NPHC Council of Presidents
NPHC COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS ANNOUNCED STRATEGIC PRIORITIES SUPPORTING VIABILITY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
For Immediate Release
NPHC COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS ANNOUNCED STRATEGIC PRIORITIES SUPPORTING VIABILITY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
Council Installs Ward and Marion As New Leadership Team
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Council of Presidents of the National Pan Hellenic Council Inc., representing the nine historically Black Greek-Lettered Organizations, announced today its annual strategic priorities that will guide its collective efforts to address systemic issues affecting the viability of the African American community.
Under the leadership of Dr. Everett B. Ward, the council’s newly-installed chairman and General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the council outlined its strategic priorities, including: voter engagement, 2020 Census, economic impact, minority business development, HBCU sustainability, and healthcare advocacy after its retreat and during the council’s Sept. 12th meeting at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. International headquarters.
“We are at a precarious time in the history of our nation,” said Dr. Ward. “The serious nature of these issues in this current climate necessitates intentional strategic action. We are committed to using the power of our 1.5 million collective membership to engender positive societal change.”
In addition, the Council named Dr. Ward, and Dr. David Marion,
Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the council’s chairman and vice chairman, respectively. The Council is also comprised of Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beverly E. Smith, National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Valerie Hollingsworth Baker, International Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Andre Manson, Grand Polaris of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Reuben A. Shelton, III, Esq., Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Deborah Catchings-Smith, International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Michael E. Cristal, International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., as well as Vanetta Cheeks Reeder, National President of the National Pan Hellenic Council Inc.
Each of the nine BGLOs best practices and resources will be leveraged as part of this strategic approach to create favorable living conditions for African Americans nationwide.
“We, as a council, and as distinct organizations, recognize that we can have a critical impact on the circumstances of our communities through our collective action,” said Dr. David Marion, the council’s newly-installed Vice Chairman. “These strategic priorities will directly inform our efforts to create opportunity and advocate for equity.”
In other action, the Council also established a partnership with the National Council of Negro Women to provide financial support and technical assistance to that organization. All nine organizations also agreed to support NCNWs annual HBCU Hungry for Education Tour every fall.
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The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) is currently composed of nine (9) International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Supports the National Council of Negro Women HBCU Tour
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ANNOUNCES ITS SUPPORT FOR THE 2019 NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN HUNGRY FOR EDUCATION TOUR SPONSORED BY DENNY’S
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ANNOUNCES ITS SUPPORT FOR THE 2019 NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN HUNGRY FOR EDUCATION TOUR SPONSORED BY DENNY’S
Effort Underscores Fraternity’s Go-To-High School, Go-To-College National Program and Onward HBCU Initiative
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. announced at a press conference that its members will provide support and mentorship as part of the 2019 National Council of Negro Women’s Hungry for Education Tour of seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) this Fall.
The tour, which is organized by NCNW as well as sponsored by Denny’s, the Tom Joyner Foundation and PUSH Excel, will visit seven campuses in six cities to encourage college enrollment, academic excellence, and career preparation for students of all backgrounds. Tour stops will be South Carolina State University and Claflin University, Orangeburg, S.C. (Sept. 7); Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Fla. (Sept. 14); Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Ga. (Sept. 21); Howard University, Washington, D.C. (Sept. 28); Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio, (Nov. 2); and Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas (Nov. 6).
“We are happy to partner with the National Council of Negro Women on their Hungry for Education HBCU Tour,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Dr. Everett B. Ward. “We plan to provide necessary support and mentorship in each of the selected markets using our Alpha network around the country. We are committed to working with the amazing women in this organization to cultivate and encourage the next cadre of leaders and scholars on HBCU campuses around the country.”
During the tour stops, activities will include panel discussions with celebrity HBCU alumni, marching band performances, campus tours, an overview of campus life including admissions, financial aid, and career counseling, information sessions about Denny’s Hungry for Education scholarships and the opportunity to explore careers at Denny’s. Participating high school students also will have the opportunity to meet current college students, professors, and potential employers.
“At Denny’s, we have found that supporting HBCUs is an incredibly effective way to invest in the diverse communities we serve,” said April Kelly-Drummond, head of Diversity Equality Inclusion & Multicultural Engagement for Denny’s. “HBCUs make up only 3 percent of the colleges and universities in the United States, yet they produce 23 percent of African-American college graduates.”
