Winter Issue - National Founders Day

Winter Issue - National Founders Day

®

STRENGTHENING THE FRATERNITY— FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP The $5 Million Campaign is Launched at the 15 th National Founders' Day Observance

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WINTER 2019—NATIONAL FOUNDERS' DAY EDITION VOLUME CV, ISSUE 4

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VOLUME CV, ISSUE 4

WINTER 2019—NATIONAL FOUNDERS' DAY EDITION

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Journal Notes

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Grand Polemarch's Message

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Junior Grand Vice Polemarch's Message

8 National News 16 National Founders' Day Board Meeting Gallery 22 National Founders' Day Opening Ceremony Gallery 26 National Founders' Day Observance 42 The State of the Foundation

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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VOLUME CV, ISSUE 4

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49 Mission Possible: Foundation Capital Campaign 59 Foundation Honorary Committee Chairs Message 64 MVAC Review 66 Spotlight on U.S. Army 75 Spotlight on U.S. Navy 76 Spotlight on U.S. Coast Guard 78 Alumni News 80 Chapter News 82 A Look Back: Kappa History 98 To the Chapter Invisible 118 The Kappa Alpha Psi® Directory

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VOLUME CV, ISSUE 4

WINTER 2019—NATIONAL FOUNDERS' DAY EDITION

Published quarterly by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., 2322-24 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19132-4590. Periodic postage paid at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: $10 per year. USPS 291-300. No responsibility may be assumed by the Journal for receipt or return of material, news stories, photographs or creative pieces. Postmaster: Send address changes to: 2322-24 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19132-4590. International Headquarters 2322-24 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19132-4590 Phone: (215) 228-7184 www.KappaAlphaPsi1911.com Belleville-O'Fallon (IL) Alumni Chapter [email protected] Photographers Kevin Sellers Justin Tyson Gregory L. Williams Grand Historian Kevin P. Scott Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter [email protected] Advertising Sales Director Sherman K. Kizart Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter [email protected] Office: (312) 421-4803 Cell: (312) 371-4127 The Kappa Alpha Psi ® Journal Established 1914 First Editor Frank M. Summers, Esq. Past Permanent Editors Lionel F. Artis 1921–1937 G. James Fleming 1938–1950 William L. Crump 1950–1975 Earl S. Clanton 1975–1985 Jonathan P. Hicks 1985–1989 Van Jordan 1989–1990 Mel L. Davis 1990–1999 Keflyn X. Reed 1999–2010 Jonathan P. Hicks 2011–2014 Thomas L. Cunningham IV 2014–2015 Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq. 2016— Editor Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq. Jacksonville (FL) Alumni Chapter [email protected] Deputy Editor for Features Clarence Tucker Norfolk (VA) Alumni Chapter [email protected] Feature Writers Nicolas Cole Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III Quentin Mitchell Dr. Samuel Odom Aaron Williams National Photographer Michael L. Hume

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The Kappa Alpha Psi ®

Is Building a New Way Forward for the Next Generation of Achievers

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Cover photo and above: Michael L. Hume

JOURNAL NOTES

Kappa Alpha Psi’s 15 th National Founders’ Day Observance Sets the Stage for Fraternity - Foundation Partnership Around S.T.E.M., the Military and Trades

Kappa’s National Chapter Advisors Training Cluster Committee received training at the Association of Fraternity Advisors (AFA) Annual Meeting this past quarter. Kappa Alpha Psi is one of the few organizations with membership in NPHC and North American Interfra- ternity Conference. Kappa’s member- ship builds a bridge and narrows a gap in understanding that otherwise would be more difficult to address. AFA tackled some meaningful topics and Kappa was there, leading the discussions (see page 10). The Military and Veterans Affairs Com- mission, led by Commission Chairman MG (R) Hawthorne “Peet” Proctor, (see page 64) provides a spotlight on the U.S. Army, including the promotion of Major General Kevin Vereen (see page 66) and the retirement of Major General Patrick Sargent (see page 70) as well as an intro- duction of initiates from the U.S. Naval Academy (see page 75) and the U.S. Coast Guard (see page 76). The issue provide you with the State of the Kappa Alpha Psi ® Foundation (see page 44), its Board of Directors (see page 48) and its approach: Building a New Way Forward for the Next Gen- eration of Achievers and its $5 million capital campaign (see page 49). Led by 104 th Elder Watson Diggs Awardee and Foundation President, Michael J. Dubose, the organization is spearheading a comprehensive approach for brothers and silhouettes to endow several efforts to improve the quality of life of those we serve. With a focus on the military, S.T.E.M fields and the trades, the Foundation's campaign is all-encompassing approach to uplift the next generation of our communities. We spotlight one of the Honorary Co-Chairman and 60 th Laurel Wreath Laureate, John E. Jacob (see page 59).

