The records of the Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha include correspondence, minutes, photographic material, publications, reports, and topical files.
The records—which document the activities and experiences of African Americans at the University of Michigan—also provides a rich source of information about the history, activities, and administration of the Epsilon Chapter, particularly during the 1920's, 1980's, and 1990's. Also documented is the chapter's centennial celebration in 2009.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Alpha Phi Alpha) is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for Black college students. It was founded at Cornell University in 1906. Its fifth chapter, Epsilon, was officially established at the University of Michigan on April 10, 1909.
Epsilon's charter members included George Jackson Clark, William Harrison Dickson (Medicine, 1911), Norris Augustus Dodson (Pharmacy, 1908, 1910), George Saunders Ellison (LSA, 1910; Teacher's Certificate Education, 1910; Rackham, 1917), Eugene Joseph Marshall (Law, 1903), Charles Clayton Middleton (Medicine, 1912), Augustus Glover Purvis (LSA, 1909; Medicine, 1911), Stephen Douglass Sparks (LSA, 1911; Dentistry, 1916), William Thorne (Medicine, 1910), John Robert White Jr. (Pharmacy, 1910), and Augustus Alphonza Williams (Pharmacy, 1908). According to the Epsilon's chapter's centennial website, the chapter's principles are that of the national organization: brotherhood, leadership, scholarship, and service.
During its earliest years, chapter members regularly met at 1017 East Catherine Street. In December 1911, Epsilon hosted the fourth Alpha Phi Alpha National Convention at its house. It was during this convention that a committee for the official design of a shield was created.
Over the years, Epsilon Chapter has hosted numerous speakers at its events, such as Georgia Senator Horace Julian Bond, activist Fannie Lou Hamer, poet Nikki Giovanni, and U.S. Representative Shirley Chisholm. It has also developed a rich tradition of community service and programming, with the latter including an annual tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.; a program that helped acclimate first year students of color to the University of Michigan; and an annual event honoring Black women, entitled "A Salute to Black Women" (sometimes referred to "A Salute to African American Women").
Epsilon Chapter has inducted hundreds of men since its founding. Notable Epsilon members have included W.E.B. Du Bois, inducted into the chapter as an honorary member in 1912; Joseph Leon Langhorne (LSA, 1928; Rackham 1935), also known as J. Leon Langhorne, the First Black letter winner in tennis (freshman letter 19215); and Willis Ward (LSA, 1935), the first Black football letter winner at Michigan since 1892. The chapter has also had many presidents during its existence, including Reginald Strong (1971-1972), Ronald Jackson (1994-1995), Sean Franklin (1995-1996), Peter Tate (1997-1998), Darrell Joyce (2000-2001), and Adrian J. Reynolds (2001-2002).
Epsilon Chapter has a special connection with the University of Michigan Angel Club. Established in 1982, the Angel Club is a non-Greek organization for African American women. Together, the Angel Club and the Epsilon Chapter have a joint "Gold Rush" experience for their organizations at the beginning of the school year, host parties, and perform community service projects.
In 2009, the chapter celebrated its centennial anniversary by displaying an exhibit at the university's Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library and releasing a documentary on the history of the chapter, entitled "Epsilon 100," in addition to holding other events.
