STATEMENT OF THE ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ON THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
ewebb@apa1906.net
Cell: 443-635-5911
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT OF THE ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ON THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
In the spirit of our mission statement, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. stands in unwavering solidarity with our Brothers and all Americans who have been furloughed due to the ongoing government shutdown.
This moment demands principled leadership. We call upon lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to come together with urgency and resolve to restore government funding, protect access to healthcare, and ensure the stability of the institutions that serve our nation.
The shutdown not only disrupts livelihoods, but it undermines the dignity of public service and the wellbeing of families across this country. Our Brothers—many of whom serve in critical roles across federal agencies—deserve better. Their dedication to community and country should never be collateral damage in political gridlock.
Alpha Phi Alpha remains committed to amplifying the voices of those affected, advocating for equitable solutions, and holding our elected officials accountable to the people they serve. We urge Congress and the Administration to act swiftly, restore operations, and prioritize the health and security of all Americans.
About Alpha Phi Alpha
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and is headquartered in Baltimore, MD. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; late former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell; late former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; legendary activist, actor and performer, Paul Robeson, former Ambassador Andrew Young; late former Senator Edward Brooke; scholar, Cornel West; Senator Raphael Warnock; Congressman Steven Horsford, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; six other members of the U.S. Congress, numerous state, and local lawmakers across the United States, as well as President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai, Sr. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, and other parts of North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
STATEMENT OF THE ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ON RECENT HAZING ALLEGATIONS AT SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
ewebb@apa1906.net
Cell: 443-635-5911
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT OF THE ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ON RECENT HAZING ALLEGATIONS AT SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has placed the Beta Sigma Chapter at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Immediate Cease and Desist Directives for allegations of Hazing.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Rapid Response Team is currently gathering information as to what happened and the involved parties.
But to be very clear…if it is determined by the Rapid Response Team, the University or Law enforcement that the collegiate members hazed then the Chapter along with those individuals will be subjected to penalties and sanctions of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Any Member who directly or indirectly participated in these illicit activities will be permanently expelled and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will encourage the University and Law enforcement to pursue the maximum penalties allowed.
Hazing has no role in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity., experience. It is not condoned, nor will it be tolerated. The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. regularly educates its Chapters and members on their Health, Safety, Risk Management and Legal Guidelines, including but not limited to Hazing and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., policies, and procedures.
About Alpha Phi Alpha
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and is headquartered in Baltimore, MD. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; late former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell; late former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; legendary activist, actor and performer, Paul Robeson, former Ambassador Andrew Young; late former Senator Edward Brooke; scholar, Cornel West; Senator Raphael Warnock; Congressman Steven Horsford, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; six other members of the U.S. Congress, numerous state, and local lawmakers across the United States, as well as President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai, Sr. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, and other parts of North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
STATEMENT OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. GENERAL PRESIDENT LUCIEN J. METELLUS, JR. IN ADVANCE OF SCOTUS RULING ON LOUISIANA V. CALLAIS
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
ewebb@apa1906.net
Cell: 443-635-5911
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. GENERAL PRESIDENT LUCIEN J. METELLUS, JR. IN ADVANCE OF SCOTUS RULING ON LOUISIANA V. CALLAISRead more
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. MOURNS THE DEATH OF FORMER ALPHA FIRST LADY, EUNICE W. PONDER, ED.D. – 28TH GENERAL PRESIDENT BROTHER HENRY PONDER
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
ewebb@apa1906.net
Cell: 443-635-5911
Friday, Sept. 26, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. MOURNS THE DEATH OF FORMER ALPHA FIRST LADY, EUNICE W. PONDER, ED.D. –
28TH GENERAL PRESIDENT BROTHER HENRY PONDER
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. mourns the death of former Alpha First Lady, Eunice W. Ponder, Ed.D. – the wife of 28th General President Brother Dr. Henry Ponder. Mrs. Ponder passed away on Sept. 20. She was 96.
The Fraternity offers its sincerest condolences to her family, friends, sorority, and all who admired her.
