The History of Beta Chapter
Celebrating 117 Years of Excellence — 1907–2025
Founding & Purpose
Motto
"First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All"
Mission Statement
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.
Aims
- Manly Deeds
- Scholarship
- Love for All Mankind
Founding
Beta Chapter was chartered at Howard University in 1907, making it the first chapter established at a historically Black university. As the second chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Chapter has been at the forefront of social justice, academic excellence, and community service for over 117 years.
The History of Alpha Phi Alpha
History Pre – 1906
The foundation and events leading up to the establishment of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The Mother
The Alpha Chapter at Cornell University, the founding chapter of the fraternity.
History 1906 - 1907
Key dates in the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha:
- October 23rd, 1906 - First organizational meeting
- October 27th, 1906 - Second organizational meeting
- October 30th, 1906 - Third organizational meeting
- November 13th, 1906 - Fourth organizational meeting
- December 4th, 1906 - Official founding date at Cornell University
Chapter III: The First Steps in Expansion
The early expansion of Alpha Phi Alpha, including the establishment of Beta Chapter at Howard University in 1907.
The First 22 Chapters
The initial chapters established across historically Black colleges and universities, with Beta Chapter being the second chapter overall and the first at an HBCU.
Symbols & Traditions
The Three Drops
The three drops represent the three founding principles: Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind.
The Flower
The yellow rose and tea rose are the official flowers of Alpha Phi Alpha, symbolizing beauty, grace, and excellence.
Symbiosis
The fraternity's official symbol, representing the interconnectedness of all members and our shared commitment to service.
Grip for the Hymn
The distinctive handshake that represents the bond of brotherhood and our shared values.
The Seven Jewels
The Seven Jewels are the seven visionary men who founded Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University. These men established the foundation for what would become the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for African American men.
The designation of "Jewel" applies to men who were members of both the social study club (1905-06) and the Fraternity (1906-07); initiated the fraternal idea; remained steadfast to their design, even in the days of struggle and uncertainty; and dared to be pioneers in an untried field of student life.
Jewel Henry Arthur Callis
Born January 14, 1887 in Rochester, NY. Graduated from Central High School in Binghampton, NY in 1905. Entered Cornell University in Fall 1905 and took a part time job as a janitor and waiter in a white fraternity house. Dropped out of school in 1907 (financial); returned the following year. Assisted Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones in writing the Ritual after the first one was lost. Graduated from Cornell University and entered Rush Medical College 1909. Obtained his M.D. in 1922. Married Myra Colson, a graduate of Fisk University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Parents of two daughters, Jane and Helen. Among his professions: Professor of Medicine at Howard University, Medical doctor at V.A. Hospital (Tuskegee, Alabama). Only Jewel to serve as General President. The last Jewel to enter Omega Chapter on November 12, 1974 in Washington, D.C.
Jewel Charles Henry Chapman
Born June 20, 1877 in Cayuga County, New York. Early education obtained at the Academy at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Before entering Cornell, attended: Howard University, Michigan State University, Hampton Institute. After Cornell University, entered the field of education. Married to Esther, a dietitian and educator as well. Served as a Professor of Agriculture at Jackson State College and Alabama A&M College. In 1924, became Professor and the Chair of the Agriculture Department at Florida A&M College. A lover of animals and instrumental in organizing work in animal husbandry on the college level. Chartered Beta Nu Chapter at Florida A&M College in 1932. Known to be very frank in his opinions and strong in his convictions. Entered Omega chapter on November 17, 1934 in Tallahassee, Florida. First Jewel to enter Omega Chapter.
Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones
Born July 30, 1885 in Richmond, Virginia to Joseph and Rosa Kinckle Jones, both professors at Virginia Union University. Early education was obtained from Wayland Academy. Graduated from Virginia Union University (1902-06). Entered Cornell University's Graduate School of Sociology (fall of 1906). Initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Society on October 30, 1906. Member of the first committees: Organization, Constitution and Pins. Assisted Jewel Henry Arthur Callis in writing the Ritual (first one was lost). President of Alpha Chapter. Chartered of Beta, Gamma, and Alpha Lambda Chapters. Graduated from Cornell with a MA in 1908. Married Blanche Ruby Watson in 1909 and father of two children: Eugene, Jr. and Adele Rosa. Served as Executive Secretary of the National Urban League (1911-1951). Became a Jewel at the 38th General Convention (1952) in Cleveland, OH. Occupies dual place in the history: The Seventh Jewel & First Initiate (one of three). Entered Omega Chapter on January 11, 1954 in Flushing, New York.
Jewel George Biddle Kelley
Born August 24, 1884 in Troy, New York to Richard and Mathilda Kelley. Educated at Troy Military Academy. Attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before Cornell University. Chairman of the first Ritual Committee assisted Jewel Robert Harold Ogle in writing the first Ritual. Credited for the name of the Fraternity (presented the motion for the adoption of the Alpha Phi Alpha Society). First president of Alpha Chapter. In 1908, graduated with a degree in civil engineering. Became first African-American registered engineer in New York state. Worked in private industry and for the New York State Barge Canal. Married Harriet Gross in 1934. Left the Barge Canal and joined the Department of Taxation and Finance of New York State. In his retirement, he conducted a successful practice as a tax consultant. Jewel Kelly never missed an Alpha convention. Entered Omega Chapter on May 5, 1962 in Troy, New York.
Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray
Born on April 10, 1884 in Washington, D.C. to Daniel and Anna Evans Murray. Graduated from Armstrong Manual Training High School. Completed undergraduate and graduate work at Cornell. After Cornell, served as an instructor in science at the Armstrong Manual Training High School. Served as an instructor at Dunbar High School, America's first Public High school for Black Students. Helped Charter Beta Chapter at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Later married and had 2 daughters, Pauline and Eunice. Charter Member of Mu Lambda Chapter, Alumni Chapter of Washington, D.C. First cousin Joseph H. B. Evans served as General Secretary of the Fraternity. Entered Omega Chapter on December 12, 1959 in Los Angeles, California.
Jewel Robert Harold Ogle
Born April 3, 1886 in Washington, D.C. to Jeremiah and Mary Ellen Ogle. Graduated from the historic M Street School in Washington, D.C. Resided at 411 East State Street. First Chapter Secretary. Credited with picking the Fraternity colors. Assisted Jewel George Biddle Kelley in writing the first Ritual. After graduating in 1909 from Cornell University, entered the secretarial field. Earlier married to Helen Moore. She died leaving him two Daughters (Helen and Mary). Later remarried to Marea Scott. Was the first African-American known to serve as a professional Senate committee staffer attached to the Office of the Committee on Appropriations of the United States Senate. Charter Member of Mu Lambda Chapter, Alumni Chapter of Washington, D.C. Entered Omega Chapter on December 3, 1936, in Freedman's Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy
Born on May 17, 1885 in Lexington, Kentucky to Henry and Emma Brice Tandy. Early education was obtained from the Candler School in Lexington. Entered Tuskegee Institute (1904). Entered Cornell University clad in a Cadet uniform and with a saxophone under his arm (1905). Roomed with Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones. Credited with designing the Fraternity Pin, the first of which was dropped in the snow on the campus of Cornell and lost forever. In 1908, graduated with a degree in architecture. Became first African-American registered architect in New York state. Married Sadie Dorsette in 1912 and was the father of one son, Vertner, Jr. Led and won a fight to have black women accepted at Sage College. First Black man to be commissioned an officer in the State of New York (WWI). Entered Omega Chapter on November 7, 1949 in Harlem, New York.
The Jewels - Debate
Considerable debate developed over the names of the Founders of the Fraternity. Friends & relatives have tried to secure the honor for those who were nearest them because of some evidence of association with the organization in its incipiency. Thompkins resigned after the decision to become a fraternity, stating "he could not belong to a fraternity." Morgan T. Phillips, who had been active the previous year, had not returned to school. Gordon Jones & Lemuel Graves recognized others in the organization older than themselves and more worthy to bear the designation of "Jewel".
