Alpha History

T H E H I S T O R Y O F

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., began at Cornell University as a social study club for African American males. The group was
established to fill a void of social and cultural interaction on the Ivy League campus. On December 4th of the year 1906, the
members dedicated to make Alpha Phi Alpha a fraternity, making it the first black greek fraternity for college males.

The founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. were no ordinary achievers. Given the racial attitudes in 1906, their
accomplishments were monumental. In coming together, the Jewels set outstanding examples of scholarship, leadership and
success, preceding the efforts even of the NAACP and similar civil rights organizations.

In January of 1908, the fraternity was incorporated under the laws of New York state and was recognized as the first
African-American fraternal organization, as well as the first to be incorporated. In its 90 year existence, Alpha Phi Alpha has
implemented a number of national programs which have benefited the African American community as well as the general
community. "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" concentrated on voter registration and a awareness in the South. "Go to
High School, Go to College" focused on the educational enrichment of African American youth. Project Alpha involves frank
discussion between brothers and young black men about teenage pregnancy and personal responsibility.

Today, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has become one of the most influential black organizations in the world - with over 150,000
members initiated in the fraternity (since 1906). It now boasts over 500 chapters in North America, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe
and Asia. And even with such growth it has managed to create great men who have achieved levels of magnificence. Even
today the torch of enlightenment, scholarship, and brotherhood is still carried by the members of this most illustrious of
fraternities. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. remains the very heart and soul of Black fraternal greek letter organizations
worldwide.