Between Brothers (A Conversation)

Maurice Stewart (Alpha South): What caused you to seek the fraternity?

Victor Kakulu (Alpha East): I didn't. When i got to Lincoln University in 2002 it was just Iotas and Kappas. Everyone else was suspended. In 2003 the Deltas came back and the Kappas were suspended. In 2004 the the Sigmas and Ques returned. Then in Spring 2005 Kibwe Jones, who had arrived with me in 2002, same dorm and all, started talking to me about the fraternity. We were real close. I was unaware that he and many others were already discussing bringing the frat back. They even took a ride to headquarters to plead the chapters restoration.

Maurice Stewart (Alpha South): Wow

Victor Kakulu (Alpha East): Right. Real history book shit. I wasn't apart of any of that. Toward the end of the semester it seemed they were about adding more like minded men to the fold. So i guess my name came up and they agreed. But none of them knew how to approach me.

Maurice Stewart (Alpha South): Word

Victor Kakulu (Alpha East): I had a rep of walking the yard with the "play around, see what happens" look.

Maurice Stewart (Alpha South): (laughing)

Victor Kakulu (Alpha East): You have to remember I was 21yrs old when i got to the school. I turned 22 within months of arriving. Anyhow, Kibwe Jones and I had a pretty close rapport. He approached me about it but he was slick.

Maurice Stewart (Alpha South): (laughing)

Victor Kakulu (Alpha East): He never made it seem as if I was being recruited or as if Alpha was the key to life. Otherwise, he would have been met with swift dismissal.

Maurice Stewart (Alpha South): (laughing hysterically)

Victor Kakulu (Alpha East): My motto was, "If u gotta believe in somethin, why not believe in ME."

Maurice Stewart (Alpha South): true indeed.

Victor Kakulu (Alpha East): So he asked me a few questions such as what I knew about Alpha and had I heard of it before. If I knew who belonged to the frat. Men who walked the campus before us. Men who meant something, who stood for something. He worded it well. I honestly felt like it was me he was talking about.

Maurice Stewart (Alpha South): I see.

Victor Kakulu (Alpha East): You see I was used to being a loner. From getting played and joked on to getting jumped. Left to fail you dig? In the end I accepted it--embraced it even. Not failing, but being on my own in this world.

Maurice Stewart (Alpha South): I understand.

Victor Kakulu (Alpha East): I recognized early on that most men don't walk the road they're called to walk, because its easier to sit and laugh while pretending not to hear your name being called.

Maurice Stewart (Alpha South): Sooooooo true

Victor Kakulu (Alpha East): It became clear that a man will indeed be called to walk in life. And since most are afraid of being the first (or only) one to stand, those who do will almost certainly be walking a lonely road. As Kibwe spoke to me it was like an epiphany of sorts. I had been walking this road for so long and now I finally saw someone on the road too. And he was talking about how there were more brothers further up the road. No jive, my mental reaction was like, "You mean there are others like me? Walking this road? Yeah?" That brotherhood...it was an obligation to me. Matter attracts matter.

Maurice Stewart (Alpha South): Kibwe is like the Nu ambassador. Brother Jasmin had a similar story about him too.

Victor Kakulu (Alpha East): Indeed. He's real important on this side.

Maurice Stewart (Alpha South): Word. Man yall have restored my faith in the frat.. I always get that, "You don't look like an Alpha, where's your suit and tie?" jive. This was real. Thank you pham. I appreciate this.

Victor Kakulu (Alpha East): I appreciate you brovah. 06

***Brother Kibwe Jones would go on to pledge Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated via the 12th House (Nu Chapter) at Lincoln University, PA and was initiated in the Fall semester of 2005.Brother Maurice Stewart was also initiated in the Fall semester of 2005 via Gamma Upsilon chapter at Tougaloo College. Brother Victor Kakulu would follow in the Fall semester of 2006 via Nu Chapter as one of seven men initiated on the centennial anniversary line.