Rho Chapter Alphas

Rho Chapter Alphas ๐Ÿ“œ|Est. November 3rd, 1914
๐Ÿ“|Philadelphia, PA
๐Ÿค™๐Ÿพ|The Only Single Letter Alumni Chapter in ฮ‘ฮฆฮ‘
๐Ÿ†|2019 PAAC & Eastern Region Alumni Chapter of the Year Curd, M.D.

November 3, 1914 was Tuesday and Election Day in Philadelphia. The headlines in the Public Ledger, then the most respected newspaper in Philadelphia, read:

" Nation's Eyes on Election Here Today"
"Britain Makes All North Sea A Military Area"
"City Park Benches Welcomed as Beds for Derelicts"

More comprehensive reporting would have added another important headline:
"Rho Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha F

raternity was organized." It was in this atmosphere of politics, world war and suffering of the unhoused poor that Rho Chapter was born. Its chief organizer was Brother Kirksey L. who was initiated into Alpha Chapter while a student at Cornell in 1910. He was assisted in the organizing by Brothers Pelham and Taylor of Nu Chapter at Lincoln University. Brothers Emile Raven, M.D. and DeHaven Hinkson, M.D. were charter members. Rho Chapter grew out of a felt need and desire of these men, who completed their college careers, to maintain their ties with Alpha. Rho's first President was Brother Kirksey L. Curd. During the years of his administration, 1914-1916, the constitution and by-laws were written and the high tone of individual progress and spirit of community responsibility was set. Rho has been the home of many distinguished Alpha men, notably the late Brother Walter F. Jerrick, who became president in 1916. In 1917 the 10th General Convention was brought to Philadelphia under the sponsorship of the chapter, and in 1928 the city entertained the 21st General Sessions. Rho Chapter also was Host for the 1958 General Convention and the 1970 General Convention as well. There is a period in the history of Rho commonly known as the Jerrick Years. This is the period from 1916 to 1952. During these years the office of President was held by Brother Walter F. Jerrick M.D. He was a dynamic personality and an outstanding leader. He led Rho in becoming a respected influence in Alpha Phi Alpha activities and was nationally recognized as "Mr. Alpha Phi Alpha." Under his leadership which lasted thirty-five years Rho become a respected influence in National Fraternity activities. Brother Kirksey L. Curd was elected to the office of General Vice President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Brothers Jerrick and O.Wilson Winters D.D.S. became the first life members of Alpha. Brother Robert Henry Sr. M.D. was elected to the office of treasurer of Rho and served thirty-five years. Throughout the years, Rho Chapter has hosted national and regional conventions, supported all fraternity programs, promoted scholarship and achievement among its members and others and provided leadership on national, regional and district levels of the fraternity. Rho brothers continue to work to improve the Philadelphia community and have remained actively involved in all aspects of this great organization.

RHO CONGRATS: Congratulations to Bro. Ernest Owens on being named on City & State PA's Forty Under 40! ๐Ÿค™๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›
05/27/2026

RHO CONGRATS: Congratulations to Bro. Ernest Owens on being named on City & State PA's Forty Under 40! ๐Ÿค™๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›

COME GOLF WITH RHO! ๐Ÿค™๐Ÿพ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿฝโ€โ™‚๏ธโ›ณ๏ธ Weโ€™re teeing off our 2nd Rho Annual Golf Invitational on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at V...
05/20/2026

COME GOLF WITH RHO! ๐Ÿค™๐Ÿพ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿฝโ€โ™‚๏ธโ›ณ๏ธ

Weโ€™re teeing off our 2nd Rho Annual Golf Invitational on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Valleybrook Country Club in Blackwood, NJโ€”and we need your support! ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›

This year, weโ€™re hoping to sponsor several college-bound students to receive beginner golf lessons, mentorship, and experience a day of fun and learning beyond the city limits. Itโ€™s about building skills on and off the course. ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŒ๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ

โœจ In the past three years, weโ€™ve awarded approximately $50,000 in scholarshipsโ€”and weโ€™re just getting started. With your help, this event will continue that legacy and launch our ongoing initiative, the Rho Alpha Leadership Academy (RALA).

๐Ÿ“Œ Ways to support:

Attend the event and participate in the tournament

Sponsor a scholar for the outing & banquet ($150)

Donate items for our welcome bags

Contribute to our scholarship & mentoring programs

We need and have opportunities for donors & sponsorships

Our goal is to develop leaders and promote academic excellence. ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿพ

๐Ÿ“ง Questions or want to get involved? Please email [email protected]

A VOTELESS PEOPLE IS A HOPELESS PEOPLE: Today is Election Day in Philly. It is your fundamental right to cast your vote ...
05/19/2026

A VOTELESS PEOPLE IS A HOPELESS PEOPLE: Today is Election Day in Philly. It is your fundamental right to cast your vote for yourself, your family, and your community. ๐Ÿค™๐Ÿพ

The polls are open until 8 pm ET. Go let your voice be heard during this unprecedented election. ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›

RHO CONGRATS: Congratulations to Bro. Ernest Owens on producing the 5th Annual Media Professional Awards for the Philade...
05/18/2026

RHO CONGRATS: Congratulations to Bro. Ernest Owens on producing the 5th Annual Media Professional Awards for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. ๐Ÿค™๐Ÿพ

As president of the local media non-profit, Bro. Owens helped raise thousands of dollars for local journalism programs and scholarships for aspiring Black reporters, writers, and creators in the region. ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›

