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Year: 1906

Where: Ithaca, NY

Who: George Biddle Kelley

George Biddle Kelley was a trailblazing civil engineer and a key figure in the fight against racial inequality during the early 20th century. Born in Troy, New York, Kelley made history as the first African American engineer registered in the state of New York. His professional accomplishments were paralleled by his pivotal role in founding Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate fraternity established for African American men.

In 1906, Kelley became one of the seven founders of Alpha Phi Alpha at Cornell University. As the fraternity's first president, he helped establish its core principles of scholarship, fellowship, and service. These values were essential to creating a supportive environment for African American students who faced exclusion and discrimination on predominantly white campuses. Kelley’s leadership and vision were instrumental in positioning Alpha Phi Alpha as a cornerstone of empowerment for African Americans, fostering a legacy of civic engagement and professional excellence.

Kelley’s commitment to both his profession and his community was deeply rooted in his desire to address systemic inequalities and uplift African Americans. His achievements in engineering broke racial barriers in a field where opportunities for African Americans were scarce. Similarly, his work with Alpha Phi Alpha helped build a network of support and advocacy for future generations. Kelley’s legacy lives on through the fraternity's enduring contributions to education, civil rights, and leadership development.

Sources

Website



Address

Johns Hopkins University
2800 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218

Email

info@r-rights.com  

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