Jewels: The Story of the Founding of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Second Edition) This novel is based on the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha as told by each of the 7 Jewels. They meet one another for the first time. They plan, argue, laugh, and go through all that they went through in 1905 and 1906. This book also contains The Alpha Hashtag History Project. At the top of each page, there is a hashtag which you can search for on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The hashtags are facts about individual chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity that most people probably don't know. The Founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. achieved extraordinary accomplishments with ordinary means. This book, Jewels, an historical account of their heroic efforts, in the face of insurmountable odds, is one that should not only be required reading for all young men who wish to cross the burning sands of our beloved Fraternity, but for anyone desirous of leaving a mark in this world that can never be erased. --Marc H. Morial - President and CEO National Urban League I applaud Brother Gourdine s efforts to keep the spirit and legacy of Alpha Phi Alpha alive as we reflect upon 100 years of this great organization s tireless work to supply a voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world. I was once told by a great Alpha man, If you can t be number one, be ahead of who is ever number two. This has always been symbolic to me of what an Alpha man should always stand for. --Kwame M. Kilpatrick - Mayor - City of Detroit As Alpha Phi Alpha celebrates 100 years of love and service to all mankind, the time has come for our story to be told in a new and compelling way. Brother Gourdine s ability to encapsulate the unparalleled efforts of our beloved founding fathers, in this epic narrative, Jewels, leave no doubt about their contributions made and the legacy left for all of us to endure. Thank God for seven Black men who were so strong who epitomized the essence of our Fraternity! --Harry E. Johnson, Sr., Esq. - 31st General President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Darrius Jerome Gourdine is a 1990 initiate of Beta chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He is a 1992 graduate of Howard University and co-owner of the Washington, D.C. based graphic design firm, Artisan Blue. Darrius writing credits include the groundbreaking internet based soap opera, As the Sands Burn (ATSB) (August 1998), the longest running online soap opera on the internet. ATBS storyline is based on Black college life and the Black Greek experience. BET.com featured As the Sands Burn from May 2000 to May 2003. The overwhelming response of the ATSB readership spawned, a spin off web based soap opera, Beyond the Burning Sands (May 2003). Both online soap operas have a solid fan base of more than 100,000 weekly viewers. Broadening his writing talent, Mr. Gourdine collaborated with other writers and producers over the next couple of years. He served as ghost writer for Minister Kevin Williams book, From the Hood to the Hill: The NeXt Generation in 2004, and lead writer of the Gospel situation comedy, So How Ya Livin Now (premiere May 2005). Additional writing projects include My Passion, My People, My Pen: a collection of poetry, and Carrying the Cross on Campus, a Christian documentary. In April 2006, Darrius began a new online writing venture. He was approached to create and write The Saved and The Restless , an online Christian based soap opera produced by ChristianHangSuite.com. The fan base continues to grow worldwide. Jewels: The Story of the Founding of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (June 2006) is Mr. Gourdine s most current literary work. The book is being published and distributed through Artisan House, a subsidiary of Artisan Blue. Lastly, but certainly not least, Mr. Gourdine is a motivational speaker and founder of Darrius Jerome Gourdine MENistries, (August 2006) www.TheMENistry.com, a ministry geared toward the strengthening of the family through the character development of young men. Darrius is a member of Eva