STATEMENT ON THE RACIAL INCIDENT AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY TARGETING MEMBERS OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA

Brothers of Alpha:Racism has once again reared its ugly head — this time on a college campus in our nation’s Capital. As you may know, the American University community has just celebrated the election of its first African-American female student government president Ms. Taylor Dumpson, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Sadly, on Monday, May 1, 2017, bananas were found with the words “AKA” written on them and hanging from nooses on the campus.

The leadership of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., strongly condemns this act of hatred and racism. We stand in full support, with our brothers of the Nu Beta Chapter at American University in declaring that this type of violence has no place in our country. We are particularly disturbed that these actions occurred on the sacred grounds of a college campus where young minds and lives are shaped to be citizens who are making positive contributions to this great country of ours.

This is not a time for our brotherhood to be silent. Instead, we must stand up for our women and our fellow Greek-letter organization members. This is a time where we must put action to the words “we must fight on the ice!” Please join me in advocating for justice and fairness. Let us show the world that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. stands on the front lines and will not stand for any backward steps.

Onward and Upward Always,

Everett B. Ward, Ph.D.
General President