“Without this particular sacrifice on your part and on my part, the fraternity may never have an account of its life and history. Unfortunately, this is one of the common neglects of the Negro group in America, the disregard for our past. Let it not be for those who have seen the light." Charles H. Wesley, c. 1927

THE TALENTED TENTH: THE FOUNDERS AND PRESIDENTS OF ALPHA By Rev. Herman "Skip" Mason, Jr. In the fall of 1906, seven unique AFRICAN-AMERICAN men found themselves on campus Of Cornell University laying the foundation for the first AFRICAN-AMERICAN fraternity for College men. Who were these men? Where did they come from? What did they do after Cornell? What were their thoughts and beliefs on the fraternity that they created? Now for the first time in print, brothers may experience through text and photographs the Jewels phenomenal careers, family histories, speeches and letters. In addition, for the first time collectively, the biographies of the 30 men who served as General President are also included.  Over 100 photographic images (many never before seen photos of the Jewels and their families), documents and an extensive bibliography are presented in this volume every member of the fraternity should add to his collection. Written and edited by Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., the former National Archivist for the fraternity.