America’s Largest Black Fraternities Unite With Big Brothers Big Sisters

Announcement of Unprecedented Collaborative Action Comes a Week Before Father’s Day

Philadelphia, PA, June 15, 2009—Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi, the nation’s largest African-American Fraternities, have joined forces in an unprecedented union with Big Brothers Big Sisters to help black boys—often referred to the organization by single mothers—succeed.  The fraternities—which represent 250,000 college educated-men, many who are among prominent African American business and community leaders—are not attempting to replace missing fathers.  Rather, they expect their involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters as mentors, advocates, fundraisers and influencers, to help African American boys and other children break negative cycles.

Most children mentored through Big Brothers Big Sisters’ nearly 400 agencies are from single-parent families, households experiencing poverty or homes where a parent is incarcerated.  Independent research finds children with Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors are more likely than their peers to stay in school, avoid violence, reject illegal activities and have positive relationships with their families and others.

The collaborative effort will expand Big Brothers Big Sisters’ near 20-year national partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha.  Together, the fraternities will work with the organization to develop programs to encourage members and friends in their large professional, personal and social networks to also support the nation’s largest donor-supported network of volunteer mentors for youth.  The men will urge those in their networks to become Big Brothers; donate and raise funds for the top-rated charity; serve on boards of directors for local agencies in their communities; create sponsorship partnerships with their employers; host recruiting and other engagement events, and provide enrichment programs for Little Brothers and boys who are ready to be matched.

“This landmark partnership greatly strengthens our engagement in African American communities and will be significant in helping us serve many more children, particularly growing numbers of boys whose moms are seeking our help,” said Judy Vredenburgh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

In addition to joining forces with Big Brothers Big Sisters to develop new national initiatives, the fraternities will expand successful programs launched in recent years by individual local agencies and fraternity chapters.  Big Brothers Big Sisters is also working to build partnerships with two other historically black fraternities—Phi Beta Sigma, which has a tradition of formal mentoring through its Sigma Beta Club, and Iota Phi Theta, which has a history of participation in Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Existing Big Brothers Big Sisters engagements with the Alphas, Kappas and Omegas include:

Alpha Phi Alpha
100 percent of the members of the fraternity’s Beta Gamma undergraduate chapter at Virginia State University are e Big Brothers and the chapter recruits others on campus to get involved.

The Xi Tau Lambda chapter in Dallas raises funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas through Bowl for Kids Sake. Half of the chapter’s members are Big Brothers.

The fraternity partners with Big Brothers Big sisters in Dallas and Cleveland for successful barbershop recruitment drives in Dallas and Cleveland, an idea launched in Dallas several years ago

Omega Psi Phi
Through Operation Lamp Light the fraternity is working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit to adopt a Detroit high school and build a relationship with a core group of 13- to 14-year-old boys… Some Omegas are spending one-on-one time with boys while the larger fraternity supports bimonthly workshops or field trips to museums and sporting events.

Syndicated sports radio hosts and Omega Psi Phi members The 2 Live Stews (Doug and Ryan Stewart) biological brothers who are also Big Brothers are leading a viral campaign sending men to MentoringBrothers.org, a micro site established with a grant from the Arby’s Foundation.

In Louisville the Theta Omega chapter created its Men of Quality Program, which mentors youth based on the fraternity’s four cardinal principles - Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift through a Lifestyles Choices Forum.

Kappa Alpha Psi
Kappa Alpha Psi member, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri board member Johnny Furr, has led efforts to mobilize the community to mentor.

Kappa Alpha Psi chapters in Philadelphia and Dallas are already mobilized and making difference mentoring young men.

Members of the fraternity have partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Portland for barbershop recruiting efforts.

About Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has continued to supply voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights, through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, Retired Senator Edward Brooke and Cornel West. Others include members of the 110th Congress including: Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO), Charles B. Rangel (NY), Danny K. Davis (IL), Chaka Fattah (PA), Al Green (TX), Gregory Meeks (NY), David Scott (GA), Robert C. Scott (VA). The fraternity through its college and alumni chapters serves the community through nearly a thousand chapters in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean.

About Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is an organizational Brotherhood consisting of over 750 chapters throughout the world.  The fraternity is a historically Black fraternal organization that provides and promotes programs of social, cultural and economic uplift to the communities we serve.  For almost a century, we have recruited, trained and deployed men of color for leadership roles in service to humanity. Our social action programs touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of families and individuals each year. Whether our efforts result in entertaining an audience, educating a group of young people; or simply helping those in need, we have developed a reputation for delivering programs and projects that make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

About Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is an international organization founded on the campus of Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana on January 5, 1911. Since its inception, it has trained men, particularly undergraduates, for leadership roles in their communities and the attainment of a high degree of excellence in their academic pursuits. Its membership represents some of the most outstanding Americans in our country’s history including Arthur Ashe, Reverend Leon H. Sullivan, Johnnie Cochran, Jr., a host of Mayors and other elected officials, and five (5) current members of Congress.  The International Headquarters is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  For additional information:  http://www.KappaAlphaPsi1911.com

The Chesapeake/Virginia Beach (VA) Alumni Chapter’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

Attached is the article and photo of the Chesapeake/Virginia Beach (VA) Alumni Chapter’s 25th Anniversary Celebration ready for submission. 

The_Chesapeake_VA_Beach_25th_Anniversary_Celebration11.doc

Contact Person:
Sean L.N. Williams

Chesapeake/Virginia Beach (VA) Alumni Chapter - Paint Your Heart Out

The attachment is the Paint Your Heart Out article w/photo from the Chesapeake/Virginia Beach (VA) Alumni Chapter’s community endeavors.  It is offered for submission.  If there are questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact.

View Article

Contact Person:
Sean L.N. Williams
Historian/Reporter, Chesapeake/Va Beach (VA) Alumni Chapter

757-395-7481

2009 Grand Chapter Award Winners

Congratulations to our winners...please forward to your chapters....

To view HTML format: http://www.kappaalphapsi1911.com/winners.asp

1. BRYON K. ARMSTRONG
1. Joshua L. Harris - Pi - (SE)- Summa Cum Laude
2. Charles Sims - Alpha Iota - (E) - Magna Cum Laude
3. Michael A. Thomas - Epsilon Psi - (SE) - Cum Laude

2. EDWARD G. IRVIN UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
1. Alpha Iota, Morgan State University (E) - small
2. Theta Eta, Florida State University (S)- medium
3. Gamma Epsilon, Tuskegee (S) - large

3. PAUL W. CAINE ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
1. Richardson-Plano (TX) Alumni (SW)- small
2. Greenville (SC) Alumni (SE) - medium
3. Stone Mountain-Lithonia (GA) Alumni (SE)- large

4. ELDER WATSON DIGGS (up to 5 winners)
1. Willie H. Coleman, Houston (TX) Alumni (SW)
2. Chuck Carr Brwon, Baton Rouge (LA) Alumni (SW)
3. Frank S. Emanuel, Jacksonville (FL) Alumni (S)
4. Clarence F. Nelson, Jr., Norfolk (VA) Alumni (E)
5. Donald C. Bland, Fayetteville (AR) Alumni (MW)

5. GUY LEVIS GRANT (up to 6 winners)
1. Charles Sims - Morgan State University - Alpha Iota - (E)
2. Darryl Tricksey - University of Georgia - Zeta Iota - (SE)
3. Myron L. Rolle - Florida State University - Theta Eta - (S)
4. Michael J.A. Davis - George Mason - Mu Mu - (E)
5. Michael A. Thomas, Jr. - Paine College - Epsilon Psi - (SE)
6. Edward H. Williams II - Howard - Xi - (E)

