ONECA Conference

Wow, Providence, RI. Probably one of the few states in the Union where almost 75% surrounded by water.

ONECA District Directors - Bro. Ramon Peralta, Bro. Jonathan White (outgoing), Bro. Al Lucas, and Bro. Steven King (incoming)
ONECA District Directors - Bro. Ramon Peralta, Bro. Jonathan White (outgoing), Bro. Al Lucas, and Bro. Steven King (incoming)

This weekend ONECA held its 36th annual district conference in Providence. The flight in from Baltimore was just over an hour. Let me first say congratulations to Bro. Jonathan White, District Director, and Bro. Eric Adjepong, Asst. District Director, on a successful conference Bro. Adjepong served as lead for the conference planning, and proved college Brothers are ready for the challenge of leadership. Also want to extend a congratulations to Bro. Steven King on being newly elected the President of ONECA; great things will continue in New England

Interestingly enough, ONECA has a unique challenge in that it is one of only two districts, in the east (with MAAC being the other) encompassing multiple states. It was good to see the always pleasant, Bro. Roy Teague, President of Epsilon Gamma Lambda, along with Bro. Lynn C. Worthy, Vice President; the Boston Alphas were in the house

Must make one additional note regarding Bro. Adjepong, here. It was a pleasure to hear a college Brother discuss the need for us all to focus more on getting involved in and remaining focused on the business of Alpha. So often our younger generations are seen as aloof and not in touch, however, Bro. Adjepong and other Brother’s like him can put this urban legend to rest

Bro. Eric Adjepong, Asst. District Director
Bro. Eric Adjepong, Asst. District Director

Though the rainy day gave the appearance of the day lasting longer than 24 hours, it was definitely packed with the business of Alpha. The day ended with the Ms. Black & Gold Pageant (there was a dynamic group of ladies participating) and the Stepshow. Let’s just say that out of the three district contestants so far, Ms. Black & Gold of ONECA may be the one to beat.

After the stepshow a few of the Brothers took me past “Black Rep,” one of the hot lounge/club spots in the city. The crowd was nice and diverse…definitely worth the trip. To my delight, Providence stocks beverages of choice (SMILE), so it was just fine with me to remain until the lights were turned on and make the 2 block trek back to my hotel of choice; when a Brother’s tired, there’s nothing like a heavenly bed.

New England, I shall return.