The founders of the nation's first black collegiate greek-letter
organization were no ordinary achievers. Given the racial attitudes in 1906, their
accomplishments were monumental. They were not fortunate to have the much needed
programs such as affirmative action or upward bound or such organizations as
the NAACP. Yet they set outstanding examples of scholarship, leadership, and
career success. The seven founders, affectionately called "Jewels" were:
- Jewel Henry Arthur Callis, who entered the field of medicine, and
who deserves the credit for working out the fraternity's name.
- Jewel Charles Henry Chapman, who became a professor at Florida A & M Univ.
- Jewel Eugene Knickle Jones, longtime Executive Secretary of the National Urban League,
one of the first initiates and co-writer of the preamble and constitution.
- Jewel George Biddle Kelley, who became the 1st Black registered engineer in
the state of NY, the first President of Alpha chapter, he co-wrote the Ritual
- Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray, who became a educator in Washington, DC and
devised the fraternity's grip
- Jewel Robert Harold Ogle, who worked for the US Senate committee of Apportions,
proposed the fraternity colors and co-wrote the Ritual
- Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy, who became the 1st Black registered architect in the State of NY,
with his office on Broadway, designer of the fraternity's pin and shingle. He was the first
black man to pass the military examination and receive a commission in the NY National Guard
Seven visionaries, whose dream, hard work and dedication has
inspired over 80,000 men to be "First of All, Servants of All, Transcending All.
It is their loyalty to the purpose of creating a fraternity, along with their belief
that literary efforts could co-exist in a organization in which all could
be more intimately associated, that we cherish.
