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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 72nd Anniversary Convention Radisson Hotel-Minneapolis, Minn. July 28 through August 3, 1978 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Founded at Cornell University in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha is the nation's oldest Black fraternity. Originally organized for the purpose of promoting fraternity among Black men on the college campus and assisting the graduate in realizing his career goals, Alpha Phi Alpha has since widened its scope to include programs servicing many other segments of the Black American community. Both the individual and collective efforts of the more than 60,000 Alphas have contributed to the financial and organizational successes of such organizations as the NAACP, Urban League, United Negro College Fund, and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. Among the most successful of Alpha Phi Alpha's ongoing special programs is their Business Encouragement Project. Through this program, the Alphas offer assistance to Black college students undertaking a course of study in business administration, to Black businessmen interested in developing independent enterprise, and to middle- and high- range management personnel to encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences with independent Black businessmen. Current co-chairman of the Commission on Business Encouragement are John H. Johnson and Leroy Jeffries. Through its Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, Alpha Phi Alpha attempts to influence governmental action toward assurance of the availability of jobs and equal access to jobs. The Commission advocates a government-financed program of public works and public services to assure full employment to all who need work. The fraternity sponsors programs directed toward expansion of job opportunities in the media, expanded coverage of events in the nation's Black communities, and a more liberal editorial policy that treats issues related to race and the poor with sensitivity and understanding. Alphas have long-standing programs designed to attack drug abuse in the Black community; the fraternity petitions all levels of government to utilize their total resources and powers to stamp out drug traffic and strengthen its support for rehabilitation efforts. In the area of health, Alpha calls for passage of adequate health insurance legislation for the purpose of eliminating the seriously deteriorating health conditions due to inadequate finances. Alpha's Housing Program supports open housing legislation, racially unrestricted housing market, expanded low-income and moderate-income housing construction, and revitalization and integration of the inner-cities. Alpha Phi Alpha, in its 70-year history, has enjoyed the services and fraternity of some of the most outstanding Black men of this century, including Paul Robeson, Whitney Young, Jr., Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Charles Wesley, Senator Edward Brooke, Representative Charles Rangel, Eugene Kinckle Jones, and Jesse Owens. James R. Williams (Attorney), currently serves as General President of Alpha Phi Alpha, and William H. Walker as Executive Secretary. The National Headquarters for the 500 chapters is Chicago, Illinois. [[image - logo]] [[image]] [[caption]] James R. Williams General President [[/caption]] Our 72nd Anniversary Convention, dedicated to "The Black Woman," continues to develop on schedule. The Brothers of Gamma Xi Lambda and Mu Chapters have generated much enthusiasm and support for our visit in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. We all recognize the importance of the General Convention in terms of conducting the business of the Fraternity. However, not to be overlooked is the unique opportunity provided at these gatherings to really see Brotherhood in action. With this in mind, if there is anything we can do to make your stay in Minneapolis more pleasant, please feel free to let us know. We want your suggestions because we want you to fellowship with us and return to your homes with a feeling of accomplishment and comraderie. Mark the dates - July 28 - August 3, 1978! We'll look for each one of you and your families in Minneapolis. Fraternally, James R. Williams JAMES R. WILLIAMS General President 233
