ALPHA PHI ALPHA DAY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Justin Slaughter

Designates May 6, 2026 as Alpha Phi Alpha Day in Illinois to honor the fraternity’s 120-year legacy of service, leadership, and civil rights advocacy.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of HR 842 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Purpose

Declares May 6, 2026 as “Alpha Phi Alpha Day” in the State of Illinois.

Recognizes Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated for its history, leadership, service, and advocacy, and invites members to the Illinois State Capitol for Alpha Day at the Capitol alongside Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to advance community priorities.

Key Provisions

Official designation: May 6, 2026 is proclaimed Alpha Phi Alpha Day in Illinois.

Commendation: The Illinois House commends Alpha Phi Alpha for 120 years of service, leadership, advocacy, and contributions to education, civil rights, and community development.

Event acknowledgment: Anticipates Alpha Phi Alpha members’ gathering at the Illinois Capitol for Alpha Day at the Capitol on May 6, 2026, noting collaboration with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. during the event.

Who/What Is Affected

State of Illinois residents and institutions, by recognizing Alpha Phi Alpha’s contributions and designating a day in their honor.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and its Illinois chapters (including historical roots in Illinois) as the beneficiary of official recognition.

Members of the Illinois General Assembly and state government, through ceremonial acknowledgment and participation in the event.

Procedural/Timeline Details

Introduction and sponsorship: Co-sponsor Justin Slaughter; bill filed April 28, 2026.

Referral: Referred to Rules Committee on May 6, 2026.

Effective date: The designation takes effect on the date specified in the bill (May 6, 2026) upon enactment.

Event timing: Alpha Day at the Capitol scheduled for May 6, 2026.

Additional Context

The resolution highlights Alpha Phi Alpha’s history as the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established by African Americans, its civil rights and social justice advocacy, and its national programs (e.g., Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College; Project Alpha; A Voteless People is a Hopeless People).

It notes Illinois-specific connections, including the presence of Alpha Phi Alpha chapters dating to Theta (1906) and Xi Lambda (1924) in Chicago.

It lists prominent members and leaders associated with Alpha Phi Alpha, underscoring its influence in government, business, education, and community service.

Overall Impact

The bill is symbolic and ceremonial, recognizing a prominent Black fraternity’s contributions and promoting a collaborative event at the state capitol to highlight community service and leadership.

It serves to elevate awareness of Alpha Phi Alpha’s historical and ongoing work within Illinois communities.