RHO IN SERVICE: This weekend, bRHOs showed up and volunteered at the Black Male Youth Empowerment Conference: Purpose in...
05/17/2026

RHO IN SERVICE: This weekend, bRHOs showed up and volunteered at the Black Male Youth Empowerment Conference: Purpose in Motion, a one-day experience designed to empower high school young men (grades 9โ€“12) at Boys' Latin Charter School in West Philly. ๐Ÿค™๐Ÿพ

The innagural event, produced by Bro. William Wright El, guided these young men on Saturday through leadership development, mentorship, identity exploration, and real-world skill-building. ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›

RHO IN SERVICE: This weekend, our RhoBros  โ€” in partnership with Crescent Foundation โ€” showed up to answer that call. Ev...
05/12/2026

RHO IN SERVICE: This weekend, our RhoBros โ€” in partnership with Crescent Foundation โ€” showed up to answer that call. Every Black donorโ€™s blood was Blue Tagged, reserved directly for someone waiting on a match. ๐Ÿค™๐Ÿพ

Sickle cell mostly affects Black patients. The closest match for them comes from Black donors

If youโ€™re Black and able, your blood is medicine someone is waiting for. Find a drive near you at RedCrossBlood.org. ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›

RHO CONGRATS: Mighty Rho Chapter congratulates Bro. Dr. Eric Jackson for being honored as one of this year's Emerging Le...
05/11/2026

RHO CONGRATS: Mighty Rho Chapter congratulates Bro. Dr. Eric Jackson for being honored as one of this year's Emerging Leaders at the 19th annual Greek Gala of NPHC of Southeastern Pennsylvania! ๐Ÿ†

We also would like to celebrate Bro. Jeh'Vay Walker of Nu Chapter on winning a $2,000 Emerging Young Leaders scholarship as well! ๐Ÿค™๐Ÿพ

Congratulations to all the Divine 9 honorees and NPHC-SEPA for hosting another successful event! ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›

RHO IN FAITH: Earlier this week, our RhoBros joined in fellowship at Second Mount Zion Baptist Church to support Bro. Re...
05/09/2026

RHO IN FAITH: Earlier this week, our RhoBros joined in fellowship at Second Mount Zion Baptist Church to support Bro. Rev. Dr. J. Wendell Mapson (Lecturer) and Bro. Rev. William C. Gipson (Preacher) as they presented at the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity. ๐Ÿค™๐Ÿพ

It was a day of inspirational worship and praise. We commend our Rho Brothers in clergy for keeping us lifted. ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›

NEO OF THE WEEK! It's time for โ€œNeo of the Weekโ€ from our Fall 2025 line known as the 10 Oracles of O.S.I.R.I.S. (Order ...
05/08/2026

NEO OF THE WEEK! It's time for โ€œNeo of the Weekโ€ from our Fall 2025 line known as the 10 Oracles of O.S.I.R.I.S. (Order of the Sacred InfernRHO Spirits) ๐Ÿค™๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ”ฅ

Tenth up, Bro. William McKant (Central InTAILigence), the Tail of their line!

Bro. William A. McKant III is a dedicated educator, mentor, and licensed real estate professional with more than 20 years of experience serving urban public schools. He currently teaches at Parkway Northwest High School for Peace and Social Justice, where he is recognized for innovative instruction, strong mentorship, and programs that support student growth and leadership development.

A graduate of Lincoln University with a bachelorโ€™s degree in Health and Physical Education and Cheyney University with a masterโ€™s degree in Educational Leadership, Bro. McKant has dedicated his career to empowering students and strengthening communities.

Outside the classroom, he has spent the past decade working as a Realtor, helping individuals and families achieve homeownership and build long-term wealth through real estate.

In his spare time, Bro. McKant enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, traveling, and exploring great food. His commitment to education, leadership, and community empowerment has earned him several honors, including the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teachers, the Burlington City NJ Teacher of the Year Award, the Changing Lives Award, and the Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Teacher Award. ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›

NEO OF THE WEEK! It's time for โ€œNeo of the Weekโ€ from our Fall 2025 line known as the 10 Oracles of O.S.I.R.I.S. (Order ...
05/01/2026

NEO OF THE WEEK! It's time for โ€œNeo of the Weekโ€ from our Fall 2025 line known as the 10 Oracles of O.S.I.R.I.S. (Order of the Sacred InfernRHO Spirits) ๐Ÿค™๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ”ฅ

Ninth up, Bro. Kelby Swearington (Great Expectations), the Nine of their line!

Bro. Kelby Swearington serves as the Communications Director for State Representative Andre D. Carroll and as a Campaign Field Director. A 2025 Temple University graduate, he earned his bachelorโ€™s degree in Criminal Justice, Minor in Psychology and a certification in Forensic Psychology. Bro. Swearington is currently preparing to pursue a career as an attorney to reform our nationโ€™s justice system and significantly improve the quality of life of underserved communities.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Bro. Swearington got his start in public service with Philadelphia City Councilmember Anthony Phillips where he worked to inform and uplift residents of the 9th Council District. Also a member of the NAACPโ€™s Young Adults Committee, Bro. Swearington aspires to continue providing service and advocacy in our communities throughout his career, just as his older brother, who is also a RhoBro, Bro. Ernest Owens. ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›

Address

Philadelphia, PA
19101

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