ALPHA PHI ALPHA DAY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Elgie Sims

Designates May 6, 2026 as Alpha Phi Alpha Day in Illinois to honor 120 years of service, leadership, scholarship, and advocacy by the fraternity.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of SR0733 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

Proclamation: Declares May 6, 2026 as Alpha Phi Alpha Day in the State of Illinois.

Purpose: Honor Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated for its 120 years of service, leadership, scholarship, and advocacy, and recognize its role in supporting education, civil rights, and community service.

Context: Commemorates Alpha Phi Alpha’s historical significance as the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established by and for African Americans, and highlights the organization’s ongoing contributions through national programs and partnerships.

Key provisions and changes

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

Commendation: The Illinois Senate commends Alpha Phi Alpha for 120 years of service, leadership, academic excellence, and advocacy.

Acknowledgment of collaboration: Notes Alpha Phi Alpha’s joint activities with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on Alpha Day at the Capitol, emphasizing shared community priorities.

Who is affected

Primary beneficiaries: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and its members, chapters (notably the Illinois chapters such as Theta (Chicago) and Xi Lambda in the state’s history), and affiliates.

Broader impact: Illinois residents who benefit from the fraternity’s educational, civic, and service initiatives acknowledged by the bill; readers of the proclamation are encouraged to recognize the organization’s work.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction/timing: The resolution was filed in April 2026 and placed on the calendar for May 5, 2026; adopted by the Senate on May 6, 2026.

Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Sen. Elgie Sims, among others.

Legislative form: Senate Resolution recognizing a celebratory day rather than creating new law or appropriations.

Additional notes

The resolution emphasizes Alpha Phi Alpha’s historical founders (the Seven Jewels) and its enduring mission: developing leaders, promoting brotherhood and scholarship, and serving communities.

It references the organization’s well-known programs (e.g., Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College; Project Alpha; A Voteless People is a Hopeless People) and partnerships with various civic and health organizations.

This summary covers the bill’s explicit designation of Alpha Phi Alpha Day, its rationale, and the ceremonial commendation accompanying the recognition.