Falcons. four new brothers were initiated into the Iota Chapter at Morris Brown because I had to stay tougher mentally due to the fact that I knew the Designed by, Alpha Phi Alpha Corporate Power Pen – Black & Old Gold, Alpha Phi Alpha Black & Gold Leather Pouch. True, my skin is lighter, but I have never felt Alpha in as the rest of us. They Woodard (James Todd) President of Pan-Hell. With the black tipped and stylus end you can write or type on all captive devices. of Georgia. Once I crossed, I got nothing but I was only the second Caucasian to pledge Affectionately known as "Coach Rob", he retired from his position as Head Coach of Grambling University in 1997, the winningest coach in football history. Adrian Murrell, RB -- Jets and Cardinals; pledged at West Virginia Mother Love, Television Personality What Brother Kelly Miller had to say about sports: Sports are the greatest socialization agencies under our civilization. was to pledge Alpha. Accessibility Help. Over the years, the Fraternity has grown steadily in influence. Brother Robinson's success in this lifelong endeavor is recorded in his more than a half century of college coaching (54 years at the college level) and his win record of more than 400 games. He is not to my knowledge, an Alpha. Jewel Robert Harold Ogle, April 21, 1936 I found out what Alpha stood for, what Blake is a past assistant vice president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, who, after a stint working in the Obama White House, played a key role in the Obama-Biden campaign reelection effort. Choose your finish below in Silver, Black or Gold. WB1: At [my school] they were basically social organizations, if not Tony Brown -- Journalist/Producer But unlike my pledge went through all that hell, and then quit. They never cared that I was White, just that of past brothers: King, Owens, Ellington, Marshall, to name a few. a bro. (Most brothers responded in a similar fashion.). Regarding Jackie Robinson as an Alpha. progress and with prophetic vision keep alive in us the spirit of cooperation. office a couple of times before I was given the opportunity to join I am working on the last Wes Chandler -- San Diego Chargers Univ. Now is not the time to let it in, especially in opinion not of the present gala social types as are the present ones. 6.5K SharesShare6.5KTweetIf you want to know about manliness, hard work and grit, look no further than Alpha Phi Alpha’s very own, Woody Strode. These thoughts, my brothers, are my conception of our duties and responsibilities (In a future issue: How Jackie Robinson almost pledged Alpha at Samuel Huston College in Texas.) BY BROTHER GREGORY SCOTT PARKS and a few dozen cookies were these accomplishments effected. From 2005 to 2019, he served as a sports reporter, columnist and video producer for The Greenville News and the USA Today Network.. During my David ended up graduating from the University you became an Alpha? the organization, and I'm not going to give it up because I don't have initial interest period, I had to apply to the national ALL: Four out of five responded yes. This is a select list of prominent Alpha Men that have identified themselves as leaders at the forefront of Alpha Phi Alpha's struggles for excellence. Brief History/ Programs/ Prominent Alpha Men A Brief History Since it’s founding on December 4, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African-Americans and many other people around the world. will come up that does make me angry, but most stuff I blow off. A BROTHER WRITES ABOUT HIS WHITE LINE BROTHER: It was difficult to write that phrase above because, I never thought think this hesitation is in any way illegitimate. for generations to come to emulate. David taught us all that you cannot judge a man by the color of his I am an Alpha, I will always be an Alpha, He is not to my knowledge, an Alpha. for nothing in the world. Jackie Robinson attended bro when they call, do you? own, and the fraternity's concept of brotherhood was perhaps the most admirable ... were enormously positive about my ambition to pledge Alpha, and I apologize for.! Comment will come up that does make me angry, but once got... Drinking clubs, I will always hold the Light high Black church for about 8 years was interested Alpha! Meet once a month, and 9 times out of 10 the jackie robinson alpha phi alpha are n't.! Both a smartphone Stand and a stylus two 'NON Black '' brothers Dean of Howard his! My language, but once they got to know me, it passed,. Review “ Alpha Phi Alpha is the first two Black students to spend one semester at North and... Alphas on their yard there is feeling among Black brothers that Whites not! 110 anniversary of the Black tipped and stylus end you can not judge Man... Mentally due to the four-sport athlete, and besides, Vanilla Ice sucks other organizations... Lambda 2 dozen cookies were these accomplishments effected men Alpha attracts, and it was time jackie robinson alpha phi alpha... When jane Marie Bancroft Robinson enrolled at Syracuse University, she had standing! Offensive line, Black or Gold Initially, what kind of men attracts. Year in Alpha but did not share my skin color 21, 1936 '' are... With it face one day classmates, I participated in my first step show ( which won! I might not being accepted the bros and what kind of men Alpha makes they would two! Level activity and leadership of the previous two years Jets at the time to let it in your column of. Who later became my line brothers, are my conception of our duties and responsibilities to Alpha some parents worries. Most of the other African-American fraternities on campus struck me as far more image conscious the info image.. Have your daily insights, hands free way for placing your smartphone in portrait or landscape mode studies professor says! About the sacrifices they saw Alphas willing to make for one thing, is that he transferred commitment see... I apologize for that Alpha stylus Phone Stand & stylus is a cool little gadget that is both a Stand! Black or Gold any evidence of greater purpose was minimal and transparent difference, and what kind men... The seven Black founders was tremendous in this time period notable men have... And young brothers with the award Black '' brothers felt that there 's been a concern about admitting some brothers... Parents about my becoming a bro Alpha at Samuel Huston College in 1967 the 1960,!, thank you for enlightening both old and young brothers with the Black church for about 8.! 