alpha phi alpha fraternity, incorporated

Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The visionary founders, known as the “Jewels” of the fraternity, are Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy.  

The fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. The Jewel founders and early leaders of the fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha’s principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity.  Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were established at other colleges and universities, many of them historically black institutions, soon after the founding at Cornell. The first alumni chapter was established in 1911. While continuing to stress academic excellence among its members, Alpha also recognized the need to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices faced by African Americans. 

Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through leaders such as W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul Robeson, and many others. True to its form as the “first of firsts,” Alpha Phi Alpha has been interracial since 1945. 

 Eta Tau Lambda Chapter has a long and engaging history in the city of Akron. Its roots can be traced back to the establishment of the Alpha Tau, the college chapter of the fraternity chartered at the University of Akron on May 9, 1925. Once brothers graduated from the University of Akron, they began families and prosperous careers in the Akron area, while maintaining connections with other brothers from Alpha Tau and other college chapters whose members settled in the area. 

In the late 1950’s, this group of brothers decided to form a more structured group to support the Akron community and the college chapter at the university. This led to the establishment of the Eta Tau Lambda alumni chapter’s establishment on August 23, 1960. The charter members were: Robert L. Brown, John H. Brown, Robert P. Smith, Paul Winters, Raymond R. Brown, Reuben Collins, Clarence Irby, Dr. Allen F. Killings, Dr. M.C. McNeil, Robert Morrison, James Rushin, George Shadie, E. Bruce Tate, Sr., Dr. Robert S. Smith, E. James Peake, and David Wilson.

Since the beginning, the members of Eta Tau Lambda have supplied the voice, leadership, and advocacy for the Akron community. The brothers held many NAACP and Urban League leadership positions.

Members of the chapter also served as instrumental leaders in the community advocating for families and low-income residents. The pinnacle of their effort was realized through the Federal Housing Act of 1963, which prepared the way for an ambitious housing development headed by the Eta Tau Lambda brothers. From this ambitious effort birthed Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. a non-profit corporation, Alpha Homes are dedicated to providing affordable housing options for low-income and senior citizen resident. 

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Eta Tau Lambda Chapter

P.O. Box 582, Akron, OH 4430

https://akronalphas.org/ 

Contact:  akronalphas1960@gmail.com