HLS 12RS-3169 ORIGINAL
Page 1 of 3
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 116
BY REPRESENTATIVES BURRELL, WESLEY BISHOP, DIXON, JEFFERSON, AND
PIERRE AND SENATORS BROWN AND GUI LLORY
COMMENDATIONS: Commends Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., upon the celebration
of its 106
th
anniversary
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To commend Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, upon the celebration of its one2
hundred sixth anniversary as an organization.3
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, was founded on December4
4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, as the first intercollegiate Greek-letter5
organization established for African American men; and6
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha has provided voice, insight, inspiration, and direction7
to African Americans and people of color around the world; and8
WHEREAS, the visionary founders of Alpha Phi Alpha, known as the "Seven9
Jewels" of the fraternity, were Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene10
Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and11
Vertner Woodson Tandy; and12
WHEREAS, the fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority13
students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell; and14
WHEREAS, the founders and early leaders of the fraternity succeeded in laying a15
firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character,16
and the uplifting of humanity; and17
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were developed at other colleges and18
universities soon after the founding at Cornell; and19 HLS 12RS-3169 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 116
Page 2 of 3
WHEREAS, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, has numerous chapters1
in the state of Louisiana, and its hundreds of chapters worldwide continue the legacy of their2
predecessors by helping out their fellow man, serving their community by acting as mentors3
to youths, and carrying on the tradition of one of their members, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,4
by actively discussing civil rights; and5
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha spearheaded and oversaw the designing and building6
of a monument in Dr. King's honor, which is the newest memorial on the National Mall in7
Washington, D.C., the first to honor a non-president, and the first to honor a man of color;8
and9
WHEREAS, other notable members of Alpha Phi Alpha include W.E.B. Dubois,10
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, William11
Gray, and Andrew Young; and12
WHEREAS, this year, Alpha Phi Alpha members from across Louisiana will travel13
to Baton Rouge in order to celebrate the contributions and sacrifices in the legislature of14
fourteen past Alpha brothers and those currently serving, Representatives Roy A. Burrell,15
Wesley T. Bishop, Herbert B. Dixon, Patrick O. Jefferson, and Vincent J. Pierre and16
Senators Terry R. Brown and Mickey J. Guillory; and17
WHEREAS, in recognition of the dedication and commitment exhibited by the18
members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, May 15, 2012, is Alpha Phi Alpha19
Day at the Louisiana State Capitol; and20
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to set aside a special day to commend Alpha Phi Alpha21
Fraternity, Incorporated, for its programs and activities that exemplify the importance of22
service to all mankind and to recognize the positive impact the fraternity has on the state of23
Louisiana.24
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby25
commend Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, upon the celebration of the one hundred26
sixth anniversary of the organization and does hereby express gratitude to the Alpha Phi27
Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, for the service of its members toward promoting safety,28
health, culture, and education to the people of the state of Louisiana, the nation, and the29
world.30 HLS 12RS-3169 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 116
Page 3 of 3
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the1
Louisiana District Director, Southwestern Regional Vice President, Executive Director, and2
General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.3
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Burrell HCR No. 116
Commends Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., upon its 106th anniversary.