CHAPTER HISTORY

The history of Gamma Xi Lambda finds its roots during some of the most noteworthy and momentous years in the growth and expansion of Alpha Phi Alpha. These roots can be credited to the chapters’ direct affiliation with Mu Chapter at the University of Minnesota. When pressures to prohibit non-enrolled (i.e. recently graduated) students at the University of Minnesota from actively engaging in organizations on campus continued to permeate into brotherhood functions, visionary brother Raymond W. Cannon perceived this not as a problem, but as an opportunity. While the birth of Gamma Xi Lambda was originally one of solution, it instead functioned as a stepping stone; undeniably, it granted recently graduated college brothers a viable, more competitive, and more comprehensive arena for which the everlasting mission of every Alpha man could be pursued to its fullest potential. Although brief, the dense documentation evidencing the birth and journey of Gamma Xi Lambda demonstrate a calling for every Alpha man to experience organized accountability and systemic structure beyond the college years.

Brother Cannon’s preserved letters to General Secretary, Burt A. Mayberry verify that the chartering of Gamma Xi Lambda took place on April 12, 1946. Indeed, his desire to found Gamma Xi Lambda on the same date that he was initiated into Mu Chapter 34 years earlier is indicative of his prophecy for the continuance of leadership and cooperation of brothers between chapters. Consequently, Brother Cannon’s determination became germination; the cultural seed he had planted flowered immediately, and his zeal and praiseworthy calling to “be a better brother than the best brother you know” have fueled the spirit of the chapter.

The 16 charter members of the Gamma Xi Lambda Chapter (via Mu Chapter) were the following:

• William Cassius
• Homer K. Cannon
• Lafayette Fields
• Herbert Foster
• Ransom Goins
• John H. Hickman Jr.
• John R. Lawrence
• Jesse Miller
• Thomas Monson
• S. Vincent Owens
• John M. Patton
• Charles F. Rogers
• William Seabron
• Henry Thomas
• Earl S. Weber
• Wilber H. Wright

Unsure of how long he would remain in Minnesota, brother Cannon’s hasty desire to install Gamma Xi Lambda was in great part fueled by his determination to offer as much of his direct services as possible, and thereby ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of alumni brothers. As a great friend of the Jewels, former General President, and first Editor to the Sphinx Magazine, brother Cannon’s knowledge and experience has not only left its legendary mark on Gamma Xi Lambda, but has also allowed the District of Minnesota today to continue to hold the light of Alpha to the highest esteem.