UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL

I got FIRED folks; http://www.globalgrind.com/ couldn’t handle the heat I was bringing. I went at the bosses head and they gave me the axe. Actually, they gave (I can't say for legally purposes) the axe, and I kind of got caught up in the mix. Globalgrind.com wanted (can't say for legal purposes) to kow tow to their philosophy and we weren’t down with that. I called that I would't be over at globalgrind.com for long last month and lo and be hold, I am not. I guess when you call out Russell Simmons that’s what happens. Russell released two videos trying to rebut the information about ALL diamonds being blood diamonds. You can find the videos here http://youtube.com/watch?v=ptAnISBsOv0 and here http://youtube.com/watch?v=2jlOpBqVWBA. He tries to cover his tracks with charities and other nonsense to help confuse the people. I think it is important to paraphrase Malcolm X and say that you can’t put a knife in my back six inches pull it out four and expect me to be happy. Russell Simmons has done many great things for our people, but his philanthropy does not absolve him for being criticized for exploiting Africa. If that means I will loose a ton of clicks on my blog than so be it. If you didn’t get a chance to peep the power point presentation, entitled Russell Simmons Exposed, you can check it out here http://www.slideshare.net/marving2/blooddiamonds2.

This month I think it is important for me to discuss an important topic to my credibility as a writer on the side of liberation. I try to always support the ideology that DIALOGUE is the first step toward liberation, today I am sure to write something that will cause DIALOGUE from coast to coast. Many of you out there know that I am a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, many of you may not. With that being said, some of you may have some reservations about the role that black fraternities play in the development of a liberated future. I got into a really progressive conversation with a good friend of mine which inspired me to set the record straight for all that may have questions about the Africaness of Black fraternities, and most specifically, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated (Alpha) has a DEEP history as it is related to its connection to Africa. In fact, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. set the precedent for all future black collegiate organizations to invest their efforts into an African based philosophy/world view. Alpha also contributed greatly to a lot of African centered thought post 1906. The racial make-up of the ancient Nile Valley and the people of Kemet (Egypt) in particular, continue to be a topic of controversy in many circles. Within the media and scholarly world, there has been and continues to exist an attempt to make the ancient Kemetans (Egyptians) anything but the Africans they were[1]. Alpha has contributed greatly to combating this ideology. Alpha’s history is clear, but often misrepresented by those that do not have the proper information or wish to confuse.

Alpha, utilizes themes from Ancient Kemet/ KMT (Egypt), images and songs depicting the Her-em-akhet (Great Sphinx of Giza), pharaohs, and other Kemetic knowledge and symbols to represent the organization. Kemet can be roughly translated as the "Land of the Blacks.”[2] It was the Greeks who would rename Kemet, Egypt.[3] Alpha uses these symbols because it is important to Alpha to preserve the history from which we have come. The ideology of the Sankofa is exactly what Alpha embodies. We understand that it is important to study the continent from which we came, in order to be best prepared for the world in which we live, and for the future in which we will meet.

This is in contrast to other fraternities that traditionally echo themes from the golden age of Ancient Greece. Alpha's constant reference to Athopia/ Aksumite (Ethiopia) in hymns and poems are further examples of Alpha's mission to imbue itself with an African cultural heritage. The Edfu Text is an important source on the early history of the Nile Valley. This famous inscription, found in the Temple of Heru-sa-Aset/ Heru-ur/ Heru-pa-khart (Horus) at Edfu, gives an account of the origin of Kemetic (Egyptian) civilization. According to this record, civilization was brought from the south under the leadership of King Heru-sa-Aset/ Heru-ur/ Heru-pa-khart (King Horus)[4]. Charles H. Wesley, Alpha’s greatest historian, wrote:

"To the Alpha Phi Alpha brotherhood, African history and civilization, the Her-Em-Akhet (Sphinx), and Athopian/ Aksumiteian (Ethiopian) tradition bring new meanings and these are interpreted with new significance to others. As Americans of European parentage point with pride to the ancestral history of their people, so Alpha Phi Alpha would have the Negroes of America look with pride upon African civilization with its kingdoms, its governments and its laws, its social institutions, its buildings and roads, and its evidences of indigenous progress, unaffected as it was, by outside influences [5]”

Alpha understands clearly that the root of African civilization lies in Africa; Alpha also understands that our root as a people has been skewed by those who wish to confuse. (The region we now call “Ethiopia” is much smaller than the ancient layout of “Ethiopia”. When I say “Ethiopia” I am referring to the land south of what is now called the Sahara.[6])

Alpha often uses terms like Sphinx, or Egypt in order to create a sense of familiarity among people that have been led astray. Our people were not led astray by Alpha, but by centuries of disillusionment by sectors of European society. We could use other terms to describe or African roots, but the climate during the time Alpha was created (1906), and the current consciousness of our community (2008) does not allow this, in most circumstances.

