A Moment In Alpha History: “Esprit de Fraternite”

When the Prophet Micah asked a fundamental question: “What is good and what does the Lord require of thee? The simple response was “to do justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8). So often times we can often relate this scripture being part of this fraternity. For further understanding, I found myself referring to the “Espirit de Fraternite” toward my understanding. In that same manner of the Prophet Micah put in the ears of the hearers, I put in the ears of our Brothers the same fundamental question, “what is good and what does Alpha require of thee”? Well that can be answered in the spirit of Brother Dr. Charles Herbert Garvin when he wrote, “An Alpha Phi Alpha man’s attitude should not be “how much can I derive from the Fraternity” but “how much can I do for the Fraternity?” This response was “in proportion to what he does for his Chapter and for Alpha Phi Alpha will a member receive lasting benefits from the Fraternity to himself in the way of self-development by duty well done, and the respect of the Brothers well served”.

Brother Charles H. Garvin (Beta Chapter) was indeed the epitome of his “Espirit de Fraternite”. Having served as 4th General President with his most notable contribution was the national incorporation of the fraternity on April 3, 1912. Also under his administration was the founding of Mu, Nu, Omicron, and Xi undergraduate chapters and the Alpha Alumni Chapter (NYC), and the first alumni reunion (1912). He had a distinguished Army record (notably: First Black Commissioned in the Medical Corps of the National Army and to be trained at Army Medical School; Ft. Lieutenant at the Reserve Officers Training Fort at Des Moines, IA) and public service record (notably: First Black Physician at the Cleveland Hospital). During his term as President, Brother Garvin saw that it was vital that the Fraternity establish a mindful image and perception for future generations. However, he also expressed frustration with a letter to the membership of their “laxity” of paying dues to the general organization promptly as he wrote: “it is indeed to be regretted that an organization with a membership nearing three hundred cannot get forty dollars’ worth of printing done in four months after a conventions”. During his second term, upon his request to publish an article about the fraternity and brotherhood in The Crisis, which he wrote that “the fraternity has passed through its formative stage at which it may, without assumption, claim to be a shaping element in the life of Negro college men”…..“Alpha Phi Alpha fulfills in a large way a great need in bringing Negro College men together and has done a great deal of good in inspiring them to think of the highest in life”.

At the 6th Annual Convention in 1913 at Howard University, not only was the decision to establish our fraternity journal “The Sphinx” with the appointment of a committee, but he felt led to revive the ”Spirit of our Founders” with the brothers. “Espirit de Fraternite” he voiced his belief. He believed “Alpha Phi Alpha for Life”.

A member’s duties should be:

1. Prompt payment of all financial obligations, the prime requisite for successful fraternal life.

2. The doing of good scholastic work in his chosen vocation, thereby accomplishing the real end of a college course.

3. The reasonable endeavor to participate in general college activities and social service and to excel therein.

4. The proper consideration of all things with appropriate attention to the high moral standard of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Brothers, I want you to be revived with the “Spirit of our Founders”. Let us not forget our responsibilities to our beloved fraternity and the benefits of being part of this great fraternity. Remember that Alpha Phi Alpha is a lifelong commitment. Please consider committing ourselves to renewing your membership. We need a strong fiscally vibrant chapter to continue to execute our mission: “Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities”. Please consider becoming active today. Don’t Break the Line Challenge!

“We have lots of work to do and we must work together”– Dr. Charles Herbert “Pup” Garvin, 1912

This is your moment in Alpha History.

Brother Sean C. Hall, Historian