Today we celebrate the efforts, sacrifices and vision of the 14 men that gave birth to the Latino Greek Movement. 39 years ago, racial tension and discrimination of Latinos on the campus of Kean College caused an uncommon partnership between Puerto Rican and Cuban students to evolve into the everlasting brotherhood that is Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.
Over the past 39 years, brothers of Lambda Theta Phi have strived to promote unity among all Latinos and advance identity and equality for all. From voter registration drives aimed at empowering Latinos, to providing thanksgiving meals for families in need and disaster relief across the world, Lambda’s commitment to community service and empowerment continues to be at the heart of our brotherhood.
As we celebrate the birth of the Latino Greek Movement and the efforts of every brother who has made Lambda what it is today, we must take a moment to realize that despite our progress, the issues facing today’s society reinforce the fact that Lambda’s mission remains a key element in the fight to advance identity and equality. Our 39th year of existence finds a brotherhood focused on the development of its brothers, partnerships promoting civic engagement and leadership for Latino youth and a network of over 140 entities to lead the Latino Greek Movement and the mission our Founding Fathers set forth.
This should also be a day of thanks and remembrance of the 14 men who started not only a Latin fraternity, but the entire Latino Greek Movement:
Wilfredo Ayes
Hiram Cardona
Rafael Crespo
David Díaz*
Agustín García
Enrique García
José Ginarte
Juan Hernández
Rinaldo Lago
Luis Miranda I
Henry Muñuz
Walter Pardo-Villa
Raúl Roger
Raymond Rosa
Thank you also to our Fraternal Fathers:
Dr. Cayetano Socarrás* and Dr. José A. Quiles
Happy anniversary, brothers. May our unity continue to be our strength!
Fraternally,
José Gustavo Grajales
National President