SEAN L. McCASKILL GENERAL PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Brothers,
Welcome to Philadelphia, PA. also known as the “City of Brotherly Love.” As we convene the 98th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention from July 16 – July 20, we fully embrace the apt theme of ‘Reimagining Alpha For The Future.’
In these times, as during our founding, the communities we serve are faced with uncertain and hostile circumstances. History reminds the world that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was born into existence out of the bold hope of the Niagara Movement and on the heels of the hostility and violence of the Atlanta Race massacre. We were designed and honed for the struggle and have persevered to offer advocacy and leadership for the communities we serve.
As we usher in a new Fraternal era, we greet the future with fierce courage, staunch resilience, and bold new ideas to meet the challenges ahead. For this convention, we direct our communities’ attention toward “Advocacy in Education: Empowering Black Men for College and Beyond” as the theme of our General Convention’s Public Program, featuring a panel of African American scholars and leaders in higher education.
We also continue to raise the Brotherhood’s Alpha IQ with streamlined business sessions and curated experiences that ensure a poignant, informative, and enjoyable gathering for the entire Brotherhood, as well as our spouses and children.
To assist and help you better navigate, we’ve integrated our new Sphinx Hub mobile app as our guidebook for the convention experience, where it manages the convention schedule, and events, as well as provides site maps, news alerts, and resources to support African American businesses during the convention.
I would also like to commend the chapter officers, delegates, and other Brothers, who’ve sacrificed their time and money to meet their fraternal commitment and attend, as well as express my gratitude for the diligent efforts of our General Convention officials, General Office staff, and the host chapters of the Pennsylvania Association of Alpha Chapters in planning this dynamic convention, which follows our historic 2024 Constitutional Convention in Chicago, IL.
Lastly, I look forward to joining you during the many opportunities of our 98th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention, where we can Shake Hands, Exchange Greetings, and Depart Friends.
Fraternally,
Lucien J. Metellus, Jr. General President
JR.
SEAN L. McCASKILL GENERAL PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Brothers,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 98th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention of our beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. As we gather here in Philadelphia – the ‘City of Brotherly Love,’ I want to reflect on General President Brother Lucien J. Metellus, Jr.’s theme for this year’s convention: “Reimagining Alpha For The Future.”
Since the first half of the year, the nation has faced a barrage of divisive executive orders, trends, and appointments that not only threaten to erase hard fought gains of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond but erase history itself and dismantle critical tenets of our Democracy.
As we continue to strategize and respond, let us be grateful for this institution, the Jewels named Alpha Phi Alpha, and whose foundational mission was to provide enlightened and bold leadership for the communities we serve. Jewel Brother Robert Harold Ogle, in 1936 stated, “I wish to urge all of the Brothers the necessity for a Broader Bond of Brotherhood in the communities where you reside. After allegiance to you God, family and country, let nothing shake your love for the fraternity and its ideas. Let every Brother be truly a Brother, promote his interest as if it were yours and show to the world that Alpha Phi Alpha stands for more than mere words.”
These times demand it, and our communities need it. I would also like to offer a special thank you to our new and existing partners who have created spaces for our Brothers to learn about their services and have established sustainable partnerships with the Fraternity, which allows us to enhance the value of active membership. In addition, I am grateful to our General Office staff, who work diligently to provide Brothers exemplary and uninterrupted service even while planning this convention.
Lastly, I want to share my deep appreciation to the Host Chapters and the Convention Planning Team, who have worked tirelessly to plan and execute an engaging General Convention experience for our membership, their loved ones, who accompany them, and our partners who support us.
I hope you, as Brothers, leave Philadelphia empowered and with a renewed sense of purpose to do the work of Alpha that lies ahead as we are “Reimagining Alpha For the Future.”
Fraternally,
Sean L. McCaskill Executive Director
LUCIEN J. METELLUS, JR.
LUCIEN J. METELLUS, JR. GENERAL PRESIDENT
SEAN L. MCCASKILL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EASTERN REGION
Greetings Brothers,
CHRISTOPHER G. ELLIS, JR. REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
YOUSIF N.
OMER REGIONAL ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
With boundless excitement and pride, I welcome you to the 119th Anniversary and 98th General Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Brothers, prepare to make history in the City of Brotherly Love! Philadelphia is calling, and Alpha is answering with a powerful display of brotherhood, purpose, and impact. This convention will be nothing short of extraordinary. Collaboratively, we will honor our legacy, elevate our service, and chart the next bold chapter in our journey.
To every Brother traveling near and far, WELCOME! You arrive not only to fulfill our solemn duty as delegates, but as stewards of our mission, tasked with advancing the vision of Alpha with integrity, unity, and clarity. We are, above all, Brothers; rooted in service, driven by excellence, and committed to building stronger campuses and communities across the globe.
As we convene, may the spirit of Alpha guide every conversation, decision, and vote knowing that our work here will reverberate far beyond our chapters, districts, and regions. Let us harness the full force of our Brotherhood to inspire transformation from within our ranks to every corner of society that needs our light.
Let us engage in robust dialogue and spirited debate while remaining anchored in our highest calling: to serve, to uplift, and to lead with purpose. Our legacy is not measured by titles or accolades, but by our love for one another and our endearing commitment to those who need us most. This convention is our transcendent moment to recharge our purpose, reignite our passion, and raise our collective voice to shape the future of Alpha Phi Alpha with clarity and conviction.
I wish you a convention experience that is impactful, inspiring, and unforgettable. May it spark innovation, deepen our Brotherhood, and propel us forward to new heights of excellence with AlphaEast, First of All, Leading the Way!
Fraternally,
Christopher Ellis Jr. Eastern Region Vice President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
LUCIEN J. METELLUS, JR. GENERAL PRESIDENT
SEAN L. MCCASKILL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EASTERN REGION
CHRISTOPHER
G.
ELLIS, JR. REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
YOUSIF N. OMER
REGIONAL ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
Brothers Beloved, Cherished Family Members, and Honored Guests,
pray this message finds you exceptionally well.
On behalf of the Eastern Region it is my profound honor to welcome you to the 98th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., hosted in the historic city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: the City of Brotherly Love.
This year’s theme, Reimagining Alpha for the Future, calls us to think critically about how we preserve our legacy while adapting to new challenges. Our founders established this Brotherhood with vision and urgency. It is now our task to carry that vision forward, meeting the demands of a changing world with courage and clarity.
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, stands as a reminder of what conviction and bold action can accomplish. As we face rising division, technological disruption, and widening gaps in equity and opportunity, our presence here takes on greater meaning. We must reflect, recommit, and prepare to lead with renewed purpose.
I encourage you to approach this convention with intention. Ask questions. Share insights. Reflect on where we are and help shape where we go next. The work we do together in Philadelphia will influence the direction of Alpha in the years ahead.
Special thank you to our local host committee, Eastern Regional Vice President Brother Christopher G. Ellis Jr. and Regional Staff, who are prepared to receive you with care and commitment.
I look forward to engaging with you throughout the week. Welcome to Philadelphia. Welcome to the future of Alpha.
Fraternally,
Brother Yousif N. Omer Assistant Vice President Eastern Region
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. | Eastern Region | P.O. Box 24127 | Rochester, NY 14624
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.®
Pennsylvania Association of Alpha Chapters (PAAC) District (District V)
Lucien J. Metellus
General President
Christopher G. Ellis
Eastern Region Vice President
Yousief N. Omer
Eastern Region Assistant Vice President
Dear Brothers,
Dr. Leonard M. Wakefield
District V Director
Dr. Cedric R. Harris
Executive Director/1st Vice President
Trevon Desue
Assistant District V Director/2nd Vice President
It brings me great pride and humility to welcome you to the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the 98th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. As District Director and President of the Pennsylvania Association of Alpha Chapters (PAAC), and on behalf of Bro. Trevon Desue, Assistant District Director , I am excited to have our Brotherhood gather in the historic city of Philadelphia a fitting location to reflect on our past, celebrate our present, and envision our future.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania holds a distinguished place in Alpha history. We are proud to be home to three single-letter chapters, and a total of 17 active chapters across the state, including 10 College and 7 Alumni chapters. Each of these chapters contributes meaningfully to the Brotherhood through scholarship, service, and advocacy, carrying forward the mission of Alpha with honor.
I want to extend my deepest appreciation to our Local Convention Planning Team for their intentional work, thoughtful planning, and holistic dedication. Their efforts have been integral to making this convention a success, ensuring that our time in Philadelphia is not only memorable, but impactful.
This 98th General Convention offers us the opportunity to re -engage with the values and vision of Alpha. From leadership development and strategic planning to community service and Brotherhood, this gathering reminds us of our shared commitment to excellence and equity. Let us take full advantage of the sessions, events, and fraternal fellowship that await us.
Philadelphia serves as more than just a host city it is a living backdrop for the convention theme, "Reimagining Alpha for the Future." As the birthplace of American democracy, Philadelphia challenges us to think critically about Alpha’s role in shaping society. From the echoes of constitutional debates to movements for social justice, this city provides a compelling setting for us to discuss how Alpha can continue to lead with purpose, serve with impact, and transcend with vision.
As we move forward in Brotherhood and service, may we continue to uphold the guiding motto of our dear Fraternity: "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All."
Welcome to Philadelphia. Welcome to Pennsylvania. Welcome to the 98th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention.
Fraternally,
Bro. Dr. Leonard M. Wakefield
President, PAAC
District Director, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Association of Alpha Chapters (PAAC) District (District V)
Lucien J. Metellus
General President
Christopher G. Ellis
Eastern Region Vice President
Yousief N. Omer
Eastern Region Assistant Vice President
Dear Brothers,
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Association of Alpha Chapters (PAAC), it is my distinct honor to welcome you to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection for the 98th General Convention and 119 th Anniversary Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Philadelphia is a city of legacy, resistance, and hope. As the birthplace of American democracy, it holds deep historical significance but it is also a living, breathing example of a diverse and resilient urban community. As the first World Heritage City in the United States, Philadelphia represents a powerful intersection of history, culture, and social justice values that continue to ground and guide the Brotherhood of Alpha.
Our Local Host Committee has worked tirelessly to ensure that your experience here is both seamless and transformative. Every element of this convention from the hospitality you’ll receive, to the partnerships we've cultivated, to the community service you’ll participate in has been thoughtfully curated with intention and purpose. These experiences reflect the spirit of the city: bold, culturally rich, deeply rooted in justice, and committed to fellowship.
As we gather to reflect on our past and chart our path forward, let us fully embrace this year’s theme: "Reimagining Alpha for the Future." This week is more than a meeting it is a call to action. It is an invitation to innovate, to advance our Brotherhood with integrity, and to recommit ourselves to the ongoing pursuit of justice and equity for the communities we serve.
Our presence in Philadelphia is not just symbolic it is strategic. Our city offers a lens through which we can explore how Alpha's national programs, advocacy, and service can continue to challenge systemic inequities and uplift the lives of those most marginalized. Let us leave this convention inspired not only by our historic past but motivated to lead boldly and serve justly in the future.
While you're here, we also encourage you to explore and support local Black-owned businesses throughout the city. From restaurants and coffee shops to boutiques and bookstores, these establishments are a vital part of Philadelphia's culture and economy and your patronage makes a meaningful impact.
We are honored to host you. On behalf of the Local Host Committee and the entire PAAC Brotherhood welcome to Philadelphia.
