2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 158
Commending the Epsilon Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 26, 2026
WHEREAS, for 75 years, the Epsilon Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in Suffolk has greatly served the Southeastern Virginia community through a variety of programs and services; and
WHEREAS, in 1906, a group of visionary men united by the values of scholarship, service, and brotherhood formed Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the nation's oldest intercollegiate historically African American Greek-letter fraternity; and
WHEREAS, in the late 1940s, Alpha Phi Alpha members living in Suffolk and Smithfield recognized the need for a graduate chapter that could provide structure for service initiatives, mentorship, and civic leadership within Southeast Virginia; and
WHEREAS, with guidance from Alpha Phi Alpha's general office and sponsorship from the Zeta Lambda Chapter of Newport News, the Epsilon Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was officially chartered on October 1, 1950, with W. Lovell Turner serving as its first president; and
WHEREAS, since its founding, the Epsilon Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha has encouraged fellowship and service through a number of signature activities and programs, including its Charter Breakfast, Black and Gold Gala, and annual golf tournament; and
WHEREAS, the Epsilon Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha has implemented a number of Alpha Phi Alpha initiatives to promote leadership, community engagement, educational advocacy, and civic responsibility, including Brother's Keeper; A Voteless People is a Hopeless People; Go to High School, Go to College; and Project Alpha; and