Chapter History
An Alpha Renaissance Chapter
An Alpha Renaissance Chapter
The Beginning
The Beginning
For many years Brothers living on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, desiring to continue to hold the light of Alpha high in their community traveled to New Orleans, La. and affiliated with the Sigma Lambda Chapter in New Orleans, LA. Over the years when Brother met one another and discussed their concerns of traveling to the South Shore and their resources truly not benefiting the community in which they lived. These conversations almost always would end with”...we’ve got to charter a chapter on the North Shore.”
For many years Brothers living on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, desiring to continue to hold the light of Alpha high in their community traveled to New Orleans, La. and affiliated with the Sigma Lambda Chapter in New Orleans, LA. Over the years when Brother met one another and discussed their concerns of traveling to the South Shore and their resources truly not benefiting the community in which they lived. These conversations almost always would end with”...we’ve got to charter a chapter on the North Shore.”
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. general organization was partitioned by an interest group of graduate Brothers for the establishment of a graduate chapter of the Fraternity in Slidell, La. Approximately fifteen local Brothers started informal meetings at Brother Ray Alfred’s place of business, the Pumpkin Patch Day Care Center, in August 1991. Guidance and process facilitation was given by, then Area Director, Brother Joseph Byrd of the Sigma Lambda. After eight months of meetings, planning, gathering of materials and information and the completion of all requirements, the formal partition was completed on May 1, 1992. The balloting of the Committee on Membership, Standards and Extension, a graduate chapter was established by the General Organization of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Slidell, LA. The Chapter will be known as PI PI LAMBDA Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The Chapter will be identified by key number 648. The Fraternity theme for 1992 was “The Alpha Renaissance...” the creation of the Pi Pi Lambda Chapter is consistent with this theme, in that the spirit of Alpha has been ignited on the North Shore and marked the beginning of a new era. During this development period Brother Freddie Douglas became PI PI LAMBDA’s first Fraternity Life Member.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. general organization was partitioned by an interest group of graduate Brothers for the establishment of a graduate chapter of the Fraternity in Slidell, La. Approximately fifteen local Brothers started informal meetings at Brother Ray Alfred’s place of business, the Pumpkin Patch Day Care Center, in August 1991. Guidance and process facilitation was given by, then Area Director, Brother Joseph Byrd of the Sigma Lambda. After eight months of meetings, planning, gathering of materials and information and the completion of all requirements, the formal partition was completed on May 1, 1992. The balloting of the Committee on Membership, Standards and Extension, a graduate chapter was established by the General Organization of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Slidell, LA. The Chapter will be known as PI PI LAMBDA Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The Chapter will be identified by key number 648. The Fraternity theme for 1992 was “The Alpha Renaissance...” the creation of the Pi Pi Lambda Chapter is consistent with this theme, in that the spirit of Alpha has been ignited on the North Shore and marked the beginning of a new era. During this development period Brother Freddie Douglas became PI PI LAMBDA’s first Fraternity Life Member.
The PI PI LAMBDA chapter was installed at Slidell, La. on November, 7, 1992 by Chartering Officer Brother Adrian Wallace, Regional Vice-President of the South Western Region. The ceremony started promptly at 7:00pm in the large meeting room of the Ramada Inn, 1-10 Service Road, Slidell, La. The guest speaker for this historical event was Past General President, Brother Charles Teamer, Executive Vice President of Dillard University, New Orleans, La. The program for this most joyous occasion and celebration was as follows; Social Hour, Placing of The Jewels, Welcome, Brief History of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Dinner, Chartering Ceremony, Social Hour and finally picture taking session. The chartering chairman and master of ceremonies was Brother Freddie Douglas, III. The charter members of Pi Pi Lambda Chapter are Brothers, Ray A. Alfred, Maurice L. Bacon, Joseph K. Byrd, Freddie Douglas, III, James T. Harris, Stanley B. Harvey, Ronald Randolph, and Melvin E. Redmond, Jr. Other active Brothers during this period were Brothers Larry Brantley, Armand Devezin, Ronald Poole, and Brian Williams.
The PI PI LAMBDA chapter was installed at Slidell, La. on November, 7, 1992 by Chartering Officer Brother Adrian Wallace, Regional Vice-President of the South Western Region. The ceremony started promptly at 7:00pm in the large meeting room of the Ramada Inn, 1-10 Service Road, Slidell, La. The guest speaker for this historical event was Past General President, Brother Charles Teamer, Executive Vice President of Dillard University, New Orleans, La. The program for this most joyous occasion and celebration was as follows; Social Hour, Placing of The Jewels, Welcome, Brief History of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Dinner, Chartering Ceremony, Social Hour and finally picture taking session. The chartering chairman and master of ceremonies was Brother Freddie Douglas, III. The charter members of Pi Pi Lambda Chapter are Brothers, Ray A. Alfred, Maurice L. Bacon, Joseph K. Byrd, Freddie Douglas, III, James T. Harris, Stanley B. Harvey, Ronald Randolph, and Melvin E. Redmond, Jr. Other active Brothers during this period were Brothers Larry Brantley, Armand Devezin, Ronald Poole, and Brian Williams.
