Brothers from the Delta Lambda Chapter visited Battle Grove Elementary School on Feb. 28 to celebrate the conclusion of Black History Month with students in a variety of grade levels. Brothers visited classrooms to read, speak and share with youth in a school with African Americans exceeding 20% of its total enrollment, but which features no male teachers or African American staff members.

The event was coordinated by Bro. Dante Merrell [Nu Mu Lambda, 11′] a life member of the fraternity, non-profit executive, and entrepreneur who counts the school among his clientele for vending machine servicing.

“Since I am the only black male walking into the school, the administration approached me for help. In turn and without a second thought, “Servants of All” I knew and hoped the brothers of Delta Lambda would heed the call,” he said.

Battle Grove serves students in grades K-5 from the Dundalk area of Baltimore County. Leaders at the school expressed appreciation for the chapter’s engagement during the annual celebration of Black history and achievement.

“Your willingness to give your time and service is greatly appreciated. Your support of Battle Grove Elementary allows us to continue to fulfill our mission to foster the independence, critical thinking, and creativity of a diverse community of learners so they are fully prepared to become confident, responsible leaders who change the world,” said Courtney Warlick, Battle Grove Community School Facilitator in a letter of appreciation to the chapter. “Not only does your work support our organization, but it also supports our entire community.”

Delta Lambda is an active participant in Alpha Phi Alpha’s national ‘Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College’ educational initiative, which connects brothers to youth in communities surrounding active chapters to provide information, modeling and engagement in educational access.