Brothers want to know…
As each day goes by its encouraging to see Brothers are engaged in our internal political process. For example, last night I received a call from Bro. Derek Mountford, of Nu Lambda chapter in Petersburg, VA. As president of the chapter, Bro. Mountford felt it important to call and ask questions regarding the “Esprit de Fraternité” platform and what it might mean for the members of his chapter. After about a 35 minute or so conversation, Bro. Mountford felt comfortable enough to take the information to his chapter for discussion. That’s leadership.
Its the responsibility of each chapter president to go beyond the “basics” to ensure each member has the information necessary to make informed decisions. As Bro. Mountford and I discussed this fact, we both essentially agreed that at times a leader gets tired, but its our love for what we do that ensures the chapter, and subsequently the fraternity continues moving to a higher level.
Earlier this week, received an email from Bro. Reginald Salter, of Mu Lambda chapter in Washington, DC. They’re working to put together a candidate’s forum in January. Naturally being someone who loves “talking,” Bro. Salter received an affirmative response regarding my participation. Its sessions such as these that allow Brothers to really reach out and speak in a more intimate manner, with candidates for regional office.
Finally, in the wee hours of this morning, Bro. Tony Henry shot an email letting me know he has a few Brothers (from Denver, now living in the Maryland area) he’d like me to spend some time with. Bro. Henry and I were both initiated through Mu Upsilon chapter (Frostburg State University), and he knows all to well where I stand on a variety of issues from intake to reclamation. As a result, he takes every opportunity he can to sit and discuss the opportunities available to the men of Alpha. Hopefully we’ll get to sit with the Brothers from Denver sometime this week.
Each and every day, no matter how tired or weary I may be, there’s always “just one more thing” I need to do for Alpha. There’s a vision in my head and I won’t stop until its realized. There’s so much that needs to be done. So little time to do it, but Alpha Phi Alpha has the tools, human resources and political capital to create and encourage a better world for us all. This is why we exist.
“Esprit de Fraternité!”
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