Today, I attended my first initiation ceremony n over 12 years. The Iota Alpha Sigma grad chapter (Bay Area Metro) initiated Bro. Graig Brooks this morning in Oakland, CA. I remember the anxiety felt during my own ceremony, nearly 13 years ago. I was wide-eyed and in a bit of disbelief as James guided us through the ritual. Just minutes before, we were holed up in one of the bedrooms taking a history test. I was confident in my knowledge, but unsure if we’d pass as a line together. Aw hell, I can admit it. I knew my stuff but 2 of ’em didn’t…and you know who you are, Sands. LOL. As we were escorted from the room, I coulda sworn they were gonna be like “Forget it. Get out.”, but boy was I surprised. As the ritual conveyed to us the Fraternity’s secrets and symbolisms, the realization that I was actually becoming a Sigma overwhelmed me. Then I started to put things together like “i guess that thing last night was crossing the burning sands” which was immediately followed by “oh sands. i get it now. that’s where it comes from.” Frickin’ blonde moment if I ever had one.
Anyway, if you haven’t participated in an initiation ritual in some time, try to. It just might help you remember why you joined in the first place.