Happy 117th and cheers to the Good Bruhs.

One time to the oldest and the coldest fraternity of all-time. Also, I made a cocktail recipe to celebrate the anniversary. '06.

On December 4th, 1906, seven students at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, founded Alpha Phi Alpha — the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity. An organization established for African-American men, the founders recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood for young blacks looking to succeed in college and in life beyond the campus.

On November 8th, 2003, I officially became a member of the prestigious organization. (Rock, 5-Club, Beta Kappa, Fall ‘03)

Infragilis Praemiums. Fall 2003. Beta Kappa. Langston University. (Source: Me)

Membership has its privileges, certainly. Ask any man who pledged Alpha, Kappa, Omega, Sigma or Iota. Ask any woman who pledged AKA, Delta, SGRho or Zeta. What I assumed would be perks of the organization (career advancement, mentorship and networking) are not the perks that I appreciate the most today.

The truth is, I’m grateful for Alpha because I’ve never felt alone in any city I’ve been in.

As an only child, I learned quickly how to make friends, establish relationships, and maintain connections. I’ve never lacked friends. I’ve always been comfortable in various social circles. I’m an extrovert. I was voted “Mr. Congeniality” in high school. Yeah, I’m that guy.

College days… (Source: Me)

So when it came time to leave Oklahoma, all of those skills and characteristics became necessary to use. Moving from Oklahoma City to Cincinnati, Cincinnati to Oakland, Oakland to Los Angeles, and Los Angeles to present-day Houston — my network was tested. Every time, Alpha came through.

Seven of my nine groomsmen (yes, I know that’s a lot) were Alpha men whom I met in the various places named above. Through them, I found my way to new passions, experiences and resources, including:

• Leadership (Jeremy)

• Truthtelling in feature writing (Kenny)

• Loyalty (Terrence)

• Scotch (Sean)

• Work ethic (Richard)

• Sports are meant to be fun (Jarrell)

• How to be a proper wingman (Craig)

Those brothers — along with those experiences — have absolutely shaped me into the husband, father, son, brother and man I am today.

Three bruhs. Three best men. I had way too many best men. (Source: Me)

I recognize now that Alpha is not all that different than our spirits club — Brown Liquor Collective — and this newsletter — Sip Mightily. It’s a safe space where those who look to explore, learn and share can do so in a community that welcomes them because of a similar interest and mindset.

I’m thankful for Alpha for showing me the way. I’m appreciative of my communities for giving me a space to grow and find myself. I’m hopeful that I can continue to create a few spaces for others to do the same.

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Recipe: Black and Old Gold Rush

Tonight, I’ll call my brothers across the country and the globe, to check in on how college days swiftly pass, imbued with mem'ries fond. While doing so, I’ll sip a Black and Old Gold Rush — a cocktail I concocted to celebrate the 117th year of our fraternity. This is a remix of the standard Gold Rush, one I made plenty of for friends in Lake Tahoe. This time, let’s elevate it a bit more, something deserving of a celebration.

Cold. (Source: Johnnie Walker)

• Serve: Old fashioned glass

• Garnish: Lemon wedge

• Ingredients:

  • 2 oz — Johnnie Walker Black blended scotch (If you’re willing to splurge, go ahead and go JW Double Black )

  • 0.75 oz — Lemon Juice

  • 0.75 oz — Honey Syrup (Easy recipe here. I recommend going 2:1 honey to water)

  • 1 pinch — Smoked Salt (You can find this at Walmart for $5)

• Make: Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake and strain into an ice-filled glass. (I’d recommend using a big cube block or sphere)

The Gold Rush is a simple classic. This version kicks in some smoke, peat and verve with the scotch and salt. I hope you enjoy sipping this, even if you’re an Alpha or you’re not. It’s all about community, so let’s continue to sip and share.

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Here’s a photo dump of Alpha throughout the years of my life. One time to the Good Bruhs. Always.