STATEMENT OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. SEEKING A STAY OF EXECUTION AND A GRANT OF CLEMENCY FOR DEATH ROW INMATE JULIUS JONES
STATEMENT OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. SEEKING A STAY OF EXECUTION AND A GRANT OF CLEMENCY FOR DEATH ROW INMATE
JULIUS JONES
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. urges Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to grant a stay of execution and clemency for death row inmate Julius Jones, who is set to be executed on tomorrow, Nov. 18.
We ask that Governor Stitt heed the recommendation of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board that sufficient doubt exists regarding Mr. Jones’ alleged guilt in the 1999 murder conviction and that his death sentence should be commuted to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.
The Fraternity is also asking its nearly 100,000 members in its more than 720 college and alumni chapters as well as among our general organization and unaffiliated membership to contact Governor Stitt at (405) 521-2342, select option 0, and urge him to grant Mr. Jones clemency.
We are aware of the inconsistencies and the impact of racial bias associated with this case along with the impact of racial bias on death penalty cases, in general.
Like the more than 6.3 million supporters nationwide, who signed a petition supporting Mr. Jones in his fight to prove his innocence, the Fraternity in good conscience cannot stand idly by and allow a miscarriage of justice from a wrongful execution.
Since the historic Scottsboro Boys case and others, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the world’s first intercollegiate fraternity founded by African American men, has stood at the forefront in the fight for justice and Civil Rights for African Americans and the wrongly accused and convicted for more than a century.
This is no different.
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About Alpha Phi Alpha
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 and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL DISABILITY INSTITUTE
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL DISABILITY INSTITUTE
Baltimore, M.D. – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the nation’s oldest intercollegiate fraternity for African-American college men, has established a partnership with National Disability Institute (NDI) – the first and only national organization exclusively focused on the financial health and well-being of people with disabilities this month. Notably, October is National Employment Disability Awareness Month.
The partnership, which aims to raise awareness of the social, economic, and attitudinal barriers faced by those with disabilities and their families, will help to advance the financial, physical, and mental health for members of the fraternity as well as for students, family members, coworkers, and other individuals through social and community relationships. It also hopes to institute concrete methods and initiatives to combat and alter the stigma around disability and those it affects.
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is excited to partner with National Disability Institute,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III. “This partnership leverages our collective power to increase awareness, create opportunities, and combat the stigma surrounding disabilities for our members, their families, and the communities we serve.”
Members of the fraternity will also be given exclusive opportunities to engage and advance their education and outreach of National Disability Institute and its mission. This includes competitive invitations each summer for members to participate in NDI internships to learn about policy development and implementation with executive and legislative branches of the federal government to develop and increase leadership skills as well as expand opportunities to Alpha Phi Alpha places of employment for talented African-American youth and young adults with disabilities identified with NDI support.
“National Disability Institute is honored and thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha,” said Thomas Foley, National Disability Institute Executive Director. “There is tremendous synergy between our organizations, especially our shared advocacy and commitment to economic reform and social justice. The partnership, through APA’s Leadership Development Institute, will deliver an increased awareness and understanding of the societal, economic and attitudinal barriers faced by people with disabilities and their families.”
NDI, which has been addressing issues impacting the financial futures of people with disabilities since 2005, has a unique and continually evolving approach to financial health allows for continued changed behavior and policy modifications at a local, state, and national level.
Most recently, the U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded the partners the newly funded Community Navigator grant to advance entrepreneurship and small business development by individuals with disabilities. Under the grant, Alpha Phi Alpha will help identify fraternity members and alumni to serve as mentors to Black entrepreneurs and small business owners with disabilities in the greater Washington, D.C. area.
“It is an honor to work closely with Alpha Phi Alpha, an organization whose members include civil rights leaders Martin Luther King, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall,
W.E.B. DuBois and Cornel West,” said William Gould, National Disability Institute Director of
Equity and Inclusion. “This partnership will further strengthen and sustain our organizations’ work at the intersection of race, ethnicity, and disability.”
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About Alpha Phi Alpha
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 and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.
