Black fraternity declines to attend ceremony in response to Va. Confederate Month declaration

Va. gov’s office, black fraternity members to meet

RICHMOND, Va. — Members of a black fraternity at the College of William and Mary plan to meet with Gov. Bob McDonnell to discuss the contentious issue of Confederate History Month.

The Williamsburg college’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter cited McDonnell’s proclamation that April is Confederate History Month in declining to attend an awards ceremony Thursday. McDonnell honored several recipients of statewide community-service awards at the ceremony.

Chapter President William B. Morris III said Friday that fraternity members were honored to be among the winners. But he says they respectfully chose to sit out the ceremony because honoring a cause that oppressed and enslaved black people is insulting and improper.

McDonnell said Friday that he understands the fraternity’s concerns, and his staff is working with Alpha Phi Alpha members to set up a meeting.