Brother Jacob has blessed us with his leadership and gift of exhortation in many fora. We were delighted he made the time to sit down with The Journal . The Scroller Club turned 100 in 2019. Grand Historian Kevin Scott with contributions by William L. Crump Awardee Aaron Williams and Frederick H. Black wrote a magnificent piece. It allowed me to reflect on the stories of my father-in-law who transitioned to the Chapter Invisible in 2017, when he was a Scroller in 1957 (see page 84). Grand Historian Scott also sat down with Lt. Col. James W. Williams, Kappa’s only Prisoner of War during the Vietnam War. Brother Williams has a remarkable story and shared photos of his return to the “Hanoi Hilton” (see page 92). Brother Williams is certainly heroism personified. He is indeed a man of Kappa Alpha Psi! The members of the Silent Generation in Kappa Alpha Psi are transitioning to Chapter Invisible at a pace that will strain the resources of The Journal . The section could easily be four times the size as what has appeared in print in this issue. As a result, we are in need of making structural changes. Full articles will be available for the on-line version of The Journal but we must shorten the articles in the printed version going forward. That said, we feature Laurel Wreath Laureates The Honorable John J. Conyers and Cornelius W. Grant, J.D. (also an Elder Watson Diggs Awardee) as well as Floyd J. Malveaux, M.D., Ph.D. among other brothers (see page 98). Finally, I salute the photography and the writing of The Journal staff as we con- tinue to build upon the foundation laid by previous administrations. We thank you for your letters, calls and emails complimenting us on our efforts.

Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq. I n this issue of The Kappa Alpha Psi ® Journal , we feature a sum- mary of the 15 th National Found- ers’ Day Observance in Las Vegas, NV, led by Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. (see page 4). Kappa experienced a once-in-a- lifetime set designed exclusively for the opening ceremony by the Mirage ® Las Vegas (see page 22). Our thanks to them and the other sponsors for making it a world-class affair. There was much discussion on frater- nity issues on the home front as well as the ongoing work internationally, in- cluding establishing chapters in Canada (see page 16) and the Dominican Republic, the launch of Kappa’s part- nership with Room To Read, an update on the Greeks Leaning to Avoid Debt (GLAD) and other financial literacy initiatives focused on our collegiate members (see page 8). Walter T. Bond was a fantastic keynote speaker and I highly encourage reading his book: Swim!: How a Shark, a Suck- erfish, and a Parasite Teach You Leader- ship, Mentoring, and Next Level Success (see page 40).

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Publishing achievement for more than 105 years

Saving children from around the world

When Azalea’s family learned she had cancer, they were referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ® from their home in Jamaica. They were familiar with St. Jude and knew it was the right place for their tenacious little girl. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% when we opened to more than 80% today, and we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. Experience Azalea’s story at stjude.org/azalea

“We knew St. Jude was the best possible place for a child with cancer, and that’s what we wanted for her.” –Simone, Azalea’s mom

GRAND POLEMARCH’S MESSAGE

The Foundation Upon Which We Grow

A t the 15 th National Founders’ Day celebration this year in Las Vegas, the Kappa Alpha Psi ® Foundation announced a major initiative that will greatly enhance its financial support for Fraternity initia- tives. Foundation President, Brother Michael J. Dubose, has done a remark- able job and detailed the Foundation’s plan to raise $5 million during the next four years to expand current programs and create new ones. If you have little knowledge of the Foundation, its web- site is very informative, and I have given an abridged version of it below. The Kappa Foundation was established in 1981 as a non-profit, tax exempt, publicly supported organization and was founded to support the outreach activi- ties of Kappa men and friends in their communities. The mission of the Foundation is to invest in programs that help young people achieve social, economic and educational transformation in under- served and underrepresented communi- ties throughout the nation and global community. THE MISSION THE HISTORY

celebrates individual achievement and strong communities of color can only be realized when humankind makes an unwavering commitment to promote equality and wealth for all. The focus of the new strategic plan and fundraising goal is to build a culture of Philanthropy within the Fraternity. Working together, the Fraternity and Foundation need to implement the most effective and innovative member-donor relations program that will serve to build the Foundation’s endowment and transform it into a self-sustained global philanthropic entity. Through a self-assessment the Founda- tion learned of several areas of need if it is to build its endowment to increase its impact through giving. The Founda- tion has already implemented success- ful initiatives such as The Building the Dream Klassic and the Celebration of Achievement Luncheon. The Building the Dream Klassic is one of the major fundraising events for the Kappa Foundation. The “Klassic” is an open event and has many exciting activities for all. The proceeds from the Klassic are used to help further advance the great philanthropic work across a number of initiatives including com- munity service, disaster relief and most importantly, youth development and advancement programs such as Guide Right and Undergraduate Leadership

THE VISION

The Foundation is built upon the fun- damental premise that a world which

On location in Las Vegas: Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. with Kappa Alpha Psi ® Foundation President and 104 th Elder Watson Diggs Awardee Michael J. Dubose. Photos by Michael L. Hume.

