The Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is seated in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is home to brothers residing in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and various cities within the Metro-Detroit area. The chapter was founded on January 23, 1962 – the same day that baseball great Jackie Robinson was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The seven men who established the Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter were Rev. Lyman S. Parks, John L. Ragland, John Mansfield, Dr. Thomas Bass, Rollins P. Greene, Booker Brooks, and Dr. Henry C. Bryant.

These proud African American men rejected the discriminatory practices of the time and encouraged everyone to join in the fight for immediate civil rights. They encountered unfair resistance, just as Jackie Robinson had a decade before. Nevertheless, they persevered and, with the assistance of others in the activist community, old restrictions against full employment and open housing for African Americans slowly began to fade throughout the Ann Arbor area.

Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter continues to play a leading role in this community by providing tutoring, recognition for significant achievements as well as scholarships for our youth; by providing food for the truly disadvantaged; and by providing voting assistance wherever it is needed.

In 2014, Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter established the Theta Zeta Lambda Scholarship Fund.

The Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter and the Theta Zeta Lambda Scholarship Fund will award multiple scholarships to deserving high-school seniors planning to attend college in the upcoming year.

Strong candidates will have demonstrated improved self-esteem, academic performance, social awareness, problem-solving, and decision-making skills throughout their high school careers. The scholarship is non-renewable. Since the early 1980s, Theta Zeta Lambda has awarded over 300 scholarships to high school students, totaling more than $200,000.

Notes:
Jackie Robinson is not a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
Tax ID: 81-1257797

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - 2025 Founders' Day Brunch