Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for Black college students, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. To commemorate the event, Edith Garland Dupré Library's first floor exhibit cases are filled with materials for viewing.
Alpha Phi Alpha was founded by seven students at Cornell University on December 4, 1906. The local undergraduate and alumni chapters, Zeta Xi and Eta Gamma Lambda, were established in 1968 and 1958 respectively.
Materials in the library foyer focus on the national organization and its successful campaign for a $100 million monument in Washington, D.C., honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Copies of The Sphinx, the second oldest continually published African-American magazine as also displayed. Items in the cases located in the main hall of the library highlight the local chapter's honors for service to the community, accomplishments of UL Lafayette alumni members of the fraternity and a pilgrimage to Cornell University for the centennial celebration.
Photos and other memorabilia tracing the history of the local chapters and its members are arranged on a background of black and gold, the fraternity colors. Members whose accomplishments are depicted include the first African-American SGA President, and outstanding graduate, the first African American Alumni Association President, lettered Athletes, professionals who have excelled in their chosen careers and members who have held national and regional offices in the fraternity.
Shawn Wilson and Brandon Williams, both initiates of the fraternity at UL Lafayette, mounted and contributed to the display, which will run through the end of December.
This display is free and open to the public during normal library hours. For library hours, call 482-2665. For display information, contact Development and Gifts Librarian Danny Gillane at dgillane@louisiana.edu or 482-6022.