On Friday Nov. 11, 2011, Jake Gaither Gymnasium was filled with excitement and anticipation. A line of twenty men in the campus presentation of The “HARD” Alpha Eta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc was introduced to family, staff, students and alumni of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. After 21 years, the tradition of probates was brought back to Gaither Gymnasium. Marvin Green Jr., Director of Student Activities spearheaded this plan. Probates are a day of celebration for Greeks and everyone in attendance. It is a day that symbolizes a commitment for a lifetime to an organization and all its members. Green said, “The venue brings the students, family members, and everyone together who they often can’t see.” In the past, probates have been in various locations from the center of the women’s dorms, Perry Paige Auditorium and even on the track. Having these events in the blistering cold or blazing sun is an unfortunate circumstance for those in attendance. Gaither Gymnasium allows everyone to see the new initiates at a better view. The atmosphere is comfortable and hundreds of seats are provided. “From this date on, all probates will be in Gaither,” Green concluded. Green also expressed that he was glad that everything worked out for the Alpha Eta Chapter. This recent event allowed freshmen to be introduced into many traditions by Green and the Office of Student Activities. For Brittany Taylor, a first year from Pensacola, Fla, this was her first Sigma probate and probate at FAMU. “I cant wait to see the Alphas and the Ques,” Taylor said with a smile on her face.
The 20 men greeted the campus and its community dressed in black sweat suits, blue and white masks and blue stepping boots. Everyone watched in awe as the men performed, as one. They completed drills, greetings, and a traditional step. The sequences was coordinated by the prophytes of the Alpha Eta Chapter. Dean Justin Harris, Leonard Deshommes first ADP, 2nd ADP Julian Ireland and 3rd ADP Cory Beal all led the men. Members of the fraternity sat court side cheering their neophytes on. The unveiling of the new initiates after the presentation sent an indescribable feeling through out the entire room! Many in the audience were surprised when their classmates were unmasked. The crowd was overwhelmed with comments of “wow,” “can you believe it?,” and “who knew?” as the masks came off.
Emotions were high as the “Twenty Soldiers of a Blue Revolution,” gazed out for the first time as “Sigma men.” The look of accomplishment made parents like Tammie Jones- Jefferson and Ed Hall proud. Michael Jefferson who is an active member of FAMU Student Government Association is a part of the “Twenty Soldiers of a Blue Revolution.” Jefferson had his sweatshirt and mask removed by his mother, Tammie Jones- Jefferson. Jones -Jefferson became a member of the Lambda Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. during the fall of 1984. Jones-Jefferson was number 10 on her line. She pledged at Jackson State University. Michael Jefferson’s father was the eight on his line, who is also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. As they rejoiced in the showcasing of their son, they both celebrated their 27th year anniversary as Greeks in “Divine 9.” Jefferson went on to express the truly amazing feeling to be able to call his father, “frat” and his mother, “soror.” Jefferson also spoke about being his parents’s “brother” in addition to being their only son.
Over the microphone one of the ADPs stated the student’s name, hometown and line number which were followed by their line name. A line name is a representation of who the student is or a memory of something that occurs, before or during the process of pledging. The tradition of removing the sweatshirt is “the unveiling of the new member. It represents a new beginning. After going through so much, it’s finally over and that person is finally member,” said Leonard Deshommes, the first ADP. Ed Hall is the father of number three, Emilio “Hell Date” Hall. Ed Hall removed his son’s sweat shirt. Hall traveled from Austin, TX to partake in the Greek festivities. Hall crossed Sigma during his prime and said, “man, I’m excited, I’m relieved and it’s a continuation of a legacy that I have been dreaming about for 23 years.”. Congratulations to the new initiates of the “HARD” Alpha Eta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.