Famous fraternity has a ball in Bermuda

More than 500 ‘brothers’ travelled here with their families, bringing an estimated $650,000 into Bermuda’s economy.

Alpha Phi Alpha was the first inter-collegiate fraternity established by African-Americans, in 1906.

The conference included a leadership symposium, a step show, beauty pageant and basketball tournament.

It ended with a Black and Gold Ball on Saturday, attended by up to 1,000 guests.

Premier Paula Cox was also present with members of the Cabinet.

The weekend was described as a “roaring success” by Bermuda chapter vice president Dwayne Caines, who said all the events had sold out.

Honour

Alpha men spoke at the Westgate Correctional Facility and hosted a leadership development session for 20 Bermudian high school boys.

The Ball began with a cocktail hour and guests were then treated to a Gombey performance.

Dinner consisted of a mixed green salad, beef tenderloin, garlic shrimp with mashed potatoes and spring vegetables, followed by a Jivara chocolate and banana marquise.

Local chapter president Diallo Rabain said: “It’s indeed an honour to see the 800-plus people who have come here to celebrate service.

“My dear brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha, on behalf on the people of Bermuda, I thank you for heeding the call and making your way to Bermuda.” He said the event had helped boost the economy, with 1,200 nights booked in hotels.

“I am sure the hotel and local retailers felt the presence of Alpha Phi Alpha,” Mr. Rabain said.

Keynote speaker for the evening, Harry Johnson, spoke about the fraternity raising more than $100 million for the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial.

Alpha icon

Dr. King was also a member of the fraternity.

“In this life, you never know where God is going to place, put or send you but there’s one thing you must know, believe or understand,” Mr. Johnson said.

“When he places, puts or sends you, you better be prepped, prepared and present.

“What you need to know is God places, puts or sends someone into your life so make sure you do what he asks you to do.”

He said: “Dr. King was not just an Alpha icon. Dr. King wasn’t just an African-American icon. Dr. King changed the world.”

He also spoke of the challenges he and a staff of 11 overcame in raising $113 million for the memorial.

Ms Cox told guests: “Ever since we as Bermudians arrived at this beautiful, spectacular gala, every single one of these members of the fraternity have reached out to us to thank us.

“On behalf of the Government and people, we have learned from you some life lessons and those life lessons are service.”

At the end of the Ball, Alpha men joined in a circle and sang their hymn, hand in hand.