Fraternally,
Bro. Dr. Nu’Rodney T. Prad Local Convention Chairman Chief of Staff, Pennsylvania Association of Alpha Chapters (PAAC)
Lucien J. Metellus
General President
Christopher G. Ellis
Eastern Region Vice President
Yousief N. Omer
Eastern Region Assistant Vice President
Dear Ladies,
It is with immense joy and pride that we welcome you to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the 98th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Philadelphia is a city of many firsts a place where the dreams of a new nation were ignited through democracy, and where Harriet Tubman boldly stepped into freedom. It is only fitting that we gather in such a historic and inspiring location to celebrate the strength, grace, and purpose of the women who walk hand in hand with the distinguished men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, who blazed the trail as the first Black Greek -Lettered organization.
On behalf of the Ladies Program Committee, we are honored to host you for a meaningful and memorable experience. This year’s theme, Forever Present R.O.S.E., was thoughtfully envisioned by the First Lady of Alpha Phi Alpha., Lady Esther Slack-Metellus, and embodies the core values of Respect, Opportunity, Service, and Engagement. It serves as a tribute to the enduring presence and power of women who support, cultivate, nurture, and uplift not only the distinguished men of Alpha Phi Alpha, but also our families, communities, and one another.
Just like the R.O.S.E, beautiful yet resilient, we stand as constant pillars, ever -present and protective of the legacies we help to build and sustain. During your time here, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history that Philadelphia proudly offers. Throughout this convention, every workshop, conversation, and celebration has been thoughtfully designed to honor these values and reflect the strength of our sisterhood.
You can expect to engage in busy days filled with purpose, from inspiring panels and educational forums to meaningful service activities, and fun-filled nights that allow us to unwind, connect, and celebrate our shared bond. The Local Host Committee has planned a myriad of nightlife events that are sure to please. We will brunch and lunch, serve and dance , shop and tour, all while building deeper connections and lasting memories. We are especially excited for our themed hospitality suite nights, which will be graciously hosted by the First Lady of the PAAC, where fun, laughter, and fellowship will be in full bloom.
A special thank you to the Ladies Program Committee for their unwavering dedication and commitment to curating a program that reflects excellence, purpose, and unity. Your efforts are deeply appreciated and essential to making this convention extraordinary.
Welcome to Philadelphia, Ladies. May your time here be filled with rekindled friendships, new opportunities, relaxation, and enjoyment along with transformative insights and a renewed sense of purpose as we continue to uplift and empower one another as women.
With warmest regards,
Lady Robin Mixon
Lady Lynda Wakfield, First Lady of PAAC Co-Chair, Ladies Program Committee Co-Chair, Ladies Program Committee
General Board of Directors
Lucien J. Metellus, Jr. General President
Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III Immediate Past General President
Densel V. Fleming General Treasurer
Sean L. McCaskill Executive Director
Wardell Glass, Jr. General Comptroller
Christopher G. Ellis, Jr. Eastern Regional Vice President
Franklin Stacy Jr. Midwestern Regional Vice President
Yousif N. Omer Eastern Regional Assistant Vice President
Johnnie E. Brooker, III Midwestern Regional Assistant Vice President
Cecil E. Howard, Esq. Southern Regional Vice President
Jeramaine O. Netherly Southwestern Regional Vice President
Jeffrey E. Carter, Jr. Southern Regional Assistant Vice President
Terrell L. Woodard, Jr. Southwestern Regional Assistant Vice President
Wayne M. Kimball, Jr. Western Regional Vice President
Wayne C. Harvey, Esq. General Counsel
Senay Zedingel Western Regional Assistant Vice President
Dr. Robert L. Harris, Jr. National Historian
Council of Presidents
General President
International
Alpha
Lucien J. Metellus, Jr. | Chairman
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Jimmy McMikle Grand Polemarch Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc.
Danette Anthony Reed
President and CEO
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Ricky L. Lewis Grand Basileus Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc.
Chris V. Rey, J.D. | Chairman
International President Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Elsie Cooke-Holmes
National President
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Stacie NC Grant | Co-Chairman
International President Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Sean D. Housen, Sr.
International Grand Polaris Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Marica T. Harris
International Grand Basileus
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Past General Presidents
Moses A. Morrison 1908-1909
Frederick H. Miller 1911-1912
Roscoe C. Giles 1909-1911
Charles H. Gavin 1912-1914
Henry L. Dickson 1914-1915
Howard H. Long 1916-1917
Henry A. Callis 1915-1916
William A. Pollard 1918-1919
Daniel D. Fowler 1919-1920
S.S. Booker 1921-1923
Lucius L. McGee 1920-1921
Raymond W. Cannon 1924-1928
B. Andrew Rose 1928-1931
Rayford W. Logan 1941-1945
Charles H. Wesley 1931-1940
Belford V. Lawson, Jr. 1946-1951
A. Maeco Smith 1951-1954
Myles A. Paige 1957-1960
Frank L. Stanley, Jr. 1955-1957
William H. Hale 1960-1962
T. Winston Cole, Sr. 1963-1964
Ernest N. Morial 1969-1972
Lionel H. Newsome 1965-1968
Walter Washington 1973-1976
1977-1980
C. Davis, Esq. 1993-1996
1981-1984
L. Wallace 1997-2000
1985-1988
E. Johnson, Sr. 2001-2004
James R. Williams
Charles C. Teamer, Sr.
Ozell Sutton
Dr. Henry W. Ponder 1989-1992
Milton
Harry
Adrian
Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. 2005-2008
Dr. Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. 2009-2012
Dr. Everett B. Ward 2017-2020
Dr. Willis L. Lonzer III 2021-2024
Mark S. Tillman 2013-2016
Leadership Directory
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GENERAL PRESIDENT
Lucien J. Metellus, Jr. generalpresident@apa1906.net
IMMEDIATE PAST GENERAL PRESIDENT
Dr. Willis L. Lonzer III 36@apa1906.net
GENERAL TREASURER
Densel V. Fleming general.treasurer@apa1906.net
GENERAL COMPTROLLER
Wardell Glass, Jr. comptroller@apa1906.net
EASTERN REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
Christopher G. Ellis, Jr. eastvp@apa1906.net
EASTERN REGIONAL ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
Yousif N. Omer eastavp@apa1906.net
MIDWESTERN REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
Franklin Stacy, Jr. midwestvp@apa1906.net
MIDWESTERN REGIONAL ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
Johnnie E. Brooker III midwestavp@apa1906.net
SOUTHERN REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
Cecil E. Howard, Esq. southvp@apa1906.net
SOUTHERN REGIONAL ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
Jeffrey E. Carter, Jr. southavp@apa1906.net
SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
Jeramaine O. Netherly southwestvp@apa1906.net
SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
Terrell L. “TJ” Woodard, Jr. southwestavp@apa1906.net
WESTERN REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
Wayne M. Kimball, Jr. westvp@apa1906.net
WESTERN REGIONAL ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
Senay Zedingel westavp@apa1906.net
APPOINTED OFFICERS
CHIEF OF STAFF
Malik G. Goodson chiefofstaff@apa1906.net
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sean L. McCaskill
SeanMcCaskill@apa1906.net
GENERAL COUNSEL
Wayne C. Harvey, Esq. counsel@apa1906.net
GENERAL HISTORIAN
Dr. Robert L. Harris, Jr. historian@apa1906.net
GENERAL PARLIAMENTARIAN
Adrian B. Stratton, PRP parliamentarian@apa1906.net
GENERAL CONVENTION OFFICIALS
DIRECTOR OF CONVENTIONS
Van L. Strickland director.conventions@apa1906.net
DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS
Dr. Kenyatta N. Shamburger logistics@apa1906.net
DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION LOGISTICS
D. Dee Horn transitmgmt@apa1906.net
GENERAL CHAPLAIN
Rev. Cassius L. Rudolph chaplain@apa1906.net
SECURITY DIRECTOR
Perrye K. Turner security@apa1906.net
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
Eugene L. Aiken, Jr. sergeant.at.arms@apa1906.net
GENERAL CONVENTION COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENT
Rodney T. Frank awards@apa1906.net
RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Joseph K. Byrd resolutions@apa1906.net
RULES AND CREDENTIALS
Louis Bates, Jr. rules@apa1906.net
COMPETITIONS
BELFORD V. LAWSON ORATORICAL CONTEST
R. Sylvester Owens oratorical@apa1906.net
HOBART S. JARRETT DEBATE COMPETITION
Terrence Bunkley debate@apa1906.net
JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS’ BOWL
Gregory L. Bailey scholars@apa1906.net
MISS BLACK AND GOLD PAGEANT
Sean A. Bellamy pageant@apa1906.net
STEP SHOW COMPETITION
Dr. Cecil A. Duffie step.show@apa1906.net
STANDING COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN
BUDGET AND FINANCE
Donald E. Jackson budget@apa1906.net
BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (COMMISSION)
Dr. Leroy David Stewart BED@apa1906.net
COLLEGE BROTHERS AFFAIRS COMMISSION
Anthony J. “AJ” Rucker college@apa1906.net
CONSTITUTION
Troy D. Small constitution@apa1906.net
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Dr. Gregory Vincent education@apa1906.net
ELECTIONS
John M. Williams elections@apa1906.net
ENDOWMENT AND CAPITAL FORMATION
Avery L. Cohen ECF@apa1906.net
FRATERNAL STANDARDS
Alex DeJarnett FS@apa1906.net
GRIEVANCES AND DISCIPLINE
Kevin L. Jones, Co-Chair Hon. Lewis Nixon, Co-Chair grievances@apa1906.net
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Dr. Robert L. Harris Jr. historian@apa1906.net
HOUSING COMMISSION
Rey Hollingsworth Falu housing@apa1906.net
HUMAN RESOURCES
James Waters, Jr. HR@apa1906.net
LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Matthew S. Bradford life@apa1906.net
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Alprentice O. Rawls MD@apa1906.net
MILITARY & VETERAN
Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry, Co-Chair Jermaine L. Jenkins, Co-Chair military@apa1906.net
PUBLIC POLICY
Dr. Leonard C. McKinnis II public.policy@apa1906.net
PUBLICATIONS
Dr. Leo Witton publications@apa1906.net
RACIAL JUSTICE COMMISSION
Hon. Brandon L. McGee, Jr., CoChair
Dr. Darryl A. Peal, Co-Chair racial.justice@apa1906.net
PROGRAMS & PARTNERSHIPS
A. CHARLES HASTON BROTHER’S KEEPER
Dante L. Merrell bk@apa1906.net
A VOTELESS PEOPLE IS A HOPELESS PEOPLE
Hon. Darryl J. Brackeen, Jr. VPHP@apa1906.net
GO-TO-HIGH SCHOOL GO-TO-COLLEGE
Tamir D. Harper GTHGTC@apa1906.net
PROJECT ALPHA
Dr. Tarrynce G. Robinson, Sr. project@apa1906.net
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Dale H. Long, Co-Chair
Darryl L. Irby, Co-Chair BBBSA@apa1906.net
BOY SCOUTS
Kenneth W. McIver scouts@apa1906.net
MARCH FOR BABIES
Byron D. Gautier MOB@apa1906.net
MARCH OF DIMES
Byron D. Gautier MOD@apa1906.net
SPECIAL COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN
ALPHA UNIVERSITY
Elijah M. Jenkins, Co-Chair
Victor F. Kyler, Co-Chair alphau@apa1906.net
AUDIT
Gordon L. Miller audit@apa1906.net
COLLEGE LIFE TO CORPORATE LIFE
Allan G. Younger C2C@apa1906.net
DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION - INTERNAL
Dr. Jamie R. Riley DEIinternal@apa1906.net
DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION - EXTERNAL
Alikhan Morgan, Sr. DEIexternal@apa1906.net
FINE ARTS
Charles Curtis finearts@apa1906.net
HAZING TASK FORCE
Parker Burton, III hazing@apa1906.net
HBCUS TASK FORCE
Kelsey L. Rushing Co-Chair
Adrian L. Scott, Co-Chair HBCU@apa1906.net
HEADQUARTERS ASSESSMENT
Ronald D. Stovall, Jr., Co-Chair
Thomas A. Tatum, Co-Chair HAC@apa1906.net
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Robert L. Farmer III international.affairs@apa1906.net
INVESTMENT
Densel V. Fleming investment@apa1906.net
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
Dr. Steven B. Skinner LDI@apa1906.net
M.I.S. AND TECHNOLOGY
Mark Dusseau, Co-Chair Keylan G.Morgan, Sr., Co-Chair MIS@apa1906.net
POLITICAL AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT (COMMISSION)
Roy M. Tatem, Jr. PCE@apa1906.net
PROTOCOL & LOGISTICS
Dale A. Gresson protocol@apa1906.net
RECLAMATION
Norbert L. Robinson reclamation@apa1906.net
RETENTION
Hebrew L. Dixon, Co-Chair Dariyen J. Carter, Co-Chair retention@apa1906.net
RITUAL AND CEREMONIES
Dr. Ryle A. Bell ritual@apa1906.net
SENIOR ALPHA AFFAIRS
Billy C. Mitchell, Co-Chair Charles King, Jr., Co-Chair senior.affairs@apa1906.net
SPECIAL NEEDS
Parker Burton, III, Co-Chair
Dr. Devon L. Scott, III, Co-Chair disabilities@apa1906.net
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Dr. Kevin P. McAllister strategicpartner@apa1906.net
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Jeffrey Hines strategic@apa1906.net
SURGEON GENERAL
Dr. Jeffery E. Sterling surgeongeneral@apa1906.net
TIME AND PLACE
Blake W. Moorman TP@apa1906.net
UNIVERSITY PARTNERS
Bryan S. Cotton univpartners@apa1906.net
WORLD POLICY COUNCIL
Hon. Donald R. Cravins, Jr. WPC@apa1906.net
FOUNDATIONS
ALPHA PHI ALPHA BUILDING FOUNDATION
R. Leandras “Bob” Jones building@apa1906.net
ALPHA BUILDING FOUNDATION CORPORATION
Samuel D. DeShazior sdeshazior@aol.com
ALPHA PHI ALPHA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Arthur Fleming education@apa1906.net
JEWEL HERITAGE PROJECT FOUNDATIONS
E. Eric Elmore JHP@apa1906.net
General Office
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Executive Director
Executive Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Human Resources Business Partner
Project Manager
Chief Development Officer
ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT
Director of Finance
Accountant II
Accounts Payable Specialist
COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
Director of Communications and Editor-Of-The Sphinx
Senior Graphic Designer/Digital Content Creator
Communications and Public Relations Specialist
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Director of IMDP & Membership
Senior Membership Services Manager
Membership Services Coordinator
Membership Services Coordinator
Membership Services Coordinator
Insurance Coordinator
BROTHERHOOD ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
Senior Director of Brotherhood Engagement & Outreach
Programs Coordinator
Sean L. McCaskill
Elise C. Jenkins
Teaira Jones
Sophia. N. A. Burris, SHRM SCP
Christina A. Grimes
Gerald K. Johnson, Ph.D.
