[citation needed], In the 1960s the national organization did not condone the use of canes or Kappa Alpha Psi's participation in step shows contending that "the hours spent in step practices by chapters each week would be better devoted to academic or civic achievement. His dream began to take shape at a May 1982 with the past Grand Polemarchs and the national officers in Washington, D.C. Before being exposed to the general public by various individuals in the 1990s and . [24], Membership is a solemn commitment. The Fraternity has over 125,000 members with 700 undergraduate and alumni chapters in nearly every state of the United States, and international chapters in Nigeria, South Africa, the West Indies, the United Kingdom, Germany, Korea and Japan. The Chief Founder and others. The rest of the organizations were founded on Black College Campuses. The state of Indiana became a stronghold for the Ku Klux Klan. The Fraternity's fundamental purpose is achievement. [5] The organization known today as Kappa Alpha Psi was nationally incorporated under the name of Kappa Alpha Nu on May 15, 1911. Founded in 1911 at Indiana University, the . His family won a $1.4 million wrongful death lawsuit against the fraternity and several Kappas served time in prison. Click here to view past events and photos , 2322-24 North Broad Street John Milton Lee, born in Danville, Indiana, September 7, 1890, was graduated from the Danville High School in 1910 and entered the University of Indiana and there completed three years of pre-medical work. He was an active member of the Methodist Church of Chicago and a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated is a historically African American Greek-letter fraternity that was founded on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University Bloomington. One of the 5 Objectives of the Fraternity is: To promote the, It was clear at the outset that the new fraternity would not warm over principles or practices of other organizations. KAPPA ALPHA (KA) ORDER: Kappa Alpha Order was founded on 21 December 1865 at Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) at Lexington, Virginia, by James Ward Wood and three others. Kappa Alpha Psi, a college Fraternity, was born in an environment saturated in racism. Kappa Alpha and the Heritage of our Founding. After George returned home for the summer of 1911, his father became ill with pneumonia and died. The fraternity has over 160,000 members with 721 undergraduate and alumni chapters in every state of the United States, and international chapters in the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Japan, United States Virgin Islands, Nigeria, South Africa, and The Bahamas.[4]. members of some other fraternal lodges. The organization was given the temporary name of, The Founders were God-fearing, and serious minded young men who possessed the imagination, ambition, courage and determination to defy custom in pursuit of a college education and careers. The percentage of Blacks on campus was less than 1%. Kappa Alpha Psi. It remains the only Greek letter organization with its Alpha Chapter on Indiana Universitys campus. The first Pageant at the Grand Chapter Meeting occurred at the 58th Grand Chapter Meeting. . Subjects. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet correlate to Christ and the Founders relationship and connection to the church. Founder Elder Watson Diggs, was quiet, polished, scholarly, a prolific writer and commonly referred to as 'the Father of Kappa'. One of the Founders of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. *Bro. [7] Frederick Mitchell's name is on the application for the incorporation of the fraternity but withdrew from school and thus never became a member of the fraternity. The Greek Letter was chosen in place of N and the Fraternity acquired a distinctive Greek letter symbol and, Through its worldwide prominence, Kappa Alpha Psi, National Partnership with National Society of Black Engineers. [9] The name of the organization was changed to its current name in 1915, shortly after its creation. These three Founders are credited with guiding the infant Fraternity through the most perilous years of its life. On January 5, 1911, such an organization was born and thus Kappa Alpha Psi (then Kappa Alpha Nu) became a reality. On December 30, 1929, a charter was granted to the Alpha chapter at Butler University making the organization a national college sorority. We must realize and acknowledge that the first eight of what know makes up the bulk of the BGLO's were founded between 1906 and 1922. [26] Kappa Alpha Psi also prides itself in that it no longer bestows honorary membership. The decision upon the name Kappa Alpha Nu may have been to honor the Alpha Kappa Nu club which began in 1903 on the Indiana University campus but had too few registrants to effect continued operation. Five chapters were chartered from 1913-1915, centered in the Midwest; with the first chapter being established in the East in 1915. This environment made day-to-day life for Blacks an arduous task and attempts to successfully achieve in school, nearly impossible. Since the fraternity's founding