top of page

History of the Zeta Tau Lambda Chapter

​

The Zeta Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded to meet the growing need for a chapter serving the Mainland of Northern Galveston County. A visionary group of brothers recognized the opportunity to expand Alpha’s presence in this area and embarked on a mission to establish the chapter. With the guidance and support of then-District Director, Brother Donald Davis, a delegation led by Brothers Theo L. Moody and Robert Bardwell presented their proposal during the 2003 Alpha Phi Alpha National Convention in Detroit, Michigan. Their compelling case earned approval to establish a new chapter in Friendswood, Texas. Following this approval, the brothers began operating under the name "Bay Area Chapter" with the blessings of their home chapter, Gamma Pi Lambda. Shortly thereafter, they received permission to adopt the name of the now-dormant Amarillo chapter, Zeta Tau Lambda. The official chartering ceremony for Zeta Tau Lambda was held at the South Shore Harbor Resort on August 24, 2004, marking the chapter’s formal establishment.

​

Leadership Legacy

 

Since its inception, the Zeta Tau Lambda Chapter has been led by thirteen distinguished chapter presidents, each contributing to the chapter's growth and service to the community:

  1. Bro. Theo L. Moody: 2003 - 2005

  2. Bro. Robert Bardwell: 2005 - 2006

  3. Bro. Charles Ladd: 2006 - 2007

  4. Bro. Steven Gourrier: 2007 - 2009

  5. Bro. Michael L. Houston: 2010 - 2012

  6. Bro. Famose Garner: 2012 - 2014

  7. Bro. Chris Williams: 2014 - 2016

  8. Bro. Eric Taylor: 2016 - 2018

  9. Bro. Rickey Mays: 2018 - 2020

  10. Bro. Jacobi Thomas: 2020 - 2021

  11. Bro. James Cavalier: 2021 - 2022

  12. Bro. Yusef Burgess: 2022 - 2024

  13. Bro. Tim Caver: 2024 - Present

​

Signature Activities and Achievements

 

The Zeta Tau Lambda Chapter has consistently exemplified Alpha Phi Alpha’s mission of service and advocacy through a variety of impactful local initiatives aligned with Alpha Phi Alpha National Programs, including:

  • Go-to-High School, Go-to-College: Conducting workshops and mentorship programs to encourage academic excellence and college readiness among youth.

    • Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD): Participation in career and college fairs to inspire and guide students toward higher education and meaningful careers.

    • “Possibilities” Mentoring Program: A targeted initiative for at-risk male students at Clear Brook High School, fostering personal growth, academic achievement, and leadership development.

    • Fundraising events for Scholarships: Through the Zeta Tau Lambda Educational Foundation, the chapter has conducted numerous fundraising events including an annual Gala and a scholarship party.  

    • Scholarships: Zeta Tau Lambda has awarded over $15,000 dollars in scholarships to qualified applicants who have demonstrated academic excellence, community service and recommendations from community leaders. The scholarships are awarded through the Zeta Tau Lambda Educational Foundation.

  • A Voteless People is a Hopeless People: Leading voter registration drives and educational campaigns to promote civic engagement and voter participation.

    • "Take Action Tuesdays": In 2022, Zeta Tau Lambda initiated a series of political educational workshops facilitated by the ZTL VPHP committee, featuring insights from local and national political leaders and advocacy groups to inform the community about key election issues. Over 10 sessions were held with over 15 guest speakers. 

    • "Pancakes and Politics": In 2024, Zeta Tau Lambda helped organize and facilitate a collaborative breakfast event with other Divine Nine organizations, providing a platform for political candidates to engage with the community and discuss their platforms ahead of upcoming elections.

    • Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR) training and certification: Starting in 2022, Zeta Tau Lambda began facilitating a VDR training event to allow members of the chapter to get certified to register eligible citizens to vote. Over 15 chapter members have been certified as well as other invited guests.

    • Voter Registration Drives: In 2022, Zeta Tau Lambda participated in numerous voter registration drives including those in collaboration with the Houston Urban League and with Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Approximately 10 people were registered during those efforts.

  • Boy Scouts of America: Since its inception, Zeta Tau Lambda has had an active role in scouts including members being scoutmaster for Troop 426 and others. Some of the key accomplishments include:

    • Partnered with Troop 426 at Windsor Village Church in 2016.

    • Made history for Alphas as the first BGLO organization to sponsor a Troop to the World Scouting Jamboree in 2019. Bro. Theo Moody led the initiative as Scoutmaster and raised donations upwards of $30k from Houston area chapters: ZTL, XKL, AEL and SGL. 

    • Partnered with Windsor Village Thanksgiving Community Turkey giveaway 2017-18.

    • Hosted Project Alpha Merit Badge Fair 2017 & 2018 for Houston Area Scouts.

    • 7 Sponsored scholarships to Troop 426 and Troop 601 for NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training)

    • 19 Eagle Scouts made at Windsor Village Church since 2018 

  • Project Alpha: Providing critical education on issues affecting teenage males, including responsible behavior, relationships, and sexual health.

    • Holiday Toy Drives: Organizing annual toy drives to support families in need during the Christmas season, bringing joy to children and their families. Starting in 2023 and continuing to this day, Zeta Tau Lambda has hosted an annual toy drive event raising over $2,000 worth of toys for families in need.

    •  Bread of Life Initiative: A community outreach program providing food and clothing to homeless individuals in need.

    • Year of Joy: In 2024, Zeta Tau Lambda members volunteered for “Year of Joy,” a unique holiday experience for underserved schoolchildren, featuring ice skating, free books, a complimentary lunch, and engaging activities to brighten the season.

  • Brother’s Keeper: Supporting senior brothers and their families through care packages, visitations, and assistance with daily needs.

  • March of Dimes: Supporting the March of Dimes through volunteer fundraising efforts, including walks and rides, to help improve the health of mothers and babies. Zeta Tau Lambda continues to support March of Dimes through an annual citywide walk and fundraiser.

 

As Zeta Tau Lambda continues to grow, we remain steadfast in our commitment to leadership, advocacy, and service. Together, we will continue to uplift our community and honor the rich legacy of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

bottom of page