The Bond

The fraternity and sorority system is often put down by the people from the outside looking in because they do not know what that bond means to many of of us who were involved in that system.
The only reference the general public has for fraternities and sororities is through movies. It is either Animal House, a light comedy where the frats are either blitzed out or sadistic or Fraternity row where, they are all pretty much sadistic, racist, exclusive and any other negative stereotypes that the movie view can conjure up but there is another story of fraternity life that is rarely told in the movies or the media. It is the story of a young man who did not make friends easily and who was often put into categories that he did not belong in . It is my story and the other young men who meant a great deal to me in college who accepted me for who I was and became some of my best friends.
United by the bond of Kappa Alpha Psi we, laughed together sometimes cried but always shared what we had. I transferred from another school and the brothers of the delta delta chapter at Jackson State unconditionally took me in. Finally, I could be who I was and be that way around other people who accepted me for who I was . I was a Kappa man and that was all that mattered.
My style, thoughts and dreams were often different from theirs but we were united in the bond. To this day, I have few associates who are as accepting and supportive but these young men all of these young men were.
Fraternities are not about , drinking, womanizing and exclusion. Fraternities are about about acceptance, support and inclusion. It has been over 25 years since I have seen many of these guys but the bond we had is still strong and lifelong.
Fraternities and sororities may not be for everyone but for me they made all of the difference. Me the permanent outsider, found a home and solace with Kappa. Wherever I go whatever I do I know that Kappas worldwide are my brothers and they accept me unconditionally without reservations and I the same with them.
Here is to the men of Delta Delta chapter and the impact they had on my life then and today. I may not always wear the shirt on my back or the ring on my finger but I will always have Kappa Alpha Psi in my heart.