on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University Bloomington, the fraternity has never restricted membership on the basis of color, creed or national origin though membership traditionally is dominated by those of African heritage. Kappa Alpha Nu began uniting college men of culture, patriotism and honor in a Bond of fraternity. However, few Blacks could remain longer than a year or so without having to withdraw in search of employment. He was born in Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky, on December 23, 1883, and was the eldest son of three children. [44], Also in 2009, two Kappas at the University of North Texas were arrested and charged with a Class B misdemeanor for brutally beating a pledge with a paddle. He graduated from Danville High School in 1910 and in 1910 entered Indiana University. During World War I, he served as an investigator for the Department of Labor. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (KA) Kappa Alpha Psi was founded in 1911 at Indiana University, and in 1930 the fraternity joined the NPHC as a member organization. The goal of the League is to help the students achieve worthy goals for themselves and to make meaningful contributions to their communities. To this Fraternity, the maker of the commitment becomes synonymous with the commitment itself. Founded in 1911 on the campus of Indiana University at a time when Greek life wasn't an option for Black students, the fraternity now has more than 200,000 member-examples of its creed including . [59], In 2016, three unidentified men affiliated with the fraternity at the University of Central Florida (UCF) were brutally beaten by Kappas after dropping their twirling canes while dancing according to witnesses. Kappa Alpha Psi was founded January 5, 1911, at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana and its opposition to hazing or unlawful or anti-social conduct of any kind has been continuous since its founding, implicit in its founding precepts and explicit in its declaration first published in the year 1949 stating that hazing in any form is illegal. He later went into business in Peoria, Illinois and was fatally burned during an explosion of gaseous materials in his business in 1931. In 1920, he received the D.D.S. Kappa Alpha Nu became the first incorporated Black Fraternity in the United States once granted a charter by the Indiana Secretary of State on May 15, 1911. He received the 2nd highest medal that is given by this country for valor. One day as one of the Fraternity members, Frank Summers, was running the hurdles, Founder Diggs overheard a White student state, He is a member of Kappa Alpha Nig. "What they wanted to achieve being founded in the . Internationally, Kappa Alpha Psi members have answered the call to service by proudly serving our military in wars since WWI and raising funds to assist those in need following natural disasters around the world, including hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons and earthquakes. degree from the Medical School of Indiana University in 1919. The charter members were Elder Watson Diggs, Byron K. Armstrong, John M. Lee, Henry T. Asher, Marcus P. Blakemore, Guy L. Grant, Paul W. Caine, George W. Edmonds, Ezra D. Alexander and Edward G. Irvin. Moment #8. The Greek Letter was chosen in place of N and the Fraternity acquired a distinctive Greek letter symbol andKappa Alpha Psithereby became an indistinguishable Greek-letter Fraternity. TIES TO THE SEVEN JEWELS. For consideration into Kappa Alpha Psi on the alumni level, one must possess at least a bachelor's degree or the equivalent of such a degree from an accredited college or university. In 1994, Michael Davis, a Southeast Missouri State University student, was beaten to death participating in a pledging ritual by members of Kappa Alpha Psi. In March 2012, the University of Florida chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi was suspended because of thirteen misdemeanor-level sworn complaints involving striking and harassing pledges. He served as a member of the Grand Board of Directors and was the Fraternitys Historian. [47], Also in 2010, the fraternity chapter was permanently banned from the campus of Georgia State University for being a repeat offender and beating a student pledging so badly that he coughed up blood.[48]. January 5, 1911. Expert solutions. Chartered and incorporated originally under the laws of the State of Indiana as Kappa Alpha Nu on May 15, 1911, the name was changed to KAPPA ALPHA PSI on a resolution offered and adopted at the Grand . After European service with the 368th Infantry, he became a captain in the Reserve Officers Training Corps. These incidents caused the Founders to change the name of the Fraternity. In the fall of 1910, George entered Indiana University at Bloomington. Local chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi participate in community outreach activities to feed the homeless, provide scholarships to young people matriculating to college, serve as mentors to young men, participate in blood drives and serve as hosts of seminars for public health awareness to name a few. Kappa Alpha Psiwas the first to