Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Today we honor and reflect on The Devoted Jewel George Biddle Kelley, for providing leadership, demonstrating scholarship, and advocating civil rights. He was most vocal, believing that the fraternal structure better served their efforts to address the social problems confronting them and the race, and argued personal commitment beyond club membership was needed to fight racism and issues of human rights. A descendant of slaves, his grandfather was one of most cultured and capable preachers and pastors in the AME Zion Church in the 19th Century. Both his grandfather and uncle were personal friends of Harriet Tubman and Eliza Gardner. He holds the distinction of being the first President of Alpha Chapter and also served as acting chair when the…

Today we honor and reflect on The Visionary Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones, for his noble example in making the high ideals and moral standards of Alpha Phi Alpha his guide in life. Jewel Jones indelible mark in our history as one of the first initiates and Founder. Known for his versatility, he is credited with the “first steps of expansion” by establishing Beta, Gamma, Delta chapters, and establishing the first alumni chapter, Alpha Lambda in Louisville, KY. His life’s work was heavily involved as one of the Founder’s of the National Urban League and serving as the Executive Secretary for 20 years, the longest in the history and founding the organization’s Opportunity magazine. He also served as…

Today we honor and reflect on The Beloved Jewel Charles Henry Chapman, a Brother beloved in the bonds and for building character and respect from all mankind. He was a Businessman, Professor, Humanitarian, and founder of the Beta Nu Chapter (FAMU). Jewel Chapman was the first chairman of the Committees on Initiation and Organization for Alpha Chapter. He was the first Jewel to enter Omega Chapter in 1934. Please read and reflect on excerpts from his speech at the General Convention (25th anniversary) in 1931, Cincinnati, OH. “I mean by this, that regardless of the many, many purposes each of us may devise as the activating principle in our life…

Brothers, as we embark on celebrating 115 years since the founding of our beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on December 4th, 1906, and honoring our “SEVEN BELOVED JEWELS” of this great fraternity. This year, instead of providing you with a long biographical sketch of their lives,  I would like to do something different. This year, leading up to December 4th, I would like for the Brotherhood to have “Seven Days of Reflection”. During this time, I will provide you with quotes from our “Jewels”. Take the time to read and reflect on what those quotes mean to you during your Alpha journey (for some as you begin your Alpha journey) and the…

For many are called, but few are chosen; For many are called, but are chosen. Does this phrase sound familiar? I’m sure at one point in your own membership process, you heard this aphorism and its connection when seeking membership into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. But what did it truly mean to you when you were a candidate for membership and now as a Brother, and how much relevance does it have today? Biblically speaking, this scripture is found in Matthew 22:14. While there are several commentaries from a biblical perspective as to the usage, I would like to give the following summary why it was used regarding the…

Cervantes once said that historians “ought to be precise, faithful, and unprejudiced; and neither interest nor fear, hatred nor affection, should make them swerve from the way of the truth.” The Historian is the “keeper of all accounts” from past to present. The Historian serves as the connection to what once was to what is. One intrinsic quality about serving in the role of historian is the thirst to learn what is right and present it in a way of truth and accuracy. Thus, history is “a continuous, systematic narrative of past events as relating to a particular people, country, period, person, etc., usually written as a chronological account.” So, in this…