I participate in a reading group that is an example of this phenomenon. It has been stated that our reading group is not for everyone looking for a sense of consciousness. We have suggested that one should start by reading text like the Autobiography of Malcolm X or The Souls of Black Folk. Certain text should be the pre requisite to text like Marimba Ani's Let the Circle be Unbroken or any of Naim Akbar’s writings. Should everyone read Akbar’s body of work? YES! Is everyone initially ready for Akbar? NO! Is it Akbar’s fault that his body of work cannot not be absorbed by the consciousness of some of our people? NO! For that same rationale, Alpha should not be blamed for some of the language that it uses. We are a lifetime organization trying to bring young colligate minds into a view of Africanism that they may not be aware. We ALL need to work toward building the consciousness of our people; I believe Alpha has done this for many Black and Brown young men.

Alpha sometimes use “Greek” terms similar to how the masses of Black people use the term Africa. Africa is not the original name of the continent, but it is the name most associated with the continent. Scipio Africanus is where Africa gets its name, a Roman, who allegedly won many battles in “Africa”[7]. Names like Akaluba, Nubia, Ethiopia, or countless other names would be more of an “African” name for the continent. Confusion has been caused by certain sectors of European society, resulting in names like Akaluba being lost or not often used. Alpha did not create this confusion, but we try our best to serve, despite the confusion.

The Great Pyramids of Giza symbolize the foundation of our African knowledge for African people all around the world. Alpha is no exception to this reality. Alpha understands clearly that the “Greeks” received their information from Kemet, whose father is Athopia/ Aksumite “Ethiopia”. George GM James wrote in Stolen Legacy:

Greek philosophy is somewhat of a drama, whose chief actors were Alexander the Great, Aristotle and his successors in the peripatetic school, and the Emperor Justinian. Alexander invaded Egypt and captured the Royal Library at Alexandria and plundered it. Aristotle made a library at Alexandria and plundered books, while his school occupied the building and used it as a research centre. Finally, Justinian, the Roman Emperor, abolished the Temples and schools of philosophy, i.e., another name for the Egyptian Mysteries, which the Greeks claimed as their product, and on account of which, they have been falsely praised and honored for centuries by the world, as its greatest philosophers and thinkers. This contribution to civilization was really and truly made by the Egyptians and the African continent, but not by the Greeks and the European continent. [8]

I read Stolen Legacy when I was first introduced to Alpha. George GM James (The man responsible for popularizing the reality that the Greeks benefited from the knowledge of Kemet) is strongly suggested reading for every aspiring ALPHA. In Stolen Legacy James proposed that the origins of Greek philosophy lay within Kemetic (Egyptian) theology, what the Greeks called the Mysteries. His objectives, as he clearly stated, were as follows:

1.) To prove that Greek philosophy was a misnomer
2.) To demonstrate the African origin of the Mysteries Schools
3.) To create a social reformation through the new philosophy of African redemption.[9]

Whether Greece truly "stole" Kemetic (Egyptian) knowledge is debatable. Some argue that in Greek society there were Black people. As a consequence of the knowledge that they (African’s in Greece) brought with them out of Africa, the Greeks benefited. It is probably better stated that what we know about Greek or Hellenist culture was influenced GREATLY by African culture to the point at which Africa deserves more recognition than which it has been given[10].

What can also be understood is that it is from the great African societies that the modern “Greek” lettered fraternities and sororities were founded. Like George GM James stated of Greek philosophy, the Greek letters used by Black fraternities and sororities is a misnomer. For though the letters used were “Greek”, the founders of these organizations understood well their African lineage and origins. Thus the letters masked an even deeper meaning rooted in Africa itself[11].

All Alpha Men, just like members of other organizations, that want to learn about a deeper sense of his/her humble responsibility to the world, can find it, within their organization. It is up to the individual to make that journey, the same journey that many other organizations encourage. Becoming an Alpha is just the first step forward, but is often where the buck stops with too many Alpha Men. Alpha as an organization needs to do more to encourage our young brothers to continue the journey they started when they joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Reading a few books while “on line/pledging”, “intake” or during “rights of passage”, isn’t enough. I am sure there are members of every progressive collegiate organization that can find members that may not be as involved in their journey as they should.