Black Greek Lettered Organization to issue a monthly publication. There are hundreds of scholarships from which to choose, including the Rainey Scholarship at Michigan State, the Mekhdjian Scholarship at San Jose State, the Vasquez Scholarship at Arizona State and the de . Browse 82 kappa alpha psi stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Elder Watson Diggs (circa 1883-1947), born in Christian County, Kentucky, was a graduate of Indiana State Normal (now Indiana State Teachers College) and Indiana University, the birthplace of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. [61], In 2018, it was reported that the chapter at Edward Waters College was beating and paddling pledges as well as forcing them to take a designer drug called "jig," a mixture of synthetic heroin, cocaine and LSD.[62]. The state of Indiana became the 19th state of the Union in 1816 and it founded Indiana University in Bloomington four years later. Kappa Alpha Psi was founded on the campus of Indiana University on January 5th, 1911. A few clouds. [54], In March 2014, several Kappas from the University of Memphis were arrested and charged for hazing and beating pledges. Subjects. Diggs was instrumental in having the Indiana Constitution amended to permit Negro enlistment in the Indiana National Guard. [46], In 2010, a pre-med student at Wayne State University suffered kidney failure and was hospitalized for twelve days after weeks of physical abuse by men of the fraternity. The state of Indiana became a stronghold for the Ku Klux Klan. It is the beautiful realization of a vision shared commonly by the late Revered Founders that enabled them to sow the seed of a fraternal tree whose fruit is available to, and now enjoyed by college men everywhere, regardless of their color, religion or national origin. For their works to establish the fraternity, Diggs was named permanent chairman, Lee was designated as secretary and Armstrong as sergeant-at-arms. He enrolled at Indiana University in 1909 and helped the other Founders in organizing Kappa Alpha Nu. He received the degree of LL.B. This change became effective April 15, 1915. The Four Founding Fathers of the Order. The foundation would also accept contributions from individuals, organizations and businesses.[19]. One pledge was beaten so badly that many of the veins in his backside were broken and he developed a life-threatening gangrene infection. The Alpha Rho chapter of Chi Psi fraternity, founded at Rutgers College in 1879, was the first fraternity at Rutgers to own a fraternity house, or "Lodge", purchased in 1887. The NPHC is composed of nine international black Greek-letter sororities and fraternities and promotes interaction through forums, meetings, and other mediums for the exchange of information, and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions. These men of vision decided the Fraternity would be more than another social organization. [7], In 1947, at the Los Angeles Conclave, the National Silhouettes of Kappa Alpha Psi were established as an auxiliary group, which membership comprises wives or widows of fraternity members. The founders of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. are: Elder Watson Diggs, more affectionately known as 'The Dreamer', Dr. Ezra D. Alexander, Dr. Byron Kenneth Armstrong, Atty. Expert solutions. George married the former Willa Mae Forte and settled in Stevenson, Indiana. The Kappa Alpha Psi tree was vandalized on Howard University's campus. My research has found documentation. From left to right: Lee Burton, John Al Amin, George Blue, Rodney Hawkins. Fraternity and Sorority Educational Programs First Semester of Membership Experience. These incidents caused the Founders to change the name of the Fraternity. He later entered the Dental School of the University of Pittsburgh, from which he was graduated in 1923. Founder Elder Watson Diggs, was quiet, polished, scholarly, a prolific writer and commonly referred to as 'the Father of Kappa'. [39] As a result, the fraternity has had many complaints of hazing lodged against it, most related to the pledging process. "[5] Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Ullysses McBride complained about the vulgar language and obscene gestures sometimes engaged in by cane-stepping participants during these stepshows. Only $35.99/year. The number of places where they might assemble was limited. Except for the years of World War I and II, when some Grand Chapter Meetings were suspended, Kappa Alpha Psihas grown and prevailed with unabating impetus. of the Order. Their experiences at Howard gave rise to the chief motivating spirits which sowed of the seed for a fraternity at Indiana University and crystallized the idea of establishing an independent Greek-letter organization. Founder Edward Giles Irvin served in the U.S. Army during the WWI as a Combat Medic and was cited for bravery for his actions with the Expeditionary Forces in France. He organized and operated the Afro-American Manufacturing Company in Chicago, which produced novelties, candies, and specialties. Lexington and the Shenandoah Valley have seen their share of history. Fraternity members contributing to