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History of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Fraternity History

Alpha Phi Alpha was the first Intercollegiate Greek-Letter fraternity established for Black college students in the United States.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University as the first intercollegiate Black Greek-letter fraternity to support Black students facing racial discrimination. The Seven Jewels established the fraternity to foster brotherhood, academic excellence, and leadership in the face of social and educational barriers. With a mission of “Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind,” Alpha Phi Alpha has been deeply committed to service, civil rights, and community upliftment. The fraternity played a pivotal role in shaping Black leadership and social justice movements, influencing figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall. As a founding organization of the Divine Nine (NPHC), Alpha Phi Alpha set the standard for Black Greek life and continues to inspire change worldwide.

The Seven Jewels

The Seven Jewels are the founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. They were a group of African American students at Cornell University who established the fraternity in 1906 to support Black students facing racial barriers in higher education. Their vision and leadership laid the foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha’s mission of scholarship, leadership, and service.

Henry Arthur Callis
Known as the “Philospher of the Founders,” he became a physician and was a professor at Howard University.

Charles Henry Chapman
A professor of agriculture, he emphasized the importance of service and was dedicated to the fraternity’s expansion.

Eugene Kinckle Jones
Played a major role in expanding the fraternity and was an influential leader in the National Urban League.

George Biddle Kelley
The first president of Alpha of Alpha and the first African American licensed engineer in the state of New York.

Nathaniel Allison Murray
Became an educator and dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring youth.

Robert Harold Ogle
Worked as a political aide and was the first African American to serve on the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Vertner Woodson Tandy
Became the first Black registered architect in New York, designing landmark buildings.

 

These visionary men created Alpha Phi Alpha to uplift and support Black men in higher education and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on the fraternity and the broader community.