Congressman Fattah (D-PA) will recognize the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for its success in erecting the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Monument.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 800 members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and their guest will gather on Capitol Hill this weekend to receive recognition for their diligence in securing a place on the Mall for a National Memorial for their frat brother and civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) will host the ceremony on the eve of the unveiling of King's Memorial for members of the Alpha's, of which he is a member. Almost 30 years ago, the nation's first African American fraternity established a foundation that led the fund-raising drive for the memorial. Over $114 million was collected for the monument to honor Dr. King who was also an Alpha.
"Without the dedication and determination of my frat brothers, without the millions donated by them and those who believe in Dr. King's dream, the King National Memorial would still only be an idea," said Fattah. "Instead, their dream, conceived almost 30 years ago, to honor 'the dreamer' is now a reality. It is proper and fitting to thank them for their efforts."
The Alpha Phi Alpha ceremony listed as part of the official weekend events will include remarks by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and King's only surviving daughter, Elder Bernice King.
Fattah said, "Dr. King has secured a place for all of us on the National Mall and in the heart of our nation. His legacy has improved the lives, and the life chances, of our entire country. He has made the world a better place. Dr. King's life is the foundation upon which this National Memorial is built."
WHO: Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA)
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
Elder Bernice King - Daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Alpha Phi Alpha Members of the U.S. House of Representatives
WHAT: Ceremony Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognizing the work of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in erecting the National Memorial for the civil rights leader.
WHEN: Saturday, August 27, 2011
4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Cannon House Office Building - Room #345
Independence and New Jersey Ave SE
Capitol Hill
Washington, DC 20515
www.house.gov/fattah
SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah
