About Us
Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ) is the first intercollegiate fraternity established by African-American men. Founded on December 4, 1906, on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, Alpha Phi Alpha has initiated over 175,000 men into its organization and has been open to men of all races since 1945.
Alpha Phi Alpha evolved into a primary service organization and provided leadership and service during the Great Depression, World Wars, and the Civil Rights Movement. Our fraternity addresses social issues such as apartheid, AIDS, urban housing, and other economic, cultural, and political issues affecting people of color.
In addition, the fraternity partners with philanthropic programming initiatives to include March of Dimes, Head Start, Boy Scouts of America and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America.
In the Pikes Peak Region, ten men with tenacious foresight and incredible resolve embraced the need for expanding the international borders of Alpha Phi Alpha. On December 22, 1969, the Iota Omicron Lambda Chapter of our fraternity was established and formally recognized in January 1970.
Alpha Phi Alpha Iota Omicron Lambda Education Foundation is the charitable arm of the chapter and focuses on educational programs, training, youth leadership development, and the awarding of several scholarships annually to deserving students.
Moreover, the foundation has oversight for the planning and implementation of special projects, fundraising, and scholastic excellence activities.
Chapter Calendar
Iota Omicron Lambda Chapter Historical Overview
Inspired by the legacies of hard work and determination left by those who came before them, and consistent with ΑΦΑ’s original blueprint, ten Brothers—Alton A. Arnold, Clinton W. Austin, Thomas J. Connage, Med D. Cullins, Danny P. Davis, Robert W. Dews, Melvin C. Hall, Bobby E. Lewis, Phillip L. Mallory, and Sylvester L. Shannon—envisioned what a Chapter in the Pikes Peak Region could be.
After being assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, July 29, 1968, Brother Sylvester Shannon immediately solicited the help and cooperation of other Alpha Brothers in the area. A nucleus group of 10 was assembled, and Brother Shannon was elected president. These gentlemen did the hard work and heavy lifting necessary for an Alpha chapter to be established in Colorado Springs. As a result, their efforts went forward on November 15, 1969, for recognition as a chapter.
Their resolve was answered when on December 22, 1969, the General Organization of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., “ordered, granted, ordained, and established a chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, said chapter to be known as Iota Omicron Lambda of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.”
Immediately the charter members started recruiting professional men of integrity that vowed to spearhead and support events that benefited individuals and communities. Since then, Iota Omicron Lambda has welcomed into its fold over 300 Brothers dedicated to strengthening the Chapter’s foundation and expanding its positive influence and support.
Iota Omicron Lambda Brothers personify dedication, honor, and adherence to a code of values-centered on charitable acts and providing direction, support, and leadership assistance to others. We participate in citywide committees, commissions, business organizations and, groups that focus on social issues and other economic, cultural, and political matters; and mentor and advise youths and adults on a variety of personal and professional topics.
From the onset, Iota Omicron Lambda has been actively involved in the community. We also promote and support academic opportunities for students through our scholarship program that has, as of 2019, awarded more than $235,000 in scholarships to college bound students.
Other former and current philanthropic initiatives, fundraisers, and social and community programs or events, from 1970 – 2019, that our Brothers established, led, participated in, supported or contributed to have included:
Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration
Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday, which celebrates family, community, and culture. Celebrated from 26 December thru 1 January, its origins are in the first harvest celebration of Africa from which it takes its name. The local program was founded by Brother Anthony Young.
Founders’ Scholarship Programs
Students were awarded limited financial support in honor of three of the Chapter founders: Melvin C. Hall, Phillip L. Mallory, and Alton S. Arnold.
Cub/Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scout Troop 118 is part of Alpha's National Programs or Special Initiatives. The troop had its first Eagle Scout, Jonathan Matoke in 2018, and its second, Matthew Crawley in 2019.
Big Brother/Big Sister of America
This program is part of Alpha's National Programs or Special Initiatives
Cub/Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scout Troop 118 is part of Alpha's National Programs or Special Initiatives. The troop had its first Eagle Scout, Jonathan Matoke in 2018, and its second, Matthew Crawley in 2019.
Brother’s Keeper
Formally called the A. Charles Haston Brother's Keeper program, this service program developed with the mission of advocating and improving the quality of life for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Brothers, their spouses, and widows who are retired, are elderly, have disabilities and are ailing. This is part of Alpha's National Programs or Special Initiatives.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
To honor Brother King’s memory and encourage future generations to embody the courage, commitment, and integrity for which he and other Alpha Men are known, Iota Omicron Lambda Chapter donated nearly $16,000 to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Our Chapter is justifiably proud of helping transform Brother King’s memorial from concept to reality
Educating Children of Color
The Educating Children of Color Summit is a daylong program with speakers, breakout sessions, continuing education credit for educators and other professionals, scholarships for students, and resources for anyone with a passion for equal opportunities for all through education. Purpose: To dismantle the cradle to prison pipeline for children of color, and children in poverty, through education.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorations
IOL members participate as guest speakers, sit on panels, and/or provide support of various events
March of Dimes
IOL participates in the fund-raising efforts as part of Alpha's National Programs or Special Initiatives.
Founders’ Scholarship Programs
Students were awarded limited financial support in honor of three of the Chapter founders: Melvin C. Hall, Phillip L. Mallory, and Alton S. Arnold.
Wagon Wheel Council, Girl Scouts of America
Junior Achievement
United States Air Force Academy Cadet Sponsorship Program
Formerly supported
Angel Tree Project
The Angel Tree Project, which operates in partnership with Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church Prison Ministries, helps make Christmas wishes come true for children whose parents are serving time in prison, by purchasing gifts and giving them to the children in the names of their parents.