Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and
academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

Since its founding on December 4, 1906, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world.

The first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity in the United States established for men of African descent, Alpha Phi Alpha was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. The Fraternity was founded by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood between African Americans. Known as the "Seven Jewels", the visionary founders 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.

Soon after the Fraternity's founding in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were developed at other colleges and universities—many of them traditionally African American schools. While continuing to stress academic excellence and pursuit among its members, the Fraternity also recognized the need to help correct the educational, economic, political and social injustices faced by African Americans.

The Fraternity's national programs date back to 1919 when Alpha Phi Alpha introduced its "Go-to-High School, Go-to-College" campaign to increase the education level of the African American community. Alpha Phi Alpha later took the lead in the voting rights struggle for African Americans and coined the nationally famous phrase, "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" as part of its effort to register African American voters.

The Fraternity's leadership development and community service training for young men has made Alpha Phi Alpha of paramount importance to the African American community.

Today, Alpha Phi Alpha continues its commitment to the African American community through the Fraternity's Education and Building Foundations, which provide scholarships to outstanding students and shelter to underprivileged families. The Fraternity also has dedicated itself to training a new generation of leaders with national mentoring programs and partnerships designed to ensure the success of the community's children and youth.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. also is the leading force behind efforts to build the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. The Memorial will be erected in honor of Alpha Phi Alpha member Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and will be the first tribute of its kind on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for a civilian or an African American.

For more information about Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., visit the organization's website at www.apa1906.net.