The Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. was established on December 23, 1921, at the YMCA located on 907 West Fifth Street in Dayton, OH. The gentlemen in the Dayton region had learned about Alpha Phi Alpha's "Go To High School, Go to College" program and wished to adopt it for their community. Brother Elmer Cheeks of the Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity came to Dayton to provide assistance in instituting the program. Shortly thereafter, seven men were initiated into the Fraternity, and their charter was issued on Friday, December 23, 1921. Theta Lambda became the sixth chapter of Alpha in the state, and the first Ohio alumni chapter.

 

The seven men who served as the charter members of Theta Lambda are:

Bro. A. L. Briggs

Bro. J. E. Bush

Bro. E. E. Campbell 

Bro. C. E. Kellar

Bro. B. A. Rose

Bro. J. N. Samuel-Belboder

Bro. R. N. Swayne.

 

In order to keep up with the ever-changing digital age, Theta Lambda has unofficially adopted the moniker “Tenacious” and coined the hashtag #TenaciousThetaLambda for social media.