A Brief History of
Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University as the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for African American men. Created to support Black students facing isolation and discrimination, Alpha grew into a brotherhood grounded in scholarship, leadership, and service. Today, the fraternity has an international impact and continues to shape education, civil rights, government, science, and community advancement. Alpha men honor a legacy of purpose and excellence more than a century strong.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. began with a small group of determined students at Cornell University who recognized the need for unity, academic support, and protection against the racial prejudice they faced on campus. What started in 1905 as a study and social club soon evolved into something far more impactful. Through consistent meetings, shared purpose, and a commitment to excellence, these young men laid the groundwork for a new kind of brotherhood.
On December 4, 1906, that vision became reality with the formal founding of Alpha Phi Alpha. Guided by the Seven Jewels, the fraternity established principles, rituals, and organizational structures that defined a movement built on scholarship, integrity, and service. Their leadership positioned Alpha to grow beyond Cornell and take root across the nation.
In the years that followed, Alpha Phi Alpha expanded to major universities and HBCUs, attracting men dedicated to leadership and community uplift. The fraternity played a key role in the Civil Rights era, producing influential figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and numerous civic, educational, and business leaders who shaped the American landscape.
As the fraternity grew, so did its commitment to national service initiatives focused on education, civic engagement, youth development, and public health. Alpha’s influence spread across continents, strengthening communities through programs that address critical needs and encourage transformational leadership.
More than a century later, Alpha Phi Alpha remains a global organization rooted in the vision of its founders: to uplift our people, promote excellence, and stand boldly for justice and equality. The legacy of the Jewels continues to guide every brother who carries the black and old gold.
Jewel Henry Arthur Callis
Physician • Scholar • Visionary Organizer
Henry Arthur Callis served as the intellectual backbone of Alpha Phi Alpha. A brilliant student and later a distinguished physician, Callis played a central role in drafting the fraternity’s early constitution, rituals, and organizational structure. He was deeply committed to ensuring the fraternity stood on principles of scholarship, discipline, and purposeful leadership.
After graduating from Cornell, Callis taught at Howard University and went on to practice medicine, becoming one of the most respected African American physicians of his time. His work in public health and medical research elevated standards of care for underserved communities. Callis was the last surviving Jewel, symbolizing his lifelong dedication to Alpha’s progress and unity.
Jewel Charles Henry Chapman
Educator • Mentor • Fraternal Pillar
Charles Henry Chapman was known for his deep commitment to education and the empowerment of young people. As an original member of the social study club that preceded the fraternity, Chapman believed that academic excellence and moral character were essential components of a meaningful brotherhood.
Chapman later became a professor of agriculture at Florida A&M University, where he influenced generations of students and expanded professional opportunities for African Americans in the sciences. His warmth, mentorship, and steadfast leadership helped cement Alpha’s purpose as an organization devoted to the growth and development of future leaders.
Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones
Administrator • Civil Rights Advocate • Expansion Strategist
Eugene Kinckle Jones was pivotal in expanding Alpha Phi Alpha beyond Cornell University. He helped establish the second, third, and fourth chapters, ensuring Alpha’s rapid national growth. His administrative insight helped shape the fraternity’s framework during its earliest years.
Beyond the fraternity, Jones served as an executive with the National Urban League for more than three decades. He fought for fair employment, education, and civil rights while advocating for African American advancement on a national scale. His leadership extended Alpha’s influence far beyond the academic environment and into the fabric of American social justice.
Jewel George Biddle Kelley
Engineer • Pioneer • First African American Engineer in New York
George Biddle Kelley symbolized perseverance and professional excellence. He became the first African American to earn an engineering degree from Cornell University and went on to break racial barriers in the engineering field in New York.
Kelley’s meticulous attention to ritual, structure, and tradition was instrumental in crafting Alpha’s identity and foundational practices. Known for his discipline and clarity of purpose, Kelley helped establish the seriousness and dignity with which Alpha men conduct themselves to this day.
Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray
Educator • Humanitarian • Cultural Advocate
Nathaniel Allison Murray dedicated his life to teaching and nurturing young minds. After graduating from Cornell, he became an educator in Washington, D.C., serving at Armstrong Vocational High School. Murray was passionate about literature, culture, and intellectual curiosity.
He used his academic approach to help shape the fraternity’s early discussions, values, and interpersonal connections. Murray’s devotion to learning and his commitment to the uplift of his community reflect the heart of Alpha’s mission.
Jewel Robert Harold Ogle
Government Servant • Administrative Architect • Visionary
Robert Harold Ogle is credited with helping establish Alpha’s internal administrative structure. His talent for organization and documentation was essential in guiding the fraternity through its earliest transitions.
Ogle later became a career government employee on Capitol Hill, where he influenced federal policy through decades of public service. As the first African American to serve as a professional staff member to a U.S. congressional committee, Ogle’s life embodied leadership, discipline, and lasting impact.
Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy
Architect • Artist • First Licensed Black Architect in New York
Vertner Woodson Tandy brought elegance, creativity, and precision to Alpha’s founding. He designed the fraternity’s first official insignia (the Alpha pin) and contributed to the visual identity that remains part of Alpha’s tradition today.
Professionally, Tandy made history as New York’s first registered African American architect. His work included private homes, landmark buildings, and iconic structures that still stand. His design vision helped shape Alpha’s image, while his professional success opened doors for future generations of Black architects.
