[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 172 (Thursday, November 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2827-E2828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         COMMENDING BETA GAMMA CHAPTER (VSU) OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2009

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my 
colleague Rep. Randy Forbes, to call attention to a group of young 
students from Petersburg, Virginia, who have distinguished themselves, 
their University, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  I direct my colleagues' attention to the brothers of the Beta Gamma 
Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at Virginia State University. 
Over the last three years the Beta Gamma chapter has partnered with Big 
Brothers Big Sisters and has maintained one hundred percent chapter 
membership participation rate. They are the first, and only, Alpha Phi 
Alpha chapter in the country to accomplish this remarkable achievement. 
I would like to applaud my brothers for volunteering to be responsible 
role models for at-risk youth, helping them to reach their full 
potential and to lead vibrant, successful lives.
  Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity was founded on December 4, 1906, at 
Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. As the first intercollegiate 
Greek letter fraternity established for African Americans, Alpha Phi 
Alpha initially served as a brotherhood and study and support group for 
minority students at Cornell, but it also recognized the need to help 
correct the educational, economic, political and social injustices 
faced by African Americans.

[[Page E2828]]

  From that initial foundation at Cornell, the core Alpha Phi Alpha 
principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character and the uplifting 
of humanity were established. Alpha Phi Alpha now has a presence on 
hundreds of college campuses as well as in hundreds of alumni chapters 
in 44 States. The presence is also felt here in Washington, where nine 
members of the U.S. Congress are members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
  In 1991, an agreement was entered into between Alpha Phi Alpha and 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to unite their efforts to transform 
communities and the lives of young African Americans. The men of Alpha 
Phi Alpha have become thoroughly engaged in recruiting volunteers, and 
cultivating a positive relationship and experience with their Little 
Brothers.
  The brothers of Beta Gamma continue this proud tradition by 
proactively engaging the Petersburg community's schools and families, 
in addition providing one-on-one youth mentoring for children at-risk 
of slipping through the cracks of our society. Studies show that the 
regular presence of a responsible adult provides lasting, positive 
impacts on the life of a child. Those children mentored by the Big 
Brothers of Beta Gamma chapter will be less likely to use drugs and 
alcohol, will perform better in school, and will have healthier family 
relationships.
  Today, I rise to recognize these young gentlemen for their genuine 
concern for their local community and for their dedication to public 
service.

                          ____________________