December Chapter News
Christmas in Baltimore, a Jewel Family Tradition
Chapter News
By: Bro. Tommy de Jongh
Every December, the Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, gathers not just to celebrate the season but to serve it. That commitment took shape again this year through the Jewel Family Christmas Program, an annual initiative that sends Brothers into Baltimore neighborhoods with gifts, essential supplies, and the kind of presence that outlasts any single holiday.
The program, established under Brother Dr. Ralph Johnson, was built on a simple conviction: that the fraternity’s responsibility to the community does not pause for the calendar. Brothers divide into seven groups, pool their resources, and direct the proceeds to families in partnership with a local community organization. This year, under the chairmanship of Brother Gregory A. Dendy, Jr., those efforts raised nearly $3,500, enough to provide roughly $500 in support to each participating family.
Brother Dendy offered a measured reflection on what Jewel Family Christmas means, which was, “One of the joys of being a member of Alpha Phi Alpha is recognizing that we remain vested stakeholders in our communities,” he said. “What were simple moments of service for us will become lasting memories for them.” He credited the Delta Lambda Fall 2025 line of Brothers and the Fall 2024 Brothers for leading the effort with care and purpose.
Later that evening, the Chapter house turned to celebration, and brothers came in holiday sweaters while children posed for photos with Brother Santa Claus. Families gathered around seasonal music and movies in a room that felt, by most accounts, like exactly what the Fraternity’s founders had in mind when they spoke of “Love for All Mankind.”
Delta Lambda, Empowerment Academy host youth sexual health awareness workshop
Brothers from the Delta Lambda Chapter joined leaders from the Empowerment Academy for a special presentation to youth living in the Rosemont Community on reproductive health and awareness. Brothers provided young men from ages 12-15 with education, motivation, and skill-building on issues of responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Designed to provide young men with current and accurate information about teen pregnancy prevention, the presentation was a part of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated's national program, Project Alpha. The initiative aims to combat ignorance and fear with facts, change attitudes by providing motivation toward positive changes in sexual behavior, and foster self-esteem through empowerment.
Delta Lambda visits Battle Grove Elementary
Brothers from the Delta Lambda Chapter visited Battle Grove Elementary School on Feb. 28 to celebrate the conclusion of Black History Month with students in a variety of grade levels. Brothers visited classrooms to read, speak and share with youth in a school with African Americans exceeding 20% of its total enrollment, but which features no male teachers or African American staff members.
The event was coordinated by Bro. Dante Merrell [Nu Mu Lambda, 11'] a life member of the fraternity, non-profit executive, and entrepreneur who counts the school among his clientele for vending machine servicing.
"Since I am the only black male walking into the school, the administration approached me for help. In turn and without a second thought, "Servants of All" I knew and hoped the brothers of Delta Lambda would heed the call," he said.
Battle Grove serves students in grades K-5 from the Dundalk area of Baltimore County. Leaders at the school expressed appreciation for the chapter's engagement during the annual celebration of Black history and achievement.
"Your willingness to give your time and service is greatly appreciated. Your support of Battle Grove Elementary allows us to continue to fulfill our mission to foster the independence, critical thinking, and creativity of a diverse community of learners so they are fully prepared to become confident, responsible leaders who change the world," said Courtney Warlick, Battle Grove Community School Facilitator in a letter of appreciation to the chapter. "Not only does your work support our organization, but it also supports our entire community."
Delta Lambda is an active participant in Alpha Phi Alpha's national 'Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College' educational initiative, which connects brothers to youth in communities surrounding active chapters to provide information, modeling and engagement in educational access.