Mrs. Ponder, who lived a life of service, was a public-school teacher then a university professor and administrator as well as First Lady of Benedict College (1973-1984), Fisk University (1984-1994), Talladega College (2001-2004), and Langston University (2010-2012).
She attended Langston University, where she majored in business education and was a proud member of Beta Upsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She graduated in 1951, later earning a master’s degree at Oklahoma State University in 1958, and subsequently an Ed.D. in higher education from the University of South Carolina in 1981. She became a development administrator then business management professor at Benedict.
At Fisk University, where she became First Lady in 1984, she also taught business management at the university, and served on numerous nonprofit boards, as well as was a member of The Fleur de Lis Bridge Club and The Links, Inc.
Mrs. Ponder, who retired in 1991, was a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a Platinum Member of The Links, Inc., and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She is survived by her husband of 73 years, their daughters, Edna Cheryl and Anna Katheryn, and their Norfolk Terrier, Pearl.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00am at the Leamington Beach Club: 100 S. Shore Drive, Hilton Head Island, 20028. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you consider a gift to Memory Matters: 117 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29926 or https://www.mymemorymatters.org/explore.
Read full obituary at: https://www.compassionfuneralservice.com/obituary/eunice-ponder
About Alpha Phi Alpha
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and is headquartered in Baltimore, MD. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; late former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell; late former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; legendary activist, actor and performer, Paul Robeson, former Ambassador Andrew Young; late former Senator Edward Brooke; scholar, Cornel West; Senator Raphael Warnock; Congressman Steven Horsford, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; six other members of the U.S. Congress, numerous state, and local lawmakers across the United States, as well as President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai, Sr. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, and other parts of North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Statement of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on the Unjust and Discriminatory Texas Redistricting Proposal
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
ewebb@apa1906.net
Cell: 443-635-5911
July 22, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on the Unjust and Discriminatory Texas Redistricting Proposal
Washington D.C.- The General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity released the following statement in response to redistricting efforts in Texas that would intentionally gerrymander the state and weaken voting populations of color:
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity condemns in the strongest terms the unjust and undemocratic redistricting proposal currently under consideration in the state of Texas,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Brother Lucien J. Metellus, Jr.“ This blatant power grab by Republican lawmakers threatens to disenfranchise millions of Black and Latino voters, undermining the principle of fair and equal representation that is the bedrock of American democracy. The proposed congressional map is nothing more than a modern-day form of voter suppression — strategically drawn to dilute the political power of communities of color across the state. Through the use of racial and partisan gerrymandering, Republican legislators are manipulating district lines to maintain control, silence dissenting voices, and cement minority rule. This is not governance; it is an abuse of power.”
“For over a century, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has stood on the front lines of the struggle for civil rights and justice, said Brother Roy Tatem, Alpha Phi Alpha General Chairman of Political and Civic Engagement Committee. “From the courtrooms of Thurgood Marshall to the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., our legacy is one of resistance, advocacy, and action. We will not remain silent as the fundamental rights of Black and Latino Texans are threatened. Our committee has outlined the immediate action steps below.”
We Call for Immediate Action:
1. Mobilize the Brotherhood and Communities:
2. Demand Accountability:
3. Partner with Civil Rights Organizations:
4. Elevate the Issue Nationally:
5. Prepare for the Ballot Box:
This is not just about Texas, this is about the future of democracy in America. If unchecked, this redistricting scheme sets a dangerous precedent for other states to follow.
Alpha Phi Alpha will continue to fight with vigilance and vision until all voices are heard, and all votes are counted equally. We urge every Alpha man and every defender of justice to stand up, speak out, and organize.
