Original Resolution Honoring Alpha Phi Alpha

Bill Number

H.Res. 768

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Education

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-26: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2025-12-04T09:06:50Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 768) aims to honor Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., on its 118th anniversary by recognizing its history, contributions to civil rights, education, and community service, and its role in fostering leadership among African-American men.

Key Provisions

• Historical Background: Acknowledges the fraternity's founding on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University by seven African-American men known as "The Seven Jewels," making it the first intercollegiate fraternity established by African-American men.
• Mission and Reach: Highlights the fraternity's focus on developing leaders, promoting brotherhood, academic excellence, and community service; it has over 720 chapters and members worldwide, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, with the motto "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All."
• Notable Members and Achievements: Recognizes prominent "Alpha men" such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Sen. Raphael Warnock, Gov. Wes Moore, and international figures like Liberian President Joseph Boakai, Sr.; notes the fraternity's leadership in erecting the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
• Programs: Describes key initiatives including:
• "Brother's Keeper" for supporting senior members, those with disabilities, and their families.
• "A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People" for voter registration and empowerment.
• "Go-to-High School, Go-to-College" to promote education completion.
• "Project Alpha" to educate young males (ages 12-15) on responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases.
• Resolution Action: The House of Representatives congratulates and commends the fraternity on 118 years of service; includes a short title, "Original Resolution Honoring Alpha Phi Alpha."

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a non-binding congressional resolution that expresses recognition and does not amend or create any laws.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens and Communities: Provides symbolic affirmation of the fraternity's role in civil rights, education, and youth development, potentially inspiring greater community engagement and voter participation among African-American and broader communities.
• On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it may encourage ongoing congressional support for related initiatives in education and civil rights.
• On International Relations: Indirectly highlights U.S. cultural ties through the fraternity's global chapters and members like the Liberian president, promoting positive perceptions of American leadership in diversity and service abroad.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.: Primary beneficiary, gaining official congressional recognition that enhances its prestige and visibility.
• Members and Alumni: Including current and former leaders in politics, civil rights, and public service, who are celebrated for their contributions.
• African-American Community: Benefits from the emphasis on education, voter empowerment, and civil rights advocacy.
• Congress and Policymakers: Sponsors (e.g., Reps. Green, Cleaver, and others) and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, which receives the resolution for review.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: No enforceable legal effects, as resolutions like this are ceremonial and do not carry the force of law; aligns with Congress's constitutional power to express sentiments under Article I.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for recognizing African-American historical contributions, potentially strengthening ties between Congress and civil rights organizations; may influence future legislative priorities in education and voting rights without binding obligations.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9]

Cosponsors (7)

Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4], Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-26: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-09-26: Submitted in House
• 2025-09-26: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Original Resolution Honoring Alpha Phi Alpha — issued 2025-09-26 — PDF (3 pages)