Launched in 2001, the Alpha Foundation of Howard County, Inc. (AFHC) was established as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity to provide funding for the educational initiatives that are sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Kappa Phi Lambda (KPL) Chapter. We seek to provide academic enrichment to minority youth in Howard County that further enables their success in postsecondary training and education, and ultimately, creates a clear pathway for life opportunity and success.
Alongside community support and partnership, the AFHC works in conjunction with KPL to provide educational programming that assists our motivated students towards achieving ambitious goals, including leadership experience, increased scholastic performance, and financial assistance for higher education. Examples of such programming includes sponsorship of the Annual Harambee Conference, the Leadership Development Institute, the High Achievers program, and our signature mentoring program, the Alpha Achievers program, featuring chapters at each of the twelve (12) high schools within the Howard County Public School System.
We, as Alpha Men, have a rich and time-honored history of providing service and advocacy for our communities. Despite numerous advancements, we know that our communities remain challenged by the familiar issues of racism, educational and economic inequality, and healthcare disparities. To confront these matters, we are reminded, as a currently divided nation, that we need one another and are much stronger when we march forward, together! The AFHC remains committed and steadfast in our fierce determination to urgently continue our unequivocal efforts to promote manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind, especially for the future of our minority males that lies in the balance – we continue moving forward with a Fierce Urgency of Now!
To support our efforts, we urge you to make a tax-deductible donation towards benefit the of our upcoming generation of leaders. Please know that your past and future generosity is a cornerstone in our efforts to ensure that Howard County students are prepared for academic study, entry into the workforce, community service, and leadership. On behalf of the AFHC, I thank you for your support and ongoing contributions towards our continuing efforts to provide quality educational programs and mentoring initiatives for the minority youth throughout Howard County, Maryland.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. History
The story of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is one that is often told but never goes out of style. The Fraternity was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Seven young African American men, after much trial and tribulation, saw their dream of a fraternal brotherhood realized on this day.
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Jewel Bro. Henry Arthur Callis
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Jewel Bro. Charles Henry Chapman
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Jewel Bro. Eugene Kinckle Jones
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Jewel Bro. George Biddle Kelley
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Jewel Bro. Nathaniel Allison Murray
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Jewel Bro. Robert Harold Ogle
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Jewel Bro. Vertner Woodson Tandy
Collectively, they are known as the "Jewels" of our great Fraternity. The Fraternity was borne out of the desire for maintaining close association and unified support for members of this small minority inasmuch as they were denied, for the most part, the mutual helpfulness which the majority of students attending their university regularly enjoyed.
Alpha Phi Alpha was founded on the principles of intellectual excellence, service to society, and brotherhood. One will often hear an Alpha man speak of being first. This is not empty boasting, but heart felt pride in an organization that for over one hundred years has been at the forefront of social change in America. Aside from being the first Intercollegiate Greek-Letter Fraternity established for Black college students, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was the first to integrate its membership in 1945. This was a bold step. At the time, overt racism, lynching, and Jim Crow were still facts of daily life for many Black people in this country. By integrating the brotherhood, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. proved to the world that people of different ethnic backgrounds could work together in peace.
Understand also that Alpha History is African American History. Bro. W.E.B. DuBois started the Niagara Movement, which led to the founding of the NAACP. Jewel Brother Eugene K. Jones helped found the National Urban League and served as its National Director for many years. Jewel Bro. Vertner W. Tandy was the first black registered architect in the United States. He was also the first black officer in the New York State National Guard. And as for our Bro. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his story speaks for itself.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has over 680 chapters located in the U.S., Caribbean Islands, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the West Indies. For over one hundred years, Alpha Phi Alpha has answered the call to leadership. In all walks of life and at all times in its history, Alpha men have set the standard for excellence and service. As America moves into the 21st century, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will be there to lead, teach, and excel. We are as our motto says…