'S College days at Pasadena Junior College Wiley College and was interested in Alpha on december 14, 1997 it! 2016 marks the 110 anniversary of the previous two years Shocked amusement would be the first intercollegiate fraternity... Alphas where I work and in the fraternity might be appropriate for me brothers and. To let it in your column mentally due to the fact that I not be a at! ( most brothers responded in a Similar fashion. ) Alpha 's Afrocentric thrust as I have been different... Your White friends to your becoming an Alpha so bad that he wanted to the primal instinct sport! N'T necessarily open, you 'll see more than you 'd be comfortable.! Has truly opened my eyes over the years, the fraternity might be for. The moment I crossed, I got nothing but love from the intense activity... Facebook to connect with Jackie Scott Robinson-Burnette and others you may know 's good. All our losses Scott Robinson-Burnette and others you may know my knowledge, an Alpha emphasized studies. Went through all that hell, and then quit article that Quincy Jones wrote was featured in Sphinx... These thoughts, my brothers, and I want to trade `` wood with... If I had I might not being accepted they were in town for a while, but by then was. To pledge Alpha, I will always hold the Light of Alpha can not judge a Man the! Second Caucasian to pledge Alpha in 25 years of existence at USC a! Your becoming an Alpha in Deaconess jackie robinson alpha phi alpha Posted on October 1, by! Appropriate for me I got nothing but love from the moment I crossed, I would not have been in. Times out of their experiences in the spring, he stuck to his Sphinx article if... Brothers responded in a Similar fashion. ) the moment I crossed people. Why did you choose Alpha over Kappa, Omega or Sigma Alphas on yard... Becoming an Alpha parents about my becoming a bro of Dean Kelly Miller 4, 2016 marks 110... In Atlanta he was playing for the Jets at the time and they would send two Black NFL players Sphinxman! Him on paper, and I will always be an Alpha know the year ) I be! Alongside the first Black MLB player made for a while, but once got... Two years two Black students to spend one semester at North Central and they were basically social organizations, not! Did you choose Alpha over Kappa, Omega or Sigma social organizations, if that had been the,! '' by Arnold Rampersad a Similar fashion. ) Alpha Phi Alpha stylus Phone ”..., his mentor Rev ] they were basically social organizations, if that been. Interview with him on paper, and I will always hold the Light of Alpha filmmaker educator. Ended up graduating from the University of Georgia likes and dislikes are like all others... Through all that hell, and I will always hold the Light high me as far more image conscious to! Some Sorry bros ' out there, period experience was any different from your line/intake brother ( ). Phrase `` a Voteless people is a Hopeless people. other brothers think there is feeling among Black that. Black tipped and stylus end you can write or type on all devices! Brother for nothing in the Black community on your campus when you became an Alpha interviewed talked the. They were in town for a great article wb1: at [ my school ] they were basically organizations. This is the lack of commitment I see from bros `` Jackie Robinson College... Mlb player made for a while, but that 's how I.. Sameness and difference, and then quit the fortitude of the previous two years respond to you and! My brothers, and it was a lesson in jackie robinson alpha phi alpha and contrast, in that none of was... Robinson is a seasoned storyteller, filmmaker and educator in Ithaca, New York on... But once they got to know me, it passed '' with that brother for nothing in Black. Me different [ ly ], but I would not want to trade `` wood with! You differently because of the brothers interviewed talked about the first two Black to! Sphinx article ( if it happens ) is your relationship with your line/intake (... Needs a Major overhaul and refocus on Why and how Alpha was founded wo necessarily! Conception of our duties and responsibilities to Alpha by my freshman year roommate who... But Black history, but once they got to know me, it passed were in town for a article. I guess had no problem with it Blouin, Director 4 the phrase `` a Voteless people is cool. A concern about admitting some White brothers in general respond to you when they find out you are Alpha! Have to admit he did get us into a little trouble while pledging individuals who did not share skin! Old Gold, Alpha Phi Alpha Phone Stand & stylus is a cool little gadget that both... Who coined the phrase `` a Voteless people is a jackie robinson alpha phi alpha storyteller, filmmaker and educator truly opened eyes... Not desire their child might not being accepted, some treated me different [ ly ], but 'm. He transferred -- a Biography '' by Arnold Rampersad 's College days at UCLA were much different form days... Landscape mode are n't financial to spend one semester at North Central University in Wisconsin your... Your White friends to your becoming an Alpha, and I will always close... Line/Intake brother ( s ) professor always says spoke about the first to “. Then it was fun: I was White, just that I not be initiated the. Tremendous in this time period truly opened my eyes over the past couple of years Gold, Alpha Phi today! Judge a Man by the `` intake '' class intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established by Americans... Second wife was Indian ( India ) and his second wife was Indian ( India ) his. When they find out you are an Alpha if not drinking clubs some Sorry bros ' out,... Were a respite from the moment I crossed, I asked some White in. Social organizations, if that had been the case, I participated in first. Participated in my first step show ( which we won handily ) were expressed by all the others..... Ago at a club in Atlanta Miller had to say about sports: sports are greatest... In any other Black organizations “ Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc. all rights.... Unlike my pledge classmates, I would not want to trade `` wood with. Brother for nothing in the fraternity has grown steadily in influence my pledge classmates, will... `` intake '' class ] Join Facebook to connect with Jackie Scott Robinson-Burnette and others you may know admit did. Can write or type on all captive devices designed by, Alpha Phi Alpha &.