About National Disability Institute
National Disability Institute (NDI) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better financial future for people with disabilities and their families. The first national organization committed exclusively to championing economic empowerment, financial education, asset development and financial stability for all persons with disabilities, NDI affects change through public education, policy development, training, technical assistance and innovative initiatives. To learn more, visit www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org. Engage with NDI on Facebook: @NationalDisability or follow NDI on Twitter: @NatDisability.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. partners with Notre Dame business school
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications/Editor-of-The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
443-635-5911
ewebb@apa1906.net
Carol Elliott
Director of Communications
Mendoza College of Business
574-631-2627
celliot1@nd.edu
BALTIMORE, MD – The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-lettered fraternity for African American men, and the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, announced a partnership today aimed at supporting the professional advancement and leadership of African American men through graduate business education.
Alpha Phi Alpha and Mendoza will collaboratively support members seeking to develop as leaders through a business education. Mendoza will offer a designated fellowship program; waive application fees to its graduate programs including the Notre Dame MBA; waive fees for the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT); as well as provide test preparation programming, early access to Mendoza Graduate Business Career Development coaching and alumni mentoring.
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is excited to partner with the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III. “Our Fraternity’s mission places strong emphasis on developing leaders, and thanks to partnerships like this one will provide our members educational opportunities that are key to furthering that development.”
The College also plans to hold a two-day Alpha Phi Alpha Inclusive Leadership Immersion in mid-October on the Notre Dame campus that will focus on career development and professional degree opportunities at Mendoza. Students will hear from a diverse panel of students, alumni, and staff about the Notre Dame experience and participate in a "Demystifying the Business Case" session.
“The partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha allows us to directly support members of the fraternity interested in furthering their impact through a graduate business education while providing us with the opportunity to attract an increased number of talented, diverse candidates to our programs,” said Martin Cremers, Martin J. Gillen Dean of Mendoza College of Business. “We are honored to start this partnership with this venerable organization.”
The Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame is a premier Catholic business school whose mission is to develop leaders who contribute to human flourishing, cooperate with others in solidarity and compete toward becoming the best version of themselves through serving others. A leader in values-based education with the message of “Grow the Good in Business,” the College offers an academic experience that integrates experiential learning, integral leadership development and a community of mutual advancement.
In addition to its top-ranked Undergraduate Studies program and doctoral programs in management and in analytics, Mendoza offers 11 graduate business degree programs: the Notre Dame MBA (in a one- and a two-year format), Executive MBA-South Bend, Executive MBA-Chicago, Master of Science in Business Analytics-Residential, Master of Science in Business Analytics-Chicago, Master of Science in FinanceResidential, Master of Science in Finance-Chicago, Master of Science in Management, Master of Science in Accountancy, Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration and the Master of Nonprofit Administration-Residential. Learn more at Mendoza.nd.edu.
For more information about Mendoza Graduate Programs, including the Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. partnership, contact María Stutsman y Márquez at mstutsma@nd.edu or Martin Johnson at mjohns69@nd.edu
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About Alpha Phi Alpha 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 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock, Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, The Honorable Andrew Young, Edward Brooke, and Dr. 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. For more information, visit: apa1906.net and follow Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on Twitter and Instagram @apa1906network or on LinkedIn as “Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
BROTHER PERALTA NAMED FRATERNITY’S NEWLY-ESTABLISHED CHIEF CREATIVE ADVISOR
BROTHER PERALTA NAMED FRATERNITY’S NEWLY-ESTABLISHED CHIEF CREATIVE ADVISOR
New advisory role will help ensure the highest brand, digital, and print design standards for Fraternity
BALTIMORE, MD – The General President of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. recently named Brother Ramon E. Peralta, Jr. LHD, the Fraternity’s new chief creative advisor -- the first of such roles among National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities and sororities. Brother Peralta, who also currently serves as the Fraternity’s chairman of the general publications committee, which involves all international publications fraternity-wide, assumed his new additional voluntary role, Friday, Sept. 24.
Brother Peralta, who is a past New England district director and past director of communications for the Eastern Region, is a 1989 Mu Phi Chapter initiate, a life member of the Fraternity, and a member of Zeta Phi Lambda Chapter in Fairfield County, CT. Brother Peralta, a 1993 Bachelor of Fine Arts degree graduate of the University of Bridgeport, is an MBE Alumni of two Tuck School of Business Executive Programs. In 2017, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bridgeport in recognition of his distinguished career and accomplishments.
