History

The Theta Mu Lambda Charitable Foundation was founded on January 1, 1989, in Calumet City by the Theta Mu Lambda (TML) chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A motion had been made in an earlier Chapter meeting by Brothers Eugene Varnado and second by Brother Larry Poole to develop a scholarship foundation. The Foundation's the purpose would be to distribute scholarships in memory of the untimely the accidental death of a young Alpha Brother Richard L Storey of Eta Eta Chapter. The TML Chapter incorporated the Foundation On April 2, 1990. In the fall of 1990, the Foundation awarded the first three $500.00 scholarships. On January 15, 1998, Brother Arthur Byrd successfully attained a 501c (3) status for the Foundation.

The first, five Theta Mu Lambda Brothers who served on the Charitable Foundation's Board of Directors as Officers were: Brothers Melvin Brown, Joseph Hill, Jan F. Peters, George Reaves, and Eugene C, Varnado, and the remaining Board members consisted of Brothers in good standing with Theta Mu Lambda chapter. The Foundation has had 7 Chairman in order: Eugene Varnado, Arthur Isom, Roger Bradley, Jeffrey Johnson, Chad Simmons, Michael Thompson, and Arthur Byrd, current Chairman.

The Foundation exists to encourage academic excellence and assist minority students in their pursuit of higher education and the supporting educational programs and scholarships for African American male youths in the schools around the South Suburban area. In the earlier years, the scholarships were only nonrenewable one-year awards to graduating high school seniors. Today, Theta Mu Lambda Charitable Foundation scholarships are renewable for four years if reapplying applicants qualify each year. Applications for these scholarships are distributed to the South Suburban High Schools and made available to students in early February. All applications and forms are due by the end of April. The scholarship committee reviews each applicant's material and selects several for oral interviews. The Foundation distributes scholarships to all qualifying scholarship recipients in August.

Since 1990 the Foundation has awarded over $250,000 in monetary awards to Chicago South Suburban college-bound youths.

The Foundation also recommends African American students to other foundations, government agencies, municipalities, and professional organizations for additional scholarship opportunities.

The Foundation Board consists of 5 Foundation Officers, 5 Executive Committee Directors, and may include up to 41 additional Directors. Two maybe laypeople, who are not members in good standing of Theta Mu Lambda Chapter and preferably from the South Suburban community. The day to day business operation by the Foundation is the responsibility of its officers and executive committee.