History

During the summer of 1979, several graduate Brothers Stationed at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, located in Orange County, California, contacted then 12th District Representative Brother Arnold Butler requesting his assistance in establishing a graduate chapter in Orange County. Brother Butler directed Ernest Bridges (*), Southern California Area Representative, to meet with the Brothers and to assist them with their request. After several meetings, it was decided that the Brothers had met all of the chartering requirements and the documentation was forwarded to the Supreme Council.

Mu Alpha Alpha’s charter was granted by the Supreme Council on March 15, 1980. The original charter consisted of 12 Brothers located in the Orange County, Santa Ana area. The original charter members of Mu Alpha Alpha Chapter were:

  1. Ronnie Bivens
  2. Lawrence D. Clemons
  3. Michael P. Flowers
  4. Clayton “Leroy” Foster
  5. Anthony “Peabody” Freeman
  6. Ulysses Glenn
  7. Michael Hanley
  8. Andre Holmes
  9. Bernard Parker
  10. Rick Perkins
  11. James Taylor
  12. Harry B. Williams

(*) Note: Brother Ernest Bridges later transferred his membership to Mu Alpha Alpha Chapter, is a past Basileus and currently a financial member.

During the early years, Mu Alpha Alpha Chapter membership was comprised heavily of Brothers serving the United States of America through active duty in the armed forces. At the height of the first Gulf War in the early 90’s, the chapter’s membership numbers were reduced drastically due to Brothers being deployed overseas.

Throughout its existence, Mu Alpha Alpha Chapter has strived to uphold and exemplify the four Cardinal Principles of MANHOOD, PERSEVERANCE, SCHOLARSHIP AND UPLIFT and demonstrated service to the community throughout Orange County and beyond. In addition to programs mandated by Omega Psi Fraternity, Inc., the Brothers of Mu Alpha Alpha Chapter have created programming and partnered with BLGO’s and other organizations to serve, uplift and enhance the quality of life for Orange County California residents. A partial listing of programs and initiatives include:

  • Career Matching Program (CMP)
  • Spiritual Revivals
  • Youth Mentoring Programs
  • Orange County Black History Parade and Faire
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Health Awareness
  • Financial Empowerment

Mu Alpha Alpha Chapter has had a long and successful relationship with the Brothers and interests of Phi Lambda undergraduate chapter of the course of many years. Phi Lambda Chapter membership is from several colleges and universities throughout Orange County and the Inland Empire. The Mu Alpha Alpha – Phi Lambda relationship has been mutually beneficial as several Brothers have matriculated from Phi Lambda to become active members of Mu Alpha Alpha. Phi Lambda is currently the 12th District Undergraduate Chapter of the Year.