The Jewels - Precursor
C. C. Poindexter - Precursor to Alpha. Influence upon the origin of the fraternity should not be forgotten as he acted as president of the literary club and society during its existence. Believed that the Negro in America had no cultural background upon which to build the framework of a college fraternity.
The Jewels – The Seventh
The Seventh Jewel seems to have been a contested spot for some time, but the honor went to Jewel Brother Eugene Kinckle Jones in 1952 at the 38th General Convention (Cleveland, OH). Details of this action are found in the history book, Chapter XV - "The Concept of Progress".
Beta Chapter Presidents
A legacy of leadership spanning over a century of excellence. Beta Chapter has been led by distinguished brothers who have upheld our principles and advanced our mission.
| Year | President |
|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | Casey Morrissette (7-B-23) |
| 2023-2024 | Raymir Johnson (1-B-22) |
| 2022-2023 | Ryan Hall (7-B-22) |
| 2021-2022 | Nasir Bakare (5-B-20) |
| 2020-2021 | Fabien E. Holder (12-B-19) |
| 2019-2020 | Jonathan G. Willard (3-B-18) |
| 2018-2019 | Nile Jacob Hodges (7-B-17) |
| 2017-2018 | Kelechi Ononiwu (13-B-16) |
| 2016-2017 | Robert Lee (18-B-15) |
| 2015-2016 | Derek Oliver, Jr. (16-B-15) |
First Initiates of Beta Chapter
The first men initiated into Beta Chapter at Howard University in 1907.
Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones
Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray
Welford R. Wilson
C. Edmund Smith
A. Payton Cook
John A. McMurray
George A. Lyle
Curl A. Young
J. Oliver Morrison
Moses A. Morrison
James R. Chase
Cornelius S. Cowan
J. Russel Hunt
William D. Giles
Robert E. Giles
Daniel W. Bowles
Morris S. Walton
Junius W. Jones
James E. Hayes
James F. Dagler
The First Ten General Presidents
The first ten men who served as General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
| Order | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bro. Moses Alvin Morrison (1908-09) |
| 2 | Bro. Roscoe Conkling Giles (1909-11) |
| 3 | Bro. Frederick Harris Miller (1911-12) |
| 4 | Bro. Charles Herbert Garvin (1912-14) |
| 5 | Bro. Henry Lake Dickason (1914-15) |
| 6 | Bro. Jewel Henry Arthur Callis (1915-16) |
| 7 | Bro. Howard Hale Long (1916-17) |
| 8 | Bro. William Augustus Pollard (1917-19) |
| 9 | Bro. Daniel David Fowler (1919-20) |
| 10 | Bro. Lucius Lee McGee (1920-21) |
Landmarks
Landmarks of Alpha Men on Howard's Campus
There are currently 22 buildings on Howard University's campus that have connection to members of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Architect Bro. Albert Cassell (Alpha Chapter) Designed:
- Founder's Library (1937)
- Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall (1935)
- Chemistry Building (1936)
- William H. Greene Memorial Stadium (1926)
- Numa P. G. Adams Building (Medicine) (1927)
- Harriet Tubman Dormitory Quadrangle (1929-1951): Crandall Hall, Wheatley Hall, Baldwin Hall, Frazier Hall, Truth Hall
Architect Bro. Hilyard Robinson (Eta Chapter) Designed:
- George W. Cook Dormitory Hall (1938)
- Lewis K. Downing Hall (Engineering) (1952)
- Russell A. Dixon Building (Dentistry) (1954)
- Chauncey I. Cooper Hall (Pharmacy) (1955)
- Ernest E. Just Hall (Biology) (1956)
- Charles R. Drew Dormitory Hall (1957)
- Lulu Vere Childers Hall (Fine Arts) (1960)
- Human Ecology Building, now Howard University Middle School (1960)
- Louis Cramton Auditorium (1961)
- Ira Aldridge Theater (1961)
- Lucy Diggs Slowe Dormitory Hall (1942), now Slowe Apartments
Buildings Named in Honor of Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha:
- John H. Burr Gymnasium (Alpha Kappa Chapter)
- Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall (Omega Chapter)
- Chauncey I. Cooper Hall (Pharmacy) (Mu Chapter)
- Russell A. Dixon Building (Dentistry) (Theta Chapter)
- George W. Cook Dormitory Hall (Beta Chapter)
- Lewis K. Downing Hall (Engineering) (Beta Chapter)
- Numa P. G. Adams Building (Medicine) (Beta Chapter)
- Charles Hamilton Houston Hall – Law School Campus (Sigma Chapter)
Landmarks of Alpha Men in Washington, D.C.
