Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity History

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was established on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University by seven African American men.

Alpha Phi Alpha was founded to foster brotherhood and support among African American men in a time of racial prejudice.

The seven founders of Alpha Phi Alpha are known as the 'Jewels' and played a crucial role in shaping the fraternity's values and mission.

Alpha Phi Alpha has a long history of advocating for civil rights and social justice for African Americans.

Alpha Phi Alpha has always emphasized academic excellence among its members.

Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were established at historically Black colleges and universities soon after the founding at Cornell.

The first alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha was established in 1911.

Alpha Phi Alpha has expanded its mission beyond academics to address various forms of injustice impacting the African-American community.

George Biddle Kelley was the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York. He was also a strong proponent of the fraternity idea, becoming Alpha Chapter's first president and playing a key role in developing the handshake and rituals.

Nathaniel Allison Murray was a founding member of Alpha Phi Alpha and a key figure in the organization's establishment. Notably, he was on the first committee focusing on "Grip", the handshake of the brotherhood.

Murray earned an undergraduate degree from Howard University, later pursuing graduate work before returning to Washington, D.C. to teach in public schools. He worked at Armstrong Vocational High School and was a frequent attendee of Alpha Phi Alpha general conventions.

Robert Harold Ogle, a pioneer in the field of professional secretarial work in the US Senate, became the first secretary of Alpha Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha. He also proposed the fraternity's official colors and shared in the development of its initial rituals.

Vertner Woodson Tandy became the first registered Black architect in New York and was instrumental in the fraternity's early development. He designed the Alpha Phi Alpha pin, was the first African American to pass the military commissioning examination, and initiated the incorporation of the fraternity.

Founded in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is a historically Black fraternity that has been interracial since 1945. It advocates for the betterment of African Americans and people of color worldwide.

The seven founding members of Alpha Phi Alpha are known as the "Jewels". They established the fraternity and shaped its core values.

Henry Arthur Callis was a physician, professor, and author. He was the only Jewel to serve as General President of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Callis played a significant role in shaping the fraternity's philosophy and principles. He was known for his visionary leadership and contributions.

Charles Henry Chapman was a professor of agriculture at what is now Florida A&M University. He was a founding member of FAMU's Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Chapman was involved in the initial organizational stages of Alpha Chapter, overseeing important committees like those for initiation and organization.

Eugene Kinckle Jones was the first executive secretary of the National Urban League. He also served as Alpha Chapter's second president and contributed to writing the fraternity's constitution.

Jones's significant contributions include founding the first three chapters outside Cornell University, including those at Howard University, Virginia Union University, and the University of Toronto.