The Lincolnian

Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Odessey Washington The Alpha Men

A little after 9 p.m., family and friends of the prospective Neophytes [new additions to the fraternity] cheered as the young men marched down to the bottom of the U to begin their days of brotherhood.

The lights from the torches burned bright as old members and new phrophites held them high to lighten up the darkened sky. The crowd cheered between each phrase as the Neos greeted all the Greek fraternities and sororities.

"A-PHI," shouted a member of Alpha Phi Alpha followed by a chorus of his brothers shouting back "06." The visiting ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. chimed in screaming "08" as the Phrats finished the chant with "OYea."

Smiles and anticipated joy took over the faces of proud parents and family members as the 13 young men began to reveal themselves as Alpha men and displayed their new line: "Leaders of the New School."

Once unmasked, the crowd saw the teary eyed faces of Robert Sanders, Ade Cox, Addae Cox, De'Ron Brazile, Harold Williams, Jabari Williams, Tobias Gronevedlt, Anthony Murphy, Chinomso Nwachuku, Charles "Justin" Mitchell IV, Fedlyn Phillipe, Jason Fenelon, and Brett Telesford screaming with much anticipated joy.

Each new member was given names that reflected Egyptian culture and meaning. Murphy whose line name "Sefu" means sword, couldn't wait to finish because he was filled with both excitement and nervousness.

"I was hype, just so excited," said Murphy "My emotions were building up and my heart was beating, I was a little nervous."

Members explained that the Phrat has a lot of Egyptian roots, and it was vital that the traditions of the roots be passed on through these good brothers. The fraternity utilizes motifs and artifacts from Ancient Egypt to represent the organization.

"I'm really proud of all my new Neo's," said Michael Dickerson Jr., an Alpha from the fall 05' line. "I'm excited we have more workers for the Phrat, and I hope the campus is ready."

This is the third consecutive line brought in from the Alpha's who stand 22 strong now still harboring members from 05', 06' and now 07'.

"The Neo's experienced a lot of hardships during the intake period.

Michael Douglas a close friend to most of the new line and most of the brothers in the chapter, was tragically gunned-down in mid-September and a week later Williams lost his father, said phrophite Frank Simpson. "It was a long time coming for the 13 of them, especially for my best friend Fedlyn Phillipe, also known as Fed, because he was supposed to be fall 06' as my line brother."

"When I was at the probate I was in space," said Brazile. "I was nervous about forgetting steps, but I was the happiest when it was over. We've been down too long," Brazile said referring to the hard work and time they put into it. A lot went down during the process that took an emotional toll on many of them, from the lost of loved ones and the birth of a baby girl.

"I missed my daughter," said Murphy who had a baby girl on October 12, 2007. "It was painful not being able to see my daughter every week, but it was worth it in the end."

After a period of struggle, these 13 men faced a challenge and came out on top. "The Alpha's are Coming" was printed on signs posted all around campus. The signs also read "The TakeOver."

"It's letting people know we're taking over the yard 13 strong," said Murphy.

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