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.
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Partners with Indiana University's Kelley School of Business
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
George Vlahakis
Associate Director of Communications and Media Relations
Indiana University Kelley
November 16, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Partners with the Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business
Effort seeks to increase more African American and Latinx enrollment in business and management graduate programs
BALTIMORE, MD – The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has partnered with the Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business ensuring more of its members pursue graduate degrees in business and management.
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 Kelley’s full-time, in-residence MBA program each year. Fellowship recipients may also receive support to attend the Fraternity’s Regional and General conventions.
“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, the Fraternity is uniquely equipped to successfully partner with the Kelley School of Business and fully realize its goal of increasing African American and Latinx pursuit of business and management graduate degrees.”
Kelley’s MBA program, which is typically completed in 21 months, offers a strong focus on academics, professional development, career development, and experiential learning, including global learning and leadership development opportunities.
The Fraternity ensures at least 10 Alpha Brothers apply and three enroll each Fall semester in the Kelley MBA program. Program applicants, which are notified within 60 days, are reviewed based on prior academic performance, work experience, standardized test scores, English proficiency scores, essays, interviews, and leadership experience.
“We are proud of a heritage at Kelley that highlights the importance of developing leaders who reflect our increasingly diverse society, through a learning environment that is supportive for all,” said Ash Soni, interim dean of the Kelley School and The Sungkyunkwan Professor. “Alumni of Alpha Phi Alpha have included a Supreme Court justice, a UN ambassador, civil rights leaders and, of course, many successful businessmen. We hope this new partnership similarly will contribute to promoting greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
The program will also offer webinars and opportunities targeting the Fraternity’s College Brothers about business careers and graduate business education at Kelley as well as special sessions with Alumni Brothers to assist in the business school application process, the agreement stated.
The partnership ends June 30, 2026.
For more information, visit: https://blogs.iu.edu/kelleyschool/2022/11/16/new-partnership-with-alpha-phi-alpha-encourages-members-to-pursue-a-kelley-mba/
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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.
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Launches New Job Board in Partnership with Professional Diversity Network, Inc.
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
Mina Olivas
Partnership Engagment Liaison
PDN
(630) 215-7797
November XX, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Launches New Job Board in Partnership with Professional Diversity Network, Inc.
BALTIMORE, MD – The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the world’s first and largest intercollegiate Fraternity founded by African American men, collaborated with Professional Diversity Network, Inc. (PDN), one of the largest diverse networks in the nation, to launch an easy-to-access job board for its more than 85,000 current alumni members.
The new fully integrated job board https://apajobs.com/ is located at the Fraternity’s website.
“The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is excited to announce the launch of its fully integrated job board in collaboration with Professional Diversity Network, Inc.,” said General President Willis L. Lonzer, III, Ph.D. “This pivotal resource is long overdue and helps fulfill and enhance our mission of developing leaders and promoting academic excellence through establishing a direct path to career planning and success for our members.”
The Fraternity, which has initiated more than 200,000 members with over 8,000 active College Brothers and more than 85,000 Alumni Brothers.
“Alpha Phi Alpha is one of the great historically Black Fraternities," said Mike Hall, Executive Vice President of PDN. “Their global membership is composed of college educated men who are highly engaged in their local communities. PDN welcomes APA as a highly valued partner.”
PDN’s focuses is to provide access to networking, training, educational, and employment opportunities.
Through an online platform and our relationship recruitment affinity groups, PDN provides their employer clients a means to identify and acquire diverse talent and assist them with their efforts to recruit diverse employees. Their mission is to utilize the collective strength of our affiliate companies, members, partners, and unique proprietary platform to be the standard in business diversity recruiting, networking and professional development for women, minorities, veterans, LGBT, and disabled persons globally.
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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.
***
Professional Diversity Network, Inc.
Professional Diversity Network, Inc. (PDN) is a developer and operator of online and in-person networks that provides access to networking, training, educational and employment opportunities for diverse professionals. Through an online platform and our relationship recruitment affinity groups, we provide our employer clients a means to identify and acquire diverse talent and assist them with their efforts to recruit diverse employees. Our mission is to utilize the collective strength of our affiliate companies, members, partners, and unique proprietary platform to be the standard in business diversity recruiting, networking and professional development for women, minorities, veterans, LGBT, and disabled persons globally. For more information about PDN, please visit: www.prodivnet.com
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Congratulates Brother Wes Moore on Historic Maryland Gubernatorial Election Win
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
November 9, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Congratulates Brother Wes Moore on Historic Maryland Gubernatorial Election Win
Brother Moore First African American Governor-Elect of Maryland
BALTIMORE, MD – The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. congratulates Brother Wes Moore on his historic Maryland Gubernatorial Election win yesterday to become the first African American Governor-Elect of the state.
