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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
November 21, 2023
To recognize and honor Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated as an organization that has
provided a voice and a strong vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of
color in the District of Columbia and around the world and to declare December 4, 202 3
as “Alpha Phi Alpha Day” in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated (“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity”),
the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, was
founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York;
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity recognizes the following 7 men , “The Jewels,”
as its Founders: Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George
Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy;
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and
academic excellence, while providing servi ce and advocacy for our communities;
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity prepares its members for the greatest usefulness
in the causes of humanity, freedom, and dignity for all people;
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s aims include manly deeds, scholarship, and
love for all mankind;
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity encourages the highest and most noble form of
manhood and aids downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic, and
intellectual status;
WHEREAS, national programs such as Brother’s Keeper, A Voteless People is a
Hopeless People, Go- to-High-School, Go- to-College, and Project Alpha form the foundation and
cornerstone of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s community initiatives;
WHEREAS, the District of Columbia has 3 college and 3 alumni chapters of Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity, including the Beta Chapter established in 1907, the Mu Lambda Chapter
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established in 1923, the Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter established in 1952, the Nu Beta
Chapter established in 1977, the Omicron Omicron Chapter established in 1982, and the
Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter established in 1985;
WHEREAS, the achievements of all 6 chapters include social, civic, and humanitarian
contributions that have made a significant impact on the quality of life for District of Columbia
residents;
WHEREAS, each chapter invests time and resources into the development of youth in the
District of Columbia through mentoring programs, community projects, fundraisers, and
scholarships; and
WHEREAS, December 4, 1906 is the date that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity recognizes as
its Founders’ Day.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Alpha Phi Alpha Day Recognition Resolution of 2023” .
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the contributions
of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated to the sustained progress of District of Columbia
residents, and declares December 4, 2023 as “ Alpha Phi Alpha Day” in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately .