Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Partners With Alzheimer’s Association to Promote Brain Health and Support Suffers Through Education and Awareness
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
June 7, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Partners With Alzheimer’s Association to Promote Brain Health and Support Suffers Through Education and Awareness
BALTIMORE, MD – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. announced a two-year partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association to promote brain health as well as support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias through awareness and education.
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
“The Alzheimer's Association is proud to partner with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to address health disparities and health inequities, particularly as it relates to Alzheimer’s and other dementia,” said Dr. Carl V. Hill, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Alzheimer’s Association. “Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has been a trusted, valuable supporter of our mission for several years. This new partnership will enable us to reach even more Black /African American families with disease information and our care and support resources to help families affected by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., with its rich history of service and leadership in the African American community, has long recognized, and fought for, the importance of nurturing partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for community engagement.
“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association to promote brain health as well as to offer education and awareness about those suffering from this disease,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Willis L. Lonzer, III, Ph.D. “This partnership not only aligns with our overall mission, but specifically our Brother’s Keeper Fraternity-Wide Program, which aims to advocate and improve the quality of life for our senior Brothers, their spouses, and widows as well as other vulnerable community members.”
Under the partnership, the Fraternity will:
- Connect local chapters of each organization for education, engagement, and volunteer opportunities.
- Deliver two or more education programs to the Fraternity’s networks each year.
- Provide culturally appropriate materials to members directly or through its website, including promotion of the Association’s 24/7 Helpline.
- Leverage opportunities at Fraternity’s regional and general conventions and in its Sphinx magazine.
- Share latest Alzheimer’s and dementia research and data and its impact on our communities as well as introduce members to Association’s signature events, including Walk to End Alzheimer’s and The Longest Day.
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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 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. Applauds Major League Baseball’s Decision To Merge Negro League Baseball Statistics Into All-Time Records
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
June 4, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Applauds Major League Baseball’s Decision To Merge Negro League Baseball Statistics Into All-Time Records
BALTIMORE, MD. – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. applauds Major League Baseball’s (MLB) decision last week to merge Negro League Baseball statistics into their all-time records, now recognizing Hall of Famer Josh Gibson as MLB’s new all-time career leader over Ty Cobb.
MLB’s decision to fully recognize the contributions of professional Black baseball players, who were previously marginalized, enriches sports history, and finally honors players' legacy, like Gibson. He played for the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords, with MLB’s new top career batting average of .372. Gibson also now leads in slugging percentage, and all-time single season records.
Alpha Brother Sean Gibson, who is the great grandson of Gibson, was a leading advocate for the MLB’s decision and has kept his great grandfather’s legacy alive as well as those of other Negro Leaguers through his Josh Gibson Foundation since the late 1990s.
The Fraternity is proud to support Brother Gibson and all those who fight to correct past injustices of racial discrimination as well as those who preserve the heritage of Negro League Baseball.
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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 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. Partners With The University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
May 31, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Partners With The University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management
BALTIMORE, MD – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is partnering with the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management ensuring more of its members pursue graduate degrees in business and management to accelerate their current career or pivot into a new industry.
As part of the partnership, Alpha Brothers receive application fee waivers and an opportunity for no less than three full tuition fellowships for those admitted to Carlson’s Full-Time or Management Science MBA program each year. Carlson’s MBA program, which is typically completed in 21 months, offers a strong focus on academics, professional and career development, and experiential learning, including global learning and leadership development opportunities.
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is renowned for its development of global leaders across every field, including business,” said General President Willis L. Lonzer, III, Ph.D. “As the world’s first and leading intercollegiate Fraternity founded by African American men, our organization is excited to partner with the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and is uniquely equipped to realize its goal of increasing African Americans’ pursuit of business and management graduate degrees.”
The Fraternity ensures at least 10 Alpha Brothers apply and three enroll each Fall semester in the Carlson MBA program. Program applicants, which are notified within eight weeks, are reviewed based on prior academic performance, standardized test scores, English proficiency scores, video essays, interviews, and professional experience.