Brother Moore, a 2000 Sigma Sigma Chapter initiate at John Hopkins University and a member of Delta Lambda Chapter in Baltimore, is an investment banker and television producer, who has also authored five books, including The Other Wes Moore and The Work.
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. congratulates Brother Wes Moore on his historic Maryland Gubernatorial Election win last night,” said General President Willis L. Lonzer, III, Ph.D. “As Maryland’s first African American governor, Brother Moore continues the Fraternity’s unparalleled legacy of leadership and firsts. He joins the list of Alpha’s other men of distinction in public service, who are US senators and congressmen, mayors, state representatives and senators, city councilmen, and others, who proudly serve the United States as a nation, states, cities, and communities. We look forward to the progressive and thoughtful leadership he will provide to the state of Maryland and the example he offers to the people of the United States of America.”
Brother Moore, who graduated from Hopkins, received a master’s degree from Wolfson College, Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He also proudly served several years in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserve. In addition, Brother Moore, the former CEO of The Robin Hood Foundation – one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty organizations, was the host of Beyond Belief on the Oprah Winfrey Network, as well as the executive producer and writer for Coming Back With Wes Moore on PBS.
In July, Winfrey, endorsed Brother Moore through a campaign advertisement, calling him a “transformational leader.”
“This moment that we’re in demands of different type of leader,” said Winfrey. “For governor in Maryland, you have one in my friend, Wes Moore.”
Brother Moore, who is married with two children, lives in the Guilford community in north Baltimore.
“With the Fraternity’s General Office headquartered in Baltimore, MD, we are especially excited and proud to have a fellow Alpha Brother leading the state, who lives in the city and has led a life of dedicated public and community service,” said Brother Sean L. McCaskill, the Fraternity’s executive director. “We are committed to providing our support to him in the state as well as fostering further opportunities to provide service to our communities.”
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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. Stands with Brother, Condemns the Oakland Police Department's Conduct and Violent Arrest Captured in Viral Video
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications
/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
July 22, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. condemns the Oakland Police Department's conduct and violent arrest of Alpha Brother and motorist Brandon Calloway captured in a now viral video in Oakland, Tennessee last Saturday.
Within 24 hours of the incident, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer contacted Brother Calloway, a 2016 initiate of the Eta Phi Chapter and graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in Chattanooga, TN. While we do not know all the facts, the incident is disturbing, and we stand with our Brother Calloway and his family.
Currently, the Fraternity demands a fair and transparent investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and other authorities. Incidents like these further highlight law enforcement's perceived disparity in its treatment of people of color and lack of professionalism seen in the viral video of the incident.
We also urge the Oakland Police Department and all law enforcement to revisit their engagement and usage of force practices and procedures.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. refuses to remain silent when people of color, particularly members of our fraternity, are treated unfairly and brutalized.
We will continue to closely monitor the situation and communicate appropriate actions.
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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.
Brother Dr. Zollie J.A. Stevenson, Jr., 24th Executive Director, Enters Omega Chapter
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
July 8, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brother Dr. Zollie J.A. Stevenson, Jr., 24th Executive Director, Enters Omega Chapter
It is with deep sadness that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. shares the news of the transition of Brother Dr. Zollie J.A. Stevenson, Jr., the 24th Executive Director of the Fraternity, to Omega Chapter on Friday, July 8.
Brother Stevenson, who was a 1983 Kappa Lambda Chapter initiate and member of both Pi Upsilon Lambda and Omicron Eta Lambda Chapters, served as Executive Director of the Fraternity from 2000 to 2001 during both the Wallace and Johnson administrations.
Since January 2020, he served as an Adjunct Professor at Howard University School of Education. Prior to teaching at Howard University, he served in several positions at Philander Smith College, including Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor (Tenured), and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. He also previously taught at Howard as Associate Professor of Education Leadership and Policy Studies and at Bowie State University as Associate Professor of Educational Leadership.
In addition, he served in numerous positions with the U.S. Department of Education for over 10 years, including: Director of Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs, Deputy Director of Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs, and Education Programs Specialist. He also worked with the Baltimore City Schools as Director of Assessment and Evaluation and District of Columbia Public Schools as Director of Research and Evaluation/Chief of Staff/Executive Director of Education Support Services. He also served previously served as Regional Research and Testing Coordinator for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Brother Dr. Stevenson received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and philosophy from the University of North Carolina Asheville, a master’s degree in education and school counseling and guidance services with additional graduate studies in education psychology from Howard.
In 1984, he received his doctorate degree in educational psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
While funeral arrangements have yet to be announced, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, as well as all those who knew and loved him.
Farewell dear Brother, Transcendent art thou.
