In the Fall of 1983, several alumni brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. living in Summerville and Moncks Corner, SC were concerned about the academic performance of African American males in the school systems of both Berkeley and Dorchester counties.  Additionally, the brothers of Alpha desired to see an increase in the level of community service which Black Greek-lettered organizations are uniquely suited to provide.  So on January 18, 1984, The Xi Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was chartered in Summerville, SC.  Charter members included the following: Brothers Roscoe C. Bacote, Bro. Julius Barnes, Bro. William L. Baylor, II, Bro. David Bland, Bro. Alfonzo Greene, Bro. Timothy Greene and Bro. Bernett W. Mazyck; who also served as the chapter’s first President.  The first meetings were held at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Summerville, SC.  Shortly thereafter, meetings were held at the homes of Bro. Bernett Mazyck, Bro. Timothy Green, Bro. William Baylor, as well as the Cuthbert Community Center, and now the Farmers and Merchant Bank on the 1st Saturday of each month.

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During its formative years, the brothers of Xi Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. established mentorship programs in the area high schools, scholarship programs for students graduating from Berkeley and Dorchester counties who were accepted into colleges and universities in South Carolina and beyond, as well as well as community service projects focusing on the elderly.  The brothers of Xi Phi Lambda brought to Berkeley and Dorchester counties such national programs of the fraternity as A Voteless People is a Hopeless People, Project Alpha and Go to High School Go to College.  With the presence of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. solidly established in Berkeley and Dorchester counties, the youth of the area had solid role models and examples of successful, professional college-educated African American men in which to emulate. Additionally, the brothers of Xi Phi Lambda Chapter quickly assumed the role of advisor to the undergraduate chapter (Mu Pi Chapter) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. located at Charleston Southern University.  This partnership ensured that the undergraduate brothers had the benefit of the wisdom and guidance of professional Alphas, which set a standard of success for the younger brothers.

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Over the last almost thirty-five, the chapter’s membership has increased and its presence has contributed greatly to the local community of Summerville and the surrounding areas. Xi Phi Lambda proudly takes part in Project Alpha; A Voteless People, Is A Hopeless People Voters’ Registration effort; the Brother’s Keeper Program; Go to High School, Go to College Program; the March of Dimes – March for Babies Campaign and the Annual Salvation Army Holiday Bell Ringing.  Currently, the Chapter has a membership of close to 50 active members from a variety of fields including but not limited to: Education, Business, Legal and Law Enforcement, Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and the Armed Forces.