"Alpha Phi Alpha's history of excellence and commitment to global leadership development aligns with the Carlson School's mission to educate students to think critically, act ethically, and lead confidently in today's global economy," said Jamie Prenkert, dean of the Carlson Schools and Investors in Leadership Distinguished Chair. "We're very proud to partner with Alpha Phi Alpha and look forward to welcoming brothers to our Twin Cities campus and thriving business community for years to come."
The program will also offer webinars and opportunities targeting the Fraternity’s College Brothers about business careers and graduate business education at Carlson as well as special sessions with Alumni Brothers to assist in the business school application process, the agreement stated.
The current partnership runs through June 30, 2026, with both parties set to review the success of the program and consider renewal.
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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 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. Mourns Death of Alpha Brother, and L.A. Civil Rights Icon Rev. Dr. Cecil Murray
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
April 25, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mourns Death of Alpha Brother, and L.A. Civil Rights Icon Rev. Dr. Cecil Murray
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. mourns the death of Alpha Brother and L.A. Civil Rights icon Rev. Dr. Cecil Murray, who transitioned to Omega Chapter on Friday, April 5. He was 94.
Brother Murray, who presided over L.A.’s oldest African American congregation, First African Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly three decades, helped calm emotions during the 1992 L.A. unrest as well as later channeled jobs, housing, and millions in economic development into the then-struggling mostly, African American, and Latino surrounding communities.
Brother Rev. Dr. Murray, a Fall 1948 Beta Nu Chapter at Florida A&M University, where he received a degree in history and later embarked on an Air Force career. Three years later, he attended theology school at the School of Theology at Claremont College and received a doctorate in religion in 1964. Afterwards, he served as a pastor in Pomona, CA; Kansas City, KS.; and Seattle before moving to his assignment at First AME in 1977. After his tenure at First AME, he served as the John R. Tansey Chair of Christian Ethics at University of Southern California and chair of the Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement from 2005 through 2022. He was a member of the Beta Psi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA.
“Brother Rev. Dr. Cecil Murray was a giant among the South Los Angeles community and dedicated his life to service and advocacy,” said Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III. “The Fraternity offers its deepest condolences to the family of Rev. Dr. Murray, and we hope they find solace in that we mourn with them, and that they are not alone.”
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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 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 us at www.apa1906.net and follow us on all platforms @apa1906network.
Eventnoire and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Announce Official Partnership Agreement to Empower Black Community Events
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
Contact:
Jeff Osuji
CEO Eventnoire
+1 (773) 759-4363
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eventnoire and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Announce Official Partnership Agreement to Empower Black Community Events
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Eventnoire proudly announce their official partnership agreement to both amplify and support events within the Black community. This represents a unique, dynamic, and shared commitment to Black voices, and the communities they inspire. Through the promotion and support of upcoming cultural, educational, and social events, we’re excited to do our part in uplifting and empowering our people.
Eventnoire is the leading Black-owned event ticketing and media platform, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established by and for African American men.
"We are thrilled to announce this strategic partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.," said Eventnoire CEO Jeff Osuji. "This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our mission to provide a platform that celebrates Black culture and fosters community engagement. Together, we will enhance access to impactful events and continue to promote excellence within our communities."
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., with its rich history of service and leadership in the African American community, has long recognized, and fought for, the importance of nurturing partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for community engagement.
"We are excited to join forces with Eventnoire to further our commitment to supporting and promoting events that celebrate Black excellence and culture," said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Willis L. Lonzer, III, Ph.D. "This partnership aligns with our mission to uplift our communities and provide platforms for networking, education, and empowerment."
Alpha Phi Alpha and Eventnoire plan to collaborate on various initiatives aimed at increasing event visibility, accessibility, and impact. With access to our respective networks and resources, both organizations will work together to empower event organizers and attendees to foster a sense of unity and pride within the Black community through their events.
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About Eventnoire
Eventnoire is a Black-owned event ticketing and media platform dedicated to celebrating and promoting Black culture. With a mission to provide a comprehensive platform for event organizers and attendees, Eventnoire offers innovative solutions to streamline event management and increase event visibility within the Black community.
Learn More: WEBSITE | DOWNLOAD OUR APP
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 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 us at www.apa1906.net and follow us on all platforms @apa1906network.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Supports Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation in Celebration of Black History Month
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
January 23, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Supports Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation in Celebration of Black History Month
International Fraternity and Sorority leadership participate in leadership training and support regional leadership at Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Conference in Florida
BALTIMORE, MD. – As part of the Black History Month celebration, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., is supporting the Black tech-based cancer charity, Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation, with a special Social Media Takeover and launch on World Cancer Day, Sunday, Feb. 4, 10 AM EST, featuring Ora Lee Smith founder Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green live on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn @apa1906network and @OraLeeOrg.
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is committed to supporting the efforts of the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation,” said General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III. “Everyone has a loved one, or knows someone, fighting this disease. We strongly believe that the Foundation’s research offers a promising opportunity to revolutionize the way cancer is treated, save lives, and improve the health outcomes for millions of cancer patients worldwide.”
Currently, despite the best approaches, 9 million cancer-related deaths occur yearly.
The Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is on a mission to change the way cancer is treated and reduce cancer-patient suffering by providing a treatment that is accessible, affordable, and effective.
Dr. Green developed a new, revolutionary treatment using Laser-Activated Nano-Therapy (LANT) technology – specifically designed to destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. LANT is designed as a multi-cancer platform therapy and has implications for a variety of solid tumor types, including breast, prostate, colorectal, and brain cancers.
The Fraternity has committed to raising funds towards the $10 million needed to begin human clinical trials with the LANT cancer treatment. The launch also hopes to raise awareness and garner support for the Beyond Hope Day of Giving on Sunday, Feb. 25 at OraLee.Org/Alphas/.
“I am grateful that the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and leadership have joined our efforts to eradicate cancer,” said Dr. Green. “This partnership is a testament to their unwavering commitment to providing service and advocacy for our communities – where our cancer treatment is most needed.”
For more information, to donate now, or become a monthly donor, visit OraLee.Org/Alphas/ and follow us on social media @OraLeeOrg, and @DrHadiyahGreen.
***
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 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 us at www.apa1906.net and follow us on all platforms @apa1906network.
COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS OF HISTORICALLY BLACK FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES EXPRESS CONCERNS ABOUT FLORIDA’S HOSTILE POLICIES AND TREATMENT OF AFRICAN AMERICANS AND MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES DURING STATE CONFERENCE
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
November 30, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS OF HISTORICALLY BLACK FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES EXPRESS CONCERNS ABOUT FLORIDA’S HOSTILE POLICIES AND TREATMENT OF AFRICAN AMERICANS AND MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES DURING STATE CONFERENCE
International Fraternity and Sorority leadership participate in leadership training and support regional leadership at Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Conference in Florida
(TAMPA, FL) – The Council of Presidents (COP) of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc., the leadership body representing the nine historically African American fraternities and sororities, expresses concern about Florida’s hostile policies and treatment of African Americans and marginalized communities during the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) conference in Tampa, Florida from Nov. 28 through Dec. 2.
In May, the AFA board of directors sent an email to its members that it had been monitoring Florida’s legislative landscape over the past several months and it had become increasingly apparent that equity, inclusion, and diversity would be impacted for Florida’s higher education professionals and that safety and inclusion for marginalized communities were diminishing as well as their abilities to successfully live, work, and exist in the state.
The COP remains committed to AFA and we continue to share these same concerns. We agree with the board that the direct actions, decisions, and overreach by both the Governor and the Florida Legislature have dramatically changed the landscape in Florida. Governor DeSantis’ fight against “woke” culture in Florida has emboldened some and enraged others, creating a climate of cultural and racial hostility. The decisions to block an African American Studies Advanced Placement course in high schools and to restrict books and conversations about race in schools and businesses are inherently discriminatory. Significantly, these policy decisions have a negative, pervasive impact beyond Florida and throughout the nation. The COP stands opposed to this ideology, and we condemn acts of hatred and discrimination as demonstrated by this Governor and this legislature.
The COP delegation is attending the AFA conference, independent of political affairs of the state. The delegation is here not only to express its concerns about the state’s cultural and racially hostile policies, but to participate in leadership training and to offer support to its respective regional leadership and conferees. Our organizations stand with our local members and the community in a spirit of solidarity and alignment.
***
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 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 us at www.apa1906.net and follow us on all platforms @apa1906network.
