The 135th House of Alpha, in Toledo since 1928

Nearly a century of service

Our founders set out to build a strong group of Black community leaders with a national identity, committed to equality of American citizenship and service to mankind.

1. 1928

   Chartered at the Indiana Avenue YMCA

   On November 3, Brothers Leo V. English, S.J. Flanagan, Herbert S. Goodloe, E.W. Johnson, Ivan C. McCleod and Herbert T. Miller received the charter, with General President B. Andrew Rose and General Treasurer Percival R. Piper in attendance.

2. 1930s

   Through the Great Depression

   Through the Great Depression and the decades after, Brothers served in the armed forces in three wars, among them CJ Collier, Rick Easler, Charles Peoples, John Poon, Roy Sheldon, Garfield Weathers and Oran Williams.

3. 1960s

   Funding the movement

   During the civil rights movement, the chapter contributed funds locally and nationally.

4. 1970s

   Alpha Towers

   A focus on low-income senior housing led to Alpha Towers, a 165-unit high-rise at 525 E. Woodruff on the corner of Canton Street.

The Seven Jewels

The seven visionary founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., known as the Jewels of the fraternity. Read their stories