Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Northern California District celebrated its 119th anniversary Dec. 6 with its Founders Day Dinner at the Celene Venue in Sacramento. The fraternity is the nation’s first Black intercollegiate fraternity.
Fraternity brothers, alumni, and community partners from more than 20 chapters gathered to honor the organization’s legacy of scholarship, leadership, and service, and to recognize individuals whose work continues to advance that mission.
This year’s honorees included Alameda County Superior Court Judge Terry Wiley and scholar, professor, and activist Dr. Cornel West, both widely respected figures whose work embodies Alpha Phi Alpha’s motto, “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All.”
“It’s been 119 years of tremendous Black excellence, Black vision, Black love, and Black joy,” said West, reflecting on Alpha Phi Alpha’s broader legacy. “And yes, it’s Black brothers, but it’s always connected to the Black sisters and the Black children. It’s an affirmation of the fact that we as Black people have taught the world so much about love in the face of so much hatred coming at us.”
West, who grew up in Sacramento, is a towering figure and activist within the Black community. He has spent decades challenging systems of inequity through his scholarship, organizing, and personal conviction to the advancement of Black people.
His influence extends far beyond academia to inspiring generations of Black leaders, students, and everyday people to confront injustice with courage and compassion. He most recently was an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election and makes regular appearances on cable news to speak about the state of the country.
West spoke with humility as he accepted the fraternity’s recognition. “It’s really honoring Irene and Clifton West, Shiloh Baptist Church and Rev. Willie V. Cook. I am who I am because they loved me,” he said. “I’m back home, and this makes all the difference in the world.”
The annual celebration, which rotates among several Northern California cities, reflected the fraternity’s enduring commitment to elevating Black communities through advocacy, education, and civic engagement.
The evening also featured Brother Darrell R. Matthews Sr., the fraternity’s 32nd general president, who was the keynote speaker.
Beyond honoring individuals, the anniversary served as a reminder of the fraternity’s collective impact. From encouraging brothers to serve on school boards and city councils to expanding mentorship and community programs, Alpha Phi Alpha continues to position itself at the forefront of civic empowerment.
“Wherever the community needs to be serviced, wherever the service is needed and wanted, we hope that alpha is there,” said Dr. Ovester Armstrong, chairman of this year’s Northern California Founders day celebration.