Framing the Future: A Conversation with Brother President Welborne
By: Bro. Dexter Egleston, Associate Editor to the Sphinx
As Zeta Sigma Lambda transitions to a new administration, this article serves as a deliberate attempt to anchor our collective future in the lived experience, values, and vision of our newly elected chapter president. We are releasing this reflection in early August, right before our chapter retreat, to provide a clear understanding of our direction and the reasons behind it. It sets the tone for the retreat’s strategic focus and invites every brother into alignment with the path forward.
The theme for this administration, "Reset. Rebuild. Reignite," goes beyond being mere aspirational rhetoric. It reflects a structured, experience-driven approach to leadership shaped by a lifetime of service: from early exposure to Alpha in the Black churches and community centers of Dallas to leadership in the U.S. Navy to years of grassroots mentorship, family stewardship, and community impact here in San Diego. This piece aims to humanize the office of the presidency while clarifying its strategic aims. It charts how the president’s journey, from childhood influence to military command to chapter service, animates a threefold commitment:
Reset our internal systems to ensure operational excellence,
Rebuild our foundation of brotherhood and infrastructure, and
Reignite both leadership and presence in the communities we serve.
We are building a bridge: connecting legacy to innovation, honoring past administrations while signaling a clear and focused vision for the future. The forthcoming words offer transparency into the motivations behind upcoming plans and stress the importance of strategic continuity, ensuring that our chapter not only honors the shoulders we stand on but also builds for those who will one day stand on ours. Above all, this piece is a call to alignment. The words and ideas that follow aim to unite us as we embark on a new season of planning, purpose, and presence. Our goal is to ensure that all brothers, regardless of their tenure or level of induction, can understand our direction and, crucially, recognize their own role in the upcoming tasks.
Roots of Leadership: The Journey to Alpha
The path to Alpha Phi Alpha for the newly elected president of Zeta Sigma Lambda began in the neighborhoods, churches, and cultural spaces of Dallas, Texas. Growing up in a city rich with Black Greek presence, he encountered Alpha early on license plates, at barbershops, in schools, and through community events like the Dallas Black Expo. The visibility of Black fraternities was woven into everyday life, and while no single encounter was prescriptive, the idea of fraternal brotherhood was always present and nearby, and it grew in his heart.
It wasn’t until the sixth grade, however, that Alpha became more than a symbol. A new Sunday school teacher, a proud Alpha, entered his life. This teacher didn’t push the fraternity, but embodied it, like Alphamen always do. His poise, leadership, and sense of purpose left an impression far deeper than recruitment ever could. It was this modeling that sparked a quiet but powerful connection: the idea that Alpha men not only led but also aligned their lives with values of manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind. Initially, he was attracted to Alpha due to the consistent perceptions and stereotypes: "Alphas are smart, they graduate, they mature, they make a significant impact, and they are clean-cut," which were in alignment with the life he envisioned for himself. As he developed and began to more actively investigate Alpha's mission, what had initially been admiration evolved into alignment. He found that the fraternity's pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and brotherhood were a reflection of his personal compass.
“Does what I value as a man align with what this organization is doing?” he asked himself. The answer was unequivocally yes.
This internal alignment between his emerging leadership philosophy and Alpha’s enduring mission cemented his decision to pursue membership. For him, Alpha wasn’t just a badge of arrival but a homecoming to the values he had cultivated and carried for years.
Leadership Philosophy: From Military Precision to Fraternal Collaboration
For a man who has commanded in the military, led in the church, mentored youth, and sat on educational boards, leadership is a way of life. But stepping into leadership within Alpha Phi Alpha brings a different kind of challenge, one that calls for a shift not in values but in approach. His military background, where chain of command, mission clarity, and operational discipline are essential, deeply shapes the president's leadership style. The Navy values direct hierarchical leadership. Orders are given and executed. Success is often a matter of efficiency and compliance, with lives and missions depending on precision. Alpha, however, requires something different. “Even as chapter president,” he explains, “I have one vote like everyone else.” In this space, authority isn’t about command; it’s about consensus. It’s about facilitation, not directives. Leadership in Alpha calls for emotional intelligence, peer collaboration, and the humility to lead among equals. It is less about being at the front and more about cultivating space for others to step forward.