5. LAUREL WREATH
To be Voted on During the 79th GCM:
1. Arthur Lloyd Carter, Indianapolis (IN) Alumni - (NC)
2. Bishop Eddie L. Long, Decatur (GA) Alumni - (SE)
3. Michael V. Roberts, St. Louis (MO) Alumni - (MW)
4. Ronald R. Young, Syracuse (NY) Alumni - (N)

6. RONALD R. YOUNG WEBSITE OF THE YEAR
(Province, Alumni, and Undergraduate Chapters)
1. Middle Eastern Province - Province Website of the Year - (ME)
2. Indianapolis (IN) Alumni - Alumni Website of the Year - (NC)
3. Kappa Theta Chapter, Georgia State University - Undergraduate Website of
the Year - (SE)

2009 SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FREE!

MIT announces its MITES Program, (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science), a challenging 6 week summer program that prepares promising rising seniors for careers in engineering and science.  If you are selected, all educational, housing, meals, and activity costs are covered.  You must, however, pay for your own transportation to and from MIT.  To apply, go to http://mit.edu/mites/www

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Science & Engineering Apprenticeship program (summer) -
This program places academically talented H.S. students (at least 16 yrs old, sophomores/ juniors) with interest in science & math in Dept. of Defense laboratories for an 8-wk period over the summer.  This is an invaluable experience in the world of scientific research, with hands-on exposure to scientific & engineering practices not available in the HS environment.  It is a paid apprenticeship ($2,000) and the students are assigned a scientist or engineer as their mentor.  To apply online or get more information about the program:

http://www.usaeop.com.  Students must submit their transcript (minimum GPA 3.0) and teacher recommendation to the program director for consideration and daily transportation is the student’s responsibility. Program runs from June 22 - August 14, 2009.

FREE!  Princeton University announces its Summer Journalism Program for low-income sophomores or juniors with at least a 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) who have an interest in journalism.  The cost is free including travel costs to and from Princeton!  Apply now!  Go to
http://www.princeton.edu/sjp

FREE!!  The National Center for Health Marketing’s Global Health Odyssey Museum is pleased to offer the 2009 CDC Disease Detective Camp (DDC).  DDC is an academic day camp for students who will be high school juniors and seniors during the 2009-2010 school year.  Campers will take on the roles of disease detectives and learn how CDC safeguards the nation’s health.  The camp will be offered twice from June 22-26 and July 13-17.  For more info and to apply to go http://www.cdc.gov/gcc/exhibit/camp.htm.

FREE!!  The American Legion sponsors a weeklong summer leadership program called Boys State.  This year’s program will be held at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland from June 21-27.  If you are a junior interested in a leadership opportunity, see your guidance counselor right away for more information.

The Leadership Center at Morehouse College presents the 2009 Coca-Cola Pre-College Leadership Program.  There are 2 programs, one for male students completing their sophomore or junior year, and the other for male students completing their senior year.  Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).  The curriculum focuses on personal and interpersonal leadership skills.  The program runs from June 20 to June 26.  The cost is $400.00.  To apply, go to http://www.morehouse.edu. Application access is listed under “Events at the Leadership Center.”

NASA sponsors the National Space Club Scholars Program, a 6-week summer internship at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.  It is open to students who will be 16 years old and have completed the 10th grade by June 2009, have demonstrated high academic success, and have an interest in space science or engineering as a career.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applications are available in the Career Center or online at http://www.education.gsfc.nasa.gov/pages/placement.html Apply now!

