Mu Tau Legacy

On the great day of February 5, 1977, eight distinctive young men were granted a chapter of the finest fraternity ever known to mankind. This chapter would come to be known to the world as Mu Tau. The founders Robert Becton, Larry Blue, Charles Cathy, Ronald Cromwell, Anthony Foust, Melvin Hayes, Prelo Hood, and Larry Taylor.

Since its founding on the campus of UNC-Charlotte the Men of Mu Tau have played important roles not only in the campus community but also in the Charlotte community. Men of Mu Tau traditionally are involved in Student Government, Black Student Union, Tutoring and Mentoring Programs for Charlotte-Mecklenburg students, Fundraising to the Sickle-Cell Anemia Foundation and Leukemia Foundation, Adopt-A-Highway, Serving Residence Advisors, and countless other projects and organizations.

"Committed to excellence and striving to carry on the alpha legacy"

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The Eight Visionaries

These great eight men need no introduction. However, it is only right that we fellow Mu Tau members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated pay tribute and homage to the men responsible for the beginning of this superior undergrad chapter. Twenty-five years ago, eight men with distinct qualities envisioned the beginning of a legacy to be started here on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. These men are Robert Becton, Larry Blue, Charles Cathy, Ronald Cromwell, Anthony Foust, Melvin Hayes, Prelo Hood, and Larry Taylor.

The Mu Tau Eight Visionaries were exactly that, visionaries. They knew that this university needed the presence of a fraternity who stood for manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated was and still is a fraternity of great character. The eight men were devoted to the cause and believed that the presence of Alphas deserved to be on this campus. The seed of beginning a new chapter of this prestigious fraternity was embedded in the mind of all the eight visionaries.

Chartering a chapter here at the university was no easy mission. One must not forget that this was a predominantly white campus, and even though there were already black Greeks present, the task at hand was no less challenging. Fortunately, these eight gentlemen were not the type to cower away "when driven against the wall." Nothing would hold them back from what would become their rightful place in history, the charter line: The 8 Phases of Life.

These men are a great inspiration to all of us. Moving all of us to be great men, men of distinction and commitment. The Eight Visionaries of Mu Tau have earned there place in history and have taken a place dear in all of our hearts. Onward and Upward towards the light, gentlemen.

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History of the Mu Tau Chapter

By Brother Cyrus Sinclair

Conceived in days of intellectual and racial combat, we were created through evolution; shaped by trials and tested by struggles at Cornell University, we emerged in 1906 as first of all, for we transcended all.

Affirmed and solidified by character; defined and enlightened by scholarship; embellished and rewarded by fellowship; devoted to and fortified by our cause, we have led the way for others because we have transcended all.

Inspired by the "Jewels", we have uplifted young African-American males throughout this world to be focused, centered, and undaunted in lifting our race.

In the Fall of 1976 eight eager young men eventually deemed as the "Visionaries" began to lay the foundation of the legacy of the Mu Tau chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. After months of diligence and perseverance the efforts of these young college students birthed a chapter at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. It was on Saturday, February 5, 1977, in which the 459th chapter was renowned.

Brother Robert Becton, Brother Larry Blue, Brother Charles Cathey, Brother Ronald Cromwell, Brother Anthony Foust, Brother Melvin Hayes, Brother Prelo Hood, and Brother Larry Taylor (8 Phases of Life) transcended all obstacles placed before them to realize the vision of a chapter at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. These brothers began the revolution of manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind on the campus and within the city of Charlotte. The torch was passed to young men seeking the true worth of brotherhood and a desire to impart the light of Alpha within a dark community. As pledge clubs gave way to intake lines the vision of the Mu Tau chapter founders was continued.

Mu Tau programs and projects created in the early eighties established unprecedented service for the community. Brothers volunteered at downtrodden area schools to help minority students with academic and social skills. Our commitment to the environment with our Adopt-a-Highway program was initiated in the late eighties and continues today. The Mu Tau brotherhood's dedication to our platform of fundraising for research in Sickle Cell Anemia and Leukemia was remarkable then and now. The advocacy for education and intellectual prowess was reflective in the chapter's allegiance to the Dr. Herman Thomas Scholarship, Oratorical contest, INROADS partnership, and our staunch dedication to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated's national programs. The overall well being of the mental and physical health of fellow male collegians was recognized with Mu Tau's long lasting series devoted to male growth

The maturation of the Mu Tau chapter has produced some of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated's highly esteemed members. Ranging from the eight Visionaries to the current membership of the chapter we have had an impact on every facet of the campus and community. Brothers of Mu Tau are athletes, musicians, educators, attorneys, clergyman, and physicians. With the light of Alpha, Mu Tau is transcending…manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind.

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