This shift from hierarchical leadership to fraternal collaboration has deepened his understanding of what it means to guide a team, not by rank, but by relationship. In Alpha, brothers don’t follow because they must. They commit because they trust and believe in “holding high the name.” The chapter president sees his role not as a decision-maker in isolation but as a convener of shared purpose. Whether leading at the chapter, district, or regional level, he emphasizes the importance of clarity, preparation, and communication skills sharpened in military life but now adapted for community building. The stakes may not be combat readiness, but they are no less serious: unity, engagement, legacy, and growth. In this new context, he has embraced a leadership model rooted in alignment, facilitation, and mentorship. It’s a style that blends the structured discipline of the military with the democratic spirit of brotherhood, where every voice counts, and the measure of a leader is found not in control but in the culture he helps sustain.
Foundation of Experience: Family, Faith, and Community
While vision often initiates leadership, it sustains itself through support, a process that Brother Welborne believes begins at home. As he steps into the role of chapter president, he brings not only a distinguished record of service but also a deeply rooted foundation shaped by faith, family, and a lifelong commitment to community leadership. Brother Welborne’s leadership journey began early. From leading youth Bible study classes at church to serving as class president and squad leader in his school band, the seeds of service were sown long before his military career or fraternal involvement. “I was always in roles where I had to organize, mediate, and inspire others,” he reflects. “Even back then, it was about impact; a real, tangible impact on people’s lives.” Those early responsibilities helped him develop a mindset: leadership as stewardship, not status. His time in the Navy sharpened that perspective, embedding values of teamwork, responsibility, and strategic discipline. But it was his continued work in the community, especially on nonprofit boards like the Harriet Tubman Charter School and the San Diego Education Fund, that broadened his reach. Whether he is shaping youth programming or stewarding scholarships for aspiring teachers, Brother Welborne's drive consistently stems from a single motivation: making a meaningful difference.
The same motivation permeates his family life. He and his wife, Tara, his partner of 18 years, share a home and also a purpose. Their son recently graduated from high school and is to attend Prairie View A&M University. He likewise supports two nieces, "our bonus children," as he proudly calls them, in creating a household based on love and accountability. “You learn a lot about leadership when you’re raising kids,” he says. “You learn how to listen, how to set expectations, and how to recover when things don’t go as planned.” That wisdom now extends into his presidency. Brother Welborne is committed to balance, ensuring that his role as a chapter leader never eclipses his role as a husband and father. “You didn’t see me at every meeting last fall because it was football season,” he admits. “Every Friday, I was at those games. And I don’t regret it. That’s part of my leadership, too.” His approach is clear: presence is power, and leadership must never cost you your foundation.
Importantly, his family doesn’t just support his Alpha work; they participate in it. Tara joins him at formal events and cookouts. The kids show up at service projects, sometimes as volunteers, sometimes simply to be together. This integration reflects a larger belief: that Alpha’s work is not siloed from family; it should include them. "Alpha promotes brotherhood, but it begins at home," he asserts. “If I can model integrity and connection in both places, that’s the kind of leader I want to be.” In Brother Welborne’s administration, family is the bedrock. Their presence, their participation, and their love inform every decision he makes. “They remind me of what really matters,” he says with conviction. “They help me lead with empathy and keep me grounded. My family doesn’t just witness my leadership; they shape it.”
Vision for the Chapter: Reset. Rebuild. Reignite.
