A Moment in Alpha History: Happy 115th Founders’ Day
“The year 1906 was in the middle of a liberal, progressive movement whose philosophy was remolding America’s social, economic and political institutions. Paradoxically, the Negro in America has reached the nadir. Riots and lynchings occurred without redress. The denial of the franchise was entrenched in law and sustained by the courts. Education and schools were a left-handed charity, considered both unwise and unnecessary. Discrimination in employment and in public facilities was nationwide. Second class citizenship was firmly established. Into such a world Alpha Phi Alpha was born. The Founders envisioned an intelligent leadership in America, bound by the rise of an unselfish brotherhood whose ideals of service and achievement should erase this darkest blot on our country’s escutcheon.”
– Jewel Henry Arthur Callis
Brothers, on a cold, winter night on the campus of Cornell University seven men recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The visionary 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 formed that bond of brotherhood that redefined who they were, supplying the voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world as we celebrate 115 years of our existence from a mere social club, society, and to become the first Black Intercollegiate Fraternity
During the past seven days of reflection, I hope you have been renewed by that “good ole Alpha spirit” through your journey as an Alpha man and through the voices of our Founders through powerful quotes that spoke to the heart of why Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was founded, our mission, our existence, and our future. Even through their different perspectives of the Fraternity, I believe without a shadow of a doubt it was meant for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to be born on this day and lay a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha’s principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity. Brothers, be renewed, reenergized, and know it is a privilege and honor to be a member of the first and the greatest. Lastly, during your reflection and introspection, let this Founders’ Day serve as a day of recommitment to being active, service, scholarship, leadership, brotherhood, and love for all mankind.
Happy 115th Founders’ Day and “may the true spirit of the fraternity rule our hearts, guide our thoughts, and control our lives, so that we may become through thee, servants of all”.
This is your moment in Alpha History.
Brother Sean Hall, Historian
