Honor Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter

Senate Resolution No. 2070 BY: Senator HAMILTON COMMEMORATING the 72nd Anniversary of the Gamma Iota Lambda Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to organizations of true purpose and worthy accomplishment which are dedicated to serving their community and to celebrating and preserving their rich ethnic heritage; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 72nd Anniversary of the Gamma Iota Lambda Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; and WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek letter fraternity established by African-Americans, was founded on December 4,

1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, by seven visionary men, now collectively known as the "Seven Jewels," who together with other early leaders of Alpha Phi Alpha succeeded in laying a firm foundation for the fraternity's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character and the uplifting of humanity; and WHEREAS, Since its founding more than 100 years ago, Alpha Phi Alpha has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African-Americans and people of color around the world; it has initiated over 185,000 men into the organization and has been open to men of all races since 1940; today, there are over 680 active Alpha chapters in the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, the West Indies and the Virgin Islands; and WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha's numerous distinguished members include: W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, Paul Robeson, Jesse Owens, Hubert Humphrey, Maynard Jackson and numerous other American leaders who have adopted the fraternity's principles of manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind; and WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha evolved into a primarily community service organization and has provided leadership and service during the Great Depression, both World Wars and the Civil Rights Movement and continues to address social, political and cultural issues affecting people of color; and WHEREAS, The Brooklyn-Long Island Alphas of the Gamma Iota Lambda Alumni Chapter, in keeping with this fine tradition, continue to work to develop leaders and to promote brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for their community; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be recognized and celebrated by all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 72nd Anniversary of the Gamma Iota Lambda Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Gamma Iota Lambda Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.