Alpha Phi Alpha Exam Test Questions and Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
Question 1: What is the official founding date of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and at which
institution was it established?
A. December 4, 1906, at Howard University B. December 4, 1906, at Cornell University C. January 15,
1908, at Cornell University D. November 17, 1911, at Howard University
CORRECT ANSWER: B. December 4, 1906, at Cornell University
Rationale: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for
African American men, was founded on December 4, 1906, on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca,
New York.
Question 2: Which group of seven visionary men is revered as the "Seven Jewels" of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc.?
A. Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel
Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy B. Langston Hughes, Thurgood
Marshall, W.E.B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Paul Robeson, Jesse Owens, and Duke Ellington C. Frank
Coleman, Oscar J. Cooper, Ernest Everett Just, Edgar Amos Love, Charles Drew, Carter G. Woodson, and
Benjamin E. Mays D. James Ward Morris, Charles Sumner Brown, Harry T. Penn, Edward Reginald Dudley,
William Henry Hastie, Thurgood Marshall, and Rayford Logan
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George
Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy
Rationale: The seven founding members, historically known as the "Jewels," are Henry Arthur Callis,
Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert
Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy.
Question 3: What are the official colors of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.?
A. Crimson and Cream B. Old Gold and Black C. Black and Gold D. Royal Blue and White
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Old Gold and Black
Rationale: The official fraternity colors of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are Old Gold and Black,
symbolizing dignity, high standards, and timeless excellence.
Question 4: What is the official motto of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.?
,A. Culture for Service and Service for Humanity B. First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All C.
Friendship is Essential to the Soul D. Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor
CORRECT ANSWER: B. First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All
Rationale: The motto "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All" encapsulates the fraternity's
core commitment to leadership, community service, and academic and social excellence.
Question 5: Where is the corporate headquarters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. located?
A. Washington, D.C. B. Atlanta, Georgia C. Baltimore, Maryland D. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Baltimore, Maryland
Rationale: The General Office and national headquarters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is located in
Baltimore, Maryland.
Question 6: Which Jewel designed the fraternity shield and served as the first registered Black
architect in the State of New York?
A. George Biddle Kelley B. Vertner Woodson Tandy C. Robert Harold Ogle D. Eugene Kinckle Jones
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Vertner Woodson Tandy
Rationale: Vertner Woodson Tandy was a co-founder of Alpha Phi Alpha, designed the fraternity shield,
and was the first registered African American architect in the State of New York.
Question 7: Which Jewel was the first African American engineer registered in the State of New York
and served as the first President of the Alpha Chapter?
A. George Biddle Kelley B. Henry Arthur Callis C. Nathaniel Allison Murray D. Charles Henry Chapman
CORRECT ANSWER: A. George Biddle Kelley
Rationale: George Biddle Kelley was a civil engineer who became New York State's first registered African
American engineer and was the inaugural President of the Alpha Chapter.
Question 8: What is the title of the official publication of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., first
published in 1910?
A. The Oracle B. The Sphinx C. The Ivy Leaf D. The Star and Lamp
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The Sphinx
Rationale: The Sphinx is the official publication of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., first issued in 1910,
making it the second oldest continuously published African American periodical in the United States.
Question 9: Which national program of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. focuses on voter education,
registration, and political awareness?
,A. Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College B. A Voteless People is a Hopeless People C. Project Alpha D.
Brother's Keeper
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A Voteless People is a Hopeless People
Rationale: "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" was initiated in the 1930s as a national program to
promote political education, voter registration, and civic engagement across communities.
Question 10: Which Alpha Phi Alpha Brother was a landmark civil rights attorney, chief counsel for the
NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and the first African American Supreme Court Justice?
A. W.E.B. Du Bois B. Martin Luther King Jr. C. Thurgood Marshall D. Charles Hamilton Houston
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Thurgood Marshall
Rationale: Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall was an initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
(Nu Chapter) and played a pivotal role in desegregating American society through legal victories like
Brown v. Board of Education.
Question 11: Which Jewel authored the poem "Alpha Phi Alpha" and is credited with creating the
fraternity's name and ritual concepts?
A. Charles Henry Chapman B. Henry Arthur Callis C. Robert Harold Ogle D. Eugene Kinckle Jones
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Henry Arthur Callis
Rationale: Dr. Henry Arthur Callis is recognized as a primary intellectual force among the founders,
authoring the fraternity poem and helping shape its foundational principles, ritual, and name.
Question 12: Which Jewel was an educator who established the first alumni chapter (Beta Lambda) in
Kansas City, Missouri, and played a major role in the fraternity's expansion?
