Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. would like to express our sincerest condolences and prayers to the families of the victims killed and those injured in the Waffle House mass shooting in Antioch, Tennessee early Sunday morning, where a gunman armed with an AR-15 assault rifle killed four people and injured four others.

Had it not been for the quick action and courage of Brother James Shaw, Jr., a 2011 Beta Omicron chapter initiate at Tennessee State University and a restaurant patron at the time, who unarmed, wrestled the weapon from the gunman as he attempted to reload, disarmed him and forced him outside, more lives would have undoubtedly been lost.

As a Fraternity, we commend and recognize Brother Shaw for his heroism in the face of life-threatening odds. While he has humbly, declared that he is “not a hero,” his unselfish actions are a testament to “Manly Deeds” and “Love For All Mankind,” two of our Fraternal Aims and embodies what our Fraternal Hymn heralds as “the true and courageous.” Brother Shaw’s example provides increased pride among all in our Brotherhood.

Sadly, this gunman’s senseless act of domestic terrorism and hate once again underscores the need for action involving gun control and gun violence in this nation. Less than a month ago, hundreds of thousands of Alpha brothers and chapters, students, teachers, parents and victims rallied in Washington, D.C., and across the country to demand tougher gun control measures, spurred by the political activism of young people and others impacted by recent school shootings.

The Urgency of Now demands we, as Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., remain steadfast in our advocacy on issues that ensure that our community is safe, and that justice will be served.

On March 18, 2018, Sacramento, California police fatally shot 22-year-old Stephon Clark in the backyard of the home he shared with his grandparents. Mr. Clark is another name added to the long list of unarmed African Americans killed at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve the public.

As we watch the number of murdered African Americans rise, we are also disheartened by the fact that many of these crimes go unprosecuted and unpunished. The men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. have been focused on observing the Urgency of Now. It is now time for targeted and deliberate action to address the issues that are literally killing our communities. It is no longer sufficient to wait for others to advocate on our behalf. We are who we have been waiting for. We must individually and collectively educate ourselves and engage in active resistance to police brutality, negligent enforcement, and judicial apathy.

Following the example of our brothers in Sacramento, California who were present at their city council meeting to not only voice objections to the conditions that led to Stephon Clark’s shooting, but also to register and educate new voters to ensure that their voices will be heard through the ballot box. I urge everyone to actively find ways to pursue strategies that advance our cause for justice which will lead to systemic and lasting change.

Onward and Upward Always,

Everett B. Ward
General President

General President Ward and Executive Director Riley present the “2018 Priorities & 2017 Year In Review”. Take a look at what was accomplished by the Brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha in 2017 as well as the goals and priorities set for 2018. Click the look below to take a look.

2018 Priorities & 2017 Year In Review