History of Xi Psi Lambda Chapter

Early in 1984, seven men who had been initiated into the collegiate chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and were members of various alumni chapters met to inaugurate the establishment of a graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated in the area of Sarasota-Manatee Counties. The Xi Psi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated was chartered on November 17, 1984. The founding brothers were Maxie Bragg, Jeremiah Clark (deceased), Gwenard Davis, Carlton Evans, Eddie Flowers, John Harvey, and Darrel Williams.

Although initially small in number, under the leadership of the chapter founders, the brothers of Xi Psi Lambda worked untiringly to affect a positive difference in the lives of young, black males in the Sarasota-Manatee area. 

They had various fund raisers and carried out project initiatives mandated by the national office of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

Xi Psi Lambda has grown in membership and prominence in the Sarasota-Manatee community. The chapter has been enhanced as Alpha brothers from across the county have either resettled, retired or relocated their businesses to our beautiful area cities. This increase in membership since the late 1990′s has allowed the chapter to partner with the Keep Sarasota Beautiful and Keep Manatee Beautiful clean-up programs; establish the annual Martin Luther King Jr Benefit Dinner Dance; partner with USSSA Basketball to hold an annual Sarasota-Manatee Invitational Basketball Tournament; partner with the March of Dimes and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs; partner with the Links to establish Christmas Toy Drive for needy families; provide mentoring initiatives, travel stripends and scholarships to youths in both counties; and enabled the brothers of Xi Psi Lambda to establish the Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation of Manasota, Incorporated. The Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation of Manasota, Inc. is a tax-exempt organization 501(C)(3). This union has been very effective in making a dynamic influence in the lives of African-American and Latino youth in our area (Sarasota-Manatee Counties).

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Xi Psi Lambda Chapter is a member of the Manasota Pan-Hellenic Council.