After the Iota Beta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. transferred from the Black Fraternal Council to the Inter-Fraternity Council in February, some members of the University community debated whether the Alphas had made the right decision.
Two months later, the Alphas are active members of the IFC and continue to feel positive about their decision, according to Alpha Secretary Cameron Webb.
"It worked out well, and I think we're definitely still exactly on track with our original vision for joining the IFC," Webb said.
In reference to the debate over their decision, Webb said, "I think that as time has gone on we really had the chance to talk to our peers and the administration, and we've really garnered support from the community."
Webb said he thinks the interaction between the BFC and the Alphas and the other IFC chapters has improved significantly since February. IFC President Ross Kimbel said no conflicts have occurred within the IFC since the Alphas became members.
"Contrary to what people may have thought, the switch from the NPHC has actually strengthened communication and ties between myself and Isaac [Agbeshie-Noye, BFC President]," Kimbel said.
Agbeshie-Noye said there has not been any substantial change in the relationship between the IFC and BFC.
"I can honestly say whatever the Alphas do, we will support them because we are historically bound to them," he said. "We hope that they will support us, too."
African-American Affairs Dean M. Rick Turner said he continues to maintain that the Alphas made a wrong choice in switching organizations.
"I thought it was a mistake then, and I still think it's a mistake," Turner said.
Although he said he is opposed to the Alphas' decision, it has not affected his interaction with the IFC, Turner said.
"I have no animosity towards the men in the Alphas," he said. "I still love those young men like they were my own sons. This is not about being mad at them."
Turner said enhancing the relationship between the Office of African-American Affairs and the IFC is entirely separate from the Alphas' switch. He said he currently is working on a program with Kimbel for IFC members to tutor inner-city students.
"The catalyst to strengthening the relationship between the IFC and the Office of African-American Affairs was the Alphas joining the IFC," Kimbel said.
As for any hard feelings from the BFC, Kimbel said he maintains that there are none.
"Isaac and I meet on a regular basis and there are zero hard feelings between us," Kimbel said. "We are collaborating more closely than every."
Kimbel said the Alphas contribute more community service hours per man than the other members of the IFC, and the Alphas' goals of community service are a great contribution to the organization's success.
Structurally, a large difference between the Alphas and the rest of the IFC is their rush process. Organizing an open house for the Alphas during the IFC rush weeks is a possibility as an effort for the Alphas to become a part of a broader Greek community, Webb said.
The BFC is going through its own structural changes as it heads towards becoming a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The change began to take place before the Alphas switched organizations and now is in the final stages of paperwork, Agbeshie-Noye said.
"We did realize altogether that there were some things we wanted to change," he said. "So we made some changes and organized the Council so that we could more efficiently serve the community."
Webb and Kimbel said the Alphas and the IFC are looking forward to the next year.
"We really want to thank everyone for their support both with the African-American communities and the University community at large and the brothers are all very grateful," Webb said. "Everything is definitely looking up. Keep your eyes and ears open for big things coming from the Iota Beta chapter next year."
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