Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership: The History of Sigma Psi Lambda
On December 4, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was established with an unwavering dedication to uplift men, honor women, and advocate for the love of all humanity. Rooted in the timeless principles of brotherhood, scholarship, and service, Alpha Phi Alpha has remained a beacon of excellence, nurturing leaders who embody the spirit of the Seven Jewels.
Inspired by the pioneering efforts of our fraternity’s founders, brothers within the Middle Eastern Region embarked on a transformative mission to establish a vibrant fraternal presence in the heart of the GCC. In October 2017, eleven visionary brothers gathered in Al Ain, U.A.E., igniting the spark that would soon become The Burning Sands Chapter. Amidst the camaraderie of brotherhood, discussions arose about celebrating the fraternity’s legacy, leading to the proposal of hosting a Black & Gold Gala. This event, held in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., set the stage for discussions about officially chartering a chapter to unite brothers across the region.
In June of 2020, Brother Chuma Onwuka, guided by the fraternity’s motto “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All,” reached out to esteemed brothers Brother Charles Strong and Brother Glenn Malone to explore the possibility of establishing a chapter in the GCC. The subsequent formation of the “G.C.C. Working Group” marked a pivotal moment in the chapter’s journey, as brothers from across the region came together to navigate the complexities of the chartering process.
Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, brothers remained steadfast in their commitment to the mission of Alpha Phi Alpha. Through virtual meetings and digital collaboration, the chartering working group meticulously crafted the foundation upon which Sigma Psi Lambda would stand. Their tireless efforts bore fruit on June 30, 2021, when the charter received approval at Alpha Phi Alpha’s 115th Anniversary Convention – 96th General Convention, bestowing upon the Middle East chapter the Greek letters “Sigma Psi Lambda.”
Now, as a fully functional, active, and financially stable chapter, Sigma Psi Lambda continues to uphold the noble ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha with unwavering dedication. Thirty distinguished brothers have emerged as charter members, ready to lead by example and make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Guided by the exemplary leadership of Brother Charles Garrett, our esteemed Area Director, Sigma Psi Lambda forges ahead, forging partnerships and engaging in initiatives that enrich the lives of those in the Middle East.
As we celebrate this historic milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to Brothers John H. Carter, Steven Carter, and Robert Farmer for their unwavering guidance and support. Their mentorship has been instrumental in navigating the intricacies of the chartering process, ensuring that every step taken aligns with the esteemed traditions of Alpha Phi Alpha.
In Gratitude to the Founding Members of the Sigma Psi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated:
Brothers Kenji L. Bell, Carlos A. Cotman, Lawrence Blackmon, Larrion Cassidy, Charles A Garrett, Zollie W. Harris III, Chuma B. Onwuka, and Kristoffer G. Rollins,
With profound gratitude, We acknowledge the pivotal role each of you played as founding members of Sigma Psi Lambda within Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Your dedicated efforts were instrumental in establishing this chapter, adhering to the rigorous standards and specific focus group outlined by the fraternity’s mandate. It is noteworthy that, in accordance with official fraternity guidelines, only seven brothers were permitted as founding members, a testament to the selectivity and honor bestowed upon your leadership.
As we reflect on the genesis of this chapter, we recognize the foresight and unwavering commitment exemplified by each of you. Your visionary leadership has not only laid the foundation for our chapter’s existence but has also contributed significantly to the broader mission and legacy of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Through your tireless dedication, you have cultivated a culture of excellence that will resonate for generations to come.
In this spirit, we extend our sincerest appreciation for your enduring legacy, which continues to inspire and guide us in our pursuit of scholarship, service, and brotherhood. May your contributions serve as a beacon of inspiration for all members of our fraternity, as we honor the tradition of excellence established by our esteemed founding brothers.
In the spirit of brotherhood and service, Sigma Psi Lambda eagerly embarks on its mission of leadership and service in the Middle East.
Welcome to The Burning Sands Chapter. Welcome to Sigma Psi Lambda.
Charter Members
Bro. Charles Banks
Bro. Kenji L. Bell
Bro. Lawrence Blackmon
Bro. Larrion Cassidy
Bro. Adrian M.Cleckley
Bro. Goler L. Collins, lll
Bro. Carlos A. Cotman
Bro. Lamar Dixon
Bro. Charles A. Garrett
Bro. Qaadir L. Haamid
Bro. Zollie W. Harris, III
Bro. Derek C. Hutchinson*
Bro. Verone H. Kennedy
Bro. Chuma B. Onwuka
Bro. Craig J. Ransaw Sr.
Bro. Garvin A. Reid
Bro. Kristoffer G. Rollins
Bro. Darryl W. Sharp, Sr.
Bro. Peter B. Shields Jr.
Bro. William A. Quickley, II
Bro. Xavier J. Woods
*Omega Chapter