Episode 17

CHRISTIAN has gone to visit the Pyramid pledgees after she was told that she could no longer be in charge of their intake process.


(BREANNA opens the door.)

PYRAMIDS - Greetin...
CHRISTIAN - Stop. Stop.

(CHRISTIAN comes in and closes the door.)

CHRISTIAN - Sit down so we can talk.

(THERESA and BREANNA sit down.)

CHRISTIAN - Look, here's the deal. I love you two but some changes are going to be made in your intake process and I have brought you as far as I can bring you. But before I get into that, I need both of you to do me a really,
really big favor!

(CHRISTIAN begins to explain to the Pyramids what she wants them to do. They are staring back at her paying attention, but somewhat surprised.)

CHRISTIAN - Do yall understand?
PYRAMIDS - Yes Big Sister DSTeazy Off Tha Heazy Fo Sheazy My Neazy!
CHRISTIAN - And you understand the order I want this done in?
PYRAMIDS - Yes Big Sister DSTeazy Off Tha Heazy Fo Sheazy My Neazy!
CHRISTIAN - Call my cell phone when you get back. I want to hear how it goes.

(silence)

CHRISTIAN - Good luck you too. I love you.

(CHRISTIAN gets up, grabs her bag and walks out the door without saying another word.)

THERESA - Oooooookay...what was all that about?
BREANNA - I don't know.
THERESA - You think it's a test or something?
BREANNA - She seemed very emotional and serious. I don't think so.
THERESA - Well whatever the case, we better get started. Who's first?

(BREANNA looks at the paper that CHRISTIAN gave her.)

BREANNA - Willie.
WILLIE - Hey...it's Willie.

(DEXTER is shocked and pauses for a moment.)

DEXTER - Hey...wassup.
WILLIE - What's up with you?
DEXTER - Nothing much.

(silence)

WILLIE - Well I was just calling to say thank you. For um...bringing that book over for Theresa.
DEXTER - Oh, that's fine. You don't have to thank me for that.
WILLIE - Well that was nice of you and we appreciate it.
DEXTER - Sure, no problem.

(silence)

WILLIE - Okay bye.
DEXTER - Uh bye.

(click)

WILLIE thinks - Okay, how stupid was that phone call!

(She closes her eyes, sighs, then dials again.)

JASON - Hello.
WILLIE - Hey.
JASON - Hey! What you doin'?
WILLIE - Not much. What are you up to?
JASON - I was just checking out ESPN. You know how I do.
WILLIE - Yeah! You and that show! Hee hee!

(There is a knock on the door.)

WILLIE - Hold on babe, somebody is at the door.

(WILLIE puts the phone down and opens the door. She sees both THERESA and BREANNA.)

WILLIE - What are yall...come on in.

(They follow her in.)

WILLIE - Jason, let me call you back. It's our pledgees.
JASON - Sure, do your thing.

(They hang up.)

WILLIE - What brings you ladies by? I thought we said we'd call you.

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TY is recalling the history of Omega Psi Phi fraternity incorporated at their interest meeting.


TY - President Thirkfield instructed the founders of Omega to take all the index cards down from the main campus. And after they did that, he would reconsider their submission to form a fraternity. Personally, I would've left
them hanging all over the place!

(The Omegas laugh. The interested students sit in silence.)

TY - Nonetheless, seeing a bigger picture, the founders persevered.
EDGAR - Sir, how do we convince you that we are not causing trouble? But instead creating something outstanding and powerful for young Black men?
DR. THIRKFIELD - The first thing you can do is take all those information cards off campus.
EDGAR - And if we do that, will you see our formation through?

(PRESIDENT THIRKFIELD rubs his chin in his hand.)

DR. THIRKFIELD - You take the cards down. And I do mean all of them. After you do that, come back and see me and I will read through your paperwork more closely and have my decision by then.
FRANK - Yes sir. So we will do that right away. And then we will check back with you and your office on our paperwork.
DR. THIRKFIELD - Okay then.

(Everyone stands up and shakes hands. As everyone leaves, DR. THIRKFIELD turns toward DR. JUST.)

