Statement By Past General President Harry E. Johnson, Sr. on the Misleading Use of His Image
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
September 27, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement By Past General President Harry E. Johnson, Sr. on the Misleading Use of His Image
"Today, I learned a social media post that included a photograph I am in appeared on various social media platforms and suggested my endorsement of Brother Gregory Parks for the position of General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. I emphatically refute this notion and ensure the truth is abundantly clear.
As a devoted member of our beloved brotherhood, I am dedicated to evaluating all candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and vision before making an informed decision. To date, I have not endorsed Brother Parks nor any Brother for the position of General President.
I am remiss if I do not caution all candidates regarding how we use photographs and social media when communicating with our Brothers, especially when campaigning for national office. I think you will all agree we must uphold the values that define our fraternity by fostering an environment of honesty, respect, transparency, and integrity.
Furthermore, I want to take this opportunity to stress something that I have said over the course of this election: "You can't lead Alpha if you haven't served." I want to remind us of the importance of service as a fundamental aspect of leadership within our fraternity. I want this to be a powerful reminder that true leadership is earned through a demonstrated commitment to improving our communities, our fraternity, and the lives of those we serve.
As we approach the General President election, I urge each and every one of us to engage in thoughtful discussions, critically evaluate the qualifications of all candidates, and actively participate in the democratic process. Let us remember that our fraternity's strength lies in its members' collective wisdom, dedication, and service. Together, we should select a leader who will guide our fraternity towards continued growth, progress, and impactful service to all mankind."
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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. Moves 2025 Convention From Orlando, FL due to Governor DeSantis’ Harmful, Racist, and Insensitive Policies Against The Black Community
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
July 26, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Moves 2025 Convention From Orlando, FL due to Governor DeSantis’ Harmful, Racist, and Insensitive Policies Against The Black Community
General President Lonzer’s Announcement Amplifies Current Convention Theme of Strengthening the Brotherhood and Standing for Social Justice
DALLAS, TX – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Dr. Willis, L. Lonzer, III announced the relocation of the Fraternity’s 99th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention from Orlando, Florida, scheduled to take place in 2025, due to Governor Ron DeSantis’ harmful, racist, and insensitive policies against the Black community.
Today’s announcement, on the first day of its 97th General Convention and 117th Anniversary Convention in Dallas, Texas, amplifies the Fraternity’s convention theme, “Strengthening the Brotherhood and Standing for Social Justice.”
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has an unmatched legacy of social justice, advocacy, and leadership for the Black community,” said General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III. “In this environment of manufactured division and attacks on the Black community, Alpha Phi Alpha refuses to direct a projected $4.6 million convention economic impact to a place hostile to the communities we serve. Although we are moving our convention from Florida, Alpha Phi Alpha will continue to support the strong advocacy of Alpha Brothers and other advocates fighting against the continued assault on our communities in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis.”
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Conventions generate approximately $4.6 million in economic impact.
Earlier this week, the Florida Board of Education approved a controversial new K-12 curriculum for African American history, which erases Florida’s role in slavery and oppression, blames the victims, and declares that African Americans who endured slavery benefitted from the horrific and torturous institution.
The Fraternity joins a broad coalition of organizations protesting Florida’s barrage of harmful and discriminatory policies on protests, voting rights, education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. In May, the NAACP issued a travel advisory, calling Florida “openly hostile” to African Americans.
In Dallas this week, General President Lonzer and Fraternity leadership are dedicating much of its current convention to highlight the continued fight needed for social justice on behalf of African Americans and other marginalized communities. On Monday, Fraternity leadership joined Dallas-Ft. Worth area Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters as well as other Divine 9 Dallas Chapters in a protest march that culminated with a rally of hundreds at City Hall.
The newly appointed President & CEO of The Rainbow Push Coalition, Alpha Brother, Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, also helped lead the march and delivered rousing remarks at the rally.
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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. STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE U.S. SUPREME COURT’S RULING ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN HIGHER EDUCATION ADMISSIONS
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
June 29, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE U.S. SUPREME COURT’S RULING ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN HIGHER EDUCATION ADMISSIONS
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. strongly condemns the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling which strikes down race-based admissions at colleges and universities. This majority decision overturns decades of legal precedent and will likely have a crippling impact on the racial diversity of colleges and universities for generations to come.
