Zeta Beta Lambda -- Chapter History

 

Zeta Beta Lambda got its beginning in the early part of 1954. Brothers in the area were concerned about the lack of an Alpha chapter, Alumni or College, in this area to foster Alpha Spirit, scholarship, national programs, and to promote partnership with local Black Greek organizations. This concern went beyond the immediate need to start a chapter, but, as a group, to improve educational opportunities, to further the political economic, and social development of black people in the community.

At a meeting a Brother Don H. Nance home, on May 17, 1954, eight brothers were present. The meeting began at 8:00P.M with the following brothers in attendance: Dr. James F. Garner, Dr. Arthur R. Trent, Arthur G. Johnson, Captain George M. Hubbard, Dr. Roscoe C. Brewer, Don H. Nance, J. Winston Bolden, and Dr. J. M. Morris. On this first meeting, Brother Nance and Brother Morris agreed to act as the temporary President and Secretary, respectively. It was at this first meeting that a suggestion was made that the Secretary frame a letter to the General Secretary inquiring as to the steps to be taken in the formation of a graduate chapter. There was a consensus of opinion that the graduate chapter should, if possible, embrace the Chico, Marysville, Stockton and Sacramento area.

At the June 8, 1954 meeting, Brother Harold Jones, Regional Director, was in attendance to hear their request to form a graduate chapter in Sacramento. At this meeting, Brother Jones suggested forming a graduate chapter with an undergraduate pledge club affiliate until the under graduates were able to form their chapters.

At a meeting on September 9, 1954, Brother Nance, presented the chapter petition in final form. A discussion followed as to whether the names of all brothers should be submitted regardless of graduate or under graduate status. After an investigation, it was revealed that all brothers present were of graduate status. An initial fee of $17.00 was established covering grand tax, charter, and reinstatement fees.A bank account was open on October 5, 1954. Brother Trent was appointed to draft a constitution for the chapter. Brothers Brewer and Morris were appointed to be part of the committee.

In November 1954, Brother Harold Jones, Regional Director, informed the group that negotiations were preceding on schedule for the charter and the group should plan for a ceremony in Sacramento. Brother Brower recommended securing the Burgemeister Clubhouse for the ceremony. The charter celebration was scheduled for the 4th or 11th of December, or as soon as possible after receipt of the charter. At this meeting, two visiting brothers were present, Brother Byron Rumford, State Assemblyman from Oakland and Brother William Walker from Camp Beale.

At the December 13, 1954 meeting and in anticipation of the charter being granted, the house was open for nominations and elections of officers. Chapter name is unknown at this point President - Brother Don Nance, Vice President - Brother Roscoe Brewer, Secretary/Treasurer - Brother James Morris, Sergeant-At-Arms - Brother James Garner.

The charter was granted by the general organization of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc to establish a chapter to be known as Zeta Beta Lambda of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The Charter members of Zeta Beta Lambda Chapter are: Edward E. Aubert, Roscoe C. Brewer, DDS, James F. Garner, M.D. Arthur G. Johnson, Hovey Don Moore, Don H. Nance, Arthur B. Trent, Jr., M.D., J.Winston Bolden, George C. Coker, George M. Hubbard, Capt, Kenneth M. Johnson, M.D., James M. Morris, DDS, George S. Stewart, DDS. The charter was dated December 22, 1954.

This was the beginning of our illustrious chapter as it has grown from infancy to its present status today. We are proud of the brothers who gave us this gift more than 50 years ago. We are destined to continue in the Spirit of Alpha and continue to seek greater heights as far as our involvement socially, economically, and politically.