The Upsilon Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosted its centennial celebration gala at the Hyatt Regency hotel to commemorate a historic milestone – 100 years of brotherhood, scholarship, and service to the Jacksonville community.
Chartered on December 30, 1925, the Upsilon Lambda chapter, Florida’s oldest chapter, was founded during an era of great social challenge. Yet, it has remained as a cornerstone of African American leadership and civic engagement in Northeast Florida for a full century. The gala brought together current chapter members, alumni members, distinguished guests, and community leaders to honor the chapter’s rich history and celebrate its enduring impact on the region.
Guests enjoyed dinner, live entertainment, and tributes to chapter visionaries who laid the foundation for a century of success. The event featured recognition of brothers past and present who have made outstanding contributions to the fraternity and community over the decades, as well as opportunities for alumni members from various eras to reconnect and share memories.
“As we commemorate 100 years of brotherhood, leadership, and service, let us stop to reflect on the rich legacy that we share, and on the guiding principles set forth by our chapter’s founders,” said Dr. Gregory D. Bostic, the current chapter president. “Let us strive towards an even brighter future of manly deeds, scholarship, and service to the community.” Dr. Bostic’s words echo the founding principles of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men.
The chapter’s impact on the community is measured not just in years, but in the lives it has touched. Through its Men of Valor mentoring program, Upsilon Lambda chapter brothers have mentored countless young men, providing guidance, support, and positive role models that help youth reach their full potential.
Scholarship has always been one of Alpha Phi Alpha’s primary aims, and Upsilon Lambda has demonstrated this commitment by awarding more than $100,000 in scholarships in recent years through its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Oratorical contest. Additionally, the chapter recognizes outstanding academic achievements through its Dr. Ezekiel “Zeke” Bryant High School Recognition program, celebrating excellence and encouraging students to pursue scholarly distinction.
The chapter’s commitment to community engagement extends to the ballot box as well. Through Alpha Phi Alpha’s national program “Voteless People is a Hopeless People,” Upsilon Lambda brothers have conducted numerous voter registration drives, emphasizing the critical importance of this civic duty.
As the chapter looks toward its second century, current members remain committed to the fraternity’s motto: “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All.” The centennial celebration served not merely as a retrospective but as a launching pad for renewed dedication to mentorship, education, civic engagement, and community service.
For more visit https: www.jaxalphas.org