Brief History of the New York Association Of Chapters of Alpha (NYACOA)
“The First State of Alpha”
The mid- to late 80’s was characterized by a change in the fraternal governance in New York State. During Bro. Warren Scott’s tenure as Eastern Region Vice President, the final and often controversial steps toward the formation of NYACOA were made. During this pre-genesis period Bros. Oliver Davis, George Mims, and Orlando Rainey served as District Directors.
It was under the leadership of George Mims that the lion’s share of the NYACOA preparatory work was completed. However, Orlando Rainey was the last District Director appointed without a state organization in place. Credit should be given to Bros. Al Holland, John Williams and Harry Dunbar (formerly of Eta Chi Lambda chapter—now in Omega chapter) for presenting the first rough draft of the constitution as well as coining the name “NYACOA.” Brothers actually laughed at the name and the idea was not taken that seriously.
In 1989-1990 the NYACOA constitution was ratified at a state-wide meeting at Hofstra University. And with the ratification, NYACOA became the third State Association of its type to be established in the Eastern Region, preceded only by the Virginia Association of Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated (VACAPAF) and the Organization of New England Chapters of Alpha (ONECA). A full slate of officers was scheduled to be elected approximately one year later.
Bros. John Williams (Eta Theta Lambda chapter) and Steven Skinner (Eta Zeta Lambda chapter) declared their candidacy for NYACOA president. They both campaigned throughout the state. The convention where the ballot was to be had was held at Hofstra University during the late fall/early winter of 1991. During this convention Bro. Orlando Rainey (Eta Rho Lambda), the sitting District Director) was nominated from the floor for NYACOA President. This set up an unexpected 3 way race.
Brother Dr. Steven B. Skinner prevailed in the election by one vote and became the first NYACOA president and took office in September of 1991. He was also named the District Director by the newly elected 20th Eastern Region Vice President, John Anthony “Tony” Mann (1991 – 1995).
There have been eight (8) NYACOA Presidents elected (and appointed District Director by the respective Eastern Region Vice President) since 1991. They are as follows:
Since those early years, NYACOA has continued to thrive and grow. Those that have worn the mantle of President have been not only District/State Leaders but Regional and National Leaders including but not limited to Brother Darren Morton, 24th Eastern Region Vice President and Brother Lucien Metellus, 28th Eastern Region Vice President. Today, the 41 College and Alumni Chapters in New York State … from Alpha’s Birth Chapter in Ithaca and rest of the Chapters in Western New York to the New York City Metro Chapters to the Chapters in the Capital Region to those in the Mid-Hudson Valley and Rockland County area to the Chapters on Strong Island to the Chapters in the tony area of Westchester and surrounding area … are led by Brother Malik Goodson , the 9th President and current District Director of District III, and his team of Elected and Appointed Officers and Area Directors from across THE FIRST STATE OF ALPHA!!
It was under the leadership of George Mims that the lion’s share of the NYACOA preparatory work was completed. However, Orlando Rainey was the last District Director appointed without a state organization in place. Credit should be given to Bros. Al Holland, John Williams and Harry Dunbar (formerly of Eta Chi Lambda chapter—now in Omega chapter) for presenting the first rough draft of the constitution as well as coining the name “NYACOA.” Brothers actually laughed at the name and the idea was not taken that seriously.
In 1989-1990 the NYACOA constitution was ratified at a state-wide meeting at Hofstra University. And with the ratification, NYACOA became the third State Association of its type to be established in the Eastern Region, preceded only by the Virginia Association of Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated (VACAPAF) and the Organization of New England Chapters of Alpha (ONECA). A full slate of officers was scheduled to be elected approximately one year later.
Bros. John Williams (Eta Theta Lambda chapter) and Steven Skinner (Eta Zeta Lambda chapter) declared their candidacy for NYACOA president. They both campaigned throughout the state. The convention where the ballot was to be had was held at Hofstra University during the late fall/early winter of 1991. During this convention Bro. Orlando Rainey (Eta Rho Lambda), the sitting District Director) was nominated from the floor for NYACOA President. This set up an unexpected 3 way race.
Brother Dr. Steven B. Skinner prevailed in the election by one vote and became the first NYACOA president and took office in September of 1991. He was also named the District Director by the newly elected 20th Eastern Region Vice President, John Anthony “Tony” Mann (1991 – 1995).
There have been eight (8) NYACOA Presidents elected (and appointed District Director by the respective Eastern Region Vice President) since 1991. They are as follows:
- 2 Rev. Dr. Darren M. Morton - Zeta Zeta Lambda (Queens, NY)
- 3 LeeRoy “Bam” Miller, Jr. - Eta Theta Lambda (Hempstead, NY)
- 4 Steven P. Cuffey - Zeta Zeta Lambda (Queens, NY)
- 5 Leyde P. St. Leger - Gamma Iota Lambda (Brooklyn, NY)
- 6 Rev. Keith M. Price* - Zeta Zeta Lambda (Queens, NY)
- 7 Lucien J. Metellus - Zeta Zeta Lambda (Queens, NY)
- 8 Christopher G. Ellis, Jr. - Beta Pi Lambda (Albany, NY)
- 9 Malik G. Goodson - Zeta Zeta Lambda (Queens, NY)
Since those early years, NYACOA has continued to thrive and grow. Those that have worn the mantle of President have been not only District/State Leaders but Regional and National Leaders including but not limited to Brother Darren Morton, 24th Eastern Region Vice President and Brother Lucien Metellus, 28th Eastern Region Vice President. Today, the 41 College and Alumni Chapters in New York State … from Alpha’s Birth Chapter in Ithaca and rest of the Chapters in Western New York to the New York City Metro Chapters to the Chapters in the Capital Region to those in the Mid-Hudson Valley and Rockland County area to the Chapters on Strong Island to the Chapters in the tony area of Westchester and surrounding area … are led by Brother Malik Goodson , the 9th President and current District Director of District III, and his team of Elected and Appointed Officers and Area Directors from across THE FIRST STATE OF ALPHA!!