Thursday, February 05, 2009
"The selection of former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele as chairman of the Republican National Committee is yet another milestone in the long journey for freedom and justice in America. What’s more, he was not the only African-American candidate for the post; former Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell offered his name too.
"This selection by Republican after a majority of Americans elected Barack Obama as the nation’s first African-American president stands as an example to all Americans; especially African Americans that the dream of our Alpha Brother Martin Luther King, Jr. continues to become a reality.
"On behalf of the thousands of men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the country’s oldest African-American Collegiate Greek-lettered fraternity, I offer congratulations to Chairman Steele in becoming the first African American to head the RNC.
"Our fraternity is proud to have among its ranks Democrats, Republicans and Independents. We recognize the historical significance of Mr. Steele’s election in the history books and celebrate with America and the world the spirit of change that continues to permeate the fabric of our society and culture.
"Alpha Phi Alpha has always been at the forefront of national and world issues affecting human kind supplying voice and vision to concerns of those who often have no voice and are rarely seen. We stand ready to continue to help influence the change in which we seek through our various initiatives and partnerships that serve to directly address the issues of education, health, and civic and social justice.
"Again, we congratulate Chairman Steele and wish him much success."