President Ward explained that the Fraternity has always given their time, talent and treasure to support education and HBCUs, including its Go-To-High School, Go-To-College National Program, the Onward HBCU initiative, the hundreds of scholarships the Fraternity awards at the local level as well as the thousands of dollars donated to organizations like the UNCF and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
“We are honored to work with NCNW and Denny’s on what we know will be a tremendous experience for scores of young people.”
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visit http://www.apa1906.net and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Concludes its 95th General Convention
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Concludes its 95th General Convention
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*Editor’s Note: Previously released media statement inadvertently omitted Washington D.C. Chamber of Commerce President Vincent Orange as a moderator.
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. THE NATION’S FIRST FRATERNITY FOUNDED BY AFRICAN AMERICAN COLLEGE MEN, CONCLUDES ITS 95TH GENERAL CONVENTION WITH CLARION CALL AGAINST INJUSTICE
General President Everett B. Ward offers support for U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings and condemns President Trump’s remarks about him and Baltimore city as “racist and insensitive”
LAS VEGAS, NV – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.® and its General President Everett B. Ward, Ph.D. concluded its 113th Anniversary and 95th General Convention this past weekend with a pledge to aggressively fight against white supremacy and other issues targeting the African American community following a series of Fraternal business meetings, workshops, social activities, awards ceremony at the Bally’s Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Its convention with its theme, “Alpha Advocacy in Action: Silence Is Not An Option,” from Wednesday, July 24 through Sunday, July 28, trained, informed, and inspired members to actively pursue the Fraternity’s advocacy and social justice agenda, which encompasses voter engagement, census education and mobilization as well as a host of other issues through meetings, trainings, and workshops. Overall, an estimated 4,000 people attended or participated in the convention’s various meetings, events, and social activities that also included a slate of activities for Alpha wives and family members.
On Friday, the Fraternity issued a public statement defending U.S Representative Elijah Cummings and condemning President Donald Trump for racist, vile and insensitive remarks after the President lashed out at Congressman Cummings, calling him a “bully” and referring to Baltimore, the city he represents as being a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess” where “no human being would want to live.”
The Fraternity’s public program, entitled “All Politics Is Local,” and moderated by both Washington, D.C. Chamber of Commerce President Vincent Orange and Political commentator, Roland S. Martin, featured two panels, including Presidential candidate and Miramar, Florida mayor Wayne Messam, Little Rock, Arkansas mayor Frank Scott, Forrest City, Arkansas mayor Cedric Williams, and Birmingham, Alabama mayor Randall Woodfin. All are members of the Fraternity.
The second half of the program, featured Thomas Battles, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Grand Polemarch, State of Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi; Ricky L. Lewis, First Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Kenneth C. Evans, President of the Las Vegas Urban Chamber of Commerce and a member of Omega Psi Phi; Chris Rey, International First Vice President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and former Mayor of Spring Lake, North Carolina; Katina Semien, South Central Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Valarie Hollingsworth-Baker, International President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; and Tracy Aikens, Far West Regional Director and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
On Saturday Morning, several brothers competed in the inaugural John H. Johnson Alphapreneur Business Pitch Competition. The winner of the competition was Andrew Suggs, CEO of Live Chair. Suggs was the recipient of a $10,000 cash prize to push the business even further.
On Saturday evening, the Fraternity also recognized and honored members and notable non-members with the Alpha Award of Merit and the Alpha Award of Honor at its signature Black and Gold Gala. Fraternity National Historian Robert Harris, Vista Equity Partners Founder and Chairman and Philanthropist Robert F. Smith, University of Maryland Baltimore County President Freeman Hrabrowski, and U.S. Representative Robert “Bobby” Scott and Actor and Author Hill Harper, all Alpha brothers, received the Alpha Award of Merit. Documentary Filmmaker Stanley Lewis received the Alpha Award of Honor, which is the Fraternity’s highest recognition for a non-member.
Earlier in the week, along with Las Vegas City Councilman from Ward 5 Cedric Crear, the Fraternity donated $10,000 for a baseball scoreboard at the Doolittle Community Center and was recognized by the Las Vegas City Council for its many accomplishments and contributions. The Fraternity also hosted a concert featuring one of its members, eight-time Grammy Nominee and Saxophonist, Gerald Albright, and his daughter, vocalist, Selena Albright.
