The Beta Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. held a probate show Friday, to celebrate the crossing of its first line since the fall of 2002.
Rainy skies began to clear as onlookers and supporters gathered on Frank E. Pinder Drive, named after one of the chapter’s charter members, to witness the unveiling of the latest members of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Like the Iota Delta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha from Florida State University, who held a probate show Nov.9, the Beta Nu chapter revealed a line of 14 men.
Dressed in all black army attire, the “neophytes” ran and marched on the street behind the Rattlers Den to perform for a crowd of screaming friends, family and faculty. The two-hour show consisted of various skits and parodies of popular rap and R&B songs, dances and of course, party-hops or strolls.
Many audience members expressed their satisfaction with the performance as they stayed after the show to congratulate the new members, and watch as they performed the famous “Alpha party-hop”.
Junior Kia Alford, a 21-year-old business student said the Alphas had very unique concepts that made for an excellent show.
“I think this is the best probate show I’ve seen from a fraternity since I came to FAMU in the fall of 2002,” she said.
Some people attributed the large spectator turn out to the great things members of Alpha Phi Alpha have done on the campus in the past.
“I think this show was so touching because people are ready to see the bruhs come back strong,” said Tijia Ford, a member of the Beta Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
“This marks the beginning of Beta Nu running the campus once again.”
New members agreed that the probate show is the beginning of a new era for the fraternity.
“We are about bringing fun, unity, and education back to this campus,” said Marcus Watkins, a third-year business student from Chicago. “People need some enlightenment, and we’re here to provide that, because it has been missing for about two years now.”
Jeffrey Allen, a third-year economics student from Chicago said that being an Alpha gives him the opportunity to continue helping others, and to set an example in the black community.
“Now that we’ve crossed, we can finally do more of what we’ve always wanted to do,” Allen said. “Alpha Phi Alpha is in the business of making better men, and I have made the commitment towards being a better man.”
Older members describe the new line as extremely energetic and excited about serving the community.
Reginald Wesley, Beta Nu’s chapter president, said the members of the organization have projects they will implement immediately.
“We get these young men started as soon as they get in,” said the senior business administration student from Louisville, Ky.
Although, the unveiling was part of the end of the Alpha’s “Nu World Order” week, some members said it is just the beginning.
Keon Hardemon, a junior business administration student from Miami said that there are no breaks in Alpha Phi Alpha.
“It’s been a long hard road, but the real pledging begins here.”
Contact Tauheedah S. Asad at famuanlifestyles@hotmail.com.