As Brother Johnnie Welborne assumes the presidency of the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter, he brings a wealth of leadership experience but also a refined and actionable vision for what Alpha leadership can and should look like on the West Coast. His presidential theme is “Reset. Rebuild. Reignite: The Standard Starts in San Diego,” and it is a framework for transformation, rooted in reflection and aligned with Alpha Phi Alpha's historic charge for self-examination and institutional growth. Drawing inspiration from Chapter 7 of The History of Alpha Phi Alpha, which urges members to periodically reflect, refine, and reposition, Brother Welborne’s leadership will focus on clarity, consistency, and culture, ensuring that the chapter’s impressive momentum is matched by its infrastructure, integrity, and internal cohesion. Under his administration, every chapter initiative must align with one of the three pillars: Reset, Rebuild, or Reignite. This intentional structure guides action and also anchors the administration's values in a language that all brothers can comprehend and implement. In Welborne’s words, “If what we’re doing doesn’t help us reset operations, rebuild our brotherhood, or reignite our leadership, it’s going to be low on the priority list.” This is a call for focus, for streamlining, and for making every effort count.
The first pillar, Reset, speaks to the need for operational clarity and strategic alignment. After years of rapid chapter growth, both in membership and in programming, Welborne emphasizes the importance of revisiting the systems that support this expansion. Are the bylaws up to date? Is there a clearly documented process for onboarding new brothers, planning events, or approving budgets? Is it possible for a new individual to assume a leadership role and have a clear understanding of their responsibilities? Reset is about building out the internal architecture necessary to sustain excellence. It encompasses not only repairing existing issues but also developing models and resources that enable future leaders to achieve success without having to start from the beginning. “If you relieved me as president tomorrow,” he said, “could the next brother step in and lead effectively?” That is the accountability standard that Reset demands.
The second pillar, Rebuild, turns inward, to the brotherhood itself. While Alpha’s growth in visibility and programming is notable, Brother Welborne is equally focused on the unseen bonds that keep a chapter strong: trust, transparency, and genuine connection. He believes that a calendar of events or a handshake at a meeting cannot adequately capture the essence of brotherhood. It must be experienced as a relationship. Drawing from his own practice, he proposes a model of localized engagement, informal gatherings, and regional “pods” where brothers from similar areas (like North County or South Bay) can connect more consistently and authentically. These grassroots efforts foster genuine rapport, particularly in a geographically spread-out region like San Diego. He also emphasizes the importance of continuing to honor senior brothers, not only ceremonially but also relationally, by ensuring they remain involved and valued. In Welborne’s vision, brotherhood is not passive or programmatic; it is built through consistent, meaningful interaction.
The final pillar, Reignite, focuses on leadership development and community presence. Welborne believes the next generation of Alpha leaders is already within the chapter and the key is to unlock that potential. “We don’t need to look outside,” he says. “The next strong Alpha leaders are already among us.” His goal is to provide clear pathways for mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities that will empower brothers to lead confidently. But Reignite also extends beyond internal development. It calls for Alpha to be present in the communities it serves, not just through service projects, but by showing up where people are: football games, school events, local festivals, and prayer breakfasts. He challenges the chapter to move beyond geographic assumptions, noting that Black families in Oceanside, San Ysidro, and Rancho Bernardo need support just as much as those in Southeast San Diego. Visibility and engagement must be broad, intentional, and human-centered.
The three pillars (Reset, Rebuild, and Reignite) constitute the cornerstone of Brother Welborne’s administration. They represent tangible guidelines for the operational, connective, and leadership functions of Zeta Sigma Lambda. Every decision, every initiative, and every expenditure must support this framework. In doing so, the chapter honors Alpha's legacy and sets a new standard for what fraternal excellence can look like in the 21st century. As Welborne puts it plainly, “The standard starts here. The standard starts now. The Standard Starts in San Diego.”
