Past Chapter Presidents
1925 - 29 Dr. Robert W. Butler
1930 - 34 Charles Long
1935 - 39 J. Leonard Lewis
1940 - 44 Capers G. Bradham
1945 - 47 Eugene J. Butler
1947 - 48 Dr. William Tony
1952 - 53 Dr. Theodore M. Christopher, DDS
1954 - 57 Charles E. Simmons, Jr.
1957 - 58 William T. Harper
1959 - 63 Dr. Wendell P. Holmes, Jr.
1964 - 65 Dr. H. James Greene*
1966 - 68 Dr. Jean C. Downing, DDS.
1968 - 69 Dr. Hunter Satterwhite, DDS.
1969 - 71 Dr. Richard D. Hunter, MD
1971 - 76 Louie Jenkins
1976 - 77 Dr. Earl T. Cullins, MD
1977 - 79 Dr. Ezekiel W. Bryant
1979 - 80 Benny Moore, Sr.
1980 - 82 Dr. Orrin Mitchell, DDS
1982 - 84 Ernest T. Williams
1984- 87 Dr. Nathaniel L. Davis
1987 - 89 Calvin L. Burney
1989 - 91 Dr. Frederick Newton, DDS
1991 - 93 Johnnie Williams, Jr.
1993 - 96 Dr. George C. Maxwell, DDS
1996 - 98 Burney Bivens, Esquire
1998 - 00 Lenox L. Godfrey, MBA**
2000 - 02 Lemar Graham, Jr.
2003 - Pernell Jordan
2003 - 04 Lorenzo Williams, Jr.
2004 - 06 Michael R. Arbery
2006 - 08 Michael Raynard Mayberry
2008 - 2010 Charlie J. Gillette, Jr., Esquire
2010 - 2012 Jerome Ballard
2012 - 2014 Rev. Roger L. D. Williams, Esquire
2014 - 2016 Benjamen Parker, CFP
2016 - 2018 James Kelly
2018 - 2022 Avery Cohen
2022 - 2024 Timothy Edwards
2024 - Present Dr. Gregory D. Bostic
*Dr. H. James Greene Past State Director
Installation
Upsilon Lambda Chapter was installed at Jacksonville on December 30, 1925 (Making it Florida's first Alpha Chapter), permission having been granted at the 18th Annual Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity held in Detroit, Michigan, December 27-31, 1925. Brother C. Weymond Reeves, acting for Brother Charles W. Green, Southern Vice President, who had been detained at the Convention, conducted the installation.
Inception
From the time of its inception, Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has been an integral part of the on-going programs of its national organization while pursuing creative local and state deeds for mankind. As a result of this service, Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has received private and public acclaim for participating in Pan-Hellenic affairs, juvenile delinquency programs focusing on drug and crime prevention, scholarship awareness, civil rights, voter registration, teenage pregnancy, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Young Men Leadership Training, United Negro College Fund Drive, Urban League, NAACP, and the Washington D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project.
President's Message
Greetings Brothers, Supporters, and Friends,
It is with great pride and deep humility that I welcome you to the website of Upsilon Lambda Chapter the 119th House of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
As we stand at the forefront of an exciting and transformative time for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I, Dr. Gregory D. Bostic is deeply honored to serve as the Upsilon Lambda Chapter President of this illustrious fraternity. Our legacy is built on a rich history of excellence, brotherhood, and service, and it is my commitment to continue advancing these core principles that have shaped us for over a century.
Since our founding in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha has been a beacon of leadership, scholarship, and social action. Today, we continue to push forward, responding to the challenges of our time and creating positive change in our communities. As we move forward, we must not only celebrate our history but also embrace the future. The strength of Alpha Phi Alpha lies in the unity of our brothers, the support and the dedication of our community partners. Together, we can continue to build on the legacy that has made us the "First of All."
As we navigate the complexities of today’s world, Alpha Phi Alpha remains committed to developing men of excellence who are driven by a sense of purpose, integrity, and service to their communities. Our mission has always been clear: to inspire and cultivate leaders who are capable of making a lasting impact on society.
To our brothers across the globe, I encourage you to embrace the principles of our fraternity and live them every day. To our supporters, your continued dedication ensures that we remain a powerful force for good. Together, we will ensure Alpha Phi Alpha remains true to its founding vision, while evolving and adapting to meet the needs of future generations.
As we move forward, let us continue to inspire greatness, uplift one another, and, most importantly, serve with purpose.
In Brotherhood and Service,
Bro. Dr. Gregory D. Bostic
40th President, Upsilon Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
A brief History of the Upsilon Lambda Chapter
On December 30, 1925, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. issued its 119th charter to the Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Jacksonville, Florida. It was the fraternity's first chapter established in the state of Florida. The charter members were seven professional, bold and ambitious local brothers seeking to pursue Alpha's aims and mission in the Jacksonville community. The chapter thrived, and opened the doors for 30 more alumni chapters and 17 new college chapters that exist today in the Florida District. Since inception, the chapter has uplifted, enlightened and enriched the lives of thousands of brothers, students, families and citizens through implementation of its national and local programs and activities.
In the Beginning...
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc in Jacksonville, Florida was suggested by Brother Charles H. Wesley, the Fraternity's historian. Brother Wesley was serving as a guest lecturer at Edward waters College during the spring of 1925. One of the men attending those lectures was Brother Robert W. Butler, then a local pharmacist and graduate of Howard University (Beta Chapter) Washington, D.C. Brother Butler responded to Brother Wesley's idea by calling a meeting of local Alphas at his home to discuss the formation of a local graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in Jacksonville, Florida. Others who attended the seminar at Edward Waters College and were receptive to the idea were:
- Brother Robert W. Butler
- Brother Robert. P. Crawford
- Brother Arthur St. George Richardson
- Brother Lewis A. McGee
- Brother Rudolph Gordon
- Brother Robert Lymon
- Brother T.E. Morris
All of the mentioned Brothers later became the charter members of the Upsilon Lambda Chapter.