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.

###

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.

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!”

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.

***
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.

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.

###

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.

General President Ward denounces mass shooting violence and urges gun control.

BALTIMORE, MD (October 31) – The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. offers its sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the those killed recently in multiple acts of hate and domestic terrorism across the country.  We also stand with those whose lives were targeted and threatened simply for their race, political beliefs, and affiliations.

Beyond the need for common sense gun control and mental health reforms, these acts are symptoms of a sickness in the greater political environment that not only harbors, but encourages intolerance, divisiveness, bigotry, and unnervingly, in veiled language, violence.

As those of moral character, we must change that.  Alpha Phi Alpha and our allies remain committed in our advocacy and our fight for equality and justice. We all must ensure that our voices are heard in and through the processes and platforms afforded us.

We are not powerless, and we are not victims. We will not let cowards or those who use fear and terror to triumph.

I urge every brother and every chapter of our Fraternity to join in the movement to fight against racial violence, bigotry, and hatred by engaging in the mid-term elections and advocating for policies that strive to protect our communities.