...at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, seven distinguished gentlemen founded the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-Americans. Today marks the Centennial of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, celebrating 100 years of distinguished leadership and service. 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 developed at other colleges and universities, many of them historically Black institutions, soon after the founding at Cornell. 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, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul Robeson, and many others. Today, Alpha Phi Alpha continues its commitment to the African American community through the Fraternity's Education and Building foundations which provide scholarships to outstanding students and shelter to underprivileged families. The Fraternity also has dedicated itself to training a new generation of leaders with national mentoring programs and partnerships designed to ensure the success of our children and youth. The objectives of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are to stimulate the ambition of its members; to prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the cause of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual; to encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood; and to aid downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic, and intellectual status.
I know this is not about drums, but 100 years in the service of humanity is something special. A life given of service to others is indeed something we should all aspire to. It's just as important today as it was 100 years ago that we strive to help uplift humanity and be of the greatest usefulness to the greatest number of people. We are all richly blessed and it is our charge to be a blessing to others. That's my $0.06 worth anyway. Happy Founder's Day to the Brothers of A Phi A.
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