KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — More than a century ago, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. became the first Black Greek letter organization in what is now known as the "Divine 9."
APhiA was founded on Dec. 4, 1906, on the campus of Cornell University. A group of seven men created the organization after recognizing that African descendants across the country needed to find a strong bond together, forming a brotherhood among Black communities.
"We promote brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy to our community," said Dr. Keith Lindsey, President of the Alpha Mu Lambda chapter.
Since it was founded, the organization has chartered more than 400 college chapters and more than 350 Alumni chapters. The group's impact also isn't limited to members; a part of its significance stands at the National Mall.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a part of the organization. He is also just one of many world-changing leaders APhiA welcomed into its ranks over the years.
"You won't find another non-president, or someone of color, on that National Mall. But he is there," said Lindsey. "A lot of places where you look, you will see men — the Alphas, the Urban League, you know. When we look and we see Alphas, we see the imprint and the impact that we've had."
In Knoxville, a chapter of the organization has served East Tennessee for around 94 years. The Alpha Mu Lambda chapter is currently working with the League of Women Voters to prepare for the 2024 election season.
"We have been out registering people asking them to sign up to vote, educating them about this voting process," said Lindsey.
Around two years after APhiA was founded, a group of nine women came together to form the first Black Greek letter sorority. Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority was officially formed on Jan. 15, 1908, on the campus of Howard University.
"The thought of the sorority came about as a brainchild of six individuals that thought it wise to coordinate and bring together women of color at that time," said Cynthia J. Finch, the 22nd Eastern Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
East Tennessee is home to four of the organization's more than 1,000 chapters. Every single one of them is hard at work serving the community.
"The Alpha Chi Omega chapter is preparing for its annual debutante," said Finch. "Under the leadership of Dr. Glenda Glover, the president of Tennessee State, presently we were able to raise a $1 million in a day."
Both APhiA and AKA are service-lead organizations with undergraduate and graduate chapters.
