Alex “Rooster” Weathers, a Vicksburg, Mississippi, native, recently made history as the first autistic member of the Natchez Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
His initiation on November 16, which included eight other line brothers, was a significant event for the neurodivergent community.
“It’s still a dream come true and a humbling feeling,” Weathers shared with Vicksburg News. “I am pleased to be a part of a true brotherhood, and I think this is a huge accomplishment for the autistic community.”
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Born prematurely, Weathers was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was three. He started speaking around the age of four or five but his challenges didn’t stop him from achieving his dreams.
He played football at Warren Central High School and continued his education and athletic career at Hinds Community College. He graduated from Alcorn State University with a degree in Recreation.
In 2021, he became a graduate assistant at Alcorn State University, joining the coaching staff under Head Coach Fred McNair to contribute to his alma mater’s success. His interest in Black Greek Letter Organizations grew while he researched social and political issues, leading him to Kappa Alpha Psi.
He expressed admiration for the fraternity’s commitment to community advocacy and its representation of Black history. As Weathers explained, “I’ve always been big on civil rights and Black history. Some of the greatest men belong to fraternities, but when I researched it all, I liked how the Kappas represented their community.”
Weathers boasts an impressive academic record while in graduate school and has been on both the Deans and President’s List. He is also a member of the Phi Beta Gamma Honor Society, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and several other organizations, showcasing his commitment to both personal and professional growth.
In addition to his academic and athletic achievements, Weathers is deeply committed to his faith, being a member of Alcorn State Chapel Church and Triumph Church. His acceptance into Kappa Alpha Psi doesn’t just represent personal success; it serves as a beacon of hope for others in the autistic community, particularly Black men, showing that neurodivergence is not a barrier to achievement.
Weathers is currently forging ahead as a leader and a servant, embodying the tenets of brotherhood, achievement, and empowerment espoused by Kappa Alpha Psi. “Keep God first and know that we are change-makers in the world,” he advised, inspiring others in the autistic community.
