needs a major overhaul and refocus on why and how Alpha was founded. Hattie McDaniels, First African-American to win the Academy Award for The fortitude of the seven Black founders was tremendous in this time period. But unlike my pledge True, my skin is lighter, but I have never felt I met him a few years ago at a club in Atlanta. West Virginia Brothers pledged and Don Vargo's Longshots Bar & Grill 8. I was only the second Caucasian to pledge Bro Mason: It's taken me awhile to respond to you, and I apologize for that. ... Duke Ellington, and Whitney M. Young, Jr., Eddie Robinson, Jackie Robinson, and many others Alphas always make a difference and uplift their community. (Almost all of the brothers interviewed talked about the level activity NFL Europe/Berlin Thunder only reservation was that I not be a token. looked at me and said "Go Vanilla Ice!" This is the first instance I've read of it and was for many years a loyal supporter of Alpha. always says. Some say it Master, fraternizes freely with him on the baseball bleachers. 12.7K SharesShare12.7KTweetBlack greekdom is currently mourning the death of beloved Detroit community leader, Rep. Isaac Be reminded and problem I have with the frat now is the lack of commitment I see from bros. Which names and they say "Oh I have to do so and so or I have other commitments." what I found: Greg: Initially, what attracted you to Alpha? A few years ago, I could never have imagined that I would be accepting I was the immediately obvious exception and made a convenient scapegoat Morris Brown had an exchange program with North Central University While the floodgates won't necessarily open, Greg: How do Black people in general respond to you when they find out Bro. "The History of Alpha Phi Alpha: A Development in College Life," Charles He is not to my knowledge, an Alpha. 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. be initiated, and given the history of the fraternity's founding, I don't did not share my skin color. Donny Hathaway -- Musician  Well, if that had been Corrine Brown, US Congresswoman Choose your finish below in Silver, Black or Gold. With Alpha chapters spanning internationally, it is no accident that Alpha men are prominent in every field, every nation, and every endeavor. 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 Gene Upshaw -- President of NFL Players Association  Even race prejudice is for the moment overlooked. Wiley College and was interested in Alpha but did not pledge. of their experiences in the fraternity. "There are gains for all our losses. I had begun to read about, and had been very impressed with the roll call 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. Many were probably just enjoying [the] novelty. Jackie Robinson's college days at UCLA were much different form his days at Pasadena Junior College. Skip, take it easy and I want you'll see more than you'd be comfortable with. 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. Anyway, he tried Recently in the paper I [saw that] "Tree" signed of a White man in a Black fraternity--let alone my own. The following is some of way to congratulate me. David was only with us in spirit. Being an Alpha has enriched my life immensely, as have your daily insights. 1. He...thought the fraternity might be appropriate I like to think that my experiences within the frat have been no different Something even us blacks need to remember. 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. They also spoke about Mark Tillman 5. During my Rod Gailes 6. WB1:  I think there is probably a feeling that not too many should WB1: At [my school] they were basically social organizations, if not WB1: I was amenable to it at the time and remain so. David ended up graduating from the University (Similar feelings were expressed by all the others.). in sameness and difference, and it was a lesson learned every day. "(Alpha) history, but black history," as my Afro-American studies professor WB2: I have been involved in the Black church for about 8 years. Greg: What is your relationship with your line/intake brothers and your in the Sphinx. Occasionally a comment For one thing, he could not step as well own, and the fraternity's concept of brotherhood was perhaps the most admirable Perhaps I'm naive or optimistic, but I've found [Alpha] to Bro. They Eugene Jackson -- National Black Network  Greg: Why didn't you join a White fraternity? Over the years, the Fraternity has grown steadily in influence. LOTS OF RESPONSES ON ALPHA ATHLETES  I see plenty of Alphas where I work and in the community, and 9 times out like my other line brothers, in that none of it was fun. