1945
Year
Chartered
80+
Years of
Brotherhood
11+
Annual MLK
Days of Service
BK
Rooted in
Brooklyn, NY

Brotherhood
Built in Brooklyn

The Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter — known as The Brooklyn Alphas — is a graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men.

Chartered in Brooklyn in 1945, GIL has been a steadfast presence in the borough for over eight decades, championing education, civic leadership, and service across our communities.

Our brothers are professionals, educators, community leaders, and change-makers — united by a shared commitment to excellence and the advancement of our community.

"Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities."

Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter brothers at Alpha East Conference
01

Scholarship

Academic excellence and intellectual growth as cornerstones of the fraternal experience.

02

Fellowship

Brotherhood that endures beyond initiation — a bond of mutual support and shared purpose.

03

Service

Commitment to uplifting our community through meaningful, measurable action.

04

Leadership

Developing men who lead with integrity in every sphere of civic and professional life.

Programs & Initiatives

View All Programs

Alpha Academy

A mentorship and leadership development program equipping young men with the tools, skills, and mindset to succeed academically and professionally.

MLK Day of Service

Our 11th Annual Day of Service honors Dr. King's legacy through free haircuts, hot meals, clothing drives, and community health screenings across Brooklyn.

Judge Myles A. Paige Scholarship

An annual scholarship honoring a distinguished Alpha brother and Brooklyn jurist — supporting the next generation of leaders in our community.

Community Advocacy

Partnering with civic organizations, elected officials, and community leaders to advocate for policies that uplift Brooklyn residents.

Recommended Readings

A curated library of essential texts in Black history, leadership, and social justice — shaping informed, empowered brothers and community members.

Impact $20

A giving program that turns small contributions into collective impact — fueling programs that transform lives across our borough.

Join the Brotherhood

Chapter
Meetings

Every second Saturday — Brotherhood, alignment, and action.

ScheduleSecond Saturday of the Month
Time2:00 PM
LocationBrooklyn College — James Hall R324
2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210
Dress CodeAlpha Attire
RSVP for Next Meeting →

Chapter History

1906

Alpha Phi Alpha Founded

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is established at Cornell University on December 4, 1906 — the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for African American men.

1945

Gamma Iota Lambda Chartered

The Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter is established in Brooklyn, New York, planting the roots of Alpha brotherhood deep in the borough's rich cultural soil.

2015

MLK Day of Service Launched

GIL initiates its annual MLK Day of Service — a community-centered event that has grown into one of Brooklyn's most impactful days of civic action, now in its 11th year.

2025

80th Anniversary & Center for Brooklyn History

Gamma Iota Lambda celebrates its 80th anniversary. The chapter's papers are accepted into the Center for Brooklyn History — preserving our legacy as a permanent part of Brooklyn's official record.

Today

One GIL — The Vision Continues

Under the guiding vision of "One GIL — Where Every Brother Belongs, Contributes, and Thrives," the chapter continues to grow, serve, and lead for generations to come.

Read Full Chapter History →
Annual Award · Brooklyn, NY

Judge Myles A. Paige Scholarship

Presented by Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter

Apply
Applications Now Open
Learn More & Apply →

Investing in
Brooklyn's Future

Named in honor of Judge Myles A. Paige — a distinguished Alpha brother, attorney, and trailblazing Brooklyn jurist — this annual scholarship reflects the chapter's enduring commitment to educational excellence.

The scholarship supports deserving students from Brooklyn who demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and the qualities of leadership that define the Alpha man.

  • 2025 graduating male high school senior
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale
  • Enrolling full-time at an accredited college or university for 2025–2026
  • 500-word essay on Black male college enrollment
View Full Requirements →

Connect with
The Brooklyn Alphas

Whether you're a prospective member, a partner organization, a scholarship applicant, or simply want to learn more about our work in Brooklyn — we'd love to hear from you.

Mailing Address P.O. Box 472721, Brooklyn, NY 11247
Website www.gil1906.org

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