Outside of Howard University's main campus, there are many landmarks contributing to the rich history of Alpha men throughout Washington, D.C., particularly in Northwest's Bloomingdale and Ledroit Park neighborhoods.
Jewel Henry Arthur Callis
Settled in Washington, D.C. for the majority of his medical career. Along with being a professor of Medicine at Howard University Medical School, he was an Attending Physician at Freedman's Hospital (which later became Howard University Hospital). Eventually, he opened a private practice in Washington, D.C. Jewel Callis served as President of Mu Lambda Chapter, advising Alumni Chapter to Beta Chapter.
Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray
Born in Washington, D.C. and a graduate of Armstrong Manual Training High School. After completing his degree at Cornell University, he returned to become an instructor at Armstrong Manual Training High School (now, Friendship Armstrong Academy) and Dunbar High School, America's first public high school for black students. Jewel Murray was a Charter Member of Mu Lambda Chapter, advising Alumni Chapter to Beta Chapter.
Jewel Robert Harold Ogle
Born in Washington, D.C. and a graduate of M Street High School (which later became Dunbar High School). After graduating from Cornell University, he returned to Washington, D.C., where he entered the secretarial field, finding employment for the United States Senate. Here he became an African American pioneer in his Capitol Hill position. A lifelong resident of NW Washington, D.C., Jewel Ogle was a Charter Member of Mu Lambda Chapter, advising Alumni Chapter to Beta Chapter.
Mu Lambda Chapter
Alpha's 11th Alumni Chapter was chartered in Washington, D.C., on October 1st, 1923. The Chapter was established in response to the demand of the graduate brothers who were in Washington, D.C., many of whom were initiated into Beta Chapter, to give aid to the undergraduate brothers and continue the work of Alpha. Today, Mu Lambda Chapter serves as the advising Alumni Chapter to Beta Chapter.
In 1999, Mu Lambda Chapter (through its Mu Lambda Foundation) purchased the property at 2405 First Street NW. In 2010, Mu Lambda moved to the 2405 First St address for the chapter to operate out of permanently. The property itself sits on the corner of the historic Bryant Street NW (that Freedman's Hospital sits on) and the historic First Street NW (that Dunbar High School and Armstrong Academy sit on).
Former residents of First Street NW: DC Mayor Bro. Marion Barry (Beta Xi), US Senator Bro. Edward Brooke (Beta)
Armstrong Academy Alumni: Musician Bro. Duke Ellington (AZΛ)
M Street/Dunbar High School Alumni: Architect Bro. Hilyard Robinson (Eta), Attorney Bro. Charles Hamilton Houston (Sigma), US Senator Bro. Edward Brooke (Beta), Past General President Bro. Rayford Logan (Omicron)
On May 14th, 2022, a ceremony commemorating the renaming of First Street N.W., from Bryant Street N.W. to Michigan Avenue N.W. took place. Led by then Mu Lambda Chapter President Bro. Tony Wilson (8-B-86), the street in the historic neighborhood of Bloomingdale would be henceforth known as "Alpha Phi Alpha Way".
