by Bro. Dr. Kelvin A. Moses
“Cream Tomato Soup, Salted Wafers…!” Thus begins the listing of sumptuous items detailed in the first chapter of The History of Alpha Phi Alpha on the occasion of the first Initiation Banquet. On October 30, 1906, three young men “were led trembling” from their initiation to the banquet, where they were served what is now affectionately known as the Greek Menu, and heard toasts from the visionary Jewels and others on topics such as Brotherhood, Loyalty, and Ideals. This auspicious event served as a template for future actions that led to the founding of our beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, on the campus of Cornell University. The menu now is recited with intensity by young men aspiring to join the ranks of college-educated men dedicated to service and brotherhood.
The new initiates of the chapters in the greater Nashville, TN, area have the distinction of being able to experience what Jewel Bro. Eugene Kinckle Jones, Bro. Lemuel Graves, and Bro. Gordon Jones experienced at the Odd Fellows Hall 113 years ago. Bro. Franklin Westbrook (Theta Tau ’78) and Bro. Isaac Thompson (Mu Iota ’80) from Tau Lambda Chapter’s Nashville Advisor’s Council (NAC) were tasked with leading the Ritual, which gave them the inspiration to recreate the historic banquet for the new initiates of the 2016 Cluster, comprised of Chi Chapter (Meharry Medical College), Alpha Chi Chapter (Fisk University), Beta Omicron Chapter (Tennessee State University), Kappa Theta Chapter (Vanderbilt University), Tau Phi Chapter (Austin Peay University), Upsilon Tau Chapter (Belmont University), Tau Lambda Chapter (Nashville, TN), and Kappa Zeta Lambda Chapter (Clarksville, TN). The NAC is an entity formed to mobilize the areas Chapter Advisors for consistency in the guidance, development, and support of each of the undergraduate Chapters under the purview of Tau Lambda. Bros. Westbrook and Thompson endeavored to re-create the entire Ritual, including the Greek Menu, the Toasts, and of course, the fellowship. Bro. Westbrook notes, “The Initiation Banquet is the perfect first official act in the Fraternity built on Brotherhood across generations. Breaking bread with over 100 Brothers from 8 chapters spanning ages from 19 to 89 is the greatest representation of Brotherhood we can demonstrate. Educated men in Alpha Attire, giving moving toasts and partaking in a…recreation of the initiation meal is an excellent and memorable first step in Alpha Fraternalism.” This gathering, of which we are unaware of any other chapters who sponsor such an event, is critical for Neophyte Brothers as they begin their journey. The linchpin of the event is one of the most beloved members of Tau Lambda Chapter, Bro. Brandon Lloyd (Tau Lambda ’14), who prepares and presents the Greek Menu every year since 2016. Never is there an empty belly or unhappy partaker after this luxurious meal!
Starting in 2016, the Initiation Banquet has been held at the following sites:
– Ford Complex Center of Tennessee State University, April 3, 2016
– Tennessee Education Association Building, March 21, 2017
– Massey Board Room at Belmont University, October 8, 2017
– Greater Bethel AME Church, April 29, 2018
– Olivet Baptist Church, March 17, 2019
– Greater Bethel AME Church, March 8, 2020
One newly initiated Brother who was greatly inspired by his experience is Bro. Reggie Blair (Tau Lambda ’19), who, in his professional career, is the Senior Director of Admissions at Lipscomb University. Per Bro. Blair, “After reflecting on my experience participating in my first Initiation Banquet, I am truly honored. Sharing in the same meal as the Founders …was both humbling and inspiring. It’s so easy to focus on the opulence of the meal, however, it’s more impactful to consider the historical context. In those times, it took tremendous effort to assemble such a substantial spread. We must recall that in 1906, Civil Rights legislation was a distant endeavor. Segregation and lack of liberties for African-Americans was the unfortunate status quo.” He further notes, “Fast forward to today…the initiation banquet symbolizes more than just a meal. It represents the spirit of Brotherhood and the continued need for us to band together amid uncertain times. Now more than ever, we must lean on the timeless topic…by Jewel Callis, “Courage, Brother.” Our nation is navigating unprecedented peril as health concerns rise and police brutality against the Black community is at a crux. We must support our own and never forget those who came before us. We must continue to march onward and upward toward the light.”
Current Tau Lambda Chapter President Bro. Anthony Thomas (Eta Gamma ’88) summarizes it best, “While the excitement looms in the air following the initiation of new Brothers into our dear Fraternity, celebrating their decision to make a lifelong commitment to Manly Deeds, Scholarship and Love for All Mankind is essential. Tau Lambda takes hosting this event for our chapter and area chapters very seriously. The initiation banquet serves not only as a celebration, but as a charge to all neophytes that this is the beginning of life as an Alphaman; one in which the world is watching if you will hold the light high. Will you honor your commitment and stay true to the aims of the fraternity? Finally, this banquet serves as a reclamation opportunity and a time of reflection.”
The Initiation Banquets have been honored to host leadership from the North Central Area, the District of Tennessee, and the Southern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha. In fact, upwards of 115 Brothers attended the 2017 event. The culmination of each intake season is invariably highlighted by the Initiation Banquet, and the success of this event has led to great memories and strengthening of Fraternal bonds. The NAC, the host chapter of Tau Lambda, as well as the whole of the area Brotherhood (including Kappa Zeta Lambda) are committed to ensuring that this unique tradition that will continue in perpetuity.
Figure 1. New Initiates from the 2017 Cluster gather prior to the Initiation Banquet
Figure 2. Presentation of the Greek Menu
Figure 3. Bro. Isaac Thompson addresses the attendees of the 2018 Initiation Banquet
Figure 4. New Initiates enjoy the Greek Menu at the 2019 Initiation Banquet
Figure 5. New Initiates from Chi, Kappa Theta, and Kappa Zeta Lambda Chapters are presented at the 2020 Initiation Banquet