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We are but three short years from the Centennial of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Committee is very hard at work preparing for this once in a life time event. A brief overview of our planning and activities follows below: ALPHA DOCUMENTARY FILM: The Fraternity has entered into a contract with the Rubicon Production Company to produce a broadcast quality documentary film for the centennial of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The film crews will be filming significant portions of the convention for inclusion into the documentary. In addition a number of interviews will be conducted with Brothers and a conversation with the seven living General Presidents will be filmed. The film will document the 100 years of leadership and service of our Fraternity The goal is to produce a film for broadcast over such channels as Public Broadcasting System (PBS), A&E, The History Channel and other cable and direct TV outlets. The final version will be available to the Fraternity and the public on DVD. Rubicon Productions successfully filmed and broadcast the documentary film on the "Tuskegee Airmen", widely seen across the country on PBS. THE CENTENNIAL BOOK OF ESSAYS & LETTERS: This project includes the reprinting of significant articles, essays, writings and letters from the Sphinx Magazine and other Fraternity publications over our 100 year history. In addition, essays are being requested from selected sources such as all past General Presidents and other Brothers. We shall capture and republish for future generations the wisdom of 100 years of Alpha Phi Alpha. CENTENNIAL MUSIC AND FINE ARTS: The Fraternity has commissioned selected composers and artists to create original works of music and art for the Centennial Celebration. We shall have composed a Centennial Anthem to be sung by a male chorus with full orchestration. We shall compose full orchestration for the Alpha Hymn so that it may be performed with ail of its richness and majesty. A Centennial Instrumental Processional March is also being composed. We are planning to create an enhanced memorial at Cornell University with an eternal flame being added We are planning a Centennial Performing Arts Concert to take place during the Centennial Convention. All of the music of the Centennial will be available in compact (Use form for sale to the brotherhood and the general public. NATIONAL TOURING EXHIBIT: A traveling exhibit is planned to include selected artifacts, photographs, writings, memorabilia and art work commemorating our 100 years of leadership and service, This traveling exhibit shall move across the five regions of Alpha at selected African American libraries,
colleges, universities, archives and museums during the Centennial Era. This exhibit will serve as the focus point for regional centennial celebrations leading up to the Centennial Convention in 2006. This Exhibit shall serve as an educational tool for our young people as well as a public relations tool presenting Alpha Phi Alpha to the general public. PICTORIAL HISTORY BOOK: The history of 100 years of Alpha will be depicted in a pictorial coffee table book. It is true a picture is worth a thousand words and we shall be soliciting photographs from the brotherhood to make up this book as well as using photographs rarely seen by the brotherhood. CORNELL UNIVERSITY OBSERVANCES: Plans are underway to have the inaugural event launching the Centennial Era of Alpha at Cornell University. The dedication and the lighting of the Alpha Eternal Flame at Cornell University will begin the Centennial Era. In addition, we are planning to conduct the "Charles Wesley Lecture" during this same time on the campus of Cornell. Being forever mindful that Alpha was formed to enhance academic achievement and scholarship, the Centennial Era of Alpha shall begin with a Scholarship Convocation and Dedicatory Service at the birthplace of our Fraternity. Brothers will be asked to join a pilgrimage to Cornell University for this observance. We hope to end the Centennial Celebration at Cornell University with a National Founders Day Celebration in December 2006.
MILITARY/INTERNATIONAL CHAPTERS: Special attention is being given to include and foster events and activities across the nation and the world to include our many brothers who are a part of the U.S. military and to include our Brothers and Chapters located outside of the U. S. main land. CONCLUSION: Every effort is being made to see that the Centennial of Alpha is conducted with the highest quality and excellence. Since we are the first to celebrate 100 years and all other African-American Greek letter organizations follow us, our goal is that we have no regrets at the end. Alpha as always shall set the bar high. Let us plan and execute our work embracing the world's standard of excellence in all we do, so that in presenting our Centennial Celebration, it shall be worthy of all that has gone before us and serve as a lasting tribute and standard of excellence for Alpha Phi Alpha long after each of us has gone. So then we, the Centennial Committee, submit our plans and body of work to this General Convention for approval and ratification.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE: Bro. Harry E. Johnson,
tiro. Darryl R. Matthews
Ex Officio
Bro. Walter Mathis
Bro. Milton C. Davis,
THE CENTENNIAL CONVENTION: The focus of the 2006 Centennial Convention shall be a national symposium on the African American Family in the 21st Century. We are planning significant historical observances however our focus must always be on the future of our community and our nation. The African-American Family shall receive our attention during this Celebration. PARAPHERNALIA/MEMORABILIA: A full line of high quality paraphernalia and memorabilia will be available for sale to the brotherhood during the Centennial Era. The sale of these products will help to underwrite the costs of the Centennial events. A logo contest is underway and a final decision on the logo is expected during the course of this convention. The logo will have trademark and copyright protection and shall be placed on all official paraphernalia and memorabilia.
"No matter how far you have gone on the wrong road, turn back." - Turkish Proverb
Bro. Herman Mason
General President,
Chair
Bro. Thomas D. Pawley Bro. Huel Perkins
Bro. Jonathan C. Augustine
Bro. William Pickard
Bro. Bobby Austin
Bro. Henry Ponder
Bro. James B. Blanton
Bro. Al Rutherford
Bro. Edward W. Brooke
Bro. Ozell Sutton
Bro. Horace (i. Dawson
Bro. Charles C. Teamer
Bro. Peter L. Felder
Bro. Jimmie Varnado
Bro. Derek Fordjour
Bro. Adrian Wallace
Bro. Charlie E. Hardy
Bro. Iva Williams
Bro. Robert Harris
Bro. James R. Williams
Bro. Joseph E. Heyward
Bro. Christopher Womack
Bro. John J. Johnson
Bro . Roberto Young
Bro. William Douglass Lyle