The Origins of ZHL

The Zeta Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was chartered on January 1, 1955, in Greenville, North Carolina, becoming the 240th house of the fraternity. Founded by a dedicated group of eight honorable men, the chapter was established to extend Alpha’s national mission of scholarship, fellowship, and service throughout eastern North Carolina.

Since its founding, Zeta Eta Lambda has remained committed to advancing intellectual growth, fostering brotherhood, and promoting service to all mankind, creating a lasting and meaningful impact in the Greenville community and beyond.

Emblem of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity's Greenville chapter, established January 1, 1955

Then and Now: Honoring Our Roots, Advancing Our Mission

The Charter Members of Zeta Eta Lambda Chapter are:

  • Bro. J.J. Wise

  • Bro. O.H.O. White

  • Bro. A.A. Best

  • Bro. J.C. Bryan

  • Bro. W.G. Keys

  • Bro. J.P. Harrison

  • Bro. O.T. Faison

  • Bro. A.D. Mosley.

A black-and-white portrait of a man wearing a suit and tie, looking slightly to his right with a serious expression.

Bro. Dr. Andrew Arthur Best, M.D.

Zeta Eta Lambda Chapter was established in the fall of 1954 to serve as an area chapter for the eastern region of North Carolina.  The seat of the chapter was New Bern, NC; however, its service area included Beaufort, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, Onslow, Pitt and Wayne counties.  Monthly meetings usually rotated between the towns of Goldsboro, Greenville, Kinston, New Bern, Robersonville and Snow Hill.

The initial officers were Bro. Wise (New Bern) as President, Bro. Best (Greenville) as Vice President, Bro. Keys (New Bern) as Secretary and Bro. Stewart (Kinston) as Treasurer. As more brothers settled in Goldsboro, the Theta Omicron Lambda chapter was chartered to serveGoldsboro and Wayne County. The Epsilon Sigma Lambda chapter was organized in RockyMount to serve the Nash-Edgecombe area. The Nu Iota Lambda chapter was established inKinston to serve Kinston and Lenoir County.When the seat of Zeta Eta Lambda was moved to Greenville, Bro. Andrew Best became the Chapter President and remained so for twenty-five plus years. Under his leadership the chapter helped establish the Eta Nu chapter at East Carolina University.

A man wearing a black and gold shirt with Greek letters, standing in front of a whiteboard, with his left arm extended to the side and his right hand over his heart.

“We honor the foundation laid by those who came before us while remaining focused on the work that lies ahead for our chapter and our community.”

— Bro. Michael Chamblee, President

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