THE HISTORY OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INCORPORATED
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for
African-American college male students, was established at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York on
December 4,1906. The prejudices of the time, even at a relatively liberal institution such as Cornell,
placed an extra burden on minority students. The seven visionary founders, also known as the "7 Jewels" are:
These men labored in years of severe economic struggle and racial conflict in the United States. Despite their
difficulties of organization in this untried field of student life, the early fraternity pioneers succeeded in laying
a firm foundation and remained steadfast in their goals - the espuosing of the principles of good character, sound
scholarship, fellowship, and the uplifting of humanity.
The fraternity has grown steadily in influence throughout the years. More than 125,00 men have been initiated into
Alpha Phi Alpha since its founding in 1906. There are now close to 500 college chapters
on campuses, and 350 alumni chapters
in local communities, located in 44 states, the District of Columbia, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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