Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. the first intercollegiate Greek - letter fraternity, founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven phenomenal collegiate men known as the Jewels, whom that committed towards an initiative that organized a brotherhood among African descendants. The fraternity initially served as a study and support group for black students who battled racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. The Jewel founders and early leaders of the fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the upliftment of humanity.