Kappa Epsilon Lambda (KEL) is Chapter Number 528 of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, with the chapter seat in Landover, Maryland in Prince Georges County. The Chapter was chartered on September 10, 1972. Herein is contained a brief history of the humble beginnings of Kappa Epsilon Lambda.

Brothers Clyde W. Bolds and James M. Trent had many discussions on the possibility of establishing a graduate/alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in Prince Georges County, Maryland. It was not until early 1972, that these two Brothers solidified their speculations on the establishment of a graduate chapter. It was apparent to them that there were common social, economic and civic issues that had to be addressed in Prince Georges County. It was during this time frame that many Maryland counties were experiencing desegregation, and Prince George's County was no exception… in fact, the County was also experiencing a transition from a rural setting to a growing sophisticated suburban community, with a rapid diverse population change. Brothers Bolds and Trent concluded that a local graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha could provide the appropriate and needed "black forum" which would be essential to the orderly development and participation in the political process of Prince George's County.

One evening while returning from their monthly fraternity meeting in Arlington, Virginia, Brothers Bolds and Trent discussed the steps needed to establish a graduate chapter. The task that resulted from this casual conversation was by no means a minor undertaking. Countless months, days and hours were spent identifying Alpha brothers in the County. At the same time, communications were ongoing with the National Office of Alpha Phi Alpha to ensure that all proper procedures and standards were adhered to. An Alpha Phi Alpha Interest Group was developed, and held its initial meeting on April 9, 1972, at 8824 Ardmore Ardwick Road, Landover, Maryland (a business site owned and operated by Brother Floyd Wilson). Brother Charles H. Wesley, Past General President of Alpha and National Historian of the Fraternity, was the keynote speaker. Other General Officers included the Eastern Region Vice President, Assistant Eastern Region Vice President, and a host of local Chapter officials and brothers.

Brothers James M. Trent and Clyde W. Bolds were elected and installed as the first president and vice president, respectively, of Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter (1972-74). Brother Trent was subsequently elected President Emeritus. The following brothers are listed on the charter of September 10, 1972: George T. Austin, Clyde W. Bolds, Silas A. Butler, Jr., Richard A. Carey, Earnest R. Devoe, Cornie L. Evans, Robert R. Faison, Essex E. Finney Jr., Warren Jacobs, A.. Wilbur Jordan, Charles W. Ross, Jr., Bruce C. Speight, James M. Trent, Floyd E. Wilson, and George E. Young. Under the leadership of Brothers Trent and Bolds, and with the support of these charter members, Kappa Epsilon Lambda was established on a solid foundation, and was on its way to become one of the top graduate chapters in all of Alphadom.

During its twenty-five years history, Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter has been the "pacemaker" for social and civic organizations in Prince George's County. The Chapter is the birthplace of so many Brothers who have transcended the walls of injustice, racism, and segregation to become leaders in the community, town halls, city councils, county councils, county government, state government, churches, public education, and colleges and universities, as well as the business community.

Within two years of its Chartering, Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter presented its first scholarship, and has since donated over $210,000.00 in direct scholarship awards to deserving Prince George's County high school graduates. Other Chapter highlights include:

Pledged and obtained Life Membership in the NAACP in 1977… and in 1981, the Chapter completed its pledge for the Golden Heritage Life Membership level in the NAACP. The first Greek-lettered organization to do this in Prince George's County.

In 1980, presented a ten (10) volume set of the INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY OF AFRO-AMERICAN LIFE AND HISTORY to the Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Glenarden Branch.

Since 1973, has contributed a minimum of twenty (20) Holiday Baskets, annually, (Thanksgiving and Christmas) to needy families in the County.

Contributed in excess of $5,000 to the Fraternity's Million Dollar Drive to support the NAACP, Urban League, and UNCF.

Annually sponsors Job Fairs and Recruitment Forums for County high school students.

Co-hosted the 1977 Eastern Region Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha, in Lanham, Maryland.

Jointly sponsored the 1979 General Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha in Washington D.C.

Many members have served and currently serve on local, regional and national Foundation Boards, and Boards of Directors of private and public agencies

Many members have served and currently serve on regional and national committees of Alpha Phi Alpha. Two (2) were named national Alpha Man of the Year; and one (1) has served as General Treasurer of the Fraternity.

The Chapter recently established an OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD, and the 1997 recipients are Prince George's County Executive, the Honorable Wayne K. Curry, and Prince Goerge's County Council Chairwoman, the Honorable Dorothy Bailey… another first for KEL in recognizing in recognizing community leadership

After twenty-six years of its birth Kappa Epsilon Lambda stands as a cornerstone for the social, political, economic and civic development of Prince George's County, Maryland. Through its wide-range initiatives and consistency of effort , it has become a beacon for the Prince George's County community and others who share its aspirations and goals.

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