The Living Stones of ZSL: Real Estate and Building Black Futures in San Diego 
Brother Fagan’s story shows what disciplined, intentional property ownership can achieve. He built equity, preserved community, and pushed back against the forces displacing Black families across San Diego. His path wasn’t easy, but it was clear: act, learn, and build. This article examines how real estate can serve as a tool for economic justice, cultural stability, and civic leadership. It outlines practical investment tools and ends with a focused proposal: create a chapter-owned Alpha House in San Diego. Ownership is within reach. The blueprint is here.

Carrying the Torch
Each year, San Diego bears witness to one of the most vibrant and purposeful tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: the 43rd Annual San Diego MLK Parade, Health Festival, and 5K Fun Run. More than just a celebration, this event is a living testament to the unwavering commitment of those who refuse to let Dr. King’s dream fade. At the heart of this mission stands the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., alongside the San Diego Alpha Foundation. For decades, these Brothers have not only honored Dr. King’s memory but have actively advanced his call to justice, unity, and community empowerment.

For many Black men, being a member of Alpha Phi Alpha means more than just joining a fraternity; it's also about belonging. It's like being part of a root system that links you to something deeper: your culture, your past, and a tradition of resistance and optimism.

Look at Alpha as a living tree: with roots anchored in African legacy and ancient battle, a trunk constructed on intergenerational strength, air we share for emotional survival, and a canopy that spans the community providing shade, support, and service. This idea of brotherhood is a radical dedication to love, leadership, and Black greatness, not only legacy.

We have the power to change the systems that are failing. Alpha men, this is our moment to lead. The March for Babies initiative is more than a fundraiser—it is a movement to protect our families, to demand justice in healthcare, and to ensure that Black mothers and infants receive the care they deserve.

The journey toward educational equity for Black students is complex but imperative. Community institutions such as the Divine Nine (D9) are in a unique position to spearhead these efforts. By working collectively to safeguard educational equity, address environmental challenges, and celebrate the cultural identities of Black students, there can be a future where every student achieves their full potential. Now is the time to act—to dismantle barriers, amplify voices, and create spaces where Black students can thrive as leaders, innovators, and contributors to a better, more inclusive society.

Project Alpha: Our Collective Response

Addressing these disparities requires collective action. As members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., we have a responsibility to advocate for and support initiatives that promote educational equity. This is where Project Alpha comes into play—a program that embodies our fraternity's commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of young men in San Diego.

Zeta Sigma Lambda is leading local efforts to empower voters for the 2024 elections. As part of the "Stroll to the Polls 2024" momentum, Zeta Sigma Lambda-facilitated events emphasizes civic engagement, education, and voter mobilization, as part of uniting the Divine Nine community for impactful participation in local and national elections.

Voter participation and the protection of voting rights have always been of paramount importance to the Black community.

Our organization cannot sustain itself without College Brothers, the lifeblood of our dear Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. This is an appeal for all Brothers to contribute through their time, treasure, and talents towards reactivating and expanding Eta Sigma Chapter.

Letter From Our Outgoing President

Are you over it? Are you looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health while enjoying the great outdoors? If so, you might want to consider taking the chapter RV trip this summer.

The Zeta Sigma Lambda (ZSL) chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity faced numerous barriers in the lead-up to this year's MLK Day Parade, but with the leadership and commitment to the collaboration of our brothers, we were able to serve our community.

As a fraternity, we understand the importance of fundraising for our chapter to support our mission and goals. However, for some of our brothers, fundraising can be a daunting task. That is why we have decided to bring you a special article on how to build lasting relationships in fundraising.

As the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. prepares to host their annual Black and Gold Holiday Scholarship Ball, we are reminded of the important role that this event plays in the community.