Nichae Alston
Shiru Kimani
Bernice Meadows
Eric C. Webb, DDiv., CPLC
Nicole McCoy
Tkeban X.T. Jahannes
Terrence D. Byerson, II
Delores Diggs
Kemmi Kilson-Smith
Donnell Thomas
LaTonya B. Truesdale
Marcus D. Baker
Denny N. Johnson
Jermaine T. Thomas
About Alpha
MISSION STATEMENT
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this fraternity shall be: to stimulate the ambition of its members; to prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual; to encourage the highest and noblest form of manhood; and to aid down-trodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic, and intellectual status.
FRATERNITY HISTORY
Since its founding on December 4, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African-Americans and people of color around the world. Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greekletter fraternity established for African-Americans, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The visionary founders, known as the “Jewels” of the Fraternity, are Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy. The Fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. The Jewel founders and early leaders of the Fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha’s principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity. Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were established at other colleges and universities, many of them historically black institutions,
soon after the founding at Cornell. The first Alumni Chapter was established in 1911. While continuing to stress academic excellence among its members, Alpha also recognized the need to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices faced by African-Americans. Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; late former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell; late former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; legendary activist, actor and performer, Paul Robeson, former Ambassador Andrew Young; late former Senator Edward Brooke; scholar, Cornel West; Senator Raphael Warnock; Congressman Steven Horsford, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; six other members of the U.S. Congress, numerous state, and local lawmakers across the United States, as well as President of Liberia Joseph Boakai, Sr.
ALPHA TODAY
Alpha Phi Alpha today continues its commitment to members of the Fraternity and the African-American community through its national programs, partnerships and initiatives. Additionally, through the reestablishment of the groundbreaking Alpha University training program, the Fraternity has rededicated itself to fostering a spirit of Brotherhood within the ranks of the Fraternity, preparing a new generation of leaders and bringing consistency to chapter operation and to the implementation of the Fraternity’s national programs.
General Programs
The Fraternity’s General Programs are community outreach mentoring initiatives that have been adopted by the organization’s governing body and mandated for implementation by all of its chapters. The organization’s national programs include:
GO-TO-HIGH SCHOOL, GO-TO-COLLEGE
The “Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College” program, established in 1920, concentrates on the importance of completing secondary and collegiate education as a road to advancement. Statistics prove the value of this extra impetus in making the difference in the success of young African-American men, given that school completion is the single best predictor of future economic success. Through the Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College educational initiative, young men receive information and learn strategies that facilitate success. Alpha men provide youth participants with excellent role models to emulate.
A VOTELESS PEOPLE IS A HOPELESS PEOPLE
“A Voteless People is a Hopeless People” was initiated as a General Program of Alpha during the 1930’s when many African-Americans had the right to vote but were prevented from voting because of poll taxes, threats of reprisal, and lack of education about the voting process. Voter education and registration has remained a dominant focus of this outreach activity for over 65 years. In the 1990s, the focus has shifted to include political awareness and empowerment.
PROJECT ALPHA
Project Alpha is a collaborative effort between the March of Dimes Foundation and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. This program was developed to increase the knowledge of the African-American male of the consequences of teenage pregnancy from the male perspective. This program seeks to assist young men in developing an understanding of their role in preventing untimely pregnancies through responsible attitudes and behaviors.
The goals of Project Alpha are to: reduce the rate of adolescent sex and pregnancy; stress the concept of abstinence as a personal choice while promoting the use of contraceptives to those that choose to be sexually active; increase the knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body and the awareness of sexually transmitted infections; clarify and emphasize the roles and responsibilities of fatherhood; and reduce the rate of sexual abuse and violence among African-American teens.
BROTHER’S KEEPER
Brother’s Keeper is a service program developed with the mission of advocating for and improving the quality of life for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Brothers, their spouses, and widows who are retired, elderly, have disabilities or are ailing. Upon identification of need, the Brother’s Keeper Program provides assistance to mature and ailing members of its communities, to assist with limitations caused by advanced age place demands on family members, caregivers, and the larger community to ensure that elders remain independently functional. The goal of the Brother’s Keeper Program is to promote dignity and independence among Alpha family and community members who need help in keeping their lives and home functional.
Alpha Phi Alpha’s Special Projects are programs and activities that are sustained through collaborative efforts, memoranda of understanding, and/or outside financial assistance, which Chapters are encouraged to implement. Current Special Projects include:
MENTORSHIP
PROGRAMS
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) mentoring partnership—implemented in 1991, Alpha Phi Alpha and BBBSA assist each other in mentoring African-American boys and young men.
Boy Scouts of America—through this alliance, Alpha Phi Alpha focuses on mentoring through the Scouting program.
Leadership Development Institutes—the program prepares outstanding high school students in the vital skills of leadership, college preparation and effective group interaction.
ALPHA PHI ALPHA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Special Projects
COLLEGE LIFE TO CORPORATE LIFE
In concert with the mission of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the College Life to Corporate Life Initiative (C2CTM) was created to develop the human resources of Alpha Phi Alpha and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with corporate partners resulting in rewarding career opportunities for the members of Alpha Phi Alpha and increased critical mass of diverse talent for its corporate partners.
THE JEWELS HERITAGE PROJECT
The leadership of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in partnership with its non-profit, charitable affiliate, the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc., recently created “The Jewels Heritage Project” committee. The goal of the committee and The Jewels Heritage Project is to reclaim, restore, and revive, historic sites in Ithaca, New York, that are a part of American history and were instrumental to the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha: namely, 411 East State Street and 421 North Albany Street. 411 East State Street was the early meeting place of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and, 421 North Albany Street was the meeting place of the social study club, a precursor to the fraternity.
The Alpha Phi Alpha Charitable Foundation is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to uplifting humanity. The mission of the foundation is to promote scholarship and academic achievement and provide resources, services and advocacy to the global community. Recent efforts of the foundation have been focused on urban education and growing resources and partnerships to aggressively attack the lack of innovation, achievement and preparation often found in these environments. Some current programmatic efforts include technologybased efforts to maximize the human capital found in our inner-city school systems and prepare them for future academic and corporate success. The foundation is also developing a scholarship program for collegiate youth who wish to enter the academic field and work in disadvantaged urban school districts. Former Senator Edward Brooke provided the initial funding for this scholarship effort.
WORLD POLICY COUNCIL Foundations
ALPHA PHI ALPHA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc. is the non-profit charitable arm of the Fraternity, which focuses on scholarship, programs, and training and development of the membership. Education Foundation encompasses the implementation of Go-to-High School, Go-toCollege, Project Alpha, Voter Education/Registration efforts, The Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest, the Collegiate Scholars Bowl, Leadership Development Institutes, and the professional and personal development thrusts of the Fraternity-Alpha University.
ALPHA PHI ALPHA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION, INC.
The purpose of the Alpha Phi Alpha National Community Economic Development Foundation is to “promote and encourage economic development in minority and disadvantaged communities by expanding the opportunities for the residents of those communities to enter into, own, manage, operate and/ or be employed in business enterprises, which are based upon the substantial participation of the low income community.” Additionally, the Foundation’s aim is to promote a dynamic business environment in underserved communities through franchise opportunities, family financial planning and an aggressive Wealth Building Initiative.
The Fraternity formed its much heralded World Policy Council in 1996 to address United States national and foreign policy issues since inception, Former U.S. Senator Brother Edward W. Brooke of Massachusetts, the first African-American to serve in the Senate in the 20th century, was named chairman of the council. Senator Brooke succeeded by Brother Dr. Horace G. Dawson, Jr., former Ambassador to Botswana. The Council’s formation reflects two realities in America: 1) The U.S. government’s national agenda has become more closely linked to world affairs and non-governmental organizations are part of the network of influential voices in foreign affairs. 2) Alpha Phi Alpha’s legacy of activities in civil rights and education has broadened to include foreign policy. The Fraternity’s leadership has been careful to stress that Alpha Phi Alpha’s new foreign policy interest will not diminish the organization’s involvement with domestic issues.
Rules and Credentials
Report of the Committee on Rules and Credentials outlining the procedures governing the conduct of the 98th General Convention/ 119th Anniversary Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to wit:
PRE- CONVENTION INFORMATION
1. All chapter financial obligations to the General Office must be paid, and the completion of chapter directory will be verified prior to certification of any of the chapter’s delegates.
2. Delegates of Chapters in good standing, per Article IX, Section 1 of the General Bylaws, as of June 1st, shall be apportioned based on the schedule in Article V, Section 5 of the General Constitution.