Brother Ronald Randolph was the first President of the PI PI LAMBDA Chapter. Brother Randolph’s leadership spands the periods of time from the formation of the interest group formation and the act of becoming a chapter and the first two years of the Chapter’s existence. He was ablely assisted by Brothers M. Redmond, V. President, R. Alfred, Financial Secretary & Treasurer, M. Bacon, Recording & Corresponding Secretary, and others Officers and Committee Chairman. These Officers were installed by Brother Dr. Emmit Bashful of Sigma Lambda Chapter, New Orleans, La. and a National Officer of the Fraternity during the July 1992.
Brother Ronald Randolph was the first President of the PI PI LAMBDA Chapter. Brother Randolph’s leadership spands the periods of time from the formation of the interest group formation and the act of becoming a chapter and the first two years of the Chapter’s existence. He was ablely assisted by Brothers M. Redmond, V. President, R. Alfred, Financial Secretary & Treasurer, M. Bacon, Recording & Corresponding Secretary, and others Officers and Committee Chairman. These Officers were installed by Brother Dr. Emmit Bashful of Sigma Lambda Chapter, New Orleans, La. and a National Officer of the Fraternity during the July 1992.
Pi Pi Lambda was born with a strong strategic and tactical planning view of its activities. This is evidenced by its strong leadership from the interest group up until this very day. PI PI LAMBDA also has an intrinsic philosophy of empowerment. Each Brother is obligate and empowered to exercise his full range of resources and capabilities to execute his Alpha tasks and with the full backing of the Chapter to act on its behalf.
Pi Pi Lambda was born with a strong strategic and tactical planning view of its activities. This is evidenced by its strong leadership from the interest group up until this very day. PI PI LAMBDA also has an intrinsic philosophy of empowerment. Each Brother is obligate and empowered to exercise his full range of resources and capabilities to execute his Alpha tasks and with the full backing of the Chapter to act on its behalf.
PI PI LAMBDA Chapter has been active in Civic, Social, Educational, and Fraternal activities associated with the Slidell community and the metro New Orleans area. Also, the Chapter has been very active with the State, Region and National programs of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A few of the many accomplishments of the Chapter since its chartering ceremonies are as follows:
PI PI LAMBDA Chapter has been active in Civic, Social, Educational, and Fraternal activities associated with the Slidell community and the metro New Orleans area. Also, the Chapter has been very active with the State, Region and National programs of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A few of the many accomplishments of the Chapter since its chartering ceremonies are as follows:
Developed and presented Dr. Martin L. King Birthday Celebration visual history at Live Oak Middle School, New Orleans, La. and Starlight Missionary Baptist Church, Slidell, La.-January 1993
Developed and presented Dr. Martin L. King Birthday Celebration visual history at Live Oak Middle School, New Orleans, La. and Starlight Missionary Baptist Church, Slidell, La.-January 1993
Adopted Slidell Youth Leadership Club as little brother - October 1993
Adopted Slidell Youth Leadership Club as little brother - October 1993
Participated in tutorial programs in Math & Science at the Slidell Boys Club and St. Tammany Jr. High School - September 1993
Participated in tutorial programs in Math & Science at the Slidell Boys Club and St. Tammany Jr. High School - September 1993
Assisted Sigma Lambda Chapter with planning activities for the National Convention held in New Orleans - August 1993
Assisted Sigma Lambda Chapter with planning activities for the National Convention held in New Orleans - August 1993
Assisted Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. with Educational Youth Seminars October 1993 & 1994
Assisted Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. with Educational Youth Seminars October 1993 & 1994
This year of outstanding work was culminated by a closed Founder’s Day Celebration on November 7, 1993 at the restaurant Cheteau Bleau, Slidell, Louisiana. While a closed function, there were special guests, the wives and significant others of the Brothers. The agenda was as follows: Social, Placing of the Jewels, Welcome/Occasion, History of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, History of PI PI LAMBDA Chapter, and Dinner Social.
This year of outstanding work was culminated by a closed Founder’s Day Celebration on November 7, 1993 at the restaurant Cheteau Bleau, Slidell, Louisiana. While a closed function, there were special guests, the wives and significant others of the Brothers. The agenda was as follows: Social, Placing of the Jewels, Welcome/Occasion, History of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, History of PI PI LAMBDA Chapter, and Dinner Social.