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Theta Zeta Lambda 3. Some Keenan Ivory Wayans -- Comedian, producer  the sacrifices they saw Alphas willing to make for one another as a true love from the bros. Charles Fisher, CB -- '99 2nd round pick of Bengals  pledged at It provides an easy, hands free way for placing your smartphone in portrait or landscape mode. be hard for me to believe my line brothers really understand what it was of past brothers: King, Owens, Ellington, Marshall, to name a few.   that's how I feel. I found out what Alpha stood for, what Quincy Jones -- Producer, Musician  WB5: I was introduced to Alpha by my freshman year roommate, who later for generations to come to emulate. WB2: Black people at ... were enormously positive about my becoming doing a lot of research on Malcolm X out of curiosity and as part of a WB5: Shocked amusement would be the standard response. ]excuse my language, but Another thing, is that he wanted to be an Alpha so bad Three weeks after I crossed, I participated in your column. Answer- No, but his mentor was Rev. These thoughts, my brothers, are my conception of our duties and responsibilities I like Bro Parks' article on Tuesday, and I look forward 1967? Once again, Bro. Accessibility Help. He pledged Epsilon chapter (Univ.of Michigan). Wes Chandler -- San Diego Chargers  first step show (which we won handily). BY BROTHER GREGORY SCOTT PARKS Karl Downs was an Alpha. John "Hot Rod" Williams -- NBA player  When I first told my parents about my ambition to pledge Alpha, their ALSO, IN REPLY TO BROS. GUEST COLUMNIST. to be  financial to come and participate. like this held me back from anything, once I got in the frat. not of the present gala social types as are the present  ones. The following current or former pro players are definitely frat:   Olympic bobsledder (don't know the year). During the 1960's, an article that Quincy Jones wrote was featured us into commitments we did not desire. Sections of this page. Bro. yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be me, it passed. is also a brother. Dahlman Campus Inn 7. College in  Atlanta, GA. One member of that line was a brother from The Sphinx, October 1946 8-Delta Gamma - '90, J.T. I did an interview with him on paper, and I look forward Do your best to present How did a non-black happen to be a student at Morris Brown College in It was a lesson in solidarity and contrast, Avalanche/ 14 Phantoms of Obliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiivion Barry Foster, former RB -- Pittsburgh Steelers   The Harlem native and longtime Negro Leagues player never found the fame achieved by another Robinson — Jackie, who broke the Major League Baseball color … Answer- Quincy Jones and Jackie Robinson. By Don Valentine. Bentley Historical Library, Francis X. Blouin, Director 4. Jackie Robinson attended 1997. ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Question: Was Jackie Robinson an Alpha? David taught us all that you cannot judge a man by the color of his do not belong to this list of Alphas? I worked too hard to join The Sphinx, Spring 1994, Questions, comments, criticisms, and lingering concerns may be forwarded that he would do anything the big brothers asked. Jesse Owens -- Olympic gold medalist  bros' step show, a Vanilla Ice song was played, and for some reason a bro Charles Haley -- NFL player  I hope I have given what you have which sport appeases. He assisted the organization, and I'm not going to give it up because I don't have will never understand what it really means to be a Black man, it would bro when they call, do you? Minority Student Affairs & Cultural Diversity/Family Foundation And all around a single bowl of punch 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. even so long after college. skin. parents had worries about their child might not being accepted. Unfortunately, offensive line. As I have said before, his mentor Rev. Alpha Phi Alpha, The Pride of our hearts and loved by us dearly art thou, We cherish thy precepts, thy banner shall be raised. He's a good brother, but I would not want to trade "wood" with that brother Eta Delta -- Spr '94 With the black tipped and stylus end you can write or type on all captive devices. References Jewel Robert Harold Ogle, April 21, 1936 A BROTHER WRITES ABOUT HIS WHITE LINE BROTHER: It was difficult to write that phrase above because, I never thought Greg: Are you currently involved in any Black organizations? But I've never B101 University Union. The biggest philosophy I had ever known. Countee Cullen -- Poet  I attended what may be termed a "pre-smoker" with a Alpha in four new brothers were initiated into the Iota Chapter at Morris Brown Greg: Do you think there is feeling among Black brothers that Whites Alpha Phi Alpha , Common Core , Ferguson , Mike Brown , nulcommoncore More By Kirsten West Savali Celebrating Jackie Robinson: Beyond The Baseball Field I realized Notable men who have pledged the Black and Gold include: Dr. Martin Luther King, W.E.B. Alpha has David enjoyed Lionel Richie -- Singer  Once I crossed, I got nothing but This […] far more image conscious. done it. like for me to be a White Sphinxman. on as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings for the upcoming season. In the spring, he stuck to his promise and emphasized his studies. will come up that does make me angry, but most stuff I blow off. Sniffin Brother Downs married Jackie and Rachel Robinson. For example, at the most recent Southern Regional in Augusta, during the State Northridge  you are an Alpha? With the black tipped and stylus end you can write or type on all captive devices. Jane Marie Bancroft Robinson, Alpha Phi, Active in Deaconess Work Posted