A. Charles Henry Chapman B. Nathaniel Allison Murray C. George Biddle Kelley D. Vertner Woodson
Tandy
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Charles Henry Chapman
Rationale: Charles Henry Chapman was a dedicated educator and professor who assisted in organizing
the Beta Lambda chapter and contributed significantly to the fraternity's early growth and expansion.
Question 13: Which Jewel served as the first secretary of the Alpha Chapter and proposed the
fraternity colors of Old Gold and Black?
A. Robert Harold Ogle B. Eugene Kinckle Jones C. Nathaniel Allison Murray D. George Biddle Kelley
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Robert Harold Ogle
, Rationale: Robert Harold Ogle proposed the fraternity colors (Old Gold and Black) and served as the first
secretary of the original Alpha Chapter at Cornell University.
Question 14: Which Jewel was an educator and agriculturalist who helped establish Beta Chapter at
Howard University?
A. Nathaniel Allison Murray B. Eugene Kinckle Jones C. Henry Arthur Callis D. Charles Henry Chapman
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Nathaniel Allison Murray
Rationale: Nathaniel Allison Murray was an educator in Washington, D.C., and a key figure in the
expansion of Alpha Phi Alpha through his involvement in establishing Beta Chapter at Howard University.
Question 15: Which Jewel served as the first executive secretary of the National Urban League and
helped expand the fraternity's influence into urban social work?
A. Eugene Kinckle Jones B. Robert Harold Ogle C. Vertner Woodson Tandy D. George Biddle Kelley
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Eugene Kinckle Jones
Rationale: Eugene Kinckle Jones was a co-founder and the first executive secretary of the National Urban
League, bringing deep civic and organizational leadership to the fraternity.
Question 16: What was the primary purpose of the "social study clubs" established by the founders at
Cornell University prior to the official founding of Alpha Phi Alpha?
A. To prepare for military service in World War I B. To provide mutual academic support, social outlet,
and a protective brotherhood against racial isolation C. To raise funds for the construction of campus
housing for minority students D. To organize intercollegiate athletic competitions with Ivy League
institutions
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To provide mutual academic support, social outlet, and a protective
brotherhood against racial isolation
Rationale: The founding members initially gathered as a social study club to support one another
academically and socially in an overwhelmingly white and often hostile university environment, which
ultimately led to the formation of the fraternity.
Question 17: Which national program, established in 1922, encourages young men to pursue higher
education and career excellence?
A. Project Alpha B. Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College C. The MLK Jr. Memorial Project D. World AIDS Day
Initiative
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
Question 1: What is the official founding date of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and at which
institution was it established?
A. December 4, 1906, at Howard University B. December 4, 1906, at Cornell University C. January 15,
1908, at Cornell University D. November 17, 1911, at Howard University
CORRECT ANSWER: B. December 4, 1906, at Cornell University
Rationale: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for
African American men, was founded on December 4, 1906, on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca,
New York.
Question 2: Which group of seven visionary men is revered as the "Seven Jewels" of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc.?
A. Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel
Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy B. Langston Hughes, Thurgood
Marshall, W.E.B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Paul Robeson, Jesse Owens, and Duke Ellington C. Frank
Coleman, Oscar J. Cooper, Ernest Everett Just, Edgar Amos Love, Charles Drew, Carter G. Woodson, and
Benjamin E. Mays D. James Ward Morris, Charles Sumner Brown, Harry T. Penn, Edward Reginald Dudley,
William Henry Hastie, Thurgood Marshall, and Rayford Logan
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George
Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy
Rationale: The seven founding members, historically known as the "Jewels," are Henry Arthur Callis,
Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert
Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy.
Question 3: What are the official colors of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.?
A. Crimson and Cream B. Old Gold and Black C. Black and Gold D. Royal Blue and White
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Old Gold and Black
Rationale: The official fraternity colors of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are Old Gold and Black,
symbolizing dignity, high standards, and timeless excellence.
Question 4: What is the official motto of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.?
,A. Culture for Service and Service for Humanity B. First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All C.
Friendship is Essential to the Soul D. Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor
CORRECT ANSWER: B. First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All
Rationale: The motto "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All" encapsulates the fraternity's
core commitment to leadership, community service, and academic and social excellence.
Question 5: Where is the corporate headquarters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. located?
A. Washington, D.C. B. Atlanta, Georgia C. Baltimore, Maryland D. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Baltimore, Maryland
Rationale: The General Office and national headquarters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is located in
Baltimore, Maryland.
Question 6: Which Jewel designed the fraternity shield and served as the first registered Black
architect in the State of New York?
A. George Biddle Kelley B. Vertner Woodson Tandy C. Robert Harold Ogle D. Eugene Kinckle Jones
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Vertner Woodson Tandy
Rationale: Vertner Woodson Tandy was a co-founder of Alpha Phi Alpha, designed the fraternity shield,
and was the first registered African American architect in the State of New York.