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About Alpha Phi Alpha
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and is headquartered in Baltimore, MD. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; late former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell; late former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; legendary activist, actor and performer, Paul Robeson, former Ambassador Andrew Young; late former Senator Edward Brooke; scholar, Cornel West; Senator Raphael Warnock; Congressman Steven Horsford, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; six other members of the U.S. Congress, numerous state, and local lawmakers across the United States, as well as President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai, Sr. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, and other parts of North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. SHOWCASES SUPPORT FOR EDUCATIONAND ADVOCACY DURING 98TH GENERAL CONVENITON I 119TH ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION IN PHILADELPHIA, PA
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
ewebb@apa1906.net
Cell: 443-635-5911
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. SHOWCASES SUPPORT FOR EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY DURING 98TH GENERAL CONVENITON I 119TH ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION IN PHILADELPHIA, PA
Fraternity Donates $50,000 To Education Non-Profit and $25,000 To Sneaker and Clothing Relief Charity; Awards 35 Scholarships, Recognizes Educators of the Year and Endorses Brother Congressman Al Green’s Resolution On Slavery Remembrance
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. donated $50,000 to Philadelphia Academies, Inc. – a local non-profit initially founded in 1969 to combat Philadelphia’s dropout crisis whose programming prepares students for both college and careers as well as presented 35 scholarships to its College Brothers during its 98thGeneral Convention I 119th Anniversary Convention, “Reimagining Alpha for the Future” from July 16 - July 20 in Philadelphia, PA.
The local non-profit, which pioneered the Career Academy Model now adopted by over 8,000 schools nationwide, continues its mission with its Middle School Programming, Workforce Development Initiatives, and the 9th Grade Success Network, equipping students, particularly Black and Brown youth, with the training, credentials, and mentorship needed to access life-sustaining careers.
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s commitment and support of education and academic excellence, particularly for the communities we serve, is consistent and undeniable,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Brother Lucien J. Metellus, Jr. “The Fraternity support of these initiatives remains true to our origins as a ‘social study club’ assembled to address the crisis of Black students struggling to remain at Cornell University in the early 1900s, our Fraternal emphasis on scholarship and academic excellence as well as our first General Program, ‘Go-To-High-School, Go-To-College.’”
The Fraternity also awarded 35 College Brother Scholarships as well as on Wednesday, during the Fraternity’s public program, Advocacy in Education: Empowering Black Men for College and Beyond, the Alpha Community Education Initiative, in conjunction with the Fraternity recognized the Nathanial A. Murray Educator of the Year Awards to both Ms. Kristyn Andrea Waters and Ms. Tamarra Henry.
In addition, the Fraternity donated more than $25,000 to Soles 4 Souls, a sneaker and clothing relief charity partnering with our chapters in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The Fraternity raised the money through its ‘Suits & Sneakers’ convention promotion, which allowed contributors of $19.06 or more to wear sneakers during its Saturday convention business sessions.
Through the Fraternity’s advocacy, it has also endorsed and supports Alpha Brother Congressman Al Green’s resolution on Slavery Remembrance and Freedom – The Conscience Agenda, which expands Slavery Remembrance Day – August 20, awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the American enslaved (similar to Congress honor of Confederate soldiers in 1956), investigates the extent of financial companies’ historical connections to slavery and to facilitate atonement from those companies, establishes a cabinet level department tasked with creating a national comprehensive strategy to eliminate racism an invidious discrimination, removes the name of Richard B. Russell, “a racist and self-proclaimed white supremacist” from the Russell Senate Office building and recognizes the late former Texas State Representative, Alpha Brother, Al Edwards as the father of Juneteenth.
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About Alpha Phi Alpha
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and is headquartered in Baltimore, MD. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; late former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell; late former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; legendary activist, actor and performer, Paul Robeson, former Ambassador Andrew Young; late former Senator Edward Brooke; scholar, Cornel West; Senator Raphael Warnock; Congressman Steven Horsford, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; six other members of the U.S. Congress, numerous state, and local lawmakers across the United States, as well as President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai, Sr. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, and other parts of North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
STATEMENT OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. MOURNING DEATH OF THE LATE HONORABLE, FORMER U.S. CONGRESSMAN, BROTHER CHARLES B. RANGEL
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
ewebb@apa1906.net
Cell: 443-635-5911
Friday, May 26, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. MOURNING DEATH OF THE LATE HONORABLE, FORMER U.S. CONGRESSMAN, BROTHER CHARLES B. RANGEL
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. mourns the death today of the late Honorable, former U.S. Congressman, Brother Charles B. Rangel, who was the last living founding member of ‘The Gang of Four’political coalition and a 2019 Alpha Award of Merit recipient. He was 94.
