Kappa Epsilon Lambda (KEL)) is Chapter Number 528 of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and the chapter seat is located in Landover, MD in Prince George’s County. The Chapter was chartered on September 10, 1972. Herein is contained a brief history of the humble beginnings of Kappa Epsilon Lambda. Brothers Clyde W. Bolds and James M. Trent had many discussions on the possibility of establish
ing a graduate/alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in Prince George’s County, MD. It was not until early 1972, that these two Brothers solidified their speculations on the establishment of a graduate chapter. It was apparent to them that there were common social, economic, and civic issues that had to be addressed in Prince George’s County. It was during this period that many Maryland counties were experiencing desegregation, and Prince George's County was no exception. In fact, the county was also experiencing a transition from a rural setting to a growing sophisticated suburban community with a rapid and diverse population change. Brothers Bolds and Trent concluded that a local graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha could provide the appropriate and needed "black forum" which would be essential to the orderly development and participation in the political process of Prince George's County. An Alpha Phi Alpha Interest Group was developed, and held its initial meeting on April 9, 1972, at 8824 Ardmore Ardwick Road, Landover, MD (a business site owned and operated by Brother Floyd Wilson). Brother Charles H. Wesley, Past General President of Alpha and National Historian of the Fraternity, was the keynote speaker. Other General Officers included the Eastern Region Vice President, Assistant Eastern Region Vice President, and a host of local Chapter officials and brothers. Brothers James M. Trent and Clyde W. Bolds were elected and installed as the first President and Vice President, of Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter (1972-74), respectively. Brother Trent was subsequently elected President Emeritus. The following brothers are listed on the charter of September 10, 1972: George T. Austin, Clyde W. Bolds, Silas A. Butler, Jr., Richard A. Carey, Earnest R. Devoe, Cornie L. Evans, Robert R. Faison, Essex E. Finney Jr., Warren Jacobs, A. Wilbur Jordan, Charles W. Ross, Jr., Bruce C. Speight, James M. Trent, Floyd E. Wilson, Herbert Jackson, Otha L. Lewis, Willie H. Rushin, James F. Steele, Russell M. Williams, and George E. Under the leadership of Brothers Trent and Bolds, and with the support of these charter members, Kappa Epsilon Lambda was established on a solid foundation, and was on its way to become one of the top graduate chapters in all of Alpha Phi Alpha. During its long history, Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter has been the "pacemaker" for social and civic organizations in Prince George's County. The Chapter is the birthplace of so many Brothers who have transcended the walls of injustice, racism, and segregation to become leaders in the community, town halls, city councils, county councils, county government, state government, churches, public education, military, and colleges and universities, as well as the business community.