DR. THIRKFIELD - Ernest, you got a second?

(DR. JUST turns back around.)

ERNEST - Yes...sir.

(DR. THIRKFIELD waits until the other gentlemen leave the office.)

DR. THIRKFIELD - Ernest be straight with me. What's this all about?
ERNEST - This is serious Wilber. This isn't something we haven't put a lot of thought into. These students have spent a lot of time and energy. And put a lot of thought into this.
DR. THIRKFIELD - But why Ernest?
ERNEST - Wilber we can be the first Black fraternity founded at an all Black campus. That will be historic.

(DR. THIRKFIELD is silent as he thinks about it.)

ERNEST - I see the wheels turning in your head Wilber.

(DR. THIRKFIELD smiles.)

DR. THIRKFIELD - You should know me better than that Ernest.
ERNEST - I do doctor.

(ERNEST smiles.)

DR. THIRKFIELD - Have a good day doctor.

(DR. THIRKFIELD smiles as he takes DR. JUST's hand and shakes it.)

DR. THIRKFIELD - And take those index cards down. I mean it Ernest.

(ERNEST smiles as he leaves the presiden't office.)

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The Pryamids visit WILLIE upon instruction from CHRISTIAN.


WILLIE - What brings you ladies by? I thought we said we'd call you.
PRYAMID THERESA - Big sister, we are messengers. Here to deliver.
PYRAMID BREANNA - So please big sister, sit down and just hear this.

(WILLIE is confused but sits down.)

PYRAMID BREANNA - We don't know the contents of this package. We don't know what any of this is about.

(THERESA opens an envelope with WILLIE's name on it.)

PYRAMID BREANNA - We are to read the contents of this envelope to you and leave.

(PYRAMID THERESA immediately begins to read.)

PYRAMID THERESA - This is a bitter sweet reunion for me. My choices in life have been bitter and sweet. The journey to Delta Sigma Theta has been the greatest choice of my life. The greatest. The most sweet. The choice to love Delta, the choice to honor Delta, the choice to respect Delta have been great and wonderful choices. Choices that I would make again. The choice to in turn disrespect Delta has been the worse I have ever made. The most bitter. It is hard for me to say I am sorry, because I knew what I was doing when I did it.
Am I sorry that I made this mistake? Yes. I can't take it back and I can understand everyone's reaction. I would react the same way. I deserve all that I got and will adhere to the decisions made by the sisterhood.
I love my growth in Delta and I love the growth made by the little sisters. I love the progress and the young hearts, minds, and energy that will be directed within Delta in the years to come.
I wanted, needed to make this correspondence to you Willie because you are my sister. I love you and I apologize. I am not sorry, I apologize. This is not to change your mind or more importantly your heart. But it is to say that I apologize my sister, my soror. Your sister, Chris.

(PYRAMID THERESA folds the letter and places it back into the envelope. She then motions to BREANNA and they both walk toward the door. WILLIE doesn't say anything, she watches the Pyramids close the door behind themselves.)

PYRAMID BREANNA - What was that letter about? Is Christian in trouble or something?
PYRAMID THERESA - I don't know but I felt like crying when I was reading what she wrote. Whatever happened, she certainly feels sorry for it.
PYRAMID BREANNA - Yeah. Well who's next?
PYRAMID THERESA - Uh...next we have to to see Robin with her letter, and then...

(PYRAMID THERESA checks PYRAMID BREANNA's face to see her reaction.)

PYRAMID THERESA - After that, we have to go see Stacie with her letter.
PYRAMID BREANNA thinks - Damn!
PYRAMID THERESA - Well let's head over to Robin's place. Apparently these letters are important. Very important.
PYRAMID BREANNA - Yeah.

(They turn and begin to walk down the hall.)

PYRAMID THERESA - I wonder how Willie took that.
WILLIE - Answer the phone Chris...answer the phone!

(CHRISTIAN looks at her cell phone and sees that it is WILLIE calling.)

