Join Us at the 2017 Baltimore Convention !
My Brothers of Alpha and Guests:
In accordance with Article II, Section 5 of the Constitution of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, I do hereby issue the “Official Call” for the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to convene in the “Charm City” of Baltimore, home of our national headquarters, for the 111th I 94th Anniversary General Convention to be held at the Baltimore Convention Center from Wednesday, July 12, through Sunday, July 16, 2017.
As you think about this historic gathering, I invite you to consider the words of our late Brother Martin Luther King Jr., who said, “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there ‘is’ such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”
Now more than ever the words of Brother King continue to ring loud and true. We are confronted with the fierce URGENCY OF NOW. We must come together, speak as brothers, and present solutions and remedies for the ills that plague our communities. We must utilize our collective strength for the political and civic needs of our communities just as Brothers Frederick Douglass and Thurgood Marshall, both from Baltimore, did as they fought for civil rights. Channel their spirits as you prepare to do the heavy lifting of rebuilding our communities in the face of growing divisive language and contentious debate.
It is during times such as these that we need Alpha leadership the most. The issues our country and communities face are threats to us moving forward and we will not take any backward steps. Our Alpha Advocacy and Action plan will be the cornerstone of this convention and you will hear, see, and learn how to use this plan in your communities.
Although we have a lot of work to do in the Baltimore community and during our business sessions, including electing a general treasurer, this convention will not be consumed with work. We will also offer workshops and sessions to enhance your professional and personal development as well as opportunities to build leadership skills that you can take back to your chapters and your communities.
At the same time, you and your family will also have the opportunity to enjoy what the great city of Baltimore has to offer. The brothers of the Baltimore area host chapters are preparing to show everyone a good time. We will end the convention with our Black & Old Gold Leadership Gala.
I invite you to register now. I look forward to seeing you in Baltimore.
Onward and Upward Always,
Everett B. Ward, Ph.D.
General President