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visit http://www.apa1906.net and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.
Alpha Phi Alpha Stands with U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings
Alpha Phi Alpha Stands with Congressman Elijah Cummings
STATEMENT: Alpha Phi Alpha Stands with U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings
LAS VEGAS – Earlier today, President Donald Trump lashed out at U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings, calling him a “bully” and referring to Baltimore, the city Cummings represents, as being a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess” where “no human being would want to live.”
The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., condemn President Trump for his racist, vile and insensitive remarks about Representative Cummings and the great city of Baltimore, home of our venerable brother, the late Justice Thurgood Marshall where our corporate headquarters is located.
Representative Cummings has proudly and boldly represented Maryland’s 7th congressional district since 1996. He currently serves as Chair of the House Oversight Committee. Representative Cummings is an accomplished attorney known for speaking truth to power as he calls out the actions of this country’s current president.
The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., stand with Representative Cummings. We encourage him to continue leading in a way that represents the best interests of the residents of Baltimore and, by extension, the citizens of these United States.
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visit http://www.apa1906.net and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.® mourns the death of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Icon
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.® mourns the death of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties icon
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.® mourns the death of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties icon and Judge, Brother Damon Keith.
“Alpha brothers worldwide celebrate the courageous life and legal scholarship of our brother, Judge Damon Keith,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Everett Ward. “His tenacious resilience to fight against injustice serves as a role model as we continue to fight against discrimination.”
Brother Keith, who was the grandson of slaves and served in the segregated Army during World War II, was a November 30, 1939 initiate of the Alpha Zeta chapter at West Virginia State University in Institute, West Virginia. He was also a former member of the Gamma Lambda chapter in Detroit, Michigan.
For more than 50 years, Judge Keith’s rulings have had a profound impact not only on our community, but the country. Brother Keith’s stances and decisions epitomize the true spirit and courageousness of our great Fraternity.
Notably, Brother Keith has said he was inspired and always summoned the lessons of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brother Thurgood Marshall, who was previously one of his professors at Howard University.
During his long and prolific career, Judge Keith confronted efforts to limit African American voting as well as attacked racial segregation in housing, education, and employment with his decisions leading to the integration of both the Detroit Police Department and the Pontiac Public Schools.
That latter decision was reportedly one of the first of its kind in the North and resulted in massive busing, attacks on school buses, death threats against Brother Keith and the conviction of Ku Klux Klansmen for dynamiting 10 school buses.
In addition, Brother Keith is also most recognized for his fearless defiance of the Nixon administration when he ruled that they could not engage in warrantless wiretaps. He not only faced an appeal, but the government personally sued him. The U.S. Supreme Court later affirmed his decision and the landmark case is notably known as “the Keith case.”
A year before President Nixon resigned, he even ordered the government to disclose whether it used sabotage, agent provocateurs and “other espionage activities,” including burglary at a law office, to make its case against the militant group, the Weathermen. Rather than undergo a hearing of how they obtained evidence, the government withdrew their case.
Nearly 30 years later, in another landmark decision, he prevented President George W. Bush from conducting secret deportation hearings of terrorism suspects, saying “Democracies dies behind closed doors.” The Washington Post even paraphrased him with their slogan, “Democracy dies in the darkness,” which they have credited him.
In a time when civil liberties are once again under attack, our nation desperately needs to remember and perpetuate the courageous legacy of leadership of men like Brother Keith whose life constantly teaches us to tirelessly champion the causes of justice.
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.®, headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visithttp://www.apa1906.net and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.
Alpha Days on the Hill
Alpha Days on the Hill
My Brothers of Alpha:
In keeping with our mission statement and as part of our partnership with Brother Marc Morial and the National Urban League, we are proud to announce our inaugural Alpha Days on the Hill in Washington, DC – May 6-8, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill Hotel. During Alpha Days, we will collaborate with the National Urban League and effectively advocate for our communities and the issues we are faced with.
Registration is $100 and the agenda will include admission into the National Urban League’s release of the State of Black America at the National Press Club as well as the opportunity to attend plenary sessions, meal functions, a reception saluting the Congressional Black Caucus, and our Alpha Phi Alpha issues panel at the Capitol Visitors Center.
