Finding aid for the Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Chapter Collection

Biography of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (APA) was first founded at Cornell University on December 4, 1906. In 1907 the fraternity adopted its constitution, and at the time membership was limited to African-American men only. The first general convention was held at Howard University in 1908, and in 2006 the fraternity celebrated its centennial with nationwide activities and events, culminating with a Centennial Convention in Washington, D.C. in July of that year.

This fraternity has been influential in national policy, civil rights, and social issues since its founding. The fraternity's dedication to service and advocacy for equal rights is evident in the principles of "manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind," as well as in its mission statement: "Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities." National programs such as its "Go-To-High School, Go-To-College"--the fraternity's campaign for academic achievement within the African-American community, especially aimed toward young black males--and efforts toward voter registration and education have made APA prominent not only college campuses, but in countless communities worldwide.

The Phi chapter of APA--the seventh of the now over 680 chapters situated throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the West Indies--was formed at Ohio University on May 17, 1919 by a group of young men who had first organized themselves as the "DuBois Club." According to the original charter, these individuals were Harry R. Jefferson, Leo G. Robinson, William C. Matney, Arthur Matney, James Wade, Hobart W. Dandridge, J. Elbert Petress, Frederick J. Lacey, and Jesse Carter. The newly-formed chapter immediately adopted the principles and attitudes of the fraternity.

Since its founding, Phi chapter has been a leading presence on campus, despite several rough periods in its history. A decline in the African American student population in the late 1920s caused the chapter to become inactive, but the remaining students stayed active through a group called Pyramidians--a name that references one of the Egyptian symbols used by APA. The chapter was reactivated in December of 1948, and resumed operating as a fraternity, until the university revoked its charter in 1967, in part due to debt caused by not having enough members living in the fraternity house. However, the group again remained active as a social club, this time under the name of the "Pharaohs Club," until they were able to re-colonize a few years later. In May 1999, the Phi chapter celebrated its 80th anniversary with a reunion of past and present members, socials, and a banquet. At that time, both the university and the mayor of Athens recognized May 15, 1999 as Phi Chapter Founder's Day. The chapter is very active in service, philanthropy, and leadership in the community at large as well as on campus, with events such as an annual Martin Luther King, Jr. vigil; the Miss Bronze pageant, which showcases the talents of female minority students; oratorical contests; concerts; and the cleanup and renovation of the Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Scope and Content

The Alpha Phi Alpha (APA), Phi Chapter Collection contains records, photos, history, and memorabilia associated with the Phi chapter of at Ohio University. Items are organized by topic.

Box one holds folders of materials on academics; awards; discipline; history of the Phi chapter, including founding, reactivation, charter revocation and re-colonization; internal affairs such as finances, housing, handbooks, initiation, and student activity registrations; individual members; and photographs. Letters, forms, resumes, and correspondence from the university as well as the regional and national offices of the fraternity are all an important part of these records. Photos are organized by event, and range from those of founding members to ones from the chapter's 80th anniversary celebrations.

Box two contains folders of materials on specific programs and events of the fraternity, such as anniversaries, the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. vigil, and the Miss Bronze pageant; publications; and related organizations, both those formed by members during periods of inactivity and those organized by outside groups to aid the chapter in service. These materials are comprised of correspondence, newspaper articles, programs, announcements, flyers, artwork, and calendars.

Box three contains loose fraternity memorabilia, including a t-shirt, guestbooks, a binder of meeting minutes, a videotape of a Miss Bronze pageant, a bracelet, and an 80th anniversary pin.

Box four holds oversized loose memorabilia, including posters, framed awards, and a laminated scrapbook.

Statement of Arrangement

Subject Terms

The following terms have been used to describe this collection.

Subjects:

Preferred Citation

Researchers are requested to cite collection name, collection number, and Ohio University, Athens, Ohio in all footnotes and bibliographical references.