MBP 2020-21 Book2 - Flipbook - Page 77
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Epsilon Beta Lambda
Chapter
First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity in the United
States established for men of African descent, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by
seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood between African
Americans. The most remarkable leadership in the African-American community in the 20th century has
without question come from the ranks of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Since its founding on December
4, 1906, the Fraternity has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African-Americans and people of
color around the world. The objective of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, is to stimulate the
ambition of its members; to prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes 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. The
visionary founders, known as the "Jewels" of the Fraternity, are: Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry
Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle,
Vertner Woodson Tandy. These seven young men felt there was a need for more Black unity on Cornell's
predominately white campus. Since other avenues in Greek life at this time were not readily accessible to
many Blacks, these men took it upon themselves to take the first steps in forming the traditional Black
Greek system.
Today, Alpha Phi Alpha exceeds 125,000 members and has over 700 chapters in the 50 states, Bermuda,
England, Liberia, South Korea, the Virgin Islands, and West Germany.
Alpha Phi Alpha has evolved into an organization that takes pride in attempting to right many wrongs
society has bestowed upon us. Alpha's constant efforts of increasing the educational, economic, and social
well-being of the Black people in the United States are unparalleled. These efforts are evident in our direct
participation in numerous national organizations and our financial contributions to their programs
oriented to handle problem areas such as civil rights, poor housing, and inadequate education of our
youth.
During the fall of 1947, Brother Bennie Brown, General Secretary of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., came
to Fort Valley, Georgia for the purpose of establishing an Alpha alumni chapter to serve Alpha Phi Alpha
brothers residing in Fort Valley, Macon and surrounding Middle Georgia areas. The chapter was given the
name - Gamma Sigma Lambda. Over the next two years, more brothers established residence in each city,
and it was felt that each locality could support a chapter. A request was sent to the General Office of the
Fraternity asking that a second chapter be commissioned. In 1949, the original chapter remained in Fort
Valley and the new chapter in Macon was assigned the name Epsilon Beta Lambda. Nine men became the
founding brothers of Epsilon Beta Lambda Chapter. They were Alonzo Mills Boddie, William Duval, Charles
H. Hutchings, III, Frank J. Hutchings, Sr., William S. Hutchings, II, Willie H. Odom, Jr., Cassander Sellers,
Willis B. Sheftall, and Robert J. Williams.
Today, the Epsilon Beta Lambda chapter continues to remain relevant and active within the Middle
Georgia area. The chapter provides service through the following initiatives:
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