HISTORY OF DELTA EPSILON LAMBDA

 

On December 14, 1947, the light of Alpha Phi Alpha was brought to East St. Louis, Illinois by eleven distinguished members who contributed greatly to the uplifting of the community. The charter members are: Booker T. Blackwell Sr., Edgar Green, Julius E. Higgins, Ramon C. Hill, Dr. William “Billy” Jones, Elijah Langford, Ross Miller, Joseph O. Perry, Judge Ora Polk, G.V. Quinn and Alvin Roundtree.

Circuit Judge Billy Jones served as the chapter’s first president. He served in this capacity for eleven years (1947-1958). Brother Jones also served Alpha Phi Alpha as General Counsel and Vice President Midwestern Region.

Several brothers of Delta Epsilon Lambda have succeeded Jones in providing educational support to area youth and continuing the proud tradition of community/civic involvement. Since the chapter’s inception there have been 19 presidents to serve.  Brother Marcus G. Merritt currently serves as the 20th president of Delta Epsilon Lambda.