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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 75
BY REPRESENTATIVE BURRELL
COMMENDATIONS: Commends Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., upon the celebration
of its 108th anniversary
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To commend Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, upon the celebration of its one2
hundred eighth anniversary as an organization and recognizes May 5, 2014, as Alpha3
Phi Alpha Day at the Louisiana State Capitol.4
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, was founded on December 4,5
1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, as the first intercollegiate Greek-letter6
organization established for African American men; and7
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha has provided voice, insight, inspiration, and direction8
to African Americans and people of color around the world; and9
WHEREAS, the visionary founders of Alpha Phi Alpha, known as the "Seven10
Jewels" of the fraternity, were Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene11
Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and12
Vertner Woodson Tandy; and13
WHEREAS, the fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority14
students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell; and15
WHEREAS, the founders and early leaders of the fraternity succeeded in laying a16
firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character,17
and the uplifting of humanity; and18
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were developed at other colleges and19
universities soon after the founding at Cornell; and20 HLS 14RS-3021 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 75
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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 their fellow man, serving their communities, acting as mentors to3
youth, and carrying on the tradition of one of their members, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by4
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 Elbert Guillory; and17
WHEREAS, in recognition of the dedication and commitment exhibited by the18
members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, May 5, 2014, 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
eighth anniversary of the organization; does hereby express gratitude to the Alpha Phi Alpha27
Fraternity, Incorporated, for the service of its members toward promoting safety, health,28
culture, and education to the people of the state of Louisiana, the nation, and the world; and29
does hereby recognize May 5, 2014, as Alpha Phi Alpha Day at the Louisiana State Capitol.30 HLS 14RS-3021 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 75
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted1
to the Louisiana District Director, Southwestern Regional Vice President, Executive2
Director, and 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. 75
Commends Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, upon its 108th anniversary and
recognizes May 5, 2014, as Alpha Phi Alpha Day at the La. State Capitol.