The Origin of the Theta Theta Chapter

Prior to the 1970s, there were no Black Greek-letter organizations at the University of Maryland at College Park (Maryland). In the early 70s, efforts were made to establish several predominately Black Greek fraternities and sororities on Maryland’s campus. The late and lamented Brother Lucien Brown had a vision and began spearheading the establishment of a chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Kappa) in Maryland in mid-1974. Many notable pioneers, including Tony Fulton, Joseph Harris, Larry Jamison, Elbridge James, St. Elmo Crawford, Tony Abrams, and Osema Moore, assisted him.

On September 21, 1974, Kappa became the fourth predominately Black fraternity to institute a pledge organization at the University of Maryland. This first Scroller Club consisted of 13 parts and was inducted under the charter of Kappa’s XI chapter, Howard University, in Washington, D.C. The initiation rituals were conducted principally by Kappa men from XI, Epsilon Sigma (Bowie State College), and Alpha Iota (Morgan State College) chapters. Lucien Brown, also known as Brownie, served as Dean of Pledges. The Silver Spring Alumni Chapter provided advisory guidance to the Fraternity activities and the Eastern Province Council provided oversight.

Since no undergraduate Kappas were on campus, the Scroller Club frequently traveled to Bowie State, Morgan State, and Howard University for their orientation to the Fraternity, its purpose, objectives, history, traditions, and customs. On the night of December 5, 1974, 12 men were made Kappa and became the chartering members of Kappa Alpha Psi at Maryland. The line was initiated under the charter of the XI chapter and was named The Twelve From the Unreal. The charter members were Charles Grant, George Perry, Fred Jones, Lawrence Morton, Eric Stansbury, Vernon Ross, Carl Bly, Alois Richardo Clemons, Edward Anthony, Timmie Rogers Marshall, Ronald Holt, and Ronald Grayson.

The following semester, on the night of March 1, 1975, six young men aspiring to become members of the Fraternity were inducted into Maryland’s second Scroller Club at the Washington, D.C. Fraternity house. They were the first pledge line under Kappa men enrolled at Maryland. They received their indoctrination into Kappa from 12 neophyte Kappa men, as well as from Kappas of neighboring colleges and universities. On April 25, 1975, these six gallant men crossed the burning sands into Kappa Alpha Psi. The line was initiated under the charter of the XI chapter and was named The Triflin’ Six. The initiates were Morgan Robbins, Marc Felton, Edward Wheeler, Allen Wright, Calvin Byrd, and Reginald Baker.

Desiring to be autonomous and assisted by several transfer brothers, these Kappa men worked diligently and swiftly on their application to obtain a charter at Maryland. They demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in academics, community service, and fraternal activities, shaping the chapter’s legacy. These Kappas quickly became the premiere and most highly respected Fraternity in Maryland and within Kappa’s Eastern Province. Noting their stellar Achievements, the Grand Chapter, under the signature of Grand Polemarch Elbert E. Allen, designated Maryland as the “Theta Theta” Chapter on September 21, 1975.

_______________________________________________________________________________

The Theta Theta Chapter Legacy

“Many are called but few are chosen.”

Since the chapter’s inception, membership in the Theta Theta chapter was not focused on the number of members but rather on the quality of members. Theta Theta has consistently attracted college men of culture, patriotism, and honor who possess intelligence, character, strength, and an unquenchable desire to achieve.

From 1974 through 2024, 244 noble men have been initiated into the highly acclaimed Theta Theta chapter. In addition, 9 Kappa men have transferred into Theta Theta and united in the Noble Clan.

Now, we have 10 brothers on the yard entering the 2024-25 academic year.

Prestigious National Offices Held in Kappa

Name:     Alois (Ricky) Clemons
Year:       1997
Office:     Junior Vice Polemarch of the Eastern Province

Name:     Craig Dean
Year:        1979
Office:     Grand Board of Directors at the 62nd Grand Chapter Conclave

Name:     Craig Dean

Year:        1979

Office:     Junior Vice Polemarch of the Eastern Province

Name:     Andre Gladden

Year:        2018

Office:     MTA Chairman

_______________________________________________________________________________

Provided by nupenupe.com