Page 4 - Fall 2014

Theta Rho Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Fall 2014

(continued f om Page 3: Life af er becoming an Alpha)

Immediately following my crossing, over a photo of me and my line brothers was posted on Facebook. I started to
receive many responses via my Facebook inbox from other members of Black Greek Letter Organizations extending
their congratulations and offering me support in my future endeavors. It was the strangest feeling because many of
these inbox messages came from individuals with whom I thought I already shared great relationships. I guess
obtaining the letters helped take us to another level!

Crossing over was more than just a networking opportunity; it started to show me the true meaning of brotherhood.
I attended the Eastern Regional Convention for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Baltimore and was exposed
to so much more. I had an opportunity to hear the General President Mark S. Tillman and Eastern Regional Vice
President R. Anthony Mills talk about the state of the fraternity. Both men were so passionate about the purpose of
the fraternity. It inspired me to want to do more in life and made me realize I could be doing more for my
community.

Prior to our first chapter meeting my line brothers and I were tasked to help champion the A. Charles Haston
“Brother’s Keeper” program for our chapter. Although we were new to the fraternity and the chapter we were called
immediately to serve our community and fraternity. There was no bench warming for the neophytes!

There was no doubt we felt the brotherhood from other members of the fraternity and chapter; we had chapter
meetings, cookouts and other social events. All these events provided the neophytes with a chance to understand
the true meaning of service and brotherhood. The word brotherhood became more evident when Bro. Robert
Alexander, one of the charter members for our chapter, entered the Omega Chapter back in August. Many of the
brothers from our chapter, to include the spring neophytes, attended his home going service. There was a large
showing of unity from the fraternity and chapter. Many of these brothers, some who never met Bro. Alexander,
took time off from work during the week, to represent him and the fraternity. I was blown away by this display of
brotherhood. It’s not often you see people attend a funeral service for someone they don’t know. This experience
enables me to share a story of the true meaning of brotherhood with future Alphas. I am I glad I entered the
“House of Alpha”. First of All, Servants of All, We shall transcend All!

Bro. Matthew Johnson Becoming an Alphaman is a journey that started that first semester when that I
met an Alpha on the campus of Frostburg State University. At the time, I just knew him as a standup guy that took
me under his wing, helped guide me in the ways of being an upstanding young man, and encouraged academic
excellence. I soon transferred, but as the saying goes, Alpha's in the heart. Upon my arrival at Georgia State
University, I befriended and supervised many of the outstanding leaders of the infamous "GQ" Zeta Mu chapter. I
knew then that my journey in becoming an Alphaman wasn't over.

Last November I started to embark upon a path that would change my life forever. Although the process was quite
laborious and included many sleepless nights, I knew that it would be worthwhile. As we Alphamen like to say, "tired
moments find me a delightful treat." However, it was through those hard times that the bond of our line was
reaffirmed. When we crossed those burning sands, our line, "Three the Hard Way," knew we would be brothers for
life. Many ask what's changed since we’ve gone through the process. To that, I respond "brotherhood." A year ago, I
didn't know my LBs, but now I consider them my brothers. When we say that "our family trees are not the same, we
both have a different mother, and yet, I'd proudly tell the world that this (these) men are my brother(s)," we truly
mean every word. However, the brotherhood extends beyond my 2 LBs. The chapter has been more welcoming than
we could’ve imagined. There have been numerous opportunities for fellowship and everyone has been open to any
ideas my fellow neophytes have proposed. (continued on the fol owing page)

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