Page 7 - Spring 2015

Theta Rho Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Spring 2015

A Look at Alpha History Bro. Chris Jones

Brother LeRoy Lowery, III, Past Eastern Regional Vice President once quoted that “to ‘know’ history one
must memorize dates, names and events. However, to ‘appreciate’ history one must gain insight into the
conditions that led to the events, or to paraphrase Indian lore – ‘walk a mile in their shoes’”. It is this
section of the Theta Rho Lambda newsletter we shall dedicate to giving a short insight and appreciation
into the history of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. This inaugural piece will be dedicated to the founding
of this great fraternity.

Imagine a setting: 43 years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, 48 years before Brown v
Board of Education, and 58 years before the Civil Rights Act. The time period - just described - is a time
in this nation’s history when Blacks and other minorities were, literally, losing their lives fighting for racial
equality. Although some things have drastically changed for the better, today’s Blacks may struggle to
fully comprehend the trials and obstacles Blacks endured back in the early 1900’s. Honestly, can you
place yourself back in time in America’s history where segregation was permissible? Most likely in 1906,
your parents and grandparents were slaves, and no one in your family’s lineage was literate nor possessed
an education beyond high school. Yet, our seven Jewels were students at Cornell University, which is an
Ivy League institution. Many of the founders studied in various fields such as medicine, engineering,
education and architecture. They were men of great tenacity by establishing an organization with
meaningful impact on this nation and the world. On December 4, 1906, none of these men probably
imagined such prosperity in creating Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. History, however, never looks like
history when you are living through it! They were ordinary men who overcame extraordinary
circumstances. We thank our Jewels for their vision, determination, and indomitable spirit by forever
upholding the light and remaining steadfast to the objectives and aims of Alpha. As we approach 109
years as a fraternity, let’s “walk a mile in their shoes” and reflect and gain a greater appreciation for the
evening on that ICE COLD TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1906. #CCJKMOT

Reclamation through Theta Rho Lambda Chapter
• Visit our Chapter Web site: www.thetarholambda.org for information about the chapter
• Attend one our Phirst Friday events to meet Brothers in a social setting
• Email us at info@thetarholambda.org to find out when and where our next chapter meeting will be

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