Servants of All

 

  

Even with heavy hearts that are saddened by the devastation of last week’s tornado, we are so grateful for the Brothers for showing what it means to be a servant of all. After the storms ravished the City of St. Louis, the men of our Chapter have been in full force showing up to be of service to the community. Donations have been given, trees have been cleared, prayers have been offered, and countless other acts of generosity have been shown. Our prayers and actions continue to be with those affected by the tornado, both inside and outside of the Brotherhood.

40 Under 40: Gamma Class

 

                        

Bro. Marcel Scaife

Bro. Curtis T. Haynes

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s Gamma (2nd) Class of its 40 Under 40 has been released. The recognition awards Brothers under 40 years of age who have achieved fraternal and professional success, as well as made significant contributions in their respective fields of industry. And once again, the Epsilon Lambda Chapter has two Brothers who have been recognized. Congratulations are in order for Brothers Marcel Scaife and Curtis T. Haynes! Bro. Scaife is a Strategist at the Missouri Foundation for Health. Bro. Haynes is a Civil Defense Attorney in the City Counselor’s Office for the City of St. Louis.

We Welcome Our Spring 25 Initiates to The House

Top Row (from left to right): Bro. Smith, Bro.Saint-Louis, Bro.Arnold,

Bro. Cooper, Bro. Luckett, Bro. Singleton, Bro. Chunn

Front Row (from left to right): Bro. George L. May (Chapter Sergeant at Arms),

Bro. Dr. Brian Gant (Chapter Vice-President), Bro. Ken Nutt (Chapter President),

Bro. J.C. Crane, Bro. Addam Jones (Chapter Treasurer) 

This past Saturday evening, 7 distinguished men were presented to the world as members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. - Epsilon Lambda Chapter. The work that they have already done in their career fields and in the community is immensely impressive, so we are extremely excited to see the impact that they will have as Alpha Men. There are a lot of people who supported this journey, but we first have to thank Bro. J.C. Crane (Chapter Dean of Membership) for leading the charge. We are also grateful for the efforts of Bro. DeVonte Brown, who coordinated a magnificent Neophyte Presentation.

Welcome A.S. 7 Sons of Khonsu!

1. Steven Smith (PHamous)

2. Bellande Saint-Louis (GodPHather)

3. Damon Arnold (PHlash)

4. Calvin Cooper Jr. (Top Gun)

5. Chris Luckett (PHerocious)

6. Isaac Singleton Jr. (PHoenix)

7. Reid Chunn (Eins7ein)

2025 MLK Celebration

It’s always an honor to be able to commemorate the life of our dear brother, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year's theme was "We're in it together!" On January 18th, the MLK Educational Institute was held at Centennial Christian Church in the Fountain Park neighborhood. A variety of speakers and panelists educated and spoke to the importance of advocacy.

    

Bro. Dr. Miller Boyd III addressing the audience.

Bro. Jerome Carroll speaking to event attendees.

Men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. - Epsilon Lambda Chapter in attendance.

The celebration culminated with a service project on January 25th for MLK Day of Service. Paper towels, toilet paper, and other toiletries were collected and donated to the families at DOORWAYS. The brotherhood is honored to continue the legacy of our good brother.

2024 Founders Weekend

A great time was had by all as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. - Epsilon Lambda Chapter hosted a weekend of events in celebration of the fraternity’s Founders Day. On Saturday, youth from across the metro area participated in a Project Alpha event. The day was filled with education on topics such as healthy relationships, decision-making, and goal-setting. Then Saturday night, Brothers and plenty of others partied the night away at the Black Ice Party.

Bro. Kevin Maxwell & Bro. Anthony Scott at the Black Ice Party

And to close out the weekend, the chapter celebrated and highlighted all that had been accomplished in 2024 at the Black and Gold Ball. Awardees from the Black and Gold Ball included:

Collegiate Brother of the Year: Bro. Gerald Burton William M. Alexander Leadership-Service Award: Bro. Lathon Ferguson John D. Buckner Citizen of the Year: Felicia Mitchell-Hampton Epsilon Lambda Man of the Year: Bro. Dr. Brian Gant Daniel W. Bowles Service Award: Bro. Abdul-Kaba Abdullah

                  Pictured from left to right: Bro. Georin LaGrant (for Bro. Burton), Bro. Ferguson,

            Felicia Mitchell-Hampton, Bro. Dr. Gant, Bro. Abdullah, Bro. Ken Nutt (Chapter President)

Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. - Epsilon Lambda Chapter in attendance.

A Voteless People is a Hopeless People on My St. Louis Live!

