Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity History

Alpha Phi Alpha is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men.

Alpha Phi Alpha was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men.

The fraternity stemmed from the need for African American men to form a strong brotherhood.

The seven founders of Alpha Phi Alpha are known as the 'Jewels' of the fraternity.

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 African American students facing racial prejudice.

Alpha Phi Alpha's core values are scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity.

Alpha Phi Alpha has advocated for civil rights and has maintained a commitment to intersectionality.

The first African American to officially become an architect in New York, known for designing the fraternity pin and serving as the first lieutenant in the 15th Infantry.

To encourage high standards of conduct and character, promote academic excellence, and foster a sense of community.

To inspire members to reach their full potential and become positive forces in their communities.

To prepare individuals for impactful roles that uphold human rights, dignity, and individual freedom.

To strive for the highest forms of character development and personal growth.

Eugene Kinckle Jones, born in 1885 and passed away in 1954, was the first executive secretary of the National Urban League. He held this position for 20 years, surpassing the tenure of all his successors.

George Biddle Kelley, born in 1884 and died in 1962, was a pioneer in civil engineering becoming the first African-American engineer registered in New York state. He was a strong advocate for the fraternity idea and the first president of the Alpha Chapter.

Nathaniel Allison Murray, born in 1884 and passed away in 1959, pursued graduate studies after finishing his undergraduate work at Howard University. He returned to Washington, D.C., where he worked as a teacher in public schools. He was a member of Alpha Chapter's initial committee on organization and the Committee on the Grip.

Robert Harold Ogle, born in 1886 and died in 1936, had a distinguished career in the field of professional secretarial work, culminating in his service as a staff member for the US Senate Committee on Appropriations. As an African-American pioneer, he was instrumental in the fraternity. He proposed the fraternity's colors and served as Alpha Chapter's first secretary.

Chapman, a founding member of FAMU's Beta Nu Chapter, played a key role during the initial stages of the Alpha Chapter. He served as the first chairman of the Committees on Initiation and Organization.

Eugene Kinckle Jones, a prominent figure in the early fraternity, helped establish the first three fraternity chapters outside of Cornell University. These included Beta at Howard University, Gamma at Virginia Union University, and Delta at the University of Toronto.

Eugene Kinckle Jones, a versatile leader, served as Alpha Chapter's second president. He worked with Callis to create the fraternity's name and was part of the initial Committees on Constitution and Organization, contributing to the fraternity's ritual.

While not officially recognized as a founder until 1952, Eugene Kinckle Jones was considered a core member from the beginning. He was one of the first individuals to be initiated into the fraternity.