Alpha Phi Alpha makes Toledo news
 

Not necessarily a positive story, but thought you guys might want to be aware nonetheless.

Background info before the article: There was a multistate child prostitution ring that the FBI recently broke up, which had strong origins in the Toledo area. If interested, you can read a series of articles in the Toledo Blade entitled "Lost Youth" investigating the issue of teen prostitution and the ring that was busted here: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...EWS03/70131010



Now to the current article...apparently one of the players in the teen prostitution ring provided escorts (at least one of whom was only 16) for the Alpha Phi Alpha 100th anniversary convention. He pleaded guilty yesterday in US District Court to 5 felony counts stemming from that event. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs...WS03/707030358

I think it is important that folx understand that the officials of Alpha Phi Alpha were not aware of this. And that this same person has provided this "service" to members of other orgs as well.

I just received this information and stared sharing it with a select few. I just don't know what to say!

NW ohio has never been greek friendly in the news. 'bout the only time there is a positive spin up here is when we have some kind of dance marathon, and even then, the university gets all the credit and not the majority greek steering committee. it sucks.

don't even get me started on the toledo escort drama of the last year though. seriously.

STATEMENT ON THE TOLEDO PROSTITUTION RING

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has recently become aware through news reports of a criminal act for which we have no connection. Kevin Murphy, a resident of Toledo, Ohio and not a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, has been accused of and plead guilty to providing prostitutes to persons in and around the area where our Centennial Convention was being conducted in 2006. Beside their illegality these activities are despicable. Under no circumstances does Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. condone this behavior. The reporting of these facts along with the alleged links to the fraternity suggests irresponsible journalism. There was no basis (legal nor factual) on which to impugn the reputation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and its stellar record of service for over one hundred years. The acts complained of are criminal. The fraternity will cooperate with the law enforcement authorities in their investigation and if any member is found to have violated the law by participating in such activities they will be disciplined.

For over a century Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated has been an organization that develops leaders, promotes academic excellence and illuminates the importance of social responsibility.


Submitted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated



# # # #


Founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has continued to supply voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community's fight for civil rights, through Alpha men such as Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, and Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. The fraternity through its college and alumni chapters serves the community through nearly a thousand chapters in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean. To learn more visit www.apa1906.net.



Media Contact: Monica Wood│MWPR, Inc.
704-430-6300 mwood@mwprinc.com

Thanks frat!

Yes, the inference that the APhiA leadership had knowledge of the goings in this case is wrong, but--let's get real!--this is usual fare for fraternity conventions. There's usually a local "hook up" and those who patronize these type of things get the info. Leaders may not know of the particulars but they know this stuff goes on. In some cases, in my experience, they insulate themselves from the accusations by making sure that those around them aren't invoved in these activities. This "shadow side" of Greek life is real.

Oh, I think we all know this. :(

/hijack

I have continually been impressed with the Alpha press releases of late. They have been timely and well written. Kudos to your General President and your PR department.

/hijack

I love when people use less-than-common words!!!

Thank you!!!! I intended to post this information.

"06"

I am upset that this article even came out and I think that our fraternity needs to take legal action against this paper.

I believe energy and resources would be better spent reaffirming our respect for womanhood at conventions and throughout the year.