BREAK IT DOWN!
It has been asserted that time flies. Yet, most of us would agree 50 years is an appreciable span of time. I think that’s a fair assessment. And yet, this past weekend, I celebrated a Golden Jubilee for the fourth time in a quadrennial. And that’s not an exaggeration.
Since May 2022, I attended my 50th High School Class Reunion in Belhaven, NC, in 2023, I celebrated 50 years as a member of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter of my Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., in 2025, I participated in my Golden Anniversary College Graduation Ceremony at Fayetteville State University, and in 2026, this past weekend to be precise, I culminated the work of the Organizing Committee by being on hand at the Golden Jubilee Gala of the Mu Zeta Chapter of my Fraternity, that I helped Found, while matriculating as a Graduate Student at UNC.
The events of this past weekend, which was definitely a celebration, differed from the other observances in a very critical manner. I was a member/participant in the first three occasions. But, in both 1976, and in 2026, I was an active organizer, planner, and executer. Interestingly, in retrospect, the process of researching, planning, organizing, and executing the activities of the first MZ Pledge Line in 1976 consumed 6-7 months of intensely frenetic activity. By contrast, preparing for the Golden Jubilee festivities played out over an entire year.
The events of MZ50, the final elements of MZ Week, were meticulously planned, and scrupulously executed. Thursday activities included Small Group Reunions, consisting primarily of individual Lines. This was an important activity because over the course of MZ’s 50 years, the Chapter initiated 48 Lines in 50 years.
On Friday morning, there was a Golfing outing at Finley Forest Golf Course, followed by a gathering at The Pit, where the Brothers of the most recent Line, The PHinal Reckoning of Omertà, Strolled. Friday evening’s Brother’s Reception convened in the Carolina Blue Zone, the most exclusive section of Kenan Football Stadium.
On Saturday, the array of Brotherhood engagement included the Tar Heel Ten-Miler, Basketball, and an MZ Business Meeting, the latter held at the Sonja Stone Cultural Center. The Crown Jewel event of the weekend, the Mu Zeta Golden Jubilee Gala was held at the George Watts Hill Alumni Center. The Gala featured a video appearance by the Fraternity’s General President, Lucien J. Metellus, and in-person appearances by Past General President, Everett B. Ward, Southern Regional Vice President, Matthew S. Bradford, and the NC District Director, Luico R. Holland. In addition to the Necrology Service, paying homage to the 22 MZ Brothers, who have transitioned to Omega Chapter, Mrs. Betty Burney, the Widow of the Charter Line Dean of Pledges, Brother Calvin Burney, Sr., made brief remarks. She was accompanied by Brother Calvin Burney, Jr., Brother Owen Burney, and Brother Terence Burney, Brother Burney’s son and Brothers, respectively.
The Golden Jubilee culminated Sunday morning with an Ecumenical Service at the Sheraton, Chapel Hill. Brother Rev. Rodvegas Ingram delivered a stirring message. Over the course of the weekend, Registration and attendance were strong. More than 175 Brothers attended the Friday evening Brothers Reception, over 100 Brothers attended the Business Meeting Saturday afternoon, more than 250 Brothers and guests attended the Gala Saturday evening, and 125 Brothers and guests attended the Ecumenical Service. “Fifty Years: Another Jubilee!”
I’m done; holla back!
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BREAK IT DOWN! 