Alpha Phi Alpha is the first intercollegiate fraternity established by African Americans. Founded on December 4, 1906, on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, as a social fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha has initiated over 175,000 men into the organization and has been open to men of all races since 1940. The fraternity utilizes motifs and artifacts from Ancient Egypt to represent the organization and preserves its archives at the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, which is located on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C.
The founders, Henry Callis, Charles Chapman, Eugene Jones, George Kelley, Nathaniel Murray, Robert Ogle, and Vertner Tandy, are collectively known as the "Seven Jewels". The fraternity expanded when it chartered a second chapter at Howard University and a third chapter chartered at Virginia Union University in 1907. Beginning in 1908, Alpha Phi Alpha became the prototype for other Black Greek Letter Organizations. Today, there are over 680 active Alpha chapters in the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, the West Indies, and the Virgin Islands.
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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 principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity.
Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were developed at other colleges and universities, many of them historically black institutions, soon after the founding at Cornell. 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 leaders such as: W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul Robeson, and many others.
Over two decades, Xi Delta Lambda has actively participated in various programs in the Richmond community. We aim for excellence in all we do and look forward to engaging in fruitful initiatives in the ahead. Xi Delta Lambda has established itself as a leader among leaders during a pivotal time in history, where our fraternity's goals are paramount. "ly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind" only represent our aims but also guide Xi Delta Lambda in its mission to enhance our community, nation, and world. The founding fathers of our organization were pioneers in various sectors, and Xi Delta Lambda continues this legacy by mentoring young men, educating the community about processes, and encouraging participation in the voting system. We are dedicated to being "Brother's Keeper," supporting one another strengthen our community. Xi Delta Lambda has played a vital role in the educational, health and political fabric of the community. The chapter has organized Career Awareness Programs in public schools, health fairs, the March Henrico County, the March on Washington (1983), Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Learning Week, voter registration initiatives, sponsorship for students to attend the Eastern Regional Leadership Workshop, Project Alpha, and the Weldon H. Smith scholarship golf tournament. Since its chartering, Xi Delta Lambda has been a cornerstone of the Virginia Association of Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (VACAPAF). Chapter members, whether elected or, have held roles such as area director, president, first vice president, financial secretary, corresponding secretary, recording secretary, director of college affairs, and director of conventions. Xi Delta Lambda has maintained a strong presence at regional level, with brothers serving as area directors, area coordinators, risk management coordinators, district directors, regional convention chairpersons, and regional treasurers.
Fraternity Mission and Vision Statement:
Fraternity Mission Statement:Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.
Fraternity Vision Statement: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. The first two objectives- (1) to stimulate the ambition of its members and (2) to prepare them for the greatest usefulness in the cause of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual-serve as the basis for the establishment of Alpha University.