112 Years of Tradition
Since 1906 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has been the paragon of achievement for university educated men. Around the world, Fraternity members make their communities better by fulfilling the mission of developing leaders, promoting brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy through the organization's programs.
Original Delta Chapter Commemoration Project
The Sigma Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will participate in the University of Toronto Landmark Project by purchasing a bench, which will commemorate the original Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Jewels Eugene K. Jones and Vertner W. Tandy spent their Easter vacation of 1908 in Toronto, ON. Upon returning to Ithaca they reported that they had initiated 8 men into the Fraternity and thus created Delta, the fourth chapter. Click HERE to support.
ABOUT
History of Alpha Phi Alpha
Background
On December 4, 1906, seven undergraduate students at Cornell University, “The Seven Jewels,” organized Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the first intercollegiate fraternity among African American men. With the Great Sphinx of Giza as its symbol, and the motto “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All,” Alpha Phi Alpha dedicated itself to defend the rights and to promote the responsibilities of African Americans. The founders of Alpha Phi Alpha sought to combine social purpose with social action, to be more than a social organization. Throughout its history, Alpha Phi Alpha has promoted knowledge and achievement.
The archives for Alpha Chapter at Cornell University reveal the tenacity of the early members of the Fraternity as it expanded to Howard University in 1907 and to Virginia Union University and the University of Toronto in 1908, and subsequently to other major campuses across the country. Although Alpha Chapter helped to shepherd the early growth of the Fraternity, it soon relinquished its administrative role as Alpha Phi Alpha became a national organization. The Sphinx Magazine, published in 1914, is the second oldest continuously published black journal in the United States. The oldest one is the NAACP’s Crisis Magazine, which was started by W.E.B. Du Bois, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Alpha Chapter encouraged the Fraternity to adopt its signature program “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College” in 1919 to increase the number of black students eligible for college enrollment. Over the years, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has initiated national programs to end segregation in professional education, to increase voter registration and turn-out, to create decent and affordable housing for African Americans, to encourage business development, to foster male sexual responsibility, and to mentor young men.
DISTRICT HISTORY
DELTA CHAPTER (1908)
Delta Chapter
Jewels Eugene K. Jones and Vertner W. Tandy spent their Easter vacation of 1908 in Toronto, ON. Upon returning to Ithaca they reported that they had initiated 8 men into the Fraternity and thus created Delta, the fourth chapter. Two medical students were among those initiated, Dr. Keith Myric Benoit Simon and Dr. Manasseh Robert Mahlangeni
About: Dr. Manasseh Robert Mahlangeni
About: Dr. Keith Myric Benoit Simon
Delta Chapter was relocated in 1939 and is seated at Houston Tillotson College in Houston, TX.
SIGMA IOTA CHAPTER (1999)
Sigma Iota Chapter
Sigma Iota Chapter was first chartered October 12, 1991 at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, MO. After a period of inactivity, the chapter was relocated.
The Missouri Valley College Charter Members:
- Corey Burn
- Nathaniel Ivey
- Howard Mann
- Emanuel Walker
In 1999 three university students in Toronto, ON were initiated into the Fraternity. Subsequently Sigma Iota was rechartered March 20, 2001 at the University of Toronto.
The University of Toronto Charter Members:
- Philip August
- Nana Brown
- Ike Okafor
SIGMA EPSILON LAMBDA CHAPTER (2013)
Sigma Epsilon Lambda Chapter
For many years Brothers residing in Canada who had completed their university careers, had no alumni chapter with which to affiliate. On February 11, 2013 Sigma Epsilon Lambda had the distinction of being the first alumni chapter and only the third chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Canada. The first chapter meeting was held on March 25th at 100 Harrison Garden Boulevard in Toronto, ON.
Charter Members:
- Philip August
- Runako Gregg
- Darnel C. Leader
- Ikem Peter Opara
- Tevya D. Reid
- William A. White, Jr.
- Alexander K. Wood
Brothers of Sigma Epsilon Lambda Chapter (Toronto, ON) particpate in the Polar Bear Dip for Habitiat for Humanity, proving that Canadian Alphas are the COLDEST!
DISTRICT OFFICERS
District Director: Claude Olugbala
District Secretary: Philip August
District Treasurer: Shawn James