The most remarkable leadership in the African American community in the 20th century has without question come from the ranks of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Since its founding on Decemember 04, 1906, the Fraternity has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world.
Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity in the United States established for men of African descent was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood between African Americans.  The visonary founders, known as the Jewels of the Fraternity, are: Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle and Vertner Woodson Tandy.
The Fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice educationally and socially at Cornell University. During those beginning days, the Jewel founders and early leaders of the Fraternity worked to lay a foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha principles of schloarship, fellowship, good character and uplifting of humanity.
Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African American community's fight for civil rights and human dignity. From the Fraternity's ranks have come outstanding civil rights leaders such as: W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Maynard Jackson and many others.
The Fraternity's leadership development and community service training for young men has made Alpha Phi Alpha the most prestigious organization of its kind today. |
