Saturday, April 17, 2010

William and Mary Fraternity Snubs Governor Bob McDonnell

In yet another display of the fact that bigotry and lack of respect for all citizens can carry a price, the William and Mary chapter of the country's oldest black fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, was invited to Richmond Thursday night to receive the 2010 Governor's Community Service and Volunteerism Award, given by the Governor's Advisory Board on National and Community Service and Office of Volunteerism and Community Service. In a snub to Taliban Bob, the fraternity said no thank you and turned down an invitation to the Governor's mansion. McDonnell's recent proclaimation of April as "Confederate History Month" not surprisingly, did not sit well with the all black fraternity. Way to go Bob - generate yet more negative publicity for the state!! Three months into McDonnell's term, one has to wonder who the Hell is advising him? Pat Robertson, Victoria Cobb from The Family Foundation, Bozo the Clown, or members of the Klan? It has been one PR disaster after another. Here are some highlights from the Daily Press:
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Gov. Bob McDonnell's recent proclamation naming April Confederate History Month has prompted members of College of William and Mary's chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. to decline the governor's invitation to appear at the Governor's Mansion to accept an award.
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The university's chapter of the country's oldest black fraternity was invited to Richmond Thursday night to receive the 2010 Governor's Community Service and Volunteerism Award, given by the Governor's Advisory Board on National and Community Service and Office of Volunteerism and Community Service. The chapter was one of eight groups or individuals to be given the award, said William B. Morris III, president of the William and Mary's Alpha Phi Alpha chapter.
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Initially honored with the award, the organization's happiness quickly turned to outrage when the governor announced he was proclaiming April Confederate History Month. Noting the fraternity has had such notable members as Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall, the chapter decided they would accept the award, but would not attend the ceremony, Morris said.
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In a letter to the governor, the chapter said they would not be attending the awards ceremony because their organization stands for "social justice and advocacy for underrepresented and marginalized populations; populations that were taken advantage of by the Confederacy."

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