On Tuesday, December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, Alpha Phi Alpha became the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity in the United States established for men of African descent. This vision, deeply rooted in the spirit of the Niagara Movement led by Bro. W.E.B. Dubois, came to life by the hands of seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood between African Americans. These visionary founders are respectfully known as the "Jewels" of the Fraternity. These men were no ordinary achievers, given racial attitudes in 1906, their accomplishments were monumental.