George Biddle Kelley lived there until his death in 1862. Christopher G. Ellis, Jr. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Rho Sigma Chapter Since its founding on December 4, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggles of African-Americans and people of color around the world. Born in 1884 to a fugitive slave from Virginia, Kelley would excel in studies in his youth before he matriculated to Cornell University to study civil engineering. He was Alpha Chapter s first treasurer and took the initiative to incorporate the Fraternity. GEORGE BIDDLE KELLEY Alpha Chapter's First President, First African American, Engineer registered in the state of New York, Member of Beta Pi Lambda Chapter, and Entered Omega Chapter in 1963. The first Alumni Chapter was established in 1911. His status as a founder was not finally established until the 38th General Convention in 1952. His papers were donated to Howard’s Moorland-Springarn Research Center. True to its form as the “first of firsts,” Alpha Phi Alpha has been interracial since 1945. The George Biddle Kelley Education Foundation (GBK), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, was formed with a mission to engage in activities that provide information, resources, advocacy, programs and services to assist in the development of strong families in at risk communities. Jewel George Biddle Kelley. Became the first African-American engineer registered in the state of New York. Prior to moving to Washington, D.C., he was a medical consultant to the Veterans Hospital in Tuskegee, Alabama. Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, ... Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy. The George Biddle Kelley Education Foundation (GBK), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, was formed with a mission to engage in activities that provide information, resources, advocacy, programs and services to assist in the development of strong families in at risk communities. He died in 1954. GBK Foundation volunteers are an important part of our organization. The Fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. Not only was he the strongest proponent of the Fraternity idea among the organization’s founders, the civil engineering student also became Alpha Chapter’s first President. Working as one team, we create positive change for our youth. Vertner Woodson Tandy became the state of New York s first registered architect, with offices on Broadway in New York City. Jewel George Biddle Kelley. His tenure with the Urban League thus far has exceeded those of all his successors in office. There he would become one of the seven founding members of Alpha Phi Alpha, the oldest Greek letter … He later returned home to Washington, D.C., where he taught in public schools. Kelley was popular with the Brotherhood. The group initially consisted of 15 students and included women. Jewel Charles Henry Chapman, Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones, Jewel George Biddle Kelley, Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray, Jewel Robert Harold Ogle, and Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy. 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. Robert Harold Ogle entered the career secretarial field and had the unique privilege of serving as a professional staff member to the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations. 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. Charles Henry Chapman entered higher education and eventually became Professor of Agriculture at what is now Florida A&M University. The LowCountry Beaufort Chapter Xi Gamma Lambda of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. was Founded January 13,1982. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: A Centennial Celebration The “Seven Jewels”: Students, Then Brothers George Biddle Kelley, 1881-1963. Upon his death in 1974, at age 87, the Fraternity entered a time without any living Jewels. Through sponsorship solicitation and fundraising activities, the GBK Foundation will be able to offer these scholarships and programs to the many worthy high school students in the community. George Biddle Kelley Education Foundation, Chief Executive Officer He died in 1963. Given the time period of the fraternity's foundation, it is important to note the significance of their accomplishment. We welcome and encourage committed individuals to apply as volunteers in the Capital Region on New York. Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter 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. On December 4, 1906, seven undergraduate students at Cornell University, ... George Biddle Kelley hails from Troy, NY and studied at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before entering the College of Engineering at Cornell University in 1905. Cyclone Themes. At the start of the 20th century, African-American students at American universities were often excluded from fraternal organizations enjoyed by the predominantly white student population at non-black colleges. The charter member of Washington’s Mu Lambda Chapter was a frequent attendee of General Conventions. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities. George Biddle Kelley became the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York. Much of his career was spent at Armstrong Vocational High School in the District of Columbia. 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. George Biddle Kelley was the first African-American Engineer registered in the State of New York. They are most humbly referred to as the "Jewels" of the fraternity. Not only was he the strongest proponent of the Fraternity idea among the organization s founders, the civil engineering student also became Alpha Chapter s first President. Eugene Kinckle Jones became the first Executive Secretary of the National Urban League and served for many years (1911-1951). The initial study group consisted of 14 students. Albany, NY 12222 Powered by WordPress He was a member of Alpha Chapter’s first committee on organization of the new fraternal group, as well as the Committee on the Grip. Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, ... george biddle kelley. Not only was he the strongest proponent of the Fraternity idea among the organization’s founders, the civil engineering student also became Alpha Chapter’s first President. Jewel George Biddle Kelley became the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York. He resided in Troy, New York and was active with Beta Pi Lambda Chapter in Albany. In addition, he served on committees that worked out the handshake and ritual. True to its form as the “first of firsts,” Alpha Phi Alpha has been interracial since 1945. George Biddle Kelley, born in 1884, became the first african american engineer registered in the state of new york. Jewel George Biddle Kelley. These students included four from Washington, D.C. – Robert Ogle, Fre… 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. Not only was he the strongest proponent of the Fraternity idea among the organization s founders, the civil engineering student also became Alpha Chapter s first President. The designer of the Fraternity pin holds the distinction of being the first African American to pass the military commissioning examination and was commissioned First Lieutenant in the 15th Infantry of the New York State National Guard. Box 1272 Collierville, TN 38027-1272 +1 256 566 6875. He died in 1959. George Biddle Kelley became the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York. he worked many years for the new york state barge canal, and later went on to being a very successful tax consultant. Email: [email protected]. Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-Americans, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, ... Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy. Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans, ... are Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy. As the charitable arm of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Pi Lambda Chapter, the GBK Foundation intends to work in conjunction with other national and local organizations to promote events and programs that benefit these communities such as providing scholarships, conducting college bus tours, hosting workshops to increase youth awareness about responsibility, leadership, and entrepreneurship. He died in 1949, at age 64. Eastern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity George Biddle Kelley became the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York. Designed by He became the first African-American engineer registered in the state of New York. President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and as the Sire Archon (President) Beta Psi boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Additionally, Chris served as the Chairman and CEO of the George Biddle Kelley Education Foundation based in Albany, NY and is currently seeking a National Board position with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. During the organization stages of Alpha Chapter, he was the first chairman of the Committees on Initiation and Organization. Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were established at other colleges and universities, many of them historically black institutions, soon after the founding at Cornell. Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, 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. In 1908, George Biddle Kelley graduated from Cornell University's College of Civil Engineering. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: Brief Background. Jewel Kelley became the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York. These men listed below are the founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A university funeral was held with considerable Fraternity participation when he became the first Jewel to enter Omega Chapter in 1934. George Biddle Kelley became the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul Robeson, and many others. He is credited for the name of the Fraternity. He served as the first president of Alpha Chapter and chairman of the first Ritual Committee. Charles Cardoza Poindexterorganized a group of students for literary discussion and social functions at Cornell University. Among other endeavors, he was employed by the New York Engineering Department, where he worked on the Barge Canal, a collection of state waterways, during the 1920s. Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American Men, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, ... Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy. George Biddle Kelley became the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York. 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. He died in 1936. & George Biddle Kelley Education Foundation, Inc. George B. Kelley became the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York. Became the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York. George Biddle Kelley. After leaving Cornell University, Henry Arthur Callis became a practicing physician, Howard University Professor of Medicine and prolific contributor to medical journals. 56 talking about this. Copyright ©2021 All rights reserved. Described as “a Brother beloved in the bonds,” Chapman was a founder of FAMU s Beta Nu Chapter. OUR LOCATION. Not only was he the strongest proponent of the Fraternity idea among the organization s founders, the civil engineering student also became Alpha Chapter s first President. The Jewel Founders of Alpha Phi Alpha The seven visionary founders, known as the “Jewels” of the fraternity, are Dr. Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy. Not only was he the strongest proponent of the Fraternity idea among the organization’s founders, but the civil engineering student also became Alpha Chapter’s first President. 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. P.O. George Biddle Kelley (1884-1962) engineer, Alpha Phi Alpha cofounder, Troy NAACP cofounder The Kelley family lived at 1 113th Street in Lansingburgh starting around 1909. Not only was he the strongest proponent of the Fraternity idea among the organization’s founders, the civil engineering student also became Alpha Chapter’s first President. He was an African American pioneer in his Capitol Hill position. . George Biddle Kelley. Xi Lambda Chapter The list of Alpha Phi Alpha brothers (commonly referred to as Alphas) includes initiated and honorary members of Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ), the first inter-collegiate Greek-letter organization established for Black college students. He proposed the Fraternity s colors and was Alpha Chapter s first secretary. Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, Vertner Woodson Tandy Alpha Phi Alpha Mission Statement Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter 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. Serving the … Nathaniel Allison Murray pursued graduate work after completing his undergraduate studies at Cornell. Ogle joined Kelley in working out the first ritual and later became a charter member of Washington s Mu Lambda Chapter. Not only was he the strongest proponent of the Fraternity idea among the organization’s founders, the civil engineering student also became Alpha Chapter’s first President. 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. Among the buildings designed by the highly talented architect is Saint Phillips Episcopal Church in New York City. Jewel George Biddle Kelley became the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York. Not only was he the strongest proponent of the Fraternity idea among the organization's founders, the civil engineering student also became Alpha Chapter's first President. 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