Our History

Alpha History

Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity in the United States established for men of African descent, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood between African Americans.

Organization Founded

December 4, 1906
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York

First Alumni Chapter

April 11, 1911
Alpha Lambda, the first graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, had its inception in Louisville, Kentucky, as an outgrowth of the University Club which met at the Western Branch Library to discuss current topics of the day.

The Sphinx Magazine as Founded

1914
The Sphinx® is the nation’s second oldest African-American publication still in existence. Since its inception in 1914, The Sphinx® has a proud tradition of being one of the world’s preeminent fraternal magazines, publishing cutting-edge, authoritative thinking on key issues facing today’s communities.

Became an Interracial Organization

1945
True to its form as the “first of firsts,” Alpha Phi Alpha has been interracial since 1945. 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.

Sigma Tau Lambda Founded

July 26, 2020
Sigma Tau Lambda was founded in Fort Mill, South Carolina becoming the 968th house of Alpha, 33rd chapter in the District of South Carolina as well as their 18th Graduate Chapter in South Carolina.

The SPHINX Magazine by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

The Sphinx® Magazine has one goal: to be the source of innovative ideas for members/readers to utilize to create, lead, and transform their communities. Since its inception in 1914, The Sphinx® has a proud tradition of being one of the world’s preeminent fraternal magazines, publishing cutting-edge, authoritative thinking on key issues facing today’s communities.
For over 100 years, The Sphinx® has directly influenced several generations with contributions and readership that include world-renowned activists, political leaders, entertainers, athletes, and businessmen. By using a positive and intellectual editorial focus, The Sphinx® has cultivated an honest, open relationship with our readers (specifically the African-American male) that no other fraternal publication can match. We cover the issues and feature prominent leaders. We applaud their achievements, share their concerns, and encourage their dreams.
By creating an editorial atmosphere that’s conducive to receptiveness, believability, and brand identification, The Sphinx® has maintained its place as one of the indispensable mediums needed for reaching African-American men.

Sphinx Media