REGISTRATION
3. A Brother must present a current pass card, life membership plate or special pass card signed by the appropriate convention officer to check in at the registration desk.
4. Chapter Presidents shall submit a completed delegate certification form to the General Office prior to the General Convention.
5. Delegates shall present their credentials, including the convention badge to the Committee on Rules and Credentials to be certified for the convention.
6. Once a delegate’s credentials are certified, it is FINAL. Delegate credentials will not be reissued or transferred to another brother.
7. Only registered members and invited guests of the General Convention will be allowed to participate in convention functions.
8. A record of eligible voters certified by the Committee on Rules and Credentials shall constitute the official voting strength of the convention.
GENERAL RULES
9. The program presented by the General Organization shall be the official program of the convention once adopted by the delegates.
10. The latest published edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition) shall govern the convention, except that in the matter of debate each speaker shall be limited to not more than two (2) minutes. Additional time or debate on a topic may be granted at the discretion of the General President or presiding officer.
11. There shall be a maximum of five (5) minutes allocated for questions and answers following each presentation, if needed.
12. A copy of all motions brought for consideration “By Direction of the Committee”, except for the Credentials Report updates, shall be provided in writing to the session presiding officer by the reporting committee chairman (committee reporting member) at the beginning of the committee’s report.
13. Primary amendments to any proposed bylaw amendment shall be provided, in writing, to the presiding officer at the time the member is recognized.
14. The presiding officer may make minor changes to the adopted agenda as necessary during the meetings.
15. General Convention participants consent to still image, video, and audio capture during business and social sessions. Participants are prohibited from recording, streaming, taking photos, or videotaping any portion of the proceedings without prior written consent.
16. Financial information, disciplinary rulings, numerical election results, and information deemed personal in nature to either a Brother or Chapter that is presented during the General Convention is to be considered proprietary to delegates and brothers registered for the convention and should not be disseminated until the convention has reached completion.
17. The use of social media is NOT allowed during the business sessions or committee meetings of the General Convention.
18. The General President shall be an “ex-officio” member of all committees.
19. All resolutions shall be in writing and referred to the Resolutions Committee.
20. Smoking and alcohol are NOT permitted in the general business sessions.
21. Firearms, knives, physical and/or verbal abuse, etc. is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Anyone in violation will be escorted from the room immediately by the Sergeant at Arms and shall not be allowed to return and may be reported to the authorities.
ATTIRE RECOMMENDATIONS
22. Consistent with the General President town halls held prior to the General Convention, the following daily attire recommendations are offered:
a. Day 1 Attire (Wednesday, July 16th) - For Plenary and Regional Caucus, Brothers may wear a black, gold, grey or white polo shirt and blazer with khakis is okay even though a suit and tie is preferred.
b. Day 2 Attire (Thursday, July 17th) - A dark suit (grey or black), collared dress shirt and tie is required with dress shoes and socks (no bright red, green, pink, yellow or orange socks).
c. Day 3 Attire (Friday, July 18th) - Alpha Attire Required – black suit, white dress shirt, black and gold or gold tie (bow tie or long tie, no ascots) with black dress shoes and dark socks. Black Alpha blazer is allowed, only the Sergeant -at-Arms team can wear gold blazers.
d. Day 4 Attire (Saturday, July 19th) - A suit (preferably dark), collared dress shirt and tie, along with dark socks are required. Socks may not be red, green, pink, yellow, orange or any other bright color or combination thereof. Tasteful sneakers are permissible as part of the service initiative for those who signed up to support.
e. Day 4 Old Gold & Black Gala Attire (Saturday Night, July 19th) - black tuxedo or black suit, white shirt and black and gold or solid gold tie.
23. Ascots are not approved for use in lieu of a long tie.
24. Those Brothers who are Scout Leaders may wear their official Scout uniform so long as the pants are full length. The exception was granted by Brother General President via email.
25. Brothers serving in the U.S. Military, both active or retired, may wear their uniform so long as shirts are full arm length and pants are full leg length.
BUSINESS SESSION LOGISTICS
26. There shall be at least two (2) Sergeants-at-Arms at the entrance to the assembly hall to facilitate admission and to maintain order. Entrance and exit to the assembly shall be through the main door (s) designated by the Sergeants-at-Arms.
27. No Brother may be admitted to a convention business session without the convention badge and proper attire listed above.
28. There shall be an easily identifiable section for delegates only in the assembly hall designated by the Sergeants-at-Arms; delegates shall be identified by a convention badge bearing their name and the delegate designation applied by the Committee on Rules and Credentials.
29. Past General Presidents, General Officers, and standing committee chairmen who are not seated on the dais may be seated on the first and second rows of the section designated for delegates.
30. Senior Brothers may sit in sections designated for Senior Brothers by the Sergeant-at-Arms in the appropriate delegate/ non-delegate section.
31. The Parliamentarian shall be seated on the dais next to the presiding officer, who will normally be seated to the right of the podium.
32. At the opening of select business sessions, the Committee on Rules and Credentials shall give a status report to the assembly on all certified delegates at the convention.
RULES FOR DEBATE
33. Delegates registered and present from one-fourth (1/4) of the Chapters in good standing shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business. [ConstitutionArticle V-Section 3.3]
34. Quorum shall be established prior to each business session; thereafter the continued presence of a quorum shall be determined by the presence of the total number of registered delegates
35. All speakers recognized shall give their Name, Alpha Membership # (Not Life Member number), Chapter Name and location prior to addressing the General Convention.
36. All registered brothers shall have the right to address the General Convention, raise points of order, state a question towards a motion and take other parliamentary action inherent in a deliberative body.
37. The voting members of the Supreme Governing Body shall be the elected General Officers, the Past General Presidents, the Chapter Delegates, and the Chairmen of the General Standing Committees each of whom shall have one (1) vote. [Constitution- Article V- Section 3.1] Registered brothers who do not meet the previously mentioned criteria are not entitled to a vote.
38. Votes may be conducted by “voice,” “rising/show of hands” or by electronic means.
39. Assignment of the floor shall be determined by the presiding officer. Those seeking recognition will queue at established locations in the assembly hall.
40. The presiding officer will acknowledge the number of brothers in queue to address the convention, thereafter, the lines for the microphones will be closed.
41. No speaker shall address the same issue more than two times.
Submitted by:
Brother Louis Bates Jr. Chairman, Committee on Rules and Credentials
Report of the Parliamentarian
To all assembled,
From the Office of the General Parliamentarian, I submit this report to the 98th General Convention of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Procedural clarity is critically important for the correct conduct of business by Chapters, Districts, Regions, and the General Convention. In addition to aligning with actual practice, rules should be clear and intentional to eliminate ambiguity. To eliminate conflicts and the violation of member rights procedures to amend documents should be closely followed.
Recommendations to Chapters, Districts, and Regions:
All members share responsibility in maintaining order during fraternal proceedings and the role of parliamentarian is specifically established to provide procedural advisory. Therefore, so that each parliamentarian can perform their duties without unnecessary delay, interruption, or distraction, the Office of the General Parliamentarian recommends and highly encourages:
• that individuals serving as a parliamentarian proactively seek training in order to adequately perform their role; and
• that the seating of the parliamentarian be to the immediate right of the lectern during in person meetings.
Considerations for the 98th General Convention:
Unintentional procedural ambiguity, wherever it exists, poses a risk to the Fraternity and should be resolved as soon as possible. Consequently, the following questions of order are raised before the 98th General Convention of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.:
• Question of Order 1 – Pursuant to the General Bylaws Article IX, Sections 1.3 & 1.4, what happens to a Chapter that fails to maintain its minimum member in good standing requirement?
• Question of Order 2 – Pursuant to General Bylaws Article X, Section 2.5 , does finality of the expulsion penalty apply to member discipline issued prior to ratification of the 2024 General Constitution and Bylaws?
Summary of Significant Activities of the General Parliamentarian:
The following details a summary of significant activities performed by the General Parliamentarian since the 97th General Convention:
• Publication of five (5) articles to The Sphinx :
° “Writing Rules”
° “Standing and Special Committees”
° “Properly Processing Main Motions”
° “Seconding a Motion” and
° “Useful Parliamentary Definitions”.
• Service as parliamentarian to the 2nd Constitutional Convention.
• Appointed along with the Executive Director and General Counsel to insert conforming amendments arising out of the 2nd Constitutional Convention into the 2024 General Constitution and Bylaws
• Delivered four (4) parliamentary training sessions for Delegates to the 98th General Convention (May 15, 2025; May 22, 2025; June 19, 2025; and June 26, 2025).
• Continued participation and assistance with ongoing efforts to locate, categorize, and persevere records of the General Convention.
• Thank you for the privilege of serving as your General Parliamentarian. Wishing you all the best at the General Convention and in the days ahead.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Adrian Stratton, MBA, CPP, PRP
General Parliamentarian
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
General Sergeant-at-Arms Team
Brother Eugene L. Aiken, Jr. Chief, Sergeant-at-Arms
Brother Ellis B. Albright Assistant Chief, Sergeant-at-Arms
Brother Daryl L. Cobb Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms
Brother William Bernard Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms
Brother Michael Raynard Mayberry Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms
Brother Shed Dawson, Jr. Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms
Brother Phillip D. Lane Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms
Brother Dr. Jason K. Johnson Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms
Brother Gregory L. Fayson Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms
TUESDAY | JULY 15, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
98th General Convention Golf Tournament
Committee on Grievances and Discipline Meeting
Convention Registration Opens
WEDNESDAY | JULY 16, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Committee on Budget and Finance
Committee on Constitution
Committee on Elections
Committee on Membership Development
Ritual Committee
Committee on Resolutions and Recommendations
Committee on Boy Scouts
Time and Place Committee Meeting
World Policy Council Meeting
Committee on Grievances and Discipline Meeting
Convention Registration
Delegate Registration
Senior Brothers’ Lounge
Meditation Room
Brotherhood Fitness Session
Alpha Expo Opens (Vendors/Exhibitor Hall)
Opening Plenary Session
Brother Lucien J. Metellus, Jr.
Rev. Cassius L. Rudolph General Chaplain
THURSDAY | JULY 17,
7:00
8:00
3:00
FRIDAY | JULY 18, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
10:35 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Convention Registration Clergy Meeting
Delegate Registration Meditation Room
Brotherhood Fitness Session
Leadership Development Institute Training
Senior Brothers’ Lounge
VIP/Sponsors Lounge
Alpha Expo
Alpha University Workshops (Mandatory)
Workshop A - Fraternity Branding
Brother Eric C. Webb
Director of Communications & Editor-to-the-Sphinx
Attendees: Chapter Leadership
Workshop B - Executive Development and Cohorts as Part of Joining International Boards
Brother Andra R. Ward
Chief Growth & Development Officer
B-Direct LLC
Attendees: Brothers wanting to join International Boards
Workshop C - How to Keep Brothers in the House - Collaborative Sharing
Brothers Hebrew L. Dixon & Daryien J. Carter
Co-Chairmen, Retention General Committee
Attendees: Chapter delegates & Non-delegates
Workshop D - The Strategic Plan
Brothers Jeffery D. Hines & David Prater
Co-Chairmen, Strategic Planning Committee
Attendees: Chapter Officers & Non-delegates
John Hope Franklin Collegiate Scholars Bowl Preliminary Rounds
State of the Fraternity Address.........................................................................................................................
Leadership Development Institute Luncheon
Fraternal Luncheon
Past General Presidents Book Signing
Alpha University Workshops (Mandatory)
Workshop A - Intellectual Property & Trademark Branding
Brother John S. Kendall, Esq.
