Senate Resolution Honors Alpha Phi Alpha for 119 Years of Leadership and Civil Rights Advocacy

This resolution, officially titled the "Original Resolution Honoring Alpha Phi Alpha," is a formal recognition by the Senate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. It’s not a bill that changes law or allocates funds; it’s a ceremonial resolution that honors the organization’s history, mission, and contributions.

The History and the Mission

The resolution starts by acknowledging that Alpha Phi Alpha was the first intercollegiate fraternity founded by African-American men, established on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University. It explicitly names the seven founders, setting the historical record straight. The core mission is recognized as developing leaders, promoting brotherhood and academic excellence, and providing service and advocacy. For anyone interested in the history of higher education and civil rights in the U.S., this resolution formally stamps the significance of this organization, which now has over 720 chapters globally.

Civil Rights and Notable Names

Where this resolution really connects to the broader public is in recognizing the fraternity’s history of civil rights advocacy. It lists an impressive roster of notable members, including Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., former Justice Thurgood Marshall, and current leaders like Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock. This isn't just name-dropping; it ties the organization directly to major movements and figures that have shaped modern American life. The resolution also specifically notes the fraternity’s role in erecting the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, linking its work to major national monuments.

Programs That Hit Home

For the busy person who cares about impact, the resolution details four ongoing community programs the fraternity runs. These aren't abstract goals; they are concrete initiatives that affect people in their daily lives:

• Brothers Keeper: This advocates for senior members, members with disabilities, and their spouses and widows. Think of this as direct support for older populations.
• A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People: This focuses on voter registration, engagement, and empowerment—the nuts and bolts of civic participation.
• Go-to-High School, Go-to-College: A program emphasizing the importance of secondary and collegiate education, directly impacting students and families planning for college.
• Project Alpha: This provides education on responsibility, relationships, and health issues for young males aged 12 to 15, addressing critical public health and social development needs.

In short, this resolution is the Senate taking a moment to formally recognize and commend Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for 119 years of service. It’s a historical nod and a public acknowledgment of the organization’s ongoing role in education, civil rights, and community service across the country.