More than 800 members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and their guests gathered on Capitol Hill on August 27 to receive recognition for their diligence in securing a place on the Mall for a National Memorial for their frat brother and civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) hosted the ceremony on the eve of the unveiling of King's Memorial for members of the Alpha's, of which he is a member. Almost 30 years ago, the nation's first African-American fraternity established a foundation that led the fund-raising drive for the memorial. Over $114 million was collected for the monument to honor Dr. King who was also an Alpha. "Without the dedication and determination of my frat brothers, without the millions donated by them and those who believe in Dr. King's dream, the King National Memorial would still only be an idea," said Fattah. "Instead, their dream, conceived almost 30 years ago, to honor 'the dreamer' is now a reality. It is proper and fitting to thank them for their efforts."

The Alpha Phi Alpha ceremony listed as part of the official weekend events included remarks by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and King's only surviving daughter, Elder Bernice King. Fattah said, "Dr. King has secured a place for all of us on the National Mall and in the heart of our nation. His legacy has improved the lives, and the life chances, of our entire country. He has made the world a better place. Dr. King's life is the foundation upon which this National Memorial is built."