A GIFT FROM MY FATHER

Bro. Noah Harris

A Gift from My Father

As I set out to become a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, I did not know where to begin. I did not know the motto, the mission, the aims, or most of the letters of the Greek alphabet. This circumstance may be normal for the average interested candidate, but I quickly found out this was unique for someone like me whose dad is a member of the fraternity. Growing up, my dad, Anthony Harris (5- Gamma Upsilon - FA87), did not talk to me about Alpha, and I cannot remember him wearing paraphernalia. Because of that, I never felt like I got to experience that side of him. Ultimately, I knew if I ever wanted to become an Alpha, I would have to develop that interest for myself.

However, when I began the process, I saw what my father taught me about being an Alpha man was not in the textbook or anything else you memorize. He taught me how to be the epitome of an Alpha man though serving the community, speaking up for myself, standing firm in my beliefs, and presenting myself with pride in a world that often expects the worst from Black men instead of the best.

These skills are aspects of my being that my dad has forged within me since I was born. Therefore, while I initially thought I was going in blind to a process where everyone else had all the answers, I now know since becoming a Brother that my father’s greatest gift to me was being the personification of everything a member of this beloved fraternity represents: manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind. On March 12, I crossed the burning sands as the Tail of the Spring 2023 line, and it meant the world that my dad was there. As a small token of my appreciation, I surprised him with his 25th Alphaversary pin and certificate at a family party celebrating me and my cousin’s crossing. My dad never received his 25-year pin despite the anniversary being over 10 years ago, and he loved that we thought to celebrate him at a party that was meant for us.

Throughout his life, my dad has worked extremely hard to ensure me and my sister did now have to grow up in a difficult situation like he did. It means everything to me to now be a part of the organization that made my father into the exceptional role model who made me into the man I am today.