THE MIGHTY RHO LAMBDA
The Rho Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated was charter on a cold Saturday March 28, 1925 by eight mighty men. Upon inception, the Rho Lambda chapter encompassed the entire Western New York Region including both the Buffalo/Niagara and Greater Rochester Areas. With the chapter’s vast coverage area, members were able to live out the mission and vision of
the Fraternity in two major cities in New York State west of Albany
The original 8 MIGHTY MEN who chartered this Chapter include: P.E. Anderson, W.A. Allen, G.R. Browne, V.Y.J. Levy, C.T. Lunsford, M.A. Mitchell, J.E. Rose, and J.L. Originally the breadth of this Chapter extended from Buffalo to Rochester, New York, however, upon recovering from the harsh effects of the Great Depression in the 1930’s, the Chapter was reorganized from which point it solely encompassed Buffalo. Aiding in the further expansion of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Rho Lambda Chapter aided in establishing the Delta Epsilon Chapter in Buffalo, New York in April of 1949 for college-bound men. The Rho Lambda Chapter institutes the four National Programs of the Fraternity annually in the Buffalo, New York area. Our most notable service programs, however, places an emphasis on education and youth mentorship as exemplified by our involvement in: The Buffalo News Kids Day, March of DIMES for Babies, T.E.A.M. E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. ( Rho Lambda's Leadership Development Program for Buffalo males aged 13-17) and our annual Black & Gold Scholarship Soiree. While the Rho Lambda Chapter has enjoyed an active, accomplished, effective and celebrated presence in the Buffalo area, the following moments in our Chapter’s history are of special mention:
Jewel G.B. Kelly was an active member in Rho Lambda during the 1940’s. Rho Lambda was deemed “Most Active Chapter” at 1948 General Convention. Establishing the Delta Epsilon College Chapter in 1949. Hosting the Golden Anniversary National Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in the summer of 1956 at which Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Brother in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. initiated through the Sigma Chapter) received Alpha’s highest honors.