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Publishing achievement for more than 105 years

Institute (ULI).

of African American men, the Founda- tion has established itself as a leading voice of influence to bringing about the large scale social and systemic changes needed to improve the outcomes and lives of young people in underserved communities throughout America in the form of advocacy and program support. We recognize that the pressing issues facing our youth and communities in the 21 st century can only be solved through a multi-faceted approach that includes mobilizing and leveraging the public sector, effective utilization of social media, implementing innovative ideas, influencing policies that promote positive change and building alliances with like-minded organizations in all sectors of society who share the same vision and desire to make the world a greater place for all.

all brothers to join this effort to get the Foundation to its goal of $5 million in four years. I will NEVER ask you to do ANYTHING I am unwilling to do. Silhouette Dee (my wife) and I have already pledged $50,000 over the next four years but any amount from ALL brothers who are able will get us to the goal. You will hear more in the com- ing months and we will surely keep you updated on our progress. Thank you, brothers! I know I can count on you.

The Celebration of Achievement lun- cheon is a biennial event that has four main objectives: to celebrate success, honor achievement, inspire action and invest in community. The Celebration of Achievement luncheon recognizes our sponsors and corporate partners and provides schol- arships for academically deserving students. It also provides a vehicle to give back to organizations in the host community and across the country. The Foundation has had a major impact, but as an organization that is almost 40 years old it should be further along in the philanthropic world and we need the help of very brother in the bond to get to our rightful place. As the non-profit arm to one of the most historic organizations comprised mainly

Yours in the Bond, Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. Grand Polemarch

But for our internal piece, I am asking

“I will NEVER ask you to do ANYTHING I am unwilling to do.”

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Publishing achievement for more than 105 years

JUNIOR GRAND VICE POLEMARCH'S MESSAGE

Brothers:

I t is with great humility and sincer- ity that I address you for this winter edition of The Kappa Alpha Psi ® Journal . Since our election into office, the undergraduate members of the Board of Directors have swiftly mobilized to make an impact on our collegiate community; however, for the sake of this letter I would like to focus on our efforts with the Greeks Learning to Avoid Debt (GLAD) Program as well as our takeaways from the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) Conference. The GLAD program is a national initia- tive equipping our undergraduates with priceless wealth management informa- tion as well as seeking to educate local communities and college campuses on the importance of maintaining a debt free life. The average college student graduates with over $30,000 in debt, immediately creating setback in their trajectory towards financial success and security. Further, specifically in the Black community, unfortunately

the tools of financial literacy are rarely taught, building an even greater barrier to overcome in the journey towards financial freedom. In this, the GLAD program serves as an essential resource for our undergraduates in equipping them with the knowledge to overcome these formidable obstacles and create a life unencumbered by financial insecu- rity. Moving forward, the AFA conference was an incredible opportunity for Greek advisors throughout the country to connect with each other, learn tools for successful advising, and to meet some of the undergraduates who’s lives they impact daily. An essential key to the success of any undergraduate chapter is effective advising from a committed chapter advi- sor. The role of an advisor is crucial in all facets of a chapter’s operations and it is a role that does not go unnoticed.

of all advisors throughout the country, without your diligence the success of our undergraduate chapters would not be possible. However, while I thank you for your efforts, there is always room to improve and continue to achieve in your advisory role. As we enter into a new phase of our country and fraternity, you’re role in leading our undergradu- ates has only grown in importance. I beseech each of your advisors to continue to focus diligently on the well being of each of your chapters, and to offer an auxiliary hand to our collegiate members who work hard in their classes as well as in our fraternity. Brothers, it is an honor and a privilege to address you all, I look forward to the continued success of our fraternity from coast to coast.

Yours in the Bond, Evan R. Jackson Junior Grand Vice Polemarch

I offer a sincere thank you to the work

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Publishing achievement for more than 105 years

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NATIONAL NEWS

Kappa Alpha Psi Relaunches Financial Literacy Programs Across 320 Active Undergraduate Chapters

By: Nicholas Cole

A ccording to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, one in five adults carry student loans, totaling more than $1.47 trillion in debt, but thanks to the re-start of a set of unique financial literacy programs, Kappa Alpha Psi Fra- ternity, Inc., is leading the way toward financial freedom. Kappa Alpha Psi ® has partnered with the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees (NABT) and Regions Bank to actively promote CARE (Credit Abuse Resistance Education) program and GLAD (Greeks Learning to Avoid Debt) to educate local communities and col- lege campuses on the importance of maintaining a debt-free life. The program, which provides basic financial literacy and credit counseling to high school and college students, was initially implemented in Septem- ber 2007 under 31 st Grand Polemarch Dwayne M. Murray, Esq. However, the program has relaunched for the first time since 2013. “This program is very important because it exposes information to young African Americans who may not have access to it in their homes,” said Junior Grand Vice Polemarch Evan R. Jackson (Lambda Xi 2018). “This program also shows people how to set up multiple streams of income.” Kappa Alpha Psi’s GLAD/CARE Committee Chairman Jeffrey “J.B.” McGinnis added that, “I've done the research and the >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128

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