Associate General Counsel
Attendees: Chapter Leadership
Workshop B - Building Chapter Events & Fundraising for College Chapters
Brother Marcus A. Creighton
Past President, Epsilon Lambda Chapter, St. Louis, MO
Workshop C - Become a Member of National Association of Parliamentarians (Onsite Testing)
Brother Adrian B. Stratton
General Parliamentarian
Attendees: Chapter delegates & Non-delegates
Workshop D - A Fireside Chat - “Embracing Our Legacy:
Understanding the Mission and Goals of the New DEI Committees”
Brother Dr. Jamie R. Riley
28th Executive Director & Chairman, Committee on DEI - Internal
Brother Alikhan “Ali” Morgan, Sr.
Chairman, Committee on DEI - External Attendees: Chapter Officers & Non-delegates
Workshop E - A Fireside Chat - “Are you really your Brother’s Keeper?”
Brother Parker Burton, III
Chairman, Committee on Special Needs
Attendees: Chapter Officers & Non-delegates
Alphapreneur Pitch Competition
Alpha University Workshops (Mandatory)
Workshop A - Business Attire Etiquette - Sponsored by Macy’s
Attendees: College Chapter Delegates
Workshop B - “In This Together: Amazon’s Community Connection Symposium - Sponsored by Amazon
Hip-Laid back bar, known for black DJ’s www.instagram.com/saintlazarusbar
TWO LOCALS BREWING
3675 Market St Ste 100 Philadelphia, PA 19104
Philadelphia’s first black-owned brewery www.twolocalsbrewing.com
MIRAGE LOUNGE
119 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Hookah Lounge located on the popular South Street area www.mirageloungephilly.com
GOOD FELLAZ CIGARS LLC
1625 Chestnut St Suite 115, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Hookah Lounge located on the popular South Street area https://goodfellazcigars.com
PRIME FUSION AFRO GRILL & LOUNGE
2425 Grays Ferry Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146
West African cuisine with hookah and music primefusionlounge.com
ATTICO ROOFTOP
219 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Rooftop lounge with great views of the city www.atticorooftop.com
PLACES OF ATTRACTION
READING TERMINAL
1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Famous indoor farmers market with a plethora of shopping and food options, including multiple blackowned businesses. readingterminalmarket.org
AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM OF PHILADELPHIA
701 Arch Street, Philadelphia PA 19106
Multiple exhibits highlighting the evolution and acheivements of African Americans. www.aampmuseum.org
PHILLY EXPERIENCES
Private Tours with different themes. ( Ex. Dessert tour, Mural Tour, Soul Food Tour etc.) www.phillyexperiences.com/premium
HARRIETS TROLLEY TOUR
A DEEPLY ROOTED Trolley Tour is our three hour, hop on-hop off tour that celebrates local food, culture, history, music, and deeply rooted tradition by visiting new and seasoned spaces throughout Philadelphia. Search Harriets Trolly on Eventbrite.com
UNCLE BOBBIES COFFEE AND BOOKS
A coffee shop and bookstore located in the heart of the Germantown section of Philadelphia. Founded by Marc Lamont Hill. www.unclebobbies.com
PLACES OF ATTRACTION
HAKIM’S BOOKSTORE & GIFT SHOP
210 S. 52th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139
The first and oldest African American bookstore in Philadelphia and the east coast. Family owned and operated for 61 years we specialize in books on African American history, childrens books, religion,natural and holistic health and Afro-Centric gift items https://www.hakimsbookstore.com/
ATOMIC CITY COMIC
638 South Street, Phialdelphia PA 19147 atomic-city-comics.b12sites.com
Atomic City Comics stands as a vibrant comic book store on South Street, Philadelphia, where passion for comics meets community spirit. They cater to both local enthusiasts and online shoppers, ensuring that every customer receives personalized care and attention.
OCTAVIOUS CATTO MEMORIAL
Philadelphia City Hall, Philadelphia Pennsylvania
The first monument on Philadelphia public property to commemorate a specific African American. Octavius Catto (1839–1871) was born in South Carolina and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He protested to desegregate Philadelphia’s trolley system, recruited African Americans to join the Union Army during the American Civil War, and campaigned for Pennsylvania to ratify the Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which banned voting discrimination based on race.He also taught at the Institute for Colored Youth, helped found the Philadelphia Pythians baseball team, and served as a major in the National Guard.
RESTAURANTS
SOUTH RESTAURANT & JAZZ CLUB
600 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA Southern cuisine, live music, Reservations are encouraged www.southjazzkitchen.com
BAKE N’ BACON
1148 S 11th St, Philadelphia PA 19147 Bacon-fused menu with vegan and vegatarian options www.bakenbacon.com
BOOKER’S RESTAURANT AND BAR
5021 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Upscale American Cusine in West Philadelphia www.bookersrestaurantandbar.com
48TH STREET GRILLE
310 S. 48th Street, Philadelphia, PA Caribbean and American cuisine, BYOB 48thstreetgrille.com
REGGAE REGGAE VIBES
517 Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA Jamaican-style cuisine www.reggaereggaevibes.com
CHUBBY CHICKS 1111
1113 Walnut Street Casual Brunch menu chubby-chicks-cafe.square.site/menu
TASTE CHEESESTEAK BAR
1809 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia PA Popular cheesesteak, great reviews www.tastecheesesteaks.com
CRAY TASTE
118 Market Street, Philadelphia PA Southern Brunch style craytaste.com
DOWN NORTH
2425 Grays Ferry Ave, Philadelphia, PA Popular Pizza, No-Pork on menu, Delivery option www.downnorthpizza.com
AMINA
104 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Upscale Southern Cuisine, reservations are recommended www.aminaphilly.com
RESTAURANTS
AVANA
2200 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
In 1952, the General Convention established the Alpha Award of Honor and The Alpha Award of Merit. These have become, by tradition and practice, our greatest awards. The awardees are initially chosen by a committee headed by the venerable Brother Taliaferro (Tolly) Harris. At some point in our history, the selection became a function of the Office of the General President. In recent years, the Award of Honor has been presented to non-members and the Award of Merit to members. Unfortunately, however, our current records do not make a complete distinction between recipients of the awards.
1972
Brother Eddie Robinson
Brother Damon Keith
Brother Robert Brown
1973
Brother Robert W. Harrison
Brother Eugene D. Jackson
1975
Lowell Perry
Brother Maynard Jackson
1976
Brother Franklyn Williams
William Tolbert
1965
Brother Charles H. Wesley
Pepsi Cola Company
1966
Brother Thurgood Marshall
1968
Brother Wyatt Tee Walker
Brother Henry G. Parks
1969
Brother Theodore Berry
Barbara Jordan
1970
A. Leon Higginbotham
1971
Brother Roscoe Cartwright
Brother Samuel Gravely
Muhammed Ali
1977
Brother William T. Coleman
Henry “Hank” Aaron
1978
Constance Baker Motley
1979
Brother Lionel H. Newsome
1980
Brother Richard Arrington
Parren Mitchell
1981
Albert T. Holland, Jr.
1982
Brother Malvin R. Goode
Tom Bradley
1983
Brother Roland Burris
Brother T.J. Jemison
1984
Brother Julian Dixon
1985
Brother William H. Gray III
1986
Brother Ernest N. Morial
Randall Robinson
1987
Brother Walter Washington
1989
Brother Louis Sullivan
1992
Cecil L. Murray
Brother Augustus M. Witherspoon
1993
Brother Eddie Robinson
Brother Edward Brooke
Lionel B. Richie, Jr.
1994
Brother Ozell Sutton
Brother Dennis Archer
M. Alexis Herman
1995
Brother Charles C. Teamer
Brother John Hope Franklin
Brother Thomas Pawley, III
Brother James R. Williams
1997
Brother Andrew Young
Brother Thomas Winston Cole, Sr.
1998
Brother Henry H. Brown
Brother Huel D. Perkins
1999
Brother Emmett W. Bashful
Brother Frank A. Dee
Brother Hobart Sidney Jarrett
2000
Brother Lee P. Brown
Brother Milton C. Davis
Brother Maynard Jackson
Brother Marc H. Morial
Brother Henry Ponder
2001
Brother Norman C. Francis
Roderick D. Gillum
Brother Joe Samuel Ratliff
2003
Brother Adrian L. Wallace
Brother James “Tiny” Blanton
Brother William F. Pickard
2005
Brother Horace Dawson
Brother Ernest L. Holloway
Brother Robert “Bob” Willis
2007
Brother Alfred Bailey
Brother Harry E. Johnson, Sr.
Harris Rosen
2008
Brother Sylvester L. Shannon
Brother Joseph E. Heyward
Soledad O’Brien
2009
Brother Robert Wright
Brother James Huger
Brother Roger Youman
Tommy Hilfiger
Calvin Peete
Smokey Robinson
Mary Wilson
Otis Williams
Martha Reeves
2010
Brother Jibreel Khazan
Brother Wendell T. Foster, Jr.
2011
Brother Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.
Brother Jerry Butler
Brother Arthur Fleming
Chris Womac
Brother Dr. Earl W. Stafford
Brother Ed Jackson, Jr.
Frank Jenkins
Brother Frank Russell, Jr.
Brother George Reaves
Brother Gregory Phillips
Brother John H. Carter
Joseph S. Ratliff
Robert Bob Wingo
Brother Tyrone Means
Brother Vic Carter
Brother George Sealey
Brother Roderick D. Gillum
Brother Julian Dixon
Brother Joe Samuel Ratliff
Brother Harold Navy
Marian Wright Edelman
Caryl Stern
R. Guy Vickers
Patrick Joseph Kennedy
Brother Richard Marshall
Steve Gursky
Vivian Rogers-Pickard
John Conyers, Jr.
Constance A. “Connie” Morella
John W. Warner
Paul Sarbanes
Daniel Paul Amos
Earl G. Graves, Sr.
Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.
Lerone Bennett Jr.
2013
Darryl L. Wilson
Cynthia M.A Butler-McIntyre
2015
Brother Marion Barry
Brother Stuart Scott
Brother Warren Washington
2017
Brother Otis Moss, Jr.
Eric Holder
Mitchell J. Landrieu
2019
Brother Robert Lee Harris, Jr.
Brother Freeman L. Hrabowski, III
PH.D
Brother Charles B. Rangel
Brother Robert C. “Bobby” Scott
Brother Robert Smith, M.B.A.
Brother Hill Harper
Stanley Nelson, B.F.A.
2021
Brother Aaron Crutison, Sr. 2023
Brother Charles Q. Brown, Jr.
Brother Mark S. Tillman
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson
2024
Brother Congressman Danny K. Davis
H.E. President Rep. of Liberia, Brother Joseph Boakai, Sr.
Brother Congressman Steven A. Horsford
Brother Governor Wes Moore
Brother Ford Tucker Johnson, Jr.
Virginia Speaker of the House of Delegates Brother Del. Don Scott
Illinois Speaker of the House of Representatives Brother Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch
Brother Lionel B. Richie, Jr.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
2025
Brother Dr. Everett B. Ward
Brother Premier the Honorable
Edward David Burt
Brother Nathaniel “Tiny” Archibald
Brother Congressman Gregory W. Meeks
Elsie Cooke-Holmes
Kimberly Bryant
Senator Cory Booker
Macy’s Inc.
Brother Nathaniel “Tiny” Archibald, born September 2, 1948, is a retired American professional basketball player, primarily known for his career as a point guard in the NBA. He’s celebrated for being the first player to lead the league in both scoring and assists. He played for several teams, including the Cincinnati/Kansas City Kings, New York Nets, Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks.
