By Duane Johnson
From July 16–20, the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.—the San Diego Alphas—attended the fraternity’s 98th General Convention in Philadelphia, PA. Nearly 5,000 members of the first intercollegiate Black Greek-letter fraternity gathered at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for a week of workshops, business sessions and social events, all under the theme “Reimagining Alpha for the Future.”
The San Diego delegation was honored as the second-highest fundraising chapter in the nation for March of Dimes in 2025, raising an impressive $13,896. This national recognition comes on the heels of another major milestone: Bro. Don Long’s induction into the Western Region Hall of Fame. He is the second member of Zeta Sigma Lambda to receive this prestigious honor following the late Dr. Payton C. Cook, a beloved Lincoln High School principal. San Diego now holds the distinction of being the only chapter in Alpha’s 119-year history to have two members inducted into the Western Region Hall of Fame.
Adding to their accolades, the San Diego Alphas received a warm round of applause in front of a packed house at the Old Gold & Black Leadership Gala where they were recognized as the Alpha chapter that traveled the farthest—making the journey from San Diego to the City of Brotherly Love.
“The 98th General Convention was a proud moment for the San Diego Alphas. We made the trip across the country and were recognized for raising nearly $14,000 for March of Dimes, but more than anything, it spoke to the heart and hustle of our chapter. We went to do the work of Alpha, and we did. Seeing the work other chapters are doing, both across the country and around the world, really put into perspective the impact Alpha is having. I’m proud that San Diego is playing a part in that,” said Johnnie Welborne, President of the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter.
And while the chapter continues to make an impact nationally, their focus remains local. The San Diego Alphas invite the community to join them for their signature Holiday Scholarship Ball on December 13. This elegant evening helps fund educational programming for youth in San Diego. In 2025 alone, the chapter awarded $23,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors. For tickets, donations or more information, visit www.sandiegoalphas.com/scholarship.
