Founding
December 4, 1906
Seven Jewels
Dr. Henry Arthur Callis Dr. Charles Henry Chapman Mr. Eugene Kinkle Jones Mr. George Biddle Kelley Mr. Nathaniel Allison Murray Mr. Robert Harold Ogle Mr. Vertner Woodson Tandy
Dr. Henry Arthur Callis
- Physician
- Howard University Professor of Medicine
- “philosopher of the founders”
- only one of “Cornell Seven” to become general president (6th General President [1915-1916])
- before moving to D.C. was a medical consultant to Veterans Hospital in Tuskegee, AL
- Died in 1974 at 87 years old (was the last living Jewel)
- His papers were donated to Howard’s Moorland-Spingarn Research Center
Dr. Charles Henry Chapman
- Professor
- Entered higher ed and eventually became professor of agriculture at what is now FAMU
- died in 1934, was first jewel to enter Omega
- Described as “a brother beloved in the bonds”
- founded FAMU’s Beta Nu chapter
- During organization stages, he was the first chairmen of the Committees on Initiation and Organization
Mr. Eugene Kinkle Jones
- Became the first executive secretary of the National Urban League
- 20-year tenure with UL thus far has exceeded those of all his successors in office
- he organized the first three fraternity chapters that branched out from Cornell (Beta: Howard, Gamma: Virginia Union University, original Delta: University of Toronto)
- Alpha Chapter’s 2nd president
- Joined with Callis in creating fraternity name
- was a member of the first committees on Constitution and Organization and helped write fraternity ritual
- has distinction of being one of the first initiates as well as an original founder
- status as founder was not established until 1952
- entered Omega in 1954
Mr. George Biddle Kelley
- Engineer
- Became first African-American engineer registered in the state of New York
- was the strongest proponent of the fraternity idea among the org’s founders
- Alpha chapter’s first president
- served on committees that worked out the handshake and the ritual
- Was popular with the brotherhood
- Resided in Troy, NY
- Was active in Beta Pi Lambda chapter in Albany
- Entered Omega in 1963
Mr. Nathaniel Allison Murray
- Pursued graduate work after completing his undergraduate studies at Howard
- Later returned home to D.C. where he taught in DCPS
- Most of his career was spent at Armstrong Vocational High School in D.C.
- Was a member of Alpha Chapter’s first committee on organization of the new fraternal group and Committee on the grip
- the charter member of Washington’s Mu Lambda chapter frequently attended general conventions
- Entered Omega in 1959
Mr. Robert Harold Ogle
- Entered the career secretarial field
- Served as a professional staff member to the US Senate Committee on Appropriations
- He was an African-American pioneer in his Capitol Hill position
- he proposed the fraternity’s colors and was Alpha Chapter’s first secretary
- Ogle joined Kelley in working out the first ritual
- Became a charter member of Washington’s Mu Lambda Chapter
- Entered Omega in 1936
LT. Vertner Woodson Tandy
- Became the state of New York’s first registered black architect, with offices on Broadway in New York City
- designed the fraternity pins
- was first African-American to pass the military commissioning examination and was commissioned first lieutenant in the 15th infantry of the New York State National Guard
- was Alpha Chapter’s First Treasurer; took the initiative to incorporate the fraternity
- designed the Saint Phillips Episcopal Church in New York City
- Entered Omega in 1949 at age 64
Colors of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Black and Old Gold
Mission Statement
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities
Aims
Manly deeds, scholarship, and Love for all mankind
Motto
First of all, servants of all, we shall transcend all
Symbol
The Great Sphinx of Giza
Flower
Yellow rose
Woodrow Vereen Jr. (Woody)
- Born 8/3/83 (miracle baby - Family prayed over him and brought him back to life)
-33 years old
Born in BPT, CT
-Parents: Woodrow Sr. from Nichols and Deborah from BPT, have been together 36 years
-4 siblings: Keya, 40, BPT; Travis, 30, BPT; Kevin, 27, Florida; Loretta, 26, NJ/MA - Nieces/nephews: Keliah, Aubrey, Nyanna, and Aljonon
-Favorite color: Purple
-Favorite Number: 5
-Pet Peeve: complainers - No pets, favorite animal is lion
- musically talented and loves football
- Loves Cowboys and Knicks
- Favorite City: New Orleans
- author: OG Mandino
- Book: Greatest Salesman in the World
- movie: 5 Heartbeats
- Shirt size: M, 15 1/2
- pant size: 33
- Shoe size: 9
- Married
- went to Central HS
- played football at Morehouse got his BA in Sociology
- is a Christian Democrat
- wanted to be a doctor as a child
-thought he would be further in life - would have said “shut up” to himself 10 years ago
- didn’t have any interest in pledging undergrad
-feels like now is the time
-didn’t know of Greek Letter Orgs before college - No family members belong to Greek Letter Orgs
-feels the aims and motto of APhiA align with who he is - sees himself successful and happy in 10 years
-his family makes him smile
Invictus By William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me
Black as the pit from pole to pole
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looks but the horror of the shade
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid
It matters not how straight the gate
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul
Selfish
I, me, my, mine….these are words that do not rhyme. We, us, our, together….these are words that last forever
Excuses
Excuses tools of incompetence Used to build monuments of nothingness Those who use them Seldom excel in anything. Excuses