Today’s landmark ruling undermines Fourteenth amendment protections, reduces opportunities in higher education, further disenfranchises students of color, and may lead to more acts of discrimination and racism at predominately white institutions (PWIs).
The consequences of this ruling will be far reaching within American society. A less diverse student population at some of the nation's best colleges and universities may lead to a less racially diverse candidate pool for career opportunities. This will likely exacerbate inequalities in housing, healthcare, and other critical areas of need.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. refuses to remain silent on these trends to roll back hard-fought civil rights gains and to disenfranchise Black and marginalized communities.
Elections have consequences, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will continue to develop leaders and advocates to engage in all levels of our Democracy. Alpha Phi Alpha will also continue its investment in the youth to minimize the damaging effect of this ruling.
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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. OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE BROTHER REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ON THE DEATH OF HIS LAST LIVING SIBLING.
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
June 29, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE BROTHER REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ON THE DEATH OF HIS LAST LIVING SIBLING
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. offers its deepest condolences to the family of the late Brother Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the death of his eldest and last living sibling, Christine King Farris.
Mrs. Farris was 95, and her contributions remain a testament to her legacy. She helped Brother King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, build The King Center and helped to teach his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. She was also the author of two children’s books about her life, “My Brother Martin: Sister Remembers Growing Up With the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” and“March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World.”
Since the initiation of our late Brother Rev. Dr. King, the King family has been a part of the Alpha family, and we have remained supportive. Today, Mrs. Farris’ passing has once again placed the King family in our prayers, and we hope they find solace in that they are not alone, and we mourn with them.
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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.
UNITED WE STAND: THE FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW - A statement from the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Presidents
Council of Presidents
Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III, Vice Chairman, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Danette Anthony Reed, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Reuben A. Shelton, III, Esq., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Ricky Lawrence Lewis, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Elsie Cooke-Holmes, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Chris V. Rey, JD, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Stacie NC Grant, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Rasheeda S. Liberty, Chairwoman, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Sean D. Housen, Sr. Ed.D, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
UNITED WE STAND: THE FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW
A statement from the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Presidents
Since the first decade of the 20th Century, Black Greek-lettered organizations have worked to protect the interests and Constitutional rights of African Americans on college campuses and in the communities they serve. Now, more than 100 years later, the 2.5 million+ members of the nine National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations find themselves standing vigilant against Jim Crowesque attacks from those who seek to undermine the foundational freedoms of Black people and marginalized communities across our United States.
Emboldened by divisive white nationalist rhetoric from prominent American political leaders and influential media figures, state and local officials have introduced and adopted laws that target efforts to diminish and/or erase diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at public institutions. For example, Florida’s governor recently signed legislation that bans the state’s public colleges and universities from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion programs – a clear retrograde for our nation’s education system.
In addition, members of K-12 school boards across America have considered and adopted policies to severely limit students’ exposure to perspectives, research and ideas that deviate from narrow – and sometimes inaccurate - depictions of American culture and history. As a result, educators have been blocked from presenting books and curricular topics that examine systems of oppression like slavery, racism, and sexism; as well as historical stories of marginalized people that overcame said oppressive systems to make this country a better place.
As a result, local school districts have been transformed into political battlegrounds where extremist activists wage divisive and faux attacks on so-called “woke culture” while seeking to impose a neo-segregationist framework in public education. This is a deliberate attempt to undermine the intent of the United States Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education by devaluing the benefits of integration and culturally inclusive curriculum. This is not a popular movement, but one driven by a small group of well-funded, extremist activists with a clear intent – to destroy public and culturally inclusive education as a public good.
Many of the same political leaders who are motivated to ban books that present difficult truths about the sins of America are utterly silent and unwilling to grapple with daunting challenges like gun violence which continues to plague the communities in which we live and serve. Issues like the irresponsibly laxed availability of assault weapons, which has facilitated mass shootings of American children, should be countered with sensible gun legislation to protect the lives of all Americans.
