Reclaim. Restore. Revive.

The leadership of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in partnership with its non-profit, charitable affiliate, the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, Inc., recently created “THE JEWELS PROJECT” committee.  The goal of the committee and THE JEWELS PROJECT is to Reclaim, Restore, and Revive, historic sites in Ithaca, New York, that are a part of American History and were instrumental to the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha:  namely, 411 East State Street and 421 North Albany Street.  As you will recall from your history, 411 East State Street was the early meeting place of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and, 421 North Albany Street was the meeting place of the social study club, a precursor to the Fraternity.  Both homes provided rare lodging, sanctuary, and social support for our Jewel Founders and other African-American students attending Cornell University in the early 1900’s.
 
Time is short to act to acquire these historic landmarks.  Although the original 411 East State Street residence was torn down long ago, the current owner of the site has graciously agreed to give us the property free of charge to rebuild the original facade.  Additionally, we are engaged in productive discussions with the current owner of 421 North Albany Street to sell us that property so that we can restore the rapidly deteriorating property to its original condition.  But, we need your help to acquire these historic sites and take control of our own legacy.
 
You can help preserve these historic landmarks through your generous contributions to “THE JEWELS PROJECT.”  We estimate that the cost of acquiring, rebuilding, and maintaining these properties to be approximately $2 million.  We plan to raise these funds both from within the Fraternity and outside sources as well.  Brothers, we need your help.  Also, we cannot expect others to support this project if we do not demonstrate our support first.  Please lend your support by donating to THE JEWELS PROJECT.