Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., established on December 4, 1906 by the seven founders of the national organization: Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy. These men, often referred to as the "Jewels" of the fraternity,, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, is distinguished as the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men. Founded on the principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity, Alpha Phi Alpha has been at the forefront of the African American community's fight for civil rights and social justice. The fraternity's mission is to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for communities.
With a rich history spanning over a century, Alpha Phi Alpha has initiated over 290,000 members and boasts over 700 active chapters in the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Its members include world leaders, visionaries, and pioneers across various fields such as politics, law, medicine, sports, entertainment, and civil rights. The fraternity’s programs, such as Go-To-High School, Go-To-College, Project Alpha, and the Brother's Keeper initiative, reflect its commitment to community service and educational empowerment.
Alpha Tau History
The founding of the Alpha Tau Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., at the University of Akron on May 9, 1925, was deeply influenced by the visionary leadership and guiding principles established by the four founders of the national organization: Norman L. McGhee, S. Paul Berry, Elmer J. Cheeks, and Emmer Martin Lancaster. These men embodied ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service towards the upliftment of the African American community, principles that became the bedrock upon which the Alpha Tau Chapter was established.
Key African American and American History Context (1920s)
The establishment of the Alpha Tau Chapter in 1925 came at a critical time in both African American and American history, a period marked by significant social and political turbulence, as well as progress. The 1920s, known as the Harlem Renaissance era, was a time of vibrant African American cultural and intellectual awakening, showcasing talents in literature, art, music, and more, with figures like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Louis Armstrong coming to prominence. This cultural movement also represented a reassertion of African American identity and a powerful demand for civil rights and social recognition. However, this era was also marred by racial tensions, including the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan, racial violence, and the perpetuation of Jim Crow laws in the South. The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, where a prosperous Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was destroyed by a white mob, stands as a stark reminder of the racial animosities of the time.
The Founders' Influence on the Alpha Tau Chapter
In the midst of these challenges, the founding of the Alpha Tau Chapter at the University of Akron represented a beacon of hope and a source of strength for African American students. Inspired by the fraternity's national founders, the chapter's founding members sought to create a space that not only fostered academic excellence and leadership but also served as a support system for students navigating the complexities of college life in a racially segregated society.
The chapter actively engaged in initiatives that reflected the national organization's commitment to civil rights and social justice. This included hosting speakers, conducting forums to discuss issues affecting the African American community, and participating in service projects aimed at improving the lives of African Americans in Akron and beyond.
Moreover, the chapter's establishment during this period underscored the importance of education and intellectual development as tools for empowerment and social change, aligning with the broader goals of the Harlem Renaissance to redefine the African American narrative. Through their actions and initiatives, the members of the Alpha Tau Chapter carried forward the legacy of the fraternity's founders, demonstrating leadership and commitment to service amidst the backdrop of a nation grappling with racial inequality and striving for a more inclusive society. The chapter's history is not only a reflection of the resilience and determination of its members but also a testament to the enduring relevance of the founders' vision for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.