Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. stands as a monumental organization in African American history. Founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University by seven visionary students, it became the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for African American men. These founders, known as the "Jewels," emphasized scholarship, fellowship, good character, and service to humanity. With over 850 chapters and more than 200,000 members worldwide, Alpha Phi Alpha has played a pivotal role in civil rights activism, education, and community service. From producing influential leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. to launching impactful programs, the fraternity's legacy continues to inspire and uplift communities globally.
Key Takeaways:
- Alpha Phi Alpha is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for African American men, founded in 1906. It emphasizes scholarship, fellowship, and service to humanity, producing influential leaders and advocating for civil rights.
- The fraternity's legacy extends beyond its historical significance, with a global presence and significant membership base. It continues to inspire and uplift communities through educational initiatives, civil rights advocacy, and cultural contributions.
The Founding of Alpha Phi Alpha
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. holds a significant place in history as the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men. Let's explore its origins and early milestones.
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Founding Principles: Seven undergraduate students at Cornell University—Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy—founded Alpha Phi Alpha on December 4, 1906. They emphasized scholarship, fellowship, good character, and service to humanity.
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Symbolism and Motto: The fraternity's symbol is the Great Sphinx of Giza, representing wisdom, strength, and longevity. Its motto, "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All," underscores a commitment to excellence and service.
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Initial Purpose: Initially, Alpha Phi Alpha served as a study and support group for minority students at Cornell, providing a safe space to pursue academic goals amidst racial prejudice.
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Expansion: The fraternity quickly expanded, establishing chapters at other colleges and universities, including historically black institutions. The first Alumni Chapter was founded in 1911.
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Incorporation: Alpha Phi Alpha was incorporated on January 29, 1908, in New York and again on April 3, 1914, in the District of Columbia.
Early Organizational Structure
The fraternity's early organizational efforts laid the groundwork for its future success and influence.
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Constitution: Adopted on December 14, 1907, the constitution provided a framework for the fraternity's structure and principles, emphasizing scholarship, fellowship, and service.
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First General Convention: Held on December 28, 1908, at Howard University, this convention aimed to unify college men and promote the fraternity's principles.
Leadership and Civil Rights
Alpha Phi Alpha has a storied history of producing influential leaders and advocating for civil rights.
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Leadership Development: The fraternity has developed leaders like W.E.B. DuBois, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King Jr., and Andrew Young, who played significant roles in civil rights and human dignity.
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Civil Rights Activism: Alpha Phi Alpha introduced the "Go-to-High School, Go-to-College" campaign in 1919 to increase African American education levels and coined the phrase "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" to encourage voter registration.
Commitment to Education and Community Service
Education and community service have always been central to Alpha Phi Alpha's mission.
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Scholarship and Education: The fraternity has established programs to promote academic excellence and provide scholarships, continuing the founders' goal of supporting African Americans in higher education.
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Community Service: Alpha Phi Alpha has implemented numerous community service programs, including financial support for business ventures and shelter for underprivileged families.
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Brotherhood and Fellowship: Emphasizing unity and mutual support, the fraternity encourages activities that promote brotherhood among its members.
Symbolism and Historical Milestones
The fraternity's symbolism and historical milestones highlight its enduring legacy.
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Symbolic Significance of the Sphinx: The Great Sphinx of Giza symbolizes wisdom, strength, and longevity, aligning with the fraternity's mission.
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Historical Milestones: Key milestones include the founding in 1906, the first chapter outside Cornell in 1907, the first general convention in 1908, the first Alumni Chapter in 1911, and the launch of the Sphinx Magazine in 1914.
Notable Founders
Each founder brought unique experiences and skills to the fraternity.
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Henry Arthur Callis: Born in 1887, Callis served as President, Vice-President, and Secretary of the fraternity during his college days.
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Charles Henry Chapman: An older student and cafe owner, Chapman emphasized the need for personal and communal development.
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Eugene Kinckle Jones: Jones played a crucial role in organizing the first three chapters outside Cornell and became the second president of Alpha Chapter.
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George Biddle Kelley: Kelley, the first president of Alpha Chapter, became New York State’s first African American registered engineer.
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Nathaniel Allison Murray: Murray, the son of the first black employee of the Library of Congress, contributed significantly to the fraternity's original ritual.
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Robert Harold Ogle: Ogle, from Washington, D.C., later became a staff member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations.
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Vertner Woodson Tandy: Tandy, the first registered African American architect in New York, played a crucial role in designing buildings reflecting the fraternity's values.
Legacy and Impact
Alpha Phi Alpha's legacy extends beyond its historical significance, continuing to inspire and uplift communities.
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: Motivated by Dr. King's legacy, the fraternity created the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Foundation, Inc., completing the memorial in 2013.
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Community Programs: Programs like the College Life to Corporate Life Initiative (C2C), Business and Economic Foundation, and Education Foundation aim to uplift humanity and support African American students.
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Scholarship Funds: The fraternity has raised significant scholarship funds to support outstanding students, promoting academic excellence.
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Community Service Hours: Alpha Phi Alpha members have logged millions of community service hours, reflecting their commitment to addressing social injustices.
Global Presence and Membership
Alpha Phi Alpha's influence extends globally, with a significant membership base.
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Chapter Expansion: With almost 800 college and alumni chapters worldwide, the fraternity reaches a broad audience, promoting brotherhood and academic excellence.
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Membership Numbers: Over 200,000 members worldwide underscore the fraternity's influence and reach within the African American community and beyond.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Alpha Phi Alpha's historical and cultural significance is evident in its contributions and milestones.
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Historical Significance: As the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for African American men, Alpha Phi Alpha marked a pivotal moment in Greek-letter organizations' history.
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Interracial Membership: Since 1945, the fraternity has been interracial, reflecting its commitment to unity and inclusivity.
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Leadership Development Programs: National mentoring programs focus on leadership development, career advancement, and community service, preparing young men to become influential leaders.
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Educational Initiatives: The fraternity's programs encourage higher education, contributing to the community's economic and social uplift.
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Civil Rights Advocacy: Alpha Phi Alpha has been a vocal advocate for civil rights, promoting democracy and equality through voter registration and education efforts.
Symbolic Rituals and Cultural Contributions
The fraternity's rich traditions and cultural contributions highlight its enduring legacy.
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Symbolic Rituals: Emphasizing manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind, the fraternity's rituals align with its mission to transcend obstacles.
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Cultural Contributions: The Sphinx Magazine, published in 1914, is the second oldest continuously published black journal in the United States, providing a platform for African American voices.
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Fraternity’s Legacy: Alpha Phi Alpha continues to promote knowledge and achievement, correct injustices, and foster leadership development, evident in the numerous civil rights leaders and ongoing community programs.
Alpha Phi Alpha's Enduring Legacy
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. stands as a testament to vision, perseverance, and community. Founded in 1906 at Cornell University, this fraternity has grown into a global organization with over 850 chapters and more than 200,000 members. Its founding principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and service to humanity continue to guide its mission. From civil rights activism to educational initiatives, Alpha Phi Alpha has made significant contributions to society. Notable members like Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and W.E.B. DuBois highlight its impact. The fraternity's programs, such as "Go-to-High School, Go-to-College" and "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People," emphasize education and civic engagement. Alpha Phi Alpha's legacy of leadership and service remains a beacon of hope and unity, inspiring future generations to transcend all obstacles.
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