Region

The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Delta Lambda Chapter traveled to Atlantic City, New Jersey, April 15-19, 2026, to participate in the 94th Annual Eastern Regional Convention. Under the powerful theme "FRATERNITY FORWARD: The Era of Value, Impact, and Progress," the convention brought together brothers from across the Eastern Region for five days of fellowship, professional development, and fraternal business.

The convention opened on Wednesday with a community service event, setting the tone for a week dedicated to our core values of service and leadership. Delta Lambda brothers participated actively in the registration and delegate certification process, ensuring our chapter's voice would be heard throughout the proceedings.

Leadership and Innovation

A special recognition is due to Brother Louis Randall, who with support from our chapter IT committee led the convention's IT operations with exceptional skill and dedication. Brother Randall and his team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure seamless technology integration throughout the event, from registration systems to virtual participation capabilities. Their work exemplified the "FRATERNITY FORWARD" theme, demonstrating how innovation and technical excellence support our fraternal mission. The IT Committee's efforts enabled smooth delegate certification, efficient communication, and enhanced engagement across all convention activities.

Throughout the week, Delta Lambda brothers engaged in meaningful business sessions led by District Directors from across the region. The convention featured critical reports from the Membership Committee, Fraternal Standards, and Budget & Finance Committee, providing transparency and strategic direction for the Eastern Region's future.

IMPACT Day: Workshops for Growth

Friday's IMPACT Day programming offered brothers valuable professional development opportunities. Workshops covered diverse topics including AI literacy and justice, financial planning with Chase Manhattan, military benefits and compensation, and strategies for securing fraternal facilities. College brothers benefited from specialized sessions on marketing, branding, and civic engagement, while sessions on graduate school planning and homeownership provided pathways for personal advancement.

Inspiring Leadership

The convention featured powerful addresses from Eastern Regional Vice President Brother Rasheen Smith and Eastern Regional Assistant Vice President Brother Jeremy Henderson. Their leadership and vision for the region resonated throughout the business meetings and inspired brothers to elevate their chapters' impact in their communities.

Saturday's public program, "State of the Black Agenda," brought together distinguished Alpha leaders including Brother Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, and Brother Marc Morial, CEO of the National Urban League. This panel discussion addressed critical issues facing our communities and reinforced Alpha's commitment to advocacy and social justice.

The General President's address, introduced by Brother Henderson, provided strategic direction for the fraternity and challenged brothers to embrace the convention's theme by delivering measurable value, creating lasting impact, and driving progress in their respective spheres of influence.

Celebration and Brotherhood

Beyond business sessions, the convention provided numerous opportunities for fellowship and celebration. The O. Wilson Winters Life Members Luncheon honored our senior brothers, while the Njisane Omawale College Brothers Luncheon and Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Competition showcased the next generation of Alpha leadership. Saturday evening's AlphaEast College Talent Showcase, featuring the Miss Old Gold & Black Pageant and step show, demonstrated the creativity and excellence that define our fraternity.

The convention concluded Sunday morning with an ecumenical service and the Old Gold & Black Awards Brunch, celebrating brothers who exemplify our highest ideals of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity.

Moving Forward

As Delta Lambda brothers returned home from Atlantic City, we carried with us renewed energy, strengthened connections, and practical tools to advance our chapter's mission. The 94th Annual Eastern Regional Convention reinforced that Alpha Phi Alpha remains committed to developing leaders, serving communities, and shaping the future.

We extend our gratitude to Brother Louis Randall and the entire IT Committee for their outstanding work, to Brothers Rasheen Smith and Jeremy Henderson for their exemplary leadership, and to all the brothers who made this convention a success. As we move forward, Delta Lambda Chapter remains committed to the values of "FRATERNITY FORWARD," delivering value, creating impact, and driving progress in our community and beyond.