Zeta Tau Lambda History

 

The Zeta Tau Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was birthed out of the need and longing for a chapter on the Mainland of Northern Galveston County. With that in mind, a select group of brothers began to set out on their quest. With the support and assistance of then-District Director, Bro. Donald Davis, a contingency of brothers led by Bros. Theo L. Moody and Robert Bardwell headed to Detroit for the 2003 Alpha Phi Alpha National Convention to present their case for a chapter to be established in Friendswood, Tx. As a result of an outstanding presentation, the brothers were granted permission to charter a chapter. With the blessings of their home chapter, Gamma Pi Lambda, brothers that lived on the Mainland got right to work and began operating under the name, of the Bay Area chapter. After being granted permission to use the now defuncted Amarillo chapter's name, Zeta Tau Lambda, ZTL came to be. A chartering ceremony was held at South Shore Harbor Resort on August 24th, 2004.

 

Since its inception in August of 2003, the Zeta Tau Lambda chapter has had nine chapter presidents:

​

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

2.) Bro. Robert Bardwell - 2005 - 2006

3.) Bro. Charles Ladd '06 - 2007

4.) Bro. Steven Gourrier - 2007 - 2009

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

6.) Bro. Famose Garner - 2012 to 2014

7.) Bro. Chris Williams - 2014 - 2016

8.) Bro. Eric Taylor - 2016 - 2018

9.) Bro. Rickey Mays - 2018 to present. 

 

Zeta Tau Lambda has vigorously impacted this community with thousands of dollars in scholarships raised through annual programs such as the "Little Mr. & Miss Black and Gold Pageant," the "Old School Greek Show," and our current signature scholarship fundraiser for the past 10-years, the "Soiree On The Bay." Other programs the chapter has been involved with include:

* CCISD career and college fairs

* "Possibilities" - at-risk male mentoring at Clear Brook High School

* "Bread of Life" - feed and clothe the homeless project. 

 

We also execute our national programs:

* Project Alpha 

* Go To High School, Go To College

*A Voteless People is a Hopeless People - Voter Education and Registration Drives.

 

Our chapter meetings are held on the fourth(4th) Thursday of each month at the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce, 7:00 P.M. Zeta Tau Lambda continues today to uphold the aims of our dear fraternity, "Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for all Mankind.