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Donates $10,000 To Barber-Scotia College in Honor of Late Former College President and Past General President Lionel Hodge Newsom
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
November 15, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Donates $10,000 To Barber-Scotia College in
Honor of Late Former College President and Past General President Lionel Hodge Newsom
Baltimore, MD – The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. donated $10,000 to Barber-Scotia College recently in honor of the late Lionel Hodge Newsom, the 7th President of Barber-Scotia College and 22nd General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Barber-Scotia College President Chris Rey, an attorney, who is also the current International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Inc. as well as vice chairman of the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s Council of Presidents made a financial appeal to other NPHC leadership.
“The men of Alpha are proud to support Barber-Scotia College,” said General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III, who also serves as the chairman of the NPHC’s Council of Presidents. “We recognize the tremendous contributions that HBCUs continue to make here in the U.S. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity also commits to annual support of Barber- Scotia College in recognition of her rich legacy as an institution. This financial support is formally named in honor of Dr. Lionel Hodge Newsom, who served as the 7th President of the College and the 22nd General President of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.”
Brother Newsom, who also served as president of Johnson C. Smith University from 1969 to 1972 and Central State University from 1972 to 1985, was the former president of Barber-Scotia College from 1964 to 1966 as well as led the Fraternity from 1965 to 1968. In addition, Past General President Newsom was an Alpha Award of Merit recipient – the Fraternity’s highest honor and has Barber-Scotia College’s gymnasium named in his honor. In September, the Fraternity’s board of directors approved an annual donation to the college at its board meeting in Nassau, Bahamas.
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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 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 us at www.apa1906.net and follow us on all platforms @apa1906network.
STATEMENT OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ON FEDERAL COURT’S DECISION THAT NEW GEORGIA VOTING DISTRICTS VIOLATE 1965 VOTING RIGHTS ACT
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
October 27, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ON FEDERAL COURT’S DECISION THAT NEW GEORGIA VOTING DISTRICTS VIOLATE 1965 VOTING RIGHTS ACT
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. commends the recent decision of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia ruling that newly drawn Georgia voting districts violate the 1965 Voting Rights Act by watering down voting strength of African Americans and other communities of color in Georgia.
In December 2021, the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Georgia, and WilmerHale filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Sixth District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and individual Georgia voters challenging newly drawn district lines for the General Assembly on the grounds that they violate Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
As part of the decision, the state of Georgia must draw a total of six new districts, two new majority-Black Georgia House districts and four new majority-Black Georgia Senate districts, by December 8. These districts will be in the metro-Atlanta area and Macon-Bibb area.
In the last decade, Black citizens were the principal drivers of Georgia’s significant population growth. The state’s Black population grew by about 484,000 people between 2010 and 2020, while the state’s white population declined, according to the census and news reports. Yet, the Georgia State Legislature failed to draw district lines that would allow these new voters to elect their preferred leaders.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. remains at the forefront of the fight for social justice and advocating for the communities we serve. Thanks to the court’s decision, these efforts to further disenfranchise Black voters and diminish political representation for the Black community and communities of color, for now, has been halted in the state of Georgia.
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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 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 us at www.apa1906.net and follow us on all platforms @apa1906network.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mourns and Condemns Tragic Shooting Death of Alpha Brother at Jackson State University
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
October 16, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mourns and Condemns Tragic Shooting Death of Alpha Brother at Jackson State University
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. mourns and condemns the tragic shooting death of Brother Jaylen Burns at Jackson State University last night. Brother Burns, a Spring 2023 Delta Phi Chapter initiate, was an industrial technology major from Chicago and a campus leader.
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. offers our deepest prayers and condolences to the Burns family, the entire Fraternity, the Delta Phi Chapter, and friends and fellow students at Jackson State University,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III. “Brother Burns was an active campus leader who has been praised by the Fraternity, fellow students, and even Jackson State University Acting President Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony. While every life has value, it is especially heartbreaking when we mourn the death of someone who is trying to make a difference and be of service on campus and in the lives of others.”
Currently, the Jackson Police Department and the Jackson State University Department of Public Safety, who are investigating the fatal shooting, have not released any other details.
***
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 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 us at www.apa1906.net and follow us on all platforms @apa1906network.