This evening, like all others PI PI LAMBDA significant events was begun by the Placing of the Jewels. The Placing of the Jewels has become a PI PI LAMBDA trade mark signifying the presence, objectives, goals, and high standards set forth by the Founding Jewels of our great Fraternity. This act is executed through a procession, which includes the ringing of a gong three times for the first three initiates of the Fraternity and a carrying of a lantern containing a representative flame of the Fraternity’s light or spirit. Subsequently, seven candles are lite following the announcement of the Jewels name from this flame. At the conclusion of the event, the Jewels are retired and the light or spirit of the Fraternity is returned to the lantern and taken away.
This evening, like all others PI PI LAMBDA significant events was begun by the Placing of the Jewels. The Placing of the Jewels has become a PI PI LAMBDA trade mark signifying the presence, objectives, goals, and high standards set forth by the Founding Jewels of our great Fraternity. This act is executed through a procession, which includes the ringing of a gong three times for the first three initiates of the Fraternity and a carrying of a lantern containing a representative flame of the Fraternity’s light or spirit. Subsequently, seven candles are lite following the announcement of the Jewels name from this flame. At the conclusion of the event, the Jewels are retired and the light or spirit of the Fraternity is returned to the lantern and taken away.
The accomplishments for this period are:
The accomplishments for this period are:
Continues the Chapter's fund raising events such as 1) Football Pool and 2) the publishing of Cookin' with Alpha Cookbook. Assisted Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. with Educational Youth Seminars-October 1994. Participated in National Engineers Week in the St. Tammany and Terrebonne Parishes - February 1994. Provided guest speakers to the Northshore High School JROTC program and The Terrebone Parish School System - 1994. Facilitated Slidell Youth Leadership Club attendance at College Day at Dillard and Xavier Universities- October 1994.
Continues the Chapter's fund raising events such as 1) Football Pool and 2) the publishing of Cookin' with Alpha Cookbook. Assisted Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. with Educational Youth Seminars-October 1994. Participated in National Engineers Week in the St. Tammany and Terrebonne Parishes - February 1994. Provided guest speakers to the Northshore High School JROTC program and The Terrebone Parish School System - 1994. Facilitated Slidell Youth Leadership Club attendance at College Day at Dillard and Xavier Universities- October 1994.
During this time Brother Maurice Bacon became PI PI LAMBDA's Chapter Fraternity Life Member number two.
During this time Brother Maurice Bacon became PI PI LAMBDA's Chapter Fraternity Life Member number two.
The National Headquarters required each Brother to be Risk Management certified to be a Chapter Officer or participate in a Member Intake Process. Difficulties were experienced in obtaining the necessary training, resulting in Brothers, L. Burns and J. O’Neal becoming inactive. The loss of these Brothers began an effort to devise a plan to reclaim the Brothers in the surrounding communities on the Northshore.
The National Headquarters required each Brother to be Risk Management certified to be a Chapter Officer or participate in a Member Intake Process. Difficulties were experienced in obtaining the necessary training, resulting in Brothers, L. Burns and J. O’Neal becoming inactive. The loss of these Brothers began an effort to devise a plan to reclaim the Brothers in the surrounding communities on the Northshore.
The beginning of PI PI LAMBDA ...“AN ALPHA RENAISSANCE CHAPTER”
The beginning of PI PI LAMBDA ...“AN ALPHA RENAISSANCE CHAPTER”
The First Two Years
The First Two Years
Then Until Now
Then Until Now
The following years, while tasked with continuing the recent successes and bringing new and better programs and efforts, began with a change in leadership.
The following years, while tasked with continuing the recent successes and bringing new and better programs and efforts, began with a change in leadership.
For the next year the following slate of Officers provided the Chapter with the necessary leadership: Brothers Freddie Douglas, III, President, James T. Harris, V. President, Maurice L Bacon, Recording & Corresponding Secretary, Ray A Alfred Treasurer & Financial Secretary, Ronald Randolph, Associate Editor to the Sphinx and Chaplin, Melvin E. Redmond, Intake Coordinator & Historian, Armand Devezin, Education Officer. Mid way through the first year, 1994- 1995, Brother James T. Harris became seriously ill. Per his request, as a strong Alpha man, Brother Harris was replaced as V. President by Brother Armand Devezin. As a result, Brother Melvin Redmond also picked up duties as the Education Officer. Brother Melvin Redmond became Fraternity Life Member number three for PI PI LAMBDA.