Just ahead of the November elections, Brothers Darryl Bills (Chairman, Midwestern Region A Voteless People Is A Hopeless People) and Terry Wilson (Chairman, Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s A Voteless People is a Hopeless People) sat down with Damon Arnold of KMOV News 4’s My St. Louis Live! to discuss the importance of voting.

Click here to view the segment on KMOV's News 4's website.

14th Annual Hyde Park Spooktacular

 

Members of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter participating in the Spooktacular.

The Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation (ELCF)  and the men of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. once again participated in the 14th Annual Hyde Park Spooktacular on October 26th. The event is held in Hyde Park and provides a safe space for over 1000 kids to enjoy all types of Halloween activities free of violence. It was curated by the Communities First Organization in addition to being hosted by 14th Ward Alderman Rasheen Aldridge, 11th Ward Alderwoman Laura Keys, and 14th Ward Committeewoman Lucinda Frazier.

The ELCF and Epsilon Lambda Chapter partnered with the Violence Prevention Committee through a grant which helped to provide the kids with hot dogs, candy bars, hot chocolate, and lemonade. Brother David Henson, Brother Marcel Scaife, and the rest of the Brotherhood were vital in organizing Epsilon Lambda’s participation and securing additional funding. The event was well-attended, filled with fun, and the children were able to interact with a strong group of positive Black men.

Canvassing to Get Out the Vote

 

Members of the organizations in the neighborhood canvassing.

Group picture of the canvassers.

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, the St. Louis Metropolitan Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. invited the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to join them in canvassing efforts to educate and mobilize voters in Old North St. Louis ahead of the November 5, 2024 election. Brother Parker Loveless, the Ward 9 Committeeman for St. Louis City, led the Epsilon Lambda Chapter volunteers in supporting the sorority’s initiative. United in purpose and driven by their shared commitment to civic duty and community service, volunteers eagerly gathered early that morning. This inspiring collaboration highlighted both organizations' dedication to empowering their communities and strengthening our democracy.

2024 Phirst Phamily Paragon Awards & Soiree

 

The Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in conjunction with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Omicron Eta Omega Chapter, the Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation, Inc. and the Ivy Foundation of St. Louis celebrated the 3rd Biennial Paragon Awards & Soiree to honor African American Men from the St. Louis area on October 17, 2024.

This sold out event recognized men who had demonstrated excellence, high commitment  while making an impact in the fields of Clergy, Corporate/ Business, Arts, Education, Health, Non-Profit, Social Justice, First Responder, Entrepreneurship and Lifetime Achievement.  The proceeds from the event helped to support the respective organizations' scholarships funds, which support students in pursuit of their higher education goals. This event was co-chaired by Bro. Leon “Chico” Hamilton and Soror Sharonna Howell.

Swing For Our Youth Golf Tournament

                                              View of the beautiful Forest Park Golf Course.

                                                          Golfers during a round of golf.

The Swinging For Our Youth Annual Golf Tournament, presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Epsilon Lambda Chapter and the Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation, was held at the Forest Park Golf Course on September 21, 2024. This year’s tournament was made possible through the collective efforts of participants and sponsors including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the St. Louis Battlehawks, Lewis Rice, Introba, Inc., Park Central Development, and many more.

The event provided a day of enjoyable golf and also embodied the community’s spirit of giving, raising over $11,000 for the benefit of scholarships and computers for deserving students. These scholarships provide educational opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach for many young individuals in the St. Louis region. The impact of these funds is far-reaching, enabling students to pursue higher education and in turn, fostering a more educated and economically stable community.

We are grateful to everyone who contributed to and participated in this successful event. Thanks for all of your hard work and support.

Chapter Cookout 2024

                                               Brothers of Spring 23 serving a Senior Brother.

                                                Brothers enjoying one another's company.

                                                Group photo of Brothers in attendance.

The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Epsilon Lambda Chapter held a successful Chapter Cookout on September 28, 2014. The event was hosted once again by the Chapter’s Spring 23 Initiates, A.S. 14 Soldiers of Set. It was a day of fun, family, music, games, food, and of course brotherhood at Lions Park in Jennings (MO). Proclaimed as a reclamation event, the purpose of the cookout was carried out. Members of the organization ranging from young to seasoned came together to enjoy the fraternal spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Meet & Greet Candidate Forum @ University of Missouri St. Louis

On July 17th, the EdCollabitat Room at the University of Missouri-St. Louis was the bustling
venue for a highly engaging Candidate Forum. This event was hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity Inc. - Epsilon Lambda Chapter, along with partners Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. -
St. Louis Metropolitan Chapters, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated - St. Louis
Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter, the NAACP St. Louis County, and the League of Women
Voters. The forum was a testament to the collaborative effort to foster civic engagement and
offer a platform for open dialogue between candidates and the community.

