Introduction
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, is the first intercollegiate fraternity for African American men. Founded in 1906 at Cornell University, the fraternity has a rich history of leadership and service in the black community. The Diamond of Alpha Phi Alpha is a symbol of the fraternity’s commitment to excellence and achievement.
History of the Diamond
The Diamond of Alpha Phi Alpha was first conceived in 1911 by Dr. Robert H. Ogle, the fraternity’s first Grand President. Ogle believed that the diamond would be a fitting symbol of the fraternity’s four cardinal principles: manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.
The diamond was officially adopted as the fraternity’s symbol in 1912. The first diamonds were made of metal and were worn by members as lapel pins. In the 1920s, the diamond was redesigned to include a black onyx center and a gold border. The current design of the diamond was adopted in the 1940s.
Symbolism of the Diamond
The Diamond of Alpha Phi Alpha has several layers of symbolism. The diamond itself is a symbol of strength, purity, and brilliance. The black onyx center represents the fraternity’s commitment to social justice and the uplift of the black community. The gold border represents the fraternity’s emphasis on scholarship and achievement.
The four points of the diamond represent the fraternity’s four cardinal principles:
- Manhood: Alpha Phi Alpha men are expected to be men of integrity, character, and responsibility.
- Scholarship: Alpha Phi Alpha men are committed to academic excellence and strive to make a positive contribution to society through their education.
- Perseverance: Alpha Phi Alpha men are taught to never give up on their dreams, no matter how difficult the challenges may seem.
- Uplift: Alpha Phi Alpha men are dedicated to the uplift of the black community and work to create a more just and equitable society for all.
The Diamond in Action
The Diamond of Alpha Phi Alpha is more than just a symbol. It is a call to action for members of the fraternity to live up to the fraternity’s ideals. Alpha Phi Alpha men have a long history of service to the black community, working to improve education, health care, and economic opportunity.
Some of the most notable accomplishments of Alpha Phi Alpha men include:
- Establishing the Alpha Phi Alpha Scholarship Foundation, which has awarded over $100 million in scholarships to African American students.
- Creating the Alpha Phi Alpha Voter Registration Campaign, which has registered over 1 million black voters.
- Founding the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, which provides support to historically black colleges and universities.
The Diamond Legacy
The Diamond of Alpha Phi Alpha is a symbol of the fraternity’s rich history, its commitment to excellence, and its unwavering dedication to the uplift of the black community. The diamond is a reminder to all Alpha Phi Alpha men to live up to the fraternity’s ideals and to make a positive difference in the world.
Conclusion
The Diamond of Alpha Phi Alpha is a powerful symbol of the fraternity’s mission to develop leaders and serve the community. The diamond is a reminder that Alpha Phi Alpha men are committed to excellence, achievement, and the uplift of the black community.
