Today we honor “Pioneer”: Brother John E. Payne- a civil rights activist for education, employment, and other work-related to minorities’ rights, he was the Precursor of Beta Theta Lambda Chapter and served as Chapter Secretary 1938-39. He clerked for Asa Spaulding, who was an insurance executive in Durham, N.C. during the earlier years of Durham’s Black Wall Street.  He was initiated into the Phi Lambda Chapter in 1928. Further information will be provided at a later date. This is your moment in Alpha History.

Today we honor “Pioneer”: Brother Dr. Charles L. Holmes-Professor of Political Science at North Carolina College.He was initiated into the Phi Lambda Chapter in 1929.

Today we honor “Pioneer”: Brother William J. Walker- was an instructor at North Carolina College for business methods (he replaced Brother C. T. Willis after his sudden death in 1954) and was a manager for the Southern Fidelity Mutual Insurance Company during the time of Black Wall Street in Durham (Parrish Street).  He was also on the Board of Directors of Mechanics and Farmers Bank. He was initiated in the Alpha Rho Chapter in 1930. Further information will be provided at a later date. This is your moment in Alpha History.

Today we honor “Pioneer”: Brother Dr. Lawrence Howland Knox, a noted Chemist known for his groundbreaking scientific brilliance and was one of only 30 African Americans to receive a Ph.D. degree in all branches of chemistry in 1916. He was a charter member of the Eta Lambda Chapter in 1920.  Brother Knox (b. 1906) received a B.S. from Bates College in 1928, where he participated in numerous extracurriculars, member of the Jordan Scientific Society, and lettered football as a right halfback. After graduation, he began teaching chemistry at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. After teaching at Morehouse for two years, Brother Knox attended Stanford and attained his M.S. degree in 1931.  After receiving his master’s degree, Knox…

Today we honor “Pioneer”:  Brother Dr. Carroll T. Willis was a noted educator and chair of the Department of Commerce from 1920-1955. He developed, planned, and structured the business education and commerce department at NCCU. He graduated from Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (now Hampton University) in 1919 and further his studies at Columbia University. He was initiated in the Eta Chapter at Columbia University (year unknown).  Carroll T. Willis Commerce Building (1956) was named in his honor for his service and chair of the Department of Commerce (1920-1955). The building was renovated in 1980 and currently houses the School of Business. However, in 2021, North Carolina Central University broke ground…

Today we honor “Pioneer”: Bro. James T. Taylor, a noted educator and community leader, holds the distinction of serving as the first President of the Beta Theta Lambda Chapter. He was initiated in the Phi Lambda Chapter in 1927.  He received his baccalaureate degree in 1921 when NCC served both high school and college-level students. Brother Taylor had previously served as a first lieutenant in the Army in World War I. He was a former principal of the Pine Street School in Hamlet. Brother Taylor received his M.A. degree from Ohio State University and LL.D. degree from NCC. In 1926 James Taylor took a position as Professor of Psychology at North Carolina…

Today we honor “Pioneer”: Brother James Morse Schooler, Sr., a noted educator, administrator, and was designated the “Dean of ANCA”. Brother Schooler was initiated into Xi Chapter in 1927 at Wilberforce University. He graduated from Wittenberg College (majored in English) in Springfield, OH in 1927. He received an M.A. Degree from North Carolina College (NCCU) in 1950. He entered the field of education as a Science Teacher at Hillside High School from 1929-1940. He became Assistant Principal at Hillside High from 1935-1940; Principal at Lyon Park Elementary from 1940-1949; Principal at Whitted Elementary School from 1949-1955; Principal at Whitted Junior High School from 1955-1964; Principal at Shepard Junior High School…