Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the world’s oldest intercollegiate fraternal organization founded by African-American men, has announced that the fraternity is giving $1 million to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opens this week after five years of construction.

“Our history matters. African American stories, art, and culture are the heart and soul of American history,” said Mark S. Tillman, general president of Alpha Phi Alpha. “Alpha men are proud to support this museum, helping to bring our collective voices to a history that has largely worked to silence us. We look forward to seeing our struggle documented in meaningful and enriching ways culminating in a powerful experience for everyone who visits this institution of historical struggle and progress.”

The Museum of African American and History and Culture will be the Smithsonian’s 19th museum. It will open to the public September 24 with 11 inaugural exhibitions covering major periods of African American history, including the slave trade, segregation, the civil rights movement, and the Harlem Renaissance. It will also include exhibits on Black Greek Lettered Organizations such as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and its members.

“You cannot understand American history if you do not understand African-American history”, explains Robert L. Harris, professor emeritus at Cornell University and national historian for Alpha Phi Alpha. “This is an idea that started with black civil war veterans who wanted people to understand the contributions that blacks have made to building this country. To see it finally become real is awe-inspiring.”

President George W. Bush signed the legislation establishing the museum in 2003. Construction began in 2011. The nation’s first African-American president will speak at its dedication. To learn more about the museum, please go to nmaahc.si.edu.

#APeoplesJourney #MakingHistory

We are pleased to share with you that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, for the first-time ever, will host an exhibit at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of America. The jamboree will take place at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia.

The National Scout Jamboree, one of Scouting’s premier events, is typically held once every four years and Scouts from across the US and internationally venture out to participate in high-adventure activities, work on advancement and merit badges, complete community service projects, hear from invited guest speakers, and make new friends. It’s a chance to see some of Scouting’s best and to see Scout skills in action.

This window of opportunity for Alpha Phi Alpha will not only allow our beloved fraternity to take the national stage and gain visibility, but it will also provide a chance to:

• Allow active members of both the fraternity and the BSA to participate and staff the Jamboree in the name of Alpha Phi Alpha;
• Showcase a history of the fraternity and display how the fraternity has participated in and supported Scouting over the years;
• Inspire Scouts and Scouters to seek potential membership into our beloved fraternity; and
• Strengthen and promote the national partnership.

Brothers are needed to staff the exhibit and must be available either the entire jamboree (Staff Session 1: July 15-29, 2017), or for half of the jamboree (Staff Session 2: July 15-22, 2017, or Staff Session 3: July 22-29, 2017). Brothers will be required to meet the medical and Body Mass Index (BMI) requirements established for the jamboree. The cost for the full session for staff ages 18-25 is $425 and staff ages 26 and over $850. The cost for half of the Jamboree is $425 regardless of age.

The Jamboree staff fee includes two Jamboree patches, registration, meals, and a tent you will camp in for the week. It does not include your travel or other “unique items” that will be only available to members of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Brothers, if you are interested in participating in staffing the jamboree, please view the staff payment schedule below for deadlines. If you can meet the deadlines and can make yourself available, please express your interest via email ASAP to bobbyray_wms@yahoo.com.

Staff Payment Schedule (Full Jamboree: ages 26 and over):

• $150.00 deposit due at the time of application
• $350.00 due on or before 9/30/16 ($50.00 late fee will be assessed 10/1/16)
• $350.00 (or balance of fees) due on or before 1/31/17 ($50.00 late fee will be assessed 2/1/17) 

Staff Payment Schedule (Full Jamboree: ages 18-25, or Half Jamboree):

• $150.00 deposit due at the time of application
• $137.50 due on or before 9/30/16 ($50.00 late fee will be assessed 10/1/16)
• $137.50 (or balance of fees) due on or before 1/31/17 ($50.00 late fee will be assessed 2/1/17) 

More information on the BSA’s 2017 National Scout Jamboree can be found by visiting the following: http://www.summitbsa.org/events/jamboree/volunteers.

I look forward to the men of the black and old gold venturing out next summer to “Live Scouting’s Adventure”!

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is pleased to present a special reception honoring Alpha Phi Alpha member, Congressman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY-13), during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 44th Annual Legislative Conference on Friday, September 16, 2016. The fraternity’s reception, which is being co-sponsored by Kappa Xi Lambda chapter, will take place in the Cannon Caucus Room at the Cannon House Office Building (27 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003) from 4 pm until 6:30 pm EST.

Brother Charles B. Rangel [Alpha Gamma Lambda ‘64] has served in the United States House of Representatives serving the communities of Harlem and Upper Manhattan since 1971. He is the dean of the New York Congressional Delegation and is a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first African-American to chair the House Ways and Means Committee. His dedication and commitment to his country and community are reflected in his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and as an assistant U.S. attorney. Brother Rangel is a much-loved husband, father, and community servant. It is because of brothers like him that Alpha is, in fact, the College of Friendship, the University of Brotherly Love and the School for the Better Making of Men.

If you are planning to be in Washington, DC, for the CBCF ALC, we would love to have brothers join us in saluting Brother Rangel. Due to the limited space for this function, we recommend you plan for an early arrival and RSVP using the link below.