The White House Turned Black and Gold Thanks To The Men Of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
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Posted By: S. Moore on December 12, 2023 The halls of the White House buzzed with a distinct energy last Friday. It wasn't the usual political fervor, but the quiet power of brotherhood. Men clad in the signature black and gold of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. gathered to celebrate their 117th Founders' Day, transforming the iconic space into a testament to their legacy. Alpha Phi Alpha, the oldest intercollegiate historically African American fraternity, has a rich history woven into the fabric of American progress. Founded in 1906 as a beacon of support for minority students facing prejudice at Cornell University, it evolved into a powerful force for scholarship and social impact. Nearly two dozen Alphas, now serving under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, converged in a historic setting: the ceremonial office of Vice President Harris, the first Black and South Asian woman to hold the role and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha's sister organization. President Biden himself took to social media to salute the fraternity, acknowledging their profound contributions.  "An objective of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is to prepare our members for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual," declared Donald Cravins Jr., U.S. Commerce Under Secretary for Minority Business Development, a soon-to-be 33-year member of the fraternity. "Living this objective through service in the Biden-Harris administration has been an honor," Cravins continued, his voice filled with pride. "I am proud to stand with these leaders as we strive to improve and better the lives of all Americans." These distinguished Alphas, many graduates of HBCUs like Dillard, Howard, and Hampton, were not just celebrating their fraternity; they were exemplifying its mission. Their ranks boasted individuals who had broken barriers and achieved remarkable firsts.
Roosevelt Holmes, who has extensive experience managing political, legislative, and grassroots campaigns, including working at the United Negro College Fund in the Office of Government Affairs and Public Policy, is flanked by his brothers, who are making “tangible accomplishments that uplift and transform lives,” he said, as they promote national safety, education, and business initiatives.
“Executing President Biden’s vision for a better America is not just a responsibility but a privilege,” said Holmes, currently a Senior Advisor in the White House Office of the National Cyber Director. “Collaborating with my fraternity brothers within this administration amplifies the impact of our endeavors, making every moment an extraordinary experience in the pursuit of a brighter future for everyone.” The fraternity members recently took photos in front of the bust of Thurgood Marshall, the nation’s first Black Supreme Court Justice, who was also a fraternity member. They also gathered near a historic photo of former Vice President Hubert Humphrey and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as the then-Sen. Humphrey worked with Dr. King on the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Both men were members of Alpha Phi Alpha™. Kamau M. Marshall has held several communications roles across government and presidential campaigns. He is currently Senior Advisor to the U.S. Education Secretary and works closely with the nation’s HBCUs. He realizes the tremendous shoulders of giants in his fraternity that he stands on and how he and his brothers today are making their mark to continually improve our nation for the better. “As a public servant, it has been a joyous honor and unwavering commitment to fight and work vigorously within the Biden-Harris administration as this administration continues to make strong equity changes and economic impact across the board,” Marshall said, “making sure that all people have an opportunity at every part of the ladder.” SOURCE Black Enterprise If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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