Discover the history and significance of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first African American intercollegiate fraternity founded in 1906, dedicated to civil rights, education, and community service.
I believe that, based on my familiarity with many of its members, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is one of the most prominent and influential organizations I know. I have cousins, colleagues, and friends who have pledged Phi Phi Phi, so to speak. Today marks their 99th year of existence. Without further delay, let’s explore their history, contributions, and the many reasons that make this fraternity so special on their anniversary.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity founded for African American men in 1906, and it has played a pivotal role in civil rights, education, and community service ever since.
Fun facts:
Howard University is often recognized as having one of the largest and most influential Alpha Phi Alpha presences among HBCUs, due to its role as a hub for Black Greek life and leadership development
Why Howard University Stands Out
- Historic Role: Howard has long been considered the “Mecca” of Black education and culture, making it a central site for the growth of the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities.
- Greek Life Hub: Many of the Divine Nine organizations, including Alpha Phi Alpha, have strong chapters at Howard, with large membership bases.
- Leadership Pipeline: Howard has produced numerous Alpha Phi Alpha members who became national leaders in politics, law, education, and civil rights.
Other HBCUs with Strong Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters
While Howard is often highlighted, several other HBCUs also have large and active Alpha Phi Alpha chapters:
- Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA): Known for producing leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent Alpha Phi Alpha member.
- Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL): Has a strong tradition of Alpha Phi Alpha involvement in student leadership and community service.
- North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, NC): A powerhouse in Black Greek life, with active Alpha Phi Alpha chapters.
- Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA): Another major center for Divine Nine organizations.
Howard University is generally recognized as the HBCU with the most Alpha Phi Alpha members, though other HBCUs like Morehouse, FAMU, and NC A&T also have large and influential chapters.
History
- Founded: December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
- Founders (known as the “Seven Jewels”):
- Charles Henry Chapman
- Eugene Kinckle Jones
- George Biddle Kelley
- Nathaniel Allison Murray
- Robert Harold Ogle
- Henry Arthur Callis
- Vertner Woodson Tandy
The fraternity began as a study and support group for minority students facing racial prejudice at Cornell. It quickly grew into a national organization emphasizing scholarship, fellowship, good character, and service to humanity
Motto, Values & Symbols
- Motto: “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All.”
- Pillars: Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind.
- Colors: Old Gold and Black.
- Symbol: The Sphinx.
- Flower: Yellow Rose
Community Contributions
Alpha Phi Alpha has a long tradition of uplifting communities through service and advocacy:
- Civil Rights Leadership: Members were central to the Civil Rights Movement, including organizing the 1963 March on Washington led by Dr. King.
- Education Initiatives: Programs like “Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College” encourage academic achievement among African American youth.
- Mentorship & Advocacy: The fraternity runs initiatives addressing issues like voter registration, HIV/AIDS awareness, and economic empowerment.
- Global Reach: Through the World Policy Council, Alpha Phi Alpha engages in international issues, promoting justice and equality worldwide.
- Challenges & Impact
- Challenges: Sustaining relevance across generations, addressing systemic inequities, and expanding global influence.
- Impact: Alpha Phi Alpha remains a catalyst for leadership and social change, producing generations of men committed to service, justice, and education
- In short, Alpha Phi Alpha is not just a fraternity—it’s a historic movement that has shaped African American leadership and continues to serve communities through education, advocacy, and global engagement.
Signature Programs
Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College: Encourages academic excellence and college readiness among youth.
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Project Alpha: A collaboration with the March of Dimes to provide education on sexual health and responsibility to young men.
A Voteless People is a Hopeless People: A long-standing initiative promoting voter education and registration.
Brother’s Keeper: Focused on supporting senior citizens, the disabled, and other vulnerable populations.
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