The late Brother Congressman Rangel, who was a Fall 1964 Alpha Gamma Lambda initiate and Life Member of the Fraternity, was a towering figure in the U.S. politics, who served 46 years in the U.S. Congress and had become the chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee in 2007.
Brother Rangel, a Harlem native affectionately known as the ‘Lion of Lenox Avenue,’ was a decorated Korean War veteran, who earned degrees from New York University and St. John’s University School of Law. He was elected in 1971 after defeating the renowned Brother Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. for what is now New York’s 13th Congressional District., serving from 1971 to 2017. Brother Rangel was also a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
A champion for justice and opportunity, he “fought tirelessly for affordable housing, urban revitalization, fair tax policies, and equal opportunities for all Americans,” according to a family statement.
The Fraternity offers its sincerest condolences to his family, friends, his former constituents, and all who admired our legendary Alpha Brother.
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About Alpha Phi Alpha
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and is headquartered in Baltimore, MD. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; late former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell; late former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; legendary activist, actor and performer, Paul Robeson, former Ambassador Andrew Young; late former Senator Edward Brooke; scholar, Cornel West; Senator Raphael Warnock; Congressman Steven Horsford, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; six other members of the U.S. Congress, numerous state, and local lawmakers across the United States, as well as President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai, Sr. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, and other parts of North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
STATEMENT OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. DEMANDING THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ALPHA BROTHER AND NEWARK, N.J. MAYOR RAS BARAKA FROM ICE DETENTION FACILITY
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
ewebb@apa1906.net
Cell: 443-635-5911
Friday, May 9, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. DEMANDING THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ALPHA BROTHER AND NEWARK, N.J. MAYOR RAS BARAKA FROM ICE DETENTION FACILITY
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. demands the immediate release of Alpha Brother and Newark, N.J. Mayor Ras Baraka from ICE custody after being accused of allegedly trespassing at an ICE Facility, where he was conducting an oversight visit.
The Fraternity defends the right of Brother Mayor Baraka to protect his city and advocate on behalf of his constituents, especially when the city is currently suing for more inspections when detainees may behoused in poor and overcrowded conditions.
According to reports, the facility can only house 1,000 people and hehas already stated that issues there go beyond the lack of safety inspections and proper permits.
Alpha Phi Alpha sees Brother Mayor Baraka’s detention as retaliatory and part of a larger agenda to silence dissent, thwart oversight, and further disenfranchise those from marginalized communities as well as those who may advocate on their behalf.
We wholeheartedly stand with Brother Mayor Baraka.
Be clear, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and its Brotherhood has long stood at the forefront for the advancement and equal protections of African Americans and people of color in the public sector, and that is unwavering.
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About Alpha Phi Alpha
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and is headquartered in Baltimore, MD. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; late former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell; late former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; legendary activist, actor and performer, Paul Robeson, former Ambassador Andrew Young; late former Senator Edward Brooke; scholar, Cornel West; Senator Raphael Warnock; Congressman Steven Horsford, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; six other members of the U.S. Congress, numerous state, and local lawmakers across the United States, as well as President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai, Sr. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, and other parts of North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
The Council of Presidents National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.® Joint Statement Opposing Censorship of American History at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Donna Jones Anderson
NPHC National President
National Council of Presidents
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Lucien J. Metellus, Jr.