the new foundation could deduct their donations as charitable contributions for income tax purposes. The campus of Indiana University at that time did not encourage the assimilation of Blacks. The 20 pearls of Alpha Kappa Alpha, or AKA, refer to the 20 young women who founded and expanded the sorority beginning in 1908, explains the group's official website. After this, Kappa Alpha Psi chartered undergraduate chapters on Black college campuses at Wilberforce UniversityDelta chapter, and Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)Epsilon chapter. [18] In addition to the above-mentioned national initiatives, chapters within the Fraternity sponsor a wide variety of Guide Right programs in their communities that support their local youth. The first chapter in the West was established in 1923 at University of California, Los Angeles Upsilon chapter. Other fraternity leaders were alerted by Santander Bank of many suspicious transactions which lead to his firing and arrest. GM - LIF - Today's American Champion organization is a historically African American Greek-lettered fraternity. Posted on November 12, 2018 by Fran Becque, Ph.D. These men of vision decided Kappa Alpha Nu would be more than another social organization. LSU will not consider reinstatement of the fraternity until at least 2020. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 13th Sovereign Grand Commander, United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction . Reliance would be placed upon high Christian ideals and the purpose of ACHIEVEMENT. FSU also placed the chapter under investigation to identify and prosecute all members involved in the beatings. The organization was given the temporary name ofAlpha Omega, while they further developed the formation of the organization. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was a founded January 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Its reach extends to high schools and colleges alike. The Founders sought one anothers company between classes and dropped by one anothers places of lodging to further discuss the means of formulating the fledgling fraternity in an effort to relieve the depressing isolation. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Indianapolis. When MIT was founded in 1861, most students lived locally and commuted from home. Silhouettes provide support and assistance for the activities of Kappa Alpha Psi at the Grand chapter, province and local levels. He was graduated from Bloomington High School in 1910. The Constitution of KAPPA ALPHA PSI is predicated upon, and dedicated to, the principles of achievement through a truly democratic Fraternity. Kappa Alpha Psi is a college fraternity established by ten black college students at Indiana University in 1911. His father had worked in the coal mines of Vanderburgh County for many years. David was first Grand Polemarch who had not been nurtured by the Alpha chapter under the influence of the Founders, proposed dividing the Fraternity into supervisory districts. Guy Levis Grant (1891-1973), born in New Albany, Indiana, attended public schools in that city, was graduated from Scribner High School in 1909, and later entered Indiana University. Two of these men, Elder Watson Diggs and Byron Kenneth Armstrong, had previously attended Howard University and had come into contact with men belonging to the only national Black Greek-Letter Fraternity currently in existence. As a result, the Delaware State University chapter was suspended for 10 years. Kappa Alpha Psi proudly boasts of members who epitomize the very essence of Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor. On January 5, 1911, the Fraternity then became known as Kappa Alpha Nu, possibly as a tribute to the Black students of 1903 (the Alpha Kappa Nu Greek Society) who preceded them at Indiana University. There he completed three years of pre-medical study. [57][58], Also in 2015, a former pledge at Coppin State University sued the fraternity for $4 million due to injuries he sustained while pledging. Because of a disastrous fire in the Fraternity house in which he was employed, he never finished his sophomore year. The Founders sought one anothers company between classes and dropped by one anothers places of lodging to further discuss the means of formulating the fledgling fraternity in an effort to relieve the depressing isolation. Alexander served several terms as a member of the Grand Board of Directors. And today, 5 . It is the nation's first Black Greek organization. [11], By 1913, the fraternity expanded with the second undergraduate chapter opened at the University of IllinoisBeta chapter; then the University of IowaGamma chapter. However, the culture of underground pledging is deeply embedded in fraternities and sororities as a whole and extreme hazing continues to be widespread across the organization. Kappa Alpha Psi expanded through the Midwest, South, and West at both white and black colleges. It would be the only Greek-letter organization founded with the concept of achievement. [20], The Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation was conceived by Dr. Oliver S. Gumbs, the 23rd Grand Polemarch.
