THE JUDGE RODGERS CENTER
FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
2016 An Unexpected Opportunity
The closure of a public charter school in Riviera Beach creates an unexpected opportunity. Recognizing the potential of the nine-acre campus, members of the Delta Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. begin pursuing the site for community use.
2016 - 2018 Negotiations Begin
Brother Judge Edward Rodgers, Brother Alfred Fields, Brother Dr. George L. Lockhart, Brother Morris Bell, and Brother Grasford Smith, Esq., engage the School District and city officials, navigate legal requirements, and initiate negotiations. Their coordinated leadership launches the effort to secure the property for future community impact.
March 21, 2018 The Center is Established
The City of Riviera Beach votes to grant the Alpha Educational Foundation - DDL, Inc. the right to use the land at 251 West 11th Street. With that action, the Judge Edward Rodgers Center for Community Development is formally established, converting years of advocacy and negotiation into a permanent civic presence.
The Honorable Edward Rodgers
The community center proudly bears the name of Brother Judge Edward Rodgers, a trailblazer whose life exemplified leadership, justice, and service. Judge Rodgers was Palm Beach County’s first Black prosecutor and first Black judge, breaking barriers while expanding access to justice for countless individuals. He also served as the driving force behind the development of Palm Beach County’s Civil Drug Court, a program that continues to change lives by emphasizing accountability, rehabilitation, and dignity.
Naming the center in his honor reflects more than recognition—it affirms a commitment to carry forward his values. The Judge Edward Rodgers Community Center exists because of his vision, his advocacy, and his belief that institutions must be built to serve those most in need.
2018 - 2025 A Proven Community Anchor
The Judge Edward Rodgers Community Center serves as a hub for nonprofit organizations throughout Riviera Beach and Palm Beach County. The center provides affordable, accessible space for churches, food pantries, and civic organizations delivering essential services, bringing missions and resources together under one roof.
As demand for services grows, the limits of the existing facility become clear. The structure was not designed to meet long-term community needs, and the need for a permanent, modern, and scalable space becomes increasingly urgent.
2025 A New Chapter
The Foundation advances plans for a transformative redevelopment of the site at 251 West 11th Street. In partnership with O’Connor Capital Partners and the City of Riviera Beach, it designs the project to address interconnected community needs through a comprehensive vision.
At the center of the development stands a new 15,000-square-foot Judge Edward Rodgers Community Center, owned and operated by the Alpha Educational Foundation of the Delta Delta Lambda Chapter. The plan also includes 175 workforce housing units and approximately 6,500 square feet of commercial space, integrating community services, housing, and economic activity within a single, coordinated development.
December 17, 2025 The Final Vote
The Riviera Beach City Council formally approves the site plan for the development, marking a major milestone and clearing the path for construction.
Designed for Impact—Today and Tomorrow
The new center is purposefully designed to meet the present and future needs of the community it serves. It will provide:
● Dedicated space for nonprofit and community service partners
● Flexible meeting and event areas for convening and collaboration
● Youth-focused educational and leadership programming
● Technology-rich environments to inspire learning and innovation
● Space for health, wellness, and civic engagement initiatives
More than a building, the center will be an intentional environment where opportunity, innovation, and service intersect—ensuring long-term sustainability and relevance.
A National Call to Build Together
The development of the new Judge Edward Rodgers Community Center represents a defining moment not only for Delta Delta Lambda Chapter, but for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as a whole. This project stands as a national model for fraternity-led community development—demonstrating what is possible when vision is matched with action and investment.
To bring this vision fully to life, the Alpha Educational Foundation has committed to raising $1,000,000 by December 2026. These funds will support the build-out, technology, furnishings, and programmatic infrastructure necessary to ensure the center’s long-term success. Contributions will be accepted through a combination of immediate gifts and multi-year pledges, allowing broad participation and shared ownership.
This effort invites brothers, community partners, corporations, foundations, elected officials, and supporters nationwide to leave a lasting legacy. Participation in this campaign is an opportunity to invest in infrastructure that endures, services that matter, and a mission that reflects the highest ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