He is a Summer 1987 Theta Delta Lambda Chapter initiate of the Fraternity.
When Brother Archibald was selected in the second round of the 1970 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals, scouts just hoped the 6-foot-1inch guard from the University of Texas-El Paso could handle the NBA game and stay in the league a few seasons. He managed a lot more than that. Although shy and diminutive, Brother Archibald proved to be
2025 Award of Merit Recipient
BROTHER
NATHANIEL “TINY” ARCHIBALD
Retired American Basketball Player
unstoppable in the lane, a pinpoint passer with eyes everywhere and an outside shooter with unlimited range. He lasted 14 seasons, was a sixtime NBA All Star, and was a three-time All-NBA First Team performer. His game, a potent mix of penetration, shooting, and passing, became the standard for players of his size and ability. In 1972, Archibald’s first season with the Kansas City-Omaha Kings, he averaged 34 points and 11.4 assists per outing, becoming the only player in NBA history to lead the league in those categories in the same season. Brother Archibald established once and for all that the little man still belonged in professional basketball.
Brother Archibald was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.
Brother Premier the Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, is Bermuda’s youngest Premier. He is a graduate of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a double major in Finance and Information Systems.
He was awarded The George Washington University Presidential Administrative Fellowship and received his Master’s of Science degree in Information Systems Development in 2003. Mr. Burt attained a Project Management Professional certification in 2009. He is also a licensed private pilot.
An entrepreneur, Brother Premier Burt started GMD Consulting Limited, an IT consulting company focusing on project management. He served as President since its inception until 2016 when he stepped down upon being appointed Leader of the Opposition. Premier Burt co-founded HITCH Limited and was the lead developer for the award winning HITCH Mobile App enabling Bermuda residents to hail taxis.
2025 Award of Merit Recipient
BROTHER PREMIER THE HONORABLE
E. DAVID BURT
Premier of Bermuda
In the past, Brother Premier Burt has served on the Tourism Board, National Training Board, as a Director of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, and has been a Director of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation. Brother Burt is also active in local and international public service and community organizations. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the Western Stars Sports Club, and the Devonshire Recreation Club.
Brother Premier Burt and his wife Kristin have two children, Nia and Edward.
From public housing to the nation’s Capital, Brother Gregory Weldon Meeks has lived a true American success story. Known for his compassionate and tenacious representation of his constituents and his coalition-building skills, Meeks proudly serves the constituents of New York’s Fifth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Growing up in a public housing project of East Harlem, he knew in his early years that he wanted to be a lawyer. His parents instilled in him a profound sense of social justice, a commitment to community, and a willingness to extend a helping hand to those in need. He carried these values to Adelphi University and Howard University Law School, embracing the jurisprudence of his idol, Brother Justice Thurgood Marshall. Working as Queens County Assistant District Attorney, he was part of a special anti-narcotics task force. In 1992, he was elected to the New York State Assembly, where he served until 1998, when he won a special election to represent the Fifth Congressional District of New York.
Brother Congressman Meeks, now in his thirteenth term, has devoted his energy and skill to serving one of the most diverse constituencies in the nation. His efforts on behalf of his district, New York City and State, and the nation as a whole have earned Rep. Meeks the respect of his constituents, New Yorkers, and Democrats and Republicans alike. He is known for being an effective, principled, and common-sense leader. As a fervent supporter of the Affordable Care Act, enacted under President Obama, Congressman Meeks believes it should be enhanced. Congressman Meeks is part of the forward-thinking, pro-growth Democratic members who comprise the New
2025 Award of Merit Recipient
BROTHER CONGRESSMAN
GREGORY W. MEEKS
Congressman - New York
Democrat Coalition (NDC), the largest ideological caucus in the House of Representatives. He co-chairs the NDCC Trade Task Force. He is the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He was the first Black Member of Congress to serve as the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Brother Meeks is a multilateralist with decades of experience in foreign policy. He believes that the United States should build coalitions around our interests and work with other countries to build a stable and prosperous future.
He is a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, where he served as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions, which oversees all financial regulators such as the FDIC, Federal Reserve, and all matters pertaining to consumer credit and the stability of the banking system. Representative Meeks introduced a bill that would require government contractors and public companies to submit data on the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of their corporate boards. Brother Congressman Meeks is a member of the Allen AME Church in St. Albans, New York, and a Spring 1989 Zeta Zeta Lambda Chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. As a huge sports fan, Brother Meeks enjoys watching the New York Knicks, the New York Giants, and the New York Mets. He is married to Simone-Marie Meeks. He has three daughters – Ebony, Aja, and Nia-Aiyana and four granddaughters.
Brother Everett B. Ward, Ph.D., an educator, governmental administrator, and humanitarian with more than 40 years of national experience, served as the 11th President of Saint Augustine’s University, North Carolina state government administrator, and General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
During his tenure as President of Saint Augustine’s University (2014- 2019), Dr. Ward successfully led the university to fully restored accreditation. champion academic excellence, promoted teaching innovation, broaden external partnerships, engaged alumni, and an enhanced relationship with the Episcopal Church. Transparency and shared governance served as the the cornerstones of his administration. Dr. Ward received several awards for distinguished leadership.
Past General President Dr. Ward has served on and chaired two university advisory boards. From 2009-2011, Dr. Ward served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Saint Augustine’s University. Dr. Ward also served as Vice Chairman of the Association of Episcopal Colleges and Universities and a member of the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. Chair of the North Carolina State University Chancellor’s African American Community Advisory Committee and a member of the Board of Directors of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
Before serving Saint Augustine’s University, Dr. Ward served as Director of Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU)/Minority Institutions of Higher Education (MIHE) Program for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Dr. Ward worked with university chancellors, faculty, and staff in transportation curriculum development, research initiatives, and professional development in this role. Dr. Ward served on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) HBCU/MIHE Work Group.
As General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Dr. Ward led the 200,000 plus member organization from 2017-2020. Founded in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is the oldest collegiate fraternity incorporated by African American men. The fraternity membership has included such notable
2025 Award of Merit Recipient
BROTHER
DR. EVERETT B. WARD
35th General President Educator, Governmental Administrator, and Humanitarian
leaders as Dr. W.E.B. DuBois, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and Congressman Adam Clayton Powell.
Recognized nationally for his public service, Brother Dr. Ward serves on several national, regional, and statewide boards to advance citizens’ opportunities. He is a former member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), where he served as vice-chairman of the DNC Black Caucus. Dr. Ward made history by becoming the first African American to serve as executive director of the North Carolina Democratic Party.
Brother Dr. Ward is a frequent speaker in areas of higher education, leadership development, and civic engagement. As a public leader, Dr. Ward was invited by the Taiwanese government to study the political, educational, and cultural institutions of the Republic of China. Dr. Ward contributed to the publication. Lead the Way: Principles and Practices in Community and Civic Engagement. His research focus includes African American leadership and civic engagement.
Additionally, Brother Dr. Ward currently serves as a Senior Presidential Fellow for Virginia Union University Center for the Study of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Program Director for the Southern Education Foundation. He also periodically serves as a guest lecturer at North Carolina State University.
Brother Dr. Ward earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Saint Augustine’s University (College), Master of Arts degree from North Carolina State University, and Ph.D. from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Dr. Ward was a North Carolina A&T State University Wardham Scholar and a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and the Golden Key International Honor Society. In recognition of his longstanding commitment to public service, Dr. Ward received the President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Ward holds membership in Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (The Boule), the 100 Black Men, Inc., and Life Membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is a lifelong member of Davie Street Presbyterian Church, in the USA, where he in a Ruling Elder.
Kimberly Bryant is a visionary technologist, founder, author, and cultural architect whose work bridges racial justice, innovation, and narrative transformation. Today, she leads the Black Innovation Lab by Ascend Ventures, a new model for a collective venture ecosystem focused on economic development in the U.S. South. Through this initiative, she supports and invests in startup founders building technologies for social impact, equity, and generational wealth—reimagining what inclusive innovation looks like across the region and beyond.
This work builds on her foundational impact as founder of Black Girls CODE, where she pioneered the first program of its kind centering girls from underrepresented communities and architected one of the most impactful STEM movements of the last decade—introducing over 100,000 girls of color to coding, creativity, and community through a global network of learning spaces, including an international chapter in Johannesburg, South Africa. Under her leadership, BGC students have spoken at prestigious venues including the United Nations, demonstrating the caliber and global reach of the program’s impact.
Prior to starting Black Girls CODE, Kimberly enjoyed a twenty-year engineering and technical leadership career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries for various Fortune 50 companies such as Genentech, Merck, and Pfizer. She has a degree in electrical engineering and a minor in computer science from Vanderbilt University.
Her leadership in tech and social change has earned recognition from the White House, Forbes, Smithsonian Magazine’s American Ingenuity Award for Social Progress (2014), and The Root 100, among many others, and has led to advisory roles on tech equity with major corporations, congressional leaders, and the White House. She holds honorary doctorates from the University of Connecticut, Rochester Institute of Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and University of San Francisco, serves on the board of the Center for Policing Equity, and is an Aspen Pahara Fellow.
2025 Award of Honor Recipient
KIMBERLY BRYANT
Technologist, Author & Cultural Architect Reshaping Tech Narratives
A sought-after keynote speaker and recognized thought leader in tech inclusion, she has addressed audiences worldwide at the United Nations, Personal Democracy Forum, TEDx Kansas City, TEDx San Francisco, Platform Summit, Big Ideas Festival, SXSW, and numerous other major conferences.
Kimberly is currently completing her debut memoir, Ascending: Black Women and the Power Paradox (forthcoming from Penguin Random House in 2026), a bold and lyrical exploration of rupture, reinvention, and Black women’s leadership that offers readers both personal insight and a blueprint for navigating power dynamics. Her writing blends personal narrative with cultural critique and ancestral wisdom—rooted in a voice that is both precise and poetic.
She is also the creator of Roots & Resilience, a narrative studio and digital publication exploring land, memory, and healing. Its flagship podcast, The Inner Garden: Stories of Healing, Land & Legacy, features intimate conversations and guided reflections on how women of color cultivate resilience through gardening, land stewardship, and ancestral connection.
Kimberly lives in Oakland, California, where she tends her garden, writes in longform, and cultivates spaces where new futures for Black women take root.
Cory Booker believes that the American dream isn’t real for anyone unless it’s within reach of everyone. Booker has dedicated his life to fighting for those who have been left out, left behind, or left without a voice.
Booker grew up in northern New Jersey and received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University. At Stanford, Booker played varsity football, volunteered for the campus peer counseling center, and wrote for the student newspaper. He was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship and went on to study at the University of Oxford, and then Yale Law School, where he graduated in 1997.
After graduating law school, Booker moved to Newark and started a nonprofit organization to provide legal services for low-income families, helping tenants take on slumlords. In 1998, Booker moved into the Brick Towers housing project in Newark, where he lived until its demolition in 2006. Booker still lives in Newark’s Central Ward today, where the median household income is less than $15,000.
At 29, Booker was elected to the Newark City Council, where he challenged the city’s entrenched political machine and fought to improve living conditions for city residents, increase public safety, and reduce crime.
2025 Award of Honor Recipient
SENATOR CORY BOOKER
United States Senator - New Jersey
Starting in 2006, Booker served as Newark’s mayor for more than seven years. During his tenure, the city entered its largest period of economic growth since the 1960s. In addition, overall crime declined and the quality of life for residents improved due to initiatives such as more affordable housing, new green spaces and parks, increased educational opportunities, and more efficient city services.
In October 2013, Booker won a special election to represent New Jersey in the United States Senate. In November 2014, Senator Booker was reelected to a full six-year term.
