My Alphaversary...

1097 days, 17 hours and 16 minutes ago I became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., THE Kappa Alpha Chapter...

As I'm writing this I'm reflecting over the past 3 years and how my life has drastically changed. I've seen my highest highs and lowest lows over the past 3 years and I thank God that I'm here to talk about it...

First, lets talk about me and Alpha...I am NOT what many of my brothers would call a "Good Alpha". Seriously, I'm not. I'm being perfectly honest about that. One of the main qualities of an "Alpha Man" as described by the fraternity is that he pays his fraternity financial dues in a prompt manner. Well, other than my initiation fee, I haven't paid any financial dues. I never had the money.

In college I had rent, a car note, utilities, and I had to send money home. I simply didn't have the extra money to pay dues with.

Now that I've graduated I have a few more bills. Luxuries are few. One of those luxuries would more than likely be membership in a graduate chapter. With my priorities being listed the way they are, honestly, graduate chapter membership is not high on that list. I have my car note, student loans, various bills, startup costs for my business, and school to worry about. Grad chapter membership has to come second...maybe even third if I get a mortgage soon. (Praying on that...)

None the less, I still could have been a good "Alpha Man" by attending chapter meetings, participating in service projects, and doing various other things. Well, once again I'm gonna lay it all on the table. Chapter meetings were on Sunday in undergrad. When I wasn't at my pops' church I could have come...instead I chose not to. I chose to be with my girlfriend at the time. I was attempting to build a future, but instead ended up getting my heartbroken....but I digress. I chose to not be with my brothers. That was a decision I MADE. Was it right? Probably not. I could have seen her later and spent some time with them. Do I have to live with it? I sure do.

Right now I seem like a pretty poor excuse for an Alpha...I'll admit that. I do. None the less, I'm a pretty darn good MAN outside of that. (Not me being conceited or cocky about it, I'm just putting it in perspective.) I've done a bunch of community service, I have a big heart, I'm honest, I've always tried to help those around me, and I REFUSE to give up on myself or anyone around me that I care about.

In the past 3 years that I've been an Alpha I've made some friends that I'll probably have for the rest of my life. I can honestly say that I've had a chance to fellowship with some of the most intelligent brothers that this world has ever seen and I thank GOD ALMIGHTY for that opportunity. I've created a bond with a group of gentlemen that has been forged in blood, tested by fire, and still stands unbroken. I appreciate that kind of love. That's amazing to me.

I've also been talked about and probably made a few enemies...some I know about....some I don't know about. That's ok too. It doesn't bother me. I know that as long as I'm living some people will not like me and possibly tell lies about me. I've been through that a thousand times and don't expect it to stop any time soon. Hey, worse things could happen. I pray for my enemies (those I know and those I don't know) and keep it moving. I refuse to allow another man's opinion of me define my progress, personality, and future.

Also, becoming an Alpha caused me to lose a few friends....God Bless them too....I still love them....

At this point some readers are probably asking, "Well...why did you even become an Alpha?" That's a fairly easy question to answer. My uncle pledged Alpha back in the 60's. My entire life I've looked up to him. He is my role model and an all around great guy. I aspired to be an Alpha as a means to emulate him.

One of my best friends in this world is Lindsey McAdory. In the Fall of 2003, Lindsey became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. Ever since we were younger, I've always held Lindsey in high esteem and I still do. I aspired to be an Alpha because of the friendship that Lindsey has shown me and the fond way in which he spoke of his brethren before I became an Alpha.

Lastly, I aspired to become a member of Alpha Phi Alpha because of the leadership traits and sociopolitical views held by certain members that I saw. From high school to college, various Alphas popped in my life at pivotal moments to grant me a blessing here and there in terms of knowledge and friendship.

Alpha Phi Alpha, in my humble opinion, is one of the greatest collections of black men on this planet. I think that Alpha has the potential to change the world if properly exercised as a vehicle of change. Has Alpha changed my life for the better in 3 years? In some ways, I can unequivocally say an emphatic, "yes." Has it defined me as a man? I can just as emphatically say, "No." I like that about myself...I love the fact that regardless what I may do, become or go through I can still wake up in the mirror and say, "I'm the same person today as I was yesterday. I'm a little bit wiser, a little bit stronger, and a whole lot better....but I'm the same person."

Happy Alphaversary H.Y.P.O.T.H.E.R.M.I.A.

From your Ace...