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About Alpha Phi Alpha
The Alpha Phi Alpha
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Joins with Four Other NPHC Fraternities for Two-Day Joint Advocacy Effort on Capitol Hill
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cell: 443-635-5911
June 16, 2022
For Immediate Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. joined with the four other National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities for the historic, first-ever, NPHC Fraternity Days on Capitol Hill, which included panel discussions and meetings with Congressional members and other officials, June 13-14.
Among them, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. participated with the Fraternity in panel discussions on voting rights, public safety, economic development, education, and housing on the first day.
“A gathering of this magnitude represents a game-changing opportunity for us to dramatically increase our impact when it comes to mentorship and addressing community needs that have been long tackled, but stubbornly persists due to limits from our individual approaches,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Willis L. Lonzer, III, Ph.D. “We’re going to present a more unified front and increase collaboration, especially towards improving outcomes for young African American males to make greater impact. I believe at the end of the day, our organizations will grow closer together, but most importantly - our community will be stronger.”
Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus and other officials also addressed and met with the fraternities, including: Omega Frater, Majority Whip, and U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-SC), Delta Soror and U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), also CBC Chairwoman; Delta Soror and U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL); Kappa Frater and U.S. Rep. Hakim Jeffries (D-NY); AKA Soror and U.S. Rep. Terrie Sewell (D-AL); Kappa Frater and U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA); AKA Soror and U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX); AKA Soror and U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL); Omega Frater and U.S. Rep. Kwesi Mfume, (D-MD); Kappa Frater and U.S. Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA); Alpha Brother and U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-TX); AKA Soror and U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL); Alpha Brother and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, (D-Va.); CBC Exec. Director Vince Evans; Alpha Brother and U.S. House of Representatives Sergeant of Arms William J. Walker; as well as Omega Frater and NAACP President Derrick Johnson.
The fraternities are focused on several key legislation, including H.R. 5746 – Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act; H.R. 3863 Fair Representation Act; H.R. 132 – Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2021; S. 79 – EQUAL Act; S. 1109 – Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act of 2021; H.R. 3294 – IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act; H.R. 40 – Commission to Study and Development Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act; H.R. 251 – Reaffirming bilateral and multilateral relations between the United States and African countries and recognizing the importance of diplomatic, security, and trade relations; and S. 1368 – American Housing and Economic Mobility Act of 2021, according to Brother Carl A. Pickney, the event’s co-organizer, and both the Fraternity’s social action chair, and chairman of the political and civic engagement committee.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Small Business Administration established a Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) with the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s Council of Presidents, comprised of the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities.
“This historic alliance between the SBA and the NPHC—the first of its kind for a government agency—will bring SBA’s valuable small business resources into reach for many small businesses and entrepreneurs, furthering the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to build equity and close historic wealth gaps that have held back America’s Black entrepreneurs, small business owners and their families and communities for generations,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman in an SBA press release. “Over the past 18 months, the SBA has made incredible progress reaching more of Ame4rica’s small businesses, delivering vital resources and support to entrepreneurs who have been historically underinvested in and overlooked—the same people and communities hit hardest by the COVID pandemic. Working alongside partners and allies within the Divine Nine will provide even greater reach for the SBA to better provide the entrepreneurial Black community access to networks, financial literacy, technical training, and capital readiness so they can successfully realize their American Dreams of business ownership, create jobs, and advance our economy.”
According to the SBA release, the partnership will focus on increasing financial literacy within traditionally underserved, disadvantaged communities, expanding the Agency’s outreach, and introducing Black entrepreneurs to the SBA’s suite of tools and resources to start and grow their businesses including access to capital, government contracting opportunities and counseling.
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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.
STATEMENT OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. ON BUFFALO, NY. MASS SHOOTING
Contact:
Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Director of Communications/Editor of The Sphinx
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ewebb@apa1906.net
Cell: 443-635-5911
May 16, 2022
For Immediate Release
BALTIMORE, MD. – The Men of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are outraged and condemn the acts of self-proclaimed white supremacist and alleged mass shooter, Payton Gendron, who targeted African Americans at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York over the weekend.
Today, we mourn those lives lost in this violent tragedy and offer our deepest condolences to the families of the 10 victims. Unarmed Black people continue to be murdered in peaceful spaces or while living their everyday lives without any justice or accountability.
This must stop.
According to police, had the shooter’s carnage not been stopped, he planned to “shoot more Black people.”
Therefore, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. urges law enforcement, particularly, the U.S. Attorney General and the Department of Justice, to classify this case as a federal hate crime. Crimes such as these should be fully prosecuted, whether on the state or federal level, and face the stiffest penalties.
We continue to stand with Alpha Brother and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, first responders, the Rho Lambda Chapter in Buffalo, and the community-at-large, as they work to heal their city. Since our founding, Alpha Phi Alpha has been at the forefront of civil rights and social justice issues, taking a stand against violence and white supremacy at every turn.
As a fraternity, we will do what we can to ensure that the Buffalo community receives the support it needs.
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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.
