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Dr. Anthony L. Peterson, Sr., a native of Dallas, Texas, exemplifies a trajectory of academic excellence
and community leadership.
Beginning his educational journey at the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Christian
School, now Kingdom Collegiate Academy, he continued to excel academically within the Dallas
Independent School District, graduating in the top 1% of his class from David W. Carter High School.
His
commitment to education led him to Texas Southern University on a full academic scholarship, where he
actively engaged in various organizations and clubs.
As a member of the Delta Theta Chapter of Alpha
Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he demonstrated leadership as chapter president throughout his tenure at
Texas Southern University.
Dr. Peterson furthered his education by earning a Doctor of Optometry
degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry, establishing himself as a respected
professional in his field.
Dr. Peterson's commitment to service extends beyond his professional endeavors, rooted in his belief in
utilizing God-given talents to uplift others. His leadership roles span various community organizations,
including serving as a board member for the Oak Cliff Christian Credit Union and assuming positions
within the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. community.
Currently, Dr. Peterson serves in pivotal roles
such as chapter President for the Texas Southern National Alumni Association Dallas Chapter, Texas
Optometric Association Political Liaison for the Southwest area of Dallas County, and chartering chapter
President for the Gamma Upsilon Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Alongside his wife,
LaAndra Peterson, he actively participates in their church's couples ministry at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship,
embodying a commitment to both family and community service.
Jabari Jones, a native of Shreveport, LA, hails from a community-oriented family deeply involved in civic
activities.
After spending his formative years in Shreveport, his family relocated to Texas, where he
completed his high school education in the Arlington Independent School District. Jabari pursued his
higher education journey at Southern University before transferring and earning Bachelor of Arts
degrees in History and English from the University of Louisiana Lafayette. During his time at ULL, he
actively participated in various campus organizations, demonstrating his commitment to campus
engagement and leadership.
Following his graduation, Jabari immersed himself in the vibrant art and literary scene of Dallas, Texas.
He became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. through the Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter in
2006 and has since remained actively involved in the fraternity at local, regional, and national levels.
Serving as chapter president from 2013 to 2016, Jabari provided leadership and mentorship, notably as
an advisor for the Iota Kappa Chapter at Paul Quinn College.
Beyond his fraternity involvement, Jabari
has made significant contributions to the community through his professional career in the museum and
library sector, spanning over two decades. He has been instrumental in developing programs that
promote African American culture and history in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, reflecting his commitment
to preserving and advancing the heritage of his community.
Nicholas Johnson, a Louisiana native, has left an indelible mark on the field of education through his 31-
year career in public schools.
Armed with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Grambling
State University and a Master's of Science in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University-
Commerce, Brother Johnson has held various roles, including teacher, lead teacher, mentor, assistant
principal, principal, and director.
His dedication to education extended beyond the classroom, as he
advocated for financial literacy through LETS GEAR-UP and served in interim leadership positions at both
the district and campus levels, demonstrating his commitment to the holistic development of students.
A dedicated member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for 33 years, Brother Johnson has served his
community through various roles within the fraternity, including as a Charter Member of the Gamma
Upsilon Lambda Chapter.
His involvement in education extends to professional organizations such as the
Southwest Dallas County Alliance of Black School Educators and the Texas Alliance of Black School
Educators, where he actively contributes as a treasurer and member, respectively. Outside his
professional and fraternal commitments, Brother Johnson finds joy in family time, travel, singing, and
serving in the Music Ministry at Community Missionary Baptist Church of DeSoto.
Wallace T. Ford Jr., a native of Richmond, Virginia, graduated from Virginia Union University in 1964 with
a BS in Chemistry.
His career journey commenced with roles in clinical and medical research at the
Medical College of Virginia, focusing on Cardio-Pulmonary Laboratories. In 1971, he transitioned to the
University of Texas South Western Medical Center, assuming the position of Research Associate, while
also holding a dual appointment at the Dallas VAMC Research Facilities as a Research Chemist.
Throughout his professional trajectory, he pursued further education, obtaining degrees in
Environmental Science and Science Education from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1985.
Additionally, he underwent training as a Health Physicist at Oak Ridge Associated Universities in 1994.
Notably, he dedicated significant years of service to the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center, notably
as the Interim and later Designated "Radiation Safety Officer," culminating in his retirement in 2008.
Outside his professional endeavors, Wallace T. Ford Jr. has been an active and socially engaged member
of his community. Alongside his wife, Altonette, he indulges in their shared passion for travel during
their retirement years. As proud parents of two grown daughters, Kimberly and Kametra, they have
balanced family life with civic involvement. Ford's commitment to community service spans over half a
century, notably volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America for 58 years and the American Red Cross
safety services for 48 years.
