Jewel Callis has the distinction of being one of the founders of the first intercollegiate greek letter organizations for African-Americans. After grauation from Cornell, Jewel Callis entered the field of medicine where he served as a physician at a government hospital.
As a founder and member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Jewel Charles Henry Chapman was known as an ardent worker in the fraternity's cause. After leaving Cornel, Jewel Chapman entered into the field of education as a teacher.
Jewel Jones held the office of President of Alpha Chapter as well as maker of the Beta, Gamma, and Delta chapters. After finishing school, Jewel jones served as the Executive Seretary of the National Urban League for many years.
Jewel Kelley was the first president of Alpha Chapter. After leaving Cornell, Jewel Kelly became a civil engineer in the service of the state of New York. Jewel Kelley was popular with the Brotherhood.
Jewel Murray got his degree from Cornell as well as completing graduate work there. At the end of his college career, Jewel Murray entered the field of education as a teacher in Washington, DC.
Jewel Ogle was the first secretary of Alpha Chapter. After leaving Cornell, Jewel Ogle entered into the secretarial field where he had the unique privilege of being attached to the office of the Committee on Appropriations of the U.S. Senate.
Jewel Tandy after his college days were over, he became a registered architect in New York City. Jewel Tandy also has the distinction of being the first black man to receive a commission in the New York National Guard.
Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-Americans, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven men who recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood among African descendants in this country.
The Fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. The Jewel founders and early leaders of the Fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good chaaracter, and the uplifting of humanity.
Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were developed at other colleges and universities, many of them historically black institutions, soon after the founding at Cornell. While continuing to stress academic excellence among its members, Alpha also recognized the need to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices faced by African-Americans.
Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community's fight for civil rights through leaders such as: W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul Robeson, and many others.
