2000-2002 Black UNC History: Alpha Phi Alpha Mu Zeta Chapter Versus Kappa Alpha Psi Theta Omicron Chapter

Let us travel backwards in time to The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 2000-2002 campus to analyze the fiercest rivalry to ensnare the UNC Yard during this era. To the uninitiated, 'The Yard' is the prominent central meeting place of all college campuses that also doubles as connotation for the Black Community at-large of the particular University. In retrospect, the historic Alpha Phi Alpha Mu Zeta Chapter versus Kappa Alpha Psi Theta Omicron clash shall indeed serve to highlight the array of challenges confronting the African American.

The antagonism arrives against a backdrop of a gorgeous, pristine campus that is perpetually ranked amongst the top-25 in the Nation. The undergraduate student body population tallied approximately 20,000; and of this 20,000, 10% were Black and 85% enrolled as residents of the state of North Carolina.

The four major National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) historically Black Fraternities are Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi (Ques), and Phi Beta Sigma, that all carry broad and distinctive stereotypes. Respectively, Alphas have come to be viewed as sophisticated, intelligent brothers; Kappas glorify the pretty boy-player Nupe lifestyle; Omegas are classified as burly types; and the Phi Beta Sigma camp typically lacks a general definition.

Of course, all members will boast that their organization is indeed the finest - while personally lambasting, or standing pat while their brethren rail against other fraternities for being weak, gay, Sambo-like Uncle Toms.

Per 2000-2002 UNC's Yard, the Ques were largely underground due to a discrepancy in their pledging process; and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity lacked a strong presence at Chapel Hill.

Kappa and Alpha were both presenting lines of freshly made brothers to the campus Yard annually - highlighted by Mu Zeta's Fall 2000 Regenesis line of eleven. Both chapters averaged between ten and twenty members in total between this 2000-2002 period - which qualifies as heady representation at a predominately white school.

Logically, dominance over the Black Fraternity scene at Carolina was to be determined by the machinations of the Kappa Alpha Psi and Alpha Phi Alpha Matrix. The battle lines were drawn:

Mu Zeta versus Theta Omicron.

The war was fueled by "he said, she said" gossip, blatant disrespect, and disloyal females that switched sides in The Game. The ongoing saga of one-upmanship manifested itself within parties, social events, and the service projects sponsored by both organizations. We brazenly competed to proclaim dominion over various girlfriends, prominent leadership positions at UNC, grades, and ultimately the attraction of interested parties and initiates that would thoughtfully promulgate our respective legacies.

2000-2002 Old Gold Alpha Phi Alpha versus Nupe Warfare at UNC:

1: Alpha Man UNC-Charlotte transfer punches Kappa in the face at TO Great Hall Party.

2: Alpha Man agitates the opposition by defiantly wandering into Kappa Alpha Psi smoker meeting held for undergraduates expressing interest in Kappa.

3: Both Fraternities are thrown out of Davis Library for grandstanding, violent rhetoric. The fiasco spills onto the Yard and Carolina's Mangum Dorm Parking Lot.

4: Countless girlfriends sniped, shared, and stolen between the groups.

5: Vehement accusations of copy cat behavior.

Ironically, the charged atmosphere pitted two elite groups of traditionally upstanding gentlemen characterized by their sheer intelligence and debonair qualities against each other. The speculative chatter that divided the Yard parallels the ongoing challenges of the Black Community.

These contradictory idioms include the paradigm of matriculating into society while maintaining one's Blackness, the push and pull dynamic delineating the upper crust from the masses, the marginalization of the Black Female, and the prevailing fundamental aspects of Black Political Thought.

The industrial, workmanlike Booker T. Washington versus the W.E.B. Dubois talented-tenth debate rages on. Although the Black Greek subset preaches unity - this version of allegiance rests upon an idealist notion of an elite group of individuals dictating leadership towards the Black community and proceeding to telegraph that message throughout the reaches of humanity. Still, that message must be carefully delivered within an Afrocentric wrapper in order to dismiss the maddeningly inevitable bourgeoisie accusations of "acting white" and sheepishly performing a puppet-like, House Negro Sambo dance for "Massa."

The stereotypical Kappa conundrum equates to Black materialism. Unfortunately, style is often revered and celebrated at the expense of pure substance within the Black community. The downtrodden often cling to flair as a means to exude false wealth and broadcast perceived status to a hostile world.

Although quality purchases and said displays of our tireless efforts may serve as motivational-reward tools; extravagant "hey, look at me" pomp and bombastic exhibitions of false social standing is absolutely abhorrent. This mindset must be eliminated at all costs.

I would not doubt the fact that at least one member of Theta Omicron would plunk down $500 for a hideous Iceberg designer sweater, only to be begging his compatriots for a free meal swipe at Lenoir Hall the following evening.

The machismo culture of both organizations led to the marginalization of several members of our Black Female counterparts within the Raleigh-Durham Triangle area. This directive is not an indicator of blame or a veiled attack against the Black Man. The directive is merely an honest assessment of the situation. Quite frankly, both genders must share the blame.

The Trophy, game-hunting mentality was fueled by basic Boone Turchi Economics 101 (ECON 10 at UNC) supply and demand. The availability of women that were all too eager to please men with letters and the merry-go-round sentiment of my NPHC Fraternal brethren met at a perfect equilibrium confluence.

The propensity of some females to desperately attach themselves to these bold men within seconds of a probate is symbolic of caustic rap lyrics that degrade legions of Black Women as gold diggers - incapable of supporting a Brother due to his own merit, rather than his steady bankroll.

Individuals that seek to Game others in search of status will be dealt with accordingly.

The happenings undergird a political, Black voting bloc that is racially progressive for its own survival - yet socially and economically conservative in step with America's ugly history of slavery and discrimination towards the Black community. Yes, the eerie clouds of chaos that threaten unfair, bitter loss at every turn cloud our collective psyche. Hence, the Black Church looms large as the primary beacon of structural Hope within our communities.

For example, I intimated earlier that the disparate NPHC Fraternities often retaliated against each other with cryptic allegations of homosexuality. The outrage, Scarlet Letter accusations, and shame have fostered a dangerous "down low" movement of men leading double lives that appear palatable to others upon the surface. Essentially, we must foreshadow that the gay marriage debate will continue to fracture the Democratic Party and President Obama will anger powerful constituents, regardless of his position.

Indeed, the challenges confronting the Diaspora in America are wide ranging. We have effectively presented, evaluated, and analyzed the primary drivers behind this Alpha Phi Alpha versus Kappa Alpha Psi combat waged upon the UNC-Chapel Hill battleground. Our intimate knowledge of these matters has been converted into useful tools for all onlookers seeking to delve into Black America. Our intent is not to create division, or actually rationalize the ongoing debate in regards to who really runs the Yard (Alpha). Our intent is to incite thoughtful dialogue and unite towards viable solutions.

Black History is Made Every Day.

'06