In keeping with its decades-long Lenten tradition, Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. held the Annual Faith Leaders Lenten Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, April 1. Nearly 400 Alpha brothers and guests filled the main ballroom at the Forum Caterers for a morning of prayer, worship experiences, and tributes to honorees across denominations, ministry, government, education, business, and community service.

One of Delta Lambda’s signature public programs, the program focuses also on prayers for the community, government, family, and fraternity, which were offered by the brothers with command and spiritual charisma. The Alpha Chorale, comprised of several members, lifted rousing selections to enhance the worshipful atmosphere.

“Delta Lambda has distinguished itself in the community by highlighting sterling leaders who model great stewardship in service to others,” said Chaplain and Event Chair Bro. Dr. Marco K. Merrick. “The sacred Lenten season is a perfect time for us to pay homage to others while reflecting on the important work Alpha men and all men of faith are called to do.”

The chapter annually recognizes seven honorees in tribute to the seven founders of the fraternity, established in 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca NY. This year’s honorees included Dr. Barbara L. Shaw (The National Council of Negro Women,) Dr. Bettina Scott (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Alpha Zeta Chapter,) Rev. Anthony Horsey (Chaplain of the Community Concert Choir of Baltimore, Inc.,) Mrs.Catherine P. Stansbury (The Baltimore Alpha Wives, Inc.,) Mr. Brandon Wylie (The Wylie Foundation Wishing Well Program,) Bro. Dr. Anton Bizzell (Immediate Past President of Delta Lambda Chapter,) and Stacy Rodgers (Baltimore County Administrator.)

Honorees received citations from Delta Lambda chapter brothers Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and MD State Senator Charles E. Sydnor. Recognition documents from elected officials in both houses of the Maryland General Assembly, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby, and other municipal officials, and a special mug designed by Delta Lambda Bro. Anthony Williams were also presented.

Chapter brothers and members of the 2023 Alpha Beautillion Scholars cohort also welcomed and escorted the guests to their tables. Now in its twentieth year, the Beautillion program offers mentoring, cultural, and academic enrichment experiences and has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to more than 300 high school males across the state. The prayer breakfast is a fundraiser for the program, which is an activity in support of the chapter’s interpretation of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. national program, Go to High School, Go to College. Established in 1922, the program concentrates on the importance of completing secondary and collegiate education as a road to advancement. 

Approaching its 104th year of service, Delta Lambda is the fourth-oldest alumni chapter in the fraternity.