Charles H. Wesley, Alpha’s greatest historian, wrote that:

“I have stood beside the Her-Em-Akhet (Sphinx) in Kemet/KMT (Egypt), Akaluba (Africa) in July on my third visit there, and I brought greetings to this silent historical figure in the name of Alpha Phi Alpha and I crossed the continent to Athopia/ Aksumite (Ethiopia).[12]”

Alpha’s foundation is rooted in our connection to Africa, and it is reflected in our membership. Adam Clayton Powell, Norman Washington Manley, Fredrick Douglas, Martin Luther King Jr., Dick Gregory, WEB Dubois, and many other great men all are distinguished members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Folks like Steve Cokely, who I often disagree but respect greatly, have their opinion on the Garvey/Dubois debate. Cokely likes to highlight the Boule/Sigma Pi Phi to support his argument against Dubois, but that’s another topic). There are countless other pillars of the Black and Brown community connected to Alpha, all reflecting the light that Alpha carries http://www.brown.edu/Students/Alpha_Phi_Alpha/famous.html .

Being a pillar of the community is not limited to members of Alpha, but to all who carry on the legacy of our African heritage. Whether you want to call that legacy the light, or the flame[13] all of us are carrying the legacy that is firmly rooted in Mother Africa. Alpha has a mix of political philosophies and opinions, but they all fall under the same umbrella. Alpha is not an organization of monolithic thought or philosophy, but where we all do agree as Alpha’s, is our responsibility to help the community in which we have pledged to serve.

I try to explain the dichotomy of Alpha by comparing Malcolm and Martin. They both had the uplift of the Black community in mind, but initially had different opinions on how the process should be facilitated. Both Malcolm and Martin would have had space to exist inside of Alpha (although Malcolm was not a member of Alpha), because they both meet the aims of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. “manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind.” Africa brought the light to the world, Alpha’s among many others, have continued to carry this light that began with mother Africa.

I clearly do not agree with the way some Alpha’s express their dedication to our community, in fact I stand in complete opposition to some of the political positions of some Alpha’s. I recently SLAMMED Andrew Young on my blog http://marvinthinks.blogspot.com/2008/01/thanks-to-all-folks-that-have-followed.html for some of the comments he made about Barak Obama. Does that mean that I hate Young or call for his removal from Alpha? Absolutely not! I am a firm believer that DIALOGUE is how we move forward as a community. Dick Gregory is another ALPHA who slammed Young, live on Warren Ballentine’s radio show http://youtube.com/watch?v=xDVajxU80EU. From the outside it is hard to explain how two men in the same organization can take two very different views. Upon proper analyses it becomes clear how this can and will continue to happen. This dialogue that often goes on inside of Alpha and our community as a whole is important for the forward movement of the organization and our community. Don’t get me started on Charlie Rangle he felt the raft of MARVO a couple of times you can check it out here http://marvinthinks.blogspot.com/2008/01/new-day-or-same-ole-song.html .

Alpha’s 21st General President, Thomas W. Cole said, "Alpha Phi Alpha must go back to her ultimate roots; only then can she be nurtured to full bloom.[14]" I agree with Alpha’s 21st president. Alpha’s roots are grounded in African philosophy, and that root is the heart and soul of the organization. With that being said, I applaud an organization like Malika Kambe Umfazi Sorority Inc. (MKU) and other more recent Black/Brown fraternities and sororities that have embraced an African world view as well. I would also say that it is important for all our, to understand the foundation in which WE stand in 2008. We all stand on the foundation of Mother Africa.

MKU (Black, Orange, and Gold) and Alpha (Black and Ole Gold) share the two of the same colors. Black and (Ole) Gold, is this a coincidence? Is it a coincidence that both of our organizations were started in upstate New York (Ithaca and Buffalo) and that our second chapters were both located in DC, the root of Black collegiate life in America. Is it a coincidence that both of our official shields (not to be confused with Alpha’s crest which is found on Alpha apparel) have symbols reflecting our African roots? I don’t think so. I believe that at our base, both organizations share the same values, and dedication to our Africaness. What I will also say is that sometime the Africaness that we both embrace is expressed differently. Furthermore, I would also argue that many other organizations share this base as well. I don’t raise MKU to criticize the sisters. I am using MKU as an example, because the conversations that inspired this blog was with a sister from MKU. I could easily replace MKU, with Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, or Lamba Theta Alpha (Latina sorority). My point is that WE all should understand our responsibility to our community. I believe the sisters of MKU to be true warriors on the front line of our struggle. I would suggest any young lady interested in joining a soroity to look into MKU, along with all the other progressive soroities. (Shout out to the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporatred, the sisters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated)

One would be hard pressed to find an Alpha that disagrees with MKU’s principles of: From what I have researched the official principles of MKU are:

Mahatma: High-mindedness and selflessness
Kinship: Relationship based on race, culture, or background
Utilitarianism: Usefulness above beauty[15]

In fact, most Alphas would encourage the sisters of MKU to keep up the good work. A good Alpha Man would share in the vigor in which the sisters of MKU embrace the responsibility to the African/Latin community. All Alphas, at some point, have engaged in everything that MKU is about; I would also say that ALL Alphas should be currently engaged in the work to improve our community. It is exciting for me to see ideals that were started on the college level in 1906, manifest itself inside the principles of organizations designed for students of color in 2008.

