Va. Gov., Black Fraternity to Meet Over Confederate History Month Flap: 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. McDonnell honored several recipients of statewide community-service awards at Thursday night's event.
Chapter President William B. Morris III said Friday that fraternity members were honored to be among the winners of the Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards for their work as mentors of underprivileged middle-school students. But he says they respectfully chose to sit out the ceremony because McDonnell's decision to honor a cause that harmed Black people is insulting and improper.