CHRISTIAN - Damn, that was quick! She's calling me already! You were right...these letters are gonna work fine!
MONA - Told ya!

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The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity are posing for a picture after their yard show at Amgis College. DENICE patiently waits for BRANDON to return so that she can talk to him.


SALEEMA - Hey D. What time are you headed back to Ahpla?
DENICE - I don't know. Me and Brandon need to talk. We may take a walk or something.
SALEEMA - Is everything okay?
DENICE - I hope so.
SALEEMA - What's wrong?
DENICE - Oh nothing girl. I'm just talkin' mess.
SALEEMA - You sure you gonna be okay?
DENICE - Yeah. I'll be fine.
SALEEMA - Okay well call me when you get back to campus. I'm gonna go ahead and head home now. I'm tired. I feel like I been steppin' all day.

(DENICE laughs.)

DENICE - Okay, I'll call you. Thanks Saleema.
SALEEMA - Anytime soror.

(They hug.)

SALEEMA - And here comes your boy now.

(DENICE turns around and sees the brothers starting to disperse after the group picture. Some of them are taking individual shots, and some with their line brothers. Some with older members as well.)

DENICE thinks - Okay, be strong Denice. I have to put this to an end once and for all.

(BRANDON is stopped by a student who congratulates him as he walks toward DENICE.)

DENICE thinks - I don't know why I'm so worried. Brandon loves me and I love him. I know that I can tell him the truth and he'll understand. I told him that we're a couple because I've always loved him. He won't get mad over
that.

(BRANDON smiles as he turns toward DENICE.)

DENICE thinks - But what if Brandon gets pissed off and he trips out? What if he gets really mad about this? Damn! I gotta make a decision quick! Should I admit it! Don't admit!

(BRANDON walks up and immediately hugs DENICE.)

DENICE thinks - I'm gonna tell him.
BRANDON - Oh baby! I am so happy!
DENICE thinks - I can't tell him.
BRANDON - This is what I've been waiting for for so long!
DENICE thinks - I have to tell him!
BRANDON - This is the exact feeling that I have wanted for so bad. I am so happy that I am finally here now!
DENICE thinks - I have to tell him. I have to.
DENICE - That's great baby. But there's something I have to tell...
BRANDON - Wait, wait. One more thing.

(BRANDON pauses.)

BRANDON - When I say I'm happy, I really mean that this is a wonderful time in my life. Denice when you pledged Zeta last year, I was so envious. But there was no way for me to do Phi Beta Sigma at Ahpla because there is no
chapter there. I don't really remember all of the details of when you went over...my memory is still a little shaky at times.

(DENICE glances away, then back at BRANDON.)

BRANDON - But I do remember me being happy for you, but jealous at the same time. I mean, you were my girl, so I know I must've been happy for you...eventhough I don't really remember. But anyway, now that we are frat
and soror it is a whole different feeling.

(BRANDON looks away as if he is staring into space.)

BRANDON - But to have the one you love as your girlfriend, your best friend, and your soror...

(BRANDON looks back at DENICE and he takes both her hands in his as he stares into her eyes.)

BRANDON - ...there is no way to really describe the love that I feel for you.

(He smiles and then leans in to kiss her on the cheek. She smiles uncomfortably.)

BRANDON - Thank you for being there for me baby. I love you.
DENICE - I love you too...Brandon.
BRANDON - Hey, are you hungry? Wanna go to the twenty four seven? I got some extra money from my dad.
DENICE - Sure Brandon.
BRANDON - Good cuz steppin' sure works up an apetitie.
DENICE - Uh...yeah.

(They turn and begin to walk together.)

BRANDON - Oh by the way. Wasn't there something you wanted to tell me?

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Three weeks later.


EDGAR - I can't believe we haven't heard anything yet! That meeting with the president was weeks ago!
OSCAR - This is ridiculous!
FRANK - Didn't you say you spoke to the president after our meeting with him.
ERNEST - Yes I did.
OSCAR - And it sounded like he was in approval for what we are trying to do with Omega?
ERNEST - That is what I was led to believe.

