The History of Alpha Phi Alpha

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Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-American men, was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The visionary founders, known as the “jewels” of the fraternity, are 

Henry Arthur Callis                    Charles Henry Chapman                  Eugene Kinckle Jones George Biddle Kelley                Nathaniel Allison Murray                   Robert Harold Ogle     Vertner Woodson Tandy

The fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. The jewel founders and early leaders of the fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity.

 

Eta Zeta Lambda Westchester Alphas

The Eta Zeta Lambda (Westchester) Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was chartered on November 12, 1958 by: 

Arnold Baker                              Richard L. Baltimore                         Charles E. Dallas Vester G. Fowlkes                     Nelson C. Jackson                      Hudson J. Oliver, Jr.    Frederick W. Pierce                    Fred Smith 

The charter was presented to Eta Zeta Lambda Chapter at the fraternity's 44th General Convention held in Philadelphia, PA on December 4, 1958. Brother Jewel Henry Arthur Callis was present when the charter was officially presented to the chapter. The Fraternal address, "Mores...God of Fate," was also provided by Brother Jewel Callis. Eta Zeta Lambda was chartered at the same time as Eta Epsilon Lambda chapter in Liberia, the first African chapter of the esteemed fraternity.  

Eta Zeta Lambda Chapter incudes among its membership a diverse group of men, including, but not limited to religious leaders, medical doctors, federal and state judges, lawyers, legislators, journalists, educators, general contractors, social workers, brothers in the financial services industry and in a wide variety of other professions.

The Westchester Alphas work tirelessly to support Westchester communities through philanthropic efforts, partnering with local programs, organizations, initiatives and events, and providing scholarships for high school men of color seeking post-secondary education. The Westchester Alphas annually facilitate programs as part of its commitment to the fraternity’s national programs: 

  • Go To High School, Go To College (Educational Focus On HS Completion)  

  • Project Alpha (Sexual Health and Responsibility)                                                  

  • A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People (Voter Education and Awareness) 

  • Brother’s Keeper (Senior Brothers and Vulnerable Populations)

To learn more, donate, or to apply to The Westchester Alphas’ Scholarship program for high school men of color, please visit:

The Westchester Alphas Educational Foundation