WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., was founded by seven young men: Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy, affectionately known as the "Seven Jewels," on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, who laid a firm foundation for the principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity; and
WHEREAS, in result of nine courageous men petitioning the national body led by then General President Raymond Cannon to establish a local chapter in Raleigh; the Phi Lambda Chapter, was established on December 19, 1926, by Brother S. H. Stanback – a charter member of Zeta Lambda Chapter of Norfolk, Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Phi Lambda Chapter has its mission to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, while working diligently and tirelessly to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices in Wake and Johnston counties; through various programs and endeavors that inspire, uplift and encourage citizens to reach their highest potential by living up to the fraternity’s goals of Manly Deeds, Scholarship and Love for all Mankind; and
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated members founded and supported institutions such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, The Crisis Magazine, National Urban League, and National Association of Black Journalists; and
WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated has among its membership numerous members who have been outstanding national leaders in the struggle to achieve civil rights in America, including Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ambassador Andrew Young, Senator Edward Brooke, Dr. W. E. B. DuBois, Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, and United States Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim December 19, 2021, as “PHI LAMBDA CHAPTER, ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. 95TH ANNIVERSARY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