“Throughout Brother Peralta’s 32 years of dedicated service in Alpha, he has been behind countless Alpha creative design and branding opportunities that have prepared him for this newly created chief creative advisor role,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Brother Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III. “We know in Brother Peralta we have a creative professional who will ensure in his new role that Alpha will maintain only the highest design standards across all media: digital, brand, and print.”
Brother Peralta, who is a seasoned creative, served as senior art director on the original startup team behind priceline.com. For the last 13 years, Brother Peralta has led the award-winning, multi-disciplined, and loyal flight crew at Peralta Design, the digital creative agency he founded, which is headquartered in Shelton, CT with offices in Palm Coast, FL. He personally ensures that the desired ‘look & feel’ of every brand launch sequence is communicated consistently across the entire brand’s digital footprint; whether it be a website, video, social campaign, digital strategy, or printed marketing materials. Peralta Design clients include: The SIAC, Dr. Scholl’s Wellness, BiC, United Way, and countless satisfied B2B and B2C businesses all over the country and around the world. As the Fraternity’s chief creative advisor, he will continue to serve in his role as chairman of the general publications committee working alongside Director of Communications and Editor-of-The Sphinx, Brother Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC.
Brother Peralta’s original cover designs for The Sphinx date back as far as 1991 when then-Editor Brother Charles Robinson gave a young Brother Peralta an opportunity to illustrate a timeline montage of Brother Raymond Cannon on its cover.
“It’s an honor to serve as the Fraternity’s chief creative advisor as well as to continue in the historic role of chair of general publications - being personally responsible for the cover designs of The Sphinx – the nation’s second-oldest continuously-published African American magazine,” said Brother Peralta. “With General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer’s vision, I hope to leverage all my abilities as chief creative advisor to strengthen and elevate the Fraternity’s design aesthetic beyond the platforms we have been accustomed to by maintaining greater design integrity, impact, and prominence.”
Brother Peralta also serves on the board of directors for the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council and serves as co-chairman of the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC). Brother Peralta is also a board member of The McGivney Center, whose mission is to provide stimulating and enriching programs that foster academic success and self-esteem for youth in Bridgeport, CT, and is also a 2016 Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Gold Seal Award recipient, an award given to business leaders who exemplify the spirit of selflessness and volunteerism.
His professional affiliations include: The Greater Bridgeport Latino Network, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Bridgeport, the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, and the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. Brother Peralta and his company have been featured on both NPR’s Marketplace as well as on NBC’s Today Show.
Brother Peralta volunteers for NSBE Jr, Junior Achievement of Fairfield County, and for the Shelton High School Business Advisory Committee. A frequent lecturer and business mentor for SCORE of Fairfield County, he also broadcasts a bi-monthly podcast called Mission CTRL which is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Most recently, he has been named a ReSET Accelerator Advisory Board Member assisting in recruitment, program implementation, and scaling of the small disadvantaged businesses in the Greater Hartford area. He is also a Knownpreneur instructor and mentor, mentoring BIPOC small businesses in the Greater New Haven Areas.
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About Alpha Phi Alpha
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 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock, Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, The Honorable Andrew Young, Edward Brooke, and Dr. 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. For more information, visit: apa1906.net and follow Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on Twitter and Instagram @apa1906network or on LinkedIn as “Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.”
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. DECLARES WAR ON FACEBOOK
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
443-635-5911
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. DECLARES WAR ON FACEBOOK
African American Fraternity, Inc. relaunches online platform as first Black Greek exclusive member-only social media platform and mobile app, Alpha Elite
Baltimore, MD – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the nation’s oldest intercollegiate fraternity for African-American college men in the United States announces the relaunch of its social media platform and now, mobile app, Alpha Elite today.
Initially launched in February 2021, this updated version, in conjunction with its an all new, Alpha Elite mobile app, serves as a secure all-in-one hub for Brotherhood networking and exclusive benefits and amenities, including an “Alpha Partners” portal, job portal, Alpha University portal, more than 80+ regional, lifestyle, and professional communities, special event highlights, and blog digests.
In addition, the platform will also securely house official Fraternal communications and other collateral, such as: board minutes, protocol manuals, and other documents, etc.
Located at Alphaelite.apa1906.net, Alpha Brothers log in with their Alpha Membership Experience (Alpha MX) username and password. New users can then access Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), How-To-Links, as well as helpful community boards to help create a profile and get started.