As New Jersey’s senior Senator, Cory Booker has brought an innovative and consensus-building approach to tackling some of the most difficult problems facing New Jersey and our country. He has emerged as a national leader in the effort to fix our broken criminal justice system and end mass incarceration, helping craft the most sweeping set of criminal justice reforms in a generation, the First Step Act, which became law in December 2018. Booker has also worked to reform America’s broken food system, address our nation’s nutrition crisis, and end food insecurity.
Booker sits on the Judiciary Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Elsie Cooke-Holmes is a native of Jackson, Tennessee. She is a strategic thought leader whose professional career and civic engagement have been distinguished by her background of public service and community involvement.
Elsie is currently Principal/Owner of Cooke-Holmes, LLC, a firm offering executive, leadership and career coaching and human resources consulting, specializing in leadership development and change management. Elsie’s career in corporate America spans over 30 years. She was employed by Texas Instruments and Andersen Consulting prior to joining PepsiCo. At PepsiCo, Elsie held numerous technical and management positions in the company’s Information Technology and the Human Resources Departments, most recently serving as Human Resources Leader for the Corporate Human Resources and Global Financial Shared Services organizations. During her tenure, she was a recipient of Pepsi’s Right Side Up Leadership Award and multiple HR Excellence Awards.
Elsie is currently serving as International President and Chair, Board of Directors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Installed in 2022, she is serving in her second term for the 2023-2025 biennium. She joined the Sorority in 1976, in the Epsilon Kappa Chapter at the University of Memphis. While in college, she was elected National Second Vice President and served as a member of the National Board of Directors and member, National Scholarship and Standards Committee, representing the Sorority’s collegiate members. She is the first National Second Vice President to serve as International President. Elsie has held numerous other leadership positions on Delta’s local, regional, and national levels. She has served as National First Vice President, National Secretary, Eastern Regional Director, Eastern Region member of the National Scholarship and Standards Committee, Co-Chair of the National Leadership Academy,
2025 Award of Honor Recipient
ELSIE COOKE-HOLMES
International President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Co-Chair of the National Human Resources Committee, Chair of the Regional Restructuring Task Force, member of the National Program Planning and Development Committee and the National Information and Communications Committee, chapter president of the Westchester Alumnae Chapter and member of the Advisor’s Council for the Pi Lambda Chapter. She is a currently a member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter where she chaired the Strategic Planning Committee.
Elsie is a member of the Delta Research and Educational Foundation Board of Directors and Delta 4 Women in Action Board of Directors, and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. She also holds membership on the Werthing Foundation Board of Directors. Elsie participates in a number of other community activities, including membership in The Links, Inc., NAACP and NCNW. She is a member of the St. Luke United Methodist Church in Dallas, TX. Elsie is a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for her leadership and commitment to community service, including her latest, the National Coalition of Black Civic Participation’s Spirit of Democracy Award, the American Mental Health Counselors Association’s Leadership Award for Outstanding Support of Mental Health Service, the BOSS Network’s Legacy is Leadership Award and the Cheryl A. Hickmon Social Action Award presented by the Murrieta-Temecula Alumnae Chapter.
Elsie is a graduate of the University of Memphis, with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology/Computer Systems Degree. She received her MBA from Columbia University.
Elsie is married to Clarence H. Holmes, Jr. She resides in Plano, Texas and loves traveling to connect with her extended family, six godchildren, sorors and friends.
2025 Award of Honor Recipient
MACY’S, INC.
160-Year-Old Iconic American Retailer
Macy’s, Inc. stands as one of America’s most iconic and enduring retailers, with a legacy spanning over 160 years of shaping style, commerce, and community across the nation. Headquartered in New York City, Macy’s operates nearly 500 stores under the Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Bluemercury banners, and its digital platforms reach millions of customers nationwide. But beyond retail, Macy’s has continuously redefined what it means to be a responsible corporate citizen, embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into the heart of its business model.
At the core of Macy’s mission is Mission Every One—a $5 billion commitment to create a more equitable and sustainable future of style. Through this initiative, Macy’s has pledged to support underrepresented communities by investing in people, partners, products, and programs that move the needle on equity and access. Their values-driven strategy makes them a standout leader not only in retail, but in building opportunity and impact at scale.
Macy’s partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. exemplifies their deep and intentional engagement with the Black community. In 2024, Macy’s committed a $100,000 donation to the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation to support educational, mentoring, and wellness programming for young people. This gift represents more than charity— it is an investment in the future of Black excellence, leadership, and scholarship.
In addition, Macy’s launched a groundbreaking apparel collaboration under its Divine Nine Collection, making Alpha Phi Alpha’s signature black and old gold available in a curated range of menswear including suits, shirts, and accessories. Available on macys.com and in select stores, the collection celebrates the heritage and pride of Black fraternities while empowering members to “own their style” with dignity and representation.
Macy’s has gone further—hosting professional development workshops, participating in fraternity photoshoots, serving as career fair sponsors, and engaging in year-round co-branded marketing that centers Alpha men and their leadership journeys. In partnership with the Fraternity’s ALPHAPreneurship initiative, Macy’s executives have offered mentorship, served as judges for business pitch competitions, and committed to being a long-term resource for aspiring entrepreneurs within the Brotherhood.
Led by a diverse team of corporate and merchandising professionals— many of whom are members of the Divine Nine themselves—Macy’s brings authenticity and cultural understanding to its partnerships. Their leadership, including Simone Harris-Laws (Senior Director of DE&I), has been instrumental in ensuring that this work is inclusive, forward-thinking, and community-driven.
For its continued commitment to empowering Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the communities we serve, Macy’s, Inc. exemplifies the true meaning of partnership and purpose. With a bold strategy, generous spirit, and genuine alignment with our mission, Macy’s continues to raise the standard for corporate citizenship.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. proudly honors Macy’s, Inc. with the 2025 Alpha Award of Honor.
BROTHER BROTHER REV. DR.
NICK BANKS
Comedian, writer, actor, and producer
Comedian, writer, actor, and producer Brother Nick Banks attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he was a Communication Studies major and was a Spring 2011 Phi Chapter initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. After college, Brother Banks decided to display his unique, honest, versatile, and energetic comedic talents on social media as “Mr. Bankshot.”
With over 10 years under his belt, Brother Banks has gained over two million followers on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube combined! He has also performed at hundreds of comedy clubs and colleges across the nation. Ultimately, his goal is to produce and direct his own comedy sitcom or star in his own sketch comedy show.
WILLIAM J. BARBER, II
Brother Bishop William J. Barber, II is President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, Bishop with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, Executive Board Member of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ, and Professor in the Practice of Public Theology and Public Policy and Founding Director of the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School. Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival, and a Kettering Foundation Senior Fellow.
He is the author of five books: We Are Called To Be A Movement; Revive Us Again: Vision and Action in Moral Organizing; The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics, and The Rise of a New Justice Movement; and Forward Together: A Moral Message For The Nation. White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy was released in June 2024.
Bishop Barber served as senior pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church, Disciples of Christ for thirty years and as president of the North Carolina NAACP from 2006-2017 and on the National NAACP Board of Directors from 2008-2020. He is the architect of the Forward Together Moral Movement that gained national acclaim in 2013 with its Moral Monday protests at the North Carolina General Assembly. In 2015, he established Repairers of the Breach to train communities in moral movement building through the Moral Political Organizing Leadership Institute and Summit Trainings (MPOLIS). In 2018, he co-anchored the relaunch of the Pour People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival—reviving the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign organized by women’s rights movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., worker’s rights movement, religious leaders, and people of all races to fight poverty in the U.S.
Minister, Social Activist and Co-Chair of the Poor people’s Campaign cont’d
As a moral leader Brother Bishop William Barber II engaging in non-violent civil disobedience has been arrested more than 15 times in various states standing up with those who have been marginalized by systematic racism, poverty, and injustice.
A highly sought-after speaker, Bishop Barber has given keynote addresses at hundreds of national and state conferences, including the 2016 Democratic National Convention, one of few preachers in nations history to be invited to give the homily at the 59th Inaugural Prayer Service for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Vatican at Pope Francis’s encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home” and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. In June 2018, he addressed the 5th Uni Global Union World Congress to more than 25 countries.
Bishop Barber is regularly featured in media outlets such as MSNBC, CNN, NNPA, the New York Times, Washington Post, and The Nation magazine. He was named one of 2020’s BET 100 Entertainers and Innovators and one of the 2019 recipients of the North Carolina Award, the state’s highest civilian honor. He is a 2018 MacArthur Foundation Genius Award recipient and a 2015 recipient of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award and the Puffin Award.
Bishop Barber has had twelve honorary doctorate degrees conferred upon him. He earned a High School degree from Plymouth High, a Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctorate from Drew University with a concentration in Public Policy and Pastoral Care. And has studied in a special fellowship at MIT.
BROTHER GENERAL
CHARLES “CQ” BROWN
21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Brother Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., a Spring 1981 Eta Upsilon Chapter initiate of the Fraternity at Texas Tech University and 2023 Alpha Award of Merit recipient, was the 21st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s highest-ranking military officer, and the principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council.
Prior to becoming Chairman on Oct. 1, 2023, Gen. Brown served as the 22nd Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force.
Gen. Brown earned his commission in 1984 as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force ROTC program at Texas Tech University.
Gen. Brown has served in a variety of positions at the squadron and wing levels, including an assignment to the U.S. Air Force Weapons School as an F-16 Fighting Falcon Instructor. His notable staff tours include Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Director of the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff Executive Action Group. His joint assignments include three assignments to U.S. Central Command as Air Operations Officer, Current Operations Division; Deputy Director, Operations Directorate; and Deputy Commander.
Gen. Brown has commanded a fighter squadron, the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, two fighter wings, and twice served as a Combined/Joint Air Component Commander with command tours at U.S. Air Forces Central Command and Pacific Air Forces.
Gen. Brown is a command pilot with more than 3,100 flight hours primarily in the F-16, including 130 combat hours, and has flown 20 additional fixed and rotarywing aircraft. Throughout his career, he deployed or directly supported Operation Southern Watch, Operation Northern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Odyssey Dawn, Operation Unified Protector, and Operation Inherent Resolve.
In addition to his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas Tech University, Gen. Brown has a master’s degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School, a distinguished graduate from Air Command and Staff College, a graduate of the Air War College, and served as a National Defense Fellow at the Institute for Defense Analyses.
RUBEN GALLEGO
DR. NINA GILBERT SENATOR
U.S. Senator - Arizona Educator. Leader. Advisor. Advocate.
Born the son of immigrants from Colombia and Mexico and raised by a single mom, Senator Ruben Gallego knows what it means to live the American Dream. In the Senate, he’s fighting to ensure every Arizonan can live theirs, too.
After growing up poor and working every job he could find to help support his mom and three sisters – working at a pizza joint, construction sites, and a meat-packing plant – Sen. Gallego became the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Harvard University.
Motivated to give back to the country that had given him such opportunities, Sen. Gallego enlisted in the Marine Corps and deployed to Iraq in 2005 as an infantryman, serving with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines.
His Company saw some of the worst fighting of the Iraq War, losing 22 Marines and a Navy Corpsman to enemy action in eight months. Following his experience in Iraq, Sen. Gallego committed to ensuring that servicemen and –women are never sent into harm’s way without a plan for winning the fight and securing their wellbeing.
Sen. Gallego was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2010 where he pushed to expand Medicaid and worked across the aisle to secure in-state tuition for all veterans.
In 2014, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Over his ten years in the House, Sen. Gallego fought tirelessly for hardworking Arizonans – distinguishing himself as the highest-ranking Latino on the House Armed Services Committee and defending Arizona’s water supply and natural beauty as a member of the House Natural Resources Committee.
