A YEAR IN THE HOUSE

Bro. Eric Kincaid

To be a part of the greatest fraternity for the past year has been beyond words. The road to the brotherhood was not easy due to covid-19. However, I would say a year later I wouldn’t trade any of my journey to Alpha for any other experience. Continuing to grow in the fold with my line brothers and cherishing new relationships I have created since crossing the burning sands.

Having the chance to attend VACAPAF immediately after crossing and to not only meet General President, Dr. Willis Lonzer III, but to give him the grip was definitely memorable forsure.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the work of Alpha from serving our local community, social events and fraternal engagement events. I have learned to appreciate the beauty of “agree to disagree”! But the greatest high from this past year has been working with my brothers to serve our local and national communities.

I took forward to continuing the work of Theta Rho Lambda, growing within the fraternity and continuing to raise the bar with my line brothers (shoutout to FA21, The best to do it!)

Bro. Sivad Rogers

This first year in the house has been everything I’ve wanted for so long. There have been numerous lessons and I ultimately want to thank the brothers who assisted in that growth.

I want to thank Brandyn & Phil for showing me that the job of a sponsor/recommender doesn’t stop after IMDP is over. Thank you for continuous patience and guidance as I strive to be the Alpha man that you all knew I could be.

To my line brothers, thank you for the continued support over the last year both fraternally and personally. I am truly honored by the level of work and dedication that we all have done in this past year. Let’s continue doing the good work of Alpha in our own respective ways.

To the 293rd House of Alpha, thank you for accepting me as the 121st member of this House. Thank you for allowing me to make an impact and feel truly valued as a brother. I am truly inspired by the work we do not only in Alpha and but in our respective lives. I truly believe we embody the mantra quality over quantity. I’m thankful for every committee call, happy hour, and Brotherhood engagement activities I’ve gotten to attend. Let’s continue to hold the light high, good brothers!

One year down, a lifetime to go... This first year in Alpha seemed to pass by so quickly, yet I look back and feel like so much has been done these last 12 months. The inseparable bonds I’ve built with my LBs, my best friend becoming my brother, the embracement I feel when I am in the presence of a fellow bruh... all point to the undeniable fact that the Old Gold and Black is as Ice Cold and strong as ever! There have been moments this year that let you know you are right where you need to be; from providing meals in our community, to attending an Omega Ceremony, to helping young men attend college through scholarship, to just looking a bruh in the eyes and saying “how are you?”... If there is one thing I learned from this past year, it is that I am proud to be an Alpha Man, and stand true to my lifetime commitment to serve my community and be there for my brothers. This organization is truly about Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind!!

It feels surreal- a year in Alpha. An organization I’ve aspired to be a part of for years. And on November 7, 2021, I became a duly initiated brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated by way of the Theta Rho Lambda Chapter. It’s been an amazing experience- immersing myself in the work of Alpha, traveling to conventions and meeting brothers far and wide, deepening the fraternal bonds amongst brothers in the chapter. As I reflected on this past year, I feel excited that I’m here, and even more excited for what’s to come.

What a year it’s been. I’ve grown so much. From planning programs and initiatives to fellowshipping with brothers, my first year has been rewarding and overwhelming at the same time. Early on, there was an adjustment period needed to balance life, work, friendships, and fraternity life. But I’m thankful I’ve learned how to manage them all so far.

I’m extremely thankful for the brotherhood and this chapter. I didn’t know what to expect on the other side, but it’s been great. I’ve had opportunities (and the support) to lead some impactful community service projects, establish relationships with new community partners, and make countless suggestions and ideas.

I’m thankful for the encouragement to grow, lead, and follow, to be honest with you.

I’m also thankful for having a supportive wife too. Seriously. I had no idea how many committee calls I’d be on this year. And somehow, my wife never gave me a hard time about them. She just supported me. I know the balancing act of life and Alpha differs for every brother. But, I’m grateful she was as supportive as she was. I don’t think I could’ve done half the work as easily without her support. But all in all, although my life is busier now, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Alpha has given me the chance to build friendships and relationships with brothers I probably would’ve never had before. And I’m grateful for it. I’ve grown from each relationship I’ve built. And I’ve learned to respect everyone’s differences and opinions as men. I look forward to continuing to build moving forward. It’s been a great year.