University of Maryland, College Park: Women in Engineering, E2@UMD, July 12-18, or July 19-25; rising juniors and seniors.  Go to http://www.wie.umd.edu/precollege or call 301-405-3283 University of Maryland Young Scholars Program targets rising juniors and seniors who have a strong academic record and a desire to excel to experience college life while earning three academic credits.  14 courses are offered for three weeks from July=2 012 - 31, 2009.  Visit http://www.ysp.umd.edu/pr

CITY YEAR, WASHINGTON DC (AmeriCorps) - Graduating seniors who are not sure what they want to do after high school should consider applying for a paid community service position with City Year, Washington, DC., a group of 17-24 year olds committed to full-time service for ten months in the Washington, DC community.  Benefits include living stipend ($200 per week), health care coverage, free metro pass, and $4,725 educational scholarship.  For more info:  http://www.cityyear.org or email:
http://us.mc01g.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=cmurphy@cityyear.org/dc or call:  202-776-7780, Amanda Seligman.  Recruitment open houses will be held once a month at their headquarters:  918 U Street, NW, 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20001.

2009 Eastern Province Council Official Group Photo

Commemorative copies of the 2009 Eastern Province Council Official Group Photo are now available for purchase at $25 a photo.  This keepsake quality, 10”x20” group shot, taken on Saturday, 28 March 09 at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, can be purchased by going to the Brooks Photography website at:

http://photography.obrooks.com/gallery/7860794_UuTen/1/505837262_uZxFw

The photo will be mailed to you in a few days. Feel free to contact the photographer, Otis Brooks, at 202.423.6064 or .

Student of The Year Competition at the Grand Chapter Conclave

Brothers All:

As we come to the close of our 2009 Province Council meeting, the National Guide Right Commission is now getting ready to prepare for the Student of The Year Competition at the Grand Chapter Conclave in Washington, DC. The (SOTYC) will be judged by several categories for High School students and Collegiate students to compete for. The categories the students will be judged on before we get to the conclave in Washington, DC is as follows:

Awareness:  Awareness of events in all aspects of life: politics, education, world affairs, etc.
Career Preparation:  Submit a 500-word essay on career goals after graduating from high school students and college students.
Scholarship:  Grade point average will be determined by official transcript.
School/Community Activities:  A listing of school and community activities, organizational memberships, offices held, etc.

The following category that the students will be judged on in Washington, DC at the conclave during the Student of the Year Competition, are as follows.

Poise/ Grooming:  Introduce self and give a brief statement of his philosophy of life. Dress Business Attire (Suit/Tie)
Talent Competition and Questioning and Answering Period:  Verbal, musical, and visual presentations that will exhibit the skills and abilities of the Contestant. Q/A: Each student will select a question and present answer when asked. 

The contestant must furnish musical instruments and materials, except for a piano, if required.  Only a piano accompanist will be provided, if requested in advance. 

Talent presentations must be limited to four (4) minutes. If a contestant exceeds the time limit, points will be deducted from the contestant’s talent score.

(Each category will have a composite score of 5-points each with a grand total of 30 points as the highest score.)

Eugene D Anderson, Jr.
National Guide Right Commission Co-Chairman
Alpharetta Smyrna Alumni Chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

New Summer Program for High School Juniors and Seniors

Greetings.  It is with great excitement that NASA announces a new national summer aeronautics enrichment program for high school juniors and seniors (classification during 2008-2009 academic term).  This new program, SOAR (Summer Opportunity in AeRonautics for High School Scholars), features interactive aeronautics activities, aeronautics design projects, flight simulation, RC model aircraft, model rocketry, scientific ballooning, wind tunnel testing, tours, and many other activities.  This free (travel expenses included) residential program will be held at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, during July 12-31, 2009.  Successful student applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (U.S. citizens and 16 yrs. or older).

Please distribute the attached flyer to high schools and high school students participating in your organization’s pre-college initiatives.  The original application deadline is April 20, 2009 (will be extended to May 1).

For more information or to obtain an E-application package, please email:  or visit http://www.soaratnasa.org.

Sincerely,
Gregory V. Selby, Ph.D.
SOAR Project Director

Grand Polemarch Announces Review of “Kappas on Capitol Hill” Conference

(Philadelphia, PA), March, 2009 - The Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Dwayne M. Murray, Esq., announced a complete review and revision of the current “Kappas On Capitol Hill” Conference, which will allow the fraternity to enhance the programs and focus of the noteworthy initiatives’ mission.