In November 2024, he was elected to the U.S. Senate. He was sworn in on January 3, 2025, with the promise to fight for all Arizonans.
Sen. Gallego lives in South Phoenix with his wife, Sydney, son, Michael, and daughter, Isla.
Dr. Nina Gilbert is the Executive Director of the Morehouse Center for Excellence in Education, where she also serves as an Assistant Professor and Chair of the Education Department.
With a career spanning over 30 years, Dr. Gilbert has served in various roles across traditional public, charter, international, and independent schools before transitioning to higher education. Her work in education policy, civic engagement, and coalition-building has positioned her as a trusted advisor to schools, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups nationwide.
Dr. Gilbert’s impact extends beyond the classroom. As a documentarian and storyteller, she blends narrative power with social justice advocacy. She has served as a producer and consultant on three independent films and is the executive producer and creator of Belonging Beyond Brown, a groundbreaking documentary exploring the historical and contemporary impact of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision.
Her research interests include the History of Black Education, Participatory and Autoethnographic Research Methods, and Liberatory Practices in Education. Through her scholarship and creative work, she uplifts the voices and lived experiences of Black educators and learners while challenging deficit narratives and systems of oppression in education.
Recognized as a national thought leader, Dr. Gilbert has been featured in Rolling Out, Essence, and Vogue, and was named an “Education Class Act” by The Root. Her honors include the Maybelline Beauty of Education Award, recognition from CNN for her unwavering commitment to students, and accolades from the NAACP, the Georgia Secretary of State, and the Atlanta Business League, which named her one of Atlanta’s 100 Most Influential Women.
Dr. Gilbert earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of West Georgia, an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Clark Atlanta University, and an Ed.D. in Educational and Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.
A devoted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Dr. Gilbert and her husband reside in Atlanta, Georgia, and are the proud parents of three adult children.
TAMIR D. HARPER BROTHER BROTHER Journalist Education
Advocate
Brother Tamir D. Harper is a proud native of Southwest Philadelphia and a product of the School District of Philadelphia. A nationally recognized education advocate, nonprofit executive, and external relations strategist, Brother Harper has dedicated his life to advancing equity, excellence, and justice in education.
A graduate of American University and the University of Pennsylvania, Brother Harper holds degrees in Strategic Communication and Education and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy. He now serves as Senior Director of Development, External Affairs & Impact for a Philadelphia based organization founded in 1969 to serve Black and Brown children.
His work has been featured by GMA3, TIME, PBS NewsHour, The Washington Post, NBC News, and more. He currently serves on the boards of the Richard Allen Charter School and the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation relaunch board and has worked closely with Pennsylvania state leaders on education and equity policy.
A life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Brother Harper has held multiple leadership roles, including 61st Eastern Regional Assistant Vice President, Assistant Area Director, Co-Chair of the MAAC Education Committee, and Vice President of the Nu Beta Chapter. He is currently a member of the Omicron Delta Lambda Chapter and serves as the chair of the Pennsylvania Association of Alphas Conference.
Earlier in his journey, Brother Harper served as Chair of the Philadelphia Youth Commission and co-founded UrbEd Inc., a nonprofit advocating for educational equity and student voice.
Grounded in lived experience, academic excellence, and a deep love for community, Brother Tamir D. Harper continues to build bridges between education, advocacy, and policy, lighting the path for the next generation of changemakers.
JEFF JOHNSON
Brother Jeff Johnson is a cultural translator, truth-teller, and ecosystem builder. He moves through the world with a clear purpose: to connect people, ideas, and resources in service of impact that’s real, measurable, and rooted in love. For him, culture isn’t just content or conversation—it’s the soil we grow solutions from.
Known for his unique ability to synthesize complex ideas and make them digestible and actionable, Jeff has spent the last two decades helping leaders, brands, and communities show up with more clarity, courage, and integrity. He leads JIJ Impact, a consulting firm that helps institutions leverage culture to create both market growth and meaningful change. But his work doesn’t begin or end with corporate consulting.
As a communicator, Jeff shows up with equal parts intellect and soul. His past roles in television, radio, and digital platforms weren’t about celebrity—they were about connection. Whether interviewing world leaders, moderating deeply human conversations, or building communities for Black men to thrive, Jeff leads with curiosity, humility, and a belief that joy is as necessary as justice.
More than titles or past credits, Jeff is defined by his ability to create spaces— where truth can breathe, strategy can take root, and people can reimagine what’s possible. Currently, he’s focused on building bridges between worlds, amplifying voices that shift systems, and creating content that nourishes the spirit as much as it informs the mind.
BROTHER DR. BROTHER REV. DR.
WALTER M. KIMBROUGH LESTER A. MCCORN
A native of Atlanta, Brother Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough was his high school salutatorian and student body president and went on to earn degrees from the University of Georgia, Miami University in Ohio, and a doctorate in higher education from Georgia State University. He has enjoyed a fulfilling career in student affairs, serving at Emory University, Georgia State University, Old Dominion University, and Albany State University. In October of 2004, at the age of 37, he was named the 12th president of Philander Smith College. In 2012 he became the 7th president of Dillard University and served for ten years. During the 2024-25 year, he served as the interim president of Talladega College.
Prior to Talladega, Kimbrough spent two years experiencing an “intermission,” exploring a range of professional experiences. He served as the inaugural Rutgers University Center for Minority Serving Institutions President-In-Residence, interim executive director of the Black Men’s Research Institute at Morehouse College and as Executive-In-Residence for the University of Southern California Race and Equity Center.
Brother Dr. Kimbrough has been recognized for his research and writings on HBCUs and African American men in college. Recently he has emerged as one of the leaders discussing free speech on college campuses. Kimbrough also has been noted for his active use of social media. He was cited by Education Dive as one of 10 college presidents on Twitter who are doing it right (@HipHopPrez) and named by The Best Schools.org as one of the 20 most interesting college presidents. In 2023 College Cliffs named him as one of the 55 Top U.S. College And University Presidents. In early 2022 he was appointed by President Joseph Biden to the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs.
Brother Dr. Kimbrough has forged a national reputation as an expert on fraternities and sororities, with specific expertise regarding historically Black, Latin and Asian groups. He is the author of the book, Black Greek 101: The Culture, Customs and Challenges of Black Fraternities and Sororities, and has served as an expert witness in a number if hazing cases.
Brother Rev. Dr. Lester A. McCorn is described as a transformational leader, scholar, activist, and non-profit executive, with nearly 40 years of leadership experience. A native of Worcester, Massachusetts, he is the newly elected 18th President of Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. He is the former President of Clinton College, a private historically Black college (HBCU) founded in 1894 by the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Under his leadership, Clinton College experienced dramatic growth in enrollment and student success, as well as a transformative $25 million campus building program, which included its first new medical clinic, a newly constructed Academic Center for Excellence, and a Digital Library and Learning Commons. Clinton successfully completed its 10-year accreditation reaffirmation evaluation with zero suggestions, findings, or recommendations. Dr. McCorn has taken the helm of Paine College at an inflection point in its 143-year history. Following a tumultuous period, the College has recently adopted a ten-year Transformation Plan in partnership with the Augusta National Golf Club, Bank of America, United Negro College Fund, Community Foundation of CSRA, and EAB. Paine College has been rebranded with the motto: “Preparation for Transformation.”
President McCorn is an alumnus of Morehouse College, Yale Divinity School, and Chicago Theological Seminary. He holds the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from United Theological Seminary, where he was a Gardner C. Taylor Fellow
Interim President of Talladega College President of Paine College cont’d
in social justice and prophetic leadership. He also served as an adjunct professor and doctoral mentor to the Taylor Fellows at United Seminary for several years. He is currently completing the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Leadership and Change from Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio, with an expected graduation in Fall of 2025. His dissertation is entitled, “Good News for the Poor and More: Towards Reclaiming Martin Luther King Jr.’s Radical Gospel of Economic Justice in Pursuit of the Beloved Community.”
Brother Rev. Dr. McCorn is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and a former pastor of churches in Boston, New Haven, Connecticut, Chicago, Atlanta, and Baltimore. Prior to his appointment to Clinton, he was the Senior Pastor of the historic, 1500-member Pennsylvania Avenue AME Zion Church of Baltimore. He is the author of “Standing on Holy Common Ground: An Africentric Ministry Approach to Prophetic Community Engagement” (MMGI Press: Chicago).
Brother Dr. McCorn is a proud Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is married to Mrs. Charlene M. McCorn, an elementary school teacher in Fort Mill, South Carolina. They are proud parents of four adult children and five grandchildren.
DR. RANDAL PINKETT BROTHER
Entrepreneur • Tech and Data Innovator • Humanitarian Speaker, Author & Media Personality
Brother Dr. Randal Pinkett has established himself as an entrepreneur, innovator, speaker, author, media personality who is leading the way in business, technology and sales excellence. He is the co-founder, chairman and CEO of BCT Partners, a global, multimillion-dollar research, training, consulting, technology, and data analytics firm whose mission is to transform lives and create lasting change. The company has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms, Ernst & Young as EY Entrepreneur of the Year, the Black Enterprise BE100s list of the nation’s largest Black-owned businesses, and the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
Brother Dr. Pinkett is an expert in several areas relating to sales, business etiquette, networking, relationship building, entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, “big data” analytics, AI, and is a regular contributor on MSNBC, CNN, and Fox Business News. An international public speaker, he is the author or co-author of several books including Campus CEO: The Student Entrepreneur’s Guide to Launching a Multimillion-Dollar Business, and No-Money Down CEO: How to Start Your Dream Business with Little or No Cash. He holds five degrees including: a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University; a M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Oxford in England; and a M.S. in Electrical Engineering, MBA, and Ph.D. from MIT. Most notably, he was the first and only African American to receive the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship at Rutgers University; he was inducted to the Academic All-America Hall of Fame, as a former high jumper, long jumper, sprinter and captain of the Rutgers men’s track and field team.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey, Brother Dr. Pinkett is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and First Baptist Church in Somerset, NJ, where he resides with his family, including a daughter and two sons. Dr. Pinkett firmly believes that “for those to whom much is given, much is expected,” so throughout his endeavors, he places great emphasis on his responsibility to give back to the community.
WILLIAM F. TATE, IV BROTHER President of Rutgers University
Brother William F. Tate, IV, an award-winning social scientist and higher education leader, will become the 22nd President and Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University on July 1, 2025. He previously served as President of Louisiana State University, Provost at the University of South Carolina, and Dean at Washington University in St. Louis. At LSU, Tate and his team set historic records in research funding, student enrollment, philanthropy, and legislative support.
His interdisciplinary scholarship spans STEM education, epidemiology, and the geography of opportunity in the United States. In recognition of his research, Brother Tate was elected to the National Academy of Education and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. He is a former president of the American Educational Research Association, where he is an elected fellow and recipient of career research awards. Brother Tate is nationally recognized for concepts and tools that advance access to education and health, particularly for historically underserved communities.
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Celebrating excellence in every community.
This year, we honor leaders who consistently dedicate themselves to uplifting and supporting their communities. Through their tireless efforts, they preserve the legacy of those who came before and pave the way for future generations to thrive.
Join us in celebrating fashion entrepreneur Ngozi Okaro, STEM leader Dr. Calvin Mackie, Jamie Aranda, a resilient Air Force veteran, and astronaut Ed Dwight as part of our Everyday Excellence campaign. Their drive and achievements inspire us all, serving as powerful reminders that success is within reach for those who strive for it.
Find career resources to support your own everyday excellence at aarp.org/work