The History of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek – Letter fraternity established for African American Men, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice both educationally and socially at Cornell. The Jewel founders and early leaders of the fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character and the uplifting of humanity. Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights through leaders such as W.E.B DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King Jr, Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul Robeson, and many others.
SZL Education Fund History
The SZL Education Fund was founded by several Brothers of the Sigma Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. These Brothers in 2015, identified a need to support African American youth in Morris County by providing scholarship funds, mentoring and leadership programs for students in this community.
Sigma Zeta Lambda History
In 2011 a small group of brothers had a conversation during a social event that ignited an effort to seek and ultimately gain approval for a provisional charter. Over a period of 18 months the small core group grew into a cohesive team of 12 committed men dedicated to making a meaningful and consistent impact on the Fraternity and Morristown community. In June 2013, Sigma Zeta Lambda was granted its provisional charter and subsequently received its official charter in August 2015, at the General Convention in Charlotte NC.
Charter officers and members included the following Brothers:
1. President -Kelly Wilson III
2. Vice President –Todd Easley
3. Treasurer –Alfred J. Lee
4. Parliamentarian –Dan Solomon Smith, Esq
5. Secretary –Douglas Bush III
6. Sgt of Arms –Samuel Baker
7. Editor to The Sphinx – Zachary Hawkins
8. Intake -Daniel N. Akwei
9. Education -Leonard Posey
10. Travell Summerville
11. Cheyenne Fulmore
12. Quinzell McKenzie
