Theta Rho Lambda Chapter was the first satellite chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in the Washington metropolitan area that was chartered outside of Washington, D.C. (December 30, 1964). It was organized to affect greater Alpha leadership and participation in the affairs of Northern Virginia and the Metropolitan area communities. Theta Rho Lambda embarked upon creative and effective program planning, management, and implementation. The noted S.E.P.I.A. (Sociological, Economic, Political, Involvement, and Action) program was the brainchild of one of the founding Brothers and became a model for other chapters in the state, region, and general organization at the General Convention of 1970 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Theta Rho Lambda is responsible for organizing four alumni chapters in the Washington metropolitan area and has maintained close relations with these and all other chapters. Theta Rho Lambda Chapter also was responsible for organizing the Metropolitan Area Coalition of Alpha Chapters (M.A.C.A.C) in 1970 for closer Alpha relationships and a united Alpha stand on the issues of the area. The Chapter organized the Northern Virginia Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council in 1966 to unite fraternities and sororities active in northern Virginia. One of its Brothers served as the first president of the Council. The Chapter was also responsible for organizing the Virginia Alpha Chapters into the Virginia Association of Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (VACAPAF) and hosted its first convention in Arlington, Virginia in 1966. This organization and convention have served as a model for other state and district Alpha organizations across the fraternity
In 2015, the Chapter petitioned district and regional leadership to modify the chapter’s Charter to include Alexandria, VA as a service area formally recognized as a part of Theta Rho Lambda. In 2016, the request was approved and confirmed by the fraternity’s Board of Directors and Theta Rho Lambda officially became the Chapter of both Arlington and Alexandria, VA.
Theta Rho Lambda has been deeply involved in the community and political arena in the metropolitan area. We support our members who have been candidates for offices at all levels. Our brothers have served our area in leadership roles in boards, commissions, and committees, both in the local area and statewide. Since its founding, Theta Rho Lambda brothers have led and held offices at all levels of the fraternity and all levels of its region and district.
