Final answer:
Alpha Phi Alpha became a service organization that, alongside other African American groups, actively participated in the fight for civil rights during the World Wars and the Civil Rights Movement. Leadership from these fraternities, including prominent members, helped push for equality and social justice through advocacy and legal changes such as Executive Order 8802.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alpha Phi Alpha evolved into a primarily service organization and provided leadership and service during a critical period encompassing both World Wars and the Civil Rights Movement. Members of Alpha Phi Alpha, along with other prominent African American organizations such as the NAACP and NUL, played significant roles in advocating for civil rights and seeking to end racial injustices and segregation. During the World War II era, African American leadership, including civil rights activists and organizations, pushed for societal changes, leading to important milestones like Executive Order 8802 and the Fair Employment Practice Committee (FEPC), which aimed to combat employment discrimination in war-related industries.
Furthermore, members of Alpha Phi Alpha and other Greek-letter organizations from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), such as Howard University's Alpha Kappa Alpha, have included influential individuals like Hurst Adams, Jesse Owens, and Duke Ellington. These organizations are part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which oversees the joint efforts of nine international Greek fraternities and sororities. The contributions of these fraternities and sororities extend beyond mere companionship; their members have been instrumental in advocating for equal rights and social change, especially during the tumultuous times of the wars.