General President
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Danette Anthony Reed
International President and CEO
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Jimmy McMikle
Grand Polemarch
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Ricky Lawrence Lewis
Grand Basileus
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Elsie Cooke-Holmes
International President, Chair, National Board of Directors
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Hon. Chris V. Rey, JD, Chair
International President
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Stacie N. C. Grant, Vice Chair
International President
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Marica T. Harris
International Grand Basileus
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Sean D. Housen, Sr., Ed. D
International Grand Polaris
Phone
844-267-4247
Web
info@nphchq.com
nphchq.com
Headquarters
3951 Snapfinger Parkway
Suite 565
Decatur, GA 30035
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 5821
Philadelphia, PA 19128The Council of Presidents
National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.®
Joint Statement Opposing Censorship of American History at the
National Museum of African American History and Culture
April 9, 2025
For Immediate Release
The Council of Presidents of the National Pan Hellenic Council® (NPHC®), representing the nine historically Black Greek-lettered Organizations and more than 2.5 million members worldwide, strongly opposes any attempt to censor, distort, or dismantle the
telling of America’s full and inclusive history. Efforts to withhold funding from the Smithsonian complex, especially the National Museum of African American History and Culture, threaten not only a vital educational resource but also the very integrity of our national narrative.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture serves as a cornerstone in the preservation and celebration of African American history and culture. This history is American history. From slavery to civil rights to the cultural innovations that continue to shape the world, the museum ensures these stories are not forgotten, denied, or politicized.
NPHC® also commends the outstanding leadership of Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III. As the founding director of the museum and the first African American Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Secretary Bunch has championed the power of historical truth to unite, educate, and heal. His dedication to scholarship, accessibility, and equity has elevated the Smithsonian mission and broadened its relevance to all Americans.
The NPHC® was founded on May 10, 1930, at Howard University in Washington, DC. The purpose of the NPHC® is to foster cooperative actions of its members in dealing with matters of mutual concern. Thus, NPHC® promotes the well-being of its affiliate fraternities and sororities, facilitates the establishment and development of local councils of the NPHC®, which collaboratively work together across the United States and provides leadership training for its constituents. We believe that knowledge uplifts communities, empowers individuals, and strengthens democracy. Secretary Bunch continues in that tradition and reminds us that museums are not merely repositories of the past. They are tools for building a better future. The NPHC® calls on policymakers, educators, and citizens across the country to reject false narratives that seek to divide us. We must support institutions that honor our collective past and protect our shared future. The National Museum of African American
History and Culture plays a vital role in that mission, and we will continue to advocate for its preservation and advancement.
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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. For more information, visit www.nphchq.com.
STATEMENT OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. CONDEMNING PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP’S EFFORTS TO DISMANTLE THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
ewebb@apa1906.net
Cell: 443-635-5911
Thursday, March 20, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. CONDEMNING PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP’S EFFORTS TO DISMANTLE THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. condemns President Donald J. Trump’s executive order today that aims to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and stands against any other efforts to gut the agency from within. We strongly urge all state attorney generals to join the fight to block the effort.
The Fraternity sees this effort as part of a larger agenda to eliminate educational opportunities for marginalized and underserved students, particularly those who are poor, racially marginalized, and living with disabilities, as well as to dramatically decrease those able to afford and pursue a college education and prevent the enforcement of civil rights and educational equity.
As the world’s first and leading intercollegiate Fraternity founded by African American men, this attack is the antithesis to why our illustrious Fraternity was conceived and founded, as well as in direct opposition to what we as men of Alpha represent.
Currently, we are also asking all Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter Presidents to contact their U.S. Congressmen and Senators, expressing the Fraternity’s position as well as confirming where each elected official stands on this matter. The Fraternity will be producing a list of the stances of all US Congressional officials as part of ourVoteless People is a Hopeless People initiative.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and its Brotherhood has long stood at the forefront for the advancement and equal protections of African Americans and people of color in the public sector, and that is unwavering.
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About Alpha Phi Alpha
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and is headquartered in Baltimore, MD. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; late former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell; late former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; legendary activist, actor and performer, Paul Robeson, former Ambassador Andrew Young; late former Senator Edward Brooke; scholar, Cornel West; Senator Raphael Warnock; Congressman Steven Horsford, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; six other members of the U.S. Congress, numerous state, and local lawmakers across the United States, as well as President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai, Sr. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, and other parts of North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.