My phrat is the best, hands down. Now I know that some are asking, well what do you think about the other organizations- or you may not but I will bless you with my opinion-and my response to that is, they are cool for the individuals who chose them, I respect them, and we are all predominantly men of color fighting for similar things-so to that end, I tip my hatBUT they still don’t compare to Alpha. And you know what, they probably feel the same way about their organizations and if they don’t then they weren’t made right or the ink dried to quick for them to renig on their mistake. Yet still, they don’t compare to ALPHA.

This is brought about by my recent return from Bermuda where my regional convention was held. Business was taken care of and fun was had by all in attendance but the most awe-inspiring thing I took out of this was the commitment to excellence that one brother exemplified. Now, those who know me are aware of the fact that I am not easily impressed. Why you ask…simply because they are far more spectacular things in the world than much of what you have to offer. This is not to say that I am unappreciative or refuse to recognize greatness, just that my jaw doesn’t drop in awe and admiration until it is something I find worthy. Back to the story…there was a brother in attendance who has been a bro for…76 YEARS. This means that he was in attendance and probably conversed with Thurgood, Henry, Charles, Vertner and ‘em. He was 96 years old still doing the work and in attendance at the step show AND stayed the entire duration. This is a bad mutha…shut yo mouth. Now, praying that I live to see that many years, I can only hope to have it together as well as he did and inspire some young brothers the way he did me. It sounds as if this man had some profound conversation with me and recognized a light in me that could only shine from greatness, NO. Not even, I was intimidated to grip this brother. I walked to him, stuck out my hand, gripped him, and fumbled over an “It’s an honor to meet you”. Now, you all know damn well that I am better with my oratorical abilities and for me to fumble over this simple declarative sentence means something. Aside from him being a brother for longer than three generations of my family’s existence, his mere presence was enough to immediately humble me.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I know I didn’t meet the Messiah but it was close enough for me. Being around that kind of lineage and meeting a brother like him throws things into perspective. It shows me the power, affect, and loyalties within ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INCORPORATED.