There are few people in the Wesleyan community who haven’t heard of Fabrice Coles. This year, Fabrice ran for Senior Class President and lost. This single piece of dubious information was the only thing I knew about the grinning, shaggy character clad in jeans and a hooded sweatshirt who approached me outside of Red and Black Café Wednesday evening. He was holding an enormous doggy bag, containing what smelled like Thai food.
“Let’s go up to the Argus,” I said, referring to our interviewing spot.
“Sounds good to me,” Fabrice replied. “I’m always up for free libations.”
As we sidled into the bustling Argus headquarters, several students stood to greet us. This surprisingly warm welcome was of course all for Fabrice. He worked the room like a true presidential candidate, shaking hands and slapping people on the back.
On a leather couch hidden in the corner of the Argus headquarters, Fabrice talked about why he thought he was this week’s WesCeleb.
“I have no idea,” he replied. Then, after a moment he said, “I suppose you could call me a student leader.”?This is certainly true. Fabrice was the freshman rep of WISA (West Indian Student Association), co-chair of the Black Latino Brotherhood, as well as Chapter President of his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi.
“Plus,” Fabrice said, stretching out on the sofa. “I like to go out, too. I like to drink. I just put myself out there. I like to talk to people. I like to have fun.”
As a student of color, a student leader, and a member of a fraternity, Fabrice has felt the sting of many stereotypes. In truth though, he is a study in contradictions. Born and raised in Queens, he went on to attend one of the best boarding schools in the country, Philips Exeter in New Hampshire.
“The way I’m dressed right now,” Fabrice said, indicating his sweatshirt and torn jeans, “you might think a lot of things about me, but you probably wouldn’t think I went to one of the best schools in the country. To say that someone is simply a black male from New York and therefore should think in a certain way is anti-intellectual and offensive. For someone to lump me into one category is absurd.”
The subject turned to fraternities.
“I think it’s unfortunate the degree to which members of fraternities on this campus are, if not black-listed, maligned. Yes, we are a fraternity, yes we throw loud and rambunctious parties, but our motto is ‘Achievement in every field of human endeavor.’ All of us have above a 3.2 GPA and we’re also student leaders. It’s wrong to think that all frats do is drink and have sex. I mean, that takes place too. Sex is cool. It’s great. But that’s not all we’re about.”
So what does Fabrice Coles say no to?
“The only thing I say no to is lies and smokescreens. The worst thing that has happened during my time at Wesleyan is the way the Administration handled the whole Malcolm X House debacle last year. The Administration was playing the student body lip service in that whole affair. There were lots of meetings and debrief sessions and fireside chats from the Dean’s Office. Cockeries! Why do they ask us to weigh in on an issue when the issue’s already been decided? I’d appreciate more honesty. I don’t want to be lied to.”
Fabrice pulled out a cigarette and put it to his lips. Instantly several hands appeared with lighters.
“In a few years this school will be asking me for money, so I want something in return. I want a little honesty.”
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