Atophi Fraternity

Atophi Fraternity Jacket

Atophi Fraternity (founded 2 November 1988) is the first and only dual high school and college fraternity in the world. It was founded by a group of 4-5 teenagers led by Tony Dphax King at West Philadelphia High School. The fraternity was established after the students were inspired by watching college step-dance performances shown by their Social Studies teacher, Bro. Skief. Despite being in high school, they aspired to create a brotherhood similar to what they saw in the videos. Atophi's first university chapter was established at Temple University in 1990, with the help of Orloff Phillips (from Bethlehem, Pa) and a few others. In the spring of 1991, Damon Morgan made a valiant effort to start a chapter at East Stroudsburg University but faced many hurdles. The fraternity was officially registered in the U.S. Library of Congress on April 29, 2023.

Atophi was Originally known as Alpha Tau Omega Phi. But the acronym Atophi was preferred to prevent confusion with “ATO'' founded in 1865. Atophi has no affiliation with any national fraternity.

Background And History

West Philadelphia High School (Old building)

In 1988, popular songs such as "One More Try" by George Michael, "Heaven Help Me" by Deon Estus, "I'll Always Love You" by Taylor Dayne, "Waiting for a Star To Fall" by Boy Meets Girl, and "Shattered Dreams" by Johnny Hates Jazz, R&B hit just because by Anita Baker dominated the U.S Billboard pop Charts. Simultaneously, a new genre of music emerged on college campuses nationwide, featuring hits like "I'll House You" by Jungle Brothers, "Break For Love" by RAZE, "Respect" by Adeva, "Big Fun" by Inner City, and "This is Acid" by Maurice Joshua and the smash hit Atomic Slide by Fierce Ruling Diva exploded in to the 90s. This music, along with other notable tracks, provided the backdrop for the Golden Age of Black Greek-Lettered Fraternities and Sororities (BGLOs).

In addition to the music, the popular television show "A Different World" (1987-1993) and the release of the hit movie "School Daze" further fueled the interest and excitement surrounding Black fraternities and sororities. In the mean time Tony Dphax King was transferred to West Philadelphia High School in June 1988 due to hostilities and violence at other high schools because of his appearances on two nationally syndicated dance shows (Dancin’ On Air & Dance Party USA).

In September 1988, a controversial Social Studies teacher named Bro.John D. Skief at West Philadelphia High School, caused a stir by showing his students a video tape he had filmed during the summer of 1988, showcasing college step-dance performances at Jones Beach. The students, including Tony Dphax King, were required to enter the classroom silently and refrain from talking while the video played. This introduction exposed the students to the world of Black fraternity and sorority student life.

Inspired by what they saw in the videos, Tony Dphax King and a small group of students with nicknames like "Blaze" and "Taboo Miller" aspired to create their own "brotherhood" experience. However, they encountered a hurdle as they were still high school students rather than college attendees. On November 2, 1988, in the school's auditorium, Tony Dphax King and his fellow students made the decision to establish their own fraternity. They approached the principal and were granted permission to proceed on the condition that they found a sponsor. "Bro. Skief", who also founded the Harambee Institute of Science & Technology, volunteered to be their sponsor, providing them with access to his classroom. The group gathered daily after school, engaging in discussions, debates, laughter, planning, and nurturing their dreams.

Thus began the inception of Atophi Fraternity, which eventually became the world's first and only dual high school and college fraternity. The founding members were driven by their desire to create a brotherhood akin to what they had witnessed in the videos and experienced within Black Greek-Lettered Organizations.

Local & National Programs

Tony Dphax King
Known for	Founder of Atophi Fraternity

Writing played a pivotal role in the achievements of Tony Dphax King and several early members of Atophi Fraternity, as it significantly contributed to their acceptance into universities. Notably, King initially faced rejection and had to participate in a summer college preparatory program in western Pennsylvania. However, just before the conclusion of the program, King's mother contacted him on Friday, seeking permission to open a letter from Temple University. The contents of the letter revealed an invitation for King to report to Temple University's Main Campus on Monday morning. Taking swift action, King's mother promptly arrived, packed up the car, and drove back to Philadelphia, enabling King to enroll as a student at Temple University on Monday.

The decisive factor in King's acceptance was an essay he composed, highlighting his experiences with Atophi while attending West Philadelphia High. This essay left a profound impression on the Admissions Office, ultimately influencing their decision to admit him. As a result, writing holds great significance within Atophi Fraternity, evident through their Annual 2,000 Word Cash Essay Contest, which stands as their primary local program. This contest not only underscores the importance of effective writing but also serves as a platform for members to express their perspectives and experiences through essays.

Membership

Atophi Fraternity values quality over quantity in its membership. During the membership development process, prospective high school or college candidates acquire knowledge about Atophi's history, objectives, and the importance of cultivating lifelong bonds and relationships for ongoing support. A new Pledge Manual is currently being prepared, as the original manual and other historical materials were lost in a storage dispute. Tony Dphax King fought a legal battle and was awarded a judgment of $80,000. Unfortunately, an unfair judge in Philadelphia's Court of Common Pleas deprived the organization of this judgment. Atophi traditionally prioritizes member quality over quantity. King often joked that he was Steve Rubell and likened Atophi Fraternity to the renowned "Studio 54" of Black Greek-Lettered Organizations.

Chapters

Early Atophi members, an image from WPHS Year Book

As of 2023, Atophi has evolved into a city-wide fraternity with a local presence. While Atophi warmly welcomes males from high schools and colleges across the city, its core focus remains on West Philadelphia High School and Temple University. These two institutions hold special significance for Atophi, serving as foundational pillars for the fraternity's activities, engagement, and recruitment efforts. Atophi strives to maintain a strong connection with the student body of West Philadelphia High School and Temple University, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support within these educational communities.

Black College Greek Movement

Although Atophi welcomes individuals of other races and ethnicities, it is considered a Black Greek-Lettered Organization (BGLO).

Symbols

The official colors of Atophi Fraternity are green, gold, white, and black. The fraternity's symbols include six emeralds, double swords of love, broken boots, an opened book, an interracial handshake, and a masonry brick. Each symbol represents different aspects of the fraternity's values and mission.