The event was honored with greetings from the Mayor of St. Louis, Tishaura Jones, who is also
a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Her presence underscored the significance
of the forum and its role in enhancing civic participation.

Over 150 attendees filled the room from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, engaging in a non-partisan
discussion from a wide array of candidates from all political parties. They candidates are
contesting in races for Governor, Congress, U.S. Senate, State Senate, and various State
Representative seats. This diverse representation allowed for a broad spectrum of viewpoints,
providing community members with comprehensive insights into the candidates’ policies,
visions, and strategies.

The forum facilitated meaningful interactions between the public and potential leaders,
emphasizing the importance of being informed voters. The event highlighted the ongoing
commitment of the hosting organizations to promote civic awareness and voter education in the
St. Louis community, inspiring an informed and active electorate as the election approaches.

Bro. Terry Wilson, Epsilon Lambda Chapter A Voteless People is a Hopeless People Chairperson, looking on as St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones gives remarks.

Brothers of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter in attendance.

Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. - Epsilon Lambda Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. - St. Louis Metropolitan Chapters, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated - St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter members in attendance.

Political Symposium in Northwoods

 On April 27th, 2024, a political symposium was hosted by Bro. Sam Bradford in collaboration with the Alpha Mentoring Program at Northwoods City Hall. As an alderman in the Northwoods area, Bro. Bradford organized this event to emphasize the significance of local politics and its impact on our communities. The symposium aimed to educate young participants about the functioning of local government and the importance of their involvement.

Event Overview

The symposium commenced with an introduction to various key figures within the city of Northwoods, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of local governance. Following the introductions, participants engaged in breakout sessions where they thought of various things that they wanted to see changed where they lived and then put it into an ordinance.  This hands-on approach culminated in a mock council meeting where each of the four groups presented in a “mock” meeting format, proposed their ordinance idea and voted on it.  This allowed the boys to talk about their ordinance idea with everyone and get feedback from the full group as well as from Brother Bradford.

Key Highlights

Focus on Local Governance

Bro. Bradford highlighted critical positions within the city of Northwoods that play pivotal roles in local governance. The symposium, however, aimed to provide a broader understanding of essential roles in cities across America that facilitate local government operations. The primary objective was to educate the participants on the process of law-making at the local level, referred to as ordinances in municipal governance.

Educational Breakout Sessions

The breakout sessions were led by different brothers from the Alpha Mentoring Program. Each group was tasked with creating their own ordinance, fostering innovation and collaboration. The mentors guided the boys in developing cohesive and practical ordinances, sparking creative ideas and ensuring active participation.

Mock Council Meeting

Bro. Bradford presided over a mock board meeting, introducing the participants to Robert's Rules of Order and the workings of city councils nationwide. Each breakout group presented their ordinance in the mock council meeting, experiencing firsthand the procedures involved in passing local laws. This practical exercise helped them understand the intricacies of local governance in a relatable manner.

Q&A Session

The event concluded with a Question and Answer session where the boys had the opportunity to engage with Bro. Bradford, Mayor Sharon Pace, and a police officer. This session provided further insights into the workings of local government and allowed the participants to ask questions about issues affecting their communities.

Conclusion

The political symposium successfully educated young participants on the importance of local government and their role in it. By involving them in practical exercises and interactive sessions, Bro. Sam Bradford and the Alpha Mentoring Program fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation for local politics among the youth. This event highlighted the significance of civic engagement and empowered the boys to be active contributors to their communities

Bro. William Poston facilitating during the breakout sessions

Bro. Dino Bills educating our boys on encouraging their families for voter registration

Bro. Anthony Webb and Bro. Josh Lubatkin facilitating breakout sessions

Alderman Bro. Sam Bradford explains the process of creating local government ordinances

Endowment Fund at Harris-Stowe State University

 

Members of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated along with the Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation and the leadership of Harris-Stowe State University

On Thursday, February 15, 2024, members of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation met at Harris Stowe State University as part of our Go to High School, Go to College initiative to promote the continued effort of our youth in their advancement into the college ranks with the signing of our Endowed Scholarship of $25,000.00.This scholarship will be given to students who will be attending the university.

A Contribution to Educational Enhancement

Brother Dr. Brian Gant, Assistant Dean of Technology for the Simon School of Business at Maryville University, donated 15 laptops to the young men of the Alpha Mentoring Program (AMP) on behalf of the university. Since 2017, Dr. Gant has made it his mission to expose the young men in the AMP program to the opportunities of higher education that his great alma mater offers. His participation with the Alpha Mentoring Program, also known as The Village, has opened doors of opportunity for young black males throughout the St. Louis region. From providing personal campus tours and basketball games to cyber security workshops and stem labs, his dedication to fostering equitable educational opportunities and supporting underserved communities is truly commendable.




