In the Fraternity’s early development, the dove, torch in hands, fasces, and the Sphinx were the chosen symbols to represent our dear Fraternity. On January 13, 1911, the Kappa Chapter was chartered at Ohio State University which was developed from the Omusu Society (a social literary club whose name was a combination of the schools), which comprised students from OSU and medical colleges after a letter of interest was sent. Charter members listed: Brothers: James A. Dunn, Clarence A. Jones, L.H. Hathcock, C.P. Lyman. Fred Holsey, J.C. Kingslow, and W.O. Stokes. The Kappa Chapter’s impact was immediate. In December 1911, during the 4th Annual Convention hosted by the Epsilon Chapter in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the…

In 1905, the year before the formation of our fraternity, racial segregation and the notion of separate but equal doctrine were conveyed during the US Supreme Court’s decision in 1896, the Plessy v. Ferguson decision. In July 1905, Dr. W.E.B. Dubois (Later initiated in the Epsilon Chapter, Univ of Michigan 1909), then a professor at Atlanta University, and William M. Trotter, founder of the activist newspaper the Boston Guardian, called forth a select group of Black men in Niagara Falls, in Ontario, Canada to denounce Booker T. Washington’s views during his 1895 Atlanta Compromisespeech. In this except, Washington declared, “Our greatest danger is that in the great leap from slavery to…

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…

Today we honor “Pioneer”: Brother Dr. Robert P. Randolph served as Student Health Services Director and University Physician at North Carolina College from 1957 to 1966. He was initiated in the Gamma Chapter in 1928.  While at Virginia Union, the 15th General President Brother Dr. Rayford W. Logan was also associated with the chapter when he was a Professor during this time. Before his appointment, Brother Randolph completed his internship at Lincoln Hospital in 1935 and later joined the staff. He was one of the earliest African American physicians in Durham, where he concentrated exclusively on internal medicine. It was noted that “he was respected widely for his thorough approach to…