His roles encompassed instructing and training in First Aid, CPR, and
Aquatics for Lifeguarding and Water Safety, highlighting his dedication to promoting safety and well-
being within his community. Furthermore, Ford has been an active member of the Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity Inc. for over five decades, holding various leadership positions and contributing to the
fraternity's mission of service and fellowship.
Tavin Keith Dillon, born on August 31, 1981, in St. James, LA, emerged as a promising scholar and
community leader from an early age.
Graduating as valedictorian from St. James High School in 1999, he
embarked on a journey of academic excellence at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge,
LA. Immersed in various organizations such as IEEE, NSBE, and LAMP, Tavin demonstrated a
commitment to both academic and cultural enrichment during his tenure.
His passion for engineering
led him to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he was initiated into the Beta Sigma Chapter on March
8, 2003, eventually serving as Financial Secretary. In May 2005, he graduated with honors, earning a
Bachelor's of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Tavin's professional journey led him to Toyota Motors North America in Plano, TX, where he serves as a Senior Development Engineer, contributing to advancements in automotive technology. Residing in Little Elm, TX, Tavin balances his career with his role as a dedicated father to two sons, Tanner Royce and Triston Roman. On August 8, 2008, he solidified his commitment to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as a Life Member, further exemplifying his lifelong dedication to service, leadership, and excellence in all aspects of his life.
James Richardson, a charter member, has deep roots in Oak Cliff, Texas, where he was born and raised.
His academic journey began at the University of North Texas, where he was initiated into the Eta Epsilon
Chapter and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management. With a passion for education and
personal development, James continued his studies and obtained a Master's Degree from the University
of Phoenix, further enriching his knowledge and skills.
Beyond academia, James is a proactive member of his community, actively engaged in mentoring and
coaching young individuals. He is the founder of Stepping 4 Success Inc., through which he provides
guidance and support to the Desoto and Garland High School Step Teams, nurturing their talents and
fostering their growth.
Additionally, James is a dynamic entrepreneur, serving as the Co-Founder of Rich
Balloons alongside his wife, Ashley Richardson. Their venture specializes in balloon decor, adding a
touch of creativity and flair to various events and occasions. With a commitment to excellence and a
passion for uplifting others, James Richardson continues to make a meaningful impact both in his
professional endeavors and in the communities he serves.
Roderic Tyler boasts a remarkable 55-year membership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, initiated via the
Gamma Iota Chapter at Hampton Institute on April 20, 1968.
Notably, during his high school years, he
played a pivotal role as an original member of The Alpha Merit Group, the mentoring arm of Alpha
Sigma Lambda Chapter in Dallas, TX. Following his graduation from Hampton with a BA in History, Tyler
dedicated 5 ½ years to the United States Army, achieving the rank of Captain before embarking on a
distinguished career at the DFW Airport Department of Public Safety.
Over his 31 years of service, Tyler
held various positions, including Detective Sergeant, Communications Supervisor, and ultimately,
Battalion Chief in the Fire Rescue Division, making history as the first African American to be promoted
to Detective Sergeant.
Fraternally, Tyler's contributions extend beyond his professional achievements. He has served in key
roles within Alpha Phi Alpha, including Chapter Sergeant-at-Arms and Chapter Historian, and was
honored as Alpha Sigma Lambda Brother of the Year in 2007.
Currently, he serves as Parliamentarian for
the Gamma Upsilon Lambda Chapter.
Additionally, Tyler actively contributes to his community as
President of the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc.,
and as a member of the Advisory Board of Camp Jubilee, Inc., where he also volunteers as a Camp
Counselor.
Tyler's commitment to service extends to his church, Friendship West BC, where he serves in
the First Friends Ministry. Alongside his wife Gale of 39 years, Tyler is a proud parent to two daughters,
Lia and Brianna.
Quentin Arnold, a Dallas native, cultivated his passion for music and entrepreneurship from an early age.
Graduating from the University of North Texas with a degree in Radio Television and Film, Quentin laid
the foundation for his musical journey. He established his own music production company, specializing
in audio engineering, music production, and DJing services, which propelled him into the industry
spotlight.
Quentin's career flourished as he worked as an audio engineer at Luminous Sound Studios,
collaborating with Grammy Award-winning artist Kirk Franklin. Transitioning to radio, he honed his skills
as a board operator and morning producer at 100.3 Jack FM while simultaneously building his
reputation as a dynamic DJ across Texas.
Competing in DJ competitions and hosting mix shows,
Quentin's talent and dedication led him to his own mix show on 105.7 KRNB, followed by the highly
acclaimed "Weekend Block Party Mix" on Dallas's top hip hop station, K104.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Quentin embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community
engagement. He shares his expertise by teaching summer camps and after-school programs for middle
schools in Dallas, imparting his passion for music and creativity to the next generation.
