Alpha Phi Alpha Brings Thousands of Brothers to Philadelphia for its 98th General Convention

Thousands of members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. have arrived in Philadelphia this week for the organization’s 98th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Celebration. The convention, which is held every two years, marks the fraternity’s first return to Philadelphia since 2004, bringing renewed energy and historical significance to the city that has long played a role in the story of Black America.

This year’s convention, themed “Reimagining Alpha For The Future,” is set against a backdrop of heightened political and cultural tension, particularly surrounding diversity, education, and equity in the United States. It will take place from July 16 through July 20 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. According to the Philadelphia Tribune, approximately 7,000 Alpha brothers are expected to attend.

The decision to host the event in Philadelphia followed the organization’s postponement of its 2023 convention, which was originally scheduled for Orlando, Florida. The fraternity opted to move the event in response to mounting concerns about policies implemented by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, particularly those targeting education and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The relocation to Philadelphia was a deliberate and values-driven choice, aligning the fraternity’s longstanding commitment to advocacy with a city known for its rich Black heritage and political engagement.

Throughout the week, attendees will participate in a full slate of activities including internal business meetings, educational workshops, career and health fairs, fraternal luncheons, a step show, a scholarship pageant, and formal evening galas. The convention also includes a public program titled “Advocacy in Education: Empowering Black Men for College and Beyond,” scheduled for Wednesday evening, which will feature discussions and honors recognizing both fraternity members and national leaders.

Among those being recognized this year are Brother Nathaniel “Tiny” Archibald, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame; Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Innovation Lab; Brother Gregory W. Meeks, U.S. Congressman; Brother E. David Burt, Premier of Bermuda; and U.S. Senator Cory Booker, who will deliver remarks via video. The fraternity will also honor Past General President Brother Dr. Everett B. Ward and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s most recent International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes during its formal Old Gold and Black Leadership Gala on Saturday.

In addition to its formal proceedings, the convention has placed a strong emphasis on service. On Monday, members of the fraternity partnered with Philabundance, a local hunger relief organization, to assemble meal kits for youth and senior citizens in the Philadelphia area. The initiative underscores Alpha’s motto, “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All,” and highlights the fraternity’s enduring role in meeting the needs of the communities it serves.

As its members gather in Philadelphia, the convention represents more than tradition, it signals a renewed commitment to forward-thinking leadership in a time when the very values upon which the fraternity was built are being tested.