Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is comprised of undergraduate and graduate chapters. With the designation of the graduate chapter significance being “Lambda”, having afforded men beyond collegiate days to join the ranks of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. As Alpha began establish itself as the first Black Greek Lettered Fraternity on the collegiate level, undoubtedly from its first inception of the idea of a fraternity, was intended at the collegiate level. However, as the expansion of our fraternity began in the early years prior to any of our NPHC counterparts all of them were still in the dormant stage of development, Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. again holds the distinct recognition of establishing the first graduate chapter of the Black Greek Lettered Organization beyond collegiate ranks.
Many would ask why would Alpha Phi Alpha not only begin to establish graduate chapter but why in Louisville, KY. Well our beloved Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones, who not only was instrumental in establishing the first three collegiate chapters, holds also the distinct honor in establishing the first graduate chapter. The backdrop of this significance begins during the time that our beloved Jewel Jones was a resident in Louisville after accepting a position as an instructor at the State University in 1909. However, during the following year, he transferred to Central High as a general assistant, substituting in English classes, and even taught mechanical drawing, where he remained until April 1911. During this time despite work working at the high school, Jewel Jones assisted in establishing a club of young college men known as the “University Club”, who often met at the Western Branch Library to discuss current issues of that time. Those members of the “University Club were Messrs. J. T. Clark, William Peyton, W.P. Welch, Wilson Ballard, D.L. Lawson, Arthur Powell, Fenton Johnson, James Hubert, J.O. Blanton, and A.S. Brock. With the assistance Brother Richard Hill, a graduate of Fisk University, Jewel Jones established the first graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. on April 11, 1911.
But in the preceding of its founding, during the 3rd General Convention in 1910, establishing a graduate chapter was met with harsh criticism and debate as many Brothers felt that during this time, joining the ranks of Alpha Phi Alpha was at the collegiate level and young men were encouraged to join undergraduate chapters. However, after careful debate at the 4th Annual Convention, this infant group would become the Lambda Chapter since eight undergraduates’ chapters were in existence at that time, establishing graduate connections beyond collegiate ranks.
During the Fifth General Convention and First Alumni Reunion convened on December 26, 1912, with Kappa Chapter at Ohio State Univ. During the 3rd business session, a recommendation was proposed that the chapter in Louisville, KY should be known as the “Alpha Lambda Chapter” and all graduate chapters be designated similar to the undergraduate chapters, but with Lambda as a final letter. A motion by Jewel Kelly, seconded by Brother Dunn, adopted the recommendation. Thus, Alpha Lambda Chapter and the system for naming the graduate chapters were established.
This is your moment in Alpha History.
Fraternally Submitted
Brother Sean C. Hall,
Historian
© 2017 Sean Hall. This content may not be copied or reproduced without the express written permission from Brother Sean Hall.