Honoring Legacy, Building the Future
As Zeta Sigma Lambda approaches its 70th anniversary, Brother Welborne’s administration is keenly aware that progress must never come at the expense of honoring the path already paved. Leadership, in his view, is about gratitude. The chapter’s legacy has been built by brothers who labored quietly and consistently, ensuring that Alpha's presence in San Diego remained not just visible but vital. "We stand on the shoulders of giants," Brother Welborne affirms. “And part of our charge is to acknowledge that work, preserve its memory, and ensure that it continues to inform our future.”
This administration’s approach is deeply rooted in continuity. Welborne recognizes the accomplishments of past presidents and their teams, noting how their intentionality around honoring senior brothers, maintaining fraternal bonds, and elevating Alpha’s public presence created the very foundation he now builds upon. The upcoming 70th anniversary will not be treated as just another celebration but as a milestone of intergenerational achievement. It is an opportunity to reflect on how far the chapter has come while making strategic decisions about where it must go next. “It’s about giving back to everyone who made these seven decades possible,” he says, “from our charter members to our newest neos, and even the community that supported us all along.”
This reverence for legacy, however, does not mean resisting change. Brother Welborne’s leadership is grounded in the belief that tradition and innovation are not opposing forces; they are complementary guides. Under his watch, the chapter will continue adopting new technologies and systems to improve communication and efficiency. But these changes will always be data-driven and feedback-informed. When one tool doesn't work, like the previously implemented chapter app, he is willing to pivot, choosing function over flash. In his words, “It’s not about ego. It’s about service. If it doesn’t serve the chapter, it doesn’t serve the vision.”
Brother Welborne’s guiding principle is simple: change must benefit the highest number of brothers. That means listening closely, adapting thoughtfully, and implementing intentionally. Every new idea or system will be weighed not only for its effectiveness but also for its inclusivity. Can senior brothers engage with it? Can new brothers understand it? Does it strengthen our bonds and support our growth? These are the questions that will guide decision-making throughout his administration. In honoring the past while building for the future, Brother Welborne affirms that the legacy of Zeta Sigma Lambda is not fixed in history; it is actively unfolding. It lives in the rituals we uphold, the relationships we nurture, and the communities we serve. As the chapter approaches its 70th year, the goal is clear: to celebrate the journey while boldly charting the next one. In Alpha, our legacy extends beyond mere remembrance.
Final Reflections: The Man Behind the Mission
As Brother Johnnie Welborne steps into this presidency, he does so with a clear understanding of the responsibility he carries: to lead, to unify, to advocate, and to build. He is the first to say that leadership is “half earned, half entrusted.” That framing captures the humility and resolve that define his approach. Yes, he brings a record of service and competence. But more importantly, he recognizes that the weight of this role comes from the belief his brothers have placed in him. That trust is something he holds with deep reverence. Brother Welborne does not view the presidency as a position of command. Instead, he embraces it as a role of stewardship, an opportunity to serve as advocate, connector, and facilitator. His job, as he sees it, is to represent the chapter faithfully to outside entities, to create conditions for internal growth, and to ensure every brother has a pathway to contribute meaningfully. “Once you become president, it’s not about proving you can lead a meeting,” he says. “It’s about ensuring the chapter has the relationships, resources, and readiness to lead itself.” In this way, his vision is both empowering and expansive: cultivating leaders within, connecting strategically without, and ensuring the chapter’s structure reflects its aspirations.
Looking ahead, Brother Welborne’s legacy will be rooted in impact, equity, and community strength. It will be seen in the systems that make our chapter more sustainable, in the relationships that deepen our brotherhood, and in the presence we continue to have throughout San Diego County. The success of this administration, in his words, “won’t rest on how much I do, but on how much we build together.” To every brother reading this: Your knowledge, your effort, and your energy matter now more than ever. Whether you’ve been active for decades or just crossed into the House, this moment is your invitation to contribute, connect, and lead. The direction is set. The structure is forming. And the work ahead will require all of us. In this chapter, excellence is not only reserved for the few; it is also cultivated by the many.
The standard starts here. The standard starts now. The Standard Starts in San Diego.
