In January 2016, the Midwestern Regional Vice President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated established the Regional Historical Commission. The commission shall consist of nine Fraternal members: three commission co-chairman, three alumni brothers and three college brothers from across the spectrum of the Midwestern Region. The Commission is charged with identifying information of historical significance as it relates to the geographical location of the Regional conventions. The commission’s success is measured by the value added to the existing processes of illustrating, showcasing and safekeeping the rich heritage of the Fraternity.

MISSION

The Mission of the Midwestern Regional Historical Commission is to unite the members of the Midwestern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated to its past by locating, packaging, sharing and preserving historical facts and important information about the Fraternity.

VISION

Informing and Enlightening the members of the Midwestern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated through fostering an understanding and appreciation of the Fraternity’s history in the locations of the Regional Conventions and beyond.

HISTORICAL COMMISSION FUNCTIONS

  • Public Affairs (Alumni): Formally transmit information from the commission to the Regional leadership, the historical host location and the brothers of the Midwestern Region
  • Socialization and Dissemination (College): Solicit ideas and suggestions from the members of the Midwestern Region to advance the commission’s efforts. Capture meeting minutes review and edit commission reports
  • Innovation and Design (College): Establish and execute creative and innovative methods of exchanging information between museums and libraries to the historical commission
  • Research and Development (Alumni): Examine and explore methods of acquiring historical information. Establish relations with historic organizations which may possess information to contribute to the commission’s effort
  • Archive and Information gathering (Alumni or College): Create or designate a depository that archives the historical artifacts and information of the Fraternity that resides in the Midwestern Region
  • Resource and Production (Alumni or College): Create, collect and compile a resource and production list from Regional leaders and host chapter’s Historians needed to support displays and presentations. Request timely reimbursements from the conventions committee

PRIORITIZED INTIATIVES

  1. Identify and archive significant occurrences, fraternal facts, and key contributions of Alpha Phi Alpha members in the Midwestern Region into a comprehensive History Book 
  2. Identify and exhibit the traditional and modern history of the Fraternity that occurred in the geographical locations of the Midwestern Region Conventions
  3. Expand the historical baseline and promote historical involvement of the members in the Midwestern Region by determining existing needs at the Midwestern Regional conventions
  4. Create an Historical Marker program to illustrate the significant contributions of Alpha Phi Alpha in the Midwestern Regional Convention cities
  5. Provide an historical keepsake to all members attending the Midwestern Regional annual conventions
  6. Develop cooperative alliances among the Midwestern Region Historical Commission, the Chambers of Commerce and City Tourism offices in the regional convention cities
  7. Locate and secure historical preservation grants and endowments