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Alpha Phi Alpha stands as the first Greek-letter fraternity created for African-American men. Established on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, it was founded by seven visionary men: Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy. United by their shared commitment to leadership, service, and excellence, they built an organization that continues to inspire.
With the motto “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All,” Alpha Phi Alpha has become synonymous with empowerment, social impact, and the advancement of the African-American community. Its distinct colors, gold and black, and its symbol, The Sphinx, represent the fraternity’s rich heritage and commitment to fostering leaders.
Alpha Phi Alpha has cultivated a lineage of leaders, creatives, and visionaries who have enriched history and shaped communities worldwide. Its profound influence is evident in its impactful members and enduring commitment to service, education, and social justice. The fraternity remains a beacon of inspiration, empowering men to lead, uplift, and transcend.
For over a century, Alpha Phi Alpha has stood at the forefront of change, fostering excellence across generations. Its notable members serve as reminders of what can be achieved when commitment and a vision for a better world unite.
1. Omari Hardwick
Zeta Pi
2. Roland Martin
Pi Omicron
3. Hill Harper
Kappa Phi Lambda
4. Lionel Richie
Alpha Nu Lambda
5. Keenan Ivory Wayans
6. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Sigma
7. Raphael Warnock Alpha Gamma Lambda
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Alpha Gamma Lambda
8. Thurgood Marshall
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Nu
9. Paul Robeson
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Nu
10. Tim Reid
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Eta Lambda
11. Kevin Powell
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Zeta Eta
12. Joseph C. Phillip
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Iota Zeta Lambda
13. Will Packer
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Beta Nu
14. Christian Keyes
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Zeta Beta
15. Barry Jenkins
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Iota Delta
16. Rusty Cundieff
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Alpha Delta
17. Benny Boom
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Pi Rho
18. Darryl M. Bell
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Delta Zeta
19. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
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Alpha Epsilon
20. Donny Hathaway
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Beta
21. Duke Ellington
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Alpha Zeta Lambda
22. Jerry “Iceman” Butler
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Xi Lambda
23. Gerald Albright
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Iota Chi
24. Robert F. Smith
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Alpha
25. John H. Johnson
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Theta
26. Dr. Cornel West
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Zeta Beta Lambda
27. Stuart Scott
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Mu Zeta
28. Jason Wright
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Alpha Mu
29. Charles Haley
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Xi Delta
30. Lenny Wilkins
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Zeta Pi Lambda
31. Walt “Clyde” Frazier
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