Seven Principles of An Alpha Man

by Brother Eric Smith

As much as the Jewels were engulfed in the spirit of Self - Sacrifice, we too, the Brothers of the Mu Tau Chapter must to uplift this as our first principle in the advancement for excellence. Self - Sacrifice.

As much as the Jewels were rooted in Self - Sacrifice the foundation of their sacrifice began with the ultimate sacrifice, being Christ. It is in that sprit that we uplift the second principle of Excellence, in all walks; entailing academics to our own personal spiritual walks,

As much as the Jewels principle of excellence was exhibited in all avenues of their lives , it was strengthened by Commitment. Commitment to their God, Community and the Betterment of all People. So too, must Mu Tau reaffirm their Commitments daily.

As much as the Jewels reaffirmed their daily Commitments they were engrossed in the basic principle of respect. So , as much as the Chapter has embraced their Jewels, so too must we embrace Respect. Men of Respect, but moreover givers of Respect.
As much as the Jewels embraced respect, it was this principle that gave birth to the principle of Distinction. The Mu Tau Chapter must, as did the Jewels, exhibit Distinction in all our ways

As much as the Jewels upheld the light of the above be principles it was not without discipline., Mu Tau must be Disciplined if Mu Tau is to be a alight.. The Brothers of the Mu Tau must Discipline ourselves daily in every avenue of our lives.

As much as the Jewels were embraced Self - Sacrifice, Excellence, Commitment, Respect, Distinction, and Discipline. Not one of the principles would be applicable with out Truth. The Mu Tau Chapter must always be True to ourselves, out God, our beliefs, and our fellow counterpart. Alpha Men the Truth Seekers.

back to top

The Alpha Phi Alpha Legacy

By Brother Duvonne Everett

It can be argued that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated was the precursor to many of today's civil rights organizations. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was founded in 1906 at Cornell University by seven distinguished men, affectionately known as the jewels. The motivation for establishing the fraternity was the result of the social pressures of the time for black students at a predominantly white university. After the six students from the 1904-1905 class did not return to school at Cornell University, the founders were motivated to make sure that they all would all survive the racially hostile environment.

Our jewels did not keep this recipe for success a secret, rather they sought to expand and help other black students existing in the racially charged south or attending predominantly white universities. The jewels were incredibly driven individuals as evident through their achievements with both the fraternity and in their respective careers. Jewel Henry Arthur Callis became a practicing physician and a professor of medicine at Howard University. Callis also served as one of the fraternity's General Presidents. Jewel Charles Henry Chapman became a professor of agriculture at Florida A&M University and helped to establish the Beta Nu chapter at FAMU. Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones served as the first Executive Secretary of the National Urban League. Jewel Jones was instrumental in establishing the Alpha Phi Alpha chapters at Howard University, Virginia University, and the University of Toronto. Jewel George Biddle Kelley was the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York. Jewel Kelley served as president of the Cornell chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha. Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray became a teacher at Armstrong Vocational School in Washington DC and was the charter member of Washington DC's Mu Lambda chapter. Jewel Robert Harold Ogle served as a staff member for the US Senate Appropriations Committee. Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy was the first registered architect in the state of New York and also was the first African American to pass the military commissioning examination which led to him becoming a First Lieutenant in the New York National Guard. Jewel Tandy took the initiative and had the fraternity incorporated.

The legacy of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity extends from a rich history. Our founders were torchbearers in their careers and in their vision for a black collegiate fraternity.

back to top

Mission of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Alpha Phi Alpha today continues its commitment to members of the Fraternity and the African-American community through Alpha University. Via Alpha University, the Fraternity has dedicated itself to fostering the spirit of Brotherhood, training a new generation of leaders, building the technological capacity of members, bringing consistency to the implementation of the Fraternity's national programs and ensuring that chapters have the necessary preparation to implement fraternal initiatives and day-to-day operations.

Fraternity Mission Statement
The objectives of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are to:

• stimulate the ambition of its members; to prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the cause of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual; to encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood;
• and to aid downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic, and intellectual status.

back to top