The complete line history of Beta Chapter, organized by semester and year, from the earliest documented lines to present day.
Recent Lines
Spring 2025 — THE REVENANTS OF THE DJED
Alias: The Lost Society, God's Plan III (What Is Destined Must Be), The F.O.U.N.D.A.T.I.O.N.
1-B-25 Joziyah Patrick Jean-Felix
2-B-25 Jayson Bernard Johnson
3-B-25 Darren Taj Wallace
4-B-25 Robert Earl Russum, Jr.
5-B-25 Oluwadumininu "Dumi" Akinrinola
6-B-25 Gary Jimmy Rondell McCall, Jr.
7-B-25 Mason Barack Daniels
8-B-25 Dhasan McComb, Jr.
9-B-25 B. Daunté Evans
10-B-25 D. Evander Thomas
11-B-25 Joel Mose Casey
12-B-25 Michael Fabian Cobbins
13-B-25 Somtochukwu "Somto" Agbasi
14-B-25 Bryce Logan Anderson
Spring 2024 — THE VOYAGERS OF GIZA
Alias: Fourteen Offenders of the 4th Dynasty, D.O.A. III
1-B-24 L.B. Towns, Jr.
2-B-24 Chase Cubia
3-B-24 Jahmere Stanford-Hargraves
4-B-24 Alex D. Blocker
5-B-24 Aiden C. Ball
6-B-24 Marcus J. Hill
7-B-24 Phillip "PJ" J. Cook, Jr.
8-B-24 Carlos J. Lara
9-B-24 Justin G. DeCambre
10-B-24 Jamari C. Robinson
11-B-24 Hamid M. Jalloh
12-B-24 Dezmond A. Rosier
13-B-24 Myles K. I. Dawson
14-B-24 Mason M. Bligen
Spring 2023 — THE WARRIORS OF AL-ASKAR
Alias: Twelve Defenders of Luxor, D.I.S.R.U.P.T.I.O.N.
1-B-23 Dylan Cole Thomas
2-B-23 Julius N. Shanks, II
3-B-23 Jacob A. Smith
4-B-23 Melvin A. Crenshaw, III
5-B-23 Gregory J. Hyson
6-B-23 Reign Cortez Watkins
7-B-23 Casey C. Morrissette
8-B-23 Austin Lloyd Dellafosse
9-B-23 Miles Amiri Daniels
10-B-23 Derek "DJ" S. McEwen, Jr.
11-B-23 Raheem H. Daunoy
12-B-23 Dailen Jervases Whiten
Spring 2022 — THE DEMIGODS OF A'ARU
Alias: Eighteen Merchants of the 26th Dynasty, Black Renaissance, R.E.G.I.M.E.
1-B-22 Raymir Justin Johnson
2-B-22 Brady James Dye
3-B-22 K. Don Nelson, III
4-B-22 Jonathan Wesley Gaither
5-B-22 Tar-U-Way Richard Allen Bright, Jr.
6-B-22 Chad Alexander Toomer
7-B-22 Ryan James Hall
8-B-22 Benjamin Edward Chapman
9-B-22 Jacob Armand Brooks
10-B-22 Chandler A. Bursey-Reece
11-B-22 Pierce Dean Hodges
12-B-22 Thomas Iquan Savage, III
13-B-22 Ronald Jackson Carter, Jr.
14-B-22 Shawn Alexander Ball
15-B-22 Nnamdi Benjamin Olebara
16-B-22 Mahlon Ahsani West
17-B-22 Kamau Abednego Nehemiah Richardson
18-B-22 Lethan Andrew Hampton
Past 5 Years of Line History
The complete line history of Beta Chapter spans from 1963 to present, documenting over 60 years of lines with their names, members, line numbers, and aliases. This includes all documented lines organized by semester and year.
Note: The full line history includes detailed information for all lines from Spring 2020 back to Spring 1963, including line names, member names, line numbers, aliases, and special designations. For the complete historical record, please refer to the Beta Chapter packet.