(silence)

ERNEST - We still need to press forward with our plans. The extra publicity that we received was helpful in bringing good, quality candidates who want to be a part of this new movement.
EDGAR -Yes, we have some good people speaking with us and excited about it.
ERNEST - We should go ahead as planned and make a home for them in this fraternity. We can speak to the administration again and see where that gets us.
TY - The founders took in new members, just at a time when they heard that the university administration postponed their decision in order to find out more information about fraternities at other campuses. The founders still pressed on.

(The members of Omega have decided to meet to discuss their next strategic move.)

FRANK - This is a disappointment. A major disappointment.
OSCAR - Yes it is but we can't let this deter us. Let's send them another letter. Dr. Just, since you know the president on a personal basis, can you speak with him again?
ERNEST - I can try.
EDGAR - What seems to be their hesitation?
ERNEST - I know what it is. This is very risky for the university. It is risky for Howard as it would be for any school. At some institutions, white fraternities have caused nothing but trouble. Drinking parties, wild nights at their fraternity houses.
FRANK - But we explained to the administration that we aren't like that. How much more proof do they need?
EDGAR - Yeah, what do you think we should do now?
ERNEST - We need to bombard them again with new letters. Our numbers have grown since the last time and maybe now they will realize how serious we are.


(After more letters were sent and submitted, a letter was received by the Omegas. It was from the Howard University administration.)

OSCAR - Read it Frank. What does it say?

(FRANK opens the letter.)

FRANK - To the members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. We the university administration would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Howard family.
ERNEST - Yes!
OSCAR - Finally!
FRANK - Wait, there's more.

(Everyone quiets down while FRANK COLEMAN continues to read.)

FRANK - We are pleased and honored to have your fraternity founded on our campus. And after much research, we the administration feel that a local fraternity will be just what the Howard community needs.
EDGAR - A local fraternity?

(FRANK continues.)

FRANK - As long as the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity agrees to not leave the campus of Howard University and remain local, it has the full support of the administration, faculty, and staff.

(silence)

ERNEST - That is out of the question!
EDGAR - Indeed it is! There is no way we're agreeing to those terms!
ERNEST - No, no way.
OSCAR - Back to the drawing board.
EDGAR - I don't care how long it takes. We will be a nationally recognized fraternity!

(TY looks at the audience who seem to be hanging on his every word.)

TY - This went on for a long time. Back and forth with the administration. The founders resubmitted, the administration wanted them to stay local. Back and forth back and forth. Why did I choose to tell you this story this way? To prove a valuable lesson and point to us all. That true perseverance is the key. Never give up, never quit. In all that you do, this is a life lesson. The founders were not satisfied until Omega was created the way that Omega needed to be created. After their hard work, after they bled for Omega, sweated for Omega, and cried for Omega...finally...

(EDGAR opens the most recent letter from the Howard administration.)

OSCAR - I don't even want to hear this one.

(EDGAR begins to read to himself, not reading aloud. The other Omegas in the room assume it is the normal letter from the administration urging Omega Psi Phi to remain local to the campus of Howard University.)

ERNEST - What we should do next is...

(Everyone is startled as EDGAR begins to read loudly. He has a smile on his face.)

EDGAR - We the administration blah blah blah wish to congratulate the newest national fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity on its founding. It is indeed an honor and a priviledge to witness history in the making as Howard
University is the home of the first Black fraternity founded on a Black college campus. Congratulations and God's speed in your endeavors.
TY - Our founders shake hands with one another and hug all the brothers in attendance. They realize that finally they can go about the work of building this great fraternity and recognize that the work is now only beginning.

(TY closes his notebook.)

TY - Thank you.

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BRANDON and DENICE are leaving Amgis College's campus and going to the Twenty Four Seven diner. BRANDON has just expressed his love for DENICE, but she has something to tell him.



(They turn and begin to walk together.)

BRANDON - Oh by the way. Wasn't there something you wanted to tell me?

(They stop and he turns to her for her answer.)

DENICE - Um...
DENICE thinks - I love you Denice. I love you too Brandon.