Yet all around us, the courts and elected officials are constantly eroding our rights; including a woman’s right to bodily autonomy. A small minority of Americans appear to wield outsized influence, leaving the majority feeling increasingly disempowered. In the face of systemic social, political, and economic injustices, it’s impossible to overstate the ominous impact that overturning Roe v. Wade will have on the lives, safety, and wellbeing of not just women, but men and families alike. Additionally, the sheer consequences of inaction at a time such as this would have a devastating impact on the lives and liberties of many generations to come.
At this pivotal moment in history, the NPHC’s Council of Presidents reaffirms our commitment to civic engagement and through our chapters, will present programming to inform our communities of the potential consequences of laws that would erode or prevent the expansion of our rights.
We will stand united and steadfast in leading and organizing efforts to oppose restrictive laws and work to enact laws that will expand freedoms for all Americans.
We will continue to push our members to fully engage in the political system as voters, election volunteers and elected officials.
And like our organizations’ founders and elders, we’ll use our talents and resources to fight against oppression because complacency is too high a cost to pay today and sacrifice for future generations.
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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 or CONTACT: Donna Jones Anderson, 470-898-8655, president@nphchq.com
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mourns the Victims of Allen, Texas Mass Shooting
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
May 10, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mourns the Victims of Allen, Texas Mass Shooting
Prays for Survivors’ Recovery, Including Alpha Brother Irvin P. Walker, II
BALTIMORE, MD. – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. mourns the victims and prays for the survivors of the deadly mass shooting in Allen, Texas, which left eight people dead and seven people injured, including a member of the Fraternity on Saturday, May 6. Alpha Brother Irvin P. Walker, II, who was shot multiple times, including in his chest and once in the right shoulder, is currently recovering after major life-saving surgery.
The Fraternity is outraged and condemns the acts of the alleged mass shooter, Mauricio Garcia, who was found to have Neo-Nazi ideation and killed eight people, including three children. We mourn those lives lost in this deadly tragedy and offer our deepest condolences to the families of the eight victims. We also pray for the speedy recovery of its seven victims, including Brother Walker, a Spring 1997 Delta Sigma initiate at Grambling State University and member of the General Organization.
While the gunman’s motive is unclear, these senseless mass shootings must stop, as well as the ease and accessibility of assault weapons, which have been repeatedly used to cause this type of carnage.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., who is holding its 97th General Convention and 117th Anniversary Convention in Dallas, Texas this July, urges Congress and state legislatures to enact common sense gun control laws, which limit the accessibility of assault weapons and helps to prevent these deadly tragedies, which are now occurring almost monthly across the country.
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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. Announces Burning Sands As Official Golf Partner
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
April 21, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ANNOUNCES BURNING SANDS AS OFFICIAL GOLF PARTNER
BALTIMORE, MD – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. announced Burning Sands as its ‘Official Golf Partner’ – having signed an exclusive three-year agreement to manufacture, sell, and advertise golf bags with Alpha trademarks.
Founded by the Nobles Family in Huntsville, AL in 2021, Burning Sands is a Greek Paraphernalia Company that is focused on introducing quality, high end attire and accessories to all D9 organizations.
“We are focused on providing items that fall outside of the cultural norms and show how dynamic we are as a people,” according to Burning Sands’ website. “We as Black Greeks embody style, fashion and culture and we at Burning Sands want to help shine the light on how brilliant we are.”
As an official partner, Burning Sands, and others pay a premium license fee and depending on success, the Fraternity may receive royalties. Other Fraternity official partners include RG Apparel for IMDP blazers, Sphinx Reserve for Online Shop, Greek Traditions for subscription boxes, and Herff Jones as maker of the Official Badge and certain jewelry pieces that includes the Fraternity Shield.
“Burning Sands makes a top-notch product, and we are excited to partner with them as our ‘Official Golf Partner’,” said Brother Sean L. McCaskill, the Fraternity’s executive director. “The fact that the company is Alpha Brother-owned makes the partnership that much more rewarding since it supports our effort to ensure ‘Alpha dollars touch Alpha Brothers’.”
To purchase, Burning Sands’ official Alpha golf bags, visit: https://burning-sands.com/
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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 the Expulsion of Two African American Tennessee State Representatives
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
April 7, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on the Expulsion of Two African American Tennessee State Representatives
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. denounces the expulsion yesterday of two African American lawmakers from the Tennessee State House of Representatives for engaging in a peaceful protest at the state capitol and leading a chant from the House floor after a deadly school shooting in Nashville.