Alongside his
entrepreneurial ventures, Quentin co-founded CustomICED Designs with his wife, Tiffany, merging
fashion and faith in the apparel market. Committed to family, faith, and service, Quentin is a dedicated
husband, father of three daughters, and active member of One Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
As a
full-time Senior IT Specialist, Quentin's multifaceted roles reflect his unwavering commitment to
excellence and his enduring impact on both the music industry and his community.
Michael Bertrand, hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, brings a wealth of global experiences to his role as
Staff Software Engineer at Lockheed Martin.
With over two decades of expertise in information
technology, Michael navigates the dynamic landscape with precision and innovation, showcasing a
commitment to excellence that has defined his professional journey.
His leadership roles within Alpha
Phi Alpha Fraternity, initiated at Texas State University in 2002, underscore his dedication to both
professional excellence and community engagement, shaping a well-rounded narrative of his life's
journey.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Michael is actively involved in advancing underrepresented
communities in technology as a member of the National Society of Black Engineers. Holding an MBA
from Webster University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts, Michael
demonstrates a dedication to continuous learning and personal growth.
As a life member of Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he embodies the organization's values of leadership and service. With a diverse
range of experiences and a passion for making a difference, Michael remains steadfast in his mission to
leverage technology for positive change, both within his professional endeavors and throughout his
community.
....
Christopher Bernard Mitchell, a native of Greensboro, NC, boasts a rich academic background,
graduating from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2004 with a Bachelor of
Science in Chemistry.
His commitment to excellence extends beyond academia into his professional and
personal endeavors. A Spring 2015 initiate of the fraternity through the Beta Theta Lambda Chapter in
Durham, NC, Christopher exemplifies dedication to community and service.
Professionally, he serves as
an Applications Scientist in the Biotech Industry, specializing in Environmental and Clinical Sciences. His
expertise in this field underscores his passion for making meaningful contributions to scientific
advancement and environmental stewardship.
Beyond his professional commitments, Christopher finds fulfillment in pursuing his passions outside the
laboratory. An avid runner, he has competed both nationally and internationally, showcasing his
dedication to personal fitness and athletic achievement.
His participation in running events reflects a
disciplined and determined approach to challenges, mirroring the same tenacity he brings to his
professional endeavors. Christopher's multifaceted interests and achievements underscore his
commitment to excellence, community, and personal growth, shaping him into a well-rounded
individual who leaves a positive impact in every aspect of his life.
Daniel Keeling emerges as a Renaissance figure, his life intricately woven with threads of academic
achievement, leadership prowess, and community enrichment.
Armed with a Master's Degree from
Dallas Baptist University, his journey reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and multifaceted
contributions. From his initiation into Alpha Phi Alpha at East Texas State University, where he served as
Student Body Vice President, to securing significant grants for mentoring programs, Daniel has
consistently demonstrated his dedication to service and impactful leadership.
Beyond the confines of traditional community engagement, Daniel's impact transcends borders.
Collaborating with organizations like Dallas Cares Charitable, he spearheaded initiatives providing suits
for graduating men and advocated for historical preservation, earning national recognition. An
accomplished author, active alumni member, and advocate for academic legacy, Daniel's influence
extends to shaping historical narratives and fostering connections.
His commitment to civic
responsibility is evident in his archaeological endeavors, civic duties, and law enforcement accolades,
showcasing a diverse skill set that spans public and private sectors. Through digital platforms like Texas
Black Politics and initiatives recognizing community leaders, Daniel continues to inspire others to
embrace versatility and leave a lasting legacy of positive change and community impact.
Benjamin D. Jackson, a proud native of Dallas, Texas, and a graduate of South Oak Cliff High School,
embarked on his academic journey with a strong commitment to community engagement and social
justice.
At the University of North Texas, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, solidifying his
dedication to making a difference. During his time at UNT, Benjamin also became a member of Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity, Inc., affiliating with the esteemed Eta Epsilon Chapter, where he furthered his passion
for service and leadership.
Professionally, Benjamin serves as an Operational Risk Associate at Santander Bank, North America,
playing a crucial role in the bank's second line of defense. Specializing in risk controls and self-
assessments, he ensures adherence to regulatory standards and strengthens the bank's operational
resilience. Beyond his professional endeavors, Benjamin is deeply rooted in his faith and actively
participates in the ministries of Friendship West Baptist Church.
As a leader of the Disciples in Ongoing
Ministry (DIOP) mentoring program, he guides young men aged 5 to 18, while also contributing to the
Social Justice Ministry and the OBLACC brotherhood ministry, furthering the church's mission of
community empowerment and advocacy.
Benjamin's multifaceted contributions to his community,
coupled with his unwavering dedication to service, make him a beacon of inspiration and positive
change, leaving an indelible mark on all who have the privilege of knowing him.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, is deliberately meets the needs of our community through
active and impactful engagement. Our national programs and initiatives offer tangible examples
of Love for all Mankind.
