The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was established on December 11, 1948 at Pine Bluff, Arkansas by Brother L.H. Williams, the Regional Director and the following Charter Members: Charles E. Hymes, Kenneth L. Johnson, Charles L. Shepard, Robert W. Gray Jr., Burgess B. Lawson, Carl Marshall, Sammie J. Banks, Bismarck S. Williams, Tyrone Greene, Willie Hill, Harold H. Phippas Jr., John MCLinn Ross, and Ray F. Russell.

The first meeting of the chapter was held in the Biology Building of AM&N College and was called to order at 7:40 o’clock pm by the tentative chairman Bro. C.E. Hymes. At this first eeting there were 13 financial members on record and the chairman stated that these 13 brothers shall be know as Charter Members. After this was declared, the body agreed to elect
official permanent officers. The following officers were elected by secret ballot: President:Charles E. Hymes, Vice-President: Bismarck S. Williams, Recording Secretary: Carl Marshall, Corresponding Secretary: Robert W. Gray Jr., Treasurer: Burgess B. Lawson, Parliamentarian:Bismarck Williams, Associate Editor to the Sphinx: Willie Hill, and Chaplain: Sammie J. Banks.

The following Committees were established: Constitution (Bismarck Williams-Chairman, CarlMarshall, and Tyrone Greene). Program & Budget (Willie Hill-Chairman, Harold Phippas Jr.,
and Robert Gray. Membership (Burgess Lawson-Chairman, Ray Russell, and Charles Shepard.