Question 7: Which Jewel was the first African American engineer registered in the State of New York
and served as the first President of the Alpha Chapter?
A. George Biddle Kelley B. Henry Arthur Callis C. Nathaniel Allison Murray D. Charles Henry Chapman
CORRECT ANSWER: A. George Biddle Kelley
Rationale: George Biddle Kelley was a civil engineer who became New York State's first registered African
American engineer and was the inaugural President of the Alpha Chapter.
Question 8: What is the title of the official publication of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., first
published in 1910?
A. The Oracle B. The Sphinx C. The Ivy Leaf D. The Star and Lamp
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The Sphinx
Rationale: The Sphinx is the official publication of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., first issued in 1910,
making it the second oldest continuously published African American periodical in the United States.
Question 9: Which national program of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. focuses on voter education,
registration, and political awareness?
,A. Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College B. A Voteless People is a Hopeless People C. Project Alpha D.
Brother's Keeper
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A Voteless People is a Hopeless People
Rationale: "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" was initiated in the 1930s as a national program to
promote political education, voter registration, and civic engagement across communities.
Question 10: Which Alpha Phi Alpha Brother was a landmark civil rights attorney, chief counsel for the
NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and the first African American Supreme Court Justice?
A. W.E.B. Du Bois B. Martin Luther King Jr. C. Thurgood Marshall D. Charles Hamilton Houston
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Thurgood Marshall
Rationale: Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall was an initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
(Nu Chapter) and played a pivotal role in desegregating American society through legal victories like
Brown v. Board of Education.
Question 11: Which Jewel authored the poem "Alpha Phi Alpha" and is credited with creating the
fraternity's name and ritual concepts?
A. Charles Henry Chapman B. Henry Arthur Callis C. Robert Harold Ogle D. Eugene Kinckle Jones
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Henry Arthur Callis
Rationale: Dr. Henry Arthur Callis is recognized as a primary intellectual force among the founders,
authoring the fraternity poem and helping shape its foundational principles, ritual, and name.
Question 12: Which Jewel was an educator who established the first alumni chapter (Beta Lambda) in
Kansas City, Missouri, and played a major role in the fraternity's expansion?
A. Charles Henry Chapman B. Nathaniel Allison Murray C. George Biddle Kelley D. Vertner Woodson
Tandy
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Charles Henry Chapman
Rationale: Charles Henry Chapman was a dedicated educator and professor who assisted in organizing
the Beta Lambda chapter and contributed significantly to the fraternity's early growth and expansion.
Question 13: Which Jewel served as the first secretary of the Alpha Chapter and proposed the
fraternity colors of Old Gold and Black?
A. Robert Harold Ogle B. Eugene Kinckle Jones C. Nathaniel Allison Murray D. George Biddle Kelley
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Robert Harold Ogle
, Rationale: Robert Harold Ogle proposed the fraternity colors (Old Gold and Black) and served as the first
secretary of the original Alpha Chapter at Cornell University.
Question 14: Which Jewel was an educator and agriculturalist who helped establish Beta Chapter at
Howard University?
A. Nathaniel Allison Murray B. Eugene Kinckle Jones C. Henry Arthur Callis D. Charles Henry Chapman
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Nathaniel Allison Murray
Rationale: Nathaniel Allison Murray was an educator in Washington, D.C., and a key figure in the
expansion of Alpha Phi Alpha through his involvement in establishing Beta Chapter at Howard University.
Question 15: Which Jewel served as the first executive secretary of the National Urban League and
helped expand the fraternity's influence into urban social work?
A. Eugene Kinckle Jones B. Robert Harold Ogle C. Vertner Woodson Tandy D. George Biddle Kelley
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Eugene Kinckle Jones
Rationale: Eugene Kinckle Jones was a co-founder and the first executive secretary of the National Urban
League, bringing deep civic and organizational leadership to the fraternity.
Question 16: What was the primary purpose of the "social study clubs" established by the founders at
Cornell University prior to the official founding of Alpha Phi Alpha?
A. To prepare for military service in World War I B. To provide mutual academic support, social outlet,
and a protective brotherhood against racial isolation C. To raise funds for the construction of campus
housing for minority students D. To organize intercollegiate athletic competitions with Ivy League
institutions
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To provide mutual academic support, social outlet, and a protective
brotherhood against racial isolation
Rationale: The founding members initially gathered as a social study club to support one another
academically and socially in an overwhelmingly white and often hostile university environment, which
ultimately led to the formation of the fraternity.
Question 17: Which national program, established in 1922, encourages young men to pursue higher
education and career excellence?
A. Project Alpha B. Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College C. The MLK Jr. Memorial Project D. World AIDS Day
Initiative
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College
