A Tapestry of Brotherhood, Service, and Celebration!

As we stand on the threshold of a momentous occasion, the Centennial Celebration of the Alpha Tau Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. beckons us to a reunion steeped in history, camaraderie, and jubilation. This event is not merely a milestone; it is a living, breathing tapestry of our collective legacy and a forward march into a promising future. Here, we pay homage to a century of brotherhood that has profoundly shaped the University of Akron, and the wider community with its rich African-American culture and enduring spirit of leadership and service.

The Centennial Celebration is a clarion call to brothers from far and wide, inviting them to reconnect, reminisce, and rekindle the bonds that have been the bedrock of our fraternity. It is a convergence of hearts and spirits, a gathering of families, and a celebration of our shared heritage and aspirations.

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A Kaleidoscope of Events

Our centennial festivities kick off in May 2024 with a series of vibrant events that pave the way to the grand Centennial Weekend in May 2025 at Akron's Hilton Garden Inn. This series promises a plethora of activities designed to cater to every member of the Alpha Phi Alpha family and our extended community:

Community Service Initiatives: True to our commitment to uplift and serve, we will engage in meaningful community service projects, embodying the fraternity’s ethos of "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All."

Business Training Sessions: Emphasizing professional development and entrepreneurship, these sessions aim to empower our brothers and community members with knowledge and skills for business success.

Cultural and Historical Engagements: Visits to the University of Akron campus will include the symbolic painting of the rock, a tradition that celebrates our legacy and our continued presence at the university.

Spiritual Reflection:

Throughout the year, we will visit churches across the community, honoring the spiritual foundations of Alpha Phi Alpha and our enduring love for God.

Family-Centric Activities:

Recognizing the importance of family, the celebration includes activities for children and opportunities for wives, significant others, and all family members to partake in the joy and unity of the occasion.

Live Jazz and Banquets: Music and fellowship will fill the air as we enjoy live jazz performances, complemented by banquets that promise good food, laughter, and memories to cherish.

Inclusivity and Brotherhood: We extend a warm invitation to brothers from other chapters, old classmates, members of other Divine Nine sororities and fraternities, and all friends of Alpha Tau. This centennial is a testament to the brotherhood that extends beyond our chapter, embracing the entire Greek-letter community and our allies.

Did You Know In 1925...

African American Churches

By 1925, African American churches in Akron, such as Wesley Temple AME Zion Church, played pivotal roles beyond spiritual guidance; they were central to community organizing, social support, and civil rights activism. These churches were instrumental in building a sense of community and resilience among Akron's African American population.

Howard Street District

By 1925, the Howard Street District was emerging as the heart of Akron's African American community. It became known for its businesses, entertainment, and nightlife, all owned and operated by African Americans. This district stood as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural richness of Akron's Black population during a time of widespread segregation.

The Akron Community House

Founded in the early 1920s, The Akron Community House played a crucial role by 1925 as a center for social, educational, and recreational activities for African American residents. It symbolized a space of empowerment and community solidarity in the face of segregation and racial discrimination.

Migration and Population Growth

By 1925, Akron experienced a significant increase in its African American population, part of the Great Migration. African Americans moved from the South to Northern cities like Akron in search of better job opportunities, particularly in the burgeoning rubber industry, marking a pivotal shift in the city's demographic landscape.

Jazz and the Harlem Renaissance's Influence

The influence of the Harlem Renaissance reached Akron by 1925, with jazz music becoming increasingly popular in the African American community. Clubs and venues in Akron began to feature jazz musicians, both local and touring, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene that offered a form of resistance and self-expression against racial oppression.

First African American Policeman

In the early 1920s, Akron appointed its first African American policeman, a significant milestone reflecting gradual changes in public service representation, despite the prevailing racial tensions and discrimination. This move was a beacon of progress, though African American officers often faced significant restrictions and were limited to patrolling Black neighborhoods.

Segregation in Education

Despite Ohio's progressive reputation, Akron's schools were effectively segregated in 1925, with African American children attending separate schools under inferior conditions. This period marked the beginning of organized protests and demands for integration, led by African American parents and community leaders.