HR1311 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1311 LRB097 23457 MST 72372 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize and honor the 106th anniversary of the founding of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-Americans; and

WHEREAS, The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was founded on December 4, 1906, by seven young men, respectfully known as the Seven Jewels, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; and

WHEREAS, Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy, the founders of the Fraternity, recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country; and

WHEREAS, The aims of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity are manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind; and

WHEREAS, The mission of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is to develop leaders and promote brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities; and

WHEREAS, For 106 years, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has played a fundamental role in the positive development of the character and education of more than 200,000 men; and

WHEREAS, The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha have shared countless friendships and a common belief in the founding ideals of the fraternity; and

WHEREAS, Alumni from Alpha Phi Alpha include many noteworthy leaders in the areas of government, business, entertainment, science, and higher education; and

WHEREAS, The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has 364 college campus chapters and 337 alumni chapters in the United States of America, the District of Columbia, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe and 138 Chapters in the Midwestern Region, including 30 in the District of Illinois; the Theta Chapter (1910) and the Xi Lambda Chapter (1924), both of Chicago, were the first college and alumni chapters, respectively, in the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity continues to enrich the lives of its members, who, in turn, provide service and advocacy for the communities with a commitment to service and the uplifting of humanity; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize and honor the 106th anniversary of the founding of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend all Alpha Phi Alpha brothers, past and present, for their bond of friendship, common ideals and beliefs, and service to the community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we express our best wishes for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's continued success and growth; and be it further

RESOLVED, That December 4, 2012 is officially proclaimed as Alpha Phi Alpha Day in the Great State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Midwestern Regional Vice President and the Assistant Vice President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the Illinois District Director of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the Assistant Illinois District Director and the Presidents of the 30 College and Alumni Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated of the Great District of Illinois.