The Wake

Fraternities often get a bad rap. When someone is described as a “frat boy,” a few images immediately spring to mind. These usually involve a big, athletic guy holding a beer can who is perhaps not the most intellectual guy on the block. And although the expanse of any non-Greek’s knowledge may be limited to who hosts a better party, behind every kegger there is a group with a rich history and a commitment to communityimprovement.

While fraternities for white men have existed since 1776, black fraternities were not formed until the early 1900s. At Cornell University, a predominantly white Ivy League school, the few black who were privileged enough to attend, were returning in smaller numbers each year.

According to Quinton Bonds, president of the “U’s” chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, a group of seven black men recognized a need “for collectiveness among African American students on campus.” In 1906, these men decided to create a study group to help these students succeed in school.

These seven men are known as the “Jewels” of what would become Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The fraternity’s focus on scholarship, fellowship, good character, and love for all mankind are rooted in the early days of its formation and continue to be important today.

While those who are a bit skeptical of the idea of affirmative action may question the need for an almost restrictive community, Bonds is confident that a need still exists. The Jewels realized that black men needed a community of their own to function as a support system, Bonds insists that there is “truly” still a need for a community today. “Amongst all the negativity toward African Americans portrayed in media and around us everyday,” there needs to be a “positive situation in the community.”

This feeling of community starts at a young age. Alpha Phi Alpha and many other fraternities are involved in youth programs, like mentoring to free ACT and SAT preparation courses. Project Alpha is program where members of the fraternity mentor middle school boys who lack a father figure and teach the kids valuable lessons they may miss out on at home, such as focus and taking care of family.

The community extends beyond a single fraternity. For Black History Month, all of the African American fraternities and sororities came together in an event to showcase each of their respective organizations. Important aspects of their African roots remain an integral part of each fraternity. Alpha Phi Alpha is known for their stepping performances. This dance involves a lot of feet stomping and hand clapping and originated in Africa as a way of both communication and celebration. The men of Alpha Phi Alpha choose to continue this tradition because they feel that it transcends the ages, going through a new level every year.

Fraternities are so much more than drinking and partying. They are out in the community making a difference. Keeping a strong bond of brotherhood for these African American fraternity brothers is important, as Bonds says, to “remind us of the struggle, that we’ve overcome the struggle, and that we are still overcoming it.”

For more information about Alpha Phi Alpha, visit: http://www.alphaphialpha.net/.