(silence)

DENICE - Uh...I needed to tell you that...
DENICE thinks - I love you Denice.
DENICE - ...that...I don't know why yall let Seth be the step leader. You are a much better stepper than he is.
BRANDON - Yeah right!

(BRANDON bursts out laughing.)

BRANDON - That'll be the day when I step better than Seth! Ha ha ha ha ha! That's a good one! Clearly you feel that way because you're my girl! Hey Miri!
MIRI - Yeah Brandon!

(MIRI turns away from GINA to address BRANDON.)

BRANDON - Hey man, Denice thinks I should be the step leader instead of Seth! What you think?
MIRI - I agree. And you should write the poems too instead of me!

(Both MIRI and BRANDON laugh.)

MIRI - Ha ha ha ha, that's funny!
GINA - Yeah. I actually watched Brandon. He ain't all that good!
MIRI - Ooooh, you messed up! You know you wrong! Ha ha ha!
GINA - I'm just saying! Ha ha ha ha! You know I'm tellin' the truth!

(MIRI smiles.)

MIRI - Yeah, but I ain't gonna say nothin' about it! I keeps mine to myself!

(They both laugh.)

GINA - So anyway. What's this deep thing you want to talk to me about?
MIRI - Here...sit down G.

(They both sit on a bench together.)

HAYDEN - Hey frat!

(HAYDEN is leaving with some of the Sigma brothers.)

HAYDEN - We're heading to the frat house. You comin'?
MIRI - Uh yeah man. I'll catch up.
HAYDEN - Cool!

(MIRI turns toward GINA.)

MIRI - Gina...my life has gone through a drastic change in this last year.
GINA - Who you tellin' mister greek letter organization!

(They both laugh.)

MIRI - Exactly. I've changed a lot. But many things have remained the same. I'm still writing poetry and finding myself in my writing. While I was on line, I wrote some powerful pieces that I want to share with you.
GINA - I'd love to check that out. I love your stuff Miri.
MIRI - Thanks. Gina...

(MIRI pauses.)

MIRI - ...you're probably the only person that really has meant anything to me since I've been in college. In a real sense at least. I never thought I could have the comradarie that I now have with my fraternity brothers. It
feels good...but nothing feels like being with you.

(GINA smiles.)

GINA - Awww Miri! That is so sweet!
MIRI - And true.
GINA - You're gonna make me blush!
MIRI - Nothing as beautiful as a blusing Black woman!

(They both laugh.)

MIRI - Well let met get to the point because I'm seriously procrastinating!
GINA - Okay. I won't interrupt.
MIRI - Well anyway, like I said. I'm really starting to find myself in some of my writing. The poetry is coming to life and taking real form. Maybe it was the struggle to get Phi Beta. Maybe it's just me getting older and
becoming more mature. Or maybe it's me falling in love. Whatever it is, my writing is getting deeper and deeper.
GINA - Uh huh.
MIRI - But there's one thing that my work is lacking. I think it's lacking a base. Or a root I should say.
GINA - I don't understand.
MIRI - Let me see if I can explain. Right now my words are bearing fruit. Good fruit is coming forth. But I need to take a moment to get back to the basics of my tree. I need to go back into the branches, back into the bark,
and get down to the roots. I need to get into the basis of what it is I'm trying to say.
GINA - Oh...okay...um...
MIRI - It may sound confusing because right now it's a personal journey and only I understand what I have to do. But that is where my deep question comes in.
GINA - Okay. I'm trying my best to follow.

(MIRI pauses.)

MIRI - I'll bring it home for you now then.

(He pauses longer this time. MIRI looks away, then back at GINA with a very serious look on his face.)

MIRI - Gina, I've decided to study abroad for a year. I'm going to Africa. Egypt specifically. To write, study, and connect with myself through my people.

(silence)

(GINA looks shocked.)

(silence)

GINA - You're going to...Egypt?
MIRI - Well actually...

(MIRI smiles.)

MIRI - ...I was hoping that...we...would be going to Egypt. I want you to go with me!