With a host of updated features, tools, and programs, financial members of the Fraternity will have full access to a digital community that offers networking, professional development, fellowship opportunities, and benefits, such as special access to exclusive educational opportunities, grants and scholarships, webinars, and discounts.
The Alpha Elite mobile app will be available soon through the Google Play and App Store.
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About Alpha Phi Alpha
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 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock, Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, The Honorable Andrew Young, Edward Brooke, and Dr. 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. For more information, visit: apa1906.net and follow Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on Twitter and Instagram @apa1906network or on LinkedIn as “Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.”
Migration of AlphaNET database
Migration of AlphaNET database
Greetings Brothers,
This communication is being sent as an update regarding the migration of the AlphaNET database to our new system and site.
As of Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 11:59 pm EST, AlphaNET was no longer accessible. In a previous email dated Monday, November 18th, we requested that all Brothers ensure their information in AlphaNET was up to date AND correct by Sunday, December 1, 2019, to include emails, social security numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, and chapter initiation & current affiliations are correct. Brothers were also to ensure that spelling of their names were correct.
Currently, you will not be afforded the opportunity to update any information, since the database migration is well underway.
In addition, please know that we will still be able to receive payments for individual grand tax, chapter tax, or donations of any kind by calling us directly during at (800) 373-3089 during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday until Thursday, January 2, 2020 at the close of business. Afterwards, NO MORE transactions will be accepted under any circumstances.
If you had planned to complete a life membership application, no further applications for life membership will be entertained until after Tuesday, January 21, 2020, when the new system will be fully entrenched and used for invoicing.
The new ProTech system will be available, effective Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Please bear with us as we transition to the new system. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free with contacting me at djohnson@apa1906.net or 443.923.3104.
Fraternally,
Denny N. Johnson
Assistant Executive Director
Membership Services and Brotherhood Engagement
Ted Colbert
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.® Congratulates Brother Ted Colbert as New President and CEO of Boeing Global Services
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. congratulates Brother Ted Colbert for being named president and CEO of Boeing Global Services. In addition, he is the executive vice president of Boeing, and a member of the Boeing Executive Council.
“Brother Colbert’s promotion is a major achievement and distinction for both himself and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.,” said General President Dr. Everett B. Ward. “Whether in the corporate boardroom or on the social justice battlefield, Alpha men continue to realize our mission of developing leaders by accepting the mantle of leadership. Brother Colbert is yet another example of Alpha men who rise to that level of corporate excellence.”
Last weekend, Gamma Lambda chapter awarded Brother Colbert, a Fall 2003 Gamma Lambda initiate, its Centennial Corporate Leadership Award at its gala.
The former chief information officer (CIO) and senior vice president of Information Technology & Analytics, he succeeds Stan Deal, who was named the CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
In that prior role, Brother Colbert oversaw all aspects of information technology, information security, data and analytics. He also supported the growth of Boeing’s business through IT- and analytics-related revenue generating programs.
When he joined Boeing in 2009, he led the IT Business Systems organization where he managed the computing application systems that support Boeing Finance, Human Resources, Corporate and Commercial Capital Business Units, as well as the company’s internal systems.
He later led the company’s Information Technology Infrastructure organization, where he was responsible for developing and maintaining network, computing, server, storage, collaboration and infrastructure solutions across the enterprise.
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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.
Support Harriet
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.® Encourages Support for Major Motion Picture, Harriet
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Council of Presidents of the National Pan Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC) are encouraging our Brothers and Sisters to support the inspirational and impactful major motion picture, Harriet – in theaters nationwide Friday, Nov. 1.
Harriet (portrayed by Cynthia Erivo), is the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity, and tenacity free hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history. The film, directed by Kasi Lemmons and produced by Deborah Martin-Chase, also stars Leslie Odom, Jr., and Joe Alwyn.
“Alpha Phi Alpha supports films that accurately and appropriately depict the African American experience,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Dr. Everett B. Ward, who is also chairman of the Council of Presidents for the NPHC. “Harriet offers African Americans, and the public-at-large, a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most courageous heroes, who should never be forgotten. The bravery and selflessness of the real-life Harriet Tubman is an example and embodiment of unwavering will and determination in the cause for freedom and justice against almost insurmountable odds. If she could do what she did alone, we all should recognize how our power wielded collectively can realize dramatic change for our people and communities. Let this film be the spark that inspires and motivates us all!”
Watch the Trailer
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. 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.