Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, celebrates its Founders' Day with a week-long series of events and a landmark birthday in Clarksdale.
The Epsilon Xi Lambda chapter alumni chapter in Mississippi will hold events daily, beginning Dec. 1 in Clarksdale and concluding Sunday, Dec. 5 in Mound Bayou.
The fraternity 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, according to the organization’s website. 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.
Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were established at other colleges and universities, many of them historically black institutions, soon after the founding at Cornell. The first alumni chapter was established in 1911. While continuing to stress academic excellence among its members, Alpha also recognized the need to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices faced by African Americans. Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights
Its alumni include the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray and Paul Robeson.
True to its beliefs on inclusion and diversity, Alpha Phi Alpha became integrated in 1945, far ahead of its time.
Along with its founding, the fraternity will celebrate even more in this founders' week. On November 19, Alpha Phi Alpha alumnus Samuel L. Blackburn of Clarksdale turned 101. A graduate of Alcorn State University (then named Alcorn College), Blackburn has remained an active member of his fraternity’s vast alumni network.
Even at the ripe young age of 101, Blackburn still remains active in the life of Clarksdale, serving on a municipal board and providing wise counsel earned over many years.
The Founders Day week of activities provides plenty of opportunities for fellowship and networking.
Wednesday, Dec. 1
(Clarksdale)
W.A. Higgins Middle School Academy (8 a.m.)
Chat & Chew at 1306 South Chrisman Ave. (6:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Dec. 2
(Indianola)
Robert L. Merritt Middle School (8 a.m.)
Cleveland/Bolivar Chamber of Commerce (6 p.m.)
Friday, Dec. 3
(Rosedale)
West Bolivar High School (8 a.m.)
7 p.m. To Be Announced
Saturday, Dec. 4
Scholarship Bucket Drive
Corner of Raceway and Reed Road (9 a.m.)
Frozen Lanes Fellowship (7 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 5
(Mound Bayou)
Greater Bethel AME Church (3 p.m.)
Hwy 161 South, Mound Bayou.