Maryville University provides tangible resources and instills a sense of hope and possibility within our community. The AMP/Village mentoring program, under the direction of Brother Kenan Morrison, will use these computers to aid in the educational enrichment and skill development of our young men. We thank Dr. Gant for contributing to the enhancement of our young men’s educational experiences.

Remembering Bro. Jerry Hall

 

Brother Jerry Glenn Hall was born April 25, 1944, in Biloxi, Mississippi, and spent his formative years in Centreville, IL, receiving his baptism and first communion at Saint Augustine Catholic Church. The oldest of the seven Hall children, Jerry was an attentive big brother. He participated in the Boy Scouts with his brothers and ran a thriving neighborhood newspaper route with the help of his siblings.

A lifelong learner, Jerry attended Brown & Garrison Elementary, Hughes Quinn Junior High School, and Lincoln High School where he ran track and was inducted into the National Honor Society. He would later obtain baccalaureate degrees from both Austin Peay State University in English and Washington University in Industrial Psychology & Sociology. He also obtained a Master of Arts in Computer Data Management from Webster University. During this time, he would be initiated into the Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated in 1964.

In 1966, Jerry was drafted into the United States Army, completing Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood. On December 26th, 1966, while on leave, Jerry wed Carmele Martin at St. Matthew the Apostle Church. That union led to the birth of their son Jason in March of 1972.

 In 1967, Jerry completed the Transportation Officer Candidate School at Fort Eustis, VA, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant. Jerry proceeded to serve in leadership positions in Germany, the Republic of Vietnam, Fort Campbell, KY, and in St. Louis, MO, retiring from the United States Army Reserve in 1993 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Jerry was an avid volunteer. He willingly gave his time and resources to the Boy Scouts of America, the Union-Sarah Development Organization, the Fountain Park MLK committee, the Saint Vincent DePaul Society, as well as the parish councils of Visitation and St. Matthew Catholic Churches.

In March of 2023, he proudly inducted his son, Jason, into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at the St. Louis Alumni Chapter, Epsilon Lambda. On August 29th,2023, Brother Jerry Hall transitioned into the Omega Chapter. Brother Hall will be remembered as one who loved big, smiled broadly, and laughed loudly.

Skate for Babies

The Skate for Babies event was held on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 at Coachlite Skate Center. This was a collaborative effort between the Phi Nu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated and the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. This skating event was the first time both chapters worked together.  As a result,  both chapters were able to raise money for the March of Dimes, which is a recipient of our Project Alpha National Program. In addition, the attendees were able to have fun roller skating while fellowshipping with each other.

Planning for the Future

Bro.Brian Hurd and Bro. Leon O’Hara spoke to the young males of the AMP program.  They led a discussion on the importance of having a plan and getting them to think about their futures. Not only did both of them talk about their upbringings and what led them to become the successful men they are today, but they also showed them how to create future plans for themselves.

Law Symposium & Mock Trial

The Alpha Mentoring Program along with The Village participated in the Law Symposium event led by Cara Hunt of the Black Law Student Association on March 25th at Washington University. While at the university, the boys did a variety of scavenger hunt activities in various rooms in the Anheuser Busch Building. In the afternoon, we went to the St. Louis County Courthouse in Clayton, Missouri for a mock trial led by Bro. Joshua Lubatkin. He and Bro. Justin Strayhorn guided our boys as they engaged in the roles of defense and plaintiff attorneys. Newly appointed St. Louis County Municipal Judge Carla Hughes participated as the judge in our mock trial.  Thank you to officer Steven Musselwhite and Attorney Portia Musselwhite for also participating in the mock trial.

Attorney Bro. Strayhorn and Attorney Musselwhite with one of the participants

The young men at Washington University during the scavenger hunt

Bro. Joshua Lubatkin  working with one of young men in the mock trial.

Washington University BLSA President Cara Hunt Speaks to the entire group

Participant along with Bro. Lubatkin speaks to officer Musselwhite while Judge Carla Hughes hears the case

Delux Power 100: Servants of All

We would like to congratulate our brothers who were honorees of the 2022  Delux Power 100 awards ceremony.  Salute to Bro. Anthony Kiekow, Bro. Christopher Randall and Bro. Dr. Brian Gant for breaking barriers and continuing to achieve in their areas of expertise while serving in the St. Louis region. Your contributions continue to represent what it means to be servants of all.