OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Proclamation

IN RECOGNITION of “ FRATERNITY, INC., GEORGIA DISTRICT ASSOCIATION WEEKEND”

WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-Americans, was founded at in Ithaca, NY on December 4, 1906 by , Charles Henry Chapman, , George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and , known as the "Jewels", who recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood among African descendants in this country; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., has a membership of over 80,000 college-educated men, inducted into over 700 college and alumni chapters, in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for 104 years has been a beacon of light to the community by staying true to its aims of Manly Deeds, Scholarship and Love for all Mankind; and

WHEREAS, , the 54th Georgia District Conference, will convene during the weekend of 28 – 30 January 2010, at the Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites under the leadership of District Director Ronald M. Natson, Sr. and Assistant District Director Deonte Simmons, with over 300 members from 42 chapters around the State of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, the Alpha Chi Lambda, chartered on April 25, 1935 and Eta Alpha Chapter, chartered 4 April 1970 at Paine College, has made a difference in the CSRA, hosts of the 54th District Conference, is home to the 10th District Director Ellis B. Albright and 6th District Director and Past Southern Region VP Chester A. Wheeler, III; and

WHEREAS, the 33rd General President Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., Southern Region VP, James E. Crumel, Sr. and Assistant Southern Region VP Justin Harlow, and others fraternal leaders will be in attendance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Deke Copenhaver, Mayor of the City of Augusta, do hereby proclaim, January 28th – 30th, 2010, as “ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC., GEORGIA DISTRICT ASSOCIATION WEEKEND” in Augusta, Georgia, and urge all citizens to recognize and applaud the contributions of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Georgia District, host chapters, Alpha Chi Lambda and Eta Alpha in their commitment to making our communities a better place to reside.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of Augusta, Georgia, to be affixed this 28th day of January, 2010. Given under my hand This 28th day of January 2010

______Deke Copenhaver Mayor