The historical context of this moment in Alpha History begins with the understanding of what emerged prior to our founding to the present day that has set Alpha Phi Alphaapart from the rest. In the post-Reconstruction United States, Black Americans struggled against increasing resistance on the part of Whites to accept them as equal citizens despite the fact that slavery had been abolished. The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution passed in 1868 guaranteeing all born or naturalized residents of the U.S. equal protection under the law lived and experience fell far short of the letter of the law. In myriad of ways, discrimination against and oppression of Black people continued to worsen throughout the remainder of the nineteenth century and…

At a time in our fraternity’s history, there were Brothers who entered the ranks of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, through honorary membership (active or exalted). As defined, “honorary membership act conferred or elected in recognition of achievement or service without the usual prerequisites or obligations”. For the record, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. no longer bestows “honorary membership.” However, when honorary membership was permitted, Alpha Phi Alpha chose men of stature to deem them as “honorary members”. On April 26, 1907, Brother George Hannibal Fletcher, a former law student at the Univ. of Michigan, who had shown much interest in the fraternity and was noted to have given much encouragement during…

Alpha Lambda Chapter holds the distinction of being the first graduate chapter in the history of the fraternity in Louisville, Kentucky. The inception was the outgrowth of an University Club of young college men that met at the Western Branch Library coordinated by Jewel Eugene K. Jones to discuss current topics of the day. After graduating from Cornell University in 1908 with an M.A. in sociology, Jewel Jones moved to Kentucky and taught at the University of Louisville from 1908 to 1909, and then a high school instructor at Louisville High School from 1909 to 1911.  It was the tireless efforts of Jewel Jones convincing the General Organization the need for a graduate chapter. It was noted that…

Please see the attachment shared during the chapter meeting (few edits and updates that were omitted). The task was to present to you Beta Theta Lambda Chapter in a Black Historical Moment of events leading up to our founding on May 7th, 1938 and to highlight our Founders known as the “The Pioneers”. They were more than just “Pioneers” of Beta Theta Lambda Chapter, but very active in the community and on the frontlines of Black History for Durham. We often speak their names but never discussed in depth of their engagement in the Durham Community and events surrounding our founding. I offer you a “short” presentation of Black History…

Brothers, as we join next week for our Phirst ever House of Alpha Week (see attached flyer), I wanted to give you a perspective on a poem recited and loved by all. Brother Sydney P. Brown (Beta, 1917) (attachment 1)  credited his experience and encounters with Alpha Brothers during different events in his life from college to serving in World War 1, attending law school, and relocations all with the connecting factor that of the brotherhood, which gave him the perception to write “The House of Alpha”.  It was during a moment of leisure, he expressed what it meant to be a part of Alpha Phi Alpha. Did you know there was a mystery behind there being two versions of “The House of Alpha”?  After a search…