A Moment in Alpha History: Vice President Brother Hubert Horatio Humphrey
On Saturday, November 7th, as a Nation, we celebrated the election of Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris, who historically becomes America’s first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice-President Elect in our country’s 200 plus year history. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. and a member of the pledge class of Alpha Chapter 1986 (38 Jewels of Iridescent Splendor, Line #15, Line Name “C Cubed”), her win is undeniably groundbreaking and historic in all accounts. But did you know she is not the first member of a Black Greek Lettered Organization (BLGO) to serve in the Vice President role.
Brother Hubert Horatio Humphrey, who served as 38th Vice-President under 36th President of the United States Lyndon Baines Johnson from 1965-1969. Although his influence in the administration became sporadic and somewhat limited, as Vice-President, he served as the President’s unofficial spokesperson and one of the most visible supporters of the administration’s Vietnam War policy. His tireless support disappointed many of his liberal supporters and ultimately affected his national popularity. Prior to his Vice Presidential election, he served in the United States Senate twice. During his first term from 1949-65, he was the lead author and manager of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and worked to discuss the first initiative for the creation of the Peace Corps. After an unsuccessful bid for the Presidential election in 1968, he eventually returned to the U.S. Senate from 1971-78, who was considered “a Happy Warrior in politics and an untiring advocate of economic security, civil rights, and social justice for all”. Though his career was one of great brilliance and disappointment, his contributions to history were significant and valuable.
During the 59th Annual Convention in Chicago, IL on August 8th, 1965, became an Honorary Life Member No. 2. This occasion was led by 22nd General President Lionel H. Newsom and Brother L. Howard Bennett, who was a longtime associate of Brother Humphrey and who actually pinned him when he was presented with his life membership. He was presented with the Fraternity certificate of Life Membership, medal pass card and a copy of the Fraternity’s history book. Also, during the convention, he was presented the Fraternity’s President’s Award as Jewel Henry Arthur Callis was part of the presentation (see attachment). Brother Humphrey was considered “Brother of the Bond” as he dedicated his life to “Brotherhood and Love for All Mankind” as a dedicated public servant. Brother Humphrey, during his speech mentioned that he had fellowshipped with the Brotherhood in 1948 as a speaker in the General Convention’s public program as the Fraternity forged ahead regarding civil rights and in support of the American Council on Human Rights. In remembrance of Brother Humphrey as he entered Omega Chapter January 1978, Past General President Newsom stated he “was in the vanguard of those seeking to guarantee equality for all citizens. He voted in favor of and led the fights for every piece of legislation that affected minority people favorably.”
25th General President James R. Williams stated that on the death of Brother Humphrey,“taught us all how to hope and how to love and how to win and how to lose. He taught us how to live; finally, he taught us how to die.” Brothers let us celebrate the life and legacy of Brother Hubert Horatio Humphrey, as the first member of a BGLO to serve in the office of Vice-President. He was also honored with a “Great American” stamp from 1986-1993, as a Democrat representing Minnesota and for his achievements on the national stage as “a staunch advocate for the passage of federal civil and human rights laws.” He was also a featured speaker of many General Conventions to note.
This is your Moment in Alpha History.
Fraternally,
Brother Sean C. Hall, Historian