The Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded 108 years ago on April 10th, 1909 and re-activated on March 29th, 1913 by twelve enthusiastic brothers. These brothers were A.J. Allen, J.W. Anderson, Charles H. Wesley, E.E. Caple, John M. Ross, Beale Elliott, Nimrod All, William N. Bishop, Frank Adams, John H. Lewis, Aiken A. Pope and Charles W. Burton.
The War Years encountered an intermittent period of inactivity. It was not until 1966 that a group of trailblazing men re-ignited the Zeta flame and maintained an active group responsible for many of the programs supporting ethnic diversity at Yale University. Many of these brothers were responsible for the establishment of the Black Student Alliance at Yale, Yale's Afro-American Cultural Center (The oldest and largest in the East), and one of the finest and most prestigious African-American studies programs in the nation.
The seventies experienced a short period of inactivity which was followed by re-activation in 1983. A group of nine highly motivated men formed the re-activation line of Synesis. 1984 saw five more intensely dedicated brothers, who comprised the Pegasus line. In 1985, brother Stanley Horton did what few have done before. He alone formed the Apollo line and crossed the burning sands. Brother Horton was followed by two more brothers in 1986 and seven brothers in 1987. 1988 saw the nine members of the Ennea Rex line cross the sands followed by six brothers of the ZetaHexad line.
The 90's would further establish Zeta Chapter's presence in the Yale Black Community. Starting with Two Tough, who would show the light to many lines to follow. Two Tough, which hosts current Chapter Adviser Paul Whyte, would hold the light high and bring the next line in Mfecane. From 93-95 We would see 16 Brother initiated into our beloved chapter. Spring 93 Kugitembelea, Spring 94 Khepri Spring 95 Ike Na Njikota and Fall 95 Pslam 7. These men made themselves known at Yale during a time when the campus racial climate was at a high by advocating for their community and taking leadership roles to ensure students' rights were being met. The Early 2000's saw 5 lines enter the chapter starting with Spring 00' Akobe Sandy as a Solo. Two years later in 2003, the five men of E.P.O.C.K rejuvenated the chapter. Following 2003 Zeta Chapter saw another line that would impact Zeta chapter for years to come, Spring 05' E.M.A.N.O.N. This Line would go on to bring in two lines Spring 2007 Suns Of Ra and Spring 2008 Nu. These two lines helped bring Zeta Chapter to new heights winning Chapter of the Year in the district.
After 2008 Zeta Chapter went inactive for 5 years. In Spring 2013 one brave man made a choice to take a journey to bring back the 6th House. Leonard Thomas Spring '13 alone crossed into the house to once again to reactivate our beloved chapter. The semester following Zeta Chapter saw 3 men set out to keep Zeta Chapter high with Fall'13 Zenith. Fall 2013 would go on to bring in two unique lines. Spring 15' Phourtitude the first line to hail all from Southern Connecticut State University, those four men partnered and mentored by Fall' 13 together brought in Phoreign Spr '16 which hosted two men who despite not being from the United States took full advantage of of their opportunities to join the oldest Inter-Collegiate African American Fraternity. UnPHaZed Fall '16 was our biggest line in 11 years hailed our first Yale brothers in 3 years, all of which were division one student-athletes. UnPHaZed was rounded out by musician UNEAK, and an aspiring film director from the University of New Haven. In fall 2017 Zeta Chapter had yet another first. With a line of three Zeta chapter crossed its first brother from Quinnipiac University. This line hailed the president of The Black Mens Union at Yale and the Assistant Pitch for Shades of Yale, and basketball player for Quinnipiac University.
GENESIZ, began the next wave of brothers who will continue to be positive examples in the community. Brought into the chapter Spring 2018, GENESIZ was made up of two freshman student athletes from Yale University who have bright futures ahead of them. In spring 2019, 5 upstanding brothers from three universities across New Haven joined the fold. PHOENIX are truly trailblazers who continuously show their commitment to upholding the light.
Fall 2020 brought in our latest line, Phaithful Few. Joining during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, these brothers have made a commitment to make sure the chapter continues to excel despite challenges the world may bring.
There is close communication with many of the past brothers of the Zeta Chapter. After graduating from Yale, SCSU, UNH and QU, these brothers continue Zeta's tradition of excellence and accomplishment. For 110 years Zeta Chapter has been serving the community and holding the light of Alpha high. With Zeta In Mind, Alpha In Spirit, and Service In Our Hearts, We Continue The Tradition!
History Book The history book was written by Zeta Chapter Brother Dr. Charles H. Wesley.
Scholarships Varies Annually.
Awards 2021 ONECA Chapter of the Year 2020 AKA NARC Stroll Competition Winners 2020 ONECA Chapter of the Year 2016 First Place SCSU Yard Show 2016 First Place ECSU Yard Show 2006, 2007, and 2008 ONECA District Chapter of the Year 2007 Lambda Alpha Upsilon & Sigma Iota Alpha Stroll Competition 2007 Step Into the Light Step Show Winner 2006 O.N.E.C.A. District Brother of The Year - Aaron W. Luke 2006 O.N.E.C.A. District Oratorical Contest Winner - Aaron W. Luke 2006 O.N.E.C.A. District Step Show Champions 2006 Alpha Gamma 85th Anniversary Step Show Championship - 1st Place 2005 LAU Stroll Competition -1st Place
Notable Postions Held Recent Accomplishments of Zeta Chapter Brothers: President of Organization Of Latin American Students Assistant Vice President of the Eastern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. President of the Black Student Alliance at Yale President of the Black Men's Union at Yale President of the Yale College Chess Club President of the National Society of Black Engineers - Yale Chapter, UNH Chapter Afro-American Cultural Center Advisory Board Member Artistic Director of the Heritage Theater Ensemble President of Steppin' Out Performance Group at Yale President Of NAACP VP of NAACP Resident Advisors Student Athletes Basketball, Football, and Track and Field
Past Chapter Presidents David Smith Tristan Fields Latif Brown Deshawn Hickman JuLondre Brown Quincy O'Neil Jeremy Harp Leonard Thomas Ronald Pierce II Merritt Ruff III Tywan Jenkins Jr Kahlil Smith Anthony Deleon Andrew Robinson Jaylan Leon Jaelen King Jordan Stevens