We ask that you please register for the Community Leader track using the link www.iplanevents.com/SOBA19 and use the code CL19 and indicate Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as the organization affiliation. We also ask that you make appointments to visit your congressional delegation on the afternoon of May 8th to inform and educate them on the issues that are important to Alpha and your community, among them education, social and criminal justice. You can find your congressional members at www.house.govand www.senate.gov The public policy committee has developed a one-pager on our issues for you to discuss with your congressional members, which will be provided soon.
AGENDA
May 6th and May 7th – participate with the National Urban League schedule of events.
May 8th – Alpha Issues panel with Alpha members of Congress and the public policy committee in the Capitol Visitors Center from 12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. and the Alpha Reception on the Hill (Location: TBA)
HOTEL (OPTIONAL)
The Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill 400 New Jersey Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 202.737.1234
Reservations can be done in 2 ways:
* Call (877) 807.7534 and refer to Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Please ensure to reference the State of Black America Empowerment Summit 2019
Click on the following link: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/WASRW/G-SBAE
* Room Rate is $359 for Single and Double, $384 for Triple and $409 for Quad
* Hotel Sleeping Room Tax, per night is 14.8%
* Cut-off Date is Friday, March 29, 2019
We look forward to you joining us in Washington, DC May 6th – 8th.
Onward and Upward Always,
Everett B. Ward, Ph.D.
General President
Alpha Phi Alpha Calls For Diversity At CNN
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.® joins NABJ calling for Leadership Diversity at CNN
Friday, March 8, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 5, 2019) – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.® shares the concern of The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) about the lack of black representation within the ranks of CNN’s executive news managers and direct reports to CNN President Jeff Zucker. As an organization specifically concerned with the issues affecting the African American community we lend our voices to those who would encourage constructive dialogue regarding creating an inclusive workplace at CNN.
The role of media in society is to bring the truth to the people. Authentic journalism is bold, fearless, and very honest. The potency of any news outlet is diluted when all voices are not heard and considered in various facets of the news organization. The pace of our evolving society requires that we be adequately and accurately informed through a lens that is absent of bias and inclusive of all segments of society.
We look forward to the findings of the research and an analysis of CNN’s diversity, inclusion and equity practices, performed by NABJ as well as the civil rights audit that examines the company’s hiring, promotion and compensation practices involving black employees.
After some preliminary research Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.® shares the NABJ’s concerns about the following findings:
▪ CNN President Jeff Zucker has no black direct reports.
▪ There are no black Executive Producers at CNN.
▪ There are no black Vice Presidents on the news side at CNN.
▪ There are no black Senior Vice Presidents on the news side at CNN.
“Alpha Phi Alpha members have been longstanding active members and leaders of NABJ since its founding. From its first president Chuck Stone to Arthur Fennell, to Merv Aubespin who also served as president, our brothers have been vigilant advocates for equity, diversity, and inclusion for black journalist and communications professionals. The fraternity is pleased to support the NABJ in creating inclusive leadership spaces within news organizations” said Dr. Everett B. Ward, General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.®
About Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.®
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visit http://www.apa1906.netand follow on Twitter @apa1906network.
Media Contact:
Henry A. Stewart
Chief Communications Officer
hstewart@apa1906.net
443-326-7237
Historic Memorandum of Understanding
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.® and NAACP Sign Historic Memorandum of Understanding
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv.
Assistant Director, Public Relations & Community Engagement 1-443-635-5911 (cell)
ewebb@apa1906.net
Henry Stewart
CCO, Assistant Executive Director, Marketing and Public Relations 1-443-326-7237 (cell)
hstwewart@apa1906.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. signs historic agreement with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Organizations will collaborate on education, outreach, civic engagement, leadership development, membership and community building
NEW YORK – The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots civil rights organization, signed an historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) during its Annual Meeting on Saturday, February 16.
The MOU will allow the two advocacy organizations to formally collaborate nationally, regionally, statewide and locally on education & outreach, civic engagement, issue area advocacy priorities, leadership development, membership and community building.
“The signing of this memorandum of understanding is extremely special since it is the culmination of a week where we as a Fraternity recently sojourned to Paris, France to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the Pan African Congress which was established by our brother Dr. W.E.B. Dubois representing the NAACP,” said Dr. Everett B. Ward, general president of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Interestingly, the NAACP was founded by Dubois, one of the Alpha’s earliest and most pre- eminent members, as well as many of its top officials, including then-NAACP Legal Defense Fund attorneys, Thurgood Marshall and Robert Carter, were also men of the Fraternity.
