The Alpha Man

Alpha Phi Alpha

Alpha Phi Alpha™, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, was founded on December 4, 1906™ at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. The Jewel founders and early leaders of the fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity. Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were established at other colleges and universities, many of them historically black institutions, soon after the founding at Cornell. The first alumni chapter was established in 1911. While continuing to stress academic excellence among its members, Alpha also recognized the need to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices faced by African Americans. Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community's fight for civil rights through leaders such as W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul Robeson, and many others. True to its form as the “first of firsts,” Alpha Phi Alpha has been interracial since 1945. Since its founding on December 4, 1906™, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world.

Pi Iota Lambda

On May 23, 1983, Brothers in the Kappa Tau Lambda Chapter in Valdosta, Ga. intake process gave rise to approximately five new Alpha brothers in the Tifton area. On December 1, 1989, a formal letter was made by Brother Mitchell to Brother Darryl R. Mathews, Director of Marketing/Membership, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Chicago, Il. March 11, 1990, The Interest Group of Alpha held its meeting at Anne Belle Clark School with Bro. Mitchell calling the meeting to order. Bro. Newkirk provided the needs assessment data. Bro. Jenkins discussed the procedures needed to be followed. Brothers present at the meeting were: Bro. Joseph Walden, Bro. Lee Byrd, Bro. Larry Mims, Bro. Carl Brown, Bro. Leon Grant, Bro. Kenneth Newkirk, Bro. Bobby Jenkins, Bro. Jerry Edwards, Bro. Solomon Daniels and Bro. Ed Mitchell. May 5, 1991: Chartering Ceremony. On May 5, 1991, in Tifton, GA, over 30 years ago, very brave men with a keen vision and undaunted courage gave rise to Pi Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The chapter has experienced abundance and periods of challenge and has persevered. It is a testimony of fortitude by which the Spirit of this fraternity lives on. Onward! Upward!