Fraternity - Alpha Phi Alpha, Sigma Chapter

Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity in the United States established for men of African descent, was founded by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood between African Americans. The visionary founders, known as the “Jewels” of the Fraternity, are: Mr. Henry Arthur Callis, Mr. Charles Henry Chapman, Mr. Eugene Kinckle Jones, Mr. George Biddle Kelley, Mr. Nathaniel Allison Murray, Mr. Robert Harold Ogle and Mr. Vertner Woodson Tandy. Since 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha has stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights and human dignity. From the Fraternity’s ranks have come outstanding civil rights leaders such as, W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul Robeson, Julius Chambers, Maynard Jackson and many others. Since being established in 1915, Sigma Chapter has had a very rich tradition and proud heritage. Unlike any other chapter in Alpha Phi Alpha, it has the distinction of being the only chapter to be chartered during the tenure of a Jewel as General President (Jewel Henry A. Callis). Over the past 85 years, Sigma has given birth to notable Alpha men that have shaped the lives of Americans across the United States. Perhaps the most notable son of Sigma is slain civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (May 13, 1952). Though Dr. King is the most recognized son, Sigma has noble sons that have matured to become Masons, Congressmen, Chief Executive Officers, prominent businessmen, musicians, scholars and professionals. Sons of Sigma have continued to hold the Light of Alpha high by excelling in each and every undertaking they pursue. Whether a basketball tournament, Go-to-High School, Go-to-College campaign or a “party walk,” the Brothers of Sigma Chapter have always had a penchant for success.