Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for Black college students in the United States.
First of All
At the beginning of the 20th century, Black students at American universities were often excluded from the fraternal organizations that were a cornerstone of student life for their white peers. In response, a group of Black students at Cornell University came together during the 1905–06 school year to establish the first Greek-letter fraternity created by and for Black students.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded on December 4, 1906. The Seven Jewels established the fraternity to foster brotherhood, academic excellence, and leadership in the face of social and educational barriers.
The fraternity played a pivotal role in shaping Black leadership and social justice movements, counting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall among its brothers. 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
Seven students at Cornell University whose vision and leadership laid the foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha's mission of scholarship, leadership, and service.
Henry Arthur Callis
Known as the “Philosopher 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 Chapter 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 staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Vertner Woodson Tandy
Became the first Black registered architect in New York, designing landmark buildings.
Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind.
Our Objectives
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.Mission Statement
- To stimulate the ambition of its members.
- To prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual.
- To encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood.
- To aid downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status.
National Resources
Become an Alpha
Membership requirements and the path to joining the fraternity.
apa1906.netAlphaMX Portal
The 1906™ member portal for dues, records and brother resources.
Member loginThe Sphinx
The fraternity's official publication and the second-oldest African American publication in America.
ReadPoems
Verses that are dear to Alpha men everywhere.
Read the poemsAlpha needs every brother.
Looking for a home chapter in Middle Tennessee? The South Nashville Alphas welcome you at whatever level of engagement fits your life.