The resolution, which expelled Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, failed to oust another lawmaker, Rep. Gloria Johnson, who is white, for her identical participation in the protest.
The Right-wing claims that these representatives violated house rules on conduct and decorum flies in direct opposition to constitutional free speech and these duly elected lawmakers’ responsibilities to advocate for their constituents.
Regrettably, these undemocratic and unprecedented expulsions are an effort to silence an overdue discourse on a deadly issue that plagues our country and endangers the lives of our children and citizens.
Let us not forget that three teachers and three children lost their lives in this deadly tragedy. We should not want those who represent us to be passive and silent after these incidents.
We encourage all who believe in justice to do anything they can to help ensure these men are restored to their rightful place to represent their communities.
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. CONDEMNS THE MEMPHIS POLICE OFFICERS’ BRUTAL AND SUBSEQUENTLY DEADLY BEATING OF UNARMED TYRE NICHOLS
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
January 28, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. CONDEMNS THE MEMPHIS POLICE OFFICERS’ BRUTAL AND SUBSEQUENTLY DEADLY BEATING OF UNARMED TYRE NICHOLS
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. condemns the Memphis police officers' brutal and subsequent deadly beating of unarmed Tyre Nichols.
While we applaud authorities' swift decision to terminate these officers and the grand jury's decision to charge them with second degree murder, kidnapping, and other charges, justice is yet to be served.
Incidents of police brutality and the shootings of unarmed Black citizens continue to be commonplace. As a Fraternity with a storied history as a champion for social justice, we urge the U.S. Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 and for local and state officials to ensure their local police departments revamp and enact comprehensive training programs for their police officers.
Alpha Phi Alpha stands in support of the Nichols family and offers them our prayers and heartfelt condolences. We ask that our fellow Alpha Brothers, who choose to participate in protests do so peacefully as well as refrain from the reposting the videos of the heinous beating out of respect for the Nichols family.
Lawmakers and authorities must take a stand today and put an end to police brutality and the shooting of unarmed Black citizens.
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. Announces New Partnership with Black Tech-Based Cancer Charity, Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
November 25, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC., ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH BLACK TECH-BASED CANCER CHARITY, ORA LEE SMITH CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Collaboration Hopes to Raise Awareness and Critical Funds to Eradicate Cancer
BALTIMORE, MD – The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation have partnered to raise awareness and critical funds for human trials for a new treatment to eradicate cancer for the 9 million people who die each year.
During Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s 95th General Convention in 2019, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to partner with the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Foundation, a Black tech-based cancer charity. Recently, Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III, General President, executed and signed an MOU solidifying the new partnership.
“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.”
Ora Lee Smith Founder, Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green, an internationally-recognized cancer researcher and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has developed a new, revolutionary treatment using Laser-Activated Nano-Therapy (LANT) technology – specifically designed to destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.
“I thank the General President, the Board of Directors, and the members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., for joining our efforts,” said Dr. Green, who established the foundation to ensure her treatment is accessible and affordable “It takes a lot of courage to be the first and take action on a vision to go beyond hope. This is a testament to their leadership and commitment to our families, our community, and our future.”
To date, Dr. Green’s research with LANT technology has been proven to eliminate tumors in mice in just 15 days after one 10-minute treatment without any observable side effects and maintains the patient’s dignity. LANT, which is also a multi-cancer platform therapy, has implications for a variety of solid tumor types, including breast, colorectal, ovarian, skin, brain, anal, and prostate cancers.
Within the African American community, an estimated 224,080 new cancer cases and 73,680 cancer deaths were expected to occur in 2022.
Under the partnership, the Fraternity is planning a variety of activities to support the foundation, including:
- November 28, 2022 - Partnership Launch Webinar at 7 PM EST - Streamed live on FB, YouTube, and Brotherhood Portal
- November 29, 2022 - Giving Tuesday through December 6, 2022,
- December - End of Year Appeal to the Brotherhood and their friends and family
To learn more and donate, visit: OraLee.org/Alphas.
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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.