MKU has dedicated itself to working with ALL organizations that are rooted in helping move the Black/Brown community forward. I believe that we ALL need to take a page from these sisters and put aside some of our petty differences and work together to improve the community which we all have pledged to serve. Regardless if that organization is Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, or the Queens of Malika Kambe Umfazi Sorority Inc., whether you are a member of the Divine 9 or any other Black/Brown fraternity/sorority. We are ALL dedicated to the uplift of our people!

We are ALL in this boat together. We are all “fighting the good, fight”, and need each others support to move the work of uplifting our community forward. I think WE all need to take a step back and evaluate how we will work together in order to create a brighter future for ALL of us, both Black and Brown. The fighting and bickering that goes on between our organizations is shameful. We are all supposed to be in this together, yet we act at times, like we want to tear each other apart. No one organization is absolutely correct although we ALL are grounded in our African roots. It is our responsibility, as decedents of Mother Africa to create an environment for our children that is greater than when we came. I believe, Alpha, MKU and many other organizations have the same sentiment in mind. If you find an Alpha that disagrees with anything I just wrote, you can send them my direction.

There is no room in 2008 for any further misappropriation. We have a responsibility to do and be examples of our GREATNESS. I hold myself and others to that same standard. Yes, we will we slip at times, in the face of adversity! What we cannot do is let the fact that we slipped stand in the way of always moving forward. WE must continue marching onward and upward towards the light. My prayer is that we ALL wake up and realize that there is a world outside of our “organizations” that is dedicated to the destruction of our community. It would be in ALL of our best interest not to attack, but understand the position that we all take, and find a way to use the best of our organizations to move OUR community forward. We must remain dedicated to the philosophy of "Forwards ever, backwards never, TOGETHER in bond and struggle"

I truly believe that
Dialogue is the first step
toward liberation,

Marvo


PS If any one still has some concern about the connection Alpha has with the community look at our 100 year report. Then ask yourself can you name many other organizations that have been so dedicated for so long. Our connection with OUR community goes beyond the African symbols we use. Our dedication has been reflected in the work that Alpha has been doing for the last 101 years. 111111-9-06!!!!!!
http://www.alpha-phi-alpha.org/Resources/ImageFile/File/image/WPC06-WEB.pdf


ENDNOTES

[1] Cheikh Anta Diop, The African Origin of Civilization, edited and translated by Mercer Cook, Lawrence Hill Books, Chicago 1974
[2] J. Gardner Wilkinson, The Ancient Egyptians. London: Guernsey, 1994, p. 302
[3] Ibid
[4] The Temple of Edfu: A Guide by an Ancient Egyptian Priest By Dieter (sp)
[5] Wesley, Charles H. [1929] (1981). The History of Alpha Phi Alpha, A Development in College Life, 14th edition, Foundation Publishers.

[6] Richard Pankhurst, The Ethiopian Borderlands: Essays in Regional History from Ancient Times to The End of the 18th century (Asmara: Red Sea Press, Inc., 1997), pp.5, 7, 9.
[7] H. H. Scullard, Scipio Africanus: Soldier and Politician, Thames and Hudson, London, 1970.
[8] Stolen Legacy: The Greeks Were Not the Authors of Greek Philosophy, But the People of North Africa, Commonly Called the Egyptians. 1954
[9] Stolen Legacy: The Greeks Were Not the Authors of Greek Philosophy, But the People of North Africa, Commonly Called the Egyptians. 1954
[10]African Roots http://www4.wittenberg.edu/student_organizations/greek/alpha_phi_alpha/AfricanRoots.html
[11] Ibid
[12] Wesley, Charles H. [1929] (1950). The History of Alpha Phi Alpha: A Development in Negro College Life, 6th edition, Foundation Publishers.
[13]like Malika Kambe Umfazi Sorority Inc. History http://www.geocities.com/delphiniabrown/2welcome.html
[14] Mason, Herman "Skip" [1997] (1999). The Talented Tenth: The Founders and Presidents of Alpha, 2nd edition, Four-G Publishers.
[15] http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/sankofa/purpose.html