About Us · Est. September 1978
About the Detroit Gye Nyame
About the Detroit Gye Nyame
Graduate Chapter
Serving Southeast Michigan since 1978 with a commitment to service, leadership, and community empowerment.
Est. September 1978
Chapter History
The Detroit Gye Nyame Graduate Chapter of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. was founded in September 1978 by six visionary HBCU graduates in the Detroit and Ypsilanti area. Operating initially as a pre-Conclave formation with temporary officers, the chapter was officially voted in as an active chapter at the national Conclave on April 7, 1979.
The chapter takes its name from the West African Adinkra symbol Gye Nyame — "Except for God" — reflecting the chapter's Afro-centric identity within the Groove Phi Groove fellowship.
September 1978
President
Vice President
Second Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Our Founding Members
Six visionary HBCU graduates founded the chapter. Two charter members are still serving today.
Walter Armstrong
Winston-Salem State University
Initiated Spring 1970
Harold Sullivan
Clark College
Initiated Spring 1974
Milton White
Virginia State University
Initiated Spring 1973
Toomage Abza
Hampton Institute
Initiated Fall 1974
Charter Member — Still Serving
Harry Smith
Clark College
Initiated Spring 1974
Charter Member — Still Serving
Allan McManus
Winston-Salem State University
Initiated Spring 1968
Temporary Officers (1978–1979)
Milton White
Harold Sullivan
Harry Smith
Toomage Abza
2026 Officers
President
Vice President
Second Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Chief Development Officer
Current Chapter Leadership
Two charter members continue to serve in chapter leadership 48 years after founding.
Fl. Edward Withers
Fl. Harry Smith
Charter Member
Fl. Jeff Wafer
Fl. Terence Willis
Fl. Toomage Abza
Charter Member
Fl. Rich Vincent
Why We Serve
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
The Detroit Gye Nyame Graduate Chapter is committed to promoting academic awareness, maintaining high ethical standards, fostering unity among members, and working collaboratively to alleviate social and economic problems facing the Detroit metropolitan area and beyond.
Our Vision
To be a beacon of service and leadership in Southeast Michigan, transforming communities through education, economic empowerment, and unwavering commitment to the principles of loyalty, integrity, and mutual advancement.
Where We Work
Geographic Scope
The Detroit Gye Nyame Graduate Chapter serves five counties across Southeast Michigan.
Wayne County
Oakland County
Macomb County
Washtenaw County
Monroe County
Founded October 12, 1962 · Morgan State College
About Groove Phi Groove National
Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. was founded on October 12, 1962, at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University) by 14 Black male students who sought to create a social fellowship rather than a traditional Greek-letter fraternity — a more inclusive and socially conscious model of brotherhood. Members refer to one another as "fellowmen" rather than fraternity brothers.
The organization's motto, Through Loyalty and Integrity, We Shall Achieve Greatness, reflects its founding commitment to academic excellence, civic responsibility, and ethical leadership. As of 2022, the fellowship surpassed 60,000 lifetime members across more than 200 chapters, with international headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland.
Transparency & Stewardship
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status
The Detroit Gye Nyame Graduate Chapter is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to charitable, educational, and community development work.
EIN: 01-0684233
All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of all donations.
Join Us
Ready to Get Involved?
Join our community and help us make a difference in Southeast Michigan.