Rho Chapter Alphas

November 3, 1914 was Tuesday and Election Day in Philadelphia. The headlines in the Public Ledger, then the most respected newspaper in Philadelphia, read:

" Nation's Eyes on Election Here Today"
"Britain Makes All North Sea A Military Area"
"City Park Benches Welcomed as Beds for Derelicts"

More comprehensive reporting would have added another important headline:
"Rho Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha F

raternity was organized." It was in this atmosphere of politics, world war and suffering of the unhoused poor that Rho Chapter was born. Its chief organizer was Brother Kirksey L. who was initiated into Alpha Chapter while a student at Cornell in 1910. He was assisted in the organizing by Brothers Pelham and Taylor of Nu Chapter at Lincoln University. Brothers Emile Raven, M.D. and DeHaven Hinkson, M.D. were charter members. Rho Chapter grew out of a felt need and desire of these men, who completed their college careers, to maintain their ties with Alpha. Rho's first President was Brother Kirksey L. Curd. During the years of his administration, 1914-1916, the constitution and by-laws were written and the high tone of individual progress and spirit of community responsibility was set. Rho has been the home of many distinguished Alpha men, notably the late Brother Walter F. Jerrick, who became president in 1916. In 1917 the 10th General Convention was brought to Philadelphia under the sponsorship of the chapter, and in 1928 the city entertained the 21st General Sessions. Rho Chapter also was Host for the 1958 General Convention and the 1970 General Convention as well. There is a period in the history of Rho commonly known as the Jerrick Years. This is the period from 1916 to 1952. During these years the office of President was held by Brother Walter F. Jerrick M.D. He was a dynamic personality and an outstanding leader. He led Rho in becoming a respected influence in Alpha Phi Alpha activities and was nationally recognized as "Mr. Alpha Phi Alpha." Under his leadership which lasted thirty-five years Rho become a respected influence in National Fraternity activities. Brother Kirksey L. Curd was elected to the office of General Vice President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Brothers Jerrick and O.Wilson Winters D.D.S. became the first life members of Alpha. Brother Robert Henry Sr. M.D. was elected to the office of treasurer of Rho and served thirty-five years. Throughout the years, Rho Chapter has hosted national and regional conventions, supported all fraternity programs, promoted scholarship and achievement among its members and others and provided leadership on national, regional and district levels of the fraternity. Rho brothers continue to work to improve the Philadelphia community and have remained actively involved in all aspects of this great organization.

05/27/2026

RHO CONGRATS: Congratulations to Bro. Ernest Owens on being named on City & State PA's Forty Under 40! 🤙🏾🖤💛

05/20/2026

COME GOLF WITH RHO! 🤙🏾🏌🏽‍♂️⛳️

We’re teeing off our 2nd Rho Annual Golf Invitational on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Valleybrook Country Club in Blackwood, NJ—and we need your support! 🖤💛

This year, we’re hoping to sponsor several college-bound students to receive beginner golf lessons, mentorship, and experience a day of fun and learning beyond the city limits. It’s about building skills on and off the course. 🎓🏌🏾‍♀️

✨ In the past three years, we’ve awarded approximately $50,000 in scholarships—and we’re just getting started. With your help, this event will continue that legacy and launch our ongoing initiative, the Rho Alpha Leadership Academy (RALA).

📌 Ways to support:

Attend the event and participate in the tournament

Sponsor a scholar for the outing & banquet ($150)

Donate items for our welcome bags

Contribute to our scholarship & mentoring programs

We need and have opportunities for donors & sponsorships

Our goal is to develop leaders and promote academic excellence. 💪🏾

📧 Questions or want to get involved? Please email [email protected]

05/18/2026

RHO CONGRATS: Congratulations to Bro. Ernest Owens on producing the 5th Annual Media Professional Awards for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. 🤙🏾

As president of the local media non-profit, Bro. Owens helped raise thousands of dollars for local journalism programs and scholarships for aspiring Black reporters, writers, and creators in the region. 🖤💛

05/12/2026

RHO IN SERVICE: This weekend, our RhoBros — in partnership with Crescent Foundation — showed up to answer that call. Every Black donor’s blood was Blue Tagged, reserved directly for someone waiting on a match. 🤙🏾

Sickle cell mostly affects Black patients. The closest match for them comes from Black donors

If you’re Black and able, your blood is medicine someone is waiting for. Find a drive near you at RedCrossBlood.org. 🖤💛

05/11/2026

RHO CONGRATS: Mighty Rho Chapter congratulates Bro. Dr. Eric Jackson for being honored as one of this year's Emerging Leaders at the 19th annual Greek Gala of NPHC of Southeastern Pennsylvania! 🏆

We also would like to celebrate Bro. Jeh'Vay Walker of Nu Chapter on winning a $2,000 Emerging Young Leaders scholarship as well! 🤙🏾

Congratulations to all the Divine 9 honorees and NPHC-SEPA for hosting another successful event! 🖤💛

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Philadelphia, PA
19101

Rho Chapter Alphas

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