“In announcing this review,” Murray said, “we will postpone the 2009 conference so that the membership that attends will have a more efficient impact on the legislative agenda and the policies that affect their individual communities and the general public, on a whole.”

The James “Biff” Carter Legislative Conference, commonly known as “Kappas on Capitol Hill,” from its beginnings was intended to connect the concerns of members to key federal legislators and regulators, which could effect change.  Since its inception in 2002, members of Kappa have met with influential members of Congress, including our own Brother John Conyers and others, who have been strong advocates for the priorities of African-Americans.

“I have heard many innovative ideas and creative enhancements regarding the Conference,” Brother Murray said, “and with such a dynamic transition of how Washington works occurring right now, I believe now is the time to take those ideas and build a better, more potent program.”

Grand Polemarch Murray stated he also believed that in this moment of economic anxiety, Brothers attending the program deserve to have the opportunity to maximize their time and energies.  “We are now in a time of economic burden and Brothers have to make decisions that impact their families and their future.  When our members choose to make the fraternity’s programs a part of those economic decisions, they should be confident it is worth saying yes to, that is a top priority of mine.”

Brothers should direct their specific questions and ideas regarding enhancing “Kappas on Capitol Hill” to its Chairman, Roderick Hall: .

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Kappa Alpha Psi News Wire

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Encourages Members to “Take a Loved One to the Doctor”

(Philadelphia, PA) March 24, 2009 – Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in conjunction with the “Tom Joyner Morning Show’s” call to action to better African-American health encourages its members to take a loved one to the Doctor on April 7th, 2009.  The Tom Joyner Morning Show has announced, April 7th as Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day and to highlight the seriousness of African-American health, the fraternity is organizing its members to pledge to make an appointment for themselves and a loved one or take at least one person to a health and wellness event on that day.

“The most important factors of maintaining good health involve prevention and early detection of disease conditions. Therefore, I believe it is imperative that the Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and our families support the ‘2009 Tom Joyner Take a Love One to the Doctor Day.  This effort will also coincide with our 5 Alive Health Initiative focusing on Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Cancer, Oral and Mental Health---all of which require regular doctor visits, to treat or prevent,” said Dr. Edward R. Scott, II, Kappa Alpha Psi’s Health & Wellness Committee National Chairman.

The National Institutes of Health released a study this week, which reported that African-Americans are more than likely to be diagnosed of heart disease before the age of 50 compared to all other ethnic groups.  “This sobering fact,” Grand Polemarch Dwayne M. Murray said, “should give all of us pause as we reflect on the state of our health and the well being of our loved ones.”

To promote the event the Tom Joyner program will broadcast live from specific locations in six (6) cities: Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Miami and Philadelphia and possibly 25 other metropolitan areas.  Chapters of the fraternity are encouraged to announce their intentions to participate in the initiative by faxing or emailing the attached Commitment Form to (972) 932-2042 or .  We will contact the Chapters in the noted six cities directly for their participation and sign up.  All Chapters that participate will be recognized on air.

Grand Polemarch Murray added, “As leaders in our communities, Kappa Alpha Psi must show by example that health and wellness is a priority and should be given full attention; our lives and our family’s lives depend on it.”

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has been a leader in promoting health and wellness through its multi-layered initiatives, which have highlighted prostate cancer and its Sunday of Hope Initiative with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which specifically seeks to battle childhood diseases.

For more information on “Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day,” contact the representative listed above.  For more info the fraternity’s overall health initiatives contact: Dr. Edward Scott, National Chairman, Health and Wellness Committee at email address

Download the commitment form at: http://m1e.net/c?80029033-69zD.1GSquGBk%404098546-M9Vjjiz8xlU4Q

Please forward to your chapter....
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Kappa Alpha Psi News Wire