The two organizations, which were founded in 1906 and 1909 respectively, share common priorities and interests in ensuring the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and eliminating race-based discrimination. Because of the shared principle commitment to equal rights and social justice, and the significant impact which can be made through the magnitude of combined resources, expanded core capacities, and infrastructure, the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated are collaborating to fulfill the mission of both organizations, according to the memorandum.
Ward added: “We share similar goals so we share in your (NAACP) saying that ‘When we fight, we win,” but men of Alpha also have another saying that ‘Alpha men will fight until Hell freezes over and then we’ll fight on the ice.’ The men of Alpha will fight against discrimination. We will fight against injustice; we will fight against intolerance, and we will fight against ignorance because as intellectual people we are committed to service and making sure all people have access to power.”
Aside from the Fraternity, the Black Entertainment & Sports Lawyers Association, Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Inc. and NID Housing Counseling Agency also signed agreements with the NAACP during this annual meeting.
Last year, the Fraternity, as part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, signed a prior MOU with the NAACP designed to help mobilize voters for mid-term elections and increase membership.
“During our long history, the NAACP functions at its highest capacity when our partnerships with our allies, including those in our community and those with whom we have a strategic alignment, are operating with their highest potential,” said NAACP National Board Chairman Leon W. Russell.
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The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visit http://www.apa1906.net and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.
Statement on Recent Police Shootings in Chicago and Birmingham
Statement on Recent Police Shootings in Chicago and Birmingham Suburbs
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. urges thorough and transparent investigations
The killing of Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford, Jr. in a mall in Hoover, Alabama marks the second recent shootings where police have mistaken a Black licensed gun holder for a gunman and shot him.
Two weeks ago, a white police officer wrongfully killed security officer, Jemel Roberson, after he helped subdue a gunman outside a night club in a Chicago suburb.
Whether they are would-be heroes or fleeing civilians, African American men continue to be deemed criminals or threats within milliseconds.
We, as members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., urge that a thorough and transparent investigation be conducted into both shooting deaths and that all body-worn camera and other video evidence be released to the public immediately.
The shoot first and ask questions later mentality when police encounter African American men, particularly those who lawfully exercise their constitutional rights as lawful gun owners, must be stopped.
Both Mr. Roberson and Mr. Bradford are victims, and law enforcement authorities should treat them and their families as such. Like all victims, their families deserve prompt updates and real time information as more details are learned.
In addition, law enforcement must move immediately to prevent any further such tragedies. One step forward is the establishment of community advisory boards to provide guidance to local police departments.
Overall, incidents, like these, underscore the importance of our advocacy in the face of injustice. Laws and policies, whether written or implied, that justify our mistreatment must be confronted and eradicated.
Most of all, the Fraternity must remain vigilant in both its collective and individual efforts, from our voter education and engagement campaigns to our brothers seeking election – to ensure that those in office will not only ensure fair treatment but pursue justice even when it is those who wear a badge are wrong. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. is committed to ensuring that our communities receive the justice, respect and humanity that they deserve.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc ® responds to Domestic Terrorism & Acts of Hate
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc ® responds to Domestic Terrorism & Acts of Hate
General President Ward denounces mass shooting violence and urges gun control.
BALTIMORE, MD (October 31) – The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. offers its sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the those killed recently in multiple acts of hate and domestic terrorism across the country. We also stand with those whose lives were targeted and threatened simply for their race, political beliefs, and affiliations.
Beyond the need for common sense gun control and mental health reforms, these acts are symptoms of a sickness in the greater political environment that not only harbors, but encourages intolerance, divisiveness, bigotry, and unnervingly, in veiled language, violence.
As those of moral character, we must change that. Alpha Phi Alpha and our allies remain committed in our advocacy and our fight for equality and justice. We all must ensure that our voices are heard in and through the processes and platforms afforded us.
We are not powerless, and we are not victims. We will not let cowards or those who use fear and terror to triumph.
I urge every brother and every chapter of our Fraternity to join in the movement to fight against racial violence, bigotry, and hatred by engaging in the mid-term elections and advocating for policies that strive to protect our communities.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visit http://www.apa1906.net and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.