[23251] in APO-L
Re: [APO-L] Pre-Convention Greetings to my Brothers
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Fuzzy Logic)
Sun Dec 8 01:36:04 2002
Date: Sun, 8 Dec 2002 01:36:28 -0500
Reply-To: Fuzzy Logic <fuzzman@m-net.arbornet.org>
From: Fuzzy Logic <fuzzman@m-net.arbornet.org>
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
In-Reply-To: <20021207182119.69965.qmail@web14708.mail.yahoo.com>
Responses inline.
On Sat, 7 Dec 2002, Joel Bryant wrote:
> Brothers,
>
> Greetings in LF&S. I am Joel Bryant, ,Fall 1977, Omicron Upsilon
> chapter, Life Member. My name and situation has been discussed on the
> list serve and I would like to share a few thoughts.
Feel free.
> First of all, Black APO Brothers are not monsters.
Nor are those of us who are not black, Joel.
> We are not uncivilized, We will not snatch your purse or mug you just
> because we are Black.
There is hardly any reason to play up to stereotypes. The charges brought
against you have nothing to do with your race, but instead with your
alleged actions.
> We do NOT condone hazing or the breaking of any of APO's rules and
> regulations. We are very dedicated to LF&S
That's a good thing. However, I would suggest that a number of the
separatist remarks from those who claim to speak for A Phi Que, while not
breaking rules or hazing are quite at odds with the spirit of our
founders.
> and DO NOT want a seperate Frat. We already have one because some of our
> White Brothers are not comfortable with us.
I beg to differ. It would seem, unless I am misunderstanding, that those
who call themselves A Phi Ques are seperating themselves from the
Fraternity. I believe it is best to take responsibility for one's actions
and not seek to find division where there is none.
> They would find it an enjoyable experience if they ever took the time to
> fellowship with us and not believe the rumors or Pre-judge.
If any A Phi Que wants to fellowship with me, I would be most happy to do
so. I want to understand why people would choose to participate in
something that so effectively separates them from the rest of APO.
> We were FORCED to seek each other out for fraternal intercourse because,
> since 1976, our National has always treated us differently than White
> chapters.
This is the first I've heard this. Was it the admission of women that was
a problem for you all?
> I am a proud, branded A-Phi-Que. I am from an intergrated chapter and
> have been a centrist, bridge builder between White and Black Bros.
> throughout mt 25 yeras in the frat.
Why do you have to distinguish the race of your Brothers? I don't. My
Brothers are all BROTHERS. They aren't colors to me.
> Though most want to deny it , racism and prejudice still exists in
> America and our beloved Fraternity.
And I find your statement to harbor that which you despise.
> I have been suspended by the National Board for "Interfering with a
> sanctioned extension effort" I have nothing to hide.
So, you deny the actions you are accused of?
> I have to accept the Board's unfair ruling and will continue to work for
> more understanding between the races once I am re-instated.
As a Brother of APO, that is the way it works.
> I want to say to my good Brother Rashid Darden and all APO Brothers: I
> APOlogize and am sorry for my actions which offended you and don't like
> to be labled as a "troublemaker or "rule-breaker".
A Phi Ques have a reputation as separatist, elitist, and divisive. The
best thing any could do is DEMONSTRATE that this is not so.
> Please don't judge us until you get to know us.
As I said, I would love to get to know you.
> Those who have done so have found it to be a pleasant acculturational
> experience. We believe in our frat and want to considered as equal
> Brothers and not outcasts.
Which Frat? APO or A Phi Que? As near as I can tell, they are not the
same.
> Though I cannot participate in sessions, I had already purchased my
> non-refundable ticket to New Orleans and will be in the lobby with the
> other A-Phi-Ques who aren't considered worthy enough to participate in
> OUR fraternity convention.
You are welcome to do that. The best way to change a system is to
participate in it. All the A Phi Ques had ample time to bring forth
legislation to address the inequities they felt. Remember that the
Fraternity's Active Brothers make decisions. Alumni can reminisce, but we
are no longer single sex and we are very inclusive. Things change, and
splitting people off to form A Phi Que is, in my eyes, only destructive.
> I encourage each of you to call, e-mail, write, or approach me at the
> convention if you'd like to ask me any questions you may have, generally
> engage in fraternal fellowship and find out that we don't bite!
I will look you up at the convention. How should I seek you out? Feel
free to respond via email to give me any information I might need.
> That is a stereotype that many people want you to think is true so they
> can get us niggers out of the fraternity.
With your sweeping statements, you're not winning people over, and, in
fact, you're convincing people of exactly what you want them NOT to
believe.
> Don't believe the hype.
I'm trying hard not to, but it's not easy.
> We have dedicated Brothers with good ideas like any other group.
The best thing you could do with those ideas is to share them. However,
realize that your ideas may not be popular. That doesn't mean that you
are not wanted, or that your ideas are not wanted.
> I would love to meet every one of you and am perpetually avilable for
> the same. We have different ideas on different topics but that doesn't
> make us inferior.
No-one seems to be thinking that, except you.
> The court of public opinion should entertain and respect ALL points of
> view.
I find it hard to accept points of view that exclude people, no matter who
they be.
> Below please find the documents associated with my suspension.
I read them. I'm not sure that I fully understood some of your response
letter, but I'm sure we'll have time to chat at Nationals.
> I love all of you and look forward to seeing you in New Orleans.
See you there.
> In LF&S
> Joel Bryant
> 2200 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
> Suite South Seven
> Phila. PA 19130
> 215-563-4019 e-mail:joelbryant2001@yahoo.com
In Leadership, Friendship, and Service,
Eric "Fuzzy" Rossman
