The first intercollegiate fraternity established for African Americans — built on scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Born during an era of profound racial discrimination, the fraternity was established by seven visionary men who believed that higher education was the path to freedom, equality, and progress for the African American community.
From its very beginning, Alpha Phi Alpha has been a fraternity of “firsts” — the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for Black men, the first to develop a nationally coordinated program for advancing Black education, and first to produce a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and countless pillars of American history.
Today, with over 700 chapters worldwide and more than 185,000 members initiated, Alpha Phi Alpha remains the preeminent organization for developing leaders and advancing the cause of justice.
Founded at Cornell University by seven visionary men committed to scholarship, fellowship, and the uplifting of humanity.
Launched the Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College program — one of the earliest organized campaigns to increase Black educational attainment in America.
Initiated Thurgood Marshall, who became the first African American Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
Brother Martin Luther King Jr. rises to national prominence leading the Civil Rights Movement, embodying Alpha’s commitment to justice.
Pi Kappa Chapter is chartered at California State University, Northridge — The HollyWOOD Chapter begins its legacy of service.
Pi Kappa Chapter celebrates its 40th Anniversary, honoring four decades of brotherhood, service, and excellence in the Hollywood and San Fernando Valley community.