For the next year the following slate of Officers provided the Chapter with the necessary leadership: Brothers Freddie Douglas, III, President, James T. Harris, V. President, Maurice L Bacon, Recording & Corresponding Secretary, Ray A Alfred Treasurer & Financial Secretary, Ronald Randolph, Associate Editor to the Sphinx and Chaplin, Melvin E. Redmond, Intake Coordinator & Historian, Armand Devezin, Education Officer. Mid way through the first year, 1994- 1995, Brother James T. Harris became seriously ill. Per his request, as a strong Alpha man, Brother Harris was replaced as V. President by Brother Armand Devezin. As a result, Brother Melvin Redmond also picked up duties as the Education Officer. Brother Melvin Redmond became Fraternity Life Member number three for PI PI LAMBDA.
During this period the Chapter’s activities included:
During this period the Chapter’s activities included:
Providing the “Toast to the Young Ladies” at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. 1st Cotillion Ball. Participated in a panel discussion on public service organizations sponsored by the Starlight Missionary Baptist Church Laymen League. Sponsored the first PI PI LAMBDA Educational Extravaganza, four schools visited by Bro. Astronaut/Navy Captain Winston Scott. Bro. Scott was the Veteran’s Day speaker for Northshore High School and Key note speaker for the Chapter’s Founder’s Day Banquet. The Chapter presented awards to deserving individuals in the area of academic in high school, civic and humanitarian efforts Sponsored a Bowl-a-thon at Bowling USA to raise scholarship funds and allow Brother’s families an opportunity to get to know one another.
Providing the “Toast to the Young Ladies” at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. 1st Cotillion Ball. Participated in a panel discussion on public service organizations sponsored by the Starlight Missionary Baptist Church Laymen League. Sponsored the first PI PI LAMBDA Educational Extravaganza, four schools visited by Bro. Astronaut/Navy Captain Winston Scott. Bro. Scott was the Veteran’s Day speaker for Northshore High School and Key note speaker for the Chapter’s Founder’s Day Banquet. The Chapter presented awards to deserving individuals in the area of academic in high school, civic and humanitarian efforts Sponsored a Bowl-a-thon at Bowling USA to raise scholarship funds and allow Brother’s families an opportunity to get to know one another.
PI PI LAMBDA first Intake process for new members took place on May 13, 1995. Preceding this great Chapter milestone was an Information Seminar held on April 22, 1995 at the Slidell Cultural Center. The new Brothers were Garman Cyprian and John Bovastro. The initiation of Brother Cyprian made the Chapter’s total of Life Members rise to 4. Consistent with the above activities, PI PI LAMBDA presented $1400 in scholarships shared by Northshore High School students Vincent Cyprian and Cory Harrison.
PI PI LAMBDA first Intake process for new members took place on May 13, 1995. Preceding this great Chapter milestone was an Information Seminar held on April 22, 1995 at the Slidell Cultural Center. The new Brothers were Garman Cyprian and John Bovastro. The initiation of Brother Cyprian made the Chapter’s total of Life Members rise to 4. Consistent with the above activities, PI PI LAMBDA presented $1400 in scholarships shared by Northshore High School students Vincent Cyprian and Cory Harrison.
August of 1995 found PI PI LAMBDA conducting an Education Fair for college bound students. This fair’s goal was to provide the three things necessary for a successful career, 1) what skills are of interest, 2) who want the services provided the people with these skills and 3) how to finance the education process to obtain the skills. While not well support or attended, this fair served greatly interim's of the potential relationship with the school board and a desire to revisit the products developed by PI PI LAMBDA.
August of 1995 found PI PI LAMBDA conducting an Education Fair for college bound students. This fair’s goal was to provide the three things necessary for a successful career, 1) what skills are of interest, 2) who want the services provided the people with these skills and 3) how to finance the education process to obtain the skills. While not well support or attended, this fair served greatly interim's of the potential relationship with the school board and a desire to revisit the products developed by PI PI LAMBDA.
After repeated efforts to prepare for the Fall 1995 events, it became clear that time should be set aside to look at the business lines of the chapter and the kinds of products developed and provided to the public. This review was conducted at the John C. Stennis Space Center, Rouchon House, on November 12, 1995. Brother Bobbie Pierce and District Director Brother Terry Arrington. The results were to look into getting the chapter “on-line” to facilitate communication and reduce costs and to concentrate on the reclamation of Brothers in the Area and to have an Intake during the coming spring.
After repeated efforts to prepare for the Fall 1995 events, it became clear that time should be set aside to look at the business lines of the chapter and the kinds of products developed and provided to the public. This review was conducted at the John C. Stennis Space Center, Rouchon House, on November 12, 1995. Brother Bobbie Pierce and District Director Brother Terry Arrington. The results were to look into getting the chapter “on-line” to facilitate communication and reduce costs and to concentrate on the reclamation of Brothers in the Area and to have an Intake during the coming spring.