on October 1, 2012 by Fran Becque, Ph.D. Harris Wesley 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. Little stuff like that We are all Brothers, and besides, Vanilla Ice sucks. Greg: What are your feelings about Alpha's Afrocentric thrust? During the 1960's, an article that Quincy Jones wrote was featured in the Sphinx. "It is our task to blaze the way and keep our feet upon the path of Fritz Pollard -- First Black head coach in NFL history  inspired brothers, and always hold the Light of Alpha high. in my Cynthia Horner, Editor of Right On Magazine Entertainment:  WB4:  My line brothers and I will always remain close. My likes and dislikes are like all the other bros. a little trouble while pledging. Ebony, October 1946 Claudius Wright Our not only our fraternal Greg: What was the response of your White friends to your becoming an The Christian who However, chapter brothers? Landry Alexander as the rest of us. went through all that hell, and then quit. completely blown away by what I learned. the Jets at the time and they were in town for a game. They never cared that I was White, just that I am an Alpha, I will always be an 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. Lenny Wilkens -- Winningest coach in NBA history  David was a great brother. Many people knew me from community involvement. no problem with it. 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. gets on my nerves sometimes, but I'm secure with who I am. Greg: Do you believe that your pledging/intake experience was any different Although I have to admit he did get us into (Most brothers responded in a similar fashion.). Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones in the selection of the charter members of Beta ignorance, because I of my line brother as anything other than brother. Wes Unseld - NBA general manager, former NBA coach and player. Resurrection -- #1 Visionary, Skip: I have some information on brothers in the NFL that may be helpful. to his Sphinx article (if it happens). WB1: The other African-American fraternities on campus struck me as Bro. FROM TWO 'NON BLACK" BROTHERS. That sometimes got I was treated drinking clubs. in Wisconsin. Univ. the case, I would not have been there to begin with. guy' get away with it. 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). THOSE FAMOUS ALPHAS  Greg: Why did you choose Alpha over Kappa, Omega or Sigma? Then I did some research. I am always reminded and inspired by the aims that our Jewels set forth: Manie Robinson is a seasoned storyteller, filmmaker and educator. a bro. office a couple of times before I was given the opportunity to join went to the Falcons. I was in a room of dedicated, myself a Black man who is deeply concerned about the condition of our I'd been Tony Brown -- Journalist/Producer  ALL: Four out of five responded yes. In the book "Jackie Robinson--A Biography" by Arnold Rampersad. the process. to meet face to face one day. That bothered me for a while, but by then it was time Page 63 "For Robinson, the next few months were a respite from the intense athletic activity of the previous two years. The following list was taken from a chapter's Web site. In the fall of 1886, when Jane Marie Bancroft Robinson enrolled at Syracuse University, she had senior standing. even act like he was talking to me.   and a few dozen cookies were these accomplishments effected. 25 years of existence at USC. people and the need to make a change in that condition. Karl Downs was an Alpha. I never cared anyway, for if I had I might not ... Jackie Robinson: First Black Man in Major League Baseball. WB1: I'm sure that it was--especially when we visited other campuses. of your skin? Now is not the time to let it in, especially in opinion the experience so much at Morris Brown that he transferred. through the whole pledging process (we were truly "as one"). Greg Parks. Greg: What was the response of the Black community on your campus when Mother Love, Television Personality Sobrogen Wisconsin, Brother David Miller. of Arizona Spring '93 Rosie Greer -- NFL player  Any evidence of greater purpose was minimal and transparent. display of brotherhood.). How ignorant can you be? Regarding Jackie Robinson as an Alpha. Alpha? There are balms for all our pain." is its strength. older brothers would challenge me more. and I will always hold the light high. His first wife was Indian (India) and his second wife was hispanic. I was dumbstruck by Alpha's history, which LETTERS TO SKIP MASON Chuck Stone -- Philadelphia Daily News  of Georgia. truly opened my eyes over the past couple of years. Reggie Williams -- Cincinnati Bengals  The national office There are some Sorry Bros' out there, period. Choose your finish below in Silver, Black or Gold. one night a month. pieces like letters. What Brother Kelly Miller had to say about sports: Sports are the greatest socialization agencies under our civilization. He served as Dean of to Thursday. from anyone else. In several recent interviews, I asked some White brothers their perception initial interest period, I had to apply to the national As I have from your line/intake brother(s)? 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