INTRODUCTION

Celebrating 50 years of extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication, we invite you to honor the remarkable legacy of our 31st General President, Harry E. Johnson, Sr. in Houston, TX. Join us for a memorable weekend dedicated to celebrating his profound impact on Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and his distinguished career in public service.

31ST GENERAL PRESIDENT

Harry E. Johnson, Sr.

Harry E. Johnson, Sr. heads The Memorial Foundation; this foundation will continue to promote awareness of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and its tenets of Democracy, Justice, Hope and Love as well as to support the general upkeep of the Memorial in future years.Johnson led the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation as President and CEO from 2002 until 2013.

The President of the United States and the U.S. Congress charged the MLK Foundation with erecting a memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Under Johnson’s leadership, the MLK Memorial Foundation raised $127 million to complete the memorial.

The memorial dedication was held on October 16, 2011, with the President, Vice President, members of the cabinet, congressional members and others in attendance.

Johnson is a career lawyer, entrepreneur and public servant. From 2001 to 2004, he served as National President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the fraternity to which Dr. King belonged. Johnson has served as City Attorney for Kendelton, Texas, taught at Texas Southern University in the Thurgood Marshall School of Law and School of Public Affairs.

Johnson has dedicated his time to community groups and issues, such as voter registration, blood donations, HIV/AIDS, Boy Scouts of America and Big Brothers. He serves on the AARP Foundation Board, The National Urban League Board and The March of Dimes Board.Johnson received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Southern University where he was a member of the Thurgood Marshall Student Bar Association. He completed Post Baccalaureate work in Public Administration at St. Louis University and received his Bachelor of Arts from Xavier University of Louisiana.

Johnson has received a number of recognitions for his public service and was named in Ebony Magazine’s “100 Most Influential Black Americans” 2001 through 2004.

Schedule of Events

Welcome to Houston Reception w/ Fireside Chat

The Ensemble Theatre
3535 Main St. Houston, TX 77002

The Ensemble Theatre stands as the region’s premier stage dedicated to telling the richness of the African American experience. Against this backdrop, guests will gather for an unforgettable evening of dialogue and fellowship.

The evening will feature a candid Fireside Chat with the General President alongside Past General Presidents-an inspiring exchange of vision, leadership, and lived history. Distinguished dignitaries will be in attendance, adding prestige and perspective to this rare convening of voices.

Following the conversation, the Welcome to Houston Reception invites meaningful connection among leaders, changemakers, and community builders. To mark the occasion, the General President and Past General Presidents will host a special book signing, offering guests the opportunity to take home a personal keepsake of this historic evening.

Golden Anniversary Scholarship Luncheon

The Thompson Hotel, Vesper Ballroom
1717 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019

This milestone luncheon is a moment to honor both legacy and leadership­ celebrating the extraordinary life and impact of Harry E. Johnson, Sr. and his 50 years of service to and leadership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The program will convene an extraordinary assembly of media personalities, Congressional members, business titans, distinguished clergy, college presidents, and beloved family. Together, they will reflect on the fraternity’s enduring mission and Johnson’s pivotal role in advancing it over five decades.

A highlight of the program will be a moving tribute delivered by Past General President Herman “Skip” Mason.

The luncheon will serve not only as a commemoration of the fraternity’s storied past but also as a resounding affirmation of its future-rooted in Johnson’s vision and strengthened by the next generation of leaders.

Guests will experience this celebration at The Thompson Hotel, Houston’s newest luxury retreat-featuring a rooftop pool, world-class dining, and unmatched views just steps from downtown.

A GRAND WELCOME: ACCOMMODATIONS

Thompson Hotel
1717 Allen Pkwy
Houston, TX 77019

For your convenience we are pleased to offer discounted room rates for attendees:

Standard King | Double:

$349.00

per night

This rate is applicable from Friday, October 24th-Sunday, October 26,2025. Reservations must be secured by September 26, 2025 in order to receive this rate. 

– Destination Fee –

The Resort or Destination fee for guest rooms is $35.00 (per room per day plus applicable tax) and provides for an enhanced stay experience for guests, which currently includes: 

– Complimentary Electric Car Service (drop off within a 3-mile radius, powered by BMW; based on first come, first serve) 
– Access to EoS Fitness (34K Sq. Ft. wellness facility located adjacent to the Hotel) 
– Guest Floor Hydration Stations with keepsake refillable and sustainable branded water bottle; fresh fruit and periodicals included

– Access to all Thompson Spa Wellness programming for hotel guests 
– Day use of Thompson Bicycles (Based on Availability) 
– 10% Off Spa Treatments and Retail Purchases at Thompson Spa 
– Preferred Pricing on helicopter transfer services to/from local airports, directly from Thompson Houston heliport (24-hour advance notice required)
– Premium Guest Internet Local and Long-Distance Calls 
– Preferred Outdoor Pool Cabana access 

For Tables, Sponsorship, and Event Inquiries:

SPONSORED BY

Rodney Welch, Regional Vice President

Walter Reed, Zeb Nash and James R. Hamilton

Darryl Jones

Carlton Charles, Gregory Phillips and Thomas Watson

Dr. Ralph D. West, Pastor

Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff, Pastor

Dr. Fredrick Haynes, Pastor

Dr. Byron Stevenson, Pastor

Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, Pastor

Dr. Remus E. Wright, Sr. Pastor Dr. Mia K. Wright, Co-Pastor