Cultural and intellectual fraternity

With the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, author W.E.B. DuBois and athlete Jesse Owens among its alumni, the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are cracking the books every chance they can get with hopes of continuing the Alpha legacy, according to Historian Daniel Oforlea.

Originally a study group for minorities that evolved into a fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha was founded at Cornell University in 1906, making it the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity in the United States.

The eight founding members, referred to by the Alpha men as "The Pearls," officially chartered the fraternity at CSUS in 1984.

"There were other Greek letters at CSUS catering to black males at the time of its founding, but The Pearls felt that the other fraternities were not what they were aiming for," said vice president Terrell Bowman.

With eight members, Bowman said their primary goal for the semester is to increase membership growth.

"Our fraternity is open to everybody, not just African-American men," said Bowman. "We invite and strongly encourage a rainbow of colors to join us to share in and appreciate black culture."

According to Alpha secretary Charles Cole, the fraternity's founding principles distinguish it from all other fraternities on campus.

"It's our general principles, which all members must strive for -- scholarship, fellowship, good character, and a dedication to uplifting humanity -- that make us so unique, " he said. "Since we have so much room to expand in membership numbers, the possibilities for this fraternity at CSUS are wide open."

Members are required to have at least a 2.5 GPA. Orforlea said that Alpha brothers must reject the traditional notion of fraternities and get used to the constant emphasis on scholarship.

"With over a 90-year legacy to follow, Alpha Phi Alpha demands its members to do well in school. It's very important, " he said.

The brothers hold a study group on the fourth floor of the Library, Monday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"We're not like other fraternities. I mean, we party, but only after studying! You can always catch us in the library," he said.

Not only do these men help CSUS students, but also as of this year they began lending their help to a mentoring program with students of Will C. Wood Middle School.

"Each brother donates a minimum of one hour per week. The goal is to help at least one student succeed," said Cole.

The Alpha brothers will be exercising their civic duties by volunteering at Sacramento polling places to register black voters for the upcoming election.

According to Bowman, all Alphas must be registered voters because its founders were involved in the struggle for voting rights for African Americans in the early 1900s.

"Working on Nov. 3 is just one of the many ways our fraternity tries to uplift the community and give positive examples to young black men coming up to follow," said Cole.

The Alpha brothers will sponsor a can food drive, to benefit Loaves and Fishes, in December.

According to Cole, the Alphas are also securing plans for an elderly outreach program with Aid Corps for the Elderly, which will begin next semester.

"We plan to provide a number of services such as driving elderly persons to appointments, picking up medication, cooking meals, or even just dropping by for friendly visits," he said.

According to Oforlea, community involvement and dedication to scholarship make his fraternity truly beneficial to all.

"Alpha Phi Alpha contradicts the stereotypes that traditionally follow African-American men around. We are being responsible, giving back to our community while pursuing an education. To be brothers with such positive black men is truly a gift," said Oforlea.

For more information on Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., visit their information display located on the second floor of the Library, visit their national Web site at www.apa1906.org/alpha.htm or call 602-3874.